Forever Not Yours

Square Mile Rogues #1

by Sophia Soames

It was supposed to be the best night of Bastien Dewaert’s life. The perfect stag night, a chance to blow off some steam with his crew and let his hair down, reconnect with the people who’ve always been there for him. He’s finally marrying Juliet, building the life he’s always dreamed of—a nice flat, a dog, a couple of kids in the future—everything so bright.

It wasn’t supposed to be the night he had sex with someone else. That was not part of the plan.

He’s a decent human being, somewhere deep down. A strait-laced bloke. Never even fantasised about doing anything with Jake. Never. WTF, brain?

He’s known Jake all his adult life. They lived together at uni. Never even kissed when drunk and definitely never got naked.

A stag night is supposed to be fun. A few drinks, a stay in a hotel, some fun team-building adventures. But now everything is very much not fun, and Bastien has some hard truths to figure out.

Because whatever happened on the stag night…shouldn’t it have stayed on the stag night?

Bastien can’t even think about it without freezing up. And he definitely can’t talk about it. At all.

London's Square Mile is commonly known as "The City" and encompasses the historical core of the city while serving as a thriving centre for Finance, governance and professional services. It is also home to Delaware Financial, the one stop shop for all your corporate financial needs.

Here you will meet the men in finance, stone faced rogues with nothing to lose and find out that putting your heart on the line? Can be the most rewarding investment of all.

Square Mile Rogues are a series of standalone M/M romances with HEA's.
 

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

About the author

Author of Contemporary M/M romance with all the feels. This is where flawed men discover happy endings, in truly European fairy tales.

Reviews

[Bekka · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re mine,” I croaked out. “Of course I am,” he replied.

Sophia, never stop writing these beautiful stories.

For anyone wanting to read a story:
- set in the UK
- with characters who are all a different level of asshole but you love them all anyway
- strong female characters ("screen-time" besides main couple is basically only given to two strong independent women)
- no problem with cheating
- fisting teaser which is actually delivered on
- changing dynamics of a relationship, including kink and the truly invisible line between love and love
- strict top/bottom dynamics with out and gay MC topping, dominating
- man who has never been certain of his sexuality loves being taken hard, spanked and bottoms
- both coming from spanking

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely batshit but also weirdly realistic and I liked Jake and Bastien together!

I liked how they're on this journey from friendship to partners and they fuck up and make mistakes but they keep at it because they just know. Bastien's struggles with communication were relatable, and the way he and Jake had to learn to communicate in a new way was engaging and I was cheering them on.

Was Jake a bit weird about the whole relationship? Yeah, but I weirdly enjoyed the way he was so determined to get Bastien to see what was right in front of him. Bastien did jump from being about to marry someone else to a full on relationship with Jake, but it weirdly made sense for them once they figured it out.

Juliet was an interesting character.... I'm not sure I could have made the decisions that she made, but it was also really clear that she and Bastien should never have been more than friends and boss/employee.

I need to see Jake and Bastien as parents though!

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best friends, best man has secretly loved the groom since they were in uni, bad stag party, sex happens and eventually secrets and edgy compatible kinks are revealed - it's a great setup, the writing is competent, there seems to be a lot of research, believability to a lot of details. The feeling was "gritty", both the kinky part but also the texture of the storytelling, but without being exactly dark (if this makes any sense to anyone. If in doubt, ask in comments please!)

For trigger and other warnings, there is cheating kind of implied already in the setup, the stag party event though that is it, there is no fooling around and lying or others after that, but there are plenty of other things which are unusual around - first MC1 Bash is a diabetic and as part of his burnout/emotional mess he is not managing his condition too responsibly. Also more spoilerish unsafe sex (and more unsafe than one thinks!) anal sex without lube, spanking, bdsm in general, fisting, incapacitating bruises.

This was different from expected, it more focused on feelings than plot, it goes for realistic but not angsty for angst's sake. Not cookie cutter at all, and that is something I value. But there was also something inconsistent, throughout, the pace odd (I am not sure why at 95% they are in a different relationship place than 35% or when it happens), like to space the sex acts but not really focused on the emotions and history of them or the crucial bits of the emotions developing. Or maybe it's the sex that is supposed to show emotions developing and some books can do that well, but here it was not believable. But mileage varies.

As an aside, there are two strong, super competent female characters, particularly one which is Bash's former fiancée. I know that is supposed to be positive, but there was something a bit depressing about it, she was super humanly competent and kind and tried everything she could but no happiness or changes for her in this book (she also flipflops inconsistently in a decision regarding Bash, everybody flipflops on everything regarding Bash).

