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Mendell Hawks #3
Safety Net
Celeste
Social anxiety has been the shaky foundation on which I’ve built my life. Never be too loud, too big, or too bold.
I’ve survived like this for twenty years. But to what end?
When my parents stop helping with college costs, I need to find a way to stand on my own two feet. And the songwriting mentorship of my dreams offers the perfect solution.
There’s just one issue: I have to put together a musical that will most definitely put me in the spotlight.
Learning how to be loud, big, and bold over the course of one summer is impossible. Teaming up with a guy who naturally knows how to be all that and more...less impossible.
Lincoln
Focus and responsibility have never been my strong suits. I’ve survived (and arguably thrived) long enough to prove that they don’t always matter.
But, after a disappointing hockey season and a tough semester, I can’t ignore reality anymore.
I’m on the precipice of academic probation and scary close to being benched in my senior year. It’s long past time for me to figure out this whole future thing.
When the girl of my dreams asks for help, I join her project in a heartbeat. Not just for the volunteer credit hours or the much-needed structure it offers. But because I fell for her almost a year ago. And I ruined my chances with her a few months ago.
Working together may be what I need to understand that she’s never going to fall for someone like me.
Social anxiety has been the shaky foundation on which I’ve built my life. Never be too loud, too big, or too bold.
I’ve survived like this for twenty years. But to what end?
When my parents stop helping with college costs, I need to find a way to stand on my own two feet. And the songwriting mentorship of my dreams offers the perfect solution.
There’s just one issue: I have to put together a musical that will most definitely put me in the spotlight.
Learning how to be loud, big, and bold over the course of one summer is impossible. Teaming up with a guy who naturally knows how to be all that and more...less impossible.
Lincoln
Focus and responsibility have never been my strong suits. I’ve survived (and arguably thrived) long enough to prove that they don’t always matter.
But, after a disappointing hockey season and a tough semester, I can’t ignore reality anymore.
I’m on the precipice of academic probation and scary close to being benched in my senior year. It’s long past time for me to figure out this whole future thing.
When the girl of my dreams asks for help, I join her project in a heartbeat. Not just for the volunteer credit hours or the much-needed structure it offers. But because I fell for her almost a year ago. And I ruined my chances with her a few months ago.
Working together may be what I need to understand that she’s never going to fall for someone like me.
326 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2025
206 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 22, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
1 liked : 2 disliked is not a good ratio 😔
⋆˚꩜｡ Thoughts:
Maybe I should write the negative comments first and end with the positive but I have a lot to say. So let’s get what I did enjoy out of the way:
characters + writing
╰┈➤ A constant throughout this whole series so far that is amazing to read about is the relatability and realism of the characters. The actions, struggles, and emotions of these characters feel so real compared to other stories where characters might act insufferably/unrealistically just for the sake of a trope or representation. In this book, I was really connecting with and relating to these specific struggles the characters faced, making the emotion feel even heavier - which I loved!
- And the way these struggles were written, the quotes and dialogue, was so well done! It felt like when you don’t know how to word your own thoughts and then an author writes it perfectly
Now, what I didn’t enjoy:
plot + chemistry
╰┈➤ This. Was. So. Boring.
There is no main conflict to make things interesting or build tension in the story, it’s just very…stagnant. Something minimal -that could possibly grow bigger to create conflict- would happen and then they’d resolve it. Another thing happens. They would resolve it. Which is…healthy and ideal (another display of realism I guess?) but for entertainment value in a fiction book? Boringgggg 🗣️
This made the book feel verrrrrryyyyyy dragged out. What was the point if there was no building to one BIG moment? The characters overcome their emotional struggles, realise they deeply care/love each other AND wrap up their musical plot line just past the halfway point. It could’ve ended there to be honest (and I reallyyyyyyy wanted it to 😭)
⤿ Off-page, the timeline is understandable for a relationship, they’ve know each other for a whole summer so it isn’t technically insta love… BUT the story is pretty minimal so it feels like they’ve known each other for less time which makes it feel insta lovey. This insta love (even tho it isn’t, time-wise) makes the chemistry feel flat and not as prominent. I think because the book isn’t that long? Like, Lincoln literally realised he loves her at 60% ??? From that point on I just stopped believing in their relationship which is not ideal for a book WHERE THAT IS LITERALLY THE WHOLE POINT
One key factor that all books need to grasp? The audience’s interest. Maybe you can tell, but mine was LOST.
- The characters are relatable but not…interesting.
- The plot is realistic but not…interesting.
Unfortunately, with certain stories, you can’t always have both - and if you try to, it might just fall flat. Even though the individual aspects of this story (characters, emotion, writing) are great and exactly what you want to see in a book! - it’s just not… interesting.
