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Franklin U #7
Making Waves (Franklin University 5)
Alex' erster Crush war ausgerechnet Remy – der große Bruder seines besten Freundes Bailey, doch die Brüder sind seit Jahren zerstritten. Nun studieren alle drei an derselben Uni, und obwohl Alex loyal bleiben will, lässt ihn Remy nicht los.
Auch Remy ist hin- und Alex ist erwachsen geworden und schwer zu ignorieren, doch Nähe will er sich nicht mehr erlauben.
Was als heimliche Affäre beginnt, wird schnell kompliziert. Alex will Bailey nicht verletzen, Remy glaubt nicht an echte Gefühle. Doch je mehr sie versuchen, sich voneinander fernzuhalten, desto stärker wird die Anziehung – und desto größer das Risiko, alles zu verlieren.
Auch Remy ist hin- und Alex ist erwachsen geworden und schwer zu ignorieren, doch Nähe will er sich nicht mehr erlauben.
Was als heimliche Affäre beginnt, wird schnell kompliziert. Alex will Bailey nicht verletzen, Remy glaubt nicht an echte Gefühle. Doch je mehr sie versuchen, sich voneinander fernzuhalten, desto stärker wird die Anziehung – und desto größer das Risiko, alles zu verlieren.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2022
383 people are currently reading
1788 people want to read
About the author
Christina Lee
55 books2,140 followersChristina writes romance in different sub-genres, mostly with LGBTQ characters, not only because she's part of the community, but because representation matters, and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
August 20, 2023
I usually like stories with this premise, when the MCs have known each other since childhood and one of them has had a crush on the other one. It reminded me of this author's book Beautiful Dreamer, which is one of my favorites, so I thought I'd enjoy this one.
What doesn't work for me is when the same characters who have been sort of friends since childhood start hooking up. So yes, the relationship development didn't work for me here at all.
Another thing that didn't work for me here was the whole situation with Bailey. It felt forced and unrealistic and it annoyed me, to be honest.
The story felt pretty generic to me overall. Nothing stood out to me here except for a couple cute moments. There were definitely too many s*x scenes that felt very generic, too, and I got tired of them pretty quickly. Remy and Alex were nice, but that's about it. They never made me swoon.
What doesn't work for me is when the same characters who have been sort of friends since childhood start hooking up. So yes, the relationship development didn't work for me here at all.
Another thing that didn't work for me here was the whole situation with Bailey. It felt forced and unrealistic and it annoyed me, to be honest.
The story felt pretty generic to me overall. Nothing stood out to me here except for a couple cute moments. There were definitely too many s*x scenes that felt very generic, too, and I got tired of them pretty quickly. Remy and Alex were nice, but that's about it. They never made me swoon.
October 9, 2022
On one hand, I loved Alex & Remy. Best friend's older brother, sports romance, secret romance – are all exactly my cup of tea. Loved them and their story.
On the other hand, Bailey was legit the worst. He blamed his brother for exposing his dad’s affair and not his dad for having an affair. This reaction might be understandable in an 8–9 year-old but he was 16-19 in this story. This reaction might have been understandable as a knee-jerk reaction you quickly get over, but he held this grudge for years. How Alex was best friends with him for years without ever losing his shit made no sense.
I get that the author wanted this book to be best friends older, hated, rival brother instead of the traditional best friend’s older brother. But, it would have worked way better either just having it be best friend’s older brother or coming up with literally any other reason for the brothers to hate each other.
But like I said, I did enjoy the two main characters and the romance and still did overall enjoy this book.
On the other hand, Bailey was legit the worst. He blamed his brother for exposing his dad’s affair and not his dad for having an affair. This reaction might be understandable in an 8–9 year-old but he was 16-19 in this story. This reaction might have been understandable as a knee-jerk reaction you quickly get over, but he held this grudge for years. How Alex was best friends with him for years without ever losing his shit made no sense.
I get that the author wanted this book to be best friends older, hated, rival brother instead of the traditional best friend’s older brother. But, it would have worked way better either just having it be best friend’s older brother or coming up with literally any other reason for the brothers to hate each other.
But like I said, I did enjoy the two main characters and the romance and still did overall enjoy this book.
October 16, 2022
3 Stars
The best friend’s brother vibe artist Remy and swim star Alex were sporting here was choc-full of the kind of sweetness and longing I like in stories where childhood crushes are realised in adulthood. They made for a cute couple and their college romance was a nice addition to the multi-author Franklin U series that has been dominating my reading life these past 7 weeks.
Unfortunately—and I’m betting no one who has read this story is surprised by what I’ll say next—the constant angst and frustration provided by the heavy presence of Bailey (Remy’s brother and Alex’s BFF) was enough to seep much of my enjoyment out of this whole experience.
The idea that the core conflict in this story revolved around Bailey holding an epic grudge towards Remy, for outing their cheating prick of a father and essentially ruining their family unit was absolutely absurd. The anger and resentment and the way Bailey threw moody little tantrums left and right, made for an uncomfortable read, especially because his viewpoint (where daddy is a Saint and every bad thing was Remy's fault) was so juvenile and pathetic, I couldn’t even slightly sympathise with him.
As sweet as it was to follow Remy and Alex in their (initially secretive) courtship, with all their heart-warming volunteering work and their deep discussions of their individual passions for art and swimming, I still couldn’t escape Bailey’s negative presence. If he wasn’t physically present in a chapter, spewing childish disapproval and ranting about how wronged scummy daddy was, he was a looming deterrent to Remy and Alex’s growing relationship, and, quite frankly, fuck that!
