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Texas Hearts #1
Inevitable
Micah
Bastian has been my everything since we were kids. He brought me out of my shell and became the one person I couldn't live without. Some might say we are codependent, but he's my kindred spirit and I fell for him before my heart even knew what was happening. What's the problem, you ask? Bash's feelings are totally platonic. He sees me only as his best friend, nothing more. I have to find a way to move on because one thing is clear. He'll never choose me.
Bastian
I don't know when I started to look at my best friend differently. Now he's all I can think of. Micah's become my every thought and desire, and I'm powerless against it. He's no longer just my ride or die. He's something much more. He thinks I don't want him. He believes that he doesn't own my heart, and he couldn't be more wrong. I would move mountains to have him be mine, but it's not safe. To protect him, I let him go so he has a chance to be happy, yet seeing him move on is eating me alive.
Amidst painful lies, evolving feelings, and impossible decisions, we struggle not to lose each other and the bond we share. When secrets collide with the desires we hold, we will discover whether or not we are inevitable.
Inevitable is a best friends to lovers MM romance with tons of pining, jealousy, sass, angst, a touch of codependency, and enough spice to melt the sheets! It is book one in the Texas Hearts series and can be read as a standalone.
Bastian has been my everything since we were kids. He brought me out of my shell and became the one person I couldn't live without. Some might say we are codependent, but he's my kindred spirit and I fell for him before my heart even knew what was happening. What's the problem, you ask? Bash's feelings are totally platonic. He sees me only as his best friend, nothing more. I have to find a way to move on because one thing is clear. He'll never choose me.
Bastian
I don't know when I started to look at my best friend differently. Now he's all I can think of. Micah's become my every thought and desire, and I'm powerless against it. He's no longer just my ride or die. He's something much more. He thinks I don't want him. He believes that he doesn't own my heart, and he couldn't be more wrong. I would move mountains to have him be mine, but it's not safe. To protect him, I let him go so he has a chance to be happy, yet seeing him move on is eating me alive.
Amidst painful lies, evolving feelings, and impossible decisions, we struggle not to lose each other and the bond we share. When secrets collide with the desires we hold, we will discover whether or not we are inevitable.
Inevitable is a best friends to lovers MM romance with tons of pining, jealousy, sass, angst, a touch of codependency, and enough spice to melt the sheets! It is book one in the Texas Hearts series and can be read as a standalone.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2025
About the author
Erin Rose
3 books27 followersErin Rose is a Texas native who is constantly escaping to the world of queer romance; never far from her emotional support Kindle, she spends her days reading, writing, and guzzling coffee in amounts considered dangerous and irresponsible. She is a licensed therapist working as a school counselor while moonlighting as an MM romance author. She loves to write realistically flawed, beautiful characters who serve all the humor, spice, and emotional gut punches on their way to the most satisfying HEAs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 4, 2024
"My love wasn't a secret to you. You understood, and you destroyed me anyway. "
DNF 50%. I feel sick and mean when they hook up with other people.
If I had known about the OW/OM drama, I wouldn't have signed up for the arc. I'm not saying it's a bad book. it's really good, esp for a debut. It's just not good for my fragile heart.
" I don't know what to do, Bash. It hurts to be without you. It hurts to be with you. I don't know which is worse anymore. You don't want me (BUT HE FUCKING DOES) but then you seem upset when I try to move on with Kit...I don't know what to do with that"
These besties, are secretly in love with each other. They drunkenly hook up one night, Micah confesses his feelings for him while Bash does the complete opposite, he pretends he doesn't remember them hooking up.YEP! Cold. After all this, Micah finds out in a terrible way that Bash has a secret girlfriend of 7 months..Its arranged but Bash doesn't tell Micah that. Just breaks our dudes heart.
"You continued to lie about Ainsley and I had to endure seeing you together even though you realized how much it killed me"
I'm not even mad that Micah hooked up with someone else.(yes on page) He saw Bash sexy dancing with his girl, so he was trying to get over him. I'm mad that Bash lied about so much, then had the nerve to cry and make Micah feel bad about trying to move on from him? Boofuckinghoo.
2 times Micah told him he loved him more than friends and both times he broke his heart.
"The damage your lie cause stretched far beyond that one night,"
I skimmed after 50ish%
I get his dad's threats were scary, but??idk. Talk to your momma.
Off to something fluffy.
DNF 50%. I feel sick and mean when they hook up with other people.
If I had known about the OW/OM drama, I wouldn't have signed up for the arc. I'm not saying it's a bad book. it's really good, esp for a debut. It's just not good for my fragile heart.
" I don't know what to do, Bash. It hurts to be without you. It hurts to be with you. I don't know which is worse anymore. You don't want me (BUT HE FUCKING DOES) but then you seem upset when I try to move on with Kit...I don't know what to do with that"
These besties, are secretly in love with each other. They drunkenly hook up one night, Micah confesses his feelings for him while Bash does the complete opposite, he pretends he doesn't remember them hooking up.YEP! Cold. After all this, Micah finds out in a terrible way that Bash has a secret girlfriend of 7 months..Its arranged but Bash doesn't tell Micah that. Just breaks our dudes heart.
"You continued to lie about Ainsley and I had to endure seeing you together even though you realized how much it killed me"
I'm not even mad that Micah hooked up with someone else.(yes on page) He saw Bash sexy dancing with his girl, so he was trying to get over him. I'm mad that Bash lied about so much, then had the nerve to cry and make Micah feel bad about trying to move on from him? Boofuckinghoo.
2 times Micah told him he loved him more than friends and both times he broke his heart.
"The damage your lie cause stretched far beyond that one night,"
I skimmed after 50ish%
I get his dad's threats were scary, but??idk. Talk to your momma.
Off to something fluffy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
This was a 10 Stars Read for me
This debut book, ‘Inevitable’ by Erin Rose is unbelievably good, if this is her first book the sky is the limit for what she may produce in the future. Yes, she has 5 or 6 follow ups in this series, Book 2, 3 and 4 is based on characters who featured large in this Book 1 ‘Inevitable’. I so hope she launches them soon as there are characters I need to know more about out.
Usually it’s at the 80% point when the ‘kick to the gut’ happens in these stories, but 4 chapters in and I feel I need to go to the ER for medical help with my heart and rehydration after shedding so many tears, mostly for Micah, but also for Bastien, for different t reasons.
Micah is the adorable, kind, loving, Psychology student at University in Dallas, their hometown. His best friend since they were 13 years old, Bastien DuPont, chose to go to University in Austin. They’ve always kept in constant touch and visited every school break. Missing his BFF, Bastien eventually persuaded Micah to transfer to be nearer each other. Thing is, Micah chose to have that space between them because he has been in love with straight Bastien forever and is afraid of losing this wonderful friendship they share. Plus, he doesn’t think he could bear seeing Bastien dating and leaving him eventually. But of course, the heart wants what it wants, so Micah is about to transfer to Austin.
Bastien, yes I cried and sympathised with him because of his cruel, overbearing Politician father who is running for election. He needs funding and has planned a merger with the daughter of another prominent local family to gain their money. Bastien’s mother has been ground down by her controlling husband and suffers intermittent bouts of depression. Micah and his parents have been Bastien’s lifeline through his miserable life.
