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Love Without Labels #2
The Reality of Wanting My Bully
This contemporary reality show romance explores what happens when Kieran finds out he's been blindly dating his former bully on national television.
Kieran
Jace Ryan is such a cliché. The popular star baseball player who can get any girl he wants.
He’s also a close-minded jerk who can’t seem to understand why a guy would ever want to wear makeup.
He won’t leave me alone, claiming that what I choose to wear is distracting, that I’m a freak for being different. His bullying is annoying, and yeah, I might have been afraid once or twice, but I won’t let it get to me.
I won’t change who I am for anyone.
And despite what he might say in front of his friends, Jace doesn’t actually seem to hate me as much as he claims.
Especially when we’re alone and I’m on my knees for him.
Jace
I have a lot of regrets in life, but the way things blew up with Kieran Delaney thirteen years ago is at the very top of my list.
I’m sure he hasn’t thought about me since then, but not a day goes by that I haven’t wondered what might have been. It’s so easy to pretend like he’s still in my life when I can watch all of his videos, like all of his posts. Who knew he’d become so famous for the very thing I used to bully him for?
I signed up for Love Without Labels, a label-free dating show, in an attempt to finally get over him. When they took away my phone, I thought it would finally help me move on. I found someone new, someone who made me laugh and forget about Kieran. Someone who I thought I could have a future with. But when I met him in person, I realized it’s been him the whole time.
The man I hurt all of those years ago.
The man I’ve loved in silence ever since.
He might think things are fake between us, but I know this is my one chance to prove I’m not the same guy who broke his heart.
The Reality of Wanting My Bully is a 137k-word, dual-POV romance told in two parts. It’s based on real-life bullying set in 2010-2012. It is NOT a dark romance. It’s a story about the challenges of growing up without positive support, healing, forgiveness, and realizing that the people we were at eighteen aren’t the people we’re destined to become.
Kieran
Jace Ryan is such a cliché. The popular star baseball player who can get any girl he wants.
He’s also a close-minded jerk who can’t seem to understand why a guy would ever want to wear makeup.
He won’t leave me alone, claiming that what I choose to wear is distracting, that I’m a freak for being different. His bullying is annoying, and yeah, I might have been afraid once or twice, but I won’t let it get to me.
I won’t change who I am for anyone.
And despite what he might say in front of his friends, Jace doesn’t actually seem to hate me as much as he claims.
Especially when we’re alone and I’m on my knees for him.
Jace
I have a lot of regrets in life, but the way things blew up with Kieran Delaney thirteen years ago is at the very top of my list.
I’m sure he hasn’t thought about me since then, but not a day goes by that I haven’t wondered what might have been. It’s so easy to pretend like he’s still in my life when I can watch all of his videos, like all of his posts. Who knew he’d become so famous for the very thing I used to bully him for?
I signed up for Love Without Labels, a label-free dating show, in an attempt to finally get over him. When they took away my phone, I thought it would finally help me move on. I found someone new, someone who made me laugh and forget about Kieran. Someone who I thought I could have a future with. But when I met him in person, I realized it’s been him the whole time.
The man I hurt all of those years ago.
The man I’ve loved in silence ever since.
He might think things are fake between us, but I know this is my one chance to prove I’m not the same guy who broke his heart.
The Reality of Wanting My Bully is a 137k-word, dual-POV romance told in two parts. It’s based on real-life bullying set in 2010-2012. It is NOT a dark romance. It’s a story about the challenges of growing up without positive support, healing, forgiveness, and realizing that the people we were at eighteen aren’t the people we’re destined to become.
486 pages, Hardcover
Published December 4, 2025
8 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Amber
8 books83 followersLexi is an American author who is obsessed with queer happily ever afters. Most of her time is spent with her two kids, but if they’re asleep then she is either reading, writing, or watching hockey.
Professionally trained as a nurse, Lexi decided to start writing when she became a stay at home mom and the characters in her head haven’t stopped talking since.
Lexi also loves Diet Coke, traveling, and Halloween. Her house is probably obnoxiously decorated for whatever holiday is next because she thinks that little things that make people smile are important.
You can find her attempting to stay up to date with all social media under the name Lexi Amber.
Professionally trained as a nurse, Lexi decided to start writing when she became a stay at home mom and the characters in her head haven’t stopped talking since.
Lexi also loves Diet Coke, traveling, and Halloween. Her house is probably obnoxiously decorated for whatever holiday is next because she thinks that little things that make people smile are important.
You can find her attempting to stay up to date with all social media under the name Lexi Amber.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
December 8, 2025
5 🌟
Jace and Kieran 🖤
Fuck.
Painful. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Complete.
Jace reallllllllly makes you hate him in part 1. But then you understand more of why he acted the way he did. And he’s SO down bad in part 2 🥵 I’m always here for a good grovel, and Jace would fucking walk on broken glass if Kieran told him to.
Dual timelines can be tricky, but there is no way to fully appreciate Jace and Kieran’s story without going back and seeing their high school years together.
The beginning of part 2 dragged for me a little, but I think that’s because I have read the first book so it felt a bit redundant on the process and explaining how the show works. And I’m so damn impatient and just wanted to see what would happen when they were finally face to face again.
Kieran’s answers to all of the producers questions at the start of the chapters were perfection 🤣 perfect mix of sassy, avoidance, and diplomatic answers.
But why wouldn’t they just TALK. Back in high school, ok fair enough I guess. But they still weren’t fully communicating even during part 2, and I just wanted to knock their heads together, and make them tell each other how they were really feeling.
Even with my few gripes, I absolutely am IN LOVE with these two. I’m so happy they found each other again, and were able to work through all of their past pain and hurt.
Also, I absolutely loved Jace’s uncles. Can we get a spinoff of them?!?!
I’m so excited for what’s to come in this world!
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — vers
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No, but they had a “situationship” that ends badly at the end of high school, and then meet again 13 years later. Once reunited they do not break up.
Sex scene with OM or OW No, but mentions of hookups and other partners
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
Part 1
— bully x target
— star athlete x artsy boy
— queer awakening denial
— “it didn’t mean anything”
— jealousy
— sneaking around
— mutual obsession
— degradation and praise
— “sparkles”
— “hot shot”
— “good boy”
— good luck bjs
— 69
Part 2
— reality show blind dating
— anonymous texting
— second chance
— groveling
— redemption
— one bed / forced proximity
— MMC wears glasses
— “sparkles”
— “hot shot”
— “darling”
— “baby”
— no kissing
— hate sex
— degradation and praise
— flip f*cking
— rimming
— dirty talk
— lingerie
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Jace and Kieran 🖤
Fuck.
Painful. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Complete.
Jace reallllllllly makes you hate him in part 1. But then you understand more of why he acted the way he did. And he’s SO down bad in part 2 🥵 I’m always here for a good grovel, and Jace would fucking walk on broken glass if Kieran told him to.
Dual timelines can be tricky, but there is no way to fully appreciate Jace and Kieran’s story without going back and seeing their high school years together.
The beginning of part 2 dragged for me a little, but I think that’s because I have read the first book so it felt a bit redundant on the process and explaining how the show works. And I’m so damn impatient and just wanted to see what would happen when they were finally face to face again.
Kieran’s answers to all of the producers questions at the start of the chapters were perfection 🤣 perfect mix of sassy, avoidance, and diplomatic answers.
But why wouldn’t they just TALK. Back in high school, ok fair enough I guess. But they still weren’t fully communicating even during part 2, and I just wanted to knock their heads together, and make them tell each other how they were really feeling.
Even with my few gripes, I absolutely am IN LOVE with these two. I’m so happy they found each other again, and were able to work through all of their past pain and hurt.
Also, I absolutely loved Jace’s uncles. Can we get a spinoff of them?!?!
I’m so excited for what’s to come in this world!
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — vers
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No, but they had a “situationship” that ends badly at the end of high school, and then meet again 13 years later. Once reunited they do not break up.
Sex scene with OM or OW No, but mentions of hookups and other partners
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
Part 1
— bully x target
— star athlete x artsy boy
— queer awakening denial
— “it didn’t mean anything”
— jealousy
— sneaking around
— mutual obsession
— degradation and praise
— “sparkles”
— “hot shot”
— “good boy”
— good luck bjs
— 69
Part 2
— reality show blind dating
— anonymous texting
— second chance
— groveling
— redemption
— one bed / forced proximity
— MMC wears glasses
— “sparkles”
— “hot shot”
— “darling”
— “baby”
— no kissing
— hate sex
— degradation and praise
— flip f*cking
— rimming
— dirty talk
— lingerie
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
December 6, 2025
All the stars.
✨✨✨✨✨🪄✨✨✨✨✨
This book is exactly what it's title promises and I absolutely love the bully backstory.
The bullying was harsh and real, the redemption was a thing of beauty. But the reality show concept that brought them back together was inspired.
Everything about this book was gorgeous from the cover to the last page. One of the best bully redemption stories I've read. I couldn't put it down, so well done ✅
*Favorites
*To buy paperback
*to reread again and again
*Edd Banu on the cover makes a perfect Kierran. Chef's kiss.
(I followed him on insta😉)
✨✨✨✨✨🪄✨✨✨✨✨
This book is exactly what it's title promises and I absolutely love the bully backstory.
The bullying was harsh and real, the redemption was a thing of beauty. But the reality show concept that brought them back together was inspired.
Everything about this book was gorgeous from the cover to the last page. One of the best bully redemption stories I've read. I couldn't put it down, so well done ✅
*Favorites
*To buy paperback
*to reread again and again
*Edd Banu on the cover makes a perfect Kierran. Chef's kiss.
(I followed him on insta😉)
November 16, 2025
4.5 ⭐
First of all, can we give a round of applause for this gorgeous cover? I’m usually more of a discreet-cover kind of girl, but Lexi and Bec picked the perfect model for Kieran and I’m honestly obsessed.
I really loved the authors’ take on a bully romance. Keeping it away from the dark-romance vibe made it feel refreshing and real. They handled those themes with so much care, and you can tell that getting an accurate representation was important to them. I genuinely have nothing bad to say about Part 1.
The reality-show setting is still amazing, just like in tRoWH. But with the added layer of them already knowing each other and the way things ended before, this book doesn’t even come close to feeling like book 1. It’s completely different in the best way. I loved the cameos from L and B, and seeing how Kieran and Jace reacted to everything thrown at them.
If Part 1 was Kieran’s time to steal my heart, then Part 2 was definitely Jace’s. I ate up all the groveling, the regret, and obsession, chapter after chapter. Jace is really something else, but honestly I can’t pick a favorite. They were both such well-thought-out characters.
The only part that fell a little flat for me was the last 20%. A few things felt rushed, and I needed more of Kieran’s inner thoughts to fully get where that switch flipped for him.
But overall? As always, I barely have anything negative to say about Lexi and Bec. They’re my Saxon and Eden, I’ll read whatever they publish, knowing I’m guaranteed a good time.
