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Unmasking You
He was the wound that never healed
Jamie
A chance encounter at a charity event brings the past I thought I left behind rushing back—along with the one person I never wanted to see again.
Now, plagued by his presence, I’m drowning in memories. Some devastatingly bitter, some heartbreakingly sweet. Feelings I buried long ago are clawing their way to the surface.
I don’t want to want him. I don’t want to need him.
But when he touches me, the chaos quiets, and for the first time in years, I feel like myself again.
Do I turn away, unable to trust him again? Or is there a chance to rebuild something beautiful from the mistakes of our past?
Shane
I never expected to see him again, not with the weight of my guilt holding me back. I never imagined I’d have the chance to ask for forgiveness, to make things right.
But when the opportunity comes, I become someone I never thought I’d be—someone who lurks in the shadows, following him everywhere, just hoping for a fleeting moment to talk, to apologise.
Staying away from him is harder than I thought, and when the chance to protect him from pain arises, I don’t hesitate—even if it means putting myself in harm’s way.
Will I carry this guilt and these unrequited feelings forever? Or can we rise from the ashes of our past to build something new?
Jamie
A chance encounter at a charity event brings the past I thought I left behind rushing back—along with the one person I never wanted to see again.
Now, plagued by his presence, I’m drowning in memories. Some devastatingly bitter, some heartbreakingly sweet. Feelings I buried long ago are clawing their way to the surface.
I don’t want to want him. I don’t want to need him.
But when he touches me, the chaos quiets, and for the first time in years, I feel like myself again.
Do I turn away, unable to trust him again? Or is there a chance to rebuild something beautiful from the mistakes of our past?
Shane
I never expected to see him again, not with the weight of my guilt holding me back. I never imagined I’d have the chance to ask for forgiveness, to make things right.
But when the opportunity comes, I become someone I never thought I’d be—someone who lurks in the shadows, following him everywhere, just hoping for a fleeting moment to talk, to apologise.
Staying away from him is harder than I thought, and when the chance to protect him from pain arises, I don’t hesitate—even if it means putting myself in harm’s way.
Will I carry this guilt and these unrequited feelings forever? Or can we rise from the ashes of our past to build something new?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
12 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
JoJo Stone
12 books42 followersJoJo Stone is a writer from the U.K. She fell in love with words young, starting with poetry. Life took her on a few detours, but now she's back, ready to share her stories.
JoJo's Italian roots fuel her love for cooking traditional recipes, and when she’s not writing, you’ll find her snapping photos or running through the scenic streets of the U.K. and Italy.
For JoJo, every passion tells a story, and she's excited to share hers with readers.
JoJo's Italian roots fuel her love for cooking traditional recipes, and when she’s not writing, you’ll find her snapping photos or running through the scenic streets of the U.K. and Italy.
For JoJo, every passion tells a story, and she's excited to share hers with readers.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 11, 2025
I loved this book. They both had a really tough go in life and they still made it. Full marks for the hurt being real and full marks for them admitting, even at the end, that they have a few bad days, keeping it real. Shane and Jamie were beautiful together and despite all the lost years apart, were only ever meant for each other.
As per my pet peeve where forgiveness is talked about and earned, all the dirty, tragic details layed out in the open, both speaking their truths, this is how it's done. Full marks to Jojo Stone for caring to make this a great redemption story.
Reading the prequel novella Behind the Mask before reading this makes for a better experience, but not really necessary (I didn't and I followed along just fine).
Thoughts while reading:
-Fudge, that prologue 😥
*Guilt and redemption.
-"I know I don't deserve a second chance but I promise you, if you give it to me, I'll love you forever."
-forced proximity was the only way to go with this one.👍
*Favorites
*To reread
🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈
As per my pet peeve where forgiveness is talked about and earned, all the dirty, tragic details layed out in the open, both speaking their truths, this is how it's done. Full marks to Jojo Stone for caring to make this a great redemption story.
Reading the prequel novella Behind the Mask before reading this makes for a better experience, but not really necessary (I didn't and I followed along just fine).
