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Damaged Hearts #2
Bone Deep
SPENCER STARK
I have three rules.
No kissing.
No sleepovers.
And absolutely, positively no catching feelings.
The rules exist for a reason. I don’t do relationships, I don’t do attachments, and I definitely don’t do straight men looking to take a walk on the wild side.
Cue Ryan Buterbaugh walking into my life. A hot, relentless, slutty short-wearing golden retriever of a man that's entirely too good at getting under my skin.
He’s everything I avoid. And worst of all? He doesn’t scare off. No matter how many lines I draw, he keeps stepping closer—completely unaware or simply not afraid of what will happen if I let him in.
But I know better. I should have known better. Because the second I start breaking my rules for him, I don’t know if I can survive it.
What I do know for certain…if anyone hurts him, I will end them.
–––––
RYAN “BUTTERS” BUTERBAUGH
From the outside, my life is one most men would dream of.
America’s number one quarterback with two championship rings. Senator’s son. A respected family dripping in old money.
I’m the guy who always says the right thing, does the right thing, is the right thing.
But behind the scenes? I’m hiding my true identity.
I’ve managed to keep it separate. Anonymous. No strings. No complications. Because no one can know.
It works.
Until Spencer Stark.
He doesn’t care who I am. Doesn’t want anything from me. Keeps me at arm’s length with rules that should align with my own—except I don’t want to follow them.
I told myself I could handle it. That I could be near him without revealing too much. But the more he pushes me away, the more I want in.
And for the first time…I couldn’t care less if my whole life implodes.
As long as I can have him.
I have three rules.
No kissing.
No sleepovers.
And absolutely, positively no catching feelings.
The rules exist for a reason. I don’t do relationships, I don’t do attachments, and I definitely don’t do straight men looking to take a walk on the wild side.
Cue Ryan Buterbaugh walking into my life. A hot, relentless, slutty short-wearing golden retriever of a man that's entirely too good at getting under my skin.
He’s everything I avoid. And worst of all? He doesn’t scare off. No matter how many lines I draw, he keeps stepping closer—completely unaware or simply not afraid of what will happen if I let him in.
But I know better. I should have known better. Because the second I start breaking my rules for him, I don’t know if I can survive it.
What I do know for certain…if anyone hurts him, I will end them.
–––––
RYAN “BUTTERS” BUTERBAUGH
From the outside, my life is one most men would dream of.
America’s number one quarterback with two championship rings. Senator’s son. A respected family dripping in old money.
I’m the guy who always says the right thing, does the right thing, is the right thing.
But behind the scenes? I’m hiding my true identity.
I’ve managed to keep it separate. Anonymous. No strings. No complications. Because no one can know.
It works.
Until Spencer Stark.
He doesn’t care who I am. Doesn’t want anything from me. Keeps me at arm’s length with rules that should align with my own—except I don’t want to follow them.
I told myself I could handle it. That I could be near him without revealing too much. But the more he pushes me away, the more I want in.
And for the first time…I couldn’t care less if my whole life implodes.
As long as I can have him.
552 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
June 19, 2026
Omg the way that I loved this book!!! This one gave me everything that I needed.
Butter, the man that you are, I absolutely adore you! Spence, the daddy that you are, watching your growth was beautiful!!!
Seeing Ant and Chance again made my heart so happy, they were my first love!
Also, I always love when the supporting women in stories are funny AF and strong AF!
Can’t forget about F-Bomb, I don’t even like cats, but he was cool as hell too 😂😂😂
Butter, the man that you are, I absolutely adore you! Spence, the daddy that you are, watching your growth was beautiful!!!
Seeing Ant and Chance again made my heart so happy, they were my first love!
Also, I always love when the supporting women in stories are funny AF and strong AF!
Can’t forget about F-Bomb, I don’t even like cats, but he was cool as hell too 😂😂😂
June 18, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
After loving Butters, Ryan, as a side character in the first book, I was excited for him to get his own book! He’s so chaotic.
This book immediately has the heavy backstories again. I really appreciated how much more the author explored the characters trauma in this book compared to the last one. It had a much stronger plot with much more tension between these characters.
I love that Ryan is a jock who bakes. The fact he can casually make macarons, as someone who has failed at making them multiple times. I'm starting to think the author must really love cooking and baking.
Spencer and Ryan having the goal of giving back to queer youth so those kids don't have to suffer what they did was so special.
The found family aspect in this series is perfect. My favorite side character has to be Fucker, and he definitely earned that name.
There are still a few places that feel unnecessarily wordy, and some conflicts could have used more buildup, but this was a solid read. I actually enjoyed this one more than the first book, and I can clearly see the author's growth. This book has me locked in to the series to see where everyone’s stories go!
After loving Butters, Ryan, as a side character in the first book, I was excited for him to get his own book! He’s so chaotic.
This book immediately has the heavy backstories again. I really appreciated how much more the author explored the characters trauma in this book compared to the last one. It had a much stronger plot with much more tension between these characters.
I love that Ryan is a jock who bakes. The fact he can casually make macarons, as someone who has failed at making them multiple times. I'm starting to think the author must really love cooking and baking.
Spencer and Ryan having the goal of giving back to queer youth so those kids don't have to suffer what they did was so special.
The found family aspect in this series is perfect. My favorite side character has to be Fucker, and he definitely earned that name.
There are still a few places that feel unnecessarily wordy, and some conflicts could have used more buildup, but this was a solid read. I actually enjoyed this one more than the first book, and I can clearly see the author's growth. This book has me locked in to the series to see where everyone’s stories go!
June 27, 2026
I firmly believe that if every straight man on the planet got their prostate pegged at least once a month, the world would be a better-and significantly safer-place.
☝️That was, in all honesty, the only good line in the book. The rest was garbage.
There is one thing I can’t stand in romances: cringey language, unless context indicates intent.
Bone Deep was FULL OF CRINGE.
-A grown ass man saying “Coochie coochie goo” to his potential fuck buddy, and then tickling him - CRINGE
-Referring to a man’s breast as “tittie” - CRINGE
-Calling the guy “himbo” during sex - CRINGE
-Calling the guy “daddy” during sex - CRINGE (in other context I don’t mind it, but there was no reason for Ryan to call Spencer "daddy").
-Having flamboyant gays saying “fabulous” and “gorgeous” all the time - CRINGE (and unoriginal)
Even if I chose to ignore all this, there are so many things wrong with this book.
When Ryan and Spencer meet and they start going to the gym together, I thought ok, let’s see how this develops, even though I was very willing to DNF at 20%
Imagine my surprise when on chapter 11, I am hit with this:
Six entire months I’ve been gym buddies with Ryan fucking Buterbaugh.
6 WHOLE MONTHS go by and we have no idea what happened between Ryan and Spencer during that time. We are only told they go to the gym together, that’s it. Not what they talk about, no banter or witty exchanges, no meaningful looks, nothing. You can’t just write a romance book and not show the actual romance. I was so shocked, I had to read it twice to make sure. Also, Ryan's constant sexual innuendos were crossing sooo many lines.
