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The San Francisco Redwoods #2
Everywhere You Look
Luke Cannon, former quarterback of the San Francisco Redwoods, thinks his career-ending injury is rock bottom. But he couldn't be more wrong. In a tragic accident, he loses his only his older sister, Gigi. As next of kin, Luke takes charge of his three young nieces but he can't do it alone.
Enter his best friend, retired NFL quarterback Dean McKenna. Together, they helm the messy, beautiful chaos of raising small children.
But when ghosts from Luke's past come haunting, threatening the life that Gigi helped him build, Luke and Dean do what's necessary to keep their found family together.
They get married.
Long-buried feelings and burning lust have no place in their convenient arrangement and the spouses navigate their growing attraction while centering their kids' safety.
From hell, they created heaven and they won't give up without a fight. Because everywhere they look is their love, and their family that needs them.
Enter his best friend, retired NFL quarterback Dean McKenna. Together, they helm the messy, beautiful chaos of raising small children.
But when ghosts from Luke's past come haunting, threatening the life that Gigi helped him build, Luke and Dean do what's necessary to keep their found family together.
They get married.
Long-buried feelings and burning lust have no place in their convenient arrangement and the spouses navigate their growing attraction while centering their kids' safety.
From hell, they created heaven and they won't give up without a fight. Because everywhere they look is their love, and their family that needs them.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2025
125 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Emily Shacklette
12 books64 followersEmily Shacklette is an avid reader, Swiftie and cat lady. She loves romantic tension and spice that lasts for pages. She currently resides in the heart of beautiful San Francisco with her husband and Olive, Punky, and Chicken (her cat children). When she's not reading or writing, you can find her watching Community, riding her Peloton, or listening to Taylor Swift as loudly as the volume will go.
Find her on Instagram (@authoremilyshack) and TikTok (@authoremilyshaack).
authoremilyshack.com
Find her on Instagram (@authoremilyshack) and TikTok (@authoremilyshaack).
authoremilyshack.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 5, 2025
🌟 4 stars — soft, swoony, and surprisingly emotional. this was just... really sweet.
Huge thanks to Emily Shacklette & Love Notes PR for the eARC 💌
🩵 MM Romance
💍 Friends-to-Lovers
🍼 Single Guardian
🏈 Retired NFL Star
🫂 Hurt/Comfort
💒 Marriage of Convenience
This book had me smiling more times than I can count.
It’s not loud or flashy—it’s tender. It leans into grief, healing, quiet love, and the mess of figuring out how to be a family when everything’s falling apart. It’s full of soft gestures, small moments, and so much care.
Luke & Dean? They’re the kind of duo you just know were always meant to end up together.
The transition from best friends → co-parents → husbands wasn’t some dramatic twist. It was gentle. Earned. Their history was already solid—you could feel it in how easily they moved around each other, how instinctive the care between them felt. That’s what made it believable.
And let’s talk about the girls.
I LOVED THEM. Seriously, they were adorable without being too saccharine. Just chaotic enough to feel real. The way the story balanced the heaviness of loss with the lightness of found family? So well done. It made me want to hug someone.
The romance was warm. Familiar. Not insta-love, not fiery drama. Just a slow, aching build.
There were a few moments I wish had more depth—maybe more tension? more of those vulnerable, messy conversations—but overall it worked. The bathtub scene? Yeah. That delivered.
The writing? Solid.
Sometimes a little too on-the-nose or predictable, but it didn’t take away from the heart of the story. I was invested. Start to finish.
This book tackled grief and religious trauma with a careful hand.
Yes, it’s present. And yes, it hurts. But it’s not the main story. It’s a layer, not the whole cake. And that balance is hard to get right, but I think this one mostly did.
Final thoughts?
If you want a book about love that feels earned—not explosive or dramatic, just real—this is it. Found family. Messy feelings. Gentle romance. Healing.
This wasn’t just cute. It was comforting. A quiet kind of good.
4 stars.
Sweet, soft, and full of heart.
Huge thanks to Emily Shacklette & Love Notes PR for the eARC 💌
🩵 MM Romance
💍 Friends-to-Lovers
🍼 Single Guardian
🏈 Retired NFL Star
🫂 Hurt/Comfort
💒 Marriage of Convenience
This book had me smiling more times than I can count.
It’s not loud or flashy—it’s tender. It leans into grief, healing, quiet love, and the mess of figuring out how to be a family when everything’s falling apart. It’s full of soft gestures, small moments, and so much care.
Luke & Dean? They’re the kind of duo you just know were always meant to end up together.
The transition from best friends → co-parents → husbands wasn’t some dramatic twist. It was gentle. Earned. Their history was already solid—you could feel it in how easily they moved around each other, how instinctive the care between them felt. That’s what made it believable.
And let’s talk about the girls.
I LOVED THEM. Seriously, they were adorable without being too saccharine. Just chaotic enough to feel real. The way the story balanced the heaviness of loss with the lightness of found family? So well done. It made me want to hug someone.
The romance was warm. Familiar. Not insta-love, not fiery drama. Just a slow, aching build.
There were a few moments I wish had more depth—maybe more tension? more of those vulnerable, messy conversations—but overall it worked. The bathtub scene? Yeah. That delivered.
The writing? Solid.
Sometimes a little too on-the-nose or predictable, but it didn’t take away from the heart of the story. I was invested. Start to finish.
This book tackled grief and religious trauma with a careful hand.
Yes, it’s present. And yes, it hurts. But it’s not the main story. It’s a layer, not the whole cake. And that balance is hard to get right, but I think this one mostly did.
Final thoughts?
If you want a book about love that feels earned—not explosive or dramatic, just real—this is it. Found family. Messy feelings. Gentle romance. Healing.
This wasn’t just cute. It was comforting. A quiet kind of good.
4 stars.
Sweet, soft, and full of heart.
June 24, 2025
4.5⭐️ | 2.75🌶
Can we take a moment for men who are so emotionally secure that they don't need to use their emotions manipulatively.... Dean & Luke, everybody! As my first MM romance I was so intrigued and I loved it! Everything about this book (except for Joseph and Rebecca iykyk). The way everyone rallied around Luke and the girls after Gigi is one of my favourite things in books. This book is a must read. Thank you to love notes pr for the arc.
Can we take a moment for men who are so emotionally secure that they don't need to use their emotions manipulatively.... Dean & Luke, everybody! As my first MM romance I was so intrigued and I loved it! Everything about this book (except for Joseph and Rebecca iykyk). The way everyone rallied around Luke and the girls after Gigi is one of my favourite things in books. This book is a must read. Thank you to love notes pr for the arc.
June 24, 2025
⋆⋅˚₊‧🩰♡🦢⋆⋅˚₊
— 5 stars
⤿ read 6/18/25 - 6/23/25
︵‿୨♡୧‿︵
i. book review
Check TW before reading !!! This story deals with heavier topics
I sobbed real tears over these two, i was rooting so hard for them omg :((. This was the cutest little friends to lovers romance, but they were already friends (so we miss out on the friendship building) and have been for over a decade, but it makes it sweet because they're already so comfortable and "flirty" with one another. The move from friends to platonic husbands to REAL husbands is omgg it worked so well in this book. I was smiling the entire time (besides with Lukes parents... iykyk) All the 'side' characters were so fun and adorable, especially the little girls !!
This was definitely a book I will be picking up again
︵‿୨♡୧‿︵
ii. quotes
➷ "These moments, where we look and act and feel like a real couple make me feel like that all the risks might be worth the reward. Maybe I can put my fears aside and tell Luke what I really want. And what I really want is him."
➷ "This feeling in my chest... I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Is it nerves? Is it confusion? I could call it puppy love, but I think it might be something much worse. Only a few weeks of marriage, just two kisses, and I fear I have been irrevocably and forever ruined by my husband."
︵‿୨♡୧‿︵
iii. tropes
𐙚 MM Romance
𐙚 Retired Pro. Football Players
𐙚 Marriage Of Convenience
𐙚 Friends to Lovers
𐙚 Found Family
𐙚 Grief / Comfort
︵‿୨♡୧‿︵
🌷┇ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
So excited for a new MM romanceee!!!
Thank you LoveNotes PR and Emily Shacklette for allowing me the chance to read and review this pretty pretty book!
— 5 stars
⤿ read 6/18/25 - 6/23/25
"I feel Dean take my hand and interlace his fingers with mine. He squeezes three times, and with each squeeze, he reminds me that he's here. That I'm not alone. That we're partners, and I can derive my strength from him when I need it. "
︵‿୨♡୧‿︵
i. book review
Forver - Live From Fenway Park — Noah Kahan
Check TW before reading !!! This story deals with heavier topics
I sobbed real tears over these two, i was rooting so hard for them omg :((. This was the cutest little friends to lovers romance, but they were already friends (so we miss out on the friendship building) and have been for over a decade, but it makes it sweet because they're already so comfortable and "flirty" with one another. The move from friends to platonic husbands to REAL husbands is omgg it worked so well in this book. I was smiling the entire time (besides with Lukes parents... iykyk) All the 'side' characters were so fun and adorable, especially the little girls !!
