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Alpha's Rejects #5
Cueball & Double-Z
This is not a shifter/Omegaverse romance
I was destined to find them. To face my demons and heal.
Zero (Gio)
I can’t seem to get anything right. Failure after failure. I’m really struggling here. I’ve loved Cole for years, hiding away my feelings from him. But taking care of him is more important than my feelings. I can never seem to get it right, and I’m losing a part of myself. But when Cueball takes us in out of the goodness of his heart when we’re at our most desperate, I start discovering myself again. The old me who laughed and enjoyed life. Now, I find myself loving not one man, but two.
Zilch (Cole)
I have a new purpose in life. After ruining our lives, I have a chance to bring happiness back to Gio and me. I’ll always be a bit broken, but I’ve come to accept that. It’s Gio and Cueball who need me the most, my grump and grumpier. They both need healing and love. And I do love them. I can give that to them. I want to give that to them. This is how I heal, too.
Cueball (Marco)
Zero and Zilch are my chaos gremlins. They’ve upended my life and have torn down my walls. For years, I’ve maintained my self-control, keeping my pain neatly tucked away. Now that’s all been shattered, and I have no one to blame but myself. Zero and Zilch, my Double-Z, have broken me down and are building me back up. Perhaps it’s time to face my demons. For the first time in years, I want someone in my life. I want them, but I’m afraid.
This is the fifth and last book in this series, but like all my books, it can be read as a standalone.
Please read the triggers before picking up this book.
CW: Drunk driving, death of parents in car accident, homelessness, grief, anxiety, suicide (off-page, but you will see the aftermath in the form of a memory), self-loathing, explicit language and sex. More warnings may come.
🧡 SLOW burn
🧡 Selective Mutism Rep
🧡 Destined/Fate
🧡 Grumpy/Grumpy/Sunshine
🧡 Size Differences
🧡 Hurt/Comfort
🧡 Urban Romance
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 Broken Boys
🧡 Skaterboys
🧡 Found Family
🧡 Mental Health Rep
I was destined to find them. To face my demons and heal.
Zero (Gio)
I can’t seem to get anything right. Failure after failure. I’m really struggling here. I’ve loved Cole for years, hiding away my feelings from him. But taking care of him is more important than my feelings. I can never seem to get it right, and I’m losing a part of myself. But when Cueball takes us in out of the goodness of his heart when we’re at our most desperate, I start discovering myself again. The old me who laughed and enjoyed life. Now, I find myself loving not one man, but two.
Zilch (Cole)
I have a new purpose in life. After ruining our lives, I have a chance to bring happiness back to Gio and me. I’ll always be a bit broken, but I’ve come to accept that. It’s Gio and Cueball who need me the most, my grump and grumpier. They both need healing and love. And I do love them. I can give that to them. I want to give that to them. This is how I heal, too.
Cueball (Marco)
Zero and Zilch are my chaos gremlins. They’ve upended my life and have torn down my walls. For years, I’ve maintained my self-control, keeping my pain neatly tucked away. Now that’s all been shattered, and I have no one to blame but myself. Zero and Zilch, my Double-Z, have broken me down and are building me back up. Perhaps it’s time to face my demons. For the first time in years, I want someone in my life. I want them, but I’m afraid.
This is the fifth and last book in this series, but like all my books, it can be read as a standalone.
Please read the triggers before picking up this book.
CW: Drunk driving, death of parents in car accident, homelessness, grief, anxiety, suicide (off-page, but you will see the aftermath in the form of a memory), self-loathing, explicit language and sex. More warnings may come.
🧡 SLOW burn
🧡 Selective Mutism Rep
🧡 Destined/Fate
🧡 Grumpy/Grumpy/Sunshine
🧡 Size Differences
🧡 Hurt/Comfort
🧡 Urban Romance
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 Broken Boys
🧡 Skaterboys
🧡 Found Family
🧡 Mental Health Rep
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
46 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Courtney W. Dixon
39 books1,076 followersCourtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy hurt/comfort romance, giving her characters challenges, struggles, and sometimes trauma... Fine, a LOT of trauma. Her team teases her about charging her for their therapy bills after reading one of her books.
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
August 27, 2025
I gotta admit: I ugly cried with this one. Not only because it's the last one of this series, which means we have to say goodbye to the Alpha Reject's. But these characters endured so much and are so strong and.. Yeah, I really got all emotional 🥺
When it comes to stories like these, where everyone has their own heavy past and mental health issues for different reasons, it's incredibly important how the characters are written and how they communicate with each other. And this author really nailed all of this with this amazing book.
I immediately fell in love with Cueball, or Marco, for different reasons. But probably mostly because I understood his pain. The way he acted, the way he sees the world, everything spoke to me. Of course, Gio and his stepbrother Cole, were incredible as well. All of these men so strong and brave 🤍 their combination healed them, and honestly their relationship healed a part of me, too.
This book definitely was an amazing ending for this series, and I am really sad that it's over. But we still got all the memories, right? And I am definitely going to re-read it, so there's that 🥰
When it comes to stories like these, where everyone has their own heavy past and mental health issues for different reasons, it's incredibly important how the characters are written and how they communicate with each other. And this author really nailed all of this with this amazing book.
I immediately fell in love with Cueball, or Marco, for different reasons. But probably mostly because I understood his pain. The way he acted, the way he sees the world, everything spoke to me. Of course, Gio and his stepbrother Cole, were incredible as well. All of these men so strong and brave 🤍 their combination healed them, and honestly their relationship healed a part of me, too.
This book definitely was an amazing ending for this series, and I am really sad that it's over. But we still got all the memories, right? And I am definitely going to re-read it, so there's that 🥰
August 30, 2025
What a finish of a series!
I'm glad that Cueball's story was the last - he was so mysterious through all the other books and that somehow attracted me to him so much. It's a good feel to finally get his story and to know what's hiding behind the mask. All I wanted to do is just hug him 🫂 Cueball is truly one of the most loveable characters in the series and must be protected at all costs!
I really like his and Double-Z dynamic - it was nice to see the relationship bloom and to see their individual growth in all of this 💕
I'm glad that Cueball's story was the last - he was so mysterious through all the other books and that somehow attracted me to him so much. It's a good feel to finally get his story and to know what's hiding behind the mask. All I wanted to do is just hug him 🫂 Cueball is truly one of the most loveable characters in the series and must be protected at all costs!
