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Tell Me What's Right
Solicitor Nick Carthy is going through a rough patch in life. Recently separated, he must leave the house he’s called home for the last four years and move in with his twin brother.
Working desperately to get back on his feet and craft a new plan for his life, the last thing he expects is to run into Ben Kehoe, his former college rival.
Ben seems to have it a promising career as a barrister, a respectable reputation in legal circles, and an irresistible, charming allure.
After agreeing to go their separate ways in their final year at college, they were content to never see each other again. But when a complex murder case forces the two to reunite, old wounds begin to open.
Will they ever find a way to control their feelings towards one another?
Working desperately to get back on his feet and craft a new plan for his life, the last thing he expects is to run into Ben Kehoe, his former college rival.
Ben seems to have it a promising career as a barrister, a respectable reputation in legal circles, and an irresistible, charming allure.
After agreeing to go their separate ways in their final year at college, they were content to never see each other again. But when a complex murder case forces the two to reunite, old wounds begin to open.
Will they ever find a way to control their feelings towards one another?
- GenresM M RomanceRomanceLGBT
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
About the author
R.N. Cogley
6 books8 followersR.N. Cogley is an Irish author. He is the author of 'The Elemental Witches' series ('The Elemental Witches' and 'The Elemental Witches: Croí Draíochta'), ‘An Inquiry Into Innocence’, ‘A Country Girl, A Big Girl’, and ‘Gruesome Getaway’. He has short stories, poetry, and pieces of creative nonfiction published around the world. He also holds a BA in Psychology from Waterford Institute of Technology, a Master of Arts (Research) from South East Technological University, and a Certificate in Creative Writing from The Open College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 25, 2026
RN Cogley is a new author to me but I will continue to read their work. Tell Me What's Right focuses on two UK barristers / solicitors (newly learned the difference) who had an awkward connection during law school years ago and are not forced to work together on an appeal for a murder case. Concept good. Characters appealing. Romance good. Enjoyed the story and how it unfolded. Author has a great perspective on how to demonstrate a courtship and a court case. In some areas it felt a little light and then in others too heavy / overdone, but overall it balanced out and I found myself rooting for the HEA.
March 25, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This book takes place in Ireland, which is a setting I don’t often see for contemporary courtroom romances, and it’s nice to have a different flavor. For one, the world Nick and Ben live in is far from accepting of gay singles, let alone gay couples. Nick is harassed at work and he doesn’t stand up for himself or run to HR. Instead, he keeps his head down, his words quiet, and works from home for a few days.
Overall, this is a solid and well-written read … so long as you’re not actually looking for a rivals-to-lovers trope. It feels like it takes place in a real world with real people and real consequences. It’s quick, it’s low angst, and I think Ben and Nick work well together as a couple and as friends — which is always a plus for me.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This book takes place in Ireland, which is a setting I don’t often see for contemporary courtroom romances, and it’s nice to have a different flavor. For one, the world Nick and Ben live in is far from accepting of gay singles, let alone gay couples. Nick is harassed at work and he doesn’t stand up for himself or run to HR. Instead, he keeps his head down, his words quiet, and works from home for a few days.
Overall, this is a solid and well-written read … so long as you’re not actually looking for a rivals-to-lovers trope. It feels like it takes place in a real world with real people and real consequences. It’s quick, it’s low angst, and I think Ben and Nick work well together as a couple and as friends — which is always a plus for me.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
March 30, 2026
Everything is falling apart, emotions are running high, and just when you think life can’t get more chaotic… the one person you swore you’d never deal with again walks straight back into it. My review of Tell Me What’s Right by R. N. Cogley begins with a warning: this book quietly sneaks up on your heart and then refuses to let go. Thank you to Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the gifted copy—I truly appreciate the opportunity to read and share my thoughts.
At its core, Tell Me What’s Right is a story about what happens when the life you carefully planned suddenly collapses and you’re forced to rebuild from the emotional rubble. We meet Nick Carthy, a Dublin solicitor whose world has been flipped upside down after a painful breakup with the boyfriend he thought he would build a future with. Suddenly he’s moving out of the home they shared, crashing with his twin brother, and trying to figure out how everything unraveled so quickly. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and painfully relatable in the way real heartbreak often is.
Just when Nick is attempting to regain some control over his life, fate throws a curveball in the form of Ben Kehoe—his former university rival and the one person he never expected to see again. Ben is now a successful barrister with charm, confidence, and a reputation that makes him hard to ignore. When circumstances force them to work together on a complicated murder appeal, old tensions resurface along with something neither of them seems fully prepared to face. Watching these two circle each other again was both entertaining and emotionally tense in the best possible way.
What I really appreciated about this book is that it doesn’t rely solely on romance to carry the story. The legal case at the center of the narrative adds a compelling layer that keeps the stakes high throughout. Nick becomes deeply invested in helping a client whose circumstances raise serious questions about justice and mental health, and the process of appealing the case brings him and Ben into close collaboration. The courtroom elements never feel overwhelming, but they give the story a sense of urgency and purpose that elevates the emotional journey.
Nick himself is such a relatable protagonist. He’s thoughtful, empathetic, and sometimes frustratingly willing to accept less than he deserves. Watching him navigate heartbreak, workplace challenges, and complicated feelings toward Ben made the story feel grounded and authentic. Ben, on the other hand, is a little harder to read at first—confident, charming, occasionally maddening—but that complexity made the slow unraveling of his character even more satisfying. Their dynamic is full of tension, unresolved history, and moments that made me smile despite myself.
One line that really stuck with me captures the heart of the story: “Sometimes doing the right thing means admitting you were wrong about everything.” That sentiment echoes throughout the book as both characters are forced to confront old assumptions and face truths they’ve been avoiding.
The supporting cast adds warmth and humor as well. Nick’s twin brother provides emotional grounding during some of his lowest moments, and several workplace characters add both conflict and levity. These relationships help paint a fuller picture of Nick’s world and make his personal growth feel even more meaningful.
Reading this felt like watching someone slowly learn to rebuild their confidence and open their heart again after being hurt. The pacing allows the relationship between Nick and Ben to develop naturally, and while there are moments of frustration (in that “please just talk to each other already” kind of way), the emotional payoff feels genuine.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’d absolutely recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotionally driven LGBTQ+ romance with a bit of tension, strong character development, and a storyline that goes beyond just the relationship. If you love rivals-to-lovers dynamics, slow-burn chemistry, courtroom drama, and characters who feel messy and real, this one will likely land on your favorites shelf.
So now I’m curious—do you enjoy romance stories that mix love with a high-stakes plot like a legal case, or do you prefer when the romance takes center stage the entire time?
#TellMeWhatsRight #RNCogley #BookReview #MMRomance #LGBTQBooks #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram #SlowBurnRomance #EnemiesToLovers #LegalDrama #ARCReview #BookRecommendation
At its core, Tell Me What’s Right is a story about what happens when the life you carefully planned suddenly collapses and you’re forced to rebuild from the emotional rubble. We meet Nick Carthy, a Dublin solicitor whose world has been flipped upside down after a painful breakup with the boyfriend he thought he would build a future with. Suddenly he’s moving out of the home they shared, crashing with his twin brother, and trying to figure out how everything unraveled so quickly. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and painfully relatable in the way real heartbreak often is.
Just when Nick is attempting to regain some control over his life, fate throws a curveball in the form of Ben Kehoe—his former university rival and the one person he never expected to see again. Ben is now a successful barrister with charm, confidence, and a reputation that makes him hard to ignore. When circumstances force them to work together on a complicated murder appeal, old tensions resurface along with something neither of them seems fully prepared to face. Watching these two circle each other again was both entertaining and emotionally tense in the best possible way.