This was definitely a book I will be picking up again
︵‿୨♡୧‿︵
ii. quotes
➷ "These moments, where we look and act and feel like a real couple make me feel like that all the risks might be worth the reward. Maybe I can put my fears aside and tell Luke what I really want. And what I really want is him."
➷ "This feeling in my chest... I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Is it nerves? Is it confusion? I could call it puppy love, but I think it might be something much worse. Only a few weeks of marriage, just two kisses, and I fear I have been irrevocably and forever ruined by my husband."
︵‿୨♡୧‿︵
iii. tropes
𐙚 MM Romance
𐙚 Retired Pro. Football Players
𐙚 Marriage Of Convenience
𐙚 Friends to Lovers
𐙚 Found Family
𐙚 Grief / Comfort
︵‿୨♡୧‿︵
🌷┇ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
So excited for a new MM romanceee!!!
Thank you LoveNotes PR and Emily Shacklette for allowing me the chance to read and review this pretty pretty book!
June 22, 2025
This was such a cute book. It also deals with trauma and loss and grief, so it really tugs on your heart.
Dean and Luke were just so sweet together. They’ve been friends forever and then tragedy strikes and brings them together in ways they didn’t anticipate. The situation pushes them to confront all sorts of feelings and the developments between them just warm you up! Speaking of warmth - there were also some pretty nice open door scenes that were loving but hot!
Do take care to read the note at the start, there is some religious trauma and related homophobia themes (which were heartbreaking related one of the characters) that could be disturbing for some especially if you experienced something similar and I know many have to some degree sadly.
I did feel I was missing just a little something in the book despite really enjoying it - maybe just wanted more depth. I would have liked a longer book, perhaps, to dig into some things a bit more especially given the heavy and complex themes and relationships.
However, overall it was a good read which gave me all the warm fuzzies! The kids were all super cute too and the whole found family dynamic just made me smile. The ending was superb and really filled my heart.
Lovely read!
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
Dean and Luke were just so sweet together. They’ve been friends forever and then tragedy strikes and brings them together in ways they didn’t anticipate. The situation pushes them to confront all sorts of feelings and the developments between them just warm you up! Speaking of warmth - there were also some pretty nice open door scenes that were loving but hot!
Do take care to read the note at the start, there is some religious trauma and related homophobia themes (which were heartbreaking related one of the characters) that could be disturbing for some especially if you experienced something similar and I know many have to some degree sadly.
I did feel I was missing just a little something in the book despite really enjoying it - maybe just wanted more depth. I would have liked a longer book, perhaps, to dig into some things a bit more especially given the heavy and complex themes and relationships.
However, overall it was a good read which gave me all the warm fuzzies! The kids were all super cute too and the whole found family dynamic just made me smile. The ending was superb and really filled my heart.
Lovely read!
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
June 11, 2025
||3.5🌟||
This book was cute. It follows two retired NFL players one of whom is reeling from a career-ending injury, the loss of his sister, and suddenly finding himself the guardian of her three daughters. The other.. His best friend, who’s been right by his side through it all. The emotional bond they share is deep, intimate, and honestly, already everything. They just needed that one “screw it” moment to take the leap.
What really got me was the found family. The way the story built this beautiful, imperfect home out of heartbreak and healing made me tear up more than once. The pacing was so solid I never felt disconnected from the narrative. Every page kept me grounded in their story.
That said, I did struggle a bit with some of the writing choices. A few of the trendy, cliche lines felt a little too familiar.. like I’d read them in a dozen other books before.
“𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦, 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥?”
𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘥.”
“𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘦?”
I rolled my eyes.
Cute and hot in theory, Sure. But originality matters too, especially when the emotional core of a book is so strong.
I also wanted more of the main characters. More of them together, falling in love on the page not just existing as if they already have. I know that’s a classic pitfall of the best-friends-to-lovers trope, but still, I craved more moments. More dates. More heart eyes. More of the magic between them unfolding in real time.
I like the story enough to look into some of the other books from the author’s backlist. So a win I guess
I lowkey feel bad for not liking this so much more bc If you count how many times I signed up for the ARC through love notes pr, I basically begged on my hands and knees lmfaoo
This book was cute. It follows two retired NFL players one of whom is reeling from a career-ending injury, the loss of his sister, and suddenly finding himself the guardian of her three daughters. The other.. His best friend, who’s been right by his side through it all. The emotional bond they share is deep, intimate, and honestly, already everything. They just needed that one “screw it” moment to take the leap.
What really got me was the found family. The way the story built this beautiful, imperfect home out of heartbreak and healing made me tear up more than once. The pacing was so solid I never felt disconnected from the narrative. Every page kept me grounded in their story.
That said, I did struggle a bit with some of the writing choices. A few of the trendy, cliche lines felt a little too familiar.. like I’d read them in a dozen other books before.
“𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦, 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥?”
𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘥.”
“𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘦?”
I rolled my eyes.
Cute and hot in theory, Sure. But originality matters too, especially when the emotional core of a book is so strong.
I also wanted more of the main characters. More of them together, falling in love on the page not just existing as if they already have. I know that’s a classic pitfall of the best-friends-to-lovers trope, but still, I craved more moments. More dates. More heart eyes. More of the magic between them unfolding in real time.
I like the story enough to look into some of the other books from the author’s backlist. So a win I guess
I lowkey feel bad for not liking this so much more bc If you count how many times I signed up for the ARC through love notes pr, I basically begged on my hands and knees lmfaoo
October 24, 2025
Safety info down below.
This book was a cute, heartwarming and (only) sometimes sad read.
Honestly, it was less sad than I expected from the blurb. Yeah, I cried a couple of times but they were more emotional cries than sad ones.
Most of the book is about them healing and being a family.
Dean and Luke felt like soulmates with all their "babe's", "I love you's", hugs and little touches when they were still just friends. They were inevitable.
OM/OW drama: not really but there is Dean's ex gf from college (aka from 15 years ago and they didn't talk/see each other in those years) that we had heard of and comes back at the end of the book to testify (lies) in the interest of Luke's parents. She only talks on the stand and not directly to the MCs.
Dean and Samantha broke up for some weeks, she slept with his teammate, they got back together and she then discovered she was pregnant. The baby's daddy had dropped out and left town so Dean stepped up and proposed to her. Samantha said no. He was a very mature and responsible guy and he thought that was the right thing to do. He thought she was his future and they had already agreed that she would have followed him in the NFL.
They stayed together the first months of the pregnancy, Dean wanted to father the baby and had already painted the guest room in his apartment and bought things. Then Samantha left him, skipped town and although Dean contacted her for months saying "I still want to help you, let me at least give you money" she didn't want him or the money.
Dean gave up and went to play for the NFL. (In those months he had become ready to give up his dream and find a job that let him be more at home.)
He met Luke, they became best friends and the rest is history. But Luke didn't know about the pregnancy, just that there was this girl in Dean's college days that he was ready to have a life with. Dean tells him the full story after he proposes to him and Luke's like "why".
Fast-forward 15 years and Luke's parents are trying to prove that the girls don't live in a safe and stable home. Here comes Samantha lying about how things went down all those years ago. How Dean was the baby's father but wanted his career and left her and the baby, so she had to give the baby up for adoption since she couldn't do it all alone.
Samantha in the whole book it's not an important character, like, at all. Dean thinks a couple of times of what could have been but not in correlation of her.
More like a "I wanted to be a father, I had been ready all those years ago so obviously I'm going to step up now and do it for real and help Luke" kind of thing.
This book was a cute, heartwarming and (only) sometimes sad read.
Honestly, it was less sad than I expected from the blurb. Yeah, I cried a couple of times but they were more emotional cries than sad ones.
Most of the book is about them healing and being a family.
Dean and Luke felt like soulmates with all their "babe's", "I love you's", hugs and little touches when they were still just friends. They were inevitable.
OM/OW drama: not really but there is Dean's ex gf from college (aka from 15 years ago and they didn't talk/see each other in those years) that we had heard of and comes back at the end of the book to testify (lies) in the interest of Luke's parents. She only talks on the stand and not directly to the MCs.
Dean and Samantha broke up for some weeks, she slept with his teammate, they got back together and she then discovered she was pregnant. The baby's daddy had dropped out and left town so Dean stepped up and proposed to her. Samantha said no. He was a very mature and responsible guy and he thought that was the right thing to do. He thought she was his future and they had already agreed that she would have followed him in the NFL.
They stayed together the first months of the pregnancy, Dean wanted to father the baby and had already painted the guest room in his apartment and bought things. Then Samantha left him, skipped town and although Dean contacted her for months saying "I still want to help you, let me at least give you money" she didn't want him or the money.
Dean gave up and went to play for the NFL. (In those months he had become ready to give up his dream and find a job that let him be more at home.)
He met Luke, they became best friends and the rest is history. But Luke didn't know about the pregnancy, just that there was this girl in Dean's college days that he was ready to have a life with. Dean tells him the full story after he proposes to him and Luke's like "why".
