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Ricochet Ridge
Meltdown
MELTDOWN
WE WERE INEVITABLE.
In the thin air of Ricochet Ridge, the truth isn't just a revelation—it’s an epic meltdown thirteen years in the making.
LIAM I’m at my breaking point. After losing my mom and being deceived by my dad, I’m heading to Ricochet Ridge for my annual ski trip feeling untethered and carrying a heavy burden of pain and anger. My only anchor is Damon, my "ride or die," who famously chose me over his own twin brother when forced with an impossible decision, thanks to my father. Damon is the only person in my life who has never lied to me, a fact that makes our upcoming two-week trip the only thing keeping me grounded.
DAMON I’m living a lie that has lasted thirteen years. I’ve protected Liam by staying silent, carrying a crushing weight of secrets to shield him. I preferred causing myself pain rather than risk losing the friendship that means everything to me. But I can no longer hide the truth about what really happened between Liam’s father and my twin brother…and worse, I’m not sure I can hide my feelings any longer either.
THE RETREAT The romantic tension is amplified by the sheer history between them. For thirteen years, their bond has been defined by a loyalty so fierce it bypassed blood relations. As the truth about their families comes to light, the boundaries of their friendship incinerate. Liam must decide if he can forgive Damon’s deception, while Damon must learn to trust Liam with his own vulnerabilities instead of just acting as his shield.
Best Friends to Lovers
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Bi-Awakening
High Heat, Slow Burn, & HEA
Meltdown is an interconnected standalone with a guaranteed HEA. You can start here or read it out of order without spoilers for the rest of the Ricochet Ridge series.
WE WERE INEVITABLE.
In the thin air of Ricochet Ridge, the truth isn't just a revelation—it’s an epic meltdown thirteen years in the making.
LIAM I’m at my breaking point. After losing my mom and being deceived by my dad, I’m heading to Ricochet Ridge for my annual ski trip feeling untethered and carrying a heavy burden of pain and anger. My only anchor is Damon, my "ride or die," who famously chose me over his own twin brother when forced with an impossible decision, thanks to my father. Damon is the only person in my life who has never lied to me, a fact that makes our upcoming two-week trip the only thing keeping me grounded.
DAMON I’m living a lie that has lasted thirteen years. I’ve protected Liam by staying silent, carrying a crushing weight of secrets to shield him. I preferred causing myself pain rather than risk losing the friendship that means everything to me. But I can no longer hide the truth about what really happened between Liam’s father and my twin brother…and worse, I’m not sure I can hide my feelings any longer either.
THE RETREAT The romantic tension is amplified by the sheer history between them. For thirteen years, their bond has been defined by a loyalty so fierce it bypassed blood relations. As the truth about their families comes to light, the boundaries of their friendship incinerate. Liam must decide if he can forgive Damon’s deception, while Damon must learn to trust Liam with his own vulnerabilities instead of just acting as his shield.
Best Friends to Lovers
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Bi-Awakening
High Heat, Slow Burn, & HEA
Meltdown is an interconnected standalone with a guaranteed HEA. You can start here or read it out of order without spoilers for the rest of the Ricochet Ridge series.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
236 people are currently reading
741 people want to read
About the author
Jillian D. Wray
18 books191 followersJillian lives in North Carolina with her incredibly supportive husband and three awesome stepkids. After over ten years in the healthcare industry, it was time to pursue a new passion. An avid reader her whole life, she sat down one night and let the words begin to flow. Four hours and ten thousand words later, a love of writing was discovered.
She writes spicy, bingeable reads that encourage self-discovery and come with all the angst and excitement of a new relationship.
When she isn’t reading or writing, you can either find her in her vegetable garden, at CrossFit™, or on a plane headed toward her next adventure.
She writes spicy, bingeable reads that encourage self-discovery and come with all the angst and excitement of a new relationship.
When she isn’t reading or writing, you can either find her in her vegetable garden, at CrossFit™, or on a plane headed toward her next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
February 26, 2026
Maybe I'm a conspiracy theorist but I feel like if you ever need to ask someone this specific combination of questions...“Why can’t you sleep? Why are you avoiding me? Why did you get so upset when Vox kissed me?"....you need to put the questions down and pick up the #noticing hat.
This man having a full on psychotic break over wanting to kiss his best friend is top tier. Apologizing like he committed a murder.
Also, almost giving himself hypothermia immediately after thus necessitating some body heat action is well done scheming on his part, even though I believe the dumbass wasn't even trying to be sneaky.
But Liam also doesn't make things easy.
“Then what?” I press, rubbing a hand up and down his thigh, trying to warm his skin faster.
Really? His thigh? Nearest place for you to touch him, was it? Recommended hypothermia protocol even though he'd already warmed all the way back up?
And people need to give Liam more credit for being able to handle things really well. For a man that does NOT return his best friend's surprise love for him (of 13 years—Damon's love for Liam is a teenager by now), I feel like he had a 10/10 response to that reveal.
So he handles things just fine.
Well. Except for the binge drinking.
And having such a drastic reaction to his dad being balls deep in his best friend's twin brother.
But those were other situations. And really, who among us wants to see their dad balls deep in anyone.
Especially someone that looks exactly like the bestie you're weirdly possessive of.
So. Not judging him for those few extreme situations. I'll judge him based off this singular one which like I said, he handled really well.
Best possible outcome if the feelings are not mutual.
Also, three cheers for Damon. For holding back from waking him up with a tongue along the spine.
It's important that we recognize people's conscious efforts not to be creepy. So many people don't stop themselves.
Today we celebrate both Liam and Damon. For different things that can both be summarized as 'doing your best in an awkward situation'.
*I could sense how badly he wanted to run his tongue along Liam's spine. His lust was jumping off the page.
And then....
“I want to try something, and I don’t know if it’ll make things better or worse, but after the shit you pulled last night, you owe me the chance to figure it out."
Like.
Those loud cheers sports fans make when their team scores?
Yeah. I get it now.
My brain was all, 'LET'S FUCKING GOOOOO!' and I was picturing myself on a pitch with the jersey pulled up over my head and running around all over the place with my teammates cheering loud AF as well.
When Damon scores, we all score.
That man's been waiting THIRTEEN years.
The celebration is warranted.
And I don't know who needs to hear this but this is your sign to have an epic meltdown and tell that person you shouldn't have feelings for that you've had them for the longest time.
(Even if they're like 'ew, no', they may wake up the next morning and push you up against a wall....for science.)
*T&C's apply.
*Results may vary.
*Don't try this at home.
Anyway, from this point onwards the writing basically jumped off a cliff for me.
Suddenly everything was sex and sickly sweetness and everything working out.
Which would be fine. If it had come like 80% in. But it starts like 44% in, so more than half the book is them fucking and changing their lives around to fit together and Liam experiencing instalove levels of immediate readiness to commit to anything and everything.
Yay for them. Less so for my reading experience.
Loved the first half, barely tolerated the second.
Just proof of concept for the theory that if you want something really badly and wait 13 years for it then confess it out loud, it will come to pass.
This man having a full on psychotic break over wanting to kiss his best friend is top tier. Apologizing like he committed a murder.
Also, almost giving himself hypothermia immediately after thus necessitating some body heat action is well done scheming on his part, even though I believe the dumbass wasn't even trying to be sneaky.
But Liam also doesn't make things easy.
“Then what?” I press, rubbing a hand up and down his thigh, trying to warm his skin faster.
Really? His thigh? Nearest place for you to touch him, was it? Recommended hypothermia protocol even though he'd already warmed all the way back up?
And people need to give Liam more credit for being able to handle things really well. For a man that does NOT return his best friend's surprise love for him (of 13 years—Damon's love for Liam is a teenager by now), I feel like he had a 10/10 response to that reveal.
So he handles things just fine.
Well. Except for the binge drinking.
And having such a drastic reaction to his dad being balls deep in his best friend's twin brother.
But those were other situations. And really, who among us wants to see their dad balls deep in anyone.
Especially someone that looks exactly like the bestie you're weirdly possessive of.
So. Not judging him for those few extreme situations. I'll judge him based off this singular one which like I said, he handled really well.
Best possible outcome if the feelings are not mutual.
Also, three cheers for Damon. For holding back from waking him up with a tongue along the spine.
It's important that we recognize people's conscious efforts not to be creepy. So many people don't stop themselves.
Today we celebrate both Liam and Damon. For different things that can both be summarized as 'doing your best in an awkward situation'.
*I could sense how badly he wanted to run his tongue along Liam's spine. His lust was jumping off the page.
And then....
“I want to try something, and I don’t know if it’ll make things better or worse, but after the shit you pulled last night, you owe me the chance to figure it out."
