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All of My Heart
This is it.
This is real.
This is him, overcoming everything he’s been through and taking this impossible leap, to be with me.
Nico
I was ten when the abuse started. Though my injuries eventually healed, I didn’t. Years later, I still can’t let anyone touch me. Except Alex—my best friend. He’s kind, smart, funny. And he’s been there for me through it all.
So on high school graduation night, when my mom lets her abusive ex back into her life and I have nowhere else to go, I end up at Alex’s house, knocking on his door well after midnight. He lets me stay, no questions asked. He is my best friend, after all.
But everything’s changing, and he’s about to leave for college. I can’t imagine life without him, yet I’m terrified to tell him how I really feel.
Alex
Graduation’s over, and I’m more than ready to head to California at the end of summer. Leaving Nebraska, however, also means leaving my best friend.
Nico’s had it rough, and although I haven’t always known how to help, I’ve always been there for him when he needs me. So when he shows up at my house with nothing but the clothes on his back, I welcome him. He’s my best friend, and I’d do anything for him.
But the longer he stays, the more I realize I can’t leave without him. How can I gather the courage to tell him how I really feel, knowing it won’t be easy for him to give us a chance?
All of My Heart is an emotion-filled childhood best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort MM romance featuring a small town setting, mutual pining, first times, PTSD/cPTSD trauma and healing, anxiety and touch aversion, and a sweet, hopeful happily-ever-after.
Content verbal and physical abuse of a minor (off page but referenced) and of a young adult (on page); cPTSD, PTSD, and trauma-induced anxiety; moderate to severe social anxiety; brief suicidal ideation without intent; parental abandonment (both current and in the past) not related to the MC’s sexuality; brief descriptions of underage alcohol and drug use; references to alcohol use and smoking.
This is real.
This is him, overcoming everything he’s been through and taking this impossible leap, to be with me.
Nico
I was ten when the abuse started. Though my injuries eventually healed, I didn’t. Years later, I still can’t let anyone touch me. Except Alex—my best friend. He’s kind, smart, funny. And he’s been there for me through it all.
So on high school graduation night, when my mom lets her abusive ex back into her life and I have nowhere else to go, I end up at Alex’s house, knocking on his door well after midnight. He lets me stay, no questions asked. He is my best friend, after all.
But everything’s changing, and he’s about to leave for college. I can’t imagine life without him, yet I’m terrified to tell him how I really feel.
Alex
Graduation’s over, and I’m more than ready to head to California at the end of summer. Leaving Nebraska, however, also means leaving my best friend.
Nico’s had it rough, and although I haven’t always known how to help, I’ve always been there for him when he needs me. So when he shows up at my house with nothing but the clothes on his back, I welcome him. He’s my best friend, and I’d do anything for him.
But the longer he stays, the more I realize I can’t leave without him. How can I gather the courage to tell him how I really feel, knowing it won’t be easy for him to give us a chance?
All of My Heart is an emotion-filled childhood best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort MM romance featuring a small town setting, mutual pining, first times, PTSD/cPTSD trauma and healing, anxiety and touch aversion, and a sweet, hopeful happily-ever-after.
Content verbal and physical abuse of a minor (off page but referenced) and of a young adult (on page); cPTSD, PTSD, and trauma-induced anxiety; moderate to severe social anxiety; brief suicidal ideation without intent; parental abandonment (both current and in the past) not related to the MC’s sexuality; brief descriptions of underage alcohol and drug use; references to alcohol use and smoking.
523 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
July 20, 2026
Sometimes you just need two people who never stop choosing each other
This is a sweet friends-to-lovers romance with social anxiety representation, first love, spice (because teenagers), and two lovely humans trying to figure out what adulthood looks like after high school.
I was expecting a lot more angst (it’s Becca Neil, after all), but this ended up being much softer than I anticipated. Nico’s past with his abusive stepfather gives the story emotional weight, while Alex is the definition of a supportive partner. Sometimes almost too perfect, but I’m glad he was there for Nico.
It didn’t completely blow me away, but it was comforting. Exactly the kind of romance that leaves you smiling by the end.
This is a sweet friends-to-lovers romance with social anxiety representation, first love, spice (because teenagers), and two lovely humans trying to figure out what adulthood looks like after high school.
I was expecting a lot more angst (it’s Becca Neil, after all), but this ended up being much softer than I anticipated. Nico’s past with his abusive stepfather gives the story emotional weight, while Alex is the definition of a supportive partner. Sometimes almost too perfect, but I’m glad he was there for Nico.
It didn’t completely blow me away, but it was comforting. Exactly the kind of romance that leaves you smiling by the end.
January 17, 2026
6⭐️
First off this was pure perfection MY PRECIOUS BOYSSSSSSSSS
I knew I was going to cry and I’m so glad I had that gut feeling, I cried so hard this book touched my heart.
The connection I had with Nico of social anxiety really connected me to the story and it really elevated the story for me. With how much he went though it broke my heart like no one should feel that way especially within your family and etc. I think I see myself in both characters and their love for each other and everything
I think this book will resonate with those who have experienced something similar to what Nico and also Alex went through in so many ways this book might help those and also shed light into this because it does happen and it breaks my heart knowing that. So I wanted to thank the author for writing such a powerful but also loving story of Alex and Nico and it’s one of my favorite reads in a long time.
I thought the story of Nico and Alex being best friends was awesome and brilliant because you could see how much they meant to each other long before they had feelings which both had but don’t know how to express, and when they did I screamed they are so beautiful and kind and literally perfect for each other they honestly are each others person long before they addressed what they we’re together.
How supportive and kind and loving Alex was of Nico and everything that he went through was something that really sold me to his character and everything he was Nico’s rock and his light basically.
Like honestly I loved this book so much how much i connected with them and their story and their love and the epilogue with them getting engaged I sobbed hard they are everything
ALSOO THE SMUTTTT HOLY CHEESEBALLS SOOOOOOOOO HOTTTTT!!
Also the name drop of the book made me scream it was so cute and I also cried
The EPILOGUES GIRLLL MY HEARTTTTTTTTT
Like honestly this book has my heart and my tears this is pure gold and pure perfection I can see how much love was there by how the words and everything.
