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In the Stars
THIS IS A LOVE STORY, NOT A ROMANCE. THIS BOOK DOES NOT HAVE A HEA.
๐ฆ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ, ๐บ๐ ๐น๐ถf๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฎ ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐น. ๐โ๐๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ, ๐บ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐น๐ฑ ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ. ๐จ๐ป๐๐ถ๐น ๐ ๐บ๐ฒ๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐บ.
๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐.
๐๐ฒ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐บ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐น๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐๐ฒ๐ฟ, ๐บ๐ ๐น๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ. ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐บ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ ๐๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ.
๐จ๐ป๐๐ถ๐น ๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐บ๐ฒ. ๐ ๐น๐ฒ๐ณ๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐บ, ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐. ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐น๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ, ๐ ๐ฏ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐บ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป๐น๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ธ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐.
๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฑ๐๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐บ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐๐ด๐ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐๐ฝ ๐๐ผ ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐๐ผ๐บ. ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ ๐บ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฝ, ๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐บ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐.
๐๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ป.
๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ ๐บ๐ถ๐๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐, ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐น๐น ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐, ๐บ๐ ๐น๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐?
๐ฆ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ, ๐บ๐ ๐น๐ถf๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฎ ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐น. ๐โ๐๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ, ๐บ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐น๐ฑ ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ. ๐จ๐ป๐๐ถ๐น ๐ ๐บ๐ฒ๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐บ.
๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐.
๐๐ฒ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐บ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐น๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐๐ฒ๐ฟ, ๐บ๐ ๐น๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ. ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐บ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ ๐๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ.
๐จ๐ป๐๐ถ๐น ๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐บ๐ฒ. ๐ ๐น๐ฒ๐ณ๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐บ, ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐. ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐น๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ, ๐ ๐ฏ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐บ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป๐น๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ธ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐.
๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฑ๐๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐บ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐๐ด๐ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐๐ฝ ๐๐ผ ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐๐ผ๐บ. ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐ ๐บ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฝ, ๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐บ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐.
๐๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ป.
๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ ๐บ๐ถ๐๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐, ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐น๐น ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐, ๐บ๐ ๐น๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐?
- GenresM M Romance
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
16 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 9, 2025
This was a really hard book to rate because the ending really got me, but the rest of the book fell a little flat. Knowing that the book wasn't going to have a HEA wasn't something that bothered me, but if that's not your cup of tea then this is not a book you will enjoy.
Definitely read the triggers before going into this because there are some graphic scenes that are pretty disturbing.
I will say that the ending absolutely broke me. I full on ugly cried and gave myself a tension headache! That said, it wasn't actually because I felt strongly connected to either MC - I actually didn't feel connected to either - but what happened was just so mindless and sad.
I found it difficult to connect to these characters because there are a lot of time jumps that aren't always clearly indicated, and that's something I struggle with because I'm dyscalculic. It kept taking me out of the story because I was trying to figure out what was happening, when, and who was involved.
I'm also not a fan of flashbacks or a lot of repetition. There were two or three instances where we'd get graphic details of an event in one chapter then it would be repeated again in the next when the MC was telling someone else.
I'm also surprised that the sexual assault of a minor was so explicitly detailed. I didn't particularly feel that going through it with the character while it was happening, and again in flashbacks, was necessary in either case. It could have been inferred rather than explicit and the point would still have been made.
I will say that I really liked the friendship between Wes, Mitch and Kas, and I liked how Jaxon was there for Wes and how they rebuilt their relationship. There just wasn't enough of them actually together, and we don't really get to know Jaxon as well as Wes, so it did feel a little skewed even though it was dual POV.
I think I needed to see Jaxon in the aftermath of Wes leaving, Wes meeting his band mates, the good parents dying, and maybe the build up of their original friendship so that I could form that emotional attachment.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Definitely read the triggers before going into this because there are some graphic scenes that are pretty disturbing.
I will say that the ending absolutely broke me. I full on ugly cried and gave myself a tension headache! That said, it wasn't actually because I felt strongly connected to either MC - I actually didn't feel connected to either - but what happened was just so mindless and sad.
I found it difficult to connect to these characters because there are a lot of time jumps that aren't always clearly indicated, and that's something I struggle with because I'm dyscalculic. It kept taking me out of the story because I was trying to figure out what was happening, when, and who was involved.
I'm also not a fan of flashbacks or a lot of repetition. There were two or three instances where we'd get graphic details of an event in one chapter then it would be repeated again in the next when the MC was telling someone else.
I'm also surprised that the sexual assault of a minor was so explicitly detailed. I didn't particularly feel that going through it with the character while it was happening, and again in flashbacks, was necessary in either case. It could have been inferred rather than explicit and the point would still have been made.
I will say that I really liked the friendship between Wes, Mitch and Kas, and I liked how Jaxon was there for Wes and how they rebuilt their relationship. There just wasn't enough of them actually together, and we don't really get to know Jaxon as well as Wes, so it did feel a little skewed even though it was dual POV.