And that’s not all! After Spencer and Ryan first have sex, Joseph does it again:
It’s been nine months of fucking around with Spence.
9 WHOLE MONTHS during which we, again, have no idea what happened between Ryan and Spencer. They had sex a lot sure, but what else? Didn’t they speak, talk to each other, anything? I’ve never seen a romantic relationship develop this badly, it was so weird. You can't completely bypass the first 15 months of a relationship and expect me to buy that those two have this deep connection.
We are told that Spencer is such a control freak, incapable of displaying any kind of emotion. When Ryan gets injured in the field, Spencer, very publicly, pushes everyone aside to rush to Ryan's side, obviously devastated. He acted like the “boyfriend”, when all we know of him at that point is that he only sees Ryan as a hook up because he is sooo closed off emotionally. He even refuses to kiss Ryan because he thinks kissing is way more intimate than fucking (ffs).
Also, emotionless my ass, the guy ugly-sobbed more times than I can count!
Loopy injured Ryan reminded me of Shane in Heated Rivalry, and not in a good way, Ryan was waaay too much and his banter made me flinch, his sisters and Preston were over the top caricatures...I could go on and on.
I have no words for this campy as hell mess of a book. I deserve some kind of award for finishing it, because it was excruciating. Twice I tried to DNF it but I decided to stick it out and see if it gets better later. It didn’t.
4.56 rating? Are you kidding me?
☝️That was, in all honesty, the only good line in the book. The rest was garbage.
There is one thing I can’t stand in romances: cringey language, unless context indicates intent.
Bone Deep was FULL OF CRINGE.
-A grown ass man saying “Coochie coochie goo” to his potential fuck buddy, and then tickling him - CRINGE
-Referring to a man’s breast as “tittie” - CRINGE
-Calling the guy “himbo” during sex - CRINGE
-Calling the guy “daddy” during sex - CRINGE (in other context I don’t mind it, but there was no reason for Ryan to call Spencer "daddy").
-Having flamboyant gays saying “fabulous” and “gorgeous” all the time - CRINGE (and unoriginal)
Even if I chose to ignore all this, there are so many things wrong with this book.
When Ryan and Spencer meet and they start going to the gym together, I thought ok, let’s see how this develops, even though I was very willing to DNF at 20%
Imagine my surprise when on chapter 11, I am hit with this:
Six entire months I’ve been gym buddies with Ryan fucking Buterbaugh.
6 WHOLE MONTHS go by and we have no idea what happened between Ryan and Spencer during that time. We are only told they go to the gym together, that’s it. Not what they talk about, no banter or witty exchanges, no meaningful looks, nothing. You can’t just write a romance book and not show the actual romance. I was so shocked, I had to read it twice to make sure. Also, Ryan's constant sexual innuendos were crossing sooo many lines.
And that’s not all! After Spencer and Ryan first have sex, Joseph does it again:
It’s been nine months of fucking around with Spence.
9 WHOLE MONTHS during which we, again, have no idea what happened between Ryan and Spencer. They had sex a lot sure, but what else? Didn’t they speak, talk to each other, anything? I’ve never seen a romantic relationship develop this badly, it was so weird. You can't completely bypass the first 15 months of a relationship and expect me to buy that those two have this deep connection.
We are told that Spencer is such a control freak, incapable of displaying any kind of emotion. When Ryan gets injured in the field, Spencer, very publicly, pushes everyone aside to rush to Ryan's side, obviously devastated. He acted like the “boyfriend”, when all we know of him at that point is that he only sees Ryan as a hook up because he is sooo closed off emotionally. He even refuses to kiss Ryan because he thinks kissing is way more intimate than fucking (ffs).
Also, emotionless my ass, the guy ugly-sobbed more times than I can count!
Loopy injured Ryan reminded me of Shane in Heated Rivalry, and not in a good way, Ryan was waaay too much and his banter made me flinch, his sisters and Preston were over the top caricatures...I could go on and on.
I have no words for this campy as hell mess of a book. I deserve some kind of award for finishing it, because it was excruciating. Twice I tried to DNF it but I decided to stick it out and see if it gets better later. It didn’t.
4.56 rating? Are you kidding me?
June 29, 2026
3.75 ⭐
I did have a good time with this book. Butters (Ryan) is an adorable, big-hearted golden retriever (Loved him) and Spencer is the classic closed-off, damaged man. Watching them heal and grow, both individually and together, did pull at my heart strings.
However, I wasn't a fan of the large time skips (6 months, 9 months etc.) with no real idea what happened during those time frames, there was some pretty cringey dialogue ("goochi goochi goo".. NO 😫), and I would have preferred to have spent more time with Butters and Spence in the last few chapters.
But overall I am glad I read this and look forward to the next installment in the series 😊
I did have a good time with this book. Butters (Ryan) is an adorable, big-hearted golden retriever (Loved him) and Spencer is the classic closed-off, damaged man. Watching them heal and grow, both individually and together, did pull at my heart strings.
However, I wasn't a fan of the large time skips (6 months, 9 months etc.) with no real idea what happened during those time frames, there was some pretty cringey dialogue ("goochi goochi goo".. NO 😫), and I would have preferred to have spent more time with Butters and Spence in the last few chapters.
But overall I am glad I read this and look forward to the next installment in the series 😊
June 28, 2026
Butters you goofy jock and killer chef I adore you!
Spencer has strict rules. He doesn’t kiss, he doesn’t do straight, he does one night stands only, and he doesn’t catch feelings. He’s been burned one too many times and everybody in his life ends up leaving him so hes built these walls up and follows these rules so he doesn’t risk getting his heartbroken again.
That is until Butters (Ryan) walks into his life and challenges every single one of his rules and breaks down Spencer‘s walls slowly but surely. Butters is relentless what starts out as begging Spencer to come workout with him to becoming gym bros to friends with benefits to something more Butters is patient but determined to have his perfect. Spencer initially seems coldhearted but once you get to know him, he’s really a big old softy. He exudes black cat energy, he’s a attorney with an eye for fashion and he’s endured a lot of traumatic experiences and because of this he has to do a lot of healing throughout the story and Butters really helps him come out of his shell and open up.
I really loved the unique twist in this book where the first kiss doesn’t happen till the very end of the book. You still get spice before then but because of Spencer’s no kissing rule, we don’t see that till the very end when Butters breaks down that final wall and I’m just head over heels for them they compliment each other so well. They’re complete opposites, but somehow they fit with butters corny jokes and flirty banter, and Spencer acting like a grump that doesn’t want any part of it when he really can’t get enough had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Tropes
Grumpy x sunshine
Attorney MC x football player/chef MC
Found Family
First kiss at the end of Book
Trauma rep
Gym bros
Hurt/ comfort
Mouth watering food
Spencer has strict rules. He doesn’t kiss, he doesn’t do straight, he does one night stands only, and he doesn’t catch feelings. He’s been burned one too many times and everybody in his life ends up leaving him so hes built these walls up and follows these rules so he doesn’t risk getting his heartbroken again.