What I really appreciated about this book is that it doesn’t rely solely on romance to carry the story. The legal case at the center of the narrative adds a compelling layer that keeps the stakes high throughout. Nick becomes deeply invested in helping a client whose circumstances raise serious questions about justice and mental health, and the process of appealing the case brings him and Ben into close collaboration. The courtroom elements never feel overwhelming, but they give the story a sense of urgency and purpose that elevates the emotional journey.
Nick himself is such a relatable protagonist. He’s thoughtful, empathetic, and sometimes frustratingly willing to accept less than he deserves. Watching him navigate heartbreak, workplace challenges, and complicated feelings toward Ben made the story feel grounded and authentic. Ben, on the other hand, is a little harder to read at first—confident, charming, occasionally maddening—but that complexity made the slow unraveling of his character even more satisfying. Their dynamic is full of tension, unresolved history, and moments that made me smile despite myself.
One line that really stuck with me captures the heart of the story: “Sometimes doing the right thing means admitting you were wrong about everything.” That sentiment echoes throughout the book as both characters are forced to confront old assumptions and face truths they’ve been avoiding.
The supporting cast adds warmth and humor as well. Nick’s twin brother provides emotional grounding during some of his lowest moments, and several workplace characters add both conflict and levity. These relationships help paint a fuller picture of Nick’s world and make his personal growth feel even more meaningful.
Reading this felt like watching someone slowly learn to rebuild their confidence and open their heart again after being hurt. The pacing allows the relationship between Nick and Ben to develop naturally, and while there are moments of frustration (in that “please just talk to each other already” kind of way), the emotional payoff feels genuine.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’d absolutely recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotionally driven LGBTQ+ romance with a bit of tension, strong character development, and a storyline that goes beyond just the relationship. If you love rivals-to-lovers dynamics, slow-burn chemistry, courtroom drama, and characters who feel messy and real, this one will likely land on your favorites shelf.
So now I’m curious—do you enjoy romance stories that mix love with a high-stakes plot like a legal case, or do you prefer when the romance takes center stage the entire time?
#TellMeWhatsRight #RNCogley #BookReview #MMRomance #LGBTQBooks #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram #SlowBurnRomance #EnemiesToLovers #LegalDrama #ARCReview #BookRecommendation
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for providing this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Tell Me What’s Right follows Nick Carthy, a solicitor whose life has just fallen apart after a recent separation. Forced to leave the home he shared for years, Nick moves in with his twin brother while trying to piece his life back together and figure out what comes next.
When he unexpectedly crosses paths with Ben Kehoe—a former college rival who has since built a successful career as a barrister with an enviable reputation—old grudges and unresolved feelings resurface. The two had agreed in their final year of college to part ways permanently, but circumstances intervene when a complex murder case brings them back into each other’s orbit, forcing them to work together once more.
As the case unfolds, buried wounds and long-simmering tensions re-emerge, testing both their professional boundaries and their emotional resilience. Through legal battles and deeply personal confrontations, the novel explores whether Nick and Ben can come to terms with their shared past and navigate the feelings neither ever truly resolved—ultimately asking whether it’s better to fight what’s in your heart or finally give in to it.
Part courtroom legal drama and part spicy MLM romance, Tell Me What’s Right was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I was hooked from the very first chapter—the opening is strong, well written, and sets an excellent tone for what follows. The story is filled with relatable experiences, many of which will resonate deeply, particularly those that reflect what it means to be a gay man in a world that doesn’t always feel accepting.
One early moment that made me laugh was Nick’s sense of dread while paying for petrol—I’m sure most of us have been there more times than we’d like to admit. On the other end of the emotional spectrum, there were scenes that genuinely made my stomach drop and my eyes sting. The confrontations between Nick and James, in particular, were incredibly uncomfortable to read—in the best way. They felt painfully real and transported me back to moments from my own life. It’s rare for a book to capture emotions like this so accurately and leave the reader feeling just as raw and vulnerable as the characters.
On a brighter note: the first kiss. The buildup to that moment was exquisite, and the payoff did not disappoint. The release of all that tension and emotion was riveting. And the spice—while interrupted a few times to heighten the anticipation—was written in a way that felt refreshingly different from much of the genre. The intimacy felt natural and realistic, and the affection afterwards was genuinely heartwarming. I will note one small issue: the use of the word “bottom” during an otherwise mature and emotional moment felt slightly juvenile and pulled me out of the scene briefly.
The breakup with Tom was also handled beautifully. Nick’s emotional state—the compulsive phone checking, the anticipation, the mini heart attacks every time a notification appears, followed by the crushing disappointment when it isn’t that text—is painfully relatable for anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
Overall, I found the love story between Nick and Ben to be realistic, emotionally grounded, and deeply relatable, which significantly enhanced my enjoyment of the book. A solid 5-star read, and one I’m certain I’ll be picking up again once it’s officially published.
Tell Me What’s Right follows Nick Carthy, a solicitor whose life has just fallen apart after a recent separation. Forced to leave the home he shared for years, Nick moves in with his twin brother while trying to piece his life back together and figure out what comes next.
When he unexpectedly crosses paths with Ben Kehoe—a former college rival who has since built a successful career as a barrister with an enviable reputation—old grudges and unresolved feelings resurface. The two had agreed in their final year of college to part ways permanently, but circumstances intervene when a complex murder case brings them back into each other’s orbit, forcing them to work together once more.
As the case unfolds, buried wounds and long-simmering tensions re-emerge, testing both their professional boundaries and their emotional resilience. Through legal battles and deeply personal confrontations, the novel explores whether Nick and Ben can come to terms with their shared past and navigate the feelings neither ever truly resolved—ultimately asking whether it’s better to fight what’s in your heart or finally give in to it.
Part courtroom legal drama and part spicy MLM romance, Tell Me What’s Right was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I was hooked from the very first chapter—the opening is strong, well written, and sets an excellent tone for what follows. The story is filled with relatable experiences, many of which will resonate deeply, particularly those that reflect what it means to be a gay man in a world that doesn’t always feel accepting.
One early moment that made me laugh was Nick’s sense of dread while paying for petrol—I’m sure most of us have been there more times than we’d like to admit. On the other end of the emotional spectrum, there were scenes that genuinely made my stomach drop and my eyes sting. The confrontations between Nick and James, in particular, were incredibly uncomfortable to read—in the best way. They felt painfully real and transported me back to moments from my own life. It’s rare for a book to capture emotions like this so accurately and leave the reader feeling just as raw and vulnerable as the characters.
On a brighter note: the first kiss. The buildup to that moment was exquisite, and the payoff did not disappoint. The release of all that tension and emotion was riveting. And the spice—while interrupted a few times to heighten the anticipation—was written in a way that felt refreshingly different from much of the genre. The intimacy felt natural and realistic, and the affection afterwards was genuinely heartwarming. I will note one small issue: the use of the word “bottom” during an otherwise mature and emotional moment felt slightly juvenile and pulled me out of the scene briefly.
The breakup with Tom was also handled beautifully. Nick’s emotional state—the compulsive phone checking, the anticipation, the mini heart attacks every time a notification appears, followed by the crushing disappointment when it isn’t that text—is painfully relatable for anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
Overall, I found the love story between Nick and Ben to be realistic, emotionally grounded, and deeply relatable, which significantly enhanced my enjoyment of the book. A solid 5-star read, and one I’m certain I’ll be picking up again once it’s officially published.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
arc review ⋆⁺₊✧₊‧.°.⋆✮ rating: ★★★’25/5
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book in advance!
In Tell me what’s right we meet Nick Carthy, a solicitor who recently was dumped by his partner, and he is devastated because he is still in love with him. Because of this dificult situation, he moves in with his brother. To make matters worse, she has just lost a case and her client has been found guilty of murder.
We also meet Ben Kehoe, a distinguished barrister who recently got an innocent person out of jail and everyone admires him for that.
