Loving You: Words We Never Said, Book 4

Words We Never Said #4

by E.M. Lindsey, Kirt Graves (Narrator)

"How petty would I be if I brought a boyfriend home to meet my dad, who was almost the same age as him?"

Bronx doesn't mind being used as a pawn in the hot lawyer's plan to piss off his father. After all, he probably would have done the same thing if his dad had introduced him to a new step-mom who was barely six months older than him.

And it helps that Monty is not only ridiculously good-looking, but he's smart, kind, and has an accent that makes Bronx weak in the knees. He's also an amazing distraction from the fact that Bronx's husband up and left him and his son without warning, turning their lives upside down.

But what starts as the game quickly becomes something else, because as much as Bronx was sure he had no more heart to give, Monty turns out to be everything he had once looked for in a partner.

It's too bad Monty isn't interested...

Right?

Yeah.

He's definitely not interested.

Loving You is the fourth book in the single dad's series, Words We Never Said. It features a fake relationship to reach epic levels of petty, a young lawyer, an older, tired veterinarian who thinks animals are almost always better than people, a meddling teenager trying to play matchmaker, and two men who can't see what the universe is offering them on a silver platter. It's a high heat, high swoon, age-gap romance to make your heart flutter and toes curl.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Found Family, Disability, LGBT, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published July 8, 2025

About the author

E.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.

EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.

Reviews

[Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just want to note that the blurb is quite misleading. The scene where Monty brings an older man(Bronx) to a family dinner because he’s ”petty” and doesn’t approve of his father’s behaviour around his new wife (who’s 6 months older than Monty) is 70% into the book. Monty and Bronx are in love with each other at this point and just haven’t confessed their feelings or talked anything through. This was at no point giving fake dating

- Single dad (17y old son, blind and autistic)
- Disability rep (mmc)
- Strict top/bottom
- Insta lust/like
- Found family
- Age gap
- Friends with benefits
- Third pov

I didn’t get what I expected but it wasn’t bad. This series is entertaining and fun with mediocre writing (and shitty parents everywhere you look, not the mc’s ofc). If you’re looking for a quick, sweet and fast paced read, just something to take your mind of things, I’d consider this series.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘sparky’ absolutely did not do it for me but bronx for sure made up for it in other ways lol.

& in true em lindsey fashion, i’ll be patiently waiting lucas/gage/mark/food truck/restaurant situations later on if they choose to do so 🙂

[Notagingerninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Audiobook 🎧
Narrator: Kirt Graves

- Found family
- Blind child rep
- Cataplexy rep
- Found family
- Age gap

Book four in the Words We Never Said series.

Bronx is a single divorced dad, with a 17yr old son who is blind. Monty is the hot, young family law lawyer who isn’t looking for anything serious (yeah right).

Bronx moves to town with his son after a messy divorce, to be closer to family and to help his brother Dallas with his daughter. Dallas invites him to dinner with his Husband and lawyer friend Monty. Bronx and Monty get familiar after dinner, but both vow to keep things casual, blah blah.

Fun read
HEA

Side note; I have enjoyed all 4 books so far, but they are starting to feel a lot like copy and paste, with the Insta love and perfect found family. I endeavour to read Adele’s book “Chasing You” but I’m going to have to circle back at a later date.

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
This series is simply amazing, I loved all the stories and all the characters involved.
This 4th book did not disappoint: after getting to know Bronx in his brother Dallas' story, Finding You, I immediately craved an HEA for him too because of what his shitty husband did to him and to their son, Lucas. In the previous book, it was also introduced the other MC, Monty (Dallas' lawyer and Kylen's friend).
Monty has a rare condition that makes him faint and collapse without warning and, because of that, he has given up to find a partner, even if he would love to have someone who supports and cherish him.

Monty and Bronx meet through their mutual friends/relatives and hit it off immediatley, but since neither of them is willing for more, they agree on a friends with benefits arrangement.
We all know how these kind of things end in MM romance and obviously there was never anything casual between them: their chemistry in bed is amazing, Monty feels finally adored and Bronx loves praising him.
But their connection goes beyond the bedroom and they find themeselves closer and closer every time they're together.

Moreover, their relationship starts involving Lucas too: the young man is trying to adjust to his new home and friends and he also just started to mend his relationship with his father; there are a lot of things they had to talk through regarding his blindness and all the mistakes Bronx did because he wanted to shield Lucas from his asshole other parent.
Monty was so good with Lucas and the boy felt a deep affection for him too.