So, yeah. As far as I’m concerned, Bailey messed with what this story could have been from the first mention of his name and the first outburst of his ridiculous opinions. It honestly makes me sad that Remy and Alex didn’t get to shine like many of the other couples in this series, simply because the ruinous presence of a side character impacted the whole story in a way that was... not ideal.
The best friend’s brother vibe artist Remy and swim star Alex were sporting here was choc-full of the kind of sweetness and longing I like in stories where childhood crushes are realised in adulthood. They made for a cute couple and their college romance was a nice addition to the multi-author Franklin U series that has been dominating my reading life these past 7 weeks.
Unfortunately—and I’m betting no one who has read this story is surprised by what I’ll say next—the constant angst and frustration provided by the heavy presence of Bailey (Remy’s brother and Alex’s BFF) was enough to seep much of my enjoyment out of this whole experience.
The idea that the core conflict in this story revolved around Bailey holding an epic grudge towards Remy, for outing their cheating prick of a father and essentially ruining their family unit was absolutely absurd. The anger and resentment and the way Bailey threw moody little tantrums left and right, made for an uncomfortable read, especially because his viewpoint (where daddy is a Saint and every bad thing was Remy's fault) was so juvenile and pathetic, I couldn’t even slightly sympathise with him.
As sweet as it was to follow Remy and Alex in their (initially secretive) courtship, with all their heart-warming volunteering work and their deep discussions of their individual passions for art and swimming, I still couldn’t escape Bailey’s negative presence. If he wasn’t physically present in a chapter, spewing childish disapproval and ranting about how wronged scummy daddy was, he was a looming deterrent to Remy and Alex’s growing relationship, and, quite frankly, fuck that!
So, yeah. As far as I’m concerned, Bailey messed with what this story could have been from the first mention of his name and the first outburst of his ridiculous opinions. It honestly makes me sad that Remy and Alex didn’t get to shine like many of the other couples in this series, simply because the ruinous presence of a side character impacted the whole story in a way that was... not ideal.
October 6, 2022
I liked this to a point, but the conflict between the brothers just grated on me.
How did Bailey get away with blaming his brother for his dad's wandering dick for TWO YEARS???? Given how the mum was portrayed as supportive etc. surely she would have talked to him sooner, but she was seemingly happy for Remy to be frozen out so that Bailey wouldn't fall apart??? Excellent parenting skills there.
Would have preferred the conflict to actually be something that happened between the brothers so there was an actual reason for blame and the need for Alex to sneak around, but sneaking around because your BFF blames your boyfriend for breaking up his family.... just didn't work for me.
There also wasn't that much time for Alex and Remy to actually be in a relationship either, it was all about Bailey and his issues.
Only book I haven't really enjoyed in this series so far.
How did Bailey get away with blaming his brother for his dad's wandering dick for TWO YEARS???? Given how the mum was portrayed as supportive etc. surely she would have talked to him sooner, but she was seemingly happy for Remy to be frozen out so that Bailey wouldn't fall apart??? Excellent parenting skills there.
Would have preferred the conflict to actually be something that happened between the brothers so there was an actual reason for blame and the need for Alex to sneak around, but sneaking around because your BFF blames your boyfriend for breaking up his family.... just didn't work for me.
There also wasn't that much time for Alex and Remy to actually be in a relationship either, it was all about Bailey and his issues.
Only book I haven't really enjoyed in this series so far.
October 8, 2022
2.5 stars
the brother was unbearable and i hated him so much. such a stupid plot i can’t believe the author couldn’t think of anything better than “dumb as fuck dude that doesn’t understand that if his father cheats it’s not his brother’s fault”. it’s not hard to do better.
the rest was pretty boring and so overdone.
there were some cute moments so there’s that.
i’m honestly so scared for eden’s book, this series is a big mess. i’ve only liked 3 books so far. damn.
the brother was unbearable and i hated him so much. such a stupid plot i can’t believe the author couldn’t think of anything better than “dumb as fuck dude that doesn’t understand that if his father cheats it’s not his brother’s fault”. it’s not hard to do better.
the rest was pretty boring and so overdone.
there were some cute moments so there’s that.
i’m honestly so scared for eden’s book, this series is a big mess. i’ve only liked 3 books so far. damn.
October 23, 2022
Sorry, I just can't get over how awful the brother was. Ruined the whole story.
Read
October 13, 2022DNF @ 46%
Too cringe. Dialogue too cheesy. Bailey too much of an annoying idiot.
Too cringe. Dialogue too cheesy. Bailey too much of an annoying idiot.
November 5, 2022
Sweet brother's best friend romance
3.5*
I liked this one more than some of my friends but I do have to agree with them all about Remy's younger brother Bailey almost ruining the story.
Like them I found he intruded perhaps a little bit too much into what was happening between Remy and Alex simply because I didn't find him to be in any way a sympathetic person.
In fact, the opposite almost, I found it incredibly difficult to find any sense of empathy for him over that I had for his brother because I couldn't understand why he would blame everyone else but the actual person responsible for splitting their family up - in other words, his dad, who had an affair.
But, that aside, I really loved the relationship between Alex and Remy, which stemmed from a mutual friendship and respect for the other's situation.
Alex was a sweetheart, doing his best to mediate as well as dealing with his own family troubles with a younger sister with a serious health condition.
Remy I totally vibed with, artistic, a bit of a broody rebel, still holding all his feelings and fears inside.
