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Heart
The first time I laid eyes on him my heart skipped a beat.
My obsession began the way all obsessions do…with a spark. A small, seemingly insignificant flicker that quickly took root.
He was pure, liquid light. A sunshine boy with a heart of gold.
He turned my world up-side-down. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t let him out of my sight.
Ever wondered what happens when red flags and green flags collide? If so, you’re about to find out.
Heart is an obsessive, swoony, stalker-y MM romance featuring the biggest green flag in existence, and a broken boy you can’t help falling in love with.
My obsession began the way all obsessions do…with a spark. A small, seemingly insignificant flicker that quickly took root.
He was pure, liquid light. A sunshine boy with a heart of gold.
He turned my world up-side-down. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t let him out of my sight.
Ever wondered what happens when red flags and green flags collide? If so, you’re about to find out.
Heart is an obsessive, swoony, stalker-y MM romance featuring the biggest green flag in existence, and a broken boy you can’t help falling in love with.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2026
507 people are currently reading
1327 people want to read
About the author
Jesse H. Reign
19 books1,508 followersI'm Jesse, and I write contemporary and paranormal MM romance.
Whether my characters are born magical, or whether magic is something they make between the sheets, I strive to take the reader into the mind of the narrator. My ultimate goal is to leave the reader feeling like they’ve made a new friend or have spent a few hours flirting with a brand-new book boyfriend.
I love coffee, chocolate and daydreaming, in no particular order. I love conflicted characters, lust at first sight and angst – no seriously, ALL the angst. Give it to me!
Whether my characters are born magical, or whether magic is something they make between the sheets, I strive to take the reader into the mind of the narrator. My ultimate goal is to leave the reader feeling like they’ve made a new friend or have spent a few hours flirting with a brand-new book boyfriend.
I love coffee, chocolate and daydreaming, in no particular order. I love conflicted characters, lust at first sight and angst – no seriously, ALL the angst. Give it to me!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
January 14, 2026
BOOK OF THE YEAR IDGAF THAT IT’S ONLY JANUARY 14TH OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GODDDDDD STARTED THIS AT 10:30 PM AND COULDN’T STOP READING ALL NIGHT I FEEL LIKE SHIT BUT I’VE NEVER FELT BETTER SKJDHSAHHAHSHDHDH AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THE LAST TIME I STAYED UP THIS LATE AND WAS THIS UNHINGED ABOUT A BOOK WAS WITH ANOTHER JESSE BOOK😭 (ROMEO FALLING). BRB LOOKING UP HOW TO ERASE MY MIND AND READ THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME AGAIN✌🏻🤭
January 20, 2026
4.5 stars
Positives first. From the moment I started reading this book, I didn't want to stop. I was super invested in it from the start and for the most part I loved it. Even though there are Connor's chapters here and there, this felt more like Lennon's story to me.
Talking about the characters, I loved them both. I mean, who wouldn't love Connor? 🥰 I loved the relationship development between them, their connection, the understanding, and how obsessed they were with each other. They were beautiful together. The intimate scenes were written beautifully, with so much emotion and sensuality. None of that generic stuff I usually have to suffer through in most books.
There are a few things I'm conflicted about.
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed the writing style. It’s very intense and gripping, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed. It's a romance story that actually feels romantic.
Positives first. From the moment I started reading this book, I didn't want to stop. I was super invested in it from the start and for the most part I loved it. Even though there are Connor's chapters here and there, this felt more like Lennon's story to me.
Talking about the characters, I loved them both. I mean, who wouldn't love Connor? 🥰 I loved the relationship development between them, their connection, the understanding, and how obsessed they were with each other. They were beautiful together. The intimate scenes were written beautifully, with so much emotion and sensuality. None of that generic stuff I usually have to suffer through in most books.
There are a few things I'm conflicted about.
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed the writing style. It’s very intense and gripping, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed. It's a romance story that actually feels romantic.
January 24, 2026
I’M VEEEEEEEEEEEEEERY NORMAL ABOUT THIS. IT’LL LEAVE MY MIND SOON.
January 13, 2026
It was the first time for me that I kept putting down a book by this author. I would have called myself a fangirl a while ago, insta-reads and all. This felt like a change of pace, and it seems like in a tiny minority but I really did not like the new style. It's short choppy sentences. You know. Like this. And this. Drama looming. A secret hidden. Connor is a green flag. Connor. Havi. Green Flag. Heart...
I really couldn't get into this type of writing and the ridiculously overdrawn telenovela drama. There is a twist you can guess a mile off (particularly if you got any telenovela/soap opera watching in your past...), everything is tauntingly hinted and it keeps on and on repetitively and I just kept putting this book down.
And an extra, I thought Connor was a bit too shallowly defined, his role is green flag and love object, and despite some chapters for his PoV I was never really connecting much to him. At the same time Lennon is a pot of angst and hurt, and oppressively so. (I am clearly in a reader minority regarding this, but hey that was my reading experience...). The definition of an unbalanced relationship, though maybe the hints of paranormal are supposed to justify it..
But there is still plenty here to like (even if the emotional and plot edging is just ridiculous!), particularly the twist reveal scene and Connor's reaction. That was priceless, and that scene I will reread. Cool ties to Rent: Paid in Full (the wedding Bev celebrates is totally theirs, right?).
The first chapters are the choppiest style wise and the most melodramatic. If you are a fan of her earlier books, it does get better, and there is more of the usual charm (IMO and all that) towards the end. But it was still a pretty frustrating read for me.
I really couldn't get into this type of writing and the ridiculously overdrawn telenovela drama. There is a twist you can guess a mile off (particularly if you got any telenovela/soap opera watching in your past...), everything is tauntingly hinted and it keeps on and on repetitively and I just kept putting this book down.
And an extra, I thought Connor was a bit too shallowly defined, his role is green flag and love object, and despite some chapters for his PoV I was never really connecting much to him. At the same time Lennon is a pot of angst and hurt, and oppressively so. (I am clearly in a reader minority regarding this, but hey that was my reading experience...). The definition of an unbalanced relationship, though maybe the hints of paranormal are supposed to justify it..
But there is still plenty here to like (even if the emotional and plot edging is just ridiculous!), particularly the twist reveal scene and Connor's reaction. That was priceless, and that scene I will reread. Cool ties to Rent: Paid in Full (the wedding Bev celebrates is totally theirs, right?).
The first chapters are the choppiest style wise and the most melodramatic. If you are a fan of her earlier books, it does get better, and there is more of the usual charm (IMO and all that) towards the end. But it was still a pretty frustrating read for me.
January 31, 2026
4.5 Stars
Heart is grumpy x sunshine, hurt-comfort perfection, providing plenty of opportunity for some heart-aching tenderness, healing, and hard-won personal happiness for emotionally and physically scarred MCs Lennon and Connor, who fall in love under some perhaps questionably problematic circumstances, as their tear-jerking (albeit predictable) backstories come to light with heart-rending effect.
Initially, I read the synopsis and saw tags like “stalker-y” and “obsessive” and was quick to assume this M/M story was going to be some twisty, dark-ish, new adult romance… but I couldn’t have been more wrong, and thank heavens for that!
Sure, it’s still very much a story about grief and healing, and when it hurts, it sure does hurt, but it is also an achingly sweet and deeply sentimental story, following one very lost and grief-stricken MC (Lennon), as his fixation—and dubiously orchestrated forced proximity—on college student, and new roommate, Connor, miraculously manages to bypass any borderline immoral or criminal-adjacent behaviour, purely because author Jesse H. Reign crafts some truly beautiful character portrayals and establishes a tone of warmth and caring between the MCs that’s so strong, that their all-consuming romance overshadows any potential moral murkiness.
Although the story is fairly transparent and predictable in terms of plot reveals, my heart still cracked wide open right alongside Lennon’s as the truth of his past unfolded, while he unexpectedly fell in love with the object of his obsession and was forced to face his tragic past one life-affirming sunrise at a time.