I really like his and Double-Z dynamic - it was nice to see the relationship bloom and to see their individual growth in all of this 💕
September 2, 2025
cueball has been part of the rejects world since chapter one of book one. he’s always been kind of a cross between a ghost and a jedi. he’d turn upon the most unlikely places, sometimes completely out of the blue, and he always had the perfect advice. you knew if marco showed up, he was about to drop some wisdom. and in a world filled with some characters who are already fairly emotionally intelligent, that’s a pretty big deal
in this book we find out that’s pretty much *all* marco’s been doing: drifting in and out of people’s lives like a ghost. barely occupying his own life at all. aside from the rare impassioned reaction, such as when ajax’s bipolar depression boiled over and he became suicidal, cueball is a barely-there version of a real boy
zero and zilch enter his life, bringing with them the exact opposite energy from cueball. these boys are bright, technicolor chaos that swirl into marco’s life like tornadoes. zilch—cole—is a radiant beam of pure sunshine. if golden retriever energy coalesced into a single character it would be cole macgregor. sorry to every other cheerful character in literature. cole’s put you out of a job. you can all go home. the night to cole’s day is zero—gio. oh, gio. this beautiful little thunderstorm truly does carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. and by the time this book starts, those shoulders are pretty fucking close to breaking
kismet brings these three boys together at the exact moment they need each other the most. that which bends can only bend so far before it breaks, and every single one of these men are dangerously close to snapping under the stress
courtney has done something remarkable with this series. each book has been even more painful, and redeeming than the last. i’m not sure how she keeps upping the ante every time you think she couldn’t possibly do more than she did last book. during alpha & omega, i would have sworn under oath that nothing could *possibly* hurt me worse than alpha waking up in his hospital bed, and through a haze of drugs and concussion-scrambled memories, slowly realizing his leg is gone
then i had to sit with marco maldonado while he had a conversation with a tombstone
just hit me with a fucking bus. it would hurt less than this
this book is full of pain. there’s no way around it. cueball’s story is arguably the most tragic of the rejects. not just for what he lost, but how long he deleted himself from the world because of it. the z’s don’t come into his life in a very good place either. cole, of course, is sunshine personified, but he still carries this unfathomably large chasm of guilt inside of himself. everyone but cole himself knows it’s guilt he shouldn’t be carrying, but trauma whispers insidious things to us in the dead of night. and gio is mad at pretty much everyone except cole. if you can name three people that need each other more than these guys, i’ll bake you a cake. go ahead. i’ll wait
if we have to say goodbye to the rejects, this was a high note to go out on. courtney writes mmm so well. she writes emotionally intelligent characters beautifully. these boys bring all of that and more. it’s an undeniably slow burn. all of our boys have a lot of shit they need to deal with individually before they can deal with shit as a trio. but as a throuple, they’re absolutely beautiful. marco can breathe again, cole has people to make sure he’s never alone, and gio has marco’s strong arms to help him carry the weight of the world
there’s not as much smut in this as there has been in the other reject’s books, on account of the slow burn. but what there is has this really sensationally serendipitous feel to it, because as these three come together (pun unapologetically intended) it signifies the ultimate end of the fork in their roads
then, finally, courtney gives the departing epilogue. one last update. one final goodbye. we’re not left to wonder about everyone’s happily ever after’s. which, to me, is my favorite kind of hea. to know, beyond any doubt, that my beloved characters are going to go, and grow, and be happy, and love each other, no matter what this crazy, stupid, scary world throws at them. and i can’t thank her enough for honoring that, here, at the end of it all
courtney says interest in this series has waned since alpha & omega, which is honestly a crime, because they’re missing out on part of the family. how can you love the rest of the rejects, but *not* be there to see them all through to the end? it breaks my heart. this series truly is a masterpiece. it calls to the part of me that IS a reject. the queer, punk rock girl, with a pocket full of trauma, who’s anxious, and bipolar, and weird, who’s kind of a loner, but is also pretty lonely. she’s the kid i was in the 90’s. she’s the kid i am now. and she’d give pretty much anything to be a reject
in this book we find out that’s pretty much *all* marco’s been doing: drifting in and out of people’s lives like a ghost. barely occupying his own life at all. aside from the rare impassioned reaction, such as when ajax’s bipolar depression boiled over and he became suicidal, cueball is a barely-there version of a real boy
zero and zilch enter his life, bringing with them the exact opposite energy from cueball. these boys are bright, technicolor chaos that swirl into marco’s life like tornadoes. zilch—cole—is a radiant beam of pure sunshine. if golden retriever energy coalesced into a single character it would be cole macgregor. sorry to every other cheerful character in literature. cole’s put you out of a job. you can all go home. the night to cole’s day is zero—gio. oh, gio. this beautiful little thunderstorm truly does carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. and by the time this book starts, those shoulders are pretty fucking close to breaking
kismet brings these three boys together at the exact moment they need each other the most. that which bends can only bend so far before it breaks, and every single one of these men are dangerously close to snapping under the stress
courtney has done something remarkable with this series. each book has been even more painful, and redeeming than the last. i’m not sure how she keeps upping the ante every time you think she couldn’t possibly do more than she did last book. during alpha & omega, i would have sworn under oath that nothing could *possibly* hurt me worse than alpha waking up in his hospital bed, and through a haze of drugs and concussion-scrambled memories, slowly realizing his leg is gone
then i had to sit with marco maldonado while he had a conversation with a tombstone
just hit me with a fucking bus. it would hurt less than this
this book is full of pain. there’s no way around it. cueball’s story is arguably the most tragic of the rejects. not just for what he lost, but how long he deleted himself from the world because of it. the z’s don’t come into his life in a very good place either. cole, of course, is sunshine personified, but he still carries this unfathomably large chasm of guilt inside of himself. everyone but cole himself knows it’s guilt he shouldn’t be carrying, but trauma whispers insidious things to us in the dead of night. and gio is mad at pretty much everyone except cole. if you can name three people that need each other more than these guys, i’ll bake you a cake. go ahead. i’ll wait
if we have to say goodbye to the rejects, this was a high note to go out on. courtney writes mmm so well. she writes emotionally intelligent characters beautifully. these boys bring all of that and more. it’s an undeniably slow burn. all of our boys have a lot of shit they need to deal with individually before they can deal with shit as a trio. but as a throuple, they’re absolutely beautiful. marco can breathe again, cole has people to make sure he’s never alone, and gio has marco’s strong arms to help him carry the weight of the world
there’s not as much smut in this as there has been in the other reject’s books, on account of the slow burn. but what there is has this really sensationally serendipitous feel to it, because as these three come together (pun unapologetically intended) it signifies the ultimate end of the fork in their roads
then, finally, courtney gives the departing epilogue. one last update. one final goodbye. we’re not left to wonder about everyone’s happily ever after’s. which, to me, is my favorite kind of hea. to know, beyond any doubt, that my beloved characters are going to go, and grow, and be happy, and love each other, no matter what this crazy, stupid, scary world throws at them. and i can’t thank her enough for honoring that, here, at the end of it all
courtney says interest in this series has waned since alpha & omega, which is honestly a crime, because they’re missing out on part of the family. how can you love the rest of the rejects, but *not* be there to see them all through to the end? it breaks my heart. this series truly is a masterpiece. it calls to the part of me that IS a reject. the queer, punk rock girl, with a pocket full of trauma, who’s anxious, and bipolar, and weird, who’s kind of a loner, but is also pretty lonely. she’s the kid i was in the 90’s. she’s the kid i am now. and she’d give pretty much anything to be a reject
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2025
This is the final book in the Alpha's Rejects series, but can easily be read as a standalone. We've met Cueball(Marco) in prior books, but Zero(Gio) and Zilch(Cole) are new characters.
Not gonna lie, this is an emotional read. The traumas these broken men have will make you cry for them, but them being able to count on each other was beautiful to see. The support and love they freely gave each other was beautiful. It made me so happy seeing them flourish together. I loved how the story unfolded, I especially loved the emotional intimacy before anything else happened between them.
If you love age gap stories with hurt/comfort, a great found family and a slow burn, then this is the book you. You'll be rooting for Marco, Cole and Gio from start to finish.
Not gonna lie, this is an emotional read. The traumas these broken men have will make you cry for them, but them being able to count on each other was beautiful to see. The support and love they freely gave each other was beautiful. It made me so happy seeing them flourish together. I loved how the story unfolded, I especially loved the emotional intimacy before anything else happened between them.
If you love age gap stories with hurt/comfort, a great found family and a slow burn, then this is the book you. You'll be rooting for Marco, Cole and Gio from start to finish.
September 3, 2025
My HEART! What the heck did you just do to me 🥺😭
This was absolutely beautiful. Zilch & Zero are my sweet babies. Oh my lord. Their pain was visceral. All Zero wanted was Zilch to be happy.
Cueball ugh you tore my f**king heart out. I felt his pain so deeply. On a whole other level. Just not from his point of view. If you know you know.
This book made me sob, laugh and sob some more. Thank you Courtney for blessing the world with these men. They truly deserve all the praise and attention in the universe. This book may have tore my heart out. But it gave my soul a sense of peace.
This was absolutely beautiful. Zilch & Zero are my sweet babies. Oh my lord. Their pain was visceral. All Zero wanted was Zilch to be happy.
Cueball ugh you tore my f**king heart out. I felt his pain so deeply. On a whole other level. Just not from his point of view. If you know you know.
This book made me sob, laugh and sob some more. Thank you Courtney for blessing the world with these men. They truly deserve all the praise and attention in the universe. This book may have tore my heart out. But it gave my soul a sense of peace.
September 1, 2025
What a fantastic ending to a great series! I love all the characters in the Alpha's rejects books, but I think this is my absolute favorite of the series. Cueball and his chaos gremlins <3 I'm so happy to finally have Cueballs story, he really got to me in Blaze and Ajax story and I was so excited for his book.
I ugly cried several times while reading. The grief and pain they are all feeling for different reasons really hit me hard. They are such beautiful souls and it hurt so bad that they felt the way they did. They all have such deep emotional scars. To see them stumble upon each other and from there find love and healing was so beautiful, but it took a lot of healing to get there.
You can tell how much the author loves these characters, she took such good care of them and did her research with the mental health struggles involved in the different kind of grief and pain.
Cueball (Marco) was so broken and so closed off, he just went through the motions of day to day life. When he finally found Gio and Cole he didn't have a choice but to let them in, even though he really did his best to stay away.
Sweet, loving, sunshine Cole was the glue to Gio and Marco. To be able to keep that sunshine considering what he's been through is amazing. He's just the sweetest, most loveable boy.
And then we have Gio who tries to carry the world on his shoulders, to be the one to provide for and take care of his stepbrother. It was wonderful to see Gio be able to let go of some of that weight, to let Marco and Cole help him heal and be the man he was meant to be.
If you haven't read this series I really recommend that you do!!
Thank you for the arc!! This review is honest and voluntary!
I ugly cried several times while reading. The grief and pain they are all feeling for different reasons really hit me hard. They are such beautiful souls and it hurt so bad that they felt the way they did. They all have such deep emotional scars. To see them stumble upon each other and from there find love and healing was so beautiful, but it took a lot of healing to get there.
