Choosing You

Gravity Hill #3

by Taylor Wilson-West

Banks Rossi was the golden boy of the core four, and then his life fell apart.

College is supposed to be where you get a fresh start, a new beginning. It’s where you find yourself, and make friendships that last a lifetime, but not for me.

Ever since my mom died two years ago I haven’t felt like myself.

Pushing people away, drinking, and experimenting with drugs is the only way I can stand to survive knowing my mom is gone.

That, and stringing along my childhood sweetheart, Henry Forbes.

I know I’m no longer the guy Henry fell in love with, and I can’t seem to stop hurting him, but I also can’t seem to let him go.

A threat from an old rival family against someone I love sends me over the edge, pushing me to sell my soul to the devil.

Taking away the one thing I was holding onto from my old life.

My friends say I’m reckless, but I call it selfless.

Friendships will be tested.

Loyalties will change.

And we will find out if love can endure.


All because I didn’t think choosing you was an option.

**Choosing You is meant for a mature audience, it is not suitable for younger audiences.**

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2025

About the author

Taylor Wilson-West is a firm believer that the magic of words on a page can transport readers to new places, and finds comfort in making new, albeit fictional, friends. Currently residing in a small town in North Carolina with her husband and two perfect kiddos, she lives off Cheerwine, potatoes, and ranch dressing. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found shopping at bookstores, adding to her never ending bookshelves. Taylor finds it necessary to have a bookish candle that fits every genre and book character that she has ever fallen in love with. Her favorite moment in any consumable media is when confident, fat main characters get their happily ever after.

If you’ve made it this far, please leave a review! Reviews are an author's best friend, and readers obviously! :P

Reviews

[Charley Hutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘺 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘦𝘴. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺-𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨-𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦. 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘺.”

Jesus, this book had my in its grip and was NOT letting me get away until I had read the whole dam thing!

Ok. So I thought ahh cute starting off strong with some best friends in love and all that .. but no, I should have know my heart was going to get stamped out throughout most of this book.. but I 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 it!

I had to give myself some much needed breaks & a talking to because my heart was breaking for Henry .. and Banks you absolute TWAT because come on .. and that didn’t let up through the whole thing these guys were getting a talking to because Jesus they had my heart in shreds.

Jaw on THE FLOOR - “I never loved you Henry, the only mistake was letting you in my bed” .. excuse you 👀 god I wanted to launch my kindle

My heart broke for these boys, Henry loving Banks to much, and Banks for being scared to love & be loved! I just wanted to reach into the kindle and bang there heads together and to also shout at them for separate reason’s 😂

I’m glad that there was a point when Banks though he had lost Henry & it finally kicked some sense into him for him to realise he needed to sort himself out for his family & friends and also because he wanted to be better for Henry and win him back. He needed to deal with his grief of losing him mum and stop being so angry and closed off and allow everyone to love him and to finally let himself be happy and continuing forward with his life.

𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘮 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘮.

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬.”

Ahh I really wanted more grovelling, like on his knees begginggggggg ..

Even though the situation with Charlie, I’m glad that her & Banks had a friendship from it & also that Henry had a friendship with her as-well ☺️

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my review**

[lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars – A Raw, Emotional, and Unforgettable Read

Choosing You by Taylor Wilson-West is the kind of book that lingers in your heart long after you turn the last page. It’s raw, real, and deeply emotional in a way that feels almost tangible—you don’t just read this book, you feel it.

Henry and Banks completely stole my heart. Their story is layered with so much depth, making every moment between them feel genuine and powerful. The way their relationship unfolds is breathtaking, full of highs and lows that kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved how every emotion was so well-crafted—joy, pain, longing—it all hit so hard in the best way.

Beyond the romance, this book shines in its exploration of love, loss, and the bonds we create outside of blood. The chosen family aspect is beautifully intertwined, adding even more depth to the story. Every character, every relationship, every moment felt intentional, making it impossible not to be fully invested.

I devoured this in 48 hours and loved every second. If you’re looking for a book that will pull you in, break you a little, and put you back together in the most beautiful way, Choosing You is it.

[peoniesandmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

UM WOW.
this book is exactly what I needed, the angst was wonderful and the jealousy? yeah i was foaming at the mouth.
i wish this was longer hahaha.

[Madison_renee2415 · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good!!!

I absolutely love these two characters!