Tropes:
💙🫀 hurt/comfort
💙🫀best friends to lovers
💙🫀ANXIETY REPRESENTATION
💙🫀Touch- Averse MC
💙🫀mutual pining
💙🫀(c) PTSD & Healing
💙🫀first times
💙🫀SUPER SWEET HEA!!!!!
🫀💙 bi awakening
🫀💙 MM
First off this was pure perfection MY PRECIOUS BOYSSSSSSSSS
I knew I was going to cry and I’m so glad I had that gut feeling, I cried so hard this book touched my heart.
The connection I had with Nico of social anxiety really connected me to the story and it really elevated the story for me. With how much he went though it broke my heart like no one should feel that way especially within your family and etc. I think I see myself in both characters and their love for each other and everything
I think this book will resonate with those who have experienced something similar to what Nico and also Alex went through in so many ways this book might help those and also shed light into this because it does happen and it breaks my heart knowing that. So I wanted to thank the author for writing such a powerful but also loving story of Alex and Nico and it’s one of my favorite reads in a long time.
I thought the story of Nico and Alex being best friends was awesome and brilliant because you could see how much they meant to each other long before they had feelings which both had but don’t know how to express, and when they did I screamed they are so beautiful and kind and literally perfect for each other they honestly are each others person long before they addressed what they we’re together.
How supportive and kind and loving Alex was of Nico and everything that he went through was something that really sold me to his character and everything he was Nico’s rock and his light basically.
Like honestly I loved this book so much how much i connected with them and their story and their love and the epilogue with them getting engaged I sobbed hard they are everything
ALSOO THE SMUTTTT HOLY CHEESEBALLS SOOOOOOOOO HOTTTTT!!
Also the name drop of the book made me scream it was so cute and I also cried
The EPILOGUES GIRLLL MY HEARTTTTTTTTT
Like honestly this book has my heart and my tears this is pure gold and pure perfection I can see how much love was there by how the words and everything.
Tropes:
💙🫀 hurt/comfort
💙🫀best friends to lovers
💙🫀ANXIETY REPRESENTATION
💙🫀Touch- Averse MC
💙🫀mutual pining
💙🫀(c) PTSD & Healing
💙🫀first times
💙🫀SUPER SWEET HEA!!!!!
🫀💙 bi awakening
🫀💙 MM
February 8, 2026
Now I'm all for hurt/comfort, but this was a bit much, even for me.
And I get it, Nico has issues, but he really needed therapy, not just a best friend turned boyfriend.
Also this book could have been way shorter. So much unnecessary filler.
And what was up with the epilogue? We got the epilogue around 75% and then we got another epilogue. And then we got an extended epilogue with like 5 chapters!? This author really loves her words.
And I get it, Nico has issues, but he really needed therapy, not just a best friend turned boyfriend.
Also this book could have been way shorter. So much unnecessary filler.
And what was up with the epilogue? We got the epilogue around 75% and then we got another epilogue. And then we got an extended epilogue with like 5 chapters!? This author really loves her words.
January 21, 2026
This was a very tender story. Nico had gone through some horrific things at the hands of those who should have protected him but through it all he had Alex at his back. Alex was caring, supportive and protective. He only ever had Nico’s best interests at heart. I loved how these two were so connected with one another and how they found comfort and safety in each other. Alex’s mother was great! Always there for both Alex and Nico with an ear to listen and supportive logical advice. These two were very sweet and this was a great introduction to Becca Neil.
🤍ARC REVIEW💙
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
🤍ARC REVIEW💙
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
January 31, 2026
2.5 stars. I can see why a lot of people will love this story, because of the codependent mc's and all the cuddling, but I had too many issues with it to really enjoy it. I liked it in the beginning, but skimmed the last 150 pages.
* It was way too long. There was nowhere near enough plot or character development to justify over 500 pages. A lot of repetitive scenes should have been edited out, and the chapters with Alex's family members visiting didn't add anything at all to the story.
* Nico needed therapy like yesterday. I get that at the start of the story health insurance was an issue, but why didn't he go when he was fourteen, after everything went down with his stepfather? Why didn't he go once he started his new job with health benefits? Using Alex as a crutch was not a longterm solution, as evidenced by the epilogue where one phone call from his mom send him spiraling again.
* The whole evil stepfather / mother issue didn't make sense to me. Nico's stepfather was abusive and went to prison when Nico's mother called 911 after he broke Nico's nose. Good, well done, Cindy. But why on earth did she take him back after that, and more, why on earth did she evict Nico and why did she and Patrick the stepfather pull all those stunts? Apparently she had been a loving mother before that, so why turn her into an evil villain for no apparent reason? I could see her buying it if Patrick had said it was one mistake and promised to do better. I could see her trying to convince Nico to give him a chance or something, but not this. And I hated how that storyline was resolved in the epilogue. Nope.
* I needed more from both Nico and Alex. I wanted Nico to make some friends outside of Alex, to find some nice hobbies or interests. And I wanted Alex to be there for Nico, but to also have his own life. He should be able to go to a party by himself without feeling guilty, if Nico doesn't want to go. And while his interactions with the Stanford professor were not impossible, they're highly unlikely in real life. Same goes for him landing a lab job before even starting his first semester.
* The pacing was off. Sometimes it took several chapters to get through one day and then we suddenly skipped three weeks.
Long story short, this had some sweet moments and likeable characters, but could have been a lot better if it had been trimmed a lot and if more page time had been devoted to explaining the relationship between Nico and his mother.
* It was way too long. There was nowhere near enough plot or character development to justify over 500 pages. A lot of repetitive scenes should have been edited out, and the chapters with Alex's family members visiting didn't add anything at all to the story.
* Nico needed therapy like yesterday. I get that at the start of the story health insurance was an issue, but why didn't he go when he was fourteen, after everything went down with his stepfather? Why didn't he go once he started his new job with health benefits? Using Alex as a crutch was not a longterm solution, as evidenced by the epilogue where one phone call from his mom send him spiraling again.
