Conflict Resolution

Conflict Mediation: Not So Normative Spin-Off #3

by D.C. Emerson

James:
James really thought he and Leon left all their struggles behind at the haunted house. His mom is healthy and happy, dating not one but two wonderful people, and James’ own relationship is off to a great start. Unfortunately, as the year draws to a close, James comes face-to-face with a new obstacle: intimacy.

While James is by no means a stranger to physical intimacy, it’s been a long time since he had to introduce someone to his parts and preferences. Taking this next step in their relationship comes with lots of conversations…and James wouldn’t call himself an expert conversationalist.

Leon:
Well, it’s been quite a year. Going from enemies to friends to soon-to-be lovers with James has been a journey, but Leon wouldn’t trade a second of it. What he could do without is the dual diagnosis of anxiety, which he discovered in the middle of a haunted house, and ADHD, which James’ office subordinates noticed before any of Leon’s therapists did.

He really thought he’d gotten all his self-discovery out of the way as a teen, but it seems there’s always room to grow. At least this time he won’t be doing it alone.

Conflict Resolution is a steamy MM romance novella with trans rep about self-discovery, growth, New Year’s resolutions, and, of course, lots of snuggles with a very needy cat.

This is the second novella in a series of novellas following the same couple through various stages of their journey toward a happy-ever-after. This book focuses primarily on the exploring intimacy stage, so if that’s not your vibe, skip to the next novella, Love Mediation, for more James and Leon.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

About the author

D.C. is an avid board gamer and rock climber who lives on the East Coast of the United States but loves to travel to places near and far as often as they can.

D.C. has always identified as queer, but during the pandemic they came out as nonbinary (they/them pronouns) to family and friends. This book was part of that process, and they have loved exploring different genderqueer identities like their own through their writing, reading, research, and countless hours watching reels and videos on social media.

Their biggest hope in writing queer fiction is to provide at least one other person out there with characters and story lines that they can recognize themselves, or their friends and loved ones in.

Reviews

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve followed the journey of Leon and James from the start. In ‘Conflict Resolution’ I’ve felt I was very much on the outside looking in rather than engaging with the characters. This I put down to my own ignorance of their trials and tribulations, ADHD in Leon’s case and James dealing with his transgender progress etc. It was like sitting for an exam on a subject that I’d never attended classes for.

Having said that, my admiration for Leon just skyrocketed due to the care he showed James and his online investigation of James needs during and after physical intimacy. James was also very up front in explaining the progress of his transness, and how his body was changing.

Besides James’s own physical changes, taking care of his mother during her recovery from cancer was also a strain on his free time. He couldn’t stay over with Leon in case his mother needed him during the night. Between them, Leon and James manage to work out how they could have a HEA together.

I’ve read several of DC Emerson’s books now and this series has quite a different vibe, a more serious element. This did not detract from my enjoyment of catching up again with these two MC.

Hoping the next book featuring Aspen and Noah, (who are side characters here) will let us see how Leon and James are getting on.

I received an ARC via author and I’m very happy to leave my voluntary review.

[Colleen (colleenreads40) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conflict Resolution is the third book in D.C. Emerson’s Conflict Mediation series. Although this series is a spinoff of their Not So Normative series, you don’t have to have read that to enjoy this one. Please note that this book is best enjoyed after Conflict Mediation and then Haunted Mediation. Conflict Resolution primarily focuses on exploring the intimacy stage of Leon and James’s relationship, so if this isn’t your cup of tea, you can skip to Love Mediation which will be released in 2026. Here’s what you can expect from James and Leon in Conflict Resolution:

🎆 MM romance novella
🎆 Third person dual point of view
🎆 Happily for now (this series follows the same couple through various stages of their journey towards a happily ever after)
🎆 Open door spice
🎆 Transgender representation
🎆 Self-discovery, growth, and New Year’s resolutions
🎆 Snuggles with a very needy cat
🎆 Neurodivergence and mental illness representation

Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this novella is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
⚠️ Parent with cancer
⚠️ Cancer treatment
⚠️ Past death of a parent
⚠️ ADHD symptoms and diagnosis
⚠️ Discussion of transphobia
⚠️ Mention of body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria

I look forward to these review copies hitting my inbox, because I think the concept is just so great. I love being able to follow the same couple as they navigate each stage of their budding relationship (which all started during a fateful conflict mediation session). Conflict Resolution primarily focuses on James and Leon exploring the intimate side of their relationship. I really liked how the author approached it. In these novellas, we also get to learn more about the characters themselves. James still has to deal with the aftermath of his mother’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, while Leon is contending with a potential ADHD diagnosis. These novellas feel very down to Earth and realistic, and it’s clear how much care the author has poured into them. The spice in this book was great, and I was certainly on the edge of my seat as James and Leon took the next steps. Of course, Leon’s sweet neighbour was there to add some comedic relief and we love a snuggly cat who has some main character moments. Looking forward to seeing them again in Love Resolution!

I received an advanced review copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conflict Resolution by D.C. Emerson

🩵 Newly Established Relationship
🩵 Co-workers
🩵 Opposites Attract
🩵 ADHD Rep
🩵 Trans, Gay & Pan Rep
🩵 Novella
🔥 Nipple Play, Edging, Biting/Marking

Once again I really loved this novella from D.C. Emerson! I'd been eagerly awaiting more of James and Leon's story and the progression of their relationship from enemies to friends to lovers.

This book was more focused on the physical side of their relationship and seeing them explore intimacy together. Both James and Leon are such wonderful characters and I especially loved how Leon approached everything between them with care and research to try and help James feel as comfortable as possible.

I really enjoyed reading more of this couple and seeing the development of their relationship. I'm looking forward to the next installment of their story! 😊

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺

Third person dual pov 👀

Content Warnings
On page: ADHD symptoms/diagnosis, light use of a safeword
Mentioned: Parent with cancer, cancer treatment, past death of a parent, discussion of transphobia, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐
2 🌶️

Leon and James make me happy every time D.C. blesses us with a new short of them. This one was no different.

I absolutely loved the hard conversations they had regarding sex/sexual experience. Leon researching and watching videos to make James more comfortable truly warmed my heart. James isn't afraid of having the conversations but they aren't easy. Leon's openness to learn and care for James just warms my heart so much.

James is so confident in certain aspects of his life but yet so vulnerable at the same time. The way D.C. writes both Leon and James is truly wonderful. I just love every second of these two.

I also love the amount of times Leon just tosses Yarmen (his cat) at James. Yarmen is just like yeah buddy I got you and proceed to purr and make biscuits.

I can't wait for the Valentine's days novella. Especially with a few things Leon and James have planned.

WHAT TO EXPECT
🎉 MM with trans rep
🎊 New Years Eve
🎉 Opposites Attract
🎊 Best friends to lovers
🎉 Hurt/ Comfort
🎊 First time with each other
🎉 ADHD rep

Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (Third Person POV)
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[TeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

To absolutely no one's surprise, I loved this. Maybe I have become biased at this point, but I don't care. I love James and Leon. Their romance feels so real. D.C. Emerson doesn't shy away from showing their characters having the real and difficult conversations. To me, it doesn't take away from the romance and the spice in this novella, but adds to it and makes it even better. I love when characters are honest and communicate. This makes consent clear and with this novella exploring James and Leon's physical intimacy, I really loved seeing that. These novellas are short and sweet, but contain so much that keeps your attention without feeling overloaded. I'm really loving this series and I know I will be sad when their story finally has to come to an end. As always, definitely check this one out as well as the rest of D.C. Emerson's blacklist.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you so much for the eArc

once again it was so good to be back with Leon and James 🥺
i enjoyed getting to know how their relationship is developing and loved how their approach to intimacy for their first time was handled 🥹 it's good to see people talk so much and set boundaries together !
it was also nice seeing Leon coming to terms with his ADHD