You can tell how much the author loves these characters, she took such good care of them and did her research with the mental health struggles involved in the different kind of grief and pain.
Cueball (Marco) was so broken and so closed off, he just went through the motions of day to day life. When he finally found Gio and Cole he didn't have a choice but to let them in, even though he really did his best to stay away.
Sweet, loving, sunshine Cole was the glue to Gio and Marco. To be able to keep that sunshine considering what he's been through is amazing. He's just the sweetest, most loveable boy.
And then we have Gio who tries to carry the world on his shoulders, to be the one to provide for and take care of his stepbrother. It was wonderful to see Gio be able to let go of some of that weight, to let Marco and Cole help him heal and be the man he was meant to be.
If you haven't read this series I really recommend that you do!!
Thank you for the arc!! This review is honest and voluntary!
August 18, 2025
Cueball and Double Z
Alpha’s Rejects
Courtney W. Dixon
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a BETA review, which means I have not read the final product so changes can be made.
I preface this by saying I’m not a huge fan of MMM. I find a lot of the time there’s an imbalance, but this was MMM done right!
Cueball has always been the mysterious Yoda-like “member” of Alpha’s Rejects. I was so glad we finally got his story and learned why he was so secretive and separated himself from the group. His pain was palpable as he told his story, leaving a heavy feeling in my chest.
Double Z, Zero and Zilch, had their own pain and trauma they had to work through. While Zero had more of a junkyard dog vibe to him, Zilch was the sweetest little nugget and you completely understand why they were so protective of him.
I was so glad that there wasn’t an established relationship, that all three MCs came together at the same time. I think that was the reason there wasn’t and imbalance in the trio.
It’s sad to see the blame and guilt that Cole carried with him. He broke my heart and I just wanted him protected at all cost. Cole is by far my favorite character of maybe the entire series.
Alpha’s Rejects
Courtney W. Dixon
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a BETA review, which means I have not read the final product so changes can be made.
I preface this by saying I’m not a huge fan of MMM. I find a lot of the time there’s an imbalance, but this was MMM done right!
Cueball has always been the mysterious Yoda-like “member” of Alpha’s Rejects. I was so glad we finally got his story and learned why he was so secretive and separated himself from the group. His pain was palpable as he told his story, leaving a heavy feeling in my chest.
Double Z, Zero and Zilch, had their own pain and trauma they had to work through. While Zero had more of a junkyard dog vibe to him, Zilch was the sweetest little nugget and you completely understand why they were so protective of him.
I was so glad that there wasn’t an established relationship, that all three MCs came together at the same time. I think that was the reason there wasn’t and imbalance in the trio.
It’s sad to see the blame and guilt that Cole carried with him. He broke my heart and I just wanted him protected at all cost. Cole is by far my favorite character of maybe the entire series.
December 25, 2025
Cueball & Double-Z is the perfect, emotional finale to the Alpha’s Rejects series. I’ve been invested in these characters from the very beginning, and this book hit me harder than I expected. What an emotional journey this series has been!
Cueball has always been one of the most fascinating side characters, quiet, strong, and mysterious, always there for the others but never letting anyone too close. Finally getting his story was everything I hoped for and more. When his world literally collides with Gio and Cole, the result is messy, heartbreaking, and absolutely beautiful.
All three men carry deep emotional scars, and watching them navigate love, healing, and trust together was both gut wrenching and hopeful. And if you know me, you know I can’t resist a story about beautifully broken boys finding strength in each other. This book gave me exactly that, times three. And it was amazing!
Gio especially stood out for me. His anger, quiet loyalty and strength, even while carrying his own hidden pain, made me fall for him completely. I love him almost as much as Aiden from Blaze & Ajax… almost!
This was a powerful, heartfelt conclusion to a series I’ve loved so much. I’m sad to say goodbye, but I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. I will definitely be re-reading this series, probably multiple times if I’m being honest.
Cueball has always been one of the most fascinating side characters, quiet, strong, and mysterious, always there for the others but never letting anyone too close. Finally getting his story was everything I hoped for and more. When his world literally collides with Gio and Cole, the result is messy, heartbreaking, and absolutely beautiful.
All three men carry deep emotional scars, and watching them navigate love, healing, and trust together was both gut wrenching and hopeful. And if you know me, you know I can’t resist a story about beautifully broken boys finding strength in each other. This book gave me exactly that, times three. And it was amazing!
Gio especially stood out for me. His anger, quiet loyalty and strength, even while carrying his own hidden pain, made me fall for him completely. I love him almost as much as Aiden from Blaze & Ajax… almost!
This was a powerful, heartfelt conclusion to a series I’ve loved so much. I’m sad to say goodbye, but I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. I will definitely be re-reading this series, probably multiple times if I’m being honest.
December 10, 2025
This book hurt in the best ways. I knew I was super curious about Cueball, especially after how he handled Ajax diagnosis. I assumed he had perhaps lost a mom or something to the same, but wow, was that wrong. This was so beautifully done. The pain was visceral and raw. The love was so sweet and perfect. One of my favorite things about this series is how it shows love is messy and it doesn't look the same for every person. I adored how these three came together, and it was so different from the other books in the series. I couldn't even pick a favorite because I love all three for different reasons. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. I did love that while they worked on themselves, they were never truly fixed. That is something I heard a lot from my parents when I was in therapy asking if they fixed me yet, and that's not how it works, and I appreciated how real this felt for that. I could not have asked for a better ending to this amazing series.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
September 8, 2025
це гірше, ніж четверта частина. авторці вдалось неможливе - з повнолітніми учасниками написати педофілію, і зробити інцест там, де його не було
September 1, 2025
Beautiful broken boys/man. Freaking LOVE! ❤️
Cueball, Cole, & Gio = the perfect 🥪
Heartbreaking & healing with the perfect amount of spice for these guys!
Loved our series epilogue for all our guys!
Cueball, Cole, & Gio = the perfect 🥪
Heartbreaking & healing with the perfect amount of spice for these guys!
Loved our series epilogue for all our guys!
September 1, 2025
I have sat for a few days to let this book sit in my brain. I hoped it would give me the words I needed to write a review that would do this book justice. Well the wait didn’t help. Im at a loss for words about how much I loved this book, these characters, and the wrap up to a series I will always have a soft spot for. When I picked up Sticks & Stone I had no idea that I would fall in love with Cueball the way I did across this series. I knew I have always had a love for the misunderstood loners, but I didn’t realize that this would break my normal favorite list. Anytime I read a series the first book is usually my favorite. That is not the case with this series. First Blaze & Ajax changed that for me, but now Cueball & Double-Z have bumped them down one spot.
Cueball
How do I even begin to explain the love I have for him. The struggle he faced alone for all those years. I felt like my heart was ripped out and sewn back together. He was such a natural caregiver at all times and for everyone. Always looking to make a difference without forming an attachment. Then came Blaze. When Blaze left his relationship within the rejects changed. He became the shell of himself he had been but more withdrawn. While the care he had for them never left he kept his distance better to reject than be rejected. After learning about his past and why he was the way he became it was beautiful to see him face his history and make amends with his family and friends all to better himself for the two people he loved more than anything.
Zilch
Selective mutism representation, SEE representation, and learning to cope with guilt instead of taking the appropriate steps to heal from it. This felt like such an accurate portrayal of guilt. When most people see therapy as the only option some see it as a non-starter. Coping with trauma is not linear, and it’s not the same for everyone. Zilch was the sweetest dose of sunshine even though the pain he was dealing with. He made sure to care for every single important person in his life as well as accept all of the people who were important to his people. (AKA the Rejects and Cueballs family) His love was unconditional and beautiful. The way he worked on at least telling the people who were most important to him that he loved them also made my heart hurt in the best way.
Zero
You stubborn, pig headed, self sacrificing lovable grump… He deserved the love he earned with Cueball and Zilch. They brought back the side of him he had long since forgotten. A side he pushed down and sacrificed for Zilch’s benefit. He worked so hard to take care of them. Hit after hit he made sure he was doing what’s best for Zilch. Even if that meant pushing every feeling he had down to the bottom. With Cueball and Zilch he didn’t have to do that. He was able to let go and not have to worry about being the only one providing. The thing is he provided so much. He brought money in, shelter, food, and emotional support. Im glad he was able to receive that all in return.
Now on to the fun bits. While this may have been a slow burn, it did NOT lack in the spice department. These three were beyond anything I could have asked for. They had so much chemistry they had me sweating. They prioritized each other’s pleasure. They never made one feel left out and they made sure that the experience was exactly what it was supposed to be. Steamy and full of trust. They experimented until they found what brought the perfect amount of heat for one another. They also gave the other’s what they craved. In Zilches case specifically.