And come on, that dog needed a much stronger walking routine, poor dog, before thinking of children (particularly when I am not sure i saw Bash getting "healed" on page! Maybe it was supposed to be one of the sex scenes?)

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This story was different from the ones that Sophia Soames usually writes but I love it nonetheless.

Bastien and Jake have know each other since living together at Uni and they've always been best friends. They both live in London (Jake is a physiotherapist, while Bastien works in finance) they've always had each other's back and Jake has always taken care of Bastien who never really handled his diabetes responsibly.
The story starts during Bastien's stag night in Scotland: the groom to be goes particularly wild with drinking and a some point Jake, who's struggling because he's about to lose the love of his life forever, hides in the bathroom. When Bastien joins him, they share a passionate kiss that will lead them to have sex in their hotel room.

When they return to London Bastien, who's always been a mess, starts spiraling: he's great at his job but hopeless in relationships. He's also had troubles talking most of the times and he has leaned a lot on Jake, over the years, and now on Juliet, to stay functioning. Understandably, Juliet cannot forgive his cheating and calls off the wedding and Bastien shows up at Jake's door, miserable and lost.

Despite being close friends, Jake and Bastien never talked about their own sexuality. Jake, for example, never officially came out to Bastien as gay and, at the same time, Bastien never revealed a particular side of his own sexuality.

The weeks that follow are a constant push and pull between the two men, who are trying to find a new balance: Jake wants to show Bastien how beautiful would be being loved by him, while Bastien, who's spiraling and feeling lost, firmly believes he's broken and that he will ruin whatever relationship he has with Jake. Moreover, Bastien has a hard time in acknowledging what he really is and what he needs deep down.

Unexpectedly, the men find out that their preferences in sex are a common ground and little by little they grow a solid new connection.

I really like how the author described Bastien's struggles about his health and about his sexuality. I also adored how Jake could be stern and hard and, at the same time, soft and tender.
He could really give Bastien everything he needed.

What prevented me from giving five full stars:
I'm not fond of fisting, so I did not enjoy that part. And I definitely needed more from the epilogue.

Juliet is a great character: I didn't appreciate her oversharing the most intimate details about Jake, but overall she was a wonderful woman.
Bastien's parents are fantastic too, and it was a delight to see them fussing over Jake.

I can't wait to read more of this series.
Highly recommended.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[Fearne Hill]

This throws you into a rollercoaster of a night at a stag do; by the end of that section you feel as if you know both MC's very well already, and that's all credit to Sophia's excellent writing. As always with Sophia, both MC's are messy and flawed and their coming together and its ups and downs are beautifully crafted and hard earned. I grew to love (and scream at) both men.
Being in the trade, I'm picky about books with characters who have medical conditions, but no complaints here - the diabetes, especially the hypo description in an early chapter, felt spot on.
I think I said the last book of Sophia's was my favourite - this has pipped it. Thank you so much for the ARC! Read the triggers - some of the sexy stuff might not be to everyone's taste.

[Claire · Rating 1 out of 5]

Safety Stats
- Bastien (the groom) had been secretly having sex with random men at anonymous gay bars, even while he was in relationships. He says he had cheated on many of his ex girlfriends, which is why his relationships always fell apart. He had already cheated on his fiancée with two different men before cheating with his college roommate and best friend, Jake. Bastien sees himself as a straight man who enjoys gay sex. He told his fiancée immediately the previous two times. The woman tried to accommodate him by using a strap on, but this wasn't "enough" for him, and he ended up cheating with Bastien. After they broke up, they talked about this aspect of their sex life as a last ditch effort. She says she enjoyed it pegging him. He says he never did. She says "I know." Which is fucked up, that she had sex with him like that knowing he didn't like it.
- Jake met Bastien in college since they were roommates. He was a gay man which he knew Bastien knew, but they never talked about it or his relationships. Jake never had any long-term boyfriends and only had casual sex. He had been in love with Bastien for years, and never knew that he was also interested in and having sex with men.
- The first time Jake and Bastien had sex was at Bastien's stag night, and they did not use any protection and did not discuss it beforehand, despite Bastien being in a relationship, him having a history of cheating with random men, and Jake being sexually active with strangers. They talked about it afterwards, but it was covered in language like "I trust you" and "I would never hurt you," which is not a viable health plan. All around, I hated every single one of these characters. The fuck. They didn't do anything right.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Bastien have been best friends since Uni. Jake loved Bastien from first sight, he knew Bastien was straight, and it hurt more and more, but he accepted his fate.
On Bastien’s stag night things changed, Jake kissed Bastien, and Bastien kissed him back. They even fvcked in their hotel room.

Bye wedding, bye Juliet, hello Jake’s couch.

