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Just Love #5
Just Us
He shouldn’t look. He shouldn’t want. He should walk away. But how do you ignore a rainbow?
Gavin Mullen loves his life. He has everything he a loving family, the best friends a guy could ask for, and men and women lining up for his attention. At least, he thought he had everything he needed. Then he met Jonah. One handshake was enough to flip his entire world upside down. Nothing else mattered except getting to know the man he couldn’t stop thinking about and probably couldn't have.
Jonah Quinn is known as Doctor Freeze for a reason. He doesn’t do emotions, he doesn’t do pleasantries, and he definitely doesn’t do relationships. He’s had to hide who he really is to fit in with his mother’s cold world and society’s assumptions. He carefully crafted armour to shield his heart and protect himself, which has worked so far. Until he hears a laugh that lights up his soul. He doesn’t even know who he is but Jonah has already fallen.
Jonah has lived his entire life in black and white but now Gavin’s there, brilliant and full of love. If only he knew what to do with that much colour. Jonah must choose if he's ready to step into the light or if he'll fade into the dark again.
Just Us is a MM spicy romance between a happy-go-lucky golden retriever and a black cat trying to figure himself out, proving that with the right person by your side, you can finally feel safe to be free.
Gavin Mullen loves his life. He has everything he a loving family, the best friends a guy could ask for, and men and women lining up for his attention. At least, he thought he had everything he needed. Then he met Jonah. One handshake was enough to flip his entire world upside down. Nothing else mattered except getting to know the man he couldn’t stop thinking about and probably couldn't have.
Jonah Quinn is known as Doctor Freeze for a reason. He doesn’t do emotions, he doesn’t do pleasantries, and he definitely doesn’t do relationships. He’s had to hide who he really is to fit in with his mother’s cold world and society’s assumptions. He carefully crafted armour to shield his heart and protect himself, which has worked so far. Until he hears a laugh that lights up his soul. He doesn’t even know who he is but Jonah has already fallen.
Jonah has lived his entire life in black and white but now Gavin’s there, brilliant and full of love. If only he knew what to do with that much colour. Jonah must choose if he's ready to step into the light or if he'll fade into the dark again.
Just Us is a MM spicy romance between a happy-go-lucky golden retriever and a black cat trying to figure himself out, proving that with the right person by your side, you can finally feel safe to be free.
- GenresRomance
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 16, 2025
I was provided with an eARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Alright, let's get some housekeeping items out of the way.
1. I don't typically read MM, unless there's an F in there somewhere.
2. I'm always suspicious of books with an absurdly high average rating but very few ratings/reviews.
3. You, person or book-goblin reading this review, should know that I've read most of the other books in Ms. Tzag's Just Love series (I'm just missing one) so I am definitely a fan, but I'm also objective. At least I like to think so. I sure try to be.
In light of that...
1. I adored the relationship between MMC1 Gavin and MMC2 Jonah. Gavin has been a show-stealing rambunctious scamp of a side character since book 2, and Jonah is his quiet, shy, closeted, prim and proper foil. The emotional aspects of their relationship were fun, tender, and heartstring-tugging to read. Their physical aspects of their relationship was steamy but very very slow burn, and I feel like it was done with a great amount of respect and, importantly, was not written for the "female gaze" as many MM romances by female authors are.
2. I'm rating this 5 stars despite the 4.8 average rating because its fucking good. Really fucking good. Immaculate. No notes. There is a reel from a popular creator that dramatizes the feeling of distress when a reader attempts to turn a page on their e-reader and realizes with horror and heartbreak the book is finished. And that is how I felt when I finished Just Us. It can't end! It can't possibly be over! I need more! I gushed to my husband about this book over beers at a brewery and he was like "Holy shit, this author really seems to understand how to convey these themes."
3. While other books in the Just Love series can be read as standalones, I'm not so sure about this one. Readers wouldn't be lost or confused or anything, but there's three books of Gavin backstory and four books of other characters' backstory that would be missing. There are some scenes in Just Us that happen simultaneously with some scenes in Just For Fun (book 4). So, this could be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, I'd recommend reading at least book 4 prior to this.
