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Escape Velocity
Gravity isn't the only force pulling them together.
Mason Fanning solves physics equations in his sleep—but figuring out Callum Brown might be the hardest problem of all.
Mason didn’t come to Montgomery University to chase a byline. He came to learn quarks, formulas, and dreams of becoming a physicist. But with two award-winning writers for parents breathing down his neck, he reluctantly joins The Goldberg, Montgomery’s paper to get them off his back. His first assignment? Cover the Montgomery’s football team. Worse? The star quarterback is Callum Brown—his childhood best friend who cut him off years ago without an explanation.
Callum Brown wins games. That’s all anyone expects from him—and all he allows himself to want.
Callum lives and breathes football. It’s his ticket out, his identity, his everything. He’s done the work, gotten the scholarship to Montgomery, but it still never feels like it’s enough. As he tries to get drafted, seeing Mason again brings back memories he’s tried hard to forget—and feelings he never really dealt with. The boy he pushed away is now a man with a sharp tongue and a habit of showing up when Callum least expects it.
As fate keeps throwing them together, unresolved history rises to the surface. If they want to move forward—on or off the field—Mason and Callum will have to face the truth about what tore them apart and what’s still pulling them back together.
Escape Velocity is a spice-free, heartfelt, slow-burn MM college football romance about two former best friends learning to rebuild trust, defy family expectations, and find the courage to love each other again.
Mason Fanning solves physics equations in his sleep—but figuring out Callum Brown might be the hardest problem of all.
Mason didn’t come to Montgomery University to chase a byline. He came to learn quarks, formulas, and dreams of becoming a physicist. But with two award-winning writers for parents breathing down his neck, he reluctantly joins The Goldberg, Montgomery’s paper to get them off his back. His first assignment? Cover the Montgomery’s football team. Worse? The star quarterback is Callum Brown—his childhood best friend who cut him off years ago without an explanation.
Callum Brown wins games. That’s all anyone expects from him—and all he allows himself to want.
Callum lives and breathes football. It’s his ticket out, his identity, his everything. He’s done the work, gotten the scholarship to Montgomery, but it still never feels like it’s enough. As he tries to get drafted, seeing Mason again brings back memories he’s tried hard to forget—and feelings he never really dealt with. The boy he pushed away is now a man with a sharp tongue and a habit of showing up when Callum least expects it.
As fate keeps throwing them together, unresolved history rises to the surface. If they want to move forward—on or off the field—Mason and Callum will have to face the truth about what tore them apart and what’s still pulling them back together.
Escape Velocity is a spice-free, heartfelt, slow-burn MM college football romance about two former best friends learning to rebuild trust, defy family expectations, and find the courage to love each other again.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2025
118 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 30, 2025
I ended up hate-reading this. The description pulled me in, but it really feels like a middle schooler on Wattpad wrote this book. It was a beautiful smash of Iron Flame arguments, ie. “I hope he [Mason] forgives me”/“I don’t know if I can forgive him [Callum] for what he did to me in MIDDLE (maybe even high) SCHOOL,” with some Romeo and Juliet feels (both families hate each other and the children are barred from seeing one another).
Spoiler, Mason was called a dweeb for being a fucking dweeb. He is the whiniest MC I have ever read.
The writing felt like someone said on Twitter before that authors are writing for their audiences as if they’re stupid. I swear every sentence started with Callum or Mason and when it could have been replaced with a “he” or something else, it wasn’t. Their names had to have been typed a million times. And it wasn’t like all of the problems in the book were so surface level and the solutions were even wilder. Callum’s dad being arrested that day for being abusive!? Insane. Mason wanting Callum to defy his father when he’s been hit for less than that? Mind-boggling
Three stars was being generous because there were moments that had me giggling but those were far and few.
Spoiler, Mason was called a dweeb for being a fucking dweeb. He is the whiniest MC I have ever read.