The Single Dad are here, supportive and loving as ever. I adored seeing them treating Bronx like their own friends, not like just Dallas' brother.
The next book will finally, finally!, be about Adele and his best friend and I literally cannot wait for it.

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

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, hurt / comfort, found family

Loving You was an emotional, sweet and swoony romance, full of praise, hurt / comfort and the best found family vibes!

Monty and Bronx - the pairing I didn't see coming and didn't know I needed, but how I adored these two! There was a lot of tenderness and swoon in their story, and they were both characters that were easy to feel for and root for. Neither of them were looking for long-term or love, but we all know how these things tend to go...

It took a bit of time and some help from a meddling teenager before they got there though, but I loved every moment with Monty and Bronx. Their chemistry was fantastic and there were some steamy scenes in this one, with some praise and a lot of edging going on. The way they understood each other and just clicked was perfection.

E.M. Lindsey had me tearing up several times while reading - this story tugged hard on my heartstrings and it was a beautiful and emotional read. Both Monty and Bronx had been through a lot, and were still dealing with some of it when they met. They were very supportive and protective of each other, which made my heart swoon. I also loved seeing Monty and Lucas interact, and the way Monty made sure Lucas was included and had what he needed was everything.

Loving You was an amazing read that I couldn't put down - I just love seeing these single dads find their HEAs and a safe space to land with this found family. I'm beyond excited for Adele's story, and I think I'm prepared for all the pining and feels... If you're looking for single dads with some fantastic found family and diversity, you'll love this series!

-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[J.E. Benoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bronx was a protector. He couldn’t help that, and maybe for the first time in his life, he had someone who wanted to be protected.

This was such a sweet story! After meeting Bronx and Monty in the previous book in the series, I’ve been looking forward to their story and it did not disappoint. Both men were so lost and lonely - Bronx was dealing with the aftermath of his marriage ending and Monty was dealing with a recent diagnosis that completely altered his life as well as his awful father. They hit it off immediately when they met, though, and I loved how quickly they gave in to the attraction. There was no slow burn here! These two were highly compatible in the bedroom and it was very hot. But more than that, they were such a good match for one another. They were both so supportive and understanding and even if they held off on labeling anything, they fell hard and fast. But I believed it and I enjoyed it.

I loved seeing Bronx find his place in the dad’s group. This series has such a great found family and it’s no surprise these guys easily welcomed Bronx into the fold. But poor Bronx still felt like an interloper for much of the book. I got a little emotional when he finally realized these guys had his back too. I also absolutely loved Bronx’s teenage son, Lucas. He stole the show whenever he was in a scene. My heart would break for the kid one second and then the next I’d be laughing at some smart-ass comment he’d make. He was such a great character and he and Bronx ended up having a really special relationship.

Monty’s journey was good too. His father was awful and I felt bad for Monty for having to deal with all that. But I loved how Bronx stepped in and helped him. The fake dating wasn’t a huge focus in the book (despite what the blurb might suggest) but every scene that came from it was brilliant. This book was sweet, swoony, hot, funny, and emotional - I had a hard time putting it down! And I’m so excited to see who the next book will be about, I’ve been waiting for that story ever since I finished the very first book in the series!

“You helped me feel like I could be brave and still be protected if something happened.”
“You will always be protected while I’m around. For as long as you want me.”

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“You’ve been more than I’ve ever been brave enough to hope for. I told you I didn’t want more than what we had, but that very quickly became a lie. I’ve fallen for you.”

Mini-Blurb: Monty and Bronx start off as friends with benefits but one day Monty’s dad catches him and they pretend to be fake dating to piss him off. But what happens when they fall in love in the process?

I am always a fan of a sweet romance that takes you when you least expecting it and helps your previous wounds feel less tender and helps you heal and this was exactly what this book was and it was lovely. This book was just so tender and romantic and I loved reading about their love.

They had such open communication between them and they didn’t hide any of their feelings or let the other in the dark about their thought process and it was so good. Bronx and Monty agreed on a friends with benefits situation cause they both didn’t think that they were ready for more, but as soon as feelings grew, they kept an open communication with each other and explored their feelings together. And this just worked for me so well. I loved how they didn’t try to hide their big feelings or pushed the other away to hide behind the friends with benefits title. I was so obsessed with how they always communicated about their feelings as they grew and how they always supported each other no matter what.