As the whole basic premise hinges on Bailey being an **** about Alex and Remy being friends, never mind anything else, there's a real sense of foreboding at times because you know it's all going to blow up at some point.
The sneaking around never really becomes too big of a thing and eventually Alex and Remy are found out and, thankfully they basically tell Bailey to deal with it.
With their own fears to deal with, it's inevitable there'll be bumps along the way but the mature attitude and conversations between the two young men does go a long way to believing in their ultimate HEA.
There's also a good amount of sexual exploration and discovery which is both super sweet and full of feels and steaming hot lustful encounters.
3.5*
I liked this one more than some of my friends but I do have to agree with them all about Remy's younger brother Bailey almost ruining the story.
Like them I found he intruded perhaps a little bit too much into what was happening between Remy and Alex simply because I didn't find him to be in any way a sympathetic person.
In fact, the opposite almost, I found it incredibly difficult to find any sense of empathy for him over that I had for his brother because I couldn't understand why he would blame everyone else but the actual person responsible for splitting their family up - in other words, his dad, who had an affair.
But, that aside, I really loved the relationship between Alex and Remy, which stemmed from a mutual friendship and respect for the other's situation.
Alex was a sweetheart, doing his best to mediate as well as dealing with his own family troubles with a younger sister with a serious health condition.
Remy I totally vibed with, artistic, a bit of a broody rebel, still holding all his feelings and fears inside.
As the whole basic premise hinges on Bailey being an **** about Alex and Remy being friends, never mind anything else, there's a real sense of foreboding at times because you know it's all going to blow up at some point.
The sneaking around never really becomes too big of a thing and eventually Alex and Remy are found out and, thankfully they basically tell Bailey to deal with it.
With their own fears to deal with, it's inevitable there'll be bumps along the way but the mature attitude and conversations between the two young men does go a long way to believing in their ultimate HEA.
There's also a good amount of sexual exploration and discovery which is both super sweet and full of feels and steaming hot lustful encounters.
October 7, 2022
This would’ve been a lot better if it wasn’t for the “side” plot that somehow became the main plot of Remy’s brother/Alex’s best friend Bailey blaming Remy for breaking up their family when Remy did no such thing and actually did the right thing. Which nobody ever really comforted him about and that really bothered me.
The romance and sweetness between Remy and Alex was nice but there was nowhere near enough of it.
The romance and sweetness between Remy and Alex was nice but there was nowhere near enough of it.
June 3, 2024
First read
even though i was looking forward to this one i wasn't actually expecting anything after reading some of the others in this series. it ended up being really good though. i mean, not enough to break my brain or anything but better than the ones i've read so far for sure.
even though i was looking forward to this one i wasn't actually expecting anything after reading some of the others in this series. it ended up being really good though. i mean, not enough to break my brain or anything but better than the ones i've read so far for sure.
February 4, 2023
I fell in love with Remy and Alex ♥️
This one is by far my favorite in the series.
This one is by far my favorite in the series.
October 8, 2022
Bailey absolutely ruined this book for me. Terrible friend. Terrible brother. Honestly an awful person all around for blaming his father’s cheating on his brother. It was a struggle to get through this story every time Bailey was brought up or went off on some rant about his brother.
Even towards the end Bailey says “I know he didn’t mean to ruin our family” REMY DIDN’T RUIN YOUR FAMILY. Bailey still doesn’t get it.
Even towards the end Bailey says “I know he didn’t mean to ruin our family” REMY DIDN’T RUIN YOUR FAMILY. Bailey still doesn’t get it.
dnf
October 7, 2022DNF early on due to boredom. Writing is flat and the premise for Bailey’s hatred feels manufactured.
May 28, 2024
Tropes:
- brother's best friend
- secret romance
Making Waves was cute, but probably my least favorite of the Franklin U series. There was just something about Remy and Alex's story that just didn't hook me in, and I hated how immature Bailey was. So bummed!
- brother's best friend
- secret romance
Making Waves was cute, but probably my least favorite of the Franklin U series. There was just something about Remy and Alex's story that just didn't hook me in, and I hated how immature Bailey was. So bummed!
October 7, 2022
DNF’d at 43%
I was trying my hardest to give this a chance, but I honestly knew from the beginning that it would be a dud for me. I just can’t jive with Christina’s writing. Like… does she know how people actually act in real life? This was so corny.
I was trying my hardest to give this a chance, but I honestly knew from the beginning that it would be a dud for me. I just can’t jive with Christina’s writing. Like… does she know how people actually act in real life? This was so corny.
February 17, 2025
3 Stars
Read: 18/08/2023
What to expect from this book? 🤔
❤️🔥 MM Romance
👉 Younger Brother's Best Friend To Lovers
👉 Friends To Lovers
👉 Forbidden Encounters
👉 Cranky-Optimist/Fixer Opposites
👉 College-Artist-Water Sport Romance
😚 Very caring/honest/cute/possessive/sugary mess of MCs
👉 Slow Burn 🥵👋
Series: Franklin U #7
Cover: 1/5
Story: 2/5
Audiobook: 3/5
Duration: 7h
Narrators: 5/5 Iggy Toma
Okay... this one took me some time.
I'm glad that I listened to the audiobook instead of reading it bc if I had read it, I would've been an instant DNF!
As always, Iggy Toma brought his A-game, completely flawless.
The smut was very good and they were friking cute!
The book was well-written when the MCs where the only ones in the scene. BC Remy's family was awfull.!