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first found @authordcemerson’s IG and the Conflict Mediation book, I honestly had no idea what I was stepping into.
I’ve been reading MM romances for quite a while, but they usually feature bi, pan, demi, ace or gay men as the main characters.
When I saw that one of the leads here was trans, I had very mixed feelings — not because I didn’t want to read it, but because I realized how little I truly understood. I don’t know any trans people in real life, so my knowledge had been full of gaps, confusion, and assumptions.

But the way James explains his identity, his body, and his experiences throughout the book… everything clicked. I finally understood what being transgender means, beyond labels and surface-level ideas. And honestly, I’m so grateful for that.

Besides absolutely loving the teasing, the chemistry, and the soft moments between the two boys, this book taught me so much about the queer community and the real, everyday things trans people navigate. Even though the story focuses specifically on a trans man’s experiences, it still highlights how many similar challenges and misunderstandings affect the trans community as a whole.

Leon’s struggle with ADHD — and the process of getting a diagnosis — made his character feel incredibly real to me. As someone who also has ADHD, I felt unexpectedly seen, and it brought me even closer to him. And I absolutely loved how much Leon paid attention to James — to his comfort, boundaries, needs, and simply who he is.
I also appreciated how Leon made an effort to learn more about the technical aspects of being trans so he could understand James better.
It made their relationship feel genuine and deeply meaningful.

I am genuinely thankful that I picked up this book. It’s rare to find a story that entertains you, moves you, and teaches you something truly important — all at the same time.

Thank you so much for the ARC; this is my honest review.

[That One Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review* Thank you to D.C. Emerson for sending me a copy!

Intro:
This book is an MM romance between James and Leon, who have recently begun to date and are trying to navigate their new relationship.


Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Open Door Romance
-ADHD/Anxiety Rep
-Trans MMC
-Established Relationship
-Hurt/Comfort
-HFN (Happy For Now)


Likes:
-Leon's immediate acceptance of anything and everything that James needs
-The end scene is so cute and was the perfect ending for the HFN
-I learned a few new things about the Transgender community that I haven't read/experienced in any other trans book I have read so far and I love that
-I like that this book mostly focused on both MCs and kept side characters to a minimum, it worked really well for this story
-The personal information for each MMC made it easy to connect with them
-The cover is so cute and I love the color scheme


Quotes
-"folks should be able to dress up their glorified meat suits however they damn well please"
-"What's my job, then?""Lay back and look pretty"
-"Usually, he was the one making guys whimper, not the other way around"
-"Apparently, James was a sadistic little mensch and was not to be trifled with"
-"Fuck–tomato, Jesus"
-"It doesn't matter if you're bigger, butcher, a top, or whatever else. You still deserve to be held."
-"Shhhh, little mensch, It makes sense in my head"

I read the previous book in this series and I am quite happy with how the characters are progressing. This book dives in deeper into James's trans identity and the way Leon accepts and accommodates James so fiercely and lovingly is the sweetest thing ever. Both characters have their own issues to work through, but they still love and support the other. This book was so much fun and a lot spicier than the previous book. I really enjoyed it and if you are looking for a short book with good pacing, sweet characters and soft vibes then this book is for you.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

James and Leon continue to be an absolute joy to follow, and this instalment captures everything that makes their relationship so special, the tenderness, awkward honesty, and the kind of emotional growth that feels beautifully real. Conflict Resolution focuses on the next stage of their journey together, and it does so with an attentiveness and warmth that make the novella deeply satisfying.

What stands out most is the care taken with their conversations around intimacy. James, outwardly confident yet still carrying pockets of vulnerability, approaches these moments with a quiet bravery that’s incredibly endearing. Leon, meanwhile, brings a softness and curiosity that shine through in every interaction. His willingness to learn, research, and support James without ego is portrayed with such sincerity that it’s impossible not to fall a little in love with him too.

