What do you think?
Rate this book
Things I Wished We Said
Sometimes when I think back, I wonder how I got here. How did the sad, scared thirteen-year-old boy forced to move across the country to live with an aunt he barely knew end up married to his best friend and raising seven kids together?
Sure, the marriage is for the benefits, and the kids are Riot’s siblings, but still. It’s a life I never imagined, but one I wouldn’t change for the world.
Except for one thing.
I love Riot a little more than a best friend should. Or a lot more. Sometimes I imagine what his lips feel like pressed up against mine, or how it would feel if he calls me husband and truly means it.
It’s a secret I kept for years, terrified that if Riot found out, it would ruin everything. Because having him in my life in any way I could get him is better than no Riot at all.
Lately, it’s been harder to keep my feelings to myself. And when one secret is revealed, all the others start to unravel.
All I could do at this point is be honest and hope I don’t lose my best friend in the process.
Things I Wished We Said is a standalone slow-burn, best friends-to-lovers contemporary MM romance. Expect tons of family dynamics, pining, an oblivious MC, and so many cuddles and head kisses.
Please check the front of the book for a complete list of trigger warnings.
Sure, the marriage is for the benefits, and the kids are Riot’s siblings, but still. It’s a life I never imagined, but one I wouldn’t change for the world.
Except for one thing.
I love Riot a little more than a best friend should. Or a lot more. Sometimes I imagine what his lips feel like pressed up against mine, or how it would feel if he calls me husband and truly means it.
It’s a secret I kept for years, terrified that if Riot found out, it would ruin everything. Because having him in my life in any way I could get him is better than no Riot at all.
Lately, it’s been harder to keep my feelings to myself. And when one secret is revealed, all the others start to unravel.
All I could do at this point is be honest and hope I don’t lose my best friend in the process.
Things I Wished We Said is a standalone slow-burn, best friends-to-lovers contemporary MM romance. Expect tons of family dynamics, pining, an oblivious MC, and so many cuddles and head kisses.
Please check the front of the book for a complete list of trigger warnings.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2026
22 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Jacey Davis
37 books141 followersJacey is an M/M and Fantasy/Paranormal fiction writer. She's a Jersey girl through and through, and after a brief time in North Carolina, is back in New Jersey with her husband, two daughters, and her black lab mix. When she's not writing, Jacey is catching up on Netflix shows, reading, and most of all, playing with (aka chasing after) her kids.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
did-not-finish
February 11, 2026No rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2026
3+
Ta książka to całkowity chaos 😂
Ale podobał mi się 😁
Mam naprawdę dużą słabość do historii, gdzie najstarszy z rodzeństwa za wszelką cenę usiłuje wychować swoich młodszych braci i siostry, starając się zapewnić im w miarę normalne dzieciństwo, dom i uchronić ich przed rodziną zastępczą 🥰
I choć książka ma swoje wady - brakujący tu czy tam przecinek czy cudzysłów, w przedostatnim rozdziale na kilkanaście ostatnich wersów w trakcie rozmowy zmienił się POV (gdzie był edytor/edytorka 👀) i książka zdecydowanie mogłaby być dłuższa i pewne wątki bardziej rozwinięte, to i tak zaokrąglam w górę, bo naprawdę dobrze i szybko mi się czytało ☺️
Ta książka to całkowity chaos 😂
Ale podobał mi się 😁
Mam naprawdę dużą słabość do historii, gdzie najstarszy z rodzeństwa za wszelką cenę usiłuje wychować swoich młodszych braci i siostry, starając się zapewnić im w miarę normalne dzieciństwo, dom i uchronić ich przed rodziną zastępczą 🥰
I choć książka ma swoje wady - brakujący tu czy tam przecinek czy cudzysłów, w przedostatnim rozdziale na kilkanaście ostatnich wersów w trakcie rozmowy zmienił się POV (gdzie był edytor/edytorka 👀) i książka zdecydowanie mogłaby być dłuższa i pewne wątki bardziej rozwinięte, to i tak zaokrąglam w górę, bo naprawdę dobrze i szybko mi się czytało ☺️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Things I Wish We Said – Jacey Davis
Riot and Koa’s story tells how a friendship that began when they were thirteen slowly turns into a love that touches the most sensitive parts of the heart. When Riot tries to save his siblings from a house full of violence, Koa gives up everything for him, making the bond between them even stronger and more meaningful. They become each other’s safe haven, family, and greatest support. 🖤
But the feelings Koa has kept inside for years begin to push the limits of this friendship. This journey from best friends to lovers is an emotional slow burn filled with themes of healing, self-discovery, and opening your heart. The chosen family vibes, a house full of kids, plenty of chaos, and heart-warming moments… it’s a story that truly seeps into your soul. 🫶📚
Riot and Koa’s story tells how a friendship that began when they were thirteen slowly turns into a love that touches the most sensitive parts of the heart. When Riot tries to save his siblings from a house full of violence, Koa gives up everything for him, making the bond between them even stronger and more meaningful. They become each other’s safe haven, family, and greatest support. 🖤
But the feelings Koa has kept inside for years begin to push the limits of this friendship. This journey from best friends to lovers is an emotional slow burn filled with themes of healing, self-discovery, and opening your heart. The chosen family vibes, a house full of kids, plenty of chaos, and heart-warming moments… it’s a story that truly seeps into your soul. 🫶📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book! It gets 5+ stars from me!