* The whole evil stepfather / mother issue didn't make sense to me. Nico's stepfather was abusive and went to prison when Nico's mother called 911 after he broke Nico's nose. Good, well done, Cindy. But why on earth did she take him back after that, and more, why on earth did she evict Nico and why did she and Patrick the stepfather pull all those stunts? Apparently she had been a loving mother before that, so why turn her into an evil villain for no apparent reason? I could see her buying it if Patrick had said it was one mistake and promised to do better. I could see her trying to convince Nico to give him a chance or something, but not this. And I hated how that storyline was resolved in the epilogue. Nope.
* I needed more from both Nico and Alex. I wanted Nico to make some friends outside of Alex, to find some nice hobbies or interests. And I wanted Alex to be there for Nico, but to also have his own life. He should be able to go to a party by himself without feeling guilty, if Nico doesn't want to go. And while his interactions with the Stanford professor were not impossible, they're highly unlikely in real life. Same goes for him landing a lab job before even starting his first semester.
* The pacing was off. Sometimes it took several chapters to get through one day and then we suddenly skipped three weeks.
Long story short, this had some sweet moments and likeable characters, but could have been a lot better if it had been trimmed a lot and if more page time had been devoted to explaining the relationship between Nico and his mother.
March 19, 2026
☆☆☆☆.5
- mm new adult romance
- hurt/comfort
- childhood best friends to lovers
- cptsd/ptsd
- small town
- touch aversion
💘 Alex + Nico
¤ Lemme start off with the half star removal. THERAPY. Nico needed therapy. Desperately. I don't think everyone needs it, but Nico DID. The severity of his social anxiety (and personal anxiety) was toxic, even 6 years later...the fact therapy was mentioned for someone else but not for Nico didn't sit right with me. Other than that...
My motherfucking HEART. I'm serious. If you had a less than stellar childhood, you'll be emotional during this book. EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER my heart HURT. I'm a fellow cptsd survivor from childhood trauma. I related so heavily with Nico. This isn't an easy story. I was physically ill a few times because...trauma. 🤪 Therapy helped me tremendously. Hence that .5 star removal. 🤷♀️
The weight of being Nico's best friend weighed heavily on my mind throughout the entire book for Alex. He was so young and for him to know what's happening but not being able to do anything about it? Made me SO sad. These babies were 18 and they were dealing with things they shouldn't have to.
And even during the epilogue in their early 20s they were still struggling a little. But Alex was just amazing. He LOVED Nico. Absolutely no doubt. And Nico loved Alex but as Alex's mom pointed out, sometimes relationships aren't 50/50 and I feel that's accurate with this one. I don't think anyone else could love Nico like Alex.
The sexy times were so good. Passionate and sweet and raw. Sometimes one sided. Sometimes rough anf sometimes tender. I thought it would be strict top/bottom but we get some vers action. Honestly, I would've been fine with minimal sexy times because this book, to me, is about the plot and love.
I loved this book. It will stay with me for a while. I don't think it can be a favorite because of the content but wow, Nico and Alex were everything.
- mm new adult romance
- hurt/comfort
- childhood best friends to lovers
- cptsd/ptsd
- small town
- touch aversion
💘 Alex + Nico
¤ Lemme start off with the half star removal. THERAPY. Nico needed therapy. Desperately. I don't think everyone needs it, but Nico DID. The severity of his social anxiety (and personal anxiety) was toxic, even 6 years later...the fact therapy was mentioned for someone else but not for Nico didn't sit right with me. Other than that...
My motherfucking HEART. I'm serious. If you had a less than stellar childhood, you'll be emotional during this book. EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER my heart HURT. I'm a fellow cptsd survivor from childhood trauma. I related so heavily with Nico. This isn't an easy story. I was physically ill a few times because...trauma. 🤪 Therapy helped me tremendously. Hence that .5 star removal. 🤷♀️
The weight of being Nico's best friend weighed heavily on my mind throughout the entire book for Alex. He was so young and for him to know what's happening but not being able to do anything about it? Made me SO sad. These babies were 18 and they were dealing with things they shouldn't have to.
And even during the epilogue in their early 20s they were still struggling a little. But Alex was just amazing. He LOVED Nico. Absolutely no doubt. And Nico loved Alex but as Alex's mom pointed out, sometimes relationships aren't 50/50 and I feel that's accurate with this one. I don't think anyone else could love Nico like Alex.
The sexy times were so good. Passionate and sweet and raw. Sometimes one sided. Sometimes rough anf sometimes tender. I thought it would be strict top/bottom but we get some vers action. Honestly, I would've been fine with minimal sexy times because this book, to me, is about the plot and love.
I loved this book. It will stay with me for a while. I don't think it can be a favorite because of the content but wow, Nico and Alex were everything.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So, as with every book Becca Neil writes, I was emotionally attached to Nico and Alex by chapter three, which honestly should tell you everything you need to know. I cared way too fast, way too deeply.
This is hurt x comfort in its purest form, and it worked really well for me. The way the author writes Nico’s PTSD and anxiety felt raw and intense in a way that completely grabbed me. His episodes hit hard and never felt glossed over or made easier for the sake of the story.
And then there is Alex. He’s gentle and clearly trying his best, even when he doesn’t always know what the right thing is. Watching him figure out how to support Nico, while also struggling with the weight of those situations at times, made their relationship feel real instead of idealized.
Their age also felt very authentic to me. They’re young, they don’t always handle things perfectly, and they’re learning as they go, which made their dynamic feel grounded and believable.
That said, I did start to feel the pacing dip a bit in the middle. I completely understand why the story needed to move this way, cause healing is never linear, but as a reader, some of the scenes began to feel repetitive in how they were built, which slowed me down. There were also a few moments where Alex’s voice felt more mature than 18, and that occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Still, the domestic moments were everything to me. The care, the softness, the sense of safety slowly being built between them, were easily my favorite parts of the book.
If you’re a big hurt x comfort reader and you love emotionally messy, imperfect characters who are genuinely trying to figure things out together, this will probably work really well for you.
Tropes:
hurt x comfort
best friends to lovers
mental health rep
only one bed
size difference
spice: 2.5
This is hurt x comfort in its purest form, and it worked really well for me. The way the author writes Nico’s PTSD and anxiety felt raw and intense in a way that completely grabbed me. His episodes hit hard and never felt glossed over or made easier for the sake of the story.