Thoughts while reading:
-Fudge, that prologue 😥
*Guilt and redemption.
-"I know I don't deserve a second chance but I promise you, if you give it to me, I'll love you forever."
-forced proximity was the only way to go with this one.👍
*Favorites
*To reread
🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈
May 9, 2025
I was pulled in by the premise—second chances, buried trauma, unresolved feelings—but the execution didn’t quite land for me. The timeline was confusing at times, which made it harder to fully connect with the emotional journey. And for the level of trauma Jamie went through, especially from bullying and everything that followed, the redemption arc felt way too fast and too easy.
What did feel real, though, was Jamie’s trauma—his fears, his nightmares, the way the past still lived under his skin. That part hit. Which made the forgiveness feel even more sudden and unearned. These two didn’t really know each other, and after ten years apart filled with pain and regret, I expected more work, more time rebuilding.
They spend weeks together because of Shane’s accident, but even that felt like a missed opportunity. It was mostly fade to black, so we didn’t get to really see them reconnect or build an actual friendship. No slow burn, no tension, no rediscovery.
There were moments that tried to land emotionally, and I didn’t hate the read, but it needed more space to breathe. With stronger pacing and deeper development, this could’ve been a much more powerful story.
What did feel real, though, was Jamie’s trauma—his fears, his nightmares, the way the past still lived under his skin. That part hit. Which made the forgiveness feel even more sudden and unearned. These two didn’t really know each other, and after ten years apart filled with pain and regret, I expected more work, more time rebuilding.
They spend weeks together because of Shane’s accident, but even that felt like a missed opportunity. It was mostly fade to black, so we didn’t get to really see them reconnect or build an actual friendship. No slow burn, no tension, no rediscovery.
There were moments that tried to land emotionally, and I didn’t hate the read, but it needed more space to breathe. With stronger pacing and deeper development, this could’ve been a much more powerful story.
July 11, 2025
“The past cannot be rewritten, and it’s never going to change, but sometimes I wish it could because then our love would be perfect. But love rarely is.”A MM romance with Friends to Hate to Lovers, ex-bully, second chances, lots of sorry's (good), heartaching trauma 🥺, billionaires, bit of opposites attract, moving forward & slowburn love.
I'm glad JoJo pinged me on Instagram for this book. I devoured my #ARC in 6hrs (I'd to read last 17% next day but ugh, J made me cry before sleep 😭).
Jamie is a tech geek, a self-made billionaire with a cute doggo. His ex-close friend's betrayal had cut deep, 10yrs ago. J's fun, sweet but inside is cautious, anxious & touch-averse.
Shane is son of a rich man, trapped in a gilded cage of expectations & past regrets. S'd grown a lgbtqia+ organisation he'd be proud of & to purge his past misdeeds. S is confident, flirty (with J) but hides worries & guilt.
After 10yrs, their paths collide again in a gala/ball (in the prequel book). J wants to never see S again, but S can't let J go without... What? Apology (the audacity 🙄)? Grovelling? Friendship? Or more...?
S has his stalker-y ways 😆, his obsession was kinda cute. But Jamie... Gosh, his hurt 😭. TW: Bullying & Suicidal thoughts (I didn't see TW in my copy, so I thought I'd share). The flashbacks are sweet, brutal 🥺 & revealing!
In the present, S just wants a chance to love J again... This time forever. But will dog rescue give S that chance? 😳 J's a better man than me 😩. Not let the past assholes win...
This story is about moving on from past, pain & slowburn realisations of the love that never died. It's emotional & hot at end when S+J finally get together 🥰. It's good to show that forgiveness can be a never-ending journey!
A few parts got confusing (& lil typo) but I cleared them up with JoJo. I'm kinda mad at S ngl but S+J were both victims & that sucks 🥺. Loved the besties, hated S's dad & bullies. I want revenge 😤. I hope for Alexi's story.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Yeah cried 4.75/5
2) The Characters: 4.75/5 (mad at bullies!)
