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Brighton U #2
Just Forever
It's been two years.
Two years of Ryker. Two years of being married to my best friend. Two years of taking chances. Making plans. Building a life together. Following my heart.
Two years of trust.
Two years of love.
Two years of us.
And now we’re in New York. Me in med school, and Ryker in the NHL.
It’s going great so far.
I wouldn’t change a thing.
Maybe… Maybe just the hiding. Because hiding sucks.
It’s okay, though.
I can handle anything as long as I have Ryker.
Even if keeping us a secret makes me overly cautious.
Slightly paranoid.
More than a little distrustful.
A ticking time bomb of tension.
I can handle it.
I have to.
Because losing Ryker is not an option, and I will do whatever it takes to keep him.
Two years of Ryker. Two years of being married to my best friend. Two years of taking chances. Making plans. Building a life together. Following my heart.
Two years of trust.
Two years of love.
Two years of us.
And now we’re in New York. Me in med school, and Ryker in the NHL.
It’s going great so far.
I wouldn’t change a thing.
Maybe… Maybe just the hiding. Because hiding sucks.
It’s okay, though.
I can handle anything as long as I have Ryker.
Even if keeping us a secret makes me overly cautious.
Slightly paranoid.
More than a little distrustful.
A ticking time bomb of tension.
I can handle it.
I have to.
Because losing Ryker is not an option, and I will do whatever it takes to keep him.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2025
123 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Briar Prescott
16 books1,319 followersBriar Prescott is a work in progress. She swears too much, doesn’t eat enough leafy greens and binge watches too much television. It’s okay, though. One of these days she'll get a hang of that adulting thing.
Probably.
Maybe.
She hopes.
Want to check in occasionally to hear what's up? You can stalk her here:
Newsletter: https://www.briarprescott.com/contact
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/briar...
Email: prescottbriar@gmail.com.
Webpage: www.briarprescott.com.
Probably.
Maybe.
She hopes.
Want to check in occasionally to hear what's up? You can stalk her here:
Newsletter: https://www.briarprescott.com/contact
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/briar...
Email: prescottbriar@gmail.com.
Webpage: www.briarprescott.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
February 19, 2025
I loved the previous book and I enjoyed this one overall, too. Ryker and Lake are lovely characters, they are great together, and there are some very endearing moments between them.
However, there are reasons I didn't love it as much as book 1.
However, there are reasons I didn't love it as much as book 1.
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 9, 2025
It’s one of those moments when I love him so much that it feels impossible.
I found you. Out of the billions of people in the world, I found you, and you found me. How stupidly lucky did we get?
this novella made me happy. made me cry. made me pissed (bc of certain shitty side characters). it just hit me with all the feels. i loved seeing Lake and Ryker in their domestic mode. i do love how it wasn’t all just smiles and sunshines, they also had their issues (insecurities, family drama, etc) that they still dealt with here but i also loved seeing them have so much trust in each other and their relationship. most of all, i loved the lil moments they had, from . 😭😭 my heart broke for Lake especially and how he couldn’t catch a break with certain shitty people in his life not leaving him alone, like him having that breakdown in his thoughts was so valid (i wish ). i loved the ending though and i’m gonna miss them so much!! 🥺
I found you. Out of the billions of people in the world, I found you, and you found me. How stupidly lucky did we get?
this novella made me happy. made me cry. made me pissed (bc of certain shitty side characters). it just hit me with all the feels. i loved seeing Lake and Ryker in their domestic mode. i do love how it wasn’t all just smiles and sunshines, they also had their issues (insecurities, family drama, etc) that they still dealt with here but i also loved seeing them have so much trust in each other and their relationship. most of all, i loved the lil moments they had, from . 😭😭 my heart broke for Lake especially and how he couldn’t catch a break with certain shitty people in his life not leaving him alone, like him having that breakdown in his thoughts was so valid (i wish ). i loved the ending though and i’m gonna miss them so much!! 🥺
February 9, 2025
“He’s being bisexual with me” - this part made me laugh out loud.
I love books that let us revisit our favourite couples and see how they're doing. Just Forever is book 2 for Lake and Ryker, married stepbrothers who have moved in together and are gearing up for the next stage of their lives. Lake is about to start medical school, and Ryker is playing for the NHL, navigating being a rookie in a high-pressure sport. I find Lake so endearing as a character and this book shows how being in love has changed him- his rough edges have been softened, but he's still snarky and a little prickly. The book is absolutely lovely and I enjoyed getting to experience more of the HEA these two have earned.
Just Forever picks up a year after Just A Taste ends. They should be read together- I would not read as a standalone because you'll miss the amazing story of Lake and Ryk falling in love. The book has high heat, because of the scorching chemistry between the MCs. Briar called this book "porn with vibes" and the vibes are immaculate. I am a huge fan of all of Briar's work and I enjoy every book she writes. I couldn't recommend them enough <3.
Rating: 4
Angst: 2.5/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
February 19, 2025
3.5
I enjoyed this but I'm not entirely sure an entire other book was totally necessary? This felt like an overly long epilogue to the first book where not all that much happens, we just get to see them living in New York now instead of wherever their university was.
What frustrated me though was that by the end of the main body of this book, their friends still didn't know that they were married or that they had been for years - they only tell Ryker's parents? I kind of thought the whole point of them having another book was for them to progress in their relationship and lives and let their friends know their relationship better? I'm not even fussed that Ryker doesn't come out publicly, that never felt like something these two would do anyway, but to still not have their friends know the truth of their relationship just seemed weird. We also don't get to see anyone's reaction to the fact that they're even in a relationship as boyfriends! I wanted to see Soren and Kian's reactions at the very least, and I wanted to see how Lake's med school friends reacted to the fact he had a 'boyfriend', but instead we just get a random side character's wife asking how long they've been together???
It was nice to see where the characters are now, but they're not really any further along in their relationship or their story by the end of this book than they were at the end of book one! The only things that have changed are that Ryker is in the NHL now and Lake is in med school - but we already knew that those were their plans? Definitely an enjoyable and easy read, I just don't understand why this is a duet and not one slightly longer book!
I enjoyed this but I'm not entirely sure an entire other book was totally necessary? This felt like an overly long epilogue to the first book where not all that much happens, we just get to see them living in New York now instead of wherever their university was.
What frustrated me though was that by the end of the main body of this book, their friends still didn't know that they were married or that they had been for years - they only tell Ryker's parents? I kind of thought the whole point of them having another book was for them to progress in their relationship and lives and let their friends know their relationship better? I'm not even fussed that Ryker doesn't come out publicly, that never felt like something these two would do anyway, but to still not have their friends know the truth of their relationship just seemed weird. We also don't get to see anyone's reaction to the fact that they're even in a relationship as boyfriends! I wanted to see Soren and Kian's reactions at the very least, and I wanted to see how Lake's med school friends reacted to the fact he had a 'boyfriend', but instead we just get a random side character's wife asking how long they've been together???
It was nice to see where the characters are now, but they're not really any further along in their relationship or their story by the end of this book than they were at the end of book one! The only things that have changed are that Ryker is in the NHL now and Lake is in med school - but we already knew that those were their plans? Definitely an enjoyable and easy read, I just don't understand why this is a duet and not one slightly longer book!
February 7, 2025
5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: ebook
”I found you. Out of the billions of people in the world, I found you, and you found me. How stupidly lucky did we get?”
My sweet, perfect boys!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been foaming at the mouth for another taste of Lake and Ryker since the abrupt ending of their story in book one. And this book completely filled the void I’ve had in my heart since then.
Lake continues to be a big ole self-deprecating grump, who only has smiles and kind words for Ryker. And Ryker is still the sweetest cinnamon roll who will do anything for anyone, but has an especially soft spot for his ex-stepbrother.
“Lake is happy. With me, the two of us together, in this life we keep building for ourselves, he’s happy. I’ll be damned if I let anybody take it away from him or ruin it for him.”