Nick and Ben studied law together and Ben was the perfect student, intelligent and he never made a single mistake. He also was absolutely insufferable, and because of that Nick hated him.
Now, Ben and Nick are going to work together on Nick's client's case to try to get justice for her unfair verdict.
I loved the author's writing style and storytelling; the book felt very dynamic and quick to read. At no point did I find it boring.
I felt so sad for Nick because he was son in love with his ex and he missed him so much, but I also wanted for him to noticed that Tom did not want him!!! It was a problem for me that he was constantly thinking about his ex, and I found it incomprehensible that he didn't block him after their final breakup.
From the very beginning I noticed that Ben liked Nick since college but wasn’t brave enough to admit it and I was definitely in for when he wanted to speak OMGGG. I loved him being nervous being close to Nick, my boy was down bad.
The little moments and details between them melted mi heart, they are so cute. For example when Ben tells Nick he looks handsome with his suit, when he removes the chocolate from his lip, the elevator moment… I was SCREAMING with the tension and the stolen glances and smiles!!!!
With the whole James issue, I think it's important to point out that even today there are still homophobic people and that, sadly, we must continue to fight and raise awareness of these kinds of situations.
However, I also think there was a lack of communication between them throughout the whole story; some of the problems they had could have been resolved perfectly well by talking things through.
I found it contradictory that in his previous relationship Nick had to hide because of Tom's family, but now he readily accepts having a secret relationship with Ben. I don't know, it doesn't make sense to me. I think that after what Nick went through with his ex, he deserves someone who won't keep him a secret. And if Ben had never been with a man before, it seems unrealistic to me that he would know how to do everything, without hesitating for a moment, during intimate moments with Nick...
Overall, I found Nick's story a bit too much like "insta-love." One moment he hated Ben, and the next he wanted to kiss him. I would have liked to see a little more development in their relationship!
But overall, I found the book to be a lighthearted and cute love story that you can easily read in an afternoon, allowing you to forget about everything else and enjoy the characters and their undeniable chemistry.
You’re all I want
You’re all I want too 🩷
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book in advance!
In Tell me what’s right we meet Nick Carthy, a solicitor who recently was dumped by his partner, and he is devastated because he is still in love with him. Because of this dificult situation, he moves in with his brother. To make matters worse, she has just lost a case and her client has been found guilty of murder.
We also meet Ben Kehoe, a distinguished barrister who recently got an innocent person out of jail and everyone admires him for that.
Nick and Ben studied law together and Ben was the perfect student, intelligent and he never made a single mistake. He also was absolutely insufferable, and because of that Nick hated him.
Now, Ben and Nick are going to work together on Nick's client's case to try to get justice for her unfair verdict.
I loved the author's writing style and storytelling; the book felt very dynamic and quick to read. At no point did I find it boring.
I felt so sad for Nick because he was son in love with his ex and he missed him so much, but I also wanted for him to noticed that Tom did not want him!!! It was a problem for me that he was constantly thinking about his ex, and I found it incomprehensible that he didn't block him after their final breakup.
From the very beginning I noticed that Ben liked Nick since college but wasn’t brave enough to admit it and I was definitely in for when he wanted to speak OMGGG. I loved him being nervous being close to Nick, my boy was down bad.
The little moments and details between them melted mi heart, they are so cute. For example when Ben tells Nick he looks handsome with his suit, when he removes the chocolate from his lip, the elevator moment… I was SCREAMING with the tension and the stolen glances and smiles!!!!
With the whole James issue, I think it's important to point out that even today there are still homophobic people and that, sadly, we must continue to fight and raise awareness of these kinds of situations.
However, I also think there was a lack of communication between them throughout the whole story; some of the problems they had could have been resolved perfectly well by talking things through.
I found it contradictory that in his previous relationship Nick had to hide because of Tom's family, but now he readily accepts having a secret relationship with Ben. I don't know, it doesn't make sense to me. I think that after what Nick went through with his ex, he deserves someone who won't keep him a secret. And if Ben had never been with a man before, it seems unrealistic to me that he would know how to do everything, without hesitating for a moment, during intimate moments with Nick...
Overall, I found Nick's story a bit too much like "insta-love." One moment he hated Ben, and the next he wanted to kiss him. I would have liked to see a little more development in their relationship!
But overall, I found the book to be a lighthearted and cute love story that you can easily read in an afternoon, allowing you to forget about everything else and enjoy the characters and their undeniable chemistry.
You’re all I want
You’re all I want too 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Character- 3.5/5
Plot- 3.75/5
Pacing- 4/5
Entertainment- 4.25/5
Rating- 3.75/5
First of all a big thank you to the author and publisher for this early access *this is an Arc review*
I really enjoyed lot of elements of this book, it felt very classic romance to me, and the emotional turmoil that our main character Nick goes through feels relatable and authentic. Nick is currently in the middle of a bad break-up and is struggling with life without his long term boyfriend Tom. Their relationship was complicated, and Nick never truly felt right throughout it due to being kept a secret. There is a great deal of struggle with accepting love lost, and learning to pursue something better for yourself.
The meat of this story comes from Nick's relationship with Ben, an old rival from his uni-days that couldn't help but one up him. Ben suddenly shows up in Nick's life at the worst possible moment, and together they're asked to take on a court case to fix a mistake of Nick's. The chemistry between these two is great, and the bigger reveal around the depths of their relationship with each other is a great way of keeping the pacing going.
Expanding on that, the plot follows a court appeal for a mentally ill client of Nick's that has been unfairly sentenced for murder. Forcing the two of them to work together, Ben and Nick need to investigate the case and find a way to give this poor girl a better chance at life. Its a solid idea for a story, and has lots of the juicy forced proximity and witty back and forths to enjoy. Due to the high stakes, you stay pretty engaged throughout the book, and I often found myself really getting into certain chapters and quickly making my way through the story.
I also like the writer's style in this book, they have a great way of describing the character's world and perspective throughout, and the detailed language used gives you a real feel of modern day Dublin.
Now I do have a few sore spots in this book that stuck out to me. I suppose the main ones would be Nick's readiness to jump right back into a relationship, and also Ben's repeated ghosting throughout the book. I can see the author's intent through these, but I don't feel like Nick learns his lesson about going after closeted men, nor having the self-respect to walk away from people who mistreat him. I felt like the ending in relation to Ben felt rushed at times, and I needed a little more grovelling from him to be truly satisfied with the conclusion.
Despite that, I found the book really engaging, and the author's voice to be consistent and entertaining. If you're looking for a straightforward romance book that gives you all the melodrama of a suits episode with that MM romance spin, then look no further, you've found your fix with this one.
Plot- 3.75/5
Pacing- 4/5
Entertainment- 4.25/5
Rating- 3.75/5
First of all a big thank you to the author and publisher for this early access *this is an Arc review*
I really enjoyed lot of elements of this book, it felt very classic romance to me, and the emotional turmoil that our main character Nick goes through feels relatable and authentic. Nick is currently in the middle of a bad break-up and is struggling with life without his long term boyfriend Tom. Their relationship was complicated, and Nick never truly felt right throughout it due to being kept a secret. There is a great deal of struggle with accepting love lost, and learning to pursue something better for yourself.
The meat of this story comes from Nick's relationship with Ben, an old rival from his uni-days that couldn't help but one up him. Ben suddenly shows up in Nick's life at the worst possible moment, and together they're asked to take on a court case to fix a mistake of Nick's. The chemistry between these two is great, and the bigger reveal around the depths of their relationship with each other is a great way of keeping the pacing going.
Expanding on that, the plot follows a court appeal for a mentally ill client of Nick's that has been unfairly sentenced for murder. Forcing the two of them to work together, Ben and Nick need to investigate the case and find a way to give this poor girl a better chance at life. Its a solid idea for a story, and has lots of the juicy forced proximity and witty back and forths to enjoy. Due to the high stakes, you stay pretty engaged throughout the book, and I often found myself really getting into certain chapters and quickly making my way through the story.