And then there is Alex. He’s gentle and clearly trying his best, even when he doesn’t always know what the right thing is. Watching him figure out how to support Nico, while also struggling with the weight of those situations at times, made their relationship feel real instead of idealized.
Their age also felt very authentic to me. They’re young, they don’t always handle things perfectly, and they’re learning as they go, which made their dynamic feel grounded and believable.
That said, I did start to feel the pacing dip a bit in the middle. I completely understand why the story needed to move this way, cause healing is never linear, but as a reader, some of the scenes began to feel repetitive in how they were built, which slowed me down. There were also a few moments where Alex’s voice felt more mature than 18, and that occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Still, the domestic moments were everything to me. The care, the softness, the sense of safety slowly being built between them, were easily my favorite parts of the book.
If you’re a big hurt x comfort reader and you love emotionally messy, imperfect characters who are genuinely trying to figure things out together, this will probably work really well for you.
Tropes:
hurt x comfort
best friends to lovers
mental health rep
only one bed
size difference
spice: 2.5
February 6, 2026
Sigh... Considering that the book has 523 pages, not much happens in it and it just kind of keeps dragging on—I found the book boring and repetitive. At least the first 30% was just about how they should talk about things, but the ’timing was always wrong’ or they just didn't dare or assumed other one didn't want to hear it, etc. First about their feelings, then about moving to California, Nico’s situation—they didn't open their mouths about anything and it got frustrating.
Nico is anxious most of the time and leans on Alex, but at the same time refuses to accept the help he offers, and at some point I just got bored with it. At first, I was living for every moment between them but the pacing was not working for me and it got so tedious that I kind of completely lost interest. Nico's mother's behavior was also kind of absurd.
I gave the author's Pieces of Home 4.5 stars at the time, so it's a shame that this one didn't work for me. Becca knows how to write hurt&comfort and this book also has some lovely moments between Alex and Nico, but unfortunately to me, this was just too dull and repetitive.
Nico is anxious most of the time and leans on Alex, but at the same time refuses to accept the help he offers, and at some point I just got bored with it. At first, I was living for every moment between them but the pacing was not working for me and it got so tedious that I kind of completely lost interest. Nico's mother's behavior was also kind of absurd.
I gave the author's Pieces of Home 4.5 stars at the time, so it's a shame that this one didn't work for me. Becca knows how to write hurt&comfort and this book also has some lovely moments between Alex and Nico, but unfortunately to me, this was just too dull and repetitive.
January 15, 2026
Ohhhh my heart. Nico and Alex are literally the sweetest. Poor Nico goes through it, he does not have it easy but Alex is there for him every step of the way no matter what. I absolutely love how understanding and supportive they are of each other. I also love that Alex’s mom is there, no questions asked, just offering her love and support as well. This book made my heart hurt, it brought tears (both happy and sad), it healed, it gave all the emotions and while it was definitely “lighter” than Pieces of Home, it was still just as amazing. I absolutely loved this book.
I received this book as an ARC from the author and these are my honest opinions!!
I received this book as an ARC from the author and these are my honest opinions!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Truly a sweet and incredibly tough story all at once. For sure read the trigger warnings if you prefer more fluffy stories. I really enjoyed it while also crying a ton.
March 13, 2026
dnf 45%
ive read about 250 pages and Nothing has happened. literally nothing. nico is in a constant state of panic and homeboy really needs some therapy(!!) and for alex being a full-ride-to-stanford-astrophysicist-level-genius he cant spit out a fucking sentence without stammering our pausing eight thousand times.
this book will work for some people because its constant kisses and cuddles but i simply Cannot anymore 😭
ive read about 250 pages and Nothing has happened. literally nothing. nico is in a constant state of panic and homeboy really needs some therapy(!!) and for alex being a full-ride-to-stanford-astrophysicist-level-genius he cant spit out a fucking sentence without stammering our pausing eight thousand times.
this book will work for some people because its constant kisses and cuddles but i simply Cannot anymore 😭
February 15, 2026
Little bit basic, maybe a wee bit too long, but very very cute and nice hurt comfort! Not for those of you who really need heavy plot, but a little bit of trauma and a lot of cuddling was enough to tide me over I suppose.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I swear Nico and Alex are the most sweetest, pure, loveable charaters. My heart ached and broke for Nico with the hell he was put through as a child and as an adult. He may have horrible anxiety due to his traumas but he is so strong. Alex is truly the best friend/partner that Nico deserves. Alex is always there for Nico, even when he feels hurt from how Nico acts due to the anxiety, which makes Alex just as strong to be able to breath and not act on his hurt feelings to give Nico a breather to real his emotions in. They both just complement each other well. And Alex's mom is just as much as a saint.
This was such a fantastic read
I swear Nico and Alex are the most sweetest, pure, loveable charaters. My heart ached and broke for Nico with the hell he was put through as a child and as an adult. He may have horrible anxiety due to his traumas but he is so strong. Alex is truly the best friend/partner that Nico deserves. Alex is always there for Nico, even when he feels hurt from how Nico acts due to the anxiety, which makes Alex just as strong to be able to breath and not act on his hurt feelings to give Nico a breather to real his emotions in. They both just complement each other well. And Alex's mom is just as much as a saint.
This was such a fantastic read
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, I have been on a roller coaster ride with Alex and Nico. And I am so glad I rode! I feel like I was with them every step of the way, that their lives were ones I was living too. Such is the skill of this author. Everyone needs an Alex in their life especially if you've had the trauma like sweet sweet Nico did.
This author wrote an amazing book with these two MCs on the page with almost no others there. The ones who were there, and in most of the book there were only three others, had a monumental effect on them.
I feel it is a tale of two mothers and the difference they made in these men's lives was eye-opening.
I thought I did really well in the tears department until the epilogues and then they fell in droves. This always happens with this author and I actually love it once I've recovered.
I am honored that the author gave me an ARC read, and these are my own words.
This author wrote an amazing book with these two MCs on the page with almost no others there. The ones who were there, and in most of the book there were only three others, had a monumental effect on them.