Check your triggers. 
Henry and Banks have been best friends their whole lives and love each other so much.
But after Banks' mother dies, he has become a completely different person and Henry is by his side waiting for him to be the guy he used to be.
In the midst of all this, one of their family members is in trouble and Banks decides by helping out on his own and gets engaged to solve the problem while breaking Henry's heart some more.
I loved how they both had to figure out who they were without each other and function on their own. My emotions were up and down, I cried a few times, but in the end I was so happy. Again, loved this book so much. I know I didn't say a lot but then again I don't spoil books for others. Just have to dive in and read for yourself. :)

[Tonya ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to lovers isn't usually my jam but I did enjoyed this book. I just wanted to protect Henry at all cost. The mafia aspects were pretty good, and it flowed well with the plot. Along with the found family vibes I got I want everyone to have a book lol

I was loving the book up to the very end which felt pretty rushed to me. I wanted a bit more when it came to Banks and Henry's relationship at the end. I wanted to see a bit more of Banks growth page vs. just being kinda told what happened and what he's done.

Solid 4 ⭐

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read the first two books in this series but I was really intrigued with Choosing You and this book had me in its grip from the beginning. This book had everything I love to read. It was super angsty with an interesting plot and all the characters in the book was amazing, I loved them all.

Henry and Banks been through so much and I loved them together. My heart broke for Banks and while I understood what he was growing through, I still felt so bad for Henry and how Banks treated him. But Banks got himself together and his character development was beautiful. Their relationship was raw, real, and deeply emotional and that’s what I loved about them. Their love story was powerful and every moment between them felt real and genuine.

This book is not just heavy on the romance. This story is layered with grief, love and finding yourself again. And the author wrote everything beautifully. Overall, I devoured this book and fell in love with Henry and Banks.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My poor heart. I hated Banks. He was an absolute dick to my little Henry. Ok yes I feel a motherly protection over a fictional characters... but you will to. That poor child went through the wrigner.
This is a cute friend's to lovers turned toxic du to a shit load of trauma. In the end I honnestly love them both. Banks really is one of those flawed, "unlikable" characters that I do tend to prefer and well I just want to hug Henry.
This can be read as a standalone but a lot of the mafia issues breathe through all three books, and they are honnestly really god so I do suggest reading waiting for the pieces and breaking you first to get the complete effect.
Can't wait for Toby's story next.

[Lyndsay Blackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say?! First thank you Taylor for giving me the chance to read this book as an advanced copy.

This book had me feeling every emotion possible I swear. Did I love Henry, YES!! However Banks 🥵 I was beyond in love with. His struggles, his willingness to do for others what they couldn’t understand and just his overall story 💔

“I love you Henry Forbes. And I’ll show you every-fuck-ing-day that you let me.” After all was said and done this love story is one everyone should read!

[Rae | waesmiles reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to Beta Read this by the author and I really enjoyed it! Considering I was new to the entire series, it gave amazing character background info which was essential.

I loved how strong willed Henry was. Honestly I loved how he just knew his limits when it came to Banks. You can just tell how much he loved that man to be able to walk away.

We struggle through this angst I’m not going to lie, this hurts for a long while until it gets better, but honestly you just need that some times. Henry didn’t back down in his convictions and I’m glad Banks was put through his paces.

Am I now going to go back and read all the others from the series? Yes, immediately.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to beta read this and feedback 🤍

[Drea Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

I may simply perish waiting for the final installment of this series .....

Choosing You is Full House but make it Mafia... leave it to Taylor to always pull me out of a reading slump. 📚 Choosing you may have stole the top spot in my love for all of Taylor's books.

You simply must read this thrilling Trilogy!
The Heir Trilogy :
Breaking You -Talon & Cin
Choosing you -Banks & Henry
Keeping you-Toby & ✨ [REDACTED] ✨

[Amanda McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I begin, I would like to thank Taylor Wilson-West for allowing me to read a copy of her upcoming book, Choosing You, which is the third book of her Gravity Hill series and will be available on Amazon on February 25th, 2025.

Banks Rossi’s life changed two years ago when his mother died. Now in college, he isolates himself from loved ones, drinks, does drugs, and strings along his friend and childhood sweetheart, Henry Forbes. Banks is different from the person Henry fell in love with in the past, but Banks struggles letting him go and ends up hurting Henry over and over again. When his loved ones receive a threat from an old rival family, Banks is pushed beyond his limit and sacrifices the one thing he has left of his old life. Banks swears he’s doing the right thing even though his friends think otherwise. Can Banks and Henry heal and move towards a happier future, or will their decisions only lead to heartbreak?