3) Top feels: 🥺😯😅😁😟🤭🙄😏😜😍😭🤕🙃😤😳🥰🐾
4) Steamy scenes: 2/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 3.5/5
Angst: 3/5 🥺
Dark: 3/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Friends to hate to Lovers) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.25/5
May 6, 2025
Unmasking You is a haunting, heart-wrenching story of first love, betrayal, and the long road to forgiveness. It’s a tale that reaches deep into your soul and tugs at every heartstring.
Jamie and Shane first crossed paths in school, when Jamie was awarded a scholarship. At just sixteen, they found something rare—an unshakable bond that quickly blossomed into young love.
From the beginning, they were inseparable. Shane was drawn to Jamie’s quiet strength, and found comfort in Jamie —a refuge from a life filled with shadows.
For Shane, Jamie was everything. A breath of peace in a home ruled by his father’s disapproval. But safety doesn’t always last. Everything shattered when Jamie became the target of cruel bullying—led by Shane’s friends, and eventually, Shane himself.
What began as love ended in betrayal, leaving scars that time and therapy couldn’t erase.
A decade later, their paths cross again at a charity event. One encounter, and the past rushes back. Shane is no longer the boy who broke Jamie—but Jamie’s walls are high, his pain still raw.
When fate forces them back into each other’s lives, the feelings Jamie buried refuse to stay hidden.
Slowly, painfully, they begin to navigate the wreckage of their past. Healing isn’t easy. Love doesn’t erase trauma. But as Jamie uncovers the truth behind Shane’s betrayal—a boy lost in his own pain—he starts to wonder if love might deserve a second chance.
And through it all, Queen Lizzie—fierce, loyal, and unapologetically herself—is the unsung hero who brings them back together.
Jamie and Shane first crossed paths in school, when Jamie was awarded a scholarship. At just sixteen, they found something rare—an unshakable bond that quickly blossomed into young love.
From the beginning, they were inseparable. Shane was drawn to Jamie’s quiet strength, and found comfort in Jamie —a refuge from a life filled with shadows.
For Shane, Jamie was everything. A breath of peace in a home ruled by his father’s disapproval. But safety doesn’t always last. Everything shattered when Jamie became the target of cruel bullying—led by Shane’s friends, and eventually, Shane himself.
What began as love ended in betrayal, leaving scars that time and therapy couldn’t erase.
A decade later, their paths cross again at a charity event. One encounter, and the past rushes back. Shane is no longer the boy who broke Jamie—but Jamie’s walls are high, his pain still raw.
When fate forces them back into each other’s lives, the feelings Jamie buried refuse to stay hidden.
Slowly, painfully, they begin to navigate the wreckage of their past. Healing isn’t easy. Love doesn’t erase trauma. But as Jamie uncovers the truth behind Shane’s betrayal—a boy lost in his own pain—he starts to wonder if love might deserve a second chance.
And through it all, Queen Lizzie—fierce, loyal, and unapologetically herself—is the unsung hero who brings them back together.
December 8, 2025
This was a good read! There was so much sad history between Jamie and Shane and the more we learn the more we feel for the two of them. Shane just wanted to be loved, supported and appreciated by his father and to be with Jamie and Jamie just wanted happiness and love with Shane. Unfortunately both me has people in their lives who got in the way of this leaving both of them hurting. I enjoyed seeing them reconnect. It most definitely wasn’t a smooth transition but we got to learn more about their past and what has become of them in the present. I liked the side characters. They were supportive and understanding which both Jamie and Shane needed. This has been on my TBR for a bit and I’m glad I finally picked it up! 🖤💛🖤
April 27, 2025
“I kiss him feeling as if I don’t deserve him.”
What can I say other than I loved every single word, page and chapter of this book.
This is a beautiful story of second chances; a first love that despite a very hurtful past finds its way back and becomes an incredible love story.
This book is romantic and full of emotions; JoJo Stone is incredible at describing feelings and transport the reader into her characters personalities. It was impossible not to empathise with Jamie and Shane and all they went through.
