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Ripple Effect #3
And for Us
Four years ago, two men met by chance at the Annual National Whiskey Convention in Kentucky. It was supposed to be a one-time thing; no names or numbers exchanged. The next year, the attraction was still there and neither could resist. Their yearly one-night stand stayed in Kentucky, but their emotional connection continued through texts and calls.
Now, Ripley is helping his best friend prepare for her wedding as her man of honor while mending a broken heart from the last time he saw his stranger. He’s tried everything—including having someone else in his bed—to get over him. The last thing Ripley expected was for him to show up in his small town of Indigo Hill; even worse, he showed up as the groom’s best man.
Seth is in Indigo Hill to support his best friend by standing at his side in his wedding and helping the bride with her bed-and-breakfast expansion. He’s already stressed about missing work and leaving his sisters in Seattle with his volatile father, but then he sees the man whose heart he broke months ago because he couldn’t let himself be happy. With the mystery of his identity blown to shreds, Seth is spiraling and terrified his secret will get out.
Can he deny himself the man he loves again? If he does, can Ripley survive heartbreak for a second time? Or will they allow themselves to be loved the way they deserve?
Now, Ripley is helping his best friend prepare for her wedding as her man of honor while mending a broken heart from the last time he saw his stranger. He’s tried everything—including having someone else in his bed—to get over him. The last thing Ripley expected was for him to show up in his small town of Indigo Hill; even worse, he showed up as the groom’s best man.
Seth is in Indigo Hill to support his best friend by standing at his side in his wedding and helping the bride with her bed-and-breakfast expansion. He’s already stressed about missing work and leaving his sisters in Seattle with his volatile father, but then he sees the man whose heart he broke months ago because he couldn’t let himself be happy. With the mystery of his identity blown to shreds, Seth is spiraling and terrified his secret will get out.
Can he deny himself the man he loves again? If he does, can Ripley survive heartbreak for a second time? Or will they allow themselves to be loved the way they deserve?
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
17 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Alise Monroe
4 books92 followersAlise Monroe is an author duo! Best friends turned romance indie co-authors. They write emotional, realistic, raw romance featuring flawed characters getting their HEAs. Their writing is inclusive and will feature all types of love stories. They're currently writing their small town contemporary romance series, Ripple Effect, but have plans to write in different subgenres as well. When they aren't writing, they're typically reading or buying way too many books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
April 4, 2026
“Not sure if that’s much better than falling for the guy who’s in love with his straight best friend, who’s in love with my best friend.”
The heartbreak, the yearning, the want but can’t have !!! It was so beautifully written. I ate up every second of this amazing romance between Ripley and Seth.
And the scene in the woods … Bigfoot ladies and gentlemen. I was not expecting that, I cackled hard.
And the spice in this book … Can I say I needed to take a break once or twice. Seth can tell me what to do too, and Ripley.
And I’m so glad their best friends made sure to listen to them but ask push them both back towards each other. And for Iris I’m sure that was hard.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dual 1st POV
Pages: 396
MM Romance
Small Town
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Secret Identities
Both Not Fully Open
Grumpy x Sunshine
TW: Families are emotionally abusive, talks of past violence.
Thank you to author Alise Monroe, for providing me with the eARC of “And For Us”.
The heartbreak, the yearning, the want but can’t have !!! It was so beautifully written. I ate up every second of this amazing romance between Ripley and Seth.
And the scene in the woods … Bigfoot ladies and gentlemen. I was not expecting that, I cackled hard.
And the spice in this book … Can I say I needed to take a break once or twice. Seth can tell me what to do too, and Ripley.
And I’m so glad their best friends made sure to listen to them but ask push them both back towards each other. And for Iris I’m sure that was hard.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dual 1st POV
Pages: 396
MM Romance
Small Town
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Secret Identities
Both Not Fully Open
Grumpy x Sunshine
TW: Families are emotionally abusive, talks of past violence.
Thank you to author Alise Monroe, for providing me with the eARC of “And For Us”.
March 31, 2026
And For Us | Alise Monroe
Available in Ebook, Paperback, & KU!
4.25⭐️ | 3🌶️
💕mm romance
💕opposites attract
💕yearly hookup ups
💕secret identity
💕a hawt ‘69’ scene 🤭
If you’ve read an Alise Monroe book then you know that this power duo does angst & does it well! Stories that feel real, raw, and messy but eventually the characters get their sh*t together just the way we like it! 🤣
Ripley and Seth have had a yearly hookup for the past 4 years. They not only hook up but they text & really get to know one another but they never use their real names and never give each other information about where they are from…making their hook ups very much no strings attached. After one wanted more the other broke it off…they haven’t talked in months, but that all changes when Ripley’s best friend, Thea asks him to be her man of honor at her wedding & her fiancé, Cary asks his best friend, Seth to be his man of honor…now they realize that fate has brought them back together but this time not under their alias names…
There truly is so much angst and yearning between these two. It was never just hook ups for either of them but they are now forced to figure out what could possibly be for the both of them, together. There’s regret, there’s fear, there’s tension, but above all there is love & a comfort that these two can only offer each other even against all odds.
The past / present progression of their relationship just really sucked us in! We were cheering for these two the whole time!
Thank you @author.alisemonroe for the advanced copy for our honest review!
Available in Ebook, Paperback, & KU!
4.25⭐️ | 3🌶️
💕mm romance
💕opposites attract
💕yearly hookup ups
💕secret identity
💕a hawt ‘69’ scene 🤭
If you’ve read an Alise Monroe book then you know that this power duo does angst & does it well! Stories that feel real, raw, and messy but eventually the characters get their sh*t together just the way we like it! 🤣
Ripley and Seth have had a yearly hookup for the past 4 years. They not only hook up but they text & really get to know one another but they never use their real names and never give each other information about where they are from…making their hook ups very much no strings attached. After one wanted more the other broke it off…they haven’t talked in months, but that all changes when Ripley’s best friend, Thea asks him to be her man of honor at her wedding & her fiancé, Cary asks his best friend, Seth to be his man of honor…now they realize that fate has brought them back together but this time not under their alias names…
There truly is so much angst and yearning between these two. It was never just hook ups for either of them but they are now forced to figure out what could possibly be for the both of them, together. There’s regret, there’s fear, there’s tension, but above all there is love & a comfort that these two can only offer each other even against all odds.
The past / present progression of their relationship just really sucked us in! We were cheering for these two the whole time!
Thank you @author.alisemonroe for the advanced copy for our honest review!
March 24, 2026
I knew that Ripley’s story was going to be emotional but man, Alise Monroe really put all the emotions into his story.
Ripley and Seth have such a complex and complicated story. These two deserve so much love for all that they have been through. Both of them hiding who they are added so many layers to their story that were needed to drive the story.
Learning who Seth is and his connection to Cary and Thea was shocking but wow. Seth was such a complex character and because of his family all his actions felt so genuine to who he was. His fear felt real and honest. As a straight woman I’ll never understand the fear of having to come out or feel like I have to hide myself. Monroe writes these scenes that make you feel all these emotions. Seth’s relationship with his family created such an important dynamic to Seth’s character and his relationships.
Ripley has always been such a ray of sunshine character throughout this series but learning about his family broke my heart. The trauma that he has faced felt honest and I know many have experienced. But I like how his past never defined who he was. His family may not be blood but they are family nonetheless. Ripley may hide himself but his friendships where so important to who he was.
Seth and Ripley together were incredible. These two are opposite in so many ways but balance each other in the best way. They bring out so many different sides of each other. They push each other to be better. Despite the pain, hurt and rejection felt throughout the book these two were always going to be together. Their relationship felt honest, and real. It was messy but beautiful.
These two saw and understood each other in a way that no one else did and watching them fall together was everything. Seeing them open up about their pasts added so much to their story. Ripley and Seth. West and East. Their complicated history truly made this book a page turner I couldn’t put down.
Ripley and Seth have such a complex and complicated story. These two deserve so much love for all that they have been through. Both of them hiding who they are added so many layers to their story that were needed to drive the story.
Learning who Seth is and his connection to Cary and Thea was shocking but wow. Seth was such a complex character and because of his family all his actions felt so genuine to who he was. His fear felt real and honest. As a straight woman I’ll never understand the fear of having to come out or feel like I have to hide myself. Monroe writes these scenes that make you feel all these emotions. Seth’s relationship with his family created such an important dynamic to Seth’s character and his relationships.