It certainly helped that Lennon’s heaviness (as a broody, sad character) was offset by Connor’s perpetual positivity (as someone who knows more than most his age the true value of living life to the fullest, with his eternal optimism and ray-of-sunshine disposition) which brightened every page he was present. These two were grumpy x sunshine personified and they meshed so well together because of that.
The second half of the story was a lot mushier than expected, and I can definitely understand why some readers didn’t love the sappiness and all the sex that that took up a large portion of the third act, but I found these two characters so lovely and deserving of some much needed emotional and physical intimacy that I wasn’t really bothered by how things played out.
I’ve also noted that some readers thought the final act saw too easy an acceptance by Connor, but I personally loved how these scenes played out, breaking the floodgates of Lennon’s trauma wide open, shedding light on his questionable secretive past behaviour, and still being met with utter devotion and unwavering support from Connor—who, under the control of many other author’s hands, could have resulted in some majorly forced, unnecessary third-act-drama that I would have absolutely hated, truth be told.
As my second read by Jesse H. Reign, this was undoubtedly another win for me. I may have expected one thing from this story and got a whole other thing out of it, but I have zero regrets, wholeheartedly adoring Lennon and Connor and the truly beautiful romance that came out of their story.
Heart is grumpy x sunshine, hurt-comfort perfection, providing plenty of opportunity for some heart-aching tenderness, healing, and hard-won personal happiness for emotionally and physically scarred MCs Lennon and Connor, who fall in love under some perhaps questionably problematic circumstances, as their tear-jerking (albeit predictable) backstories come to light with heart-rending effect.
Initially, I read the synopsis and saw tags like “stalker-y” and “obsessive” and was quick to assume this M/M story was going to be some twisty, dark-ish, new adult romance… but I couldn’t have been more wrong, and thank heavens for that!
Sure, it’s still very much a story about grief and healing, and when it hurts, it sure does hurt, but it is also an achingly sweet and deeply sentimental story, following one very lost and grief-stricken MC (Lennon), as his fixation—and dubiously orchestrated forced proximity—on college student, and new roommate, Connor, miraculously manages to bypass any borderline immoral or criminal-adjacent behaviour, purely because author Jesse H. Reign crafts some truly beautiful character portrayals and establishes a tone of warmth and caring between the MCs that’s so strong, that their all-consuming romance overshadows any potential moral murkiness.
Although the story is fairly transparent and predictable in terms of plot reveals, my heart still cracked wide open right alongside Lennon’s as the truth of his past unfolded, while he unexpectedly fell in love with the object of his obsession and was forced to face his tragic past one life-affirming sunrise at a time.
It certainly helped that Lennon’s heaviness (as a broody, sad character) was offset by Connor’s perpetual positivity (as someone who knows more than most his age the true value of living life to the fullest, with his eternal optimism and ray-of-sunshine disposition) which brightened every page he was present. These two were grumpy x sunshine personified and they meshed so well together because of that.
The second half of the story was a lot mushier than expected, and I can definitely understand why some readers didn’t love the sappiness and all the sex that that took up a large portion of the third act, but I found these two characters so lovely and deserving of some much needed emotional and physical intimacy that I wasn’t really bothered by how things played out.
I’ve also noted that some readers thought the final act saw too easy an acceptance by Connor, but I personally loved how these scenes played out, breaking the floodgates of Lennon’s trauma wide open, shedding light on his questionable secretive past behaviour, and still being met with utter devotion and unwavering support from Connor—who, under the control of many other author’s hands, could have resulted in some majorly forced, unnecessary third-act-drama that I would have absolutely hated, truth be told.
As my second read by Jesse H. Reign, this was undoubtedly another win for me. I may have expected one thing from this story and got a whole other thing out of it, but I have zero regrets, wholeheartedly adoring Lennon and Connor and the truly beautiful romance that came out of their story.
January 19, 2026
Very interesting and captivating premise, but with some flaws that make me skim parts of it.
I mean - it’s a very interesting trope, and seeing as everyone seems to have it figured out after 10%, I’ll just say it.
So don’t continue if you’re planning on going in blindly.
Still here? Ok then: the book is told mainly from the POV of Lennon, an obviously very sad and broken young man. Lennon is obsessed with Connor. Connor is sunshine personified- not because he’s a himbo or golden retriever character, but because he’s living in the moment, enjoying every second because he’s learned the hard way that life is precious, and fleeting: Connor’s heart was failing him, and he’s got a donor heart right when he (and all his loved ones) already lost hope.
A heart that had belonged to Lennon’s best friend Havi.
So yeah. Obsession, stalking, the inevitable pull and falling for each other. And lots and lots of sex.
And dare I say: that was one of my main problems with the book: once they got it going, all they did was get naked with each other. Again and again and again. I couldn’t bear listening to the audio, although Michael Dean did a good job.
But it was SO LONG. So drawn out. I would have rated it higher if it would have been 100 pages shorter.
On top of that, the writing is VERY flowery, and that got a bit tiresome after a while:
Here are some samples:
Arousal rages through me, and I really do mean rages. I go from being normal to being on fire instantly. It’s a rampant heat that could burn cities to the ground. A blaze that could scorch buildings and leave nothing but ash in its wake. A heat with enough force to flatten me.
(…)
It’s a lot, and not nearly enough. It shatters something brittle in me, around me, and drowns the rest of me in lust. Thick, pure liquid lust that spills into every crevice, every space, every cell in my body. I vibrate with it. Shake with it.
(…)
There’s a push and a pull in our gaze. A question. An answer. A very slight hesitation in kind eyes that are usually certain. “I-I want to fuck you.” There’s a blue-green flash when he says it. His arms stiffen, pushing him up and buying a little more space between us. Space that’s supposed to sober me. Space that’s supposed to give me a hit of fresh air and make me snap out of it. It doesn’t.
It’s really lovely, but it’s a bit much. And it’s very soap-opera-like.
So yeah. While I loved the premise, I skimmed the last quarter of the book - and can’t rate it with more than 3 stars.
I mean - it’s a very interesting trope, and seeing as everyone seems to have it figured out after 10%, I’ll just say it.
So don’t continue if you’re planning on going in blindly.
Still here? Ok then: the book is told mainly from the POV of Lennon, an obviously very sad and broken young man. Lennon is obsessed with Connor. Connor is sunshine personified- not because he’s a himbo or golden retriever character, but because he’s living in the moment, enjoying every second because he’s learned the hard way that life is precious, and fleeting: Connor’s heart was failing him, and he’s got a donor heart right when he (and all his loved ones) already lost hope.
A heart that had belonged to Lennon’s best friend Havi.
So yeah. Obsession, stalking, the inevitable pull and falling for each other. And lots and lots of sex.
And dare I say: that was one of my main problems with the book: once they got it going, all they did was get naked with each other. Again and again and again. I couldn’t bear listening to the audio, although Michael Dean did a good job.
But it was SO LONG. So drawn out. I would have rated it higher if it would have been 100 pages shorter.
On top of that, the writing is VERY flowery, and that got a bit tiresome after a while:
Here are some samples:
Arousal rages through me, and I really do mean rages. I go from being normal to being on fire instantly. It’s a rampant heat that could burn cities to the ground. A blaze that could scorch buildings and leave nothing but ash in its wake. A heat with enough force to flatten me.
(…)
It’s a lot, and not nearly enough. It shatters something brittle in me, around me, and drowns the rest of me in lust. Thick, pure liquid lust that spills into every crevice, every space, every cell in my body. I vibrate with it. Shake with it.
(…)
There’s a push and a pull in our gaze. A question. An answer. A very slight hesitation in kind eyes that are usually certain. “I-I want to fuck you.” There’s a blue-green flash when he says it. His arms stiffen, pushing him up and buying a little more space between us. Space that’s supposed to sober me. Space that’s supposed to give me a hit of fresh air and make me snap out of it. It doesn’t.
It’s really lovely, but it’s a bit much. And it’s very soap-opera-like.
So yeah. While I loved the premise, I skimmed the last quarter of the book - and can’t rate it with more than 3 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
Rating: 4.5
⭐️
ARC review.