This book was great. You have Banks, a blunt, confident, clever, and handsome young man with a sharp tongue and fierce loyalty for his loved ones. You have Henry, a soft, sweet, hardworking, and intelligent young man that loves to bake and hang out with his friends and father. The interactions between Henry and Banks were often charged with both want and unresolved feelings which gave way to miscommunication in attempts to protect the other in different ways. There were many times when I wanted to yell at Banks for his impulsivity, but I understood where he was coming from due to what was happening now and in the past. It was good seeing characters from the previous books, and I appreciated the author’s approach to grief and healing from trauma, especially acknowledging that some reactions that people made were unsustainable if not toxic. I cheered for Henry and Banks to resolve their conflicts with each other and loved watching them grow stronger as I read the book. Overall, if you like good friend dynamics, mob families, complex characters, baking, arranged-marriages, and charged second chance/childhood-friends-to-lovers with quite a bit of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link with more information: Choosing You (Gravity Hill Book 3) - Kindle edition by Wilson-West, Taylor. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

[Virginie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I had already grown fond of Banks and Henry in the previous books—and especially of Henry, who is a total sweetheart—so I was looking forward to reading their story. It wasn’t all plain sailing for my emotions, but I have absolutely no regrets about having read this book. I didn’t mind the tears, it was worth it in the end. Choosing You is a book I really enjoyed reading.

I won’t lie, I was extremely frustrated by Banks’ behaviour. I understand his point of view and why he decided to make certain choices, but damn it, I can’t count the number of times I wanted to smack him in the back of the head to knock some sense into him—even if it meant using violence. It was extremely hard to see Henry suffer—especially as I have a soft spot for him. Henry really is a sweet boy and it’s sometimes hard to believe that he’s part of the found family we’ve known since the beginning of the Gravity Hill series, were it not for the presence of Fern and Cin in that family.

As I’ve mentioned before, there were quite a few times when tears were shed. It was hard to watch Henry and Banks’ hearts break. I was proud of Tal for standing up for Henry when everyone else was silent. With Cin in his life now, the young man is really moving in the right direction. This book also introduces us to new characters, including Charlie. Once you get to know her through her interactions with Banks, it’s hard not to like the witty young woman. Finally, as for Toby, I’m really looking forward to reading the book that will focus on his story. There are a lot of mysteries surrounding him that I want to understand.

Through this story, I found that grief was evoked in a fairly accurate way. Losing your mother is a really difficult ordeal and it explains a lot about Banks’ personality. The binge eating topic is also addressed in this book through Henry and I hope for his comfort that this is something he can work on in the future as I know only too well the toll a crisis can take on your mental health.

I wanted to thank Taylor Wilson-West for writing a story in which one of the two MMCs is plus size. While more books are being written with plus size FMCs than before—though still not enough for my opinion—it really is much rarer to find ones with plus size MMCs. Yet all sizes deserve to be loved.

I’m now looking forward to the release of Keeping You .

Thanks to Taylor Wilson-West and Nisha’s Books and Coffee PR for giving me the opportunity to receive an ARC of Choosing You. This review is my own. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Jessie J melka · Rating 3 out of 5]

{Choosing you}
Arc review by Jessie Melka
___________•___________

“I’m sorry,” he says it’s a whisper chat between two broken boys who have no idea how to sever the tie that binds them

BLURB START:

College is supposed to be where you get a fresh start, a new beginning. It’s where you find yourself, and make friendships that last a lifetime, but not for me. Ever since my mom died two years ago I haven’t felt like myself. Pushing people away, drinking, and experimenting with drugs is the only way I can stand to survive knowing my mom is gone.

That, and stringing along my childhood sweetheart, Henry Forbes. I know I’m no longer the guy Henry fell in love with, and I can’t seem to stop hurting him, but I also can’t seem to let him go. A threat from an old rival family against someone I love sends me over the edge, pushing me to sell my soul to the devil.
Taking away the one thing I was holding onto from my old life.