Like.
Those loud cheers sports fans make when their team scores?
Yeah. I get it now.
My brain was all, 'LET'S FUCKING GOOOOO!' and I was picturing myself on a pitch with the jersey pulled up over my head and running around all over the place with my teammates cheering loud AF as well.
When Damon scores, we all score.
That man's been waiting THIRTEEN years.
The celebration is warranted.
And I don't know who needs to hear this but this is your sign to have an epic meltdown and tell that person you shouldn't have feelings for that you've had them for the longest time.
(Even if they're like 'ew, no', they may wake up the next morning and push you up against a wall....for science.)
*T&C's apply.
*Results may vary.
*Don't try this at home.
Anyway, from this point onwards the writing basically jumped off a cliff for me.
Suddenly everything was sex and sickly sweetness and everything working out.
Which would be fine. If it had come like 80% in. But it starts like 44% in, so more than half the book is them fucking and changing their lives around to fit together and Liam experiencing instalove levels of immediate readiness to commit to anything and everything.
Yay for them. Less so for my reading experience.
Loved the first half, barely tolerated the second.
Just proof of concept for the theory that if you want something really badly and wait 13 years for it then confess it out loud, it will come to pass.
March 11, 2026
Sigh, I’m trying so hard to work on my constant hating but there was so many things wrong with this. I was already on the fence because I’m not a huge fan of friends to lovers to begin with but this was honestly a train wreck.
Spoilers below probs
••••••••••••••••••
I just can’t with the lack of boundaries Liam has either, like why on earth are you always touching someone who hates touch … like what is not clicking.
Liam randomly letting a man kiss him not one but two times when he’s been straight all of his life … which in turn hurts Damon had me ready to reach through my kindle and punch him. All in the name of trying to prove he has no issues with queer people, pls spare me.
Liam finding out Damon has been pining over him for 13 years and then magically he’s in love too and totally okay with being with a man. I feel like some type of hesitation or I don’t know anything would have been more realistic.
Not to mention the whole best friend’s dad and twin brother situation was just straight weird? I don’t even understand why the dad is still around or why they’re all treating it like it’s normal. He was screwing someone he knew as a kid and watched grow up, why are we even writing about that?? 🤔
Friends to lovers never fails to have me pissed at the one who isn’t ‘in love’ yet so quite clearly that trope isn’t for me. But in this case, Liam was just SO aggravating and I wish Damon would’ve given him the silent treatment for that kiss. Who cares if he didn’t know , fuck em 🤪
Spoilers below probs
••••••••••••••••••
I just can’t with the lack of boundaries Liam has either, like why on earth are you always touching someone who hates touch … like what is not clicking.
Liam randomly letting a man kiss him not one but two times when he’s been straight all of his life … which in turn hurts Damon had me ready to reach through my kindle and punch him. All in the name of trying to prove he has no issues with queer people, pls spare me.
Liam finding out Damon has been pining over him for 13 years and then magically he’s in love too and totally okay with being with a man. I feel like some type of hesitation or I don’t know anything would have been more realistic.
Not to mention the whole best friend’s dad and twin brother situation was just straight weird? I don’t even understand why the dad is still around or why they’re all treating it like it’s normal. He was screwing someone he knew as a kid and watched grow up, why are we even writing about that?? 🤔
Friends to lovers never fails to have me pissed at the one who isn’t ‘in love’ yet so quite clearly that trope isn’t for me. But in this case, Liam was just SO aggravating and I wish Damon would’ve given him the silent treatment for that kiss. Who cares if he didn’t know , fuck em 🤪
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meltdown
Ricochet Ridge book 1
Jillian D Wray
Liam & Damon
They two were adorable
Im so glad we got their story.
Damon and alias have been best friends for years. Incredibly close
Damon has also been in love with Liam for so long.
On vacation together 2 weeks these two take their friendship to the next level
Damon was such a mess in the best way. Liam was able to shine and show Damon he truly wants this with him in a forever all consuming way
They were adorable and so spicy too
I loved the side characters
It was also nice seeing previous characters too
Wonderful book. Easy sweet swoony spicy romance
So thankful for the arc
Ricochet Ridge book 1
Jillian D Wray
Liam & Damon
They two were adorable
Im so glad we got their story.
Damon and alias have been best friends for years. Incredibly close
Damon has also been in love with Liam for so long.
On vacation together 2 weeks these two take their friendship to the next level
Damon was such a mess in the best way. Liam was able to shine and show Damon he truly wants this with him in a forever all consuming way
They were adorable and so spicy too
I loved the side characters
It was also nice seeing previous characters too
Wonderful book. Easy sweet swoony spicy romance
So thankful for the arc
February 25, 2026
DNF
"I'm cut off mid-sentence when his giant hand lands on the back of my neck, and he pulls my face into his armpit. Laughing his ass off, he says, "Are you telling me my pits don't smell like Ocean Breeze? I'm asking for a refund on this deodorant." He shimmies, making my nose trail back and forth in his hairy armpit."
Yeah no.
First, that's super gross. 🤮🤮🤮
Second, he just got back from the gym so he's all sweaty, and the other guy just got out of the shower, ffs!
That's just disgusting. 🤢
Also, they're supposed to be 24, but it feels more like they're 16. The way they talk sounds pretty stupid. 😑😑😑
"I'm cut off mid-sentence when his giant hand lands on the back of my neck, and he pulls my face into his armpit. Laughing his ass off, he says, "Are you telling me my pits don't smell like Ocean Breeze? I'm asking for a refund on this deodorant." He shimmies, making my nose trail back and forth in his hairy armpit."
Yeah no.
First, that's super gross. 🤮🤮🤮
Second, he just got back from the gym so he's all sweaty, and the other guy just got out of the shower, ffs!
That's just disgusting. 🤢
Also, they're supposed to be 24, but it feels more like they're 16. The way they talk sounds pretty stupid. 😑😑😑
April 27, 2026
What Evelyn said 👆
Loved the beginning of this book, could have done without the second half. And it would have been very helpful if I’d known this was a spin-off of another series…
I’m going to read the first series now. And hopefully those books are balanced better, otherwise I’ll never get to the next one in this series.
Loved the beginning of this book, could have done without the second half. And it would have been very helpful if I’d known this was a spin-off of another series…
I’m going to read the first series now. And hopefully those books are balanced better, otherwise I’ll never get to the next one in this series.
February 25, 2026
4.5 rounded up!
This was fun and entertaining. I loved the friends to lovers, the wanting, the connection and the all in attitude once they both put their feelings on the table.
Honestly, Liam was the cutie-patotie (is that how you spell that??) and I loved his himbo ass. He got his life together in two weeks because the love of his life. He wanted to impress him and be better and he did it. All while having massive self discoveries and outside surprises. I couldn’t get enough of his “oh well, guess I’m bi now” attitude.
And Damon, my sweet control freak…freak. He was down bad but first and foremost he was a best friend. He was selfless and so in love. I was so happy when he got his man. I lived for the small “it’s happening wtf” freak outs he had and the way he grew more confident in himself thanks to Liam.
They truly were symbiotic giving and taking from the other in the best way possible. I will be diving into the rest of the series and probably going back to read more from Jillian!
This was fun and entertaining. I loved the friends to lovers, the wanting, the connection and the all in attitude once they both put their feelings on the table.
Honestly, Liam was the cutie-patotie (is that how you spell that??) and I loved his himbo ass. He got his life together in two weeks because the love of his life. He wanted to impress him and be better and he did it. All while having massive self discoveries and outside surprises. I couldn’t get enough of his “oh well, guess I’m bi now” attitude.
And Damon, my sweet control freak…freak. He was down bad but first and foremost he was a best friend. He was selfless and so in love. I was so happy when he got his man. I lived for the small “it’s happening wtf” freak outs he had and the way he grew more confident in himself thanks to Liam.
They truly were symbiotic giving and taking from the other in the best way possible. I will be diving into the rest of the series and probably going back to read more from Jillian!
February 25, 2026
Meltdown is the first book in the new Ricochet Ridge series. This is a sexual awakening, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity read about Liam and Damon. I loved this story and the characters so much and I can't wait to see what comes next.
April 13, 2026
i like the way she writes!! it was super fast paced even for me but was still so good i’ll definitely be reading the next one when it comes out
February 24, 2026
I think a lot of people will love this book, but sadly it was not for me. In the beginning I was intrigued by the story but it became too unrealistic in my opinion. And I wasn’t a fan of the writing.
