Coming In Hot

Bitches With Stitches #2

by Raquel Riley

When a friendship sours and tempers flare, everything heats up.

Pharo-

Responsibility for human lives is the heaviest burden to bear, and it’s not something I ever want to shoulder again.

Jax used to respect me when he was under my command. Now, I can’t even pay him to breathe the same air as me. His hatred runs deep, but it’s misplaced—and frankly, I’m tired of being the target of his scorn.

Enough is enough. It’s time to show him how wrong he is—by reason or force. I shouldn’t be looking forward to this so much.

Jax-

If you can’t lead... don’t. But Pharo did. He took command of a team he never should have been responsible for, and I lost my best friend because of his bad judgment. I’ve spent years making sure he never forgets the pain he caused, and he’s spent years avoiding responsibility.

But Pharo isn’t running anymore. And I’m learning the only thing sweeter than revenge is the taste of his mouth.

Coming In Hot is the second book in the Bitches With Stitches series. A connected work of the Scars and Stripes Trilogy. Enemies to lovers, found family, action, hurt comfort, and badass men who knit.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Military Fiction, M M Romance, Gay, Slow Burn, LGBT, Erotica

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

Reviews

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming in Hot Bitches With Stitches #2 by author Raquel Riley
MC:Jax&Pharo 4⭐

“He reaches up, brushing a strand of hair from my face, his touch surprisingly gentle considering his usual animosity toward me.
“Jax...” I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want this to be a mistake.”
“Everything with us is a mistake. What’s one more?” His lips brush against my ear as he speaks, sending a shiver down my spine.”

Tropes & tags
Enemies to lovers
Grumpy/Grumpy
Found family
Mercenary action
Hurt comfort
And badass men who knit

Coming in Hot leans a little lighter on the full chaotic “Bitches” energy, because Pharo and Jax are the outliers of the group—the quiet ones, the loners, the ones who always keep their distance. But that doesn’t mean they’re without support; the found family vibe stays strong, and the crew is always there when it matters.

Pharo and Jax’s history is messy in the best way. Years of resentment, buried heat, and misunderstandings simmer between them, and every scene feels charged—whether it’s anger, lust, or that dangerous middle ground where neither of them knows if they want to fight or kiss. They’ve both been shaped by violence, by the work they do, and by the armour they’ve built around themselves, so watching them crash into each other emotionally is incredibly satisfying.

Their dynamic has that perfect blend of I hate you but also I want you—raw, sharp, and unexpectedly vulnerable. And when the walls finally start to crack? The hurt/comfort moments absolutely land. And this dynamic in sex???? JFC hot. It’s so intense and full of tension. Like at any moment any of them could just punch the other sizzling hot 🥵 like a grenade ready to blow at any moment, LOVE.IT.

I loved the quieter intensity of this instalment, the tension that never really lets up, and the way the author deepens the world while giving these two their space to burn. It’s a solid continuation of the series with a relationship that feels earned, turbulent, and full of sparks.

A delicious, heat-soaked haters-to-lovers romance with knives, knitting, and a whole lot of emotional bruising—exactly what I wanted from Pharo and Jax.

“I grab the front of his shirt and pull him in harder, like I’m trying to make up for every minute we wasted not doing this.
It’s not soft. It’s not sweet. It’s years of wanting and months of pretending and one long-ass motorcycle ride’s worth of simmering frustration, all crashing together in a kiss that’s too much and not enough at the same time.”

⚠️Author Content Warnings
This book deals with heavy sensitive topics like mental health and depression, low self-esteem, and healing after loss and survivor’s guilt.
Death of side characters on page, vulgar language, disfigurement and amputation, anger, and self-hatred.
Alcohol consumption.”

❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: No
Sharing: No
Other Person Drama: No
Third-Act Breakup: No
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format:Series
Ending: HFN
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4**** stars

“Holding onto a grudge is like swallowing poison and hoping the other person dies.”