We jump in when Lake and Ryker are living in New York. Ryker playing for the NHL and Lake getting ready to start med school. They’ve agreed to keep their relationship secret for Ryk’s career but it’s a lot harder than either of them anticipated because they find it nearly impossible to keep their hands and eyes off each other in public. So delicious jealousy and possessive claiming behind closed doors ensues.
“I’m faintly aware of them, but most of my attention is on Ryker and only Ryker. It’s ridiculous. Concerning, even. But I’ve mostly stopped worrying about how far in over my head I am with this. There’s no point. It’s not going to make me love him any less.”
As usual, Briar’s banter and chemistry is unmatched, along with wonderful spice. These two truly cannot stop touching each other, which I’m a huge fan of.
”’I missed your ass,’ I say, palming the cheek and kneading it.
A soft chuckle leaves Lake’s lips. ‘I know you did, baby. So, get in there.’”
This was relatively low-angst, but still lots of cute moments of them taking care of each other when needed. The little found family with friends Rachel, Sawyer and Kelly still persists, which I adored, and we got a few new additions added to the group.
I miss them already. I would read ten more books of them. But I’ll settle for waiting for the next story Briar graces us with (maybe Jordan’s book? Fingers crossed).
“‘I love you,’ I say. ‘Thanks for marrying me all those years ago.’
He laughs. ‘I’d do it all over again. Every last second. Testicular cancer and all.’”
*I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Bookstagram | Booktok
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: ebook
”I found you. Out of the billions of people in the world, I found you, and you found me. How stupidly lucky did we get?”
My sweet, perfect boys!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been foaming at the mouth for another taste of Lake and Ryker since the abrupt ending of their story in book one. And this book completely filled the void I’ve had in my heart since then.
Lake continues to be a big ole self-deprecating grump, who only has smiles and kind words for Ryker. And Ryker is still the sweetest cinnamon roll who will do anything for anyone, but has an especially soft spot for his ex-stepbrother.
“Lake is happy. With me, the two of us together, in this life we keep building for ourselves, he’s happy. I’ll be damned if I let anybody take it away from him or ruin it for him.”
We jump in when Lake and Ryker are living in New York. Ryker playing for the NHL and Lake getting ready to start med school. They’ve agreed to keep their relationship secret for Ryk’s career but it’s a lot harder than either of them anticipated because they find it nearly impossible to keep their hands and eyes off each other in public. So delicious jealousy and possessive claiming behind closed doors ensues.
“I’m faintly aware of them, but most of my attention is on Ryker and only Ryker. It’s ridiculous. Concerning, even. But I’ve mostly stopped worrying about how far in over my head I am with this. There’s no point. It’s not going to make me love him any less.”
As usual, Briar’s banter and chemistry is unmatched, along with wonderful spice. These two truly cannot stop touching each other, which I’m a huge fan of.
”’I missed your ass,’ I say, palming the cheek and kneading it.
A soft chuckle leaves Lake’s lips. ‘I know you did, baby. So, get in there.’”
This was relatively low-angst, but still lots of cute moments of them taking care of each other when needed. The little found family with friends Rachel, Sawyer and Kelly still persists, which I adored, and we got a few new additions added to the group.
I miss them already. I would read ten more books of them. But I’ll settle for waiting for the next story Briar graces us with (maybe Jordan’s book? Fingers crossed).
“‘I love you,’ I say. ‘Thanks for marrying me all those years ago.’
He laughs. ‘I’d do it all over again. Every last second. Testicular cancer and all.’”
*I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Bookstagram | Booktok
February 18, 2025
As someone who immediately downloads and reads everything Briar Prescott releases, I must admit this book was kinda pointless. An extended epilogue, but make it book-length, which IMO was unnecessarily long considering there were zero stakes or angst or a single arc serving a purpose. It was just 100% Porn-No-Plot. Luckily, after reading book one, I was already invested enough in the (downright endearing) characters of Lake and Ryker to find this semi-cute/semi-enjoyable (emphasis on the semi though).
November 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5 Stars —
Just a Taste and Just Forever are basically one big delicious romance sliced into two books. Like… don’t even think about reading one without the other. You’ll just hurt your own feelings.
And trust me — these two deserve the full ride.
So I’ll write one review for both and also because I’m lazy😅
BOOK 1: Just a Taste
So we begin with Lake, who is basically the human version of “I don’t trust anyone, don’t talk to me”
He’s sarcastic, quiet, guarded, and holding abandonment issues like they’re a hobby.
Can’t blame him — the father-who-wasn’t-his-father emotionally and physically dipped the second he learned Lake wasn’t biologically his. Causing scars the never healed. And the mother? She’s… present in a “fluttering through men like WiFi signals” way. Not cruel, but not exactly there, somehow I wanted lake to hate her more but he was very accepting of her which irritated me to no end.
So Lake ends up being this hurting, closed-off boy who expects nothing good from anyone and trusts no one.
And then there’s Ryker.
Listen — Ryker is the golden boy.
Warm. Sunshine. Loyal. Smart. Athletic. Emotionally stable.
He is the blueprint.
The boyfriend everyone dreams of.
The husband everyone deserves.
The friend everyone wishes they had.
They’ve known each other since kindergarten, but fate reconnects them when Ryker’s mom marries Lake’s father which is not his father. Same man who when he dies leaves all his money in a trust for Ryker and not Lake( I hated this guy so much and even his death was not soothing my hatred).
And Ryker…. He’s always had a soft spot for Lake. Always.
So when he overhears that Lake might have to drop out of school because his funding vanished, something snaps. He cannot — absolutely cannot — sit back and let Lake’s life collapse. Specially he is too smart and he deserves a chance to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor and it is unfair for that to be snatched away because of lack of funds.
Solution?
Marriage.
He has this trust( who he knows doesn’t belong to him ) and he can’t access unless he’s married or way older and Lake needs money for school. Easy math. He tells lake it is mutually beneficial as they both need money and this will be like a business arrangement. Yeah right!
A marriage of convenience that sounds sensible… until their feelings decide to explode all over the place.
They don’t expect the spark.
They don’t expect the heat.
They don’t expect to suddenly notice each other in ways they never have.
Very quickly, they’re not just “married for paperwork.”
They’re touching, exploring, leaning in, and developing something deeper — something undeniable.
Shocking. Who could have guessed?
Apparently everyone except them.
And the chemistry? Off the charts. OUT OF THE STRATOSPHERE.
Lake panics because feelings = danger.
He tries the “it’s casual” nonsense.
Ryker says nope — all or nothing.
And Lake chooses all.
Book 1 ends with HFN Lake trusting exactly one person on Earth:
Ryker.
And honestly? Valid choice.
⸻
BOOK 2: Just Forever
2 year together, Now we’re in the deeper waters — but still the warm ones. Like emotional spa day.
These two are still together, still in love, still ridiculous, and still trying to figure out adult life.
• Lake is learning his own worth.
• Ryker is trying to figure out how being a queer athlete in pro sports will be like! Come out or hide?
• And together? They’re solid in ways that feel… real.
And here’s the thing I loved:
Lake never once pressures Ryker about coming out.
Not once.
He’s perfectly okay being “just friends” in public, because Ryker loves him openly in every way that truly matters. And Lake would move worlds for Ryker if needed. Zero complaints. Zero resentment.
And Ryker — SWEET, PERFECT RYKER — is the guy who wants to give Lake everything. He never wants Lake to feel hidden or small. He wants them to have a future that’s theirs, openly, safely, proudly.
But anyone with eyes can see they’re basically glued together. Clubs, bars, restaurants, home — they’re inseparable.
By the end, they start coming out to people who matter. Slowly, privately, carefully. Not a big dramatic rainbow announcement — just real growth between two real people.
And the timeline?
Five whole years.
From their reunion → two-year jump → three-year epilogue.
Five years of loving each other, choosing each other, supporting each other, and still keeping the chemistry sizzling hot. It’s honestly like watching the healthiest couple you know just… thrive.
And let’s talk about the heat for a second — because wow.
Briar Prescott writes spice like she’s personally trying to ruin her readers.
The scenes aren’t just hot; they’re felt-in-your-bones hot.
Even a simple fingering scene is written with so much tension, precision, and emotional charge that you literally feel it in your soul.
