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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
295 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 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 25, 2026
~3.5~
Cute as hell MCs, especially Robbie, who was a Labrador Retriever in human form, but I didn't like how Robbie's bi-awakening was handled. It was insta, like Ames mentioned his dick being sucked, and Robbie was all, oooh ... dick sucking, now now NOW.
Also, both MCs were with other people for half the story. I adored Auden, Ames's sort of boyfriend (I hope he gets his own HEA because Ames treated him like a throwaway), but I hated Lissa, Robbie's fiancee, who was described as kind but was actually a manipulative bitch??
The drama with Robbie's brother, Mike, took up way too much page time. I liked Rob's nieces though.
Robbie's sessions with his therapist served as monologues. I'm not a fan of this narrative device. It's boring. I really don't want to sit in on anyone's therapy session, mmmk?
Ames was super weird in the second half, like he got everything he ever wanted and was all, Are you sure, Robbie? You don't know your own mind, Robbie. Go fuck other men like a good boy, Robbie. The entire thing felt contrived, a way to stretch the plot without actually expanding the narrative arc.
Still plenty of fun to be had, with banter galore (Ames has such a smart mouth), a few LOL moments (my favorite was Ames's coming out story, when he was crying not because he was rejected by his family, but because he was "just another gay Axford"), hurt/comfort, and a HEA.
I guess I wanted more complexiy & feels from a best-friends-to-lovers story.
Standalone, because Beckett and Griffin get like 2 minutes of page time.
Cute as hell MCs, especially Robbie, who was a Labrador Retriever in human form, but I didn't like how Robbie's bi-awakening was handled. It was insta, like Ames mentioned his dick being sucked, and Robbie was all, oooh ... dick sucking, now now NOW.
Also, both MCs were with other people for half the story. I adored Auden, Ames's sort of boyfriend (I hope he gets his own HEA because Ames treated him like a throwaway), but I hated Lissa, Robbie's fiancee, who was described as kind but was actually a manipulative bitch??
The drama with Robbie's brother, Mike, took up way too much page time. I liked Rob's nieces though.
Robbie's sessions with his therapist served as monologues. I'm not a fan of this narrative device. It's boring. I really don't want to sit in on anyone's therapy session, mmmk?
Ames was super weird in the second half, like he got everything he ever wanted and was all, Are you sure, Robbie? You don't know your own mind, Robbie. Go fuck other men like a good boy, Robbie. The entire thing felt contrived, a way to stretch the plot without actually expanding the narrative arc.
Still plenty of fun to be had, with banter galore (Ames has such a smart mouth), a few LOL moments (my favorite was Ames's coming out story, when he was crying not because he was rejected by his family, but because he was "just another gay Axford"), hurt/comfort, and a HEA.
I guess I wanted more complexiy & feels from a best-friends-to-lovers story.
Standalone, because Beckett and Griffin get like 2 minutes of page time.
March 25, 2026
Definitely one of my favourites by May Archer ❤️
Picking up a book by May Archer isn’t like opening a box of chocolate: you always know what you get (brownie points if you get the reference 🏃), and we love May for it.
She’s the queen of small town romances, where everyone knows everyone’s business, where organising fairs is the highlight of the year, and where some families have a surprising amount of gay sons.
The family in question here is called Axford, and we already met them all in the previous book, including Ames, who’s been in love with his straight best friend Robbie for ages. A fact that everyone knows, but never talks about. Everyone - with the exception of Robbie.
Robbie, who’s a gentle giant, and who’s about to marry. A woman. Because he’s straight. Or so he thinks.
Until something happens, and he realises that the one person he can’t live without is not his fiancé, but Ames. And Robbie decides to do something about it 🙂
I honestly would have rated it with 5 stars, if Ames wouldn’t have been so hard headed, deciding that Robbie can’t really mean it, and that they’re “not serious” and Robbie’s just experimenting. That was a bit.. annoying. On the other hand, if not for Ames, the book would have been 80 pages shorter 🤷♀️
Still, I had so much fun, and I loved Robbie so much (he’s as close to perfect as it gets), that I’ll round my 4.5 stars up.
And now I’ll wait (im)patiently for Holden’s book, who might it might not end up with the beautiful new-in-town stranger 😬
Picking up a book by May Archer isn’t like opening a box of chocolate: you always know what you get (brownie points if you get the reference 🏃), and we love May for it.
She’s the queen of small town romances, where everyone knows everyone’s business, where organising fairs is the highlight of the year, and where some families have a surprising amount of gay sons.
The family in question here is called Axford, and we already met them all in the previous book, including Ames, who’s been in love with his straight best friend Robbie for ages. A fact that everyone knows, but never talks about. Everyone - with the exception of Robbie.