That is until Butters (Ryan) walks into his life and challenges every single one of his rules and breaks down Spencer‘s walls slowly but surely. Butters is relentless what starts out as begging Spencer to come workout with him to becoming gym bros to friends with benefits to something more Butters is patient but determined to have his perfect. Spencer initially seems coldhearted but once you get to know him, he’s really a big old softy. He exudes black cat energy, he’s a attorney with an eye for fashion and he’s endured a lot of traumatic experiences and because of this he has to do a lot of healing throughout the story and Butters really helps him come out of his shell and open up.
I really loved the unique twist in this book where the first kiss doesn’t happen till the very end of the book. You still get spice before then but because of Spencer’s no kissing rule, we don’t see that till the very end when Butters breaks down that final wall and I’m just head over heels for them they compliment each other so well. They’re complete opposites, but somehow they fit with butters corny jokes and flirty banter, and Spencer acting like a grump that doesn’t want any part of it when he really can’t get enough had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Tropes
Grumpy x sunshine
Attorney MC x football player/chef MC
Found Family
First kiss at the end of Book
Trauma rep
Gym bros
Hurt/ comfort
Mouth watering food
Want to Read
September 9, 2025I’ll be here for you guys
June 20, 2026
This book was absolutely everything I waited on. Butters is the epitome of the perfect golden retriever. Spence....my guarded, broken Spence, I loved you with all my heart as well. This book perfectly wove the plot in with the spice in the best possible way for my taste. This story was everything I love and crave in my books. Loved seeing Anthony and Chance brought into this more than just a "cameo" sighting. I'm just so happy right now 😌
June 29, 2026
4,5 stars!
King of Pain was one of my highlights of 2025 and an incredible debut, so I was really looking forward to J.P. Joseph's second book. The man knows how to tell a story and how to create wonderfully flawed, realistic characters. We already got a glimpse of Butter and Spencer in the first book, and I was so happy with the result. This grumpy/sunshine romance had a very different setup from the first book, but it absolutely had all the right ingredients. It felt a bit lighter, lacking the high angst of King of Pain, but Butter and Spencer completely stole my heart.
Ryan was such a sweet, enthusiastic golden retriever of a man and seriously one of the best sunshine characters out there. His happy-go-lucky personality had so much depth, with complicated layers underneath as he struggled with being in the closet, not being able to be his true self, living up to the expectations of his homophobic father, and navigating the standards of the NFL. And let's be honest—the guy was sex-starved AF. He takes one look at Spencer and he's completely gone. His relentless pursuit and shameless flirting were adorable, but Spencer took his time.
The suave, immaculate lawyer lives strictly by his own rules: no relationships, only hookups, and absolutely no kissing. Those rules are there to protect himself from ever getting hurt again, with his past trauma buried deep beneath the surface. But it's also an incredibly lonely existence, and Ryan keeps pushing all the right buttons.
Their banter was hilarious, their chemistry sparkled, and their eventual happy ending was so rewarding. I loved the bumpy road they traveled together. Even though they resisted giving in to their feelings for a long time, they were fiercely protective of each other from the very beginning. There was so much tenderness, jealousy, patience, and mutual care between them.
The found family in this book is simply the best, and I desperately want to be part of their friend group.
King of Pain is still my favorite, but Ryan and Spencer have my heart too.
King of Pain was one of my highlights of 2025 and an incredible debut, so I was really looking forward to J.P. Joseph's second book. The man knows how to tell a story and how to create wonderfully flawed, realistic characters. We already got a glimpse of Butter and Spencer in the first book, and I was so happy with the result. This grumpy/sunshine romance had a very different setup from the first book, but it absolutely had all the right ingredients. It felt a bit lighter, lacking the high angst of King of Pain, but Butter and Spencer completely stole my heart.
Ryan was such a sweet, enthusiastic golden retriever of a man and seriously one of the best sunshine characters out there. His happy-go-lucky personality had so much depth, with complicated layers underneath as he struggled with being in the closet, not being able to be his true self, living up to the expectations of his homophobic father, and navigating the standards of the NFL. And let's be honest—the guy was sex-starved AF. He takes one look at Spencer and he's completely gone. His relentless pursuit and shameless flirting were adorable, but Spencer took his time.
The suave, immaculate lawyer lives strictly by his own rules: no relationships, only hookups, and absolutely no kissing. Those rules are there to protect himself from ever getting hurt again, with his past trauma buried deep beneath the surface. But it's also an incredibly lonely existence, and Ryan keeps pushing all the right buttons.
Their banter was hilarious, their chemistry sparkled, and their eventual happy ending was so rewarding. I loved the bumpy road they traveled together. Even though they resisted giving in to their feelings for a long time, they were fiercely protective of each other from the very beginning. There was so much tenderness, jealousy, patience, and mutual care between them.
The found family in this book is simply the best, and I desperately want to be part of their friend group.
King of Pain is still my favorite, but Ryan and Spencer have my heart too.
June 30, 2026
Omggggg I LOVE Butters and Spencer! I LOVE a good sunshine/grumpy and Butters is the epitome of sunshine. He so damn big hearted, kind and hilarious! Spencer is a kind soul as well, just a lot more guarded. I love the high heat but slow burn romance. The group of found/chosen family in these books is the best I’ve ever read.
My one and only issue with this book was the strange passage of time. Big chunks of time went by randomly, and Jen had the baby but it wasn’t mentioned at all like it was with Lexi which I thought was strange.
I cannot WAIT for the next book. Body guard romance? Yes please!
My one and only issue with this book was the strange passage of time. Big chunks of time went by randomly, and Jen had the baby but it wasn’t mentioned at all like it was with Lexi which I thought was strange.
I cannot WAIT for the next book. Body guard romance? Yes please!
Review of advance copy
I loved King of Pain and J.P. has eclipsed himself with this latest installment of this amazing series. This book was so good. I was sucked in immediately to this world we were introduced to in KoP. This family he's created here are everything. I absolutely am obsessed with Spence and Butters - from the very beginning, I loved them. Butters is an absolute golden retriever with 5 dimples (IYKYK). and Spence - gorgeous, walled-up Spence - I just wanted to hug him and never let go. I loved how persistently adorable Ryan was and he never gave up on Spencer. He took those walls down, one tiny brick at a time, until Spencer had no idea they no longer existed. Witnessing him finally realizing all he felt for Ryan was beautiful. I loved all the side stories - Chance & Ant, the babies, Tyler, Jason & Deacon (can't wait for their book), the Betties, F-bomb, Jen, the sisters, Lexi & Beau, Dita & Parker... it goes on and on, because J.P.'s world is perfection and I want to live there. It's warm and cozy and oh so comforting. Like a warm, comfy blanket. Then there's the way he interwove the art of cooking throughout the story. And then the freaking soundtrack. People... The title of each chapter is a song and the soundtrack is on Spotify. And this one is 90s perfection. It instantly brought back high school and college memories for me and with each one, I was like "this is my jam!" LOL and then Jodeci started, and I died. :D J.P. Joseph, this book and playlist spoke to my soul and I won't be the same. I loved this book! Now, excuse me while I go listen to this playlist on repeat ad nauseam.