The writing felt like someone said on Twitter before that authors are writing for their audiences as if they’re stupid. I swear every sentence started with Callum or Mason and when it could have been replaced with a “he” or something else, it wasn’t. Their names had to have been typed a million times. And it wasn’t like all of the problems in the book were so surface level and the solutions were even wilder. Callum’s dad being arrested that day for being abusive!? Insane. Mason wanting Callum to defy his father when he’s been hit for less than that? Mind-boggling
Three stars was being generous because there were moments that had me giggling but those were far and few.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2026
This book is definitely… chocolate.
October 21, 2025
First off I am grateful that Jake allowed me to be an arc reader for his book.
I actually have only read a handful of gay romances and none of them have been a sports romance. So this was a nice switch up.
Honestly while I do not care for the narrator writing style. This book is super relatable for anyone who have disapproving parents of their life choices. Doesn't matter if it's because they are gay or they want to take a different career path than their parents mapped out for them. It's relatable.
I love that he set it in College setting where a lot of people are trying to fumble their way through and decide what they want out of life while also still trying to manage some expectations that the parents have for them.
Jake congrats on your book! I hope you are proud of your work and continue to write!
I actually have only read a handful of gay romances and none of them have been a sports romance. So this was a nice switch up.
Honestly while I do not care for the narrator writing style. This book is super relatable for anyone who have disapproving parents of their life choices. Doesn't matter if it's because they are gay or they want to take a different career path than their parents mapped out for them. It's relatable.
I love that he set it in College setting where a lot of people are trying to fumble their way through and decide what they want out of life while also still trying to manage some expectations that the parents have for them.
Jake congrats on your book! I hope you are proud of your work and continue to write!
October 18, 2025
Received as an ARC and so happy I took a chance on reading about Mason and Callum. Best friends, unrequited crush driven apart by controlling parents and dreams that they thought they could never have, this book has that and so much more. Jake brings these characters to life and being able to feel the emotions, good and bad, that Mason and Callum go through is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Breaking through expectations can be the toughest thing you ever have to go through, but with Mason by his side Callum can finally face his biggest fear and regret and finally get what he thought he could never have....Mason.
February 13, 2026
It took me a while to get into the flow of this book simple because of the perspective it was written in. The use of third person with a dual POV felt at odds at times and it honestly didn't need to say when it was going to focus on Mason or Callum for that chapter. Also, it did feel like it disproportionately focused on Masons POV.
However, I will say that the characters were absolutely lovely. I loved having a MMC who regularly cries and gets emotional, that was a refreshing change. It was interesting to have Mason's passion be physics, and he truly did care about it as this contrasted Callum and his experience of football. I loved that Callum genuinely tried to open up and communicate his thoughts and his feelings even when he found it difficult. Although there were some difficult topics, overall this book had a sweet vibe to it.
I enjoyed that Callum and Mason had this history together that was unfolded throughout the story and came with a level of understanding once explained. I will say that the animosity from Mason to Callum does get a bit ridiculous at times, he has every right to be upset but just when it looks like things are resolving, it comes up again and at times felt a little disingenuous.
Overall though, I did enjoy it.
However, I will say that the characters were absolutely lovely. I loved having a MMC who regularly cries and gets emotional, that was a refreshing change. It was interesting to have Mason's passion be physics, and he truly did care about it as this contrasted Callum and his experience of football. I loved that Callum genuinely tried to open up and communicate his thoughts and his feelings even when he found it difficult. Although there were some difficult topics, overall this book had a sweet vibe to it.
I enjoyed that Callum and Mason had this history together that was unfolded throughout the story and came with a level of understanding once explained. I will say that the animosity from Mason to Callum does get a bit ridiculous at times, he has every right to be upset but just when it looks like things are resolving, it comes up again and at times felt a little disingenuous.
Overall though, I did enjoy it.