Ripley has always been such a ray of sunshine character throughout this series but learning about his family broke my heart. The trauma that he has faced felt honest and I know many have experienced. But I like how his past never defined who he was. His family may not be blood but they are family nonetheless. Ripley may hide himself but his friendships where so important to who he was.
Seth and Ripley together were incredible. These two are opposite in so many ways but balance each other in the best way. They bring out so many different sides of each other. They push each other to be better. Despite the pain, hurt and rejection felt throughout the book these two were always going to be together. Their relationship felt honest, and real. It was messy but beautiful.
These two saw and understood each other in a way that no one else did and watching them fall together was everything. Seeing them open up about their pasts added so much to their story. Ripley and Seth. West and East. Their complicated history truly made this book a page turner I couldn’t put down.
March 26, 2026
Ripley’s book is here!!! I have been frothing for his book ever since we met him in book 1?! And who knew that his mystery man would end up being Cary’s best friend?!!
💕Opposites attract
💕Secret identity
💕Years long hookup
💕Forced proximity
Ripley and Seth have had a yearly hookup for years now, but that has since stopped since one of them wasn’t ready for more.
And now things are coming to a head when they realize that they are the best man and man of honor in their best friends’ wedding. They never expected there to be a connection beyond their hotel hookups.
These two really bring us through it in this book. There’s so much animosity brewing between everyone and complex dynamics between everyone in this group. I loved the progression of their relationship and the journey we take. I was falling in love right along with them!
💕Opposites attract
💕Secret identity
💕Years long hookup
💕Forced proximity
Ripley and Seth have had a yearly hookup for years now, but that has since stopped since one of them wasn’t ready for more.
And now things are coming to a head when they realize that they are the best man and man of honor in their best friends’ wedding. They never expected there to be a connection beyond their hotel hookups.
These two really bring us through it in this book. There’s so much animosity brewing between everyone and complex dynamics between everyone in this group. I loved the progression of their relationship and the journey we take. I was falling in love right along with them!
April 8, 2026
I loved Ripley from the first moment I met him on page in When I come Back so I knew I was going to love him in his book. He was hilarious, flirty, the most loyal friend, and downright hot AF. However, Seth took me by surprise. I obvi had some not nice feelings towards bc of WICB but I came to absolutely adore this man in And For Us. He was so grumpy but also so misunderstood. His dry humor also consistently sent me through the roof 😂. He also was such a dom daddy and I loved every moment of it. The spice scenes were also so creative and had me panting like a dog in heat 🤣 there’s a certain whiskey scene that will forever live rent free in my head.
Alise Monroe always write such good heartfelt, emotional stories with top tier spice and they did it again with And For Us.
If you haven’t started this series, what are you waiting for?!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Alise Monroe always write such good heartfelt, emotional stories with top tier spice and they did it again with And For Us.
If you haven’t started this series, what are you waiting for?!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 11, 2026
Oooooo I’ve been waiting for this🙌🏻
Ever since book 1 I’ve been frothing at the mouth for Ripley’s book and let me tell you….
IT 👏🏻 DID👏🏻 NOT 👏🏻 DISAPPOINT👏🏻
Ripley & Seth were everything. I loved how opposite they are, the secret identities, the angst, the damn YEARNING. Lawdddd what a treat.
Ohhh and the text threads? Get your girl a bucket of water because these two are HOTT. 💦🔥 The GODDAMN mouth on Mr. Cassidy sent me into the stratosphere. 🚀
The spice was spicing in this bitch and I ain’t mad at it one bit. If you’re looking for your new favorite MM romance. This is the one!!
This book was also incredibly sweet & romantic and has perfect banter. A MUST READ! 🫶🏻
Huge thank you to Alise Monroe for the ARC copy! I had the best time with East & West!! 🩷🌸
Ever since book 1 I’ve been frothing at the mouth for Ripley’s book and let me tell you….
IT 👏🏻 DID👏🏻 NOT 👏🏻 DISAPPOINT👏🏻
Ripley & Seth were everything. I loved how opposite they are, the secret identities, the angst, the damn YEARNING. Lawdddd what a treat.
Ohhh and the text threads? Get your girl a bucket of water because these two are HOTT. 💦🔥 The GODDAMN mouth on Mr. Cassidy sent me into the stratosphere. 🚀
The spice was spicing in this bitch and I ain’t mad at it one bit. If you’re looking for your new favorite MM romance. This is the one!!
This book was also incredibly sweet & romantic and has perfect banter. A MUST READ! 🫶🏻
Huge thank you to Alise Monroe for the ARC copy! I had the best time with East & West!! 🩷🌸
April 15, 2026
This was not at all what I expected, the soft and sweet cover made me think it would be a pretty light read and I wasn't at all ready for the angst that came with it. But, that's not a bad thing. I absolutely loved this one. I fell fully in love with the characters, both the main ones and the side ones, and more often than not I found myself wanting to wrap the guys in a warm blanket and hug them until they understood how worthy they were of love.
And then gently smack their heads for being absolute idiots. But you know. Lovingly.
Really, this was a fantastic read. The pining and yearning and all of the pain was absolutely stunning, and I'm so happy I picked it up. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a romance with a hard earned but well deserved happy ending.
And then gently smack their heads for being absolute idiots. But you know. Lovingly.
Really, this was a fantastic read. The pining and yearning and all of the pain was absolutely stunning, and I'm so happy I picked it up. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a romance with a hard earned but well deserved happy ending.
April 6, 2026
This one was just ok for me. While I did enjoy the overall story, I did have to put it down for a bit then come back to it. Also, there were a few things that didn't work well for me.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
March 31, 2026
Whiskey, Weddings, and a Heart-Mending Slow Burn
📚 Book = Interconnected Standalone (Book 3)
🔥 Burn = Slow burn with high pining,
🎭 OW/OM Drama = No,
🐺 Alpha Men = ??
🌶️ Heat/spice = 8/10,
😬 Angst = Medium,
💔 Third Act Breakup = Not really!
🤥 Cheating = No,
🌈 MM/FF = MM,
🤷🏻♀️ RH/ Poly = No,
🔹 Writing = 1st Person, MultiPOV
🔸 Genre = Contemporary MM Romance
🔹 Tropes = - MM✨Angst✨Secret identities✨Hurt/comfort✨Yearly one night stand✨Forced proximity (roommates)✨Flirty texting✨Secret hook ups✨Opposites attract✨Workplace romance✨Family with prejudicial views✨ Best Man/Man of Honour✨Small Town✨HEA✨
‼️ Triggers - My POV = Low (please check before reading)
Ripley and Seth have a history that started years ago at a whiskey convention—an anonymous tradition where they kept their real identities secret, only knowing each other as West and East. When Seth flies across the country to be the Best Man for his friend, he is stunned to find out the Man of Honour is none other than "East"—aka Ripley! Seth doesn’t handle the surprise well at all, especially since their last meeting ended with Ripley asking for a real relationship and Seth turning him down.
When Seth finds himself with nowhere to stay and ends up living in Ripley’s house, they finally have to face the music. Like the old saying goes, "you don’t truly know someone until you live with them," and for these two, that leads to some absolutely hilarious consequences!
This was such a beautifully sweet story with a wonderful, gentle pace. I loved the "West and East" dynamic; the flashbacks of the ‘many’ texts they’ve shared over the years were such a lovely touch that showed how their relationship developed even when they were apart. They know so much about each other from these conversations, intimate details they haven’t shared outside of their very best friends. I adored how honest and open they could be with each other via text, just not knowing each other’s true names or where they lived.
What really struck me was the contrast between these two men. Even though they were both "hiding" in their own way, Ripley has really come to grips with his difficult family history, he’s more chaotic and free-spirited. Seth, is strict, regimented and highly work oriented and is still in turmoil. His father and stepmother are still making him feel terrible about every part of his life, and he is terrified of the second chance Ripley is so clearly hoping for.
It was heartbreaking to see what a toxic family can do to your mental health and how it damages your ability to be in a relationship. I was so glad Ripley was so patient with him! It took that specific kind of love and understanding from Ripley to show Seth that being your authentic self and being loved for it is absolutely worth the risk.
There are some very hot, steamy scenes in this one that definitely hit the spot! It was also lovely to have characters from the previous books; it makes the world feel so lived-in and I’m already really looking forward to Callaway and Hayes’s book.
This is a 5-star journey of healing and pining that I can highly recommend.