As I mentioned, this romance features Gavin, who is an ADHD bisexual roofer who bestows nicknames like confetti, lacks any kind of filter and blurts out everything that comes into his brain, and frequently reiterates his love of bacon and has no qualms about pointing out things that are "banana pants" (strange/odd/weird/crazy). Is that a little cringey? Maybe. Do I love him anyways? Absofuckinglutely I do. I could see other readers being annoyed by him when he calls his father "Daddio" or rambles on and on. I could also see this being interpreted as a stereotype, however, Gavin is aware that he rambles and sometimes apologizes for it. He loves hard, plays hard, works hard, and feels hard. Feels like, emotions, I'm not making a dick joke. That's Gavin's job.
Conversely, Jonah's the polar opposite. So deep in the closet he might as well be in Narnia. He's aloof, to the point of being cold. In fact, his nickname at work as an anesthesiologist is Dr. Freeze. As he comes out of his shell, slowly, so slowly, he begins to thaw. It's an ongoing process to watch him loosen up around his coworkers, his family members one at a time, Gavin, and Gavin's family and friends. Bit by bit Jonah embraces his authenticity and that was such a beautiful part to read. I think it was even more so beautiful when held in comparison to Gavin, who is out and loud and proud and a total goofball.
Their journey to be together- and for Jonah to find himself- is... such a journey. It's got some ups and downs, some difficult moments, and some family members exhibit some homophobia, racism, classism, and probably other isms. Out of all the books, this one is probably the heaviest and most angsty, but with no third act breakup, love wins. Despite being chaos in a human skin, Gavin gives Jonah the space to grow and the time to accept himself. There are regular consent checks (is holding hands OK? Is a kiss on the temple OK?) and there is even examples of code switching, since Jonah is more "out" in front of some people than others. Being in public at a friend's house is different from being in public at a diner, and as such, different rules of PDA could apply. This is all demonstrated, and all handled with care, love, respect, and sensitivity.
The story itself, while being a fairly slow burn, has good pacing through the use of time skips. Sometimes a few months will pass at a time and that helps things move along and avoid any slogs. There's little bits of romance sprinkled throughout as Jonah allows himself to explore his sexuality, but if you're looking for immediate open-door action, this ain't it, chief. Here's a rough breakdown, behind the spoiler tag, of some of the pacing: To reiterate, this feels very much like it was not written for the female gaze, as some other MM books I've read were. Instead, it feels like it was written to show the complex nature of human sexuality and how happily ever afters can have all sorts of different looks.
Ms. Tzag has said that she never planned on writing a book for Gavin; this series was intended for Harper and her cousins, but in true Gavin-y fashion, he wiggled his way into the spotlight for the tender and heartfelt conclusion to this series. This book includes an epilogue (all the Just Love books have an HEA, that's no spoiler!) that takes place 8 years later. A lot happened in those 8 years and it's a testament to Ms. Tzag's writing that I'm devastated we as readers don't get to see every moment. Some characters that are preteens during the series are now all grown up, probably heading off to college soon, and I confess I feel a little weepy knowing they matured and I didn't get to see it. There are high school graduations I missed, job promotions, family reunions, pet adoptions, weddings, and births I feel like I missed out on. Despite that, after learning that Gavin has cousins, and knowing that some of the younger characters are growing up, I'm going to choose to be hopeful that someday Ms. Tzag will revisit the Tollard or Mullen or Quill families, and give us more stories that we can Just Love.
What a perfect book to release during Pride month.
I felt the dedication was particularly inspiring, and was my very first highlight, so I'll end my review with it for you to enjoy, too:
This book is dedicated to the ones still looking for their place in the world. You are loved. You are important. You are magic.
.
.
.
Alright, let's get some housekeeping items out of the way.
1. I don't typically read MM, unless there's an F in there somewhere.
2. I'm always suspicious of books with an absurdly high average rating but very few ratings/reviews.
3. You, person or book-goblin reading this review, should know that I've read most of the other books in Ms. Tzag's Just Love series (I'm just missing one) so I am definitely a fan, but I'm also objective. At least I like to think so. I sure try to be.
In light of that...
1. I adored the relationship between MMC1 Gavin and MMC2 Jonah. Gavin has been a show-stealing rambunctious scamp of a side character since book 2, and Jonah is his quiet, shy, closeted, prim and proper foil. The emotional aspects of their relationship were fun, tender, and heartstring-tugging to read. Their physical aspects of their relationship was steamy but very very slow burn, and I feel like it was done with a great amount of respect and, importantly, was not written for the "female gaze" as many MM romances by female authors are.
