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The Firm #1
Covenant
The Firm can make any wish come true.
Money. A job promotion. Murder.
Whatever you desire can be yours—for a price.
The Firm has ruled St. Dismas for generations. To most, they’re just a myth.
But in truth, they are the last resort of the desperate.
I never understood why anyone would go to The Firm. There’s always a price to pay—a price you won’t discover until your request has been granted.
It was a path I swore I’d never walk.
Or so I thought.
When my brother is gravely injured, everything changes.
I have no choice but to go to The Firm.
I don’t know what they’ll ask of me, but I’ll give anything to save Jackson.
He has his whole life ahead of him, and I’ll make sure he gets to live it.
But when my price comes due, it’s nothing like I expected.
Not drug smuggling or murder. Not the darkness I braced myself for.
No, this is worse.
My price is to fulfill someone else’s request.
To give them what they asked for.
A marriage.
For anyone else, it may seem simple. But not for me.
Because the man I must marry is my worst enemy.
My rival.
The man I once trusted above all others—until he shattered that trust and threw it back in my face.
The idea of pretending to be Matthias’s doting husband for a year is my worst nightmare.
But I won’t do it for me.
I’ll do it for Jackson.
For my brother, I’ll pay the price.
Even if it means condemning myself.
Money. A job promotion. Murder.
Whatever you desire can be yours—for a price.
The Firm has ruled St. Dismas for generations. To most, they’re just a myth.
But in truth, they are the last resort of the desperate.
I never understood why anyone would go to The Firm. There’s always a price to pay—a price you won’t discover until your request has been granted.
It was a path I swore I’d never walk.
Or so I thought.
When my brother is gravely injured, everything changes.
I have no choice but to go to The Firm.
I don’t know what they’ll ask of me, but I’ll give anything to save Jackson.
He has his whole life ahead of him, and I’ll make sure he gets to live it.
But when my price comes due, it’s nothing like I expected.
Not drug smuggling or murder. Not the darkness I braced myself for.
No, this is worse.
My price is to fulfill someone else’s request.
To give them what they asked for.
A marriage.
For anyone else, it may seem simple. But not for me.
Because the man I must marry is my worst enemy.
My rival.
The man I once trusted above all others—until he shattered that trust and threw it back in my face.
The idea of pretending to be Matthias’s doting husband for a year is my worst nightmare.
But I won’t do it for me.
I’ll do it for Jackson.
For my brother, I’ll pay the price.
Even if it means condemning myself.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2025
764 people are currently reading
2512 people want to read
About the author
Cora Rose
42 books2,631 followersCora Rose loves any kind of romance and consumes way too many books each year. She currently lives in the U.S. and spends her days daydreaming about the characters inside her head.
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 701 reviews
May 31, 2025
Buckle up bitches because this was a weird as shit plot but the smut was kinda sorta good.
Okay Totally Straight Wyatt and Obviously Gay Matthias were once childhood friends. Some horrible shit went down and now they're adult sworn enemies.
Meanwhile there's a shadowy wish granting syndicate called the Firm that's like "give me your most deepest darkest desires and in return you have to do something for somebody else and you may or may not die while doing it. Good luck 😃".... ???? For like no reason. They're just matchmaking people like it's Satanic Tinder.
Adult Totally Straight Wyatt: desperately needs money for his brothers medical bills
Adult Obviously Gay Matthias: needs a fake husband
The Firm: let's trauma bond these bitches and make it legally binding 😌
So here is Totally Straight Wyatt mentally preparing for a little light assassination or a quick cocaine smuggle up the butthole, maybe even selling a kidney in an alley but Matthias said “actually i need a spouse rn lol” and THE FIRM SAID BET.
Totally Straight Wyatt moves in with Obviously Gay Matthias to be his fake husband. They have lots of gay hate sex. Totally Straight Wyatt turns into Maybe I'm Not Straight After All Wyatt.
The end. (With a bunch of drama in between).
✨✨✨Pros✨✨✨
Gay sex
❌❌❌cons❌❌❌
Needed more gay sex
Okay Totally Straight Wyatt and Obviously Gay Matthias were once childhood friends. Some horrible shit went down and now they're adult sworn enemies.
Meanwhile there's a shadowy wish granting syndicate called the Firm that's like "give me your most deepest darkest desires and in return you have to do something for somebody else and you may or may not die while doing it. Good luck 😃".... ???? For like no reason. They're just matchmaking people like it's Satanic Tinder.
Adult Totally Straight Wyatt: desperately needs money for his brothers medical bills
Adult Obviously Gay Matthias: needs a fake husband
The Firm: let's trauma bond these bitches and make it legally binding 😌
So here is Totally Straight Wyatt mentally preparing for a little light assassination or a quick cocaine smuggle up the butthole, maybe even selling a kidney in an alley but Matthias said “actually i need a spouse rn lol” and THE FIRM SAID BET.
Totally Straight Wyatt moves in with Obviously Gay Matthias to be his fake husband. They have lots of gay hate sex. Totally Straight Wyatt turns into Maybe I'm Not Straight After All Wyatt.
The end. (With a bunch of drama in between).
✨✨✨Pros✨✨✨
Gay sex
❌❌❌cons❌❌❌
Needed more gay sex
May 30, 2025
Guess who finished a book!!! MEEEEEE!!! I enjoyed this so much. The addition of co-author Lark Taylor made this feel much more grounded. Look, I do enjoy the Cora OTT and this still has that but it’s a little more reigned in than typical. The characters lived in and real, not the same recycled walking talking tropes. I feel like I’m being shady! I promise I do really enjoy Cora here and there but I just appreciate that this feels like something fresh! A new direction was so needed. NEW CHARACTERS WERE NEEDED!!!!! It just gets tired! But not only did this book get me back into reading, it made me super excited for more from Cora Rose, which I haven’t been in a long time. Hooray! Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers proving once again how elite it is. Give me some mystery of why the pair fell out, give me angst, give me longing, obsession, heartache. And then heal me back up. ❤️🩹
November 23, 2025
Okay but why did I EAT THIS UP??!
Wyatt is down. He’s lost everything and he desperately needs help and money; not for himself but to care for his brother who’s ill. So he goes to the only place he knows will help him: The Firm. Only flipside? They help him, and he owes a debt, a debt he won’t be able to refuse to deliver on.
So when he finds out that to fulfill his debt he has to marry his enemy? His ex childhood best friend Matthias? Yeaaaah he’s not happy.
But do you know who was happy? ME! Hehehhe 😍
I just loooved the set up and this secret society, loved the ‘fake’ husbands trope immensely, adored the friends to enemies to lovers, loved the secrets and plot twists and Matthias’ pining and their TENSION (jfc 🫦), steam (the hottest thing I’ve read in a WHILE 🔥) and emotional relationship development.
ATE IT ALL UP AND LEFT NO CRUMBS!
This was admittedly a bit of a Battle of Tropes but as those were my fav tropes I didn’t mind one bit lol
You can’t look too closely at the details or think too much about if the plot is believable and also be resilient to the many sometimes fickle moods of Wyatt (he could NOT make up his mind lol) but if you can go with the flow it’s just so much fucking FUN!
Idk man, this hit the spot, and it hit it real good.
I’ll be rereading this one for sure!
PS: I thoroughly enjoyed Harley Chase’s narration here 🔥
PPS: I cannot WAIT for Cade‘s book, that epilogue was such a tease 😩
4,5⭐️
Wyatt is down. He’s lost everything and he desperately needs help and money; not for himself but to care for his brother who’s ill. So he goes to the only place he knows will help him: The Firm. Only flipside? They help him, and he owes a debt, a debt he won’t be able to refuse to deliver on.
So when he finds out that to fulfill his debt he has to marry his enemy? His ex childhood best friend Matthias? Yeaaaah he’s not happy.
But do you know who was happy? ME! Hehehhe 😍
I just loooved the set up and this secret society, loved the ‘fake’ husbands trope immensely, adored the friends to enemies to lovers, loved the secrets and plot twists and Matthias’ pining and their TENSION (jfc 🫦), steam (the hottest thing I’ve read in a WHILE 🔥) and emotional relationship development.
ATE IT ALL UP AND LEFT NO CRUMBS!
This was admittedly a bit of a Battle of Tropes but as those were my fav tropes I didn’t mind one bit lol
You can’t look too closely at the details or think too much about if the plot is believable and also be resilient to the many sometimes fickle moods of Wyatt (he could NOT make up his mind lol) but if you can go with the flow it’s just so much fucking FUN!
Idk man, this hit the spot, and it hit it real good.
I’ll be rereading this one for sure!
PS: I thoroughly enjoyed Harley Chase’s narration here 🔥
PPS: I cannot WAIT for Cade‘s book, that epilogue was such a tease 😩
4,5⭐️
May 28, 2025
Did this reinvent any wheels or break any barriers? No….Did I still have a great time with it regardless? Absolutely. I mean, if you stare too long at some of the world building elements without blinking there are a few logistical questions that start to come up, but we can just ignore those for the sake of a good time. This was still a 4.5 star read for me.
I’ll be honest, this was a bit of a trope sandwich, but it was like a delicious fresh chicken schnitty type sandwich, rather than a day-old soggy egg salad type sandwich.
✅ Secret Societies
✅ Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
✅ Fake Marriage
✅ Forced Proximity
✅ Unrequited Pining
✅ Bi awakening/GYF
✅ Found Family
I really enjoyed Matthias and Wyatt’s chemistry and relationship arc together. I did kind of get to the point in the middle where I thought that there was perhaps a bit too much spice and it was starting to drag a little (I remember literally thinking to myself “OKAY I GET IT, THEY BOTH LIKE SEX”). However, I think looking back on the story, the pacing makes more sense, and it is admittedly a difficult thing to plot a convincing relationship journey through best friends, to enemies, to EWB, to lovers over the course of only 350 pages and I think that this book achieved that in a way that makes genuine sense to both characters.