What a beautiful book to start the year! It goes without saying that I'm a huge fan of Jesse H. Reign's writing, and Heart didn't disappoint!
•~•~ 𝓜𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 🫀
The romance between the main characters, Lennon Hawke [24 years old] and Connor Lockwood [22 years old], was so lovely to read. I truly believe those two were meant to be. The story is told in dual single point of view, with Lennon as the central 'voice'.
Lennon was quite a mysterious man. I don't remember ever being this intrigued reading a character's thoughts. And right from the start, we already know Lennon is hiding something, and that he hid a lot of heartache. For a stalker, I do think he was kind of cute. Reading his confused feelings about Connor was very funny. Lennon desperately needed help, though. Something that happened in the past made him lost his best friend, Havi.
The blurb makes you believe you're going to read a stalker romance, and while that's true, it's not the whole thing either. I wasn't expecting that much angst, honestly. The main characters both went through difficult hardships, but thankfully they're here for each other. They instantly felt a strong connection, and couldn't stay away from the other.
There are many touching subjects the author broached in this book, and one of them was that Connor got a heart surgery in order to live (off page and before the story starts). The author didn't get into much details, but the way Connor remembered those moments, the way he described them and how he thought it was the end for him pained me. It completely changed his view of life, and made him cherished everything, however insignificant they were. In short, Connor was the perfect green flag!
Meeting Lennon was like serendipity for Connor. If you thought Lennon, our certified unprofessional stalker, was the only one obsessed, you got another thing coming! I was so pleasantly surprised to read how both of them were so into each other, with Lennon's bi-awakening and Connor's growing crush over Lennon. Also, I'm still not over the fact that Connor said he didn't feel like he had a real heart until he met Lennon. Swoon.
The intimacy between them was a delight to read. The way they started as friends, too: Connor forcing Lennon to watch sunrises, and how, in the end, Lennon was the one wanting to watch them with Connor.
Connor understood that Lennon needed patience and a shoulder to lean on because he was hurt. He never pressured him into anything, not acting on his feelings which made their tension so unbearable, I wanted to reach through my kindle and made them kiss each other!
But the wait was worth it! Their first time together was probably one of the most beautiful smut scene I read, too. Everything was on point, even their first kiss (during a sunrise)!
Overall, this story was a wonderful surprise 'til the end.
•~•~ 𝓢𝓪𝓯𝓮𝓽𝔂 𝓭𝓮𝓽𝓪𝓲𝓵𝓼 🫀
Safe. No OWD/OMD. They haven't been intimate with other people for quite some time: Connor since his surgery a year ago, and it's implied that Lennon hasn't been with anyone since he started stalking Connor.
ARC review.
What a beautiful book to start the year! It goes without saying that I'm a huge fan of Jesse H. Reign's writing, and Heart didn't disappoint!
•~•~ 𝓜𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 🫀
The romance between the main characters, Lennon Hawke [24 years old] and Connor Lockwood [22 years old], was so lovely to read. I truly believe those two were meant to be. The story is told in dual single point of view, with Lennon as the central 'voice'.
Lennon was quite a mysterious man. I don't remember ever being this intrigued reading a character's thoughts. And right from the start, we already know Lennon is hiding something, and that he hid a lot of heartache. For a stalker, I do think he was kind of cute. Reading his confused feelings about Connor was very funny. Lennon desperately needed help, though. Something that happened in the past made him lost his best friend, Havi.
The blurb makes you believe you're going to read a stalker romance, and while that's true, it's not the whole thing either. I wasn't expecting that much angst, honestly. The main characters both went through difficult hardships, but thankfully they're here for each other. They instantly felt a strong connection, and couldn't stay away from the other.
There are many touching subjects the author broached in this book, and one of them was that Connor got a heart surgery in order to live (off page and before the story starts). The author didn't get into much details, but the way Connor remembered those moments, the way he described them and how he thought it was the end for him pained me. It completely changed his view of life, and made him cherished everything, however insignificant they were. In short, Connor was the perfect green flag!
Meeting Lennon was like serendipity for Connor. If you thought Lennon, our certified unprofessional stalker, was the only one obsessed, you got another thing coming! I was so pleasantly surprised to read how both of them were so into each other, with Lennon's bi-awakening and Connor's growing crush over Lennon. Also, I'm still not over the fact that Connor said he didn't feel like he had a real heart until he met Lennon. Swoon.
The intimacy between them was a delight to read. The way they started as friends, too: Connor forcing Lennon to watch sunrises, and how, in the end, Lennon was the one wanting to watch them with Connor.
Connor understood that Lennon needed patience and a shoulder to lean on because he was hurt. He never pressured him into anything, not acting on his feelings which made their tension so unbearable, I wanted to reach through my kindle and made them kiss each other!
But the wait was worth it! Their first time together was probably one of the most beautiful smut scene I read, too. Everything was on point, even their first kiss (during a sunrise)!
Overall, this story was a wonderful surprise 'til the end.
•~•~ 𝓢𝓪𝓯𝓮𝓽𝔂 𝓭𝓮𝓽𝓪𝓲𝓵𝓼 🫀
Safe. No OWD/OMD. They haven't been intimate with other people for quite some time: Connor since his surgery a year ago, and it's implied that Lennon hasn't been with anyone since he started stalking Connor.
January 30, 2026
I was not expecting to cry at this book at all....
Lennon made me want to give him all the hugs but he was also so funny! I was expecting the stalking aspect to be so much darker, but I really like how this all played out.
Connor is just something else. I loved the way he's so fully embracing life and happiness, and the way he cares for Lennon was so cute.
I also read far too many books because I knew about Havi from the moment Lennon started talking about him, and I called the twist as soon as we found out about Connor's past. It takes an epic storyteller at this point for me to be surprised or not figure out what's coming but I was still thoroughly entertained.
I feel like Connor's reaction was very in keeping with who he is, but I was a bit miffed that the timeline skipped ahead after the emotional revelations. I wanted to see Lennon going back to his store and seeing his family again!
The side characters were all really entertaining too and I just wanted the book to keep going.
Lennon made me want to give him all the hugs but he was also so funny! I was expecting the stalking aspect to be so much darker, but I really like how this all played out.
Connor is just something else. I loved the way he's so fully embracing life and happiness, and the way he cares for Lennon was so cute.
I also read far too many books because I knew about Havi from the moment Lennon started talking about him, and I called the twist as soon as we found out about Connor's past. It takes an epic storyteller at this point for me to be surprised or not figure out what's coming but I was still thoroughly entertained.
I feel like Connor's reaction was very in keeping with who he is, but I was a bit miffed that the timeline skipped ahead after the emotional revelations. I wanted to see Lennon going back to his store and seeing his family again!
The side characters were all really entertaining too and I just wanted the book to keep going.
January 13, 2026
would’ve been amazing if you couldn’t see the twist since pretty much page ten
January 9, 2026
My first five star book of 2026!
This book is so good! And so incredibly sad, it literally made my throat hurt and my eyes well up multiple times. And also laugh out loud a few times. Most books by this author are high on my list of favorites, but this one tops all. It’s so raw and sweet at the same time.
And the end… definitely did not see that coming.
Most chapters are Lennons pov. I would have liked a bit more from Connor in the beginning, but that’s my only remark.
I’m pretty sure I’ll reread this book again. And i definitely recommend it!
This book is so good! And so incredibly sad, it literally made my throat hurt and my eyes well up multiple times. And also laugh out loud a few times. Most books by this author are high on my list of favorites, but this one tops all. It’s so raw and sweet at the same time.
And the end… definitely did not see that coming.
Most chapters are Lennons pov. I would have liked a bit more from Connor in the beginning, but that’s my only remark.
I’m pretty sure I’ll reread this book again. And i definitely recommend it!
January 10, 2026
Arc Review: Heart by Jesse H. Reign
MC:Lennon&Connor 5🫀🫀🫀🫀🫀
Tropes & tags
🫀Broken boy vs major green flag
♥️Down bad MC who miiiight have a ‘Lil thing for stalking
🫀the obsession
♥️Bi awakening
🫀Don’t want to fall in love but do
♥️Forced proximity
🫀Freckles
♥️Ultimate Grumpy/Sunshine
🫀The best sunsets!