The more I read the more I wanted to read and coming to the end of the book left me with a deep feeling of sadness as I never wanted to leave this two wonderful and sweet boys.
I felt hurt with Jamie and his past, I felt Shane’s urge to fix the past, I felt their love, entangled in a past that could not be forgotten, fighting every emotion and rationality to come back to life.
Can’t recommend this book enough.
Thank you JoJo Stone for this story, is a beautiful journey through healing, forgiving and pure love.
What can I say other than I loved every single word, page and chapter of this book.
This is a beautiful story of second chances; a first love that despite a very hurtful past finds its way back and becomes an incredible love story.
This book is romantic and full of emotions; JoJo Stone is incredible at describing feelings and transport the reader into her characters personalities. It was impossible not to empathise with Jamie and Shane and all they went through.
The more I read the more I wanted to read and coming to the end of the book left me with a deep feeling of sadness as I never wanted to leave this two wonderful and sweet boys.
I felt hurt with Jamie and his past, I felt Shane’s urge to fix the past, I felt their love, entangled in a past that could not be forgotten, fighting every emotion and rationality to come back to life.
Can’t recommend this book enough.
Thank you JoJo Stone for this story, is a beautiful journey through healing, forgiving and pure love.
May 6, 2025
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster but it was so worth it. My heart broke for Jamie (past and present) and got angry at Shane. But then my heart shattered when Shane's secrets were revealed. Both MCs deserved to be wrapped in love, acceptance, and more love. All the heartache, scars, loneliness, and trauma they carried made me cry for them. Thank God for those hilarious moments to give my poor aching heart some reprieve. And I think some got away to lightly in my opinion, they deserved some horrible punishment (past and present). But the MCs definitely earned and deserved their HEA.
The past comes to haunt both MCs but gives them a chance to confront their demons and heal their souls.
Recommend reading the prequel Behind the Mask. It's not necessary to understand and enjoy this book but it does provide more of the story of when fate throws them back together again.
The past comes to haunt both MCs but gives them a chance to confront their demons and heal their souls.
Recommend reading the prequel Behind the Mask. It's not necessary to understand and enjoy this book but it does provide more of the story of when fate throws them back together again.
April 28, 2025
I adored this book. I was hooked from the prequel novella. As soon as I finished reading Behind the Mask I devoured this book. It had me deeply in my feels because it was reminiscent of some things in my own life.
It's crazy the power family can hold over you. I adore Shane. He was so amazing, in being patient and taking everything at Jamie's pace... And poor Jamie. I couldn't imagin facing what he did and coming back from it.
Be warned that there's some decently heavy bullying and emotional triggers in the book but it's so well written and at least ends in an HEA. But I can't wait to see what else Jojo will put out because this book had me by the balls lol.
It's crazy the power family can hold over you. I adore Shane. He was so amazing, in being patient and taking everything at Jamie's pace... And poor Jamie. I couldn't imagin facing what he did and coming back from it.
Be warned that there's some decently heavy bullying and emotional triggers in the book but it's so well written and at least ends in an HEA. But I can't wait to see what else Jojo will put out because this book had me by the balls lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
Unmasking You is something special. It‘s an intimate portrait of two guys and their love for each other. A love which has to take a backseat before it’s even allowed to fully bloom.
Jamie was bullied (oh boy that was intense to read) in school which has a major impact on his life. He resents Shane because all Jamie ever wanted was to be saved by him and he is hurt, angry and very disappointed.
He doesn’t want to speak to Shane or be near him ever again. But then they meet 10 years after school at a charity event and a sudden turn of event puts them into close proximity.
The story starts in the present and takes us back every now and then to their time in school - the beginning of their friendship. We get to know their true selves beneath what they appear to others from the outside and learn how they experienced their first encounter when they were 16.
Both still have feelings for each other and they try to acknowledge that this love is the real deal. There is a lot of anger, sadness and hurt to overcome before they are able to give their love a chance. Slowly Jamie’s resistance crumbles and they get their second chance.