Robbie, who’s a gentle giant, and who’s about to marry. A woman. Because he’s straight. Or so he thinks.
Until something happens, and he realises that the one person he can’t live without is not his fiancé, but Ames. And Robbie decides to do something about it 🙂
I honestly would have rated it with 5 stars, if Ames wouldn’t have been so hard headed, deciding that Robbie can’t really mean it, and that they’re “not serious” and Robbie’s just experimenting. That was a bit.. annoying. On the other hand, if not for Ames, the book would have been 80 pages shorter 🤷♀️
Still, I had so much fun, and I loved Robbie so much (he’s as close to perfect as it gets), that I’ll round my 4.5 stars up.
And now I’ll wait (im)patiently for Holden’s book, who might it might not end up with the beautiful new-in-town stranger 😬
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 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.
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?
Did not finish
March 22, 2026Wanted to love this, but getting to 50% and still having other person drama was too much.
March 26, 2026
don’t let the corny as shit cover and title fool you this was soooooo cute and i loved every minute of it
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 19, 2026
sometimes you just gotta read a small town queer firefighter story in one sitting ya know
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 27, 2026
This book was exactly the light, fun, low-angst read I was in the mood for.
Ames and Robbie have been best friends forever—Ames is gay, and Robbie is straight and engaged. Ames has been in love with Robbie for years, but with the engagement becoming real, he finally has to face the fact that his feelings might never be returned. Deciding he needs space to move on, Ames starts pulling back… until a life-or-death situation changes everything. After rescuing him, Robbie starts seeing Ames in a whole new light and begins to realize his feelings might not be as platonic as he always thought.
This was such a fun read, and I really loved both Ames and Robbie. Robbie is a total lovable himbo who’s spent most of his life people-pleasing and putting himself last. I really enjoyed his growth, especially as his therapist starts asking the hard questions that force him to reevaluate what he actually wants out of life—and that’s when everything really starts to shift.
I also loved the role reversal once Robbie confesses his feelings. Ames, who has wanted this forever, is suddenly the one holding back, unsure if he can trust that this is real. That emotional flip added just the right amount of tension.
The found family element really made this book shine. Ames’ family, along with Robbie’s coworkers, sister-in-law, and nieces, brought so much warmth and life to the story. They could all see what Ames and Robbie couldn’t, and it was so fun watching everything unfold.
Their transition from best friends to something more felt so natural. They already know each other so deeply, which made the chemistry hit even harder when things finally changed. The buildup and tension were so good, and the payoff was absolutely worth it.
If you’re looking for a fun, low-angst MM romance with great characters and a satisfying friends-to-lovers journey, I’d definitely recommend this one!
Tropes: Best friends to lovers, bi awakening, unrequited love, slow burn, found family, himbo MC, hurt/comfort, caretaking
Ames and Robbie have been best friends forever—Ames is gay, and Robbie is straight and engaged. Ames has been in love with Robbie for years, but with the engagement becoming real, he finally has to face the fact that his feelings might never be returned. Deciding he needs space to move on, Ames starts pulling back… until a life-or-death situation changes everything. After rescuing him, Robbie starts seeing Ames in a whole new light and begins to realize his feelings might not be as platonic as he always thought.
This was such a fun read, and I really loved both Ames and Robbie. Robbie is a total lovable himbo who’s spent most of his life people-pleasing and putting himself last. I really enjoyed his growth, especially as his therapist starts asking the hard questions that force him to reevaluate what he actually wants out of life—and that’s when everything really starts to shift.
I also loved the role reversal once Robbie confesses his feelings. Ames, who has wanted this forever, is suddenly the one holding back, unsure if he can trust that this is real. That emotional flip added just the right amount of tension.
The found family element really made this book shine. Ames’ family, along with Robbie’s coworkers, sister-in-law, and nieces, brought so much warmth and life to the story. They could all see what Ames and Robbie couldn’t, and it was so fun watching everything unfold.
Their transition from best friends to something more felt so natural. They already know each other so deeply, which made the chemistry hit even harder when things finally changed. The buildup and tension were so good, and the payoff was absolutely worth it.
If you’re looking for a fun, low-angst MM romance with great characters and a satisfying friends-to-lovers journey, I’d definitely recommend this one!
Tropes: Best friends to lovers, bi awakening, unrequited love, slow burn, found family, himbo MC, hurt/comfort, caretaking
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 30, 2026
This was phenomenal. Best friends to lovers is so hit or miss for me but I know I can count on this particular author to get me where I need to be. Enjoyed absolutely every page.
Did not finish
April 2, 2026I think I've established that this author isn't for me. I devour any unrequited love book especially when the MCS are best friends but I always expect some angst. These books dont have any or maybe just not enought for me😅
I enjoyed the first half and then it just fizzled out. I really think its a case of it's me not the book.