A week before his departure for Uni in Austin, Bastien comes down to help Micah pack up and in the evening they went out to celebrate. Both get very drunk, and when a guy in the pub tries to chat up Micah, the green eyes monster comes to the surface in Bastien. Staggering home together and having to share a bed, things happen, ‘friendship’ lines are crossed.
This was Micah’s first time and he’s blissed out. He even has the ‘Dutch courage’ to tell Bastien he has always loved him. Problem was Bastien eyes were already closed in sleep and he doesn’t hear Micah’s declaration. Facing each other in the morning Bastien wants to know what happened last night. This rang alarms bells for Micah and he just said they got drunk and fell asleep.
This and several other incidents across every chapter was a ‘gut punch’ for Micah and for me the reader. It hurt so much to see what was happening for these two best friends.
I’ve got to say that Erin Rose has written a magnificent story with characters that are so real and diverse. Her writing is beautiful, very descriptive of people, scenery and the situations, both good and bad. Plus no grammatical or spelling bloopers.
It’s a really tough story of Best Friend to Lovers, one of the best I’ve read and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys well written storylines in this genre. You won’t regret the hours spent reading this 450ish page gem of a MM story which is due to launch very soon. Put it top of your TBR list.
I’d give it 10 STARS if allowed, but it’s definitely 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟sparklers all the way from me.
This debut book, ‘Inevitable’ by Erin Rose is unbelievably good, if this is her first book the sky is the limit for what she may produce in the future. Yes, she has 5 or 6 follow ups in this series, Book 2, 3 and 4 is based on characters who featured large in this Book 1 ‘Inevitable’. I so hope she launches them soon as there are characters I need to know more about out.
Usually it’s at the 80% point when the ‘kick to the gut’ happens in these stories, but 4 chapters in and I feel I need to go to the ER for medical help with my heart and rehydration after shedding so many tears, mostly for Micah, but also for Bastien, for different t reasons.
Micah is the adorable, kind, loving, Psychology student at University in Dallas, their hometown. His best friend since they were 13 years old, Bastien DuPont, chose to go to University in Austin. They’ve always kept in constant touch and visited every school break. Missing his BFF, Bastien eventually persuaded Micah to transfer to be nearer each other. Thing is, Micah chose to have that space between them because he has been in love with straight Bastien forever and is afraid of losing this wonderful friendship they share. Plus, he doesn’t think he could bear seeing Bastien dating and leaving him eventually. But of course, the heart wants what it wants, so Micah is about to transfer to Austin.
Bastien, yes I cried and sympathised with him because of his cruel, overbearing Politician father who is running for election. He needs funding and has planned a merger with the daughter of another prominent local family to gain their money. Bastien’s mother has been ground down by her controlling husband and suffers intermittent bouts of depression. Micah and his parents have been Bastien’s lifeline through his miserable life.
A week before his departure for Uni in Austin, Bastien comes down to help Micah pack up and in the evening they went out to celebrate. Both get very drunk, and when a guy in the pub tries to chat up Micah, the green eyes monster comes to the surface in Bastien. Staggering home together and having to share a bed, things happen, ‘friendship’ lines are crossed.
This was Micah’s first time and he’s blissed out. He even has the ‘Dutch courage’ to tell Bastien he has always loved him. Problem was Bastien eyes were already closed in sleep and he doesn’t hear Micah’s declaration. Facing each other in the morning Bastien wants to know what happened last night. This rang alarms bells for Micah and he just said they got drunk and fell asleep.
This and several other incidents across every chapter was a ‘gut punch’ for Micah and for me the reader. It hurt so much to see what was happening for these two best friends.
I’ve got to say that Erin Rose has written a magnificent story with characters that are so real and diverse. Her writing is beautiful, very descriptive of people, scenery and the situations, both good and bad. Plus no grammatical or spelling bloopers.
It’s a really tough story of Best Friend to Lovers, one of the best I’ve read and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys well written storylines in this genre. You won’t regret the hours spent reading this 450ish page gem of a MM story which is due to launch very soon. Put it top of your TBR list.
I’d give it 10 STARS if allowed, but it’s definitely 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟sparklers all the way from me.
May 24, 2024
4.5 stars. I am completely amazed that this is a debut novel. There’s no way I would have known that by just reading the story. I’m quite impressed with this authors writing and absolutely look forward to reading more by them in the future.
This was a little bit of a difficult book to get through. The angst between these two best friends was off the charts and at times almost too much. I felt so much for both of these men. It was not an easy road for them but they also had some really sweet moments that helped balance out the heartbreak.
I loved Micah. He was such a sweet character and I couldn’t imagine going through the pining and hurt that he went through. I’m so glad that he did find the courage to stand up for himself though at one point and realized he couldn’t deal with the hurt anymore. He deserved the best and I’m so glad he was able to find his HEA!
Bash oh Bash. The hurt he caused as well as felt was sooooo much! I understand why he did the things he did but oh how I wish he did things differently. Once he made the decision to choose Micah though he was amazing!
This was a fantastic story, a bit longer than it maybe needed to be but absolutely worth the read if you’re in the mood for relationship angst. We met so many side characters in this story that are all getting their own story and I cannot wait for their books. Book 2 is supposed to be dark, I can’t even imagine what this author will do with their story!
This was a little bit of a difficult book to get through. The angst between these two best friends was off the charts and at times almost too much. I felt so much for both of these men. It was not an easy road for them but they also had some really sweet moments that helped balance out the heartbreak.
I loved Micah. He was such a sweet character and I couldn’t imagine going through the pining and hurt that he went through. I’m so glad that he did find the courage to stand up for himself though at one point and realized he couldn’t deal with the hurt anymore. He deserved the best and I’m so glad he was able to find his HEA!
Bash oh Bash. The hurt he caused as well as felt was sooooo much! I understand why he did the things he did but oh how I wish he did things differently. Once he made the decision to choose Micah though he was amazing!
This was a fantastic story, a bit longer than it maybe needed to be but absolutely worth the read if you’re in the mood for relationship angst. We met so many side characters in this story that are all getting their own story and I cannot wait for their books. Book 2 is supposed to be dark, I can’t even imagine what this author will do with their story!
August 16, 2025
3.5 ★
Micah has been hopelessly in love with his best friend, Bash, for years, who he always assumed was straight. However, one drunken hookup is the catalyst for their entire relationship to change, and the journey is not an easy one.
Inevitable is a rollercoaster of emotions throughout, and admittedly the first half of the book was quite frustrating to read with the amount of push/pull between the characters. I am a sucker for high-angst books, but at times it felt a little bit repetitive, and the pacing was slow. However, the second half of the book really grabbed my attention, and I loved watching the relationship develop between Bash and Micah.
Even though Bash is a massive twat, I couldn't help but root for him and Micah. They had great chemistry, and the spice was spiiiiiiiccingg. At times they were really cute, and I definitely felt their emotions and pining through the pages. I also loved getting a glimpse of some of the side characters, and their stories to come.
Also, bonus points for top tier grovelling.