These components of a novel need to keep the audience INTERESTED! At least something. Boring characters? That’s ok the plot is full of tension, oh no it isn’t but that’s fine the writing is great. SOMETHING!! Boring characters AND a stagnant plot? I’m sorry but even the great quotes can’t keep me interested 🥲
⋆˙⟡
I recommend the first book in this series - if you like it, maybe read the next two, if you don’t, just stop; it doesn’t get better 🧍♀️
I’m disappointed this one was so boring especially when I was really connecting with it at first :(
-I’ll probably still read any future books in this series though (I NEED Jack’s book 🙏)
───────୨ৎ───────
ᯓ★ Pre-read
I loved the first book in this series but really disliked the second so my expectations for this one are pretty neutral. But I loved the characters that this one follows in the first two books (and the cover is gorgeous 🤭) so I’m excited to finally read this one 🤞
1 liked : 2 disliked is not a good ratio 😔
⋆˚꩜｡ Thoughts:
Maybe I should write the negative comments first and end with the positive but I have a lot to say. So let’s get what I did enjoy out of the way:
characters + writing
╰┈➤ A constant throughout this whole series so far that is amazing to read about is the relatability and realism of the characters. The actions, struggles, and emotions of these characters feel so real compared to other stories where characters might act insufferably/unrealistically just for the sake of a trope or representation. In this book, I was really connecting with and relating to these specific struggles the characters faced, making the emotion feel even heavier - which I loved!
- And the way these struggles were written, the quotes and dialogue, was so well done! It felt like when you don’t know how to word your own thoughts and then an author writes it perfectly
Now, what I didn’t enjoy:
plot + chemistry
╰┈➤ This. Was. So. Boring.
There is no main conflict to make things interesting or build tension in the story, it’s just very…stagnant. Something minimal -that could possibly grow bigger to create conflict- would happen and then they’d resolve it. Another thing happens. They would resolve it. Which is…healthy and ideal (another display of realism I guess?) but for entertainment value in a fiction book? Boringgggg 🗣️
This made the book feel verrrrrryyyyyy dragged out. What was the point if there was no building to one BIG moment? The characters overcome their emotional struggles, realise they deeply care/love each other AND wrap up their musical plot line just past the halfway point. It could’ve ended there to be honest (and I reallyyyyyyy wanted it to 😭)
⤿ Off-page, the timeline is understandable for a relationship, they’ve know each other for a whole summer so it isn’t technically insta love… BUT the story is pretty minimal so it feels like they’ve known each other for less time which makes it feel insta lovey. This insta love (even tho it isn’t, time-wise) makes the chemistry feel flat and not as prominent. I think because the book isn’t that long? Like, Lincoln literally realised he loves her at 60% ??? From that point on I just stopped believing in their relationship which is not ideal for a book WHERE THAT IS LITERALLY THE WHOLE POINT
One key factor that all books need to grasp? The audience’s interest. Maybe you can tell, but mine was LOST.
- The characters are relatable but not…interesting.
- The plot is realistic but not…interesting.
Unfortunately, with certain stories, you can’t always have both - and if you try to, it might just fall flat. Even though the individual aspects of this story (characters, emotion, writing) are great and exactly what you want to see in a book! - it’s just not… interesting.
These components of a novel need to keep the audience INTERESTED! At least something. Boring characters? That’s ok the plot is full of tension, oh no it isn’t but that’s fine the writing is great. SOMETHING!! Boring characters AND a stagnant plot? I’m sorry but even the great quotes can’t keep me interested 🥲
⋆˙⟡
I recommend the first book in this series - if you like it, maybe read the next two, if you don’t, just stop; it doesn’t get better 🧍♀️
I’m disappointed this one was so boring especially when I was really connecting with it at first :(
-I’ll probably still read any future books in this series though (I NEED Jack’s book 🙏)
───────୨ৎ───────
ᯓ★ Pre-read
I loved the first book in this series but really disliked the second so my expectations for this one are pretty neutral. But I loved the characters that this one follows in the first two books (and the cover is gorgeous 🤭) so I’m excited to finally read this one 🤞
November 10, 2025
4.5/5
celeste is the sweetest girl in the whole wide world and i love her !!!!
deanna grey is out here writing college hockey romances with such real characters and people are not paying enough attention to these books. i’m serious, i love these people. celeste is dealing with social anxiety and writing her own musical, baddie. then there’s lincoln who is struggling with what to do with his life, twin, and how to focus on one thing long enough to decide, twin again, and dealing with asking for help, twin part three!! if you can’t tell i love them dearly!
seeing these two go from soft friends to the cutest couple was beautiful. the love and connection they share is so calm and i just loved reading about their happiness. i’ve been in a very big musical theater mood
lately so having this all happen with the backdrop of the show was great! lincoln had so many moments where he was speaking to his friends about his life and i just wanted to cry because i understood him so much. specifically this quote, “my identity was intrinsically tied to being someone no one had to worry about.” yeah i cried…
for some reason i haven’t read this first book in this series so i need to get on that immediately!! i loved seeing the past characters in this book because they’re all just one big family. hopefully we’re getting more books because the hints in this one… i’m so ready !!
celeste is the sweetest girl in the whole wide world and i love her !!!!