📚 Book = Interconnected Standalone (Book 3)
🔥 Burn = Slow burn with high pining,
🎭 OW/OM Drama = No,
🐺 Alpha Men = ??
🌶️ Heat/spice = 8/10,
😬 Angst = Medium,
💔 Third Act Breakup = Not really!
🤥 Cheating = No,
🌈 MM/FF = MM,
🤷🏻♀️ RH/ Poly = No,
🔹 Writing = 1st Person, MultiPOV
🔸 Genre = Contemporary MM Romance
🔹 Tropes = - MM✨Angst✨Secret identities✨Hurt/comfort✨Yearly one night stand✨Forced proximity (roommates)✨Flirty texting✨Secret hook ups✨Opposites attract✨Workplace romance✨Family with prejudicial views✨ Best Man/Man of Honour✨Small Town✨HEA✨
‼️ Triggers - My POV = Low (please check before reading)
Ripley and Seth have a history that started years ago at a whiskey convention—an anonymous tradition where they kept their real identities secret, only knowing each other as West and East. When Seth flies across the country to be the Best Man for his friend, he is stunned to find out the Man of Honour is none other than "East"—aka Ripley! Seth doesn’t handle the surprise well at all, especially since their last meeting ended with Ripley asking for a real relationship and Seth turning him down.
When Seth finds himself with nowhere to stay and ends up living in Ripley’s house, they finally have to face the music. Like the old saying goes, "you don’t truly know someone until you live with them," and for these two, that leads to some absolutely hilarious consequences!
This was such a beautifully sweet story with a wonderful, gentle pace. I loved the "West and East" dynamic; the flashbacks of the ‘many’ texts they’ve shared over the years were such a lovely touch that showed how their relationship developed even when they were apart. They know so much about each other from these conversations, intimate details they haven’t shared outside of their very best friends. I adored how honest and open they could be with each other via text, just not knowing each other’s true names or where they lived.
What really struck me was the contrast between these two men. Even though they were both "hiding" in their own way, Ripley has really come to grips with his difficult family history, he’s more chaotic and free-spirited. Seth, is strict, regimented and highly work oriented and is still in turmoil. His father and stepmother are still making him feel terrible about every part of his life, and he is terrified of the second chance Ripley is so clearly hoping for.
It was heartbreaking to see what a toxic family can do to your mental health and how it damages your ability to be in a relationship. I was so glad Ripley was so patient with him! It took that specific kind of love and understanding from Ripley to show Seth that being your authentic self and being loved for it is absolutely worth the risk.
There are some very hot, steamy scenes in this one that definitely hit the spot! It was also lovely to have characters from the previous books; it makes the world feel so lived-in and I’m already really looking forward to Callaway and Hayes’s book.
This is a 5-star journey of healing and pining that I can highly recommend.
March 26, 2026
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you so much to Alise for letting me be part of her ARC team!
In this book, we follow our MMCs: Mr. Sassy and lovable “Queen East” Quinn Ripley, and Mr. Control Freak and dominant shorty “West” Seth Cassidy. The two met years ago and have had yearly ONS - without ever telling each other their names.
With the wedding of their two best friends coming up, let me introduce you to the best man and the man of honor. 🫡
They officially meet at a dinner before the wedding. You can imagine how that went 🤣
The last time they saw each other, Seth ran away and broke Ripley’s heart. But you really have to understand that both MMCs are broken in many ways. The way they grew up left them with a lot of scars and trauma, which they have to overcome if they want things to work out.
On top of working together for the wedding, Seth’s hotel is under construction, so Thea suggests that he move in with Ripley. And you can imagine Mr. Sassy Pants Ripley just being… well, Ripley. Drama, drama, drama. 🤣
In between the chapters, you also get flashbacks of them texting. And let me tell you - their s*xting is spot on. Hot AF. Banter, banter, banter. We love it. I love it. You have to read it!
The way they both tiptoe around each other, and how they kind of hate each other but are also clearly into each other, is so well written - you can really feel it. You can feel their frustration: they both want more, but Seth doesn’t know how to ask for it or how to apologize for his behavior. And Ripley is frustrated because Seth is this controlling neat freak in his space. Ripley also believes he isn’t worthy of love. So both of them have their own trauma and thoughts holding them back from a healthy, happy relationship.
Then we have the camping trip. Wow. “Put your effin’ hands on the tree” is all I’m going to say. That was… wow. 🥵
The way Alise writes is just captivating. You feel like you’re part of the story, like you’re their best friend. You’re anxious and nervous with both men, and you just want to shake them and tell them they are gorgeous and loved.
I really recommend this book if you’re looking for a hurt/comfort romance with a fierce, sassy MMC on one side and a dominant, controlling MMC on the other.
🥃 sassy bourbon distiller
💼 serious dominant businessman
🥃 hurt/comfort
💼 secret identity
🥃 opposite attracts
💼 flirty texting
🥃 forced proximity
💼 yearl ONS
Thank you so much to Alise for letting me be part of her ARC team!
In this book, we follow our MMCs: Mr. Sassy and lovable “Queen East” Quinn Ripley, and Mr. Control Freak and dominant shorty “West” Seth Cassidy. The two met years ago and have had yearly ONS - without ever telling each other their names.
With the wedding of their two best friends coming up, let me introduce you to the best man and the man of honor. 🫡
They officially meet at a dinner before the wedding. You can imagine how that went 🤣
The last time they saw each other, Seth ran away and broke Ripley’s heart. But you really have to understand that both MMCs are broken in many ways. The way they grew up left them with a lot of scars and trauma, which they have to overcome if they want things to work out.
On top of working together for the wedding, Seth’s hotel is under construction, so Thea suggests that he move in with Ripley. And you can imagine Mr. Sassy Pants Ripley just being… well, Ripley. Drama, drama, drama. 🤣
In between the chapters, you also get flashbacks of them texting. And let me tell you - their s*xting is spot on. Hot AF. Banter, banter, banter. We love it. I love it. You have to read it!
The way they both tiptoe around each other, and how they kind of hate each other but are also clearly into each other, is so well written - you can really feel it. You can feel their frustration: they both want more, but Seth doesn’t know how to ask for it or how to apologize for his behavior. And Ripley is frustrated because Seth is this controlling neat freak in his space. Ripley also believes he isn’t worthy of love. So both of them have their own trauma and thoughts holding them back from a healthy, happy relationship.
Then we have the camping trip. Wow. “Put your effin’ hands on the tree” is all I’m going to say. That was… wow. 🥵
The way Alise writes is just captivating. You feel like you’re part of the story, like you’re their best friend. You’re anxious and nervous with both men, and you just want to shake them and tell them they are gorgeous and loved.
I really recommend this book if you’re looking for a hurt/comfort romance with a fierce, sassy MMC on one side and a dominant, controlling MMC on the other.
🥃 sassy bourbon distiller
💼 serious dominant businessman
🥃 hurt/comfort
💼 secret identity
🥃 opposite attracts
💼 flirty texting
🥃 forced proximity
💼 yearl ONS
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just love it when I love a book 💜
This was such an emotional and beautiful story.
It is definitely a series that’s best read in order, since the couples from the first two books have a strong presence here. That said, while I’ve just barged in, it didn’t negatively affect my reading experience, I just feel like you’ll get the most out of it if you already know everyone.
At first glance, this has all the familiar tropes - second chance, small town, forced proximity, but somehow it didn’t feel typical, it felt more realistic and believable.
The atmosphere deserves a special mention. That small-town vibe is done so right. It feels cozy, immersive, and lived-in 🥰
The characters are written with so much care, and the story goes beyond just the romance. There’s a strong sense of life happening around them, which gives the whole book a solid, engaging plot and feels relatable in the best way - people throw wild parties, get hangovers, hate camping, get sick.
I loved Ripley and Seth so much 💜 Their story is so complicated and the path to happiness was really bumpy. They felt so deeply honest and human, and they actually behave like adults, their decisions may be irrational at times, but are still totally understandable.
And the tension between them was so good ❤🔥 Their chemistry feels natural and you can really feel the pull between them.
Loved the writing a lot too:
“I can’t get deep enough. I want to be the bourbon on his tongue, flowing down his throat and into his stomach, flooding his bloodstream, making him flush and feel good from the inside out.”
One thing that really surprised me was how the dramatic turn of events in the end was handled. Usually, I’d be frustrated, mentally yelling “just talk to each other!”, but here, I genuinely felt for Seth, I wanted to hug him and wrap him in a blanket. I was so heartbroken, because his fear made sense and felt real. And that’s what strong character writing does, it makes you empathize, even when things get messy.