The story also weaves in Leon’s ongoing self-discovery—navigating anxiety, understanding his ADHD—with a refreshing honesty that never feels heavy. Instead, it adds depth to his character and highlights just how much he and James are growing both individually and together.

And, of course, Yarmen the cat steals scenes whenever he appears, drifting between them like a furry emotional support mediator. His antics bring a light, cosy humour that balances the more serious conversations perfectly.

Short, heartfelt, and wonderfully intimate, this novella continues James and Leon’s story in the best possible way. I’m already looking forward to their Valentine’s adventure—and whatever new challenges (and snuggles) await them next.

[Polycraftory · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 - Chili peppers for spice!!

This is the 3rd novella of Conflict Mediation series following James and Leon as they figure our intimacy and their mental health as their relationship gets more serious.

I love these novellas so much! Okay James does such a good job not doing anything he doesn't want to do before he is ready and Leon is such a good and supportive partner that doesn't push for more before James is ready. They are both so willing to wait and listen to the other about their needs and boundaries. I loved all the conversations about what intimacy looks like for a trans man and what his needs where in these spaces. They also talk so much about Jame's trouble with anxiety around his mother and what he should work on to lesson that but also what they can do to help lesson that on Leon and his side and also what his mom can do to help them. There are so many grounded and great convos in this little novella.

Then on the flip side of all of this Leon is told by his partner and coworkers that he should look in to ADHD for himself and WOW did I feel seen by everything he was struggling with! From the way he cleans, to the way he thinks, to intimacy and conversation style. It is so nice to see yourself through characters. I am trans nonbinary and have ADHD and this novella... wow I need to read everything DC Emerson writes TBH. Also the scenes bleeping myself for amazon are so good and queer and wow!!

Anyway extremely high recommend this whole series. Are you queer? Are you neurodivergent? Do you want to have better communication in your relationship? You should read this!

[Justinelivre · Rating 5 out of 5]

J’ai reçu ce livre en service presse.

J’ai adoré, c’est mon préféré de la série de novella ! Déjà parce que c’était super mignon, j’adore James et Leon ensemble mais surtout parce que les thèmes abordés sont super intéressants ! Déjà on a le thème de poser un diagnostic de TDAH et ce que ça implique. Mais surtout, dans ce roman on traite de l’intimité dans un couple et notamment l’intimité sexuelle. James est trans et Leon n’a jamais couché avec quelqu’un qui n’était pas un homme cis. J’ai adoré découvrir cette aspect, entre mauvais moments pour aborder le sujet, discussion entre eux, explications et découvertes c’était fort en émotion ! J’ai apprécié en savoir plus sur les personnages aussi car ils sont forcément plus proche l’un de l’autre et leur relation se solidifie et s’approfondit !

I received this book as an ARC.

I loved it, it's my favorite in the novella series! First of all, because it was super cute, I love James and Leon together but mostly because the topics covered are really interesting! There's the theme of being diagnosed with ADHD and what that entails. But above all, this novel deals with intimacy in a couple, particularly sexual intimacy. James is trans and Leon has never slept with anyone who wasn't a cis man. I loved discovering this aspect, between bad moments to broach the subject, discussions between them, explanations, and discoveries—it was very emotional! I also enjoyed learning more about the characters because they are inevitably closer to each other and their relationship is solidifying and deepening!

[Cayolimebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review 3.5/5 ⭐

Thank you D.C. Emerson for the ARC of Conflict Resolution.

As always I am very into D.C. Emerson's writing style and am a fan of James and Leon's story. Conflict Resolution takes us a bit further on in the timeline, during Christmas and New Year's. 

The main focus in the story is on James and Leon's relationship growing more physical but also on the internal process of how they're going to be intimate, what needs to be discussed before that can even happen. It's quite the jourbey. I personally found it a bit wordy. I do get fully why it is like that and the worry James has is so real. Leon obviously is the ideal partner for this, his reaction to everything is just making me wish he was real.