Here I go again, completely bulldozed by another Jesse H. Reign book — and I welcomed it with open arms. I smiled, I cried, and I felt emotionally wrecked in the softest, sweetest way. This author really knows how to get under my skin and straight into my heart.
It’s adorable, intense, and full of that addictive pull Jesse does so well. Lennon and Connor are beautifully written, feeling fragile and vulnerable while also being incredibly strong. Their connection grows naturally, pulling you deeper with every interaction, and the emotional investment sneaks up on you until you’re fully gone.
This was probably one of my favourite bi-awakening arcs ever. I absolutely loved how both MCs navigated it, especially the way one of them was genuinely offended that the other wasn’t flirting enough — ridiculously adorable. And then… wow. When they finally took that last step, it was pure combustion. Add in one of my all-time favourite dynamics (yes, the top with a butt plug), and I was gone. Completely.
They’re perfect together, honestly. The dirty talk? On point. The softness mixed with absolute filth? Chef’s kiss. It’s cheesy, it’s insanely hot, it’s tender and feral all at once — you get everything. 🔥🥵🫦🤤
🔥🥵🫦🤤🔥🥵🫦🤤🔥🥵🫦🤤🔥🥵🫦🤤🔥🥵🫦🤤
I did manage to guess the twist, but it didn’t take away from the experience at all. Instead, it added an extra layer of sweet drama and just the right amount of angst to elevate the story. I cried so much — real, honest tears — but they were the good kind, the kind that come from seeing characters hurt, heal, and finally find their way to each other.
Jesse H. Reign has a real gift for writing romances that feel all-consuming without losing warmth or tenderness, and Heart is a perfect example of that. It’s emotional, comforting, and intense all at once.
One of the things I love most about Jesse’s writing is how completely over the top it is — in the best possible way. Her words have this almost cocaine-like effect: everything is heightened, exaggerated, and intense, and suddenly you’re not just reading anymore, you’re there. You feel every look, every touch, every spiral, every goddamn emotion as if it’s happening to you.
I love supporting friends, amazing!!!!! And all those sunsets together? OMG Connor is an absolute gem.
There’s some flaws here and there, Lennon's grumpiness sometimes botherline the rudeness and only a soft mc like Connor could laugh and not punch, but he is such a broken baby and my heart always forgives these ones… Some things happen off page and I would love to read them, like Connor meeting Lennon family.
Go in blind, let yourself feel everything, and allow Jesse to melt your heart with HEART!
I received a copy of this book from Queen Jesse, and this is my honest review.
⚠️Author Content Warnings
Heart is an obsessive, swoony, stalker-y MM romance featuring the biggest green flag in existence, and a broken boy you can’t help falling in love with. This book deals with mental health struggles (depression), the end of an important friendship, grief and loss, a seriously ill MC prepared for end of life and life saving surgery (off page, happened before the story starts), and flashbacks of being in hospital and being sick.
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: No
Other Person Drama: No
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: No
Role Dynamics:Versatile
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Standalone
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: Heavy miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
MC:Lennon&Connor 5🫀🫀🫀🫀🫀
His smile was my downfall.
Tropes & tags
🫀Broken boy vs major green flag
♥️Down bad MC who miiiight have a ‘Lil thing for stalking
🫀the obsession
♥️Bi awakening
🫀Don’t want to fall in love but do
♥️Forced proximity
🫀Freckles
♥️Ultimate Grumpy/Sunshine
🫀The best sunsets!
Here I go again, completely bulldozed by another Jesse H. Reign book — and I welcomed it with open arms. I smiled, I cried, and I felt emotionally wrecked in the softest, sweetest way. This author really knows how to get under my skin and straight into my heart.
It’s adorable, intense, and full of that addictive pull Jesse does so well. Lennon and Connor are beautifully written, feeling fragile and vulnerable while also being incredibly strong. Their connection grows naturally, pulling you deeper with every interaction, and the emotional investment sneaks up on you until you’re fully gone.
This was probably one of my favourite bi-awakening arcs ever. I absolutely loved how both MCs navigated it, especially the way one of them was genuinely offended that the other wasn’t flirting enough — ridiculously adorable. And then… wow. When they finally took that last step, it was pure combustion. Add in one of my all-time favourite dynamics (yes, the top with a butt plug), and I was gone. Completely.
They’re perfect together, honestly. The dirty talk? On point. The softness mixed with absolute filth? Chef’s kiss. It’s cheesy, it’s insanely hot, it’s tender and feral all at once — you get everything. 🔥🥵🫦🤤
🔥🥵🫦🤤🔥🥵🫦🤤🔥🥵🫦🤤🔥🥵🫦🤤🔥🥵🫦🤤
I did manage to guess the twist, but it didn’t take away from the experience at all. Instead, it added an extra layer of sweet drama and just the right amount of angst to elevate the story. I cried so much — real, honest tears — but they were the good kind, the kind that come from seeing characters hurt, heal, and finally find their way to each other.
Jesse H. Reign has a real gift for writing romances that feel all-consuming without losing warmth or tenderness, and Heart is a perfect example of that. It’s emotional, comforting, and intense all at once.
One of the things I love most about Jesse’s writing is how completely over the top it is — in the best possible way. Her words have this almost cocaine-like effect: everything is heightened, exaggerated, and intense, and suddenly you’re not just reading anymore, you’re there. You feel every look, every touch, every spiral, every goddamn emotion as if it’s happening to you.
I love supporting friends, amazing!!!!! And all those sunsets together? OMG Connor is an absolute gem.
There’s some flaws here and there, Lennon's grumpiness sometimes botherline the rudeness and only a soft mc like Connor could laugh and not punch, but he is such a broken baby and my heart always forgives these ones… Some things happen off page and I would love to read them, like Connor meeting Lennon family.
Go in blind, let yourself feel everything, and allow Jesse to melt your heart with HEART!
“I know it’s fucked up, Con, I know it is. But you and me… I think we were meant to meet. I think it was fate. I think you’re my soulmate, and I think our lives were meant to cross paths. I wish, wish, wish it could have happened another way, but I think this”—I gesture to the space between us—“is bigger than either of us. I think it’s bigger than you, and bigger than me. I know it sounds crazy, but I don’t think we’re of this time or place. I think we’re eternal.” I take a big breath and steady myself, looking at his beautiful face and trying to remember every line. Every curve. “And I think that if other lives exist…we find each other in all of them. “And I think that if other lives exist…we find each other in all of them. No matter the cost. No matter what, and no matter how.”
“The horizon is over there,” I tell him, pointing ahead of us. “Why are you looking at me?”
“You know why, Con.” A quiet smile curls his words and makes them smolder.
A burst of adrenaline hits my bloodstream and an electrical signal fires without warning. Atria and ventricles contract in turn.
Right atrium.
Right ventricle.
Lungs.
Left atrium.
Left ventricle.
Limbs.
Valves open and slam closed.
Fast.
Faster still.
“Tell me again,” I say.
Lennon’s eyes soften. Steely blue morphs into heaven. The smoldering smile falters, turning inward and opening slightly. Just a crack. Just enough to show me everything I’ve ever wanted.
“Because for me, Connor Lockwood, the sun doesn’t come up in the sky. It comes up in your eyes.”
I received a copy of this book from Queen Jesse, and this is my honest review.
⚠️Author Content Warnings
Heart is an obsessive, swoony, stalker-y MM romance featuring the biggest green flag in existence, and a broken boy you can’t help falling in love with. This book deals with mental health struggles (depression), the end of an important friendship, grief and loss, a seriously ill MC prepared for end of life and life saving surgery (off page, happened before the story starts), and flashbacks of being in hospital and being sick.
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: No
Other Person Drama: No
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: No
Role Dynamics:Versatile
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Standalone
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: Heavy miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
January 10, 2026
There's a surprisingly high number of happy endings for stalkers in romance novels so I know exactly what I need to do when it's time to lock in.
