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Axford Brothers #2
Hot Axe
Falling in love with my straight best friend? Tragically inevitable.
Telling him? Completely out of the question.
Everyone in Winsome knows Robbie and I are a matched set. A package deal. Ames and Robbie, Robbie and Ames.
He’s the calm to my chaos. The sun shining through my rain cloud. The guy who convinced me to be a firefighter. The man who’s known every single thing about me since we were thirteen…
Except for the teeny, tiny, inconsequential fact that I’ve been in love with him for years.
I planned to take this secret to the grave. Robbie’s straight. He’s engaged. And I’m finally–finally–ready to move on.
But one uncontrollable blaze, one daring rescue, one inconvenient injury, and one heavily-medicated, wildly inappropriate love confession later, my plan’s up in flames.
Suddenly helpful, perfect, shirtless Robbie is bathing me, dressing me, and nursing me back to health. And if being around my gorgeous bestie 24/7 wasn’t torture enough, it seems I’m not the only one having un-platonic thoughts.
But there’s no way I’m letting myself fall into the fantasy again. Because if I let myself believe this is real and it isn’t, it won’t just break my heart… it’ll break us.
And I refuse to risk our friendship, no matter how tempting the man’s hot axe might be.
Telling him? Completely out of the question.
Everyone in Winsome knows Robbie and I are a matched set. A package deal. Ames and Robbie, Robbie and Ames.
He’s the calm to my chaos. The sun shining through my rain cloud. The guy who convinced me to be a firefighter. The man who’s known every single thing about me since we were thirteen…
Except for the teeny, tiny, inconsequential fact that I’ve been in love with him for years.
I planned to take this secret to the grave. Robbie’s straight. He’s engaged. And I’m finally–finally–ready to move on.
But one uncontrollable blaze, one daring rescue, one inconvenient injury, and one heavily-medicated, wildly inappropriate love confession later, my plan’s up in flames.
Suddenly helpful, perfect, shirtless Robbie is bathing me, dressing me, and nursing me back to health. And if being around my gorgeous bestie 24/7 wasn’t torture enough, it seems I’m not the only one having un-platonic thoughts.
But there’s no way I’m letting myself fall into the fantasy again. Because if I let myself believe this is real and it isn’t, it won’t just break my heart… it’ll break us.
And I refuse to risk our friendship, no matter how tempting the man’s hot axe might be.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2026
222 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
March 21, 2026
A nice story, but I didn't love it as much as book 1.
I mostly enjoyed the first part of the story. It felt good being back in this world, though I wish that side characters were more present in the story.
The relationship development didn't work for me. Best friends to lovers is a trope that is rarely done in a way that I personally find believable, especially if one of the MCs is 'straight'. I won't go into details, I'll just say that the second part of the story dragged for me, it felt repetitive and one of the MCs annoyed me a bit.
There are a couple more things I didn't particularly enjoy here:
I loved seeing more of Beckett and Griffin in the epilogue. And Milo. Not sure what to think of the hints for the next book. It seems that what I thought was hinted at in book 1 was wrong and I'm a little bummed if that's the case.
I mostly enjoyed the first part of the story. It felt good being back in this world, though I wish that side characters were more present in the story.
The relationship development didn't work for me. Best friends to lovers is a trope that is rarely done in a way that I personally find believable, especially if one of the MCs is 'straight'. I won't go into details, I'll just say that the second part of the story dragged for me, it felt repetitive and one of the MCs annoyed me a bit.
There are a couple more things I didn't particularly enjoy here:
I loved seeing more of Beckett and Griffin in the epilogue. And Milo. Not sure what to think of the hints for the next book. It seems that what I thought was hinted at in book 1 was wrong and I'm a little bummed if that's the case.
March 8, 2026
May Archer is my comfort author and this new series is quickly becoming one of my favs!
Best friends to lovers and pining are some of my absolute fav tropes, so ofc I enjoyed the hell out of this second book 😍
Meet Robbie, the CUTEST and most oblivious people pleaser I’ve ever met.
He tries so hard to do right by everyone - a true yes-sayer because he’s so terrified he won’t be loved anymore if he’s not perfect and pleasant all the time. His first priority is to make people he cares about happy, never mind his own happiness 🥺
Oh, and he’s engaged to be married.
Much to the utter heartbreak and pain of our poor Ames, who has been pining for his best friend for 16 years and who now finally decides enough is enough. He starts pulling away and that… changes some things for Robbie and confronts him with the long overdue question of ‘what do I want, really?’
Also, both guys are fire fighters and those scenes added a lot of intensity. And when Ames got injured I wanted to scream and cry too. (Any good recs for a fire fighter book?? I want more!)
The caretaking and forced proximity that follows was beautiful and the HEAPS of UST made it impossible to stop reading. Goddamn that shower scene 😮💨
A special mention has to go to the Axford siblings and their awesome relationships. Every family scene was nothing short of delightful and their banter made me lol many times 😍
The book did lose some of the small town charm the first book had in heaps and bounds (PICKLE FESTIVAL EVERYBODY!) and after 70% the plot dragged a little. Especially Ames trying to convince both himself and Robbie that what they had was only ‘temporary.’ Him insisting that Robbie didn’t really mean it or didn’t really love him (one of my biggest pet peeves) got tiring pretty quickly. I understood where he was coming from, but it dragged on for too long.
Still, a very lovely addition to the series and now I’m super excited for Holden’s story. I thought he and Milo from book 1 would be the pairing, but it seems it’ll be a very shy, very beautiful Merritt instead? Can’t wait 😍
3,5⭐️
Thank you to GRR for the chance to read this ARC, this is my honest opinion!
Best friends to lovers and pining are some of my absolute fav tropes, so ofc I enjoyed the hell out of this second book 😍
Meet Robbie, the CUTEST and most oblivious people pleaser I’ve ever met.
He tries so hard to do right by everyone - a true yes-sayer because he’s so terrified he won’t be loved anymore if he’s not perfect and pleasant all the time. His first priority is to make people he cares about happy, never mind his own happiness 🥺
Oh, and he’s engaged to be married.
Much to the utter heartbreak and pain of our poor Ames, who has been pining for his best friend for 16 years and who now finally decides enough is enough. He starts pulling away and that… changes some things for Robbie and confronts him with the long overdue question of ‘what do I want, really?’
Also, both guys are fire fighters and those scenes added a lot of intensity. And when Ames got injured I wanted to scream and cry too. (Any good recs for a fire fighter book?? I want more!)
The caretaking and forced proximity that follows was beautiful and the HEAPS of UST made it impossible to stop reading. Goddamn that shower scene 😮💨
A special mention has to go to the Axford siblings and their awesome relationships. Every family scene was nothing short of delightful and their banter made me lol many times 😍
The book did lose some of the small town charm the first book had in heaps and bounds (PICKLE FESTIVAL EVERYBODY!) and after 70% the plot dragged a little. Especially Ames trying to convince both himself and Robbie that what they had was only ‘temporary.’ Him insisting that Robbie didn’t really mean it or didn’t really love him (one of my biggest pet peeves) got tiring pretty quickly. I understood where he was coming from, but it dragged on for too long.
Still, a very lovely addition to the series and now I’m super excited for Holden’s story. I thought he and Milo from book 1 would be the pairing, but it seems it’ll be a very shy, very beautiful Merritt instead? Can’t wait 😍
3,5⭐️
Thank you to GRR for the chance to read this ARC, this is my honest opinion!
March 19, 2026
Omg I loved them so much😭😭😭 robbie and ames were just the sweetest people ever and they deserve everything.
Hot Axe was quite literally EVERYTHING I expected it to be : quirky, protective, insane amount of found family, angsty and spicy 💗👀 there were also quite a shocking number of intense scenes because of the firefighter profession but it was very well done and always so intentional!!
I lovedddd ames!!! I know some people are going to be PISSED with how he was acting towards the end but I mean come on! The man he’s been literally pining after and loving and fantasizing over for DECADES - who is straight btw and is ENGAGED- finally admits after a near death experience ( oops ) that he has feelings for him. I would be skeptical too. And he was always protective of robbie, I liked that ames was protective of himself too. That he didn’t just jump off the cliff there and dive into that relationship, because it makes so much sense to have doubts. And robbie being patient and understanding there made it all the more sweeter.
They were also SO FUNNY. So good. Loved it. I’m so excited for the rest of the series. Meaning 2027!!!!😭😭😭
You’re always ready to hype me up when I’m sad and chill me out when I’m upset. And I do those things for you too. Which means there isn’t anyone better out there. Not for either of us.” I stop and point at him accusingly. “You love me.”