2. I'm rating this 5 stars despite the 4.8 average rating because its fucking good. Really fucking good. Immaculate. No notes. There is a reel from a popular creator that dramatizes the feeling of distress when a reader attempts to turn a page on their e-reader and realizes with horror and heartbreak the book is finished. And that is how I felt when I finished Just Us. It can't end! It can't possibly be over! I need more! I gushed to my husband about this book over beers at a brewery and he was like "Holy shit, this author really seems to understand how to convey these themes."
3. While other books in the Just Love series can be read as standalones, I'm not so sure about this one. Readers wouldn't be lost or confused or anything, but there's three books of Gavin backstory and four books of other characters' backstory that would be missing. There are some scenes in Just Us that happen simultaneously with some scenes in Just For Fun (book 4). So, this could be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, I'd recommend reading at least book 4 prior to this.
As I mentioned, this romance features Gavin, who is an ADHD bisexual roofer who bestows nicknames like confetti, lacks any kind of filter and blurts out everything that comes into his brain, and frequently reiterates his love of bacon and has no qualms about pointing out things that are "banana pants" (strange/odd/weird/crazy). Is that a little cringey? Maybe. Do I love him anyways? Absofuckinglutely I do. I could see other readers being annoyed by him when he calls his father "Daddio" or rambles on and on. I could also see this being interpreted as a stereotype, however, Gavin is aware that he rambles and sometimes apologizes for it. He loves hard, plays hard, works hard, and feels hard. Feels like, emotions, I'm not making a dick joke. That's Gavin's job.
Conversely, Jonah's the polar opposite. So deep in the closet he might as well be in Narnia. He's aloof, to the point of being cold. In fact, his nickname at work as an anesthesiologist is Dr. Freeze. As he comes out of his shell, slowly, so slowly, he begins to thaw. It's an ongoing process to watch him loosen up around his coworkers, his family members one at a time, Gavin, and Gavin's family and friends. Bit by bit Jonah embraces his authenticity and that was such a beautiful part to read. I think it was even more so beautiful when held in comparison to Gavin, who is out and loud and proud and a total goofball.
Their journey to be together- and for Jonah to find himself- is... such a journey. It's got some ups and downs, some difficult moments, and some family members exhibit some homophobia, racism, classism, and probably other isms. Out of all the books, this one is probably the heaviest and most angsty, but with no third act breakup, love wins. Despite being chaos in a human skin, Gavin gives Jonah the space to grow and the time to accept himself. There are regular consent checks (is holding hands OK? Is a kiss on the temple OK?) and there is even examples of code switching, since Jonah is more "out" in front of some people than others. Being in public at a friend's house is different from being in public at a diner, and as such, different rules of PDA could apply. This is all demonstrated, and all handled with care, love, respect, and sensitivity.
The story itself, while being a fairly slow burn, has good pacing through the use of time skips. Sometimes a few months will pass at a time and that helps things move along and avoid any slogs. There's little bits of romance sprinkled throughout as Jonah allows himself to explore his sexuality, but if you're looking for immediate open-door action, this ain't it, chief. Here's a rough breakdown, behind the spoiler tag, of some of the pacing: To reiterate, this feels very much like it was not written for the female gaze, as some other MM books I've read were. Instead, it feels like it was written to show the complex nature of human sexuality and how happily ever afters can have all sorts of different looks.
Ms. Tzag has said that she never planned on writing a book for Gavin; this series was intended for Harper and her cousins, but in true Gavin-y fashion, he wiggled his way into the spotlight for the tender and heartfelt conclusion to this series. This book includes an epilogue (all the Just Love books have an HEA, that's no spoiler!) that takes place 8 years later. A lot happened in those 8 years and it's a testament to Ms. Tzag's writing that I'm devastated we as readers don't get to see every moment. Some characters that are preteens during the series are now all grown up, probably heading off to college soon, and I confess I feel a little weepy knowing they matured and I didn't get to see it. There are high school graduations I missed, job promotions, family reunions, pet adoptions, weddings, and births I feel like I missed out on. Despite that, after learning that Gavin has cousins, and knowing that some of the younger characters are growing up, I'm going to choose to be hopeful that someday Ms. Tzag will revisit the Tollard or Mullen or Quill families, and give us more stories that we can Just Love.
What a perfect book to release during Pride month.
I felt the dedication was particularly inspiring, and was my very first highlight, so I'll end my review with it for you to enjoy, too:
This book is dedicated to the ones still looking for their place in the world. You are loved. You are important. You are magic.