However, I felt like in some cases there was more telling than showing, and I didn't always gel with the writing style. For example, toxic codependency is mentioned several times (my favourite trope!), but I didn't really see any evidence of that. For much of the book the characters aren't physically together or even speaking, and whilst they're friends they don't seem to touch much either. I would have liked to see more of their friendship on-page, rather than only learning about it from their inner monologues. I also don’t like it when the only FMC in an MM book has to be portrayed as a mega bitch.
Overall though, I think this is a promising debut, and I'm definitely intrigued by the other characters stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Micah has been hopelessly in love with his best friend, Bash, for years, who he always assumed was straight. However, one drunken hookup is the catalyst for their entire relationship to change, and the journey is not an easy one.
Inevitable is a rollercoaster of emotions throughout, and admittedly the first half of the book was quite frustrating to read with the amount of push/pull between the characters. I am a sucker for high-angst books, but at times it felt a little bit repetitive, and the pacing was slow. However, the second half of the book really grabbed my attention, and I loved watching the relationship develop between Bash and Micah.
Even though Bash is a massive twat, I couldn't help but root for him and Micah. They had great chemistry, and the spice was spiiiiiiiccingg. At times they were really cute, and I definitely felt their emotions and pining through the pages. I also loved getting a glimpse of some of the side characters, and their stories to come.
Also, bonus points for top tier grovelling.
However, I felt like in some cases there was more telling than showing, and I didn't always gel with the writing style. For example, toxic codependency is mentioned several times (my favourite trope!), but I didn't really see any evidence of that. For much of the book the characters aren't physically together or even speaking, and whilst they're friends they don't seem to touch much either. I would have liked to see more of their friendship on-page, rather than only learning about it from their inner monologues. I also don’t like it when the only FMC in an MM book has to be portrayed as a mega bitch.
Overall though, I think this is a promising debut, and I'm definitely intrigued by the other characters stories.
"We are not an option, we are not a choice to make. We are inevitable. It was always going to be you and me, baby."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2024
Oh my heart! This book is a roller coaster of emotions, from the highest highs to the lowest lows. And also it's sexy as hell.
Childhood best friends, Micah and Bash, have been attached at the hip since middle school. Separated for the first 2 years of college, they're about to be at the same school in the same city the way they've talked and dreamed about. But Micah's unexpressed feelings and Bash's unrealized ones clash in a spectacular way that threatens to upend their entire lives. Throw in Bash's extremely controlling and conservative father and it's a recipe for disaster.
I love love love a best friends to lovers plot and then throw in extreme angst and I'm a goner. The chemistry between the MCs is straight fire and the deep emotions had me from go. There are several side stories set up for future books and I am absolutely here for it.
Childhood best friends, Micah and Bash, have been attached at the hip since middle school. Separated for the first 2 years of college, they're about to be at the same school in the same city the way they've talked and dreamed about. But Micah's unexpressed feelings and Bash's unrealized ones clash in a spectacular way that threatens to upend their entire lives. Throw in Bash's extremely controlling and conservative father and it's a recipe for disaster.
I love love love a best friends to lovers plot and then throw in extreme angst and I'm a goner. The chemistry between the MCs is straight fire and the deep emotions had me from go. There are several side stories set up for future books and I am absolutely here for it.
February 15, 2024
Some stories simply touch your heart even if they are not new, even if you can predict what is going to happen, even if you’ve read something similar before. Even then. Some stories make you feel. Inevitable was one of those for me.
Bash and Micah have been best friends since childhood and now they are so much more. They are soulmates, each other’s other half. While Micah has forever been in love with Bash, Bash has just recently realised his love for Micah. Circumstances however deny Bash to accept and validate Micah’s affection. The journey to their forever is what the book is all about.
I could not believe this is a debut book. The language is flawless. It is youthful and fun making the college going mainstream characters believable.
“Come on, you can fucking do this. Just say it! Elsa that shit and let it go!”
“My good judgment had noped the fuck out of there the instant his lips landed on mine”
The writing is painful and beautiful where it matters.
“He remembered none of it. It didn’t exist to him. I alone carried the secret of our stolen kisses and caresses, and it was a burden that was slowly crushing me beneath its weight. “
The emotions are expressed beautifully. I wish I could communicate my feelings as well as Micah does.
I am so glad it will be a series of stories and this beautiful couple will probably make an appearance in the others sometime.
This one is an intimate story of friendship and love.
Includes sexual description so adult reading recommendation only.
Bash and Micah have been best friends since childhood and now they are so much more. They are soulmates, each other’s other half. While Micah has forever been in love with Bash, Bash has just recently realised his love for Micah. Circumstances however deny Bash to accept and validate Micah’s affection. The journey to their forever is what the book is all about.
I could not believe this is a debut book. The language is flawless. It is youthful and fun making the college going mainstream characters believable.
“Come on, you can fucking do this. Just say it! Elsa that shit and let it go!”
“My good judgment had noped the fuck out of there the instant his lips landed on mine”
The writing is painful and beautiful where it matters.
“He remembered none of it. It didn’t exist to him. I alone carried the secret of our stolen kisses and caresses, and it was a burden that was slowly crushing me beneath its weight. “
The emotions are expressed beautifully. I wish I could communicate my feelings as well as Micah does.
I am so glad it will be a series of stories and this beautiful couple will probably make an appearance in the others sometime.
This one is an intimate story of friendship and love.
Includes sexual description so adult reading recommendation only.
May 18, 2024
This book was a journey. An absolute emotional rollercoaster. I went from a puddle of melted goo to absolutely murderous and hit every branch of feels on the way down. I am still completely gobsmacked that this is a DEBUT novel. To say Erin Rose was born to write is an understatement. I didn't READ this book. I LIVED it.
One of the best things about the author's writing is the way her dual POV delivered two very distinct voices. I never questioned whose chapter I was reading. I remember being like 12 pages in and messaging her to tell her that I wanted to live in Micah's head forever. He's so freaking funny. He's also sassy, bratty, and loving. He is hands down the best kind of character.
The title of this book is so freaking appropriate. Bash and Micah were Inevitable. Erin Rose being the one to tell their story was Inevitable. The world falling in love with these two and their story is absolutely Inevitable. Come June, Erin, Bash, and Micah are going to take the world by storm, and I am so honored to have gotten a front row seat.
Trying to tell you guys how amazing this book is without giving anything away was so hard! But trust me when I say, going in blind was such a blessing. Having no preconceived notions about this book, gave me the opportunity to experience it in its purest form. If you take nothing else from this review, take this-go in blind. Let Micah and Bash tell you their story.
(ARC read. Honest review)
One of the best things about the author's writing is the way her dual POV delivered two very distinct voices. I never questioned whose chapter I was reading. I remember being like 12 pages in and messaging her to tell her that I wanted to live in Micah's head forever. He's so freaking funny. He's also sassy, bratty, and loving. He is hands down the best kind of character.
The title of this book is so freaking appropriate. Bash and Micah were Inevitable. Erin Rose being the one to tell their story was Inevitable. The world falling in love with these two and their story is absolutely Inevitable. Come June, Erin, Bash, and Micah are going to take the world by storm, and I am so honored to have gotten a front row seat.
Trying to tell you guys how amazing this book is without giving anything away was so hard! But trust me when I say, going in blind was such a blessing. Having no preconceived notions about this book, gave me the opportunity to experience it in its purest form. If you take nothing else from this review, take this-go in blind. Let Micah and Bash tell you their story.