What to expect from this book:
⛷️Best friends to lovers
🚠Bi-awakening
🛁Vacation (skiing)
❄️Opposites attract
🌶️Open door
What to expect from this book:
⛷️Best friends to lovers
🚠Bi-awakening
🛁Vacation (skiing)
❄️Opposites attract
🌶️Open door
Review of advance copy received from Author
4+ stars
This was such an enjoyable read. Jillian is a new-to-me author, and I can confidently say I’ll be reading more from her.
Liam and Damon were cute as heck together. Despite their differences, they couldn’t be better friends, and I love how they can talk about anything, even the most random of topics. This solid foundation of friendship had me confident that they’d be able to work through anything together – though I’ll admit I was a little nervous when the secrets started coming out. I should have had more faith in them because it only makes them stronger.
Liam's so delightfully good natured. He's like a puppy, wanting everyone to love him. Gregarious and scatterbrained, I was very quickly smitten with him.
Liam is such a sweet, attentive boyfriend, and he gained bonus points for how perfect he was with Damon’s first time. I loved that he didn’t overthink his sexuality and just went with what felt right with Damon, being loud and proud when the other man became his.
Was Liam’s possessive and jealous side unexpected? Yes. Was it very much enjoyed? Indeedy. Add in his dirty-talking mouth, and he guaranteed himself a spot on my book boyfriend list.
Damon’s such a contrast in comparison: never not put together and organised, but he’s always in Liam’s corner. He’s been an unwavering support for Liam through everything, and I loved him for that.
There’s lots of truths revealed and realisations during this two-week trip, and Liam figures out his plans moving forward after feeling unmoored for quite some time. But one thing we can count on is that these two will always been there for each other, supporting and loving each other with everything they have.
This was such a sweet best friends to lovers story. I definitely need to read Taylor and Knox’s book now!
---
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and The Author Agency, and this is my honest review.
----
Some of my favourite quotes
Liam is the smile to my frown. The light to my darkness.
“A relationship shouldn’t be based on gender. It should just be with someone who makes you feel safe, supports you, and encourages you. They’re there for you when the rest of the world is against you. They’re there for you when you’re at your worst and celebrate you when you’re at your best.”
“You are not a burden. You are the best fucking thing in my life, and I’m just as dependent on you. We keep each other afloat.”
“It’s been torture pretending like every touch doesn’t light me on fire, and when I saw Vox kiss you, I almost tore his soul from his body for taking what should have been mine.”
This time, he throws me a smile over his shoulder, and my heart fucking soars because I’ve quickly come to realize that Damon and I were inevitable. We’ve always been together, and I’m going to ensure we always will be.
“Tell me no matter what happens, we’ll always be in each other’s lives.” “Until our last breath, D.” “Tell me you won’t regret this.” “I only regret not doing it sooner.”
“D, you’re the only thing I’ve ever been one hundred percent sure about in my life.”
“I will never like strangers in my personal space, but you’ve never been a stranger to me. Even on day one, I knew you were my person. I never initiated the touches because they were so hard for me. Every touch made my heart ache from the reality of what I thought would never be. I didn’t see the need to torture myself. But, fuck, Liam. I want to touch you everywhere, every second of every day.”
I swear to God, Liam is going to be the death of me. He’s like an addiction; you know it has the potential to kill you, but you can’t stay away, even for the sake of self-preservation.
“I fucking love you, Damon Landry. You’ve been mine since the beginning of time, and you’ll remain mine long after the end of it.”
“What’s it going to take for you to believe that I think you’re sexy as fuck, I’m totally in love with you, and I want to paint your insides, marking you as mine, like a graffiti signature on a wall?”
“You can have a meltdown whenever you need to. I’ll always be here to pick you up.”
“You’re my compass, my anchor and my wings, my light in the dark.”
“When you kissed me, my whole world shifted, and suddenly, I could see clearly. Suddenly, everything made sense.”
“Sometimes, I think I love you so much my heart might explode right out of my chest,”
This was such an enjoyable read. Jillian is a new-to-me author, and I can confidently say I’ll be reading more from her.
Liam and Damon were cute as heck together. Despite their differences, they couldn’t be better friends, and I love how they can talk about anything, even the most random of topics. This solid foundation of friendship had me confident that they’d be able to work through anything together – though I’ll admit I was a little nervous when the secrets started coming out. I should have had more faith in them because it only makes them stronger.
Liam's so delightfully good natured. He's like a puppy, wanting everyone to love him. Gregarious and scatterbrained, I was very quickly smitten with him.
Liam is such a sweet, attentive boyfriend, and he gained bonus points for how perfect he was with Damon’s first time. I loved that he didn’t overthink his sexuality and just went with what felt right with Damon, being loud and proud when the other man became his.
Was Liam’s possessive and jealous side unexpected? Yes. Was it very much enjoyed? Indeedy. Add in his dirty-talking mouth, and he guaranteed himself a spot on my book boyfriend list.
Damon’s such a contrast in comparison: never not put together and organised, but he’s always in Liam’s corner. He’s been an unwavering support for Liam through everything, and I loved him for that.
There’s lots of truths revealed and realisations during this two-week trip, and Liam figures out his plans moving forward after feeling unmoored for quite some time. But one thing we can count on is that these two will always been there for each other, supporting and loving each other with everything they have.
This was such a sweet best friends to lovers story. I definitely need to read Taylor and Knox’s book now!
---
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and The Author Agency, and this is my honest review.
----
Some of my favourite quotes
Liam is the smile to my frown. The light to my darkness.
“A relationship shouldn’t be based on gender. It should just be with someone who makes you feel safe, supports you, and encourages you. They’re there for you when the rest of the world is against you. They’re there for you when you’re at your worst and celebrate you when you’re at your best.”
“You are not a burden. You are the best fucking thing in my life, and I’m just as dependent on you. We keep each other afloat.”
“It’s been torture pretending like every touch doesn’t light me on fire, and when I saw Vox kiss you, I almost tore his soul from his body for taking what should have been mine.”
This time, he throws me a smile over his shoulder, and my heart fucking soars because I’ve quickly come to realize that Damon and I were inevitable. We’ve always been together, and I’m going to ensure we always will be.
“Tell me no matter what happens, we’ll always be in each other’s lives.” “Until our last breath, D.” “Tell me you won’t regret this.” “I only regret not doing it sooner.”
“D, you’re the only thing I’ve ever been one hundred percent sure about in my life.”
“I will never like strangers in my personal space, but you’ve never been a stranger to me. Even on day one, I knew you were my person. I never initiated the touches because they were so hard for me. Every touch made my heart ache from the reality of what I thought would never be. I didn’t see the need to torture myself. But, fuck, Liam. I want to touch you everywhere, every second of every day.”
I swear to God, Liam is going to be the death of me. He’s like an addiction; you know it has the potential to kill you, but you can’t stay away, even for the sake of self-preservation.
“I fucking love you, Damon Landry. You’ve been mine since the beginning of time, and you’ll remain mine long after the end of it.”
“What’s it going to take for you to believe that I think you’re sexy as fuck, I’m totally in love with you, and I want to paint your insides, marking you as mine, like a graffiti signature on a wall?”
“You can have a meltdown whenever you need to. I’ll always be here to pick you up.”
“You’re my compass, my anchor and my wings, my light in the dark.”
“When you kissed me, my whole world shifted, and suddenly, I could see clearly. Suddenly, everything made sense.”
“Sometimes, I think I love you so much my heart might explode right out of my chest,”
February 25, 2026
Three stars feels generous…I really enjoyed this author’s previous series, especially Jake and Phoenix’s stories (Knox a little less so. More on that later). Meltdown was a total letdown after reading those. I saw that all the books in this series will be out by May, which tells me one of two things. 1. They were written with the help of AI (hopefully not) OR 2. They were an extreme rush job. You can tell when a book is a labor of love and when it’s is an item on a checklist.
Despite not being over the moon about Knox and Taylor’s story, I was looking forward to Damon’s story. I thought Damon did Taylor SO wrong, but surely he would grow on me. 🤷🏻♀️ Not really. He’s repressed and resentful and obsessive over Liam to the point of happily sabotaging any other facet of his life. Liam, on the other hand, is oblivious and unmoored, more interested in being the life of the party than building a life. The only thing about them that works is a shared history of generically touching remember when’s.
But my biggest gripe about Meltdown is the same thing that bothered me about Knox and Taylor’s story: this idea that a grown man, who has spent his whole life feeling absolutely zero attraction to other men, suddenly realizes he’s into dudes after all. In Knox’s situation, the trauma of his divorce, his extreme loneliness, and his experience watching his best friends fall in love (not to mention Taylor’s feminization) made it slightly more believable. But Liam 🤦🏻♀️— he was zero to 100 literally overnight.