Robbie’s full-on smiling now, his expression soft and achingly tender… and just the littlest bit teasing too.
“Just to be clear,” he says. “This thing we’re doing right now is… you declaring my love for you?”
Hot Axe was quite literally EVERYTHING I expected it to be : quirky, protective, insane amount of found family, angsty and spicy 💗👀 there were also quite a shocking number of intense scenes because of the firefighter profession but it was very well done and always so intentional!!
I lovedddd ames!!! I know some people are going to be PISSED with how he was acting towards the end but I mean come on! The man he’s been literally pining after and loving and fantasizing over for DECADES - who is straight btw and is ENGAGED- finally admits after a near death experience ( oops ) that he has feelings for him. I would be skeptical too. And he was always protective of robbie, I liked that ames was protective of himself too. That he didn’t just jump off the cliff there and dive into that relationship, because it makes so much sense to have doubts. And robbie being patient and understanding there made it all the more sweeter.
They were also SO FUNNY. So good. Loved it. I’m so excited for the rest of the series. Meaning 2027!!!!😭😭😭
You’re always ready to hype me up when I’m sad and chill me out when I’m upset. And I do those things for you too. Which means there isn’t anyone better out there. Not for either of us.” I stop and point at him accusingly. “You love me.”
Robbie’s full-on smiling now, his expression soft and achingly tender… and just the littlest bit teasing too.
“Just to be clear,” he says. “This thing we’re doing right now is… you declaring my love for you?”
March 22, 2026
This is, theoretically, not my cup of tea, a very "series" series, several gay brothers, small town and a codependent best friends where the gay one is deeply aware he is in love with his straight best friend. But I took a chance, half randomly almost, and I am glad I did. In a time where a lot of new releases even by experienced authors seem well, half-assed (or worse) to say it kindly this one is a change from that pattern. It is actually really good, everything makes sense, the pace, the feelings, the details, good writing. It packs action and an emotional punch while keeping the tone light and comfortable. It is just refreshing in 2026, a new release from a prolific writer that it is not a let down and where everything makes sense...
Stopping me from clicking the 5 star rating is just, well it's probably me, but it did not feel special somehow, like it was skirting going deeper into a lot of topics which, ok, would have been heavier than usual, and maybe I am just not a fan of small town romance series. I am still glad I read it, even if it will not be immensely memorable, it really is very well done. If you are into any of these elements, the best friends, the secret love, the small town, check it out.
Stopping me from clicking the 5 star rating is just, well it's probably me, but it did not feel special somehow, like it was skirting going deeper into a lot of topics which, ok, would have been heavier than usual, and maybe I am just not a fan of small town romance series. I am still glad I read it, even if it will not be immensely memorable, it really is very well done. If you are into any of these elements, the best friends, the secret love, the small town, check it out.
early-dnf
March 23, 2026Love this author, and this seems well-written, but, best friends of years to in love just isn't believable here for me. Robbie has NO romantic feelings AT ALL till Ames says one thing about sucking his 🍆 and then suddenly Robbie's fiancee starts feeling wrong, everything starts feeling wrong...just...no. And Ames has been hooking up with whoever for years without Robbie caring (just maybe jealous for their friendship?), Robbie's been with women and now his fiancee for a good part of a year (frankly, the "celibacy challenge" just felt contrived so that they aren't having sex in the timeline of the book), and...just...not for me. To go from not a single inkling whatsoever of attraction to suddenly imagining sex w Ames isn't credible. For me.
Loved book 1, and looking forward to the other brothers, but, this just isn't hitting right for me. I see that most people love it, so, putting it down to that weird Me quirk and moving on. Happy reading!
Loved book 1, and looking forward to the other brothers, but, this just isn't hitting right for me. I see that most people love it, so, putting it down to that weird Me quirk and moving on. Happy reading!
March 19, 2026
Loved Ames & Robbie 🥰 Such a heartwarming read and just what I needed!
May be Robbie’s transition came all too easily and Ames’ stubbornness was a tad frustrating, but it still felt believable to me. I was invested in them from the get go and left wanting more.
Whilst we didn’t get to see that much of the characters from book 1, Holden was so much fun 😂 I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him, although am now very confused by that ending 🤔 Roll on 2027 😩
May be Robbie’s transition came all too easily and Ames’ stubbornness was a tad frustrating, but it still felt believable to me. I was invested in them from the get go and left wanting more.
Whilst we didn’t get to see that much of the characters from book 1, Holden was so much fun 😂 I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him, although am now very confused by that ending 🤔 Roll on 2027 😩
March 23, 2026
Love love LOVED this!
This was even better than book 1.
Ames and Robbie were perfection.
This was even better than book 1.
Ames and Robbie were perfection.
March 23, 2026
3.25 rounded down
I enjoyed this one more than book 2, but only because the OTT small town shenanigans were blessedly toned down here, and I'm a sucker for best friends-to-lovers paired with sexuality discovery. Hot, sweet, though very unrealistic pacing given said sexuality discovery. The Mike drama at the end was more exaggerated than it needed to be, and I'm a little annoyed we didn't get any resolution on the probie issue, but eh, what can you expect?
I enjoyed this one more than book 2, but only because the OTT small town shenanigans were blessedly toned down here, and I'm a sucker for best friends-to-lovers paired with sexuality discovery. Hot, sweet, though very unrealistic pacing given said sexuality discovery. The Mike drama at the end was more exaggerated than it needed to be, and I'm a little annoyed we didn't get any resolution on the probie issue, but eh, what can you expect?
March 23, 2026
This was so cute, exactly what I needed.
March 8, 2026
Hot Axe by May Archer is book 2 in the Axford Brothers series. I have not read book 1, but I definitely will be going back to read it now. This book focuses on best friends Robbie and Ames. Ames has been in love with his straight engaged best friend for years. He is trying to distance himself from Robbie so that they can continue having their same relationship. However, Robbie soon realizes that he has feelings for Ames as well. I love childhood friends to lovers and the pining was spot on here. Ames was so scared of finally getting all that he had dreamed of that he pushed Robbie away. Thank goodness Robbie is just as stubborn as Ames. I loved the family and the little town as well. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
March 23, 2026
DNF @ 66%
I think that first chapter had a tiny bit too much going on in it. It was fine when we got the expo dump in Robbie and Lissa's upcoming wedding + Ames' unrequited feelings but then it went into Ames just expo dumping his fake relationship situation. Why didn't we see him faking the relationship with Erick? It certainly would have been interesting to read about his he was in a fake relationship with a guy who was actually in a real one (and that they weren't the main pair). Would've helped cut down the chapter too since it was very long.
I liked the very clear moment where Robbie's sexual awakening starts. The fact that it happens I liked dichotomy showing how he was fundamentally incompatible with one and good with the other.
I also liked how Auden was portrayed as having a real effect on Ames. Too often romances just make it seem like the MCs are basically fated mates with absolutely no other options, but having them show the ability to be attracted to other people just makes the main pairing's romance that much more meaningful because it shows that they still chose each other despite having actual alternatives. It's not really that romantic if the MCs end up together because they literally weren't attracted to anyone else because of just makes it seem like they're getting together because they have no other options.
I really liked seeing how Ames tried to pull away from Robbie to get over his feelings but Robbie's antics just kept him on the hook because he didn't want Ames to be distant. That unintentional thirst trap pic interrupting what would've been Ames jacking off to the idea of Auden was a good scene showing us how he just got pulled back in.
The therapy sessions Robbie had were fine, but I feel like they were a bit too obvious? I like them better than if Robbie had long internal monologues but idk, it just seemed like a lazy plot device to get Robbie thinking and "showing" us that he was changing (but really it was us being told, just framed in dialogue).
I wasn't a big fan of how much was going on in Robbie's part of the story. Ames was fine since his biggest issue was his unrequited attraction. Robbie had his relationship with Lissa and his relationship with his brother ON TOP OF his struggles with his attraction to Ames. He could've just had Lissa or his brother and it would've been plenty along with the romance, but all three was too much, especially since his relationship with Lissa felt like it was being ignored. I was 30% in and she'd only appeared once in the story. You'd think that the fiancée of a guy having a sexual awakening would play a bigger role (Robbie's brother hadn't even made an appearance and yet he's been mentioned more times that she had)
It was incredibly boring having Ames just tell Robbie about his crush because he was loopy from painkillers. What a boring way of putting them on the same page. Idk why the author chose to do that when we got a perfectly fine avenue of moving the relationship forward since Robbie finally acknowledged that he was probably more than just a best friend to Ames. Having confessions when medically impaired has got to be the laziest way of moving a plot along because it removes the need for agency in any decisions. It's fine for starting off things and increasing tension, but it's 100% not fine for ending miscommunication imo.