Tropes:
Second chance
bully romance (not dark romance)
obsessed mmc
mmc who wears make up
forced proximity
fake dating
texting without knowing it's them
grovelling
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Info:
Characters: Kieran & Jace
Age: Part 1: 18 years old, part 2: 31 years old
Nicknames: Sparkles/baby
Pov: dual, 1st person
third act break up: no
Roles: verse
First of all, can we give a round of applause for this gorgeous cover? I’m usually more of a discreet-cover kind of girl, but Lexi and Bec picked the perfect model for Kieran and I’m honestly obsessed.
I really loved the authors’ take on a bully romance. Keeping it away from the dark-romance vibe made it feel refreshing and real. They handled those themes with so much care, and you can tell that getting an accurate representation was important to them. I genuinely have nothing bad to say about Part 1.
The reality-show setting is still amazing, just like in tRoWH. But with the added layer of them already knowing each other and the way things ended before, this book doesn’t even come close to feeling like book 1. It’s completely different in the best way. I loved the cameos from L and B, and seeing how Kieran and Jace reacted to everything thrown at them.
If Part 1 was Kieran’s time to steal my heart, then Part 2 was definitely Jace’s. I ate up all the groveling, the regret, and obsession, chapter after chapter. Jace is really something else, but honestly I can’t pick a favorite. They were both such well-thought-out characters.
The only part that fell a little flat for me was the last 20%. A few things felt rushed, and I needed more of Kieran’s inner thoughts to fully get where that switch flipped for him.
But overall? As always, I barely have anything negative to say about Lexi and Bec. They’re my Saxon and Eden, I’ll read whatever they publish, knowing I’m guaranteed a good time.
Tropes:
Second chance
bully romance (not dark romance)
obsessed mmc
mmc who wears make up
forced proximity
fake dating
texting without knowing it's them
grovelling
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Info:
Characters: Kieran & Jace
Age: Part 1: 18 years old, part 2: 31 years old
Nicknames: Sparkles/baby
Pov: dual, 1st person
third act break up: no
Roles: verse
November 30, 2025
Well, that was… EVERYTHING!!! Oh my gosh this book could not have been any better. This story deals with sensitive topics and fragile relationship dynamics and it could not have been done better. Spectacular storytelling. Jace and Kieran, JR and KD, I love them.
The authors made sure to not make this a dark romance and it isn’t , it parses out dual points of view in two timelines and doesn’t shy away from the tough parts, the hurt heartbreak loneliness hopelessness that tears through the first part with slivers of light of coming to your pivot point in life of taking that brave step. Ah young Jace and Kieran had my heart, I don’t ever (well rarely) read YA but this story pulled at my heart so much I couldn’t put it down, read it in one go. I am still not a Liv fan, even after part 2 tbh but that’s between her and K.
Part 2 is the now, KD and JR all grown up, and holds the signature humour and heat and heart these two authors bring to their stories. The way they navigate the building of the bond, the reveal, the emotions and then the unbearable attraction is chef’s kiss.
That ending is so so satisfying and so very sweet and these two need sweet. Ahhh I’m happy and giddy after finishing.
If you like first times and second chances, healing, coming out, found family, humour in your romances definitely recommend reading this, you’ll like it.
The authors made sure to not make this a dark romance and it isn’t , it parses out dual points of view in two timelines and doesn’t shy away from the tough parts, the hurt heartbreak loneliness hopelessness that tears through the first part with slivers of light of coming to your pivot point in life of taking that brave step. Ah young Jace and Kieran had my heart, I don’t ever (well rarely) read YA but this story pulled at my heart so much I couldn’t put it down, read it in one go. I am still not a Liv fan, even after part 2 tbh but that’s between her and K.
Part 2 is the now, KD and JR all grown up, and holds the signature humour and heat and heart these two authors bring to their stories. The way they navigate the building of the bond, the reveal, the emotions and then the unbearable attraction is chef’s kiss.
That ending is so so satisfying and so very sweet and these two need sweet. Ahhh I’m happy and giddy after finishing.
If you like first times and second chances, healing, coming out, found family, humour in your romances definitely recommend reading this, you’ll like it.
December 7, 2025
The Reality of Wanting My Bully
Love Without Labels Book 2
Bec Benson
Lexi Amber
Kieran & Jace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Told in 2 parts
Degradation/ Praise
Bully / Target
Jealousy
Reality TV Show
Grovelling
One bed /Forced Proximity
Second Chance
Fake relationship
WOW, so this was fantastic.
This beautiful story is told in 2 parts. Before then, current.
The first part was hard to read. Jace is so clearly confused by Kieran. His home life is awful and seeing Kieran be so carefree and content with himself, he just can’t understand how Kieran is wearing makeup, openly gay and well just happy. This confusion turns to taunting and bullying Kieran for 2 years.
These 2 also had secret meetups and hookups during those two years. Jace wants to fight it, but he is drawn to Kieran. Part one ends roughly, my heart hurts for both men. They had such a brutal start to their relationship.
The building of this book is fantastic, from how Part 1 ends and Part 2 begins, it was so well done.
Part 2 Begins similar to Book 1 in this series. Love Without Borders reality TV Show begins and naturally Jace and Kieran begin to talk and date and learn more about each other throughout the show. Not knowing who the other one is.
After everything, after all these years, they have a new opportunity to start over. They were so sweet, even now, in part two these two struggled, especially once they realized who they had been speaking to on the show.
These two have a hard road to repair their relationship. Mostly on Kieran's part. He needs time to trust, to forgive, to see Jace for who he is now.
Jace’s grovelling was great, he truly has changed so much. Him being Kierans literal #1 fan was everything.
“Because this man? This man who has been so many things to me, my bully, my crush, my first real heartbreak, apparently my biggest fan, my fake boyfriend, my real husband, the love of my life. He’s so much more than any one of them. He’s everything.”
This is a great book, beautifully done, a true redemption arc for sure. Enemies to lovers, second chance perfection. Beautiful book.
SO thankful for this arc
Love Without Labels Book 2
Bec Benson
Lexi Amber
Kieran & Jace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Told in 2 parts
Degradation/ Praise
Bully / Target
Jealousy
Reality TV Show
Grovelling
One bed /Forced Proximity
Second Chance
Fake relationship
WOW, so this was fantastic.
This beautiful story is told in 2 parts. Before then, current.
The first part was hard to read. Jace is so clearly confused by Kieran. His home life is awful and seeing Kieran be so carefree and content with himself, he just can’t understand how Kieran is wearing makeup, openly gay and well just happy. This confusion turns to taunting and bullying Kieran for 2 years.
These 2 also had secret meetups and hookups during those two years. Jace wants to fight it, but he is drawn to Kieran. Part one ends roughly, my heart hurts for both men. They had such a brutal start to their relationship.
The building of this book is fantastic, from how Part 1 ends and Part 2 begins, it was so well done.
Part 2 Begins similar to Book 1 in this series. Love Without Borders reality TV Show begins and naturally Jace and Kieran begin to talk and date and learn more about each other throughout the show. Not knowing who the other one is.
After everything, after all these years, they have a new opportunity to start over. They were so sweet, even now, in part two these two struggled, especially once they realized who they had been speaking to on the show.
These two have a hard road to repair their relationship. Mostly on Kieran's part. He needs time to trust, to forgive, to see Jace for who he is now.
Jace’s grovelling was great, he truly has changed so much. Him being Kierans literal #1 fan was everything.
“Because this man? This man who has been so many things to me, my bully, my crush, my first real heartbreak, apparently my biggest fan, my fake boyfriend, my real husband, the love of my life. He’s so much more than any one of them. He’s everything.”
This is a great book, beautifully done, a true redemption arc for sure. Enemies to lovers, second chance perfection. Beautiful book.
SO thankful for this arc
November 24, 2025
As with the first book, I seriously loved the concept of a completely blind and genderless dating show.
Jace and Kieran's story is by far my favorite of the series so far. I am forever a sucker for a second chance romance, and these two deserved one more than anyone—especially after everything that happened between them when they were younger.
I loved watching these two reconnect through the show and fall in love in Part Two, and that we saw that Jace had learned from his mistakes and was willing to do anything it took to make sure Kieran knew that he had changed and how far he was willing to go to earn back his trust. I love a good redemption arc, and this *chefs kiss*
Part one:
Bully × their target
⚾️Star athlete × artsy boy who wears makeup
💄Target taunts them back
⚾️Bi-awakening denial
💄“Better way you could be using your mouth…”
⚾️“Good luck” blowjobs (between consenting adults over the age of 18)
💄Degradation × praise
⚾️Jealousy
💄Sneaking around
⚾️“It didn’t mean anything”
💄Mutual obsession
Part two:
🏗️Reality show x blind dating
✨Anonymous texting/hidden identities
🏗️Fake dating
✨Groveling / second chance
🏗️One bed/forced proximity
✨Celebrity × fan
🏗️Flip f*(k
✨Regret / redemption arc
Jace and Kieran's story is by far my favorite of the series so far. I am forever a sucker for a second chance romance, and these two deserved one more than anyone—especially after everything that happened between them when they were younger.
I loved watching these two reconnect through the show and fall in love in Part Two, and that we saw that Jace had learned from his mistakes and was willing to do anything it took to make sure Kieran knew that he had changed and how far he was willing to go to earn back his trust. I love a good redemption arc, and this *chefs kiss*
Part one:
Bully × their target
⚾️Star athlete × artsy boy who wears makeup
💄Target taunts them back
⚾️Bi-awakening denial
💄“Better way you could be using your mouth…”
⚾️“Good luck” blowjobs (between consenting adults over the age of 18)
💄Degradation × praise
⚾️Jealousy
💄Sneaking around
⚾️“It didn’t mean anything”
💄Mutual obsession
Part two:
🏗️Reality show x blind dating
✨Anonymous texting/hidden identities
🏗️Fake dating
✨Groveling / second chance
🏗️One bed/forced proximity
✨Celebrity × fan
🏗️Flip f*(k
✨Regret / redemption arc
November 16, 2025
♾️⭐
3 🌶️
Jace Ryan and Kieran Delaney have had me in a chokehold for weeks. There’s something so imperfectly perfect about them that I will never recover from. From each snarky comeback, to the tender touches shared, they truly are stunning.
Kieran “Sparkles” Delaney is the epitome of confidence and never letting anyone control who you are. He never gave into Jace’s and others' bullying. He always stayed true to himself. I loved his vulnerability and tenderness when he finally did open up.
Jace Ryan… I did not expect to fall in love with him like I did. I could understand and even relate to what he was going through on a certain level. You could feel his anger and contempt but also the deep sadness within himself. He just wants to be able to be himself, without fear of retaliation. I think that Jace learned a lot from Kieran along the way. He learned how to be confident and stand up for himself and others. And he learned to be the kind of partner that Kieran needed and deserves.
The groveling and redemption from Jace was done so well. I could taste his regret and feel his yearning for Kieran with my whole chest. On the flip side I could see and understand Kieran’s hesitation and the moment he let his walls down was so beautiful.