Damon was like, “I’m secretly in love with you,” and the next morning Liam was telling strangers at the gym they were boyfriends. He didn’t question himself once. There was no cognitive dissonance over their transition to lovers. I mean, they were engaged like 4 days later! Not to mention he had a sudden personality transplant: playboy to committed fiancé, dithering to decisive, lost soul to focused businessman as soon as his lips touched Damon’s. I absolutely could not force myself to suspend disbelief. 🙄
This book just lacked the tension, plot, and believability I needed to enjoy it. I hope the next is better.
Despite not being over the moon about Knox and Taylor’s story, I was looking forward to Damon’s story. I thought Damon did Taylor SO wrong, but surely he would grow on me. 🤷🏻♀️ Not really. He’s repressed and resentful and obsessive over Liam to the point of happily sabotaging any other facet of his life. Liam, on the other hand, is oblivious and unmoored, more interested in being the life of the party than building a life. The only thing about them that works is a shared history of generically touching remember when’s.
But my biggest gripe about Meltdown is the same thing that bothered me about Knox and Taylor’s story: this idea that a grown man, who has spent his whole life feeling absolutely zero attraction to other men, suddenly realizes he’s into dudes after all. In Knox’s situation, the trauma of his divorce, his extreme loneliness, and his experience watching his best friends fall in love (not to mention Taylor’s feminization) made it slightly more believable. But Liam 🤦🏻♀️— he was zero to 100 literally overnight.
Damon was like, “I’m secretly in love with you,” and the next morning Liam was telling strangers at the gym they were boyfriends. He didn’t question himself once. There was no cognitive dissonance over their transition to lovers. I mean, they were engaged like 4 days later! Not to mention he had a sudden personality transplant: playboy to committed fiancé, dithering to decisive, lost soul to focused businessman as soon as his lips touched Damon’s. I absolutely could not force myself to suspend disbelief. 🙄
This book just lacked the tension, plot, and believability I needed to enjoy it. I hope the next is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Ahhhhhh! I just KNEW this book was going to be good and that I would absolutely fall in love with Damon and Liam! I mostly read enemies to lovers type books, but once in a while, it is nice to see a best friends to lovers. This one was so perfect in every way! Thank you so much Jillian for allowing me the opportunity to read this beautiful story! Also, thank you to the author agency!
Even though this is the start of a new series, I love how it connects to the fourth book in the Bring The Heat series, called Up In Flames. If you haven't read any of Jillian's books yet, then I strongly suggest you do! She is the Queen of high heat, slow burn books. Damon is Taylor's identical twin from Up In Flames and you do see him a little bit in that story.
Damon and Liam both have a lot going on in their lives, so they decide to go on their annual ski trip to get away from it all and enjoy themselves. They have been best friends for a very long time. They are eachother's ride or dies and they never keep any secrets from one another....or do they?
When secrets are spilled after a single kiss, both of their lives are changed forever. I loved the way these two cared for one another and were supportive throughout the hardships. No matter what happened, they made sure their relationship lasted. I can't say it didn't change, because it did. Their love grew into something more, something beyond friendship and made them even stronger than before. I was absolutely giggling and kicking my feet throughout this book.
Even though this is the start of a new series, I love how it connects to the fourth book in the Bring The Heat series, called Up In Flames. If you haven't read any of Jillian's books yet, then I strongly suggest you do! She is the Queen of high heat, slow burn books. Damon is Taylor's identical twin from Up In Flames and you do see him a little bit in that story.
Damon and Liam both have a lot going on in their lives, so they decide to go on their annual ski trip to get away from it all and enjoy themselves. They have been best friends for a very long time. They are eachother's ride or dies and they never keep any secrets from one another....or do they?
When secrets are spilled after a single kiss, both of their lives are changed forever. I loved the way these two cared for one another and were supportive throughout the hardships. No matter what happened, they made sure their relationship lasted. I can't say it didn't change, because it did. Their love grew into something more, something beyond friendship and made them even stronger than before. I was absolutely giggling and kicking my feet throughout this book.
February 26, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. What a fun and easily digestible story! It is book one in a proposed four book series and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one!
Damon and Liam have been friends for most of their 24 years. They mean everything to one another, literally each one the other's ride or die. They have been through everything together - loss, friends, experiences, adventures, and Damon watching Liam snag girl after girl when all Damon wants is.... him.
On a yearly trip away together, Damon and Liam are forced to deal with some difficult conversations and situations that happened to their families not long ago. Although they were able to stay connected, the pain and confusion wasn't lost.
This trip challenges everything, Liam knowing that Damon is keeping things from him. As the time wears on, Damon begins to crack and has to decide if what he wants is enough to push the limits of their friendship to the very edge.
I love the way these two interact with one another. Their friendship is so genuine and fun. I love the trust they have in one another and the way they are able to communicate.
This is just such a fun, wholesome but spicy, best friends to lovers story and I highly recommend it.
Story: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: 5/5 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
Spice: 3.5/5 🍆🍆🍆.🌶️
Setting of story: 5/5 ⛷️⛷️⛷️⛷️⛷️
Damon and Liam have been friends for most of their 24 years. They mean everything to one another, literally each one the other's ride or die. They have been through everything together - loss, friends, experiences, adventures, and Damon watching Liam snag girl after girl when all Damon wants is.... him.
On a yearly trip away together, Damon and Liam are forced to deal with some difficult conversations and situations that happened to their families not long ago. Although they were able to stay connected, the pain and confusion wasn't lost.
This trip challenges everything, Liam knowing that Damon is keeping things from him. As the time wears on, Damon begins to crack and has to decide if what he wants is enough to push the limits of their friendship to the very edge.
I love the way these two interact with one another. Their friendship is so genuine and fun. I love the trust they have in one another and the way they are able to communicate.
This is just such a fun, wholesome but spicy, best friends to lovers story and I highly recommend it.
Story: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: 5/5 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
Spice: 3.5/5 🍆🍆🍆.🌶️
Setting of story: 5/5 ⛷️⛷️⛷️⛷️⛷️
February 25, 2026
Meltdown - Jillian D. Wray
4.5/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I love me a good friends to lovers romance, especially when it’s very low angst because sometimes those are just the best books. Liam and Damon will hold a special place in my heart. This book had a few romcom scene that had me giggling, especially when Taylor was involved.
I love how natural it was for them to get together during their two weeks away. I love me a good biawakening that is easy as almost breathing.
I laughed so hard when Vox kissed Liam and man, Damon got so jealous in the most best way. If it wasn’t for Vox, I don’t think these two would have had the jump start to being together. I also found it cute when Damon kissed Liam and ran. That didn’t stop him from following afterwards.
I felt like Liam not wearing enough clothes was his way of getting Damon to dress him because the man was never wearing clothes that would keep him warm. I’m also happy the conversation with Patrick happened. Will he be getting a story?
I absolutely love how they were there for each other and how they held each other up to support the other. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4.5/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I love me a good friends to lovers romance, especially when it’s very low angst because sometimes those are just the best books. Liam and Damon will hold a special place in my heart. This book had a few romcom scene that had me giggling, especially when Taylor was involved.
I love how natural it was for them to get together during their two weeks away. I love me a good biawakening that is easy as almost breathing.
I laughed so hard when Vox kissed Liam and man, Damon got so jealous in the most best way. If it wasn’t for Vox, I don’t think these two would have had the jump start to being together. I also found it cute when Damon kissed Liam and ran. That didn’t stop him from following afterwards.
I felt like Liam not wearing enough clothes was his way of getting Damon to dress him because the man was never wearing clothes that would keep him warm. I’m also happy the conversation with Patrick happened. Will he be getting a story?
I absolutely love how they were there for each other and how they held each other up to support the other. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
I'm such a sucker for best friends to lovers, but when you add the slow burn, the co-dependent vibes, and the "we were always meant to be" kind of soulmate energy? I'm gone. Absolutely gone.
The tension in this was unreal. You could feel the history between them in every conversation, every look, every tiny moment of jealousy or softness. It was angsty in the best way, the kind that makes your chest tight but also makes the payoff so much sweeter.
And when that first kiss finally happens? Worth. Every. Second.
The banter was perfect, the emotional build was beautiful, and the intimacy felt earned. I just loved these two so much. Watching them shift from "you're my person" to "you're my forever" felt natural and inevitable.
Slow burn done right. Best friends to lovers done right.
I’m obsessed, and I can't wait for Vox's book next!
The tension in this was unreal. You could feel the history between them in every conversation, every look, every tiny moment of jealousy or softness. It was angsty in the best way, the kind that makes your chest tight but also makes the payoff so much sweeter.