Another focus is Leon's realisation that he might have ADHD and how that will affect his life. For me once that was pointed out it was so overly clear that, yes, Leon definitely has that and sadly it did frustrate me a bit how it was laid on so thick. 

As for the actual intimate part of the book, the spicy stuff, that was really well written and I love how it's breaking every stereotype that's easily pushed onto people that look a certain way. I love that James is bossy, that Leon is so understanding, such a cuddle bug too! 

I think honestly though, that this couple might become a comfort couple for me. 

Conflict Resolution comes out on December 4th and is available as ebook or a physical copy.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start by saying I love this series of short stories, they are all beautifully written, easy to read and process, and packed full of so much representation it makes me emotional!

Now, if you follow my reviews you'll know by now that I don't love when a book is just about spicy times. So, you may be wondering why I read this book when DC specifically said this one focuses on Leon and James becoming physically intimate. And while that IS true, and I'd definitely a big part of this story, there's also so much other stuff going on that I didn't mind the spicy scenes being there.

Yes, James and Leon are taking the next big step in their relationship, but first they talked things out several times to make sure they had all the information needed and that both of them were comfortable. I love, love, love, how they prioritized communication, and how they genuinely listened to each other and heard what the other was saying.

I also adore how Leon portrays himself to be this grumpy bear, but when it comes to James and Hailey, he's a big ol' softie. So cute seeing different sides of his personality emerge!

This is another successful story in this series and I am SO excited to read more about James and Leon. I'm also very excited for Aspen's story, they seem like their story will be a lotta fun!

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Leon and James and this book was no exception.

So in this novella, we are following them as they are still in a fairly new relationship and still figuring out what works best for them, but also Leon is getting evaluated for ADHD and trying to manage his anxiety while James is trying to figure out who he is and what he wants without being a fulltime caretaker for his mom and his anxiety/worry around that.

This also heavily features their path to intimacy and their communication and fear/nerves around that. I think this was handled so well and Leon's obvious care and concern for James and wanting to make sure they are both comfortable and ready to move forward, as well as being so open to learning and educating himself, was so, so sweet. This is the first book in the series with spice in it and it flowed into the story nicely.

I also loved the little cameo with Hailey and Trina - they are also the cutest.

Overall, I loved it and absolutely cannot wait for more of these two. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book - all opinions are my own.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is James and Leon's third book in their series. This was a sweet, steamy, informative quick read that I gobbled up. I've loved every book on the different aspects and progression of their relationship and this one is about intimacy. I love the way this author writes his intimacy and the care he takes to explain and open up about what sex could be like if your partner is Trans. As someone who identifies as pansexual this was a great read and even a bit informative without losing the intimate parts of sharing yourself and what you like and don't like when helping your partner navigate your body. Leon and James are settling into their relationship beautifully. They have nights they go out and get to know each other and be around each other more but work and life do tend to get in the way as well as feelings they may have with their anxiety and possible ADHD. I loved all the rep this book contained. It's so important for people to feel seen and heard and Leon and James make sure they make each other feel both. They took care in something so personal and vulnerable and made it so sweet and good. I'm so excited for the next book and seeing them progress even more together.

[Carly Molinar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful and intimate novella following Leon & James as they deepen their relationship.

In this installment we find the two, now officially a couple, navigating dating, intimacy, and mental health.

Leon and James have come such a long way since their days antagonizing each other as office rivals. Their communication in this was beautiful and supportive while still being raw and honest. Getting to watch Leon’s own journey to understand his mental health through therapy while they both worked to understand each other was wonderful.

Their passion and chemistry was undeniable and the progression of their physical relationship was both scorching hot and utterly sweet. It’s a pleasure to watch these men slowly fall in love with each other in small moments and big milestones.