I feel it is a tale of two mothers and the difference they made in these men's lives was eye-opening.
I thought I did really well in the tears department until the epilogues and then they fell in droves. This always happens with this author and I actually love it once I've recovered.
I am honored that the author gave me an ARC read, and these are my own words.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Be still my heart. Alex and Nico's story was an emotional journey from best friends to lovers. Full of growth and discovery. It was beautifully written and will have you enraptured by the end of the prologue. The love and friendship they have for one another pours from the pages. I truly hated to see the words The End.
January 22, 2026
I had the privilege and honor of ARC reading this story in exchange for my honest thoughts and review. Let’s get into it.
Becca always knows how to deliver the hurt/comfort trope well. I know anything she writes will hit me square in the heart and I will feel the aftershocks even when I’m done. Nico’s story was very sad and heartbreaking. I didn’t expect his trauma to hit so close to home but damn… the trauma he had with his mom hit me tenfold. My heart broke for him, I cried with him, and I understood every spiral (especially at the end). His bravery and courage was beautiful.
Alex was such a kind and gentle soul. He never pushed, he always listened, and sometimes pushed Nico when he needed it even if he didn’t want it. Alex was too perfect actually LOL. Becca writes friends to lovers so well and I loved their dynamic later in the book.
I think where I struggled was the pacing. We spent WAY too long in limbo. Something happened to Alex, he would have a panic attack, lash out at Alex, shut down, wanted to be held, not talk, when it finally came time to talk, he would spiral, lash out and push it aside for DAYS, sometimes WEEKS, and then repeat. This was the pattern up until 65% into the book. There was no movement of the plot (California, job, budgeting, etc.) because it took SO long to get the plot moving, I found myself struggling to stay invested. Once we got to 67% of the book, time moved crazy fast and so did everything else (getting things in motion for California, budgeting, planning, their relationship, etc.) it kind of felt like we had to rush to get to the ending.
I also very much struggled with them being teenagers. At times these teens would act like normal kids and then somehow revert to being adults in situations that honestly could have used a real adult. I loved Alex’s mom and her never ending support, but I wish she would have been more present in helping Nico, instead of two kids learning to maneuver adult situations when they weren’t ready and had no clue how to. The teenager part is a me thing (I skimmed the spicy scenes- not bc they weren’t good but bc they’re kids in my eyes lol.) yes they’re 18 and “adults” but you can’t convince my 30 year old brain that.
Overall, this story was heartfelt, warm and fuzzy with just the right amount of hurt to pull you in and make you like these characters. I wish Becca the most success her with her new release and can’t wait to see what else she has up her sleeve!
Becca always knows how to deliver the hurt/comfort trope well. I know anything she writes will hit me square in the heart and I will feel the aftershocks even when I’m done. Nico’s story was very sad and heartbreaking. I didn’t expect his trauma to hit so close to home but damn… the trauma he had with his mom hit me tenfold. My heart broke for him, I cried with him, and I understood every spiral (especially at the end). His bravery and courage was beautiful.
Alex was such a kind and gentle soul. He never pushed, he always listened, and sometimes pushed Nico when he needed it even if he didn’t want it. Alex was too perfect actually LOL. Becca writes friends to lovers so well and I loved their dynamic later in the book.
I think where I struggled was the pacing. We spent WAY too long in limbo. Something happened to Alex, he would have a panic attack, lash out at Alex, shut down, wanted to be held, not talk, when it finally came time to talk, he would spiral, lash out and push it aside for DAYS, sometimes WEEKS, and then repeat. This was the pattern up until 65% into the book. There was no movement of the plot (California, job, budgeting, etc.) because it took SO long to get the plot moving, I found myself struggling to stay invested. Once we got to 67% of the book, time moved crazy fast and so did everything else (getting things in motion for California, budgeting, planning, their relationship, etc.) it kind of felt like we had to rush to get to the ending.
I also very much struggled with them being teenagers. At times these teens would act like normal kids and then somehow revert to being adults in situations that honestly could have used a real adult. I loved Alex’s mom and her never ending support, but I wish she would have been more present in helping Nico, instead of two kids learning to maneuver adult situations when they weren’t ready and had no clue how to. The teenager part is a me thing (I skimmed the spicy scenes- not bc they weren’t good but bc they’re kids in my eyes lol.) yes they’re 18 and “adults” but you can’t convince my 30 year old brain that.
Overall, this story was heartfelt, warm and fuzzy with just the right amount of hurt to pull you in and make you like these characters. I wish Becca the most success her with her new release and can’t wait to see what else she has up her sleeve!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2026
3.75/5 ⭐️
I really wanted to connect to these characters more than I did. The first quarter of the book was so promising and it had me emotional quite often. But it felt like after they confessed their feelings things just started getting repetitive. Like I love that they don’t have to hide their love anymore and that Nico found someone who made him feel safe and loved, but, I just feel like the hurt/comfort was so overdone/sort of lacked the depth I was looking for. The hurt/comfort trope is one of my favorites so I’m sad I didn’t like this as much as I thought I would 😭 I don’t have enough knowledge about PTSD as I do about anxiety but it felt like those moments were a little too much? I really hope that doesn’t sound insensitive but it might just be the way the author wrote the scenes that made me feel a little disconnected when Nico had those episodes.
But, the support and comfort in which he got from Alex was so heartwarming and beautiful. I love that no matter what he would never let Nico go through anything alone ever again 🥹 Special shoutout to Alex’s mom for being the best! The way she took Nico into her home and made him feel nothing but supported and safe made me so emotional!! It was nice to see the two of them make a new life for themselves in California living out their dreams together. The never ending support in which they had for the other’s career was awesome to see. Even better that we get to see Nico thrive and live his life to the fullest. That boy went through hell and back and made it out alive not only because he had Alex, but because he was so strong and capable.
This book definitely could’ve been 100 pages shorter because it really did drag after the epilogue. There were a lot of fluff/filler chapters that could’ve been left out too, and was probably part of what made me disconnect at times. Nevertheless, they got their perfect HEA ❤️
— quotes
“That he’s more than just my best friend. That he’s the most important person in the world to me. That I love him. That I’m in love with him. And that I’ll be here for him, always.”