I think I needed to see Jaxon in the aftermath of Wes leaving, Wes meeting his band mates, the good parents dying, and maybe the build up of their original friendship so that I could form that emotional attachment.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
July 19, 2025
This book wrecked me
Firstly let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
Please make sure to read the triggers before you read. Iโm not gonna tell you the storyline cause you need to learn everything like I did. This book is outstanding. I went through every single emotion reading this book the anger the rage the love the understanding and the heartbreak I just couldnโt put this book down once I started it. I actually finished this book this morning, but I had to just step away before I did my review because it really affected me and Iโm not too proud to say I cried through reading and the ending Broke me absolutely broke me the way that this author wrote this book is outstanding. You feel everything I donโt know if I could read one of these books often just because how emotional I got it really tugs at your heart really badly but I have to say this is a fantastically well written book And yes it is a romance.
Firstly let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
Please make sure to read the triggers before you read. Iโm not gonna tell you the storyline cause you need to learn everything like I did. This book is outstanding. I went through every single emotion reading this book the anger the rage the love the understanding and the heartbreak I just couldnโt put this book down once I started it. I actually finished this book this morning, but I had to just step away before I did my review because it really affected me and Iโm not too proud to say I cried through reading and the ending Broke me absolutely broke me the way that this author wrote this book is outstanding. You feel everything I donโt know if I could read one of these books often just because how emotional I got it really tugs at your heart really badly but I have to say this is a fantastically well written book And yes it is a romance.
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July 31, 2025This book wrecked me.
And before anything else please read the content warnings. This one hits hard.
Iโm not going to spoil the plot, because part of the impact comes from experiencing everything as it unfolds. But just know: this isnโt your typical romance. Itโs raw, emotional, and ends not with a happily ever after, but with heartbreak. And yet itโs still a love story.
Wesley and Jaxonโฆ their connection was real, flawed, and beautiful in its own way. The years they lost, the moments they found each other again, the way they tried to hold onโit all hit me in waves. Wesโs journey, especially, was brutally honest. His addiction, his trauma, and his slow, messy path to healing were some of the most powerful parts of the book.
There were some moments that didnโt quite land, mainly the time jumps. I wouldโve loved more buildup, more time with Wesโs found family. And I didnโt always feel the chemistry the way I wanted to. But even so, there were scenes that cut straight to the bone.
This is not a book I could read often but Iโm so glad I read it. Itโs the kind of story that sticks with you. Painful, yes, but honest in a way that not many romances are. And that ending? Absolutely broke me.
Tropes:
- Friends to strangers to lovers
- Second chance
- Addiction & mental health rep
- Hurt/comfort
- Childhood trauma
Heavy, beautiful, and real. Bring tissues.
And before anything else please read the content warnings. This one hits hard.
Iโm not going to spoil the plot, because part of the impact comes from experiencing everything as it unfolds. But just know: this isnโt your typical romance. Itโs raw, emotional, and ends not with a happily ever after, but with heartbreak. And yet itโs still a love story.
Wesley and Jaxonโฆ their connection was real, flawed, and beautiful in its own way. The years they lost, the moments they found each other again, the way they tried to hold onโit all hit me in waves. Wesโs journey, especially, was brutally honest. His addiction, his trauma, and his slow, messy path to healing were some of the most powerful parts of the book.
There were some moments that didnโt quite land, mainly the time jumps. I wouldโve loved more buildup, more time with Wesโs found family. And I didnโt always feel the chemistry the way I wanted to. But even so, there were scenes that cut straight to the bone.
This is not a book I could read often but Iโm so glad I read it. Itโs the kind of story that sticks with you. Painful, yes, but honest in a way that not many romances are. And that ending? Absolutely broke me.
Tropes:
- Friends to strangers to lovers
- Second chance
- Addiction & mental health rep
- Hurt/comfort
- Childhood trauma
Heavy, beautiful, and real. Bring tissues.
July 12, 2025
As stated in the blurb this book does NOT have a happily ever after, it ends in tragedy not with happiness. Having said that though, this IS still a romance book, just a different type of romance.
Don't get me wrong, I love HEA's in my books but I also like reading books that don't always end with a HEA. I liked this one simply because RS McKenzie did something not too many authors do, they wrote a romance book that doesn't end with a HEA but instead ends in heartbreak. The truth is, often times people don't get their happily ever afters, and I respect and admire RS for writing about that exact thing.
This book is raw, dark, and gritty, but it also has some really beautiful moments. Jaxon and Wesley are ships passing in the night, they are each other's person, but life has a way of keeping them apart... The moment when Wesley hit rock bottom was heartbreaking, but it was something that needed to happen. I had a difficult time reading Wesley's POV, his character was brash and jaded, (rightfully so), but when he started his healing journey that's when I finally got to see his true character.