Firstly, can we admire how beautiful the cover is? It's absolutely stunning. And it’s the precursor for how beautiful this book is. I was completely hooked on this couple and their family from the first page.
Koa and Riot are really something special together, even before they’re a proper couple. The affection between them, the unwavering support they give to each other, and the way they look after the kids – it all made my heart swell with love for them. They’ve made a happy and safe home for their family. If anyone deserves a HEA, it’s these guys.
I’m not much of a crier in books, but I found myself in tears many times during this. The tenderness and genuineness of Koa in his feelings toward Riot was just too much for my softy heart to handle. How long and hard he’s loved Riot and how he’s always been there for him. I’m practically sobbing while rereading his words, because they were so raw and heartfelt. My heart turned into absolute mush.
Koa’s chosen family has always been the most important thing in his life. He’s Riot’s rock. He’s that soft, comfort blanket you need when things aren’t going your way. The most loyal, truest friend you could ever want. Koa has always been the shining light that Riot needed when he was struggling with his homelife.
And Riot was a strong, brave, tough kid who grew into a wonderful caring man. How he can be so oblivious about Koa’s feelings for him is beyond me, but his priorities have, and always will be, the kids.
This book was only 200 pages, but it truly took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. There’s recovery from trauma, regret and a past returning to haunt them, but above all there’s an abundance of love. This family shoulders their burdens together, and that once again brought me to tears.
And a shout out to Knox too. The older teen who dealt with so much so young, like Riot, but he’s always looked out for his older brother in any way he can.
I feel like I left a part of my heart behind with this family as I said goodbye to them. Koa and Riot, if you’re reading this, can you please adopt me too?
----
I received an ARC copy of this book by the author, and this is my honest review.
----
Some of my favourite quotes
“That’s more like it. I like seeing you all dressed up, but this is my Koa.”
“You’re not alone, Riot. Not ever.”
“You are my dream, Riot. You and these kids. That’s it.”
“I’d choose you each and every time.”
“You were in trouble, not the cause of it.”
“I felt so fucking alone, Riot. Lost. Then you and Knox walked out of the brush.”
“It’s you, Riot. It’s always been you. That will never change. And in fifty, sixty years, I’d choose you again.”
“You were always so much more than that to me, sweetheart. Always.”
“You never failed me, Koa, not ever. Any fucked-up thoughts I have are all on me, not anything you did. Over and over again, you show me how much I mean to you.”
“You’re so brave, Riot. And strong. I’ve spent most of the time I’ve known you being in awe of you. I know sometimes it might feel like too much, but when it does, remember I’m here.”
“What I can promise you is that as long as I’m here, I’m yours, and even after, I’ll always be with you.”
“I love you in every conceivable way a person could love someone.”
Firstly, can we admire how beautiful the cover is? It's absolutely stunning. And it’s the precursor for how beautiful this book is. I was completely hooked on this couple and their family from the first page.
Koa and Riot are really something special together, even before they’re a proper couple. The affection between them, the unwavering support they give to each other, and the way they look after the kids – it all made my heart swell with love for them. They’ve made a happy and safe home for their family. If anyone deserves a HEA, it’s these guys.