deanna grey is out here writing college hockey romances with such real characters and people are not paying enough attention to these books. i’m serious, i love these people. celeste is dealing with social anxiety and writing her own musical, baddie. then there’s lincoln who is struggling with what to do with his life, twin, and how to focus on one thing long enough to decide, twin again, and dealing with asking for help, twin part three!! if you can’t tell i love them dearly!
seeing these two go from soft friends to the cutest couple was beautiful. the love and connection they share is so calm and i just loved reading about their happiness. i’ve been in a very big musical theater mood
lately so having this all happen with the backdrop of the show was great! lincoln had so many moments where he was speaking to his friends about his life and i just wanted to cry because i understood him so much. specifically this quote, “my identity was intrinsically tied to being someone no one had to worry about.” yeah i cried…
for some reason i haven’t read this first book in this series so i need to get on that immediately!! i loved seeing the past characters in this book because they’re all just one big family. hopefully we’re getting more books because the hints in this one… i’m so ready !!
October 19, 2025
4.25 and their love is so SOFT but I do fear it’s strict around here and I would’ve dumped him at the end asdfghjkl but at 20 I get it girl 😭😭😭
October 15, 2025
The butterflies
The softness
The care
The acceptance
The growth
The ease and the silly jokes
I loved every bit of this story. God. It healed something in me i didnt know was wounded.
I loved loved LOVED the other books but wow, this one is extremely special.
I had me giggling and trying to hide my stupid smile in public transportation. If I was white, I would have been BLUSHING the whole way. The butterflies were real.
Very thankful i found this author and fell into this series, very thankful i got to read this.
Deanna is a star, a very bright one.
The softness
The care
The acceptance
The growth
The ease and the silly jokes
I loved every bit of this story. God. It healed something in me i didnt know was wounded.
I loved loved LOVED the other books but wow, this one is extremely special.
I had me giggling and trying to hide my stupid smile in public transportation. If I was white, I would have been BLUSHING the whole way. The butterflies were real.
Very thankful i found this author and fell into this series, very thankful i got to read this.
Deanna is a star, a very bright one.
January 3, 2026
When I say I fully trust Deanna Grey with every ounce of my soul I mean it!
I could endlessly talk praises about her writing and work but alas I am simply here to review this fabulous book.
Celeste is a sweetheart and I've fallen in love with everything about her. , She's struggled 20 years with social anxiety and is facing a difficult situation regarding college education and her passion to pursue art.
I struggle with social anxiety as well, and like Celeste it's impact on my life was very overwhelming. Especially when surrounded with people that either shame you for feeling that way or try to "fix" you.
Celeste isn't looking to be fixed. She is simply learning to embrace and express herself in a way that makes her shine. The way that Celeste opens herself up and learns to not only trust her friends but herself too was such a beautiful thing.
Another part that I enjoyed was the portrayal of Celestes Demisexual identity, there's a wide misconception of what demisexuality is and how it's expressed especially when the person struggles with social interactions in general. Celeste isn't meek nor is she a saint, she is hot and confident.
Lincoln is my guy fr, this is a man who STEPS up. The minute he met Celeste this man was downbad and he knew that she would be the one for him. This works wonderfully in the relationship build up between him and Celeste, they both acknowledge each others most vulnerable sides, balancing each other in a way that makes sense.
Celeste and Lincoln are the kind of partners that show up for each other in their hardest moments, which is such a rare and beautiful thing.
I cannot wait to reread this in my future. The magic of Deanna Grey romances lives on!
I could endlessly talk praises about her writing and work but alas I am simply here to review this fabulous book.
Celeste is a sweetheart and I've fallen in love with everything about her. , She's struggled 20 years with social anxiety and is facing a difficult situation regarding college education and her passion to pursue art.
I struggle with social anxiety as well, and like Celeste it's impact on my life was very overwhelming. Especially when surrounded with people that either shame you for feeling that way or try to "fix" you.
Celeste isn't looking to be fixed. She is simply learning to embrace and express herself in a way that makes her shine. The way that Celeste opens herself up and learns to not only trust her friends but herself too was such a beautiful thing.
Another part that I enjoyed was the portrayal of Celestes Demisexual identity, there's a wide misconception of what demisexuality is and how it's expressed especially when the person struggles with social interactions in general. Celeste isn't meek nor is she a saint, she is hot and confident.
Lincoln is my guy fr, this is a man who STEPS up. The minute he met Celeste this man was downbad and he knew that she would be the one for him. This works wonderfully in the relationship build up between him and Celeste, they both acknowledge each others most vulnerable sides, balancing each other in a way that makes sense.
Celeste and Lincoln are the kind of partners that show up for each other in their hardest moments, which is such a rare and beautiful thing.
I cannot wait to reread this in my future. The magic of Deanna Grey romances lives on!
December 30, 2025
This book was everything I hoped for and more. If you’ve read Deanna’s work before, you already know her stories make you feel many things. She reminds us that self-love and the deep bonds of friendship can be just as powerful (and necessary) as romantic love.