I'll summarize it for u. But I'm going to put it in spoilers code.
SPOILER ➡️➡️➡️ ⬅️⬅️⬅️ SPOILER
This whole drama thing was... some people may enjoy it, but in my opinion, it was unnecessary angst.
Genre/Trope: Adult/MM Romance/Slow Burn/Brother's Best Friend to Lovers/Friends to Lovers/College/Forbidden Encounters/Sports Romance/Art-Aesthetic Romance/Cranky-Sunshine Opposites
Plot: 3/5
POV: 2
Main Characters:
+3,5/5 - Alex Larsen, 19 yo, nickname: Carl or Carl Bennington & Chlorine Boy, gives more than has, sunshine spirit, optimist, peace maker, caretaker, funny.
+3,5/5 - Remy Duval, 21 yo, nickname: Ted or Ted Barlow & Moody Boy & Tattoo Boy & Little Peep, artist as in painting, drawing and making/designing tattoos, broody, cranky but caring, tattooed, very protective of those he loves, commitment issues, very patient, very adorably cute with words.
Did I mention that the sex scenes were the HOTTEST?
Yes, it was one of the reasons I kept reading but it wasn’t the only one.
The other reason, when the MCs weren't thinking/talking about/with Bailey, the scenes were funny and super mega cute and swoony!
Steam Level: 4,5/5
Romance: Medium Focus
Side Characters: 1/5
I didn't like Bailey idf that wasn't clear.
Love Remy's Mom, she's so strong and caring and gives the best adivice, very wise!
Alex's family was also very cool. I almost, almost, got annyoed with the little problem that Alex and his family had, but it didn’t become a big thing like in Remy's family!
Angst: Medium Focus
Humor: Medium Low Focus
Cheating?
The Ending: 2/5
HEA/HFN?
Favorite character?
Would I read more of this author? Yes
Would I recommend this series? Yes
Will I read this again in the future? No!
Enjoyment: 3/5
Franklin U Series
1.
Playing Games
by Riley Hart
- +5,0 stars
2.
The Dating Disaster
by Saxon James
- 4,0 stars
3.
Mr. Romantic
by Louisa Masters
- +5,0 stars
4. Bet You by Neve Wilder - DNF 15%
5.
The Glow Up
by A.M. Johnson
- 5,0 stars
6.
Learning Curve
by N.R. Walker
- +5,0 stars
7.Making Waves
- 3,0 stars
Next & Final Eden Finley's book
8. Football Crush - DNF
!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!
Hope this review was helpful.
Click Here:
To See My StoryGraph Review
To See My BookBub Review
To See All My Reviews On Goodreads
To See All My Socials
Read: 18/08/2023
What to expect from this book? 🤔
❤️🔥 MM Romance
👉 Younger Brother's Best Friend To Lovers
👉 Friends To Lovers
👉 Forbidden Encounters
👉 Cranky-Optimist/Fixer Opposites
👉 College-Artist-Water Sport Romance
😚 Very caring/honest/cute/possessive/sugary mess of MCs
👉 Slow Burn 🥵👋
Series: Franklin U #7
Cover: 1/5
Story: 2/5
Audiobook: 3/5
Duration: 7h
Narrators: 5/5 Iggy Toma
Okay... this one took me some time.
I'm glad that I listened to the audiobook instead of reading it bc if I had read it, I would've been an instant DNF!
As always, Iggy Toma brought his A-game, completely flawless.
🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞Q🎨u🎨o🎨t🎨e🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞
He’s the soft center of my heart,
And I’m the hardened edges.
I wind myself around him,
Until we meld into one.
Alex: “God, Remy…I… Have you been holding out on me? Is that really the way you see…this…us?”
“I described feeling a rightness in my gut about my art, and it’s the same way I feel about you. I’m in love with you, Alex. I think part of me always has been, but I’ve been too terrified to admit it.”
My heart felt like it might burst into a million pieces.
“I know you’re scared.” I pressed my forehead to his. “You stand all on your own, Remy Duval, and I’m hopelessly in love with you too.”
He gathered my face in his hands. “Say that again.”
“I love you and would never betray your trust,” I said, and I heard his quiet gasp. I knew just how vital that was to him, and I meant it. “I thought I might actually die if I couldn’t text you or see you as much as I wanted to, and then umff—”
He took my mouth in a deep kiss that curled my toes. The room became a blur, and we were transported back to that dock, the tendrils of our hearts connecting again.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about you and wanting to hear your voice and see your corny texts.” Remy peppered my cheeks and lips and eyes with kisses. “I still planned to cheer for you at your meets. But I also want you at my place so we can wake up together and I can feed you and make you laugh.”
“Ugh, now you’re just being overly romantic,” I replied, and Remy’s smile stretched into a grin.
He reached for my hand and tenderly kissed my knuckles. God, what did we even look like, making out and giving each other googly eyes in the middle of the art studio?
Maybe like two people in love. Who could fault us that?
I waited for him in a sappy daze.
🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞🎨🏞
The smut was very good and they were friking cute!
The book was well-written when the MCs where the only ones in the scene. BC Remy's family was awfull.!
I'll summarize it for u. But I'm going to put it in spoilers code.
SPOILER ➡️➡️➡️ ⬅️⬅️⬅️ SPOILER
This whole drama thing was... some people may enjoy it, but in my opinion, it was unnecessary angst.