Jaxon and Wesley are great together, their relationship might feel as though it progresses quickly, and in a way it does... But considering their history with each other it fits with their storyline. And while they weren't able to spend forever together, the time they did have together they cherished and they created beautiful memories together.
Don't get me wrong, I love HEA's in my books but I also like reading books that don't always end with a HEA. I liked this one simply because RS McKenzie did something not too many authors do, they wrote a romance book that doesn't end with a HEA but instead ends in heartbreak. The truth is, often times people don't get their happily ever afters, and I respect and admire RS for writing about that exact thing.
This book is raw, dark, and gritty, but it also has some really beautiful moments. Jaxon and Wesley are ships passing in the night, they are each other's person, but life has a way of keeping them apart... The moment when Wesley hit rock bottom was heartbreaking, but it was something that needed to happen. I had a difficult time reading Wesley's POV, his character was brash and jaded, (rightfully so), but when he started his healing journey that's when I finally got to see his true character.
Jaxon and Wesley are great together, their relationship might feel as though it progresses quickly, and in a way it does... But considering their history with each other it fits with their storyline. And while they weren't able to spend forever together, the time they did have together they cherished and they created beautiful memories together.
July 19, 2025
That ending omg broke me. Thatโs now how I saw it ending! Seeing Wesโs struggles and how much he had to put up from his mom and not seeing the love of his life for 15 years! But what Wes & Jaxon had to go through just for it to end like thatโฆ.i would never recover from. Such a great story but leaves you with a broken heart.
July 15, 2025
The author literally spoils the book before it even starts, refuses to let the reader go in blind. Could have left it at โno HEA and no book 2โ and left the usual trigger warning list for those who wish, but nope. The โreiterated trigger listโ is written in such big, bold font that itโs impossible to skim past without seeing the ending written out. Readers should have the choice to go in blind at their own risk. I appreciate the authorโs sentiment behind it, but the execution was over the top.
August 23, 2025
On paper, this seemed like exactly the kind of story I would usually enjoy, but the execution didnโt work for me at all.
Firstly, I was really disappointed that the author spoiled the ending of the book before it even began, placing this immediately before chapter one (after the trigger warnings) to catch readers off guard. It completely ruined the experience for me, and had I not known what was going to happen, I think I would have been a lot more invested. Itโs one thing to say that thereโs no HEA (rightfully so), but quite another to reveal a major spoiler and remove the readerโs choice in whether they want to know it or not. Spoilers should be contained to the trigger warnings only!
This story attempts to tackle some very heavy topics, such as substance abuse, addiction, and CSA, but they lacked any real emotional impact for me. Some of the abuse scenes in particular felt completely unrealistic, as the abusers were written as such over-the-top caricatures, with almost comical dialogue like:
Instead of carrying the weight these moments required, the scenes felt forced and exaggerated, as if the author was prioritising shock factor and melodrama over realism and sensitivity. It gave the impression that these subjects were being used to further the โbroken boyโ image rather than being handled with the care and nuance they deserved.
Which brings me to the characters. Despite being presented as a love story, there was very little chemistry between Jax and Wes. The large time skips diminished their development, and the transition from best friends, to estranged, to lovers felt rushed and fragmented. This book may have worked better told solely from Wesleyโs POV, as Jax often felt like a secondary character, and his perspective didnโt add much to the story. It would have helped to focus more on rebuilding their relationship after the first time jump, and showing more of their lives apart beforehand.
Unfortunately, the ending was predictable due to the early spoiler, so I wasnโt shocked or moved at all by it. I have no issue with tragic endings, but this one felt thrown in simply for dramatic effect, which echoed my overall experience with the book.
Overall, I think the bare bones of this story had real potential, but it was undermined by uneven character development and the way serious themes were handled. With more care and development it could have worked, but it missed the mark for me.
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Firstly, I was really disappointed that the author spoiled the ending of the book before it even began, placing this immediately before chapter one (after the trigger warnings) to catch readers off guard. It completely ruined the experience for me, and had I not known what was going to happen, I think I would have been a lot more invested. Itโs one thing to say that thereโs no HEA (rightfully so), but quite another to reveal a major spoiler and remove the readerโs choice in whether they want to know it or not. Spoilers should be contained to the trigger warnings only!
This story attempts to tackle some very heavy topics, such as substance abuse, addiction, and CSA, but they lacked any real emotional impact for me. Some of the abuse scenes in particular felt completely unrealistic, as the abusers were written as such over-the-top caricatures, with almost comical dialogue like:
โShut the fuck up with that shit. They canโt concentrate on fucking your mom.โ
โYour mom is tied up, so youโll have to do.โ
Instead of carrying the weight these moments required, the scenes felt forced and exaggerated, as if the author was prioritising shock factor and melodrama over realism and sensitivity. It gave the impression that these subjects were being used to further the โbroken boyโ image rather than being handled with the care and nuance they deserved.