I’m not much of a crier in books, but I found myself in tears many times during this. The tenderness and genuineness of Koa in his feelings toward Riot was just too much for my softy heart to handle. How long and hard he’s loved Riot and how he’s always been there for him. I’m practically sobbing while rereading his words, because they were so raw and heartfelt. My heart turned into absolute mush.
Koa’s chosen family has always been the most important thing in his life. He’s Riot’s rock. He’s that soft, comfort blanket you need when things aren’t going your way. The most loyal, truest friend you could ever want. Koa has always been the shining light that Riot needed when he was struggling with his homelife.
And Riot was a strong, brave, tough kid who grew into a wonderful caring man. How he can be so oblivious about Koa’s feelings for him is beyond me, but his priorities have, and always will be, the kids.
This book was only 200 pages, but it truly took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. There’s recovery from trauma, regret and a past returning to haunt them, but above all there’s an abundance of love. This family shoulders their burdens together, and that once again brought me to tears.
And a shout out to Knox too. The older teen who dealt with so much so young, like Riot, but he’s always looked out for his older brother in any way he can.
I feel like I left a part of my heart behind with this family as I said goodbye to them. Koa and Riot, if you’re reading this, can you please adopt me too?
----
I received an ARC copy of this book by the author, and this is my honest review.
----
Some of my favourite quotes
“That’s more like it. I like seeing you all dressed up, but this is my Koa.”
“You’re not alone, Riot. Not ever.”
“You are my dream, Riot. You and these kids. That’s it.”
“I’d choose you each and every time.”
“You were in trouble, not the cause of it.”
“I felt so fucking alone, Riot. Lost. Then you and Knox walked out of the brush.”
“It’s you, Riot. It’s always been you. That will never change. And in fifty, sixty years, I’d choose you again.”
“You were always so much more than that to me, sweetheart. Always.”
“You never failed me, Koa, not ever. Any fucked-up thoughts I have are all on me, not anything you did. Over and over again, you show me how much I mean to you.”
“You’re so brave, Riot. And strong. I’ve spent most of the time I’ve known you being in awe of you. I know sometimes it might feel like too much, but when it does, remember I’m here.”
“What I can promise you is that as long as I’m here, I’m yours, and even after, I’ll always be with you.”
“I love you in every conceivable way a person could love someone.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
MM romance | Best friends to lovers | Small Town vibes | Fake Marriage | Raising siblings | Hurt/comfort | Pinning
La pregunta aquí es: yo terminé el libro o el libro terminó conmigo? 😭😭😭💖💖💕💕
No tengo palabras, solo que amé demasiado esta historia. Koa y Riot fueron unos personajes increíblemente hermosos🥹. No pude parar de lagrimear en todo el libro; todos los sacrificios que tuvieron que hacer, tanto por separado como en pareja, me hacían doler el corazón de una manera inexplicable.
La historia de Riot es tan dura y real que muchas veces me dejaba sin aliento y con un nudo en la garganta. Koa fue ese pequeño sostén que Riot tuvo el placer de encontrar; ver cómo poco a poco se va convirtiendo en su ancla fue, sin duda, lo mejor de la trama.
Y qué decir de su pequeña gran familia? Criar a siete niños ellos solos con tan solo 18 años es una muestra de amor y valentía que me conmovió profundamente. Amé por completo cada escena en la que aparecían los niños. Knox es todo lo que está bien en este mundo! 😭💖
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
The real question here is: did I finish the book, or did the book finish me? 😭😭😭💖💖💕💕
I don’t have much to say other than I absolutely loved this book. Koa and Riot were such incredibly beautiful characters. 🥹 I couldn’t stop tearing up throughout the entire story; all the sacrifices they had to make, both individually and as a couple, truly broke my heart.
Riot’s story is so raw and real that it often left me breathless and completely overwhelmed. Koa was that vital support system Riot was lucky enough to find, and seeing how he slowly became Riot's anchor was the best part of the journey.
And their little "big" family? Raising seven children on their own at just 18 years old is a testament to their strength and the purest form of love. I completely adored every single scene with the kids. Knox is everything! 😭💖
La pregunta aquí es: yo terminé el libro o el libro terminó conmigo? 😭😭😭💖💖💕💕
No tengo palabras, solo que amé demasiado esta historia. Koa y Riot fueron unos personajes increíblemente hermosos🥹. No pude parar de lagrimear en todo el libro; todos los sacrificios que tuvieron que hacer, tanto por separado como en pareja, me hacían doler el corazón de una manera inexplicable.