I have to mention my favorite meddling uncles Joey and Patrick. You knew what you guys were doing, you beautiful menaces.
The connection Jace and Kieran shared is just everything. My favorite first kiss moment I've ever read. The story itself is so beautiful. I will never get over them and I’m okay with that.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Part One:
Bully × their Target
Star athlete × Artsy boy who wears makeup
Target taunts them back
Bi-awakening denial
“Better way you could be using your mouth…”
“Good luck” blowjobs
Degradation × Praise
Jealousy
Sneaking around
“It didn’t mean anything”
Mutual obsession
Part Two:
Reality Show x Blind Dating
Anonymous Texting/Hidden identities
Fake Dating
Second Chance/Groveling
One Bed/Forced Proximity
Regret/Redemption arc
“Slutty” Glasses
Celebrity × Fan
Flip F*(k
No Kissing
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
3 🌶️
Jace Ryan and Kieran Delaney have had me in a chokehold for weeks. There’s something so imperfectly perfect about them that I will never recover from. From each snarky comeback, to the tender touches shared, they truly are stunning.
Kieran “Sparkles” Delaney is the epitome of confidence and never letting anyone control who you are. He never gave into Jace’s and others' bullying. He always stayed true to himself. I loved his vulnerability and tenderness when he finally did open up.
Jace Ryan… I did not expect to fall in love with him like I did. I could understand and even relate to what he was going through on a certain level. You could feel his anger and contempt but also the deep sadness within himself. He just wants to be able to be himself, without fear of retaliation. I think that Jace learned a lot from Kieran along the way. He learned how to be confident and stand up for himself and others. And he learned to be the kind of partner that Kieran needed and deserves.
The groveling and redemption from Jace was done so well. I could taste his regret and feel his yearning for Kieran with my whole chest. On the flip side I could see and understand Kieran’s hesitation and the moment he let his walls down was so beautiful.
I have to mention my favorite meddling uncles Joey and Patrick. You knew what you guys were doing, you beautiful menaces.
The connection Jace and Kieran shared is just everything. My favorite first kiss moment I've ever read. The story itself is so beautiful. I will never get over them and I’m okay with that.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Part One:
Bully × their Target
Star athlete × Artsy boy who wears makeup
Target taunts them back
Bi-awakening denial
“Better way you could be using your mouth…”
“Good luck” blowjobs
Degradation × Praise
Jealousy
Sneaking around
“It didn’t mean anything”
Mutual obsession
Part Two:
Reality Show x Blind Dating
Anonymous Texting/Hidden identities
Fake Dating
Second Chance/Groveling
One Bed/Forced Proximity
Regret/Redemption arc
“Slutty” Glasses
Celebrity × Fan
Flip F*(k
No Kissing
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
December 7, 2025
Have you ever read a book that you loved so much it left you absolutely stunned? Like your brain just… fries? It’s happened to me three times in the last couple of weeks, and it’s almost like writer’s block. I’ve been staring at my computer for days trying to write these reviews, terrified I won’t do these books justice. But here goes…
I loved The Reality of Wanting Him, book one in the Love Without Labels series, so when I heard book two was coming, I rushed to sign up for the ARC. And then I saw the cover, that hot AF, absolutely stunning cover. The moment I laid eyes on it, I fell in love and knew this book was going to be special. And I was right. It’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year… maybe even longer than that.
TROWMB pulled so many emotions out of me that it felt like I was living inside the story. I felt everything.
Lexi and Bec wrote an amazing book. The writing is sharp, and the characters feel so genuine and believable. In Part One, I despised Jace more than I’ve ever hated a main character. He was downright cruel. He and his friend tormented Kieran every chance they got, and I was furious on Kieran’s behalf. Kieran was just trying to live his life and be who he was, and he kept getting hurt over and over again. It was heartbreaking to witness.
Then a confrontation at a party flips the entire script. I seriously hated Jace and couldn’t imagine how the authors were going to redeem him… yet by the end of Part One, I was completely in love with him and heartbroken FOR him. I had to stop reading just to process everything.
Part Two jumps ahead to the present day. Jace and Kieran haven’t seen each other since high school, 13 years ago. By some twist of fate, they both end up as contestants on the reality show Love Without Labels. Neither knows the other is there, and it was so much fun watching them interact and develop feelings without realizing who they were talking to. Then the big reveal, I was so nervous…
Ok I’m not going to go into a lot of detail because I don’t want to spoil anything, and honestly, if I keep writing, this review will turn into 150 pages. So trust me when I say this book is fantastic, and you need to read it. Jace and Kieran have my whole heart. I’m obsessed!
I loved The Reality of Wanting Him, book one in the Love Without Labels series, so when I heard book two was coming, I rushed to sign up for the ARC. And then I saw the cover, that hot AF, absolutely stunning cover. The moment I laid eyes on it, I fell in love and knew this book was going to be special. And I was right. It’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year… maybe even longer than that.
TROWMB pulled so many emotions out of me that it felt like I was living inside the story. I felt everything.
Lexi and Bec wrote an amazing book. The writing is sharp, and the characters feel so genuine and believable. In Part One, I despised Jace more than I’ve ever hated a main character. He was downright cruel. He and his friend tormented Kieran every chance they got, and I was furious on Kieran’s behalf. Kieran was just trying to live his life and be who he was, and he kept getting hurt over and over again. It was heartbreaking to witness.
Then a confrontation at a party flips the entire script. I seriously hated Jace and couldn’t imagine how the authors were going to redeem him… yet by the end of Part One, I was completely in love with him and heartbroken FOR him. I had to stop reading just to process everything.
Part Two jumps ahead to the present day. Jace and Kieran haven’t seen each other since high school, 13 years ago. By some twist of fate, they both end up as contestants on the reality show Love Without Labels. Neither knows the other is there, and it was so much fun watching them interact and develop feelings without realizing who they were talking to. Then the big reveal, I was so nervous…
Ok I’m not going to go into a lot of detail because I don’t want to spoil anything, and honestly, if I keep writing, this review will turn into 150 pages. So trust me when I say this book is fantastic, and you need to read it. Jace and Kieran have my whole heart. I’m obsessed!
November 21, 2025
Sensitivity read 🫶🏼
November 17, 2025
Please be aware that my review is split into 2 parts like the format of this book. There was a lot to unpack in this brilliant novel. I'll be back to add my favorite quotes at a later time.
THE REALITY OF WANTING MY BULLY
Part One
By Lexi Amber & Bec Benson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
ALL FORMATS are currently up for Pre-Order at www.Lexiamber.com. Pre-Order the E-book before December 1st and receive it early. Signed Paperback, Hardbacks and Book Box Options also available!
It Is available December 4th on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amazon.com/B0FDFNHC9F
This is not your typically written romance, but please stick with me as it is the longest ARC I have ever read to date. I have split my review into Two Parts just like the book, because there is a lot to unpack. I promise you won’t regret this journey. The total page count for the entire book is 500-pages. Part One is a Medium Paced, Opposites Attract, Bi-Awakening, Haters-to-Lovers, High School Bully MM Romance. This is book 2 in Season 1 of the Love Without Labels series. It is written as a duology but in one BIG book. It is an unforgettable journey that authors take these characters on by making you re-experience high school’s self-discovery and coming-of-age era, then jumping to present day, overlapping book 1. However, this can be read as a standalone, except the second epilogue, as it gives away a massive spoiler for book1, but doesn’t take away from the plot of book 2.
Written in alternating chapters, dual 1st person POV, I wrote my review in two parts since this is a massive two-part novel. Part one of this novel starts with a tease straight from a reality tv show trailer to get you hooked, then bouncing all the way back to high school. Like a baseball game, life always has a starting point, but sometimes goes into extra innings, making the MCs play the long game. Kieran knows who he is and is growing as a person while learning to express himself with fashion and makeup by creating a social media channel to share tutorials. Without meaning to, he catches the eye of the Star Catcher on the baseball team, Jace, who usually tends to be more reserved for a jock to stay out of trouble. But constantly being distracted by Kieran, Jace targets him daily by bullying him, using the excuse that Kieran wants the attention since he flaunts himself the way that he does in public. While Kieran’s problems are coming from Jace, Jace is dealing with his own issues from home. The pressure, body image, and hyper masculinity that is forced on his shoulders by his father is crushing him without even realizing it. At a Halloween party, the two confront each other, a reveal like taking off a costume that’s been worn for too long. Their tension became so thick, it was like fabric ripping at the seams. I secretly love this reverse imagery. Normally we dress on Halloween to become someone or something else, but Jace uses it to reveal himself instead. -french kiss- Perfection!
From here, their secret encounters are scheduled by their favorite tree in the woods where not only do they explore each other physically but personally as well. Jace uses these hookups as an outlet to find and express himself with censorship. They learn that life isn’t black and white, but very Grey. But living in a shadow comes with consequences that changes the course of everyone’s life. When wind blowing the fog away, giving other people a peek, the climax hits hard, motivating changes in their lives forever. Be prepared to experience the consequences of these choices through the rest of the book. Just like in real life, the MCs are subjected to relive memories and feelings from the past in random bouts, like when grief from a lost loved one smacks at unplanned times.
Part One of this novel brings you on a journey some never wants to relive. Big Content Warning! Please stay with me though. The authors wrote a beautiful story about two young men learning who they are, while making every day adolescent mistakes. The high school section of the book was written authentically and really brought me back to my days of being brutally bullied and traumatized. Kieran is really put through the wringer because of his sexuality and expression to the point you wouldn’t think forgiveness is possible. However, they wrote this topic with so much grace, especially Jace’s POV. His character development was something I wasn’t expecting to hit as hard as it did. Yes, he is the antagonist, but he is human and one you will feel for by the end. His growth was so real it hurt all the way through part one. Not only is he living in a shadow while secretly meeting up with Kieran, but that shadow gets darker when he goes home making his life dense. No child of any age should go through what Jace did and no child should go through what he put Kieran through. It is a double-edged sword.
The spice for Part One is more than you expect but still mild. 3/5🌶. Secret rendezvous of first-times and learning experiences. Being young adults (THEY ARE 18 YEARS OLD), with one trying to figure themselves out while the other is just going with the flow while fighting their own feels and confused thoughts over the whole situation. Their encounters are detailed but the authors keep the meet-ups to mild BJs…. So many BJs. What I loved about the spice was it really wasn’t about the encounters themselves but what it leads to after. It opened this door into them sharing details about their personal lives that never would have happened normally (the power of a BJ), making each of them start to have feelings for the other. It reveals that you can still hate the past without hating the person that created the memory. However, just like any queer person, being kept in the shadows for too long starts to hurt and leads to misunderstandings, traumatic decisions, violent reveals.