I was burning to read Pharo’s and Jax’s story since they first got introduced and it did not disappoint. Not even the slow burn bothered me much with them. *lol

I think it works great at a standalone, too.


Can’t wait for Mandy’s book and him finally getting his Hooters boy.

**************
Bitches With Stitches Series

Book 1 - Hot Doggin’
Book 2 - Coming in Hot - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - The Tex Hex - release 09/25

⇢ The Prequel Series that introduces the Bitches With Stiches: Scars and Stripes

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming In Hot is the second book in the Bitches With Stitches series. This book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Pharo and Jax. I loved seeing these two finely figure things out. I loved all the bickering between them. It was great to see the other guys in the group. I love the characters and story. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Toddles · Rating 4 out of 5]

COMING IN HOT
By Raquel Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 of the BITCHES WITH STITCHES Series. It will be available on the Author's website or Amazon & Kindle Unlimited on May 22, 2025!

Pre-order Today direct on Raquel’s website:
Raquelriley.com/shop/ols/products/com...

OR

Amazon:
www.amzn.com/B0DVGDM6J7


This is a 296-page Slow-Burn Hurt/Comfort, Enemies-To-Lovers MM Romance. It is a medium-paced story about two loners who don't know how to fully trust anyone because of a shared past trauma. It’s been a long game of Cat & Mouse that’s been frustrating for everyone ever since they were introduced in a previous novel. Up until now, it’s been a complete mystery of what happened and why Pharo & Jax can’t stand to be around each other.

--“Sometimes, the sun burns too hot, and it takes the light away.”--

Written in a duel POV (except for 1 surprise chapter), Pharo keeps disappearing for long periods of time and being 100% secretive with everyone in the Stitches Group. Pharo & Jax served in the military together, but after experiencing trauma and betrayal, they have since both been honorably discharged with lasting affects. Jax is labeled as a head case in his file, while Pharo just buried everything within and went straight to denial and being closed off & secretive. Jax is on a mission to find out everything from why Pharo is even here to where he goes when he’s MIA. Putting his hacker technology to good use and bringing on a friend to help deep dive on the dark side of the internet, he ends up finding out more than he should. All the while, their hatred and the tension between them keep building until group rules are broken, and everything is laid out in the open.

--"Holding onto a grudge is like swallowing poison and hoping the other person dies. You’re doing more damage to yourself than the person you’re angry with.”--

Hatred is hard on anyone’s soul. Even the oblivious. Their aggression and distaste of each other is contagious. Because of this, I didn't read this as fast as her other additions to this series/universe. This might sound like a criticism of the authors writing but its not but just like in real life, this realistic feeling of sometimes being so aggrieved means you have to step away temporarily before the mood completely takes over and changes your mindset permanently. Or you do something stupid. However, the author doesn’t do anything with her characters for shits & giggles. There is always a point or very good reason with a lesson to be learned about life. IT IS A JOURNEY WORTH TAKING!!! This Character Forward plot is triggered by grief and survivors guilt. This leads both characters down a path that’s hard to divert from because it makes them both question everything because it drops their self-esteem. They try to fill this hole with unhealthy actions.

--…silence isn’t safety. It’s just another kind of hiding.--

This novel takes a while to process fully. Both characters are written with complicated emotions and depth. Their solo trajectory to get to their endgame is soul-stirring. Sometimes, you have to go alone before you can lean on anyone else. They both had to learn to stop running and look at their past demons straight in the eye so they could start living their dreams of the future. Together. I love that. It’s not the norm that we usually see in MM Romance books, but it’s a true fact of life that some have to experience. It's also another reason why this book brought my heckles up and activated my own mood swings. It's written so authentically that it became contagious. It's heavy.

--"I'd rather be awake with you than asleep without you.”--

There is a very fine line between Love & Hate. It shows in the spice! 4/5🌶! It’s a slow-burn romance, so the build-up is pretty extreme and really blows aggressively! Their patience is thin and it comes through in their action scenes. Raquel did a great job emoting their feelings by also adding small sensual touches that really send you on a zig-zag of a ride.