All in all this was by far the best end to a series in my opinion. I loved the three of them and I loved the way they developed into the best versions of themselves. I loved the closure we got in each and every character and their lives for now.
Cueball
How do I even begin to explain the love I have for him. The struggle he faced alone for all those years. I felt like my heart was ripped out and sewn back together. He was such a natural caregiver at all times and for everyone. Always looking to make a difference without forming an attachment. Then came Blaze. When Blaze left his relationship within the rejects changed. He became the shell of himself he had been but more withdrawn. While the care he had for them never left he kept his distance better to reject than be rejected. After learning about his past and why he was the way he became it was beautiful to see him face his history and make amends with his family and friends all to better himself for the two people he loved more than anything.
Zilch
Selective mutism representation, SEE representation, and learning to cope with guilt instead of taking the appropriate steps to heal from it. This felt like such an accurate portrayal of guilt. When most people see therapy as the only option some see it as a non-starter. Coping with trauma is not linear, and it’s not the same for everyone. Zilch was the sweetest dose of sunshine even though the pain he was dealing with. He made sure to care for every single important person in his life as well as accept all of the people who were important to his people. (AKA the Rejects and Cueballs family) His love was unconditional and beautiful. The way he worked on at least telling the people who were most important to him that he loved them also made my heart hurt in the best way.
Zero
You stubborn, pig headed, self sacrificing lovable grump… He deserved the love he earned with Cueball and Zilch. They brought back the side of him he had long since forgotten. A side he pushed down and sacrificed for Zilch’s benefit. He worked so hard to take care of them. Hit after hit he made sure he was doing what’s best for Zilch. Even if that meant pushing every feeling he had down to the bottom. With Cueball and Zilch he didn’t have to do that. He was able to let go and not have to worry about being the only one providing. The thing is he provided so much. He brought money in, shelter, food, and emotional support. Im glad he was able to receive that all in return.
Now on to the fun bits. While this may have been a slow burn, it did NOT lack in the spice department. These three were beyond anything I could have asked for. They had so much chemistry they had me sweating. They prioritized each other’s pleasure. They never made one feel left out and they made sure that the experience was exactly what it was supposed to be. Steamy and full of trust. They experimented until they found what brought the perfect amount of heat for one another. They also gave the other’s what they craved. In Zilches case specifically.
All in all this was by far the best end to a series in my opinion. I loved the three of them and I loved the way they developed into the best versions of themselves. I loved the closure we got in each and every character and their lives for now.
September 2, 2025
"I’d finally come to realize that I’d have a chance to find happiness and love again." - (Clueball) Marco
"Now that I had him, I was never going to let him go. And I would do whatever it took to keep Marco happy and not to feel so alone and in pain." - (Zero) Gio
"They accepted me just as I was. That right there was why I wanted them. I wanted them both." - (Zilch) Cole
Marco has always been there for his friends; he is the shoulder to lean on, the one that listens and gives advice. But he's also closed off; there is a lot that his friends don't know about him. Marco has been living with a lot of guilt. It took a while for him to open up. He's so sweet to Cole and Gio; he is perfect for them. I love that he understood that Gio and Cole need their moments together, because they've been wanting each other for so long. He gives them room to have those moments, but they also love to all be together. Maybe Shane really sent the Chaos Brothers to Marco to protect and love him like he deserves.
Cole and Gio also feel guilty about a situation that changed their lives. Cole is selective mute and communicates by using SEE (Sign Exact English) and notes. The moment that Marco revealed that he could understand SEE, I knew he would be perfect for both of them. It also made me cry because Cole finally found someone other than Gio that could communicate with him in that way. It was also never a 'problem' for them; they never tried to change Cole's form of communicating. I love that so much; all three of them accepted each other as they are and tried to heal. Their relationship is so beautiful; it's just so positive and loving. Cole is such a sweetheart, and he's so happy to have Gio and Marco.
Gio has always been taking care of Cole; it was hard for him to realize that Marco can also take care of them. I'm glad that Gio could finally relax, and he really started to feel happy again; that was very beautiful to read, that he could enjoy being cared for. They all feel guilty about different situations; they all handle their feelings around that differently. They can all enjoy life with each other and their (found) family and their adorable cat, Nada.
"Family was about being there for you, thick or thin. Loving you unconditionally."
I can't believe that this series is over. All the characters and their stories feel so real; they all deserve to have this beautiful found family, they deserve all the happiness. They are all so different. I don't think that I have a favorite book or character, they are all unique in their own way. This series just really feels like a warm hug to me. Courtney wrote all their stories with so much care and love.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
"Now that I had him, I was never going to let him go. And I would do whatever it took to keep Marco happy and not to feel so alone and in pain." - (Zero) Gio
"They accepted me just as I was. That right there was why I wanted them. I wanted them both." - (Zilch) Cole
Marco has always been there for his friends; he is the shoulder to lean on, the one that listens and gives advice. But he's also closed off; there is a lot that his friends don't know about him. Marco has been living with a lot of guilt. It took a while for him to open up. He's so sweet to Cole and Gio; he is perfect for them. I love that he understood that Gio and Cole need their moments together, because they've been wanting each other for so long. He gives them room to have those moments, but they also love to all be together. Maybe Shane really sent the Chaos Brothers to Marco to protect and love him like he deserves.
Cole and Gio also feel guilty about a situation that changed their lives. Cole is selective mute and communicates by using SEE (Sign Exact English) and notes. The moment that Marco revealed that he could understand SEE, I knew he would be perfect for both of them. It also made me cry because Cole finally found someone other than Gio that could communicate with him in that way. It was also never a 'problem' for them; they never tried to change Cole's form of communicating. I love that so much; all three of them accepted each other as they are and tried to heal. Their relationship is so beautiful; it's just so positive and loving. Cole is such a sweetheart, and he's so happy to have Gio and Marco.
Gio has always been taking care of Cole; it was hard for him to realize that Marco can also take care of them. I'm glad that Gio could finally relax, and he really started to feel happy again; that was very beautiful to read, that he could enjoy being cared for. They all feel guilty about different situations; they all handle their feelings around that differently. They can all enjoy life with each other and their (found) family and their adorable cat, Nada.
"Family was about being there for you, thick or thin. Loving you unconditionally."
I can't believe that this series is over. All the characters and their stories feel so real; they all deserve to have this beautiful found family, they deserve all the happiness. They are all so different. I don't think that I have a favorite book or character, they are all unique in their own way. This series just really feels like a warm hug to me. Courtney wrote all their stories with so much care and love.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
September 3, 2025
❤️🛹Gio and Cole were two sides of one coin. They were heads and tails. I was the coin❤️🛹
"It was reaching the point where I had to start believing in fate. Even with all my education, I couldn't dismiss coincidences, like I was meant to know them."
"They looked so beautiful together. Angels. Again, My mind wandered to fate and destiny. Were they sent to me?"
"Still, I couldn't pull my eyes away from their beauty. Beautiful in a way that goodness shines through from the soul."
"I couldn't help the niggling feeling that I was meant to help them."
I have been waiting for this book to come out and read Cueball's story. This was a phenomenal end to an outstanding series. It makes me so sad that this series is over 😭. This was a slow burn, but it was worth it when the spice hit 🔥🔥🔥. I feel there was so much tension built up that it all made perfect sense. This author always has every character fleshed out, fully adding to the engaging plot and flow of the story. This story had me on a rollercoaster of different emotions. This story also made me feel the impact of fate and soulmates.
This story follows Cueball, Zero, and Zilch. Zero and Zilch are stepbrothers who become homeless. Zero takes on all the responsibility to provide a better life for Zilch. He puts his feelings aside as his sole focus is on Zilch. Zilch lost his voice and became mute after a horrible accident left him traumatized. These two have suffered so much and the blows keep coming until they meet Cueball. They keep running into him literally. Cueball notices this as fate and offers them a place to stay temporarily. He tries hard to push them away, but these chaos gremins push back and push him out of his comfort zone. Each one of these guys is dealing with their own trauma, but they're all so similar and understand each other.
My heart broke for Cueball. He went through something so horrible that he left his life, shut off his heart, and built his walls so high that no one could reach them. Until the chaos brothers came 😌. I loved getting to know Cueball's story as I knew he was extremely intelligent and educated. The flow of the MMM relationship was done super well. You didn't feel one was left out at all. Zilch is such a treasure and so precious. He was the glue that held them together. I loved the dynamics between all three of them. Seeing these three trust each other, heal each other, and finally get the peace they deserve for their HEA was everything. Seeing Cueball open up to the rejects and finally becoming one with them brought this series full circle. I dont want to say goodbye to this series 😭😭. I highly recommend this amazing series if you love hurt/comfort, found family, and an emotional journey. 😁😍😎
"It was reaching the point where I had to start believing in fate. Even with all my education, I couldn't dismiss coincidences, like I was meant to know them."