March 5, 2026
I very much enjoyed this book. It was a cutesy, not-so-heavy read I discovered during a (successful) late-night search for a story that fit the vibe ✨
While some aspects weren’t entirely realistic, I don’t think you’d pick up this story expecting a hyper-realistic depiction of what queer love often looks like in the real world. Sometimes you just want to believe everything will work out in the end - and that maybe life really can be sunshine and rainbows…or in this case maple lattes and physics equations??
I enjoyed it! It made me laugh, it made me anxious, and I might have almost shed a tear. But in the end, it made my heart smile, and that’s all that matters :)
While some aspects weren’t entirely realistic, I don’t think you’d pick up this story expecting a hyper-realistic depiction of what queer love often looks like in the real world. Sometimes you just want to believe everything will work out in the end - and that maybe life really can be sunshine and rainbows…or in this case maple lattes and physics equations??
I enjoyed it! It made me laugh, it made me anxious, and I might have almost shed a tear. But in the end, it made my heart smile, and that’s all that matters :)
March 1, 2026
Offensively overwritten, I can’t believe I finished reading this. Drowning in similes and metaphors, the characters and the story feel like a second thought while the author crams in as many cringeworthy descriptive one liners as humanly possible. It reads like a teens first attempt at a crossover fanfic of Gilmore Girls and Days Of Our Lives. Poor character descriptions. Confusing overuse of “he” to refer to both MMCs, even when together. I’m sorry, Jake Grenier, this story can and should be better.
February 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I genuinely wish that I was 10 years younger to fully enjoy this book. I did like it, for sure but the setting and the conflict was definitely very young adult — nothing wrong with it but I am almost 30 LOL.
I enjoyed the friendship and the angst that came with the story, especially trying to figure out who you are in a setting where people try to tell you who you are. Very realistic and age appropriate!
No spice (except kissing! 💋) so great for YA teen readers! Honestly what a great find on Tiktok based on a couple of slides LMFAO.
Hope to read more from this author, maybe characters in their mid 20s hehe
I genuinely wish that I was 10 years younger to fully enjoy this book. I did like it, for sure but the setting and the conflict was definitely very young adult — nothing wrong with it but I am almost 30 LOL.
I enjoyed the friendship and the angst that came with the story, especially trying to figure out who you are in a setting where people try to tell you who you are. Very realistic and age appropriate!
No spice (except kissing! 💋) so great for YA teen readers! Honestly what a great find on Tiktok based on a couple of slides LMFAO.
Hope to read more from this author, maybe characters in their mid 20s hehe
January 30, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
J'ai pas l'habitude de lire des YA mais j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture.
Il y avait parfois quelques incohérences, mais cela n'a pas perturbé ma lecture.
J'ai pas l'habitude de lire des YA mais j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture.
Il y avait parfois quelques incohérences, mais cela n'a pas perturbé ma lecture.
November 11, 2025
Escape Velocity by Jake Grenier is one of those rare MM sports romances that manages to feel both emotionally intense and beautifully restrained. What immediately stood out to me was that this story doesn’t rely on bed scenes to show intimacy — and honestly, that’s one of its strongest points. Collum and Mason’s relationship unfolds through trust, reconnection, and quiet vulnerability, proving that romance can be deeply moving without physicality.
I loved how their story went beyond the romance — it’s also about family expectations, identity, and the difficult work of rebuilding what was once broken. Collum, the star quarterback, and Mason, the physics major with a writer’s heart, are both shaped by toxic parenting and unspoken longing. The way they learn to communicate again after years of silence is tender and very believable.
This book is heartfelt, slow-paced in the best way, and full of emotional depth. It’s not just a sports romance — it’s a story about healing, growth, and finding courage to reconnect. Highly recommend for readers who want quiet but powerful love stories without explicit scenes.
I loved how their story went beyond the romance — it’s also about family expectations, identity, and the difficult work of rebuilding what was once broken. Collum, the star quarterback, and Mason, the physics major with a writer’s heart, are both shaped by toxic parenting and unspoken longing. The way they learn to communicate again after years of silence is tender and very believable.