"If Ames is in love with me, why didn't he tell me?" Uhh, because you're getting married and he thought you were straight? Wtf kind of question is that???
I fucking hated how the story treated Auden. It was not a good look for Ames to keep him on the hook for as long as he did. Auden just being all fine and amused with essentially being chopped lettuce didn't magically make it more acceptable, it just meant the author wrote a character that was seemingly ok with being cucked.
Robbie ending his engagement with Lissa was very anticlimactic. It really emphasized how little impact she had on the story. Like I said earlier, she should've just been dropped as a story conflict since she was super underbaked anyways.
Oh my god, the story was repetitive. Robbie talked to his therapist like three times then his ex sister-in-law where they told him to be honest about his wants and desires then Ames did it twice with his brother Holden and I literally had to roll my eyes. Jesus, it was all about nothing too because the conflicts were just so underdeveloped.
Ames being scared of Robbie starting a relationship with him for the wrong reasons (aka Robbie trying to make Ames happy) was not at all believable because we literally never saw that happen (no, him acquiescing to Lissa were not good examples because he didn't even make her happy when he did that). I literally did not understand why Ames still chose to go home when he came to the conclusion that he needed to apologize to Robbie for how he acted.
I had to DNF after that because I got tired of everything after Robbie rescued Ames from that fire.
- the conflicts were underdeveloped (Lissa making only like four appearances then disappearing, Robbie supposedly being a people pleaser never actually being shown, Robbie's deadbeat brother feeling so unconnected with everything)
- the romance was lazy (painkillers making Ames confess, nothing really keeping these two apart after both Ames and Robbie admitted their feelings)
- too many repetitive moments where Ames/Robbie talked to people and just vomited their internal thoughts and the people told them to be honest about their feelings
Ames being nonsensical in leaving Robbie's place (AND NOT coming back despite literally admitting that he was wrong for leaving) just sealed the deal. 1.5 stars rounded up.
I think that first chapter had a tiny bit too much going on in it. It was fine when we got the expo dump in Robbie and Lissa's upcoming wedding + Ames' unrequited feelings but then it went into Ames just expo dumping his fake relationship situation. Why didn't we see him faking the relationship with Erick? It certainly would have been interesting to read about his he was in a fake relationship with a guy who was actually in a real one (and that they weren't the main pair). Would've helped cut down the chapter too since it was very long.
I liked the very clear moment where Robbie's sexual awakening starts. The fact that it happens I liked dichotomy showing how he was fundamentally incompatible with one and good with the other.
I also liked how Auden was portrayed as having a real effect on Ames. Too often romances just make it seem like the MCs are basically fated mates with absolutely no other options, but having them show the ability to be attracted to other people just makes the main pairing's romance that much more meaningful because it shows that they still chose each other despite having actual alternatives. It's not really that romantic if the MCs end up together because they literally weren't attracted to anyone else because of just makes it seem like they're getting together because they have no other options.
I really liked seeing how Ames tried to pull away from Robbie to get over his feelings but Robbie's antics just kept him on the hook because he didn't want Ames to be distant. That unintentional thirst trap pic interrupting what would've been Ames jacking off to the idea of Auden was a good scene showing us how he just got pulled back in.
The therapy sessions Robbie had were fine, but I feel like they were a bit too obvious? I like them better than if Robbie had long internal monologues but idk, it just seemed like a lazy plot device to get Robbie thinking and "showing" us that he was changing (but really it was us being told, just framed in dialogue).
I wasn't a big fan of how much was going on in Robbie's part of the story. Ames was fine since his biggest issue was his unrequited attraction. Robbie had his relationship with Lissa and his relationship with his brother ON TOP OF his struggles with his attraction to Ames. He could've just had Lissa or his brother and it would've been plenty along with the romance, but all three was too much, especially since his relationship with Lissa felt like it was being ignored. I was 30% in and she'd only appeared once in the story. You'd think that the fiancée of a guy having a sexual awakening would play a bigger role (Robbie's brother hadn't even made an appearance and yet he's been mentioned more times that she had)
It was incredibly boring having Ames just tell Robbie about his crush because he was loopy from painkillers. What a boring way of putting them on the same page. Idk why the author chose to do that when we got a perfectly fine avenue of moving the relationship forward since Robbie finally acknowledged that he was probably more than just a best friend to Ames. Having confessions when medically impaired has got to be the laziest way of moving a plot along because it removes the need for agency in any decisions. It's fine for starting off things and increasing tension, but it's 100% not fine for ending miscommunication imo.
"If Ames is in love with me, why didn't he tell me?" Uhh, because you're getting married and he thought you were straight? Wtf kind of question is that???
I fucking hated how the story treated Auden. It was not a good look for Ames to keep him on the hook for as long as he did. Auden just being all fine and amused with essentially being chopped lettuce didn't magically make it more acceptable, it just meant the author wrote a character that was seemingly ok with being cucked.
Robbie ending his engagement with Lissa was very anticlimactic. It really emphasized how little impact she had on the story. Like I said earlier, she should've just been dropped as a story conflict since she was super underbaked anyways.
Oh my god, the story was repetitive. Robbie talked to his therapist like three times then his ex sister-in-law where they told him to be honest about his wants and desires then Ames did it twice with his brother Holden and I literally had to roll my eyes. Jesus, it was all about nothing too because the conflicts were just so underdeveloped.
Ames being scared of Robbie starting a relationship with him for the wrong reasons (aka Robbie trying to make Ames happy) was not at all believable because we literally never saw that happen (no, him acquiescing to Lissa were not good examples because he didn't even make her happy when he did that). I literally did not understand why Ames still chose to go home when he came to the conclusion that he needed to apologize to Robbie for how he acted.
I had to DNF after that because I got tired of everything after Robbie rescued Ames from that fire.
- the conflicts were underdeveloped (Lissa making only like four appearances then disappearing, Robbie supposedly being a people pleaser never actually being shown, Robbie's deadbeat brother feeling so unconnected with everything)
- the romance was lazy (painkillers making Ames confess, nothing really keeping these two apart after both Ames and Robbie admitted their feelings)
- too many repetitive moments where Ames/Robbie talked to people and just vomited their internal thoughts and the people told them to be honest about their feelings
Ames being nonsensical in leaving Robbie's place (AND NOT coming back despite literally admitting that he was wrong for leaving) just sealed the deal. 1.5 stars rounded up.
March 21, 2026
So like the thing is, this was really close to a great book for me. I like the characters, I still like the family, I still like the town. I would go as far as to say that within the trope of childhood best friends to lovers, historically a difficult trope for me, that this was one of the far more entertaining examples. Robbie was a very compelling character, even if his bi awakening is still somewhat unbelievable to me (which is a critique on all childhood best friends to lovers bi awakening because you've gotta be able to tell me what's been holding them back when it's not family and it's not culture and it's not exposure, like give me SOMETHING). And I REALLY liked how Lissa was never the bad guy. Archer walked the line of making sure that Robbie's energy was never that she's bad, just that she's bad FOR HIM and the relationship wouldn't have worked.
So why the three stars???
To me, and as someone who's had a major medical event in the last six months, if you're going to have a character who is gravely injured and needs someone to live with him and take care of him so he can function, STOP ALSO PRETENDING THAT MAN CAN BE OUT HERE HOOKING UP ON THE REGULAR. Like I would've been fine with like giving an hj here and there and talking big dirty game. But if you're telling me that this man had a burning building collapse on him, resulting in a broken collarbone, and severely bruised ribs, then that same man cannot, One (1) Week Later, Like I just can't. My suspension of disbelief only goes so far, and I sadly already spent all of it believing that Robbie had never once in his life had a recognizable gay thought.
Regardless, this was still a solid effort. I may never again in my life of reading find another childhood best friends to lovers where I enjoyed the pining section more than the being together section. That has never for a day been on my 2026 bingo card, and yet here we are.
Thank you to GRR for an advance copy of this ebook, this is my honest review.
So why the three stars???