In spite of the light criminal activity, I found this one achingly sweet. I feel like it's pretty easy to guess what's going on really early on(even if it's referred to in present tense), but the lack of confirmation doesn't detract from the eventual reveal.
Also, I really wanted to hold Lennon's hand and tell him that someone can be a great best friend for decades and also be a creep who is sexually assaulting you. Because that's what was happening, and I'm lowkey bitter that the ending of that arc had him conflicted and carrying guilt.
Even though I absolutely understood why he felt that way, because it's hard to be mad at a ghost.
That said, Connor is absolutely the greenest flag for how he handled that moment because I would have been freaked the fuck out. And not even because of the stalking.
The whole 'Are you, are you keeping me?' scene was as shocking to me as it was to Lennon because you're keeping him just like that? No freaking out whatsoever? No time to wrap your head around things?
Better person than me. For sure. I'd have needed a moment to spiral. A little bit. As a treat.
Before all that, though, their falling in love journey? The sweetest shit, I swear to God. Felt like those romances from back in the day where they fell so hard for each other before touching that their first sex scene is absolutely lovemaking, without a doubt. Not fucking.
But they get to the fucking. Trust.
Their first kiss had Lennon the cynic immediately finding meaning in life. Colors were brighter, sounds were crisp. He was probably skipping to work.
Anyway. Probably for the best that that man is gone because if he hadn't died prior, seeing Lennon fall in love THIS hard with a man would have killed him for sure.
Knowing that Lennon was having sex so transcendent that he was turning into a poet with another man? Yeah, Havi wasn't getting out of this alive, whichever way you slice it. Either his body or his spirit was destined to die.
Because if that's how he reacted to knowing Lennon just wasn't into him? This would have for sure finished him off.
Anyway.
Is it ghoulish that I thought it was ashes in the tin?
Minus one star because the prose in this one was really purple and at multiple points it felt like overkill.
In spite of the light criminal activity, I found this one achingly sweet. I feel like it's pretty easy to guess what's going on really early on(even if it's referred to in present tense), but the lack of confirmation doesn't detract from the eventual reveal.
Also, I really wanted to hold Lennon's hand and tell him that someone can be a great best friend for decades and also be a creep who is sexually assaulting you. Because that's what was happening, and I'm lowkey bitter that the ending of that arc had him conflicted and carrying guilt.
Even though I absolutely understood why he felt that way, because it's hard to be mad at a ghost.
That said, Connor is absolutely the greenest flag for how he handled that moment because I would have been freaked the fuck out. And not even because of the stalking.
The whole 'Are you, are you keeping me?' scene was as shocking to me as it was to Lennon because you're keeping him just like that? No freaking out whatsoever? No time to wrap your head around things?
Better person than me. For sure. I'd have needed a moment to spiral. A little bit. As a treat.
Before all that, though, their falling in love journey? The sweetest shit, I swear to God. Felt like those romances from back in the day where they fell so hard for each other before touching that their first sex scene is absolutely lovemaking, without a doubt. Not fucking.
But they get to the fucking. Trust.
Their first kiss had Lennon the cynic immediately finding meaning in life. Colors were brighter, sounds were crisp. He was probably skipping to work.
Anyway. Probably for the best that that man is gone because if he hadn't died prior, seeing Lennon fall in love THIS hard with a man would have killed him for sure.
Knowing that Lennon was having sex so transcendent that he was turning into a poet with another man? Yeah, Havi wasn't getting out of this alive, whichever way you slice it. Either his body or his spirit was destined to die.
Because if that's how he reacted to knowing Lennon just wasn't into him? This would have for sure finished him off.
Anyway.
Is it ghoulish that I thought it was ashes in the tin?
Minus one star because the prose in this one was really purple and at multiple points it felt like overkill.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
3.5
I loved this book overall. I definitely enjoyed it. Loved the characters. And all the side characters. Thought Connor was the best. I liked the author's writing style too. It is my first book by her and I am definitely excited to check out more of her books now.
But I was also so annoyed and hated this book haha. The whole premise of the book is Lennon is keeping a secret from Connor and that just went on way too long. I really thought he would reveal it at 30% or 40% and the book would be the aftermath of the reveal and their relationship growth. But no, he did not come clean until wayyyy too late in the book. Every chapter that went by with Lennon keeping the secret started to get more and more annoying. There were times I could barely read the book and just wanted to skim ahead to figure out when the dude would finally be honest. I thought it was a bit messed up he let it go on for months and kissed Connor & had sex with Connor before being honest with him. I was getting so frustrated towards the end. I even rage quit the book at one point because Lennon just would not be honest. But then I unrage quit. When Lennon decides to finally be honest with Connor it was kind of anti climactic. Way to make us wait an entire book for a confession just to have it be meh.
Like I think the fact that this book made me so mad and gave me so much anxiety and made me want to skim ahead and made me so annoyed at Lennon's secret keeping-- yet I still ended up overall enjoying it says something haha. I don't know if this book is 4 stars because it was good and I enjoyed it or 3 stars because its pretty uncool of Lennon to keep secrets from Connor for months/the entire book and that made me rage.
I loved this book overall. I definitely enjoyed it. Loved the characters. And all the side characters. Thought Connor was the best. I liked the author's writing style too. It is my first book by her and I am definitely excited to check out more of her books now.
But I was also so annoyed and hated this book haha. The whole premise of the book is Lennon is keeping a secret from Connor and that just went on way too long. I really thought he would reveal it at 30% or 40% and the book would be the aftermath of the reveal and their relationship growth. But no, he did not come clean until wayyyy too late in the book. Every chapter that went by with Lennon keeping the secret started to get more and more annoying. There were times I could barely read the book and just wanted to skim ahead to figure out when the dude would finally be honest. I thought it was a bit messed up he let it go on for months and kissed Connor & had sex with Connor before being honest with him. I was getting so frustrated towards the end. I even rage quit the book at one point because Lennon just would not be honest. But then I unrage quit. When Lennon decides to finally be honest with Connor it was kind of anti climactic. Way to make us wait an entire book for a confession just to have it be meh.
Like I think the fact that this book made me so mad and gave me so much anxiety and made me want to skim ahead and made me so annoyed at Lennon's secret keeping-- yet I still ended up overall enjoying it says something haha. I don't know if this book is 4 stars because it was good and I enjoyed it or 3 stars because its pretty uncool of Lennon to keep secrets from Connor for months/the entire book and that made me rage.
January 9, 2026
This book had me screaming in Jesse’s DMs from 15%. It’s beautiful, horny, funny, and she fucking made me cry.
THE PREMISE: when the guy you’re stalking becomes your roommate.
TROPES & VIBES:
- The backstory and plot really unravels and reveals itself as you go
- Stalker Romance Lite
- I love Jesse’s inner monologues. Lennon was everything to me
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Hurt x comfort / healing journey
- Discussing smut and the meaning of life
- Cute domestic scenes
- Great side-cast and found family
4.25⭐️ 3🌶️
THE PREMISE: when the guy you’re stalking becomes your roommate.
TROPES & VIBES:
- The backstory and plot really unravels and reveals itself as you go
- Stalker Romance Lite
- I love Jesse’s inner monologues. Lennon was everything to me
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Hurt x comfort / healing journey
- Discussing smut and the meaning of life
- Cute domestic scenes
- Great side-cast and found family
4.25⭐️ 3🌶️
January 10, 2026
This story had my heart clutched in a vice for the longest time. We realize how it's going to go pretty early on since the hints were all there. And then it was a slow burn matter of when the ball would drop. And believe me the angst was real. I dare say I was very affected while reading and nail biting took place...and tears were shed. What an inventive story. This is pretty high on my books of the year, and the year is still young All the stars.
I loved this.
Thoughts as reading:
The first few chapters felt ..uncomfortable. It was hard enough being in Lennon's head but once the secret was hinted at, it turned heartbreaking.
A very grumpy Lennox and a very sunny Connor.
And everything feels like Lennox brain is in a haze compared to his actions,which seem normal. As the story progresses you can feel him slowly awaken.
In many parts of the writing, it's not a telling of a story, it's a feeling conveyed. Almost dreamlike.