It’s intimate, it’s sensual, it’s necessary, and it’s GOOD.
Honestly?
Briar always does horny well — like ridiculously well.
She knows the difference between “just sex” and “this moment is emotionally changing the entire dynamic between these two idiots in love.”
And she hits that balance again and again.
4.5 stars — Absolutely loved it.
A romance you feel in your chest, not just read on the page.
A perfect journey.
Just a Taste and Just Forever are basically one big delicious romance sliced into two books. Like… don’t even think about reading one without the other. You’ll just hurt your own feelings.
And trust me — these two deserve the full ride.
So I’ll write one review for both and also because I’m lazy😅
BOOK 1: Just a Taste
So we begin with Lake, who is basically the human version of “I don’t trust anyone, don’t talk to me”
He’s sarcastic, quiet, guarded, and holding abandonment issues like they’re a hobby.
Can’t blame him — the father-who-wasn’t-his-father emotionally and physically dipped the second he learned Lake wasn’t biologically his. Causing scars the never healed. And the mother? She’s… present in a “fluttering through men like WiFi signals” way. Not cruel, but not exactly there, somehow I wanted lake to hate her more but he was very accepting of her which irritated me to no end.
So Lake ends up being this hurting, closed-off boy who expects nothing good from anyone and trusts no one.
And then there’s Ryker.
Listen — Ryker is the golden boy.
Warm. Sunshine. Loyal. Smart. Athletic. Emotionally stable.
He is the blueprint.
The boyfriend everyone dreams of.
The husband everyone deserves.
The friend everyone wishes they had.
They’ve known each other since kindergarten, but fate reconnects them when Ryker’s mom marries Lake’s father which is not his father. Same man who when he dies leaves all his money in a trust for Ryker and not Lake( I hated this guy so much and even his death was not soothing my hatred).
And Ryker…. He’s always had a soft spot for Lake. Always.
So when he overhears that Lake might have to drop out of school because his funding vanished, something snaps. He cannot — absolutely cannot — sit back and let Lake’s life collapse. Specially he is too smart and he deserves a chance to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor and it is unfair for that to be snatched away because of lack of funds.
Solution?
Marriage.
He has this trust( who he knows doesn’t belong to him ) and he can’t access unless he’s married or way older and Lake needs money for school. Easy math. He tells lake it is mutually beneficial as they both need money and this will be like a business arrangement. Yeah right!
A marriage of convenience that sounds sensible… until their feelings decide to explode all over the place.
They don’t expect the spark.
They don’t expect the heat.
They don’t expect to suddenly notice each other in ways they never have.
Very quickly, they’re not just “married for paperwork.”
They’re touching, exploring, leaning in, and developing something deeper — something undeniable.
Shocking. Who could have guessed?
Apparently everyone except them.
And the chemistry? Off the charts. OUT OF THE STRATOSPHERE.
Lake panics because feelings = danger.
He tries the “it’s casual” nonsense.
Ryker says nope — all or nothing.
And Lake chooses all.
Book 1 ends with HFN Lake trusting exactly one person on Earth:
Ryker.
And honestly? Valid choice.
⸻
BOOK 2: Just Forever
2 year together, Now we’re in the deeper waters — but still the warm ones. Like emotional spa day.
These two are still together, still in love, still ridiculous, and still trying to figure out adult life.
• Lake is learning his own worth.
• Ryker is trying to figure out how being a queer athlete in pro sports will be like! Come out or hide?
• And together? They’re solid in ways that feel… real.
And here’s the thing I loved:
Lake never once pressures Ryker about coming out.
Not once.
He’s perfectly okay being “just friends” in public, because Ryker loves him openly in every way that truly matters. And Lake would move worlds for Ryker if needed. Zero complaints. Zero resentment.
And Ryker — SWEET, PERFECT RYKER — is the guy who wants to give Lake everything. He never wants Lake to feel hidden or small. He wants them to have a future that’s theirs, openly, safely, proudly.
But anyone with eyes can see they’re basically glued together. Clubs, bars, restaurants, home — they’re inseparable.
By the end, they start coming out to people who matter. Slowly, privately, carefully. Not a big dramatic rainbow announcement — just real growth between two real people.
And the timeline?
Five whole years.
From their reunion → two-year jump → three-year epilogue.
Five years of loving each other, choosing each other, supporting each other, and still keeping the chemistry sizzling hot. It’s honestly like watching the healthiest couple you know just… thrive.
And let’s talk about the heat for a second — because wow.
Briar Prescott writes spice like she’s personally trying to ruin her readers.
The scenes aren’t just hot; they’re felt-in-your-bones hot.
Even a simple fingering scene is written with so much tension, precision, and emotional charge that you literally feel it in your soul.
It’s intimate, it’s sensual, it’s necessary, and it’s GOOD.
Honestly?
Briar always does horny well — like ridiculously well.
She knows the difference between “just sex” and “this moment is emotionally changing the entire dynamic between these two idiots in love.”
And she hits that balance again and again.
4.5 stars — Absolutely loved it.
A romance you feel in your chest, not just read on the page.
A perfect journey.
February 5, 2025
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Lake and Ryker
I've been stalking Briar's social media for a few months now waiting for this book. I fell so in love with both Lake and Ryker in Just a Taste and just knew that their second book was going to be just as good, if not better. And this absolutely was even better than I anticipated. Also, I have no chill, so I had to read it the day I got the ARC.
This follows them living in New York with Ryker starting his NHL career and Lake starting school for is medical degree. I don't want to give anything anyway because this is the second book. Though, honestly, you could read it as a standalone (but I mean don't...it's so much better if you read their origin story). In this book they are trying to navigate the next stage of their life together. They have been married and together for two years now but with Ryker's career starting they are finding that hiding their relationship is harder than they expected. Lake doesn't want to out Ryker and jeopardize his position or dynamic with his team because being openly out in professional hockey is still risky. Ryker is struggling with some jealousy when they are out in public and feeling like he is forcing Lake back in the closet. Along with the relationship secrecy Lake is dealing with feeling lonely when Ryker is away, and his friends are traveling as well as his father coming back into his life.
This is relatively low angst. The relationship is stable and sturdy. Our boys are completely soulmate level in love. The issues that they are facing are realistic and not impossible. I loved that this truly felt like it was just the next chapter as they grow in age and in their relationship. It feels almost like an extended "slice of life" story, which, I'm so here for. Honestly, I'd take an infinity number of stories of these two just living their life together.
This includes everything you want and expect in one of Briar's books - the banter, the snark, the delicious steam. Lake is hilarious and still grumpy. Ryker is still the absolute sweetest and most supportive guy. I will forever be obsessed with these two. I hate that it's already over. I feel like I devoured it too quickly and now I miss them again already.
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Lake and Ryker
I've been stalking Briar's social media for a few months now waiting for this book. I fell so in love with both Lake and Ryker in Just a Taste and just knew that their second book was going to be just as good, if not better. And this absolutely was even better than I anticipated. Also, I have no chill, so I had to read it the day I got the ARC.
This follows them living in New York with Ryker starting his NHL career and Lake starting school for is medical degree. I don't want to give anything anyway because this is the second book. Though, honestly, you could read it as a standalone (but I mean don't...it's so much better if you read their origin story). In this book they are trying to navigate the next stage of their life together. They have been married and together for two years now but with Ryker's career starting they are finding that hiding their relationship is harder than they expected. Lake doesn't want to out Ryker and jeopardize his position or dynamic with his team because being openly out in professional hockey is still risky. Ryker is struggling with some jealousy when they are out in public and feeling like he is forcing Lake back in the closet. Along with the relationship secrecy Lake is dealing with feeling lonely when Ryker is away, and his friends are traveling as well as his father coming back into his life.
This is relatively low angst. The relationship is stable and sturdy. Our boys are completely soulmate level in love. The issues that they are facing are realistic and not impossible. I loved that this truly felt like it was just the next chapter as they grow in age and in their relationship. It feels almost like an extended "slice of life" story, which, I'm so here for. Honestly, I'd take an infinity number of stories of these two just living their life together.