May 11, 2025
Just Us is the equivalent to a warm hug. It is cozy, beautiful, and I couldn't get enough.
This was a beautiful story of love, acceptance, and being comfortable with oneself. Truly a feel-good read.
It was so easy to lose myself in this read. I couldn't put it down and flew through it. This is one I would absolutely recommend!
This was a beautiful story of love, acceptance, and being comfortable with oneself. Truly a feel-good read.
It was so easy to lose myself in this read. I couldn't put it down and flew through it. This is one I would absolutely recommend!
July 9, 2025
Just Us - Becky Tzag
4.25/5✨🌟
Bisexual
Older MC’s
Golden retriever with a golden retriever
Found family
Coming out
* SPOILERS *
So, even though I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, I felt you could read this as a standalone. Becky knew what she was doing when she brought Gavin and Jonah to life and man, what a roller coaster these two were. I literally wanted this book because MM is my favorite.
First off, Gavin is such a fun character. He’s so upbeat, such a sunshine character and has made me laugh so much in this book. Also, his obsession with food, especially when it came to bacon had me dying. Even if his sandwich had one piece of tomato or lettuce, he would call it healthy. Also, his no filter is just perfect.
God, I just wanted to hug Jonah so hard. He’s been through a lot with his conservative family - mainly his crazy and controlling mother. And his poor freak out with Gavin because he was so confused. I also love the relationship between his brother and him.
The way that they came together so naturally so perfect. And the spice…. Wow, just wow! I just loved how this amazing author wrote out the struggles of coming out, especially being afraid and just be comfortable in your own skin.
Also, the patience that Gavin gave Jonah was just so beautiful. And ugh, the bubble scenes. I just loved how he really let Jonah have free rein.
I was so happy when one of the parents kind of redeemed themselves in a way for Jonah. Also, the found family with friends and Gavin’s parents loving Jonah was just so beautiful to witness for him.
This book just made me so happy for both of them and it was so sweet to watch them on this beautiful adventure.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4.25/5✨🌟
Bisexual
Older MC’s
Golden retriever with a golden retriever
Found family
Coming out
* SPOILERS *
So, even though I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, I felt you could read this as a standalone. Becky knew what she was doing when she brought Gavin and Jonah to life and man, what a roller coaster these two were. I literally wanted this book because MM is my favorite.
First off, Gavin is such a fun character. He’s so upbeat, such a sunshine character and has made me laugh so much in this book. Also, his obsession with food, especially when it came to bacon had me dying. Even if his sandwich had one piece of tomato or lettuce, he would call it healthy. Also, his no filter is just perfect.
God, I just wanted to hug Jonah so hard. He’s been through a lot with his conservative family - mainly his crazy and controlling mother. And his poor freak out with Gavin because he was so confused. I also love the relationship between his brother and him.
The way that they came together so naturally so perfect. And the spice…. Wow, just wow! I just loved how this amazing author wrote out the struggles of coming out, especially being afraid and just be comfortable in your own skin.
Also, the patience that Gavin gave Jonah was just so beautiful. And ugh, the bubble scenes. I just loved how he really let Jonah have free rein.
I was so happy when one of the parents kind of redeemed themselves in a way for Jonah. Also, the found family with friends and Gavin’s parents loving Jonah was just so beautiful to witness for him.
This book just made me so happy for both of them and it was so sweet to watch them on this beautiful adventure.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
Note: This is book 5 of an interconnected, standalone series. It is NOT necessary to read the prior books to read and fall in love with this book.
One of my messages to Becky as I was reading: "My little heart is pitter pattering with joy!"
I was hooked from the dedication, because Becky just GETS ME, but really, meeting Gavin in chapter one had me immediately hooked. There is something about Gavin that just ... can he be my best friend? Please? I promise I'll always give him extra bacon.
This book is one of the best queer rep books I've read so far. Becky did a phenomenal job in exploring someone who is out, loud and proud, falling for someone who hasn't even been able to admit to himself that he is attracted to men.
Gavin is a complete golden retriever. His relationship with his family and friends is wonderful, supportive, hilarious, and makes me want to go and find my own tribe to live around. His steadfast and heartfelt support of Jonah just made me cry repeatedly. He is so gentle, caring, loving... and moving at a snail's pace (for him) in order to keep Jonah comfortable.. well, that's why my heart kept pitter pattering with joy.