Genre/Trope: Adult/MM Romance/Slow Burn/Brother's Best Friend to Lovers/Friends to Lovers/College/Forbidden Encounters/Sports Romance/Art-Aesthetic Romance/Cranky-Sunshine Opposites
Plot: 3/5
POV: 2
Main Characters:
+3,5/5 - Alex Larsen, 19 yo, nickname: Carl or Carl Bennington & Chlorine Boy, gives more than has, sunshine spirit, optimist, peace maker, caretaker, funny.
+3,5/5 - Remy Duval, 21 yo, nickname: Ted or Ted Barlow & Moody Boy & Tattoo Boy & Little Peep, artist as in painting, drawing and making/designing tattoos, broody, cranky but caring, tattooed, very protective of those he loves, commitment issues, very patient, very adorably cute with words.
Did I mention that the sex scenes were the HOTTEST?
Yes, it was one of the reasons I kept reading but it wasn’t the only one.
The other reason, when the MCs weren't thinking/talking about/with Bailey, the scenes were funny and super mega cute and swoony!
Steam Level: 4,5/5
Romance: Medium Focus
🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸Q🎶u🎶o🎶t🎶e🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸
Remy: I couldn’t hold back any longer. I caged him against the wall, my fingers gripping his chin and angling his face to mine. “Fucking hell, Alex. You in those tiny briefs, dancing like that.”
His eyes were wide through the mask, the raw longing in them making my heart bang against my chest. I lifted the mask over his forehead and kissed each of his cheeks.
“Better? Bet the mask helped with some of that sexy confidence.”
“Probably. Or maybe it’s just you being here.”
“You’re gonna be the death of me.” I seized his mouth in a hungry kiss. As my tongue slipped past his lips, my fingernails trailing along his bare rib cage, I was rewarded with a throaty groan.
His hands slipped inside the jacket and gripped the back of my shirt. I pinned him with my body and nipped at his jaw, throat, and lips, wanting to devour him right there. He moaned as I sucked on his tongue, tasting all of him. When our mouths fitted back together for a deep and long kiss, I was in heaven.
He gasped as we came up for air, and I could feel the swell of his cock through his pants. I wanted to grind my stiff dick against him, but I’d never been one for public displays, except maybe now.
“You came all the way here,” he said between kisses. “Dance one song with me?
🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸🎶🍸
Side Characters: 1/5
I didn't like Bailey idf that wasn't clear.
Love Remy's Mom, she's so strong and caring and gives the best adivice, very wise!
Alex's family was also very cool. I almost, almost, got annyoed with the little problem that Alex and his family had, but it didn’t become a big thing like in Remy's family!
Angst: Medium Focus
Humor: Medium Low Focus
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊Q🌊u🌊o🌊t🌊e🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Alex Text: My foot thanks you, btw, for letting it out of your hairy leg prison.
Remy Text: Hairy leg prison? WTF?
Alex Text: You were wearing shorts, and I had to endure being poked by your wiry man hairs the whole time.
Remy Text: Lies. Your foot loved being imprisoned by my legs.
Are we honestly talking about our body parts as if they’re sentient beings?
Alex Text: Look at you, using big-boy terms. We’ve already admitted we’re ridiculous.
This takes the cake.
Remy Text: Good night, Carl.
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Cheating?
The Ending: 2/5
HEA/HFN?
Favorite character?
Would I read more of this author? Yes
Would I recommend this series? Yes
Will I read this again in the future? No!
Enjoyment: 3/5
Franklin U Series
1.
2.
3.
4. Bet You by Neve Wilder - DNF 15%
5.
6.
7.
Next & Final Eden Finley's book
8. Football Crush - DNF
!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!
Hope this review was helpful.
Click Here:
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November 17, 2022
Pretty average book with best friend's brother vibes. Remy and Alex (the MCs) were cute, but the best friend and brother, Bailey, ruined this book for me. The tension is supposed to lie in the fact that Bailey and Remy are estranged, but Alex is Bailey's BFF and develops a thing with Remy and Bailey super mega disapproves. He was an absolute child from start to finish. I found him to be a deeply unpleasant character, and he detracted from the romance quite a lot. There's not really much else to say; there's the requisite "we're just keeping it casual", when they clearly are not, and the emotionally loaded ending. Par for the course.
September 30, 2022
This was my least favorite of the Franklin U series books, which is a huge bummer because I had REALLY been looking forward to Remy's book!!
I WANTED to like this book so much, and the overall premise is great and the bones are there, it just... wasn't very well executed. I love a best friend's brother/brother's best friend romance, and there was so much potential there with Alex and his long-standing crush on his brother's hot, tattoo-artist older brother.
The pacing was all over the place, often stuttering and jerking along ahead of itself it ways that didn't really make sense. The writing was just SO overdramatic, and much of the dialogue that was supposed to (I think) sound romantic was just sappy (and not in the good way). I liked the story itself, and the chemistry between Alex and Remy was there, I just wish this book had maybe had a little more time to proof and bake before being served up.
This is the seventh book in the Franklin U series. The FUKings books are all stand-alones set in the same universe and each written by a different author. As the blurb in the front matter says, "You don't need to read the other to enjoy this one (though you should, because they're awesome)." Can confirm 10/10 are awesome.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
I WANTED to like this book so much, and the overall premise is great and the bones are there, it just... wasn't very well executed. I love a best friend's brother/brother's best friend romance, and there was so much potential there with Alex and his long-standing crush on his brother's hot, tattoo-artist older brother.