Which brings me to the characters. Despite being presented as a love story, there was very little chemistry between Jax and Wes. The large time skips diminished their development, and the transition from best friends, to estranged, to lovers felt rushed and fragmented. This book may have worked better told solely from Wesleyโs POV, as Jax often felt like a secondary character, and his perspective didnโt add much to the story. It would have helped to focus more on rebuilding their relationship after the first time jump, and showing more of their lives apart beforehand.
Unfortunately, the ending was predictable due to the early spoiler, so I wasnโt shocked or moved at all by it. I have no issue with tragic endings, but this one felt thrown in simply for dramatic effect, which echoed my overall experience with the book.
Overall, I think the bare bones of this story had real potential, but it was undermined by uneven character development and the way serious themes were handled. With more care and development it could have worked, but it missed the mark for me.
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2025
I went into this knowing exactly what kind of heartbreak I was signing up for. I sometimes love the emotional hit of a non-HEA, and I want to be clear that my lower rating has nothing to do with how the story ended. In fact, the ending was one of the strongest parts.
What pulled me out of the story were the time jumps. They felt abrupt and too large, especially the first one. I would have loved a few chapters focused on Wes meeting his friend group, since they go on to play such a central role. Without that buildup, it was harder to feel fully grounded in his world.
I also struggled to feel the chemistry between the two main characters. Itโs hard to pinpoint whether that was due to the time skips or something else, but the emotional connection between them didnโt land for me in the way I hoped.
One thing that stood out in a really powerful way was the addiction representation. Wesโs lowest moments were written with a raw, restless energy that felt incredibly real. His resistance to help, the slow shift toward accepting support, and the messy, uncertain path to healing were all captured in a way that felt authentic and deeply human.
In the end, there were parts of this book that really moved me, especially around addiction and recovery. The emotional pacing and relationship development didnโt always hit for me, but I still found value in the honesty and realism the author brought to these difficult themes.
Tropes:
Friends to strangers to friends to lovers
Second chance
Mental health rep (Addiction rep)
Hurt x comfort
Childhood trauma
Spice: 1.5
What pulled me out of the story were the time jumps. They felt abrupt and too large, especially the first one. I would have loved a few chapters focused on Wes meeting his friend group, since they go on to play such a central role. Without that buildup, it was harder to feel fully grounded in his world.
I also struggled to feel the chemistry between the two main characters. Itโs hard to pinpoint whether that was due to the time skips or something else, but the emotional connection between them didnโt land for me in the way I hoped.
One thing that stood out in a really powerful way was the addiction representation. Wesโs lowest moments were written with a raw, restless energy that felt incredibly real. His resistance to help, the slow shift toward accepting support, and the messy, uncertain path to healing were all captured in a way that felt authentic and deeply human.
In the end, there were parts of this book that really moved me, especially around addiction and recovery. The emotional pacing and relationship development didnโt always hit for me, but I still found value in the honesty and realism the author brought to these difficult themes.
Tropes:
Friends to strangers to friends to lovers
Second chance
Mental health rep (Addiction rep)
Hurt x comfort
Childhood trauma
Spice: 1.5
July 22, 2025
R.S. McKenzie's "In the Stars" is a powerful and emotionally charged love story that delves into the complexities of healing and second chances. This is not a typical romance with a "happily ever after" (HEA), and readers should be prepared for a raw and often heartbreaking journey. Please mind the TWs!!
The book centers around a protagonist whose life has been consumed by abuse and darkness, finding a fleeting "safe space" in Jaxon Collins, only to be betrayed. Broken and battered, Wes goes live with his father to start anew, attempting to bury hid past with self-destructive behaviors. When he hits rock bottom, the past, including Jaxon, resurfaces, forcing him to confront his deepest regrets.
This book has emotional depth and characters well crafted, whose emotional growth feels authentic, exploring themes of trust, vulnerability, and self-discovery. While the relationship between the two leads is intense and cherished, the narrative acknowledges that love doesn't always lead to a conventional happy ending, and this departure from typical romance tropes is both respected and admired by readers.
"In the Stars" is a captivating and thought-provoking read for those who appreciate stories that tackle difficult themes with honesty and explore the nuances of human connection, even when faced with tragedy. Be prepared for a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
The book centers around a protagonist whose life has been consumed by abuse and darkness, finding a fleeting "safe space" in Jaxon Collins, only to be betrayed. Broken and battered, Wes goes live with his father to start anew, attempting to bury hid past with self-destructive behaviors. When he hits rock bottom, the past, including Jaxon, resurfaces, forcing him to confront his deepest regrets.
This book has emotional depth and characters well crafted, whose emotional growth feels authentic, exploring themes of trust, vulnerability, and self-discovery. While the relationship between the two leads is intense and cherished, the narrative acknowledges that love doesn't always lead to a conventional happy ending, and this departure from typical romance tropes is both respected and admired by readers.