"They looked so beautiful together. Angels. Again, My mind wandered to fate and destiny. Were they sent to me?"
"Still, I couldn't pull my eyes away from their beauty. Beautiful in a way that goodness shines through from the soul."
"I couldn't help the niggling feeling that I was meant to help them."
I have been waiting for this book to come out and read Cueball's story. This was a phenomenal end to an outstanding series. It makes me so sad that this series is over 😭. This was a slow burn, but it was worth it when the spice hit 🔥🔥🔥. I feel there was so much tension built up that it all made perfect sense. This author always has every character fleshed out, fully adding to the engaging plot and flow of the story. This story had me on a rollercoaster of different emotions. This story also made me feel the impact of fate and soulmates.
This story follows Cueball, Zero, and Zilch. Zero and Zilch are stepbrothers who become homeless. Zero takes on all the responsibility to provide a better life for Zilch. He puts his feelings aside as his sole focus is on Zilch. Zilch lost his voice and became mute after a horrible accident left him traumatized. These two have suffered so much and the blows keep coming until they meet Cueball. They keep running into him literally. Cueball notices this as fate and offers them a place to stay temporarily. He tries hard to push them away, but these chaos gremins push back and push him out of his comfort zone. Each one of these guys is dealing with their own trauma, but they're all so similar and understand each other.
My heart broke for Cueball. He went through something so horrible that he left his life, shut off his heart, and built his walls so high that no one could reach them. Until the chaos brothers came 😌. I loved getting to know Cueball's story as I knew he was extremely intelligent and educated. The flow of the MMM relationship was done super well. You didn't feel one was left out at all. Zilch is such a treasure and so precious. He was the glue that held them together. I loved the dynamics between all three of them. Seeing these three trust each other, heal each other, and finally get the peace they deserve for their HEA was everything. Seeing Cueball open up to the rejects and finally becoming one with them brought this series full circle. I dont want to say goodbye to this series 😭😭. I highly recommend this amazing series if you love hurt/comfort, found family, and an emotional journey. 😁😍😎
November 7, 2025
What can I say? This was a great story, and a great ending to a fabulous series.
Early on, I felt these 3 just needed each other. Needed each other to heal and also become the best versions of themselves.
Cueball tried to keep his walls up. He did not want to let anyone in. As fans of the series, readers were so curious about Cue's story. We knew he'd been through a lot but didn't know what exactly had happened.
Enter Cole & Gio, these poor kids 🥺 Gio just wants to care for his stepbrother, Cole after their parents die. Cole is a selective mute and carries heavy guilt. Both love one another from afar but won't admit it. One is skeptical of Cueball, the other wants to stay at Cueball's forever. Marco can't help but feel that he was meant to help these guys.
It was totally meant to be. These two mcs came into Cue's life to help him heal. Help each other heal. The only ones to break through Marco's walls 🧱
I loved their dynamic. Their love for one another. The open communication. The walls that are let down and each MC being open & vulnerable. The steam. The heat. Their love.
I will always love my Stix & Stone and of course, all of the couples but Cueball & Double-Z are definitely a close 2nd.
I am so sad to see this series end but Courtney couldn't have ended The Rejects any better!
Early on, I felt these 3 just needed each other. Needed each other to heal and also become the best versions of themselves.
Cueball tried to keep his walls up. He did not want to let anyone in. As fans of the series, readers were so curious about Cue's story. We knew he'd been through a lot but didn't know what exactly had happened.
Enter Cole & Gio, these poor kids 🥺 Gio just wants to care for his stepbrother, Cole after their parents die. Cole is a selective mute and carries heavy guilt. Both love one another from afar but won't admit it. One is skeptical of Cueball, the other wants to stay at Cueball's forever. Marco can't help but feel that he was meant to help these guys.
It was totally meant to be. These two mcs came into Cue's life to help him heal. Help each other heal. The only ones to break through Marco's walls 🧱
I loved their dynamic. Their love for one another. The open communication. The walls that are let down and each MC being open & vulnerable. The steam. The heat. Their love.
I will always love my Stix & Stone and of course, all of the couples but Cueball & Double-Z are definitely a close 2nd.
I am so sad to see this series end but Courtney couldn't have ended The Rejects any better!
December 25, 2025
2.5 stars
It's fine but this book appears too clinical and methodical for me. The dialogues, the over explanations, the too-direct solutions to the conflict. They were presented in a way that every solution should be "perfect" and the MCs act how people expect them to, like a step-by-step manual in problem solving. Their actions didn't seem organic, thus I couldn't feel any attachment to these guys. We also don't get plot twists, and for such a deep topic, I found it a bit meh.
I like Gio's character development, though. I think his growth was written the best among the three.
It's fine but this book appears too clinical and methodical for me. The dialogues, the over explanations, the too-direct solutions to the conflict. They were presented in a way that every solution should be "perfect" and the MCs act how people expect them to, like a step-by-step manual in problem solving. Their actions didn't seem organic, thus I couldn't feel any attachment to these guys. We also don't get plot twists, and for such a deep topic, I found it a bit meh.
I like Gio's character development, though. I think his growth was written the best among the three.
September 10, 2025
A hundred stars!!!!
I absolutely loved this final book in this amazing series of broken boys and how they find their strengths to survive and overcome. The big ending couldn’t have been more perfect than with Cueball and his two angels that save him as much as he saves them. The hurt and pain that culminates in this much deserved slow burn is pure perfection. My hats off to this extremely talented author that has gifted us these men!
I absolutely loved this final book in this amazing series of broken boys and how they find their strengths to survive and overcome. The big ending couldn’t have been more perfect than with Cueball and his two angels that save him as much as he saves them. The hurt and pain that culminates in this much deserved slow burn is pure perfection. My hats off to this extremely talented author that has gifted us these men!
December 6, 2025
What a fantastic end to a fantastic series! This was definitely a bittersweet ending for me! I absolutely loved Marco, Gio, and Cole's story. It was all the feels! These three broken men finding solace and healing and love with each other was everything! Harley Chase's performance was perfection! He completely brought these characters to life. Highly recommend!
tbr-i-own
September 24, 2025I had fun reading bits of it! I basically went through it all, while skipping scenes to leave my future self easter eggs lol. I did read all of last 8 or so chapters in a go lol. Def will read it fully when I read the series.
October 3, 2025
4.5⭐️
What an absolutely incredible series. These characters felt like genuine family to me and I’m so sad to have finished it 🥺
Marco and Shane’s story hit me so so hard and had me ugly sobbing. I’ve never wanted to give fictional characters a hug so bad in my life. Shane’s story especially hit me due to having felt the same way as him a few years ago. It brought back memories I didn’t want to have but I won’t ever regret reading it❤️
What an absolutely incredible series. These characters felt like genuine family to me and I’m so sad to have finished it 🥺
Marco and Shane’s story hit me so so hard and had me ugly sobbing. I’ve never wanted to give fictional characters a hug so bad in my life. Shane’s story especially hit me due to having felt the same way as him a few years ago. It brought back memories I didn’t want to have but I won’t ever regret reading it❤️
November 7, 2025
I wanted Cueball's story since the first book and ending with his was fantastic. Gio and Cole were perfect for him. I absolutely loved all 3 together. The chemistry was good and it was well written.
September 2, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing. I received this book as an ARC. I don't even know if my review can do this book justice... I've never read any of the previous books in the series and just took a chance requesting an ARC for this one. It can definitely be read as a standalone although, you don't really know anything about the other characters which now means I'll have to go and read all of those when I'm caught up on ARCs 😂 But seriously. It was amazing.
This book had me by the balls. I read it so fast compared to some other ones. Cueball/Marco's story had me tearing up with the whole throat tightening up and everything. I couldn't even imagine the pain and suffering of finding your partner, your soulmate dead. Marco, despite his trauma was such an amazing person! I loved how he was written. His character was... *chefs kiss*.
Cole was also adorable and precious. I love our little selective mute baby. It did sadden me a bit that he never really felt that he wasn't at fault for what happened to their parents but it's understandable.. Mental health is crazy and weird and like our boys say, as long as he's happy and alright, what does it matter. I do really like showing off the disability in this way. I have moments where I can't talk either... Like my throat just swells up and I just can't... So it felt nice reading about it.. Diversity and representation are SOOOO important. And of course Gio was amazing too. He was a bit grating at first for good reason. But his character progression was fantastic. All of it was. Poor Gio... Ugh. Never getting to really grieve... The poor sweet boy. They all deserve so much love and sweetness and cuddles.
Overall, the book was really just written beautifully. It brought me to tears a couple times, made me happy, and I love the taboo of stepbrothers 😏 M/M/M is a genre I don't get to see much of. But I really like it... Also the age difference between Marco and the chaos gremlins was the cherry on top. The smex scenes were... Amazing. Sometimes I feel authors make them too short... But Courtney does such good scenes 🥵. The only book I'd read previously was His Coveted Obsession so I didn't really know what to expect. The story was so different and so amazing... This is probably one of my favorite books I've read this year. I'm glad I got the chance to read it.