The ensemble is extensive in Part One. Lexi Amber and Bec Benson squeezed so much character detail into just 275 pages while contributing to the main plot. Like every high schooler that is part of different cliques and lifestyles, they have their own set of friends and family. It created small side plots that moved on their own while still connecting back to the main storyline involving the MCs. Kieran’s parents are everything we hope all queer kids could have and give the story a sense of safety and unconditional love. Kieran’s besties Olivia and Danny are interweaved into the plot flawlessly while added their own drama. The way the authors wrote the friendships and family relationships made me feel like I never left high school. Jace’s side of things are a bit more complicated, which I’m sure you get the sense of up above. Raised by a former hyper masculine Baseball wannabe star as a father, Jace is pushed to follow in his dad’s harsh and abusive footsteps and succeed. This storyline gives society an example that homophobic grooming traits are taught but can also be undone and that verbal abuse is abuse and restructures the mindset of young people far too easily and is harder to undo. Even though there has been growth in the new generation being more acceptable and open minded about the queer community, this part does take place in 2010-2012 when there is still work to be done especially in the sports industry. Jace being around an abusive family member and judgmental jocks, like his teammate and friend David, creates an obstacle course to dodge and weave. The ensemble plays a heavy part in the climax of Part One, with emotional turmoil and fearful memories. It should be noted that my adolescent life is similar to Kieran’s, so my opinion of this novel is heavy for me. I went through a lot of what he did, minus the secret meet-ups. I always ignore content warnings because I like to be surprised and even if I do get worked up over a plot point, I just push through. However, it should be noted that the ending of Part One is a bit of a violent smack. Take care of yourself.
Part One of BULLY not only shows how far we have come from 15 years ago, but also how far we still have to go. Lexi Amber and Bec Benson knew the task at hand and succeeded by getting into the mindset of high schoolers in all walks of life and projecting us back by using old school terminology and pop culture without cross the line by using harsh slurs (BIG RESPECT THERE). Even writing in the mindset of a struggling bully, authentic in both the reasoning of singling someone out and the denial of their own thoughts and urges is really something. The pace was steady and consistent even with small time hops that kept us moving forward but without missing important plot or character detail. The tension and emotions are raw, realistically breaking and inspiring to remember who you are and who you want to be. It bleeds off the pages and will have you really going through it alongside Kieran, Jace, and the ensemble. But prepare yourself because Part Two of BULLY is a whole different vibe. Even though a lot can happen in 13 years, the past stays the same, it’s how you look to the future.
💜Happy Reading🫶
THE REALITY OF WANTING MY BULLY
Part Two
By Lexi Amber & Bec Benson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
ALL FORMATS are currently up for Pre-Order at www.Lexiamber.com. Pre-Order the E-book before December 1st and receive it early. Signed Paperback, Hardbacks and Book Box Options also available!
It Is available December 4th on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amazon.com/B0FDFNHC9F
This is not your typically written romance, but please stick with me as it is the longest ARC I have ever read to date. I have split my review into Two Parts just like the book, because there is a lot to unpack. I promise you won’t regret this journey. The total page count for the entire book is 500-pages. Part Two is a Medium Paced, Secret Identity / Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, One-sided Haters-to-Lovers, Second Chance, Reality Show MM Romance. This is Book Two in Season 1 of the Love Without Labels series. It is written as a duology but in one BIG book. It is an unforgettable journey the authors take these characters on by making you re-experience high school’s self-discovery and coming-of-age era, then jumping to present day, overlapping Book One. However, this can be read as a standalone, except the second epilogue, as it gives away a massive spoiler for Book One, but doesn’t take away from the plot of Book Two.
LOVE WITHOUT LABELS TV SHOW FORMAT RECAP
A blind dating reality show where you don’t even know the other person’s gender. You are not allowed to give anything away that may hint at certain aspects of their lives. After a week of making connections through blind dates, talking through voice distortion, and texts, the contestants are allowed to whittle down to the one person they want to move in with for the big reveal, which is not a guarantee. After living together for a week, they can make the choice of moving forward with a wedding.
Written in alternating chapters, dual 1st person POV, I wrote my review in two parts since this is a massive two-part novel. It started with a tease straight from a reality tv show trailer to get you hooked, then bouncing all the way back to high school which I wrote about in a different review. Part Two starts by jumping 13 years to Present Day (Part 2), both MCs decide to join the Love Without Labels tv reality show. Kieran is a big-time social media celeb, creating makeup and fashion tutorials, with a huge following, but his high school trauma still effects him to this day. He has a hard time trusting people and letting them in, especially when most of the men just want to date him to use his status to gain more followers for themselves. With the show being blind, he thinks it will be the perfect opportunity to meet someone without his job getting in the way. Jace freed himself from a future that he didn’t want, but is still hung up on Kieran after all these year. He is a part of his fan club and follows his online journey. After high school, he has a hard time of letting people in and still blames himself for other people’s actions. He is a borderline hermit, going to work in a career even he didn’t see in his future and mainly only hanging with his uncles who live in the same building as him making him the constant 3rd wheel. Sick of feeling alone and having previous relationships fail quickly, Jace makes the choice to join the show to get over Kieran once and for all, hoping he can move on without the distraction of his social media crush.
After the reader is thrown into the present, we are sent straight into a reality show where the real excitement begins with a whole different vibe than Part One. Knowing info as the reader that the characters don’t know adds a layer of anxiety that heightens all the other senses you experience while the MCs go through the steps in the show. The instantaneous chemistry they have with each other is so strong, fun, and cute that it will make you want to read faster than its possible to get to the big reveal but all the little detail leading up to that point are just as important as it sets the stage for the grand finale. Like in Book One, the show creates a safe space to show and reveal details you normally wouldn’t on regular dates while keeping minor details a secret because you have too. Opening up that door of honesty re-set their connection they had in high school without them knowing, which is really fun for the reader.
This section of the book does move at a quicker pace than the first but doesn’t skip any important fun dating details or behind the scenes peeks. The authors wrote it with the assumption that the reader read the first book but at the same time, it can be read as a standalone. They wrote their character development to show their growth from high school that is detrimental to the plot, and they succeeded. As a reader, it was like running into old friends or acquaintances and catching up on what they have been up to. They also wrote the process of forgiveness without forgetting and how that can change not only the forgiver’s mentality, but the forgiven. It’s like scar cream being applied to their marked hearts to heal their wounds from the past. It was a gradual but forward moving plot development that also made me process my own past further than I ever did until now, changing the way I should be thinking about what I went through. The author’s creativity is like therapy, written to not only to put a spotlight on school bullying, but also body type judgment, rejection and abandonment. You journey through everything the characters feel at 150%, whether it’s the feeling of regret and redemption or the feeling to anger and confusion. Lexi Amber and Bec Benson balanced the angst just enough that it shouldn’t push the reader completely over the edge. Only a tissue or two, and this is before the spicy scenes.
THE SPICE!!!!! YALLLLLL!!!! 5/5 🌶! The journey to get here is worth it! They already have so much tension between them because of their past and now with Jace trying to win Kieran over while fake dating. Kieran is one strong human but caving with hate in his heart makes for some really hot degrading hate sex and high praise! It’s a wild ride! Literally! I love that the authors decided on the creative decision to use hyper realistic problems that comes from assuming someone’s label whether it’s their sexual orientation or their preferred sexual position. Discussions in the bedroom and figuring out what both men would prefer to do on the fly and in the moment is a scenario that is a common occurrence and can really put a wrench in the plans when both men like the same position or misjudge their instincts. This isn’t commonly done in MM romances, and I really loved that they went down this path.
The ensemble is more minimal in Part Two because our MCs are secluded for a big chunk of time either by themselves, only talking to other contestants or together. Olivia has some minor time in Part Two which gave insight to Kieran’s social media platform from her perspective and we get to know Jace’s Uncles really well. They were the comedic break the novel needed, and it came at the most perfect time too. You learn how much they really love Jace and the support they gave him over the years since high school and the consequence after graduation. Adding some challenges and humor to the show is the production staff attempting to get the contestants to do what they want them to do for entertainment value. At the beginning of each chapter of Part Two, an interview question gets asked to either Kieran or Jace that usually gets a hilarious and honestly sassy response. We do get one cross-over scene from Book One where we see Liam & Blake during the contestant meet & greet from Jace’s POV. It was another creative decision to have Jace being the sensitive one that kept someone like Liam close to go through the process with on the show. We also get some of the same text messages from Liam as well. Also including Liam & Blake, and this is important, is the 2nd Epilogue. If you HAVENT read Book One, DO NOT READ THE 2ND EPILOGUE. It has a major spoiler for only readers that read Book One. CHICKEN DADDY FANS UNITE!
Part Two is a really fun escape even though there are moments of emotional flashbacks. You never know when they are going to hit. Even though both MCs have grown as individuals since high school, life lessons are still being learned. Your past judgements become your future insecurities, whether it’s Kieran’s trust issues or Jace being self-conscious of his body in front of others. But finding that person to help you proceed forward in life is the pure love one needs to traverse the healing process. Even if it is the one person you never thought it would be. Find the one person that can be obsessed with you, raise you up and support you, by loving your inner sparkle no matter who it is. Let them use their knowledge of your past to spoil you with the glitter of the future whether it’s applied on your face with a makeup brush or written as a secret message on paper.
💜Happy Reading🫶
THE REALITY OF WANTING MY BULLY
Part One
By Lexi Amber & Bec Benson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
ALL FORMATS are currently up for Pre-Order at www.Lexiamber.com. Pre-Order the E-book before December 1st and receive it early. Signed Paperback, Hardbacks and Book Box Options also available!
It Is available December 4th on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amazon.com/B0FDFNHC9F
This is not your typically written romance, but please stick with me as it is the longest ARC I have ever read to date. I have split my review into Two Parts just like the book, because there is a lot to unpack. I promise you won’t regret this journey. The total page count for the entire book is 500-pages. Part One is a Medium Paced, Opposites Attract, Bi-Awakening, Haters-to-Lovers, High School Bully MM Romance. This is book 2 in Season 1 of the Love Without Labels series. It is written as a duology but in one BIG book. It is an unforgettable journey that authors take these characters on by making you re-experience high school’s self-discovery and coming-of-age era, then jumping to present day, overlapping book 1. However, this can be read as a standalone, except the second epilogue, as it gives away a massive spoiler for book1, but doesn’t take away from the plot of book 2.
Written in alternating chapters, dual 1st person POV, I wrote my review in two parts since this is a massive two-part novel. Part one of this novel starts with a tease straight from a reality tv show trailer to get you hooked, then bouncing all the way back to high school. Like a baseball game, life always has a starting point, but sometimes goes into extra innings, making the MCs play the long game. Kieran knows who he is and is growing as a person while learning to express himself with fashion and makeup by creating a social media channel to share tutorials. Without meaning to, he catches the eye of the Star Catcher on the baseball team, Jace, who usually tends to be more reserved for a jock to stay out of trouble. But constantly being distracted by Kieran, Jace targets him daily by bullying him, using the excuse that Kieran wants the attention since he flaunts himself the way that he does in public. While Kieran’s problems are coming from Jace, Jace is dealing with his own issues from home. The pressure, body image, and hyper masculinity that is forced on his shoulders by his father is crushing him without even realizing it. At a Halloween party, the two confront each other, a reveal like taking off a costume that’s been worn for too long. Their tension became so thick, it was like fabric ripping at the seams. I secretly love this reverse imagery. Normally we dress on Halloween to become someone or something else, but Jace uses it to reveal himself instead. -french kiss- Perfection!