"In the Stars" is a captivating and thought-provoking read for those who appreciate stories that tackle difficult themes with honesty and explore the nuances of human connection, even when faced with tragedy. Be prepared for a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
January 16, 2026
I just finished this and Im still crying...
This book, I knew it was a tragedy before I started reading it and it still broke me. I was invested in Wes and Jaxon. They deserved their second chance to last ๐
Wesley had my heart. He suffered so much on his own, he placed blame on Jaxon when he shouldn't have and they lost so many years ๐ญ my heart hurt for them. Jaxon was his biggest supporter and all he ever wanted was to protect Wes and make him happy.
They had a love so deep and real. They were soulmates. They went through a lot together and came the other side and life got in the way...
Wes had his band mates, they were true friends, I loved that once he made amends they reconciled and had a great bond. Zed was a good manager, he got Wesley help when he needed it the most.
I enjoyed Jaxon's relationship with his dad. Even though his dad was still grieving his mom he was there for Jaxon and Wes.
I wish they had had more time together, but the time they did have was beautiful and special and they really loved each other fiercely.
Im glad everyone else who hurt Wes got what they deserved even if they got off too easy...
This book, these characters will stay with me for a long time. I love a good tragedy read and this one was absolutely perfect and Im still crying so it goes on my top favorite reads ever.
This book, I knew it was a tragedy before I started reading it and it still broke me. I was invested in Wes and Jaxon. They deserved their second chance to last ๐
Wesley had my heart. He suffered so much on his own, he placed blame on Jaxon when he shouldn't have and they lost so many years ๐ญ my heart hurt for them. Jaxon was his biggest supporter and all he ever wanted was to protect Wes and make him happy.
They had a love so deep and real. They were soulmates. They went through a lot together and came the other side and life got in the way...
Wes had his band mates, they were true friends, I loved that once he made amends they reconciled and had a great bond. Zed was a good manager, he got Wesley help when he needed it the most.
I enjoyed Jaxon's relationship with his dad. Even though his dad was still grieving his mom he was there for Jaxon and Wes.
I wish they had had more time together, but the time they did have was beautiful and special and they really loved each other fiercely.
Im glad everyone else who hurt Wes got what they deserved even if they got off too easy...
This book, these characters will stay with me for a long time. I love a good tragedy read and this one was absolutely perfect and Im still crying so it goes on my top favorite reads ever.
July 22, 2025
Seriously, don't pick this book up if you're expecting happily ever after. This isn't that book. This one will gut you and have you sobbing for nearly the entirety of the book. Proceed with caution. There are quite a few trigger warnings as well. Be sure that you check all that before you pick up this gut wrenching book.
Jaxon and Wesley were fast friends when they met in high school. Jax ended up being a safe space and person for Wes. His home life was a mess and Jax and his family gave him a save space. Something he'd forever be greatful for. Even if he did end up hating Jaxon.
Jaxon did what he thought he needed to do to protect his best friend. Going from best friends to enemies wasn't easy on him. However, he wouldn't force his friendship on Wes. Not when he did what he honestly thought he needed to do to save Wes from the issues at his home.
When Wesley hits rock bottom, he is making his way through the steps of his rehabilitation - he finally knows he needs to make amends with Jaxon. Getting sober is probably the hardest thing in the world for Wes, who used to keep the demons of his past at bay.
Jaxon and Wesley were fast friends when they met in high school. Jax ended up being a safe space and person for Wes. His home life was a mess and Jax and his family gave him a save space. Something he'd forever be greatful for. Even if he did end up hating Jaxon.
Jaxon did what he thought he needed to do to protect his best friend. Going from best friends to enemies wasn't easy on him. However, he wouldn't force his friendship on Wes. Not when he did what he honestly thought he needed to do to save Wes from the issues at his home.
When Wesley hits rock bottom, he is making his way through the steps of his rehabilitation - he finally knows he needs to make amends with Jaxon. Getting sober is probably the hardest thing in the world for Wes, who used to keep the demons of his past at bay.
August 1, 2025
This is a hurt/comfort love story, featuring Jaxon and Wesley, and is a standalone book and does not have a HEA, check CW too before reading.
Wesleyโs life has been shaped by unimaginable abuse and heartbreak, with Jaxon once offering him lightโuntil betrayal shattered that safety. Now, after years of numbing his pain, Wesley must face his past and see if he can make things right.