Fast-forward 15 years and Luke's parents are trying to prove that the girls don't live in a safe and stable home. Here comes Samantha lying about how things went down all those years ago. How Dean was the baby's father but wanted his career and left her and the baby, so she had to give the baby up for adoption since she couldn't do it all alone.
Samantha in the whole book it's not an important character, like, at all. Dean thinks a couple of times of what could have been but not in correlation of her.
More like a "I wanted to be a father, I had been ready all those years ago so obviously I'm going to step up now and do it for real and help Luke" kind of thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
BETA review
5⭐|3🌶|8%🌶frequency
Yes, I "only" read the beta version of the book, but after giving my feedback, I'm well aware of changes or no changes. So with this knowledge, I give my full opinion on this book.
It's no secret that I'm not into the MM romance hype. And still, if some authors write an MM romance, I'll read it 😎
I was very excited to read this book. Not just because Emily is one of my favorite authors, but also because I knew I would meet a few of my favorite characters again. This book can be read as a standalone, but it has a few connections with Emily's first series. Especially with the last one. Dean is Kira's brother. And because of Kira and Gigi (Luke's late sister) being neighbors, Kira is VERY present in this book. No surprise because of Kira's personality 🤣
As I said, I was very excited. Because I really love the tropes and setting and all the stuff.
And the book hit everything it could for me.
It's extremely emotional. And when I say exactly, I mean EXTREMELY! You need at least one pack of tissues! When Luke's sister died 😭 No, it's no spoiler, because obviously she isn't present otherwise Luke wouldn't be the girls' guardian.
And in the middle. And of course at the end. God this end 🥹
The audacity of Luke and Gigi's "parents". Holy 💩 I would normally say Oh my god, but no. Not here. Not with this kind of "parents" 🤬 I wish them what they think queer ppl should get. I know this book is fiction and they aren't real ppl, but I also know that such kinds of ppl are real. They exist, and that makes me very 🤬
Some ppl may think that's not a review because I haven't said much about the book, but I think I've said a lot about it. I said what I felt. And that's why this book is just perfect 🤩
Thanks to the author for trusting me with a BETA 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
5⭐|3🌶|8%🌶frequency
Yes, I "only" read the beta version of the book, but after giving my feedback, I'm well aware of changes or no changes. So with this knowledge, I give my full opinion on this book.
It's no secret that I'm not into the MM romance hype. And still, if some authors write an MM romance, I'll read it 😎
I was very excited to read this book. Not just because Emily is one of my favorite authors, but also because I knew I would meet a few of my favorite characters again. This book can be read as a standalone, but it has a few connections with Emily's first series. Especially with the last one. Dean is Kira's brother. And because of Kira and Gigi (Luke's late sister) being neighbors, Kira is VERY present in this book. No surprise because of Kira's personality 🤣
As I said, I was very excited. Because I really love the tropes and setting and all the stuff.
And the book hit everything it could for me.
It's extremely emotional. And when I say exactly, I mean EXTREMELY! You need at least one pack of tissues! When Luke's sister died 😭 No, it's no spoiler, because obviously she isn't present otherwise Luke wouldn't be the girls' guardian.
And in the middle. And of course at the end. God this end 🥹
The audacity of Luke and Gigi's "parents". Holy 💩 I would normally say Oh my god, but no. Not here. Not with this kind of "parents" 🤬 I wish them what they think queer ppl should get. I know this book is fiction and they aren't real ppl, but I also know that such kinds of ppl are real. They exist, and that makes me very 🤬
Some ppl may think that's not a review because I haven't said much about the book, but I think I've said a lot about it. I said what I felt. And that's why this book is just perfect 🤩
Thanks to the author for trusting me with a BETA 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
December 28, 2025
ARC review
This was very cute and I was rooting so hard for them and their little family.
Luke lost his sister and she left him the best part of her for him to take care of, her daughters. He loved those girls so much, he would do anything not to lose them.
Dean had love Luke for years and he loved those girls like they were his own.
Getting married was the best thing that happened to them. The feelings came out in the open and the girls loved them as if they were their own dads.
I loved their love and their family, family is not only blood
This was very cute and I was rooting so hard for them and their little family.
Luke lost his sister and she left him the best part of her for him to take care of, her daughters. He loved those girls so much, he would do anything not to lose them.
Dean had love Luke for years and he loved those girls like they were his own.
Getting married was the best thing that happened to them. The feelings came out in the open and the girls loved them as if they were their own dads.
I loved their love and their family, family is not only blood
June 12, 2025
This is a long Ride So Buckle Up.
Everywhere You Look by Emily Shacklette
I have just turned the final page of Everywhere You Look by Emily Shacklette, and I feel like I’ve emerged from an emotional whirlwind—equal parts wrecked and full. This book was one extraordinary rollercoaster, and I mean that in the most reverent, heart-clutching way. It has stirred me, teary, grateful, and completely swept away.
I remember glancing at the synopsis and immediately thinking, Oh yes, this is exactly what I will love. And I was right. The tropes alone had me in their grip from the start:
✔️ Friends to Lovers
✔️ Single Dad
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ He Falls First
✔️ Courtroom Drama
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ Queer Romance
✔️ Childhood Best Friends Reunited
✔️ Grief, Healing, and Found Family
But it’s the micro-tropes—the little narrative sparks—that truly elevated this experience:
💛 Found Family
💛 “It’s Always Been You”
💛 “Touch My Family and Die”
💛 Quiet Defiance Against Religious Bigotry
💛 The kind of friendship that makes you drop everything when the other person needs you
And speaking of the latter—this book made me believe in the friends-to-lovers trope not just as a narrative device, but as a real, possible, and beautiful evolution of love. Dean and Luke share the kind of connection that feels so natural, so familiar, that you long for it in your own life. I want that kind of friendship. The kind where history and trust live quietly between conversations. The kind where one leaves it all behind when the other says, I need you.
This was my first book by Emily Shacklette, and if I’m being honest, I went in with no expectations and came out feeling humbled by her storytelling. I read it entirely in soft copy format—yes, during work hours, starting around 9:30 a.m. (don’t judge)—and I somehow managed to juggle my job and finish this in a single day. That’s how addictive and seamless the reading experience was.
The prose is accessible and comforting without being oversimplified. The characters aren’t weighed down by excessive complexity but are still written with such emotional clarity that they feel real. I could pause the book, step into a work task, and then return to reading without missing a beat—because that’s how well it flowed. That’s how well it lived in my head.
SPOILER ALERT ⚠️
And then—that courtroom scene.
Good grief. I wanted to be in that room, a silent witness to the final hearing, to the pain and courage unfurling in that space. The emotional gravity of it pulled me in so deeply, I felt like I was holding my breath through every word.
And yes, I cried. I absolutely cried when Gigi died—even though I had a feeling it was coming. But what shattered me wasn’t the loss itself, but the way Emily wrote Luke’s grief. It was tender and raw and painfully honest. I found myself quietly crying in front of my computer screen while doing documentation at work, wiping tears between tasks. No shame.
The relationships in this book—between the adults, the kids, and everyone in between—are deeply human. I adored the bond between Luke and Dean and the children; it felt organic, sweet, and restorative. And on the flip side, Shacklette doesn’t shy away from showing us the sharp edges of rejection and emotional cruelty—like Luke’s bitterness, or Dean’s distant, judgmental parents. Let’s be honest, some of these characters deserved a more colorful verbal takedown, but I’ll keep things decent here.
And can we take a moment to talk about the length? 736 pages. But here’s the magic—I didn’t notice. I didn’t count. I didn’t even care. I read it with such ease and immersion that when I finally looked back and saw the page count, I literally exclaimed, What the actual f—?! Because when a story has your heart, time loses all structure.
In short, Everywhere You Look gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. A soft but powerful exploration of chosen family, healing love, and the kind of connection that grows quietly, deeply, and without ego. It reminded me that love isn’t always loud or obvious—but it is always felt.
Emily Shacklette, you have my respect—and my heart. This won’t be my last read from you.
Everywhere You Look by Emily Shacklette
I have just turned the final page of Everywhere You Look by Emily Shacklette, and I feel like I’ve emerged from an emotional whirlwind—equal parts wrecked and full. This book was one extraordinary rollercoaster, and I mean that in the most reverent, heart-clutching way. It has stirred me, teary, grateful, and completely swept away.
I remember glancing at the synopsis and immediately thinking, Oh yes, this is exactly what I will love. And I was right. The tropes alone had me in their grip from the start:
✔️ Friends to Lovers
✔️ Single Dad
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ He Falls First
✔️ Courtroom Drama
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ Queer Romance
✔️ Childhood Best Friends Reunited
✔️ Grief, Healing, and Found Family
But it’s the micro-tropes—the little narrative sparks—that truly elevated this experience:
💛 Found Family
💛 “It’s Always Been You”
💛 “Touch My Family and Die”
💛 Quiet Defiance Against Religious Bigotry
💛 The kind of friendship that makes you drop everything when the other person needs you
And speaking of the latter—this book made me believe in the friends-to-lovers trope not just as a narrative device, but as a real, possible, and beautiful evolution of love. Dean and Luke share the kind of connection that feels so natural, so familiar, that you long for it in your own life. I want that kind of friendship. The kind where history and trust live quietly between conversations. The kind where one leaves it all behind when the other says, I need you.