From here, their secret encounters are scheduled by their favorite tree in the woods where not only do they explore each other physically but personally as well. Jace uses these hookups as an outlet to find and express himself with censorship. They learn that life isn’t black and white, but very Grey. But living in a shadow comes with consequences that changes the course of everyone’s life. When wind blowing the fog away, giving other people a peek, the climax hits hard, motivating changes in their lives forever. Be prepared to experience the consequences of these choices through the rest of the book. Just like in real life, the MCs are subjected to relive memories and feelings from the past in random bouts, like when grief from a lost loved one smacks at unplanned times.
Part One of this novel brings you on a journey some never wants to relive. Big Content Warning! Please stay with me though. The authors wrote a beautiful story about two young men learning who they are, while making every day adolescent mistakes. The high school section of the book was written authentically and really brought me back to my days of being brutally bullied and traumatized. Kieran is really put through the wringer because of his sexuality and expression to the point you wouldn’t think forgiveness is possible. However, they wrote this topic with so much grace, especially Jace’s POV. His character development was something I wasn’t expecting to hit as hard as it did. Yes, he is the antagonist, but he is human and one you will feel for by the end. His growth was so real it hurt all the way through part one. Not only is he living in a shadow while secretly meeting up with Kieran, but that shadow gets darker when he goes home making his life dense. No child of any age should go through what Jace did and no child should go through what he put Kieran through. It is a double-edged sword.
The spice for Part One is more than you expect but still mild. 3/5🌶. Secret rendezvous of first-times and learning experiences. Being young adults (THEY ARE 18 YEARS OLD), with one trying to figure themselves out while the other is just going with the flow while fighting their own feels and confused thoughts over the whole situation. Their encounters are detailed but the authors keep the meet-ups to mild BJs…. So many BJs. What I loved about the spice was it really wasn’t about the encounters themselves but what it leads to after. It opened this door into them sharing details about their personal lives that never would have happened normally (the power of a BJ), making each of them start to have feelings for the other. It reveals that you can still hate the past without hating the person that created the memory. However, just like any queer person, being kept in the shadows for too long starts to hurt and leads to misunderstandings, traumatic decisions, violent reveals.
The ensemble is extensive in Part One. Lexi Amber and Bec Benson squeezed so much character detail into just 275 pages while contributing to the main plot. Like every high schooler that is part of different cliques and lifestyles, they have their own set of friends and family. It created small side plots that moved on their own while still connecting back to the main storyline involving the MCs. Kieran’s parents are everything we hope all queer kids could have and give the story a sense of safety and unconditional love. Kieran’s besties Olivia and Danny are interweaved into the plot flawlessly while added their own drama. The way the authors wrote the friendships and family relationships made me feel like I never left high school. Jace’s side of things are a bit more complicated, which I’m sure you get the sense of up above. Raised by a former hyper masculine Baseball wannabe star as a father, Jace is pushed to follow in his dad’s harsh and abusive footsteps and succeed. This storyline gives society an example that homophobic grooming traits are taught but can also be undone and that verbal abuse is abuse and restructures the mindset of young people far too easily and is harder to undo. Even though there has been growth in the new generation being more acceptable and open minded about the queer community, this part does take place in 2010-2012 when there is still work to be done especially in the sports industry. Jace being around an abusive family member and judgmental jocks, like his teammate and friend David, creates an obstacle course to dodge and weave. The ensemble plays a heavy part in the climax of Part One, with emotional turmoil and fearful memories. It should be noted that my adolescent life is similar to Kieran’s, so my opinion of this novel is heavy for me. I went through a lot of what he did, minus the secret meet-ups. I always ignore content warnings because I like to be surprised and even if I do get worked up over a plot point, I just push through. However, it should be noted that the ending of Part One is a bit of a violent smack. Take care of yourself.
Part One of BULLY not only shows how far we have come from 15 years ago, but also how far we still have to go. Lexi Amber and Bec Benson knew the task at hand and succeeded by getting into the mindset of high schoolers in all walks of life and projecting us back by using old school terminology and pop culture without cross the line by using harsh slurs (BIG RESPECT THERE). Even writing in the mindset of a struggling bully, authentic in both the reasoning of singling someone out and the denial of their own thoughts and urges is really something. The pace was steady and consistent even with small time hops that kept us moving forward but without missing important plot or character detail. The tension and emotions are raw, realistically breaking and inspiring to remember who you are and who you want to be. It bleeds off the pages and will have you really going through it alongside Kieran, Jace, and the ensemble. But prepare yourself because Part Two of BULLY is a whole different vibe. Even though a lot can happen in 13 years, the past stays the same, it’s how you look to the future.
💜Happy Reading🫶
THE REALITY OF WANTING MY BULLY
Part Two
By Lexi Amber & Bec Benson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
ALL FORMATS are currently up for Pre-Order at www.Lexiamber.com. Pre-Order the E-book before December 1st and receive it early. Signed Paperback, Hardbacks and Book Box Options also available!
It Is available December 4th on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amazon.com/B0FDFNHC9F
This is not your typically written romance, but please stick with me as it is the longest ARC I have ever read to date. I have split my review into Two Parts just like the book, because there is a lot to unpack. I promise you won’t regret this journey. The total page count for the entire book is 500-pages. Part Two is a Medium Paced, Secret Identity / Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, One-sided Haters-to-Lovers, Second Chance, Reality Show MM Romance. This is Book Two in Season 1 of the Love Without Labels series. It is written as a duology but in one BIG book. It is an unforgettable journey the authors take these characters on by making you re-experience high school’s self-discovery and coming-of-age era, then jumping to present day, overlapping Book One. However, this can be read as a standalone, except the second epilogue, as it gives away a massive spoiler for Book One, but doesn’t take away from the plot of Book Two.
LOVE WITHOUT LABELS TV SHOW FORMAT RECAP
A blind dating reality show where you don’t even know the other person’s gender. You are not allowed to give anything away that may hint at certain aspects of their lives. After a week of making connections through blind dates, talking through voice distortion, and texts, the contestants are allowed to whittle down to the one person they want to move in with for the big reveal, which is not a guarantee. After living together for a week, they can make the choice of moving forward with a wedding.
Written in alternating chapters, dual 1st person POV, I wrote my review in two parts since this is a massive two-part novel. It started with a tease straight from a reality tv show trailer to get you hooked, then bouncing all the way back to high school which I wrote about in a different review. Part Two starts by jumping 13 years to Present Day (Part 2), both MCs decide to join the Love Without Labels tv reality show. Kieran is a big-time social media celeb, creating makeup and fashion tutorials, with a huge following, but his high school trauma still effects him to this day. He has a hard time trusting people and letting them in, especially when most of the men just want to date him to use his status to gain more followers for themselves. With the show being blind, he thinks it will be the perfect opportunity to meet someone without his job getting in the way. Jace freed himself from a future that he didn’t want, but is still hung up on Kieran after all these year. He is a part of his fan club and follows his online journey. After high school, he has a hard time of letting people in and still blames himself for other people’s actions. He is a borderline hermit, going to work in a career even he didn’t see in his future and mainly only hanging with his uncles who live in the same building as him making him the constant 3rd wheel. Sick of feeling alone and having previous relationships fail quickly, Jace makes the choice to join the show to get over Kieran once and for all, hoping he can move on without the distraction of his social media crush.
After the reader is thrown into the present, we are sent straight into a reality show where the real excitement begins with a whole different vibe than Part One. Knowing info as the reader that the characters don’t know adds a layer of anxiety that heightens all the other senses you experience while the MCs go through the steps in the show. The instantaneous chemistry they have with each other is so strong, fun, and cute that it will make you want to read faster than its possible to get to the big reveal but all the little detail leading up to that point are just as important as it sets the stage for the grand finale. Like in Book One, the show creates a safe space to show and reveal details you normally wouldn’t on regular dates while keeping minor details a secret because you have too. Opening up that door of honesty re-set their connection they had in high school without them knowing, which is really fun for the reader.
This section of the book does move at a quicker pace than the first but doesn’t skip any important fun dating details or behind the scenes peeks. The authors wrote it with the assumption that the reader read the first book but at the same time, it can be read as a standalone. They wrote their character development to show their growth from high school that is detrimental to the plot, and they succeeded. As a reader, it was like running into old friends or acquaintances and catching up on what they have been up to. They also wrote the process of forgiveness without forgetting and how that can change not only the forgiver’s mentality, but the forgiven. It’s like scar cream being applied to their marked hearts to heal their wounds from the past. It was a gradual but forward moving plot development that also made me process my own past further than I ever did until now, changing the way I should be thinking about what I went through. The author’s creativity is like therapy, written to not only to put a spotlight on school bullying, but also body type judgment, rejection and abandonment. You journey through everything the characters feel at 150%, whether it’s the feeling of regret and redemption or the feeling to anger and confusion. Lexi Amber and Bec Benson balanced the angst just enough that it shouldn’t push the reader completely over the edge. Only a tissue or two, and this is before the spicy scenes.
THE SPICE!!!!! YALLLLLL!!!! 5/5 🌶! The journey to get here is worth it! They already have so much tension between them because of their past and now with Jace trying to win Kieran over while fake dating. Kieran is one strong human but caving with hate in his heart makes for some really hot degrading hate sex and high praise! It’s a wild ride! Literally! I love that the authors decided on the creative decision to use hyper realistic problems that comes from assuming someone’s label whether it’s their sexual orientation or their preferred sexual position. Discussions in the bedroom and figuring out what both men would prefer to do on the fly and in the moment is a scenario that is a common occurrence and can really put a wrench in the plans when both men like the same position or misjudge their instincts. This isn’t commonly done in MM romances, and I really loved that they went down this path.
The ensemble is more minimal in Part Two because our MCs are secluded for a big chunk of time either by themselves, only talking to other contestants or together. Olivia has some minor time in Part Two which gave insight to Kieran’s social media platform from her perspective and we get to know Jace’s Uncles really well. They were the comedic break the novel needed, and it came at the most perfect time too. You learn how much they really love Jace and the support they gave him over the years since high school and the consequence after graduation. Adding some challenges and humor to the show is the production staff attempting to get the contestants to do what they want them to do for entertainment value. At the beginning of each chapter of Part Two, an interview question gets asked to either Kieran or Jace that usually gets a hilarious and honestly sassy response. We do get one cross-over scene from Book One where we see Liam & Blake during the contestant meet & greet from Jace’s POV. It was another creative decision to have Jace being the sensitive one that kept someone like Liam close to go through the process with on the show. We also get some of the same text messages from Liam as well. Also including Liam & Blake, and this is important, is the 2nd Epilogue. If you HAVENT read Book One, DO NOT READ THE 2ND EPILOGUE. It has a major spoiler for only readers that read Book One. CHICKEN DADDY FANS UNITE!