I also adore how safe they always felt with each other. They had just such a good connection and I loved them together so much. They always offered each other so many comforting touches and quiet support and it was so perfect to me.

[Sara Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww....I loved Monty and Bronx together ❤️ We also see more of Lucas (Bronx's blind son) in this story. His snarky comments/combacks make me laugh so hard.

Spoilers:

Bronx met Monty though Dallas and Kylen(previous story). They convinced Bronx to have dinner with them to save their friend from being a third wheel.
An emergency pulls Dallas and Ky away from dinner leaving Monty and Bronx to continue. It was an instant attraction that lead back to Monty's place.

Both MCs are dealing with personal issues so they agree to exclusive🥵 sex only. ....or not 🤣🤣 they break those rules immediately breakfast, causal kissing, cuddles.

Monty is dealing with and unknown illness where he faints and his homophobic prick of a father who tries to run his life. When his father shows up unexpected insulting Monty, Bronx steps in and introduces himself as the boyfriend.

Bronx is recently divorced. His ex of 18 years never wanted a disabled child and finally packed up and left. He makes a few appearances but doesnt stand a chance because Monty and gang are there for Bronx.

***I love how Bronx embraces Monty's illness and doesn't treat him any differently. There is one scene where Monty passes out during sex and Bronx is respectful of his body. He slows his pace to a stop and hold Monty until he wakes.

**There is some angst and matchmaking teens.

**I love the dad club but I did appreciate that we weren't bombarded with so many characters.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two are a good combination but the good lawyer’s family was absolutely cuckoo-beans. The way Bronx and Monty came together and how they took care of each other was delicious. Bronx’s kid was fun and a ray of light to each scene. I really am enjoying this series.

[Caroline Forrester · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Lyn Solomon-Linville · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an ARC read for me. Thank you E.M.Lindsey. These are my words. E M. has a way of making the men in their stories so real. I started with their Irons and Works series and other books and now this,Words We Never Said series and I want to sit down with each and every man and just hang out. They have all been through it either with the pain of their disabilities(like Monty in this one with cataplexia or Bronx with his son's blindness and autism and his ex who is a real dick) and they all find the strength through their relationship and found family to be okay. It will continue to be the reason I will read everything they write.

[Maria]

FREE today (July 21, 2025) on Amazon.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading Dallas’ book my heart broke for Bronx. I could not fathom the pain he or Lucas were put through by his ex, so I was beyond happy to know his book was next in the series because that family deserved their HEA. I will say I was a little hesitant even though I was excited for this book because the fake- relationship storyline portrayed in the blurb is not one I particularly care for. However this book really wasn’t that and I am glad I didn’t let my bias prevent me from reading Bronx and Monty’s story.

This was a beautiful book full of healing for all parties and overcoming obstacles they didn’t foresee occurring in their lives. Bronx never saw Jules abandoning him or their son and was left to not only pick up the pieces from a life he once imagined, but he also had to heal the pieces that his choices created in their family. There was a lot of grief in the book not from the lost of his marriage, but of the loss of time with his son and creating the life he had truly wanted with a carrying and loving partner. There was also the grief that Monty had to overcome due to his health and from choosing himself over his family. Watching these two come together to support each other in their times of crisis while also seeing their own journeys play out was amazing.

Also as much as I adored watching Bronx and Monty fall in love, it was even more beautiful to watch their relationship evolve and help Lucas heal. Seeing them come together and overcome their insecurities and feelings was simply wonderful.

[Ren Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really not sure how to rate this one…there were moments when it was really sweet, and I loved how sassy Lucas was, but then it was all over the place as well.

Bronx and Monty meet when they go out for dinner with Dallas and Kylen, Bronxs brother and partner. But before they can order their food Dallas gets a call from his ex saying their daughter has been injured and is in hospital so they leave, leaving Bronx and Monty to have dinner by themselves. The next day, Dallas’s daughter is there, uninjured and nobody ever mentions it again?!