I went into this story knowing there wouldnโt be a HEA, but it still wrecked me โ Iโm currently bawling my eyes out. This book was beautifully written and emotionally raw, and doesnโt shy away from sensitive content (so definitely check the CW), but the love story between Wesley and Jaxon is hard fought and deeply moving. Their connection felt both fragile and powerful, and itโs the kind of story that will stay with me for a long time.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
MM love story
Check CW
Slow burn & angst
Childhood best friends
Rockstar x Lawyer
Hurt/Comfort
Trauma and Recovery
Abuse, SA, Addict
Touch aversion
Mental health themes
Reconnecting
Second chance
Some spicy times
Relapse & redemption
Lots of crying
No HEA
Wesleyโs life has been shaped by unimaginable abuse and heartbreak, with Jaxon once offering him lightโuntil betrayal shattered that safety. Now, after years of numbing his pain, Wesley must face his past and see if he can make things right.
I went into this story knowing there wouldnโt be a HEA, but it still wrecked me โ Iโm currently bawling my eyes out. This book was beautifully written and emotionally raw, and doesnโt shy away from sensitive content (so definitely check the CW), but the love story between Wesley and Jaxon is hard fought and deeply moving. Their connection felt both fragile and powerful, and itโs the kind of story that will stay with me for a long time.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
MM love story
Check CW
Slow burn & angst
Childhood best friends
Rockstar x Lawyer
Hurt/Comfort
Trauma and Recovery
Abuse, SA, Addict
Touch aversion
Mental health themes
Reconnecting
Second chance
Some spicy times
Relapse & redemption
Lots of crying
No HEA
August 17, 2025
โIโll find you in the starsโ.
Even though the author lets us know there will not be HEA, the ending still got me and I wanted to throw my Kindle. Damn. I liked that the ending wasnโt that predictable though. I think the ending of the book was good (despite it being hard to read), but overall this book didnโt really connect with me, I didnโt really feel chemistry between the main characters and after they met after so many years, everything just happened way too quickly, overall it fell a bit flat. The writing and the overall story was a bit clumsy. But the ending makes up for not feeling much for the rest of it.
โIโm right here,โ he says and puts his face in my line of sight. But he doesnโt touch me. He keeps his hands on the bed in front of me so I can see them as Iโm peering into his eyes. I must look a fucking mess, but Jax is steady. So fucking steady that my breathing starts to slow and my heart rate evens out. All we do is breathe together, but fuckโฆitโs everything.
Even though the author lets us know there will not be HEA, the ending still got me and I wanted to throw my Kindle. Damn. I liked that the ending wasnโt that predictable though. I think the ending of the book was good (despite it being hard to read), but overall this book didnโt really connect with me, I didnโt really feel chemistry between the main characters and after they met after so many years, everything just happened way too quickly, overall it fell a bit flat. The writing and the overall story was a bit clumsy. But the ending makes up for not feeling much for the rest of it.
โIโm right here,โ he says and puts his face in my line of sight. But he doesnโt touch me. He keeps his hands on the bed in front of me so I can see them as Iโm peering into his eyes. I must look a fucking mess, but Jax is steady. So fucking steady that my breathing starts to slow and my heart rate evens out. All we do is breathe together, but fuckโฆitโs everything.
July 14, 2025
I really liked the found family aspects of this book. I love seeing Mitch, Kas and Wes together. I enjoyed Jaxon and Wes's relationship. I'm such a sucker for second chance romance and I was happy to see Wes and Jax have the opportunity to be together again. I wanted more of them though. Something about this book felt lacking for me, I felt like alot of repetion happening and that will always take me out of a book. Ex. We don't need to be told how many times Wes might be seen/or discovered by fans or paparazzi like we get it, he's a celebrity. There's a few time jumps that I didn't necessarily mind but it wasn't said it was a time jump until your already in the chapter. At that point I was skimming the rest of the book. This book has no HEA, and knowing that going in I was expected to be completely devastated toward the end, I was not.
Overall rating 3.75
Overall rating 3.75
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
I know that R.S. McKenzie billed this as not a love story / romance but to me this is, it just has a sad ending.
I liked Wesley and Jaxon but I struggled with there adult relationship. I totally got them being besties when they were younger but it just seemed to quick going from I've hated you for the last 15 years to you are the love of my life.
I found really sad was the letter that Mitch and Kas found. They fact that it wasn't meant to be found under those circumstances it was supposed to be a happy letter not a sad one.
I'm just going leave it at that as i'm either going to end up adding spoilers or i'm going to end up sad thinking about what I want to write and not be able to see the keyboard for tears.
I liked Wesley and Jaxon but I struggled with there adult relationship. I totally got them being besties when they were younger but it just seemed to quick going from I've hated you for the last 15 years to you are the love of my life.
I found really sad was the letter that Mitch and Kas found. They fact that it wasn't meant to be found under those circumstances it was supposed to be a happy letter not a sad one.
I'm just going leave it at that as i'm either going to end up adding spoilers or i'm going to end up sad thinking about what I want to write and not be able to see the keyboard for tears.
July 20, 2025
I donโt usually read non-HEA stories, but.. I love the authorโs writing style and trust their storytelling.