“I think I want to spend the rest of my life being distracted by him… I want to spend the rest of my life getting annoyed with him and his stupid fucking drinking game.”
For me it's a sure 5-star when a book makes me feel, and this one did the feeling part just right 💜
This was such an emotional and beautiful story.
It is definitely a series that’s best read in order, since the couples from the first two books have a strong presence here. That said, while I’ve just barged in, it didn’t negatively affect my reading experience, I just feel like you’ll get the most out of it if you already know everyone.
At first glance, this has all the familiar tropes - second chance, small town, forced proximity, but somehow it didn’t feel typical, it felt more realistic and believable.
The atmosphere deserves a special mention. That small-town vibe is done so right. It feels cozy, immersive, and lived-in 🥰
The characters are written with so much care, and the story goes beyond just the romance. There’s a strong sense of life happening around them, which gives the whole book a solid, engaging plot and feels relatable in the best way - people throw wild parties, get hangovers, hate camping, get sick.
I loved Ripley and Seth so much 💜 Their story is so complicated and the path to happiness was really bumpy. They felt so deeply honest and human, and they actually behave like adults, their decisions may be irrational at times, but are still totally understandable.
And the tension between them was so good ❤🔥 Their chemistry feels natural and you can really feel the pull between them.
Loved the writing a lot too:
“I can’t get deep enough. I want to be the bourbon on his tongue, flowing down his throat and into his stomach, flooding his bloodstream, making him flush and feel good from the inside out.”
One thing that really surprised me was how the dramatic turn of events in the end was handled. Usually, I’d be frustrated, mentally yelling “just talk to each other!”, but here, I genuinely felt for Seth, I wanted to hug him and wrap him in a blanket. I was so heartbroken, because his fear made sense and felt real. And that’s what strong character writing does, it makes you empathize, even when things get messy.
“I think I want to spend the rest of my life being distracted by him… I want to spend the rest of my life getting annoyed with him and his stupid fucking drinking game.”
For me it's a sure 5-star when a book makes me feel, and this one did the feeling part just right 💜
April 3, 2026
I’ve been so eager for Ripley’s story, especially after seeing glimpses of his past in books 1 and 2, and it definitely lived up to the hype! The little twist about who his mystery man, West, ended up to be was so fun (but, I also had a feeling that it might be Seth). I enjoyed seeing the small glimpses of their past history throughout the story because it gave us a deeper view of everything that they’d gone through to get to where they were in this book. Ripley was the chaos demon of my dreams; I loved that he lived for drama, but not in a way that would hurt the people he cared about. It was great to see him be serious when he needed to be, but that didn’t stop him from being absolute chaos most of the time. Despite Seth being the complete opposite, and being constantly annoyed by Ripley’s chaos, it ended up being so good for him because it helped him loosen up a bit and embrace his life a bit more. It was great seeing Seth come to Indigo Hill and fall in love with the slower pace of small-town life. It was also amazing to see Seth learn more about himself on the trip and mend his relationship with Thea. It took them some time, but eventually they made up and bonded on a new level over one of the main things they had in common: Ripley! Seth was more serious throughout the book, and some might even say uptight, but once we saw everything that happened in his personal life with his father, it all made more sense. It was still tough to see him hurt both Ripley and himself during the story because he was scared to jump into a life with Ripley, but it made more sense when we saw the full picture (even to Ripley). I love that they both supported each other in so many ways and it was great to see them find their way to each other in this story, even if they both had to put in a lot of work on themselves to get there. This was such a great story, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Indigo Hill!
Thank you, Alise Monroe, for providing me with an ARC!
Thank you, Alise Monroe, for providing me with an ARC!
April 1, 2026
ARC review
⭐4.5/5
🌶️3/5
📌Check TW
Two men, two hidden identities, a four-year situationship, and one wedding that brings them back into each other’s lives.
Ripley and Seth’s story is layered, emotional, and full of ups and downs before they finally reach their well-earned HEA.
Ripley is pure chaos in the best way. He is spontaneous, bright, and a total ray of sunshine. Despite being deeply hurt by his family’s rejection after coming out, he refuses to let that define him. His resilience and kind heart made him impossible not to love.
Seth, on the other hand, is much more complex. He clings to control, and whenever that slips, his vulnerability starts to show, even if he tries to suppress it. His upbringing left deep scars, especially with a father whose abusive and harmful views shaped Seth’s fear of fully accepting himself and the life he truly wants.
Both of them are “hiding” in their own ways. Ripley has an incredible, supportive group of friends who love him unconditionally, yet he still fears the judgment of his small town. Seth has his good friend Iris by his side, but he struggles with feeling unworthy of love.
They are complete opposites, but they balance each other perfectly. They bring out the best in one another, and their connection feels real and deeply rooted. Even after Seth breaks Ripley’s heart, you can see it comes from his own fears and insecurities, which makes their journey toward choosing each other even more meaningful.
And yes, the chemistry is there. The steamy scenes and sexting definitely deliver, so expect some heat.
If you’re looking for a small-town MM romance with opposites attract, found family, a long-term situationship, and strong character growth, then you should absolutely add And For Us to your TBR!
Thank you so much to Alise Monroe for this beautiful eARC!
⭐4.5/5
🌶️3/5
📌Check TW
Two men, two hidden identities, a four-year situationship, and one wedding that brings them back into each other’s lives.
Ripley and Seth’s story is layered, emotional, and full of ups and downs before they finally reach their well-earned HEA.
Ripley is pure chaos in the best way. He is spontaneous, bright, and a total ray of sunshine. Despite being deeply hurt by his family’s rejection after coming out, he refuses to let that define him. His resilience and kind heart made him impossible not to love.
Seth, on the other hand, is much more complex. He clings to control, and whenever that slips, his vulnerability starts to show, even if he tries to suppress it. His upbringing left deep scars, especially with a father whose abusive and harmful views shaped Seth’s fear of fully accepting himself and the life he truly wants.
Both of them are “hiding” in their own ways. Ripley has an incredible, supportive group of friends who love him unconditionally, yet he still fears the judgment of his small town. Seth has his good friend Iris by his side, but he struggles with feeling unworthy of love.
They are complete opposites, but they balance each other perfectly. They bring out the best in one another, and their connection feels real and deeply rooted. Even after Seth breaks Ripley’s heart, you can see it comes from his own fears and insecurities, which makes their journey toward choosing each other even more meaningful.
And yes, the chemistry is there. The steamy scenes and sexting definitely deliver, so expect some heat.
If you’re looking for a small-town MM romance with opposites attract, found family, a long-term situationship, and strong character growth, then you should absolutely add And For Us to your TBR!
Thank you so much to Alise Monroe for this beautiful eARC!
April 1, 2026
Alise Monroe as a duo? Yeah… they really know how to do angst—and do it well. This story felt raw, messy, and very real, but still gave that payoff where the characters eventually get it together in the way you’re just waiting for.
Ripley and Seth’s dynamic had me hooked from the start. Years of yearly hookups, feelings buried under the surface, and then suddenly being thrown together again as best man and man of honor? The tension was already there, and this just pushed everything to the surface. You could feel how much history sat between them.
I loved the contrast between them—Ripley being more chaotic and free after working through his past, and Seth being so controlled, so stuck, and still dealing with family pressure that keeps him from fully being himself. They’re both “hiding” in their own ways, which makes the emotional push-and-pull hit even harder. Ripley wants more but protects himself, while Seth clearly wants everything and just… doesn’t know how to say it.
The flashbacks, especially the texts over the years, were such a nice touch. It made their connection feel deeper and showed how much they’ve always meant to each other, even when they were apart.
That said, Seth will test your patience a bit. His emotional avoidance can be frustrating, and there are moments where the angst lingers a little longer than it needs to. But honestly, it fits who he is—it just depends on your tolerance for that kind of slow emotional unraveling.
There’s also some really well-done spice in here that hits exactly where it should without taking over the story.
Overall, this is a beautifully written hurt/comfort romance with strong tension, messy emotions, and two characters who absolutely deserve their happiness. 💙
Ripley and Seth’s dynamic had me hooked from the start. Years of yearly hookups, feelings buried under the surface, and then suddenly being thrown together again as best man and man of honor? The tension was already there, and this just pushed everything to the surface. You could feel how much history sat between them.