This includes everything you want and expect in one of Briar's books - the banter, the snark, the delicious steam. Lake is hilarious and still grumpy. Ryker is still the absolute sweetest and most supportive guy. I will forever be obsessed with these two. I hate that it's already over. I feel like I devoured it too quickly and now I miss them again already.
July 17, 2025
I love their love 🥲 spectacular, as always!! No notes.
February 19, 2025
Just Think—if the MCs had been celibate, the book would have been only half as long.
Perfectly pleasant, but imperfectly interesting.
Perfectly pleasant, but imperfectly interesting.
February 16, 2025
'“You make me insane,” he says in a low voice. “I don’t think it’s healthy to want anybody this much.”'
I've missed Lake and Ryker, and I'm so glad we get to see more of them ❤️
Just Forever is a slice-of-life, PWP, domesticity & blowjobs story set 2 years after Just a Taste. So many times I've wished a fave book had a sequel-length epilogue and that's basically what Just Forever felt like!
This book won't make any sense unless you've read book 1, and nothing much really happens except a lot of sex which is exactly what I needed for this story. Just Lake and Ryker loving and being constantly horny for each other and trying to navigate life together while secretly married and with challenges like Ryker's NHL travel schedule.
There was maybe a bit much sex, blowjobs especially, since these two guys still can't get enough of each other even two years in which is kind of lovely in its own way lol
Just Forever is indulgent and wonderful, and I want this kind of sequel for so many of my fave books!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
I've missed Lake and Ryker, and I'm so glad we get to see more of them ❤️
Just Forever is a slice-of-life, PWP, domesticity & blowjobs story set 2 years after Just a Taste. So many times I've wished a fave book had a sequel-length epilogue and that's basically what Just Forever felt like!
This book won't make any sense unless you've read book 1, and nothing much really happens except a lot of sex which is exactly what I needed for this story. Just Lake and Ryker loving and being constantly horny for each other and trying to navigate life together while secretly married and with challenges like Ryker's NHL travel schedule.
There was maybe a bit much sex, blowjobs especially, since these two guys still can't get enough of each other even two years in which is kind of lovely in its own way lol
Just Forever is indulgent and wonderful, and I want this kind of sequel for so many of my fave books!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
February 13, 2025
”I found you. Out of the billions of people in the world, I found you, and you found me. How stupidly lucky did we get?”
🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
Briar is treating us this Valentine's day to some much needed romance. Two years have passed since Lake and Ryker had their marriage of convenience that turned into real love.
As always with a story by this author, I devoured it in one sitting. The characters are charming, funny, and so down bad for each other that you can't help but feel like they were made for each other.
Returning to an established couple in a sequel can be hit or miss for readers, but there's nothing to fear here, folks. Ryker and Lake put each other first and are so focused on making their relationship work that you don't have to worry about any unnecessary drama between them - that comes from...let's say external players.
Because one thing's for sure - Ryker and Lake are not going to let anyone mess up their happily ever after.
The only gripe I have and why this is 4.5 instead of a full 5 stars is that I was a bit meh about the way the story was divided. The first half is very much all smut, no plot and then the second half is no smut, all plot. I think instead of squeezing four BJs into the first 30% of the book and then following that up with intimate scenes immediately and having almost no intimate moments in the latter half of the book, that could have been divided a bit more naturally to give the story a better flow. Also, my jaw was aching with sympathy pain which just isn't the vibe.
But hey, who am I to complain about more Lake and Ryker content, let's be real, I'd read five more stories like this about them.
If you're in the mood for something fun and romantic this Valentine's Day or just want to reconnect with your favorite characters and see them stand the test of time, then put this on your TBR!
Huge thanks to Briar for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and for treating us with this gem!
🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
Briar is treating us this Valentine's day to some much needed romance. Two years have passed since Lake and Ryker had their marriage of convenience that turned into real love.
As always with a story by this author, I devoured it in one sitting. The characters are charming, funny, and so down bad for each other that you can't help but feel like they were made for each other.
Returning to an established couple in a sequel can be hit or miss for readers, but there's nothing to fear here, folks. Ryker and Lake put each other first and are so focused on making their relationship work that you don't have to worry about any unnecessary drama between them - that comes from...let's say external players.
Because one thing's for sure - Ryker and Lake are not going to let anyone mess up their happily ever after.
The only gripe I have and why this is 4.5 instead of a full 5 stars is that I was a bit meh about the way the story was divided. The first half is very much all smut, no plot and then the second half is no smut, all plot. I think instead of squeezing four BJs into the first 30% of the book and then following that up with intimate scenes immediately and having almost no intimate moments in the latter half of the book, that could have been divided a bit more naturally to give the story a better flow. Also, my jaw was aching with sympathy pain which just isn't the vibe.
But hey, who am I to complain about more Lake and Ryker content, let's be real, I'd read five more stories like this about them.
If you're in the mood for something fun and romantic this Valentine's Day or just want to reconnect with your favorite characters and see them stand the test of time, then put this on your TBR!
Huge thanks to Briar for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and for treating us with this gem!
February 10, 2025
4.5⭐️
I love reading about established couples, so getting a sequel for Lake and Ryker was everything.
They live together in NYC now. Ryker is a pro hockey player and Lake is starting med school. They’re still so in love, so supportive of each other and adorable. But of course, things aren’t totally smooth because they want to hide their relationship, Ryker travels a lot because of his games, Lake keeps family secrets and feels like a burden. But they handle it all so well and their love just keeps getting stronger. It’s them against the world, living in their own little bubble and I was living for it. Their connection is unreal. Every time they’re together, I swoon and melt.
I’m so happy we got more of their story because I could read about these two forever.
I love reading about established couples, so getting a sequel for Lake and Ryker was everything.
They live together in NYC now. Ryker is a pro hockey player and Lake is starting med school. They’re still so in love, so supportive of each other and adorable. But of course, things aren’t totally smooth because they want to hide their relationship, Ryker travels a lot because of his games, Lake keeps family secrets and feels like a burden. But they handle it all so well and their love just keeps getting stronger. It’s them against the world, living in their own little bubble and I was living for it. Their connection is unreal. Every time they’re together, I swoon and melt.
I’m so happy we got more of their story because I could read about these two forever.
March 3, 2025
The first 30-40ish% of this? Somewhat of a slow read for me. I'd give that part about 3 stars. Because while I liked and enjoyed this couple in the first book, I didn't love them and this was kind of shaping up to be along the lines of the first book, maybe even worse.
Because nothing much was happening. I wasn't clicking with this like I feared would happen. It was alright, these two were still as in love as ever, and the story was plodding along. Nothing crazy was happening and that lent to the slowness of the story for me.
But something around 40% clicked. I don't know what, but after days of struggling to get through the first part of this, I zoomed through the last 2/3 in one night. I don't know why, but all the sudden everything was clicking.
I was more into Ryker and Lake then I'd been throughout the first book and up until about halfway.
Things started to happen. Not a crazy amount of plot, but enough. Lake considers giving his biological father, Scott, a chance. Them having to hide their relationship all the time is starting to take a bit of a tole.
All that comes together to make this a very interesting story, and Lake and Ryk's steadfast love throughout it all was wonderful to see.
I know established relationship stories can be hard to do. But I never once felt like these two weren't as crazy as about each other as they were in the beginning. The immense love between them was beautiful to see. They still were very much crazily attracted to each other as well. Even when I wasn't feeling it like crazy in the beginning, their very apparent love and attraction for each other after two years together was still very easy to see.
I don't know why, but everything just started to click around 40% and I was all the sudden very into this story and these two, more than I ever was before.
I came to love these two, just in the last 2/3 of this story alone. I liked and enjoyed them before, but now I love them. It all came together for me.
So this gets evened out at 4 stars for me. A fairly slow beginning, almost to the halfway point, but then a very strong second half that was definitely 5 stars for me.