This book is heartfelt, slow-paced in the best way, and full of emotional depth. It’s not just a sports romance — it’s a story about healing, growth, and finding courage to reconnect. Highly recommend for readers who want quiet but powerful love stories without explicit scenes.
February 10, 2026
Back when they were just Mason and Callum.
Once a thing of the past and now, something of the present and future.
This is the first book in a long time where I vehemently disagree with the low rating. Sure, it's on the average side. At the time of me writing this, it's at a 3.53, but when I first picked it up, it was in the 3.7-something range. I didn't think it was that bad. I've read much worse contemporary romance books. Escape Velocity is absolutely palatable, easy to read, and just a fun good time! I do not subscribe to this rating at all!
Maybe it's because the rating is on the lower side that my guard was a bit more down. Maybe it's because I just finished two other books that were slogs to get through and really had to push to finish. There were a lot of external reasons why this just hit so right for me. I don't know, I found this cute! I liked their relationship! I liked the characters! I liked and even related to the story! Sue me! Honest to god if I gave out five stars so willy-nilly, this would get one.
If I'm going to put on my rational cap on, sure, I could see why the rating went down as it did. I skimmed a review that said it read like YA. It does, BUT my argument is that the main character is only eighteen-years old. That's still prime YA territory. Sure, I would say the characters' internal conflicts may seem a little silly or totally unrealistic. But at the same time, everything was seemingly a big deal to me when I was that age, and don't we all suspend a little bit of disbelief when it comes to the romance genre in general, respectively. Did it get kind of go off the rails towards the end? I mean, sure, but I love a good lick back moment. And we got moments. I ate that shit up! Did it have a Game Changer moment in the epilogue? Sure, but this is a sports romance so I wouldn't say it came out of left field or it was "ripped off" from it. I'm not even sure if the Heated Rivalry show premiered when this was first published.
This is truly the book I needed to read at this moment. It was easy, painless, and a joy to finish. There is no spice so I didn't expect it, but I was just so glad that there's a "fade to black" or "implied behind closed doors" moment. Honestly, that's all I would've asked for, and I got it! IDK, the rating perturbed me a bit, but I think it's totally wrong. I picked this up so soon because it fit a Buzzword prompt, and I'm so glad I picked this up when I did. Truly couldn't have asked for a better kind of book for myself right now. Heck, it made me want to try an apple chai latte!!! I feel a the fuzzy warm feelings. Chef's kiss.
SAME DAY EDIT - I think my rating bumped this up to 3.54, and I could not be more proud 😭!!!
March 24, 2026
This book has the meat that could make it quite the hit if it were edited properly. Sadly, it's drug down by the repetitive words and phrases--the author has a tendency to write the same thing just with different words over and over again, even within the same paragraph. Also we are told the same stuff throughout the book as though we can't remember it from earlier and need to be reminded. With all of that cut out of it, there'd be more space for really delving into the characters and their motivations.
My main issues seems to be the characters keep telling us things about how it is and then we are shown something totally different. It's one thing if a teenager is viewing his world in a way that isn't fully the truth, but this just feels like a refusal to believe that things are any different. Mason spends so much time saying he hates Callum wronged him and is being an asshole when Callum is clearly trying to reconnect and anyone can see that. There's a way to show that the character isn't quite comprehending the world around him, but this just felt like banging his head against a wall repeatedly and specifically ignoring what was in front of him.
The other problem I had was Mason saying his parents were over-bearing and constantly bombarding him with expectations when we are shown during his time at home that they really aren't being that aggressive about it at all. The author is trying to force us to believe something that isn't actually happening in their writing. It's kind of strange and makes a lot of stuff unbelievable.
I can understand the kids trying to pacify their parents to an extent, but this is so heavy-handed. Mason dramatically says that his whole life will be ruined if he tells them that he wants to do physics and not journalism, when those stakes don't actually exist. And because we are with Mason about 75% of the book, it just doesn't work.