Safety Net is also a beautiful reminder that the right person will love you exactly as you are—flaws, struggles, and all. 🤍
Prepare to laugh, cry, scream at fictional adults (lol), and swoon hard for Finn and Naomi all over again. And okay… I admit it—Sam won me over. I loved Henrik from book 1 and this book made me remember why and added more brownie points. Can’t wait for his book.
Safety Net is also a beautiful reminder that the right person will love you exactly as you are—flaws, struggles, and all. 🤍
Prepare to laugh, cry, scream at fictional adults (lol), and swoon hard for Finn and Naomi all over again. And okay… I admit it—Sam won me over. I loved Henrik from book 1 and this book made me remember why and added more brownie points. Can’t wait for his book.
October 17, 2025
Deanna Grey, you will always be famous!
Celeste and Lincoln's story was refreshing, gentle and so, so sweet. It's the perfect reminder that you'll never be too little or too much for the right person for you.
Safety Net had everything I've learned to expect from a Deanna Grey book (found family brimming with friends who love as fiercely as they hold accountable, tantalising smut and the beginnings of love so adorable you could just burst!) and a really great connection wuth previous books in the series.
I tend to hate it when books mention couples from earlier instalments because they're usually integrated too shoddily in the narrative and they're just cringey fan service. But this book mentioned previous couples so well and so naturally and in a way that made me swoon. Finn and Noami were so cute in this! The previous stories add to Safety Net without feeling jarring or weird. It's just done so well.
Deanna treats her characters like real people with real depth and faults and desires. She treats them with such care and precision. Every single character in this series feels so unique. Reading her books gives me so much life because I get to see so many people who look like me being so similar and so different from who I am. I could sing her praises forever and ever.
I'm so excited to read more of her work and witness her success (because she's obviously going to be a super star).
I look forward to Henrik and Eden's book (seeing as I'm an insufferable romanticiser who wears gigantic shirts too hehe) but I think this one will hold a special place in my heart because Lincoln is so similar to my partner.
Can't recommend this book enough!
Celeste and Lincoln's story was refreshing, gentle and so, so sweet. It's the perfect reminder that you'll never be too little or too much for the right person for you.
Safety Net had everything I've learned to expect from a Deanna Grey book (found family brimming with friends who love as fiercely as they hold accountable, tantalising smut and the beginnings of love so adorable you could just burst!) and a really great connection wuth previous books in the series.
I tend to hate it when books mention couples from earlier instalments because they're usually integrated too shoddily in the narrative and they're just cringey fan service. But this book mentioned previous couples so well and so naturally and in a way that made me swoon. Finn and Noami were so cute in this! The previous stories add to Safety Net without feeling jarring or weird. It's just done so well.
Deanna treats her characters like real people with real depth and faults and desires. She treats them with such care and precision. Every single character in this series feels so unique. Reading her books gives me so much life because I get to see so many people who look like me being so similar and so different from who I am. I could sing her praises forever and ever.
I'm so excited to read more of her work and witness her success (because she's obviously going to be a super star).
I look forward to Henrik and Eden's book (seeing as I'm an insufferable romanticiser who wears gigantic shirts too hehe) but I think this one will hold a special place in my heart because Lincoln is so similar to my partner.
Can't recommend this book enough!
Want to read
October 12, 2025I’ve waited forever to read about Celeste and Lincoln 🥹
October 15, 2025
Safety Net by Deanna Grey was such a cute romance. What I loved most about the book was the exploration of love between someone with an anxiety disorder, our FMC Celeste, and someone with ADHD, our MMC Lincoln.
Grey showed how difficult it can be to function with these disorders, but she also showed that those difficulties don’t mean you can’t find romantic or platonic love, or understanding with others.
As someone with both GAD and ADHD, it was so refreshing to see that expressed on the page in such a fully realized way. You can have a full life in spite of, and watching Celeste and Lincoln realize this and find their safe spaces with each other, made for a wonderful read.
Grey showed how difficult it can be to function with these disorders, but she also showed that those difficulties don’t mean you can’t find romantic or platonic love, or understanding with others.
As someone with both GAD and ADHD, it was so refreshing to see that expressed on the page in such a fully realized way. You can have a full life in spite of, and watching Celeste and Lincoln realize this and find their safe spaces with each other, made for a wonderful read.
October 26, 2025
This was a soft, but fun read! Celeste was everything. She reminded me a lot of myself, so I loved seeing her growth throughout the story. And I loved Lincoln as well. They were such a great match. This is truly one of, if not my absolute favorite, series of all time! I can’t wait for the next one!
4.5 stars rounded up
4.5 stars rounded up
Read
October 24, 2025I really enjoyed this book! It’s such a soft-love kind of story, and I loved how it explored anxiety and personal growth. I have to admit, it was just a teeny bit longer than I would have liked, but I still genuinely enjoyed it.
Celeste was such an interesting character; I really resonated with her journey. Lincoln being completely head over heels for her was so cute, and the book is full of wholesome moments. At times, it even gave me major High School Musical vibes with Gabriella and Troy, which I thought was adorable. Overall, it’s a heartfelt, soft romance that left me smiling.💕
side note, the found family trope is my favourite!!!!