I think part of my one star off is that even in the epilogue years later, Ryker has never officially come out as a NHL star. But he and Lake are kind of an "open secret" that they just don't bother to really hide much anymore. But he never officially comes out, and I think we should have gotten that. Like...as great a sentiment as it is that Ryker just wants to be who he is and be with who he loves like normal without any fanfare...that's now how the world is, unfortunately. And I don't think they'd be able to just go about their relationship like basically a normal out relationship and not have the public freak out of it (positively or negatively).
So that part felt a bit...suspension of disbelief. Like okay, this isn't remotely realistic. And it felt a bit...not wanting to have to write about him coming out and the fallout on such a big scale.
Like him coming out was something underlying this whole book and causing some tension and then it just...never happens. Not truly. Felt a bit anticlimactic.
But oh well, I still absolutely adored these two by the end, and their HEA was wonderful to see. Also the bonus scene was fun, getting to see them get married (again). Lake's vows were beautiful.
So I definitely recommend this duet overall. It was a solid two reads and I doubt everyone will have such a time at first reading this as I did at first, with the a good portion of the first half being slow. But if you do find it slow at first, just know that it picks up soon enough. It completely changed my mind from liking these two to loving them. So it gets many points for accomplishing that.
Two big thumbs up from me, for sure.
Can't wait for more from this author, I absolutely adore her work.
Until then!😘
My Ratings for the Brighton U Series:
✨ Just a Taste: 4 stars (my review)
✨ Just Forever: 4 stars
Because nothing much was happening. I wasn't clicking with this like I feared would happen. It was alright, these two were still as in love as ever, and the story was plodding along. Nothing crazy was happening and that lent to the slowness of the story for me.
But something around 40% clicked. I don't know what, but after days of struggling to get through the first part of this, I zoomed through the last 2/3 in one night. I don't know why, but all the sudden everything was clicking.
I was more into Ryker and Lake then I'd been throughout the first book and up until about halfway.
Things started to happen. Not a crazy amount of plot, but enough. Lake considers giving his biological father, Scott, a chance. Them having to hide their relationship all the time is starting to take a bit of a tole.
All that comes together to make this a very interesting story, and Lake and Ryk's steadfast love throughout it all was wonderful to see.
I know established relationship stories can be hard to do. But I never once felt like these two weren't as crazy as about each other as they were in the beginning. The immense love between them was beautiful to see. They still were very much crazily attracted to each other as well. Even when I wasn't feeling it like crazy in the beginning, their very apparent love and attraction for each other after two years together was still very easy to see.
I don't know why, but everything just started to click around 40% and I was all the sudden very into this story and these two, more than I ever was before.
I came to love these two, just in the last 2/3 of this story alone. I liked and enjoyed them before, but now I love them. It all came together for me.
So this gets evened out at 4 stars for me. A fairly slow beginning, almost to the halfway point, but then a very strong second half that was definitely 5 stars for me.
I think part of my one star off is that even in the epilogue years later, Ryker has never officially come out as a NHL star. But he and Lake are kind of an "open secret" that they just don't bother to really hide much anymore. But he never officially comes out, and I think we should have gotten that. Like...as great a sentiment as it is that Ryker just wants to be who he is and be with who he loves like normal without any fanfare...that's now how the world is, unfortunately. And I don't think they'd be able to just go about their relationship like basically a normal out relationship and not have the public freak out of it (positively or negatively).
So that part felt a bit...suspension of disbelief. Like okay, this isn't remotely realistic. And it felt a bit...not wanting to have to write about him coming out and the fallout on such a big scale.
Like him coming out was something underlying this whole book and causing some tension and then it just...never happens. Not truly. Felt a bit anticlimactic.
But oh well, I still absolutely adored these two by the end, and their HEA was wonderful to see. Also the bonus scene was fun, getting to see them get married (again). Lake's vows were beautiful.
So I definitely recommend this duet overall. It was a solid two reads and I doubt everyone will have such a time at first reading this as I did at first, with the a good portion of the first half being slow. But if you do find it slow at first, just know that it picks up soon enough. It completely changed my mind from liking these two to loving them. So it gets many points for accomplishing that.
Two big thumbs up from me, for sure.
Can't wait for more from this author, I absolutely adore her work.
Until then!😘
My Ratings for the Brighton U Series:
✨ Just a Taste: 4 stars (my review)
✨ Just Forever: 4 stars
February 18, 2025
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, established relationship, secret relationship, stepbrothers
Feels: 5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: neglectful parents, parental abandonment, shitty dad, inability to trust people because of parents traumatizing you
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: None. People flirt with the MMCs, but both of them are secure that each other only has eyes for them.
5 stars
This book is not standalone. It's the conclusion to their story which started in the first book. In the first book they got married so that Ryker could access his trust fund and give the money to Lake, who needed money for school. They used to be step brothers, and Ryker has always had an affection for Lake, who is grumpy and closed off. After marrying, they eventually fell for each other. But they kept the relationship a secret.
Now, it's been about 2 years and Ryker is just getting started in the NHL and lake is attending medical school. And they are trying to just live their best lives, neither wanting publicity, and Ryker not wanting to risk his career by coming out. Lake is putting zero pressure on him to come out, because Lake just wants a quiet life with as few people mucking up his peace as possible.
There is no third act break up and there is no real conflict between the MMCs. The conflict that comes into the book is Lake dealing with the damage his parents have given him and trying to open himself up to let more people in, when he's been taught that people are s*** and you can't trust them.
This is a beautiful love story. I don't think everyone can really appreciate it, because established relationships aren't for everybody, it is a two book story and not a lot of drama happens in this particular book. But it is so refreshing to see a relationship like this play out. This is a story of unconditional love between a golden retriever and a black cat who has a mushy marshmallow center but he's just been hurt so much he's prickly. And both of them are perfect for each other, always there for them, giving them everything that they need to be happy. I love that this couple is rock solid, nothing can shake them apart. I love how vibrant the personalities of the MMCs are, the characters are so endearing. There are so many sweet, funny and relatable moments. I just really enjoyed this story!
Some notable moments:
"And I say jogging, but let’s face it, this is full-on running. Jogging is supposed to be leisurely. Kind of like walking, but for people who are in a moderate hurry. Ryker might as well be in the middle of a police chase. I’m tempted to just sit down and wait until he circles around the trail and gets back to me."
"Look, I’m gonna be honest here, it’s just really difficult to be a petty asshole when you’re married to the nicest, kindest person alive. It’s honestly a travesty. I drop to the grass on my ass, wheezing and panting, trying to get my breathing back under control. “I,” I gasp, lungs on fire, “hate you.”"
"“Is that a burger?” Ryker asks, and now there’s a wistful edge of longing in his voice. “Yup.” I grab a plate and plonk the burger down on it, followed by the remainder of the fries. “What did you have for dinner?” “You don’t want to know. There was brown rice involved.” “That’s sad.” I eat another fry while I balance the phone against a stack of textbooks. “I don’t know if you meant for it to sound compassionate, but I’m here to inform you it didn’t. Not one bit.”"
"Lake sighs and rubs his hand over his mouth before he leans his elbows on the table and frowns at me. “Why aren’t you mad at me?” “I tried for a minute. It didn’t stick.” I smile at him, but he still looks worried. “Even if I was angry, it wouldn’t really matter in the long run. We’re still us. You and me. In this relationship together. So, we’d work it out.”"
*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: 5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: neglectful parents, parental abandonment, shitty dad, inability to trust people because of parents traumatizing you
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: None. People flirt with the MMCs, but both of them are secure that each other only has eyes for them.
5 stars
This book is not standalone. It's the conclusion to their story which started in the first book. In the first book they got married so that Ryker could access his trust fund and give the money to Lake, who needed money for school. They used to be step brothers, and Ryker has always had an affection for Lake, who is grumpy and closed off. After marrying, they eventually fell for each other. But they kept the relationship a secret.
Now, it's been about 2 years and Ryker is just getting started in the NHL and lake is attending medical school. And they are trying to just live their best lives, neither wanting publicity, and Ryker not wanting to risk his career by coming out. Lake is putting zero pressure on him to come out, because Lake just wants a quiet life with as few people mucking up his peace as possible.