I would say however, that by the time we get to the big reveal, where both Matthias and Wyatt are ready to discuss how everything went wrong between them, I was beyond ready for the purging of all their history, completely frothing for it. I think that often those big confrontations are kind of a let down (a bit of a “oh is that all?” moment), but the history between these two, the stakes and what happened actually made a lot of sense given their circumstances and I was invested.
I think that this book would think it’s Dark, but honestly, I wish that it was darker, that’s probably one of my only gripes with it. It flirted with the idea of being Dark but mostly danced around the edges and stuck to grey areas while thinking it's being edgy.
I’ll admit that I have not read any Cora Rose previously, and my one book that I have read by Lark Taylor left me a bit underwhelmed, so I won’t speak on what this book is like with respect to each author’s previous body of work. However, I would say that I think that the authors styles of storytelling appears to complement each other here. I saw a review mention that it was easy to tell which authors wrote which sections because the grammar and spelling swapped between UK/US. However, I picked this up on audio because I had been seeing a lot of positive chatter about the narrator, Harley Chase, and from a listening perspective, the reading experience felt pretty smooth between the two for me.
On that note, I must say that I thought that Chase did a fantastic job narrating this, and I think he added a significant amount of vibrancy to the story and these characters. I especially think that his performance towards the end was fantastic, and he really nailed those voice crack/whispers on the more emotional lines. I would almost go so far as to say this is one of those stories that I think is best consumed as an audio experience.
I enjoyed all the brothers and side characters in this, and I can safely say that I will be happily continuing with the series, and I look forward to finding out more about the world and secret society that is beginning to be introduced here. (I cant believe we have to wait a whole ass year for Cades book FML).
I’ll be honest, this was a bit of a trope sandwich, but it was like a delicious fresh chicken schnitty type sandwich, rather than a day-old soggy egg salad type sandwich.
✅ Secret Societies
✅ Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
✅ Fake Marriage
✅ Forced Proximity
✅ Unrequited Pining
✅ Bi awakening/GYF
✅ Found Family
I really enjoyed Matthias and Wyatt’s chemistry and relationship arc together. I did kind of get to the point in the middle where I thought that there was perhaps a bit too much spice and it was starting to drag a little (I remember literally thinking to myself “OKAY I GET IT, THEY BOTH LIKE SEX”). However, I think looking back on the story, the pacing makes more sense, and it is admittedly a difficult thing to plot a convincing relationship journey through best friends, to enemies, to EWB, to lovers over the course of only 350 pages and I think that this book achieved that in a way that makes genuine sense to both characters.
I would say however, that by the time we get to the big reveal, where both Matthias and Wyatt are ready to discuss how everything went wrong between them, I was beyond ready for the purging of all their history, completely frothing for it. I think that often those big confrontations are kind of a let down (a bit of a “oh is that all?” moment), but the history between these two, the stakes and what happened actually made a lot of sense given their circumstances and I was invested.
I think that this book would think it’s Dark, but honestly, I wish that it was darker, that’s probably one of my only gripes with it. It flirted with the idea of being Dark but mostly danced around the edges and stuck to grey areas while thinking it's being edgy.
I’ll admit that I have not read any Cora Rose previously, and my one book that I have read by Lark Taylor left me a bit underwhelmed, so I won’t speak on what this book is like with respect to each author’s previous body of work. However, I would say that I think that the authors styles of storytelling appears to complement each other here. I saw a review mention that it was easy to tell which authors wrote which sections because the grammar and spelling swapped between UK/US. However, I picked this up on audio because I had been seeing a lot of positive chatter about the narrator, Harley Chase, and from a listening perspective, the reading experience felt pretty smooth between the two for me.
On that note, I must say that I thought that Chase did a fantastic job narrating this, and I think he added a significant amount of vibrancy to the story and these characters. I especially think that his performance towards the end was fantastic, and he really nailed those voice crack/whispers on the more emotional lines. I would almost go so far as to say this is one of those stories that I think is best consumed as an audio experience.
I enjoyed all the brothers and side characters in this, and I can safely say that I will be happily continuing with the series, and I look forward to finding out more about the world and secret society that is beginning to be introduced here. (I cant believe we have to wait a whole ass year for Cades book FML).
May 24, 2025
Covenant is a fantastic, angsty, and emotional romance about two ex-best friends who must marry due to a deal made with the mysterious Firm. I love the strong emotional threads woven throughout this story. Both Wyatt and Matt are deeply affected by the end of their friendship. Due to a twist of fate, they are forced to marry, which further amplifies their love/hate dynamic. I could not get enough of these two and their complicated relationship.
Another strong element that I enjoyed in this story is The Firm, a mysterious entity that grants any wish, but every wish has a price. The Firm kept me guessing about what it entailed, how it was utilized, and how it would be directly connected to Wyatt and Matthias. I was not disappointed. I was excited by its reveal and how it opens up so many story possibilities.
Overall, this is an addictive romance due to the push/pull of Matt and Wyatt. Just as quickly as they start to forgive one another, they are thrown for another loop when dealing with an entirely new problem that is not so easily solved.
I cannot wait for the next entry in this series, and I loved how these two authors wrote so seamlessly together. Their styles complemented each other, creating a fascinating new world that I love exploring even more.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Another strong element that I enjoyed in this story is The Firm, a mysterious entity that grants any wish, but every wish has a price. The Firm kept me guessing about what it entailed, how it was utilized, and how it would be directly connected to Wyatt and Matthias. I was not disappointed. I was excited by its reveal and how it opens up so many story possibilities.
Overall, this is an addictive romance due to the push/pull of Matt and Wyatt. Just as quickly as they start to forgive one another, they are thrown for another loop when dealing with an entirely new problem that is not so easily solved.
I cannot wait for the next entry in this series, and I loved how these two authors wrote so seamlessly together. Their styles complemented each other, creating a fascinating new world that I love exploring even more.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
June 4, 2025
Sadly, there was no rally. No comeback. I would really like to have read the 5-star book that everyone else read. Because this was melodramatic, manufactured bullshit from start to finish. Neither of these men are likable.
November 21, 2025
oh my fucking god
i totally set this up for fail in my mind. cora and lark seemed like a mess and i totally despise secret societies.
well, im a fool, but that’s nothing new.
GIVE ME MORE
first of all, what a fucking breath of fresh air to have new characters. fucking finally. let’s keep it that way.
second, i fucking loved everything about it.
is it predictable? yes, i saw the plot twist in chapter four.
do i care? fuck, no.
i’m here for a good time, not an intelligent one.
anyway. i will literally die if they don’t announce the sequel soon.
(but yes the secret society is still stupid even if i had fun)
i totally set this up for fail in my mind. cora and lark seemed like a mess and i totally despise secret societies.
well, im a fool, but that’s nothing new.
GIVE ME MORE
first of all, what a fucking breath of fresh air to have new characters. fucking finally. let’s keep it that way.
second, i fucking loved everything about it.
is it predictable? yes, i saw the plot twist in chapter four.
do i care? fuck, no.
i’m here for a good time, not an intelligent one.
anyway. i will literally die if they don’t announce the sequel soon.
(but yes the secret society is still stupid even if i had fun)
May 13, 2025
His thumb falls from my mouth, and I wet my lips. “Do you still need time to breathe or can I do what I want to you?” He swallows, a tremble moving through him. “No. Make me breathless. I don’t need air when I have you.”
Wyatt approaches the shadowy and mysterious Firm with a simple request- he needs money to take care of his brother Jackson. But when you sell your soul to the Firm, you agree to pay any price, no matter how abhorrent you find it. Agreeing to the Firm's price- an arranged marriage- out of sheer desperation, Wyatt ends up reunited with his childhood friend Matthias. Their friendship ended in a painful way and Wyatt never planned on reuniting with the man who abandoned him all these years ago. But one thing everyone in St. Dismas knows is that you never cross The Firm.
You can look, Matthias. But you can’t touch.” His breathing is ragged now, his pulse jumping in his neck. Finally. I’ve gotten to him. Stepping back, I shoot him a wink. “It’s going to be a long year, Matthias. Good thing we’re used to playing together. Try to keep up. I dare you.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this promising start to a new series by Lark Taylor and Cora Rose. I'm a complete sucker for an arranged marriage book and adding in BFFs-to-enemies-to-husbands is the icing on the cake. The author's writing styles blend well, and while I can tell from some chapters who wrote what, I think that's just because I read all of their books and have gotten to know their writing very well 😅😅. Lark's particular brand of hurt/comfort was perfection in this book and made me sympathize with and love both characters equally. It's difficult to do E2L right and I think this book did a fantastic job. And Cora brings the humour as always!
Matthias might think he holds the upper hand, but he’s forgotten who he’s playing with. I might’ve lost my spirit, but the more time I spend around him, the more it returns. And I’m not here to fuck around. I’m here to win.
Rating: 4
Angst: 3/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book from the authors and this is my honest review
December 9, 2025
4.5***** stars
WHY WAS THIS SO GOOD? bahahahaha, not me (unsurprisingly to absolutely no one) being an absolute whore for this book with it's childhood-best-friends to hate to forced-marriage trope going on. Thank you, authors. I'm having a blast right now—complete with kicking my feet and all the giggles.
I mean, as fun as that was, this book also had a serious tone to it. And while it was all kind of predictable (no matter how the authors tried to hide it all until the very end) I was so freaking addicted!!
And fucking heartbreaking too. But damn, if this is not exactly how I like it. These two where fire and I loved this painful relationship between them so much. ALL THIS HURT!!!! Yes, baby, give it to me!
And with that epilogue, giving a glimpse into the next book, I’m so dang happy it already releases next week. CAN’T WAIT!!
*************
The Firm
Book 1 - Covenant - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Deviant - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Vigilant - release 11/26
“I’ll never be yours. Ever.”
WHY WAS THIS SO GOOD? bahahahaha, not me (unsurprisingly to absolutely no one) being an absolute whore for this book with it's childhood-best-friends to hate to forced-marriage trope going on. Thank you, authors. I'm having a blast right now—complete with kicking my feet and all the giggles.
“It’s going to be a long year, Matthias. Good thing we’re used to playing together. Try to keep up. I dare you.”“Good morning, sunshine,” Matthias says,
“Get lost. I’m no one’s sunshine.”