Celeste was such an interesting character; I really resonated with her journey. Lincoln being completely head over heels for her was so cute, and the book is full of wholesome moments. At times, it even gave me major High School Musical vibes with Gabriella and Troy, which I thought was adorable. Overall, it’s a heartfelt, soft romance that left me smiling.💕
side note, the found family trope is my favourite!!!!
November 17, 2025
DEANNA I WILL READ EVERY BOOK YOU PUBLISH
This book was once again A BANGGEERRR I loved it with my entire soul, every character every SENTENCE was so well written. I loved it so much !
Can't wait for Henrik's book ! 💚
This book was once again A BANGGEERRR I loved it with my entire soul, every character every SENTENCE was so well written. I loved it so much !
Can't wait for Henrik's book ! 💚
October 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
i love this series
i love this series
October 28, 2025
*sight* I wanted more from this book I fear, I think it was boring, especially the beginning, too much sidestory not enough chemistry building.
October 16, 2025
3.5 rounded up
November 6, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
It was cute. I’ve never heard of demisexual but I feel like it describes me. I think book 1 is still my favorite in this series.
It was cute. I’ve never heard of demisexual but I feel like it describes me. I think book 1 is still my favorite in this series.
November 12, 2025
we love a cozy read <3
October 12, 2025
The only reason why I’m ducking a star is because I felt like Lincoln’s ADHD could’ve been talked about more, other than that chefs kiss. It’s a cute non-complicated love story. The characters struggles are well portrayed. I feel like the portrayal of Celestes anxiety was good and even if the was no official diagnosis for Lincoln ADHD, the symptoms were accurately shown.
Overall would recommend to read this book.
Overall would recommend to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
~4.25
To have my disability and disorder both displayed in the main characters was very grounding and made me feel seen. Going down as one of my favorite books.
To have my disability and disorder both displayed in the main characters was very grounding and made me feel seen. Going down as one of my favorite books.
October 15, 2025
4.5 stars
October 25, 2025
Celeste is me I am Celeste
December 5, 2025
"It's something to be seen by someone who sees you back."
I’ve been waiting for this book since they were introduced in the first one. I wanted to know more about both of these characters, especially Celeste. I really liked the representation of a character dealing with heavy anxiety and making the decision to break out of that. Celeste wanted to change for no one but herself, mostly, and she set out to do hard things she wouldn't usually do. Watching her grow and her efforts pay off was nice. I appreciated Lincoln going at her pace & just letting her be with no pressure. He had nice character development too. I highly relate to Celeste and her anxiety/social anxiety.
I gave 3 stars because I got to a point where I didn't know where it was going & was ready for it to end.
I’ve been waiting for this book since they were introduced in the first one. I wanted to know more about both of these characters, especially Celeste. I really liked the representation of a character dealing with heavy anxiety and making the decision to break out of that. Celeste wanted to change for no one but herself, mostly, and she set out to do hard things she wouldn't usually do. Watching her grow and her efforts pay off was nice. I appreciated Lincoln going at her pace & just letting her be with no pressure. He had nice character development too. I highly relate to Celeste and her anxiety/social anxiety.
I gave 3 stars because I got to a point where I didn't know where it was going & was ready for it to end.
December 20, 2025
these two are cuties and I have been waiting since book 1 for their story… just wish the writing was better to support it
some decisions (🌶️) seem totally out of left field for them but all in all it was a cute and easy head-empty read
some decisions (🌶️) seem totally out of left field for them but all in all it was a cute and easy head-empty read
January 4, 2026
I was genuinely excited to return to the world of the Mendell Hawks and especially eager to see Naomi’s quiet, steadfast best friend finally step into a leading role. Celeste has always been an intriguing presence on the sidelines, and I loved the idea of getting to know her more deeply.
There’s a lot here that works on an individual character level. I really enjoyed watching Celeste double down on her dreams—pushing herself to build a production, refusing to make herself smaller, and slowly finding her voice. Likewise, Lincoln’s arc from someone hovering at the periphery to a man who begins taking himself seriously—without fear of failure—was satisfying to witness. Their personal growth journeys are the strongest part of the book.
Where the story faltered for me was in characterization and balance. Both Celeste and Lincoln felt flattened by how heavily their identities were rooted in their neurodivergences and disorders. As someone who lives with GAD myself, I appreciated seeing that experience reflected on the page—but I was disheartened by how much of Celeste’s identity seemed defined by her anxiety rather than existing alongside it. I cheered for her moments of assertiveness, but they didn’t feel like a fully organic progression. And I struggled with the implication—intentional or not—that she only began seeing her worth once she saw herself through Lincoln’s eyes.
The romance itself is where this book lost me. Given Celeste’s shy, introspective nature, I expected a slower, quieter build—something that allowed yearning to simmer beneath the surface. Coming on the heels of Naomi and Finn’s deep emotional connection and Aderyn and Sam’s electric chemistry, Lincoln and Celeste’s relationship felt underwhelming by comparison. I wasn’t fully sold on the idea that these two had been longing for each other for years, so when Lincoln began dropping L-bombs, it felt abrupt rather than earned.