And when that first kiss finally happens? Worth. Every. Second.
The banter was perfect, the emotional build was beautiful, and the intimacy felt earned. I just loved these two so much. Watching them shift from "you're my person" to "you're my forever" felt natural and inevitable.
Slow burn done right. Best friends to lovers done right.
I’m obsessed, and I can't wait for Vox's book next!
April 22, 2026
This is book one in the Ricochet Ridge series and after devouring the ARC for Avalanche, I’m heading straight into book two because I’m already obsessed with this world.
Liam and Damon’s story is so wholesome and heartwarming that the entire book felt like a warm hug. Their relationship has that ‘it’s always been you’ kind of feeling running through it, and I am SUCH a sucker for that.
Liam especially completely stole my heart. He is peak golden retriever MMC energy. Sweet, loyal, completely devoted, and just such a lover boy.
I loved all the side characters, the cameos from other books, and the way this whole universe already feels so interconnected and comforting. It’s one of those series where you know you’re going to get attached to everyone.
Seeing Liam and Damon get their happy ever after made me ridiculously happy, and I already can’t wait to keep going with the rest of the series.
Liam and Damon’s story is so wholesome and heartwarming that the entire book felt like a warm hug. Their relationship has that ‘it’s always been you’ kind of feeling running through it, and I am SUCH a sucker for that.
Liam especially completely stole my heart. He is peak golden retriever MMC energy. Sweet, loyal, completely devoted, and just such a lover boy.
I loved all the side characters, the cameos from other books, and the way this whole universe already feels so interconnected and comforting. It’s one of those series where you know you’re going to get attached to everyone.
Seeing Liam and Damon get their happy ever after made me ridiculously happy, and I already can’t wait to keep going with the rest of the series.
February 11, 2026
Damon + Liam
-mm romance
-friends to lovers
-forced proximity
-grumpy/sunshine
-“it’s always been you”
-bi awakening
-high heat, slow burn
it took me until i literally finished this book to connect that this damon was taylor's damon...haha from up in flames!! & i feel like such an idiot! 😂😂😂 but all that aside this was PERFECTTTT for these two with the perfect amount of tension!! & all of damon's little breakdowns cause he's been so down bad for his bestie since forever? iconic!! haha
-mm romance
-friends to lovers
-forced proximity
-grumpy/sunshine
-“it’s always been you”
-bi awakening
-high heat, slow burn
it took me until i literally finished this book to connect that this damon was taylor's damon...haha from up in flames!! & i feel like such an idiot! 😂😂😂 but all that aside this was PERFECTTTT for these two with the perfect amount of tension!! & all of damon's little breakdowns cause he's been so down bad for his bestie since forever? iconic!! haha
March 11, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
This was a very fun, fluffy, soulmate best friends to lovers story like it warmed my heart and truly I’m not even a huge fan of the trope but damn did Damon and Liam steal my heart with their friendship and their love. This had such a good, non problematic story with a bi-awakening, passion filled, and healing story for these two and I loved how easy this was to read. It had great pacing, amazing spice, and truly seeing their love for each other was so amazing! I really believed that they found their love and HEA!!
UGHH SO FUCKING CUTE I WANT TO SCREAM!
This was a very fun, fluffy, soulmate best friends to lovers story like it warmed my heart and truly I’m not even a huge fan of the trope but damn did Damon and Liam steal my heart with their friendship and their love. This had such a good, non problematic story with a bi-awakening, passion filled, and healing story for these two and I loved how easy this was to read. It had great pacing, amazing spice, and truly seeing their love for each other was so amazing! I really believed that they found their love and HEA!!
UGHH SO FUCKING CUTE I WANT TO SCREAM!
March 5, 2026
Not bad, but like average. The feels were there, also the angst from Damon side. But once the ball went rolling it was intense. Liam wasn’t bi curious, he was “bi! Off to suck c*ck and eat a$$ like a pro” no existential crisis whatsoever 🤷♀️maybe the pacing was off for me, don’t know. It was entertaining and enjoyable, but yeah I’ve seen better. That being said I would definitely read the next one of this series.
April 27, 2026
I read this book in an afternoon/evening. It is so good! This is the second book I have read by Jillian (book 1 Being Fall Line - Book 2 of the series) After reading book 2 I had to go back and read book 1. I loved having the same set of supporting characters around but they are totally standalone books but interconnected by Ricochet Ridge.
I loved both of the characters Damon and Liam and how they overcame conflict. it was a really great friends to lovers story!!
I loved both of the characters Damon and Liam and how they overcame conflict. it was a really great friends to lovers story!!
March 4, 2026
Meltdown is the first book in the Ricochet Ridge series, this story is sweet, spicy and when one kiss unleashes a ton of secrets things change for Damon and Liam, but what doesn't change is the trust, love, and their unbreakable bond. I love best friends to lovers mixed with opposites attract which Damon and Liam completely are. There is a ton of growth, acceptance, emotions, banter and laughable shenanigans that had me devour this book. I continue to say if Jillian writes it, I will read it and this book is definitely added to that list. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
March 17, 2026
This was my first Jillian Wray book and I’m never going back now! I was head over heels for Liam and Damon! I’ll never say no to a good friends to lovers trope and this was every I could’ve asked for! My heart ached for Damon wanting to tell Liam about his feelings but also not wanting to lose his friendship. I couldn’t tell you how many times I screamed at my kindle, “JUST TELL HIM ALREADY!” 😂 and the simplicity of Liam’s bi-awakening was absolutely wonderful! He welcomed his newfound feelings and knew he was safe with Damon, like always. The spice in this book had me sweating and the heartfelt moments had me kicking my feet. This was an incredible start to this series and I can’t wait for the remaining books, characters, and shenanigans! 💙
February 26, 2026
friends to soul mates
Best friends to holy smoke show hot soul mates.
Unrequited love to your the only one for me.
Yes please.
Hooked from the first line!
Best friends to holy smoke show hot soul mates.
Unrequited love to your the only one for me.
Yes please.
Hooked from the first line!
March 31, 2026
This has to be one of the best Bestfriends to lovers romance I’ve ever read, the spice, yearning, anticipation everything was perfect you could tell that they loved each other so much I can’t get enough of the friends to lovers trope 😍😫
March 26, 2026
Okay, so, I tried really hard to enjoy Meltdown as a best-friends-to-lovers romance, however I really didn't vibe with the authors writing style.
I found that the characters just weren't really believable. Their reactions were a bit over the top for me. I mean, almost giving yourself hypothermia as self-inflicted punishment because you wanted to kiss your best mate is a bit much.
It's also worth noting that it's marketed as an interconnected stand-alone, and while that might be true for the other books in the Ricochet Ridge world, this one drops you right in the middle of a two-family feud. I felt like I was on the back foot for more than 50% of the book. I was supposed to know who these characters were and the situations that led them to their current predicament, but as I'd been told this was a stand-alone, I didn't. I just felt like I was missing so much information that would have made the characters choices and fights make sense to me.
I found that the characters just weren't really believable. Their reactions were a bit over the top for me. I mean, almost giving yourself hypothermia as self-inflicted punishment because you wanted to kiss your best mate is a bit much.
It's also worth noting that it's marketed as an interconnected stand-alone, and while that might be true for the other books in the Ricochet Ridge world, this one drops you right in the middle of a two-family feud. I felt like I was on the back foot for more than 50% of the book. I was supposed to know who these characters were and the situations that led them to their current predicament, but as I'd been told this was a stand-alone, I didn't. I just felt like I was missing so much information that would have made the characters choices and fights make sense to me.
February 25, 2026
I’m giving this book a very enthusiastic 4.25 stars! There are two main points that keep me from giving this a full five, but I’ll get to those later. I found this book from TikTok, which I feel can be hit or miss with books, and in my case, quite a few misses, so I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book!
For starters, Damon and Liam are both very strong, likeable characters with clear-cut personalities. I enjoyed them together and I enjoyed them as individuals, which isn’t always the case in romance! I especially like that even though Liam was more of a laidback, free spirited, silly guy, he was never infantilized or made to be super childish. He was still and adult and acted as much, even with his peculiarities. Sometimes, I feel like when authors make a silly character, they make them out to be very child-like and they read a lot younger than they are, so I really appreciated that Liam wasn’t like that.
And while Damon was more responsible and strait-laced, he wasn’t boring! I liked that he had a good head on his shoulders and how protective he felt of Liam, while also realizing that he had to let Liam be his own person. And I also really enjoyed his push-and-pull relationship with Taylor (the Patrick of it all aside) and his own sexuality. Of the two characters, I really found myself endeared to Damon. They were both fully realized characters, but Damon simply felt more relatable and human to me. He had so much love for Liam, but kept so much from him. He adored his twin, but wanted to separate himself from Taylor. He was gay, but didn’t want to put himself in a box or be gay like Taylor was. He was extremely interesting and I could honestly read a whole book about him!