There was definitely a lot of missed opportunity with Callum. If there is gonna be multi POV, it needs to be far more even between the two characters. Callum's POV chapters are so miniscule that we don't get to see much from his eyes. With such a lack of POV chapters from him, it seems kind of pointless to have them there at all. It should have just been fully from Mason's POV since he was obviously the author's main focus. Unfortunately he becomes whiney and almost insufferable by the end.
I love the idea of second-chance romance from BFFs when they were little, but this doesn't have the writing to back it up. I went ahead and finished it even though I knew I wasn't going to fully enjoy it because it's a dynamic I really love re: Rosewell, New Mexico.
My main issues seems to be the characters keep telling us things about how it is and then we are shown something totally different. It's one thing if a teenager is viewing his world in a way that isn't fully the truth, but this just feels like a refusal to believe that things are any different. Mason spends so much time saying he hates Callum wronged him and is being an asshole when Callum is clearly trying to reconnect and anyone can see that. There's a way to show that the character isn't quite comprehending the world around him, but this just felt like banging his head against a wall repeatedly and specifically ignoring what was in front of him.
The other problem I had was Mason saying his parents were over-bearing and constantly bombarding him with expectations when we are shown during his time at home that they really aren't being that aggressive about it at all. The author is trying to force us to believe something that isn't actually happening in their writing. It's kind of strange and makes a lot of stuff unbelievable.
I can understand the kids trying to pacify their parents to an extent, but this is so heavy-handed. Mason dramatically says that his whole life will be ruined if he tells them that he wants to do physics and not journalism, when those stakes don't actually exist. And because we are with Mason about 75% of the book, it just doesn't work.
There was definitely a lot of missed opportunity with Callum. If there is gonna be multi POV, it needs to be far more even between the two characters. Callum's POV chapters are so miniscule that we don't get to see much from his eyes. With such a lack of POV chapters from him, it seems kind of pointless to have them there at all. It should have just been fully from Mason's POV since he was obviously the author's main focus. Unfortunately he becomes whiney and almost insufferable by the end.
I love the idea of second-chance romance from BFFs when they were little, but this doesn't have the writing to back it up. I went ahead and finished it even though I knew I wasn't going to fully enjoy it because it's a dynamic I really love re: Rosewell, New Mexico.
March 21, 2026
This book has so much miscommunication and lies and then when we finally start to untangle that web of Fuckery, the book just ends I am so confused. I have so many questions first off what happened with Joel? Was he jealous of Callum as a player or was he jealous of Mason because he had a thing for Cal? I wanna know also what the heck happened to Tammy she stayed with this man all those years through all this bullshit watched him beat the crap out of his son and treat him like dog shit on his shoe and said nothing did nothing. This man gets arrested and we don’t hear a peep from this woman not a nothing. She didn’t throw a fit when the cop car showed up she didn’t cry. She didn’t act relieved there was nothing. We heard nothing of her reaction. I wanna know what happened. Did she get the house? Is she going to visit his ass in jail? Is she relieved that he’s gone and she’s gonna hightail out of that town and live her own life now like what’s going on there? Did she apologize to Callum at all for not protecting him? I wanna know. Also how long did his father get in jail? Did his dad go to jail or did his dad just get right back out? I wanna know we get no answers on any of this. Does Callum ever get an apology from his father? Do they ever reconnect? This book left so many questions and I need answers because my brain is just wandering.
January 21, 2026
Charming and heart tugging MM romance book. Well worth a read. It's appreciated that the book is spice-free. In a genre flooded with spice, it's nice to be able to focus on the relationship of people outside the bedroom.
I would have liked to see some more chapters from Callum's perspective. There were some glaring gaps where we didn't get to see them. The book is mostly focused on Mason's pov, which works out well, but seeing Callum's thought process and interaction with other characters more would have been nice.