La historia de Riot es tan dura y real que muchas veces me dejaba sin aliento y con un nudo en la garganta. Koa fue ese pequeño sostén que Riot tuvo el placer de encontrar; ver cómo poco a poco se va convirtiendo en su ancla fue, sin duda, lo mejor de la trama.
Y qué decir de su pequeña gran familia? Criar a siete niños ellos solos con tan solo 18 años es una muestra de amor y valentía que me conmovió profundamente. Amé por completo cada escena en la que aparecían los niños. Knox es todo lo que está bien en este mundo! 😭💖
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
The real question here is: did I finish the book, or did the book finish me? 😭😭😭💖💖💕💕
I don’t have much to say other than I absolutely loved this book. Koa and Riot were such incredibly beautiful characters. 🥹 I couldn’t stop tearing up throughout the entire story; all the sacrifices they had to make, both individually and as a couple, truly broke my heart.
Riot’s story is so raw and real that it often left me breathless and completely overwhelmed. Koa was that vital support system Riot was lucky enough to find, and seeing how he slowly became Riot's anchor was the best part of the journey.
And their little "big" family? Raising seven children on their own at just 18 years old is a testament to their strength and the purest form of love. I completely adored every single scene with the kids. Knox is everything! 😭💖
Review of advance copy
4 🌟
Koa and Riot 🖤
These two sweet babies 🥺 has anyone ever loved some one as much as Koa loves Riot (and all his siblings) gahhhh he would truly do absolutely anything for Riot.
These two found each other at 13, and essentially bonded for life. In any form, any variation of love they knew they were each other’s person and life soulmate. Even before Riot realized that maybe there were deeper feelings underneath as well, these two had such unbreakable love for each other.
Honestly, even with Riot being on the ace spectrum it doesn’t surprise me that he wouldn’t have necessarily noticed his romantic feelings sooner. That poor guy has been in fight or flight mode his whole life. Taking care of all of his siblings, he never had a chance to breathe and just take a moment for himself to figure things out.
These two were so sweet, and I loved seeing them find their way to even greater happiness together 💙💜 and I absolutely loved the epilogue 🥹
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— childhood best friends to lovers
— marriage of convenience
— found family
— hurt / comfort
— trauma
— raising siblings
— tattooed MMC
— he wears his clothes
— first times
— small town
— pining
— slow burn (very minimal spice)
— ace rep (aroace)
— “sweetheart”
— “baby”
— “babe”
— uncut 🍆
— handjobs
— novella
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Koa and Riot 🖤
These two sweet babies 🥺 has anyone ever loved some one as much as Koa loves Riot (and all his siblings) gahhhh he would truly do absolutely anything for Riot.
These two found each other at 13, and essentially bonded for life. In any form, any variation of love they knew they were each other’s person and life soulmate. Even before Riot realized that maybe there were deeper feelings underneath as well, these two had such unbreakable love for each other.
Honestly, even with Riot being on the ace spectrum it doesn’t surprise me that he wouldn’t have necessarily noticed his romantic feelings sooner. That poor guy has been in fight or flight mode his whole life. Taking care of all of his siblings, he never had a chance to breathe and just take a moment for himself to figure things out.
These two were so sweet, and I loved seeing them find their way to even greater happiness together 💙💜 and I absolutely loved the epilogue 🥹
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— childhood best friends to lovers
— marriage of convenience
— found family
— hurt / comfort
— trauma
— raising siblings
— tattooed MMC
— he wears his clothes
— first times
— small town
— pining
— slow burn (very minimal spice)
— ace rep (aroace)
— “sweetheart”
— “baby”
— “babe”
— uncut 🍆
— handjobs
— novella
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
February 21, 2026
Koa never imagined he’d end up married to his best friend, Riot, and helping raise Riot’s seven siblings — even if the marriage is only for practical reasons. What he has imagined, though, is loving Riot in a way he’s never dared to admit. After years of hiding his feelings, keeping the truth to himself is getting harder, and when one secret slips out, the rest begin to unravel. Koa must finally decide whether honesty will cost him his best friend or open the door to the love he’s always wanted.