So if you like taboo stepbros, age gaps, m/m/m, having your heart ripped out and mended back together, character development, and amazing smex scenes... Then this book is for you! Please please please read it! Wow!
This book had me by the balls. I read it so fast compared to some other ones. Cueball/Marco's story had me tearing up with the whole throat tightening up and everything. I couldn't even imagine the pain and suffering of finding your partner, your soulmate dead. Marco, despite his trauma was such an amazing person! I loved how he was written. His character was... *chefs kiss*.
Cole was also adorable and precious. I love our little selective mute baby. It did sadden me a bit that he never really felt that he wasn't at fault for what happened to their parents but it's understandable.. Mental health is crazy and weird and like our boys say, as long as he's happy and alright, what does it matter. I do really like showing off the disability in this way. I have moments where I can't talk either... Like my throat just swells up and I just can't... So it felt nice reading about it.. Diversity and representation are SOOOO important. And of course Gio was amazing too. He was a bit grating at first for good reason. But his character progression was fantastic. All of it was. Poor Gio... Ugh. Never getting to really grieve... The poor sweet boy. They all deserve so much love and sweetness and cuddles.
Overall, the book was really just written beautifully. It brought me to tears a couple times, made me happy, and I love the taboo of stepbrothers 😏 M/M/M is a genre I don't get to see much of. But I really like it... Also the age difference between Marco and the chaos gremlins was the cherry on top. The smex scenes were... Amazing. Sometimes I feel authors make them too short... But Courtney does such good scenes 🥵. The only book I'd read previously was His Coveted Obsession so I didn't really know what to expect. The story was so different and so amazing... This is probably one of my favorite books I've read this year. I'm glad I got the chance to read it.
So if you like taboo stepbros, age gaps, m/m/m, having your heart ripped out and mended back together, character development, and amazing smex scenes... Then this book is for you! Please please please read it! Wow!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
4.5 stars
What an amazing conclusion to the Alpha's Rejects series.
Cueball has been a constant supporting character in the previous books, so I was really glad to finally get his story, and whoa, what a story! I won't spoil it, but the devastatingly traumatic event that caused Cueball (Marco) to build huge walls and close himself off broke my heart. In order to survive he had to cut himself off from everyone and shut down any emotions, and it was working well for him, until two chaos gremlins entered his life and made him face his past.
Gio and Cole are stepbrothers who gave each other their nicknames of Zero and Zilch, and the story behind it is cute and heartwarming - as is the secret crush each had on the other. Their devastating tragedy struck when they were nineteen and seventeen. From this point Gio did his best, struggling to provide for him and Cole, and lashing out in anger and self doubts. Cole feels responsible for their situation, and despite his outwardly warm and sunny attitude, he had to learn to communicate another way due to his selective mutism (which is a psychological result of his guilt).
These three men desperately needed one another. Zero and Zilch coming into Cueball's life are the catalyst to change and healing for all three. These three are slightly broken, each in their own way, due to them all still grieving from their own past trauma that hasn't been dealth with. There are so many intense, heartbreaking, raw emotions that are felt throughout this book. Personally, I cried. More than once. The healing process is long and difficult, but together they help one another and move through it, growing as individuals, and as three men in an equally committed and very loving relationship that manages to feel so genuine and natural. Their very hard earned HEA is well deserved.
I enjoyed the updates about all the MC's from previous books in the series, and I absolutely loved the ending.
Overall, I loved this book. I found it to be entertaing as well as deep and emotionally raw. I would recommend this book - and this series. Just be aware there could be various triggers as each deals with very intense events and emotions.
I received an ARC, this is my honest and unbiased review.
What an amazing conclusion to the Alpha's Rejects series.
Cueball has been a constant supporting character in the previous books, so I was really glad to finally get his story, and whoa, what a story! I won't spoil it, but the devastatingly traumatic event that caused Cueball (Marco) to build huge walls and close himself off broke my heart. In order to survive he had to cut himself off from everyone and shut down any emotions, and it was working well for him, until two chaos gremlins entered his life and made him face his past.
Gio and Cole are stepbrothers who gave each other their nicknames of Zero and Zilch, and the story behind it is cute and heartwarming - as is the secret crush each had on the other. Their devastating tragedy struck when they were nineteen and seventeen. From this point Gio did his best, struggling to provide for him and Cole, and lashing out in anger and self doubts. Cole feels responsible for their situation, and despite his outwardly warm and sunny attitude, he had to learn to communicate another way due to his selective mutism (which is a psychological result of his guilt).
These three men desperately needed one another. Zero and Zilch coming into Cueball's life are the catalyst to change and healing for all three. These three are slightly broken, each in their own way, due to them all still grieving from their own past trauma that hasn't been dealth with. There are so many intense, heartbreaking, raw emotions that are felt throughout this book. Personally, I cried. More than once. The healing process is long and difficult, but together they help one another and move through it, growing as individuals, and as three men in an equally committed and very loving relationship that manages to feel so genuine and natural. Their very hard earned HEA is well deserved.
I enjoyed the updates about all the MC's from previous books in the series, and I absolutely loved the ending.
Overall, I loved this book. I found it to be entertaing as well as deep and emotionally raw. I would recommend this book - and this series. Just be aware there could be various triggers as each deals with very intense events and emotions.
I received an ARC, this is my honest and unbiased review.
August 28, 2025
You know that feeling when you finish the last book of a series and you’re just in denial because you’re not ready to say goodbye to one of your comfort series? Yeah, that’s me. Even though I just finished this beautiful last book, I’m still in denial that this is the end of such a wonderful series.
In this book we finally get to know the mysterious and enigmatic Cueball and his past. I’ll be honest, I was prepared for anything, but not that. I had tears in my eyes for most of the book. I love Cueball, he’s amazing, he deserves another chance, and I’m so happy that the Trouble Brothers gave him that light. Zero & Zilch, I loved how this trio came together because it really felt like they were destined to meet and fall in love.
Now, Zero & Zilch both had a really tough life. Zero (Gio)… I’m in love with him. Listen, Aiden is one of my favorite characters, and Zero has now become my second favorite, so yeah, I’m in love with my two grumpy gremlins. Gio has taken on the role of protector/provider, but in the process, he’s lost some of his spark. On the other hand, Zilch (Cole) always tries to bring a bit of light back into Gio’s life. Cole is pure sunshine, he deserves the world. I cried with these stepbrothers for so many different reasons, but I loved that their bond and love were always stronger than the obstacles life threw at them.
These three have a very unexpected beginning, so to speak, Cueball tries not to get attached, but obviously he fails, hahaha. We see how the love between these three grows, and it’s absolutely heart-melting because they make such a great team. Cole and Gio become the anchor and the hope Cueball (Marco) needed to believe again, and Cueball becomes that safe place and that feeling of home Gio & Cole had lost but found again.
So yes, this story was amazing. I cried a lot because you can feel everything they feel, and it’s just incredible.
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 2/5 🔥🔥
If you like to read:
💙 Selective Mutism Rep
🛹 Destined/ Fate
❤️ Size Differences
💙 Grumpy/Grumpy/Sunshine
🛹 Hurt/Comfort
❤️ Urban Romance
In this book we finally get to know the mysterious and enigmatic Cueball and his past. I’ll be honest, I was prepared for anything, but not that. I had tears in my eyes for most of the book. I love Cueball, he’s amazing, he deserves another chance, and I’m so happy that the Trouble Brothers gave him that light. Zero & Zilch, I loved how this trio came together because it really felt like they were destined to meet and fall in love.
Now, Zero & Zilch both had a really tough life. Zero (Gio)… I’m in love with him. Listen, Aiden is one of my favorite characters, and Zero has now become my second favorite, so yeah, I’m in love with my two grumpy gremlins. Gio has taken on the role of protector/provider, but in the process, he’s lost some of his spark. On the other hand, Zilch (Cole) always tries to bring a bit of light back into Gio’s life. Cole is pure sunshine, he deserves the world. I cried with these stepbrothers for so many different reasons, but I loved that their bond and love were always stronger than the obstacles life threw at them.
These three have a very unexpected beginning, so to speak, Cueball tries not to get attached, but obviously he fails, hahaha. We see how the love between these three grows, and it’s absolutely heart-melting because they make such a great team. Cole and Gio become the anchor and the hope Cueball (Marco) needed to believe again, and Cueball becomes that safe place and that feeling of home Gio & Cole had lost but found again.
So yes, this story was amazing. I cried a lot because you can feel everything they feel, and it’s just incredible.