To me, and as someone who's had a major medical event in the last six months, if you're going to have a character who is gravely injured and needs someone to live with him and take care of him so he can function, STOP ALSO PRETENDING THAT MAN CAN BE OUT HERE HOOKING UP ON THE REGULAR. Like I would've been fine with like giving an hj here and there and talking big dirty game. But if you're telling me that this man had a burning building collapse on him, resulting in a broken collarbone, and severely bruised ribs, then that same man cannot, One (1) Week Later, Like I just can't. My suspension of disbelief only goes so far, and I sadly already spent all of it believing that Robbie had never once in his life had a recognizable gay thought.
Regardless, this was still a solid effort. I may never again in my life of reading find another childhood best friends to lovers where I enjoyed the pining section more than the being together section. That has never for a day been on my 2026 bingo card, and yet here we are.
Thank you to GRR for an advance copy of this ebook, this is my honest review.
March 20, 2026
Sweet best friends to lovers story
I enjoyed this story so much. One sitting read. Ames Axford has been in love with his best friend Robbie since they were teens. Robbie is now engaged, to a woman, and Robbie is trying very hard to get over him yet maintain their friendship. His spontaneous announcement of a boyfriend (fake) doesn’t work (mostly because the supposed boyfriend is already seeing another guy) and he tries dating a different guy. But it’s always been Robbie and he has to pull away to try and get the space he needs. Robbie doesn’t like it, can’t understand it, and also suddenly notices that he’s “thinking” about Ames in ways he hasn’t before. When Ames is seriously hurt it causes Robbie to reevaluate a lot of things. But will Ames be on board now?
It’s a fun, small quirky town romance with interfering family, nosy townsfolk, and a look at what constitutes family. This author does a great job with small town romance, humor, and emotion. This series is no exception.
I enjoyed this story so much. One sitting read. Ames Axford has been in love with his best friend Robbie since they were teens. Robbie is now engaged, to a woman, and Robbie is trying very hard to get over him yet maintain their friendship. His spontaneous announcement of a boyfriend (fake) doesn’t work (mostly because the supposed boyfriend is already seeing another guy) and he tries dating a different guy. But it’s always been Robbie and he has to pull away to try and get the space he needs. Robbie doesn’t like it, can’t understand it, and also suddenly notices that he’s “thinking” about Ames in ways he hasn’t before. When Ames is seriously hurt it causes Robbie to reevaluate a lot of things. But will Ames be on board now?
It’s a fun, small quirky town romance with interfering family, nosy townsfolk, and a look at what constitutes family. This author does a great job with small town romance, humor, and emotion. This series is no exception.
March 21, 2026
I really need to go read book 1 now, these pair are so intertwined with each other it’s like breathing. I loved their whole dynamic and what more can you ask for in a best friends to lovers book but am paining best friend. Ames is hopelessly in love with Robbie and has his it away for years, much to his Dismay Robbie is about to get married. Robbie is the chief firefighter and Ames owns his own restaurant but volunteers at the firehouse aswell (swoon worthy). It takes one comment for Robbie to open his eyes and damn what a comment it was. To say I won’t say much more because I do think you just need to go in and enjoy the ride with Ames and Robbie. It was sweet and funny and some steamy moments with the pair. Definitely going back to read book 1 before any more of the brother’s books come out because they all seem so interesting.. first read by this author and I really enjoyed it and ready for more
March 20, 2026
I love May Archer’s books so much, they always have everything you want in a book. Especially the fun, loyal, entertaining, and supportive families. Ames has been in love with Robbie forever and there were a lot of moments where his POV hurt so much. He was trying so hard to preserve the friendship while Robbie was diving head first when he realized how he was feeling. Robbie was such a golden retriever mixed with a teddy bear all in one. They were practically a couple to begin with. Watching them reach their HEA was almost comforting, like knowing they were finally happy together gave me peace.
March 20, 2026
This book hit SO many of the things that I love to read in romances, including caretaking, plenty of hurt/comfort, and firefighters. Honestly, especially since it's written by May Archer, there's no way it would ever be anything other than five stars. I love this universe and I'm so excited for what comes next!
March 18, 2026
4.5 stars!!! Soooo cute with amazing tension and a storyline that had me hooked from the get-go. Such a sweet and lovely read.
March 19, 2026
sometimes you just gotta read a small town queer firefighter story in one sitting ya know
Did not finish
March 22, 2026Wanted to love this, but getting to 50% and still having other person drama was too much.
March 21, 2026
Well, let’s start by saying a certain firefighter was very quickly added to my Book Boyfriend list…
This is my first book from this author, and I can honestly say I want to read more from her. It was soooo darn good!
I loved Robbie and Ames’s dynamic from the start. From droolworthy selfies to Hippyottermus truths to protective outbursts, especially from a certain gentle giant, I was totally lost in these two.
I will admit that I was already half in love with Robbie even before we met him, just from Ames's initial descriptions. And when I did meet him, well, that adoration only grew even more; he is a real dreamboat in so many ways *sigh* Gorgeous with a capital G. He’s the ultimate golden retriever: easy-going, big-hearted, and 100% devoted to those he loves. A people pleaser, through and through, he just wants everyone around him to be happy. And as it turns out, he’s a sweet talker too, but in the most romantic way.
Ames made me laugh on the regular. I so loved his SOH and how dramatic he could be. I related to his stubbornness and wonderful sarcastic replies, so maybe that’s why I felt particularly drawn to his character. But his pining, gosh, that was some extreme pining (don’t worry, Robbie will join in on the pining too at some point!)!
Through Ames’s hilarious inner monologue, we really get a feel for how far-gone Ames is for Robbie. He’s truly head over heels. Lovestruck. Besotted. But when Ames’s dream actually comes true, it takes him some time for him to believe and trust that Robbie’s feelings are genuine. When Ames finally gets there, I was cheering so big for them.
I both loved the ‘Will they, won’t they?’ moments and was desperate for them to at least kiss! We do have to wait for the good stuff, but it’s so worth it! I was almost bursting with frustration at that almost kiss. And the shower scenes – phew! I relished everything about them.
I loved how Robbie’s realisation of his feelings for Ames helps him make the changes to his life that needed to happen. And I was thrilled that he could match Ames’s stubbornness with some of his own!
This is such an awesome best friends to lovers comfort read. It has such cosy small-town vibes as well as some great humour which made me laugh out loud. But there’s also so much love and warmth, and I got so much enjoyment from reading it – though I will admit my heart did skip a beat a couple of times at those moments.
It’s not just the MMCs who are engaging and incredibly loveable though, it’s their friends and family too. I loved the family dinner scene where Ames and Robbie are trying to keep things on the downlow, and so obviously failing miserably.
I so want to read Holden’s story now. I adored his words of wisdom for Ames (Bravo, Holden, for that conversation). That little glimpse of him and Merritt interacting from a distance – ooo, looking forward to more in the next book. The first book is on my tbr and I’m hoping to tackle it shortly.
----
Some of my favourite quotes
Thank fuck he can’t actually read my mind because there’s stuff in there I don’t want him to know about. Pettiness. Lurid fantasies. A catalog of Robbie in Swim Trunks, 2014-2023. It’s a lot.
“It’s silly, thinking about it now, but I... I didn’t realize how weird it was to be marrying someone who wasn’t the most important person in your life until Ames tried to give me space. It felt like I was losing something necessary. Something I couldn’t live without.”
“Just remember, we love you for who you are, not what you do for us.”
“How’re you feeling?” “Delightful. I was doing the cha-cha before you got here, but you missed it.”
Because for the first time, I’m not compromising. I’m choosing what’ll make me happy. I’m choosing him. Even though I know he’s not quite ready to hear it.
“Ames. I need you to know I’m emotionally open to touching below the waist.”
“I love this tattoo. I meant what I said, Ames. I love that we match. Love that everyone who sees it knows we belong to each other.”
“You make me so fucking happy, Ames. Always. Every single day. Just being with you. Let me make you happy.”
“To me, you’re like these meteors. You light up the sky. You make me think big thoughts and get excited by new shit when otherwise I might just get stuck in the same damn spot, like a big, stupid rock.”
“You own a piece of me. A piece that will never, ever belong to anyone else, no matter what. And that’s the otter truth.”
“I love you. You, Ames Axford. I am thoroughly, completely, head over heels in love with you. I love every curl. Every freckle. Every shade of blue in your eyes... including the navy one I still think would look great in my kitchen. I love how your mind works. I love your temper and your drama. I love how you kiss. I love how fiercely you love. You’re it for me. I am all in.”