This was such a beautifully emotional story, and the connection between Koa and Riot is the heart of it. They both love each other deeply but hide it behind years of friendship, responsibility, and fear of losing what they already have. That quiet, aching devotion made their journey incredibly compelling. What truly stood out was the way they pulled together Riot’s seven siblings and created a home overflowing with love, stability, and tenderness. Every emotion — the exhaustion, the hope, the longing, the fierce protectiveness — was so easy to feel and understand through the writing. A heartfelt, intimate story about found family, unspoken love, and two men who finally realise they’ve been each other’s home all along. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please note the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself.
This was such a beautifully emotional story, and the connection between Koa and Riot is the heart of it. They both love each other deeply but hide it behind years of friendship, responsibility, and fear of losing what they already have. That quiet, aching devotion made their journey incredibly compelling. What truly stood out was the way they pulled together Riot’s seven siblings and created a home overflowing with love, stability, and tenderness. Every emotion — the exhaustion, the hope, the longing, the fierce protectiveness — was so easy to feel and understand through the writing. A heartfelt, intimate story about found family, unspoken love, and two men who finally realise they’ve been each other’s home all along. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please note the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself.
February 22, 2026
Such a sweet found family romance!
Honestly this was the perfect mild angst, found family, romance that I needed without even knowing I needed 🫶. Koa & Riot's relationship is just so sweet, that even in their more angst filled parts it was such a nice and sweet read 🥹.
Koa completely loves Riot, to the point that he married him and helped him raise his siblings without ever thinking Riot would love him back the same way. Riot is a little oblivious but oh so sweet and cares with his whole heart and soul when it comes to his people 💜.
I devoured this book so fast and could not put it down because I just adored every second between Koa, Riot and their gaggle of hilarious and adorable kids 💯.
Seriously, every time I pick up something by Jacey Davis, I fall more and more in love with their writing. This is definitely a change up from the normal action packed books Jacey writes but is no less powerful... Because at the end of the day aren't we all looking for a place to belong, to be ourselves and know that someone has our back no matter what? Whether that be romantic or platonic or what have you.
Thankfully, both Koa & Riot get their HEA in the end and the love between them is just so beautiful 😍.
Honestly this was the perfect mild angst, found family, romance that I needed without even knowing I needed 🫶. Koa & Riot's relationship is just so sweet, that even in their more angst filled parts it was such a nice and sweet read 🥹.
Koa completely loves Riot, to the point that he married him and helped him raise his siblings without ever thinking Riot would love him back the same way. Riot is a little oblivious but oh so sweet and cares with his whole heart and soul when it comes to his people 💜.
I devoured this book so fast and could not put it down because I just adored every second between Koa, Riot and their gaggle of hilarious and adorable kids 💯.
Seriously, every time I pick up something by Jacey Davis, I fall more and more in love with their writing. This is definitely a change up from the normal action packed books Jacey writes but is no less powerful... Because at the end of the day aren't we all looking for a place to belong, to be ourselves and know that someone has our back no matter what? Whether that be romantic or platonic or what have you.
Thankfully, both Koa & Riot get their HEA in the end and the love between them is just so beautiful 😍.
Review of advance copy
Riot and Koa meet when they’re thirteen, forming a friendship that feels unbreakable from the start.
Riot grows up in a home filled with fear and violence, and by the time he turns eighteen, he’s faced with a choice: take in his younger siblings, so they’ll never have to feel unsafe again.
Koa doesn’t hesitate. He gives up his rising football career to move in with Riot, standing by his side as they navigate the chaos of raising a house full of kids together.
What they share is something rare and beautiful
, they are each other’s anchor, each other’s safe place, willing to do anything for eachother… and for the children💜
But there’s one thing Koa has never been able to say out loud.
For years, they’ve been best friends. But could they ever be something more?
This is an emotional story about broken families trying to heal, about friendship, love, and the fragile line between both. About finding yourself, opening your heart, and holding on through the hardest times together.
A beautiful slow burn. Best friends to lovers. Found family. Lots of kids, chaos, and so much love! 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Author
Standalone. Aroace representation. Childhood best friends. Marriage of convenience. Slow/low burn. Found family. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Friends since they were kids, Koa and Riot have survived, bonded and cared for each other for years. They married to take care of all of Riot’s siblings together and work hard to keep their family together and safe, but Koa has been in love with Riot the whole time and Riot has no clue.