--"Hey, sometimes even the best need a little guidance. It’s why I have the habit of talking to myself. I like to hear expert advice.”--

The ensemble was different in this addition to the series. Normally, the Bitches are more present and add lots of humor and added content to the plot to balance it out. However, our MCs were given more of a spotlight this time around and provided their own one-liner humor. It was the only thing that Erk’ed me with the novel but I understand why. Our characters had to do a lot of healing on their own. Not everyone can mend their hearts & minds with help from others. It was a plot that needed to be told. When the Bitches were present, we got some small details on what is going on with them and dropped a little hint to the next book. My MVP character is Pharo's mom! Omg. She killed! She’s has such a small presents that became very memorable with lots of feelings.

--How do you forgive yourself when you fail someone you loved? How do you move on when the past is a constant reminder of your shortcomings.--

This novel was like holding an active grenade, hoping the clip won't slip. It puts you on unbalanced ground with the MCs. It makes you experience everything they have with harsh realities and emotions. Finally hacking into Jax & Pharo's hard drive and exhaling the desert sand they have been holding on to with them was not going to be an easy mission and I knew that going into the heat. But the end was like getting to put the pin back into the grenade and being able to breathe without anxiety again. It should be noted that Trigger Warnings should be reviewed before reading this novel (the whole series) as it covers topics that can be debilitating to some individuals just like the characters that were love.

💜Happy Reading 🫶

[Nedra81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

This one has taken me a bit to wrap my head around, not because Raquel didn’t write an amazing story but because I don’t know how to describe the feeling received from them. The constant strain between these two characters was able to be felt throughout this entire series and honestly, I was wanting Jax or Pharo to be a bit more hardheaded. Don’t get me wrong, their chemistry was palpable, animosity warranted, straining flammable but their initial connection was too tame for their longstanding love/hate relationship. But, that’s just my opinion, don’t take my word for anything because I’m not normal and wanted more of a fight. Either way, at least Jax finally swung 🤣

I do want to point out the dedication Jax showed was absolutely remarkable, especially with his obvious demise of Pharo. Either way, these two were hilariously entertaining with their performances and constant bickering. The spying was what got me….how are you such a great hacker and still manage to get caught?! And Pharo, I want my very own version of you. Your roughness and ability to grasp the attention of an entire room just with your presence, and your inability to notice just proves your humility without being acknowledged for your accomplishments. And your height is a huge bonus, too!!

Cannot wait for Tex and Mandy next, though! This is going to definitely be a heartbreaking story with everything Mandy has gone through, he deserves the world and best version of Tex besides him along the path of life.

[Marsha Salmans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved the Bitches With Stitches ever since we were introduced to them in Proof Of Life, the first book in the Scars and Stripes trilogy, so I was thrilled when Raquel Riley decided to include more of their stories in a spin off series. Coming In Hot is book two of this and tells the story of Pharo and Jax. These two exhibit a serious amount of animosity towards each other but no one is sure why. They don’t talk in group, avoid each other at all costs and yet there is another type of tension there that feels like a simmering attraction. This book is filled with undercover military type action, explosive chemistry and plenty of snark. It can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend the whole series because it is five star material every time. This author writes military based romance with a deep insight into veterans trauma and tells their stories with compassion and a dose of humor. Don’t miss these amazing books! Once you read them you will be forever changed.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me some time to get into this book. I am not sure what the problem was. Maybe it was the fact that I felt I didn't really connect with the MCs and I am not sure that I really liked them either.
Not my favorite of the series.

[Katkejt ☾. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pharo • Jaxon

….

“Would you chase me?” - “All the way to hell and back.”


….