Their ages are also very vague, Bronx is called an ‘old man’ several times jokingly, and the whole set up of them fake dating (which also never really happened) was so that Monty could take someone close to his dads age to dinner to piss him off. Monty is the youngest of his siblings, the next youngest being 20 years older…even if Monty is mid 20s, that would make his dad in his mid/late 60s at the very least. Bronx is definitely not intended to be that old from everything we know about him.

Overall it was okay, it had its moments and I loved the found family element of the series but this one just didn’t do it for me

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but it's just missing something.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miscommunication trope again almost ruined this for me, but I was too obsessed with Monty to really hate it. I’m also 👀 at all of EM Lindsey’s socials waiting for Lucas to get his own book.

[Katriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I say this whenever I write a review for this author's books, but I absolutely LOVE E.M. Lindsey's writing. I just love the way the words flow on page, how the characters are so realistic and raw. How it isn't always happily ever after right away, I like that the characters can develop separately while also having their romantic relationship progress as well. I adore slow-burners that are done well, and EM is one of the best at (in my opinion) writing not just good slow-burn stories, but phenomenal stories in general.

I never could have predicted that the man Bronx ended up with was going to be Monty, that was a complete surprise but a very pleasant one. These two men are so easy to fall for and to cheer on. Both of these men have been hurt in their past, and continue to be hurt by others in their present. Little by little though, with the help from each other and their found family they realize they don't need those hurtful people in their lives any longer.

I was upset for Bronx when his ex left him and Lucas the way he did, but I was more heartbroken for Lucas. I do like how Lucas kept insisting how that despicable man was never his father and never will be. They may share DNA but that alone doesn't make someone family. Monty's dad made me unbelievably frustrated, I despise him so much. In my opinion there are multiple villains in this story, and those are Monty's dad, (and his siblings,) along with Bronx's ex. As much as I disliked those characters, I know that these two might not have ever met if it wasn't because of those who hurt them.

This story was absolutely beautiful and I loved every minute of it. Bronx and Monty have both been through so much pain in their life due to others, and I'm so happy they got their hard won happily ever after. Another thing I love about this author's writing is how much attention to detail they put into writing about different disabilities/medical conditions. They make sure it's as accurate was possible which makes it more believable and even more realistic.
One of my favorite tropes to read about is Found Family, and this series in particular really showcases that beautifully. All of the single dad's really rally around one another and support each other any way they can. I adore how all of those men accepted Lucas and Bronx and pulled them right into the family they created.

My favorite part of this story was how prominent Lucas's character is throughout the story. I don't think I've ever been more attached to a fictional teenager before, I just want to know more about him. I loved how he played matchmaker and was so determined for his dad and Monty to be together so they could make each other happy. That was so sweet! I'm excited that he's eventually getting his own story, I can't wait!!

I'm also looking forward to Adele's book, I'm curious about how his and Kash's story is going to unravel. While this book is the fourth in the series they can be read as standalones. However, you'll get full enjoyment if you read them all in order.

In this book you will find some of the following tropes; Hurt/Comfort, Age gap, Found Family.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

E. M. Lindsey's storytelling always puts a smile on my face, and I especially love the community they've built throughout this series of single-dad romances. Bronx and Monty's journey was a lighthearted romance with an impactful storyline, and I fell head over heels for both men shortly after meeting them. Both Monty and Bronx were a bit disillusioned by sweeping romances and happily ever afters, and after meeting Monty's father and Bronx's ex I absolutely understood why. It broke my heart that they'd both convinced themselves love wasn't meant for them, but it was also wonderful to see them find each other and realize that everything they'd been missing was right in front of them.

Based on the blurb I was expecting this book to read like a fake-relationship-turned-real romance, but that was such a small aspect of their journey and not even the reason they were initially interested in each other. Bronx and Monty were so freaking sweet together, and even in the beginning when they were strictly exploring their physical chemistry I could sense they had the potential for something special. Bronx loved being able to provide for his partner in and out of bed, and Monty could hardly believe he'd found someone who understood him and didn't get fazed by his medical condition. I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other better, and with their shared friend group there were plenty of opportunities to reconnect with Kylen, Dallas, and the rest of the single dads. Lucas, Bronx's teenage son, might be my new favorite character of the entire series, and he had a significant role in Bronx's journey as they rebuilt their father/son relationship after the divorce. For two men who didn't have any intentions of getting into a serious relationship, Monty and Bronx sure did progress naturally into a deeper and more emotional connection. Sure, they had their little ups and downs as they got to know each other's routines, but everything between them felt so right that it felt inevitable for them to eventually realize they were in love. Everything about this story flowed naturally for me--the pacing of the romance, the progression of each MC's lives, the interactions they had with friends and family, and even the conflicts that popped up with people from their pasts. I found it easy to stay engaged and invested in both Bronx's and Monty's storylines, and I was very satisfied by the resolution they each got and the romance that brought them together.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[purely.romantic · Rating 5 out of 5]

CWs and CNs at the end.