The main criticism I'd make is the
I would have liked to see some more chapters from Callum's perspective. There were some glaring gaps where we didn't get to see them. The book is mostly focused on Mason's pov, which works out well, but seeing Callum's thought process and interaction with other characters more would have been nice.
The main criticism I'd make is the
March 17, 2026
2.75 stars. There’s no way these two last. They can’t communicate for shit and they make everything so big and dramatic. And also, Jenna is the worst friend ever. She’s supposed to be masons best friend but just constantly teases and picks on him for everything. And her knowing Callum hurt Mason and still being friendly with Callum is sus. Like she basically told Mason he was over reacting being mad at Callum. And then she didn’t even tell Mason she was dating Craig? Like do friends not tell each other those kinds of things? I felt bad for Callum and his situation but Mason is very whiney like being a dork/dweeb isn’t a bad thing and who cares what the football players say? Like Mason had every right to be mad at Callum for ditching him but like come on he explained and apologized and you were children he thought he was doing what was best. Also all the parents in this book suck ass. Rounding up to 3 stars bc I think I might be too old for this book. I didn’t think it was YA when I started it but maybe it was and also it’s indie and I feel bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2025
Escape Velocity - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I devoured this book in one sitting literally could not stop reading! Mason and Callum completely stole my heart. Their story is messy, emotional, and so beautifully written that I felt every bit of their pain and longing. The childhood-best-friends-to-strangers-to-lovers dynamic had me in shambles the tension, the hurt, the slow rebuild of trust… absolute perfection.
Mason is such a relatable character smart, sarcastic, and just trying to figure out where he fits in. And Callum… ugh, my poor boy. The weight he carries, the pressure from his father, and his struggle to be true to himself broke me. Watching these two find their way back to each other was so worth it. Their love felt real, raw, and honest. I’m still thinking about them hours after finishing. This book hit all my favorite tropes emotional, heartfelt, and a little bit heartbreaking in the best way. I need more from this world immediately! 🥹💞
I devoured this book in one sitting literally could not stop reading! Mason and Callum completely stole my heart. Their story is messy, emotional, and so beautifully written that I felt every bit of their pain and longing. The childhood-best-friends-to-strangers-to-lovers dynamic had me in shambles the tension, the hurt, the slow rebuild of trust… absolute perfection.
Mason is such a relatable character smart, sarcastic, and just trying to figure out where he fits in. And Callum… ugh, my poor boy. The weight he carries, the pressure from his father, and his struggle to be true to himself broke me. Watching these two find their way back to each other was so worth it. Their love felt real, raw, and honest. I’m still thinking about them hours after finishing. This book hit all my favorite tropes emotional, heartfelt, and a little bit heartbreaking in the best way. I need more from this world immediately! 🥹💞
October 26, 2025
I really enjoyed the storyline for this.
The characters were cute, side characters were done greatly and the story itself was great!
Few things that I didn’t enjoy about it were that the characters had little development. And little interaction. Sometimes it just didn’t flow. That could have been the second person narrative or how it was focused primarily on one main character. Again this is just my opinion & others may see it differently.
Also some sentences just didn’t make sense. Some words missing or in the wrong order.
And the was a lot of back and forth at the start that wasn’t relevant it would have been nice to see how their relationship played out in more detail before the end which felt a little rushed.
But overall despite the little nuances that only really impact me, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Disclaimer: I received this as an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The characters were cute, side characters were done greatly and the story itself was great!
Few things that I didn’t enjoy about it were that the characters had little development. And little interaction. Sometimes it just didn’t flow. That could have been the second person narrative or how it was focused primarily on one main character. Again this is just my opinion & others may see it differently.
Also some sentences just didn’t make sense. Some words missing or in the wrong order.
And the was a lot of back and forth at the start that wasn’t relevant it would have been nice to see how their relationship played out in more detail before the end which felt a little rushed.