“For me, attraction has always been about the person underneath the skin. And you... you are my person. My missing piece, who’s never really been missing.”
“Hey, Amesie, remind me again about Rule Number One. Something about not assuming every gay boy is in love with me?” “I never said there weren’t exceptions. Because this gay boy is definitely, irrevocably, absolutely in love with you.”
“I need you to know I’m always in your corner, Ames. And now, I’ll also suck your dick.”
This is my first book from this author, and I can honestly say I want to read more from her. It was soooo darn good!
I loved Robbie and Ames’s dynamic from the start. From droolworthy selfies to Hippyottermus truths to protective outbursts, especially from a certain gentle giant, I was totally lost in these two.
I will admit that I was already half in love with Robbie even before we met him, just from Ames's initial descriptions. And when I did meet him, well, that adoration only grew even more; he is a real dreamboat in so many ways *sigh* Gorgeous with a capital G. He’s the ultimate golden retriever: easy-going, big-hearted, and 100% devoted to those he loves. A people pleaser, through and through, he just wants everyone around him to be happy. And as it turns out, he’s a sweet talker too, but in the most romantic way.
Ames made me laugh on the regular. I so loved his SOH and how dramatic he could be. I related to his stubbornness and wonderful sarcastic replies, so maybe that’s why I felt particularly drawn to his character. But his pining, gosh, that was some extreme pining (don’t worry, Robbie will join in on the pining too at some point!)!
Through Ames’s hilarious inner monologue, we really get a feel for how far-gone Ames is for Robbie. He’s truly head over heels. Lovestruck. Besotted. But when Ames’s dream actually comes true, it takes him some time for him to believe and trust that Robbie’s feelings are genuine. When Ames finally gets there, I was cheering so big for them.
I both loved the ‘Will they, won’t they?’ moments and was desperate for them to at least kiss! We do have to wait for the good stuff, but it’s so worth it! I was almost bursting with frustration at that almost kiss. And the shower scenes – phew! I relished everything about them.
I loved how Robbie’s realisation of his feelings for Ames helps him make the changes to his life that needed to happen. And I was thrilled that he could match Ames’s stubbornness with some of his own!
This is such an awesome best friends to lovers comfort read. It has such cosy small-town vibes as well as some great humour which made me laugh out loud. But there’s also so much love and warmth, and I got so much enjoyment from reading it – though I will admit my heart did skip a beat a couple of times at those moments.
It’s not just the MMCs who are engaging and incredibly loveable though, it’s their friends and family too. I loved the family dinner scene where Ames and Robbie are trying to keep things on the downlow, and so obviously failing miserably.
I so want to read Holden’s story now. I adored his words of wisdom for Ames (Bravo, Holden, for that conversation). That little glimpse of him and Merritt interacting from a distance – ooo, looking forward to more in the next book. The first book is on my tbr and I’m hoping to tackle it shortly.
----
Some of my favourite quotes
Thank fuck he can’t actually read my mind because there’s stuff in there I don’t want him to know about. Pettiness. Lurid fantasies. A catalog of Robbie in Swim Trunks, 2014-2023. It’s a lot.
“It’s silly, thinking about it now, but I... I didn’t realize how weird it was to be marrying someone who wasn’t the most important person in your life until Ames tried to give me space. It felt like I was losing something necessary. Something I couldn’t live without.”
“Just remember, we love you for who you are, not what you do for us.”
“How’re you feeling?” “Delightful. I was doing the cha-cha before you got here, but you missed it.”
Because for the first time, I’m not compromising. I’m choosing what’ll make me happy. I’m choosing him. Even though I know he’s not quite ready to hear it.
“Ames. I need you to know I’m emotionally open to touching below the waist.”
“I love this tattoo. I meant what I said, Ames. I love that we match. Love that everyone who sees it knows we belong to each other.”
“You make me so fucking happy, Ames. Always. Every single day. Just being with you. Let me make you happy.”
“To me, you’re like these meteors. You light up the sky. You make me think big thoughts and get excited by new shit when otherwise I might just get stuck in the same damn spot, like a big, stupid rock.”
“You own a piece of me. A piece that will never, ever belong to anyone else, no matter what. And that’s the otter truth.”
“I love you. You, Ames Axford. I am thoroughly, completely, head over heels in love with you. I love every curl. Every freckle. Every shade of blue in your eyes... including the navy one I still think would look great in my kitchen. I love how your mind works. I love your temper and your drama. I love how you kiss. I love how fiercely you love. You’re it for me. I am all in.”
“For me, attraction has always been about the person underneath the skin. And you... you are my person. My missing piece, who’s never really been missing.”
“Hey, Amesie, remind me again about Rule Number One. Something about not assuming every gay boy is in love with me?” “I never said there weren’t exceptions. Because this gay boy is definitely, irrevocably, absolutely in love with you.”
“I need you to know I’m always in your corner, Ames. And now, I’ll also suck your dick.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
I'm so glad I had the chance to read this story because I enjoyed it very much.
Ames and Robbie have been inseparable best friends for 16 years, Ames introduced Robbie to his own family who welcomed him and treated him like one of their own.
Robbie is the Chief at the fire department of their small city, while Ames is a part time/volunteer firefighter and a full time chef.
They have a wonderful friendship made of banter, support, love, acceptance and, especially, they are completely in tune with each other. There's no one else in the world who can compete with their bond, they truly are each other's soulmate.
And that would be totally fine if Ames, gay, weren't hopelessly in love with Robbie, and Robbie, straight, weren't engaged and soon to be married to a woman.
In order to protect himself, Ames starts keeping distance (physical and emotional) from Robbie, and he starts seeing a lovely man too, trying to find his happiness elsewhere.
But this sudden space shocks Robbie and when, during an argument, Ames throws to his face his own need to have someone to love and to have sex with, Robbie finds himself constantly thinking about that, about him being the one Ames could have, the one who could love him and , unexpectedly, the one who could have sex with him too.
I have to admit that at the beginning I wasn't too fond of Robbie because he was too much of a pushover with everyone, especially with his fiancée. I also questioned how it could be possible that everyone knew Ames loved him, but he never suspected anything. His obliviousness was a bit frustrating but also adorable.
But I loved so much that, when he realised he had feelings for his best friend, he never gave up and fought unrelentingly for them. He never pushed Ames, though, he was patient, very patient, until he was able to break down Ames' stubbornness.
Ames's fears were totally understandable: the poor man went into shock when his best friend kissed him, he couldn't wrap his head around the idea that Robbie could be physically attracted to him. And, more importantly, he was terrified to death of getting to know Robbie so intimately and then having all of it being ripped out from him.
They took their time, but their HEA is so worth it.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
What happened to Lissa? How did she react when she knew that Robbie was in love with Ames? She dropped a couple of hints about Ames being interested in Robbie in a non friendly way so I was a little disappointed that the author left this unfinished.
I think I'm going to read the first book too because Beckett seems to be the delicious possessive type. And I'm absolutely going to read Holden's story too! I'm already very much invested in him, let's hope his story will come out soon.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I'm so glad I had the chance to read this story because I enjoyed it very much.
Ames and Robbie have been inseparable best friends for 16 years, Ames introduced Robbie to his own family who welcomed him and treated him like one of their own.
Robbie is the Chief at the fire department of their small city, while Ames is a part time/volunteer firefighter and a full time chef.
They have a wonderful friendship made of banter, support, love, acceptance and, especially, they are completely in tune with each other. There's no one else in the world who can compete with their bond, they truly are each other's soulmate.
And that would be totally fine if Ames, gay, weren't hopelessly in love with Robbie, and Robbie, straight, weren't engaged and soon to be married to a woman.
In order to protect himself, Ames starts keeping distance (physical and emotional) from Robbie, and he starts seeing a lovely man too, trying to find his happiness elsewhere.
But this sudden space shocks Robbie and when, during an argument, Ames throws to his face his own need to have someone to love and to have sex with, Robbie finds himself constantly thinking about that, about him being the one Ames could have, the one who could love him and , unexpectedly, the one who could have sex with him too.
I have to admit that at the beginning I wasn't too fond of Robbie because he was too much of a pushover with everyone, especially with his fiancée. I also questioned how it could be possible that everyone knew Ames loved him, but he never suspected anything. His obliviousness was a bit frustrating but also adorable.
But I loved so much that, when he realised he had feelings for his best friend, he never gave up and fought unrelentingly for them. He never pushed Ames, though, he was patient, very patient, until he was able to break down Ames' stubbornness.