This story was one of second chances and growth that isnโt linear. For me, it was about finding your person while not knowing how to save yourself. It was about not feeling worthy to accept the love around you and believing you have to be alone when your past has you in a chokehold. It was about loving your person unconditionally when they donโt have the emotional capacity to verbalize their pain.
No, there wasnโt a HEA and I'm grateful the author was responsible enough to clearly state this fact. Knowing these two souls were forever connected was enough for me. Thank you for writing this story!
This story was one of second chances and growth that isnโt linear. For me, it was about finding your person while not knowing how to save yourself. It was about not feeling worthy to accept the love around you and believing you have to be alone when your past has you in a chokehold. It was about loving your person unconditionally when they donโt have the emotional capacity to verbalize their pain.
No, there wasnโt a HEA and I'm grateful the author was responsible enough to clearly state this fact. Knowing these two souls were forever connected was enough for me. Thank you for writing this story!
July 23, 2025
I very rarely read books that donโt have a HEA and the author was very clear from the start that this would not have one, however I was still blown away by this book and the fact that it showed that sometimes love isnโt enough.
Wesโ story was uncomfortable, for lack of a better word. He has been through hell and his journey through addiction, trauma and his regret over how his life has turned out was hard to read at times. His relationship with Jaxon offers brief moments of warmth, however there is so much hurt that exists between them and in the end itโs not enough to save him from his past.
This was not an easy read, yet the emotional impact hits hard and stays with you beyond the last page.
Wesโ story was uncomfortable, for lack of a better word. He has been through hell and his journey through addiction, trauma and his regret over how his life has turned out was hard to read at times. His relationship with Jaxon offers brief moments of warmth, however there is so much hurt that exists between them and in the end itโs not enough to save him from his past.
This was not an easy read, yet the emotional impact hits hard and stays with you beyond the last page.
July 12, 2025
rating: โญโญโญโญ
spice: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
darkness: ๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค
feelings: ๐ญ๐ฅฐ๐ฑ๐ฅตโ ๏ธ๐๐ซ ๐ก
In The Stars is a beautiful, heartbreaking love story. Jaxon and Wesley's story is one of deep love, trust and loss.
The author has created the dark depths of life so intensely that you follow Wesley's fate spellbound. It is difficult to experience his pain. But it made every happy moment that much more intense!
I also like a lot of the secondary characters. Without Jaxon's parents and Wesley's bandmates, the book would only be half as good. Others are so despicable it hurts.
Bottom line: read the TWs! This book has NO HEA. The story touched me deeply and I needed a lot of tissues!
spice: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
darkness: ๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค
feelings: ๐ญ๐ฅฐ๐ฑ๐ฅตโ ๏ธ๐๐ซ ๐ก
In The Stars is a beautiful, heartbreaking love story. Jaxon and Wesley's story is one of deep love, trust and loss.
The author has created the dark depths of life so intensely that you follow Wesley's fate spellbound. It is difficult to experience his pain. But it made every happy moment that much more intense!
I also like a lot of the secondary characters. Without Jaxon's parents and Wesley's bandmates, the book would only be half as good. Others are so despicable it hurts.
Bottom line: read the TWs! This book has NO HEA. The story touched me deeply and I needed a lot of tissues!
July 13, 2025
In the stars is a beautifully devastating love story, this book does not have a HEA, please be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving into this one.
This had me gripped from the very first page, I absolutely love Wesley and Jaxon, and these characters will stay with me for such a long time. Their journey was full of heartbreak, pain, trauma and ultimately healing.
This book holds a special place in my heart and was such a tearjerker for me, I cried from 8% and the tears kept coming throughout the remainder of the story. The author touches on some very sensitive subjects in this story which I felt were dealt with very well, I absolutely loved this.
This had me gripped from the very first page, I absolutely love Wesley and Jaxon, and these characters will stay with me for such a long time. Their journey was full of heartbreak, pain, trauma and ultimately healing.
This book holds a special place in my heart and was such a tearjerker for me, I cried from 8% and the tears kept coming throughout the remainder of the story. The author touches on some very sensitive subjects in this story which I felt were dealt with very well, I absolutely loved this.
July 30, 2025
3.75/5 stars! There were some really strong moments of this story. The ending was extremely well-written and after some dumpster-fire-of-human beings' actions lately, I supremely appreciated that the author was honest about this being a love story and not a romance. I absolutely cried at the finale. My issue was the time jumps didn't feel necessary after a while. The first couple lent themselves to the story, but then it felt excessive. I would have liked more present time connecting with Wes, Kas, and Mitch and seeing Jaxon and Wes's relationship as it happened, rather than hopping back and forth. Enjoyed this author's writing and will read more books by them.