Jonah's 'Doctor Freeze' is quiet, scared of his feelings, and deeply endearing, and I was rooting for them right from their first meeting. Witnessing his evolution was amazing, and I absolutely loved this coming out story. He had his boundaries, and he formed a 'bubble' with Gavin to help him come to understand who he really is.
This is a love story for the ages, and I'm only sorry this series is done because I would love endless stories of Gavin and Jonah. They make me so hopeful about love.
I generously received this eARC from Becky, and my opinions are my own.
One of my messages to Becky as I was reading: "My little heart is pitter pattering with joy!"
I was hooked from the dedication, because Becky just GETS ME, but really, meeting Gavin in chapter one had me immediately hooked. There is something about Gavin that just ... can he be my best friend? Please? I promise I'll always give him extra bacon.
This book is one of the best queer rep books I've read so far. Becky did a phenomenal job in exploring someone who is out, loud and proud, falling for someone who hasn't even been able to admit to himself that he is attracted to men.
Gavin is a complete golden retriever. His relationship with his family and friends is wonderful, supportive, hilarious, and makes me want to go and find my own tribe to live around. His steadfast and heartfelt support of Jonah just made me cry repeatedly. He is so gentle, caring, loving... and moving at a snail's pace (for him) in order to keep Jonah comfortable.. well, that's why my heart kept pitter pattering with joy.
Jonah's 'Doctor Freeze' is quiet, scared of his feelings, and deeply endearing, and I was rooting for them right from their first meeting. Witnessing his evolution was amazing, and I absolutely loved this coming out story. He had his boundaries, and he formed a 'bubble' with Gavin to help him come to understand who he really is.
This is a love story for the ages, and I'm only sorry this series is done because I would love endless stories of Gavin and Jonah. They make me so hopeful about love.
I generously received this eARC from Becky, and my opinions are my own.
June 19, 2025
4.25⭐ Gavin is fun and free-spirited and so comfortable with who he is. He has the best family and supportive friends who never make him feel any less than perfect as he is. Jonah grew up with nothing but expectations heavily weighing on him. When he hears Gavin laugh, it's like his chemistry is altered and he starts to question everything. The only answer he has? He can't do this.
First of all, I must celebrate for a hot minute because I'M IN A BOOK! Becky has been so kind and supportive of my lil bookstagram journey and being secretly a side-side-side character made my whole day/year/life 😍😭
Second of all, Gavin is the comedic relief and type of friend that makes happiness pour out of me in waves. He is such a gem! Jonah was on his own path of deciding to date a man, and despite Gavin's lack of filter and puppy dog energy, he was SO patient! The epitome of the best things in life are worth waiting for. Jonah struggled with becoming his true self, but he leaned on Gavin for support and it was such a beautiful and emotional relationship. Oh spicy too. SO spicy 🥵 I mean take two hot men and it just get exponentially better.
I'm sad the series is over, but it truly wasn't complete without Gavin's story!
Thank you thank thank you, Becky, for trusting me with an ARC!
First of all, I must celebrate for a hot minute because I'M IN A BOOK! Becky has been so kind and supportive of my lil bookstagram journey and being secretly a side-side-side character made my whole day/year/life 😍😭
Second of all, Gavin is the comedic relief and type of friend that makes happiness pour out of me in waves. He is such a gem! Jonah was on his own path of deciding to date a man, and despite Gavin's lack of filter and puppy dog energy, he was SO patient! The epitome of the best things in life are worth waiting for. Jonah struggled with becoming his true self, but he leaned on Gavin for support and it was such a beautiful and emotional relationship. Oh spicy too. SO spicy 🥵 I mean take two hot men and it just get exponentially better.
I'm sad the series is over, but it truly wasn't complete without Gavin's story!
Thank you thank thank you, Becky, for trusting me with an ARC!
June 16, 2025
I just found a new auto-buy author! This was my first Becky Tzag book and I'm not even mad I got into this series with the last book because that just means that I'm gonna be able to binge the whole series after this 😁
Just Us is the perfect weekend/summer read. Becky's writing makes it super easy to read and it's fun, swoony and steamy.