And then they fall in love and you just wait for things to shatter....
An absolutely poetic HEA, so deserved.🌞✨🥲🥲🥲🥲
I loved this.
Thoughts as reading:
The first few chapters felt ..uncomfortable. It was hard enough being in Lennon's head but once the secret was hinted at, it turned heartbreaking.
A very grumpy Lennox and a very sunny Connor.
And everything feels like Lennox brain is in a haze compared to his actions,which seem normal. As the story progresses you can feel him slowly awaken.
In many parts of the writing, it's not a telling of a story, it's a feeling conveyed. Almost dreamlike.
And then they fall in love and you just wait for things to shatter....
An absolutely poetic HEA, so deserved.🌞✨🥲🥲🥲🥲
Review of advance copy received from Author
Heart is a fantastic emotional romance between Lennon and Connor, who are both going through a bunch of changes, and with being new roommates, their romance is slow-moving as their friendship takes the focus for most of their story, as they slowly begin to let down their walls for one another.
Overall, I really enjoyed the slower nature of this story and how vulnerable both Lennon and Connor were with one another. They quickly unraveled their most private thoughts and feelings with one another, making this such a powerful story where their devoted care and love for one another made for such a compelling story.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall, I really enjoyed the slower nature of this story and how vulnerable both Lennon and Connor were with one another. They quickly unraveled their most private thoughts and feelings with one another, making this such a powerful story where their devoted care and love for one another made for such a compelling story.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
January 13, 2026
Unpopular opinion incoming: I did not like this book. I'm not entirely sure that it's the book's fault, it's probably an expectation thing. I say this every time I read a Jesse Reign book, but she's an autobuy, insta-read author for me, I love her writing generally. But this book just sat weirdly with me. There were more things about it that had me rolling my eyes and pulling a face than things I actually enjoyed. Let's get into it.
Out story starts with Lennon, a strange, hollow character who seems to be stalking someone quite intensely. His target is Connor, who by some bizarre coincidence, needs a roommate and so we see Lennon take the opportunity to get closer and apply for the position. In moves Lennon, his motivation entirely unclear, his characterization completely inconsistent, and his self-awareness non-existent - like why have you moved in with the guy you are stalking just to be irritated by everything he does? I really did not like him, there was something so off about him, and we do kind of find out why in the end, but he just made me feel uncomfortable. I struggled to get a read on him. Connor, as a character is all goodness and light. Seems like a lovely guy, but almost over-written. Like too nice and too quirky, zero flaws. Giving very manic pixie dreamgirl vibes. Connor, unaware of Lennon's stalker behaviour, falls for him pretty hard. And Lennon falls too.
It's all kind of slowburn up to here, but when they finally get together, they are INSUFFERABLE. Sure, the sex is hot, but also super over-written. They are obsessed with each other in a way that I would find horrific irl. At one point, Lennon gets home an hour late from work and Connor cries about it?? Ew. Am I just too cynical for this? Was anyone else extremely annoyed by this? Just me? Okay.
There's a very predictable thing that happens, and I foresaw this pretty early on, so when we got to the big reveal, I was already over it. I mean, okay, it's not a bad book, I'm giving it 3 stars, but I was just not enjoying it all that much. And true to Reign form - the ending was extra, extra, extra cheesy. Like yes, we read romance for the joy of a happy ending, but there's happy ending and then there's just a pool of syrup to drown in. Hopefully it will go better for me next time.
Out story starts with Lennon, a strange, hollow character who seems to be stalking someone quite intensely. His target is Connor, who by some bizarre coincidence, needs a roommate and so we see Lennon take the opportunity to get closer and apply for the position. In moves Lennon, his motivation entirely unclear, his characterization completely inconsistent, and his self-awareness non-existent - like why have you moved in with the guy you are stalking just to be irritated by everything he does? I really did not like him, there was something so off about him, and we do kind of find out why in the end, but he just made me feel uncomfortable. I struggled to get a read on him. Connor, as a character is all goodness and light. Seems like a lovely guy, but almost over-written. Like too nice and too quirky, zero flaws. Giving very manic pixie dreamgirl vibes. Connor, unaware of Lennon's stalker behaviour, falls for him pretty hard. And Lennon falls too.
It's all kind of slowburn up to here, but when they finally get together, they are INSUFFERABLE. Sure, the sex is hot, but also super over-written. They are obsessed with each other in a way that I would find horrific irl. At one point, Lennon gets home an hour late from work and Connor cries about it?? Ew. Am I just too cynical for this? Was anyone else extremely annoyed by this? Just me? Okay.
There's a very predictable thing that happens, and I foresaw this pretty early on, so when we got to the big reveal, I was already over it. I mean, okay, it's not a bad book, I'm giving it 3 stars, but I was just not enjoying it all that much. And true to Reign form - the ending was extra, extra, extra cheesy. Like yes, we read romance for the joy of a happy ending, but there's happy ending and then there's just a pool of syrup to drown in. Hopefully it will go better for me next time.
January 25, 2026
OH MY GOD THIS WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. Completely and utterly breathtaking. Absolutely loved all of it.
January 17, 2026
Intense. Could not put this down and read in one sitting. RTC maybe later
dropped
January 28, 2026pity, i love this author's books but i'm not feeling this one. maybe i'll pick it back up on audio?
January 12, 2026
**** 4.5 Stars ***
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
January 20, 2026
3.0 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
WELP 🫤 This story really wasn’t for me. Not sure how intentional it was, but I figured out the two major plot points before I even got to the 20% mark. The way they unfold later felt like it was supposed to be a surprise to the reader too, so since I already knew where it was going it was kind of a buzz kill.
I really liked Connor and kept feeling bad that he was essentially being lied to the entire book. I struggled with Lennon…I understood his pain and emphasized with him more as the book went on, but it felt like the secret went on too long.
The reveal and confession is what tanked it all for me. Connor essentially having zero reaction to being stalked for months, not to mention the gravity of how the stalking directly tied to his own physical situation, felt wildly unrealistic. No freak out, no uncertainty, no time to process just “I’m keeping you” like HUH 🥴 I also really hated the Havi story. I hate how they made him a creep, and made Lennon feel guilty about it. They could’ve achieved the same outcome without Havi being physically aggressive for years.
The writing style in this also bugged me. The short, staccato sentences followed by chapters with one paragraph. Anyway, I sound like a huge hater so I’m going to shut up now 😂 Everyone loves this but me, so ignore me 🫶🏼
WELP 🫤 This story really wasn’t for me. Not sure how intentional it was, but I figured out the two major plot points before I even got to the 20% mark. The way they unfold later felt like it was supposed to be a surprise to the reader too, so since I already knew where it was going it was kind of a buzz kill.
I really liked Connor and kept feeling bad that he was essentially being lied to the entire book. I struggled with Lennon…I understood his pain and emphasized with him more as the book went on, but it felt like the secret went on too long.
The reveal and confession is what tanked it all for me. Connor essentially having zero reaction to being stalked for months, not to mention the gravity of how the stalking directly tied to his own physical situation, felt wildly unrealistic. No freak out, no uncertainty, no time to process just “I’m keeping you” like HUH 🥴 I also really hated the Havi story. I hate how they made him a creep, and made Lennon feel guilty about it. They could’ve achieved the same outcome without Havi being physically aggressive for years.
The writing style in this also bugged me. The short, staccato sentences followed by chapters with one paragraph. Anyway, I sound like a huge hater so I’m going to shut up now 😂 Everyone loves this but me, so ignore me 🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
I figured out how things were going to play out pretty early on, but still wasn’t prepared for how Heart wrecked me emotionally 😭
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- broken boy + major green flag
- grumpy x sunshine
- obsession + light stalking
- bi awakening
- roommates/forced proximity
- freckles and sunrises
CW: stalking, mc with depression, grief and loss,
a serious medical condition that required life saving surgery (off page, happened before the story starts), and flashbacks of being in hospital and being sick
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- broken boy + major green flag
- grumpy x sunshine
- obsession + light stalking
- bi awakening
- roommates/forced proximity
- freckles and sunrises
CW: stalking, mc with depression, grief and loss,
a serious medical condition that required life saving surgery (off page, happened before the story starts), and flashbacks of being in hospital and being sick
January 21, 2026
⭐️
4.5 stars rounded up!