Bastien is a mess and you can only love him because of it. Jake does, and takes care of Bastien who has diabetes, regularly monitoring him, like he always did.
Even though they are best friends, they never talked about significant matters, they joked and were bro’s.
They never talked about Jake being gay, and at this point not about  Bastien’s feelings of maybe not being straight.
Bastien is quite good at not talking and avoiding topics.

Juliet isn’t the b!tch in this story, she’s the adult one, loves fierce, and is honest.

Jake and Bastien? You’d think they kiss, stay together and that’s it. Nah! It’s not that simple, it goes way deeper.

Bastien’s head is chaos, he feels cruel and inadequate. He’s so not!
Jake tries to calm him down by changing the rules.
Their dynamic changes enormously, watch them!!

I loved this story, I loved them both separately and together. Their characters are lovely and layered, and the story is altogether super duper entertaining and enjoyable!

[Dieter Moitzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: a version of this review has also been published on Rainbow Book Reviews.

Bastien is a genius in his job. One of the best financial analysts of London, a guy capable of transforming numbers into money through operations he’s often the only person to understand. On the surface, his private life is peaking, too. He has been dating his boss for a couple of years—gorgeous, successful business woman Juliet. They’re even going to marry in a few weeks. That’s why Bastien’s best friend Jake—good, reliable, always-there-when-Bastien-needs-him Jakey—organises a worthy stag night in Scotland. But what no one knows is that Bastien is a hot mess on the inside (only Jake suspects it without being aware of the extent). Full of doubts and questions, given to bouts of self-loathing and depression, Bastien has self-destructive tendencies that can become all the more dangerous as he’s diabetic and needs to follow certain strict rules.

Well, the stag night turns out to be a medium disaster for Jake because the company is way too loud and straight for his tastes. Also, his bestie decides to completely let go and forget any boundaries. Meaning he drinks way too much, starts dancing on the bar, forgets to eat, until… Until it turns from medium to major disaster. Because Bastien kisses Jake. It could have been the other way around, too. Worse still, one thing leading to another, they end up in bed. Shagging, yes. That’s something Jake has been dreaming of ever since he met Bastien and fell in love with him (he never breathed a word about it, though, because you don’t tell your best friend those things). Apparently, going to bed together was something Bastien has been wanting in secret, too.

What happens at a stag do stays at a stag do. That’s what everyone says. And yet. Juliet knows her man and notices he’s a bit odd when he comes back from Scotland. And Bastien is too honest for his own good. He thinks he owes his wife-to-be total honesty and tells her about that one-night experience. A decision that totally upends his already messy life and makes him hit rock bottom. Maybe the only person who can save him now is… Jake.

Well, it’s difficult to sum up this book without giving away too much or without repeating the blurb. There are many, many things going on, because Sophia Soames—I’ve already stressed this in my former reviews of her books—doesn’t do simple characters. She excels in complex, muddled and befuddled persons who all have one thing in common: they don’t know how to “adult,” if I may use this word as a verb. That’s the case in this book, too. Bastien has serious issues he needs to deal with but has refused to face so far. He craves a particular type of sexual activity he never dared admit to himself, let alone to someone else. His girlfriend guessed a couple of things and tried to help him find satisfaction, but only someone really sympathetic, someone who gets off on the same stuff can become his true partner. He loves Juliet, truly loves her, but she just isn’t that person.

That person turns out to be Jake. Jake, who has always been in love with him (deep down, he knew it, too) but has always kept a safe distance, not wanting to jeopardise their friendship. Only when circumstances they have provoked together force them to face the harsh reality do they finally find the courage to talk with each other. In shy, ashamed bits and pieces at first, but their exchanges find a better flow as they go on learning to know each other. That’s another constant in Sophia’s stories—her earnest, almost naïve belief that in relationships, everything can be solved if only you talk to each other (which is one of my personal creeds, too). Third mantra in the Soames universe: no one can make the chaos of another person’s life disappear. But they can provide a sympathetic ear, a warm hug, and genuine, unbiaised love. And those go a long way.

I really liked this story, even if it included a lot of BDSM stuff I normally don’t dig. But Sophia has this ability to write about activities as far from my own preferences as you can get and to still make me feel involved, to still make me think I “get” her characters. Her sex scenes (and my, did I get my share of them, in this book) are never vulgar, never run-of-the-mill tiresome repetitions of the same things, never included to solely titillate the reader or fill the pages as required by a certain type of literature. They serve a purpose, inform us about the characters, why they act, react, interact in certain ways, and why she throws them together in her plots in the first place.

So, if you enjoy situations that at a glance seem inextricable and not conducive to a happy ending, if you love to turn the pages with bated breath because you know you will get one nonetheless and want to find out how the author reaches that stage, this is a book for you.