This story is about family, choosing it, sacrificing for it, and loving it. Koa’s commitment to Riot and his family from a young age is admirable and his love for Riot heartbreaking, as Riot has no clue. However, Riot does know how deeply he needs and has needed Koa over the years, and as the story progresses he comes to realize that Koa is his soulmate in all ways. The family dynamics feel realistic and their daily lives are hard but worth it, and there is no doubt that Koa and Riot's love for the family and each other is boundless. A really sweet story. 4.25
Friends since they were kids, Koa and Riot have survived, bonded and cared for each other for years. They married to take care of all of Riot’s siblings together and work hard to keep their family together and safe, but Koa has been in love with Riot the whole time and Riot has no clue.
This story is about family, choosing it, sacrificing for it, and loving it. Koa’s commitment to Riot and his family from a young age is admirable and his love for Riot heartbreaking, as Riot has no clue. However, Riot does know how deeply he needs and has needed Koa over the years, and as the story progresses he comes to realize that Koa is his soulmate in all ways. The family dynamics feel realistic and their daily lives are hard but worth it, and there is no doubt that Koa and Riot's love for the family and each other is boundless. A really sweet story. 4.25
February 24, 2026
This was a really beautiful best friends to lovers, after Koa loses his dad he goes to live with his aunty where he meets Riko. Riko is the neighbourhood boy you are warned to stay away from but my god he’s the sweetest person I’ve ever read about. Riko is protecting his younger siblings from their dead beat parents and really goes thought the wringer over the years! Joe and Riko are inseparable since day one and end up with custody of all the children and get married to keep custody! The feelings, love, protectiveness, found family, side characters everything was just so lovingly and tender! It’s a low angst, small spice but a good plot kind of read. Although I have rated this 5 stars because the friendship for me was just everything, there was one point towards the end of the book where it was Koas chapter but it switched into Rikos and I don’t think it meant to but other then that it was a great read!!! nearly released and highly recommend if you love best friends to lovers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh man! Jacey Davis went right for the jugular with this one. First page on and I knew these two would stick in my mind from the moment thirteen year old Riot burst through that bush with four year old Knox in tow and Koa’s numbness and grief broke.
These boys are warriors, fighting for every scrap of life for themselves and Riot’s siblings- their adopted children , when they are children them selves.
There is a leap in time and the boys become men the author shows us the domestic normalcy they have carved out for themselves. But there are still secrets between these childhood friends, the decisions hidden in the past and deep feelings hidden under comfortable friendship.
As they navigate that we see intimacy building bonds stregthenjnb. The author has such a talent for making you feel what’s happening, feeling the love that connects them
This is a truly beautiful love story fantastically told, don’t miss reading it.
These boys are warriors, fighting for every scrap of life for themselves and Riot’s siblings- their adopted children , when they are children them selves.
There is a leap in time and the boys become men the author shows us the domestic normalcy they have carved out for themselves. But there are still secrets between these childhood friends, the decisions hidden in the past and deep feelings hidden under comfortable friendship.
As they navigate that we see intimacy building bonds stregthenjnb. The author has such a talent for making you feel what’s happening, feeling the love that connects them
This is a truly beautiful love story fantastically told, don’t miss reading it.
February 20, 2026
This is a friends-to-lovers, found family story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the characters when they were younger and watching their relationship build as the story moved toward the present timeline. Those earlier moments added context, and I found myself engaged during that part of the book.
In the current timeline, though, I had a harder time connecting to the characters and the romantic relationship itself. While the relationship was there on the page, it felt a bit lacking for me once the story fully shifted to the present. The connection never quite clicked for me personally.
That said, other readers may connect with this book more than I did. While it wasn’t a standout read for me, I can appreciate what the author was aiming for.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In the current timeline, though, I had a harder time connecting to the characters and the romantic relationship itself. While the relationship was there on the page, it felt a bit lacking for me once the story fully shifted to the present. The connection never quite clicked for me personally.
That said, other readers may connect with this book more than I did. While it wasn’t a standout read for me, I can appreciate what the author was aiming for.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2026
Friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, fake marriage, found family
This story broke me in the best way possible and then lovingly stitched my heart back together again.
Koa and Riot have always cared for one another, always been inseparable.