I loved the contrast between them—Ripley being more chaotic and free after working through his past, and Seth being so controlled, so stuck, and still dealing with family pressure that keeps him from fully being himself. They’re both “hiding” in their own ways, which makes the emotional push-and-pull hit even harder. Ripley wants more but protects himself, while Seth clearly wants everything and just… doesn’t know how to say it.
The flashbacks, especially the texts over the years, were such a nice touch. It made their connection feel deeper and showed how much they’ve always meant to each other, even when they were apart.
That said, Seth will test your patience a bit. His emotional avoidance can be frustrating, and there are moments where the angst lingers a little longer than it needs to. But honestly, it fits who he is—it just depends on your tolerance for that kind of slow emotional unraveling.
There’s also some really well-done spice in here that hits exactly where it should without taking over the story.
Overall, this is a beautifully written hurt/comfort romance with strong tension, messy emotions, and two characters who absolutely deserve their happiness. 💙
April 7, 2026
And for Us is the third book in Alise Monroe’s Ripple Effect series, and it is a story that can be read as a standalone. The characters from the prior books feature heavily in this, so I feel those who have read the other books will have a better understanding of the characters. However, I have not read the prior books, and I was able to enjoy this book (although I do have some questions about side characters).
I will be honest and say that my three-star rating is a rounded down three-point-five-star rating. And for Us is a story that sucked me in with ease, ensuring I powered through it with ease. While it was an addictive story that had me hooked, I found myself focusing too much on the things that did not work when I finished. Due to this, I ended up rounding my rating down. Yes, it was addictive. Yes, it left me curious about the other characters. However, there were things that did not work for me. Mainly, it was the way some aspects of the story were simply told instead of shown. This was especially important with the emotions of the characters. I wanted to feel things to believe the relationship between them. Without that feeling, things felt forced and I did not buy into the relationship. There were many elements of the past I wanted to dig deeper into, but this never happened. With the way everything was between them in the present, I felt like I was missing the necessary elements to believe what they were supposed to be feeling. Thus, by the end, I felt like I was without what I needed to believe the change in characters and the way things concluded.
All in all, And for Us was an addictive read. Unfortunately, it was missing the level of connection I needed.
I will be honest and say that my three-star rating is a rounded down three-point-five-star rating. And for Us is a story that sucked me in with ease, ensuring I powered through it with ease. While it was an addictive story that had me hooked, I found myself focusing too much on the things that did not work when I finished. Due to this, I ended up rounding my rating down. Yes, it was addictive. Yes, it left me curious about the other characters. However, there were things that did not work for me. Mainly, it was the way some aspects of the story were simply told instead of shown. This was especially important with the emotions of the characters. I wanted to feel things to believe the relationship between them. Without that feeling, things felt forced and I did not buy into the relationship. There were many elements of the past I wanted to dig deeper into, but this never happened. With the way everything was between them in the present, I felt like I was missing the necessary elements to believe what they were supposed to be feeling. Thus, by the end, I felt like I was without what I needed to believe the change in characters and the way things concluded.
All in all, And for Us was an addictive read. Unfortunately, it was missing the level of connection I needed.
April 12, 2026
📖 And For Us (Ripple Effect Book 3) by Alise Monroe
✨ Main Characters: Ripley & Seth
❤️ What I liked
This may be the hottest book I’ve read in a while. I’ve loved each book in this series, however Ripley and Seth’s story may have just inched their way to being my favourite out of the three. Ripley has been such an amazing character in The and Cary and Brooks and Margot’s stories, I was hoping he’d finally get his own happy ending, which he did, but it wasn’t without some serious angst.
Though Seth and Ripley were complete opposites, they just seemed to work so well together. Both having hid their sexuality from those closest to them, it was in equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking to witness them falling for one another, yet worried what others would think if they came out. Seth’s bossy, demanding nature teamed with Ripley’s laid back, carefree attitude made for some hilarious situations; and let’s just say, Seth took that bossy attitude all the way into the bedroom (did I mention that this book was hot?). The last 20% of the book had wanting to throw my kindle and cry at the same time; all the angst and the emotion was worth it though to see these wonderful characters finally get their happy ending. Incredible.
🌀 What I disliked
Seth’s dad and stepmom, talk about vile.
🏷️ Tropes
Yearly One Night Stand, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Grumpy x Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract, MM Romance,
🚩 TW/CW
Dysfunctional parental relationship, mention of MS (side character with the condition),
🌶️ Spice Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️ Rating
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🫶 3rd act breakup?
Yes, but it’s worth it for the make up scene alone
Thank you to the authors for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
✨ Main Characters: Ripley & Seth
❤️ What I liked
This may be the hottest book I’ve read in a while. I’ve loved each book in this series, however Ripley and Seth’s story may have just inched their way to being my favourite out of the three. Ripley has been such an amazing character in The and Cary and Brooks and Margot’s stories, I was hoping he’d finally get his own happy ending, which he did, but it wasn’t without some serious angst.
Though Seth and Ripley were complete opposites, they just seemed to work so well together. Both having hid their sexuality from those closest to them, it was in equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking to witness them falling for one another, yet worried what others would think if they came out. Seth’s bossy, demanding nature teamed with Ripley’s laid back, carefree attitude made for some hilarious situations; and let’s just say, Seth took that bossy attitude all the way into the bedroom (did I mention that this book was hot?). The last 20% of the book had wanting to throw my kindle and cry at the same time; all the angst and the emotion was worth it though to see these wonderful characters finally get their happy ending. Incredible.
🌀 What I disliked
Seth’s dad and stepmom, talk about vile.
🏷️ Tropes
Yearly One Night Stand, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Grumpy x Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract, MM Romance,
🚩 TW/CW
Dysfunctional parental relationship, mention of MS (side character with the condition),
🌶️ Spice Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️ Rating
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🫶 3rd act breakup?
Yes, but it’s worth it for the make up scene alone
Thank you to the authors for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
April 19, 2026
A DEEP, EMOTIONAL READ!💕🥃👔
This is the third book of the series by these two amazing new to me authors and can be read as a stand-alone- which I did.
“falling for the guy who’s in love with his straight best friend, who’s in love with my best friend.”
It concentrates on a wedding that takes place a month before in North Carolina- Indigo Hill- a month after a harrowing a 4 year emotional situationship came to an abrupt end by two characters who are strangers that met at a National Whiskey Convention and continued to see each other through video calls, texting and sexting. ( while going on with their lives)
This wedding happens to be their individual best friends wedding where they are Best man and Man of honour where they will be in close proximity and this is how they come to know the other sides of each other that they kept hidden as hookups.
A neurotic businessman and a chaotic distiller who just balance each other out…
“West” is in the closet and manipulated by an abusive, homophobic father. Not even his long time crush and best friend- groom to be Carlington knows… Only Iris knows who is his own version of Thea…
“East” was abandoned by his bible thumping parents and raised by his loving grandparents on a farm until they died. He is semi in the closet- only his best friend and bride to be Thea knows…
“And for us.?”
“There is no us.”
This is their emotional, heartfelt journey with glimpses into their past four years as hookups- to finding their perfect person and being true to themselves and their close friends and family with loving support from their found family and chosen family!
I voluntarily received an ARC from the authors for an honest non biased review.
This is the third book of the series by these two amazing new to me authors and can be read as a stand-alone- which I did.
“falling for the guy who’s in love with his straight best friend, who’s in love with my best friend.”
It concentrates on a wedding that takes place a month before in North Carolina- Indigo Hill- a month after a harrowing a 4 year emotional situationship came to an abrupt end by two characters who are strangers that met at a National Whiskey Convention and continued to see each other through video calls, texting and sexting. ( while going on with their lives)
This wedding happens to be their individual best friends wedding where they are Best man and Man of honour where they will be in close proximity and this is how they come to know the other sides of each other that they kept hidden as hookups.
A neurotic businessman and a chaotic distiller who just balance each other out…
“West” is in the closet and manipulated by an abusive, homophobic father. Not even his long time crush and best friend- groom to be Carlington knows… Only Iris knows who is his own version of Thea…
“East” was abandoned by his bible thumping parents and raised by his loving grandparents on a farm until they died. He is semi in the closet- only his best friend and bride to be Thea knows…
“And for us.?”
“There is no us.”
This is their emotional, heartfelt journey with glimpses into their past four years as hookups- to finding their perfect person and being true to themselves and their close friends and family with loving support from their found family and chosen family!