I also really appreciated their relationship dynamic and how it subtly changed when their relationship did. I like that Damon was always the one who had everything figured out, yet when it came to Liam reciprocating his feelings and getting together, Liam was the more confident one of the two. I love that Liam found himself in the end and decided to make his own path, rather than completely lean and rely on Damon like he always has. It’s small things like this that really made their relationship feel real and worth reading about. Sure, I loved their banter and the spice was good, but I just really loved how human both of them are.
Now, onto the two main issues I had:
One- the whole Taylor/Patrick situation. I’m not sure if I need to read Taylor and Knox’s book to fully understand what happened, but I was very, very shocked and a little disturbed by how Taylor was treated by his childhood friend and twin brother in the aftermath of that situation.
Patrick was the older adult, and yet Taylor is getting all the hate/blame?? Maybe some wires can get crossed here and there, but you’re telling me no one was suspicious of the 40/50 (not sure how old Patrick was) man getting together with a twenty-something old who he’s known since Taylor was a CHILD??? You’re telling me no one thought ill of Patrick and everyone just assumed Taylor was the manipulator??? What?!
AND THEN Taylor got into an accident and almost died because of Patrick and everyone is just…okay with that? Like, we all just magically forgave him? So not only did he get with someone who he knew as a kid, he made them keep their relationship a secret, then he put all the blame on the younger party and then stalked him until Taylor almost died?? And yet, they’re all playing happy families in the end and I’m supposed to — what? Feel SORRY for Patrick?? I think the FUCK not.
I also feel like Taylor didn’t lash out the way he deserved to at Liam and Damon, especially Damon. Like, he’s your twin brother and yet you’re choosing your best friend/unrequited love over him?? That’s crazy! And Taylor didn’t even know that Damon was in love with Liam, so it literally just seemed like Damon chose his FRIEND over his TWIN. That’s absolutely wild to me! And Taylor just lets it go! They both say a couple of “I’m sorry”s to Taylor for not believing him and cutting him off for a year and Taylor basically is like: “that’s okay lol!!” And everything is suddenly okay??? I genuinely don’t understand the situation at all. Again, maybe I need to read Taylor’s story to get a better insight, but that made absolutely no sense to me. Either make Patrick and full on villain or change their background story, because that man is a VILLAIN.
Two- I feel like Liam took to not only being bisexual/pansexual or at the very least, interested in Damon way too easily. I love that. This was a best friends to lovers romance, and I love that it was low angst, but I do feel like some angst could’ve been used here. And not even in his bi awakening, I think that it makes sense for Liam as a character to kind of have his newly discovered sexuality roll like water off a duck’s back. I think what would’ve been a very interesting angle, is having more apprehension and confusion toward the big change that happens in his and Damon’s relationship. I do think that it was very sweet that for the most part, their relationship stayed the same, which kind of showed that they were both subconsciously in love with each other for a very long time, especially Liam, who had no idea, but also: I think it would’ve been very natural for both Liam and Damon to be scared of their relationship to take such a sharp turn. Damon had time to realize/understand his feelings for Liam, whereas Liam kind of just stumbled into it, and it felt very strange that he just immediately went with it and didn’t think much of it.
Not that I necessarily wanted to see them struggle, or Liam reject Damon, but I think it would’ve been OK to show him being a little confused by going from only seeing Damon as a best friend/a brother, to then suddenly seeing him romantically. And while it was nice to get the spicy scenes that were sexy and sweet at the same time, I also feel like they fell into the sex way too easily. I think for a story that has characters that are as flawed as Liam and Damon, especially Damon, and to make their relationship so human and so relatable, to not have them struggle, even a little bit in their sex life was a little strange to me. It would’ve been sweet to see them kind of fumble with each other, maybe feel a little awkward at first, but no, they immediately had amazing sexual chemistry, and everything came naturally to them and it just didn’t feel as real as most of the other elements in the book did.
I think some of my favorite parts of the book were when Damon was struggling with his feelings for Liam, and after he and Liam got together, Damon was still doubting the authenticity of Liam‘s feelings for him, and if things were gonna work out between them, and I thought those were really interesting parts of the book and I wish they would have been expanded upon. Instead, I feel like everything kind of felt a little too easy and once they got together, we lost a lot of momentum in the story. Because the characters were so well written in their relationship was so sweet, it wasn’t boring, and it didn’t drag, but I don’t think it fully lived up to what it could’ve been.
But honestly, besides those two things, I really loved the book. I had a really fun time reading it, I thought the characters were lovely and relatable, their relationship was really sweet, the spice was nice, and it was a quick, easy read! I was very pleasantly surprised by this book because I didn’t really know what I was getting into and I’ve read a lot of best friends to lovers that can be quite boring and this was not one of those books. I’m still on the fence of whether or not I want to read Taylor and Knox‘s story, but I definitely will be checking out on another book by this author.
For starters, Damon and Liam are both very strong, likeable characters with clear-cut personalities. I enjoyed them together and I enjoyed them as individuals, which isn’t always the case in romance! I especially like that even though Liam was more of a laidback, free spirited, silly guy, he was never infantilized or made to be super childish. He was still and adult and acted as much, even with his peculiarities. Sometimes, I feel like when authors make a silly character, they make them out to be very child-like and they read a lot younger than they are, so I really appreciated that Liam wasn’t like that.
And while Damon was more responsible and strait-laced, he wasn’t boring! I liked that he had a good head on his shoulders and how protective he felt of Liam, while also realizing that he had to let Liam be his own person. And I also really enjoyed his push-and-pull relationship with Taylor (the Patrick of it all aside) and his own sexuality. Of the two characters, I really found myself endeared to Damon. They were both fully realized characters, but Damon simply felt more relatable and human to me. He had so much love for Liam, but kept so much from him. He adored his twin, but wanted to separate himself from Taylor. He was gay, but didn’t want to put himself in a box or be gay like Taylor was. He was extremely interesting and I could honestly read a whole book about him!
I also really appreciated their relationship dynamic and how it subtly changed when their relationship did. I like that Damon was always the one who had everything figured out, yet when it came to Liam reciprocating his feelings and getting together, Liam was the more confident one of the two. I love that Liam found himself in the end and decided to make his own path, rather than completely lean and rely on Damon like he always has. It’s small things like this that really made their relationship feel real and worth reading about. Sure, I loved their banter and the spice was good, but I just really loved how human both of them are.
Now, onto the two main issues I had:
One- the whole Taylor/Patrick situation. I’m not sure if I need to read Taylor and Knox’s book to fully understand what happened, but I was very, very shocked and a little disturbed by how Taylor was treated by his childhood friend and twin brother in the aftermath of that situation.
Patrick was the older adult, and yet Taylor is getting all the hate/blame?? Maybe some wires can get crossed here and there, but you’re telling me no one was suspicious of the 40/50 (not sure how old Patrick was) man getting together with a twenty-something old who he’s known since Taylor was a CHILD??? You’re telling me no one thought ill of Patrick and everyone just assumed Taylor was the manipulator??? What?!
AND THEN Taylor got into an accident and almost died because of Patrick and everyone is just…okay with that? Like, we all just magically forgave him? So not only did he get with someone who he knew as a kid, he made them keep their relationship a secret, then he put all the blame on the younger party and then stalked him until Taylor almost died?? And yet, they’re all playing happy families in the end and I’m supposed to — what? Feel SORRY for Patrick?? I think the FUCK not.
I also feel like Taylor didn’t lash out the way he deserved to at Liam and Damon, especially Damon. Like, he’s your twin brother and yet you’re choosing your best friend/unrequited love over him?? That’s crazy! And Taylor didn’t even know that Damon was in love with Liam, so it literally just seemed like Damon chose his FRIEND over his TWIN. That’s absolutely wild to me! And Taylor just lets it go! They both say a couple of “I’m sorry”s to Taylor for not believing him and cutting him off for a year and Taylor basically is like: “that’s okay lol!!” And everything is suddenly okay??? I genuinely don’t understand the situation at all. Again, maybe I need to read Taylor’s story to get a better insight, but that made absolutely no sense to me. Either make Patrick and full on villain or change their background story, because that man is a VILLAIN.