August 26, 2025
Whew this book. Donโt go into it lightly and read the triggers because itโs pretty dark emotionally and trauma wise. RS doesnโt hold back, itโs raw and horrifyingly read, itโs traumatic and strangely beautiful. It made me feel anxious and hopeful and I wanted Wed and Jax to get their HEA even though I knew they wouldnโt. I kept waiting for jump scare like one gets in a horror movie if that sums it up. Knowing there would be no HEA made me constantly think and analyze what was going to happen. Which I personally enjoyed. The ending and that letter and poor fucking Jaxon๐ญ! I am sad but a great read!
July 13, 2025
This story is beautifully brutal
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS! THEY ARE THERE FOR A REASON
RS has written a raw, realistic story depicting the aftermath of childhood abuse, unwise decisions and a person so broken they feel no one will show up for them, even when there are people who will show.
The end was slightly lacking for me, over a little too quickly. To stay inline with the brutality of the story I'd have like to have seen a little longer after the fact (no spoilers)
Yet another great story from the fabulous RS McKenzie
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS! THEY ARE THERE FOR A REASON
RS has written a raw, realistic story depicting the aftermath of childhood abuse, unwise decisions and a person so broken they feel no one will show up for them, even when there are people who will show.
The end was slightly lacking for me, over a little too quickly. To stay inline with the brutality of the story I'd have like to have seen a little longer after the fact (no spoilers)
Yet another great story from the fabulous RS McKenzie
July 21, 2025
This was a love story, but it as it warns you - it isn't a happy ending. There were a lot of things I liked - the relationship between Wes and Jax, the found family relationships between the band, and overall I enjoyed the way it was written. The time jumps sometimes threw me, but they also made sense for the sake of the storytelling. My only major complaint was how quickly it ended. It felt fast (to me), and I would have liked more time for resolution because it was so big. But I thought it was a gritty and moving story.
July 27, 2025
Jaxon & Wesley were childhood friends. Wesley had a troubled life & always ran to Jaxon's house for comfort. One day he goes to Jaxon's battered & bruised & feels betrayed by Jaxon & never speaks to him again. 15 years later Wes is back. As per the triggers in this book, there is a lot of heartbreak & although the author doesn't portray this as a romance I felt a true romance between the main characters. Through a life of much, much angst & betrayals they always had each other even when they didn't. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2025
Have the tissues ready!! If this one doesnโt break your soul and make you bawl your eyes out then you are a monster. 1000% read the trigger warnings before you start reading and donโt take it lightly when it say this does not have a happily ever after. With that being said and having my heart ripped out at the end, this story was so beautiful. Jaxon and Wesley were made for each other, their reunion gave so much hope and joy. Watching the way they loved each other was magical. I donโt think I have cried this much while reading a book in a long time!!!
July 14, 2025
Due to the trigger warning list, I knew what I was getting into. Truthfully, that's what made me want to read this book. The death of a mc drew me to this book.
I enjoyed the story, the darkness aspect of it and the way this author wrote. I just had trouble connecting to these characters, and I'd have liked to see more of how the MCs relationship had grown a bit more. But overall, it wasn't a bad read.
I enjoyed the story, the darkness aspect of it and the way this author wrote. I just had trouble connecting to these characters, and I'd have liked to see more of how the MCs relationship had grown a bit more. But overall, it wasn't a bad read.
July 18, 2025
Going into this book, I was terrified. I've never gone into a book knowing there is no HEA. But I've absolutely loved everything that I've read by R.S. McKenzie and this book is no exception. This story was raw and emotional and completely heartbreaking. I know this book won't be for everyone, but it was such a captivating read for me. It's one I'll be thinking about for a long, long time.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
July 27, 2025
I'm writing this through blurry vision and a headache lol this book was so good. Even without the HEA. It ended how it needed to end. Though my heart breaks for Jaxon. Jaxon and Wesley had such a beautiful love. I wish their story wasn't finished but real life doesn't always give us the HEA that we want. People pass. At the wrong times. I was rooting for Wesley the whole time. Gah, this book was so good. I'm so glad I took a chance on it even if my heart breaks.
August 9, 2025
4.5 stars. Wes had been living in a horrible abusive home for some time, undergoing suffering no one should ever have to. Jaxin was always there for him, even when Wes broke contact. Would I have loved more details of the time they were really together before the end, or have read a HEA instead of an ending with tragedy? Absolutely. However, I can really see why the author was compelled to write it in this way, and although they couldn't grow old together, the love between the MCs was strong.
July 15, 2025
A RAW AND HEART EXPLOSIVE READ!
This was a book that reached into my heart and held on tight. I already knew this was not going to have a HEA, but I still wanted to read it, and I'm glad I did. Jaxon and Wes just put me through the ringer, and they had bright moments. SUCKER PUNCHED ME IN THE FEELS!
This was a book that reached into my heart and held on tight. I already knew this was not going to have a HEA, but I still wanted to read it, and I'm glad I did. Jaxon and Wes just put me through the ringer, and they had bright moments. SUCKER PUNCHED ME IN THE FEELS!
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