June 17, 2026
♾️⭐️
This second book in the Damaged Heart series could not of been more STUNNING! Ryan ‘Butters’ Buterbaugh is the epitome of Golden Retriever.. I knew having met him in the first book in this series - King Of Pain, that I was going to absolutely froth over him and his whole vibe- and I was not wrong. This man is pure sunshine.. he burrows his way in Spencer’s world slowly but surely. At first it’s with gym sessions and a ruse to get some legal advice, when in fact he just wants to be in Spencer’s orbit. Meanwhile Spencer is a man of control. He has a set of rules he abides by because of certain things he’s been through in his life and is a stickler for routine. Until Ryan comes along and works his was into his every day life unashamedly!!
The banter between these two was top tier exceptional, with Ryan’s one liners making me laugh out loud on more than one occasion!! Let’s just say I won’t look at a can of whipped cream the same ever again!!!
And Spencer??? Well that sweet broken boy just needed someone to show up for him and stay. To prove he was worth sticking around for. Boy did they both have me in a chokehold from the very first page… I gobbled this up in less that 24 hours- the humour, the spice and the strong found family is so delightful you don’t want to put this down! If you’ve read the first book the side characters bring all the charm and that stays strong in this book too!
I laughed, cried and swooned so hard whilst reading this, which makes me even more excited to what’s coming next!
♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This second book in the Damaged Heart series could not of been more STUNNING! Ryan ‘Butters’ Buterbaugh is the epitome of Golden Retriever.. I knew having met him in the first book in this series - King Of Pain, that I was going to absolutely froth over him and his whole vibe- and I was not wrong. This man is pure sunshine.. he burrows his way in Spencer’s world slowly but surely. At first it’s with gym sessions and a ruse to get some legal advice, when in fact he just wants to be in Spencer’s orbit. Meanwhile Spencer is a man of control. He has a set of rules he abides by because of certain things he’s been through in his life and is a stickler for routine. Until Ryan comes along and works his was into his every day life unashamedly!!
The banter between these two was top tier exceptional, with Ryan’s one liners making me laugh out loud on more than one occasion!! Let’s just say I won’t look at a can of whipped cream the same ever again!!!
And Spencer??? Well that sweet broken boy just needed someone to show up for him and stay. To prove he was worth sticking around for. Boy did they both have me in a chokehold from the very first page… I gobbled this up in less that 24 hours- the humour, the spice and the strong found family is so delightful you don’t want to put this down! If you’ve read the first book the side characters bring all the charm and that stays strong in this book too!
I laughed, cried and swooned so hard whilst reading this, which makes me even more excited to what’s coming next!
♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 22, 2026
Bone Deep
Damaged Hearts Book 2
JP Joseph
Spencer & Ryan
This was good. I enjoyed this a lot. I really think these two were absolutely made for each other.
These two were fire together, plus jealous possessiveness was everything.
It has great world building and wonderful side characters too.
I also loved seeing previous characters again
Both Spencer and Ryan had more to them than the surface things we saw initially. I really enjoyed getting know them more and watching them fall for each other
I loved the Betty’s lol
This was really good
Great Book
SO thankful for this arc
Damaged Hearts Book 2
JP Joseph
Spencer & Ryan
This was good. I enjoyed this a lot. I really think these two were absolutely made for each other.
These two were fire together, plus jealous possessiveness was everything.
It has great world building and wonderful side characters too.
I also loved seeing previous characters again
Both Spencer and Ryan had more to them than the surface things we saw initially. I really enjoyed getting know them more and watching them fall for each other
I loved the Betty’s lol
This was really good
Great Book
SO thankful for this arc
June 26, 2026
My oh my, what a fun read with great bedroom antics, an adorable storyline (golden retriever x black cat) and pristinely executed dad jokes.
This book is peppered with some trauma but the majority of this story is just fun. JP Joseph is one of my auto-buy authors, and I just love his storytelling. He has a knack for pulling me into his stories quickly and in ways that consume me. I love Ryan's sunshine personality and Spence's growly demeanor. They were a perfect balance for each other. I also love how Ryan refused to give up on Spence. He knew what he wanted and he waited.
The found family in this book (in the series, actually) is top tier. The glimpses of Chance and Ant (King of Pain) made my heart happy. And the three Betty's stole the show. This is a must read when you need something to make you smile.
This book is peppered with some trauma but the majority of this story is just fun. JP Joseph is one of my auto-buy authors, and I just love his storytelling. He has a knack for pulling me into his stories quickly and in ways that consume me. I love Ryan's sunshine personality and Spence's growly demeanor. They were a perfect balance for each other. I also love how Ryan refused to give up on Spence. He knew what he wanted and he waited.
The found family in this book (in the series, actually) is top tier. The glimpses of Chance and Ant (King of Pain) made my heart happy. And the three Betty's stole the show. This is a must read when you need something to make you smile.
June 26, 2026
stop it, they were the cutest 🥹
June 22, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
Main characters: Ryan & Spencer
Side characters: Anthony, Chance, Jen, Tyler, Dita, Parker, Cricket, Harper, The Bettys
Page count: 455
First person, dual POV.
It was wonderful to be in this world again and to learn more about Ryan and Spencer. Ryan (Butters) was such a fun character in King of Pain, it really surprised me to find that he had so much going on under the surface of his sparkly personality. The dynamic between him and Spencer was so much fun. Spencer is so controlled and detached, he really met his match in Ryan who would not, under any circumstances, allow Spencer to brush him off.
I was not surprised that Spencer had such complexity. It kind of oozed out of him when we met him in the previous book. Anyone that guarded and snarky has a story. It was beautiful to see Ryan slowly chip away at Spencer’s walls. Spencer needed someone willing to push, to not accept “no,” and to show him that he is precious and lovable.
The push and pull tension between the two of them was top tier. There was resistance from both sides, for different reasons, but they were fighting against a pull toward each other that couldn’t be ignored. Because of the resistance the intimacy in their relationship came in clear phases, from just friends and work out buddies to full surrender, with elements of it being a suuuuuper slow burn. Spence had some stuff to work through, and so did Ryan.
This series has a deep found family aspect and this book brought in even more new and amazing side characters to the group. I’m looking forward to Jason and Deacon’s book next year. Finger’s crossed we also get a book for Tyler and Nick. I absolutely loved their little storyline and hope we get more especially since Tyler was such an important and special character in this book. 🤍
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
Main characters: Ryan & Spencer
Side characters: Anthony, Chance, Jen, Tyler, Dita, Parker, Cricket, Harper, The Bettys
Page count: 455
First person, dual POV.