I enjoyed the first half and then it just fizzled out. I really think its a case of it's me not the book.
March 28, 2026
made me feel like james doakes
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.”
March 29, 2026
Holden and Robbie were the best friends to lovers of my dreams! The pining, the loyalty, the stubborn refusal to see what was right in front of them -- all of it was perfectly dialed in to make me fall head over heels in love.
These men had been best friends for over a decade, and throughout the entirety of their friendship they were each other's top priority. Robbie's engagement started to shift the steady foundation of their relationship, but it was a life or death firefighting rescue that really forced them to realign on what mattered most to them. Robbie was such a steady, caretaking sweetheart. His peacekeeper attitude may have come across as laid back, but he was totally stubborn when he wanted something and once you had his loyalty he would burn down the world for you. Holden was more vocally opinionated, but he was also harboring very secret feelings for his bestie and was terrified of damaging their friendship should they be revealed.
The two of them had a comfortable status quo that was thrown completely on its head in the aftermath and recovery period of the book. I was reading with bated breath as Robbie discovered his sexuality was more fluid than he'd always assumed, and once he completely woke up to his feelings about Holden he was locked in. The buildup of tension was almost unbearable, with Holden clinging onto any excuse to rationalize Robbie's actions until he left no room for misinterpretation. The release was just as good, with fiery, molten lava hot chemistry that left me in pieces it was so amazing. Robbie and Holden worked out all their UST and then some, sating each other's needs and exploring just how incredible a romance could be between them.
I was equally thrilled to see Holden and Robbie overcome their personal hang-ups. For Robbie, that meant learning to assert himself when it mattered instead of always being the compromiser and excuse-maker for others, and for Holden it was learning to trust that Robbie meant it when he said he loved him and to stop looking for excuses to run away. There were definitely a few moments that I was biting my tongue hard at an emotion-fueled gut reaction one of them had, but they always shook it off and came to their senses before it escalated. In and around the romance, I also genuinely enjoyed hanging out with the residents of Winsome, whether that meant cooking at Watchfire, riding in the truck with the firefighters, or engaging in friendly banter during found family hangouts. The community these guys had around them was so warm and supportive, and it was wonderful to see how those bonds deepened and evolved with the events of the book. There were several moments when someone just happened to wander by with a little piece of wisdom Robbie or Holden needed to hear to stop from veering off course. I was really satisfied by how all the elements of the story came together right at the end, firmly resolving any dangling threads and setting Robbie and Holden up for a happy life together surrounded by people who would cheer them on no matter what.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
These men had been best friends for over a decade, and throughout the entirety of their friendship they were each other's top priority. Robbie's engagement started to shift the steady foundation of their relationship, but it was a life or death firefighting rescue that really forced them to realign on what mattered most to them. Robbie was such a steady, caretaking sweetheart. His peacekeeper attitude may have come across as laid back, but he was totally stubborn when he wanted something and once you had his loyalty he would burn down the world for you. Holden was more vocally opinionated, but he was also harboring very secret feelings for his bestie and was terrified of damaging their friendship should they be revealed.
The two of them had a comfortable status quo that was thrown completely on its head in the aftermath and recovery period of the book. I was reading with bated breath as Robbie discovered his sexuality was more fluid than he'd always assumed, and once he completely woke up to his feelings about Holden he was locked in. The buildup of tension was almost unbearable, with Holden clinging onto any excuse to rationalize Robbie's actions until he left no room for misinterpretation. The release was just as good, with fiery, molten lava hot chemistry that left me in pieces it was so amazing. Robbie and Holden worked out all their UST and then some, sating each other's needs and exploring just how incredible a romance could be between them.
I was equally thrilled to see Holden and Robbie overcome their personal hang-ups. For Robbie, that meant learning to assert himself when it mattered instead of always being the compromiser and excuse-maker for others, and for Holden it was learning to trust that Robbie meant it when he said he loved him and to stop looking for excuses to run away. There were definitely a few moments that I was biting my tongue hard at an emotion-fueled gut reaction one of them had, but they always shook it off and came to their senses before it escalated. In and around the romance, I also genuinely enjoyed hanging out with the residents of Winsome, whether that meant cooking at Watchfire, riding in the truck with the firefighters, or engaging in friendly banter during found family hangouts. The community these guys had around them was so warm and supportive, and it was wonderful to see how those bonds deepened and evolved with the events of the book. There were several moments when someone just happened to wander by with a little piece of wisdom Robbie or Holden needed to hear to stop from veering off course. I was really satisfied by how all the elements of the story came together right at the end, firmly resolving any dangling threads and setting Robbie and Holden up for a happy life together surrounded by people who would cheer them on no matter what.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
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.
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