Ames's fears were totally understandable: the poor man went into shock when his best friend kissed him, he couldn't wrap his head around the idea that Robbie could be physically attracted to him. And, more importantly, he was terrified to death of getting to know Robbie so intimately and then having all of it being ripped out from him.
They took their time, but their HEA is so worth it.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
What happened to Lissa? How did she react when she knew that Robbie was in love with Ames? She dropped a couple of hints about Ames being interested in Robbie in a non friendly way so I was a little disappointed that the author left this unfinished.
I think I'm going to read the first book too because Beckett seems to be the delicious possessive type. And I'm absolutely going to read Holden's story too! I'm already very much invested in him, let's hope his story will come out soon.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
March 21, 2026
Forever best friends become lovers
In this second story about the Axford family and their small town of Windsome, which has large families and strong support systems, two longtime best friends become lovers. Robert 'Robbie' Donovan Wojcik is the town's Fire Chief, and his muscular build catches Ames Axford's eye. Ames dismisses the idea of Robbie being with anyone, including the daughter of a family centered around the country club. Lissa is supposed to marry Robbie, which shatters Ames's vision of a future partner. Ames is unhappy with Lissa but supportive, assuming Robbie's straight and that Lissa will be his life partner.
She and her family are not well-versed in the responsibilities of a Fire Chief, and protest when a major fire call pulls Robbie away from her.
During that fire, Ames, who is also a volunteer firefighter, runs into the burning building when a probationary firefighter disobeys orders. Robbie, realizing Ames hasn't come out with the firefighter, rushes in to rescue him, not knowing if he's still alive. Ames survives but sustains a broken collarbone and other injuries.
Ames needs help after hospital treatment, and Robbie takes him home. Ames has always believed his friend is straight, but their brotherly bond—extended by the Axford brothers—has made him feel protected since they were 13.
Ames sees Robbie’s wedding as the end of their brotherly relationship and starts dating another man, convinced he could never be with Robbie.
However, when Robbie cares for Ames—bathing, dressing, feeding, and looking after him—he realizes that his caregiving is more than duty; it sparks feelings that send Ames into a spiral.
Author May Archer skillfully guides readers through the developing relationship, with Robbie experimenting with Ames while caring for him, and Ames pushing him away to avoid being the reason Robbie doesn't marry the woman he loves.
Ms. Archer uses various tools to express the men's feelings, including conversations with Robbie's therapist and the caring questions from the motherly figure of the Axford brothers’ mother, given everyone in town knew Robbie and Ames were close friends for 16 years.
This is a delightful read, if a bit dense. The believable passions, the vibrant community, and Ms. Archer’s storytelling make this series compelling. I look forward to reading more.
In this second story about the Axford family and their small town of Windsome, which has large families and strong support systems, two longtime best friends become lovers. Robert 'Robbie' Donovan Wojcik is the town's Fire Chief, and his muscular build catches Ames Axford's eye. Ames dismisses the idea of Robbie being with anyone, including the daughter of a family centered around the country club. Lissa is supposed to marry Robbie, which shatters Ames's vision of a future partner. Ames is unhappy with Lissa but supportive, assuming Robbie's straight and that Lissa will be his life partner.
She and her family are not well-versed in the responsibilities of a Fire Chief, and protest when a major fire call pulls Robbie away from her.
During that fire, Ames, who is also a volunteer firefighter, runs into the burning building when a probationary firefighter disobeys orders. Robbie, realizing Ames hasn't come out with the firefighter, rushes in to rescue him, not knowing if he's still alive. Ames survives but sustains a broken collarbone and other injuries.
Ames needs help after hospital treatment, and Robbie takes him home. Ames has always believed his friend is straight, but their brotherly bond—extended by the Axford brothers—has made him feel protected since they were 13.
Ames sees Robbie’s wedding as the end of their brotherly relationship and starts dating another man, convinced he could never be with Robbie.
However, when Robbie cares for Ames—bathing, dressing, feeding, and looking after him—he realizes that his caregiving is more than duty; it sparks feelings that send Ames into a spiral.
Author May Archer skillfully guides readers through the developing relationship, with Robbie experimenting with Ames while caring for him, and Ames pushing him away to avoid being the reason Robbie doesn't marry the woman he loves.
Ms. Archer uses various tools to express the men's feelings, including conversations with Robbie's therapist and the caring questions from the motherly figure of the Axford brothers’ mother, given everyone in town knew Robbie and Ames were close friends for 16 years.
This is a delightful read, if a bit dense. The believable passions, the vibrant community, and Ms. Archer’s storytelling make this series compelling. I look forward to reading more.
March 18, 2026
Beautiful and emotional, best friends to lovers romance!
“For me, attraction has always been about the person underneath the skin. And you… you are my person. My missing piece, who’s never really been missing.”
I've been waiting for Ames and Robbie's book since I read Kiss My Axe and this was so worth the wait! These two have the kind of connection that I'm always so envious of. They know everything about each other and are the meaning of ride or die. Though it may have taken Robbie a little longer to get there, these two are completely obsessed with each other and I loved every second of their story.
"Ames isn’t just part of my future. He’s the center. He’s everything."
With May's books, I always know I'm going to laugh and that the love within these pages is going to warm my heart and have me shedding a tear or two. I did not expect this one to make me bawl my eyes out but that's exactly what it did. Robbie and Ames are put through the wringer over and over again, but they come out stronger and more in love each time. It's what makes them so special and their HEA so well deserved.
"I can’t say exactly why Robbie’s praise hits different. Why his support means so much. But it’s my favorite thing. I don’t know how to live without it. I don’t want to have to give this up."
One of my favorite things about these two was how completely devoted to each other they were. Even when their connectionas mainly platonic, they're so committed to making the other happy and making sure they're taken care of. It's such a special kind of love that overshadows everything and I just loved watching their whole worlds revolve around each other.
“You do, Ames. You own a piece of me. A piece that will never, ever belong to anyone else, no matter what. And that’s the otter truth.”
The hurt/comfort and caretaking elements in this book were off the charts! Since these are some of my favorite things to read about, of course I ate up every second of it. I also adored how the Axfords are so welcoming and loving to Robbie, and let them live in their delusion when they pretend that they're not in love. These two had me invested from beginning to end and I loved everything about them! I can't wait to come back to the Axfords with Holden's story next. It's sure to be a wild ride!
“For me, attraction has always been about the person underneath the skin. And you… you are my person. My missing piece, who’s never really been missing.”
I've been waiting for Ames and Robbie's book since I read Kiss My Axe and this was so worth the wait! These two have the kind of connection that I'm always so envious of. They know everything about each other and are the meaning of ride or die. Though it may have taken Robbie a little longer to get there, these two are completely obsessed with each other and I loved every second of their story.
"Ames isn’t just part of my future. He’s the center. He’s everything."
With May's books, I always know I'm going to laugh and that the love within these pages is going to warm my heart and have me shedding a tear or two. I did not expect this one to make me bawl my eyes out but that's exactly what it did. Robbie and Ames are put through the wringer over and over again, but they come out stronger and more in love each time. It's what makes them so special and their HEA so well deserved.
"I can’t say exactly why Robbie’s praise hits different. Why his support means so much. But it’s my favorite thing. I don’t know how to live without it. I don’t want to have to give this up."
One of my favorite things about these two was how completely devoted to each other they were. Even when their connectionas mainly platonic, they're so committed to making the other happy and making sure they're taken care of. It's such a special kind of love that overshadows everything and I just loved watching their whole worlds revolve around each other.
“You do, Ames. You own a piece of me. A piece that will never, ever belong to anyone else, no matter what. And that’s the otter truth.”
The hurt/comfort and caretaking elements in this book were off the charts! Since these are some of my favorite things to read about, of course I ate up every second of it. I also adored how the Axfords are so welcoming and loving to Robbie, and let them live in their delusion when they pretend that they're not in love. These two had me invested from beginning to end and I loved everything about them! I can't wait to come back to the Axfords with Holden's story next. It's sure to be a wild ride!
Review of advance copy received from Author
May Archer writes the best, most loving, loyal and colourful families ever, I love it.
Ames is the youngest Axford member and Robbie is his best friend since childhood and a member by association.
Ames is very gay and very much in love with his best friend and person Robbie.
Robbie loves his bestie Ames and the whole Axford family and now he loves his fiancé Lissa too.