It was wonderful to be in this world again and to learn more about Ryan and Spencer. Ryan (Butters) was such a fun character in King of Pain, it really surprised me to find that he had so much going on under the surface of his sparkly personality. The dynamic between him and Spencer was so much fun. Spencer is so controlled and detached, he really met his match in Ryan who would not, under any circumstances, allow Spencer to brush him off.
I was not surprised that Spencer had such complexity. It kind of oozed out of him when we met him in the previous book. Anyone that guarded and snarky has a story. It was beautiful to see Ryan slowly chip away at Spencer’s walls. Spencer needed someone willing to push, to not accept “no,” and to show him that he is precious and lovable.
The push and pull tension between the two of them was top tier. There was resistance from both sides, for different reasons, but they were fighting against a pull toward each other that couldn’t be ignored. Because of the resistance the intimacy in their relationship came in clear phases, from just friends and work out buddies to full surrender, with elements of it being a suuuuuper slow burn. Spence had some stuff to work through, and so did Ryan.
This series has a deep found family aspect and this book brought in even more new and amazing side characters to the group. I’m looking forward to Jason and Deacon’s book next year. Finger’s crossed we also get a book for Tyler and Nick. I absolutely loved their little storyline and hope we get more especially since Tyler was such an important and special character in this book. 🤍
June 16, 2026
‼️SPOILERS‼️
I absolutely devoured this book. When it comes to JP’s writing style, he just sucks you into his world. With him being a debut author, I just knew this one was going to make me feel all the good things.
Ryan, also know as Butters, and Spencer were simply perfect. Ryan with his sunshine golden retriever self and Spencer with being the reserved grump.
Spencer’s story just makes you feel for him through this entire book because he is the way he is because of his past.
Spencer is so possessive over Ryan and I loved that one moment when he was like “you’re mine”.
What I loved is how these two were destined to be together when you find out that bit of teaser.
JP always knows how to make those first times so special. That first kiss…
And the Betty’s. I love them so much.
The found family was so beautiful but I loved the sisters so much. Parker is such a fun character and I hope down the line, he gets a story.
If you’re looking for a book with the right kind of slow burn with some spicy times, this book is going to be for you. Also, this book has so many funny moments. I mean, with Butters as one of the MC, you’re going to have one heck of a time.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I absolutely devoured this book. When it comes to JP’s writing style, he just sucks you into his world. With him being a debut author, I just knew this one was going to make me feel all the good things.
Ryan, also know as Butters, and Spencer were simply perfect. Ryan with his sunshine golden retriever self and Spencer with being the reserved grump.
Spencer’s story just makes you feel for him through this entire book because he is the way he is because of his past.
Spencer is so possessive over Ryan and I loved that one moment when he was like “you’re mine”.
What I loved is how these two were destined to be together when you find out that bit of teaser.
JP always knows how to make those first times so special. That first kiss…
And the Betty’s. I love them so much.
The found family was so beautiful but I loved the sisters so much. Parker is such a fun character and I hope down the line, he gets a story.
If you’re looking for a book with the right kind of slow burn with some spicy times, this book is going to be for you. Also, this book has so many funny moments. I mean, with Butters as one of the MC, you’re going to have one heck of a time.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 24, 2026
Butters & Spence
JP had me hooked with Chance & Ant but then Ryan and Spencer came along and now I'm fully invested in this Damaged Hearts Series. We were first introduced to these two in King of Pain and I was excited to see what JP had in store for them and let me tell you he did not disappoint!
Ryan (Butters) is 100% Golden Retriever with a heart of gold, he has lived his life thus far to please everyone except himself..because for him to do that he thinks it will ruin his career and his relationship with his difficult/ignorant parents.
Spencer (Spence) is a cocky guarded lawyer who has walls up higher then the sky; but for very good reasons, he has been let down and hurt many times in his young life and swears he'll never let it happen again, but under all of that stubborn guarded behavior he truly has the biggest heart, he wants to do good and help those who need it.
When Ryan decides he has found his forever in Spencer, he won't stop until he breaks all of those walls down and has him; and let me tell you Spence does not make things easy 🤣 These two had me in tears laughing from the first chapter, but they also had my hearts strings going crazy. I Love them so much!
Will these two get their HEA..the only way you'll find out is to go read this book now!
JP had me hooked with Chance & Ant but then Ryan and Spencer came along and now I'm fully invested in this Damaged Hearts Series. We were first introduced to these two in King of Pain and I was excited to see what JP had in store for them and let me tell you he did not disappoint!
Ryan (Butters) is 100% Golden Retriever with a heart of gold, he has lived his life thus far to please everyone except himself..because for him to do that he thinks it will ruin his career and his relationship with his difficult/ignorant parents.
Spencer (Spence) is a cocky guarded lawyer who has walls up higher then the sky; but for very good reasons, he has been let down and hurt many times in his young life and swears he'll never let it happen again, but under all of that stubborn guarded behavior he truly has the biggest heart, he wants to do good and help those who need it.
When Ryan decides he has found his forever in Spencer, he won't stop until he breaks all of those walls down and has him; and let me tell you Spence does not make things easy 🤣 These two had me in tears laughing from the first chapter, but they also had my hearts strings going crazy. I Love them so much!
Will these two get their HEA..the only way you'll find out is to go read this book now!
June 23, 2026
The way J.P. Joseph writes is nothing short of amazing. He writes characters so well that you feel every bit as connected to them as you do to the story. I could go on and on about how much I loved this book, and it would never be enough.
Bone Deep was everything I could have hoped for and more. Butters and Spencer were perfection. Butters, what a golden retriever! He was so lovable. He was loving, caring, and charming, and the fact that he would have waited forever for Spencer if he had to had me completely won over.
Spencer had such a big heart, but he tried so hard to protect it and keep it hidden. I ached for all the love he had to give and the love he deserved.
There were so many laughs throughout this book, and the tears came too. It's writers like J.P. Joseph that make me love reading. They capture your heart and soul and make you fall in love with both the characters and the writing.
Bone Deep was everything I could have hoped for and more. Butters and Spencer were perfection. Butters, what a golden retriever! He was so lovable. He was loving, caring, and charming, and the fact that he would have waited forever for Spencer if he had to had me completely won over.
Spencer had such a big heart, but he tried so hard to protect it and keep it hidden. I ached for all the love he had to give and the love he deserved.
There were so many laughs throughout this book, and the tears came too. It's writers like J.P. Joseph that make me love reading. They capture your heart and soul and make you fall in love with both the characters and the writing.
June 25, 2026
This was an wonderful story. Butters is such a sweetheart who does everything for his friends and found family. Living with a secret that he feels he cannot share, and using secret hookups he ends ups with a friendship with the one person he wants more than anything, Spence refuses anything more than hookups and he knows that Ryan “Butters” would be more than just that but when presented with the most tempting situation he jumps at the chance and discovers that yes Ryan is everything he wants.
Life has a way of delivering us exactly what we need but do we grab it and take it or run scared.
The second book from JP Joseph is another great read.
Life has a way of delivering us exactly what we need but do we grab it and take it or run scared.