EM Lindsey is back with yet another stellar book in this amazing series, this time focusing on two characters we met in the previous book, Dallas’s brother, Bronx as well as the lawyer who helps them all out, Monty. Much like the rest of the series, this one also deals with the simultaneous simplicity and complexity of our characters’ big feelings, and is full of that signature EM Lindsey swoon!

Having heard of Bronx’s terrible divorce in the previous book, in this one we finally see the real ugliness of it as he deals with the final arrangements before he can put his moron of an ex behind him. What I really loved about Bronx was how good of a dad he tries to be. And while he wrestles with some complicated feelings about how his previous relationship affected Lucas, he tries so hard to give his teen son a fresh start in a community that embraces them so easily. Monty was also such an interesting character. In the face of a truly terrible family dynamic, I so admired his gumption to pursue the kind of life and career he has always wanted to have. I think what I loved about both of them was how easily they fell into each other’s arms and lives and were unafraid to explore what they were feeling despite having been severely let down by people who should have loved them. I loved how the fake-boyfriend trope was used in this story and watching Bronx go to bat for Monty in the most Cringe Family Dinner in history was so very swoony. Bronx doesn’t even think twice about defending Monty to the fullest even before they were fully committed to each other, and similarly I was so weepy at how Monty needed little encouragement to show up for both Bronx and Lucas. Watching them become this sweet little family was one of the highlights of the book and I just loved seeing these relationships evolve.

An absolute 5 star read, just like the others in this series and I’m so excited for Adele’s book next!

CWs: Mentions of past child neglect, emotional manipulation and verbal abuse (not between MCs), ableism; divorce and mentions of cheating (not between MCs).

CNs: This is the fourth book in the Words We Never Said series and can be read as a stand alone. It features an age-gap relationship and includes the fake boyfriend trope. One MC is a divorced single dad and the other deals with cataplexy that shows up in the book. This is a high heat novel with several on-page sex scenes. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[GreenwingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I read in the Words We Never Said series (I missed the third one's release, but will be going back to read it). I love this series so much! And I can report that this one (and the others) can be read as a standalone, but it is more enjoyable when you read them in order and can get all the backstories.

A few things EM always does well: disability rep, found family, evil exes, cute and sassy kids, and swoony romance. This book as all of that and then some!

Monty is a very sweet lawyer despite having been raised by a controlling narcissist and he's dealing with an often frustrating disorder that isn't fully understood. Bronx is the older brother of the third book's MC and a veterinarian. He is fresh from a nasty divorce to the king of the horrible exes and is the father to a blind 17 year old son, Lucas. Honestly, Lucas made this story shine. I think nearly all my laugh out loud reactions came from his antics and sense of humor.

The story is about two men who never thought they'd find romantic happiness falling in love despite their best intentions. They are very sweet together. I would have liked to see more time on page spent between Monty and Lucas, as well as all three together. Monty and Lucas seem to develop a really special bond quickly, but we don't get to see them interact much. I just assumed it happened off page. When we do see them together, and with Bronx, those scenes are beautiful.

EM doesn't leave us hanging in any respect, as everyone gets their karma (some more satisfying than others), and we get a little tease at Adele's book, which will be next. I'm so glad they have also promised that Lucas will get a book in the future because I have never been so attached to a fictional teenager.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bronx was a protector. He couldn’t help that, and maybe for the first time in his life, he had someone who wanted to be protected.

This was so cute!!! This series has taken me on such a ride because i originally dnf'd book 1 but absolutely adored book 5 and now this one so im going to reread book 1 because maybe i was just in a weird slump????

Anyway, absolutely loved Monty and Bronx. They worked so well together, I loved the little "in your face" moment Monty had with his dad, and I loved seeing him stand up for himself. I also liked that his condition wasn't the sole focus of the story, it was still very much part of him but it was written so casually like it was evident it didn't hold him back from having a full life and the things he couldn't do anymore, he found ways to still be able to enjoy it.