There were so many fantastic passages in the book - I like the way Jojo describes Jamie when he is seen through Shane‘s eyes (all the details he adores about him) and I absolutely love Queen Lizzy, Jamie‘s dog, which is one very intelligent, meddling animal with a good knowledge of human nature.
Shane & Jamie show us that Soulmates really do exist and sometimes it pays off to take a second closer look, to see your partner for what they really are deep down.
Love is something amazing but it’s not always sunshine and roses from the beginning - Love is hard work and rarely perfect but with endurance, a bit of sweat and tears love can win in the end and conquer all.
Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity… 5 star recommendation for Shane & Jamie
Jamie was bullied (oh boy that was intense to read) in school which has a major impact on his life. He resents Shane because all Jamie ever wanted was to be saved by him and he is hurt, angry and very disappointed.
He doesn’t want to speak to Shane or be near him ever again. But then they meet 10 years after school at a charity event and a sudden turn of event puts them into close proximity.
The story starts in the present and takes us back every now and then to their time in school - the beginning of their friendship. We get to know their true selves beneath what they appear to others from the outside and learn how they experienced their first encounter when they were 16.
Both still have feelings for each other and they try to acknowledge that this love is the real deal. There is a lot of anger, sadness and hurt to overcome before they are able to give their love a chance. Slowly Jamie’s resistance crumbles and they get their second chance.
There were so many fantastic passages in the book - I like the way Jojo describes Jamie when he is seen through Shane‘s eyes (all the details he adores about him) and I absolutely love Queen Lizzy, Jamie‘s dog, which is one very intelligent, meddling animal with a good knowledge of human nature.
Shane & Jamie show us that Soulmates really do exist and sometimes it pays off to take a second closer look, to see your partner for what they really are deep down.
Love is something amazing but it’s not always sunshine and roses from the beginning - Love is hard work and rarely perfect but with endurance, a bit of sweat and tears love can win in the end and conquer all.
Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity… 5 star recommendation for Shane & Jamie
May 21, 2025
Jamie Wilson was bullied by Shane Campbell and his friends. He’s still carrying the scars on his soul.
Ten years later, Jamie and Shane meet at an upper-class masked charity event, not aware of the others’ true identities, they laughed and even tentatively kissed, but when Shane’s mask moved a bit and uncovered half of his face, all Jamie’s hurt and distress were back. A hard shove, and he walked away.
Shane comes from old money and values, in the eyes of his parents and especially his monster of a father, he’s never enough, a failure, a troublemaker, and an outsider.
He can’t walk away, his father finances Shane’s LGBTQ foundation and uses it as blackmail. Shane has to follow orders or he’ll stop the money. He has already reduced some.
Shane understands that the poor boy from ten years ago became quite a famous IT genius.
He wants to make up for what he did to him.
“There is no freedom in my life. Every step I take is controlled by the person who feeds me, and there’s no point in rebelling because I’ll be the one to lose.”
Shane is obsessed with Jamie, he desperately wants to talk to him. Jamie refuses and runs every time Shane approaches him. Shane even follows him and parks by his house, yes, it’s stalkerish.
Jamie relives his terrible time. The situation worsens when they are forced to be in each other’s proximity.
Back and forth, between past and present, we get what happened ten years ago.
There’s a lot of hurt to overcome, a lot! For my pleasure, Shane’s redemption could have gone a bit harder, more hurt. But hey, Jamie is a gentle soul and would never let anyone suffer too much.
It’s a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, hurt comfort story. If these are the tropes you like, you will enjoy this one like I did!
While the topic is heavy, the writing was gentle and considerate, making it all bearable.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Ten years later, Jamie and Shane meet at an upper-class masked charity event, not aware of the others’ true identities, they laughed and even tentatively kissed, but when Shane’s mask moved a bit and uncovered half of his face, all Jamie’s hurt and distress were back. A hard shove, and he walked away.