The second book from JP Joseph is another great read.
June 19, 2026
ARC READ: Holy hell JP Joseph can write a story. This book was as immaculate as King of Pain but in a very different way. Butters had me laughing so hard, with me imagining Spence’s uptight face 🤣🤣🤣 There were some surprises I did not see coming. And those one liners. Far out. And coming up with the name OP (I won’t ruin it for you) was soooo funny!!! Well done on that one JP! Youve become an auto read for me 🥰
June 22, 2026
Ryan was the sunshine I didn’t know I needed. ☀️❤️
This one felt different from the first book in the best way. More lighthearted and so much easier on my heart and soul. I loved Ryan and Spenser, fell in love with the found family, and honestly wanted even more of them and their story.
And the book? Well… it was perfect. 🥹
I braced myself for impact, but it never came, and that made me love it even more. Beautifully done. I can’t wait for the next book!
This one felt different from the first book in the best way. More lighthearted and so much easier on my heart and soul. I loved Ryan and Spenser, fell in love with the found family, and honestly wanted even more of them and their story.
And the book? Well… it was perfect. 🥹
I braced myself for impact, but it never came, and that made me love it even more. Beautifully done. I can’t wait for the next book!
June 24, 2026
I loved and completely fell for the two main characters!! Ryan and Spencer were fabulous together. Ryan was funny and adorable and Spencer was grumpy and fabulous. This was another masterpiece by JP Joseph. I can’t wait for his next book.
July 1, 2026
Ryan and Spence - you two are meant for one another.
What a beautiful story.
Solid MM romance love story.
Ticks all the boxes for what you want from a MM jock / lawyer - slow burn love story.
Do it. It's great.
What a beautiful story.
Solid MM romance love story.
Ticks all the boxes for what you want from a MM jock / lawyer - slow burn love story.
Do it. It's great.
June 23, 2026
Awww I really loved these two 🥰🥰
June 23, 2026
Arc review.
This was super sweet, sexy and I haven’t laughed like that in a really long time when it came to a book! Spence is as stubborn as someone can be but eventually Ryan “butters” broke down all his walls, because I mean how could you not?! I will now be adding the nickname perfect to my list that I will never get over. So good! I absolutely loved it
This was super sweet, sexy and I haven’t laughed like that in a really long time when it came to a book! Spence is as stubborn as someone can be but eventually Ryan “butters” broke down all his walls, because I mean how could you not?! I will now be adding the nickname perfect to my list that I will never get over. So good! I absolutely loved it
June 23, 2026
Arc review!! I enjoyed this book SO MUCH!!! It gave me all the feelings yet was funny too. Ryan’s personality was such an amazing read and their connection plus watching feelings and emotions coming into it was truly beautiful!
June 23, 2026
idk what the fuck happened
that whole live stream shit was probably the worst thing i have literally ever read. the secondhand embarrassment i felt whilst reading was diabolical.
that whole live stream shit was probably the worst thing i have literally ever read. the secondhand embarrassment i felt whilst reading was diabolical.
July 2, 2026
4.75/5 ⭐️
Ok so um, I’m crying. Huge shocker to no one. This book was so freaking heartwarming. I laughed a ton (Ryan you are so hysterical I can’t), smiled with joy, and of course cried tears of endless happiness. The way this author writes found family has me in absolute shambles!!! For so long Spencer didn’t think he needed that. He had set up his own private bubble with a couple people he barely let in, just to protect himself and his heart. But Ryan, our wild, unbelievably kind hearted Ryan, came crashing through every wall Spencer had up and knocked through them completely. He showed him what it was like to be loved and cared for completely not only by him but with the family he now has. A family with oversized hearts and completely zero boundaries, showing Spencer what it feels like to finally belong somewhere. Legitimately am crying writing this right now like I can’t!! The way they slowly fell in love with each other without realizing, with Betty being the first one to point it out and everyone following suit. The way these two looked at one another was glaringly obvious to everyone but them but when they finally admitted it to themselves everything just got better from there.
It started with Ryan and his kind eyes meeting Spencer at the shelter, to the workout fuck-buddy situation, to the no kissing rule and then FINALLY kissing when Spencer opened his eyes to what he has, (90% omfg), to 10 years later, hopelessly in love surrounded by people who love them so deeply. How lucky were these two to meet each other twice. How lucky was Spencer that Ryan came into his life that second time and refused to give up on him. And how unbelievably lucky was he to find a person who loved him down to his very bones, and to love that person just as deeply.
A true story about fate and finding a place you’d never thought you’d belong in, but a place you were always meant to be. To finding a type love that is woven into every part of you and never wanting it to leave 🥹
— quotes
“God. I just need to be around him. I don’t even know why. Something about him pulls at me like gravity.”
“I shouldn’t even be fantasizing about it, but I’m only human, and the man is walking sin with an ass I would happily lose my life to suffocation for.”
“Why are you staring at me?” — “I just like looking at you.”
“Because those pretty eyes… they're going to be my undoing if I'm not careful.”
“I keep walking, into the dusk, and hope the future has more of this—more of him, more of us—than either of us will admit out loud.”
“I now know—even with all my boundaries, all my rules—Ryan Buterbaugh was never just a booty call.”
“I’m also not strong enough to resist those dimples and that ass. I’ll keep fucking him as long as he’ll let me. But I’ve got to keep a lock on my heart. Still, I can’t help but stare at him all curled up and beautiful. I’m already losing the battle.”
“If I look at those eyes, I’ll incinerate the last rule I have left. That’s right, folks. Only one left. Because here I am with Ryan between my sheets as the sun rises. Sleepover. Check. And two… yep, you guessed it. I fucked around and caught some feelings.”
“That man is gone for you. He’s fighting it, that much is clear, but it’s a battle he won’t win. His heart has already made up its mind.” (Betty and her words of wisdom😭)
“I’m patient Spence,” he says, “and I respect what kissing means to you. I’m just asking you to consider that maybe, just maybe, I might be your ‘without a doubt’ man.” — “You're going to be my man, Perfect, and no one is getting in my way.”
“Your eyes.” — “The first thing I noticed about you,” he explains. Then he frames my face with his hands, his thumbs rubbing circles at the corners of my eyes and he says, “You have kind eyes.” (I’m sick!!!)
“I want to try. I need to try. I’ve never wanted to try this much before. I have to try for him.”
“Nobody fucks with my pretty boy.”
“Yeah, that's right, Spence,” I tease softly. “I called you baby. And I'm not taking it back.”
“A black. Fucking. Turtleneck.” (ENOUGH SAID!!)
“Well?” I ask. “How do I look?” — “You look like fucking mine.”
“He’s not just “my guy” or “my someday.” He’s my everything. I’ve been nudging him toward first-and-ten for months—now I want the whole damn touchdown. I just need to get him into the end zone.”