But overall despite the little nuances that only really impact me, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Disclaimer: I received this as an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 20, 2025
Escape Velocity is a nerd/jock, friends-to-lovers, second chance, MM college romance. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved Mason from the beginning of this book and couldn't help but sympathize with everything he endured with his parents and Callum. As the majority of this book is from Mason's perspective, my love for Callum grew more gradually as details about his family and the motivation behind his actions were revealed. My heart ached for both men, and I rooted for their HEA as I binge-read this book. Their story left me with a few unanswered questions, but the conclusion was mostly satisfying. So glad I took a chance on this one. This was my first time reading Jake Grenier's work, but it will not be the last!
I loved Mason from the beginning of this book and couldn't help but sympathize with everything he endured with his parents and Callum. As the majority of this book is from Mason's perspective, my love for Callum grew more gradually as details about his family and the motivation behind his actions were revealed. My heart ached for both men, and I rooted for their HEA as I binge-read this book. Their story left me with a few unanswered questions, but the conclusion was mostly satisfying. So glad I took a chance on this one. This was my first time reading Jake Grenier's work, but it will not be the last!
February 14, 2026
I read this as a fun read to procrastinate my uni assignments, and it was a fun read. It's not too deep and if you don't take the content that seriously, you will be fine :).
I did find it funny that the two MCs biggest connection was their "bad relationship" to their parents. Even though one of them literally gets abused while the other is forced to pursue writing even though all he wants to do is physics...
I also found the deux ex machina ending quite funny because what do you mean everyone spans at the same place in the woods and the dad of the college student (who should be between 18-22) is arrested for child abuse based on a phone call by someone who "suspected it when the kids were younger"
I did find it funny that the two MCs biggest connection was their "bad relationship" to their parents. Even though one of them literally gets abused while the other is forced to pursue writing even though all he wants to do is physics...
I also found the deux ex machina ending quite funny because what do you mean everyone spans at the same place in the woods and the dad of the college student (who should be between 18-22) is arrested for child abuse based on a phone call by someone who "suspected it when the kids were younger"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2026
I saw this book being advertised and was hooked in by the short snippets I saw online, and on impulse I finished this book in one day. It was pretty good, the tension and dynamic of the two characters in the beginning. Both of them are quite lovable in their own way, though I did find one of them to be just a tad bit annoying in the beginning (but then again it was for better character development). To me what stood out is how openly vulnerable the characters are and also the relationship was a long time buildup of angst and past hurt. Hurt/Comfort would be the Ao3 tag for this story and I live for it. I must admit that the plot kind of goes a bit haywire at the end for my taste even if it was very emotionally charged. Overall a solid romance with a good touch of angst.
November 17, 2025
I was looking forward to discovering a new gay author, so wished I liked this more, but then I'm probably not the intended audience. This is definitely a YA novel even though it's set at university.
Although no longer living at home, the protagonists are still dealing with high school parental controls and have yet to assert their independence. Parents play a huge role in the plot that takes forever to reach its inevitable conclusion. No surprises.
For readers aged 14-16.
There are so few young gay authors writing in the romance genre swamped by women writing MM for a female audience, I hope he keeps at it. A better editor would help.
2.5 rounded up
Although no longer living at home, the protagonists are still dealing with high school parental controls and have yet to assert their independence. Parents play a huge role in the plot that takes forever to reach its inevitable conclusion. No surprises.
For readers aged 14-16.
There are so few young gay authors writing in the romance genre swamped by women writing MM for a female audience, I hope he keeps at it. A better editor would help.
2.5 rounded up
March 2, 2026
The book needs some serious editing. It’s not a lengthy book, so it doesn’t make sense to me that the author was unable to keep up with the events they’ve written. It kinda ruined the whole story.
Nothing original, when it comes to stories. The TW gave the impression that it would have some mental health representation etc but there was none. The characters honestly didn’t make a lot of sense and their problems were just.. meh. Overdramatic thoughts don’t make a problem big for the reader. 😅
Author tried A LOT to provide us with banter between the characters but felt totally unnatural and uncomfortable.