Part Two is a really fun escape even though there are moments of emotional flashbacks. You never know when they are going to hit. Even though both MCs have grown as individuals since high school, life lessons are still being learned. Your past judgements become your future insecurities, whether it’s Kieran’s trust issues or Jace being self-conscious of his body in front of others. But finding that person to help you proceed forward in life is the pure love one needs to traverse the healing process. Even if it is the one person you never thought it would be. Find the one person that can be obsessed with you, raise you up and support you, by loving your inner sparkle no matter who it is. Let them use their knowledge of your past to spoil you with the glitter of the future whether it’s applied on your face with a makeup brush or written as a secret message on paper.
💜Happy Reading🫶
November 28, 2025
5 Stars 🌟
3.5 Spice 🌶️
Tropes and Tags:
- A little angsty
- 1st person, Dual POV
PART 1:
- Bully x their target
- Star athlete x Artsy boy
- Bi-awakening denial
- Degradation and Praise
- Sneaking around
- Mutual obsession
- Jealousy
PART 2:
- Reality show & blind dating
- Hidden Identity
- Fake dating
- Second chance x Grovelling
- Celebrity x Fan
- One bed & Forced Proximity
Feeling super blessed about the fact that we were basically gifted two interconnected books in one, and they were both fantastic!!😭
Part one is such a classic high school setting with a bully and his target who he's secretly infatuated with. This handled the bullying in a way that felt very gentle and relevant to the journey these two go on - It really helped to build the chemistry and tension between Jace and Kieran. The end of part one had me so stressed I literally couldn't turn the page fast enough for part two!😩
Part two follows their accidental anonymous reconnection on a blind dating show. You basically get to experience them build the sweet softness behind the chemistry that they never got the chance to explore 10 years earlier.
They were just the sweetest couple, and the second chance grovelling had me absolutely swooning!! Gahhh this was so good and this series is so unlike anything I've read before I love it!🤩👏🏽
3.5 Spice 🌶️
Tropes and Tags:
- A little angsty
- 1st person, Dual POV
PART 1:
- Bully x their target
- Star athlete x Artsy boy
- Bi-awakening denial
- Degradation and Praise
- Sneaking around
- Mutual obsession
- Jealousy
PART 2:
- Reality show & blind dating
- Hidden Identity
- Fake dating
- Second chance x Grovelling
- Celebrity x Fan
- One bed & Forced Proximity
Feeling super blessed about the fact that we were basically gifted two interconnected books in one, and they were both fantastic!!😭
Part one is such a classic high school setting with a bully and his target who he's secretly infatuated with. This handled the bullying in a way that felt very gentle and relevant to the journey these two go on - It really helped to build the chemistry and tension between Jace and Kieran. The end of part one had me so stressed I literally couldn't turn the page fast enough for part two!😩
Part two follows their accidental anonymous reconnection on a blind dating show. You basically get to experience them build the sweet softness behind the chemistry that they never got the chance to explore 10 years earlier.
They were just the sweetest couple, and the second chance grovelling had me absolutely swooning!! Gahhh this was so good and this series is so unlike anything I've read before I love it!🤩👏🏽
November 10, 2025
Kieran and Jace had all of my heart from the very first time I beta read their story. Now I have finished the arc of it and I still love them just as much!! Let me take a minute to just stare and appreciate the absolutely stunning cover!!
I love the way Lexi and Bec built this book, with the first part from High School to the second part where they are contestants in the reality tv-show. I devoured this book both times.
Lexi and Bec are amazing at making you get close to the characters and really feel for them. Even though Jace starts out as a bully I really felt sorry for him. His life isn't as easy as it seems. Kieran has an amazing family and a lot of support from home. I really love his parents and how supportive they are.
We get everything in this book. The angst, amazing chemistry, spice and so much emotions!! And of course we get to see a bit of Blake and Liam as well (from book 1).
Thank you for the epilogues!! They make this whole experience complete!!
Thank you for the beta/arc. My review is honest and voluntary!
I love the way Lexi and Bec built this book, with the first part from High School to the second part where they are contestants in the reality tv-show. I devoured this book both times.
Lexi and Bec are amazing at making you get close to the characters and really feel for them. Even though Jace starts out as a bully I really felt sorry for him. His life isn't as easy as it seems. Kieran has an amazing family and a lot of support from home. I really love his parents and how supportive they are.
We get everything in this book. The angst, amazing chemistry, spice and so much emotions!! And of course we get to see a bit of Blake and Liam as well (from book 1).
Thank you for the epilogues!! They make this whole experience complete!!
Thank you for the beta/arc. My review is honest and voluntary!
November 29, 2025
4.25/5 stars 3.5/5 spice
I really enjoyed Kieran and Jace’s story. Part one was my favourite. I loved seeing how their relationship began and how confused Jace was with his feelings towards to Kieran and his utter obsession with him. Yes, he was an absolute jerk towards Kieran for being so different with his makeup and open sexuality however, once they started secretly hooking up and actually started falling for each other, Jace started changing. He liked who he was with Kieran and even stood up for him to his best friend and horrible father, although he was a little too late. I wish he would have fought harder to talk to Kieran when things fell apart to explain himself, but I think he needed the space to grow to become the man he did in part two, who completely redeemed himself.
In part two, after 13 years of no contact but both with broken hearts, and Jace still obsessed with Kieran, they reunite on a blind genderless reality dating show. They fall for each other again while blindly dating and when they finally see each other again the drama ensues. Kieran is still mad at him but decides to fake date him to protect his online presence. Jace is willing to do anything to get back into Kieran’s good graces and maybe earn a second chance. I liked seeing Jace’s growth and how romantic he was with all the things he did for Kieran even when they were apart.
This book really did the redemption arc well and was a page turner with all the drama and unknowns finally being revealed. I really adored this couple and their connection.
- Second chance
- Past and present timeline
- High school bully
- Queer awakening
- Beauty content creator X ironworker
- Blind genderless reality dating show contestants
- Fake dating
- Redemption arc
I really enjoyed Kieran and Jace’s story. Part one was my favourite. I loved seeing how their relationship began and how confused Jace was with his feelings towards to Kieran and his utter obsession with him. Yes, he was an absolute jerk towards Kieran for being so different with his makeup and open sexuality however, once they started secretly hooking up and actually started falling for each other, Jace started changing. He liked who he was with Kieran and even stood up for him to his best friend and horrible father, although he was a little too late. I wish he would have fought harder to talk to Kieran when things fell apart to explain himself, but I think he needed the space to grow to become the man he did in part two, who completely redeemed himself.
In part two, after 13 years of no contact but both with broken hearts, and Jace still obsessed with Kieran, they reunite on a blind genderless reality dating show. They fall for each other again while blindly dating and when they finally see each other again the drama ensues. Kieran is still mad at him but decides to fake date him to protect his online presence. Jace is willing to do anything to get back into Kieran’s good graces and maybe earn a second chance. I liked seeing Jace’s growth and how romantic he was with all the things he did for Kieran even when they were apart.
This book really did the redemption arc well and was a page turner with all the drama and unknowns finally being revealed. I really adored this couple and their connection.
- Second chance
- Past and present timeline
- High school bully
- Queer awakening
- Beauty content creator X ironworker
- Blind genderless reality dating show contestants
- Fake dating
- Redemption arc
November 17, 2025
I knew from the second I saw the cover that I had to read this book, immediately! Edd was the perfect choice to represent Kieran. What an absolutely gorgeous human being.
♡♡♡
This book absolutely surprised me in the best possible way. I could not get enough.
The first part is heavy. Raw, emotional, and honestly painful to get through because of how relentless the bullying is. Watching Kieran suffer for simply being himself was heartbreaking, and the writing doesn’t shy away from the realities queer kids faced in that era. It hurts, but it’s honest.
What really struck me was how layered the story is. Jace isn’t excused for anything he does, but the book shows how he was shaped by the environment he grew up in. How confusion, repression, and fear twisted into cruelty.
The moment he stops fighting what he feels and finally lets himself fall? It’s beautiful and devastating, because you feel how badly he always wanted Kieran, and how badly he messed it up...
And then thirteen years pass. Thirteen years of wasted longing, regret, healing...rebuilding. The reality show twist was brilliant, and watching them fall for each other all over again...without knowing, felt magical. Inevitable.
The biggest payoff for me was watching Kieran finally learn the truth of what really happened, what didn’t, and how much Jace suffered too. The walls come down, the forgiveness feels earned, and their reunion is absolutely worth the journey.
A beautiful, emotional, messy, healing love story. I adored it.
♡♡♡
This book absolutely surprised me in the best possible way. I could not get enough.
The first part is heavy. Raw, emotional, and honestly painful to get through because of how relentless the bullying is. Watching Kieran suffer for simply being himself was heartbreaking, and the writing doesn’t shy away from the realities queer kids faced in that era. It hurts, but it’s honest.
What really struck me was how layered the story is. Jace isn’t excused for anything he does, but the book shows how he was shaped by the environment he grew up in. How confusion, repression, and fear twisted into cruelty.
The moment he stops fighting what he feels and finally lets himself fall? It’s beautiful and devastating, because you feel how badly he always wanted Kieran, and how badly he messed it up...
And then thirteen years pass. Thirteen years of wasted longing, regret, healing...rebuilding. The reality show twist was brilliant, and watching them fall for each other all over again...without knowing, felt magical. Inevitable.
The biggest payoff for me was watching Kieran finally learn the truth of what really happened, what didn’t, and how much Jace suffered too. The walls come down, the forgiveness feels earned, and their reunion is absolutely worth the journey.
A beautiful, emotional, messy, healing love story. I adored it.
November 29, 2025
This was honestly a beautifully written story. I loved how there was never a moment where the story went flat but built on what was already there. Honestly, I was surprised by how well the reality show part of the story was told. It felt refreshing to say the very least.
December 4, 2025
Wow. Wow. Wow.
*arc review *
This book honestly exceed any expectations I might of had about these two especially when we got a hint of them in book 1. I immediately loved Keiran's character soon as we meet him. Jace definitely did have to grow on me, but with these book being in two parts you'll understand. I did love how the book was set up for us to meet the MCs as teenagers and adults. This book definitely showed how we aren't always the same people we grow up to me especially when we're young and in highschool. I was so happy to see the growth between these two. I also wasn't expecting to get so emotional while reading this book but hey a girl loves to cry. Overall this book was so so good and definitely gives a different view on second chance romances.
*arc review *
This book honestly exceed any expectations I might of had about these two especially when we got a hint of them in book 1. I immediately loved Keiran's character soon as we meet him. Jace definitely did have to grow on me, but with these book being in two parts you'll understand. I did love how the book was set up for us to meet the MCs as teenagers and adults. This book definitely showed how we aren't always the same people we grow up to me especially when we're young and in highschool. I was so happy to see the growth between these two. I also wasn't expecting to get so emotional while reading this book but hey a girl loves to cry. Overall this book was so so good and definitely gives a different view on second chance romances.