I love this whole world build. The pairs before, the ones we get now. I remember writing that I want Pharo and Jaxon like my next breath before while reading the trilogy and Raquel just knows what we want from her characters. They all stan tall on their own and are outstanding together <3. The bickering in this one? The push and pull. Phew. I wanted to scream at them and soothe them at the same time. I mean… if you get these emotions out of me, you have to be doing something right.

What I loved:

Mama K and Jax ♾️.
The compliment game.
Them.

….

“Did I pilfer this hat from Jax’s backpack when he wasn’t looking? Yes.” // “…and Pharo is this mysterious, unsolvable Rubik's cube that I’m determined to figure out.” // “We’re like fire and gasoline—always at odds, always ready to explode.” // “Beneath the bluster, beneath the snark, Jax is just a man. A man with a wounded soul. A man who once placed his trust in me.” // “Yeah? Well, sometimes the unexpected is exactly what you need.” // “We're not fighting today. Ask us how!” // “Pretty much from the beginning.” // “Because I want to wake up next to someone who makes the world feel less heavy for once.” …

….

*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

….

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

we are back with the B***hes and finally get to see why Pharo and Jax have so much anger towards one another. The anger from when they served together transcends to civilian life until finally they see each others side. What should have been something great wad destroyed by a mistake that changed both men's lives forever. Now, it's time to put the past behind them and be what they should have always been. Their banter is top notch, these two were always meant to fly or kill. Really, when these men are involved, either is a valid option. We get to see more of our past couples and the dynamics that make this group of men so right for each other in their recovery post military. Each man is so different, yet at the same time similar. Beautiful dynamics among the group that will keep making me want more from this universe.

[Michele R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming in Hot is the perfect title for this book for different reasons. After six years, it was a long time coming for Pharo and Jax! In previous books, I was curious what was going on between these two. Behind their bickering and anger, running away, we find out their history. There were some intense moments from Pharo’s POV that I didn’t know what was going to happen. I love all the Bitches With Stitches group and can’t read enough about them. Can’t wait for Mandy and Tex’s book next!

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I want to walk away, and even though I hate the pull, I can’t seem to stop coming back to him. And I don’t know if that makes me stupid, or if it just makes us... inevitable.”

A Gay romance with Military Vets, Hate to Lovers (it's complicated), a (not so) "forbidden" attraction, push/pull, bickering & biking, dreams, found family, hurt/comfort & a Love that feels Inevitable!
I'd been so excited for this book, wanting to find wtf is the reason for Pharo & Jax's "tensions". I love them & the (nosy) B¡tches with Stitches group 🥰. Devoured my #ARC in 10hrs (over 2days)!

Pharo (half Egyptian, cool!) is an enigma, quiet, private, noble. He wants to bring good change, without compromising any of his team (not again...) yet dreams of a peaceful life. A lil inexperienced with flirting, but he does good & gets J speechless 🤭.
Jax is obsessed 😅, wanting revenge & to uncover P's secrets. He's sarcastic, short-fused, confident, & stubborn. His walls are high (so is P's...) & pretends he doesn't care, but... He does. Too much. After all the hurt, would he fall again?

The hostility & tension, omfg! The spying, push/pull & bickering was fun 🤣. I liked finding their military past (& attraction 😏) & jobs! Hacker x Pilot is so freaking good 🤭. The TW had me anxious, but nothing too bad happens (ig it's for side characters...) 😩. These 2 can be such idiots, a lil communication goes a long way (or not) 🤧. Joey's a delight 😆.

The slowburn omg, but when they finally gave in... Yes please 🥵! J can be asshole 😅 (ig P was in past eh?). Therapy did 'em good atleast! The action sequences are good. I loved when they finally told their friends 🥰. No flashbacks, nothing missed but I'd've liked some! Cute ending. I'm excited for Mandy's book!