The pacing was all over the place, often stuttering and jerking along ahead of itself it ways that didn't really make sense. The writing was just SO overdramatic, and much of the dialogue that was supposed to (I think) sound romantic was just sappy (and not in the good way). I liked the story itself, and the chemistry between Alex and Remy was there, I just wish this book had maybe had a little more time to proof and bake before being served up.
This is the seventh book in the Franklin U series. The FUKings books are all stand-alones set in the same universe and each written by a different author. As the blurb in the front matter says, "You don't need to read the other to enjoy this one (though you should, because they're awesome)." Can confirm 10/10 are awesome.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
February 15, 2023
3/5 stars
I loved Alex and Remy, but omg did I fucking hate Bailey. He was so unbearable.
I loved Alex and Remy, but omg did I fucking hate Bailey. He was so unbearable.
October 14, 2022
Turned out, I was right about the other shoe, but who knew I’d be the one to drop it? Go me, I guess.
I can’t believe this series is almost over! I out off reading this book because I wanted to prolong the experience, and as soon as I started it, I remember thinking ‘God damn, why did I wait so long to start this?’
Alex and Remy were such loveable main characters.
I loved all of the tropes here, too! I mean, best friend’s brother but also kind of a forbidden romance and it’s set in college? And mutual pining? Heck yeah.
I can’t believe this series is almost over! I out off reading this book because I wanted to prolong the experience, and as soon as I started it, I remember thinking ‘God damn, why did I wait so long to start this?’
Alex and Remy were such loveable main characters.
I loved all of the tropes here, too! I mean, best friend’s brother but also kind of a forbidden romance and it’s set in college? And mutual pining? Heck yeah.
October 11, 2022
Algo positivo es que se lee rápido pero la trama es demasiado plana, literalmente el único problema en el libro es Bailey hasta que decide dejar de actuar como un niño de 5 años y dejar su berrinche de lado.
Alex y Remy tienen un crush con el otro desde hace años y son correspondidos entonces no hay drama y siendo honesta sus personalidades tampoco son memorables, están bien pero nada más.
Alex y Remy tienen un crush con el otro desde hace años y son correspondidos entonces no hay drama y siendo honesta sus personalidades tampoco son memorables, están bien pero nada más.
October 9, 2022
Not for me, I cant go on reading 'adulting sucks' in books.
October 6, 2022
This one was a pleasant surprise; I wasn't expecting that diving into it❤️ Alex & Remey's story was surprisingly sweet.
Admission here, the best friend older brother trope, is not my go-to, to be honest. Still, something about the blurb caught my attention: the younger brother (Bailey) resents his older brother Remey for their family's fallout. It made me curious how the two brothers would patch their relationship. Also, the two MCs had a history before meeting up again in college, so I was intrigued by how that will unfold.
Lol, a bit of a spoiler or not😅 , but it's predictable in these plotlines that the whole hush-hush thing between the two MCs is going to be caught by the brother😂, but fear not, that wasn't the climax of the story. And it got resolved fast. I'm glad the author took a different route and didn't focus on that. Instead shifted the focus to how the two would come together when they realized their feelings for each other.
Things that I liked:
-The sweet, tender moments shared between Remey & Alex.
-The communication between them, although when feeling involved, took a step back but didn't drag on, which I appreciate.
-The two spent time together, aside from hooking up, was very sweet.
-The way Remey confesses his feelings to Alex had me swooning. I appreciate it's done in private between the two and that it wasn't like a big public declaration which was refreshing.
Now shifting gears...it's not necessarily I didn't like it, but there will be some repetitive words like "Ache," another synonym that can be used.
I'm the kind of reader that, unfortunately, has buzzkill words, description, action, and comparison...but fortunately, none here. So instead, I found myself laughing when I came across the word "nuts" in a steamy scene 😂 call me childish, but nothing hot about this word; I only read it in a comedic way, so it felt out of place when it's used in a steamy scene.
Overall I enjoyed this one. However, I can see now, after I read like four books from this series, it either can be a hit or a miss. But, everything worked out for me in this one, and I found a new author, and I will check out their other work❤️.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Admission here, the best friend older brother trope, is not my go-to, to be honest. Still, something about the blurb caught my attention: the younger brother (Bailey) resents his older brother Remey for their family's fallout. It made me curious how the two brothers would patch their relationship. Also, the two MCs had a history before meeting up again in college, so I was intrigued by how that will unfold.
Lol, a bit of a spoiler or not😅 , but it's predictable in these plotlines that the whole hush-hush thing between the two MCs is going to be caught by the brother😂, but fear not, that wasn't the climax of the story. And it got resolved fast. I'm glad the author took a different route and didn't focus on that. Instead shifted the focus to how the two would come together when they realized their feelings for each other.
Things that I liked:
-The sweet, tender moments shared between Remey & Alex.
-The communication between them, although when feeling involved, took a step back but didn't drag on, which I appreciate.
-The two spent time together, aside from hooking up, was very sweet.
-The way Remey confesses his feelings to Alex had me swooning. I appreciate it's done in private between the two and that it wasn't like a big public declaration which was refreshing.
Now shifting gears...it's not necessarily I didn't like it, but there will be some repetitive words like "Ache," another synonym that can be used.
I'm the kind of reader that, unfortunately, has buzzkill words, description, action, and comparison...but fortunately, none here. So instead, I found myself laughing when I came across the word "nuts" in a steamy scene 😂 call me childish, but nothing hot about this word; I only read it in a comedic way, so it felt out of place when it's used in a steamy scene.