I voluntarily received an ARC from the authors for an honest non biased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bold, Beautiful Messes Learning How to Love Right
Ripley and Seth absolutely carried this book on their backs—and not always in a graceful way, but in a real, messy, emotionally raw way that made it impossible to look away.
Ripley (“East”) is loud, sassy, and chaotic in the best way, but underneath all that personality is someone who genuinely doesn’t believe he’s worthy of being chosen. Seth (“West”) is the exact opposite—controlled, guarded, and emotionally constipated—but his past makes it painfully clear why he keeps sabotaging his own happiness.
Their dynamic? Pure tension.
You’ve got yearly anonymous hookups turned emotional attachment, a brutal heartbreak, and then—surprise!—they’re thrown back together as best man and man of honor. Add forced proximity with Seth moving in, and it’s basically a pressure cooker of unresolved feelings, sarcasm, and sexual tension.
The banter and texting? Top-tier. Easily one of the strongest parts of the book. Their chemistry jumps off the page, and those flashbacks really sell how deep their connection runs beyond just physical attraction.
Where the book really shines is in the emotional push-and-pull. You feel their frustration—Ripley wanting more but protecting himself, Seth wanting everything but not knowing how to ask for it. It’s that constant almost-there tension that keeps you hooked.
That said, Seth’s emotional avoidance can get really frustrating at times, especially when you just want him to communicate like a functioning adult. And there are moments where the angst drags a bit because they’re both stuck in their own heads.
But honestly? That’s also what makes it feel authentic.
Ripley and Seth absolutely carried this book on their backs—and not always in a graceful way, but in a real, messy, emotionally raw way that made it impossible to look away.
Ripley (“East”) is loud, sassy, and chaotic in the best way, but underneath all that personality is someone who genuinely doesn’t believe he’s worthy of being chosen. Seth (“West”) is the exact opposite—controlled, guarded, and emotionally constipated—but his past makes it painfully clear why he keeps sabotaging his own happiness.
Their dynamic? Pure tension.
You’ve got yearly anonymous hookups turned emotional attachment, a brutal heartbreak, and then—surprise!—they’re thrown back together as best man and man of honor. Add forced proximity with Seth moving in, and it’s basically a pressure cooker of unresolved feelings, sarcasm, and sexual tension.
The banter and texting? Top-tier. Easily one of the strongest parts of the book. Their chemistry jumps off the page, and those flashbacks really sell how deep their connection runs beyond just physical attraction.
Where the book really shines is in the emotional push-and-pull. You feel their frustration—Ripley wanting more but protecting himself, Seth wanting everything but not knowing how to ask for it. It’s that constant almost-there tension that keeps you hooked.
That said, Seth’s emotional avoidance can get really frustrating at times, especially when you just want him to communicate like a functioning adult. And there are moments where the angst drags a bit because they’re both stuck in their own heads.
But honestly? That’s also what makes it feel authentic.
March 28, 2026
In And For Us, Alise Monroe explores the volatile intersection of two deeply fractured identities. While the "forced proximity" trope at a small-town wedding provides a classic romance framework, the true interest lies in the psychological baggage of the protagonists, Ripley and Seth.
Ripley is a poignant study of invisible trauma—raised by a family that provided for his physical needs while essentially ghosting his existence until he turned eighteen. This history has left him with a visceral fear of abandonment.
Conversely, Seth is a psychological time bomb. Growing up under the thumb of a controlling, abusive father, Seth has developed a pathological need for autonomy and schedule-rigidity as a survival mechanism.
The friction between Ripley’s need for proximity and Seth’s self-sabotaging need for control creates a tension that is both compelling and, at times, frustrating. The supporting cast—particularly the found family of Thea, Cary, Brooks, Margot and Iris—provides a necessary warmth against the coldness of the protagonists' biological and step-families.
While the atmosphere of South Carolina is beautifully rendered, the narrative occasionally leans into codependency. The cycle of rejection and reconciliation felt redundant toward the end, and the "airport chase" finale felt more like a cinematic trope than a psychologically earned resolution. However, for readers who enjoy a deep dive into how childhood trauma dictates adult intimacy, this is an insightful read.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book to provide an honest review.
Ripley is a poignant study of invisible trauma—raised by a family that provided for his physical needs while essentially ghosting his existence until he turned eighteen. This history has left him with a visceral fear of abandonment.
Conversely, Seth is a psychological time bomb. Growing up under the thumb of a controlling, abusive father, Seth has developed a pathological need for autonomy and schedule-rigidity as a survival mechanism.
The friction between Ripley’s need for proximity and Seth’s self-sabotaging need for control creates a tension that is both compelling and, at times, frustrating. The supporting cast—particularly the found family of Thea, Cary, Brooks, Margot and Iris—provides a necessary warmth against the coldness of the protagonists' biological and step-families.
While the atmosphere of South Carolina is beautifully rendered, the narrative occasionally leans into codependency. The cycle of rejection and reconciliation felt redundant toward the end, and the "airport chase" finale felt more like a cinematic trope than a psychologically earned resolution. However, for readers who enjoy a deep dive into how childhood trauma dictates adult intimacy, this is an insightful read.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book to provide an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2026
Going back to Indigo Hill in And For Us by Alise Monroe felt like coming home—and I was so here for it. There’s just something about this world and this group of characters that pulls you right back in, and getting to catch up with everyone made this story even better.
East and West (hehe) absolutely stole my attention. Their story had me hooked, but what really made it special was getting those little glimpses of Thea and Cary, Brooks and Margot, and the whole crew. It added so much depth and nostalgia—I didn’t realize how much I missed them until they were all right there on the page again.
And can we talk about that reveal?? I was shocked. Like, how did I not put two and two together sooner? I’m almost mad at myself for not catching it—but also kind of love that it played out that way. It made everything hit that much harder.
Seth and Ripley’s story is layered in the best way. With a shared past full of secret names and anonymous hookups, their eventual face-to-face had so much tension baked into it from the start. Neither of them expected the reality of who the other person was, and watching them try to navigate that confusion (and honestly, a bit of denial) kept me completely on my toes.
But when things finally click between them? Instant fireworks. The chemistry is undeniable, and once they lean into that connection, it’s intense in the best way.
This one had the perfect mix of tension, surprises, and that found-family feeling that makes Indigo Hill so special. I loved every second of it.
East and West (hehe) absolutely stole my attention. Their story had me hooked, but what really made it special was getting those little glimpses of Thea and Cary, Brooks and Margot, and the whole crew. It added so much depth and nostalgia—I didn’t realize how much I missed them until they were all right there on the page again.
And can we talk about that reveal?? I was shocked. Like, how did I not put two and two together sooner? I’m almost mad at myself for not catching it—but also kind of love that it played out that way. It made everything hit that much harder.
Seth and Ripley’s story is layered in the best way. With a shared past full of secret names and anonymous hookups, their eventual face-to-face had so much tension baked into it from the start. Neither of them expected the reality of who the other person was, and watching them try to navigate that confusion (and honestly, a bit of denial) kept me completely on my toes.
But when things finally click between them? Instant fireworks. The chemistry is undeniable, and once they lean into that connection, it’s intense in the best way.
This one had the perfect mix of tension, surprises, and that found-family feeling that makes Indigo Hill so special. I loved every second of it.
April 3, 2026
3 ⭐️
Thank you to the authors, Alise Monroe, for a digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts are my own.
And For Us is the third installment in the Ripple Effect series, which is composed by interconnected standalones and its genre is contemporary romance.
This book tells the story of Ripley and Seth, who have been on and off in a very casual (and long-distance) relationship, without revealing much of their personal lives, to keep it strictly casual. Without spoiling too much, suddenly they both end up tangled into organizing their best friends’ wedding and are forced to spend a lot of time together.
My thoughts about this book are bittersweet. I love the way Alise Monroe’s books are written, the prose is divine and I always finish their books so quickly because I just keep wanting to read more and more, and even though this book wasn’t different in terms of the prose, the characters just didn’t do it for me.
⚠️ Spoiler alert: I did not like Seth one bit, he was heartless and so mean towards Ripley. I could understand (to some extent) the decisions he made and where he was coming from, but there was no need for him to be so cruel. I did not like the third act break up one bit and the resolution also left me dissatisfied.
Nonetheless, I will absolutely continue to read the series and anything else that the authors write, and again this is not a bad book, I just didn’t resonate with the characters.
Thank you to the authors, Alise Monroe, for a digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts are my own.