“He wants me to stay. Here. Holding him. He wants me to hold him. Just like this. He’s warm. And . . . god, we do fit perfectly together.”
“God, we fucking kissed. It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever felt.”
“You’re safe here, Nico. You’re safe with me. Always.”
“I feel it in my heart—how much I love him. If this is what he needs from me—to just be here, to hold him, to take care of him, to let him open up in his own time, when he’s ready—then I’m here for it. I’m here for all of it.”
“”I love you, Nico,” I murmur. There’s a slight roughness to my voice as I say the words out loud for the first time. They’re true. I’ve known them to be true for a while now.” — “You mean that?” — “With all of my heart.”
“You make me feel good . . . and loved.” His arms tighten around me. “You always have.”
“It’s him. He’s the reason. My reason.” — “My reason for having hope. For feeling loved.”
“And I have the silly thought that maybe there’s nothing more perfect in the whole world than the way our hands fit together.”
“My heart belongs to you, Nico. It always will. I promise.” — “He gifts me that beautiful smile again, and I feel all his hope and love and the depth of the promises we just made to each other. It feels like the beginning of something incredible. And god, I’m all in.”
“I love you, Nico. I love you with all of my heart, and I will love you for all of my life.”
“My heart is as full as it was the first day we kissed, nearly six years ago now, and when I straighten up and our eyes meet, that feeling only intensifies. He’s my everything. My best friend. My lover. And now, my soon-to-be husband. And I love him, with all of my heart.”
I really wanted to connect to these characters more than I did. The first quarter of the book was so promising and it had me emotional quite often. But it felt like after they confessed their feelings things just started getting repetitive. Like I love that they don’t have to hide their love anymore and that Nico found someone who made him feel safe and loved, but, I just feel like the hurt/comfort was so overdone/sort of lacked the depth I was looking for. The hurt/comfort trope is one of my favorites so I’m sad I didn’t like this as much as I thought I would 😭 I don’t have enough knowledge about PTSD as I do about anxiety but it felt like those moments were a little too much? I really hope that doesn’t sound insensitive but it might just be the way the author wrote the scenes that made me feel a little disconnected when Nico had those episodes.
But, the support and comfort in which he got from Alex was so heartwarming and beautiful. I love that no matter what he would never let Nico go through anything alone ever again 🥹 Special shoutout to Alex’s mom for being the best! The way she took Nico into her home and made him feel nothing but supported and safe made me so emotional!! It was nice to see the two of them make a new life for themselves in California living out their dreams together. The never ending support in which they had for the other’s career was awesome to see. Even better that we get to see Nico thrive and live his life to the fullest. That boy went through hell and back and made it out alive not only because he had Alex, but because he was so strong and capable.
This book definitely could’ve been 100 pages shorter because it really did drag after the epilogue. There were a lot of fluff/filler chapters that could’ve been left out too, and was probably part of what made me disconnect at times. Nevertheless, they got their perfect HEA ❤️
— quotes
“That he’s more than just my best friend. That he’s the most important person in the world to me. That I love him. That I’m in love with him. And that I’ll be here for him, always.”
“He wants me to stay. Here. Holding him. He wants me to hold him. Just like this. He’s warm. And . . . god, we do fit perfectly together.”
“God, we fucking kissed. It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever felt.”
“You’re safe here, Nico. You’re safe with me. Always.”
“I feel it in my heart—how much I love him. If this is what he needs from me—to just be here, to hold him, to take care of him, to let him open up in his own time, when he’s ready—then I’m here for it. I’m here for all of it.”
“”I love you, Nico,” I murmur. There’s a slight roughness to my voice as I say the words out loud for the first time. They’re true. I’ve known them to be true for a while now.” — “You mean that?” — “With all of my heart.”
“You make me feel good . . . and loved.” His arms tighten around me. “You always have.”
“It’s him. He’s the reason. My reason.” — “My reason for having hope. For feeling loved.”
“And I have the silly thought that maybe there’s nothing more perfect in the whole world than the way our hands fit together.”
“My heart belongs to you, Nico. It always will. I promise.” — “He gifts me that beautiful smile again, and I feel all his hope and love and the depth of the promises we just made to each other. It feels like the beginning of something incredible. And god, I’m all in.”
“I love you, Nico. I love you with all of my heart, and I will love you for all of my life.”
“My heart is as full as it was the first day we kissed, nearly six years ago now, and when I straighten up and our eyes meet, that feeling only intensifies. He’s my everything. My best friend. My lover. And now, my soon-to-be husband. And I love him, with all of my heart.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adored Alex and Nico. They were absolutely perfect and their's was a love born out of pure devotion, friendship and respect. Their story is one that touched my heart deeply and will remain there always.
Alex is everything you could ever want in a partner. He is kind, understanding, selfless, caring, and truly shows how much he cares with every single move he makes. I could not have loved him anymore.
Nico was so strong. Even when he didn't know it. To have lived through all he did, especially with his "mother." I have never wanted to to reach into a fictional world and rage as bad as I do when I think about her! My Mama bear definitely came out. 😡 Nico's "mom" doesn't deserve the title. In my eyes her actions were truly unforgivable.
Nico could have taken many dark paths, but he didn't. He kept moving forward and through it all Alex was right by his side. Nico's resilience was inspiring.
This is such a sweet story of true love in all the ways it can be felt, but also shows a profound sadness in Nico's world. It was a story that truly touched my heart. Definitely check trigger warnings.
Alex is everything you could ever want in a partner. He is kind, understanding, selfless, caring, and truly shows how much he cares with every single move he makes. I could not have loved him anymore.
Nico was so strong. Even when he didn't know it. To have lived through all he did, especially with his "mother." I have never wanted to to reach into a fictional world and rage as bad as I do when I think about her! My Mama bear definitely came out. 😡 Nico's "mom" doesn't deserve the title. In my eyes her actions were truly unforgivable.
Nico could have taken many dark paths, but he didn't. He kept moving forward and through it all Alex was right by his side. Nico's resilience was inspiring.
This is such a sweet story of true love in all the ways it can be felt, but also shows a profound sadness in Nico's world. It was a story that truly touched my heart. Definitely check trigger warnings.