Koa has secretly bern in love with Riot for years, afraid to upset the balance and lose his best friend.
Riot has always bern the protector for his siblings and when things become desperate, Koa is immediately willing to sacrifice everything to support them.
As they slowly navigate what a fake marriage looks like while also raising the kids, the easy familiarity and intimacy between them slowly bleeds into something new and exciting between them.
I loved the ease with which they both fell in love and the found family aspect with the kids was absolutely adorable.
This story broke me in the best way possible and then lovingly stitched my heart back together again.
Koa and Riot have always cared for one another, always been inseparable.
Koa has secretly bern in love with Riot for years, afraid to upset the balance and lose his best friend.
Riot has always bern the protector for his siblings and when things become desperate, Koa is immediately willing to sacrifice everything to support them.
As they slowly navigate what a fake marriage looks like while also raising the kids, the easy familiarity and intimacy between them slowly bleeds into something new and exciting between them.
I loved the ease with which they both fell in love and the found family aspect with the kids was absolutely adorable.
February 21, 2026
I really loved this book. It has quite a few of my favourite tropes. There's best friends to lovers, hurt /comfort, fake marriage and it took me on an emotional slow burn.
Riot and Koa are together raising Riot's seven siblings. Life is as busy, loud and messy as I'd imagine with so many children.
One or two throw away thoughts from both of them broke my heart. They were so accepting of the hand they were dealt and barely believed they each deserved anything better than just ok.
I was fully invested in their family, hoping for them all to find the peace, happiness and love they all deserve.
Its a beautiful story of friendship, love, responsibility and of course family. Riot fought hard to overcome his upbringing and make a better life for the kids.
I read it in a day, couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!!
Riot and Koa are together raising Riot's seven siblings. Life is as busy, loud and messy as I'd imagine with so many children.
One or two throw away thoughts from both of them broke my heart. They were so accepting of the hand they were dealt and barely believed they each deserved anything better than just ok.
I was fully invested in their family, hoping for them all to find the peace, happiness and love they all deserve.
Its a beautiful story of friendship, love, responsibility and of course family. Riot fought hard to overcome his upbringing and make a better life for the kids.
I read it in a day, couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!!
March 7, 2026
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️(maybe?)/5
Tropes:
🏷️MM Romance
🏷️Friends to Lovers
🏷️Guardians
🏷️Marriage of Convenience
My Review:
Koa and Riot have been best friends since they were 13 after Koa moved in with his aunt after his dad passed. Riot had a bad home life and at 18 he gained guardianship of his younger siblings and since then Koa has been by his side raising them. I loved their relationship and friendship and their loyalty to each other. Koa aunt and uncle were pieces of sh** and were AWFUL! But they had a love that was beyond the words. Riot was probably on the ace spectrum and Koa didn’t realize Riot felt the same, but when the feelings and the words are spoken it is beautiful where their relationship goes. I loved these two. I like this was more emotional intimacy and not as much physical intimacy. I enjoyed this read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️(maybe?)/5
Tropes:
🏷️MM Romance
🏷️Friends to Lovers
🏷️Guardians
🏷️Marriage of Convenience
My Review:
Koa and Riot have been best friends since they were 13 after Koa moved in with his aunt after his dad passed. Riot had a bad home life and at 18 he gained guardianship of his younger siblings and since then Koa has been by his side raising them. I loved their relationship and friendship and their loyalty to each other. Koa aunt and uncle were pieces of sh** and were AWFUL! But they had a love that was beyond the words. Riot was probably on the ace spectrum and Koa didn’t realize Riot felt the same, but when the feelings and the words are spoken it is beautiful where their relationship goes. I loved these two. I like this was more emotional intimacy and not as much physical intimacy. I enjoyed this read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
(ARC)
This book was really cute. I have only read the darker, more action-packed, high-heat stories from this author, so this one was really different for me, but I genuinely enjoyed it. Koa and Riot were really good for each other, and I loved seeing their relationship finally come together. I adored the kids and the loveable, chaotic family that is going on in this series. I think if you are looking for a short read with strong themes of family and intimacy, I would highly recommend this one. I will say I wish this book was longer so we could see more of these two establishing their family, but overall I think this book was solid.