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 2/5 🔥🔥
If you like to read:
💙 Selective Mutism Rep
🛹 Destined/ Fate
❤️ Size Differences
💙 Grumpy/Grumpy/Sunshine
🛹 Hurt/Comfort
❤️ Urban Romance
August 25, 2025
5 ⭐️
2 🌶️
I cannot imagine a better way to wrap up The Alpha’s Rejects than with Cueball’s story. Found family with hurt/comfort and they all save each other? Utter perfection – Courtney W. Dixon has created a brilliant series that I am so sad to see end.
I have loved Cueball ever since Blaze & Ajax – there was something so special about him and I was eager to see what made him tick. He is quite blunt with those around him but always with an underlying tone of compassion and care. I wondered what caused him to become the person he is and, while I absolutely loved getting to know him, my heart repeatedly broke for him.
Zero and Zilch stole my heart but for completely different reasons. Zero reminded me so much of Aiden in his anger, but there was a softness that showed around his edges. There is something to be said for the heaviness that pulls one under in the face of grief and responsibility; Zero suffered so much with this until he found safety and partnership with Cueball.
Zilch is such a teddy bear who makes it impossible not to love him. He is soft in a way Cueball and Zero are not, but there is so much resilience and quiet strength that oozes from him. I love the tenderness he brings to the trio – a perfect smoothness to the otherwise rough edges.
MMM romances are usually hit or miss with me but this one was done so well! Where others I’ve read had the partners struggling with jealousy and balance, Cueball and Double-Z found a perfect balance that complimented each of their needs and desires.
As always, Courtney has done a phenomenal job with the differing mental health representations. She has taken great care with her research and written a book that is so honest and transparent. This will be going on my list of top 5 favorites by this author!
*There are some seriously heavy themes here, so please take care to read through the content warnings if needed.
2 🌶️
I cannot imagine a better way to wrap up The Alpha’s Rejects than with Cueball’s story. Found family with hurt/comfort and they all save each other? Utter perfection – Courtney W. Dixon has created a brilliant series that I am so sad to see end.
I have loved Cueball ever since Blaze & Ajax – there was something so special about him and I was eager to see what made him tick. He is quite blunt with those around him but always with an underlying tone of compassion and care. I wondered what caused him to become the person he is and, while I absolutely loved getting to know him, my heart repeatedly broke for him.
Zero and Zilch stole my heart but for completely different reasons. Zero reminded me so much of Aiden in his anger, but there was a softness that showed around his edges. There is something to be said for the heaviness that pulls one under in the face of grief and responsibility; Zero suffered so much with this until he found safety and partnership with Cueball.
Zilch is such a teddy bear who makes it impossible not to love him. He is soft in a way Cueball and Zero are not, but there is so much resilience and quiet strength that oozes from him. I love the tenderness he brings to the trio – a perfect smoothness to the otherwise rough edges.
MMM romances are usually hit or miss with me but this one was done so well! Where others I’ve read had the partners struggling with jealousy and balance, Cueball and Double-Z found a perfect balance that complimented each of their needs and desires.
As always, Courtney has done a phenomenal job with the differing mental health representations. She has taken great care with her research and written a book that is so honest and transparent. This will be going on my list of top 5 favorites by this author!
*There are some seriously heavy themes here, so please take care to read through the content warnings if needed.
August 30, 2025
𝙲𝚞𝚎𝚋𝚊𝚕𝚕 & 𝙳𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚎-𝚉
𝚋𝚢 @cwdixonauthor
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
↓↓
Well Courtney, you did it again. Turned me in to a emotional mess, broke my heart and put it back together again by the end of the story.
These three will live with me for awhile. All three had hurt, guilt and trauma. And they all needed one another in order to heal and move on from the past.
Marco, Gio and Cole never expected for their lives to end up where it was but multiple chance encounters brought them together. Fate, it's such a funny thing. It completely turned the lives of these three guys upside down, but for them it was for the best.
Cole was just a ray of sunshine despite what he went through, Gio has the world on his shoulders trying to give Cole the life he deserves and my baby Marco, what he went through, horrific, I couldn't imagine it. I was sobbing along with him.
I loved watching them slowly open up and be vulnerable with each other. Cole and Gio secretly pining for each other for so long, Marco bringing them together. They each brought something to the relationship. All three together though, perfection, it was what was needed for each of them to feel complete in their life.
I am so sad to see this series come to an end. It has been such an emotional journey, but each and every one of these characters showed that despite the struggles, despite the trauma and despite thinking there is nothing more to life, there is always something better out there. There is love and there are friends that can turn in to family. Alpha Rejects will forever hold a special place in my heart.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🧡 SLOW burn
🧡 Selective Mutism Rep
🧡 Destined/Fate
🧡 Grumpy/Grumpy/Sunshine
🧡 Size Differences
🧡 Hurt/Comfort
🧡 Urban Romance
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 Broken Boys
🧡 Skaterboys
🧡 Found Family
𝚋𝚢 @cwdixonauthor
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
↓↓
Well Courtney, you did it again. Turned me in to a emotional mess, broke my heart and put it back together again by the end of the story.
These three will live with me for awhile. All three had hurt, guilt and trauma. And they all needed one another in order to heal and move on from the past.
Marco, Gio and Cole never expected for their lives to end up where it was but multiple chance encounters brought them together. Fate, it's such a funny thing. It completely turned the lives of these three guys upside down, but for them it was for the best.
Cole was just a ray of sunshine despite what he went through, Gio has the world on his shoulders trying to give Cole the life he deserves and my baby Marco, what he went through, horrific, I couldn't imagine it. I was sobbing along with him.
I loved watching them slowly open up and be vulnerable with each other. Cole and Gio secretly pining for each other for so long, Marco bringing them together. They each brought something to the relationship. All three together though, perfection, it was what was needed for each of them to feel complete in their life.
I am so sad to see this series come to an end. It has been such an emotional journey, but each and every one of these characters showed that despite the struggles, despite the trauma and despite thinking there is nothing more to life, there is always something better out there. There is love and there are friends that can turn in to family. Alpha Rejects will forever hold a special place in my heart.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🧡 SLOW burn
🧡 Selective Mutism Rep
🧡 Destined/Fate
🧡 Grumpy/Grumpy/Sunshine
🧡 Size Differences
🧡 Hurt/Comfort
🧡 Urban Romance
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 Broken Boys
🧡 Skaterboys
🧡 Found Family
September 1, 2025
*Overall Book Rating: 5 / 5
*Tropes:
-MMM Romance
-Strangers to Lovers
-Grumpy x Grumpy x Sunshine
-Stepbrothers
-Opposite Attracts
-Age Gap
-Found Family
-Hurt / Comfort
-Traumatic Past / Broken Boys
-Slow Burn
-Selective Mutism
-Size Difference
*Spiciness: 3.5 / 5
This story is gut wrenchingly sad and heartbreaking. I wish I could give a fierce hug to all 3 main characters - Marco, Gio and Cole. All three of them have been through extremely traumatic events that completely changed their lives in worst way possible until fate brings them together and gives them a chance to build a life that all 3 of them truly deserve. “Gio and Cole were two sides of one coin. They were heads and tails. I was the coin.” - this line from the book encompasses the relationship between all 3 men in nutshell. Marco is grumpy but he is also kind, caring and protective. He isolates himself from everyone around him to compartmentalize his feelings and trauma. Gio is also grumpy but he too is caring, protective and his world revolves around Cole. Cole is the sunshine to Marco and Gio’s grumpy. He is the glue that keeps all 3 of them together. Cole’s extremely empathetic, kind and caring nature is what keeps Gio fighting and broke Marcos walls. These men help each other with their trauma and moving forward by being there, supporting, understanding and caring for one another. They created a safe space where all 3 of them can be vulnerable and express themselves emotionally and mentally. They all have a long road ahead of them to process and work on their trauma and they all have each other to lean for support, care and unconditional love. With that said, Courtney has once again given us an amazing book that encompasses so many emotions and such amazing characters. I am happy I was able to read this ARC and share how amazing this book is with you all.