(ARC read. Honest review)
May 19, 2024
Not bad for a debut book!
This college best-friends-to-lovers romance hits with a roller coaster of drama. Plenty of angst! The twists were a bit predictable but still engaging. A bit of a lull about 2/3rds of the way in for me, but it resolved well.
I wondered if it would be like Fool Hearts or To Catch A Firefly (with its childhood best friends pining), but I’d say this book is its own category. Both guys figure out their feelings pretty early on, so clueless “straight” best friends aren’t the issue. It’s a world of other trials, some that leave you asking if this protagonist is a good guy, but it arguably redeems itself later on.
If you’re looking for a spotless perfect relationship, this isn’t it, but I found that compelling. Everyone is trying their best, even if some people are really bad at it. Micah is the star of this book and he’s done nothing wrong in his life ever. Same with Rhys, whose book I’m excited to read in the future.
I personally liked the book, and am looking forward to the series.
Angst: 4/5
Spice: 5/5
This college best-friends-to-lovers romance hits with a roller coaster of drama. Plenty of angst! The twists were a bit predictable but still engaging. A bit of a lull about 2/3rds of the way in for me, but it resolved well.
I wondered if it would be like Fool Hearts or To Catch A Firefly (with its childhood best friends pining), but I’d say this book is its own category. Both guys figure out their feelings pretty early on, so clueless “straight” best friends aren’t the issue. It’s a world of other trials, some that leave you asking if this protagonist is a good guy, but it arguably redeems itself later on.
If you’re looking for a spotless perfect relationship, this isn’t it, but I found that compelling. Everyone is trying their best, even if some people are really bad at it. Micah is the star of this book and he’s done nothing wrong in his life ever. Same with Rhys, whose book I’m excited to read in the future.
I personally liked the book, and am looking forward to the series.
Angst: 4/5
Spice: 5/5
August 17, 2025
Micah and Bash were best friends, but from the beginning it felt like more. It just took Bash a minute to catch up to his feelings. I enjoyed the sexual tension between the two and the various external conflicts kept me guessing. I didn't love how out there the plot was. I had to suspend a lot of disbelief, which I sometimes don't mind, so maybe it was more of my mood at the time that made me not totally vibe with this story. I thought both men had great friends who really helped out when they needed them. And both characters felt real because they were flawed. I don't typically love a cheating aspect, even if the person being cheated on is awful, so that's totally on me, too. I thought the writing was great, especially for a debut! Overall, this was an enjoyable read, if perhaps not up my alley.
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, best friends to lovers, bi awakening, college, cheating, jealousy
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, best friends to lovers, bi awakening, college, cheating, jealousy
May 22, 2024
A thousand stars. That’s what this book deserves. I *might* be crying that it’s over and that’s only happened to me with 2 other books in my life 🥹
From the very first page I was drawn in by Micah. He had me cracking up throughout this whole book and I hope he makes lots of appearances in the future books of this series.
Bash… This man knew what to say and when to say it. I have never highlighted so many things in a book. He might of messed up a few times but he sure knew how to grovel.
As far as the storyline goes, this book was perfection. I felt like I was in the book with these guys fighting for their relationship. It was SO angsty and there was so much back and forth on if they could or couldn’t be together and I loved every second of it. Their relationship was messy but that’s real life for ya.
Also, wanna give a quick shoutout to the spice in this book. Because holy hell it was HOT. Grab the headboard, baby 🥵
“We were no longer a tragedy, but a romance fulfilled. We were the story that begged to be written. Our story lines intertwined into something far more beautiful than we could have ever hoped for. Our hearts had inevitably found their way back to each other, right where they belonged. Forever.”
From the very first page I was drawn in by Micah. He had me cracking up throughout this whole book and I hope he makes lots of appearances in the future books of this series.
Bash… This man knew what to say and when to say it. I have never highlighted so many things in a book. He might of messed up a few times but he sure knew how to grovel.
As far as the storyline goes, this book was perfection. I felt like I was in the book with these guys fighting for their relationship. It was SO angsty and there was so much back and forth on if they could or couldn’t be together and I loved every second of it. Their relationship was messy but that’s real life for ya.
Also, wanna give a quick shoutout to the spice in this book. Because holy hell it was HOT. Grab the headboard, baby 🥵
“We were no longer a tragedy, but a romance fulfilled. We were the story that begged to be written. Our story lines intertwined into something far more beautiful than we could have ever hoped for. Our hearts had inevitably found their way back to each other, right where they belonged. Forever.”
Did Not Finish
May 21, 2024DNF. I hate the OW/OM trope and in here it's just too much. I don't like my MCs sleeping with other people unless it's MM+. And I am so over lies and miscommunication in my books, it's not even funny. I did jump to the end to see why Bash did what he did but if Micah was really his best friend he would have explained why they were not a possibility instead of all the lies. Meh.
Having said this, I still want to read the next book(s) because I liked the writing and I think this author has lots of potential. I just need it not be a trope I hate with a passion haha
Having said this, I still want to read the next book(s) because I liked the writing and I think this author has lots of potential. I just need it not be a trope I hate with a passion haha
paused
May 11, 2024I am dangerously looking forward to reading this. No joke, those promotional snippets posted by the author on IG? Yes please and yes quickly.
June 17, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5 🌟
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Heroes: Micah and Bastian
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Heroes: Micah and Bastian
March 25, 2024
Spice- 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Tropes-
MM Romance 👨🏼🤝👨🏻
Smutty🔥
Friends to lovers💞
Fated Mates✨
Insecurities❤️🩹
Lots of 'baby' moments❤️🔥
This is a debut book and it has surpassed every expectation I had. The writing is neat and spot on.
One star reduced only because I personally felt the story was a bit stretched at specific moments but other than that, I see no flaw.
I really wanted to read a good MM romance. I tried Red, White and Royal Blue but that didn't do it for me.
But this book was so much more. The plot was amazing, the fears and insecurities, their love for each other was described beautifully.
Micah is such a sweetheart and lives with an amazing amazing roommate. Bash is a super hot guy who loves his childhood bestfriend and cannot be away from him.
I loved how Bash explores his own feelings for his best friend throughout the story and never let's the love of his life go once he realises his mistake and love towards him. The inner thoughts of both the characters was just spot on.
Whatever came their way, they knew they were meant to be together.
Loved loved loved this book a lot✨
Tropes-
MM Romance 👨🏼🤝👨🏻
Smutty🔥
Friends to lovers💞
Fated Mates✨
Insecurities❤️🩹
Lots of 'baby' moments❤️🔥
This is a debut book and it has surpassed every expectation I had. The writing is neat and spot on.
One star reduced only because I personally felt the story was a bit stretched at specific moments but other than that, I see no flaw.
I really wanted to read a good MM romance. I tried Red, White and Royal Blue but that didn't do it for me.
But this book was so much more. The plot was amazing, the fears and insecurities, their love for each other was described beautifully.
Micah is such a sweetheart and lives with an amazing amazing roommate. Bash is a super hot guy who loves his childhood bestfriend and cannot be away from him.