November 9, 2025
I adored this book so much.
Jace and Keiran are perfect
Jace and Keiran are perfect
November 20, 2025
Wow! Since reading The Reality of Wanting Him, I was DESPERATE for Kieran and Jace’s story. And after finishing it, I can confidently say that this is one of my top reads for the year! Their story is told in two parts: junior-senior years of high school and then reconnecting during the Love Without Labels reality dating show. Part 1 completely wrecked me, and Part 2 put me back together again, somehow stronger than I was before.
This is a story about personal growth, redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. In high school, Jace was a product of his environment. His basically emotionally abusive father kept tight control on everything he did and shaped his worldview into one with a narrow definition of masculinity. Meanwhile, Kieran had a loving, supportive family that encourage him to be himself and just wanted him to be happy. These two boys were struggling so hard to process and express emotions that were just too big.
I’m not going to lie, it was hard to read some of the bullying scenes in Part 1. Jace is not likeable. At all. But in their senior year, as he spends more time with Kieran, we start to watch him unlearn the harmful rhetoric and beliefs that were pushed on him throughout the years. And we even see Jace start to learn some truths about himself that he had never considered before. But when everything blows up at the end of part one, my heart broke for them both. I’m not someone that cries easily when reading, but those last few scenes had me sobbing while vibrating in frustration for them both.
When Part 2 starts, it’s been 13 years since these two have seen each other face-to-face. In that time, they have grown so much, learning from their experiences and finding themselves. They aren’t the same people they were in high school — and that’s a good thing! You can feel the change even in the tone of the writing. Obviously, these two can’t immediately push all their history to the side, but I thought that the journey to forgiveness was handled beautifully. Jace recognizes his own failings in high school, takes accountability, and demonstrates how he has changed and grown from these mistakes. It doesn’t erase the past, but it paves the way to the future.
Overall, I was blown away by this book. It’s a gentle reminder that we’re not the same people we were 10+ years ago. Apologies aren’t just words; they’re actions. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting, but it also doesn’t mean staying in the past. 10/10, no notes, cannot recommend this book enough!!
This is a story about personal growth, redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. In high school, Jace was a product of his environment. His basically emotionally abusive father kept tight control on everything he did and shaped his worldview into one with a narrow definition of masculinity. Meanwhile, Kieran had a loving, supportive family that encourage him to be himself and just wanted him to be happy. These two boys were struggling so hard to process and express emotions that were just too big.
I’m not going to lie, it was hard to read some of the bullying scenes in Part 1. Jace is not likeable. At all. But in their senior year, as he spends more time with Kieran, we start to watch him unlearn the harmful rhetoric and beliefs that were pushed on him throughout the years. And we even see Jace start to learn some truths about himself that he had never considered before. But when everything blows up at the end of part one, my heart broke for them both. I’m not someone that cries easily when reading, but those last few scenes had me sobbing while vibrating in frustration for them both.
When Part 2 starts, it’s been 13 years since these two have seen each other face-to-face. In that time, they have grown so much, learning from their experiences and finding themselves. They aren’t the same people they were in high school — and that’s a good thing! You can feel the change even in the tone of the writing. Obviously, these two can’t immediately push all their history to the side, but I thought that the journey to forgiveness was handled beautifully. Jace recognizes his own failings in high school, takes accountability, and demonstrates how he has changed and grown from these mistakes. It doesn’t erase the past, but it paves the way to the future.
Overall, I was blown away by this book. It’s a gentle reminder that we’re not the same people we were 10+ years ago. Apologies aren’t just words; they’re actions. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting, but it also doesn’t mean staying in the past. 10/10, no notes, cannot recommend this book enough!!
November 17, 2025
4.5 ✨
3.5 🌶️
5 ♥️
Okay, first, let me start by saying I LOVED JACE AND KIERAN SO MUCH 🥹♥️
I don’t typically like bullying as a trope, but the way that Bec and Lexi wrote it was so unique and real.. it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. Getting to see their past and growth allowed me to understand Jace’s attitude (without justifying his actions) and forgive him, the same way that Kieran did.
I ended up obsessed with him and his unwavering obsession with Kieran ♥️♥️
Kieran is goals. He is unapologetically himself, even with all the childish bullying from Jace and his friends. I’m so proud of him from not backing down 😭
I debated on whether this was 5 ✨ for me A LOT and the only reason I didn’t put the extra star is because of the miscommunication/no communication trope. With how much they were seeing each other at the end of part one and how close they had gotten, I would have loved for Kieran to hear him out before jumping to conclusions without any real proof that Jace was the one sending David. I understood, though, because he was a kid going through a traumatic event. But then they meet again in part two and we go most of it without them talking again and I just wanted to SHAKE THEM AND HAVE THEM TALK TO EACH OTHER 🫠
I’m still obsessed with it, though, and already planning to reread it soon ♥️
I received an eARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
3.5 🌶️
5 ♥️
Okay, first, let me start by saying I LOVED JACE AND KIERAN SO MUCH 🥹♥️
I don’t typically like bullying as a trope, but the way that Bec and Lexi wrote it was so unique and real.. it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. Getting to see their past and growth allowed me to understand Jace’s attitude (without justifying his actions) and forgive him, the same way that Kieran did.
I ended up obsessed with him and his unwavering obsession with Kieran ♥️♥️
Kieran is goals. He is unapologetically himself, even with all the childish bullying from Jace and his friends. I’m so proud of him from not backing down 😭
I debated on whether this was 5 ✨ for me A LOT and the only reason I didn’t put the extra star is because of the miscommunication/no communication trope. With how much they were seeing each other at the end of part one and how close they had gotten, I would have loved for Kieran to hear him out before jumping to conclusions without any real proof that Jace was the one sending David. I understood, though, because he was a kid going through a traumatic event. But then they meet again in part two and we go most of it without them talking again and I just wanted to SHAKE THEM AND HAVE THEM TALK TO EACH OTHER 🫠
I’m still obsessed with it, though, and already planning to reread it soon ♥️
I received an eARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
This was soooo good! I loved the whole concept with 2 parts, one for the past and one for the present. Part one felt like the quintessential high school experience with crushes, fights between best friends, miscommunication, hurt feelings and the mistakes that come from being young and just starting to understand yourself. The bullying part should not be a typical part of this experience, but alas it is for many people. There were so many hurt feeling at the end of part one and it was interesting to see how those were addressed in part two. Jace was also struggling with quite a bit in part one and it was great to see the changes that he's made. Kieran has also come a long way, but underneath he still had feelings for Jace. And who are we kidding, Jace was obsessed with Kieran back in the day, and nothing has changed regarding that. I really loved what type of partner Jace was and how he kept showing up for Kieran, being consistent and showing him he was all in, but not pushing Kieran's boundaries. Jace had his work cut out, and my heart broke for both of them and the time they lost.
I really enjoyed their story and how it all played out. So, if you want to read a second chance romance in a reality tv show setting then this is the book you've been searching for. Jace and Kieran will sweep you off your feet, make you laugh, swoon and cry while having a blast reading their story.
I really enjoyed their story and how it all played out. So, if you want to read a second chance romance in a reality tv show setting then this is the book you've been searching for. Jace and Kieran will sweep you off your feet, make you laugh, swoon and cry while having a blast reading their story.
November 30, 2025
My feelings about the book in „three words“? Not possible! Because „I‘m feeling all the words!“
Well... that’s how one of my favorite quotes of TROWMB sums it up perfectly.
It felt like I was on a rollercoaster… and at each stop right before you swush down the tracks again, the anticipation was so big not even palpable.
I constantly wondered: „What‘s going to happen next?“ I couldn’t have imagined all of THAT if I wanted to.
It is brilliant! All of it… part one and part two all 488 pages of it! You need - and will love - every word of these pages.
Okay, so maybe the part about the bullying in part one can be tough - I was a bit heartbroken to be honest - and again felt all the feelings! (So please always read the trigger warnings)
Part one is essential to understand Jace & Kieran 13 years later (in part two).
13 years!!! Such a long time they lived without one another…
They both went on with their lives during that time, they grew up, experienced new things but never could shake off the things that happened when they were teenagers.
I could praise this endlessly - all the different aspects of Jace & Kieran, how they were back in Highschool and are now in the present - but I don’t wanna spoil any part of their story so I’m going to stop here. Just trust me and get this one and you will be stunned.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well... that’s how one of my favorite quotes of TROWMB sums it up perfectly.
It felt like I was on a rollercoaster… and at each stop right before you swush down the tracks again, the anticipation was so big not even palpable.
I constantly wondered: „What‘s going to happen next?“ I couldn’t have imagined all of THAT if I wanted to.
It is brilliant! All of it… part one and part two all 488 pages of it! You need - and will love - every word of these pages.
Okay, so maybe the part about the bullying in part one can be tough - I was a bit heartbroken to be honest - and again felt all the feelings! (So please always read the trigger warnings)
Part one is essential to understand Jace & Kieran 13 years later (in part two).
13 years!!! Such a long time they lived without one another…
They both went on with their lives during that time, they grew up, experienced new things but never could shake off the things that happened when they were teenagers.
I could praise this endlessly - all the different aspects of Jace & Kieran, how they were back in Highschool and are now in the present - but I don’t wanna spoil any part of their story so I’m going to stop here. Just trust me and get this one and you will be stunned.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
![Profile Image for Sasha [latenightswithabook].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1757963681i%2F30708755._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 7, 2025
The absolute emotional journey that this book took me on was wild.
This is one of those books where the relationship between the main characters was SO volatile that I could not see how they were ever going to move past it. This has heavy themes of bullying, and as someone who was in high school in 2011, I found the depictions of someone being bullied for presenting as queer scarily realistic.
These themes mean that the character development has to be incredibly thorough and believable for us to be emotionally invested in a character who would treat others like that. The dual POV definitely helped with this, as did the length of the book. I can confidently say that I was rooting for Kieran and Jace by the end, and 100% believed that they were right for each other. This is a truly impressive character redemption arc/second chance narrative.
On a lighter note, the enemies to lovers trope in this is absolutely top notch. The push and pull between Kieran and Jace was such a joy to read. These two take fighting as foreplay very seriously and I very much appreciated it.
⭐ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
This is one of those books where the relationship between the main characters was SO volatile that I could not see how they were ever going to move past it. This has heavy themes of bullying, and as someone who was in high school in 2011, I found the depictions of someone being bullied for presenting as queer scarily realistic.
These themes mean that the character development has to be incredibly thorough and believable for us to be emotionally invested in a character who would treat others like that. The dual POV definitely helped with this, as did the length of the book. I can confidently say that I was rooting for Kieran and Jace by the end, and 100% believed that they were right for each other. This is a truly impressive character redemption arc/second chance narrative.
On a lighter note, the enemies to lovers trope in this is absolutely top notch. The push and pull between Kieran and Jace was such a joy to read. These two take fighting as foreplay very seriously and I very much appreciated it.
⭐ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
November 25, 2025
Where do I even start with this one? WOW. Just wow.