[Jeanette Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story full of messy life events and it had me hooked from the first page. Jake has been in love with his best friend Bastien for years and always watching from the side line. Jake gets to plan Bastien's stag party and they end up kissing in the bathroom and that changes everything. Bastien tells his partner Juliet who has always been very supportive of Bastien but they both realise they aren't right for each other and Juliet can't give him what he truly needs. He comes knocking on Jake's door. They have a lot to sort through and it's very up and down. Bastien is stressed and his diabetes isn't controlled well but actually with the help of Juliet and Jake he slowly starts working on himself. Jake and Bastien definitely got a hard fought HEA. And I appreciated the story line about diabetes. As someone with type one diabetes I could relate to a lot of things.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A really well written story about sometimes irritating and unpleasant characters who just feel amazingly real. While some readers may not want to start this as it begins with cheating, I could empathise with the reasons behind it, and there was no lying or secrecy involved. Bastien was in a terrible headspace, but with some trial and error, Jake finally managed to start getting through to him, and they built something beautiful together. Juliet is a wonderful and strong character. The diabetes representation was excellent. The characters all had to put in a lot of work to make progress, which made the end particularly worthwhile.

[Beatrice Lindström · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my. where do I start with this brilliant story? Sophia have done it again.
An amazing story to start a whole new series!
We have these two best friends. one is gay; proud and out. and the other is about to marry a woman and then he doesn't (don't want to spoil).
Their growth through the book is amazing. The trigger warning about fisting was making me vary - but you can easily skip that part if that's not your thing(I kind of skimmed though it as it isn't really something I like to read about honestly).
But the very real and problematic love story about these two and their relationship is amazing. we have bumps, and ups and downs and the spice between them is sooo good! and the side characters - love them! The ex isn't a vindictive bitch - we get both persons perspective of the break up/almost marrying situation. And I really liked it. can't wait to jump into the next book!
Highly recommend for everyone who like real flawed people with real problems and a love story that isn't just a smooth ride and a HEA from the get-go.

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was not what I expected at ALL from the cover and the blurb. I was expecting a light beachy romance and then wondered, why are there photos of leather gloves starting each chapter? Turns out it’s full of kink which got pretty intense. One MC was a compete mess for most of the book which created roles and power dynamics outside the bedroom. It was a compelling story, I’m just scratching my head at the marketing choices.

[Pernilla Samuelsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah!!! Can I just stopp and gush little about this author and book because this was freaking amazing!!! This is the first book I have dived into and read by the amazing author.

Forever not yous, is not your typical MM romance it has so much emotions, real human emotions, longing and desires. For me it’s clear as day that Bastien and Jake are truly meant to be together, and I have been rooting for them sense the first page. They are messy and makes plenty of mistakes but they have way to overcome all of that. It really is so she turner so you can find out what will happen next. It really drove me back into the world of MM Romances for sure, I really dived and loved every step of the way about this book.

This really is a rollercoaster you can’t miss out on ;)

[RBR]

Bastien is a genius in his job. One of the best financial analysts of London, a guy capable of transforming numbers into money through operations, he’s often the only person to understand. On the surface, his private life is peaking, too. He has been dating his boss for a couple of years—gorgeous, successful businesswoman Juliet. They’re even going to marry in a few weeks. That’s why Bastien’s best friend Jake—good, reliable, always-there-when-Bastien-needs-him Jakey—organises a worthy stag night in Scotland. But what no one knows is that Bastien is a hot mess on the inside (only Jake suspects it without being aware of the extent). Full of doubts and questions, given to bouts of self-loathing and depression, Bastien has self-destructive tendencies that can become all the more dangerous as he’s diabetic and needs to follow certain strict rules.

Well, the stag night turns out to be a medium disaster for Jake because the company is way too loud and straight for his tastes. Also, his bestie decides to completely let go and forget any boundaries. Meaning he drinks way too much, starts dancing on the bar, forgets to eat, until… Until it turns from medium to major disaster. Because Bastien kisses Jake. It could have been the other way around, too. Worse still, one thing leading to another, they end up in bed. Shagging, yes. That’s something Jake has been dreaming of ever since he met Bastien and fell in love with him (he never breathed a word about it, though, because you don’t tell your best friend those things). Apparently, going to bed together was something Bastien has been wanting in secret, too.

What happens at a stag do stays at a stag do. That’s what everyone says. And yet. Juliet knows her man and notices he’s a bit odd when he comes back from Scotland. And Bastien is too honest for his own good. He thinks he owes his wife-to-be total honesty and tells her about that one-night experience. A decision that totally upends his already messy life and makes him hit rock bottom. Maybe the only person who can save him now is… Jake.