I also like the writer's style in this book, they have a great way of describing the character's world and perspective throughout, and the detailed language used gives you a real feel of modern day Dublin.
Now I do have a few sore spots in this book that stuck out to me. I suppose the main ones would be Nick's readiness to jump right back into a relationship, and also Ben's repeated ghosting throughout the book. I can see the author's intent through these, but I don't feel like Nick learns his lesson about going after closeted men, nor having the self-respect to walk away from people who mistreat him. I felt like the ending in relation to Ben felt rushed at times, and I needed a little more grovelling from him to be truly satisfied with the conclusion.
Despite that, I found the book really engaging, and the author's voice to be consistent and entertaining. If you're looking for a straightforward romance book that gives you all the melodrama of a suits episode with that MM romance spin, then look no further, you've found your fix with this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Being hidden like a dirty secret, being told that he isn’t enough and that he doesn’t make his current boyfriend happy any longer, Nick Carthy’s run of bad fortune is about to get worse when he finds that he needs to work with his one-time academic nemesis Ben Kehoe. While their initial reunion is fractious, their forced proximity reignites old rivalries and stirs old latent attractions.
‘Tell me What’s Right’ is an effortless read from start to end yet the exclusive use of Nick’s POV is at once enlightening as it is frustrating.
I’m surprised in fact, at the passive softness—if that’s even a right word to use—of his portrayal: unlike the slick, shark-like lawyers we see in legal procedures in books or on screen, Nick is more emotionally-driven, empathetically tuned into his clients and tries to deflect blame from everyone but himself. And that timidity, that willingness to rationalise others’ appalling behaviour towards him or let sleeping dogs lie in order to please others—despite the obvious discrimination and the assault—left me honestly outraged and flabbergasted. Admittedly, that social consequences of open queerness (being closeted and being discriminated against in 21st-century Ireland) is something that R.N Cogley doesn’t shy away from, even if its intention is to provoke some sort of frustration or embarrassment on the reader’s end.
Ben Kehoe’s own motivations and feelings—observed entirely through Nick’s POV—don’t seem any less opaque as when we’re first introduced to him. It’s only towards the end when he gives a hint about his feelings for Nick and even that’s a generous interpretation for me: he doesn’t really grovel; neither does he explain himself when he should have countless times. Instead, we’re left hanging onto Nick’s generosity by accepting the little he can get when he could have demanded so much more before we skip onto an epilogue that has them suddenly living their best lives, without that gap where the emotional pillars of their relationship could have been put more satisfyingly into place.
I loved the story’s setting though as much as I loved Nick’s very supportive twin. Yet because so much of the book is tied to the murder trial and Nick/Ben’s dance around each other, it’s hard to see them as characters beyond the parameters of the court case with familial ties that are downplayed. More clarity perhaps, from Ben’s side of things, as well as the interplay of their families would have made it a more rounded and meaningful reading experience.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
‘Tell me What’s Right’ is an effortless read from start to end yet the exclusive use of Nick’s POV is at once enlightening as it is frustrating.
I’m surprised in fact, at the passive softness—if that’s even a right word to use—of his portrayal: unlike the slick, shark-like lawyers we see in legal procedures in books or on screen, Nick is more emotionally-driven, empathetically tuned into his clients and tries to deflect blame from everyone but himself. And that timidity, that willingness to rationalise others’ appalling behaviour towards him or let sleeping dogs lie in order to please others—despite the obvious discrimination and the assault—left me honestly outraged and flabbergasted. Admittedly, that social consequences of open queerness (being closeted and being discriminated against in 21st-century Ireland) is something that R.N Cogley doesn’t shy away from, even if its intention is to provoke some sort of frustration or embarrassment on the reader’s end.
Ben Kehoe’s own motivations and feelings—observed entirely through Nick’s POV—don’t seem any less opaque as when we’re first introduced to him. It’s only towards the end when he gives a hint about his feelings for Nick and even that’s a generous interpretation for me: he doesn’t really grovel; neither does he explain himself when he should have countless times. Instead, we’re left hanging onto Nick’s generosity by accepting the little he can get when he could have demanded so much more before we skip onto an epilogue that has them suddenly living their best lives, without that gap where the emotional pillars of their relationship could have been put more satisfyingly into place.
I loved the story’s setting though as much as I loved Nick’s very supportive twin. Yet because so much of the book is tied to the murder trial and Nick/Ben’s dance around each other, it’s hard to see them as characters beyond the parameters of the court case with familial ties that are downplayed. More clarity perhaps, from Ben’s side of things, as well as the interplay of their families would have made it a more rounded and meaningful reading experience.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Irish solicitor Nick is quite broken-hearted over a break up with his partner Tom - a break up he didn't see coming. Consequently, Nick moves in with his twin brother Brandon to get his head straight, his situation made all the worse for the loss of a significant court case. It's a theme we see with Nick throughout the novel - not speaking up for what he knows and what he wants, across all facets of his life. In appealing the case, Nick's boss employs the services of Nick's nemesis from college, barrister Ben. Ben seems to represent characteristics akin to the "types" of people who have made Nick's life difficult as a gay man.
While Nick and Ben work together, they become closer and begin dating .... well, without dating in the out in public and obviously dating kind of way. Nick knows this type of relationship well, and we see history repeating itself as he is hidden away, while Ben tries to make sense of things and reconcile his feelings for Nick. The case Nick and Ben are working on is interesting, and Nick's relationship with his brother is incredibly heart-warming. This is counter-acted by the reader knowing little about Ben and his circumstances - I, for one wanted to know more and given we don't get his point of view, the story felt a little unbalanced.
For mind, I struggled with the speed Nick lost the heart eyes for his ex and how quickly they changed target. Perhaps it impacted the pacing for me, and whilst I could see Nick struggling with his work environment due to homophobia, there was little support for him. For an advocate, he seemed too empathetic and maleable at times across work and personal domains. It was heart-wrenching to see him accepting whatever scraps Ben deigned to give him given his previous experience with Tom. The epilogue provided some reassurance, as up until then I wasn't truly convinced about the longevity of Nick and Ben's relationship.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
3.75 stars rounded up
While Nick and Ben work together, they become closer and begin dating .... well, without dating in the out in public and obviously dating kind of way. Nick knows this type of relationship well, and we see history repeating itself as he is hidden away, while Ben tries to make sense of things and reconcile his feelings for Nick. The case Nick and Ben are working on is interesting, and Nick's relationship with his brother is incredibly heart-warming. This is counter-acted by the reader knowing little about Ben and his circumstances - I, for one wanted to know more and given we don't get his point of view, the story felt a little unbalanced.
For mind, I struggled with the speed Nick lost the heart eyes for his ex and how quickly they changed target. Perhaps it impacted the pacing for me, and whilst I could see Nick struggling with his work environment due to homophobia, there was little support for him. For an advocate, he seemed too empathetic and maleable at times across work and personal domains. It was heart-wrenching to see him accepting whatever scraps Ben deigned to give him given his previous experience with Tom. The epilogue provided some reassurance, as up until then I wasn't truly convinced about the longevity of Nick and Ben's relationship.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
3.75 stars rounded up
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a quick, easy read that I flew through, but it left me a little conflicted by the end. The premise really pulled me in, because I love MM romances and what struck me was former academic rivals who are forced to work together on a murder appeal. The legal setting was interesting, and I liked how much of the story revolved around the case itself.
Nick is a very soft, emotionally driven main character, which I didn’t expect from a lawyer MC. At times that gentleness made him endearing, but other times it honestly frustrated me. He spends a lot of the book minimizing his own hurt and accepting way less than he deserves, especially when it comes to how others treat him. I get that this is intentional and tied to themes of queerness, shame, and discrimination, but it still made parts of the story hard to sit with.