“Those light green eyes are my favorite thing about him. At first glance, they seem surface level. Bright. Pretty. Easy. But the longer you look, the more depth you find swimming underneath. Warmth. Sadness. Humor. Hope. Ryan feels everything so openly it's almost violent. And somehow those eyes always make me feel seen in a way that's deeply uncomfortable.”
“He's smiling. A real smile. Not the performative one he uses for cameras. Not the brave one he used when the world was crashing down around him. Just… happy. “You look happy.”” — “I am.”
“Spencer Stark likes people to think he's some kind of cold, heartless viper in a designer suit. He's not fooling me.”
“Kind eyes.” The words tumble out before I even realize I'm speaking. “The kind fucking eyes.” (Seriously sick)
“Maybe we always were meant to end up here. Maybe life is just strange enough to bring two little boys from completely different worlds back together all these years later.”
“Now you've got the brightest ray of sunshine I've ever met trying to beam his dopey brand of caring directly at you.” — “A watery laugh escapes me—because that is Ryan. Exactly Ryan. My Ryan.”
“He kisses me like he's been starving for this too—like he's been standing on the opposite side of the same locked door, waiting for me to finally turn the key.”
“I have opened a door I cannot close, crossed a line I cannot uncross, and I am already addicted to the heat of him, his scent, the way he looks at me like I'm worth loving. I am completely, irrevocably, terrifyingly gone for this man. And I have no idea how to survive it.”
“You barged into my office.” — “You took over our condo.” — “And you invaded my heart, Ryan Buterbaugh.”
“I lived exactly the life I planned. And then you showed up.”— “With your kind eyes.” — “And your perfect ass.” — “And your stupid giant heart.” I suck in a breath. “Trying to love me.” (Crying)
“I am so gone for you that I blew past 'in love' months ago.” His eyes widen. “And my stubborn ass refused to admit it.”
“Without thinking, I start running. Toward him. Toward my future. Toward the man who's somehow managed to help me become the man I was always meant to be even though he was resisting his own worth.”
“Spencer Stark was the first boy I noticed. The first one I associated the word ‘beautiful’ with. And now he’s mine. Holy shit! We were meant to be.”
“I remember meeting you. I only went with her a few times, so I didn’t meet a lot of teens my age there. I don’t think it would have mattered, though?” — “Why?” — “Because I thought you were just as beautiful then as I do now.”
“I do love you, Ryan. I didn’t think it would ever be a possibility for me again, but I love you so deeply it hurts.”
“And Spence?” — “Yeah?” — “I would have waited a lifetime.”
“Remind me to send the universe a gift basket. Aligning my jaded, closed-off heart with a lighthearted, funny, sweet jock with an ass that won’t quit was the right play. I will make it my life’s mission to protect his sparkle.”
“This. This right here is what I knew I was missing. This is what my heart was yearning for. Not fame. Not football. Not money. This. A hand in mine. Someone choosing me. Someone who looks at me like I'm the best thing that's ever happened to him.”
“My journey with Spence reminds me of some of the complex dishes I’ve learned to make over the years. The first taste was a little acidic. Then it turned savory on my tongue. Next, little pops of spice—an unexpected heat. And finally… sweetness. A perfect finish. A beautiful symphony of flavors that shouldn't work together but absolutely do. Spencer Stark is my Perfect bite.” (🥹🥹)
“I've landed smack dab in the middle of a ragtag group of people with strong personalities, oversized hearts, and absolutely, positively zero boundaries when it comes to showing up for the people they love. They haven't just invaded my life. They've surrounded me. Planted me right at the core. The thing about it is... I fit. For the first time in my life, I fit.” (I will sob!!!)
“This is a love story. A story about two paths that crossed many years ago for a fleeting moment. Two paths that crashed back into each other a decade later… like it was meant to be.”
“I love you more than I knew was possible. Our paths were destined to collide. Those paths… they are now one. And there’s no one else I’d rather walk to the end of it with.” A tear slips down my cheek. “What do you say? Will you marry me, Perfect?” — “Yes,” I confirm, loudly. “I’m gonna marry the fuck outta you.”
“For most of my life, I convinced myself I didn't need people. That needing people only led to disappointment. That keeping everyone at arm's length was safer. Easier. But standing here now, surrounded by this loud, chaotic collection of humans, I realize how wrong I was. Because this room is full of people who would do anything for one another. People who would do anything for me. More importantly, people who would do anything for Ryan and Tyler. The two people I love most in the world.” (I CANT!!!)
“I forgive my father. I forgive my mother. I forgive Travis. And maybe most importantly—I forgive myself. For every mistake. Every fear. Every year spent believing I wasn't worthy of being loved. The weight I've carried for so long finally feels gone.”
“The sight of him catches me exactly the same way it always has. Like a punch directly to the heart. The boy with the kind eyes. The man I somehow found twice. The man who refused to give up on me. The man who relentlessly worked his way beneath my skin and all the way down into my marrow. And that's where he'll stay. My love for Ryan Buterbaugh isn't temporary. It isn't passing. It isn't surface deep. It's permanent. It’s foundational. It’s woven into every part of who I am. My love for him is bone deep.”
Ok so um, I’m crying. Huge shocker to no one. This book was so freaking heartwarming. I laughed a ton (Ryan you are so hysterical I can’t), smiled with joy, and of course cried tears of endless happiness. The way this author writes found family has me in absolute shambles!!! For so long Spencer didn’t think he needed that. He had set up his own private bubble with a couple people he barely let in, just to protect himself and his heart. But Ryan, our wild, unbelievably kind hearted Ryan, came crashing through every wall Spencer had up and knocked through them completely. He showed him what it was like to be loved and cared for completely not only by him but with the family he now has. A family with oversized hearts and completely zero boundaries, showing Spencer what it feels like to finally belong somewhere. Legitimately am crying writing this right now like I can’t!! The way they slowly fell in love with each other without realizing, with Betty being the first one to point it out and everyone following suit. The way these two looked at one another was glaringly obvious to everyone but them but when they finally admitted it to themselves everything just got better from there.
It started with Ryan and his kind eyes meeting Spencer at the shelter, to the workout fuck-buddy situation, to the no kissing rule and then FINALLY kissing when Spencer opened his eyes to what he has, (90% omfg), to 10 years later, hopelessly in love surrounded by people who love them so deeply. How lucky were these two to meet each other twice. How lucky was Spencer that Ryan came into his life that second time and refused to give up on him. And how unbelievably lucky was he to find a person who loved him down to his very bones, and to love that person just as deeply.
A true story about fate and finding a place you’d never thought you’d belong in, but a place you were always meant to be. To finding a type love that is woven into every part of you and never wanting it to leave 🥹
— quotes
“God. I just need to be around him. I don’t even know why. Something about him pulls at me like gravity.”
“I shouldn’t even be fantasizing about it, but I’m only human, and the man is walking sin with an ass I would happily lose my life to suffocation for.”
“Why are you staring at me?” — “I just like looking at you.”
“Because those pretty eyes… they're going to be my undoing if I'm not careful.”
“I keep walking, into the dusk, and hope the future has more of this—more of him, more of us—than either of us will admit out loud.”