Well, it’s difficult to sum up this book without giving away too much or without repeating the blurb. There are many, many things going on, because Sophia Soames—I’ve already stressed this in my previous reviews of her books—doesn’t do simple characters. She excels in complex, muddled and befuddled persons who all have one thing in common: they don’t know how to “adult,” if I may use this word as a verb. That’s the case in this book, too. Bastien has serious issues he needs to deal with but has refused to face so far. He craves a particular type of sexual activity he never dared admit to himself, let alone to someone else. His girlfriend guessed a couple of things and tried to help him find satisfaction, but only someone really sympathetic, someone who gets off on the same stuff can become his true partner. He loves Juliet, truly loves her, but she just isn’t that person.

That person turns out to be Jake. Jake, who has always been in love with him (deep down, he knew it, too) but has always kept a safe distance, not wanting to jeopardise their friendship. Only when circumstances they have provoked together force them to face the harsh reality do they finally find the courage to talk with each other. In shy, ashamed bits and pieces at first, but their exchanges find a better flow as they go on learning to know each other. That’s another constant in Sophia’s stories—her earnest, almost naïve belief that in relationships, everything can be solved if only you talk to each other (which is one of my personal creeds, too). Third mantra in the Soames universe: no one can make the chaos of another person’s life disappear. But they can provide a sympathetic ear, a warm hug, and genuine, unbiased love. And those go a long way.

I really liked this story, even if it included a lot of BDSM stuff I normally don’t dig. But Sophia has this ability to write about activities as far from my own preferences as you can get and to still make me feel involved, to still make me think I “get” her characters. Her sex scenes (and my, did I get my share of them, in this book) are never vulgar, never run-of-the-mill tiresome repetitions of the same things, never included to solely titillate the reader or fill the pages as required by a certain type of literature. They serve a purpose, inform us about the characters, why they act, react, interact in certain ways, and why she throws them together in her plots in the first place.

So, if you enjoy situations that at first glance seem inextricable and not conducive to a happy ending, if you love to turn the pages with bated breath because you know you will get one nonetheless and want to find out how the author reaches that stage, this is a book for you.


DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the author. This book has been provided by the author for the purpose of a review.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully Written Romance With 2 Complex Characters and lots of Angst

Sophia Soames is never afraid to cover sensitive issues such as mental health and illness and her characters are usually flawed and struggling with life.

Bastian and Jake have been best friends since they shared accommodation at Uni but as close as they were they never spoke of sexual preferences or issues. Bastian knew Jake was gay but it was never discussed. Bastian has always presented as straight so it was a shock to Jake when he discovered there was more to his friend than he realised.

Jake has always been there for Bastian, who holds down a highly paid job in finance. This he can cope with and is very good at his job, it’s his personal life he has difficulty with, often spiralling out of control where he retreats into his head and almost becomes non verbal. He also has to cope with having type 1 diabetes, a topic the author treats with sensitivity and has obviously done her homework. As someone very close to me had this awful illness I know first hand that she covered Bash’s hypo very well. He does not always look after himself properly and Jake is there to make sure he eats properly, tests his blood sugars regularly and love him. Yes Jake has always loved Bash and has spent painful years hiding his secret. But Bash is no longer his to take care of.

The book starts off at Bastian’s stag do in Edinburgh where he is partying too hard, not eating and ends up having a hypo. It’s also where Jake kisses him, Bash starts spiralling and they end up breaking Juliet’s heart.

When Bash’s carefully constructed and organised world crashes around him he turns to Jake and we learn there is more to these complex characters as Bash faces up to his sexuality and his preferences and we discover that quiet, well put together Jake is into a world of dominance and submission. Bash letting Jake take control maybe just what his chaotic headspace needs to bring him the calm he desperately seeks.

This book is excellently written but I have to say I wasn’t too keen on some of Bash and Jake’s preferences. There is a lot of angst, cheating on a fiancée and BDSM and a HEA. I enjoyed it even though I did skip over a few parts!

[Kiki Reads]