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV (1 surprise!)
1) Enjoyed? —> Yup! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😳🤭😅😆🤨🥺🙄🤭🤔🤣😤😍😁😩😬🥺🥰😌
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Fun: 4/5
Angst: 3.25/5
Dark: 2/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Hate to Love, Inevitable) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5

[Amanda Large · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raquel Riley has a special talent for writing incredible military romance. She can take multiple aspects of that trope and piece together a compelling story that makes you want more. There hasn't been one I've read by her that I haven't loved.

Coming In Hot is Pharo and Jax's story. We briefly met them in the first book, and I was intrigued about their story. I wanted to know why they seemed so at odds with each other. Getting to read their backstory and then reading how much they changed leading up to their confrontation really helped to get the overall picture of what was happening between these two. I loved the banter between them. They each gave as good as they got, and while some parts were heavy and anger fueled, most of it was teasing banter and pushing buttons just to get a rise out of the other.

My favorite part would be when Pharo's mami asked him to bring Jax. She knew what was happening. It was just a matter of getting them to admit it. She was rooting for them the whole time, and I love that.

This series brings a unique look to military romance. The support group for these men is different than you'd usually see in something like this. I really enjoy that aspect of it. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for us.

[Reed]

Coming In Hot is the second book in the Bitches With Stitches series but could be read as a standalone.

Pharo and Jax is a total push pull story. Jax has this hate for his ex Commander for what he perceives is totally Pharo’s fault. It is so funny watching him stalk Pharo but funnier when he finds he is caught doing so.

Pharo’s story is heartbreaking. He accepts blame for everything even if he can’t fix the world. His trying to watch over Jax and his mom shows so much of his character. I had a hard time wanting so much more for him than Jax.

Joey being thrown in as a distraction worked real well. Jax’s surprise at finding out about who Joey really is was funny.

This story is a page turner and not sure if I’m happy where the couple ends, but that’s the point of a good story, it plays on my emotions and makes the story memorable.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enemies to more romance, featuring Pharo and Jax, and is book two in the Bitches With Stitches series.

Pharo and Jax are forced to face their shared past and the anger between them. But when hatred sparks into desire, their fight becomes something far more dangerous.

Pharo and Jax’s story is intense, emotional, and full of tension. What starts as anger and blame slowly turns into passion and healing. Their chemistry is fiery, their emotions raw, and the journey from hate to love is hard fought.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM romance
Enemies to more
Some angst
Slow burn
Former friends
Veterans
Hurt / Comfort
Past trauma
Guilt & redemption
Mild stalking
Cat and mouse
Spicy times
Found family
HEA

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

With so much history to unpack and so much anger radiating of Jax, you know this book is going to be a slow burn until these two can get past the pain and the past and open themselves up to what the world can see just by looking at them...

Each man has such deep-seated hurts and such overwhelming guilt that sparring with each other is their main outlet, but as each man starts realizing they want more, the need to do things differently and see each other in a different light becomes important.

I also love Pharo's mom's role in the story... and of course the B*****s & Joey! This series has definite hurt/comfort and PTSD vibes, but the underlying sweet and steamy romance and the snark will get you through.

[Mandy Tunstill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pharo & Jax Brilliant

OH..... WOW....... Absolutely loved Coming in Hot by Raquel Riley been waiting for Pharo and Jax's story and it doesn't disappoint love their banter and bickering both full of anger towards each other but had to stop running and face their past demons together to help heal each other and to look to the future and a life together simply beautiful can't wait for Mandy and Tex recommend so much.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been waiting for Jax and Pharo to get their own story and this didn't disappoint! Filled with hardheaded men, long carried tension and grief, a strong dedication to one another and some pranks and hijinks I have come to expect from this cast of characters. I love the stories with the BALLS boys and enjoyed reading Pharo and Jax's heartfelt story.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pharo used to be Jax's Master Sergeant in the service and Jax blames him for his BF's death. In this second book in this series, both attend meetings at B.A.L.L.S. but Jax appears to hate Pharo. Only he doesn't. This book is a lot of pain, guilt and reflected blame, filled with unjustified hate and some deep down caring for each other. It was hard to read, justifiably as it took them a long time to admit the truth and be honest and open with each other. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very intense and somewhat different story to the rest of this series (and the previous series focussed on members of the same support group). Pharo and Jax always had negative reactions to each other in the Bitches group, and now we find out why. This story is full of big feelings, misunderstandings, and a lot of hurt. It's a great series.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bitches with stitches are always fun to read. Even with their traumatic pasts there is a humor to these stories that I love. Jax and Pharo have the best for of push and pull. With Jax laying blame on Pharo and not being able to let it go. The tension and heat between them is amazing but a little tame for something that has festered so long. I could have done with a little more explosiveness but that’s my personal preference. I did love their banter and bickering. And with all the other bitches joining in it was another great read!