I mean, as fun as that was, this book also had a serious tone to it. And while it was all kind of predictable (no matter how the authors tried to hide it all until the very end) I was so freaking addicted!!
“Just what aren’t you telling me? What secrets are you keeping?” He gives a humorless laugh. “So many that I’ve lost count.
And fucking heartbreaking too. But damn, if this is not exactly how I like it. These two where fire and I loved this painful relationship between them so much. ALL THIS HURT!!!! Yes, baby, give it to me!
“Was I too rough?”
“No. It was perfect,” he says, swallowing roughly. His eyes are slightly wet, his throat thick with emotion. “I never thought I’d have you like this.”
And with that epilogue, giving a glimpse into the next book, I’m so dang happy it already releases next week. CAN’T WAIT!!
*************
The Firm
Book 1 - Covenant - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Deviant - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Vigilant - release 11/26
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May 26, 2025
the tension between Wyatt and Matthias??? omg i ate this shit up. i loved the characters, the build up, the mystery surrounding what really happened between the mcs years ago. i also love it when side characters get their own stories and pretty much all of Matthias' brothers intrigued me in some way so i can't wait for each of their stories (i'm probably most excited for rn just bc their lil crumbs in this book had me 👀 @ them lmao) 🥹
May 31, 2025
Is it me, Jesus? Am I the drama?
This did not quite live up to what I hoped it would be. Hoped, because I struggle with both these authors' solo works, so I don't know why I expected this to work for me but I guess I know better now.
My biggest issue is that The Firm™ is talked up to be this big deal but the reality of it falls flat. We don't really get to see what they do. There's a lot of telling, very little showing.
They're doing all these things? How? How do they get away with it? Why? Why even do they need to go the route of offering favors for a price, if they can just DO what they need done without involving third parties? And for free? In this economy?!
Is it a......philanthropic organization? A vigilante justice organization? A 'Get Your Man Back, Guaranteed' organization? Lil bit of everything? What's their mission? Are they just doing it for the love of the game?
Not to mention that the twist? Called that very early on. Like pretty much after the epilogue.
As for the two MCs..... Idk. Maybe I'm just a hater. Wyatt has a lot of anger but always falls short of having the balls to ask for explanations. Though, to be fair, I get why. He thought he'd been fucked over.
But I had the same question Jackson (pretty much immediately) had. If he'd already been on the hook for the crime, why would the drug dealer come forward to confess?
I understand him not wondering about this in the moment (you do NOT look a gift horse in the mouth if it means beating a drug charge) but I'd think....in the decade and change since your best friend acted completely out of character, you'd have time to wonder.
Wyatt says he wondered. But it doesn't seem like he did. Maybe he just has a very INfertile imagination.
Matthias is too self - sacrificing. But not in the cute way where you give a beloved child your last sausage(even though you really, really wanted it).
He's self - sacrificing in the way where he takes away Wyatt's agency. Again and again. The first time's a freebie. We can all agree that he did what he could with what he had.
But the law firm thing? The marriage thing?
At a certain point, you're not doing what's best for someone, you're just deciding you know what's best for them and choosing that for them 'for their own good'.
Kind of like his dad.
I get him feeling like he's given up everything he ever wanted, multiple times, for this man. And at the risk of sounding like a fuckboy.....THAT MAN DID NOT ASK YOU TO DO ALL THAT❤️
I mean, thanks and regards, I guess, but he very much did not ask for this. So.....not a huge fan of how the resolution came about.
You keep having to initiate the overtures BECAUSE you keep doing the fuckups.
Anyway. I didn't love either of these two. They're okay. Neither commits egregious crimes against humanity (or the other), but somehow I never quite felt a connection with either.
BUT. There's that part when....
"Matt, please. I love you. Tell me you didn't do this."
That got me. Won't lie. The narrator's voice literally wobbled and I could feel Wyatt's heart break.
A delicious moment in an otherwise underwhelming story.
Also, just for clarity, I didn't hate this. But the rave reviews really had me expecting something...more. Maybe I'd have enjoyed it more if I'd not expected as much.
I guess we'll never know.
This did not quite live up to what I hoped it would be. Hoped, because I struggle with both these authors' solo works, so I don't know why I expected this to work for me but I guess I know better now.
My biggest issue is that The Firm™ is talked up to be this big deal but the reality of it falls flat. We don't really get to see what they do. There's a lot of telling, very little showing.
They're doing all these things? How? How do they get away with it? Why? Why even do they need to go the route of offering favors for a price, if they can just DO what they need done without involving third parties? And for free? In this economy?!
Is it a......philanthropic organization? A vigilante justice organization? A 'Get Your Man Back, Guaranteed' organization? Lil bit of everything? What's their mission? Are they just doing it for the love of the game?
Not to mention that the twist? Called that very early on. Like pretty much after the epilogue.
As for the two MCs..... Idk. Maybe I'm just a hater. Wyatt has a lot of anger but always falls short of having the balls to ask for explanations. Though, to be fair, I get why. He thought he'd been fucked over.
But I had the same question Jackson (pretty much immediately) had. If he'd already been on the hook for the crime, why would the drug dealer come forward to confess?
I understand him not wondering about this in the moment (you do NOT look a gift horse in the mouth if it means beating a drug charge) but I'd think....in the decade and change since your best friend acted completely out of character, you'd have time to wonder.
Wyatt says he wondered. But it doesn't seem like he did. Maybe he just has a very INfertile imagination.
Matthias is too self - sacrificing. But not in the cute way where you give a beloved child your last sausage(even though you really, really wanted it).
He's self - sacrificing in the way where he takes away Wyatt's agency. Again and again. The first time's a freebie. We can all agree that he did what he could with what he had.
But the law firm thing? The marriage thing?
At a certain point, you're not doing what's best for someone, you're just deciding you know what's best for them and choosing that for them 'for their own good'.
Kind of like his dad.
I get him feeling like he's given up everything he ever wanted, multiple times, for this man. And at the risk of sounding like a fuckboy.....THAT MAN DID NOT ASK YOU TO DO ALL THAT❤️
I mean, thanks and regards, I guess, but he very much did not ask for this. So.....not a huge fan of how the resolution came about.
You keep having to initiate the overtures BECAUSE you keep doing the fuckups.
Anyway. I didn't love either of these two. They're okay. Neither commits egregious crimes against humanity (or the other), but somehow I never quite felt a connection with either.
BUT. There's that part when....
"Matt, please. I love you. Tell me you didn't do this."
That got me. Won't lie. The narrator's voice literally wobbled and I could feel Wyatt's heart break.
A delicious moment in an otherwise underwhelming story.
Also, just for clarity, I didn't hate this. But the rave reviews really had me expecting something...more. Maybe I'd have enjoyed it more if I'd not expected as much.
I guess we'll never know.
June 2, 2025
3.75
Listen, I did like this book but all the miscommunication was killing me. The whole "yes this bothers me a lot but I don't want him to explain and maybe make me feel better" was kind of crazy. If something like that happened to me (or to anyone for that matter) I'm pretty sure the first thing would do was ask them to explain.
Because of that the book dragged a little. I wish I could give it a better score. I am interested in reading the other books of the series tho. I hope it just doesn't turn into a smut fest like other books form this authors sometimes do.
Listen, I did like this book but all the miscommunication was killing me. The whole "yes this bothers me a lot but I don't want him to explain and maybe make me feel better" was kind of crazy. If something like that happened to me (or to anyone for that matter) I'm pretty sure the first thing would do was ask them to explain.
Because of that the book dragged a little. I wish I could give it a better score. I am interested in reading the other books of the series tho. I hope it just doesn't turn into a smut fest like other books form this authors sometimes do.
September 15, 2025
This was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. Perfect choice when I was all riled up by the conservative MM authors thing, and opened and closed a couple dozen books in a row.
Secret society, daggers, crows, ghosting your best friend, all kinds of not very realistic shenanigans, but it was light angsty FUN.
And fun is good.
Secret society, daggers, crows, ghosting your best friend, all kinds of not very realistic shenanigans, but it was light angsty FUN.
And fun is good.
May 28, 2025
3.9 - 4⭐
This book is written with a blend of American and British English, it's clear which writer wrote what parts of the book and even though the story did have potential to be a more serious one, especially in the first half, it wasn't developed in a direction I thought it would go.
The story starts out pretty great. The characters and the premise were good and promising, but what I immediately worried about was most of the story being written only from Wyatt's POV, which did prove to be a bad decision.
🟢 Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers
🟣 Fake marriage
🔵 Secret crush, pining
🟡 Gay / bi-awakening
🟠 Both about 32 years old
🟢 A secret society, bad things done by good guys (for the greater good)
🔵 Rich/poor
🟡 I don't like the cover
🌶️ Good sex, descriptive, a lot of penetrative sex, rimming, oral, frotting, some off-page; excl t/b
Wyatt and Matt were childhood best friends, one from a trailer park, the other from old money. They became accidental friends and spent all of their time together. Both from broken, unhappy homes, they basically grew up together and got accepted at Yale, where they were also supposed to live together, away from everyone and finally not having to hide their friendship.
Matt was gay and in love with Wyatt and Wyatt had absolutely no idea. They had an intense friendship and when Wyatt was later looking back, he did realize he was emotionally very attached to Matt, so it was probably romantic love he felt then already, he just didn't realize it.
You'll put together all that in the second half of the story, step by step, because most of Matt's scarce POV is talking about the past and slowly explaining what went on to eventually break the friendship apart, so I definitely didn't appreciate that. I did want the past, but I wanted Matt's present POV more, so in most aspects Wyatt was a bit of a confusing character for me, I couldn't really enjoy the story by reading mostly his part.
Their childhood and teenage years are explained beautifully and you can feel the connection between Matt and Wyatt, but in present Wyatt's world comes tumbling down when his brother Jackson has a life-changing accident and Wyatt loses his high paying job as a lawyer and they both end up living in poverty. Wyatt gets help for Jackson, but has to pay his debt to his town's secret society called The Firm for making that happen and he pays his debt by getting married to Matt.