⭐️
GOSH, I loved this SO much!
While this was somewhat slow for me at first, and hence my .5 stars off, that didn't last long, and soon enough I was entranced in Lennon and Connor's story.
Lennon is...well, stalking Connor at first. We learn he's been doing it for months at this point, but we don't know why. We learn soon enough that Lennon isn't just some psycho who is off his rocker and is a dangerous predator like stalkers usually are. Now, does it make it right? No! It is fucked up, but you understand why and come to understand that Lennon has been through a lot, and through something where him stalking Connor...kinda of well...makes sense?
Lennon isn't a creep, he's a broken guy who has been through something horrific.
And I guessed the twist early on, but we don't learn for sure until late in this. But I love how this story made it so clear that Lennon loves Connor for Connor and not because he has .
Connor is so unbelievably sweet and kind and caring and the biggest green flag ever, and Lennon is so fucked up and depressed. that he tries to hate all that about Connor, but...he really can't help but fall in love with him as we the reader do as well.
And it makes sense why Connor is the way he is. It seems he's always had a sense of innate kindness to those around him, but he was a bit more self involved and perhaps a normal amount of reckless with his own life as anyone is.
But Connor went through something devastating, and almost died. Imagine being so young, only 19, 20 years old and learning you have a fatal heart condition and you won't live much longer, unless you get a heart transplant.
And when Connor does get it...and gets to live and get a future and everything...his whole outlook is changed. He's so mindful and happy to just be living that he never takes anything for granted.
Him making sure to wake up practically everyday to see the sunrise was so incredibly sweet. He'd sometimes look up at the sun, at the sky, and marvel at seeing it, at living another day. Nothing like a near death experience to make you appreciate the world around you.
And he's so clearly attracted to Lennon when they first meet - officially - and he's not afraid to say so? Man, imagine if everyone was like that? Just flat out expressing their attraction, affection, love, all that. And being respectful and wonderful if you say no, if you reject them.
Connor is absolutely into Lennon, but is ready to just be his friend, and only his friend, if he doesn't feel the same or is never ready to be with him. A time or two he even asks permission to just...compliment Lennon on his appearance.
No wonder Lennon falls head over heels for him.
This story was also similar to a Spanish Netflix series I watched...
And also this book makes it clear that Lennon had no feelings for his best friend, Havi, and there weren't a lot of similarities between Connor and Havi. Connor was his own person and just because he now , that doesn't make him .
This even, to be honest, made Havi seem kind of...shitty? The way Lennon described how things went down, I feel like Havi full on sexually assaulted Lennon. I get that he was in love with Lennon and it was unrequited for so long, but that doesn't give him the right to do what he did, in my opinion.
I think that .
So yeah, not a great look for Havi. Yes,
I absolutely loved how wonderful Connor was about everything, and how accepting and loving and understanding he was.
I loved how the whole truth came out eventually as well, and for these two to truly get their HEA, no more secrets were left between them.
Connor broke down Lennon's walls and brought him to a place to be ready to heal just by being him. He made Lennon laugh when he was numb, he made him feel when he'd been numb for so long.
Their love story was absolutely beautiful. I think in another life, if they'd met under more normal circumstances, they still would have fallen in love. Connor and Lennon are the loves of each other's lives, no question.
I absolutely adored the passion and love between them. It really made you feel like there was so much love between them that the sex was truly just an extension of that, not a different thing entirely. It was mainly a way for them to be as close as possible to each other as they could get.
And unless switching is done right, I usually am not much of a fan - but this did it so right. They truly felt very versatile and it truly worked both ways with them. I couldn't get enough of them not being able to get enough of each other.
Just...this was beautiful, absolutely beautiful. One we got into the second half, I couldn't put it down. Lennon was a tough nut to crack at first for me, but once he started to come out of his shell, and fall for Connor, I came to love him as well.
It is tragic how , but...that's how the cards were dealt and you can't help how you feel.
In the end, Lennon was able to heal and carry on with life again, with Connor at his side, and it was beautiful. The ending just about melted my heart.
Seriously a massive thumbs up from me, this author just gets better and better, in my opinion.
Can't wait for what she gives us next! 😍🥰😘
GOSH, I loved this SO much!
While this was somewhat slow for me at first, and hence my .5 stars off, that didn't last long, and soon enough I was entranced in Lennon and Connor's story.
Lennon is...well, stalking Connor at first. We learn he's been doing it for months at this point, but we don't know why. We learn soon enough that Lennon isn't just some psycho who is off his rocker and is a dangerous predator like stalkers usually are. Now, does it make it right? No! It is fucked up, but you understand why and come to understand that Lennon has been through a lot, and through something where him stalking Connor...kinda of well...makes sense?
Lennon isn't a creep, he's a broken guy who has been through something horrific.
And I guessed the twist early on, but we don't learn for sure until late in this. But I love how this story made it so clear that Lennon loves Connor for Connor and not because he has .
Connor is so unbelievably sweet and kind and caring and the biggest green flag ever, and Lennon is so fucked up and depressed. that he tries to hate all that about Connor, but...he really can't help but fall in love with him as we the reader do as well.
And it makes sense why Connor is the way he is. It seems he's always had a sense of innate kindness to those around him, but he was a bit more self involved and perhaps a normal amount of reckless with his own life as anyone is.
But Connor went through something devastating, and almost died. Imagine being so young, only 19, 20 years old and learning you have a fatal heart condition and you won't live much longer, unless you get a heart transplant.
And when Connor does get it...and gets to live and get a future and everything...his whole outlook is changed. He's so mindful and happy to just be living that he never takes anything for granted.
Him making sure to wake up practically everyday to see the sunrise was so incredibly sweet. He'd sometimes look up at the sun, at the sky, and marvel at seeing it, at living another day. Nothing like a near death experience to make you appreciate the world around you.
And he's so clearly attracted to Lennon when they first meet - officially - and he's not afraid to say so? Man, imagine if everyone was like that? Just flat out expressing their attraction, affection, love, all that. And being respectful and wonderful if you say no, if you reject them.
Connor is absolutely into Lennon, but is ready to just be his friend, and only his friend, if he doesn't feel the same or is never ready to be with him. A time or two he even asks permission to just...compliment Lennon on his appearance.
No wonder Lennon falls head over heels for him.
This story was also similar to a Spanish Netflix series I watched...
And also this book makes it clear that Lennon had no feelings for his best friend, Havi, and there weren't a lot of similarities between Connor and Havi. Connor was his own person and just because he now , that doesn't make him .
This even, to be honest, made Havi seem kind of...shitty? The way Lennon described how things went down, I feel like Havi full on sexually assaulted Lennon. I get that he was in love with Lennon and it was unrequited for so long, but that doesn't give him the right to do what he did, in my opinion.
I think that .
So yeah, not a great look for Havi. Yes,
I absolutely loved how wonderful Connor was about everything, and how accepting and loving and understanding he was.
I loved how the whole truth came out eventually as well, and for these two to truly get their HEA, no more secrets were left between them.
Connor broke down Lennon's walls and brought him to a place to be ready to heal just by being him. He made Lennon laugh when he was numb, he made him feel when he'd been numb for so long.
Their love story was absolutely beautiful. I think in another life, if they'd met under more normal circumstances, they still would have fallen in love. Connor and Lennon are the loves of each other's lives, no question.
I absolutely adored the passion and love between them. It really made you feel like there was so much love between them that the sex was truly just an extension of that, not a different thing entirely. It was mainly a way for them to be as close as possible to each other as they could get.
And unless switching is done right, I usually am not much of a fan - but this did it so right. They truly felt very versatile and it truly worked both ways with them. I couldn't get enough of them not being able to get enough of each other.
Just...this was beautiful, absolutely beautiful. One we got into the second half, I couldn't put it down. Lennon was a tough nut to crack at first for me, but once he started to come out of his shell, and fall for Connor, I came to love him as well.