To be clear, this isn’t about spice. I loved Celeste’s journey toward understanding her demisexuality. The issue was chemistry and tone. Their dynamic often felt twee or juvenile—very YA-adjacent on the cusp of NA—which I was prepared to accept for this couple. However, the final intimate scene veered into territory that felt tonally dissonant and uncomfortable for me, particularly in how sexual preferences were framed and recalled. It pulled me out of the story rather than deepening their connection.
Ultimately, Safety Net has strong intentions and meaningful character arcs, but the romance didn’t land for me as an endgame, and the execution left me feeling more disconnected than emotionally invested.
TL;DR: I loved returning to the Mendell Hawks world and appreciated the individual growth journeys—but flattened characterization and a romance that never fully convinced me kept this at a 3 stars.
There’s a lot here that works on an individual character level. I really enjoyed watching Celeste double down on her dreams—pushing herself to build a production, refusing to make herself smaller, and slowly finding her voice. Likewise, Lincoln’s arc from someone hovering at the periphery to a man who begins taking himself seriously—without fear of failure—was satisfying to witness. Their personal growth journeys are the strongest part of the book.
Where the story faltered for me was in characterization and balance. Both Celeste and Lincoln felt flattened by how heavily their identities were rooted in their neurodivergences and disorders. As someone who lives with GAD myself, I appreciated seeing that experience reflected on the page—but I was disheartened by how much of Celeste’s identity seemed defined by her anxiety rather than existing alongside it. I cheered for her moments of assertiveness, but they didn’t feel like a fully organic progression. And I struggled with the implication—intentional or not—that she only began seeing her worth once she saw herself through Lincoln’s eyes.
The romance itself is where this book lost me. Given Celeste’s shy, introspective nature, I expected a slower, quieter build—something that allowed yearning to simmer beneath the surface. Coming on the heels of Naomi and Finn’s deep emotional connection and Aderyn and Sam’s electric chemistry, Lincoln and Celeste’s relationship felt underwhelming by comparison. I wasn’t fully sold on the idea that these two had been longing for each other for years, so when Lincoln began dropping L-bombs, it felt abrupt rather than earned.
To be clear, this isn’t about spice. I loved Celeste’s journey toward understanding her demisexuality. The issue was chemistry and tone. Their dynamic often felt twee or juvenile—very YA-adjacent on the cusp of NA—which I was prepared to accept for this couple. However, the final intimate scene veered into territory that felt tonally dissonant and uncomfortable for me, particularly in how sexual preferences were framed and recalled. It pulled me out of the story rather than deepening their connection.
Ultimately, Safety Net has strong intentions and meaningful character arcs, but the romance didn’t land for me as an endgame, and the execution left me feeling more disconnected than emotionally invested.
TL;DR: I loved returning to the Mendell Hawks world and appreciated the individual growth journeys—but flattened characterization and a romance that never fully convinced me kept this at a 3 stars.
October 22, 2025
think high school musical but they’re both black and troy plays ice hockey and gabriella writes the musical 😋
i have been WAITING for the third book in the Mendel Hawks series and as usual Ms Grey did not disappoint! lincoln and celeste are crafted so humanly and i think the build up to their book was so well done :) the love in this book is just so gentle and caring
i love how caring and open minded lincoln is as an MMC but he still feels realistic- he’s not just a perfect love interest that every reader is meant to swoon for but he shows great growth throughout the novel, allowing him to be both a better friend and partner. i was obsessed with how accommodating he was of Celeste’s anxiety and making sure that no matter what situation they were in he was in a position to help her.
i also loved the depiction of celeste’s journey as a woman who is demisexual and what it was like for her navigating her sexuality once in a relationship as a woman who is on the spectrum of asexuality. as someone who isn’t demisexual i feel like it was such an amazing insight into her experience and helped me understand a lot more about asexuality!
the found family trope shines through in every single one of the mendel hawks books and it makes me smile so much 🥹 i loved how thoughtful the cameos were in this book and it was beautiful to see former main characters show up for both of the characters in this book.
i have been WAITING for the third book in the Mendel Hawks series and as usual Ms Grey did not disappoint! lincoln and celeste are crafted so humanly and i think the build up to their book was so well done :) the love in this book is just so gentle and caring
i love how caring and open minded lincoln is as an MMC but he still feels realistic- he’s not just a perfect love interest that every reader is meant to swoon for but he shows great growth throughout the novel, allowing him to be both a better friend and partner. i was obsessed with how accommodating he was of Celeste’s anxiety and making sure that no matter what situation they were in he was in a position to help her.
i also loved the depiction of celeste’s journey as a woman who is demisexual and what it was like for her navigating her sexuality once in a relationship as a woman who is on the spectrum of asexuality. as someone who isn’t demisexual i feel like it was such an amazing insight into her experience and helped me understand a lot more about asexuality!
the found family trope shines through in every single one of the mendel hawks books and it makes me smile so much 🥹 i loved how thoughtful the cameos were in this book and it was beautiful to see former main characters show up for both of the characters in this book.