Matt's a fantastic character who's unselfish, loves unconditionally and is very loyal, so after their friendship ended, he was making sure Wyatt was taken care of and tried to watch over him all the time, but Wyatt is very in the dark about most of the things going on in Matt's life, about who he is, how he lived at home, why their friendship ended and why Matt never sought him out.
There's this intense lack of communication throughout the whole book, because these guys could've approached each other many times over the years and cleared the air, but Wyatt just wasn't ready to do it, he was hurt and was avoiding Matt at all costs and Matt just stood on the sidelines, watching Wyatt and feeling sorry about the whole thing.
In the marriage, Wyatt started having full-on sex with Matt too soon and that really came out of nowhere, especially since Wyatt was straight and Matt was his best friend whom he hated. He wasn't really convincing with the whole revenge part. I can't even call it hate sex, it was Wyatt just jumping in, just because, so his bi-awakening wasn't that good.
Based on their past they should've built that tension to the highest degree first, kept the momentum going and when they had sex at about 60% in, that should've been their first time getting naked.
After that, it was just sex all the time without them really clearing anything up, I didn't really feel them getting closer, it was just having sex, so for Matt, whose dreams are literally coming true with having Wyatt in his life and being intimate with him, this could've been written with more allure and again, with his POV.
I'd enjoy the story more with both main characters telling me their private stories from the very start. What should've been exceptional, wasn't. It really should've been more special, at least in my mind. The way Wyatt was talking about Matt's long life crush was just not doing it for me. It was a big deal and the story should've kept that vibe it had at the very beginning.
Maybe it's just me.
There was also no epilogue with Matt's awful father or Wyatt's terrible parents. I wanted at least Matt to get some kind of revenge. Or Wyatt and Jackson finally making it and their parents seeing that.
What's up with Wyatt's career? He worked hard to get out of poverty and finish Yale, but now he's just... gardening?
Matt and his brothers are The Firm and Wyatt and his brother Jackson get accepted into the inner circle. It's an interesting concept and I like all the brothers, so I'm curious about what's to come, I'll definitely read the books.
I'm very interested in Wylder.
This book is written with a blend of American and British English, it's clear which writer wrote what parts of the book and even though the story did have potential to be a more serious one, especially in the first half, it wasn't developed in a direction I thought it would go.
The story starts out pretty great. The characters and the premise were good and promising, but what I immediately worried about was most of the story being written only from Wyatt's POV, which did prove to be a bad decision.
🟢 Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers
🟣 Fake marriage
🔵 Secret crush, pining
🟡 Gay / bi-awakening
🟠 Both about 32 years old
🟢 A secret society, bad things done by good guys (for the greater good)
🔵 Rich/poor
🟡 I don't like the cover
🌶️ Good sex, descriptive, a lot of penetrative sex, rimming, oral, frotting, some off-page; excl t/b
Wyatt and Matt were childhood best friends, one from a trailer park, the other from old money. They became accidental friends and spent all of their time together. Both from broken, unhappy homes, they basically grew up together and got accepted at Yale, where they were also supposed to live together, away from everyone and finally not having to hide their friendship.
Matt was gay and in love with Wyatt and Wyatt had absolutely no idea. They had an intense friendship and when Wyatt was later looking back, he did realize he was emotionally very attached to Matt, so it was probably romantic love he felt then already, he just didn't realize it.
You'll put together all that in the second half of the story, step by step, because most of Matt's scarce POV is talking about the past and slowly explaining what went on to eventually break the friendship apart, so I definitely didn't appreciate that. I did want the past, but I wanted Matt's present POV more, so in most aspects Wyatt was a bit of a confusing character for me, I couldn't really enjoy the story by reading mostly his part.
Their childhood and teenage years are explained beautifully and you can feel the connection between Matt and Wyatt, but in present Wyatt's world comes tumbling down when his brother Jackson has a life-changing accident and Wyatt loses his high paying job as a lawyer and they both end up living in poverty. Wyatt gets help for Jackson, but has to pay his debt to his town's secret society called The Firm for making that happen and he pays his debt by getting married to Matt.
Matt's a fantastic character who's unselfish, loves unconditionally and is very loyal, so after their friendship ended, he was making sure Wyatt was taken care of and tried to watch over him all the time, but Wyatt is very in the dark about most of the things going on in Matt's life, about who he is, how he lived at home, why their friendship ended and why Matt never sought him out.
There's this intense lack of communication throughout the whole book, because these guys could've approached each other many times over the years and cleared the air, but Wyatt just wasn't ready to do it, he was hurt and was avoiding Matt at all costs and Matt just stood on the sidelines, watching Wyatt and feeling sorry about the whole thing.
In the marriage, Wyatt started having full-on sex with Matt too soon and that really came out of nowhere, especially since Wyatt was straight and Matt was his best friend whom he hated. He wasn't really convincing with the whole revenge part. I can't even call it hate sex, it was Wyatt just jumping in, just because, so his bi-awakening wasn't that good.
Based on their past they should've built that tension to the highest degree first, kept the momentum going and when they had sex at about 60% in, that should've been their first time getting naked.
After that, it was just sex all the time without them really clearing anything up, I didn't really feel them getting closer, it was just having sex, so for Matt, whose dreams are literally coming true with having Wyatt in his life and being intimate with him, this could've been written with more allure and again, with his POV.
I'd enjoy the story more with both main characters telling me their private stories from the very start. What should've been exceptional, wasn't. It really should've been more special, at least in my mind. The way Wyatt was talking about Matt's long life crush was just not doing it for me. It was a big deal and the story should've kept that vibe it had at the very beginning.
Maybe it's just me.
There was also no epilogue with Matt's awful father or Wyatt's terrible parents. I wanted at least Matt to get some kind of revenge. Or Wyatt and Jackson finally making it and their parents seeing that.
What's up with Wyatt's career? He worked hard to get out of poverty and finish Yale, but now he's just... gardening?
Matt and his brothers are The Firm and Wyatt and his brother Jackson get accepted into the inner circle. It's an interesting concept and I like all the brothers, so I'm curious about what's to come, I'll definitely read the books.
I'm very interested in Wylder.
May 31, 2025
YESSSSSS. YES YES YES. SO GOOD. ABSOLUTE FUCKING BRATS THAT I LOVE 💗💗💗
“Pretend, Wy. Pretend you love me.” His throat bobs. “You used to once.”
MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE + MUTUAL PINNING + CHILDHOOD BEST FRIENDS TO ENEMIES TO LOVERS + ONE BED + SECRET SOCIETY/GROUP + TEASING AND ANGST?????? HELL. FUCKING. YES.
“You didn’t plan on me falling in love with you,” he whispers.
“You couldn’t help loving me any more than I could help falling.”
I ATE THIS SHIT UP. I LOVED EVERY CHARACTER. IT KEPT ME ENTERTAINED AND OCCUPIED THE ENTIRE DAY AND IM NOT MAD ABOUT IT. ✨✨✨
“His hand loosens around my throat, making me scowl.
No, put it back. I want it there. I want it tighter, damnit.”
I’m not exactly the most excited for the next couple and I’m pretty sure the series is going to torture me by hinting at a couple and adding crumbs in each book until the final book comes out but I’m still going to obsessively check to find updates about this series because im hooked.
“Pretend, Wy. Pretend you love me.” His throat bobs. “You used to once.”
MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE + MUTUAL PINNING + CHILDHOOD BEST FRIENDS TO ENEMIES TO LOVERS + ONE BED + SECRET SOCIETY/GROUP + TEASING AND ANGST?????? HELL. FUCKING. YES.
“You didn’t plan on me falling in love with you,” he whispers.
“You couldn’t help loving me any more than I could help falling.”
I ATE THIS SHIT UP. I LOVED EVERY CHARACTER. IT KEPT ME ENTERTAINED AND OCCUPIED THE ENTIRE DAY AND IM NOT MAD ABOUT IT. ✨✨✨
“His hand loosens around my throat, making me scowl.
No, put it back. I want it there. I want it tighter, damnit.”
I’m not exactly the most excited for the next couple and I’m pretty sure the series is going to torture me by hinting at a couple and adding crumbs in each book until the final book comes out but I’m still going to obsessively check to find updates about this series because im hooked.
June 7, 2025
“Do you still need time to breathe or can I do what I want to you?” He swallows, a tremble moving through him. “No. Make me breathless. I don’t need air when I have you.”
Childhood friends to enemies to lovers to marriage contract. And bitch I ate it up!
Wyatt and Matthias are old childhood friends who have been estranged for many years but enter to a marriage for one year for Wyatt’s brother medical bills and services. Of course they can’t fight the past between them and it slowly catches up.
Seeing the past in Matthias eyes and how he went to extreme lengths to keep Wyatt happy but also seeing the fall out and what it did to him absolutely destroyed me. That poor sweet sweet angel of a man.
“Please. Tell me it was one of the others. I dare you. I fucking dare you.” He finally looks me in the eye, and it’s then that my heart shatters. The resignation. “I can’t.” Two words and the foundation between us collapses.
I sobbed like a fucking baby I’m not gonna lie to y’all.
Again Harley Chase killing it. Go read this book 🤙
Childhood friends to enemies to lovers to marriage contract. And bitch I ate it up!
Wyatt and Matthias are old childhood friends who have been estranged for many years but enter to a marriage for one year for Wyatt’s brother medical bills and services. Of course they can’t fight the past between them and it slowly catches up.
Seeing the past in Matthias eyes and how he went to extreme lengths to keep Wyatt happy but also seeing the fall out and what it did to him absolutely destroyed me. That poor sweet sweet angel of a man.
“Please. Tell me it was one of the others. I dare you. I fucking dare you.” He finally looks me in the eye, and it’s then that my heart shatters. The resignation. “I can’t.” Two words and the foundation between us collapses.
I sobbed like a fucking baby I’m not gonna lie to y’all.
Again Harley Chase killing it. Go read this book 🤙
May 24, 2025
can't remember the last time I literally squealed with delight while reading a book
December 2, 2025
DNF at page 147.