This was my first book by Emily Shacklette, and if I’m being honest, I went in with no expectations and came out feeling humbled by her storytelling. I read it entirely in soft copy format—yes, during work hours, starting around 9:30 a.m. (don’t judge)—and I somehow managed to juggle my job and finish this in a single day. That’s how addictive and seamless the reading experience was.
The prose is accessible and comforting without being oversimplified. The characters aren’t weighed down by excessive complexity but are still written with such emotional clarity that they feel real. I could pause the book, step into a work task, and then return to reading without missing a beat—because that’s how well it flowed. That’s how well it lived in my head.
SPOILER ALERT ⚠️
And then—that courtroom scene.
Good grief. I wanted to be in that room, a silent witness to the final hearing, to the pain and courage unfurling in that space. The emotional gravity of it pulled me in so deeply, I felt like I was holding my breath through every word.
And yes, I cried. I absolutely cried when Gigi died—even though I had a feeling it was coming. But what shattered me wasn’t the loss itself, but the way Emily wrote Luke’s grief. It was tender and raw and painfully honest. I found myself quietly crying in front of my computer screen while doing documentation at work, wiping tears between tasks. No shame.
The relationships in this book—between the adults, the kids, and everyone in between—are deeply human. I adored the bond between Luke and Dean and the children; it felt organic, sweet, and restorative. And on the flip side, Shacklette doesn’t shy away from showing us the sharp edges of rejection and emotional cruelty—like Luke’s bitterness, or Dean’s distant, judgmental parents. Let’s be honest, some of these characters deserved a more colorful verbal takedown, but I’ll keep things decent here.
And can we take a moment to talk about the length? 736 pages. But here’s the magic—I didn’t notice. I didn’t count. I didn’t even care. I read it with such ease and immersion that when I finally looked back and saw the page count, I literally exclaimed, What the actual f—?! Because when a story has your heart, time loses all structure.
In short, Everywhere You Look gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. A soft but powerful exploration of chosen family, healing love, and the kind of connection that grows quietly, deeply, and without ego. It reminded me that love isn’t always loud or obvious—but it is always felt.
Emily Shacklette, you have my respect—and my heart. This won’t be my last read from you.
August 5, 2025
Oh my gosh, I loved this hug of a story so much! THIS is what a friends to lovers book should be… even before they’re having sex, these two are true besties. They say “I love you”, show physical affection, and have been there for each other for years. The romantic aspect felt so natural and beautiful.
Dean and Luke are retired pro football players who have known each other and been friends for over 10 yrs. Dean has been secretly in love with him, but has pushed his attraction aside to be friends. Dean’s love is obvious in the way he repeatedly and without hesitation shows up for Luke. When Luke’s sister tragically dies, Luke is named the guardian for her three little girls and is falling apart. Dean immediately moves in to help and support. When the custody is challenged by Luke’s awful homophobic parents, Dean proposes to make their arrangement legal and above board and they get married. It’s fake, but so not fake. Lol.
The tension comes from their love and attraction growing while they’re dealing w grief and taking care of the girls and from the looming threat of the custody trial. What’s beautiful is that the love and support is truly grounded in friendship. Also, Deans genuine love for the girls and the way he cares for them… letting them paint his nails, reading to them, playing outside, so many small moments where we see their family. 🥹. The three little “I love you” squeezes they give each other’s hands when they need silent support. 😭
This story is so well balanced. The grief is there, but it’s not overpowering for the love story, and these - gah - their love is everything. Read it. You’ll be so happy.
- no third act breakup
- no miscommunication. There is a little angst as they each realize their growing attraction, but they don’t mislead each other. I loved it when Dean said thinking about them being w other people made him feel “stabby”. Lol
- No OM drama. The past experiences aren’t relevant and are not mentioned. The only OW drama comes from a past college girlfriend of Dean’s who tries to cause trouble w the custody trial. But Dean’s been open and honest and has nothing to hide. It doesn’t affect their relationship. At all.
- slow burn - you can feel the chemistry and love between these two and it grows until sparks fly at about 60%ish. The scene in the bathtub during the photo shoot 🥵
- found family - ah. My heart. I love all three little girls, I love Dean’s family, the way they care for Luke and the girls. So good. Love that Deans sister and husband live next door.
- bi (Dean)/gay (Luke). No awakening.
- dual POV. HEA. They all take the same name in the epilogue.
Dean and Luke are retired pro football players who have known each other and been friends for over 10 yrs. Dean has been secretly in love with him, but has pushed his attraction aside to be friends. Dean’s love is obvious in the way he repeatedly and without hesitation shows up for Luke. When Luke’s sister tragically dies, Luke is named the guardian for her three little girls and is falling apart. Dean immediately moves in to help and support. When the custody is challenged by Luke’s awful homophobic parents, Dean proposes to make their arrangement legal and above board and they get married. It’s fake, but so not fake. Lol.
The tension comes from their love and attraction growing while they’re dealing w grief and taking care of the girls and from the looming threat of the custody trial. What’s beautiful is that the love and support is truly grounded in friendship. Also, Deans genuine love for the girls and the way he cares for them… letting them paint his nails, reading to them, playing outside, so many small moments where we see their family. 🥹. The three little “I love you” squeezes they give each other’s hands when they need silent support. 😭
This story is so well balanced. The grief is there, but it’s not overpowering for the love story, and these - gah - their love is everything. Read it. You’ll be so happy.
- no third act breakup
- no miscommunication. There is a little angst as they each realize their growing attraction, but they don’t mislead each other. I loved it when Dean said thinking about them being w other people made him feel “stabby”. Lol
- No OM drama. The past experiences aren’t relevant and are not mentioned. The only OW drama comes from a past college girlfriend of Dean’s who tries to cause trouble w the custody trial. But Dean’s been open and honest and has nothing to hide. It doesn’t affect their relationship. At all.
- slow burn - you can feel the chemistry and love between these two and it grows until sparks fly at about 60%ish. The scene in the bathtub during the photo shoot 🥵
- found family - ah. My heart. I love all three little girls, I love Dean’s family, the way they care for Luke and the girls. So good. Love that Deans sister and husband live next door.
- bi (Dean)/gay (Luke). No awakening.
- dual POV. HEA. They all take the same name in the epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
4.25⭐️
This was super sweet. I was a little hesitant to read this as I recently tried to read a book with a very similar plot and just had to DNF it because I just wasn’t buying it. BUT Emily managed to establish a believable scenario and an established friendship that felt real and meaningful already without much background. From there the journey felt natural and easy. I was also a bit nervous about the religious trauma that was mentioned in the TWs and discussed in the authors note cuz that can be a real bummer to read buuut was happy to find that while that trauma definitely plays a part in Luke’s history as well as the current drama that threatens our new lil fam, we don’t linger in those moments and the story overall, while involving a serious topic, still manages to feel light.
The flashbacks to sermons etc are at most a couple paragraphs long and only happen 2 or 3 times in the entire book and tbh you can skim them and not have to really read that toxic shit and move on just fine without consuming those bits if they can be triggering to you. The first chapter that had the birth of the twins felt a little heavy handed with the wink wink nudge nudge of Gigi jokingly mentioning dying several times and coincidentally mentioning the exact way she dies 👀👀👀- that felt a little much. But overall this was a very sweet read, with adorable kiddos and baby, (some) very supportive family and friends, well established friendship transitioning to more, and several scenes working through heavy grief that were emotional and heartbreaking but served to tell the story. The “big drama” was present but not the main focus of the story - instead the focus was the new little family finding their way and Dean and Luke gaining better understanding of their love for one another. Also the photoshoot bathtub scene was 🔥 well done Emily
This was super sweet. I was a little hesitant to read this as I recently tried to read a book with a very similar plot and just had to DNF it because I just wasn’t buying it. BUT Emily managed to establish a believable scenario and an established friendship that felt real and meaningful already without much background. From there the journey felt natural and easy. I was also a bit nervous about the religious trauma that was mentioned in the TWs and discussed in the authors note cuz that can be a real bummer to read buuut was happy to find that while that trauma definitely plays a part in Luke’s history as well as the current drama that threatens our new lil fam, we don’t linger in those moments and the story overall, while involving a serious topic, still manages to feel light.