It is tragic how , but...that's how the cards were dealt and you can't help how you feel.
In the end, Lennon was able to heal and carry on with life again, with Connor at his side, and it was beautiful. The ending just about melted my heart.
Seriously a massive thumbs up from me, this author just gets better and better, in my opinion.
Can't wait for what she gives us next! 😍🥰😘
January 14, 2026
WOW! I loved this!
The writing was just 5 star, top quality, and I LOVED the storytelling, the romance, the so well developed MCs, and I totally recommend you just jump into this book without reading too many spoilers, so you can fully enjoy it. This felt a bit different from previous stories from this author, and it was a bit refreshing for me, personally!
(FWIW, I did guess a big part of the plot while reading but this was one you can't put down until the end)
This is ultimate grumpy/sunshine - Lennon is the grumpiest grump LOL, and Connor is just the best sunshine boy you will meet. Together these two just WORK. And while they didn't meet under actual accidental means, I loved the friendship they formed and then more. This is a roommates become friends become lovers, with bi-awakening rep, high emotions, some angst, and a beautiful HEA for Lennon and Connor.
A great way for me to start the year off reading!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest reivew.
The writing was just 5 star, top quality, and I LOVED the storytelling, the romance, the so well developed MCs, and I totally recommend you just jump into this book without reading too many spoilers, so you can fully enjoy it. This felt a bit different from previous stories from this author, and it was a bit refreshing for me, personally!
(FWIW, I did guess a big part of the plot while reading but this was one you can't put down until the end)
This is ultimate grumpy/sunshine - Lennon is the grumpiest grump LOL, and Connor is just the best sunshine boy you will meet. Together these two just WORK. And while they didn't meet under actual accidental means, I loved the friendship they formed and then more. This is a roommates become friends become lovers, with bi-awakening rep, high emotions, some angst, and a beautiful HEA for Lennon and Connor.
A great way for me to start the year off reading!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest reivew.
January 18, 2026
4.5⭐️ not gonna lie, it took me a hot minute to get into this book. Jesse’s writing and storytelling are unique, and at first, can feel a bit disjointed and chaotic. But at 15% I started to really sink into it and see what she was trying to convey. And then it just got better and better as it went. The intimacy and sensuality was amazing. These two are so explosively hot and sweet together.
This story is very straightforward, you’ll see the “twist” almost right away but I think that’s intentional. I think it carries more weight and suspense when you know the secret and you’re just waiting for the shoe to drop for the MC that doesn’t know. It built so much anxiety but I freaking loved the end! So worth it.
This story is very straightforward, you’ll see the “twist” almost right away but I think that’s intentional. I think it carries more weight and suspense when you know the secret and you’re just waiting for the shoe to drop for the MC that doesn’t know. It built so much anxiety but I freaking loved the end! So worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Holy SMOKES ! This was absolutely beautiful. And wild. And crazy. And just.. wow. Although you can make out where it’s going, there are lots of surprises I didn’t see coming, and Jesse really writes poetry. FULL RTC. I loved them!
———————————
There is nothing like finishing up the year with another absolutely beautiful read from Jesse H Reign. Poetry. Beautiful. Surprising. Everything.
Oh, and yet another book that is enjoyed best as a complete surprise. So, I’m not tellin ya nothing. Not a damn thing. Sorry, not sorry. I’ve typed and deleted about a million things here. Ah this point I’ll just tell you how this book made me feel.
At first I was confused, wondering what was happening, why, who, what was going on. In an intriguing way of course. The best way. The way that leaves you wanting more. So I kept reading. Then I felt curious. Curious because I started to put some pieces together. Curious because I had no answers, and more questions. Curious about some secrets. Some things. Lots of curiosity bouncing around. I was still hooked, kept reading.
I made it to the “romance” part of this book and just fell in love. Fell head over heels in love with these two. Their connection. Their conversation. Their quiet love. Their sunrises and sunsets. Their inside thoughts and feelings.. and their outwardly ones too.
This is where the poetry comes in. The absolutely beautiful love making. The sights, the sounds, the FEELINGS 😭 Beautiful.
I knew right away there was no way this book wasn’t a 5⭐️ read for me. I wasn’t surprised. But so so happy.
Lennon and Connor will live rent free in my head for the rest of time. I’ll always remember their love. Their hearts.
That’s all. Enjoy every sunrise ❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Holy SMOKES ! This was absolutely beautiful. And wild. And crazy. And just.. wow. Although you can make out where it’s going, there are lots of surprises I didn’t see coming, and Jesse really writes poetry. FULL RTC. I loved them!
———————————
There is nothing like finishing up the year with another absolutely beautiful read from Jesse H Reign. Poetry. Beautiful. Surprising. Everything.
Oh, and yet another book that is enjoyed best as a complete surprise. So, I’m not tellin ya nothing. Not a damn thing. Sorry, not sorry. I’ve typed and deleted about a million things here. Ah this point I’ll just tell you how this book made me feel.
At first I was confused, wondering what was happening, why, who, what was going on. In an intriguing way of course. The best way. The way that leaves you wanting more. So I kept reading. Then I felt curious. Curious because I started to put some pieces together. Curious because I had no answers, and more questions. Curious about some secrets. Some things. Lots of curiosity bouncing around. I was still hooked, kept reading.
I made it to the “romance” part of this book and just fell in love. Fell head over heels in love with these two. Their connection. Their conversation. Their quiet love. Their sunrises and sunsets. Their inside thoughts and feelings.. and their outwardly ones too.
This is where the poetry comes in. The absolutely beautiful love making. The sights, the sounds, the FEELINGS 😭 Beautiful.
I knew right away there was no way this book wasn’t a 5⭐️ read for me. I wasn’t surprised. But so so happy.
Lennon and Connor will live rent free in my head for the rest of time. I’ll always remember their love. Their hearts.
That’s all. Enjoy every sunrise ❤️
January 14, 2026
Friends to lovers.
Stalker. Literally to the point of getting to be his roommate
Grumpy sunshine
Red flag meets green flag
Stalker. Literally to the point of getting to be his roommate
Grumpy sunshine
Red flag meets green flag
January 11, 2026
Overall thoughts: Everything with Lennon and Connor was lovely and if the Havi twist was different (i.e. less toxic and disgusting imo) this would've been a 3.5-4 but as is I'm leaving it as a 3.
Connor and Lennon are two young men dealing with grief and life after a traumatic experience. We don't learn much about Lennon's background but he's clearly lost and sad. When I see "stalking" as a trope I tend to expect darkness or something sort of toxic, but Lennon was more like fascinated (not that stalking is ever okay). Connor is moving on after a heart transplant and just living his best and most thankful life until the two become roommates...
I can't imagine I'll read this again because the reveal of Havi's behavior completely ruined things for me. I just can't understand why Lennon never said anything about feeling uncomfortable or how Havi didn't notice and then he reacted angrily which is gross to me and not at all how a "best friend" should behave. It just never should have escalated that far on either side.
That said, the writing was beautiful as always from Jesse and I enjoyed a lot of the story - esp the side characters but I can't pretend the reveal didn't happen. I am absolutely thrilled with how Connor reacted though!
Connor and Lennon are two young men dealing with grief and life after a traumatic experience. We don't learn much about Lennon's background but he's clearly lost and sad. When I see "stalking" as a trope I tend to expect darkness or something sort of toxic, but Lennon was more like fascinated (not that stalking is ever okay). Connor is moving on after a heart transplant and just living his best and most thankful life until the two become roommates...
I can't imagine I'll read this again because the reveal of Havi's behavior completely ruined things for me. I just can't understand why Lennon never said anything about feeling uncomfortable or how Havi didn't notice and then he reacted angrily which is gross to me and not at all how a "best friend" should behave. It just never should have escalated that far on either side.
That said, the writing was beautiful as always from Jesse and I enjoyed a lot of the story - esp the side characters but I can't pretend the reveal didn't happen. I am absolutely thrilled with how Connor reacted though!
January 21, 2026
3 stars ⭐️
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