BLURB END:

Choosing you is book 3 of the gravity hill series not can be read as a standalone I’m gonna be honest with you I haven’t read any of the other books in the series and if its not your speed either I can tell you from what i experienced that you can definitely read this book without getting too confused about what’s going on

At some aspects i can see that Henry and Banks fits well together even if the book was mostly focusing on Banks fighting with himself and going through grief and Henry learning to be himself outside of the family I would have left to see a bit more of Henry and Banks in a relationship not just the start and “the end” but more of how they work together

In the book they talk a lot about being soulmates and in many cases where this is claimed i typically agree but I don’t know if it’s the misfortune of my mood while reading but I don’t think that this is the case where i would agree. When you read a book where the relationship is toxic that’s a big difference where I of sometimes for romanticising it but in this particular scenario I find that is just annoying

The thing I found most exhilarating about this book was how different grief can impact people Banks challenging all his hurt into anger extremely relatable to people going through grief there is no specific process when going through a loss the most important part is to find your way back to happiness

I really admire how Henry can stand in so strong in a difficult years between banks fighting grief, and really breaking Henrys heart his love for banks was shown to run so deep throughout the whole book knowing that banks what’s the one for him even when he doubted everything it was great to read

Also a quick shout out to the magnificent spice in thes book it was absolutely delicious. I ate it all up.

I read the book a three star and there is nothing to say that this book is not great. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. It was a little too fast paced for me, but remember to always form your own opinions
until next time my loves

Rating: 3/5
Spice: 2/5
Angst: 2,5/5
Would I read again: sadly no🥲

(I received an advance copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily)

🏕️ MM
💔 Plus size Mc
🏕️ Arranged marriage
💔 It’s always been you
🏕️ Friends to strangers to lovers
💔 Grovelling
___________•___________

[Amanda Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️ Spice: 3.5/5🌶️

Tropes:
🏈 Found family
🥐 MM Romance
🏈 Plus size MMC
🥐 Arranged marriage
🏈 Angsty

Choosing You is book 3 in the Gravity Hill series and it follows Banks and Henry on their journey back to each other. After losing his mom Banks puts a massive wall up and isolates everyone, especially the one closest to him.

Ohhh my lanta, this book had me in its grip and wouldn’t let go. The first pages hooked me, the raw emotion that Banks and Henry shared. But then Taylor ripped my heart out and stomped on it but don’t worry it ends in HEA so she put it back together!

My heart broke for Henry sooo many times throughout this book, he wears his heart on his sleeve and loves Banks soo much he’s willing to let him walk all over him in hopes that he will realize what he’s been missing. But Henry is also strong and could only be pushed so far.

Banks doesn’t feel he’s worthy of anyone’s love especially Henry’s, he’s also protective of his heart because he already lost one of the most important people in his life and he is afraid to lose any more. Banks pushes Henry away in the most heartbreaking way possible and I wanted to cry and give Henry a hug.

My heart also broke for Banks as much as he was a jerk to Henry he was also still hurting, he never fully grieved for his mom. But he also thought he was no good for Henry and that Henry deserved someone so much better, which is why he’s so cut off and rude. He wants Henry to move on. Instead of leaning on his family and friends, he pushes them all away and acts out.

Banks has a lot of character growth in this book and I absolutely loved seeing him work through his issues and heal from his trauma. Henry also has some growth when he finally had enough of getting used and trampled on, he moved on, he put himself first.

Taylor did an amazing job writing this book. She took a lot of heavy topics and wrote about them so delicately and so raw and real. You will see a lot of love, loss, and the bonds they created. If you are looking for a book that’ll pull you in, break you, and then put you back together this book is it!!

“I love you, Henry Forbes. And I’ll show you every-fucking-day that you let me. Choosing you was inevitable, Fancy.”

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Ate. This. Up!!! I got hooked at the start and I just flew through it. I had to keep reading to see what else happened to these boys. This book also wrecked me, I was crying off and on for a while there. For some reason I went into it thinking it will be a sweet-ish best friends to lovers story, but it was not that, and I loved it. I felt like this book gave me everything I wanted but didn't know I needed it.

Banks and Henry are childhood sweethearts, but after loosing his mom, Banks struggles to cope with the grief and pushes everyone away. Henry is so in love with Banks that he endures everything he puts him through while still trying to help him cope. I loved the push and pull between them, loved seeing the emotions burst out. Banks sacrificing himself to save a member of their family and in turn hurting Henry had me in tears. That whole scene was so emotional. Henry's feelings were so strong and I felt so bad for him.
It was nice to see Banks starting therapy and working on himself after seeing the damage he'd done. Banks really put in the work for himself and that was beautiful to watch. I was glad that they found their way back to each other, because their connection was everything. I loved both characters so much, and my heart broke for them multiple times. Henry was so sweet and I just wanted the best for him and Banks as well, but sometimes I kinda wanted to bang their heads together.