The flashbacks to sermons etc are at most a couple paragraphs long and only happen 2 or 3 times in the entire book and tbh you can skim them and not have to really read that toxic shit and move on just fine without consuming those bits if they can be triggering to you. The first chapter that had the birth of the twins felt a little heavy handed with the wink wink nudge nudge of Gigi jokingly mentioning dying several times and coincidentally mentioning the exact way she dies 👀👀👀- that felt a little much. But overall this was a very sweet read, with adorable kiddos and baby, (some) very supportive family and friends, well established friendship transitioning to more, and several scenes working through heavy grief that were emotional and heartbreaking but served to tell the story. The “big drama” was present but not the main focus of the story - instead the focus was the new little family finding their way and Dean and Luke gaining better understanding of their love for one another. Also the photoshoot bathtub scene was 🔥 well done Emily
July 22, 2025
Honestly...a nice read and a cute expansion on the world-building from "The Brotherly Shove". I wasn't aware of Shacklette's "The Posse" series which also seems to directly tie into this book. I'm not typically an MF reader, but perhaps I'll give it a try since I loved Dean's sister, Kira!
This book had me feeling two different types of ways.
On one hand, the steadfast dedication Dean showed for Luke throughout the book was instantly a win for me. He wanted to badly to take the pressure off of Luke in every facet of his life, and did so mindfully of Luke's willingness to be the best uncle/caretaker for those little girls. Luke's admiration of Dean and Dean's persistent unrequited crush for Luke made for some heart-wrenching, gooey moments that I ate UP.
On the other hand, Luke (and on rare occasion Dean) had a difficult enough time tempering his emotions concerning his biological parents. It made absolute sense, and no one could hold it against him, but he really stepped in it every single chance he got. His lawyer had to be the most understanding woman on the face of this planet to want to jump to his defense. This all lead to a constant state of reading-on-eggshells that was a big contrast to how tender the rest of the book was. The stakes being as high as they were made for a bit of a stressful read from the 40% through the end.
Not to say that I had a bad time reading, though. This book was plenty emotional for me, which is definitely a positive in my book, and I was happy to see some cameos from the first book. Throw in how adorable the girls were, and this was a success for me! Very interested in getting back to the Redwoods for book 3 when it releases!
This book had me feeling two different types of ways.
On one hand, the steadfast dedication Dean showed for Luke throughout the book was instantly a win for me. He wanted to badly to take the pressure off of Luke in every facet of his life, and did so mindfully of Luke's willingness to be the best uncle/caretaker for those little girls. Luke's admiration of Dean and Dean's persistent unrequited crush for Luke made for some heart-wrenching, gooey moments that I ate UP.
On the other hand, Luke (and on rare occasion Dean) had a difficult enough time tempering his emotions concerning his biological parents. It made absolute sense, and no one could hold it against him, but he really stepped in it every single chance he got. His lawyer had to be the most understanding woman on the face of this planet to want to jump to his defense. This all lead to a constant state of reading-on-eggshells that was a big contrast to how tender the rest of the book was. The stakes being as high as they were made for a bit of a stressful read from the 40% through the end.
Not to say that I had a bad time reading, though. This book was plenty emotional for me, which is definitely a positive in my book, and I was happy to see some cameos from the first book. Throw in how adorable the girls were, and this was a success for me! Very interested in getting back to the Redwoods for book 3 when it releases!
June 23, 2025
4,5☆
❥ 𝗔𝗿𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
This is the second time I’ve read a book by this author, and both times it felt like coming home.
Luke and Dean are absolutely the cutest. Their friendship is one of a kind, and honestly, it felt like they were already in a relationship with how much they cared for each other and how Dean always called Luke “babe.” Even though they took their time getting there and telling each other how they really felt, it warmed my heart watching them navigate their unresolved feelings.
Lemmie, Mellie, and Ollie were the cutest! The twins, Lemmie and Mellie, reminded me of me and my sisters—loving each other one minute and needing space the next. And Ollie was the sweetest baby with all her adorable blabbering.
Together, they were the perfect little family. Even though it came from sad circumstances (the girls’ mom passed away), I loved seeing them navigate grief together. The questions they had, the "Am I doing enough?" moments, and the highs and lows—they faced it all as a unit.
Even though this is a happy book, it touches on heavier subjects like Luke and Gigi’s upbringing and all the pain they went through. And while they’re fictional, I know some people go through similar situations in real life—and it doesn’t hurt any less reading some of the things that were said.
And Gigi—even though she wasn’t physically present in the story—it felt like she was. You could feel her love on every page.
Thank you so much to Love Note PR and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
❥ 𝗔𝗿𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
This is the second time I’ve read a book by this author, and both times it felt like coming home.
Luke and Dean are absolutely the cutest. Their friendship is one of a kind, and honestly, it felt like they were already in a relationship with how much they cared for each other and how Dean always called Luke “babe.” Even though they took their time getting there and telling each other how they really felt, it warmed my heart watching them navigate their unresolved feelings.
Lemmie, Mellie, and Ollie were the cutest! The twins, Lemmie and Mellie, reminded me of me and my sisters—loving each other one minute and needing space the next. And Ollie was the sweetest baby with all her adorable blabbering.
Together, they were the perfect little family. Even though it came from sad circumstances (the girls’ mom passed away), I loved seeing them navigate grief together. The questions they had, the "Am I doing enough?" moments, and the highs and lows—they faced it all as a unit.
Even though this is a happy book, it touches on heavier subjects like Luke and Gigi’s upbringing and all the pain they went through. And while they’re fictional, I know some people go through similar situations in real life—and it doesn’t hurt any less reading some of the things that were said.
And Gigi—even though she wasn’t physically present in the story—it felt like she was. You could feel her love on every page.
Thank you so much to Love Note PR and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
June 19, 2025
Dean and Luke are best friends, and they are both retired NFL quarterbacks who are entering the next chapter of their lives. When Luke's sister passes away, he becomes the guardian to his three young nieces. Dean moves in with Luke to help him care for the children, and he quickly starts to love his new role.
When Luke's guardianship is threatened, Dean offers to marry Luke. They have both had crushes on each other, but they have never risked crossing the line because they don't want to lose their friendship. Their marriage of convenience leads to them sharing a bed together. Will they be able to keep things platonic or will things get spicy?
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and I was rooting for Dean and Luke so much. The slow burn added so much to the story. Luke was healing from grief over his sister's passing, and Dean was there to comfort him.
Dean's family, including his two dads, his sister, and his aunt, are such an integral part of the story, and they represent the found family trope so well.
The story takes place in the Bay Area, and it gives such Full House vibes!
If you're looking for a slow burn, friends to lovers romance with a marriage of convenience and found family, this is the book for you.
When Luke's guardianship is threatened, Dean offers to marry Luke. They have both had crushes on each other, but they have never risked crossing the line because they don't want to lose their friendship. Their marriage of convenience leads to them sharing a bed together. Will they be able to keep things platonic or will things get spicy?
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and I was rooting for Dean and Luke so much. The slow burn added so much to the story. Luke was healing from grief over his sister's passing, and Dean was there to comfort him.
Dean's family, including his two dads, his sister, and his aunt, are such an integral part of the story, and they represent the found family trope so well.
The story takes place in the Bay Area, and it gives such Full House vibes!
If you're looking for a slow burn, friends to lovers romance with a marriage of convenience and found family, this is the book for you.
July 10, 2025
Eu nem me lembrava que já tinha lido algo desta autora até chegar quase ao fim desde livro, mas vamos ignorar essa situação 🤣
Dei por mim, durante quase todo o tempo, a sorrir que nem uma tonta para o telemóvel. Eu fiquei completamente apaixonada por esta história.
Não costumo ser a maior fã de friends to lovers mas, neste caso, amei tanto 🥹
O Dean e o Luke são melhores amigos desde os seus 20's, em que ambos jogavam futebol. Criaram uma ligação por serem ambos atletas queer e a amizade deles é linda. Só que sempre houve uma atração, em que não a perseguiram por estarem a precisar mais de um amigo do que de um namorado.
Este livro é um pouco pesado para pessoas que, tal como eu, são da comunidade lgbtq +. É difícil ler sobre alguém a ser preconceituoso e a magoar quem apenas quer amar. Além disso, também temos a perda de um familiar, o que pode também mexer com algumas pessoas.
Amei este livro, e agora só quero ler maid e mais desta autora.
Dei por mim, durante quase todo o tempo, a sorrir que nem uma tonta para o telemóvel. Eu fiquei completamente apaixonada por esta história.
Não costumo ser a maior fã de friends to lovers mas, neste caso, amei tanto 🥹
O Dean e o Luke são melhores amigos desde os seus 20's, em que ambos jogavam futebol. Criaram uma ligação por serem ambos atletas queer e a amizade deles é linda. Só que sempre houve uma atração, em que não a perseguiram por estarem a precisar mais de um amigo do que de um namorado.
Este livro é um pouco pesado para pessoas que, tal como eu, são da comunidade lgbtq +. É difícil ler sobre alguém a ser preconceituoso e a magoar quem apenas quer amar. Além disso, também temos a perda de um familiar, o que pode também mexer com algumas pessoas.
Amei este livro, e agora só quero ler maid e mais desta autora.