Mandy and Tex are coming up next and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for them.

[Dea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pharo! Finally!

This wasn’t my fav in this series/world but it was an enjoyable read. I think that just means the other books were 6🌟 reads!

I love seeing the other characters and I’m totally excited for Mandy’s book.

Definetly worth reading!!

[camms.bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming in Hot

These guys are toxic as two people can be! Hostile! The underlying issues come to the surface in the best of ways. Love this.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt the romance aspect in this book was seriously lacking. I also spent a good portion of the book confused😅

[Verity Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this but in the end I DNF at 58%. Jax was so unlikeable from the beginning that I didn’t connect with him at all, and consequently I couldn’t get into the story whatsoever. Maybe I’ll come back to it, but in the meantime I’ll be waiting for Mandy’s book.

[Crisana · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5* The pacing felt a bit off for me and I did not think they had enough quality time together for me to believe their love. I wanted to like it more but there was just too much noise around them.

[Nadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to live this book but JAX is just so immature and whiny

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahh I just love their world and I was so excited to be back with the Bitches! I love each one of them so much and always look forward to more stories with them. Coming in Hot did not disappoint, and it really took me by surprise! Pharo had been such a closed book for the series and we didn’t know much about the mystery man. He was always in and out, quiet, and just there. We didn’t know why he got under Jax skin and we didn’t know their sad back story. I was not ready for all the angst, sadness, and grief these two had to work through. I loved their push pull and the fact that Jax just loves to hate Pharo it’s a thing maybe it’s his kink🤣 who knows he just can’t stop. Now we wait for poor sweet Mandy and Tex’s story!

[Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the love for these boys is real! They are a couple that’s past makes it harder to see the now or what’s been hiding behind the tragedy!

I really enjoyed getting their story and see how they learned to figure it out and communicate! It’s a beautiful story that has some laughs and some steam but of course the most important element was the love!

Loved it!


(I received an advanced reader copy of this book, it did not affect my opinion of this story)

[rosemarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

well well well jax was definitely a (somewhat) lovable bitch with stitches (and can we talk about that synopsis?)

i would first like to say that the enemies-to-lovers tension that jax and pharo had was one of the best i have ever read in a romance book! that was definitely the highlight of coming in hot for me and VERY enjoyable to read.

pros:
- i very much appreciate pharo's egyptian heritage! many books in this genre struggle with diversity, but this one definitely didn't.
- i could tell that a lot of research into the military was done for this book. i don't think it would have been as intriguing if not for that.
- unlike many typical enemies-to-lovers, i felt that jax had a pretty good reason for hating pharo. and it wasn't to the point in which the reader hated pharo too; there was more a gray area to that whole situation, which i think should honestly be a staple for this genre.
- the moment in which pharo and jax re-realized their attraction to each other was just prime. it's like you could feel something between them leading up to that moment, but until they put a name on it, you weren't sure what it was. and it didn't feel like some dramatic reveal either; more like tension being unburied.
- i liked how clearly different jax and pharo's personalities were in their separate chapters; i feel like that can sometimes be lost in dual perspective romance.
- i ADORED joey. i don't know how it's possible to like a side character so much, but i was vibing with her character SO hard. i would have loved to see her get more screentime and be a more significant female character.