I liked Bronx and Lucas' relationship. I think it was healing in a way for Bronx to have Lucas be so straightforward about his own feelings because it helped to prove to Bronx he was doing his best and Lucas wanted to be with him, and that the only dad that mattered to him was Bronx.

I liked how when both Monty and Bronx realized they had shifted into having feelings and it was no longer casual it only took 1 chapter or so for them to confess. They knew what they wanted and they were both willing to tell each other in hopes the other felt the same.

Their love story really was a new beginning for both of them - they found each other at the perfect time. Also the spice was just great. Half the time the scene started in the middle of them already going at it lol and honestly it worked.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bronx & Monty

Monty is an sadly unfortunate outcast in his family. And the difficulties with his health did not make his situation any easier. I really do not enjoy any of the interactions with Monty's father. He's super inattentive and quite evil with his ministrations. Monty never deserved that kind of treatment, and quite frankly neither did the rest of his family, even if their father was the main issue. It was nice to see some improvement on that of Monty's brothers by the end, if barely anything.

Bronx is a wonderfully sweet and sexy character. He was a fun addition to Dallas and Kylen's story in the last book, and it was incredible to get to watch him walk down the same loving road. They never really cover the actual age gap between Monty & Bronx, but their attitudes throughout the book show that their ages has never mattered to them. It's simply cause for some jokes here or there among the other adults or teens (especially the teens).

I loved how quickly accepting Bronx's son, Lucas, is of Monty and of his relationship with Bronx. I also really loved watching how much closer Bronx and Lucas had become by the end of the book. Lucas' anger and disappointment at Jules (the ex-father) could have kept him from forming a better relationship with his loving father, and I'm so happy that Bronx was able to be there for him. The remaining crew of friends and found family that Bronx and Monty have is incredibly beautiful. This team of men and their children are fantastic and so much fun together.

I loved everything about Loving You in the Words We Never Said series. I know this series will easily be a re-read in the future.

I am on the edge of my seat and excited for Adele & Kash's story next! Adele has been a rock for all of the MCs to this point and he absolutely deserves his HEA>.

I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Yes Yes !!

I have absolutely been loving this whole series but his is definitely one of my favorites. Monty and Bronx are another failed boyfriends pair but it is so worth it once again. Bronx is freshly divorced from a d bag canoe and he has his 17 year old son who is blind. Yes, this is another horrible partner/ parent alert and this one is as punchable as the growing list of others. But we are provided with two men who are anti love based on their life experiences and their family life. However these two men SEE each other in all facets of their life. They bring out the best in one another and even help each other explore hidden parts that they never knew existed or craved. We get to also see glimpses of past hurt and moving beyond past and things that are now out of our control. We watch forgiveness and walls come down to adulthood and companionship. We also see glimpses of future love on the horizon and I am (im)patiently waiting for Adele and Kash. Luke, Monty and Bronx are a great team and being able to see how Luke embraced him as a friend's then a parental figure is something we don't get in the stories with the littles to the same extent. This is one you don't want to miss but I highly encourage reading in order.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Loving You is the fourth book in E.M. Lindsey’s excellent Words We Never Said series and I think it is my favorite one so far. The books interconnect through the strong found family aspect and I adore this group of single dads and their new loves. Each individual couple’s journey stands alone, but the side characters appear in each other’s stories. This book also ties most closely with Finding You, which is Dallas and Kylen’s story. We meet both Monty and Bronx there, as well as learn a little background on the brothers and other elements that play out here, so I think reading that one first will make this one a richer experience. But honestly, these are so good, I’d start at the beginning with Knowing You.

This series is such a great combination of emotionally resonant, high heat, and great character building. I also just adore the found family. Honestly, if you are new (or new-ish) to Lindsey’s work, this series is a great one to try.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age gap romance

I loved Bronx and Monty. Meeting both of them in Finding You (Bronx's brother Dallas' book) made me want them both to find love so when E.M. very neatly put them together, I couldn't have been happier for them.
The main angst in their story was not between themselves but came courtesy of Bronx's absolute bastard of an ex and Monty's appallingly shitty dad.
The absolute joy that was Lucas made their story for me. Bronx's son was fun and funny, while being a typical teenager with lots of sass but an awful lot of heart and incredible strength. E.M.'s disability rep always tugs at my heartstrings, not because it's mawkish but because they show their characters as strong individuals who also have their vulnerable side, just as we all do.
My main problem was this was an age gap romance, and the age gap was mentioned a few times but we never learnt how old either of them was. It was impossible to work out and it affected my ability to properly picture them, which was incredibly frustrating.
I'm so glad Adele's book is next. He certainly deserves to find his own happiness.