Gavin is the best golden retriever book boyfriend! He has major overeager ADHD puppy vibes and I just fell in love with him, as did Jonah 😏
These two were absolutely perfect together! I loved how Gavin was super patient and supportive of Jonah's journey out of the closet. He made a world of difference for him, he was able to shed his old cold-hearted persona and step into his real self and it was beautiful to witness. And the fact that Jonah was instantly accepted into Gavin's family really warmed my heart.
This book has all the feel good vibes and if you love a good fluffy, slow burn romance, then this will be right up your alley!
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.
Just Us is the perfect weekend/summer read. Becky's writing makes it super easy to read and it's fun, swoony and steamy.
Gavin is the best golden retriever book boyfriend! He has major overeager ADHD puppy vibes and I just fell in love with him, as did Jonah 😏
These two were absolutely perfect together! I loved how Gavin was super patient and supportive of Jonah's journey out of the closet. He made a world of difference for him, he was able to shed his old cold-hearted persona and step into his real self and it was beautiful to witness. And the fact that Jonah was instantly accepted into Gavin's family really warmed my heart.
This book has all the feel good vibes and if you love a good fluffy, slow burn romance, then this will be right up your alley!
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.
June 10, 2025
Reviewed as an eARC reader. All thoughts, comments, and reviews are my own.
*
*
What a great addition to the Just Love world! 4.5 ⭐️ , and a great amount of spice!
I really liked the integrated timeline- if you’ve read the series in order of publication, these characters have popped in and out and it was really refreshing and exciting for them to get their own book and fleshed out plot. I also applaud Tzag for stepping into a new world and writing male-male love really well. Crossing my fingers for wlw soon!
Initially I thought I might get annoyed by Gavin’s over enthusiastic golden retriever energy, but his tender and vulnerable moments make him really lovable. He is a big much for sure, but I think that’s the whole point of his character. It was also really nice to see multiple sides of family support for loving who you want to love. I was rooting for these boys all along.
Another great contemporary romance with all the nature and floral elements we adore from Just Love.
*
*
What a great addition to the Just Love world! 4.5 ⭐️ , and a great amount of spice!
I really liked the integrated timeline- if you’ve read the series in order of publication, these characters have popped in and out and it was really refreshing and exciting for them to get their own book and fleshed out plot. I also applaud Tzag for stepping into a new world and writing male-male love really well. Crossing my fingers for wlw soon!
Initially I thought I might get annoyed by Gavin’s over enthusiastic golden retriever energy, but his tender and vulnerable moments make him really lovable. He is a big much for sure, but I think that’s the whole point of his character. It was also really nice to see multiple sides of family support for loving who you want to love. I was rooting for these boys all along.
Another great contemporary romance with all the nature and floral elements we adore from Just Love.
May 24, 2025
I’m so glad that Gavin went from a side character in book 2 to being a MMC!!
I’ve loved Gavin’s playful energy throughout this whole series but seeing different layers of him in this book was something I didn’t know I needed. And Jonah… ugh I felt for him so much in this story, I’m so grateful we got to know him so much more and go on this journey of coming to terms with his sexuality and discovering who he is right by his side.
Becky does a great job at storytelling in a way that keeps you engaged with her characters and making you feel like you’re a part of their family. While I’ve read all 5 books in the series I think you could read Just Us as a standalone (but trust me you’ll want to know what you missed afterwards).
I’ve loved Gavin’s playful energy throughout this whole series but seeing different layers of him in this book was something I didn’t know I needed. And Jonah… ugh I felt for him so much in this story, I’m so grateful we got to know him so much more and go on this journey of coming to terms with his sexuality and discovering who he is right by his side.
Becky does a great job at storytelling in a way that keeps you engaged with her characters and making you feel like you’re a part of their family. While I’ve read all 5 books in the series I think you could read Just Us as a standalone (but trust me you’ll want to know what you missed afterwards).
June 8, 2025
5 ⭐ 4 🌶️
This story made my heart happy ☺️🥰
It is so refreshing to read about men who are openly affectionate, both physically and verbally, with their platonic friends (of any gender).
Gavin. Ugh. I know he's a grown man, but, he's just the sweetest itty bitty baby. The epitome of a golden retriever. A magical ray of sunshine.
Love his parents too. This found family is the best, I'd love to be a part of it.
Jonah was great too, poor guy had a shitty family growing up (in this case money definitely didn't buy happiness). So happy he and Gavin met and his life turned around. All of his relationships changed for the better (well, except for one. But she can GTFO).