For a book with an adult man in a suit as a cover, I’d expect a mature story. Our MC is an ex-lawyer, but unfortunately, he behaves like a teenage girl. Yes, girl. Because somehow this reads like a het story. I can’t, for the love of me, imagine a grown-up man (no age is mentioned, but at least late 20s or early 30s) talking and behaving like our Wyatt here. With every page, it feels like my braincell is shutting down one by one, in a protest to refuse processing this illogical, non-communicating, straight-to-gay BS.
For a book with an adult man in a suit as a cover, I’d expect a mature story. Our MC is an ex-lawyer, but unfortunately, he behaves like a teenage girl. Yes, girl. Because somehow this reads like a het story. I can’t, for the love of me, imagine a grown-up man (no age is mentioned, but at least late 20s or early 30s) talking and behaving like our Wyatt here. With every page, it feels like my braincell is shutting down one by one, in a protest to refuse processing this illogical, non-communicating, straight-to-gay BS.
May 9, 2025
SO FREAKING GOOD!! I already knew that with Cora Rose and Lark Taylor writing this I was going to love it. And still, I was blown away with how amazing it was. Like literally didn’t move for hours because I couldn’t put it down good. Fake marriage, forced proximity, secret society, childhood friends to enemies to lovers, morally grey vibes, so much tension and chemistry, this one had it all! I’m already obsessed with this whole family and I can’t wait for all of their stories!
May 29, 2025
Read in another buddy read with the always lovely Lilly ❤️
This author team up was a smashing success, I absolutely loved this and devoured it from beginning to end.
This was such a unique concept, but I love it. I can't wait to get all the love stories with the 5 other brothers as well.
As for Matthias aka Matt (by Wyatt only), he's been head over heels in love with Wyatt aka Wy (by Matt only) since he was a teenager.
They met in the woods, fairly far from both their properties, when they were 10 years old and became fast friends. Best friends. Except Matt grew up in a very rich family where he had to hide his friendship with Wyatt from his abusive, evil father and brothers to keep them from telling too. Wyatt grew up in a trailer park with two awful drug addict parents (and later a younger brother who he adores and basically raises on his own.)
I don't remember why they don't see each other during the non summer months, but they don't, it's only during the summer that they can be best friends, playing all over the woods between their two properties.
And Wyatt thinks he's straight, so he doesn't realize feelings for Matt, but Matt is gay and knows and knows he's in love with Wyatt for years, suffering in silence while Wyatt talks about girlfriends and such.
But when they're 18, graduated, and with plans to go to school together, Matt's evil father finds out about his friendship with Wyatt (and that he wishes for more) and he won't have that. He won't have Matt openly gay and in love with a gay, especially "trailer trash" and orchestrates a way to ruin Wyatt's life and keep Matt away from him seemingly forever.
Wyatt never gets to learn why or the full truth, he's in the dark for years - fast forward about 14 years, and they're adults now, but Wyatt has lost his high end lawyer job after his younger brother, Jackson, 18, got into a car accident where he lost his leg, and he'd walked out of court before it was finished and he held in contempt of course for it and fired by his firm over it.
The Firm is an apparent ghost tale, a spooky made up thing to scare people. Because apparently they'll grand you a request, fulfill, but not for free. There's always a prince the person has to pay. And with Wyatt not very down on his luck, not being able to afford to care for Jackson now that his insurance has expired and he's lost his income and they're living in a shitty place, and he lost his fiance after she left him when this happened (good riddance!), he gets desperate enough to do something he said he'd never do: He goes to The Firm for financial assistance.
And not only does he get his asked for amount, he gets it like more than tripled, he gets it like...6th'ed haha.
And then a week later, his price comes in the form of...marrying his old best friend turned enemy, Matthias for a year???
Oh no no no, Wyatt just isn't having this - except...he has to. The Firm deals in absolutes, and he has to pay the price, for Jackson. Because Matthias can not only afford Jackson rehab help for his leg, but high end help too - three months at a top notch, high end rehab facility. And he has to think of Jackson, even though he hates Matthias' guts now, after he seemingly betrayed and abandoned him.
He almost would prefer his imagined scenario of having to smuggle drugs up his ass to a drug cartel than marry Matthias, but...he has no choice.
He's very resistant to listening to anything Matthias has to say at first. We learn that there was a reason for everything that went down, if Wyatt is willing to listen....
But he isn't, for a long while in this.
It almost becomes too much, the holding off he does in trying to become ready to hear what Matthias has to say, like I definitely felt frustrated by 2/3's in when something big happens and he chooses to let it go for a bit longer. Doesn't matter, as he finds out soon after that anyway, but still. I was like internal screaming at that point "No! I want to know! I want you to know! All the secrets need to be revealed already! Gah!"
But I didn't ding this for that. Because the way it all came out was good and it all made sense and I was just enjoying this too much.
I loved these two together, their chemistry was so 🔥. Once Wyatt gave into his obvious attraction and feelings for Matthias, all bets were off. The sex scenes we got were amazing and so hot 🥵 like these two authors together were practically perfection, especially when it came to the sex scenes. On their own, each author can be really good, it's fairly hit and miss sometimes. But this was perfection *chefs kiss* And if this series remains consistent with the chemistry and sex scenes then it'll be official that these two writing together is perfection.
I loved loved loved how these two got their HEA together. Once all was revealed, there was some time needed, but it was understandable why. Wyatt learns so much and it's a lot to take in. But by that point he's just as head over heels in love with Matthias as Matthias has been with him for half their lives.
Wyatt was probably in love with him back then as well, but him being seemingly straight probably had him slower on the uptake, and then when everything blew up when they were 18, that obviously delayed it further in his hatred masking the hurt and pain he felt over what Matt seemingly did to him.
I was so giddy and swooning at their make up (and needing a fan when they got to the make-up sex 😏) scene, it was beautiful. And seeing a glimpse in their HEA together with them being all gooey and gushy with each other. It took a long time and a lot to get them there, but they got there and it's beautiful.
There's already several of the brothers with future LI's hinted in this one, but next we're getting Cade, who I believe is the next oldest above Matthias -
Matthias is a middle brother, with two younger brothers and three older brothers. Cade is also in the middle as well, basically, just with two older and three younger brothers.
He's apparently the most...psychotic. A bit unhinged, and he does a .
This book did one thing I usually don't like at all - the epilogue was a teaser for Cade's book, introducing us to his LI, instead of having the epilogue be about THIS couple.
But I didn't ding this book for it this time, because...honestly Matthias and Wyatt were so happy and settled in the last chapter that I felt that completeness in their story, so I didn't feel too much like their ending was usurped for the next couple.
Would I have still liked a fun epilogue with a look into their HEA? Sure, definitely! I would have preferred it, I always do.
But I wasn't too mad at that trick this time, because of that settled feeling I had by the end of their story. Honestly their last chapter could have been the epilogue instead and the actual epilogue in this could have been like a bonus scene or something as books will sometimes do.
But anyway, it is what it is and I didn't feel bereft or anything like that, not truly, so no dinged points for that for this book. Although if it happens again and the ending feels too abrupt for the main couple...well then dinging of the rating will be happening, justtt saying.
But as it is, this was amazing, I loved it, 5 stars, no notes! I couldn't get enough of it, and I absolutely can't wait for Cade's story next. It's called Deviant? Oh this man is unhinged but I actually can't wait for him and his twink to get their HEA, as fucked up as their story already is.
Can't wait! 🥳
This author team up was a smashing success, I absolutely loved this and devoured it from beginning to end.
This was such a unique concept, but I love it. I can't wait to get all the love stories with the 5 other brothers as well.
As for Matthias aka Matt (by Wyatt only), he's been head over heels in love with Wyatt aka Wy (by Matt only) since he was a teenager.
They met in the woods, fairly far from both their properties, when they were 10 years old and became fast friends. Best friends. Except Matt grew up in a very rich family where he had to hide his friendship with Wyatt from his abusive, evil father and brothers to keep them from telling too. Wyatt grew up in a trailer park with two awful drug addict parents (and later a younger brother who he adores and basically raises on his own.)
I don't remember why they don't see each other during the non summer months, but they don't, it's only during the summer that they can be best friends, playing all over the woods between their two properties.
And Wyatt thinks he's straight, so he doesn't realize feelings for Matt, but Matt is gay and knows and knows he's in love with Wyatt for years, suffering in silence while Wyatt talks about girlfriends and such.
But when they're 18, graduated, and with plans to go to school together, Matt's evil father finds out about his friendship with Wyatt (and that he wishes for more) and he won't have that. He won't have Matt openly gay and in love with a gay, especially "trailer trash" and orchestrates a way to ruin Wyatt's life and keep Matt away from him seemingly forever.
Wyatt never gets to learn why or the full truth, he's in the dark for years - fast forward about 14 years, and they're adults now, but Wyatt has lost his high end lawyer job after his younger brother, Jackson, 18, got into a car accident where he lost his leg, and he'd walked out of court before it was finished and he held in contempt of course for it and fired by his firm over it.
The Firm is an apparent ghost tale, a spooky made up thing to scare people. Because apparently they'll grand you a request, fulfill, but not for free. There's always a prince the person has to pay. And with Wyatt not very down on his luck, not being able to afford to care for Jackson now that his insurance has expired and he's lost his income and they're living in a shitty place, and he lost his fiance after she left him when this happened (good riddance!), he gets desperate enough to do something he said he'd never do: He goes to The Firm for financial assistance.
And not only does he get his asked for amount, he gets it like more than tripled, he gets it like...6th'ed haha.
And then a week later, his price comes in the form of...marrying his old best friend turned enemy, Matthias for a year???
Oh no no no, Wyatt just isn't having this - except...he has to. The Firm deals in absolutes, and he has to pay the price, for Jackson. Because Matthias can not only afford Jackson rehab help for his leg, but high end help too - three months at a top notch, high end rehab facility. And he has to think of Jackson, even though he hates Matthias' guts now, after he seemingly betrayed and abandoned him.
He almost would prefer his imagined scenario of having to smuggle drugs up his ass to a drug cartel than marry Matthias, but...he has no choice.