There is no third act break up and there is no real conflict between the MMCs. The conflict that comes into the book is Lake dealing with the damage his parents have given him and trying to open himself up to let more people in, when he's been taught that people are s*** and you can't trust them.
This is a beautiful love story. I don't think everyone can really appreciate it, because established relationships aren't for everybody, it is a two book story and not a lot of drama happens in this particular book. But it is so refreshing to see a relationship like this play out. This is a story of unconditional love between a golden retriever and a black cat who has a mushy marshmallow center but he's just been hurt so much he's prickly. And both of them are perfect for each other, always there for them, giving them everything that they need to be happy. I love that this couple is rock solid, nothing can shake them apart. I love how vibrant the personalities of the MMCs are, the characters are so endearing. There are so many sweet, funny and relatable moments. I just really enjoyed this story!
Some notable moments:
"And I say jogging, but let’s face it, this is full-on running. Jogging is supposed to be leisurely. Kind of like walking, but for people who are in a moderate hurry. Ryker might as well be in the middle of a police chase. I’m tempted to just sit down and wait until he circles around the trail and gets back to me."
"Look, I’m gonna be honest here, it’s just really difficult to be a petty asshole when you’re married to the nicest, kindest person alive. It’s honestly a travesty. I drop to the grass on my ass, wheezing and panting, trying to get my breathing back under control. “I,” I gasp, lungs on fire, “hate you.”"
"“Is that a burger?” Ryker asks, and now there’s a wistful edge of longing in his voice. “Yup.” I grab a plate and plonk the burger down on it, followed by the remainder of the fries. “What did you have for dinner?” “You don’t want to know. There was brown rice involved.” “That’s sad.” I eat another fry while I balance the phone against a stack of textbooks. “I don’t know if you meant for it to sound compassionate, but I’m here to inform you it didn’t. Not one bit.”"
"Lake sighs and rubs his hand over his mouth before he leans his elbows on the table and frowns at me. “Why aren’t you mad at me?” “I tried for a minute. It didn’t stick.” I smile at him, but he still looks worried. “Even if I was angry, it wouldn’t really matter in the long run. We’re still us. You and me. In this relationship together. So, we’d work it out.”"
*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.
March 22, 2025
B- / 3.5 stars
Just Forever is the promised sequel to last year’s Just a Taste , which told the story of Lake and Ryker, two guys who’ve known each other since childhood and were, briefly, step-brothers when Ryker’s mum was married to Lake’s dad – and who got married for money and then fell in love.
Note: This is a direct sequel to Just a Taste and won’t make much sense if you haven’t read that book first.
We left them at the end of that book looking to make a future together, with Lake planning to go to medical school and Ryker on the verge of a career in the NHL. Neither has any illusions about how tough the next few years are likely to be given the gruelling schedule of games and travel NHL players have and Lake’s impending heavy work/study load, but they’re solid and know they can deal with anything as long as they have each other.
Just Forever picks up the story around a year later with big changes on the horizon. Ryker, now fully recovered from his broken femur, is getting ready for his first season on the ice and Lake is about to start medical school. They’re still deeply in love and deliriously happy; Lake is still his prickly, snarky, glass-half-empty self and Ryker is still the big, mushy cinnamon roll who sees the best in everyone - even Lake, much to Lake’s surprise. They’ve agreed to keep their relationship under wraps for the sake of Ryker’s career, although it’s more because Lake doesn’t want Ryker to encounter any negativity or have to deal with homophobic arseholes than it is Ryker being terribly reluctant to come out.
They both knew keeping their relationship a secret wouldn’t be easy – especially as they struggle to keep their hands and eyes off each other in public – but what Lake hadn’t anticipated is the loneliness. His fellow med students attempt to make friends and invite him out, but he doesn’t take them up on it for reasons that don’t relate simply to his natural inclination to solitude – he’s an introvert, yes, but mostly, he’s worried that he might let something slip about Ryker and isn’t willing to risk it – and hiding, pretending Ryker is nothing more than his roommate, is exhausting. Ryker realises what’s going on and hates the thought that he’s pulling Lake back into the closet, but Lake insists he’s fine, even though Ryker knows full well he isn’t.
This is the main driver of the story, which the author has this time around described as “porn with vibes”. There are a lot of sex scenes and the vibes aren’t too angsty (there are no silly fights or break-ups) and the only real bit of drama comes when Lake’s bio-dad reaches out to him (which just kind of fizzles out). I did appreciate that the author has upended the usual closeted-player trope by having Ryker knowing exactly what’s going on with Lake and being fully prepared to tell the truth about their relationship, and that she doesn’t go for some big coming-out scene and instead has Lake and Ryker doing what’s best for them at their own pace and on their own terms.
I’m a big fan of Briar Prescott’s contemporary romances, but I have to admit that I struggled with this one. Lake and Ryker are a great couple and I like them together, but the first half of the book is sex with a lot of introspection about how much they love each other, how perfect they are together, and how wonderful and sexy the other is – and it tipped my mush-o-meter into the red. The book, as a whole, is a bit too sappy for my taste; the author’s excellent dialogue and trademark snark-as-love-language are still much in evidence, but it just wasn’t enough to cut through so much syrup.
Honestly, there’s not a lot new here – it’s more of a ‘slice-of-life’ story as Lake and Ryker start to navigate their new normal. I read through my review of Just a Taste as I was preparing to write this one, and realised that I’d said pretty much everything about the background and characterisation in that review and that I’d just be repeating myself by talking about Lake’s abandonment issues and emotional barriers and Ryker’s almost endless patience and understanding here. Lake is making progress, it’s true, with being more sociable and open with people, and it’s a measure of how far he’s come that he doesn’t disappear for weeks when something goes badly and he instead turns to Ryker for help.
Ultimately, I kind of wish we’d left Lake and Ryker at the end of Just a Taste being desperately in love and looking forward to a future together, because while Just Forever is fun, with plenty of great banter and hot sex, it doesn’t really add much to their story (and honestly, I started skimming the sex scenes after the first couple). I remain a big fan of Briar Prescott’s work, but I don’t think I can offer more than a qualified recommendation this time around.
Just Forever is the promised sequel to last year’s Just a Taste , which told the story of Lake and Ryker, two guys who’ve known each other since childhood and were, briefly, step-brothers when Ryker’s mum was married to Lake’s dad – and who got married for money and then fell in love.
Note: This is a direct sequel to Just a Taste and won’t make much sense if you haven’t read that book first.
We left them at the end of that book looking to make a future together, with Lake planning to go to medical school and Ryker on the verge of a career in the NHL. Neither has any illusions about how tough the next few years are likely to be given the gruelling schedule of games and travel NHL players have and Lake’s impending heavy work/study load, but they’re solid and know they can deal with anything as long as they have each other.
Just Forever picks up the story around a year later with big changes on the horizon. Ryker, now fully recovered from his broken femur, is getting ready for his first season on the ice and Lake is about to start medical school. They’re still deeply in love and deliriously happy; Lake is still his prickly, snarky, glass-half-empty self and Ryker is still the big, mushy cinnamon roll who sees the best in everyone - even Lake, much to Lake’s surprise. They’ve agreed to keep their relationship under wraps for the sake of Ryker’s career, although it’s more because Lake doesn’t want Ryker to encounter any negativity or have to deal with homophobic arseholes than it is Ryker being terribly reluctant to come out.
They both knew keeping their relationship a secret wouldn’t be easy – especially as they struggle to keep their hands and eyes off each other in public – but what Lake hadn’t anticipated is the loneliness. His fellow med students attempt to make friends and invite him out, but he doesn’t take them up on it for reasons that don’t relate simply to his natural inclination to solitude – he’s an introvert, yes, but mostly, he’s worried that he might let something slip about Ryker and isn’t willing to risk it – and hiding, pretending Ryker is nothing more than his roommate, is exhausting. Ryker realises what’s going on and hates the thought that he’s pulling Lake back into the closet, but Lake insists he’s fine, even though Ryker knows full well he isn’t.