And For Us is the third installment in the Ripple Effect series, which is composed by interconnected standalones and its genre is contemporary romance.
This book tells the story of Ripley and Seth, who have been on and off in a very casual (and long-distance) relationship, without revealing much of their personal lives, to keep it strictly casual. Without spoiling too much, suddenly they both end up tangled into organizing their best friends’ wedding and are forced to spend a lot of time together.
My thoughts about this book are bittersweet. I love the way Alise Monroe’s books are written, the prose is divine and I always finish their books so quickly because I just keep wanting to read more and more, and even though this book wasn’t different in terms of the prose, the characters just didn’t do it for me.
⚠️ Spoiler alert: I did not like Seth one bit, he was heartless and so mean towards Ripley. I could understand (to some extent) the decisions he made and where he was coming from, but there was no need for him to be so cruel. I did not like the third act break up one bit and the resolution also left me dissatisfied.
Nonetheless, I will absolutely continue to read the series and anything else that the authors write, and again this is not a bad book, I just didn’t resonate with the characters.
March 27, 2026
Seth and Ripley get all the stars, infinity stars 💫 this has cemented itself as my favourite book of the series so far.
Finding out that West was Seth? Perfection. These two are hopelessly obsessed with each other so they’ll have a pretty nice story ending happy right? Yeah… not likely… my heart and my emotions endured their ups and downs with tears and laughter.
While these boys had their share of obstacles, Seth had a few more hoops to dive through and boy was he resistant. He knew what he wanted but he couldn’t allow himself to have the future he deserved with the man he loved. Complicated feelings for Cary aside, Seth always had it bad for East but the way I squealed with delight when he finally realised he was enough, that he was at home and relaxed in Indigo Hill and that being with Ripley was a very real possibility. I’m so glad they didn’t give up on each other and that they fought for their love and their future together. Prepare for some angst though 😅
Ripley obviously was utter perfection, I have been hanging out for his story. He’s sassy and sarcastic, he’s successful at what he does and has a beautiful bunch of friends but he’s stuck watching his friends find love. He knows who he wants it to be and he puts himself out there but is pushed aside. Ripley is all fire when he first meets West and discovers he’s Seth, but throw in some forced proximity and Ripley discovers he’s in love with Seth just a smidge.. more than he thought. He’s ready to burn down Seth’s barriers and use the second chance he’s been given to convince him to stay, with him, with his friends, in a place that could be a real home.
I just adores these two, I think I will reread this over and over again forever. It was beautiful (and stressful 😅) and I loved every single page of it.
Finding out that West was Seth? Perfection. These two are hopelessly obsessed with each other so they’ll have a pretty nice story ending happy right? Yeah… not likely… my heart and my emotions endured their ups and downs with tears and laughter.
While these boys had their share of obstacles, Seth had a few more hoops to dive through and boy was he resistant. He knew what he wanted but he couldn’t allow himself to have the future he deserved with the man he loved. Complicated feelings for Cary aside, Seth always had it bad for East but the way I squealed with delight when he finally realised he was enough, that he was at home and relaxed in Indigo Hill and that being with Ripley was a very real possibility. I’m so glad they didn’t give up on each other and that they fought for their love and their future together. Prepare for some angst though 😅
Ripley obviously was utter perfection, I have been hanging out for his story. He’s sassy and sarcastic, he’s successful at what he does and has a beautiful bunch of friends but he’s stuck watching his friends find love. He knows who he wants it to be and he puts himself out there but is pushed aside. Ripley is all fire when he first meets West and discovers he’s Seth, but throw in some forced proximity and Ripley discovers he’s in love with Seth just a smidge.. more than he thought. He’s ready to burn down Seth’s barriers and use the second chance he’s been given to convince him to stay, with him, with his friends, in a place that could be a real home.
I just adores these two, I think I will reread this over and over again forever. It was beautiful (and stressful 😅) and I loved every single page of it.
March 29, 2026
I feel like I have been waiting for frickin ever for Ripley’s book. I must say that it was worth the wait! This is book 3 in the Ripple Effect series and can be read as a standalone, but honestly you are missing out if you aren’t reading this series!
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔: Quinn Ripley & Seth Cassidy
𝑺𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: Indigo Hill, South Carloina
Ripley is best friends with Thea from book 1 and I love that we still get to see their strong friendship. He has been having a yearly hookup with a mystery guy. With Thea and Cary’s wedding coming up, they have all the bridal party around and that is when Ripley discovers that his hookup is Seth, Cary’s best friend. Their situation ended a few months ago when feelings became more one sided so they aren’t exactly happy to see each other. But their chemistry is still there and the more they are thrown together, the harder it is to resist.
I loved Ripley and Seth. These two men could not be more opposite. Ripley is the chaos to Seth’s neat order. And the way they don’t just ignore it was really funny. I loved how Seth would tell Ripley about his shoes being all over and things that just made them so unique as a couple. There was a lot of back and forth while they figured out their feelings. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!
This is also my plea to PLLLLLEAAAASEEEEEEEEE let us get a book for Iris.
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔: Quinn Ripley & Seth Cassidy
𝑺𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: Indigo Hill, South Carloina
Ripley is best friends with Thea from book 1 and I love that we still get to see their strong friendship. He has been having a yearly hookup with a mystery guy. With Thea and Cary’s wedding coming up, they have all the bridal party around and that is when Ripley discovers that his hookup is Seth, Cary’s best friend. Their situation ended a few months ago when feelings became more one sided so they aren’t exactly happy to see each other. But their chemistry is still there and the more they are thrown together, the harder it is to resist.
I loved Ripley and Seth. These two men could not be more opposite. Ripley is the chaos to Seth’s neat order. And the way they don’t just ignore it was really funny. I loved how Seth would tell Ripley about his shoes being all over and things that just made them so unique as a couple. There was a lot of back and forth while they figured out their feelings. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!
This is also my plea to PLLLLLEAAAASEEEEEEEEE let us get a book for Iris.
April 11, 2026
ARC Review: 4.5⭐️
And for Us is book 3 in the Ripple Effect series featuring Seth Cassidy & Quinn ‘Ripley’.
Seth & Ripley met years ago at a Whiskey convention, spending the weekend together and now they meet up each year at the same convention. They text regularly but never gave each other their real names, going by East & West (the coasts they live on) instead.
Seth’s best friend Cary has returned to his hometown and is help to run his families business. Cary invites Seth to visit and help them put together plans for their B&B. When he gets to town he meets Cary’s fiancées best friend Ripley - who ends up being the East to his West.
Seth being in town comes with its challenges and he fumbles his chance with Ripley a few times due to his fear of coming out. Will he finally get the courage to come out and claim Ripley or will he fumble him for good ?
I have loved Ripley since we met him in book 1 and I was anxiously awaiting his story! Everyone on the street team had theories that Seth was West (insert murder board here) and we were right ! Although I wanted to throttle Seth a few times (sorry) I was so happy with how this story played out and the HEA they got in the end !
Thank you Alise Monroe for the opportunity to ARC read this wonderful story, I can’t wait for more from this series!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy god, was that a book! The reading slump that will accompany this book is going to be rough but so worth it. I’ve been chasing the high of heated rivalry with the situationship vibes for a few months, and this not only scratched that itch, but now I think I’ll forever be jealous of people who get to read this for the first time. This book was so hot with the dominant vibes and little stolen moments.
The way these authors capture a broken boy masking his pain with humor is so beautiful I will never move on. Ripley's inner monologues not only made me chuckle but were so subtle that you start to see the cracks in his joyful facade. My heart just broke for that beautiful man who was so deserving of love. And don’t get me started on equally broken Seth. It takes these boys a hot moment to realize that they are deserving of love and boy do they put you through it. Fair warning Ripley (as expected) is a menace!
This book made me laugh, cry (a little more than I’m proud of), and just reaffirmed that these are autobuy authors for me. Again, I fear I am forever stuck in Indigo Hills.
5/5 stars 2.5/5 stars
Tropes:
Angst
MM romance
secret identity
secret hookups
forced proximity
flirty texts
hands on the tree
spicy bourbon tasting
The way these authors capture a broken boy masking his pain with humor is so beautiful I will never move on. Ripley's inner monologues not only made me chuckle but were so subtle that you start to see the cracks in his joyful facade. My heart just broke for that beautiful man who was so deserving of love. And don’t get me started on equally broken Seth. It takes these boys a hot moment to realize that they are deserving of love and boy do they put you through it. Fair warning Ripley (as expected) is a menace!