What you’ll get:
•Established Couple
•Trans MC
•Anxiety Rep
•ADHD Rep
•Therapy
•Exploring Physical Intimacy
•First times with each other
•Communication
•A Series of novellas following the same couple

[Jovie Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella very much. I have never doubted the reality of James and Leon, and this section of their narrative made me remember why I like them so much. Their interaction is both cordial, tense and sincere, and there is a sense of reality in each scene. I also think that the author does not deprive the romance of the tough talks. It only brings them closer to each other.

Consent and communication in their more intimate moments were one of the best parts of the way they dealt. It was as natural, considerate, and gave their deepening intimacy deeper dimensions. The story did not seem rushed or empty even though being very short. There is an adequate amount of feeling, spicyness, and character focus that keeps you glued throughout the entirety.

It has been a series that has been very good and this episode has further enhanced my love of this series. I understand that I will miss these two when finally the story is over, but in the meantime I am living it all to the fullest. This is a worth reading as far as you have been following the series.

arc review

[Julie Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this third part of James and Leon’s story!!

We skip a few weeks, from Halloween up until almost Christmas/New Year’s, and the two have been taking it slow since they went from friends to dating. In this novella, though, they both start wanting to take things further, and we get a lot of thoughts and feelings and conversations around that—accompanied by a delicious amount of spice! 🔥

I thoroughly enjoyed how the characters navigated the conversation around intimacy, their thoughts and feelings and wants and fears. There’s a bit of angst and a lot of emotions, there’s talks about dysphoria but also so much euphoria, and I overall just had a fantastic time reading this story!

We also get to meet some characters I’m really looking forward to seeing again, hopefully in the next novella, and I believe in a separate book coming next year as well!!

Many thanks to D.C. Emerson for the advance review copy of Conflict Resolution 🥰

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time we get a new installment, this feels like sitting down with one of my favorite TV shows. I love how we're getting to see all the big milestones of Leon and James's relationship. This one they're deciding to take their relationship further, but life and nerves keep getting in the way (see, it's like a show where you're going KISS ALREADY - though, they are kissing, I promise). In fact, Emerson fully delivers on the promise of spice so definitely pick this up if that's your cup of tea, especially if you also enjoy when partners discuss preferences and fully understand one another before hand.

While their relationship is developing more, I also felt like this installment gave us so much more of who they are as individuals as well. We've got Leon going through therapy, getting diagnoses, and making new friends. James is trying to work through all the lingering issues with his mom and free himself from his worry. It's just so real and I feel like I know these two so well.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m very invested in Leon and James' relationship and was second hand nervous for them as they take the next step - sleepovers with and without intimate moments. We get to see all of the nerves over big talks and fears of not being fully accepted.

Thanks to that couples counseling they accidentally ended up to start this whole thing off, they are pretty good at communicating with each other. I love how Leon is so gruff to everyone except James and his neighbors, Allison and Hailey. I love how much James loves his mother and my heart breaks for him trying to figure out what she needs from him now that she doesn’t need him to take care of her as much as she used to.

Thanks to the author for the ARC! I can’t wait to see what step these two take together next.

[Bheccareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Conflict Resolution and truly enjoyed seeing how much James and Leon have grown in this installment. Their character development is steady, believable, and beautifully handled. You can really feel the maturity in both their individual journeys and their relationship as a whole. Their willingness to communicate, even when it’s uncomfortable, adds a depth that makes their bond feel real and well-earned.

There’s a subtle touch of spice in this one, but it’s perfectly balanced—it enhances their connection without overshadowing the story or emotional beats.

Overall, this novella was a refreshing, grounding read and the perfect palate cleanser. I’m genuinely looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Rachel Harrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’ve been waiting for Leon and James to finally ‘bang’ (their words, not mine) then consider this book your hard earned reward.