I loved how Bash explores his own feelings for his best friend throughout the story and never let's the love of his life go once he realises his mistake and love towards him. The inner thoughts of both the characters was just spot on.
Whatever came their way, they knew they were meant to be together.
Loved loved loved this book a lot✨
February 24, 2024
I enjoyed the story and was rooting for the two main characters. I found the book more spicey than the typical mlm, with excellent dirty talk between the characters. Her writing style is easy to read and engaging. She does the tropes justice, and her characters are well-developed. Filled with heat, heartbreak, high angst, and growth. Great coming out story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 18, 2024
It's really hard to believe that this is a debut, this book touched me in so many ways. From the very first chapter you can 'feel' that it's inevitable that both MC's are soulmates, are meant to be together always.
Micah is sweet, funny, a ray of sunshine. He's got a loving family and lots of support. Contrary to Bash who's not getting along with his. Both have been childhood friends since their 13th, Micah feeling more than friendship, while Bash only just started to realise his feelings for Micah aren't just platonic.
Their happy ending is so hard fought for, Bash can't just freely go for Micah, there's obstacles that have to be overcome. But once he's made peace with how he feels about Micah, he's all in.
This was a great book, and when the author mentioned at the end that this was going to be a series, I couldn't be more pleased. I'm very much looking forward to who's going to shine in the next book.
*I kindly received a copy of this book by Booksirens, this is my honest review.*
Micah is sweet, funny, a ray of sunshine. He's got a loving family and lots of support. Contrary to Bash who's not getting along with his. Both have been childhood friends since their 13th, Micah feeling more than friendship, while Bash only just started to realise his feelings for Micah aren't just platonic.
Their happy ending is so hard fought for, Bash can't just freely go for Micah, there's obstacles that have to be overcome. But once he's made peace with how he feels about Micah, he's all in.
This was a great book, and when the author mentioned at the end that this was going to be a series, I couldn't be more pleased. I'm very much looking forward to who's going to shine in the next book.
*I kindly received a copy of this book by Booksirens, this is my honest review.*
April 1, 2026
Infinity stars.
Zero effs given if you criticize this book, because I’m definitely not listening. This has made it to top 2 favourite books of all time. You want angst? This has it? Best friends to lovers? Yup got that too. Endless protector but messing it up? Absolutely. Never dying love for each other? WITHOUT A DOUBT!
However I will say I don’t love hating women so that sucked but imma be honest Ainsley sucks big huge giant smelly balls. And Bash’s dad is a waste of space and I can’t stand him. If this is on audio it’ll be triple my new personality. Fair warning!
Zero effs given if you criticize this book, because I’m definitely not listening. This has made it to top 2 favourite books of all time. You want angst? This has it? Best friends to lovers? Yup got that too. Endless protector but messing it up? Absolutely. Never dying love for each other? WITHOUT A DOUBT!
However I will say I don’t love hating women so that sucked but imma be honest Ainsley sucks big huge giant smelly balls. And Bash’s dad is a waste of space and I can’t stand him. If this is on audio it’ll be triple my new personality. Fair warning!
May 25, 2024
I am a persnickety reader. I don’t think it’s a good thing or a bad thing — it just is. I like a well-edited book, damn it, and I don’t think that’s asking too much. In all of my favorite books, the prose flows like water, like air; it’s so natural and authentic that my brain stops consciously noticing it. Those are the absolute best stories… it feels like I can shut my conscious brain off and just watch a movie in my mind’s eye. Generally I’m pleasantly surprised by the quality of indie romance novels, both by the authors and by the independent editors they hire to review their work.
“Inevitable” needed both a developmental edit and a thorough proofread to get any higher than two, maybe two and a half stars. It was littered with homophone errors and incorrect grammar. It needed fact checking (for example, as far as Google could find, Usher didn’t have anything to do with the song “blame it on the alcohol”). The dialogue was juvenile and melodramatic — LOTS of exclamation points, lots of sweeping, verbose declarations, and extreme overuse of nicknames/names in general. (I always find this to be super unnatural and jarring. People don’t start every sentence in a conversation by saying the other person’s name; generally it’s used in greeting or when being specifically emphatic. This is especially true when the conversation is only happening between two characters/people and no one else is around.) The overall effect of these problems was that every time I tried to get into that flow state of reading, my brain was hitting the eject button.
I recognize that “Inevitable” is Erin Rose’s freshman effort, which is why I finished the book rather than DNFing it and moving on. I do think there were good things about this story. The characters were complex and nuanced. The 80% conflict was handled well, and the grovel at the end was great. I think, with a good editor on her team, Rose has a lot of potential.
“Inevitable” needed both a developmental edit and a thorough proofread to get any higher than two, maybe two and a half stars. It was littered with homophone errors and incorrect grammar. It needed fact checking (for example, as far as Google could find, Usher didn’t have anything to do with the song “blame it on the alcohol”). The dialogue was juvenile and melodramatic — LOTS of exclamation points, lots of sweeping, verbose declarations, and extreme overuse of nicknames/names in general. (I always find this to be super unnatural and jarring. People don’t start every sentence in a conversation by saying the other person’s name; generally it’s used in greeting or when being specifically emphatic. This is especially true when the conversation is only happening between two characters/people and no one else is around.) The overall effect of these problems was that every time I tried to get into that flow state of reading, my brain was hitting the eject button.
I recognize that “Inevitable” is Erin Rose’s freshman effort, which is why I finished the book rather than DNFing it and moving on. I do think there were good things about this story. The characters were complex and nuanced. The 80% conflict was handled well, and the grovel at the end was great. I think, with a good editor on her team, Rose has a lot of potential.
June 8, 2024
This story of Micah and Bastian has two college juniors, best friends for the last seven years, and each other’s other half, although they don’t know that yet. Micah is gay and has been in love with Bash for years. Bash is straight, but is finding himself drawn to M in new ways, not sure what is going on. After one night where some barriers go down, Bastian finds himself backing off, keeping things to himself that will come back to haunt him sooner than he realizes. Once Micah changes schools to be closer to Bash, things change, tensions rise, and their best-friend-ship faces troubled times. Will lies and hidden truths be able to be forgiven or will they lose their best friends forever?
These are relatable characters facing challenges from family, pressures on relationships, and manipulation behind the scenes on more than one front. What Bash and M have is special, but it is tested many times over by internal and external forces as they try to find their way to each other to able to be the one who makes the other whole.
This is a debut novel with characters it is easy to care for and problems that seem insurmountable at times. I rated it a 4 rather than a 5 because although I liked the characters and wanted them to be together, the angst was drawn out longer than needed, at least for me. Understanding love is a time of joy but also doubt, I found myself getting frustrated with some of the back and forth soul searching both went through, but often with little progress. There story was told from a dual point of view, so you know what each is thinking during particular events, but at times it was repetitive and slow FOR ME personally. I am sure others would disagree with me. That said, I would recommend the book if you like angst because the actual relationship that Bash and M had was a beautiful one overall.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
These are relatable characters facing challenges from family, pressures on relationships, and manipulation behind the scenes on more than one front. What Bash and M have is special, but it is tested many times over by internal and external forces as they try to find their way to each other to able to be the one who makes the other whole.