Ames keeps pretending that his friendship with Robbie is totally platonic, that his heart is not shattering watching Robbie make wedding plans. The alternative means losing his friendship forever, so he suffers in silence, Robbie belongs to another now, sigh.
Robbie is a big teddy bear of a man, who's aim in life is to care for everyone, much to his own detriment. He struggles to keep his demanding fiancé happy and his selfish brother in line, never complaining because that's what family does. The whole time his best friend Ames and his therapist are trying to open his eyes and show him his worth.
Both Robbie and Ames are fire fighters, proud to take on any danger to protect their community and loved ones.
During a huge fire Ames gets hurt and Robbie gets shaken to his core, the fact that he couldn't protect the most important person in his life, that he nearly lost his Amesie breaks him.
Almost every minute of every day Robbie and Ames were together, they were each other's significant others without putting a name on it. Once Robbie opened his heart to the truth, that his feelings for Ames were deeper and stronger he couldn't unsee. The truth was that he desired Ames regardless of his gender, that he loved him and couldn't live a minute of his life without him and that he had to make Ames believe him...
This is where the fun begins, Robbie has to show Ames and convince him that he is all in with this relationship, all while knowing Amesie will freak out, it's time to get his hands on him...
Another heart warming story with great banter and gorgeous characters. Of course May Archer always leaves us with a tiny glimpse into the next brother's love interest to keep us hooked.
Ames is the youngest Axford member and Robbie is his best friend since childhood and a member by association.
Ames is very gay and very much in love with his best friend and person Robbie.
Robbie loves his bestie Ames and the whole Axford family and now he loves his fiancé Lissa too.
Ames keeps pretending that his friendship with Robbie is totally platonic, that his heart is not shattering watching Robbie make wedding plans. The alternative means losing his friendship forever, so he suffers in silence, Robbie belongs to another now, sigh.
Robbie is a big teddy bear of a man, who's aim in life is to care for everyone, much to his own detriment. He struggles to keep his demanding fiancé happy and his selfish brother in line, never complaining because that's what family does. The whole time his best friend Ames and his therapist are trying to open his eyes and show him his worth.
Both Robbie and Ames are fire fighters, proud to take on any danger to protect their community and loved ones.
During a huge fire Ames gets hurt and Robbie gets shaken to his core, the fact that he couldn't protect the most important person in his life, that he nearly lost his Amesie breaks him.
Almost every minute of every day Robbie and Ames were together, they were each other's significant others without putting a name on it. Once Robbie opened his heart to the truth, that his feelings for Ames were deeper and stronger he couldn't unsee. The truth was that he desired Ames regardless of his gender, that he loved him and couldn't live a minute of his life without him and that he had to make Ames believe him...
This is where the fun begins, Robbie has to show Ames and convince him that he is all in with this relationship, all while knowing Amesie will freak out, it's time to get his hands on him...
Another heart warming story with great banter and gorgeous characters. Of course May Archer always leaves us with a tiny glimpse into the next brother's love interest to keep us hooked.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not put this book down until I finished it (at 3am!!! Sleep is overrated?!)
Ames and Robbie were so entertaining! I was actually really glad that we got the insight with Robbie's therapist to see how he has some pretty big realisations that are uncomfortable for him, but also one that is really exciting! It helped me feel more connected to Robbie and to be able to see how he switched from viewing Ames as his best friend to viewing him as the person he loves - a lot of the time that switch in thinking just seems to come out of the blue, so I liked that we really got to see every step of the way for Robbie finally seeing who he was and what he wanted.
Ames's injury and Robbie's reaction to it was so important for their story and I definitely felt emotional when Robbie was scared. Everyone around them realising what Robbie had realised was funny, but also adorable. The acceptance from everyone, not just the Axford family, is what I love about books with small towns that have a super supportive vibe.
I did want to shake Ames at times, but then I could also understand his reluctance to believe what was happening. I did like that Ames expressed some of his fears, but I would have liked a more in depth and serious conversation about his concerns between him and Robbie, rather than him trying to hide behind friends with benefits, or Robbie being so insistent and the conversation always being minimised. I feel like Ames put himself in Robbie's position to understand his new discovery even if he did mess up his reactions to what he was being told, but Robbie didn't necessarily do the same to really understand Ames's concerns about their friendship and the potential for massive emotional damage when he was trying to show Ames it was all real between them.
I loved the supporting cast again and I'm so excited for Holden to get a story because I always enjoy it so much more when it's an MC who has always been adamant that relationships aren't for them!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Ames and Robbie were so entertaining! I was actually really glad that we got the insight with Robbie's therapist to see how he has some pretty big realisations that are uncomfortable for him, but also one that is really exciting! It helped me feel more connected to Robbie and to be able to see how he switched from viewing Ames as his best friend to viewing him as the person he loves - a lot of the time that switch in thinking just seems to come out of the blue, so I liked that we really got to see every step of the way for Robbie finally seeing who he was and what he wanted.
Ames's injury and Robbie's reaction to it was so important for their story and I definitely felt emotional when Robbie was scared. Everyone around them realising what Robbie had realised was funny, but also adorable. The acceptance from everyone, not just the Axford family, is what I love about books with small towns that have a super supportive vibe.
I did want to shake Ames at times, but then I could also understand his reluctance to believe what was happening. I did like that Ames expressed some of his fears, but I would have liked a more in depth and serious conversation about his concerns between him and Robbie, rather than him trying to hide behind friends with benefits, or Robbie being so insistent and the conversation always being minimised. I feel like Ames put himself in Robbie's position to understand his new discovery even if he did mess up his reactions to what he was being told, but Robbie didn't necessarily do the same to really understand Ames's concerns about their friendship and the potential for massive emotional damage when he was trying to show Ames it was all real between them.
I loved the supporting cast again and I'm so excited for Holden to get a story because I always enjoy it so much more when it's an MC who has always been adamant that relationships aren't for them!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Ames Axford is the youngest of the siblings and he’s been I love with Robbie since they met 16 years ago. Unfortunately, Robbie is straight and is engaged to Lissa, the daughter of a bank president, however it’s clear that the relationship was not made in Heaven. Robbie is the town Fire Chief and Ames owns a fancy restaurant as well as being a volunteer firefighter. Notwithstanding Ames’ unrequited love for Robbie, all goes along fairly well until a fire in a sawmill that causes Ames to get injured and to need rescuing by Robbie. The result is that the latter is forced to review his priorities.
The main characters are both conflicted: Ames because of his love for his best friend; Robbie because of his belief that he is straight and his engagement to a woman. It doesn’t help that his fiancée imposes her will on their lives (e.g. I what house they will stay after they are married, when the wedding will take place, Robbie’s career, etc.). Robbie certainly goes all in once he sorts out his relationship with Ames, in fact more than Ames given his long-held feelings for Robbie. It should be mentioned that Lissa is not a particularly evil person. In many ways she is like Robbie in that she signed up for the engagement thinking that was the only way to achieve her goals (family, kids, etc.) and the breakup is actually quite amicable. Robbie’s brother Michael can’t keep a job and is forever borrowing money. One has a feeling that something will happen with him, but how that develops comes as a surprise. Winsome being a small town, it’s filled with well-intentioned busybodies whose stock-in-trade is gossip. They’re very helpful in having the MCs to get with the program, as are the members of Ames’ family. The plot is fairly straightforward without many deviations.
I truly enjoyed the book.
Ames Axford is the youngest of the siblings and he’s been I love with Robbie since they met 16 years ago. Unfortunately, Robbie is straight and is engaged to Lissa, the daughter of a bank president, however it’s clear that the relationship was not made in Heaven. Robbie is the town Fire Chief and Ames owns a fancy restaurant as well as being a volunteer firefighter. Notwithstanding Ames’ unrequited love for Robbie, all goes along fairly well until a fire in a sawmill that causes Ames to get injured and to need rescuing by Robbie. The result is that the latter is forced to review his priorities.
The main characters are both conflicted: Ames because of his love for his best friend; Robbie because of his belief that he is straight and his engagement to a woman. It doesn’t help that his fiancée imposes her will on their lives (e.g. I what house they will stay after they are married, when the wedding will take place, Robbie’s career, etc.). Robbie certainly goes all in once he sorts out his relationship with Ames, in fact more than Ames given his long-held feelings for Robbie. It should be mentioned that Lissa is not a particularly evil person. In many ways she is like Robbie in that she signed up for the engagement thinking that was the only way to achieve her goals (family, kids, etc.) and the breakup is actually quite amicable. Robbie’s brother Michael can’t keep a job and is forever borrowing money. One has a feeling that something will happen with him, but how that develops comes as a surprise. Winsome being a small town, it’s filled with well-intentioned busybodies whose stock-in-trade is gossip. They’re very helpful in having the MCs to get with the program, as are the members of Ames’ family. The plot is fairly straightforward without many deviations.