This book was a bit of a rollercoaster, but I enjoyed every moment of the ride and I'm curious to read the next installment. I really enjoyed the writing, it was a very easy read and it was also fast paced and a true page turner.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choosing You by Taylor Wilson-West completely wrecked me—in the best way. I thought I was diving into a cute best-friends-to-lovers story, but oh no, my heart wasn’t safe at all. This book hooked me in and I couldn’t stop until I devoured the whole thing.

Henry and Banks? Whew. These two had me wanting to bang their heads together while also wrapping them in a big hug. Henry is sweet, soft, and way too in love with Banks, while Banks is the classic grumpy, emotionally constipated guy who’s terrified of love. Their dynamic was pure chaos, and I loved every second.

There were moments that made me gasp out loud (seriously, that line—“I never loved you, Henry…”—I almost threw my Kindle 😭), and times I wanted to scream at Banks to get his act together. But when he finally realised he was about to lose Henry for good? Perfection. I only wish there was a bit more groveling—like on his knees level—but I’ll take what I can get.

Henry’s love of baking was such a sweet touch (pun intended), and his bond with his found family was just chef’s kiss. And Banks? Total grump with hidden softie vibes. Watching him work through his grief, go to therapy, and actually grow was so satisfying.

I hadn’t read the earlier books in this series, but this one stood strong on its own. That said, now I have to go back and read the others because I’m officially obsessed.

If you’re into MM romance with sports vibes, mafia undertones, and a whole lot of emotional chaos, Choosing You is the perfect pick. 10/10 would let it break my heart again.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

As a beginning note, this is the third book in a series. I did not read the first two.
Overall, I really like the book. Coming into this reading it as a standalone was a tiny bit rough at the beginning but by the end, I was fully clued into everything needed for this particular storyline. I would explain it as the first two books would be helpful to read but are definitely not required reading.
The book follows Banks Rossi as he navigates life after his mother’s death. Henry Forbes is learning to exist with this new version of his childhood best friend and sweetheart. Unfortunately, that means heartbreak and being strung along. Everything between them blows up when Banks agrees to an arranged marriage for the safety of his family. The two of them must decide if this is it or if they’re meant for forever.
This book had a really good set of twists. After my minor confusion about the many plot lines happening all at once, I was really able to get into the story. The emotions each character was feeling were very present in the story. The dual perspectives really add to that as you learn the deeper feelings of each side and why they both think the is wrong or right.
If you like a darker but not too dark second chance with some angst thrown in, this book is great! I would recommend reading the first two books before starting. Plus, there’s still more to come in the series!

[Jess *lovetolovebooks* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry and Banks come with a lot of complicated history, trauma, and pain. What started as something sweet and promising has turned into something toxic and painful after Banks loses his mom in a house fire and completely shuts his heart off to anyone. He still wants Henry but he refuses to love. In truth he’s just scared. Scared of fucking things up, scared of losing someone else he loves. They are both sad boys with broken hearts and losses to deal with but they just handle it in completely different ways.
And I’ll just be honest and say Banks is a right bastard for what he does to Henry but he puts in the work to make things right and to start to heal the wounds he made. This was a beautiful, angsty, emotional read that I adored. It’s another fantastic addition to the Gravity Hill series. Loved being back in this world.

5⭐️
3.5🔥

Choosing You released today and is available in KU

What to expect:
MM
Friends to strangers to lovers
College
Plus size MMC who loves to work in the coffee shop/bakery
Football player MMC
Praise/degradation
“It’s always been you.”

TW/CW (mostly taken from author’s list in book): Physical Abuse from a parent, Disordered Eating (Binge Eating, on page), Self-destructive habits, Death of a parent (on page in a memory), Cheating (not between the mc’s) Guns, Violence, and there’s some insecurities about one’s body due to weight gain

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taylor Wilson-West absolutely wrecked me with this book. Choosing You is an emotionally raw, deeply intense, and beautifully heartbreaking MM romance that had me hooked from page one. Banks’ journey is messy, painful, and real, and watching him spiral while trying to hold onto Henry was gut wrenching in the best way.

Banks and Henry’s relationship is so complex—the love, the history, the push and pull—it’s impossible not to feel every bit of their pain and passion. Banks is so lost, drowning in grief, and his self-destructive choices had me yelling at my Kindle. But through all the heartbreak, there’s still so much love, and that made every moment between them even more powerful.