Did I finish the story? I did that’s why I’m giving it a 2 stars and not just 1.
Nothing original, when it comes to stories. The TW gave the impression that it would have some mental health representation etc but there was none. The characters honestly didn’t make a lot of sense and their problems were just.. meh. Overdramatic thoughts don’t make a problem big for the reader. 😅
Author tried A LOT to provide us with banter between the characters but felt totally unnatural and uncomfortable.
Did I finish the story? I did that’s why I’m giving it a 2 stars and not just 1.
October 24, 2025
Escape Velocity is about Mason and Callum, they were childhood best friends, and now both of them are studying same school. Mason is lying to his parents about his major, so he needs to go writing to the school paper and the only available job is in a sport section. And Callum is playing football, so Mason needs to go to the games and write about Callum.
I liked the story and the characters.
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I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review
I liked the story and the characters.
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I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review
January 6, 2026
Look I almost really liked this, and while I understand he has a lot to work through and had a terrible upbringing, I unfortunately still think Callum is very toxic. He so clearly needs to do lots of healing before being with someone, and specifically Mason. Telling him he’s just had a long day and to basically get over himself and that he’s all he has left ?? Manipulation idc
The party scene and him explaining why he was flirting with the girl too oh my goodness no that was so stupid
I still had some fun moments reading this but don’t think the characters were for me
The party scene and him explaining why he was flirting with the girl too oh my goodness no that was so stupid
I still had some fun moments reading this but don’t think the characters were for me
October 12, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I read it in the space of an afternoon I just couldn't put it down.
The relationship between the 2 MMC's was complicated but so beautiful to see it develop. My heart broke for both Mason and Callum, having to hide who they were and for Callum having to endure a father like he has. Love is love and theirs is beautiful.
I can not recommend this book enough.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The relationship between the 2 MMC's was complicated but so beautiful to see it develop. My heart broke for both Mason and Callum, having to hide who they were and for Callum having to endure a father like he has. Love is love and theirs is beautiful.
I can not recommend this book enough.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 18, 2025
The relationship that developed between Mason and Callum was built on insecurities. I really felt for what both of them were going through. They were tough on each other at first as their walls were up, but as they got closer it was wonderful to see them both grow personally as well as together. Family pressure is a real thing that is very hard to overcome. The way their plans for the future grew to include each other was everything.
November 9, 2025
Callum and Mason were childhood BF's, grew apart and competitive and now Mason, the brainiac won't speak to Callum the QB in college because Callum ghosted him in high school. Both came to realize they care for each other too much. It's young adults in turmoil, afraid from parental pressure, secretly needing each other. A totally slow burn story with lots of angst, very little steam but lots of feelings. I received a copy of this through BookSirens and this is my voluntary opinion.
December 28, 2025
Had a hard time connecting with the characters. Too much drama for no reason. Too much effort to create a story line so the reader can sympathise with the characters and their stories and yet is fruitless.
About half way through I lost interest. I just finished to see if there was a chance of retribution for the time I spent.
But it was a decent ending. From one star that was my first choice it changed to two.
About half way through I lost interest. I just finished to see if there was a chance of retribution for the time I spent.
But it was a decent ending. From one star that was my first choice it changed to two.
January 15, 2026
Really needed editing as there were a lot of grammar mistakes. The storyline just wasn’t strong enough to have me engaged. I wasn’t rooting for Mason and Callum because, even when they finally get together their relationship just felt flat and dull.
The highlight of the book was Mason’s mother learning about Callum’s abusive dad. This was frankly really hard to finish because I was so bored. Very little happened, the romance was bland.
The highlight of the book was Mason’s mother learning about Callum’s abusive dad. This was frankly really hard to finish because I was so bored. Very little happened, the romance was bland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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