Because everything is told from Nick’s POV, Ben as a character is not so clear. I wanted more from him, like more clarity, more accountability, more emotional work on the page. Dual first POV would have been very beneficial to the story trying to be told. The ending wraps things up quickly, and while it’s technically happy, it felt a bit rushed and too neat compared to everything that came before.
That said, the setting worked well, Nick’s twin was a standout, and the book was genuinely entertaining. If you’re looking for a short, fast-paced, trope driven rivals to lovers romance with a legal subplot, this will probably work for you. If you want something deeper or more emotionally developed, it might fall a little short.
Thank you to NetGalley, R.N. Cogley, and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the eARC of this book.
Nick is a very soft, emotionally driven main character, which I didn’t expect from a lawyer MC. At times that gentleness made him endearing, but other times it honestly frustrated me. He spends a lot of the book minimizing his own hurt and accepting way less than he deserves, especially when it comes to how others treat him. I get that this is intentional and tied to themes of queerness, shame, and discrimination, but it still made parts of the story hard to sit with.
Because everything is told from Nick’s POV, Ben as a character is not so clear. I wanted more from him, like more clarity, more accountability, more emotional work on the page. Dual first POV would have been very beneficial to the story trying to be told. The ending wraps things up quickly, and while it’s technically happy, it felt a bit rushed and too neat compared to everything that came before.
That said, the setting worked well, Nick’s twin was a standout, and the book was genuinely entertaining. If you’re looking for a short, fast-paced, trope driven rivals to lovers romance with a legal subplot, this will probably work for you. If you want something deeper or more emotionally developed, it might fall a little short.
Thank you to NetGalley, R.N. Cogley, and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the eARC of this book.
January 19, 2026
I absolutely fell for these characters! I mean, how can you not? The sincerity and the pain of real life situations that we find ourselves in sometimes is captured perfectly in this book. The “I don’t know what to do” moments we can all absolutely relate to. My only critique is that I wish it were longer. Or maybe, hopefully, we’ll get a sequel from Ben’s perspective. There’s so much about that character that I wish we knew more about. His inner thoughts as Nick comes back into his life and how he handles the ups and downs of reconnecting with and falling for someone you never expected to. Nick’s perspective is heartwarming and sweet and he’s such a good person, you can’t help but hold your breath and hope for his happiness. I also greatly enjoyed the storyline about the woman they’re trying to help so she can be released from prison and treated for mental illness. It’s compelling and adds a lot to the story. You know for a fact early on that both Nick and Ben are truly good people. The part I wasn’t expecting was the workplace conflict that is shockingly upsetting but in a way I think needed to be in the story…just another layer of what Nick has experienced and what Ben might be afraid of. Keep in mind there are mentions of bigotry and hate violence. But it’s purposeful. I wanted to jump to Nick’s defense as well. This will definitely be a reread for me any time I want something intriguing, romantic, emotional, and sweet.
Thank you Cranthorpe Millner Publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this title!
Thank you Cranthorpe Millner Publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this title!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tell Me What’s Right is a cozy MM romance with a legal twist, and an impressive debut from R.N. Cogley. The story follows solicitor Nick Carthy, recently separated and forced to move in with his twin brother while rebuilding his life. When he unexpectedly reconnects with his former college rival, Ben Kehoe—now a charming, muscular yet thick-set Irish barrister with a promising career, their unresolved history collides with a complex murder case that forces them to work together.
I found this an engaging, quick read and really enjoyed Cogley’s writing style. Nick’s perspective especially resonated; the opening scene where he nervously pays for petrol, unsure if his card will clear, is painfully relatable and instantly grounds the story. Ben is equally appealing, confident yet warm, and I loved the detail of him playing badminton. The image alone made me grin.
The court case acts more as backdrop than driving force, and while somewhat predictable, it effectively brings the two men back into each other’s orbit. The conflict with homophobic colleague James is compellingly written, though I wanted more depth to his character beyond “the bad guy.” Their final confrontation, however, lands well.
My main critique is pacing—the romance develops quickly and the ending feels slightly rushed. Still, it’s a strong debut, and I’ll absolutely be picking up Cogley’s next release.
I found this an engaging, quick read and really enjoyed Cogley’s writing style. Nick’s perspective especially resonated; the opening scene where he nervously pays for petrol, unsure if his card will clear, is painfully relatable and instantly grounds the story. Ben is equally appealing, confident yet warm, and I loved the detail of him playing badminton. The image alone made me grin.
The court case acts more as backdrop than driving force, and while somewhat predictable, it effectively brings the two men back into each other’s orbit. The conflict with homophobic colleague James is compellingly written, though I wanted more depth to his character beyond “the bad guy.” Their final confrontation, however, lands well.
My main critique is pacing—the romance develops quickly and the ending feels slightly rushed. Still, it’s a strong debut, and I’ll absolutely be picking up Cogley’s next release.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A nice legal drama set in Ireland, and rather than being a queernormative world, is instead a world of homophobia -- which shapes how Ben and Nick (and Nick and Tom) handle their relationships. In this book it's not so easy to be out and proud, to hold hands in public or be openly gay without facing consequences. I know there are readers out there who prefer a queernormative world -- and for them, this book might not be a good fit -- but I enjoy seeing a world that feels real, that takes into account that it's not always easy to live the life you want, no matter what American TV shows say.
Nick and Ben are fully realized characters with personalities, opinions, and flaws. Nick has insecurities and needs more self confidence while Ben is arrogant due to some very public wins that are helping shape a very promising career. But this is not a rivals to lovers story.
There's a moment where Nick thinks bitterly about them being rivals ... but it's shoehorned in for the trope rather than being an actual in character moment. So much so that it's never brought up again. I hate when books force a trope that doesn't belong in the story; it always stands out, and not well, when it's not organic to the story or natural to the characters, but at least it's just a blip in the book.
This was a quick, easy read and I did enjoy it.
Nick and Ben are fully realized characters with personalities, opinions, and flaws. Nick has insecurities and needs more self confidence while Ben is arrogant due to some very public wins that are helping shape a very promising career. But this is not a rivals to lovers story.
There's a moment where Nick thinks bitterly about them being rivals ... but it's shoehorned in for the trope rather than being an actual in character moment. So much so that it's never brought up again. I hate when books force a trope that doesn't belong in the story; it always stands out, and not well, when it's not organic to the story or natural to the characters, but at least it's just a blip in the book.
This was a quick, easy read and I did enjoy it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book had a premise I was immediately drawn to: college rivals forced to work together later in their careers as legal professionals. That dynamic alone sets up the perfect tension: history, competitiveness, and unresolved feelings all colliding in a high-stakes environment. Setting the story in Ireland added an extra layer of charm that I loved.
One of the main downsides for me was the pacing. The story moved very quickly, often with little explanation or time to fully process what was happening. While the fast pace kept things moving, it also made certain plot points and character developments feel underexplored. The emotional payoff could have been much more impactful with that added depth.
Another aspect that stood out was Nick’s experience with homophobia in the workplace. It was portrayed as persistent and visible, with multiple characters witnessing it. What made this especially frustrating was that it went unreported, largely because the perpetrator, James, is a nepotism hire whose mother works at the law firm. While this dynamic felt realistic, it was also deeply unsatisfying. I found myself wishing that someone had stepped in or reported James.
Overall, it was an average read, but the fast pacing made it easy to finish.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the Advanced Reader Copy!
One of the main downsides for me was the pacing. The story moved very quickly, often with little explanation or time to fully process what was happening. While the fast pace kept things moving, it also made certain plot points and character developments feel underexplored. The emotional payoff could have been much more impactful with that added depth.