This is a debut novel with characters it is easy to care for and problems that seem insurmountable at times. I rated it a 4 rather than a 5 because although I liked the characters and wanted them to be together, the angst was drawn out longer than needed, at least for me. Understanding love is a time of joy but also doubt, I found myself getting frustrated with some of the back and forth soul searching both went through, but often with little progress. There story was told from a dual point of view, so you know what each is thinking during particular events, but at times it was repetitive and slow FOR ME personally. I am sure others would disagree with me. That said, I would recommend the book if you like angst because the actual relationship that Bash and M had was a beautiful one overall.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2024
As a young author, I'm always eager to support debut novels. Erin Rose's 'Inevitable,' the first book in the Texas Hearts series, caught my attention with its intriguing title and promise of a contemporary romance. As a fan of MM romance and the Friends-to-Lovers trope, I dove in with anticipation.
**While reading an ARC, I encountered some formatting and editing issues that detracted slightly from my experience, hence omitting one star. However, beyond these technicalities, I found myself engrossed in the plot and the potential of the author's storytelling.
The pacing could use a bit of refinement, but overall, I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters. The portrayal of Micah and Bash's journey from friends to lovers was poignant, although Bash sometimes came across as a toxic partner. However, their relationship pushed all the right emotional buttons and kept me invested.
One standout aspect was Bash's father, a brilliantly manipulative villain who added depth to the story. The twist involving Bash's mother was also a highlight, adding layers to the narrative. Despite the editing issues, the plot was engaging, offering both pros and cons of the friends-to-lovers trope.
I particularly appreciated the inclusion of unexpected twists, such as the resolution involving Kit, and the decision to give one villain a surprisingly happy ending.
It's clear that 'Inevitable' has a strong plot with plenty of depth, and I would recommend it to readers looking for an engaging contemporary romance. With some refinement, Erin Rose's storytelling potential is sure to shine even brighter in future books of the Texas Hearts series.
**While reading an ARC, I encountered some formatting and editing issues that detracted slightly from my experience, hence omitting one star. However, beyond these technicalities, I found myself engrossed in the plot and the potential of the author's storytelling.
The pacing could use a bit of refinement, but overall, I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters. The portrayal of Micah and Bash's journey from friends to lovers was poignant, although Bash sometimes came across as a toxic partner. However, their relationship pushed all the right emotional buttons and kept me invested.
One standout aspect was Bash's father, a brilliantly manipulative villain who added depth to the story. The twist involving Bash's mother was also a highlight, adding layers to the narrative. Despite the editing issues, the plot was engaging, offering both pros and cons of the friends-to-lovers trope.
I particularly appreciated the inclusion of unexpected twists, such as the resolution involving Kit, and the decision to give one villain a surprisingly happy ending.
It's clear that 'Inevitable' has a strong plot with plenty of depth, and I would recommend it to readers looking for an engaging contemporary romance. With some refinement, Erin Rose's storytelling potential is sure to shine even brighter in future books of the Texas Hearts series.
May 26, 2024
DNF at 28%
I couldn’t finish this book. I tried longer than I would’ve normally because I was interested in the plot but I have to stop.
Unfortunately this book reads like a high schoolers attempt at writing a novel, and it needed an editor to clean it up. The formatting of conversations are hard to follow, the paragraph starts with one of the MCs speaking and ends with the other, so it’s difficult to keep track. Constantly flipping through multiple nicknames for either MC is also difficult for me to read because it just feels like I can’t follow who’s who. Also as another reviewer said, the repetitive use of each other’s names is wild. I mean multiple times in a sentence they are calling each other by their names or nicknames, it reads as unnatural.
The plot itself was a bit too juvenile for me, Micah loves Bash to an obsessive level and Bash loves Micah but can’t show it because of his homophobic dad, so he just constantly lies to Micah to save face.
As soon as the evil girlfriend showed up, who’s a plant for the political motives of Bash’s dad, I was annoyed. I don’t particularly enjoy m/f content in my m/m books. Adding Bash’s dad threatening Bash with putting his mother in a mental hospital, as if a future politician would ever do something like that, I knew it was the end for me.
Also the dialog is just bad, very cliche and young adult -esque. Something I would expect to read on like wattapad or on tumblr, not in a published novel.
Finding out this is the authors first go at this makes sense and hopefully they’ll learn and get better but I don’t think they’re for me.
I couldn’t finish this book. I tried longer than I would’ve normally because I was interested in the plot but I have to stop.
Unfortunately this book reads like a high schoolers attempt at writing a novel, and it needed an editor to clean it up. The formatting of conversations are hard to follow, the paragraph starts with one of the MCs speaking and ends with the other, so it’s difficult to keep track. Constantly flipping through multiple nicknames for either MC is also difficult for me to read because it just feels like I can’t follow who’s who. Also as another reviewer said, the repetitive use of each other’s names is wild. I mean multiple times in a sentence they are calling each other by their names or nicknames, it reads as unnatural.
The plot itself was a bit too juvenile for me, Micah loves Bash to an obsessive level and Bash loves Micah but can’t show it because of his homophobic dad, so he just constantly lies to Micah to save face.
As soon as the evil girlfriend showed up, who’s a plant for the political motives of Bash’s dad, I was annoyed. I don’t particularly enjoy m/f content in my m/m books. Adding Bash’s dad threatening Bash with putting his mother in a mental hospital, as if a future politician would ever do something like that, I knew it was the end for me.
Also the dialog is just bad, very cliche and young adult -esque. Something I would expect to read on like wattapad or on tumblr, not in a published novel.
Finding out this is the authors first go at this makes sense and hopefully they’ll learn and get better but I don’t think they’re for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
I have to say, I was debating whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars, and I ended up deciding to give it the last one because I really don't like to rate a book less if I can avoid it, especially when it's more for personal taste than because the book is bad or poorly written, which IS NOT THE CASE.
I mean, I did like the story, pretty much in fact. What I didn't like is Bash and his constant string of lies and deceit towards Micah. He could be honest with his other friends, he could trust them, but telling Micah the truth took him months? I understand the situation that this character faced, I understand that he was not doing it out of malice but out of fear. Fear of losing Micah, fear of retaliation from his father, etc. And I also understand that if adults, with much more experience, can make mistakes, a young man, who is learning and getting to know himself, can make them just the same. The thing is that there were many mistakes, always with the same person, and always hurting him, although supposedly, the lies were to NOT HURT HIM.
So as I said, it's more because of personal taste that I hesitated, or a dislike, rather, than because the story is bad. Once Bash decided to take charge of his life, and be honest, and correct his mistakes, well, things changed somewhat.
So, the story is good, entertaining, with some romantic moments and others quite spicy, it has a couple of villains, like Bash's father, his girlfriend and her cousin, and it also has a group of friends who are pretty incredible and supportive... It has a little bit of everything!
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
I mean, I did like the story, pretty much in fact. What I didn't like is Bash and his constant string of lies and deceit towards Micah. He could be honest with his other friends, he could trust them, but telling Micah the truth took him months? I understand the situation that this character faced, I understand that he was not doing it out of malice but out of fear. Fear of losing Micah, fear of retaliation from his father, etc. And I also understand that if adults, with much more experience, can make mistakes, a young man, who is learning and getting to know himself, can make them just the same. The thing is that there were many mistakes, always with the same person, and always hurting him, although supposedly, the lies were to NOT HURT HIM.