Overall I enjoyed this one. However, I can see now, after I read like four books from this series, it either can be a hit or a miss. But, everything worked out for me in this one, and I found a new author, and I will check out their other work❤️.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 3, 2023
✧ «—Eres el centro suave de mi corazón. No podía dejar de pensar en ti y de querer escuchar tu voz. —Remy salpicó mis mejillas, labios y ojos con besos. —Te quiero en mi casa para que podamos despertar juntos y poder alimentarte y hacerte reír... Te quiero para siempre.»
✧ Esta ha sido una historia muy bonita y entretenida, al principio creí que habría dramas por todo el asunto de que los protagonistas debían esconder su relación del hermano de Remy, pero eso se descubre y maneja bien. Me encanta cuando en una historia, los protagonistas, ya se conocen del pasado, en este caso Remy y Alex tuvieron su momento de declaración de sentimientos cuando iban en el instituto, pero debido a que Remy se iba a la universidad tuvieron que separarse. Ver ese amor adolescente es súper lindo, sus declaraciones en el muelle al amanecer y besos apasionados, me encantaron porque forman las bases del amor que se desarrollará en el futuro.
✧ Tenemos al melancólico Remy, quien tras descubrir a su padre siendo infiel, decide decirle a su madre y eso ocasiona que sus padres se divorcien. Carga con eso, aunque no fue su culpa, así como también con la indiferencia y desaprobación de su padre a lo que estudia y quiere hacer con su vida, vive en una cierta monotonía en la que solo su arte puede ayudarlo a sentirse vivo… Hasta que Alex regresa a su vida y hace que sus emociones y corazón se sientan tan brillantes de felicidad. Alex es un chico alegre y carismático que ama la natación, cuando se reencuentra con Remy, se dan cuenta que comparten los mismos sentimientos con respecto a sus familias y ambos tienen su arte y natación en donde pueden ser libres de todo. Los sentimientos que siempre han tenido resurgen para consumirlos por completo y ellos con gusto se pierden en los brazos, los labios, el cuerpo y el corazón del otro.
✧ De las cosas que más me irritaron esta Bailey, el hermano menor de Remy; no saben lo mucho que lo odié, pues se la pasa comportándose como un niño pequeño haciendo berrinches. Culpa de la separación de sus padres a Remy, cuando el infiel fue su padre, pero en cambio a su padre lo tiene en un pedestal y se muere por tener su atención cuál perrito faldero; llega a tal punto de culpar a Remy que dice que no debió decir nada a su madre y prácticamente su padre debió seguir engañándola, que asco de persona. Luego que no “dejaba” que Alex se juntara con Remy, cuando los problemas eran entre los hermanos y Alex no tenía nada que ver, pero Bailey lo reclamaba como si fuera su juguete y no quisiera prestárselo a Remy, en cambio Remy todo precioso, entendía la posición incómoda en la que ponían a Alex y prefería alejarse para que no tuviera problemas con Bailey.
✧ Me encantó, como ya dije en el principio, que el drama no se centrará en Bailey descubriéndolos salir, en el medio del libro si se entera y hace su berrinche, pero Alex lo confronta muy bien y le deja claro que lo que tiene con Remy no va a dejar de pasar solo porque a él no le caiga bien su propio hermano. Alex y Remy siguen viéndose de manera pública y privada y desarrollan una relación basada en la comunicación, confianza, apoyo y el amor apasionado; sus sentimientos solo crecen conforme pasan más y más tiempo juntos y absolutamente me tuvieron fascinada con su historia.
✧ Esta ha sido una historia muy bonita y entretenida, al principio creí que habría dramas por todo el asunto de que los protagonistas debían esconder su relación del hermano de Remy, pero eso se descubre y maneja bien. Me encanta cuando en una historia, los protagonistas, ya se conocen del pasado, en este caso Remy y Alex tuvieron su momento de declaración de sentimientos cuando iban en el instituto, pero debido a que Remy se iba a la universidad tuvieron que separarse. Ver ese amor adolescente es súper lindo, sus declaraciones en el muelle al amanecer y besos apasionados, me encantaron porque forman las bases del amor que se desarrollará en el futuro.
✧ Tenemos al melancólico Remy, quien tras descubrir a su padre siendo infiel, decide decirle a su madre y eso ocasiona que sus padres se divorcien. Carga con eso, aunque no fue su culpa, así como también con la indiferencia y desaprobación de su padre a lo que estudia y quiere hacer con su vida, vive en una cierta monotonía en la que solo su arte puede ayudarlo a sentirse vivo… Hasta que Alex regresa a su vida y hace que sus emociones y corazón se sientan tan brillantes de felicidad. Alex es un chico alegre y carismático que ama la natación, cuando se reencuentra con Remy, se dan cuenta que comparten los mismos sentimientos con respecto a sus familias y ambos tienen su arte y natación en donde pueden ser libres de todo. Los sentimientos que siempre han tenido resurgen para consumirlos por completo y ellos con gusto se pierden en los brazos, los labios, el cuerpo y el corazón del otro.