Two- I feel like Liam took to not only being bisexual/pansexual or at the very least, interested in Damon way too easily. I love that. This was a best friends to lovers romance, and I love that it was low angst, but I do feel like some angst could’ve been used here. And not even in his bi awakening, I think that it makes sense for Liam as a character to kind of have his newly discovered sexuality roll like water off a duck’s back. I think what would’ve been a very interesting angle, is having more apprehension and confusion toward the big change that happens in his and Damon’s relationship. I do think that it was very sweet that for the most part, their relationship stayed the same, which kind of showed that they were both subconsciously in love with each other for a very long time, especially Liam, who had no idea, but also: I think it would’ve been very natural for both Liam and Damon to be scared of their relationship to take such a sharp turn. Damon had time to realize/understand his feelings for Liam, whereas Liam kind of just stumbled into it, and it felt very strange that he just immediately went with it and didn’t think much of it.
Not that I necessarily wanted to see them struggle, or Liam reject Damon, but I think it would’ve been OK to show him being a little confused by going from only seeing Damon as a best friend/a brother, to then suddenly seeing him romantically. And while it was nice to get the spicy scenes that were sexy and sweet at the same time, I also feel like they fell into the sex way too easily. I think for a story that has characters that are as flawed as Liam and Damon, especially Damon, and to make their relationship so human and so relatable, to not have them struggle, even a little bit in their sex life was a little strange to me. It would’ve been sweet to see them kind of fumble with each other, maybe feel a little awkward at first, but no, they immediately had amazing sexual chemistry, and everything came naturally to them and it just didn’t feel as real as most of the other elements in the book did.
I think some of my favorite parts of the book were when Damon was struggling with his feelings for Liam, and after he and Liam got together, Damon was still doubting the authenticity of Liam‘s feelings for him, and if things were gonna work out between them, and I thought those were really interesting parts of the book and I wish they would have been expanded upon. Instead, I feel like everything kind of felt a little too easy and once they got together, we lost a lot of momentum in the story. Because the characters were so well written in their relationship was so sweet, it wasn’t boring, and it didn’t drag, but I don’t think it fully lived up to what it could’ve been.
But honestly, besides those two things, I really loved the book. I had a really fun time reading it, I thought the characters were lovely and relatable, their relationship was really sweet, the spice was nice, and it was a quick, easy read! I was very pleasantly surprised by this book because I didn’t really know what I was getting into and I’ve read a lot of best friends to lovers that can be quite boring and this was not one of those books. I’m still on the fence of whether or not I want to read Taylor and Knox‘s story, but I definitely will be checking out on another book by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2026
⛷️
❄️
🗻
💫HAPPY RELEASE DAY💫
ARC Review
Meltdown by Jillian D Wray
Damon and Liam have been best friends since they were four. For over twenty years, they have been inseparable. Every January, they return to Ricochet Ridge for a two-week ski trip.
This year, Damon has secrets. He has to tell Liam the truth about his dad. A truth that will break Liam’s heart and possibly cause a rift betweent their friendship. But that’s not the only thing Damon is hiding. There is a bigger secret, one that Damon will never tell his friend, because he is scared of losing him.
These two could not be more different. Where Damon is refined, steady, and decisive. Liam is restless, indecisive, and wavering. But their friendship has always been the one constant they both can count on.
When the truth finally comes out about Liam’s dad it’s messy and emotional. Liam thought all the secrets had finally been revealed, but he knows Damon is still hiding something. So Liam pushes and pushes until Damon relents and the truth Damon has been hiding for 13 years comes spilling out.
What I loved most about Damon & Liam was how the shift from best friends to lovers was so natural and seamless (once Damon got out of his head! 😅). I loved even more how Liam just accepted the shift as inevitable and wholeheartedly embraced the feelings.
While reading, I sometimes have big feelings and must write them down so I can always remember...
83% - OMG. Can this book get any sweeter!? I'm crying, tears are streaming down my face and I'm laughing while crying and laughing and that was just the sweetest thing ever. 🥹
If I can hook you with one thing. It will be this opening line...
"After finding my best friend’s father — balls-deep inside my twin brother’s ass, I didn’t think things could get much worse."
Best opening line for a book in 2026 goes to Jillian D. Wray 🎉
Started: February 14th, 2026
Finished: February 16th, 2026
Format: Kindle
❄️
🗻
💫HAPPY RELEASE DAY💫
ARC Review
Meltdown by Jillian D Wray
Damon and Liam have been best friends since they were four. For over twenty years, they have been inseparable. Every January, they return to Ricochet Ridge for a two-week ski trip.
This year, Damon has secrets. He has to tell Liam the truth about his dad. A truth that will break Liam’s heart and possibly cause a rift betweent their friendship. But that’s not the only thing Damon is hiding. There is a bigger secret, one that Damon will never tell his friend, because he is scared of losing him.
These two could not be more different. Where Damon is refined, steady, and decisive. Liam is restless, indecisive, and wavering. But their friendship has always been the one constant they both can count on.
When the truth finally comes out about Liam’s dad it’s messy and emotional. Liam thought all the secrets had finally been revealed, but he knows Damon is still hiding something. So Liam pushes and pushes until Damon relents and the truth Damon has been hiding for 13 years comes spilling out.
What I loved most about Damon & Liam was how the shift from best friends to lovers was so natural and seamless (once Damon got out of his head! 😅). I loved even more how Liam just accepted the shift as inevitable and wholeheartedly embraced the feelings.
While reading, I sometimes have big feelings and must write them down so I can always remember...
83% - OMG. Can this book get any sweeter!? I'm crying, tears are streaming down my face and I'm laughing while crying and laughing and that was just the sweetest thing ever. 🥹
If I can hook you with one thing. It will be this opening line...
"After finding my best friend’s father — balls-deep inside my twin brother’s ass, I didn’t think things could get much worse."
Best opening line for a book in 2026 goes to Jillian D. Wray 🎉
Started: February 14th, 2026
Finished: February 16th, 2026
Format: Kindle
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love it when two MMC's are besties and so close that when one comes out as gay the other just gets it.
And when the gay guy is in love with his best friend and has been for years and finally confesses, and the best friend just rolls with it and is open to the possibility of being together - its just magical!
This book delivered on all fronts!
This is such a beautiful feel good book full of so much love, not just when feelings are admitted but even in friendship. There is just copious amounts love in this book it has my heart so full. Liam and Damon have so much love for each other even before anything happens between them. And Damon with his acts of service just went above and beyond for Liam! I love them!
Did i mention the word love? 🤷🏻♀️
We get one of the best friendship stories - they are literally each others everything. The past they share is so tight knit and the memories they have and have been there for each other through, are truly stunning.
And after that we get the most swoonworthy love story. Full of firsts that will have your heart wanting to burst.
The epilogue was perfect and im so glad everything was reconciled with Liam's dad in the end and it was all just wrapped up in a huge love bow.
The bonus chapter - hillarious and hot at the same time!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
📚
The book follows Liam and Damon, best friends since forever and have been through so much together.
The loss of Liam's mother, where Damon moved in to Liam's place, for weeks, just to make sure he washed, ate and basicallg survived the loss.
The drama between Damon's twin brother and Liam's dad - 👀 - they got through that too.
They are literally each others world and it doesn't take much to see why once you start reading this book - just beautiful!
They are on their annual bestie holiday/ski trip together and as usual Liam tries to get them both lucky with women - the only problem is, Damon is in love with Liam and has been since he was thirteen. And for some reason he just can't take another holiday of watching Liam trying to hook up.
He's in a bit of a funk anyway because he found out some truths about what really happened between his brother and Liam's dad and is planning on telling Liam - which he does (eventually) and they work through, but Liam notices Damon still seems a bit off so tries to get Damon to open up about it - Damon of course doesn't dare say anything because he doesn't want to lose Liam.
But when Liam is kissed by a man trying to make someone else jealous, Damon snaps and it all comes out when they get back to the cabin - in the form of Damon kissing Liam...
And when the gay guy is in love with his best friend and has been for years and finally confesses, and the best friend just rolls with it and is open to the possibility of being together - its just magical!
This book delivered on all fronts!
This is such a beautiful feel good book full of so much love, not just when feelings are admitted but even in friendship. There is just copious amounts love in this book it has my heart so full. Liam and Damon have so much love for each other even before anything happens between them. And Damon with his acts of service just went above and beyond for Liam! I love them!
Did i mention the word love? 🤷🏻♀️
We get one of the best friendship stories - they are literally each others everything. The past they share is so tight knit and the memories they have and have been there for each other through, are truly stunning.
And after that we get the most swoonworthy love story. Full of firsts that will have your heart wanting to burst.
The epilogue was perfect and im so glad everything was reconciled with Liam's dad in the end and it was all just wrapped up in a huge love bow.