Shane comes from old money and values, in the eyes of his parents and especially his monster of a father, he’s never enough, a failure, a troublemaker, and an outsider.
He can’t walk away, his father finances Shane’s LGBTQ foundation and uses it as blackmail. Shane has to follow orders or he’ll stop the money. He has already reduced some.
Shane understands that the poor boy from ten years ago became quite a famous IT genius.
He wants to make up for what he did to him.
“There is no freedom in my life. Every step I take is controlled by the person who feeds me, and there’s no point in rebelling because I’ll be the one to lose.”
Shane is obsessed with Jamie, he desperately wants to talk to him. Jamie refuses and runs every time Shane approaches him. Shane even follows him and parks by his house, yes, it’s stalkerish.
Jamie relives his terrible time. The situation worsens when they are forced to be in each other’s proximity.
Back and forth, between past and present, we get what happened ten years ago.
There’s a lot of hurt to overcome, a lot! For my pleasure, Shane’s redemption could have gone a bit harder, more hurt. But hey, Jamie is a gentle soul and would never let anyone suffer too much.
It’s a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, hurt comfort story. If these are the tropes you like, you will enjoy this one like I did!
While the topic is heavy, the writing was gentle and considerate, making it all bearable.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
May 6, 2025
This is not an easy book to read, and it is one that will stay with you long after you've read the final words. It's a masterclass in emotional depth, navigating the dark, tangled, painful history between Shane and Jamie with heartbreaking precision. What begins as an unexpected reunion at a charity event unravels into an intimate journey of pain, regret ... and hope.
The weight of Jamie's trauma is heavy. It is more than a backstory - it's a wound that seeps into every moment of his life, despite the therapy and healing he has tried to do. The fact that Shane is both the villain of his past and the man he can't stop falling and feeling for adds to the complexity of the story. It is breathtakingly human to be so conflicted, and watching Jamie wrestle with the scars of his youth while confronting the confusing pull he still feels for Shane is both gutting and gorgeously written.
Shane's perspective adds another harrowing layer. His guilt at his past actions is not performative - it's corrosive. You can feel how terrible he feels, how much he regrets his past actions, and how desperate he is to make amends, even as he fumbles through all of it in the most human ways. He loves Jamie in a way that is quiet and reverent, and deeply burdened by shame, and that makes every tender moment between them feel like it was hard-won.
There are no easy answers or quick forgiveness in this book, which only makes it that much more realistic and powerful. The healing process is messy and agonizing and brave, and sometimes, in the midst of the darkness, there's a thread of hope to hold on to. This book will make you cry and hurt, but it will also make you believe that love - in it's purest, strongest form - just might be strong enough to survive the wreckage.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
The weight of Jamie's trauma is heavy. It is more than a backstory - it's a wound that seeps into every moment of his life, despite the therapy and healing he has tried to do. The fact that Shane is both the villain of his past and the man he can't stop falling and feeling for adds to the complexity of the story. It is breathtakingly human to be so conflicted, and watching Jamie wrestle with the scars of his youth while confronting the confusing pull he still feels for Shane is both gutting and gorgeously written.
Shane's perspective adds another harrowing layer. His guilt at his past actions is not performative - it's corrosive. You can feel how terrible he feels, how much he regrets his past actions, and how desperate he is to make amends, even as he fumbles through all of it in the most human ways. He loves Jamie in a way that is quiet and reverent, and deeply burdened by shame, and that makes every tender moment between them feel like it was hard-won.
There are no easy answers or quick forgiveness in this book, which only makes it that much more realistic and powerful. The healing process is messy and agonizing and brave, and sometimes, in the midst of the darkness, there's a thread of hope to hold on to. This book will make you cry and hurt, but it will also make you believe that love - in it's purest, strongest form - just might be strong enough to survive the wreckage.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
May 2, 2025
When you love someone even though your brain tells you that you shouldn't.
Now a successful businessman Jamie is nothing how Shane remembered me, a chance meeting at a charity ball has them both remembering the past. Shane wants to make amends but will Jamie forgive him.