I truly enjoyed the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can’t love this book enough! Robbie and Ames were just perfection.
Ames had been in love with Robbie since they were teens and watching him fall in love and get married to someone else was just too painful. But being his best friend, Ames would always be there for him, including being Robbie’s best man even if his heart broke in the process.
Having to keep his distance from Robbie was like trying to live without air but he needed to protect himself from the inevitable pain of never having him. And being as affectionate and friendly as they always were, was only digging the knife deeper.
Robbie was so oblivious to his own feelings that he almost made the worst mistake of his life. Everything he wanted in his life, he already had it, he just didn’t know he wanted it with Ames.
His realization that he was in love with Ames was like a punch to the gut. Everything finally made sense and all the pieces fit together. Ames was his person.
All Ames ever wanted was to have Robbie. For Robbie to love him the way he loved him, but when it finally happened, he couldn’t believe it.
Ames couldn’t understand that Robbie could out of the blue feel the same way as he does, and that scared the hell out of him. So to say things got a bit complicated is an understatement.
They needed to learn to navigate this new phase of their relationship. Going from friends to lovers was a huge step for them, especially for Ames since he never saw this coming.
It took major situations for them both to realize they really loved each other, but eventually they accepted they were always meant to be together. It just wasn’t the right time.
I can’t decide which book I loved more. All I can say is that I’m in love with this series and can’t wait the next book!
Ames had been in love with Robbie since they were teens and watching him fall in love and get married to someone else was just too painful. But being his best friend, Ames would always be there for him, including being Robbie’s best man even if his heart broke in the process.
Having to keep his distance from Robbie was like trying to live without air but he needed to protect himself from the inevitable pain of never having him. And being as affectionate and friendly as they always were, was only digging the knife deeper.
Robbie was so oblivious to his own feelings that he almost made the worst mistake of his life. Everything he wanted in his life, he already had it, he just didn’t know he wanted it with Ames.
His realization that he was in love with Ames was like a punch to the gut. Everything finally made sense and all the pieces fit together. Ames was his person.
All Ames ever wanted was to have Robbie. For Robbie to love him the way he loved him, but when it finally happened, he couldn’t believe it.
Ames couldn’t understand that Robbie could out of the blue feel the same way as he does, and that scared the hell out of him. So to say things got a bit complicated is an understatement.
They needed to learn to navigate this new phase of their relationship. Going from friends to lovers was a huge step for them, especially for Ames since he never saw this coming.
It took major situations for them both to realize they really loved each other, but eventually they accepted they were always meant to be together. It just wasn’t the right time.
I can’t decide which book I loved more. All I can say is that I’m in love with this series and can’t wait the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
- best friends to lovers
- bi-awakening
- series
This is the second in this fun series with the Axford brothers, and this time it's Ames' turn to find his HEA. I met both Robbie and Ames in the first book, and I just knew their story wasn't just best friends. Robbie is so delightfully oblivious for most of the book, a lot of the time when that happens in a book, I'm yelling at the pages 😂. I wasn't with this though, Robbie is such a happy golden retriever character that it's impossible to get annoyed at him. If anything I got annoyed at other people taking advantage of Robbie's good nature - but that was fleeting as I loved that worked on himself to realise and stand up for himself, and along the way realise his feelings for his best friend were perhaps not as platonic as he thought.
This is low angst, low drama and honestly I was here for it. There's a little mild peril when Ames gets hurt but that just serves to drive the story when Ames and Robbie end up together while Ames recuperates. I liked Ames too and I get where he was coming from with the walls he built round himself. Robbie was the one thing he thought he could never have and naturally he was wary, especially after thinking Robbie was straight all these years. I'm glad it wasn't drawn out before they sorted it out and it was just a fun read, exactly as I hoped it'd be. I love this series, I love the world May Archer has created and now I want the next story (Holden please and thank you)
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
- bi-awakening
- series
This is the second in this fun series with the Axford brothers, and this time it's Ames' turn to find his HEA. I met both Robbie and Ames in the first book, and I just knew their story wasn't just best friends. Robbie is so delightfully oblivious for most of the book, a lot of the time when that happens in a book, I'm yelling at the pages 😂. I wasn't with this though, Robbie is such a happy golden retriever character that it's impossible to get annoyed at him. If anything I got annoyed at other people taking advantage of Robbie's good nature - but that was fleeting as I loved that worked on himself to realise and stand up for himself, and along the way realise his feelings for his best friend were perhaps not as platonic as he thought.
This is low angst, low drama and honestly I was here for it. There's a little mild peril when Ames gets hurt but that just serves to drive the story when Ames and Robbie end up together while Ames recuperates. I liked Ames too and I get where he was coming from with the walls he built round himself. Robbie was the one thing he thought he could never have and naturally he was wary, especially after thinking Robbie was straight all these years. I'm glad it wasn't drawn out before they sorted it out and it was just a fun read, exactly as I hoped it'd be. I love this series, I love the world May Archer has created and now I want the next story (Holden please and thank you)
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 20, 2026
This was such a sweet love story. I really enjoyed each MC's internal monologue which was quite funny. Ames Axford and Robbie have been best friends forever. Robbie is Winsome's fire chief and Ames is a chef and volunteer firefighter. Robbie has recently become engaged, and Ames is trying to be happy for him but it is hard when Ames has been in love with Robbie for years. Robbie is really sweet and wants to make everyone happy often times to his own detriment. He can feel Ames pulling away from their friendship but can't figure out why. When Ames nearly dies in a fire in which Robbie rescues him from, Robbie comes to the realization that Ames is the person that he enjoys spending the most time with and the one he can't imagine not being in his life and seeing each day. Robbie realizes that he likes his fiancé but that she is not HIS person. While on pain medication, Ames says some things that makes Robbie think that Ames loves him as more than a best friend. Robbie ends his engagement and takes care of Ames once he gets out of the hospital. Robbie decides that for once he is going to go after what makes him happy and that is Ames. Ames has been in love with Robbie for so long and is scared to believe that Robbie could be in love with him also. It was great to see Robbie standing up for himself with his brother and thinking of his happiness. Ames took a bit to trust that Robbie's feelings for him were real but realized that Robbie knew his own mind. I really enjoyed this story and am looking forwards to rest of the brothers' stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been reading May for almost ten years, I thought I knew all her sides and yet....she completely blew my expectations away with this one. I always know I'm gonna have a good time filled with big feelings and even bigger laughs but I was not prepared to CRY IN CHAPTER ONE (in a good way). But the pining here is just so so good. Like from the second you're in Ames head you feel for him because he is so visceral with his emotions. He loves Robbie so big and they really do revolve around each other, so his hurt is also so big and I felt it hard.
And Robbie is just a character I adore. He starts off loving all his people so big that he gets kinda lost in it. But as he realizes his feelings and opens up his mind and his heart, he just becomes so much more. He loves in such an epic way and I loved how he was steady and solid, but also so full of love. The sexuality discovery was some of the best I've ever read. Instead of it being all about being attracted to men, he also realized more about his sexuality as to his attraction to women. And even once he was aware of his feelings for Ames, he didn't lose how well he knew him and his insecurities, so he was ready to be the partner Ames needed.
This book also has some really high stakes emotional scenes, a lot of friendship and found family banter, and honestly, it's the hottest book May's written too. It's just a five star from the first page to the last (and the setup for the next book is perfection)
And Robbie is just a character I adore. He starts off loving all his people so big that he gets kinda lost in it. But as he realizes his feelings and opens up his mind and his heart, he just becomes so much more. He loves in such an epic way and I loved how he was steady and solid, but also so full of love. The sexuality discovery was some of the best I've ever read. Instead of it being all about being attracted to men, he also realized more about his sexuality as to his attraction to women. And even once he was aware of his feelings for Ames, he didn't lose how well he knew him and his insecurities, so he was ready to be the partner Ames needed.
This book also has some really high stakes emotional scenes, a lot of friendship and found family banter, and honestly, it's the hottest book May's written too. It's just a five star from the first page to the last (and the setup for the next book is perfection)
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