February 8, 2026
I almost missed out in a big BIG way!! When I first opened up this book and saw that it was over 500 pages long, I was seriously regretting life. Then I read the Prologue and suddenly I wasn’t minding it so much and then shortly after THAT I fell in love with Alex and Nico and couldn’t have put it down if I’d had to! It was sweet and steamy perfection with two of the most adorable guys I’ve read in a while. Nico, sweet boy that he was, had been through hail, first by his abusive step dad and then his mom causing severe and debilitating anxiety relieved only by his best friend, Alex. Alex, for his part, was wonderfully protective of Nico and the only one Nico could stand to touch him.
Although there was a good bit of angst and drama involved, as you would expect from a story involving child abuse, it wasn’t what you would normally expect though it still packed a huge punch to the heart that I won’t soon forget while still being all sweet and swoony and my favorite read of the year so far. While that may not sound all that impressive, I think I’d probably rate it as one of my favorites from last year too.
Do NOT miss checking this book out, it was amazingly good!!! 5++ stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although there was a good bit of angst and drama involved, as you would expect from a story involving child abuse, it wasn’t what you would normally expect though it still packed a huge punch to the heart that I won’t soon forget while still being all sweet and swoony and my favorite read of the year so far. While that may not sound all that impressive, I think I’d probably rate it as one of my favorites from last year too.
Do NOT miss checking this book out, it was amazingly good!!! 5++ stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2026
First book by Becca Neil and it was a good emotional read with all the feelings that will make you feel like you're riding a rollercoaster. Both MCs Alex and Nico was just amazing and make you fall in love instantly. My heart did go out to Nico and everything he been through and you can tell that he had the strength all a lot just afaid because of his upbring. But my man Alex always had Nico’s back he was always there for him and being the best support system he needed and always encouraged him when he felt like life was to hard and knocking him down. I love their journey from coming from hard time to where they end and being together no matter what. I highly recommend this read especially if you enjoy emotional rollercoaster, friends-to-lovers.
Did Not Finish
April 22, 202627% of the way through and i had to drop this because the ONLY thing nico needs is COPIOUS COPIOUS amounts of therapy NOT a romance with his best friend. nico also pisses me off thought this is no fault of his own he's just has the kind of anxiety and issues that gets me annoyed both irl and when reading. neurodivergence clash you could call it.
August 14, 2026
I thought I would love it because childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, but good lord, this book needed some serious editing. And also while hurt/comfort can be sweet, Nico desperately needed therapy and medication. I kept waiting for him to get professional help and it never happened. Love can't cure mental illness.
August 16, 2026
I don't have much to say about this one. It is angsty as fuck and they don't catch a break until 70 plus%.
Nico would have really benefited from counseling because poor Alex was stressing.
We got a few epilogues but it seemed like both MCs worked and went to school for years. I dont see how they every spent time together. Also, nothing on how they survived the first year living separately.
Nico would have really benefited from counseling because poor Alex was stressing.
We got a few epilogues but it seemed like both MCs worked and went to school for years. I dont see how they every spent time together. Also, nothing on how they survived the first year living separately.
February 1, 2026
Nico has survived years of childhood abuse, leaving him with deep trauma and an inability to be touched by anyone except his best friend, Alex. When his mother lets her abusive ex back into their home on graduation night, Nico flees to Alex’s house with nowhere else to go. Staying together brings all his buried feelings to the surface — especially with Alex leaving for college soon. Alex has always cared for Nico, even when he didn’t know how to help. But with Nico suddenly living under his roof, he realises he can’t imagine a future without him. Both boys are terrified to confess their feelings, afraid of hurting each other or losing the most important person in their lives. Their story is a tender, emotional best‑friends‑to‑lovers journey filled with mutual pining, trauma and healing, first times, and the slow, hopeful courage it takes to choose love after surviving so much pain.
I loved this story which was a tender, emotional best‑friends‑to‑lovers story where love had been quietly growing for years, even if neither Nico nor Alex dared to say it out loud. Their bond was deep, loyal, and unwavering — the kind of love that survives trauma, distance, and fear. What makes the story so moving is how clearly they want a future together, even when they’re terrified of hurting each other or taking the wrong step. Nico’s healing and Alex’s patience intertwined beautifully, and their summer under the same roof became a turning point: a chance to finally admit what they meant to one another and figure out how to build a life side by side. This was a heartfelt, hopeful story about choosing love, choosing healing, and choosing each other. This will cause a few tears as you live through Nico's abuse and trauma. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please read the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself.
I loved this story which was a tender, emotional best‑friends‑to‑lovers story where love had been quietly growing for years, even if neither Nico nor Alex dared to say it out loud. Their bond was deep, loyal, and unwavering — the kind of love that survives trauma, distance, and fear. What makes the story so moving is how clearly they want a future together, even when they’re terrified of hurting each other or taking the wrong step. Nico’s healing and Alex’s patience intertwined beautifully, and their summer under the same roof became a turning point: a chance to finally admit what they meant to one another and figure out how to build a life side by side. This was a heartfelt, hopeful story about choosing love, choosing healing, and choosing each other. This will cause a few tears as you live through Nico's abuse and trauma. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please read the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself.
February 9, 2026
Bit too long and I hated how the situation was handled with Nico’s mother. I would’ve highly preferred to not have her come back in the story after they went to California. For Nico to say he wanted his mom to know his kids despite her letting an abuser back in their life and not contacting him or caring for six years? Bye whatever if that’s the example you want in your child’s life go ahead
January 14, 2026
I opened this up and literally couldn’t put it down until I was finished. This was a mid-angst, highly emotional friends to lovers romance with really good complex PTSD rep.
- Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
- Virgin MMC
- PTSD Rep
- Pan-Awakening
This had so much hurt x comfort and I immediately felt connected to both characters. There was no angsty bi-awakenings and the spicy scenes were so well-written!
Thank-you to the author for providing me and advanced copy to read. This is my honest review.
- Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
- Virgin MMC
- PTSD Rep
- Pan-Awakening
This had so much hurt x comfort and I immediately felt connected to both characters. There was no angsty bi-awakenings and the spicy scenes were so well-written!