Jamie is still struggling with the past and whilst he throws himself into work, nothing will stop the anxiety, with his dog and small group of friends he is just living.
Shane regrets what he did to Jamie every day, he has not choice but to work for his dad.
From their fiery reunion we watch Shane's obsession with Jamie grow to the point it was stalkerish and watching Jamie anxiety worsen was so sad and I wanted to know what Shane had done to Jamie. You do not have to wait long as running through the present story is their backstory and we are introduced to them at 16 year old both at the same school. Reading what Jamie went through was heart breaking and explained so much, but the more Shane explains and with his present day actions I was wanting them to be together.
This is a slow burn whilst wounds are healing and the feelings that were there at 16 come back to the surface.
This was beautifully written and yet again JoJo Stone has created two characters that need their second chance
Now a successful businessman Jamie is nothing how Shane remembered me, a chance meeting at a charity ball has them both remembering the past. Shane wants to make amends but will Jamie forgive him.
Jamie is still struggling with the past and whilst he throws himself into work, nothing will stop the anxiety, with his dog and small group of friends he is just living.
Shane regrets what he did to Jamie every day, he has not choice but to work for his dad.
From their fiery reunion we watch Shane's obsession with Jamie grow to the point it was stalkerish and watching Jamie anxiety worsen was so sad and I wanted to know what Shane had done to Jamie. You do not have to wait long as running through the present story is their backstory and we are introduced to them at 16 year old both at the same school. Reading what Jamie went through was heart breaking and explained so much, but the more Shane explains and with his present day actions I was wanting them to be together.
This is a slow burn whilst wounds are healing and the feelings that were there at 16 come back to the surface.
This was beautifully written and yet again JoJo Stone has created two characters that need their second chance
April 24, 2025
“I know I don’t deserve a second chance, but I promise you, if you give it to me, I’ll love you forever.”
Bravo! JoJo Stone has done it again!
Absolutely Wonderful! I couldn’t get enough!
I started the journey with Behind The Mask, a short prequel that introduces us to Jamie and Shane as they come back into each other's lives after 10 years of absence. One man who is trying to forget the past and the other one who is doing everything in his power to make up for that same past.
I was hooked from beginning to end (honestly I have been waiting since the cover reveal) and didn’t want this to end.
“I’ve always been yours. I’ve been yours since the first time we met.” He places a gentle kiss on my lips before continuing. “It just took me a while to find my way back to you.”
*hurt comfort
*childhood friends to enemies to lovers
*slow burn
*2nd chances
*forced proximity
*bullying
*opposites attract
For Sensitive Readers profanity is medium/high level, spice level low / medium, angst level medium/high
Bravo! JoJo Stone has done it again!
Absolutely Wonderful! I couldn’t get enough!
I started the journey with Behind The Mask, a short prequel that introduces us to Jamie and Shane as they come back into each other's lives after 10 years of absence. One man who is trying to forget the past and the other one who is doing everything in his power to make up for that same past.
I was hooked from beginning to end (honestly I have been waiting since the cover reveal) and didn’t want this to end.
“I’ve always been yours. I’ve been yours since the first time we met.” He places a gentle kiss on my lips before continuing. “It just took me a while to find my way back to you.”
*hurt comfort
*childhood friends to enemies to lovers
*slow burn
*2nd chances
*forced proximity
*bullying
*opposites attract
For Sensitive Readers profanity is medium/high level, spice level low / medium, angst level medium/high
May 4, 2025
This is the emotional, hurt/comfort, slow burn, opposites attract, second chances, story of two broken men, Jamie and Shane. They met at 16, were close friends, then we guess that something bad happened that left Jamie very hurt and traumatised, and when they meet again 10 years later, Jamie hates Shane and does not want to hear him out but Shane feels an attraction and a guilt and a need to be close to Jamie that he cannot fight. Usually I am not a fan of the redeemed bully trope, but here it is very well written and very well conducted and explained, that at the end I rooted for them. I loved and hurt for both characters, and enjoyed reading their story. The reason I did not give it 5 stars was that some inner monologues were sometimes a bit too repetitive and I really missed a more communication between both characters and more of them time together.