June 10, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I’m going to start this off by saying I’m a Christian and the author note made me feel seen. It showed she didn’t generalize the abuse some churches actually allow. This entire book from the first sentence till the last showed two people fighting for their family, for their love, and for Gigi. Luke’s parents are not the type of pastors I grew up with but doesn’t mean they aren’t pastors like that, his father made himself into some god and formed a cult whatever he thought he was teaching or in the name of “god” was just terrible. I love the little chickens honestly, they were written exactly like kids, how kids would react to grief and ever;this book is written so beautifully. Dean and Luke had this slowish burn going and the way everyone clocked them being fake that fast was so funny. Their thoughts were literally the mirror of the other and I kept saying just kiss already. I really hope wherever Gigi is she’s smiling and watching .
I’m going to start this off by saying I’m a Christian and the author note made me feel seen. It showed she didn’t generalize the abuse some churches actually allow. This entire book from the first sentence till the last showed two people fighting for their family, for their love, and for Gigi. Luke’s parents are not the type of pastors I grew up with but doesn’t mean they aren’t pastors like that, his father made himself into some god and formed a cult whatever he thought he was teaching or in the name of “god” was just terrible. I love the little chickens honestly, they were written exactly like kids, how kids would react to grief and ever;this book is written so beautifully. Dean and Luke had this slowish burn going and the way everyone clocked them being fake that fast was so funny. Their thoughts were literally the mirror of the other and I kept saying just kiss already. I really hope wherever Gigi is she’s smiling and watching .
July 6, 2025
Where are all my 911 Buck and Eddie (Buddie) fans?!? This one is for you! This story is Full House x Buddie and you will not want to put it down!!!
When tragedy strikes Luke and Dean decide to raise Lukes nieces together as a family. Luke is faced with multiple tragedies but refuses to give up. He wants to give his nieces the safe and happy life their mother would have wanted them to have.
This story is not only about love, hope, and happiness, but also healing from childhood trauma, recognizing self-worth, and standing up against hate, abuse, and bigotry.
Emily Shacklette wrote a beautiful story that I couldn’t put down! The blend of angst, love, and the adorable sweetness of those three little girls made this book impossible to put down. The characters emotions were complex and you could feel them as though they were flesh and blood individuals rather than words on a page.
When tragedy strikes Luke and Dean decide to raise Lukes nieces together as a family. Luke is faced with multiple tragedies but refuses to give up. He wants to give his nieces the safe and happy life their mother would have wanted them to have.
This story is not only about love, hope, and happiness, but also healing from childhood trauma, recognizing self-worth, and standing up against hate, abuse, and bigotry.
Emily Shacklette wrote a beautiful story that I couldn’t put down! The blend of angst, love, and the adorable sweetness of those three little girls made this book impossible to put down. The characters emotions were complex and you could feel them as though they were flesh and blood individuals rather than words on a page.
June 26, 2025
Oh Luke and Dean, they were so perfect together. Best friends for over 10 years but both had an underlying attraction to the other but didn't want to mess up their friendship. When Luke's sister passes, he gets custody of her three daughters. Dean moves in to help him raise the girls. When Luke's parents try to take the girls, Dean and Luke decide to get married. It's only a little white lie, they both truly love each other and support the other. They have to fight in court against lies about their character but will it work out in the end? What will happen when their fake relationship doesn't feel so fake?
June 23, 2025
The way I gasped and thought, “I need this one!” when I saw the ARC sign-ups was insane lol
First, the things I loved:
- Dean. An absolute sweetheart. As a husband, best friend, brother, neighbor or anything, he is basically everything you’d want in a person.
- Luke and Dean’s relationship with the kids. I loved reading their interactions. The family dynamics and fun moments shone through, even with all the tension and negativity surrounding them.
- The strength and resilience of the characters, and how they supported each other through it all.
- The plot. It’s the first time I’ve read something involving religion and kids, and it was definitely interesting to dive into that world.
- Did I mention Dean?
That being said… I do feel a little sad, because I liked it, but I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would.
The main reason was the way the relationship between the main characters was written—especially at the beginning. I love a good best-friends-to-lovers story (it’s actually one of my favorite tropes), but their interactions felt a bit over the top at times. The way they talked and acted with each other was so intense it came off as unnatural. It felt like they were trying too hard, and because of that, I couldn’t fully believe in what they were saying or feeling.
It did become wholesome and adorable towards the end, but the first half of the book was just a little too much for me.
If you’re into over-the-top affection from the very beginning, you’ll probably love this one. It just didn’t click with me.
First, the things I loved:
- Dean. An absolute sweetheart. As a husband, best friend, brother, neighbor or anything, he is basically everything you’d want in a person.
- Luke and Dean’s relationship with the kids. I loved reading their interactions. The family dynamics and fun moments shone through, even with all the tension and negativity surrounding them.
- The strength and resilience of the characters, and how they supported each other through it all.
- The plot. It’s the first time I’ve read something involving religion and kids, and it was definitely interesting to dive into that world.
- Did I mention Dean?
That being said… I do feel a little sad, because I liked it, but I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would.
The main reason was the way the relationship between the main characters was written—especially at the beginning. I love a good best-friends-to-lovers story (it’s actually one of my favorite tropes), but their interactions felt a bit over the top at times. The way they talked and acted with each other was so intense it came off as unnatural. It felt like they were trying too hard, and because of that, I couldn’t fully believe in what they were saying or feeling.
It did become wholesome and adorable towards the end, but the first half of the book was just a little too much for me.
If you’re into over-the-top affection from the very beginning, you’ll probably love this one. It just didn’t click with me.
June 24, 2025
This book had it all. I laughed, cried, and got frustrated, but ultimately loved the end result.
Read this if you love:
💕friends to lovers
💕full house vibes
💕former football players
💕marriage of convenience
💕single guardian
💕cute kids
💕hurt/comfort
Proceed with caution if reading about the death of a sibling, religious trauma, strained parental relationships or custody battles are difficult for you.
August 24, 2025
4 ⭐️ 3🌶️
This was a very sweet read. I always enjoy a story that has no third act breakup nonsense so that's a plus!
I felt such pure hatred towards the antagonists of the story and then shed many tears of both sadness and happiness!
I imagine this could potentially hit close to home for some people so check the blurb, and context warnings before jumping in.
- custody battle
- single dad
- MM romance
- two pro footballers
- found family
This was a very sweet read. I always enjoy a story that has no third act breakup nonsense so that's a plus!
I felt such pure hatred towards the antagonists of the story and then shed many tears of both sadness and happiness!
I imagine this could potentially hit close to home for some people so check the blurb, and context warnings before jumping in.
- custody battle
- single dad
- MM romance
- two pro footballers
- found family
December 28, 2025
Very very cute. Big improvement on the writing compared to book #1 of the series.
June 12, 2025
“Are you flirting with me, husband?”
Have been for ten years, glad you finally noticed.
✔️MM romance
✔️marriage of convenience
✔️single guardian
✔️friends to lovers
✔️retired pro football players
✔️hurt/comfort
✔️no 3rd act breakup
4.75⭐️ rounded up
I love friends to lovers romance, and this one is so cute. Most of the heavy friendship building is done off page because they have been best friends for a decade, so by the time we come into the story they are already incredibly comfortable with each other. In fact, they are the couple that no one is surprised when they get together because everyone assumed they were already together. The transition from friends to platonic married couple to lovers is fairly seamless, and this is the type of book where most of the angst comes from outside of the relationship. There is a little bit of will they/won’t they, but there was never really any question about them being together for the long haul.
Please check the content warnings before picking up this book, there are some heavy things handled in this story, and the topics may be difficult for some readers. I will be discussing some of them here because it is hard to explain what happens in the story even briefly without bringing them up, but will mark as spoilers in case you don’t want to see it. ⚠️ ⚠️
This is a standalone that is connected to the author’s previous books. This is my first book by this author and the cameos from characters in previous stories made me excited to go back and read her other books. While I enjoyed the whole story, I really like that the courtroom scene was conveyed via court transcript, and I think the epilogue might be my favorite. It was so nice to see the family together and thriving after everything they’ve gone through, and the MCs figuring out what they want to do now that they are retired from playing football professionally.
*Thank you so much to the author (Emily Shacklette) and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
Have been for ten years, glad you finally noticed.
✔️MM romance
✔️marriage of convenience
✔️single guardian
✔️friends to lovers
✔️retired pro football players
✔️hurt/comfort
✔️no 3rd act breakup
4.75⭐️ rounded up
I love friends to lovers romance, and this one is so cute. Most of the heavy friendship building is done off page because they have been best friends for a decade, so by the time we come into the story they are already incredibly comfortable with each other. In fact, they are the couple that no one is surprised when they get together because everyone assumed they were already together. The transition from friends to platonic married couple to lovers is fairly seamless, and this is the type of book where most of the angst comes from outside of the relationship. There is a little bit of will they/won’t they, but there was never really any question about them being together for the long haul.
Please check the content warnings before picking up this book, there are some heavy things handled in this story, and the topics may be difficult for some readers. I will be discussing some of them here because it is hard to explain what happens in the story even briefly without bringing them up, but will mark as spoilers in case you don’t want to see it. ⚠️ ⚠️
This is a standalone that is connected to the author’s previous books. This is my first book by this author and the cameos from characters in previous stories made me excited to go back and read her other books. While I enjoyed the whole story, I really like that the courtroom scene was conveyed via court transcript, and I think the epilogue might be my favorite. It was so nice to see the family together and thriving after everything they’ve gone through, and the MCs figuring out what they want to do now that they are retired from playing football professionally.