[Drew H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can confidently say this was my favorite book in the series so far, Monty and his cataplexy was an interesting read in a good way, and I loved Bronx and Gage's development both as individual characters and together, the start of rebuilding their parental bond was super wholesome. I can also confidently say that even though this is earlier in the series than it usually happens, but with the added disabilities of at least one member of every couple because it's E.M. Lindsey, I'm hitting my wall of disbelief a little sooner than usual. Like not EVERYONE can be queer AND disabled. Everyone??? All of them??? I know I need to buckle up because I literally just hit the halfway point, and I also know that I can't stop yet because the next book is lifelong best friends who have already been functionally in a committed partnership for decades suddenly getting confused when sex gets involved, and those bore me, so I know if I don't keep going and leave that as the pickup point when I want to return to it, I'll never return.

[Hollyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5


Tropes:
🏷️Friends to Lovers
🏷️Friends with Benefits to Lovers
🏷️Single Dad
🏷️Fake Relationship
🏷️Age Gap


My Review:
I loved Bronx and Monty! They were so good together. Bronx was a dad to Lucas and struggling with how he failed him and dealing with how long he stayed in a bad marriage. Monty had a horrible father and was scared he would become him so he didn’t usually do serious. I love the friendship they form that becomes more. They were both in a place where they needed each other and low stress and low key way they started. I liked that Monty who was younger made Bronx feel desirable and attractive which he hadn’t felt in awhile, and Monty needed someone who was calm when his disorder took place and he passed out and didn’t think less of him for it. I like them together. I also enjoyed the relationship Lucas and Monty formed. Lucas needed another father figure that was better than Jules and Monty was good with him. You do see this more in Lucas’s book, but still you’re seeing it down. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say, I love this series! Such a sense of kin and found family, "real" kids - warts and all, disabilities and illnesses not magically cured, basically gritty, tender, poignant lives. We met Bronx, Dallas's brother (tired, divorced, older single father) and Monty, Kylen's friend (tired, struggling with a life changing diagnosis, jerkface father, attorney) in Dallas and Kylen's story. Neither think they are ready for anything but slowly realize they are ready for each other. They give each other the strength to make through the struggles each are facing. Gosh, I do not like the ex- or the father but I love their comeuppance. In the case of the ex-, Single Dads to the rescue, so good! Which means we get the various S.D.'s popping in and out, love it. So it can be read as a standalone but really reading the other three will make reading this one so much better. And E. gives us the best opening lines! Oh and E. has also shared that Lucas will be getting his own book!!

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monty and Bronx - perfect together

Monty and Bronx are perfect for each other, they are both dealing with the challenges life has thrown their way to the best of their abilities and when they meet, their is an instant connection, but neither feel they are in a place for something serious, however matters evolve over time...

Loving You could easily be read as a standalone, but it does include couples from the first three books and reading them all, and in order gives a much richer reading experience.

I love what E.M Lindsey writes, I have enjoyed every book of theirs that I have read to date, and Loving You is no exception. They write such beautiful, emotional stories, dealing with difficult situations, with strong friendships and  supporting characters (whom usually have their own books too), the stories flow and have such realism.

I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsey is a master at seeding a series with secondary characters in such a way that you can't help but be excited for their story. Bronx and Monty don't necessarily "fit" on the surface, nor does either man feel like a relationship fits into their life, which explains their initial friends-with-benefits arrangement. However, the chemistry between them is off the charts, and it's utterly unsurprising that such good men can't help but develop feelings for each other. I appreciated that the angst over this change isn't overwrought, especially as Lindsey also intertwines it well into the external conflicts of Bronx and Monty's lives. Bonus points for the meddling teenager who is a well-developed character in his own right, not merely just a plot device. And, of course, I'm already anxious to read what comes next because of how well Lindsey has already set the scene for the next romance to unfold.

Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.