“I now know—even with all my boundaries, all my rules—Ryan Buterbaugh was never just a booty call.”
“I’m also not strong enough to resist those dimples and that ass. I’ll keep fucking him as long as he’ll let me. But I’ve got to keep a lock on my heart. Still, I can’t help but stare at him all curled up and beautiful. I’m already losing the battle.”
“If I look at those eyes, I’ll incinerate the last rule I have left. That’s right, folks. Only one left. Because here I am with Ryan between my sheets as the sun rises. Sleepover. Check. And two… yep, you guessed it. I fucked around and caught some feelings.”
“That man is gone for you. He’s fighting it, that much is clear, but it’s a battle he won’t win. His heart has already made up its mind.” (Betty and her words of wisdom😭)
“I’m patient Spence,” he says, “and I respect what kissing means to you. I’m just asking you to consider that maybe, just maybe, I might be your ‘without a doubt’ man.” — “You're going to be my man, Perfect, and no one is getting in my way.”
“Your eyes.” — “The first thing I noticed about you,” he explains. Then he frames my face with his hands, his thumbs rubbing circles at the corners of my eyes and he says, “You have kind eyes.” (I’m sick!!!)
“I want to try. I need to try. I’ve never wanted to try this much before. I have to try for him.”
“Nobody fucks with my pretty boy.”
“Yeah, that's right, Spence,” I tease softly. “I called you baby. And I'm not taking it back.”
“A black. Fucking. Turtleneck.” (ENOUGH SAID!!)
“Well?” I ask. “How do I look?” — “You look like fucking mine.”
“He’s not just “my guy” or “my someday.” He’s my everything. I’ve been nudging him toward first-and-ten for months—now I want the whole damn touchdown. I just need to get him into the end zone.”
“Those light green eyes are my favorite thing about him. At first glance, they seem surface level. Bright. Pretty. Easy. But the longer you look, the more depth you find swimming underneath. Warmth. Sadness. Humor. Hope. Ryan feels everything so openly it's almost violent. And somehow those eyes always make me feel seen in a way that's deeply uncomfortable.”
“He's smiling. A real smile. Not the performative one he uses for cameras. Not the brave one he used when the world was crashing down around him. Just… happy. “You look happy.”” — “I am.”
“Spencer Stark likes people to think he's some kind of cold, heartless viper in a designer suit. He's not fooling me.”
“Kind eyes.” The words tumble out before I even realize I'm speaking. “The kind fucking eyes.” (Seriously sick)
“Maybe we always were meant to end up here. Maybe life is just strange enough to bring two little boys from completely different worlds back together all these years later.”
“Now you've got the brightest ray of sunshine I've ever met trying to beam his dopey brand of caring directly at you.” — “A watery laugh escapes me—because that is Ryan. Exactly Ryan. My Ryan.”
“He kisses me like he's been starving for this too—like he's been standing on the opposite side of the same locked door, waiting for me to finally turn the key.”
“I have opened a door I cannot close, crossed a line I cannot uncross, and I am already addicted to the heat of him, his scent, the way he looks at me like I'm worth loving. I am completely, irrevocably, terrifyingly gone for this man. And I have no idea how to survive it.”
“You barged into my office.” — “You took over our condo.” — “And you invaded my heart, Ryan Buterbaugh.”
“I lived exactly the life I planned. And then you showed up.”— “With your kind eyes.” — “And your perfect ass.” — “And your stupid giant heart.” I suck in a breath. “Trying to love me.” (Crying)
“I am so gone for you that I blew past 'in love' months ago.” His eyes widen. “And my stubborn ass refused to admit it.”
“Without thinking, I start running. Toward him. Toward my future. Toward the man who's somehow managed to help me become the man I was always meant to be even though he was resisting his own worth.”
“Spencer Stark was the first boy I noticed. The first one I associated the word ‘beautiful’ with. And now he’s mine. Holy shit! We were meant to be.”
“I remember meeting you. I only went with her a few times, so I didn’t meet a lot of teens my age there. I don’t think it would have mattered, though?” — “Why?” — “Because I thought you were just as beautiful then as I do now.”
“I do love you, Ryan. I didn’t think it would ever be a possibility for me again, but I love you so deeply it hurts.”
“And Spence?” — “Yeah?” — “I would have waited a lifetime.”
“Remind me to send the universe a gift basket. Aligning my jaded, closed-off heart with a lighthearted, funny, sweet jock with an ass that won’t quit was the right play. I will make it my life’s mission to protect his sparkle.”
“This. This right here is what I knew I was missing. This is what my heart was yearning for. Not fame. Not football. Not money. This. A hand in mine. Someone choosing me. Someone who looks at me like I'm the best thing that's ever happened to him.”
“My journey with Spence reminds me of some of the complex dishes I’ve learned to make over the years. The first taste was a little acidic. Then it turned savory on my tongue. Next, little pops of spice—an unexpected heat. And finally… sweetness. A perfect finish. A beautiful symphony of flavors that shouldn't work together but absolutely do. Spencer Stark is my Perfect bite.” (🥹🥹)
“I've landed smack dab in the middle of a ragtag group of people with strong personalities, oversized hearts, and absolutely, positively zero boundaries when it comes to showing up for the people they love. They haven't just invaded my life. They've surrounded me. Planted me right at the core. The thing about it is... I fit. For the first time in my life, I fit.” (I will sob!!!)
“This is a love story. A story about two paths that crossed many years ago for a fleeting moment. Two paths that crashed back into each other a decade later… like it was meant to be.”
“I love you more than I knew was possible. Our paths were destined to collide. Those paths… they are now one. And there’s no one else I’d rather walk to the end of it with.” A tear slips down my cheek. “What do you say? Will you marry me, Perfect?” — “Yes,” I confirm, loudly. “I’m gonna marry the fuck outta you.”
“For most of my life, I convinced myself I didn't need people. That needing people only led to disappointment. That keeping everyone at arm's length was safer. Easier. But standing here now, surrounded by this loud, chaotic collection of humans, I realize how wrong I was. Because this room is full of people who would do anything for one another. People who would do anything for me. More importantly, people who would do anything for Ryan and Tyler. The two people I love most in the world.” (I CANT!!!)
“I forgive my father. I forgive my mother. I forgive Travis. And maybe most importantly—I forgive myself. For every mistake. Every fear. Every year spent believing I wasn't worthy of being loved. The weight I've carried for so long finally feels gone.”
“The sight of him catches me exactly the same way it always has. Like a punch directly to the heart. The boy with the kind eyes. The man I somehow found twice. The man who refused to give up on me. The man who relentlessly worked his way beneath my skin and all the way down into my marrow. And that's where he'll stay. My love for Ryan Buterbaugh isn't temporary. It isn't passing. It isn't surface deep. It's permanent. It’s foundational. It’s woven into every part of who I am. My love for him is bone deep.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 1, 2026EMOTIONAL DAMAGE
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May 22, 2026I'm counting the days until this book is released
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