Another aspect that stood out was Nick’s experience with homophobia in the workplace. It was portrayed as persistent and visible, with multiple characters witnessing it. What made this especially frustrating was that it went unreported, largely because the perpetrator, James, is a nepotism hire whose mother works at the law firm. While this dynamic felt realistic, it was also deeply unsatisfying. I found myself wishing that someone had stepped in or reported James.
Overall, it was an average read, but the fast pacing made it easy to finish.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the Advanced Reader Copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is a 4.5 stars for me. An engaging MM romance that felt very realistic. His ex unexpectedly threw out Nicky and has a toxic colleague to deal with. Then his old university rival turned out to be unexpectedly available for the case he's working on. The Irish legal system and the case that he worked on together with Ben were particularly riveting for me since I come from a legal background. This made the story better than average. Nicky's twin (Brendan), Bailey the dog, and colleague Melissa were the highlights. The writer's style in this book was great. They have a great way of describing the characters' world and perspective throughout, and the detailed language used gives you a real feel of modern-day Dublin, such as the train commute. Ireland is still a very conservative country in many ways, and the author did an amazing job showing the realistic obstacles for lgbtqia individuals that exist in Irish society. My only criticism of the book would be more clarity from Ben’s side of things, as well as the interplay of their families, which would have elevated the reading experience. Overall, I recommend this book, and if you are looking for a wonderful Irish legal melodramatic MM romance, this is it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the ARC!
Thank you to Netgalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was so sweet. I really liked reading about Nick and Ben, as well as Bethany’s case. I usually find it distracting when an author includes too much of the main character’s day-to-day life in the story, but in this novel, I felt like I really got to know Nick—even when he talked about silly little things, like when someone sneezed and he turned his head because he didn’t want to catch whatever the other person had. That detail wasn’t important, and I would usually prefer those tiny things not to be included in the story, but here I actually liked them.
However, I do have a couple of problems with the writing style. In the dialogue, the characters use each other’s names too often. When we’re talking to someone face-to-face, we don’t say their name every two sentences. There were also a few pacing issues. I didn’t like how James Adams’ storyline was concluded, nor how the conflict in the third act was resolved. I found the ending rather weak; however, I would still recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance set in a courtroom setting.
This was so sweet. I really liked reading about Nick and Ben, as well as Bethany’s case. I usually find it distracting when an author includes too much of the main character’s day-to-day life in the story, but in this novel, I felt like I really got to know Nick—even when he talked about silly little things, like when someone sneezed and he turned his head because he didn’t want to catch whatever the other person had. That detail wasn’t important, and I would usually prefer those tiny things not to be included in the story, but here I actually liked them.
However, I do have a couple of problems with the writing style. In the dialogue, the characters use each other’s names too often. When we’re talking to someone face-to-face, we don’t say their name every two sentences. There were also a few pacing issues. I didn’t like how James Adams’ storyline was concluded, nor how the conflict in the third act was resolved. I found the ending rather weak; however, I would still recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance set in a courtroom setting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had never read a book by R.N. Cogley before, but this novel was a great discovery.
Nick and Ben, former rival at law school, are now respectively a sollicitor and a brillant barister.
As non-British, I wasn't well aware of the legal system in the UK, that was really interesting.
The novel is both a romance (and a cute one !) and very focussed on a legal case of a woman who'd been trialed for killing her husband. We follow the first trial, the appeal and a second trial. It's quite detailed and interesting to discover how things things work in the UK.
As it's very much on the legal case, I guess some people might not be too appealed by this book, but I really liked it.
There's a great dynamic between Nick and Ben, how they become friends and lovers, and what happened they were students. I really liked Melissa (how can someone that messy be a lawyer ? haha) and Brendan (could he have his own love story anytime some ?)
Not sure how James changes his mind though (for half a page I thought he was just denying his own homosexuality...)
It's steemy just enough, and completely lovely !
Thanks to Negalley and Cranthorpe Millner for sending me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nick and Ben, former rival at law school, are now respectively a sollicitor and a brillant barister.
As non-British, I wasn't well aware of the legal system in the UK, that was really interesting.
The novel is both a romance (and a cute one !) and very focussed on a legal case of a woman who'd been trialed for killing her husband. We follow the first trial, the appeal and a second trial. It's quite detailed and interesting to discover how things things work in the UK.
As it's very much on the legal case, I guess some people might not be too appealed by this book, but I really liked it.
There's a great dynamic between Nick and Ben, how they become friends and lovers, and what happened they were students. I really liked Melissa (how can someone that messy be a lawyer ? haha) and Brendan (could he have his own love story anytime some ?)
Not sure how James changes his mind though (for half a page I thought he was just denying his own homosexuality...)
It's steemy just enough, and completely lovely !
Thanks to Negalley and Cranthorpe Millner for sending me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Cranthrope Milner Publishers for an eARC of this work.
I’m a little conflicted by this one. I was originally drawn to this work because I liked the concept of two lawyers, once-enemies-turned-lovers, and the fact there seemed to be a pretty intriguing subplot revolving around a murder case. Sadly, I was left wanting on multiple fronts.
I was going along with the story pretty well, but around the midway point, I felt it was starting to flag a little. The initial separation between Nick Carthy and his boyfriend, Tom, seemed like a great start; but as the book continues, the decisions that Nick makes, especially in regards to his new love interest, Ben, had me scratching my head. I felt like the story was going to go a lot differently. Also, the pacing - both of the romance and the story itself - was a little strange. I think my only bigger qualm was I wish there had been more character development for Nick; I didn’t feel like he had as much growth as I would have hoped for.
Otherwise, I’d say that this was a pretty decent love story. There’s some cute moments and a good plot surrounding a wrongful conviction that I think is handled really conscientiously. In short, a pretty good read.
I’m a little conflicted by this one. I was originally drawn to this work because I liked the concept of two lawyers, once-enemies-turned-lovers, and the fact there seemed to be a pretty intriguing subplot revolving around a murder case. Sadly, I was left wanting on multiple fronts.
I was going along with the story pretty well, but around the midway point, I felt it was starting to flag a little. The initial separation between Nick Carthy and his boyfriend, Tom, seemed like a great start; but as the book continues, the decisions that Nick makes, especially in regards to his new love interest, Ben, had me scratching my head. I felt like the story was going to go a lot differently. Also, the pacing - both of the romance and the story itself - was a little strange. I think my only bigger qualm was I wish there had been more character development for Nick; I didn’t feel like he had as much growth as I would have hoped for.
Otherwise, I’d say that this was a pretty decent love story. There’s some cute moments and a good plot surrounding a wrongful conviction that I think is handled really conscientiously. In short, a pretty good read.
January 13, 2026
Tell Me What’s Right
Dublin solicitor Nick is a planner, being dumped by his boyfriend of 4 years and having to move back in with his twin brother Brendan was not in any of his plans at all.
When Bethany one of his clients is accused of murdering her husband he realises she has mental health problems but the defence barrister he is working with refuses to accept that and when she is found guilty of murder he discusses this with his boss. It’s decides to appeal the verdict and Nicks boss knows just the Barrister to lead the appeal, it is Ben Kehoe, handsome, dashing and very popular, Nick absolutely hates him, they did their law degree together and there was great rivalry between them to be top of the class.
Ben agrees to come on board so he and Nick have to work together, and so despite how Nick feels he sees a different side to Ben and is attracted to him.
I throughly enjoyed this book, it is well written with well described emotional moments as well has humour and great dialogue between many of the characters.The finale was wonderful and uplifting and completed a wonderful story perfectly.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Dublin solicitor Nick is a planner, being dumped by his boyfriend of 4 years and having to move back in with his twin brother Brendan was not in any of his plans at all.