This book made me laugh, cry (a little more than I’m proud of), and just reaffirmed that these are autobuy authors for me. Again, I fear I am forever stuck in Indigo Hills.
5/5 stars 2.5/5 stars
Tropes:
Angst
MM romance
secret identity
secret hookups
forced proximity
flirty texts
hands on the tree
spicy bourbon tasting
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been salivating for Ripley’s story since his gay gasp came out in book one and the fact that his counterpart was going to be Seth, aka Cary’s BF who is so clearly in love with him, I knew I was going to eat this book up as soon as it was in my greedy hands!
That being said, Ripley and Seth have absolutely stolen my heart and are my numero uno couple in the Ripple Effect Series. The angst, the yearning, the longing are all just 🧑🍳💋
These two polar opposites, balance each other out perfectly. Seth prefers predictability, he likes control and routine which is very opposite of Ripley’s carefree and playful nature. They each have issues with their respective parents and both have lots of hurt to work through to get to their HEA.
It’s devastating that their backstories and internal struggles aren’t even that far from the reality same-sex couples face every day when their relationships are some of the most beautiful ones that are worthy of all the praise. Alise Monroe did a beautiful job creating this couple and nurturing their relationship. I could read 500 more pages of Ripley and Seth and it would never be enough! I need them married with children throwing their shoes in all the places but the shoe rack Seth bought and Ripley being the one to hunt them down.
Thank you to the co-authors for continuing to trust me to ARC read this amazing series! I can’t wait for my book trophy to arrive!
That being said, Ripley and Seth have absolutely stolen my heart and are my numero uno couple in the Ripple Effect Series. The angst, the yearning, the longing are all just 🧑🍳💋
These two polar opposites, balance each other out perfectly. Seth prefers predictability, he likes control and routine which is very opposite of Ripley’s carefree and playful nature. They each have issues with their respective parents and both have lots of hurt to work through to get to their HEA.
It’s devastating that their backstories and internal struggles aren’t even that far from the reality same-sex couples face every day when their relationships are some of the most beautiful ones that are worthy of all the praise. Alise Monroe did a beautiful job creating this couple and nurturing their relationship. I could read 500 more pages of Ripley and Seth and it would never be enough! I need them married with children throwing their shoes in all the places but the shoe rack Seth bought and Ripley being the one to hunt them down.
Thank you to the co-authors for continuing to trust me to ARC read this amazing series! I can’t wait for my book trophy to arrive!
March 29, 2026
I have been so excited for Ripleys book since we met him back in book one. As a part of Alise Monroe's street team we totally figured out who West was before the big reveal but we arent normal lol. I think as a reader it's exciting to have big reveals like this and a little mystery.
Needless to say when West's identity is revealed, Ripley spirals. Which totally fair when you are suddenly forced to work in close proximity to the person who broke your heart. They will be forced together over the span of a month and realize that just maybe they weren't on a different page after all.
We knew Ripley was sassy and hilarious but this book we get all of it and its amazing. I loved the banter between West and East. I also loved how between chapters there would be some of the text conversations the two had over the years as their relationship was largely a once a year meet up/one night stand that grew to be more.
While this could be read as a standalone I really think its better with the background of the previous two books. I cant wait to see whats next as we have been getting hints at book 4 for two books now. I love knowing the charcters at least in a mentioned kind of way before we get their story. It really adds to the build up.
Needless to say when West's identity is revealed, Ripley spirals. Which totally fair when you are suddenly forced to work in close proximity to the person who broke your heart. They will be forced together over the span of a month and realize that just maybe they weren't on a different page after all.
We knew Ripley was sassy and hilarious but this book we get all of it and its amazing. I loved the banter between West and East. I also loved how between chapters there would be some of the text conversations the two had over the years as their relationship was largely a once a year meet up/one night stand that grew to be more.
While this could be read as a standalone I really think its better with the background of the previous two books. I cant wait to see whats next as we have been getting hints at book 4 for two books now. I love knowing the charcters at least in a mentioned kind of way before we get their story. It really adds to the build up.
March 27, 2026
Ripley & Seth Had My Heart 🌟🌶️
Ripley and Seth, what can I say… they had my heart 💛 Their whole dynamic was just delightful and delicious, and the tension between them felt so real. I was completely pulled in by the story, the secret identity side of things to start off with, and the way their feelings developed for one another. It was just so enjoyable from start to finish. I laughed a lot, cried a little, and honestly could not put it down. The love between these two was just chef’s kiss
What I Loved About This Book
I just loved the way the characters were written in this one. Ripley and Seth together just yes!
Seth being broody, controlling, and so neat and on time, compared with golden retriever, glasses wearing, messy, bratty Ripley was such a perfect combination. They balanced each other so well, and every moment between them just worked. They also just had such great personalities and POVs that you feel emmersed into the story!
The tension
The tension was absolutely there and it made everything feel even better. You could really feel the pull between them, and it made their dynamic so fun to read
The emotional depth
I really loved the depth in this one. Watching the development between how they feel and what they have been told or experience by others around them was so heartfelt. It gave the story so much heart, and I really felt it 🥹
How it made me feel
This book had everything. I laughed a lot, cried a little, and was completely hooked. It was one of those reads that just sweeps you up and does not let go.
This book was funny, emotional, full of tension, and completely addictive 💕
March 23, 2026
And For Us by Alise Monroe has that kind of love story that sneaks up on you what starts as something casual and contained turns into something soft complicated and impossible to ignore. Ripley and Seth just fit even when they’re making things harder than they need to be.
Ripley completely had my heart he’s strong but still so open still willing to love even after getting hurt I loved that about him and Seth yeah he frustrated me a little at times but in a way that made me want to hug him more than anything. You could feel how much he cared even when he didn’t know how to handle or express it.
Seeing them thrown back together in Indigo Hill felt like fate stepping in and saying okay you two are not done yet. The tension was there but so was this underlying warmth that made every moment between them feel meaningful.
What I loved most is that beneath all the angst this story is really gentle it’s about choosing love even when it’s scary and letting yourself be seen.
It’s emotional sweet and full of heart a definite five star read. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Indigo Hill.
Ripley completely had my heart he’s strong but still so open still willing to love even after getting hurt I loved that about him and Seth yeah he frustrated me a little at times but in a way that made me want to hug him more than anything. You could feel how much he cared even when he didn’t know how to handle or express it.
Seeing them thrown back together in Indigo Hill felt like fate stepping in and saying okay you two are not done yet. The tension was there but so was this underlying warmth that made every moment between them feel meaningful.
What I loved most is that beneath all the angst this story is really gentle it’s about choosing love even when it’s scary and letting yourself be seen.
It’s emotional sweet and full of heart a definite five star read. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Indigo Hill.
March 29, 2026
And For Us is an honest, touching romance novel about two men who grow closer with each meeting—without even knowing each other’s names. The decision not to exchange names is intentional. Neither of them is in a place to commit, and the distance between them couldn’t be greater. So “East” and “West” continue to run into each other at a whiskey convention in Kentucky year after year.
It’s nice. It’s convenient. No strings attached. Perfect, right?
But as these two strangers continue to meet and share personal details of their lives, they grow closer despite the miles between them. Quinn Ripley (East) and Seth Cassidy (West) have far more in common than either of them realizes. And there’s something else they share…they’re falling in love.
This novel is simply a sweet, heartfelt love story between two men who truly care for each other and are doing their best in a complicated world—especially when one of them is still very much in the closet.
I loved this novel and may or may not have shed a tear. Okay, okay…I did. I absolutely did. It was just so honest and tender. I just love, love—plain and simple—and this story truly touched my heart.
Thank you to Alise Monroe for the ARC. It was truly an honor to read such a deeply moving novel.
It’s nice. It’s convenient. No strings attached. Perfect, right?
But as these two strangers continue to meet and share personal details of their lives, they grow closer despite the miles between them. Quinn Ripley (East) and Seth Cassidy (West) have far more in common than either of them realizes. And there’s something else they share…they’re falling in love.
This novel is simply a sweet, heartfelt love story between two men who truly care for each other and are doing their best in a complicated world—especially when one of them is still very much in the closet.
I loved this novel and may or may not have shed a tear. Okay, okay…I did. I absolutely did. It was just so honest and tender. I just love, love—plain and simple—and this story truly touched my heart.
Thank you to Alise Monroe for the ARC. It was truly an honor to read such a deeply moving novel.
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