So as I said, it's more because of personal taste that I hesitated, or a dislike, rather, than because the story is bad. Once Bash decided to take charge of his life, and be honest, and correct his mistakes, well, things changed somewhat.
So, the story is good, entertaining, with some romantic moments and others quite spicy, it has a couple of villains, like Bash's father, his girlfriend and her cousin, and it also has a group of friends who are pretty incredible and supportive... It has a little bit of everything!
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
April 13, 2024
Erin Rose's debut novel, 'Inevitable', offers an emotionally resonant narrative that captivates from start to finish. As the first installment in the Texas Hearts series, it introduces readers to a compelling friends-to-lovers dynamic, expertly crafted with finesse. Rose sets a strong foundation by immersing us in the lives of the main characters, Micah and Bastian, from the opening chapter. Their childhood connection evolves into a beautifully nuanced bond as adults, meticulously developed by the author.
The narrative unfolds with a palpable intensity, drawing readers into the intricate dynamics of the protagonists' relationship. While the journey from friends to lovers is skillfully portrayed, the exploration of Bastian's bi-awakening feels somewhat uneven, perhaps influenced by underlying themes of internalized homophobia. The constant interplay of 'cat and mouse' between Micah and Bastian adds depth to the storyline, underscoring the challenges inherent in navigating their evolving connection amidst deceit and self-discovery.
For readers seeking a spicy read, 'Inevitable' delivers, weaving together passion and vulnerability in equal measure. Despite the obstacles they face, the eventual happily-ever-after feels earned, the culmination of a journey that was as tumultuous as it was inevitable for Micah and Bastian.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The narrative unfolds with a palpable intensity, drawing readers into the intricate dynamics of the protagonists' relationship. While the journey from friends to lovers is skillfully portrayed, the exploration of Bastian's bi-awakening feels somewhat uneven, perhaps influenced by underlying themes of internalized homophobia. The constant interplay of 'cat and mouse' between Micah and Bastian adds depth to the storyline, underscoring the challenges inherent in navigating their evolving connection amidst deceit and self-discovery.
For readers seeking a spicy read, 'Inevitable' delivers, weaving together passion and vulnerability in equal measure. Despite the obstacles they face, the eventual happily-ever-after feels earned, the culmination of a journey that was as tumultuous as it was inevitable for Micah and Bastian.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2024
Wow, I loved this book so much.
I knew this was going to be angsty and I waited for the right moment to read it.
Omg I fell in love with both Micah and Bash and I read the book in one day.
Before starting I read a couple of reviews saying they dnf and/or they didn't like Bash and I was afraid I wouldn't like him either.. but I was so so wrong, I just loved them both equally, their love, their friendship, their pining, their angst, their flaws and mistakes and lies and all.
They're soulmates, endgame, they're one heart.
The words they use to describe their feelings to each other, what the other means to them, the writing is so beautiful, intense and dramatic.
Bash makes so many mistakes and tells so many lies but I believe his heart was in a good place, and reading the whole story shows that.
Bash was a victim too. Hell, when I was his age, I didn't know where to start handling my family's mess, abuse and issues. He does what his fears tell him to do, hoping to protect himself, his mother and Micah from his a$$hole father, and his own heart. And that's pretty much where all the angst comes from.
The story is such a rollercoaster. Up, down, further down, very very very up, very very very down, and not spoiling the ending. But I loved everything. I swear it's perfect the way it is. Read the trigger warnings.
What a great debut. I can't wait for the next books in the series.
I knew this was going to be angsty and I waited for the right moment to read it.
Omg I fell in love with both Micah and Bash and I read the book in one day.
Before starting I read a couple of reviews saying they dnf and/or they didn't like Bash and I was afraid I wouldn't like him either.. but I was so so wrong, I just loved them both equally, their love, their friendship, their pining, their angst, their flaws and mistakes and lies and all.
They're soulmates, endgame, they're one heart.
The words they use to describe their feelings to each other, what the other means to them, the writing is so beautiful, intense and dramatic.
Bash makes so many mistakes and tells so many lies but I believe his heart was in a good place, and reading the whole story shows that.
Bash was a victim too. Hell, when I was his age, I didn't know where to start handling my family's mess, abuse and issues. He does what his fears tell him to do, hoping to protect himself, his mother and Micah from his a$$hole father, and his own heart. And that's pretty much where all the angst comes from.
The story is such a rollercoaster. Up, down, further down, very very very up, very very very down, and not spoiling the ending. But I loved everything. I swear it's perfect the way it is. Read the trigger warnings.
What a great debut. I can't wait for the next books in the series.
March 1, 2024
This is my first ever ARC Review. So I was excited to have the opportunity to read it and review it. My expectations was blown out of the water with how amazing this book is. Read it!!
Some stories just hit different. This is one of those books. I had so many emotions reading this book. From feeling giddy to getting pissed off at some characters, to feeling heartbreak and then having it mended again. Talk about a roller-coaster.
I was hooked from the first chapter. Micah & Bash are childhood friends and are written in a way I felt I knew them in real life. There is load’s of sweet moments in this book but there is also so much angst and pain. M&B push and pull from each other but are also each others anchors throughout their whole lives.
This over all story and plot is great and I devoured it in one night and lost sleep over it. Erin Rose has built such a great world and written a wonderful love story that was Inevitable for these two characters. Their character arc is so well fleshed out that I got a good sense as who they are as individuals and who they are as a couple. The side characters are so well written also that I cant wait for the next in the series and I have a favourite already. It’s Dawson!!
I can’t wait until the book is released so I can add it to my physical library.
(This was an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
Some stories just hit different. This is one of those books. I had so many emotions reading this book. From feeling giddy to getting pissed off at some characters, to feeling heartbreak and then having it mended again. Talk about a roller-coaster.
I was hooked from the first chapter. Micah & Bash are childhood friends and are written in a way I felt I knew them in real life. There is load’s of sweet moments in this book but there is also so much angst and pain. M&B push and pull from each other but are also each others anchors throughout their whole lives.
This over all story and plot is great and I devoured it in one night and lost sleep over it. Erin Rose has built such a great world and written a wonderful love story that was Inevitable for these two characters. Their character arc is so well fleshed out that I got a good sense as who they are as individuals and who they are as a couple. The side characters are so well written also that I cant wait for the next in the series and I have a favourite already. It’s Dawson!!
I can’t wait until the book is released so I can add it to my physical library.
(This was an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
July 6, 2024
3.5/5
So. Much. Angst.
Honestly, I was expecting some angst with a book like this because Micah has been in love with his straight (supposedly) best friend for years so there’s going to be lots of pining but oh my god there was so much pining. I spent the majority of the book wanting to hug and comfort Micah and tell him he deserved someone better and also wanting to slap Bastian. Almost the entirety of the book’s problems could have been avoided if Bash had sat down and had an open conversation with Micah about what was going on, which is what his friends ALL encouraged him to do (Or if someone just gave him a good shaking and told him he’s a massive idiot). So it just seemed like one hurt after another throughout the book and made it feel very long. The two of them are cute together, but have some weird codependency vibes going on that are mentioned a lot. They seemed to spend all their time together attached at the hip and yet never talk about the real important issues that could have prevented a lot of the heartache and pain (and pining) that took place in the book. The sex scenes were spicy but some were repetitive and felt like they were thrown in just for length and for spice and not to advance the plot. Like “Don’t worry readers, your favorite boys are going at it again so everything is fine!” Overall, I liked the book, but it just dragged at times.