He's very resistant to listening to anything Matthias has to say at first. We learn that there was a reason for everything that went down, if Wyatt is willing to listen....
But he isn't, for a long while in this.
It almost becomes too much, the holding off he does in trying to become ready to hear what Matthias has to say, like I definitely felt frustrated by 2/3's in when something big happens and he chooses to let it go for a bit longer. Doesn't matter, as he finds out soon after that anyway, but still. I was like internal screaming at that point "No! I want to know! I want you to know! All the secrets need to be revealed already! Gah!"
But I didn't ding this for that. Because the way it all came out was good and it all made sense and I was just enjoying this too much.
I loved these two together, their chemistry was so 🔥. Once Wyatt gave into his obvious attraction and feelings for Matthias, all bets were off. The sex scenes we got were amazing and so hot 🥵 like these two authors together were practically perfection, especially when it came to the sex scenes. On their own, each author can be really good, it's fairly hit and miss sometimes. But this was perfection *chefs kiss* And if this series remains consistent with the chemistry and sex scenes then it'll be official that these two writing together is perfection.
I loved loved loved how these two got their HEA together. Once all was revealed, there was some time needed, but it was understandable why. Wyatt learns so much and it's a lot to take in. But by that point he's just as head over heels in love with Matthias as Matthias has been with him for half their lives.
Wyatt was probably in love with him back then as well, but him being seemingly straight probably had him slower on the uptake, and then when everything blew up when they were 18, that obviously delayed it further in his hatred masking the hurt and pain he felt over what Matt seemingly did to him.
I was so giddy and swooning at their make up (and needing a fan when they got to the make-up sex 😏) scene, it was beautiful. And seeing a glimpse in their HEA together with them being all gooey and gushy with each other. It took a long time and a lot to get them there, but they got there and it's beautiful.
There's already several of the brothers with future LI's hinted in this one, but next we're getting Cade, who I believe is the next oldest above Matthias -
Matthias is a middle brother, with two younger brothers and three older brothers. Cade is also in the middle as well, basically, just with two older and three younger brothers.
He's apparently the most...psychotic. A bit unhinged, and he does a .
This book did one thing I usually don't like at all - the epilogue was a teaser for Cade's book, introducing us to his LI, instead of having the epilogue be about THIS couple.
But I didn't ding this book for it this time, because...honestly Matthias and Wyatt were so happy and settled in the last chapter that I felt that completeness in their story, so I didn't feel too much like their ending was usurped for the next couple.
Would I have still liked a fun epilogue with a look into their HEA? Sure, definitely! I would have preferred it, I always do.
But I wasn't too mad at that trick this time, because of that settled feeling I had by the end of their story. Honestly their last chapter could have been the epilogue instead and the actual epilogue in this could have been like a bonus scene or something as books will sometimes do.
But anyway, it is what it is and I didn't feel bereft or anything like that, not truly, so no dinged points for that for this book. Although if it happens again and the ending feels too abrupt for the main couple...well then dinging of the rating will be happening, justtt saying.
But as it is, this was amazing, I loved it, 5 stars, no notes! I couldn't get enough of it, and I absolutely can't wait for Cade's story next. It's called Deviant? Oh this man is unhinged but I actually can't wait for him and his twink to get their HEA, as fucked up as their story already is.
Can't wait! 🥳
December 6, 2025
Tropes: friends to enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, fake relationship, forced proximity, hurt/comfort
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: sex in risky places
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: homophobic parent, bad parents, drug addict parents, minor character amputee, poverty, pining, violence and murder
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: Matthias has been in love with Wyatt since they met as children. Wyatt was straight and Clueless about his feelings, so Matthias pined. Nothing happened between them until the present. They've both been in other relationships. Once they get together in the present, there is no other person drama.
5 stars
Matthias was the rich boy who grew up without a mom, in a strict household with an abusive father. He met Wyatt when they were about 11 years old and they became best friends, though Matt kept their friendship secret from his father. Wyatt was the son of poor addict parents, he lived in a trailer park and always went hungry. Matt found ways to look out for him. But then something happens when they were about to graduate high school that tore them apart, and Matt ghosted Wyatt, leaving him in some rough circumstances and making Wyatt feel betrayed. Fast forward to their 30s approximately, and they are both lawyers at a firm and doing well for themselves. Wyatt is resentful because he lost a promotion to Matt, but Wyatt is engaged and relatively happy.
Fast forward one more year to the present and Wyatt has lost everything, his brother was in a traumatic car accident and lost his leg and has no insurance. Wyatt lost his job and they are barely able to afford to feed themselves. Wyatt strikes a deal with the mysterious Firm, for them to take care of his brother financially and he's ready to pay the price for that. The price that has demanded of him is that he enter into a marriage of convenience with Matt for one year. At first they butt heads, Wyatt is very angry and he's looking for every excuse to torment Matt. But his taunting leads to passion and they start hooking up, and over time they start to repair their friendship and they really care about each other because of the past they share and how they know each other so well. Wyatt is almost ready to forgive the past, but one more betrayal puts their relationship at risk.
This is an absolutely beautiful story. I loved the characters and the story they're building. They had such a special connection. They loved each other platonically so hard before it became more. It was an artfully told story because you see it from Wyatt's perspective and then drops of Matt's POV over their childhood years to present trickle in. As you see the development of their relationship from a different perspective while still not letting you as the reader inside of Matt's head in the present, to preserve some of the mystery and add suspense about how they got where they are. So well told! I loved the moments of humour that came from Wyatt's tormenting/bratting and their interactions with some of the side characters. This was a relationship where I loved their love, which is rare to come across in a romance novel. I'm sure I will reread this book!
I'm also really looking forward to the other books in this series. The characters are so interesting, I hope they get books.
Some notable moments:
"Bracing my hand on his shoulder, I bring my mouth close to his ear. “Oh, I’ll sleep with you, Matthias. But that’s all that’s going to be happening—sleeping. You can close your eyes every night, knowing that I’m beside you. Knowing that it’s as close as you’ll ever be to me, that you can be as hard as you like, but you won’t get any relief. Not from me.” Matthias inhales sharply, but I continue before he can speak. “This will be a monogamous marriage, husband, but it’ll also be a sexless one. Remember that as I go to sleep beside you. As you wake up to see me every morning. As you hear me jerk off in your bathroom. You can look, Matthias. But you can’t touch.” His breathing is ragged now, his pulse jumping in his neck. Finally. I’ve gotten to him. Stepping back, I shoot him a wink. “It’s going to be a long year, Matthias. Good thing we’re used to playing together. Try to keep up. I dare you.”"
"“An act, huh?” His breath is hot on my ear and I’m fighting to stay still, to not turn my head to face his challenge head-on. “Then why were you the one who had to get off the second we got home?” “That had nothing to do with it. I was teaching you a lesson.” “You taught me something, all right. I’ve spent years wondering what you look like when you come. Now I don’t need to imagine it. I’ve got the memory to look back on as often as I want.”"
The lube fairy brothers... "“Do you have lube?” I ask, and he shakes his head, looking lost and forlorn. He didn’t plan on this, didn’t even know I was coming here. Of course he wasn’t carrying any on him. Just then, something skids across the ground near my feet and I glance down to see a plastic tube. My eyes travel down the alley to see Dalton shoot me a wink before striding off around the corner. Oh, those bastards, I think, but then silently throw up a thank you to the heavens for providing."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: sex in risky places
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: homophobic parent, bad parents, drug addict parents, minor character amputee, poverty, pining, violence and murder
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: Matthias has been in love with Wyatt since they met as children. Wyatt was straight and Clueless about his feelings, so Matthias pined. Nothing happened between them until the present. They've both been in other relationships. Once they get together in the present, there is no other person drama.
5 stars
Matthias was the rich boy who grew up without a mom, in a strict household with an abusive father. He met Wyatt when they were about 11 years old and they became best friends, though Matt kept their friendship secret from his father. Wyatt was the son of poor addict parents, he lived in a trailer park and always went hungry. Matt found ways to look out for him. But then something happens when they were about to graduate high school that tore them apart, and Matt ghosted Wyatt, leaving him in some rough circumstances and making Wyatt feel betrayed. Fast forward to their 30s approximately, and they are both lawyers at a firm and doing well for themselves. Wyatt is resentful because he lost a promotion to Matt, but Wyatt is engaged and relatively happy.
Fast forward one more year to the present and Wyatt has lost everything, his brother was in a traumatic car accident and lost his leg and has no insurance. Wyatt lost his job and they are barely able to afford to feed themselves. Wyatt strikes a deal with the mysterious Firm, for them to take care of his brother financially and he's ready to pay the price for that. The price that has demanded of him is that he enter into a marriage of convenience with Matt for one year. At first they butt heads, Wyatt is very angry and he's looking for every excuse to torment Matt. But his taunting leads to passion and they start hooking up, and over time they start to repair their friendship and they really care about each other because of the past they share and how they know each other so well. Wyatt is almost ready to forgive the past, but one more betrayal puts their relationship at risk.
This is an absolutely beautiful story. I loved the characters and the story they're building. They had such a special connection. They loved each other platonically so hard before it became more. It was an artfully told story because you see it from Wyatt's perspective and then drops of Matt's POV over their childhood years to present trickle in. As you see the development of their relationship from a different perspective while still not letting you as the reader inside of Matt's head in the present, to preserve some of the mystery and add suspense about how they got where they are. So well told! I loved the moments of humour that came from Wyatt's tormenting/bratting and their interactions with some of the side characters. This was a relationship where I loved their love, which is rare to come across in a romance novel. I'm sure I will reread this book!
I'm also really looking forward to the other books in this series. The characters are so interesting, I hope they get books.