I recommend to read Behind the Mask, the prequel.
I got an ARC and this is my honest review.
I recommend to read Behind the Mask, the prequel.
I got an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 11, 2025
4.5/5
I thought the way Jamie's trauma was portrayed was done very well. It's hard for me to root for a former bully, but we were able to see how Shane has struggled, what led to his actions, and who he is now, that I was able to get there. I would have liked to see a little more of Shane and Jamie reconnect, communicate, and to feel them getting closer to accept how quickly and relatively easily Jamie forgives him. Not that he made it easy, I just wanted a little more. The overall writing was great. This book is fairly angsty, and it evokes intense emotions. I enjoyed their second chance, and was very happy to see them get their HEA finally.
I thought the way Jamie's trauma was portrayed was done very well. It's hard for me to root for a former bully, but we were able to see how Shane has struggled, what led to his actions, and who he is now, that I was able to get there. I would have liked to see a little more of Shane and Jamie reconnect, communicate, and to feel them getting closer to accept how quickly and relatively easily Jamie forgives him. Not that he made it easy, I just wanted a little more. The overall writing was great. This book is fairly angsty, and it evokes intense emotions. I enjoyed their second chance, and was very happy to see them get their HEA finally.
May 18, 2025
Beautiful story about Shane and Jamie. Shane comes from a rich family with heavy influence and the “family name” always hanging over his head.
Jamie comes from an average family.
Their story starts in high school and flash backs through the book shows how they get to where they are today. It is heartbreaking on every level with the social class, bullying, homophobia, and conditional love.
Hurt/Comfort
MM Romance
Saves a Dog’s life
Jamie comes from an average family.
Their story starts in high school and flash backs through the book shows how they get to where they are today. It is heartbreaking on every level with the social class, bullying, homophobia, and conditional love.
Hurt/Comfort
MM Romance
Saves a Dog’s life
May 5, 2025
I hate giving away the spoilers. This story was raw, full of pain, and misunderstandings that split two wonderful souls apart. It kept tears brimming in my eyes, crying them out several times. How can fate be so cruel sometimes? At least it gave them the happy ending they deserved.
Congratulations, Jojo. I'm sold!
Congratulations, Jojo. I'm sold!
May 1, 2025
Unmasking You is a fantastic story, I do recommend reading the prequel Behind the Mask as it gives you a more in depth of them meeting. This is a hurt/comfort, slow burn, opposites attract, second chances read about Jamie and Shane. Loved this emotional, high angst book.
May 13, 2025
I enjoyed this story, although it was emotional at times, I felt the emotion was written well and dealt with in a sensitive manner.
Jamie and Shane make a cute couple and I'm glad they got their HEA
Jamie and Shane make a cute couple and I'm glad they got their HEA
May 30, 2025
This was such a beautifully written emotional read.
October 1, 2025
This book… is so worth to be tired tomorrow at work lol. Was great and I loved Jamie, he was kind even when he was mad, an i hated Shane a little at first but he won my heart, amazing.
May 18, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
This was a pretty good story. Young love snatched away before it could start, but never really truly getting over that person. It’s a short story so at times it felt a bit rushed. There is a bit of a stalker-ish vibe with one MC. Overall it’s a decent story and they get their HEA.
*arc review*
This was a pretty good story. Young love snatched away before it could start, but never really truly getting over that person. It’s a short story so at times it felt a bit rushed. There is a bit of a stalker-ish vibe with one MC. Overall it’s a decent story and they get their HEA.
*arc review*
May 22, 2025
I found this such a moving storyline. I really felt the poignancy of the story as I think we all have moments that we wonder "what if" but Jamie and Shane get the chance to reconnect. Plenty of angsty emotional moments as they put the past behind them and move forward to new beginnings! I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
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