So. Much. Angst.
Honestly, I was expecting some angst with a book like this because Micah has been in love with his straight (supposedly) best friend for years so there’s going to be lots of pining but oh my god there was so much pining. I spent the majority of the book wanting to hug and comfort Micah and tell him he deserved someone better and also wanting to slap Bastian. Almost the entirety of the book’s problems could have been avoided if Bash had sat down and had an open conversation with Micah about what was going on, which is what his friends ALL encouraged him to do (Or if someone just gave him a good shaking and told him he’s a massive idiot). So it just seemed like one hurt after another throughout the book and made it feel very long. The two of them are cute together, but have some weird codependency vibes going on that are mentioned a lot. They seemed to spend all their time together attached at the hip and yet never talk about the real important issues that could have prevented a lot of the heartache and pain (and pining) that took place in the book. The sex scenes were spicy but some were repetitive and felt like they were thrown in just for length and for spice and not to advance the plot. Like “Don’t worry readers, your favorite boys are going at it again so everything is fine!” Overall, I liked the book, but it just dragged at times.
May 10, 2024
Wow, what a roller coaster of emotions! This is the debut novel for this author, and it was absolutely incredible. This story follows Bash and Micah, two guys who have been best friends since they were kids. Micah is gay, and has secretly been in love with Bash for years. They have an incredible friendship and one night leads to more for them.
Bash has an absolute monster of a father who is forcing him to be with a woman so he can further his own political career. This story is wrought with lies and miscommunication, mostly from Bash, but you can tell he is absolutely doing what he thinks is best for everyone involved.
This story is written in dual POV. There are times when the author would go back and almost redo the next chapter from the new POV, and that threw me off a bit, made things feel redundant at times. I also struggled a bit with their dialogue during some of their intimate scenes, it at times seemed forced and not very organic.
This story was powerful, and the author did a very good job of making you feel all their emotions, during every up and down. There is a letter Bash writes to Micah towards the end that was so incredibly beautiful, I had tears in my eyes. These two are the definition of soul mates.
Bash has an absolute monster of a father who is forcing him to be with a woman so he can further his own political career. This story is wrought with lies and miscommunication, mostly from Bash, but you can tell he is absolutely doing what he thinks is best for everyone involved.
This story is written in dual POV. There are times when the author would go back and almost redo the next chapter from the new POV, and that threw me off a bit, made things feel redundant at times. I also struggled a bit with their dialogue during some of their intimate scenes, it at times seemed forced and not very organic.
This story was powerful, and the author did a very good job of making you feel all their emotions, during every up and down. There is a letter Bash writes to Micah towards the end that was so incredibly beautiful, I had tears in my eyes. These two are the definition of soul mates.
May 24, 2024
Get Ready to SOB MISERABLY but Also Catch on Fire
Listen. The way I stalked Erin Rose via DM while reading this probably made her want to install a billion cameras at her house or something, but I couldn’t HELP MYSELF. This book hurts you soooooo good. It sinks its claws right into your beating heart, shreds you to pieces, and eats your soul while it cackles with glee. Micah and Bash are OBVIOUSLY destined for one another but time and again, obstacles are thrown by others (and sometimes themselves, the adorable lunkheads) into their path. Like me, you will wish treatment-resistant, weeping whole-body rashes on Bash’s repugnant dad and his horrible “girlfriend”. Also like me, you will burst into flames every time Bash opens his filthy hot mouth and he and Micah give in to that INEVITABLE attraction. ALSO also, you’ll get all weepy and sniffly when they finally, FINALLY figure it all out and get that hard-won HEA. Be prepared to go through 87 boxes of tissues and some massive dehydration to get there. I’m hooked on this one, can’t wait for the rest of the series, and I pledge my devotion to Erin eternally even though she breaks my heart into tiny little pieces.
Listen. The way I stalked Erin Rose via DM while reading this probably made her want to install a billion cameras at her house or something, but I couldn’t HELP MYSELF. This book hurts you soooooo good. It sinks its claws right into your beating heart, shreds you to pieces, and eats your soul while it cackles with glee. Micah and Bash are OBVIOUSLY destined for one another but time and again, obstacles are thrown by others (and sometimes themselves, the adorable lunkheads) into their path. Like me, you will wish treatment-resistant, weeping whole-body rashes on Bash’s repugnant dad and his horrible “girlfriend”. Also like me, you will burst into flames every time Bash opens his filthy hot mouth and he and Micah give in to that INEVITABLE attraction. ALSO also, you’ll get all weepy and sniffly when they finally, FINALLY figure it all out and get that hard-won HEA. Be prepared to go through 87 boxes of tissues and some massive dehydration to get there. I’m hooked on this one, can’t wait for the rest of the series, and I pledge my devotion to Erin eternally even though she breaks my heart into tiny little pieces.
June 7, 2024
So this book was actually pretty good, I thought. It follows best friends Micah and Bastian, after Micah transfers to the same college as Bastian. They have feeling for each other and neither know about the others feelings so they keep it to themselves until one drunken night, that same night Micah actually admitted to Bastian that he loved him and the next morning Bastian acted like he had no idea what happened, Mr. Liar Mcliarson…
Micah was so sweet and I loved his character. I really felt for him throughout the story. He openly admits his feelings several times and gets his heart ripped out repeatedly.
Bastian, I kinda wanted to smack. God if he would’ve just been honest with Micah and told his mother what was going on it would’ve saved a lot of grief. He just lied SO much to Micah. He did grovel pretty well though so that was nice, I love groveling.
I did find the use of so many nicknames a bit annoying, and the fact that they said each other’s names SO much. But overall it was good especially since I believe this is a debut. I will likely continue the series.
Micah was so sweet and I loved his character. I really felt for him throughout the story. He openly admits his feelings several times and gets his heart ripped out repeatedly.
Bastian, I kinda wanted to smack. God if he would’ve just been honest with Micah and told his mother what was going on it would’ve saved a lot of grief. He just lied SO much to Micah. He did grovel pretty well though so that was nice, I love groveling.
I did find the use of so many nicknames a bit annoying, and the fact that they said each other’s names SO much. But overall it was good especially since I believe this is a debut. I will likely continue the series.
April 7, 2024
This literally made me feel sick to read and made me cry. I felt sick that there are people like Bastian's dad- selfish and ruthless at ANY cost. Ainsley's greed- she had dollar signs for a heart. Her concerns were status, status, status!! Bastian could hardly refuse his father's demands because of his lethal threats I felt heartsick, and I wanted to wretch for most of this story. I had such a visceral reaction to the hate beneath the demands. No one should have to live in fear of being who they are and loving who they love. I hate that this book made me cry so much!! I hate that it makes it hard to read while crying!! This author tore my heart out and stomped on it, then found remorse and and made me happy at the end. Still crying, but happy tears. I look forward to her future books and have tissues stockpiled. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
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