✧ De las cosas que más me irritaron esta Bailey, el hermano menor de Remy; no saben lo mucho que lo odié, pues se la pasa comportándose como un niño pequeño haciendo berrinches. Culpa de la separación de sus padres a Remy, cuando el infiel fue su padre, pero en cambio a su padre lo tiene en un pedestal y se muere por tener su atención cuál perrito faldero; llega a tal punto de culpar a Remy que dice que no debió decir nada a su madre y prácticamente su padre debió seguir engañándola, que asco de persona. Luego que no “dejaba” que Alex se juntara con Remy, cuando los problemas eran entre los hermanos y Alex no tenía nada que ver, pero Bailey lo reclamaba como si fuera su juguete y no quisiera prestárselo a Remy, en cambio Remy todo precioso, entendía la posición incómoda en la que ponían a Alex y prefería alejarse para que no tuviera problemas con Bailey.
✧ Me encantó, como ya dije en el principio, que el drama no se centrará en Bailey descubriéndolos salir, en el medio del libro si se entera y hace su berrinche, pero Alex lo confronta muy bien y le deja claro que lo que tiene con Remy no va a dejar de pasar solo porque a él no le caiga bien su propio hermano. Alex y Remy siguen viéndose de manera pública y privada y desarrollan una relación basada en la comunicación, confianza, apoyo y el amor apasionado; sus sentimientos solo crecen conforme pasan más y más tiempo juntos y absolutamente me tuvieron fascinada con su historia.
October 10, 2022
I've not had the best of luck with this author's work, but I've apparently committed myself to trying to read every book in this disappointing series, and I do enjoy best friend's brother, so I figured why not... and it was fine, but not great nor particulaly memorable.
Or rather, it was memorable, but not in a good way, but for the fucking weirdest brother feud ever. Apparently Bailey hates his brother (and has for YEARS) because his brother exposed his father's affair which lead to his parents' divorce. Bailey does not blame his dad, but is a raging asshole to his brother over it. Which, honestly, did feel like a stretch for this to have lasted for years as it did, particularly because Bailey is apparently a good guy in every other way but this one. But I had a hard time understanding everybody giving him what felt like a pass on this entirely out of line behavior. Frankly, if my best friend acted this way, it would be a MASSIVE red flag and I would slowly ease myself out of their life because if you cannot trust somebody not to cut you out of your life for being honest, then that person is toxic, and the whole thing really soured the book for me.
In terms of the relationship between Remy and Alex, it was fine? I thought the big ~drama~ at the end was weird and forced and it all got super mushy, and just the pacing was off for a lot of the book. TBH, it was hard to concentrate on the relationship because I was so distracted by the weirdness of the brother's and their drama etc.
Or rather, it was memorable, but not in a good way, but for the fucking weirdest brother feud ever. Apparently Bailey hates his brother (and has for YEARS) because his brother exposed his father's affair which lead to his parents' divorce. Bailey does not blame his dad, but is a raging asshole to his brother over it. Which, honestly, did feel like a stretch for this to have lasted for years as it did, particularly because Bailey is apparently a good guy in every other way but this one. But I had a hard time understanding everybody giving him what felt like a pass on this entirely out of line behavior. Frankly, if my best friend acted this way, it would be a MASSIVE red flag and I would slowly ease myself out of their life because if you cannot trust somebody not to cut you out of your life for being honest, then that person is toxic, and the whole thing really soured the book for me.
In terms of the relationship between Remy and Alex, it was fine? I thought the big ~drama~ at the end was weird and forced and it all got super mushy, and just the pacing was off for a lot of the book. TBH, it was hard to concentrate on the relationship because I was so distracted by the weirdness of the brother's and their drama etc.
August 8, 2023
Honestly…I didn’t like it🥹
don’t get me wrong Alex and Remy together were really sweet and I enjoyed them but the whole thing with Bailey just really annoyed me…it felt so unrealistic and forced to me. Like he actually behaves like a 5 years old that doesn’t understands what’s going on.
It actually took all the joy I had for this story away from me🤷🏻♀️.
don’t get me wrong Alex and Remy together were really sweet and I enjoyed them but the whole thing with Bailey just really annoyed me…it felt so unrealistic and forced to me. Like he actually behaves like a 5 years old that doesn’t understands what’s going on.
It actually took all the joy I had for this story away from me🤷🏻♀️.
October 11, 2022
I relate to Remy because I too want to smother Bailey.
dnf
November 10, 2022DNF: 25%, Bailey can choke 🥱
July 13, 2024
It's perfectly ... fine.
Nothing new, but well done tropes.
Family, sports, sex.
Nothing new, but well done tropes.
Family, sports, sex.
October 17, 2022
4.25 clandestine sweet romance stars
It was nice and sweet. I loved Alex and Remy's chemistry, and how they understood each other on so many different levels💕 I also liked the addition of the LGBTQ club and the fabulous members we met. It was good to see Alex connect as friends with another character (Jordan) than his best friend. It was fun to have them together, as Alex had more opportunities to broaden his horizon thanks to him. And Levi! I had already read Football Royalty, so it was funny to read their adventure the other way around^^
Even if I understood the hero worship situation the author created for Bailey, it was still super frustrating to see this problem drag out foreveeeeer. The resolution was a relief, but a bit too hasty maybe🤔
It was nice and sweet. I loved Alex and Remy's chemistry, and how they understood each other on so many different levels💕 I also liked the addition of the LGBTQ club and the fabulous members we met. It was good to see Alex connect as friends with another character (Jordan) than his best friend. It was fun to have them together, as Alex had more opportunities to broaden his horizon thanks to him. And Levi! I had already read Football Royalty, so it was funny to read their adventure the other way around^^
Even if I understood the hero worship situation the author created for Bailey, it was still super frustrating to see this problem drag out foreveeeeer. The resolution was a relief, but a bit too hasty maybe🤔
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