Sophia Soames writes the most fascinating, frustrating, flawed men and I love following them on their journey to a HEA.
In Forever Not Yours, a stag night in Edinburgh changes everything. It’s a dizzy, booze filled night with groom-to-be Bastien and long-suffering best friend Jake (who has been in love with Bastien forever) share a kiss, and then the night.
The fallout has Bastien and his tiny menace of a dog moving into Jake’s, disturbing his uncluttered existence.
Despite being friends and roomies since uni, it’s not smooth sailing. B is spiraling, ignoring his diabetes and struggling with the emotional fallout of his broken engagement.
Watching smitten, stern, infinitely patient Jake try to pry an honest response out of gorgeous, emotionally closed off Bastien is a delicate cat and mouse game. B is skittish and filled with self loathing. After years of jokey bro-ship and skirting around sexuality, Jake finally says “enough!” And learns they have needs that mesh quite nicely. Now if he could only get Bastien to say what he wants…
Honestly, I loved Jake and how comfortable he was expressing his needs, slowly teasing the truth out of B. He’s been taking care of B forever, and you feel his frustration.
Sophia is so good at exploring the truth behind the perfect facade. Bastien may be a success in finance, but inside he’s a mess of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Admitting what he really wants is the key everything.
I also liked that Bastien’s ex, Juliet, who is also his boss (awkward!) isn’t the villain here. She’s angry, devastated, and having trouble processing, but still cares for the man who broke her heart. And Bastien’s intern Faye is a star. That girl will rule the world one day. Loved her!
Bastien’s worst fears never materialize, and after a lot of hard work, he and Jake get their hard fought HEA. Jake’s epilogue is romantic, sweet, and kinky as all get out.
Another fantastic read from Sophia.
Check the triggers on this one, and buckle up for a wild, sexy, satisfying ride!

[SheltieMum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved everything Sophia Soames has written, and Forever Not Yours is no exception. There are three kinds of MM romances I like. The first is the hilariously snarky kind with a clever plot, entrancing characters and witty dialogue that has me driving off the road because I'm laughing so hard. (Lily Morton) The second is the heavily layered story that intertwines multiple plot lines, rich background in place and time and intellectually compelling personalities. (Con Riley) Finally, there are those that I believe are the hardest to write because they so easily descend into drivel. These stories are angst driven, focusing tightly on two characters in a conflicted situation, exploring their motivation, challenges, weaknesses and character. Forever Not Yours is the last kind. Jake and Bastien are life friends, best friends. Bash may be straight and Jake may be gay, but the bond between them is undeniable. When Bash ends his bachelor night by having sex with Jake, everything changes. Bash's carefully constructed house of cards cones crashing down around his ears, and he turns to Jake for literal shelter. We learn that there is more to both of these men than anyone suspects (not including Bash's former fiancee). As Bash faces his own sexuality and preferences, and as Jake slowly allows Bash into his world of dominance and submission, each man must accept whop he is at his very core.

Sophia Soames always delivers. One of my favorite qualities of her books is that her characters often struggle with physical challenges. In this case, it's Type I diabetes that adds dimension as realism to a main character. She always does her research, and she interweaves disease limitations and requirements throughout the story in a way that never seems forced. It's just life, but a part of life that drives a part of the plot. Forever Not Yours will leave you thinking about how behind "perfect people, perfect lives" may lie an utterly different truth.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing friends-to-lovers romance! There’s so much longing and heat, such heartfelt, deep emotions. I loved it! Bastien and Jake are clearly meant to be. There is a brief moment of cheating in the beginning (not between the MCs), but it is immediately dealt with in a way that is crucial to set up the rest of the story. At the start, Bastien is a mess and struggling hard, but he’s also an intriguing mystery that the reader gets to solve along the way. He is not an open book like Jake is, to the reader at least, because Jake has a couple of surprises up his sleeve for Bastien.
Jake’s pining and his all-encompassing love for Bastien are instantly clear and really drew me in. He is very easy to love and root for. Jake’s so earnest and a genuinely good person. Apart from everything he does for Bastien, going above and beyond, I also really like that he doesn’t ever try to vilify Juliet.
What I love about Bastien and Jake is how real they are, searching and each with their little flaws, trying their best to live life. Their friendship is the constant they both rely on. They are messy and make mistakes, but they persevere and their love for each other is never in doubt. It’s inspiring.
The spicy scenes are well written, the kinky aspects felt very authentic, and the emotional intensity in those particular scenes was very touching.
Bastien’s diabetes is a part of his daily life (and struggles), not something he can ever ignore and that is also very well written into the story and not just a side note. The author did a really good job of showing how ever-present Bastien’s diabetes is, all the worries and constant monitoring, the impact on his physical but also his mental health, as Bastien sometimes feels very powerless in the face of it.
This is the kind of story that warrants an instant reread so you can enjoy it even more the second time around, armed with a greater understanding of the lovely MCs. Recommend!