When Bethany one of his clients is accused of murdering her husband he realises she has mental health problems but the defence barrister he is working with refuses to accept that and when she is found guilty of murder he discusses this with his boss. It’s decides to appeal the verdict and Nicks boss knows just the Barrister to lead the appeal, it is Ben Kehoe, handsome, dashing and very popular, Nick absolutely hates him, they did their law degree together and there was great rivalry between them to be top of the class.
Ben agrees to come on board so he and Nick have to work together, and so despite how Nick feels he sees a different side to Ben and is attracted to him.
I throughly enjoyed this book, it is well written with well described emotional moments as well has humour and great dialogue between many of the characters.The finale was wonderful and uplifting and completed a wonderful story perfectly.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
January 22, 2026
Nick’s life is suddenly a complete mess. A solicitor in Ireland, life doesn’t seem to be able to give him a break recently. His boyfriend of many years has asked him to move out, the barrister he was working with on a murder case lost the case and completely dismissed Nick’s suggestions for the case. And now, living with his twin brother, commuting a long distance to Dublin for his job, he finds out that he has been assigned to work with Ben Kehoe, his college nemesis.
This was a wonderfully satisfying read. When you think of a traditional romance story, this is the type of book that comes to mind (at least for me). The author did a good job of getting the reader interested in not only the budding romance between our guys, but also keeps the court case they are working on intriguing. The characters are well written, with interesting back stories to keep the reader invested in them.
There was one area that I was a little unsure about… what happened to the notes that James put all over his desk the night of their confrontation? Maybe I just missed that somehow.
If you are looking for a MM romance with an HEA ending, I think you’ll be pleased with this one.
This was a wonderfully satisfying read. When you think of a traditional romance story, this is the type of book that comes to mind (at least for me). The author did a good job of getting the reader interested in not only the budding romance between our guys, but also keeps the court case they are working on intriguing. The characters are well written, with interesting back stories to keep the reader invested in them.
There was one area that I was a little unsure about… what happened to the notes that James put all over his desk the night of their confrontation? Maybe I just missed that somehow.
If you are looking for a MM romance with an HEA ending, I think you’ll be pleased with this one.
May 11, 2026
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Tell Me What’s Right by R.N. Cogley is a new standalone queer romance involving two lawyers facing down their history and a difficult appeal. Nick Carthy has been handed a lot of losses recently, his long term partner breaks up with him and a big case he worked hard on gets a guilty verdict. Adding insult to injury he is matched with Ben Kehoe as the barrister for the appeal. Nick and Ben have a complicated history as rivals in college but as they are reunited as adults their relationship takes on a new direction.
This is a single POV story which can be hit or miss for me. I would have loved to see Ben’s perspective but Nick is an entertaining and fulfilling narrator and MC. The two are so sweet together with Ben’s protective nature and Nick’s excitement to explore Ben’s new side of himself. I enjoyed watching them work together on the appeal and allow their knowledge to be a good thing instead of a competition. Overall a sweet romance and I would read this author again.
4 stars for this sweet romance where rivalry turns into more.
Tell Me What’s Right by R.N. Cogley is a new standalone queer romance involving two lawyers facing down their history and a difficult appeal. Nick Carthy has been handed a lot of losses recently, his long term partner breaks up with him and a big case he worked hard on gets a guilty verdict. Adding insult to injury he is matched with Ben Kehoe as the barrister for the appeal. Nick and Ben have a complicated history as rivals in college but as they are reunited as adults their relationship takes on a new direction.
This is a single POV story which can be hit or miss for me. I would have loved to see Ben’s perspective but Nick is an entertaining and fulfilling narrator and MC. The two are so sweet together with Ben’s protective nature and Nick’s excitement to explore Ben’s new side of himself. I enjoyed watching them work together on the appeal and allow their knowledge to be a good thing instead of a competition. Overall a sweet romance and I would read this author again.
4 stars for this sweet romance where rivalry turns into more.
March 23, 2026
Nick Carthy, the not-so well known Solicitor who worked its best to freed Bethany from her murder’s case, having double downfall at the same time. Firstly, his boyfriend, Tom ‘decided that he was unhappy together with him’ and Bethany just plead guilty by the Judge.
The sudden appearence of Ben Kehoe’s successfully winning his client case, adding the fuel into his downfall.
Will Nick recover from his downfall state? Does the sudden appearance of Ben gonna change his life?
I honestly so in love with this book, the writing in such detail makes me easier to understand. I am new into court things, thanks to the writer i can understand better the term and even the step how to make the appeal. My favorite character definitely Nick’s twin, Brendan!! He’s so calm yet so wise, i also love Nick. I can relate to him with his planned schedule and stuff. I believe we shared the same MBTI 😆 I am also in love with Ben! He’s so manly and i can tell his popularity emerging outside the book pages!!
The sudden appearence of Ben Kehoe’s successfully winning his client case, adding the fuel into his downfall.
Will Nick recover from his downfall state? Does the sudden appearance of Ben gonna change his life?
I honestly so in love with this book, the writing in such detail makes me easier to understand. I am new into court things, thanks to the writer i can understand better the term and even the step how to make the appeal. My favorite character definitely Nick’s twin, Brendan!! He’s so calm yet so wise, i also love Nick. I can relate to him with his planned schedule and stuff. I believe we shared the same MBTI 😆 I am also in love with Ben! He’s so manly and i can tell his popularity emerging outside the book pages!!
January 24, 2026
Arc Read for NetGalley!
I really enjoyed this book! The love story between Nick and Ben, college rivals and enemies to lovers, is honestly well written and I liked the characters. I feel like the development and depth of the cast in this book was done just right. I also liked how descriptive the court cases were and how Nick navigated all the challenges he faced through the book. I was really rooting for him 🥹
I fell in love with the authors tone, and writing style and I will certainly look into reading more of their work! I will say it is a bit cheesy in some respects, but nothing that hinders the entertainment I felt while reading the book. The reason it isn’t 5 stars is because it took me a while to get into this book but once I did it was great! It was just missing that little something for me.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who love LGBTQ+ romance with a murder/legal mystery twist, rivals to partners, and a slow burn with tension!!
I really enjoyed this book! The love story between Nick and Ben, college rivals and enemies to lovers, is honestly well written and I liked the characters. I feel like the development and depth of the cast in this book was done just right. I also liked how descriptive the court cases were and how Nick navigated all the challenges he faced through the book. I was really rooting for him 🥹
I fell in love with the authors tone, and writing style and I will certainly look into reading more of their work! I will say it is a bit cheesy in some respects, but nothing that hinders the entertainment I felt while reading the book. The reason it isn’t 5 stars is because it took me a while to get into this book but once I did it was great! It was just missing that little something for me.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who love LGBTQ+ romance with a murder/legal mystery twist, rivals to partners, and a slow burn with tension!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Loved everything about this book. Enemies to lovers done properly. Not “mild professional disagreement” to lovers. Actual tension. Sharp edges. Two men who absolutely should not be looking at each other like that in court — and yet.
The slow burn is spot on. It simmers. It builds. It makes you work for it. By the time you get to the ending, it feels earned. No shortcuts. No emotional cheating. I was fully invested, quietly rooting for them even when they were being stubborn idiots.
Setting it against a murder trial and appeal was such a good call. High stakes in the courtroom, high stakes in their personal lives. The legal backdrop adds weight without overwhelming the romance. It’s an unusual combination, but it works beautifully.
Would I recommend it? Immediately. No hesitation. If you like tension, great character development, and a slow burn that actually burns, this delivers.
Loved everything about this book. Enemies to lovers done properly. Not “mild professional disagreement” to lovers. Actual tension. Sharp edges. Two men who absolutely should not be looking at each other like that in court — and yet.
The slow burn is spot on. It simmers. It builds. It makes you work for it. By the time you get to the ending, it feels earned. No shortcuts. No emotional cheating. I was fully invested, quietly rooting for them even when they were being stubborn idiots.