The tension, the high stakes drama, and the forbidden elements kept me on edge, and the family rivalries added another intense layer to the story. Every friendship, every loyalty shift, every difficult choice felt so real and gripping.

This book doesn’t hold back—it’s angsty, emotional, and raw, but it also delivers so much love, healing, and hope. If you love MM romance with imperfect characters, second chances, and love that refuses to let go, Choosing You is an absolute must for your TBR. 💔🔥✨

Thank you to Taylor Wilson-West and Nisha's Books & Coffee for the eARC of this book.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

I absolutely positively LOVE this book so freaking much. The angst was top freaking tier! lol Henry is my sweet sweet baby that I just want to protect at all costs. He is sensitive, so very loving, caring and just so passionate. Banks drove me absolutely insane so much of the book I wanted to throw my iPad SEVERAL times and kick him in the nuts lmao. I understood where he was coming from but UGH COME ON!! lol There were a few times I cried for Henry because of what that man put him through and I felt Henry’s pain so much. I just wanted to jump in the book and hold him. This was my first book by Taylor and I was NOT disappointed and cannot wait to go down a rabbit hole of her books. The book wasn’t very spicy which was perfectly fine. It really focused a lot on their actual journey back to each other and thank god for that HEA because my heart couldn’t take it anymore lol. ALSO that cliffhanger?!?!?! lol not the relationship they have an HEA but something else in the book and I can’t wait to keep reading because I need to know what happens! lol if you’re looking for a book that’s going to pull at your heart strings, make you want to pull your hair out and throw things 😂 this book is PERFECT for you.

[J. Falen Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Choosing You without having read the previous books in the series. Thankfully, the author provided enough background information for me to be able to make sense of everything pertaining to this particular entry. Both Henry and Banks were likable and sympathetic MCs, even at their lowest points (I'm looking at you, Banks). I also liked all of the other characters in their family and feel like I may want to read the rest of the series so that I can learn more about them.

I do have a few issues with this one. Henry's subplot with his roommate/coworker is dropped rather suddenly. What happened to Koda, and will we hear anymore about him? The events at the gala are left open and uncertain. Will everything be resolved in the next book? The last 10-20% of the book just felt far too rushed, especially after everything that came before it.

Choosing You is a fast, easy read with characters the reader can actually care about, and I'll likely be checking out the other entries in this series. 4/5 stars.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️

This was my introduction to Taylor Wilson-West, and I am slightly obsessed! I knew going in this was going to be a high angst read but nothing could have prepared me for the ways it would both break and mend my heart.

Banks was initially so hard to like; most of the first few chapters I wanted to reach in and smack some sense into him. The way he repeatedly hurts Henry is inexcusable, but I found myself slowly empathizing with him in his grief. There is something very real in the way he refuses to allow himself to be happy in the face of all he’s lost.

And Henry – my heart absolutely ached for him. To love so fiercely despite everything he’s been through is both admirable and its own form of punishment. The rawness of his pain is palpable in every decision he makes; it’s impossible not to love him.

The level of angst in this book is seriously off the charts but done in such a way that it never feels forced or fake. It is a genuine look at how grief and loss can have us floundering in every aspect of our lives. It’s an emotional read, for sure, but definitely worth it!

[Alicia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read and review this book as an ARC and was so grateful I did! Almost from the very first page, I was hooked on Henry and Banks! Without giving too much away, I would love to share some of my favorite things about both MMCs.

Henry had me at baked goods! The underlying thread of his love for baking was a huge plus in my book, as well as the consistently strong relationships with his "brothers". Henry is the kind of MMC you want to see succeed and can't help but champion his success and happiness.

Banks is that broody and grumpy character you will easily fall in love with! The way his trauma and subsequent struggles that eventually landed him in therapy were handled by the author were authentic and supportive. The character development in Banks's story was truly incredible.

I can't say enough positive about this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys MM, mafia, or sports-themed romance. I can confidently say I have now found a new favorite author and look forward to reading her other work!

[Gemma Keenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I have a lot of mixed emotions about this one, because I loved book one I FELL HARD for book two and I just expected more from this book

This is Henry and banks story, and if you have read books one and two you know they have a complicated relationship, I was so sweet to get the back story to see the hurt the character growth and the love bringing them back together. Also seeing tal and cin in the book made me miss them all the more 😭

The plot was on point but I felt that Henry and banks deserved more, more romance more time more exploration, I’m sad at where it ended we never heard what happened with koda and getting so much background on him I really felt like he was going to pop up as a villain in this book but he didn’t like? Where did he go … also poor Gemma like where are you girly pop? She deserves her own book at this point 🤣

but I can’t fault the book I’m just a whore for MM and this series on a whole.