After being newly appointed boyfriends, Conflict Resolution takes us to the next steps in their relationship. It’s a little like Sexy Times 101, with James being trans and Leon having never been with a trans man, but I respected the hell out of that, and it felt right on brand for James’ character.

Expect warm and fuzzy, but also steamy as heck, not to mention Leon hitting us with more ‘darlin’’ which I feel right down to my toes.

✨MM
✨Trans rep
✨Enemies to friends to lovers
✨Low angst
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️

(I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion)

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conflict Resolution continues James and Leon's story, we are now in the Christmas and New Year time. They are now a couple and navigating dating and intimacy. This book really shows how they take the next step as a couple.

I love James and Leon, this was a perfect book to know more about them. We get to know more characters, and they are interesting, hopefully we see them again in the next book.

This is third book of the Conflict Mediation series, and this series need to read in the order, because we follow one couple how they get together.

----------------------------------------------
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this series and it is my favorite. The love these 2 have for each other finally comes together in a physical way. It is so beautiful to see how Leon has grown into a sensitive and caring boyfriend that just wants the best for James. They compliment each other so well. This is the first book in the series that has graphic sex scenes between MCs, but if you have read the other 2 books it was about time. It is so well done with the trans discussions they have. I really love reading books by this author and this is a great continuation of James' and Leon's story, I can't wait to read the next one.
I did receive this book as an ARC, but this is my honest opinion.

[ds321 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really liked this. It picks up after the short story Conflict Mediation. (Reading that first is a great idea - not totally essential, but will definitely add depth. Plus it’s a great read.)

I am anti-spoiler, so I don’t want to give too many details. But I enjoyed getting to know James and Leon. Their personalities shine, and their relationship develops alongside each MC’s understanding of the other… and themselves. Some good supporting characters as well.

And the haunted house was amazing on multiple levels.

Strongly recommend!

I got the book as an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Ana Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella gives Leon and James a quieter, deeper spotlight as they settle into being a couple. Instead of drama, we get a gentle unfolding of two men learning what love looks like in the day to day. Dating, trusting each other, and figuring out how to be there for one another.

Their history of animosity makes their current status even sweeter given how much they used to snipe at each other. The shift in their relationship feels earned.

Leon’s steps into understanding and accepting his mental health is a big step in the right direction.

I loved how their quiet, intimate moments were a perfect blend of heat and affection. Overall a lovely continuation of their journey together.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is becoming my holiday tradition! What better way to end the year than with these beloved characters. I knew going into this book that it would probably be my least favorite of this novella series, but I refused to skip a single page of James and Leon. And while this book definitely pushed my comfort zone, it was still so important to read. I deeply admire how the author tackles the nuances of intimacy for queer and trans people and the emphasis put on the importance of having conversations about it. This book with James and Leon really proves that communication and consent are sexy. Of course, while physical intimacy and taking that step forward in their relationship is the main focus of this book, it is far from the only thing going on in these characters’ lives. Both James and Leon continue to grow on their own, as James and his mother have emotional conversations about her recovery and Leon processes his own new diagnoses. I was so proud of both of them for working through all these things. So overall I continue to adore this series!

[Alastair H · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back with Leon and James are the next stage of their relationship! These novellas are a really happy and cozy way to watch a relationship progress in nice bit sized pieces.

James and Leon are officially boyfriends now and this installment explores their physical connection, while still placing an emphasis on their healthy and open communication. I feel like we now have a good grasp of who they are as a couple, not just as individual characters. A great addition that finally gives us the physical intimacy to go with the emotional.

[Ruby Dalegendaryreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I want next year to be just like the past month.”

James and Leon's now in a relationship, but comes to the hard part: talking about intimacy.

I love this series. Funny how I discovered the first book on a whim on Kindle and now I am looking forward to more.

I love both characters. They are juggling their own battle and yet still came together to be in a relationship. This book taught me a lot about trans people. I was so mindblown by how the author packed this book with a lot of learnings and insights in just 100+ pages!

Looking forward to the next one.