*Thank you so much to the author (Emily Shacklette) and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
June 30, 2025
3.5⭐️
This book follows two former NFL stars who happen to be best friends. Luke and Dean have had their way in life due to their sexuality. Luke due to religious trauma and Dean because he’s in love with his best friend.
Luke finds himself guardian of his three nieces after the unexpected death of his sister. Dean steps up to help him and it goes from there.
Dean is an absolute rockstar from the beginning. Arguably, he’s my favorite thing about the book. The way he is with the kids and with Luke is mostly where my stars came from.
I wish I had liked this book more than I did, but at some points the relationship between Dean and Luke felt very… basic. The lines they used, the way they were around each other.
This book follows two former NFL stars who happen to be best friends. Luke and Dean have had their way in life due to their sexuality. Luke due to religious trauma and Dean because he’s in love with his best friend.
Luke finds himself guardian of his three nieces after the unexpected death of his sister. Dean steps up to help him and it goes from there.
Dean is an absolute rockstar from the beginning. Arguably, he’s my favorite thing about the book. The way he is with the kids and with Luke is mostly where my stars came from.
I wish I had liked this book more than I did, but at some points the relationship between Dean and Luke felt very… basic. The lines they used, the way they were around each other.
June 29, 2025
everywhere you look <3*•
I’m so smitten with this little family ⭐️. Dean and Luke are the MOST SUPPORTIVE AND AMAZING people.
This book proves that family is the one you choose not the one you are born into it. Such amazing characters are spotted here.
The little girls were the cutest and I’m so happy after so much pain they have a wonderful family.
This is one of the sweetest m/m romance book I’ve ever read. I couldn’t stop reading it. Loved every single chapter.
I’d like to thank Love Notes PR for the early access.
I’m so smitten with this little family ⭐️. Dean and Luke are the MOST SUPPORTIVE AND AMAZING people.
This book proves that family is the one you choose not the one you are born into it. Such amazing characters are spotted here.
The little girls were the cutest and I’m so happy after so much pain they have a wonderful family.
This is one of the sweetest m/m romance book I’ve ever read. I couldn’t stop reading it. Loved every single chapter.
I’d like to thank Love Notes PR for the early access.
July 13, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
I was crying within the first chapters! How much heartache can you add before the story is even a few chapters in, but it pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down afterwards. The blurb I forgot to check so I was wondering how the girls end up in Luke cares but if I was someone that read the blurbs instead of going in blind, I would have known why. Also this cover!!! Luke, Dean and the girls, its just adorable.
Plot
I loved how the plot developed, how emotions were high and everyone denying the attraction. The marriage of convenience trope had me hooked in and I know it was just going to be perfect. I hated Luke’s parents with a passion, but that part of the storyline opens your eyes to unfortunately still outdated views.
Characters
I loved the characters of this one! Luke has so much trauma and you can see how it affects him as a person and then Dean who is the total opposite. I don’t know much about NFL but it was refreshing to see how much Dean supported his best friend. The girls tho, Lemmie, Mellie and Ollie totally still the story away, they are just adorable little ones trying to adjust to the unknown and they made me cry several times. I hated Lukes parents, how can people still be like this and have these views, I can’t remember the last time I felt that infuriated by a couple of characters!
Recommend
If you love the heartwarming romance, MM, instant family, tear shedding moments then I absolutely recommend this to you! Just check the TW before you read, which are at the beginning of the book.
Favourite Quote
“How mommy might not be here in this world with us, but she’s still in our hearts? Mommy’s body is gone, but her spirit is here. She’s watching over us, and she is making sure you girls are protected and loved.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 4, 9, 17 and 26.
Summed up in one sentence
A truly heartwarming romance with so much love and also pain.
Overall Wrap up
When I started this, I wasn’t aware that it was book 2 in the series but as I think they just have an interconnected character, nothing was missed so this could probably be more of a standalone anyway. That being said I am definitely going to read book 1. I loved the whole concept of this book and when you look deeper, you fully understand the authors note at the beginning of the book, however it breaks me that, that behaviour is still so present in this day and age. I would hugely suggest checking TW before going into this because not only is there lost, grief, but also the unaccepting of MM. I flew through this because I couldn’t put it down. I loved the found family for Luke and Instant family trope. I just pictured the most heartwarming but also heart churning plot in my head when I was reading.
Stars & Spice – 5 stars and 2 chilli spices.
Book Information – Everywhere You Look by Emily Shacklette.
Genre – MM romance.
Pages – 283 pages.
Tropes –
Found family.
Instant family.
Marriage of convenience.
Friends to lovers.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – This is available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle and in paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 23rd June 2025.
Format in Which I Read – I read this on my kindle.
Where my copy come From – My copy came from Love Notes PR.
POVs – This is written in dual POV. Both Luke and Dean.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a single timeline.
1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in 1st person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – This ends in a HEA!
Series or Standalone – This is book 2 in the San-Francisco Redwoods series. Both books are available on kindle unlimited.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
I was crying within the first chapters! How much heartache can you add before the story is even a few chapters in, but it pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down afterwards. The blurb I forgot to check so I was wondering how the girls end up in Luke cares but if I was someone that read the blurbs instead of going in blind, I would have known why. Also this cover!!! Luke, Dean and the girls, its just adorable.
Plot
I loved how the plot developed, how emotions were high and everyone denying the attraction. The marriage of convenience trope had me hooked in and I know it was just going to be perfect. I hated Luke’s parents with a passion, but that part of the storyline opens your eyes to unfortunately still outdated views.
Characters
I loved the characters of this one! Luke has so much trauma and you can see how it affects him as a person and then Dean who is the total opposite. I don’t know much about NFL but it was refreshing to see how much Dean supported his best friend. The girls tho, Lemmie, Mellie and Ollie totally still the story away, they are just adorable little ones trying to adjust to the unknown and they made me cry several times. I hated Lukes parents, how can people still be like this and have these views, I can’t remember the last time I felt that infuriated by a couple of characters!
Recommend
If you love the heartwarming romance, MM, instant family, tear shedding moments then I absolutely recommend this to you! Just check the TW before you read, which are at the beginning of the book.
Favourite Quote
“How mommy might not be here in this world with us, but she’s still in our hearts? Mommy’s body is gone, but her spirit is here. She’s watching over us, and she is making sure you girls are protected and loved.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 4, 9, 17 and 26.
Summed up in one sentence
A truly heartwarming romance with so much love and also pain.
Overall Wrap up
When I started this, I wasn’t aware that it was book 2 in the series but as I think they just have an interconnected character, nothing was missed so this could probably be more of a standalone anyway. That being said I am definitely going to read book 1. I loved the whole concept of this book and when you look deeper, you fully understand the authors note at the beginning of the book, however it breaks me that, that behaviour is still so present in this day and age. I would hugely suggest checking TW before going into this because not only is there lost, grief, but also the unaccepting of MM. I flew through this because I couldn’t put it down. I loved the found family for Luke and Instant family trope. I just pictured the most heartwarming but also heart churning plot in my head when I was reading.
Stars & Spice – 5 stars and 2 chilli spices.
Book Information – Everywhere You Look by Emily Shacklette.
Genre – MM romance.
Pages – 283 pages.
Tropes –
Found family.
Instant family.
Marriage of convenience.
Friends to lovers.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – This is available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle and in paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 23rd June 2025.
Format in Which I Read – I read this on my kindle.
Where my copy come From – My copy came from Love Notes PR.
POVs – This is written in dual POV. Both Luke and Dean.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a single timeline.
1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in 1st person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – This ends in a HEA!
Series or Standalone – This is book 2 in the San-Francisco Redwoods series. Both books are available on kindle unlimited.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
September 22, 2025
3.5*
This book was an unexpected surprise, and I really loved it. Normally, when authors try to add religion or religious trauma to books, it doesn’t come out well. I’ll admit, I still felt a certain way about it, but it was handled much better here than in most books.
Luke’s parents… all I have to say is that I’m so happy those people never got near the kids. They were using religion as a cover to abuse Luke and Gigi, and I was so afraid of what would’ve happened if they had gotten their hands on those kids.
Now, onto the relationship. I love Dean and Luke. They’re so cute. The fact that these two fools loved each other for so long—Dean loving Luke for years, and Luke developing a crush after he was hurt and Dean came to support and care for him—was just absolutely adorable.
But I have to say, Dean stole the show for me. This man claimed Luke. He was taking care of him in every way he could. It didn’t matter if he had to move across states—while he was still thinking they were “just friends,” he was like, let me move here to help him take care of his three nieces.
And then, when he realized he needed to step up and said, OK, let’s get married so you can get custody of the kids, he didn’t even hesitate. He was like, let’s get married—will you marry me?