[Ella Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banks and Henry were compelling characters and I was happy that they ultimately got their HEA. It was a good look at how grief can impact a person's relationships and how a person's actions can impact so many others too. There were times I wanted to yell at Banks, even a couple I wanted to yell at Henry, but they were young and growing into themselves and honestly dealing with a lot. For the most part though, I really enjoyed the story and it was an enjoyable read.

The reason I subtracted a star was because I felt the ending was off-pace from the rest of the story. It seemed the penultimate event happened then BAM, story over. It just felt off I guess? I thought I had more to read after, and was disappointed I didn't because there were still loose ends I thought that I didn't have answers or resolutions to.

[Daryn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choosing You ARC Review-

Banks and Henry 🩶

After the tragic death of Banks’ Mom, he pulls away from everyone, including his long time best friend turned boyfriend Henry. Now that they are freshman in college, Henry watches as Banks continues to spiral all while giving and taking away the hope Henry has of Banks ever finding himself again. When a threat against the safety of a member of their family is made by a dangerous adversary, Banks takes action at the expense of alienating Henry, along with his family, forever.

The amount of pain both these boys are in is palpable, but Henry’s pain hurt more than Banks for me. Banks is aware of his inability to find it in him to get help for his trauma and grief along with his treatment of everyone around him, but especially with Henry. This young man is put through the wringer with how much his hope for Banks to love him like he used to is kept alive inside him. I feel for both Banks and Henry, and I am glad they were able to find a way to survive not only the danger but to achieve their HEA. There were plenty of times I was actively rooting against Banks, but he won me over in the end. Henry truly does deserve the world!

Overall, I had a heart wrenching yet lovely time reading this story.

4.5/5 🌟

[gabby wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

well, this book was a rollercoaster of emotions. banks and henry are best friends who have feelings for each other, but they were too afraid to tell each other. until one day they confess their feelings to each other on a camping trip and start a relationship. one day banks mother was murdered in a house fire and through his pain and grief he becomes someone he doesn't recognize. He becomes mean and, in the beginning, I didn't like him because of the way he treated henry. Henry is such a sweet person who loves to bake. henry wears his emotions on his sleeve and just wants his banks back. A threat comes to banks and henrys family and banks sacrifice's his self to help save his family. henry and banks get their well-deserved HEA with some hard work to repair their relationship.

[Ashley Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor has done it again!!!! I absolutely love Henry and Banks so much!! I don’t want to spoil this amazing book for anyone, so this will be a NO SPOILER review!
From the very beginning of this book I was completely invested in the story and didn’t want to stop reading it, because I needed to know what was going to happen!! This had me feeling ALL the emotions and I more than once wanted to square up with some of the characters, I won’t say who, but when you read it you’ll know! I’m so happy we got this book about Henry and Banks. So we could get into their heads and learn more about their epic love story! I’m so excited to see what happens next for not only Henry and Banks, but for the whole gang! 🖤🖤

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last!! Even though it was the third book in the series and the second of a “Heirs Trilogy” plenty of information was provided, so I wasn’t lost at all. In fact, what I did read, just made me desperate to go back and read the other books because this one was so good! Henry and Banks were such wonderful yet broken characters that you couldn’t help but rage at them even as you rooted for their HEA. I have to all give extra love to the author for the including the playlist, which I adore and put on while reading. I HIGHLY recommend doing that!!! Thank you to the author for providing an advance copy of the book.

[Unicorn Status · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was wow. This book builds you up quick in the beginning and then just destroys you (LOVE IT). It was a rollercoaster of emotions and just the right amount of jealousy.

I have never loved & hated an MC as much as I did with Banks. At one point I was ready to throat punch the little twerp. Especially after "I never loved you Henry, the only mistake was letting you in my bed"… I wanted to break my kindle or try and jump through it.

Omg, Henry, dear Henry. My heat broke for him and cheered for him. He was so loyal and in love to a man that was too afraid to love him back and too afraid to love himself.

If I say anymore I will give it away and I hate spoilers in reviews. Ugh, loved this story and will recommend. Such a great MM Mafia Romance.