This is the main driver of the story, which the author has this time around described as “porn with vibes”. There are a lot of sex scenes and the vibes aren’t too angsty (there are no silly fights or break-ups) and the only real bit of drama comes when Lake’s bio-dad reaches out to him (which just kind of fizzles out). I did appreciate that the author has upended the usual closeted-player trope by having Ryker knowing exactly what’s going on with Lake and being fully prepared to tell the truth about their relationship, and that she doesn’t go for some big coming-out scene and instead has Lake and Ryker doing what’s best for them at their own pace and on their own terms.
I’m a big fan of Briar Prescott’s contemporary romances, but I have to admit that I struggled with this one. Lake and Ryker are a great couple and I like them together, but the first half of the book is sex with a lot of introspection about how much they love each other, how perfect they are together, and how wonderful and sexy the other is – and it tipped my mush-o-meter into the red. The book, as a whole, is a bit too sappy for my taste; the author’s excellent dialogue and trademark snark-as-love-language are still much in evidence, but it just wasn’t enough to cut through so much syrup.
Honestly, there’s not a lot new here – it’s more of a ‘slice-of-life’ story as Lake and Ryker start to navigate their new normal. I read through my review of Just a Taste as I was preparing to write this one, and realised that I’d said pretty much everything about the background and characterisation in that review and that I’d just be repeating myself by talking about Lake’s abandonment issues and emotional barriers and Ryker’s almost endless patience and understanding here. Lake is making progress, it’s true, with being more sociable and open with people, and it’s a measure of how far he’s come that he doesn’t disappear for weeks when something goes badly and he instead turns to Ryker for help.
Ultimately, I kind of wish we’d left Lake and Ryker at the end of Just a Taste being desperately in love and looking forward to a future together, because while Just Forever is fun, with plenty of great banter and hot sex, it doesn’t really add much to their story (and honestly, I started skimming the sex scenes after the first couple). I remain a big fan of Briar Prescott’s work, but I don’t think I can offer more than a qualified recommendation this time around.
August 3, 2025
Są książki - czy kontynuacje, czy też pojedyncze, bez serii - o których można praktycznie powiedzieć, że nic właściwie się nie dzieje, a jednak oderwać się od nich nie można. To zdecydowanie nie dotyczy jednak tego tytułu.
Leitmotiv ma dwie melodie - seks i powtarzanie przez Rykera, że przez niego Lake musiał ponownie znaleźć się w szafie, i że to nie jest w porządku, i że źle się z tym czuje, a przecież Lake jest dla niego najważniejszy, zaś przez Lake'a, że wszystko jest oki, że on to wybrał, że kariera Rykera jest najważniejsza, że Ryker jest najważniejszy.
To przeplatane jest totalnie randomowymi scenami ze starymi i nowymi przyjaciółmi chłopaków oraz dramami wziętymi z dupy, z których jedne są rozwiązywane po 1-2 rozdziałach, a inne po prostu zostawione same sobie. A najgorsza, wyciągnięta z najgłębszych i najczarniejszych czeluści, jest ta z biologicznym ojcem Lake'a.
Nudna, bezsensowna i zupełnie niepotrzebna kontynuacja...
Leitmotiv ma dwie melodie - seks i powtarzanie przez Rykera, że przez niego Lake musiał ponownie znaleźć się w szafie, i że to nie jest w porządku, i że źle się z tym czuje, a przecież Lake jest dla niego najważniejszy, zaś przez Lake'a, że wszystko jest oki, że on to wybrał, że kariera Rykera jest najważniejsza, że Ryker jest najważniejszy.
To przeplatane jest totalnie randomowymi scenami ze starymi i nowymi przyjaciółmi chłopaków oraz dramami wziętymi z dupy, z których jedne są rozwiązywane po 1-2 rozdziałach, a inne po prostu zostawione same sobie. A najgorsza, wyciągnięta z najgłębszych i najczarniejszych czeluści, jest ta z biologicznym ojcem Lake'a.
Nudna, bezsensowna i zupełnie niepotrzebna kontynuacja...
February 16, 2025
Ryker and Lake!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my babies!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHH.
I love an established couple book but this one was even better because book 1 was so so sweet to see them get to this point, and now they're happy and in love!!! and yes they had a little bit of issues/insecurities but they actually communicated pretty decently and Ryker was a safe space for Lake which he deserves so SO much and also lake acknowledging that he has a family in Sawyer, Rachel, Kelly and Ryker!! THATS GROWTH BABY!!!! ugh god ok briar, let's make a book 3 now of ryker and lake being all domestic and in love please!!!
Oh and last thing: FUCK, and i mean this with my whole heart, SCOTT. Fuck that ugly ass LOSER!!! Lake should have spilled the truth!!!!
I love an established couple book but this one was even better because book 1 was so so sweet to see them get to this point, and now they're happy and in love!!! and yes they had a little bit of issues/insecurities but they actually communicated pretty decently and Ryker was a safe space for Lake which he deserves so SO much and also lake acknowledging that he has a family in Sawyer, Rachel, Kelly and Ryker!! THATS GROWTH BABY!!!! ugh god ok briar, let's make a book 3 now of ryker and lake being all domestic and in love please!!!
Oh and last thing: FUCK, and i mean this with my whole heart, SCOTT. Fuck that ugly ass LOSER!!! Lake should have spilled the truth!!!!
February 16, 2025
Lake and Ryker domestic bliss, give me 14 of them!
February 13, 2025
Generally, I didn’t mind this book, but I found the conflicts very tiresome and I also didn’t really like the father side story. There really wasn’t much payoff in the end. It just was there. It caused a little bit of an issue and then it was gone but there was no big confrontation or any resolution it just kind of fizzled. I don’t know it just didn’t really work for me somehow. Also, the whole idea of this couple keeping their relationship a secret didn’t really seem to impact them that much so it didn’t feel like a big conflict. Wasn’t for me.
February 12, 2025
Awww this book 🫠🫠, I absolutely loved it. All the swoon, some anxiousness, no drama but all the feels. I have to be honest, after I read and loved Ryk and Lake’s story in book 1, I was a little apprehensive about reading a whole continuation story post the declaration. Book 1 ended beautifully, satisfying but still making me want to keep living in the world the author created for these two. So I trusted Briar Prescott (I highly recommend doing that and checking out her backlist) and dove right in and I am telling you it was the best decision.. I was delighted, surprised, completely gripped by the story the author was telling about how Ryker and Lake continue to grow, as themselves and as a couple to eke out a life they can love.
It was not an easy road for them but Ryker is steadfast and a rock and tenacious when he needs to be, when Lake hides. Lake who had so much to overcome, taking those steps to trust, pushing away his intrusive thoughts, coming into his own.
Definitely recommend checking out this duet.
I also need to say, I am a huge fan of the themes of found family running through this story, specially considering that I am not a fan of either set of parents, specially Lake’s (even after finishing the book I feel a bit protective of Lake). Scott and Lake’s mom and John are deplorable!!! Not that the other adults were beacons of goodness when all this started tbh. I do recommend reading book 1 first. Their story is wonderful and it’s best to start at the beginning 🫠
I wonder if there will be a story for Hayes? Or Kelly? Or Hayes and Kelly 😄?
Expect:
* Hockey Player x Med Student
* Found family
* High heat
* Problematic parents
* Great side characters
* Snark
* Banter
* Prickly MC
* Dirty talk
* Opposites attract
* Established couple
* HEA
It was not an easy road for them but Ryker is steadfast and a rock and tenacious when he needs to be, when Lake hides. Lake who had so much to overcome, taking those steps to trust, pushing away his intrusive thoughts, coming into his own.
Definitely recommend checking out this duet.
I also need to say, I am a huge fan of the themes of found family running through this story, specially considering that I am not a fan of either set of parents, specially Lake’s (even after finishing the book I feel a bit protective of Lake). Scott and Lake’s mom and John are deplorable!!! Not that the other adults were beacons of goodness when all this started tbh. I do recommend reading book 1 first. Their story is wonderful and it’s best to start at the beginning 🫠
I wonder if there will be a story for Hayes? Or Kelly? Or Hayes and Kelly 😄?