[Lucy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a love letter that Jake has written all the time he has known Bastien. He is honest with himself and knows that he might be an outsider who will happily accept some crumbs of affection that his friend will decide to spare for him. This is a brutally honest book, it shows us so many flaws in human nature. Sophia Soames' style is so unique and unexpected. It is different in how she describes Jake and Bastien's relationship. They have known each other for a long time, and all this time, Jake loved this beautiful, chaotic, confused, and complicated man unconditionally. He could overlook all his flaws, being there for him whenever the need arose.
He never could've imagined that Bastien could need not only his help, but the brutal honesty and a hard hand to start taking care of himself, dealing with his illness properly, and fixing the mess he created with his life.
I was afraid that Bastien would take everything that Jake was ready to give him for granted. He even admitted that he is spoiled and tortured Jake with his inability to say out loud what he needed and craved so desperately. Thank God that Jake is patient enough for both of them, even when he weeps inside from feeling lost and unable to break the wall that Bastien built around himself. The strong hand and the use of BDSM was the kind of relief Bastien needed to start taking care of his health and try to fix the mess he created in his life, hurting in the process the people who love him.
This book is a different kind of romance; it's brutal sometimes, but love shines through it, bringing hope of a beautiful future for the two main characters. They would figure out how to navigate life and be together just the way they need, and Jake will keep writing his love letter to Bastine for the rest of their relationship. They will build their own slice of heaven, where they will rejoice in their love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheating and messy drama!? Sign me up!! Jake and Bastien have been friends since university. Bastien's life is generally a mess made even more messy by his diabetes. Jake usually steps in to take care of him and of course he does - he's been in love with Bastien for years. This is particularly hard since the book opens with Jake throwing Bastien a stag party because Bastien is to marry Juliet, a woman he works with. Things really go off the rails in a pub bathroom - ewww - and the wedding is off. Now I have to stop here and say that the author should be congratulated for depicting Juliet as a strong, level headed woman who just happens to love a jerk. We so rarely come across such brilliantly written women in MM romances and this was a treat. She is clearly wronged here and is gobsmacked at what has happened but she doesn't whine or try to get even - she deals with her sadness. I also have to give kudos to Faye, Bastien's put upon intern. She, too, is strong and depicted as a smart strong woman who doesn't put up with the jerks who work in the company. Anyway, as Jake and Bastien try to make a life together, the book takes an odd turn into BDSM with spankings, leather gloves and harnesses. I think I said "wait, what" 50 times - lol! I definitely could have DNFed but the writing was superb. Clear, concise, at times hysterical but with lots of emotion. Clearly defined characters. Just so well done it was a pleasure to read.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in series (Square Mile Rogues). Best friends to lovers. Light BDSM. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

Jake has been in love with his best friend since their Uni days, and in one night they solidly destroy Bastien’s upcoming marriage by sleeping together the night of Bastien’s stag party. Bastien is spiraling and he knows it, but somehow Jake always calms him, and if he can finally admit there’s more to them than just friendship can he handle how his life will be different?

Bastien is another character from Sophia Soames’s collection of imperfect, slightly broken, struggling personally, difficult men, that somehow find that one person that can break through their tightly held survival defenses and allow them to be themselves. The background on their relationship is minimal, but it is clear that Bastien and Jake are close friends that have always been there for each other, even if they leave certain aspects of their lives out of the conversation. This story has tons of unrequited love, fighting against some difficult truths, an unrelenting commitment to someone even if it hurts, and two men that finally can make a go at a future full of happiness and love. 4.5 rounded up

[Janniemac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very different sort of Sophia Soames book but still with her fluid writing style which is so easy to read but I do recommend that you read the trigger warnings. One thing about the book that I personally did not like were the glove pictures at each chapter heading, they were just too big and imposing but that is my personal preference and has absolutely nothing to do with my enjoyment of the book, those gloves, as you will find out, play an integral part of the story. This is a light BDSM story but it is obviously very well researched as is the diabetes. My best friend is also diabetic and I was thinking ‘oh I wonder where I could find that new pump?’. Jake and Bastien are both flawed characters who once they get over the change in their relationship do actually work so well together. As the blurb tells you, Bastien is originally about to get married and his ex-fiancée does play an important role; she is very much the grown-up when needed and having worked in ‘the City’, the characters were very believable and relatable. This is not an ‘easy’ story and Jake and Bastien do have to work incredibly hard to get their HEA but ultimately this is so worth it in the end.

[Mrs.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow… I finished this book a few hours ago and I am still finding it difficult to organize my feelings and thoughts in something that makes sense, such a whirlwind of emotions, sensations and feelings it was.
I’ll admit, I almost, ALMOST, sat this one out after reading the trigger warnings, as there was something that isn’t usually my cup of tea (not something I’m fully against, or I wouldn’t have read it, just not my preference); but I love Sophia Soames’s writing and so I decided to take a chance anyway. And I am so glad I did.
Bastian is so precious, so broken, so completely and utterly out of his depth and burned-out that it’s almost painful to see. My first instinct would be to hug me and tell him everything would be ok, except, that’s obviously not what he needs; what he needs is a strong hand (preferably a gloved one) to make him disconnect and forget everything that ails him for a while, which Jake is only too willing to provide.
This book is gritty, emotional and kinky, and I enjoyed every single bit of it!