October 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve been dying to read the next book of this series for 2 years and I’m so glad that we finally got this book.
These characters were both very relatable for me. Celeste having social anxiety and being demisexual and Lincoln having no idea what he wants to do in the future and a tad lost.
There were so many cute moments where Lincoln just shined as a love interest. Giving Celeste physical space when noticing she was nervous, learning how to make specific tea, communicating after their first kiss, a ghost tour date, taking care of Celeste’s hair, understanding after getting her period, and of course the all nighter and the flowers.
I think Celeste could’ve been a little more there for Lincoln, but she’s clearly learning how to be in a relationship and understanding all her feelings. She still bought Lincoln’s favorite books to have something to talk about and was very receptive to his communication.
There were a couple grammar mistakes, small ones but noticeable. Things like “gOt” and “by still my beating heart” instead of be. I also wish we got some glimpse of their first meeting together, it’s brought up how Celeste would have anxiety about texting Lincoln back but I was hoping we’d see how they got to even exchange numbers (maybe it was in one of the other books and I forgot).
I can’t wait for whatever is next and hopefully it takes less than 2 years, but I’ll be patient, definitely worth the wait.
I’ve been dying to read the next book of this series for 2 years and I’m so glad that we finally got this book.
These characters were both very relatable for me. Celeste having social anxiety and being demisexual and Lincoln having no idea what he wants to do in the future and a tad lost.
There were so many cute moments where Lincoln just shined as a love interest. Giving Celeste physical space when noticing she was nervous, learning how to make specific tea, communicating after their first kiss, a ghost tour date, taking care of Celeste’s hair, understanding after getting her period, and of course the all nighter and the flowers.
I think Celeste could’ve been a little more there for Lincoln, but she’s clearly learning how to be in a relationship and understanding all her feelings. She still bought Lincoln’s favorite books to have something to talk about and was very receptive to his communication.
There were a couple grammar mistakes, small ones but noticeable. Things like “gOt” and “by still my beating heart” instead of be. I also wish we got some glimpse of their first meeting together, it’s brought up how Celeste would have anxiety about texting Lincoln back but I was hoping we’d see how they got to even exchange numbers (maybe it was in one of the other books and I forgot).
I can’t wait for whatever is next and hopefully it takes less than 2 years, but I’ll be patient, definitely worth the wait.
October 24, 2025
Immaculate
I love the way the topics and themes covered are handled with care with the character's personalities. I love the both of them, both their PoVs are so immersive it feels like I get to experience their failures and triumphs. The clear growth over the story was great to witness. I felt so strongly for both of them as they struggled throughout, especially when their loved ones were concerned. I do wish there were more scenes of Celeste with Naomi or her brothers. But I understand her personality and anxiety kept her isolated most of the time. Lincoln's friendships were everything, but it was frustrating and sad to watch him self-destruct in tiny ways. Undiagnosed disorders can really wreck havoc on someone's life if they don't know and/or have the needed support. I'm glad Lincoln had so many people to love him. (His Grandma is definitely of that Black old school thinking, 'Ain't nothing wrong with that baby!' lol)
Also, the delicately placed spice is spicy.
How could you end this without writing their fantasy scene? Gosh, I wanna read that. You make their intimate moments feel so present and engaging. 🖤🤌🏾
Minor points, towards the very end of the book, there are some typos and missing words, but the rest was without error.
I love the way the topics and themes covered are handled with care with the character's personalities. I love the both of them, both their PoVs are so immersive it feels like I get to experience their failures and triumphs. The clear growth over the story was great to witness. I felt so strongly for both of them as they struggled throughout, especially when their loved ones were concerned. I do wish there were more scenes of Celeste with Naomi or her brothers. But I understand her personality and anxiety kept her isolated most of the time. Lincoln's friendships were everything, but it was frustrating and sad to watch him self-destruct in tiny ways. Undiagnosed disorders can really wreck havoc on someone's life if they don't know and/or have the needed support. I'm glad Lincoln had so many people to love him. (His Grandma is definitely of that Black old school thinking, 'Ain't nothing wrong with that baby!' lol)
Also, the delicately placed spice is spicy.
How could you end this without writing their fantasy scene? Gosh, I wanna read that. You make their intimate moments feel so present and engaging. 🖤🤌🏾
Minor points, towards the very end of the book, there are some typos and missing words, but the rest was without error.
December 30, 2025
3.5 rounded up
I love Deanna Greys writing and the way she creates characters and this book is no exception. I love the way lincoln and celeste are written as individuals and I enjoyed seeing them interact and fall for each other. I think one of Deanna Greys biggest strengths as a writer is her ability to write characters that feel fully human fully fleshed out like you could meet these people irl.
unfortunately I didn’t loveee this book only because I wasn’t a huge fan of the main storyline. I think the musical was cool but it just wasn’t very fun. there was no excitement, no drama, no twists or turns, it just played out very regularly like this was a friend telling me about her summer musical that she wrote. and honestly realistic story building is a skill I WISH other authors had, but sadly this book was a bit tooo real which made it uninteresting at times. if there were some added stakes or conflict or risk taking I would’ve really liked it more but the mundanity made it a little meh.