Expect:
* Hockey Player x Med Student
* Found family
* High heat
* Problematic parents
* Great side characters
* Snark
* Banter
* Prickly MC
* Dirty talk
* Opposites attract
* Established couple
* HEA
February 17, 2025
I was a bit torn here but ended up giving it a 4* because I think we did need this sequel after book one. I enjoyed them both together and actually liked that there was no big reveal or talk to the press at the end as we usually see for this trope. It felt more organic somehow, than making a big fuss. Whether the Press would have left them alone is realistic or not, that's another story.
I felt like Lake's dad bit could have been done a bit differently though. I wanted it to be real so much as I felt Lake needed some sort of family bonding after being let down all his life. Alas, we did not get that, so I feel like we should have had a more satisfactory conclusion to it instead of it fizzling to nothing.
In the end it was a cute, sweet story which I enjoyed a lot.
I felt like Lake's dad bit could have been done a bit differently though. I wanted it to be real so much as I felt Lake needed some sort of family bonding after being let down all his life. Alas, we did not get that, so I feel like we should have had a more satisfactory conclusion to it instead of it fizzling to nothing.
In the end it was a cute, sweet story which I enjoyed a lot.
February 16, 2025
3.5 stars
This is the continuation of Lake and Ryker's story. They are still very much in love, but now Ryker is in the NHL and Lake is in med school. The two are balancing a new normal while living together in New York and keeping their private life out of the public eye.
I love these two. I'm happy they are still together and I enjoyed more time with them. This one was so close to being a 4 star but I feel like a conflict occurred and was washed over too quickly. For me, the issue with Lake's biological father and coming out in public were just not dealt with. I also feel like Lake did not handle conflict well and regressed back to his old self. I'll still be back for more because the author knows how to hit me in the feelings just right. Overall a solid read.
This is the continuation of Lake and Ryker's story. They are still very much in love, but now Ryker is in the NHL and Lake is in med school. The two are balancing a new normal while living together in New York and keeping their private life out of the public eye.
I love these two. I'm happy they are still together and I enjoyed more time with them. This one was so close to being a 4 star but I feel like a conflict occurred and was washed over too quickly. For me, the issue with Lake's biological father and coming out in public were just not dealt with. I also feel like Lake did not handle conflict well and regressed back to his old self. I'll still be back for more because the author knows how to hit me in the feelings just right. Overall a solid read.
February 14, 2025
briar’s books make me happy
Read
November 16, 2025dnf. absolutely unnecessary second part.
February 23, 2025
✨ARC Review: “I think… the reason I’ve always been good at being alone is that it’s always been voluntary. I’ve always had the option to stop being alone. Until now.”
Ryker and Lake getting their happy ending as they deserve 🫡 I never know how to review the second book of a duet/duology because I don’t want to spoil anything for those that haven’t read the first book. But regardless, this book was everything that I needed—which was just for Ryker and Lake to live their life, happily.
There was banter, spice, and just a dab of angst in true Briar fashion. If you enjoyed Just a Taste, you will for sure enjoy this one. There wasn’t too much plot, but because I love these two characters so much, I really didn’t need plot to love this as much as I did.
What to expect:
🤍Black cat energy
🤍Secretly Married
🤍Med Student x NHL Player
🤍Just vibes
🤍A little pinch of jealousy
Ryker and Lake getting their happy ending as they deserve 🫡 I never know how to review the second book of a duet/duology because I don’t want to spoil anything for those that haven’t read the first book. But regardless, this book was everything that I needed—which was just for Ryker and Lake to live their life, happily.
There was banter, spice, and just a dab of angst in true Briar fashion. If you enjoyed Just a Taste, you will for sure enjoy this one. There wasn’t too much plot, but because I love these two characters so much, I really didn’t need plot to love this as much as I did.
What to expect:
🤍Black cat energy
🤍Secretly Married
🤍Med Student x NHL Player
🤍Just vibes
🤍A little pinch of jealousy
February 10, 2025
lake + ryker
🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Briar for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
interconnected standalone | 2nd book in Brighton U series | MM | college (grad school) | med student x NHL player | secret relationship | betrayal | coming out | HEA
We get more of Lake and Ryker after they've moved on from Brighton U in Boston. They're now in New York City where Lake is attending med school and Ryker is beginning his career in the NHL. Lake starts to realize how lonely it can be while Ryk is on the road with his team and Ryk is realizing just how much he's asking of Lake to keep their relationship under wraps. These two navigated some tricky situations throughout the story, but the banter and heat doesn't falter one bit. I loved how Lake and Ryk supported each other through the tough times and Lake's character arc was freakin' glorious. He's a changed man because he let himself be loved and cherished by Ryker. And that is a beautiful thing! Highly recommend this read!
🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Briar for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
interconnected standalone | 2nd book in Brighton U series | MM | college (grad school) | med student x NHL player | secret relationship | betrayal | coming out | HEA
We get more of Lake and Ryker after they've moved on from Brighton U in Boston. They're now in New York City where Lake is attending med school and Ryker is beginning his career in the NHL. Lake starts to realize how lonely it can be while Ryk is on the road with his team and Ryk is realizing just how much he's asking of Lake to keep their relationship under wraps. These two navigated some tricky situations throughout the story, but the banter and heat doesn't falter one bit. I loved how Lake and Ryk supported each other through the tough times and Lake's character arc was freakin' glorious. He's a changed man because he let himself be loved and cherished by Ryker. And that is a beautiful thing! Highly recommend this read!
September 21, 2025
Le sigh ❤️ What a wonderful follow up to the previous book. There's no real angst here, instead, it's a celebration of a love that thrives in its own private world. Ryker and Lake are so in love, married, but choose to keep their relationship a secret, not only due to Ryker's NHL career, but simply because their happiness is their own and they don't really feel the need for external validation. I loved the lack of melodrama. The beauty of the story lies in its simplicity. Ryker and Lake have found a beautiful love, and the story focuses on their intimacy, their shared domesticity, and the unwavering support that defines their relationship. A massive 5+ stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 27, 2025
Didn’t like. Boring, unnecessary, sooo much sex no depth. No
February 13, 2025
First off, you should know that this is not a standalone. It's a glimpse inside the lives of Lake and Ryker, two years after the end of Just A Taste.
I just gotta say it, I love it when authors check on their established couples and show us that even after they get their HEA, things aren't always smooth sailing. It shows us that even the most amazing couples stumble on bumps on the road, some bumps set there by others, some by their own making. And Just Forever is such a good example of that!
I related so much to the way Lake blew things out of proportion in his head. I tend to do that, too. And it felt so liberating to see how just the act of sharing, of communicating, could so easily defuse those things. These two complete each other so well! I just love them, and I'm so happy that I got the chance to see a slice of their life together, with ups and downs and everything in between. Their story got me so good that I read it in a few hours. So, it's definitely a fast read!
Things you should know before reading these 2 books:
This is a love story between two stepbrothers, that knew each other since childhood, but never lived together as a family. The dynamic is definitely grumpy/sunshine. Their relationship starts as a marriage of convenience. The banter is top knotch, and you can always count on Lake for a good dose of sarcasm. 😉 Also, the spice is spicing real good! 🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️
I just gotta say it, I love it when authors check on their established couples and show us that even after they get their HEA, things aren't always smooth sailing. It shows us that even the most amazing couples stumble on bumps on the road, some bumps set there by others, some by their own making. And Just Forever is such a good example of that!
I related so much to the way Lake blew things out of proportion in his head. I tend to do that, too. And it felt so liberating to see how just the act of sharing, of communicating, could so easily defuse those things. These two complete each other so well! I just love them, and I'm so happy that I got the chance to see a slice of their life together, with ups and downs and everything in between. Their story got me so good that I read it in a few hours. So, it's definitely a fast read!
Things you should know before reading these 2 books:
This is a love story between two stepbrothers, that knew each other since childhood, but never lived together as a family. The dynamic is definitely grumpy/sunshine. Their relationship starts as a marriage of convenience. The banter is top knotch, and you can always count on Lake for a good dose of sarcasm. 😉 Also, the spice is spicing real good! 🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️
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