Some notable moments:
"Bracing my hand on his shoulder, I bring my mouth close to his ear. “Oh, I’ll sleep with you, Matthias. But that’s all that’s going to be happening—sleeping. You can close your eyes every night, knowing that I’m beside you. Knowing that it’s as close as you’ll ever be to me, that you can be as hard as you like, but you won’t get any relief. Not from me.” Matthias inhales sharply, but I continue before he can speak. “This will be a monogamous marriage, husband, but it’ll also be a sexless one. Remember that as I go to sleep beside you. As you wake up to see me every morning. As you hear me jerk off in your bathroom. You can look, Matthias. But you can’t touch.” His breathing is ragged now, his pulse jumping in his neck. Finally. I’ve gotten to him. Stepping back, I shoot him a wink. “It’s going to be a long year, Matthias. Good thing we’re used to playing together. Try to keep up. I dare you.”"
"“An act, huh?” His breath is hot on my ear and I’m fighting to stay still, to not turn my head to face his challenge head-on. “Then why were you the one who had to get off the second we got home?” “That had nothing to do with it. I was teaching you a lesson.” “You taught me something, all right. I’ve spent years wondering what you look like when you come. Now I don’t need to imagine it. I’ve got the memory to look back on as often as I want.”"
The lube fairy brothers... "“Do you have lube?” I ask, and he shakes his head, looking lost and forlorn. He didn’t plan on this, didn’t even know I was coming here. Of course he wasn’t carrying any on him. Just then, something skids across the ground near my feet and I glance down to see a plastic tube. My eyes travel down the alley to see Dalton shoot me a wink before striding off around the corner. Oh, those bastards, I think, but then silently throw up a thank you to the heavens for providing."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
May 31, 2025
10/10. FLAWLESS. Would sell my soul to read it again for the first time. GAH, I'm feral. I'm unwell. And I'm absolutely losing my mind, screaming into my pillow.
The tropes?
⟢ Secret society vibes
⟢ Marriage of convenience
⟢ Second chance romance
⟢ Childhood besties to enemies to husbands to lovers
⟢ MUTUAL pining WITHOUT even knowing that they're pining
⟢ SO MUCH angst
⟢ YOU'RE MINE?!
And you still expect me not to go batshit crazy over this book?
Wyatt and Matthias were so fucking hot together, the chemistry was insane it had me drooling so bad. I was legit screaming at 5 in the morning, the need of having all the books in the series in my hands to read back to back making me choke on air, chanting MORE. MORE. GIVE ME MORE. I need all the Buckingham brothers' books in my hands like right the fuck now, pretty please!!!
Gonna share some fav lines cuz why the fuck not
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“Who needs air?” I say with a small grin, and he nudges me.
“Me. I need to breathe around you, Wy, or else I’ll end up consumed.”
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“Do you still need time to breathe or can I do what I want to you?”
“No. Make me breathless. I don’t need air when I have you.”
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“I’m going to wreck you,”
“You already have,”
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗I can no more stop breathing than I can stop being in love with him.
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“I think I’ve loved you since before I even knew what love was.”
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“You didn’t plan on me falling in love with you,” ... “But you couldn’t help it. You couldn’t help loving me any more than I could help falling.”
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“I dare you, Matt. I dare you to love me forever.”
“Yes,” I repeat. “Always fucking yes.”
The tropes?
⟢ Secret society vibes
⟢ Marriage of convenience
⟢ Second chance romance
⟢ Childhood besties to enemies to husbands to lovers
⟢ MUTUAL pining WITHOUT even knowing that they're pining
⟢ SO MUCH angst
⟢ YOU'RE MINE?!
And you still expect me not to go batshit crazy over this book?
Wyatt and Matthias were so fucking hot together, the chemistry was insane it had me drooling so bad. I was legit screaming at 5 in the morning, the need of having all the books in the series in my hands to read back to back making me choke on air, chanting MORE. MORE. GIVE ME MORE. I need all the Buckingham brothers' books in my hands like right the fuck now, pretty please!!!
Gonna share some fav lines cuz why the fuck not
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“Who needs air?” I say with a small grin, and he nudges me.
“Me. I need to breathe around you, Wy, or else I’ll end up consumed.”
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“Do you still need time to breathe or can I do what I want to you?”
“No. Make me breathless. I don’t need air when I have you.”
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“I’m going to wreck you,”
“You already have,”
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗I can no more stop breathing than I can stop being in love with him.
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“I think I’ve loved you since before I even knew what love was.”
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“You didn’t plan on me falling in love with you,” ... “But you couldn’t help it. You couldn’t help loving me any more than I could help falling.”
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗“I dare you, Matt. I dare you to love me forever.”
“Yes,” I repeat. “Always fucking yes.”
June 7, 2025
Okay so I loved this so much. This was such a good read. Super swoony. Super funny. Super sweet. Super hot. And I was super in love.
So this story is set around this entity called The Firm. It’s basically this secret group that runs the city. If you have a request, you can submit it to the firm to handle it. Examples being if you’re in an abusive relationship and you want out. Or you need money. The downside is that you have to do what The Firm considers “payment” for your request. If you don’t pay up, it’s not going to be good for you. Wyatt’s (one of our main characters) brother got in a very bad accident. Wyatt is drowning in medical bills to take care of him. Wyatt doesn’t want to go to The Firm for help. It’s something desperate people do, but unfortunately, he is desperate people. He asks The Firm for money to help take care of his brother. The Firm granted his request, but his payment was that he had to marry his childhood best friend turned enemy, Matthias. Wild!!!
This was great. You don’t know right away why these two are no longer friends. You gradually find out throughout the book by chapters that are going back in time to tell their story. Very suspenseful, but in a good way.
I was kinda nervous to read this book tbh. For several reasons actually. I’m not the biggest fan of enemies to lovers or fake marriage. But this was done sooooooooooo good. Like I had no option but to love it. Another reason I was nervous was because I don’t always get along with Cora Rose’s writing. She’s too dramatic and OTT for me sometimes. This really wasn’t bad. I could still spot Cora’s writing a mile away, but she was milder in this. Lark Taylor really balanced her out.
The spice in this was great. We got some jealousy going on as well as a little bit of obsession/possession. Also add in a little bi-awakening and hot damn.
I’m really excited for the upcoming books. I’m glad we got something new from both of them.
So this story is set around this entity called The Firm. It’s basically this secret group that runs the city. If you have a request, you can submit it to the firm to handle it. Examples being if you’re in an abusive relationship and you want out. Or you need money. The downside is that you have to do what The Firm considers “payment” for your request. If you don’t pay up, it’s not going to be good for you. Wyatt’s (one of our main characters) brother got in a very bad accident. Wyatt is drowning in medical bills to take care of him. Wyatt doesn’t want to go to The Firm for help. It’s something desperate people do, but unfortunately, he is desperate people. He asks The Firm for money to help take care of his brother. The Firm granted his request, but his payment was that he had to marry his childhood best friend turned enemy, Matthias. Wild!!!
This was great. You don’t know right away why these two are no longer friends. You gradually find out throughout the book by chapters that are going back in time to tell their story. Very suspenseful, but in a good way.
I was kinda nervous to read this book tbh. For several reasons actually. I’m not the biggest fan of enemies to lovers or fake marriage. But this was done sooooooooooo good. Like I had no option but to love it. Another reason I was nervous was because I don’t always get along with Cora Rose’s writing. She’s too dramatic and OTT for me sometimes. This really wasn’t bad. I could still spot Cora’s writing a mile away, but she was milder in this. Lark Taylor really balanced her out.
The spice in this was great. We got some jealousy going on as well as a little bit of obsession/possession. Also add in a little bi-awakening and hot damn.
I’m really excited for the upcoming books. I’m glad we got something new from both of them.
Read
June 10, 2025DNF at 31%
Just not vibing with it.
Just not vibing with it.
May 21, 2025
“You’re my husband now. I’ll make sure you’re safe, whether you like it or not.”A MM romance with Friends to Enemies/Hate to Lovers, a secret society pulling all the strings, & the fake marriage that "forces" them close, a slowburn blazing into an inferno! What a rollercoaster of emotions this was 👏; I laughed, wondered, theorized, sobbed, felt anxious, huffed, rolled my eyes, I raged & felt happy!
It's got Bi-awakening, an unrequited love finally finding home, how can I not love this lol? I got hooked, devoured my #ARC in 14hrs over 2 days! Loved Wyatt, Matthias & the bros 😁. Worst parent award goes to...certain bastard(s) here 😤!!
Wyatt was a lawyer, at top of his world... Until it all crashes down. His brother Jackson is all W's left & W'll do it all for him. Desperate, W requests The Firm, but there's a price. Marrying his enemy, the friend who betrayed him. He's not even gay (😏 hah). But maybe annoying Matt (revenge!) will be worth it! W's caring & selfless, but stubborn, talkative & bratty too 😁.
Matthias is an engimatic man. Despite dual POV, his chapters are way less—for suspense duh! (More his POV, I'd've loved & hurt 🥺) His family is RICH, did he really need to go to firm or...? M comes off as cold, commanding but he's quiet, softie, protective, self-sacrificing too. W's been M's all, so why did that night broke them apart?
The story took typical tropes, combo'ed it with a unique setting & made it fun! The One bed, honeymoon & dares were hilariously hot 🤣. There's hate, taunts, prejudice & push/pull that ups the angst (not too dark)! Secrets uncovered *gasp*, despite red herrings I WAS RIGHT 🥳! Those final scenes— amazing, flashbacks for max tears 😭.
At start, It felt like they'll be vers (I'm mad *pout* that didn't happen 😅), but W's take charge's freaking hot! They're insatiable & chemistry 🥵 fire later, fun dynamic! So heartbreaking but cute 🥺. While we're told W+M's in late 20s, I think they're 29 or in early 30s as J's 18. Yeah, I couldn't help but calculate 😅. That epilogue, omfg 😂. Cade's a menace, I'm looking forward to what more this lovely author duo writes!
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Yesss!! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😁🥺😩😯😅😆🤭🙂😳😍🤣😭😉🥵🥰🙄🧐😭🤯🥳☺️
4) Steamy scenes: 3.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Fun: 4/5
Angst: 3.5/5
Dark: 2/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Friends to Hate to Love, Fake marriage & secrets) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.6/5
May 28, 2025
I did not like this. I did not like Wyatt, I think he made a terrible lawyer, and the dog pile of tropes continued to grow until the very last page.