This story made my heart happy ☺️🥰
It is so refreshing to read about men who are openly affectionate, both physically and verbally, with their platonic friends (of any gender).
Gavin. Ugh. I know he's a grown man, but, he's just the sweetest itty bitty baby. The epitome of a golden retriever. A magical ray of sunshine.
Love his parents too. This found family is the best, I'd love to be a part of it.
Jonah was great too, poor guy had a shitty family growing up (in this case money definitely didn't buy happiness). So happy he and Gavin met and his life turned around. All of his relationships changed for the better (well, except for one. But she can GTFO).
June 15, 2025
Sometimes you just need an enthusistic golden retriever of a man to make you believe that everything in life and in love is gonna be okay.
Gavin and Jonah navigate the complexities of being one's true self in this book in such a tender way.
There is consent! (Enthusiastic and patient)
Their love is a "It's okay, baby, I know you're the one and I'll wait for however long it takes," kind of love.
If you're looking for a book with a lot of heart and tender connection (also with some hot scenes), Just Us will look lovely on your TBR shelf.
I'll be thinking about these two lovebirds and their friends for awhile.
Gavin and Jonah navigate the complexities of being one's true self in this book in such a tender way.
There is consent! (Enthusiastic and patient)
Their love is a "It's okay, baby, I know you're the one and I'll wait for however long it takes," kind of love.
If you're looking for a book with a lot of heart and tender connection (also with some hot scenes), Just Us will look lovely on your TBR shelf.
I'll be thinking about these two lovebirds and their friends for awhile.
June 10, 2025
Love that Gavin got his own full story. And Jonah is the perfect balance for Gavin’s goofy easygoing personality. This book was a journey of open communication and patience with each other and Gavin never wavering and just being the rock was so
Beautiful. This books gave the typical things you would expect from this series and I love the check ins with the other characters from the series.
Beautiful. This books gave the typical things you would expect from this series and I love the check ins with the other characters from the series.
June 20, 2025
I have loved each and every one of the books in this series and this was no exception. Gavin was a fun character in the other books and it was really nice to see him in his own story. It was great to see his backstory and to meet Jonah and get to see how their relationship started and progressed. I highly recommend this book (and the rest of the series).
May 7, 2025
Loved this sweet romance! So happy that Gavin, who I fell for in Becky's other books, got his happy ending. If you love a warm, fuzzy romance, with found family and opposites attract, then you'll love Just Us!
June 5, 2025
Heartbreaking and heartwarming
I loved everything about this book. Heartbreaking. Heartwarming. So much emotion and sweetness mixed with heat. But also doesn’t shy away from challenging dynamics and situations. Becky has done it again. She is an auto-buy author for me.
I loved everything about this book. Heartbreaking. Heartwarming. So much emotion and sweetness mixed with heat. But also doesn’t shy away from challenging dynamics and situations. Becky has done it again. She is an auto-buy author for me.
May 30, 2025
Each new book of Becky’s becomes my new favorite - but I’ve been waiting for Gavin’s story since the very beginning, so it’s no surprise I absolutely adored this one. Gav is just so special - he’s the kind of guy you can be fully yourself around, the ultimate ride-or-die best friend who always shows up, keeps things light with a laugh, and, oh yeah… he’s hot.
Then there’s Jonah. Reserved, cool, known as Dr freeze by his colleagues. But opposites attract, right? And maybe he’s not as icy as he seems. The first meeting with Gav kick-starts the melting process and precipitates his journey of self-discovery. Becky handles his coming out and breaking free from the weight of his mother’s expectations and toxic influence with care and nuance. It was emotional, authentic, and deeply moving.
As with all of her books, the found family element (plus the real family - especially Gav’s crew, Jonah’s brother, and even, eventually, his dad) was warm, heartfelt, and beautifully done.
While I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters, this was the perfect, satisfying end to the series.
Then there’s Jonah. Reserved, cool, known as Dr freeze by his colleagues. But opposites attract, right? And maybe he’s not as icy as he seems. The first meeting with Gav kick-starts the melting process and precipitates his journey of self-discovery. Becky handles his coming out and breaking free from the weight of his mother’s expectations and toxic influence with care and nuance. It was emotional, authentic, and deeply moving.
As with all of her books, the found family element (plus the real family - especially Gav’s crew, Jonah’s brother, and even, eventually, his dad) was warm, heartfelt, and beautifully done.
While I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters, this was the perfect, satisfying end to the series.
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