Thank-you to the author for providing me and advanced copy to read. This is my honest review.
August 13, 2026
Some people should not have kids.
Re-Read 24.08
I can't stand Alex's mom with all the talking shit! I want to tell her to fuck off!!! Not everything can be solved by talking and sometimes you don't WANT to talk! Just but out of my fucking business!!!
I love this books so much, it is so full of heart and love, I can't even explain. It is so beautiful.
Re-Read 24.08
I can't stand Alex's mom with all the talking shit! I want to tell her to fuck off!!! Not everything can be solved by talking and sometimes you don't WANT to talk! Just but out of my fucking business!!!
I love this books so much, it is so full of heart and love, I can't even explain. It is so beautiful.
May 3, 2026
A lot of good stuff wrapped in way too long book.
Alex and Nico are best friends
Alex is raised by a single mom, an artist who loves him very much. He's very smart, the valedictorian of his class and accepted to several universities.
Nico is also raised by a single mom, who works a lot. At some point he had a step-dad that used to be very rough with him, up to the point of assaulting him. He went to jail and his mother swear he'll never touch Nico again. Since then, Nico is suffering from anxieties and hates to be touched by anyone but Alex
Alex and Nico are best friends
Alex is raised by a single mom, an artist who loves him very much. He's very smart, the valedictorian of his class and accepted to several universities.
Nico is also raised by a single mom, who works a lot. At some point he had a step-dad that used to be very rough with him, up to the point of assaulting him. He went to jail and his mother swear he'll never touch Nico again. Since then, Nico is suffering from anxieties and hates to be touched by anyone but Alex
January 20, 2026
This book is named perfectly because it truly has absolutely all of my heart! All the stars ⭐️
Starting out I had high expectations because I absolutely adored Pieces of Home so I was so honored to read this ARC! Even with my high expectations this book delivered so much more. I’m very particular on my friends to lovers trope and this was the perfect mix of emotional, cute, a tiny bit of angst going on, and a healthy dose of yearning. This book is definitely lighter on the life experiences side but still definitely has a raw and emotional part that rips at the heart strings.
Nico and Alex are best friends and as their high school graduation approaches, so does the count down to goodbye. This is their last summer together. Alex is going to college out of state and Nico must continue to put on his brave face in spite of it all in order to support his best friend’s dreams. But after the past come crashing back into Nico’s life with brutal force, he finds himself in need of a place to stay and no plan ahead.
Alex is beyond excited for the opportunities that await him at Stanford but his heart is holding on to something arguably more important…Nico. How can he let his best friend go when he needs Alex the most. After his mom helps him come up with a financial plan to hopefully convince Nico to come with him to CA, feelings get revealed and with so many new layers added to their story things get complicated and REAL, fast.
They say the greatest love is built upon friendship and Nico and Alex put that to the test when life hands them more than one wild card.
This story was absolutely beautiful. This was the perfect friends to lovers with all the right elements and a healthy dose of sweet and loving spice. All the feelings and all the love when it comes to any sex scenes. 2.5/5 🌶️. The build up to the first kiss and all the rest of the firsts had me kicking my feel like a giddy kid. If I wasn’t reading in bed next to my sleeping husband I would have audibly “whooped” and fist pumped the air the moment they kissed. It was so cute!
This story deals with some things that some may find hard to read so please read the trigger warnings because no book is worth your mental well being.
I absolutely crushed this book in under 48 hours and all the bonus material was *chefs kiss* perfection.
10/10 recommend!
Thank you to the Author and her team for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.
Starting out I had high expectations because I absolutely adored Pieces of Home so I was so honored to read this ARC! Even with my high expectations this book delivered so much more. I’m very particular on my friends to lovers trope and this was the perfect mix of emotional, cute, a tiny bit of angst going on, and a healthy dose of yearning. This book is definitely lighter on the life experiences side but still definitely has a raw and emotional part that rips at the heart strings.
Nico and Alex are best friends and as their high school graduation approaches, so does the count down to goodbye. This is their last summer together. Alex is going to college out of state and Nico must continue to put on his brave face in spite of it all in order to support his best friend’s dreams. But after the past come crashing back into Nico’s life with brutal force, he finds himself in need of a place to stay and no plan ahead.
Alex is beyond excited for the opportunities that await him at Stanford but his heart is holding on to something arguably more important…Nico. How can he let his best friend go when he needs Alex the most. After his mom helps him come up with a financial plan to hopefully convince Nico to come with him to CA, feelings get revealed and with so many new layers added to their story things get complicated and REAL, fast.
They say the greatest love is built upon friendship and Nico and Alex put that to the test when life hands them more than one wild card.
This story was absolutely beautiful. This was the perfect friends to lovers with all the right elements and a healthy dose of sweet and loving spice. All the feelings and all the love when it comes to any sex scenes. 2.5/5 🌶️. The build up to the first kiss and all the rest of the firsts had me kicking my feel like a giddy kid. If I wasn’t reading in bed next to my sleeping husband I would have audibly “whooped” and fist pumped the air the moment they kissed. It was so cute!
This story deals with some things that some may find hard to read so please read the trigger warnings because no book is worth your mental well being.
I absolutely crushed this book in under 48 hours and all the bonus material was *chefs kiss* perfection.
10/10 recommend!
Thank you to the Author and her team for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.
July 15, 2026
Alex and Nico’s story was a friends to lovers story.
Alex was adorable, very protective and supportive of Nico as a friend and after they started dating.
The book was probably a little too long, it took me a while to get through and towards the end I was wishing it would hurry up.
I wasn’t a huge fan of Nico instantly forgiving his mom, after one phone call, after she enabled and supported his abuser, kicked him out of his house, and robbed him of all his stuff. It felt like he was better off without that toxicity in his life!
🔭🔵🎍
Alex was adorable, very protective and supportive of Nico as a friend and after they started dating.
The book was probably a little too long, it took me a while to get through and towards the end I was wishing it would hurry up.
I wasn’t a huge fan of Nico instantly forgiving his mom, after one phone call, after she enabled and supported his abuser, kicked him out of his house, and robbed him of all his stuff. It felt like he was better off without that toxicity in his life!
🔭🔵🎍
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