Another thing I absolutely loved was how Dean always called the kids “our kids.” He never once didn’t claim them as his, and that was absolutely precious to me.
Now some of my favourite quotes from the book
Dean McKenna: I don’t consider them my kids, Ms. Mason. They are my kids.
I thought moving in with Luke, marrying him, helping him take care of the kids was what was best for him. But I was wrong. It’s what’s best for me, too. Lemmie, Mellie, and Ollie…they’re my whole world. They’re my reason for waking up in the morning.
living. Every single day, I wake up and I look at Luke sleeping in my arms, and I can hardly breathe for how lucky I feel. ¬ Dean had it bad
“A Daddy means someone who loves you and takes care of you. He feeds you breakfast and brushes your hair and plays nail salon.” “And he teaches you things! Like Spanish and football!” Lemmie interjects. “And he tucks you in at night and lets you sleep in his bed when you have nightmares.” “And that’s why you and Dean are our Daddies, right? Because you love us and you take care of us?” This made me cry.
This book was an unexpected surprise, and I really loved it. Normally, when authors try to add religion or religious trauma to books, it doesn’t come out well. I’ll admit, I still felt a certain way about it, but it was handled much better here than in most books.
Luke’s parents… all I have to say is that I’m so happy those people never got near the kids. They were using religion as a cover to abuse Luke and Gigi, and I was so afraid of what would’ve happened if they had gotten their hands on those kids.
Now, onto the relationship. I love Dean and Luke. They’re so cute. The fact that these two fools loved each other for so long—Dean loving Luke for years, and Luke developing a crush after he was hurt and Dean came to support and care for him—was just absolutely adorable.
But I have to say, Dean stole the show for me. This man claimed Luke. He was taking care of him in every way he could. It didn’t matter if he had to move across states—while he was still thinking they were “just friends,” he was like, let me move here to help him take care of his three nieces.
And then, when he realized he needed to step up and said, OK, let’s get married so you can get custody of the kids, he didn’t even hesitate. He was like, let’s get married—will you marry me?
Another thing I absolutely loved was how Dean always called the kids “our kids.” He never once didn’t claim them as his, and that was absolutely precious to me.
Now some of my favourite quotes from the book
Dean McKenna: I don’t consider them my kids, Ms. Mason. They are my kids.
I thought moving in with Luke, marrying him, helping him take care of the kids was what was best for him. But I was wrong. It’s what’s best for me, too. Lemmie, Mellie, and Ollie…they’re my whole world. They’re my reason for waking up in the morning.
living. Every single day, I wake up and I look at Luke sleeping in my arms, and I can hardly breathe for how lucky I feel. ¬ Dean had it bad
“A Daddy means someone who loves you and takes care of you. He feeds you breakfast and brushes your hair and plays nail salon.” “And he teaches you things! Like Spanish and football!” Lemmie interjects. “And he tucks you in at night and lets you sleep in his bed when you have nightmares.” “And that’s why you and Dean are our Daddies, right? Because you love us and you take care of us?” This made me cry.
June 23, 2025
*Overall Book Rating: 5 / 5
*Tropes:
-MM Romance
-Marriage of Convenience
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Single Guardian
-Hurt / Comfort
-Slow Burn
-Single Guardian
-Retired Professional Football Players
*Spiciness: 1.5 / 5
This was my first book by Emily Shacklette and I absolutely loved her work. Emily has done an amazing job at weaving a beautiful story with just as amazing characters. I adored and admired not only the main characters - Luke and Dean but also the side characters. Luke is a grumpy grumperson who finds his life turned upside down by a series of unfortunate events that occur one after another and one of those incidents leads to him becoming the legal guardian of his 3 nieces. Dean being an amazing, loving, caring and kind person and best friend comes to Luke’s rescue by moving in with him and his 3 nieces. Together, Luke and Dean effortlessly work together in parenting and taking care of the 3 beautiful and sweet girls by giving them stable, loving, caring and supportive environment. Luke is knee deep in grief over losing his career and his sister unexpectedly and Dean is always there for Luke, providing Luke with safe space to express his emotions and feelings. Dean along with his family become the support system that both Luke and his nieces needed. Luke and Dean’s relationship starts as best friends which turns into infatuation and finally evolves into unconditional love. They both are totally in sync with each other which makes it easy for them to live as husbands and taking care of kids. Their journey from best friends to lovers have some ups and downs which they resolve by being vulnerable and openly communicating with each other. This book is a beautiful concoction of emotional and heartbreaking moments, sweet and romantic gestures, teasing and bantering between characters and heartwarming confessions. I absolutely loved this book and will highly recommend it.
*Tropes:
-MM Romance
-Marriage of Convenience
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Single Guardian
-Hurt / Comfort
-Slow Burn
-Single Guardian
-Retired Professional Football Players
*Spiciness: 1.5 / 5
This was my first book by Emily Shacklette and I absolutely loved her work. Emily has done an amazing job at weaving a beautiful story with just as amazing characters. I adored and admired not only the main characters - Luke and Dean but also the side characters. Luke is a grumpy grumperson who finds his life turned upside down by a series of unfortunate events that occur one after another and one of those incidents leads to him becoming the legal guardian of his 3 nieces. Dean being an amazing, loving, caring and kind person and best friend comes to Luke’s rescue by moving in with him and his 3 nieces. Together, Luke and Dean effortlessly work together in parenting and taking care of the 3 beautiful and sweet girls by giving them stable, loving, caring and supportive environment. Luke is knee deep in grief over losing his career and his sister unexpectedly and Dean is always there for Luke, providing Luke with safe space to express his emotions and feelings. Dean along with his family become the support system that both Luke and his nieces needed. Luke and Dean’s relationship starts as best friends which turns into infatuation and finally evolves into unconditional love. They both are totally in sync with each other which makes it easy for them to live as husbands and taking care of kids. Their journey from best friends to lovers have some ups and downs which they resolve by being vulnerable and openly communicating with each other. This book is a beautiful concoction of emotional and heartbreaking moments, sweet and romantic gestures, teasing and bantering between characters and heartwarming confessions. I absolutely loved this book and will highly recommend it.
June 24, 2025
A raw, beautiful journey of grief, love, and found family
full review here:
https://literarystitchsociety.blogspo...
Everywhere You Look is so much more than a romance—though the romance is wonderful. It’s a story about grief, healing, and the kind of love that builds a home out of heartbreak.
From the very first chapter, I was in tears—and I stayed emotionally invested right up to the last page. Luke and Dean’s relationship is built on years of friendship and loyalty, and watching that evolve into something deeper felt incredibly real and grounded. Their decision to marry for the sake of the children they’re raising is just the beginning of a much more complex and heart-wrenching emotional journey.
What stood out most to me was how this story doesn't revolve solely around romantic love. It’s about family—those we’re born with and those we build. It’s about letting go of old fears, learning to trust, and putting others first even when it hurts. Both Luke and Dean are portrayed as full, flawed, mature adults. Luke, carrying so much grief and trauma, is deeply moving, but Dean’s quieter struggles and need to be seen are just as powerful.
I also appreciated that football isn’t central to the plot. It's there, but only as a backdrop—a fun outlet for characters who’ve moved beyond that part of their lives. These aren’t men trying to reclaim past glory—they’re navigating real life, real responsibilities, and doing their best to show up for each other and their kids.
Even the side characters shine—briefly but brightly—offering support, warmth, and humor. And through it all, Gigi remains a quiet but present force, lovingly remembered by the people whose lives she shaped.
This book left me feeling everything: grief, joy, love, laughter. I read it in a single sitting, and I know I’ll carry it with me for a long time.
full review here:
https://literarystitchsociety.blogspo...
Everywhere You Look is so much more than a romance—though the romance is wonderful. It’s a story about grief, healing, and the kind of love that builds a home out of heartbreak.
From the very first chapter, I was in tears—and I stayed emotionally invested right up to the last page. Luke and Dean’s relationship is built on years of friendship and loyalty, and watching that evolve into something deeper felt incredibly real and grounded. Their decision to marry for the sake of the children they’re raising is just the beginning of a much more complex and heart-wrenching emotional journey.
What stood out most to me was how this story doesn't revolve solely around romantic love. It’s about family—those we’re born with and those we build. It’s about letting go of old fears, learning to trust, and putting others first even when it hurts. Both Luke and Dean are portrayed as full, flawed, mature adults. Luke, carrying so much grief and trauma, is deeply moving, but Dean’s quieter struggles and need to be seen are just as powerful.
I also appreciated that football isn’t central to the plot. It's there, but only as a backdrop—a fun outlet for characters who’ve moved beyond that part of their lives. These aren’t men trying to reclaim past glory—they’re navigating real life, real responsibilities, and doing their best to show up for each other and their kids.
Even the side characters shine—briefly but brightly—offering support, warmth, and humor. And through it all, Gigi remains a quiet but present force, lovingly remembered by the people whose lives she shaped.
This book left me feeling everything: grief, joy, love, laughter. I read it in a single sitting, and I know I’ll carry it with me for a long time.
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