Setting it against a murder trial and appeal was such a good call. High stakes in the courtroom, high stakes in their personal lives. The legal backdrop adds weight without overwhelming the romance. It’s an unusual combination, but it works beautifully.
Would I recommend it? Immediately. No hesitation. If you like tension, great character development, and a slow burn that actually burns, this delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tell Me What's Right by R. N. Cogley | 3 Stars
* I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley is exchange for an honest review. *
I wanted to read this book because the synopsis gave Ace Attorney vibes to be honest. This book is...fine. I wasn't as engaged as I wanted to be, and I skimmed the text more than I maybe should have. The writing is perfectly good, the characters are fine, but much of the legal case felt both over my head and dumbed down to the point of a plot device rather than a compelling part of the story (such as Bethany's schizophrenia diagnosis), and I didn't connect with the rivals-to-lovers romance between our MMCs as much as I would have liked to. Maybe in a different mindset I would have enjoyed this more, and a different reader may enjoy this more than I did, but it was simply...fine, to me.
* I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley is exchange for an honest review. *
I wanted to read this book because the synopsis gave Ace Attorney vibes to be honest. This book is...fine. I wasn't as engaged as I wanted to be, and I skimmed the text more than I maybe should have. The writing is perfectly good, the characters are fine, but much of the legal case felt both over my head and dumbed down to the point of a plot device rather than a compelling part of the story (such as Bethany's schizophrenia diagnosis), and I didn't connect with the rivals-to-lovers romance between our MMCs as much as I would have liked to. Maybe in a different mindset I would have enjoyed this more, and a different reader may enjoy this more than I did, but it was simply...fine, to me.
March 1, 2026
3 stars.
This book was okay. I do like the plot of the court case that the two MMc’s were working on, but I feel like we lacked the relationship progression of the main couple.
In the start of the book we know Nick is struggling due to his long term boyfriend leaving him. And we spend almost 50% of the book in his head knowing he wants him back. It really isn’t until the 75% mark that he decides he doesn’t want him because he is “in love” with Ben. How did he fall in love? Idk.
I also didn’t love how Ben was a “boy pulling on their crushes hair” type of guy in college, and just expects Nick to forget that. Like if I had someone constantly talking down to me like that, I’d call them my nemesis as well.
While these points did irk me, I did like the exploration of harder topics, such as the constant and continued struggle of those in the lgbtq community.
This book was okay. I do like the plot of the court case that the two MMc’s were working on, but I feel like we lacked the relationship progression of the main couple.
In the start of the book we know Nick is struggling due to his long term boyfriend leaving him. And we spend almost 50% of the book in his head knowing he wants him back. It really isn’t until the 75% mark that he decides he doesn’t want him because he is “in love” with Ben. How did he fall in love? Idk.
I also didn’t love how Ben was a “boy pulling on their crushes hair” type of guy in college, and just expects Nick to forget that. Like if I had someone constantly talking down to me like that, I’d call them my nemesis as well.
While these points did irk me, I did like the exploration of harder topics, such as the constant and continued struggle of those in the lgbtq community.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tell Me Lies by R.N. Cogley was an enjoyable read overall, though it didn’t fully land for me. I found the legal backdrop engaging and how it added to the plot. The rivals to lovers dynamic was also fun and created some entertaining moments between the main characters.
That said, the book felt a bit too fluffy for my personal taste. While the romance was light and easy to read, I found myself wanting a bit more depth in both the characters and the emotional development of their relationship.
Overall, this was a solid and entertaining romance with a good premise and a compelling rivals to lovers angle, but it was missing a little something that would have made it more memorable for me.
Tell Me Lies by R.N. Cogley was an enjoyable read overall, though it didn’t fully land for me. I found the legal backdrop engaging and how it added to the plot. The rivals to lovers dynamic was also fun and created some entertaining moments between the main characters.
That said, the book felt a bit too fluffy for my personal taste. While the romance was light and easy to read, I found myself wanting a bit more depth in both the characters and the emotional development of their relationship.
Overall, this was a solid and entertaining romance with a good premise and a compelling rivals to lovers angle, but it was missing a little something that would have made it more memorable for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC REVIEW -
Two college rivals, Nick and Ben, are thrown into working together on a murder conviction appeal and find love amongst it? Enemies to lovers? Forced proximity? Workplace romance? I loved the sound of the premise!
This was a cute enough story that I felt started strong and I was excited to read. The characters were cute! The ending was cute! The story itself was short and fast paced! However, this left a bit to be desired in terms of a lot of the pacing and the story could have done with further exploration of many of the plot points.
If you’re after a quick, cute read, and can look past multiple aspects of this book that felt unrealistic and underdeveloped then you will enjoy this book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Two college rivals, Nick and Ben, are thrown into working together on a murder conviction appeal and find love amongst it? Enemies to lovers? Forced proximity? Workplace romance? I loved the sound of the premise!
This was a cute enough story that I felt started strong and I was excited to read. The characters were cute! The ending was cute! The story itself was short and fast paced! However, this left a bit to be desired in terms of a lot of the pacing and the story could have done with further exploration of many of the plot points.
If you’re after a quick, cute read, and can look past multiple aspects of this book that felt unrealistic and underdeveloped then you will enjoy this book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher for a chance to review this book.
Sadly for me it was a miss. While I still tore through it in a day I did not enjoy the writing as it often felt like working through a list of plot bullet points.
Also the writing varies widely, while description of weather, food and surroundings are plentiful and well written, the characters emotions are told to us and not shown. This is one of the reasons the characters do not feel like real people but merely set-pieces to further the story.
If you are just looking for a quick trope-y second chance romance, that is entertaining and has an enjoyable subplot, this is the book for you. But if you want something more in depth this is not the book for you.
Sadly for me it was a miss. While I still tore through it in a day I did not enjoy the writing as it often felt like working through a list of plot bullet points.
Also the writing varies widely, while description of weather, food and surroundings are plentiful and well written, the characters emotions are told to us and not shown. This is one of the reasons the characters do not feel like real people but merely set-pieces to further the story.
If you are just looking for a quick trope-y second chance romance, that is entertaining and has an enjoyable subplot, this is the book for you. But if you want something more in depth this is not the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the Author for providing the E-ARC for review consideration via NetGalley.
Personally, this felt like Nick's story and journey after living a life filled with plans. And when the center of those plans left. It felt like a new beginning of how he outgrew a caged love to encountering a familiar and open heart.
I loved that the 'hate' was only one-sided, it's a sub-trope that's honestly underrated. This book a good romance contemporary read, and I loved the chemistry.
One of the side characters always catches me off guard, and every interaction was annoyingly painful. It strikes unease. The main protagonist, Nick's dillema and fear is highlighted with each encounter with that said character. But overall, I enjoyed reading through this book.
Personally, this felt like Nick's story and journey after living a life filled with plans. And when the center of those plans left. It felt like a new beginning of how he outgrew a caged love to encountering a familiar and open heart.
I loved that the 'hate' was only one-sided, it's a sub-trope that's honestly underrated. This book a good romance contemporary read, and I loved the chemistry.
One of the side characters always catches me off guard, and every interaction was annoyingly painful. It strikes unease. The main protagonist, Nick's dillema and fear is highlighted with each encounter with that said character. But overall, I enjoyed reading through this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I sat and enjoyed this in one sitting. I felt very drawn to Nick. His closeted-ex-boyfriend breaks up with him. His previous nemesis (or is he?) shows up and is teamed up with him to make an appeal for his client who was found guilty of murder. I was very invested in how the relationship would progress. Ireland is still a very conservative country in many ways and the author did an amazing job showing the very realistic obstacles for lgbtqia individuals that exist in Irish society. I was happy with the ending and felt the story flowed well. I definitely recommend this wonderful book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishes for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishes for the ARC!
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