I first starting reading Lexi Amber with an ARC of her debut this spring, and loved it. Since then I’ve read everything she’s written, as well as the books of her cowriter Bec Benson, but The Reality of Wanting My Bully is hands down their best one yet.
The books starts with Part I, set in high school as Kieran starts to own his identity by wearing makeup to school and being proudly queer, triggering Jace who is forced to deal with his own sexuality, suppressed by an arguably abusing father. It felt like a book all its own, a unique and incredibly well done take on a bully romance and bi-awakening.
Part II takes place around a decade later as they (unknowingly) meet again in Love Without Labels, overcome their contentious history and fall for each other all over again.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say for a novel dealing with some serious topics (bullying, family homophobia, etc) there was remarkably little angst. The story flowed well, was perfectly constructed, and the initial blossoming, and later rekindling, of the romance between Jace and Kieran was raw and real. They are an incredible couple, and the personal growth of each throughout the novel was perfect. Probably one of the strongest written romances I have read this is year. I can’t wait to have it on my shelf.
Do yourself a favor, and definitely pick this one up!
I first starting reading Lexi Amber with an ARC of her debut this spring, and loved it. Since then I’ve read everything she’s written, as well as the books of her cowriter Bec Benson, but The Reality of Wanting My Bully is hands down their best one yet.
The books starts with Part I, set in high school as Kieran starts to own his identity by wearing makeup to school and being proudly queer, triggering Jace who is forced to deal with his own sexuality, suppressed by an arguably abusing father. It felt like a book all its own, a unique and incredibly well done take on a bully romance and bi-awakening.
Part II takes place around a decade later as they (unknowingly) meet again in Love Without Labels, overcome their contentious history and fall for each other all over again.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say for a novel dealing with some serious topics (bullying, family homophobia, etc) there was remarkably little angst. The story flowed well, was perfectly constructed, and the initial blossoming, and later rekindling, of the romance between Jace and Kieran was raw and real. They are an incredible couple, and the personal growth of each throughout the novel was perfect. Probably one of the strongest written romances I have read this is year. I can’t wait to have it on my shelf.
Do yourself a favor, and definitely pick this one up!
December 7, 2025
Obessed with Kieran "Sparkles" & Jace 🥹
Book 2 of Love Without Labels. Where do I begin?!
This book is truly a masterpiece and another top read for me in 2025!
Okay, so I absolutely love that this book starts in 2010! While I was in high school, I related to Kieran so much.
I hurt for both boys. Kieran was just trying to embrace himself and Jace was being bull!ed by his father (it plays a lot into how he acts). Which explains A LOT.
The growth that Jace showed was amazing by the end of part 1. The way Jace was raised was a complete 360 from how Kieran was raised.
Okay, okay on to part 2!
This being a second chance or a redemption arc for Jace is PHENOMENAL!
His growth shown through even more when he was trying to prove himself to Kieran.
But, I also completely understand Kieran being stand offish when they met again. Kieran knows his self worth and his sparkle never dimmed.
In the end, the boys got their HEA that they both deserved SO MUCH. Yes, it hurt to get there, but they are both so deserving of the love they have for each other.
Book 2 of Love Without Labels. Where do I begin?!
This book is truly a masterpiece and another top read for me in 2025!
Okay, so I absolutely love that this book starts in 2010! While I was in high school, I related to Kieran so much.
I hurt for both boys. Kieran was just trying to embrace himself and Jace was being bull!ed by his father (it plays a lot into how he acts). Which explains A LOT.
The growth that Jace showed was amazing by the end of part 1. The way Jace was raised was a complete 360 from how Kieran was raised.
Okay, okay on to part 2!
This being a second chance or a redemption arc for Jace is PHENOMENAL!
His growth shown through even more when he was trying to prove himself to Kieran.
But, I also completely understand Kieran being stand offish when they met again. Kieran knows his self worth and his sparkle never dimmed.
In the end, the boys got their HEA that they both deserved SO MUCH. Yes, it hurt to get there, but they are both so deserving of the love they have for each other.
November 27, 2025
I loved this book so much!! I am not a fan of second chances romances usually, and this one had me hooked. I loved Kieran so much. He was absolutely flawless, and I loved his inner strength throughout the book. Jace was rough in his past, but honestly, it made me so happy to see how he grew. One of the things I adored outside of the main love story was the uncles. They were hilarious and wonderfully written side characters. I enjoyed getting to see Liam and Blake again. I can't wait for the next pairing from this series. Also, who do we need to contact to get reality tv people to produce this show because I would watch this.
December 6, 2025
This book made me feel hurt for the characters especially for Kieran but that ending made me love both characters. Jace being Kieran’s biggest fan & supporter was so cute and I love it. Gosh I felt bad for Jace and all the emotional & verbal abuse he went through. But I’m so glad that these two people got their HEA. Such an amazing book.
December 8, 2025
really great… but so long!
I have been waiting for this ever since I finished the first book! I really enjoyed this, but I felt like part one dragged on for ages. I gotta say I love Jace so much. He showed us that people do learn from their environment but they can overcome it. And for someone who was bullied for who they are, Kieran was judgmental. Glad for the HEA.
I have been waiting for this ever since I finished the first book! I really enjoyed this, but I felt like part one dragged on for ages. I gotta say I love Jace so much. He showed us that people do learn from their environment but they can overcome it. And for someone who was bullied for who they are, Kieran was judgmental. Glad for the HEA.
November 23, 2025
Bully romance, when done right, is one of the most complex romances in the genre, and one of my favorites. And I can say that this was done right. I could not put it down.
As you read this, there are times you definitely want to knock some sense into Jace, but you also understand him. You see the things he doesn’t, and you start to pity him. I know my heart broke for him so many times. It doesn’t make what he did to Kieran okay, and Kieran definitely doesn’t deserve it. But the reasoning behind his actions makes sense. When you have things drilled into your head every day for most of your life, it shapes you.
Jace’s growth was probably my favorite part of this story. Watching him learn that there are other paths and other ways of viewing things was so special. By the end, I absolutely adored him.
Kieran had me from the jump. I loved how he embraced who he was, even though it was scary. He was a beautiful character, inside and out. High school was beyond rough for him, but I loved that he stayed true to himself.
At its core, this story is about acceptance. About how both beautiful and terrifying it can be. We see that reflected in both Jace and Kieran. Their journey was rough, and at times seemed impossible, but it was worth it. I’m honestly blown away by how amazing this was.
I got an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
As you read this, there are times you definitely want to knock some sense into Jace, but you also understand him. You see the things he doesn’t, and you start to pity him. I know my heart broke for him so many times. It doesn’t make what he did to Kieran okay, and Kieran definitely doesn’t deserve it. But the reasoning behind his actions makes sense. When you have things drilled into your head every day for most of your life, it shapes you.
Jace’s growth was probably my favorite part of this story. Watching him learn that there are other paths and other ways of viewing things was so special. By the end, I absolutely adored him.
Kieran had me from the jump. I loved how he embraced who he was, even though it was scary. He was a beautiful character, inside and out. High school was beyond rough for him, but I loved that he stayed true to himself.
At its core, this story is about acceptance. About how both beautiful and terrifying it can be. We see that reflected in both Jace and Kieran. Their journey was rough, and at times seemed impossible, but it was worth it. I’m honestly blown away by how amazing this was.
I got an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
November 24, 2025
Before I get into the review I highly suggest that you have read BOOK 1 The Reality of Wanting Him as you will briefly meet these two and some elements from book 1 carry into this, plus it’s a great story.
Now this book was broken up into 2 parts which was very interesting to me from the get go. It was so interesting to get to see Kieran and Jace from a High School POV. Everyone went through high school not knowing who they were or would become so it was so easily relatable. While seeing one of the characters be bullied it really gave the much needed perspective of both characters and a very different yet real way to present it. The end of part one was very emotional and extremely well written.
Part 2 was fun in the sense of seeing the reality show begin to play out, but the best was when they were allowed to meet in person that is were again the emotions ramped up to a 10. The old hurt is still very much there and played out in such a beautiful way. Both authors should be commended for creating such a beautiful story in this universe.
**I was given an ARC for an honest review**
Now this book was broken up into 2 parts which was very interesting to me from the get go. It was so interesting to get to see Kieran and Jace from a High School POV. Everyone went through high school not knowing who they were or would become so it was so easily relatable. While seeing one of the characters be bullied it really gave the much needed perspective of both characters and a very different yet real way to present it. The end of part one was very emotional and extremely well written.
Part 2 was fun in the sense of seeing the reality show begin to play out, but the best was when they were allowed to meet in person that is were again the emotions ramped up to a 10. The old hurt is still very much there and played out in such a beautiful way. Both authors should be commended for creating such a beautiful story in this universe.
**I was given an ARC for an honest review**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝙈𝙈 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 | 𝘽𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 | 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮
@authorbecbenson @lexi.ambermm
Well I 𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀𝘿 the first book and definitely knew this one would be just as good ❤️❤️
Okay full stop… I absolutely 𝘿𝙄𝙎𝙇𝙄𝙆𝙀𝘿 Jace in the first half…. I felt for him don’t get me wrong… everything he endured with his dad and hurt people always hurt people… it just how it goes…. But 𝘿𝘼𝙈𝙉 I really didn’t like him! I’m glad by the end he definitely had his arc and redeemed himself. Even if he couldn’t prove his good intentions but the support he constantly showed Kieran throughout their life even from a distance just showed he true heart ❤️
Kieran… loved that he stuck through it and was true to himself throughout the whole book and completely understand not wanting to hear Jace out when they were younger being heartbroken while also being concussed, too much brain work him. But the way they both suffered through relationships… sucks majorly!
Secretly hoping there is another book with John coming into the picture him and all his tattoos lol way to leave a cliff hanger and not elaborating on him and making him so mysterious!!!
All in all a GREAT book and love these two authors writing together and look forward to all the books to come together or separately ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝙈𝙈 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 | 𝘽𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 | 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮
@authorbecbenson @lexi.ambermm
Well I 𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀𝘿 the first book and definitely knew this one would be just as good ❤️❤️
Okay full stop… I absolutely 𝘿𝙄𝙎𝙇𝙄𝙆𝙀𝘿 Jace in the first half…. I felt for him don’t get me wrong… everything he endured with his dad and hurt people always hurt people… it just how it goes…. But 𝘿𝘼𝙈𝙉 I really didn’t like him! I’m glad by the end he definitely had his arc and redeemed himself. Even if he couldn’t prove his good intentions but the support he constantly showed Kieran throughout their life even from a distance just showed he true heart ❤️
Kieran… loved that he stuck through it and was true to himself throughout the whole book and completely understand not wanting to hear Jace out when they were younger being heartbroken while also being concussed, too much brain work him. But the way they both suffered through relationships… sucks majorly!
Secretly hoping there is another book with John coming into the picture him and all his tattoos lol way to leave a cliff hanger and not elaborating on him and making him so mysterious!!!
All in all a GREAT book and love these two authors writing together and look forward to all the books to come together or separately ❤️
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