The bonus chapter - hillarious and hot at the same time!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
📚
The book follows Liam and Damon, best friends since forever and have been through so much together.
The loss of Liam's mother, where Damon moved in to Liam's place, for weeks, just to make sure he washed, ate and basicallg survived the loss.
The drama between Damon's twin brother and Liam's dad - 👀 - they got through that too.
They are literally each others world and it doesn't take much to see why once you start reading this book - just beautiful!
They are on their annual bestie holiday/ski trip together and as usual Liam tries to get them both lucky with women - the only problem is, Damon is in love with Liam and has been since he was thirteen. And for some reason he just can't take another holiday of watching Liam trying to hook up.
He's in a bit of a funk anyway because he found out some truths about what really happened between his brother and Liam's dad and is planning on telling Liam - which he does (eventually) and they work through, but Liam notices Damon still seems a bit off so tries to get Damon to open up about it - Damon of course doesn't dare say anything because he doesn't want to lose Liam.
But when Liam is kissed by a man trying to make someone else jealous, Damon snaps and it all comes out when they get back to the cabin - in the form of Damon kissing Liam...
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks so much Jillian D. Wray and The Author Agency for the book. I was gifted this book as an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.
This is the first book in the Ricochet Ridge series. Jillian D. Wray was a new to me author and I can already tell I’ll be continuing the series. Meltdown follows lifelong best friends Liam and Damon. Being back together forces old memories and buried truths to the surface, and their friendship begins to change in ways neither of them expected. What starts as a regular get away trip turns into an emotional reckoning about trust, history, and what they really mean to each other.
Wow, what an opening line to the book! I loved it. This story felt different from other romances I’ve read because Liam’s romantic feelings didn’t come across like a sudden switch flipping on, but more like a slow recognition. I wasn’t waiting for attraction to appear; I was waiting for Liam to understand what they already were to each other. His jealousy that he couldn’t quite explain and the comfort he only ever found with Damon made watching that realization unfold one of my favorite parts of the story.
The long-term pining hit especially hard, and my heart really went out to Damon. He fell for his best friend years ago and kept it buried because he believed Liam was straight and that he didn’t stand a chance. It gave their interactions so much emotional weight. I also appreciated the reconciliation in this book. It wasn't just a quick apology that magically fixed everything. Damon didn’t simply say sorry; Liam had to actively choose whether he could trust him again, and that made the ending feel earned rather than rushed.
My minor critiques are that I felt Liam’s father storyline was a bit underdeveloped and could have had more depth. The slow burn was almost too slow for me. I found myself wanting the relationship to turn romantic earlier. Also, the spice level was also lower than I expected. I went in anticipating a steamier romance but the book leans much more emotional than explicit.
Overall, this was a very emotional, character-driven friends-to-lovers story with strong pining and payoff. I’m definitely interested to see where the Ricochet Ridge series goes next.
Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚
I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
This is the first book in the Ricochet Ridge series. Jillian D. Wray was a new to me author and I can already tell I’ll be continuing the series. Meltdown follows lifelong best friends Liam and Damon. Being back together forces old memories and buried truths to the surface, and their friendship begins to change in ways neither of them expected. What starts as a regular get away trip turns into an emotional reckoning about trust, history, and what they really mean to each other.
Wow, what an opening line to the book! I loved it. This story felt different from other romances I’ve read because Liam’s romantic feelings didn’t come across like a sudden switch flipping on, but more like a slow recognition. I wasn’t waiting for attraction to appear; I was waiting for Liam to understand what they already were to each other. His jealousy that he couldn’t quite explain and the comfort he only ever found with Damon made watching that realization unfold one of my favorite parts of the story.
The long-term pining hit especially hard, and my heart really went out to Damon. He fell for his best friend years ago and kept it buried because he believed Liam was straight and that he didn’t stand a chance. It gave their interactions so much emotional weight. I also appreciated the reconciliation in this book. It wasn't just a quick apology that magically fixed everything. Damon didn’t simply say sorry; Liam had to actively choose whether he could trust him again, and that made the ending feel earned rather than rushed.
My minor critiques are that I felt Liam’s father storyline was a bit underdeveloped and could have had more depth. The slow burn was almost too slow for me. I found myself wanting the relationship to turn romantic earlier. Also, the spice level was also lower than I expected. I went in anticipating a steamier romance but the book leans much more emotional than explicit.
Overall, this was a very emotional, character-driven friends-to-lovers story with strong pining and payoff. I’m definitely interested to see where the Ricochet Ridge series goes next.
Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚
I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🩶 Grumpy x Sunshine
🤍 Friends to lovers
🩶 Always been you
🤍 MM Romance
🩶 Bi Awakening
🤍 Close proximity
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
What a sweet and spicy romance this was! Jillian is so good at writing characters that we fall head over heels for. Meltdown is one of those stories. I loved the serious, controlled Damon opposite the outgoing, fun loving Liam. The two were made for each other. They may love each other as friends, but when secrets and truths are revealed, that love may not work out quite like Damon is hoping for.
Damon has been in love with Liam for years. Liam, loves Damon but not the way the latter would hope for. That is, until their yearly trip. Things happen on this vacation that start to open ideas and feelings that have been hidden. The relationship between them evolves quickly, but it’s inevitable— thirteen years of friendship will do that to you. Omg. (The conversation with Taylor after everything 🤣)
I loved how everything develop for these two. This was one of those quick to fall romances that makes you feel like maybe there should be more angst and issues, but why? Why can’t some romances, especially MM, just be easy where everything just works? Meltdown is that story— the one that makes falling in love easy. That, along with our boys, made this one fantastic read. Now I can’t wait for our next journey to Ricochet Ridge!
Thank you Jillian for allowing me to read and review this book. I think this is my ninth ARC of yours 😅 I love being on your team, watching you come up with these stories, and seeing you grow as an author. You are such an incredible human being! 🩷
⛷️“After finding my best friend’s father b*lls-deep inside my twin brother’s a**, I didn’t think things could get much worse. But as it turns out, I was wrong.”
🗻“I will choose to protect him over everything else… even if that means protecting him from myself.”
🚠“A relationship shouldn’t be based on gender. It should just be with someone who makes you feel safe, supports you, and encourages you. They’re there for you when the rest of the world is against you. They’re there for you when you’re at your worst and celebrate you when you’re at your best.”
⛷️“I want you to c*** all over my hand and stomach. I want to know it was me who made you c***.”
🗻“You can have a meltdown whenever you need to. I’ll always be here to pick you up.”
🚠“I’m going to f*** you so hard the only thing you’ll remember is that you belong to me.”
🤍 Friends to lovers
🩶 Always been you
🤍 MM Romance
🩶 Bi Awakening
🤍 Close proximity
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
What a sweet and spicy romance this was! Jillian is so good at writing characters that we fall head over heels for. Meltdown is one of those stories. I loved the serious, controlled Damon opposite the outgoing, fun loving Liam. The two were made for each other. They may love each other as friends, but when secrets and truths are revealed, that love may not work out quite like Damon is hoping for.
Damon has been in love with Liam for years. Liam, loves Damon but not the way the latter would hope for. That is, until their yearly trip. Things happen on this vacation that start to open ideas and feelings that have been hidden. The relationship between them evolves quickly, but it’s inevitable— thirteen years of friendship will do that to you. Omg. (The conversation with Taylor after everything 🤣)
I loved how everything develop for these two. This was one of those quick to fall romances that makes you feel like maybe there should be more angst and issues, but why? Why can’t some romances, especially MM, just be easy where everything just works? Meltdown is that story— the one that makes falling in love easy. That, along with our boys, made this one fantastic read. Now I can’t wait for our next journey to Ricochet Ridge!
Thank you Jillian for allowing me to read and review this book. I think this is my ninth ARC of yours 😅 I love being on your team, watching you come up with these stories, and seeing you grow as an author. You are such an incredible human being! 🩷
⛷️“After finding my best friend’s father b*lls-deep inside my twin brother’s a**, I didn’t think things could get much worse. But as it turns out, I was wrong.”
🗻“I will choose to protect him over everything else… even if that means protecting him from myself.”
🚠“A relationship shouldn’t be based on gender. It should just be with someone who makes you feel safe, supports you, and encourages you. They’re there for you when the rest of the world is against you. They’re there for you when you’re at your worst and celebrate you when you’re at your best.”
⛷️“I want you to c*** all over my hand and stomach. I want to know it was me who made you c***.”
🗻“You can have a meltdown whenever you need to. I’ll always be here to pick you up.”
🚠“I’m going to f*** you so hard the only thing you’ll remember is that you belong to me.”
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