*Tropes:
-MMM Romance
-Strangers to Lovers
-Grumpy x Grumpy x Sunshine
-Stepbrothers
-Opposite Attracts
-Age Gap
-Found Family
-Hurt / Comfort
-Traumatic Past / Broken Boys
-Slow Burn
-Selective Mutism
-Size Difference
*Spiciness: 3.5 / 5
This story is gut wrenchingly sad and heartbreaking. I wish I could give a fierce hug to all 3 main characters - Marco, Gio and Cole. All three of them have been through extremely traumatic events that completely changed their lives in worst way possible until fate brings them together and gives them a chance to build a life that all 3 of them truly deserve. “Gio and Cole were two sides of one coin. They were heads and tails. I was the coin.” - this line from the book encompasses the relationship between all 3 men in nutshell. Marco is grumpy but he is also kind, caring and protective. He isolates himself from everyone around him to compartmentalize his feelings and trauma. Gio is also grumpy but he too is caring, protective and his world revolves around Cole. Cole is the sunshine to Marco and Gio’s grumpy. He is the glue that keeps all 3 of them together. Cole’s extremely empathetic, kind and caring nature is what keeps Gio fighting and broke Marcos walls. These men help each other with their trauma and moving forward by being there, supporting, understanding and caring for one another. They created a safe space where all 3 of them can be vulnerable and express themselves emotionally and mentally. They all have a long road ahead of them to process and work on their trauma and they all have each other to lean for support, care and unconditional love. With that said, Courtney has once again given us an amazing book that encompasses so many emotions and such amazing characters. I am happy I was able to read this ARC and share how amazing this book is with you all.
September 2, 2025
This is the fifth and final book in the Alpha's Rejects series. They are interconnected, but can be read as a standalone.
What to expect:
🧡 SLOW burn
🧡 Selective Mutism Rep
🧡 Destined/Fate
🧡 Grumpy/Grumpy/Sunshine
🧡 Size Differences
🧡 Hurt/Comfort
🧡 Urban Romance
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 Broken Boys
🧡 Skaterboys
🧡 Found Family
🧡 Mental Health Rep
If you've read any of the others books in this series you've met Cueball, aka Marco. He was always a quiet enigma, hanging back from the others, apart of the group, yet separate from them all the same. In this book we find out why.
We meet Gio and Cole, who are known to each other as Zero and Ziltch. Its a cute little inside joke. They are step brother's, who have been on their own for some years after a tragic accident. Because of this accident Cole does not speak. Gio sees it as his responsibility to take care of Cole.
They quite literally run into Cueball; Gio runs into outside of a store and Cole trips into him at a skate park. When Cueball finds out they are living in their car he offers them a temporary place to stay.
Each of these men have secrets. As is the case, secrets never really stay a secret. As they come to light will the tenuous bond they have built stand strong?
Let me start by saying that I loved this entire series, but this book will always remain my favorite. The depth of these characters is unmatched. For so long they just existed as they were, each drowning in their own guilt, sorrow, and feelings of inadequacies. I was so very happy that together they were able to start healing. At times this book was funny and at times it was heartbreaking. The love that developed was just so beautiful.
As this series closes there is a final epilogue for all the couples. I loved this little added bonus.
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶
What to expect:
🧡 SLOW burn
🧡 Selective Mutism Rep
🧡 Destined/Fate
🧡 Grumpy/Grumpy/Sunshine
🧡 Size Differences
🧡 Hurt/Comfort
🧡 Urban Romance
🧡 Age Gap
🧡 Broken Boys
🧡 Skaterboys
🧡 Found Family
🧡 Mental Health Rep
If you've read any of the others books in this series you've met Cueball, aka Marco. He was always a quiet enigma, hanging back from the others, apart of the group, yet separate from them all the same. In this book we find out why.
We meet Gio and Cole, who are known to each other as Zero and Ziltch. Its a cute little inside joke. They are step brother's, who have been on their own for some years after a tragic accident. Because of this accident Cole does not speak. Gio sees it as his responsibility to take care of Cole.
They quite literally run into Cueball; Gio runs into outside of a store and Cole trips into him at a skate park. When Cueball finds out they are living in their car he offers them a temporary place to stay.
Each of these men have secrets. As is the case, secrets never really stay a secret. As they come to light will the tenuous bond they have built stand strong?
Let me start by saying that I loved this entire series, but this book will always remain my favorite. The depth of these characters is unmatched. For so long they just existed as they were, each drowning in their own guilt, sorrow, and feelings of inadequacies. I was so very happy that together they were able to start healing. At times this book was funny and at times it was heartbreaking. The love that developed was just so beautiful.
As this series closes there is a final epilogue for all the couples. I loved this little added bonus.
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶
August 20, 2025
Cueball & Double-Z - Courtney W. Dixon
5/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I always thought that Alpha would be my favorite in the series but I should have known that Cueball’s story would be everything and so much more. I am sad that the series is over but it ended with a beautiful bang. I’m a huge sucker MMM romances and the way this MMM was written was so perfect.
Cueball aka Marco’s lovely story was so emotionally drawn out and just so beautiful written. The pain he went through made him the person he was. I loved it when he finally began to let people see the person he was. The way he opened up to his friends was everything for me.
Double-Z aka Zero & Zilch are stepbrothers and have been through everything together. I’m a huge sucker for stepbrother romances. Zero (Gio) has been Zilch’s (Cole) protector since the accident. No one was ever there to take care of him until Marco. That first kiss had me all giddy in my seat.
I loved Cole so much. I will say that the “I love you” moment was one of my favorite scenes in this book. He was the glue that kept them together.
The spice scenes were so intimate and perfect. I love how they were all together at every turn. The first time with Gio and Cole was so perfect because the way that Marco was there for them - I was swooning the whole time.
I loved the work it took for these three to come together and how it is probably one of my favorite slow burn books I’ve ever read. It’s always a hit or miss with slow burns but man, I was all in when we get glimpses of all three.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
5/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I always thought that Alpha would be my favorite in the series but I should have known that Cueball’s story would be everything and so much more. I am sad that the series is over but it ended with a beautiful bang. I’m a huge sucker MMM romances and the way this MMM was written was so perfect.
Cueball aka Marco’s lovely story was so emotionally drawn out and just so beautiful written. The pain he went through made him the person he was. I loved it when he finally began to let people see the person he was. The way he opened up to his friends was everything for me.
Double-Z aka Zero & Zilch are stepbrothers and have been through everything together. I’m a huge sucker for stepbrother romances. Zero (Gio) has been Zilch’s (Cole) protector since the accident. No one was ever there to take care of him until Marco. That first kiss had me all giddy in my seat.
I loved Cole so much. I will say that the “I love you” moment was one of my favorite scenes in this book. He was the glue that kept them together.
The spice scenes were so intimate and perfect. I love how they were all together at every turn. The first time with Gio and Cole was so perfect because the way that Marco was there for them - I was swooning the whole time.
I loved the work it took for these three to come together and how it is probably one of my favorite slow burn books I’ve ever read. It’s always a hit or miss with slow burns but man, I was all in when we get glimpses of all three.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 27, 2025
BRAVO!
I am so sad to see this wonderful series end but Wow what an epic conclusion!
I have always been intrigued by Cueball throughout the series with how he interacted with the others. He was always in the background quietly guiding and helping without giving anything away about himself.
I have been able to find pieces of myself in all of the characters of this series.
It is raw, gritty, realistic and tugs at my heartstrings and soul.
The journey is messy and complex and the HEA’s are hard earned.
This is the only poly relationship in the series and it is absolutely delightful.
I love how Cueball and Double Z get their names.
Zero is a caretaker and protector with the weight of the world on his shoulders and just needs some good luck to come his way. Zilch is sunshine on a stormy day. Cueball is a kind and loving soul that has put up walls to keep everyone out. I absolutely love how they literally kept running into each other. They were meant to be!
I recommend reading this series in order from start to finish to get the most enjoyment!
Something I like about all of Courtney's stories is the notes to the readers. It just makes it personal and shows how much love she puts into her characters. I will probably never get to a signing event to meet authors but through these notes she gives us another lovely gift.
Thank You to Courtney W. Dixon and her team for this ARC!
Please make sure to read the CW/ TW if you have any triggers. As with all books in this series this story is loaded on sensitive topics.
***Please call the mental health hotline if you need help!***
I am so sad to see this wonderful series end but Wow what an epic conclusion!
I have always been intrigued by Cueball throughout the series with how he interacted with the others. He was always in the background quietly guiding and helping without giving anything away about himself.
I have been able to find pieces of myself in all of the characters of this series.
It is raw, gritty, realistic and tugs at my heartstrings and soul.
The journey is messy and complex and the HEA’s are hard earned.
This is the only poly relationship in the series and it is absolutely delightful.
I love how Cueball and Double Z get their names.
Zero is a caretaker and protector with the weight of the world on his shoulders and just needs some good luck to come his way. Zilch is sunshine on a stormy day. Cueball is a kind and loving soul that has put up walls to keep everyone out. I absolutely love how they literally kept running into each other. They were meant to be!
I recommend reading this series in order from start to finish to get the most enjoyment!
Something I like about all of Courtney's stories is the notes to the readers. It just makes it personal and shows how much love she puts into her characters. I will probably never get to a signing event to meet authors but through these notes she gives us another lovely gift.
Thank You to Courtney W. Dixon and her team for this ARC!
Please make sure to read the CW/ TW if you have any triggers. As with all books in this series this story is loaded on sensitive topics.
***Please call the mental health hotline if you need help!***
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