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Not Yours - Always Mine

“Promise me something,” I whispered into his cheek. “What?” he asked. “That we’ll always have this. This…closeness. That I can always do these kinds of things with you, and you’ll still love me.” “Of course I will. I love when we…you know. Do these things.”

The emotional upheaval Sophia Soames causes with her romance between best friends Bastian and Jake will not only hold your attention, but throw you into the stratosphere of ‘What Ifs…’

Sophia ALWAYS delivers her readers the deepest of relationship conundrums, and we realize that she is able to peel apart her characters’ souls, as she shed light into each corner, thereby allowing them to grow before our eyes!

Steamy ? You bet! But there is a reason that Bastian behaves as he does and Jake allows it. The imbalance is eventually balanced, and we are privy to each eye opening step along the way!

[Sharon Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of the books that I have read by Sophia Soames and 'Forever Not Yours' was no exception. Her stories are always interesting and, for me, she has a very unique writing style. It's different to other writers who I really admire but this works. This book has dual points of view and I really like how this draws me into each character. Bastien - also called Bash - and Jake are interesting in their own right and the chemistry between them is unmistakeable. Jake is out but Bash is about to get married when the story opens. We are given plenty of background throughout the story. A kiss between 'friends' at the stag night it the catalyst to a bumpy ride to true happiness.
The BDSM scenes are well written but not heavy. Bash's problems with his diabetes is also well handled.
Sophia was kind enough to send me a copy of this book and I am happy to write a review.
Recommended.

[Lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

well i must say i think this is the first time i deducted a whole point because of the formatting. Maybe its just me, but every time i saw that weird hand with the leather glove a little shiver went down my spine. sorry not sorry. i found that extremely creepy haha
ignoring that i did like the story. Bastien seemed extremely all over the place and in a weird way it made sense the way he blew up his engagement and marriage by sleeping with his best friend. i don´t really appreciate the long suffering "i will do anything for you even though you treat me like shit" - characters which jake 100 % is. Because bastien is the main character in this book and pretty much everything revolves around him.
The kinky bit was actually the only way i could see bastiens actions in any way justified.
all in all i would say: please leave these weird pictures above every chapter and we´re good!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when one of your favourite authors releases a new book, and you think you know what you’re in for?!?
Not this time! This book is so Sophia, but at the same time it’s completely different
And I’m absolutely in love with this new wold Sophia have created 🥰

The hurt and confusio! And the anxiety!
They way you have to figure out who you are, and at the same time deal with your messy life and health

One sentence hit me extra hard 🥺
“I slept, something my body always craved. My whole life sleep had been my saviour, rescuing me from everything from random childhood fevers to thoughts I didn’t want to think”
This one sentence was my life as a teenager, and Sophia have with this book showen shown that life can get better 💚

[Mommysuz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastein and Jake have been friends since college. Jake had always carried a torch for Bastein, even though he knew their relationship would never be more than friendship. But everything changed the night of Bastein’s stag party.
I had such mixed feelings about Bastein. At times, he felt like a horrible friend and a terrible fiancé, and that honestly made me angry. But I suppose that’s the mark of a good book. when the characters stir up real emotions and keep you turning the pages just to see what happens next.
I did enjoy watching Bastein slowly open up and reveal more of himself. That growth made a big difference.

This is the first story by this author. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more. I was given an ARC for my honest review.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Bastien are both deeply compelling characters. I love how human they are— in all their messy, complex glory— and I appreciate how much growth there is along with all the chemistry and emotion and general mayhem (see premise for details, but this is friends-to-lovers with some bumps along the way). I have…complicated feelings about Juliet, but in a good way, if that makes sense. She is interesting in her own right and mostly easy to empathize with. I love that she’s a real person too, not just a trope or a villain. Watching this story play out felt like a journey (again, in a good way): I got invested early, and stayed invested until the end. Well worth a read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Sundae Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia has been one of my favorite authors ever since reading Breathe (Joey Hole will always own my heart). One of my favorite tropes when it comes to books is friends-to-lovers and this did not disappoint. But what I don’t see enough of is idiots-to-lovers which this definitely falls under. Jake has been in love with Bastian for years so when they hook up at Bastian’s stag-night… Yeah. Things get a little messed up.

I loved everything about this book. How hard Bastian fought to find himself. How much Jake (Jakey) cared for his best friend and told him he loved him before Bastian could finally admit he felt the same. And even though Juliet was left without a fiancé, she was still able to be on friendly terms with her ex and his best friend. You don’t see that enough in books.