cons:
- i feel like in the two's first kiss scene, pharo was a little too forceful with jax. saying things like "i'll just take it from him" are never ok.
- i didn't enjoy the scene where pharo explained him and jax's whole romance to the bitches. it might have been better at the end of the book, but when it happened, it just felt very repetitive to the readers. i feel like pharo could have just mentioned that he told the bitches everything and have that be that.
- i didn't like the third-act breakup; it was genuinely very immature (of jax). i understand that jax has trauma, but not to the point where he needed to scream at pharo in front of their closest friends without even confirming the situation he was angry about. (also, because i feel like the book didn't focus on their actual time as a couple enough, it felt like a third-act breakup before they had even gotten together.)
- i had the issue of many moments in the book being forced. the karaoke scene, some lines during sex scenes, the bar scene at the end...they felt forced in to build further tension between jax and pharo after they had already gotten together, which is kind of contradictory in itself.
- everything after the third-act breakup could have been condensed into one seamless conclusion. i feel like the book stretched on a little longer than it needed to.
- the book spent a very long time on the period of time before jax and pharo got together. which is ok, but given the pace of the book, i felt like i was reading a pre-romance in which the end of the book is the beginning of their relationship rather than a romance where at the end their relationship is a little more developed.
- i liked pharo's mom's chapter when i first read it, but ended up disliking it after i finished. again, i feel like the sole purpose of the chapter was get us to appreciate the romance more, and at this point, we already did. i know it's a little dark, but it would have been better if the chapter was earlier in the story and pharo's mom died at the end of it to add more depth to the book. but then there would be a whole trauma arc..even so, i just feel like something bigger could have been done with it.
- correct me if i'm wrong, but did was it ever explicitly said what happened to jordan? if it was, ignore this completely, but if it wasn't, jordan's death was a constant theme throughout the story and a consistently mentioned event, but yet the readers aren't clear on what actually happened to him. it was a bit of unnecessary confusion that could have easily been cleared up.

but overall, i enjoyed this book! i almost want to read the rest of this series; keep doing what you do, raquel riley.

I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Jax and Pharo are like oil and water they do not mix well together. They have a lot of history together and went through some things that neither of them have ever dealt with or discussed. Until the moment when they both realize that they don't want to run anymore, they want to do better and to be better.

For those who don't like angsty stories, this one might not be for you. There is A LOT of angst throughout this whole story, these two do not like each other one bit and that definitely shows. I thought the writing was good and I really enjoyed seeing the Knitting circle crew again. I love when past characters make appearances and they definitely did that here and I really enjoyed that. One of my favorite things about the Scars and Stripes series, and now this one, is that no matter the differences between them or the anger, or how 'broken' they are, they all come together for each other whenever they are needed. And sometimes even when they aren't needed but that's what really shows how deep their bonds are with each other.

Don't get me wrong, I like angst in my stories, but I think Pharo and Jax might've been my limit for angst. Or maybe its because of them being enemies for almost the whole duration of this book, but something about it just felt too drawn out. I was craving for there to be some sort of buffer between all the angst, something that showed them getting over their anger... And while they technically did get over their anger, there was never any scenes where they were being in love without the jabs and the verbal sparring. I get that its their own love language and that's great, but I just wish there was more to them and their relationship. I would've liked seeing them go on more dates without arguing, or spending quality time together without it leading to hateful spicy scenes.

Having said that though, I do still think this is a good story and I did enjoy the writing even though I wasn't in love with the couple. I will say that I thought the heavy conversations these two had were handled and written really well, I liked the importance of talking out issues and problems so then you can try to move on from them. And I think that message came across really well.

I am really excited for Mandy's story, his is the one I've been most excited for. And I am SO happy he's finally getting his own chance at a happily ever after.