To be fair, I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like this. I love Lark Taylor, their books are some of my all time favorites. Unfortunately Cora Rose is, in my opinion, not as strong of a writer. I have read numerous books by them and they’ve been more miss than hit for me. Cora’s influence is very strong in this story, it almost makes me wonder what aspects of this were collaborative.
Despite the fact that I had an inkling I wouldn’t enjoy this story, I’m maintaining my 1 star review due to issues I had with the story itself, and not just how it was written. In an effort to prevent spoilers, I’ll leave you with one final opinion: Matthias deserved so much better.
Given my love for Lark Taylor, I may give the second one a shot, we’ll just have to see.
To be fair, I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like this. I love Lark Taylor, their books are some of my all time favorites. Unfortunately Cora Rose is, in my opinion, not as strong of a writer. I have read numerous books by them and they’ve been more miss than hit for me. Cora’s influence is very strong in this story, it almost makes me wonder what aspects of this were collaborative.
Despite the fact that I had an inkling I wouldn’t enjoy this story, I’m maintaining my 1 star review due to issues I had with the story itself, and not just how it was written. In an effort to prevent spoilers, I’ll leave you with one final opinion: Matthias deserved so much better.
Given my love for Lark Taylor, I may give the second one a shot, we’ll just have to see.
May 12, 2025
I absolutely loved this new universe created by two of my favorite authors. The first book in the series was phenomenal—it completely hooked me, and I’m already eager to read the upcoming installments. This series centers around a secret society known as 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘮, where any request can be granted… but every request comes with a price. I’m completely intrigued by the concept and can’t wait to dive deeper into this world and learn more about the enigmatic Buckingham brothers.
This book follows Matthias and Wyatt, once best friends torn apart by a painful misunderstanding. Now, Wyatt can’t stand Matthias—or so he tells himself. When Wyatt finds himself in serious financial trouble and his life hanging by a thread, he turns to 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘮 for help. The cost? He must marry Matthias—the man he believes betrayed him and the one he’s convinced he hates.
Matthias and Wyatt’s story is a delicious blend of enemies-to-lovers. Wyatt is fiery, stubborn, and determined to get under Matthias’s skin, never realizing that his emotions run much deeper. Their chemistry is electric, their banter crackles, and the tension between them is palpable. The intimate scenes are intense and steamy, and I especially loved seeing Wyatt’s possessive side come through. Through Matthias’s POV, we get touching glimpses into their shared past and his enduring love for Wyatt. Their journey toward healing and truth was emotional and powerful, and their hard-earned HEA felt incredibly rewarding.
Overall, this story was an absolute hit for me, and I highly recommend checking it out. The epilogue gives an enticing glimpse into what’s next (no spoilers!), and I’m already counting down the days until the next book drops.
* I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency and this is my honest review *
This book follows Matthias and Wyatt, once best friends torn apart by a painful misunderstanding. Now, Wyatt can’t stand Matthias—or so he tells himself. When Wyatt finds himself in serious financial trouble and his life hanging by a thread, he turns to 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘮 for help. The cost? He must marry Matthias—the man he believes betrayed him and the one he’s convinced he hates.
Matthias and Wyatt’s story is a delicious blend of enemies-to-lovers. Wyatt is fiery, stubborn, and determined to get under Matthias’s skin, never realizing that his emotions run much deeper. Their chemistry is electric, their banter crackles, and the tension between them is palpable. The intimate scenes are intense and steamy, and I especially loved seeing Wyatt’s possessive side come through. Through Matthias’s POV, we get touching glimpses into their shared past and his enduring love for Wyatt. Their journey toward healing and truth was emotional and powerful, and their hard-earned HEA felt incredibly rewarding.
Overall, this story was an absolute hit for me, and I highly recommend checking it out. The epilogue gives an enticing glimpse into what’s next (no spoilers!), and I’m already counting down the days until the next book drops.
* I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency and this is my honest review *
June 23, 2025
Annoying MC
I hate this. Everything about this book made me want to throw it into a fire and call it a day. Wyatt was so childish. Even in the end, he responded to situations the same way as any preteen and seemed unaware of why this is a problem. He is a hypocrite who uses and abuses Matthias over a minor disagreement that didn't even end badly for him. He even admitted that the whole situation didn't make sense, yet he used it as ammunition to harm someone who didn't deserve it all because he refused to use his big boy words. That isn't to say Matthias was completely innocent, but he wasn't the monster Wyatt tried to make him out to be.
I won't lie; I skimmed much of this story because I got tired of Wyatt's constant complaints. He was rude and obnoxious for no reason other than that he could. Even when he started to find out what really happened, he took every opportunity to attack Matthias because it was convenient. He never owned up to how he played a role in his downfall. Like seriously. He was fired from his job because he chose to walk out during an important court case. The judge tried calling him back to figure out what was happening, but he ignored him. That isn't something you can do as a lawyer, so of course, he was fired. But he chose to blame Matt instead because reasons.
This story makes me mad. I did not want them to end up together and really do wish that Matt had found someone else. Wyatt is not worth the pain.
I hate this. Everything about this book made me want to throw it into a fire and call it a day. Wyatt was so childish. Even in the end, he responded to situations the same way as any preteen and seemed unaware of why this is a problem. He is a hypocrite who uses and abuses Matthias over a minor disagreement that didn't even end badly for him. He even admitted that the whole situation didn't make sense, yet he used it as ammunition to harm someone who didn't deserve it all because he refused to use his big boy words. That isn't to say Matthias was completely innocent, but he wasn't the monster Wyatt tried to make him out to be.
I won't lie; I skimmed much of this story because I got tired of Wyatt's constant complaints. He was rude and obnoxious for no reason other than that he could. Even when he started to find out what really happened, he took every opportunity to attack Matthias because it was convenient. He never owned up to how he played a role in his downfall. Like seriously. He was fired from his job because he chose to walk out during an important court case. The judge tried calling him back to figure out what was happening, but he ignored him. That isn't something you can do as a lawyer, so of course, he was fired. But he chose to blame Matt instead because reasons.
This story makes me mad. I did not want them to end up together and really do wish that Matt had found someone else. Wyatt is not worth the pain.
September 20, 2025
The first third was a bit weak, but I was FULLY invested by the halfway mark. Would I recommend it? Depends on what you’re into. If you can suspend your disbelief and ignore some pretty significant wtfs in the first few chapters, you’ll be rewarded with some very juicy tension and pining (and some good ol’ MM spice). I thoroughly enjoyed myself but I’m a sucker for second-chance romances. It felt like the literary equivalent of a salty snack at the cinema - thoroughly enjoyable but fibre poor🍿🍟💕.
I’ll definitely give the sequel a go, but I thought it was super cheeky of them to make the teaser for Cade’s book the epilogue - THAT’S NOT WHAT AN EPILOGUE IS FOR GUYS.
I’ll definitely give the sequel a go, but I thought it was super cheeky of them to make the teaser for Cade’s book the epilogue - THAT’S NOT WHAT AN EPILOGUE IS FOR GUYS.
May 8, 2025
The Firm can make any wish come true … - for a price.
Wyatt’s life is seemingly perfect - successful career, gorgeous fiancé and high rise penthouse apartment. The only problem, his dickhead boss is the one person from his past he wish he could forget.
When his life goes from glory to dumpster fire in a span of a few months, Wy turns to the people he swore he never would, the Firm.
Marrying his former best friend turned enemy turned former boss wasn’t on Wy’s bingo card … but to save his brother, Wyatt would do anything including muddying his morals. Whatever you want, the Firm delivers, but what if that turns out to be more than you bargained for??
Wy and Matthias’ relationship development was really strong and learning what happened in their formative years was both sweet and heartbreaking knowing what they both went through. Matthias is one of the greenest red flags ever and Wyatt can be a little whiny bitch at times but I love him nonetheless 😂
In my opinion (yes MY opinion) if you go into this thinking it’s gonna be a dark DARK romance, it’s not. It’s definitely got darker themes and is darker than the usual Lark and Cora storyline but overall I wouldn’t classify it as that dark. Take that how you will but don’t be bashing the book for not being dark enough for dark romance. You’ve been warned.
Now for the other brothers, and following books in the series. I had a feeling Dalton was gonna be my favourite of the brothers but then we learnt more about Cade and 🫠🫠🫠 I’m so excited to see where his book goes 👀 Harley and Jules are gonna be hot as shit 🥵 Wylder is still a mystery but being the oldest has gotta have a secret dark side I can’t wait to explore 🤪 and lastly, I reckon Samson will have the best character arc and development
Wyatt’s life is seemingly perfect - successful career, gorgeous fiancé and high rise penthouse apartment. The only problem, his dickhead boss is the one person from his past he wish he could forget.
When his life goes from glory to dumpster fire in a span of a few months, Wy turns to the people he swore he never would, the Firm.
Marrying his former best friend turned enemy turned former boss wasn’t on Wy’s bingo card … but to save his brother, Wyatt would do anything including muddying his morals. Whatever you want, the Firm delivers, but what if that turns out to be more than you bargained for??
Wy and Matthias’ relationship development was really strong and learning what happened in their formative years was both sweet and heartbreaking knowing what they both went through. Matthias is one of the greenest red flags ever and Wyatt can be a little whiny bitch at times but I love him nonetheless 😂
In my opinion (yes MY opinion) if you go into this thinking it’s gonna be a dark DARK romance, it’s not. It’s definitely got darker themes and is darker than the usual Lark and Cora storyline but overall I wouldn’t classify it as that dark. Take that how you will but don’t be bashing the book for not being dark enough for dark romance. You’ve been warned.
Now for the other brothers, and following books in the series. I had a feeling Dalton was gonna be my favourite of the brothers but then we learnt more about Cade and 🫠🫠🫠 I’m so excited to see where his book goes 👀 Harley and Jules are gonna be hot as shit 🥵 Wylder is still a mystery but being the oldest has gotta have a secret dark side I can’t wait to explore 🤪 and lastly, I reckon Samson will have the best character arc and development
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