I do still love lincoln and celeste so they kind of make up for it. I also enjoyed how finn and naomi (my fav book btw) were authentically weaved into the story.
though this really wasn’t my fav I will be reading whatever deanna grey gives us!
I love Deanna Greys writing and the way she creates characters and this book is no exception. I love the way lincoln and celeste are written as individuals and I enjoyed seeing them interact and fall for each other. I think one of Deanna Greys biggest strengths as a writer is her ability to write characters that feel fully human fully fleshed out like you could meet these people irl.
unfortunately I didn’t loveee this book only because I wasn’t a huge fan of the main storyline. I think the musical was cool but it just wasn’t very fun. there was no excitement, no drama, no twists or turns, it just played out very regularly like this was a friend telling me about her summer musical that she wrote. and honestly realistic story building is a skill I WISH other authors had, but sadly this book was a bit tooo real which made it uninteresting at times. if there were some added stakes or conflict or risk taking I would’ve really liked it more but the mundanity made it a little meh.
I do still love lincoln and celeste so they kind of make up for it. I also enjoyed how finn and naomi (my fav book btw) were authentically weaved into the story.
though this really wasn’t my fav I will be reading whatever deanna grey gives us!
January 5, 2026
3.5 STARS ROUNDED UP FOR GREAT ANXIETY/DEMISEXUALITY REP
I have loved this series so far and while this one isn’t bad, it just didn’t meet the bar set by the previous books. I loved the FMC Celeste. I think she was a great representation of living with extreme anxiety and being on the asexuality spectrum. I loved how accepting the people in her life were without ever trying to change her. At the beginning of the book I thought Lincoln was going to be the perfect MMC, but he ended up disappointing me. He didn't have the growth I was hoping for until the very end and that gave me a "happy for now" feeling instead of the happily ever after I look for.
My biggest complaint was the lack of conflict I guess. Celeste & Lincoln have a history before this book stars and even though everything happens over a full summer, it felt insta-lovey. They were just working on the musical, being perfectly supportive and communicative for a lot of the plot. It's not bad, but just a bit boring. No will they - won't they and no big outside factors to work against.
Tropes:
I have loved this series so far and while this one isn’t bad, it just didn’t meet the bar set by the previous books. I loved the FMC Celeste. I think she was a great representation of living with extreme anxiety and being on the asexuality spectrum. I loved how accepting the people in her life were without ever trying to change her. At the beginning of the book I thought Lincoln was going to be the perfect MMC, but he ended up disappointing me. He didn't have the growth I was hoping for until the very end and that gave me a "happy for now" feeling instead of the happily ever after I look for.
My biggest complaint was the lack of conflict I guess. Celeste & Lincoln have a history before this book stars and even though everything happens over a full summer, it felt insta-lovey. They were just working on the musical, being perfectly supportive and communicative for a lot of the plot. It's not bad, but just a bit boring. No will they - won't they and no big outside factors to work against.
Tropes:
December 26, 2025
3.5⭐️- So this book took me 3 months to finish 🫠🫠🫠 but I PROMISE IM THE PROBLEM LMAO. This book was v cute I felt so seen in Celeste & the anxiety rep was done so well. The thoughts that Celeste had in the midst of her anxiety were so accurate and really resonated with me. Lincoln was such a cutie a hot mess but a cutie 😭. He was so down bad for Celeste 🤏🏾🤏🏾. Their whole relationship was just wholesome and filled with so much mutual respect and kindness. ALSO ADHD REP IM SEEN AGAIN (IS THIS FKN PLAY ABOUT US)
The friendship between this group is so wholesome. Lincoln felt like a failure & they all did their part to show he isn’t. I JUST LOVE THEM. His character development was so good to see. At the start it felt like he was being forced to do things & lacked independence but by the end he learned how to fix his own mistakes.
However this book didn’t scream WOWW to me it was. Ice but I may forget this book in a couple day 🤣. Also Lincoln was in love with her before they even really had a relationship whjch was ehhh to me cos what do you love ???
All in all this was an enjoyable read even though it took me 3 months to read 300 pages 🤣🤣💓
The friendship between this group is so wholesome. Lincoln felt like a failure & they all did their part to show he isn’t. I JUST LOVE THEM. His character development was so good to see. At the start it felt like he was being forced to do things & lacked independence but by the end he learned how to fix his own mistakes.
However this book didn’t scream WOWW to me it was. Ice but I may forget this book in a couple day 🤣. Also Lincoln was in love with her before they even really had a relationship whjch was ehhh to me cos what do you love ???
All in all this was an enjoyable read even though it took me 3 months to read 300 pages 🤣🤣💓
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