🌶️🌶️
(ARC)
This book was really cute. I have only read the darker, more action-packed, high-heat stories from this author, so this one was really different for me, but I genuinely enjoyed it. Koa and Riot were really good for each other, and I loved seeing their relationship finally come together. I adored the kids and the loveable, chaotic family that is going on in this series. I think if you are looking for a short read with strong themes of family and intimacy, I would highly recommend this one. I will say I wish this book was longer so we could see more of these two establishing their family, but overall I think this book was solid.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a really good book about the enduring love of best friends and what they'll do to protect each other and their family. Riot is the older brother of 7 children. He's been taking care of them since he was a small boy, as each child gets added to the family. When he meets Koa a deep abiding friendship starts. Koa is determined to protect Riot at the expense of everything. When he chooses Riot over his planned future he's disowned and the first place he goes is to Riot. They sacrifice so much to make a stable home for all the kiddos. It's a safe, steady life they've built until things start going wrong and their devotion to each other is what gets them through it. I felt the love between these two from friendship to relationship. Their love for the children is everything that a parent is supposed to be and give. Everyone in this book has some trauma and by banding together as a family they are better. I couldn't stop reading once I started. I only wish it'd been longer because I wasn't ready to say goodbye. Highly recommended!!😍
February 20, 2026
I was so fortunate to get an Arc for this books.
It’s such a Sweet and loving Book.
Riot had to grow up fast and become a parent to his siblings. He has such a sweet and beautiful soul. Such a great brother and provider.
Koa is the best friend in the world. He gave up his dream to stay and help Riot.
Koa has been in love with Riot since they were kids.
He’s also a great uncle to Riots siblings.
This book has Ace representation.
These two boys are the strongest and Sweetest ever.
This book is full of all the emotions and love.
If you want a book with low angst found family love. I totally recommend this book.
Riot and Koa are a beautiful example in this story
It’s such a Sweet and loving Book.
Riot had to grow up fast and become a parent to his siblings. He has such a sweet and beautiful soul. Such a great brother and provider.
Koa is the best friend in the world. He gave up his dream to stay and help Riot.
Koa has been in love with Riot since they were kids.
He’s also a great uncle to Riots siblings.
This book has Ace representation.
These two boys are the strongest and Sweetest ever.
This book is full of all the emotions and love.
If you want a book with low angst found family love. I totally recommend this book.
Riot and Koa are a beautiful example in this story
February 28, 2026
This is the story of Koa and Riot. The two have been best friends since they were young teenagers. The two of them gelled immediately and have been a strong team ever since. Getting married just to ensure that Riot could raise his seven siblings was an automatic response. Trying to save the siblings from the pain and abuse that both of them endured growing up. The book is written well and is easy to read. I received a complementary advance review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. The story is a low angst slow burn romance. I enjoyed the created family aspect of the book.
February 20, 2026
Koa and Riot were BF's since they were kids. Riot's family was messed up and Koa gave up a college football scholarship to marry Riot in a name only marriage to help raise Riot's brothers and sisters. Koa was deeply in love with Riot but Riot was blind to his feelings until years later when the issue was forced. It's a tear jerker, a story of years of unrecognized love and undying devotion to their soulmate. It's emotional more than carnal but the depth of feeling is amazing. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My heart will need time to recover from this beautiful story. It was so heartfelt and emotional. The depth and connection between Koa and Riot is what most couples can only hope to achieve. I loved every word.
I received this as an ARC copy and am writing this review voluntarily.
Everything Jacey Davis writes hits me in the feels but this one.... was so much more. I didn't miss the lack of spice at all.
I received this as an ARC copy and am writing this review voluntarily.
Everything Jacey Davis writes hits me in the feels but this one.... was so much more. I didn't miss the lack of spice at all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Things I Wished We Said is the story of Koa and Riot who have been best friends since they were 13. This was sweet low angst slow burn romance. I loved the characters and the way they were written. I enjoyed watching these two work through their issues and become more than friends. I loved the kids and the family that was created. I'm looking forward to seeing what Jacey Davis writes next. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
February 22, 2026
it’s ok
Book was ok. We were warned that it wouldn’t be as smutty as other books but still worth the read if you’re into family dynamics. I just wished we had a proper ending to what happens with winters father. I don’t think I’d end the book knowing he’s still out there. We also never get any updates on all the parents of riots siblings. Book was ok but I felt like something was missing to make me feel like it’s finally over.
Book was ok. We were warned that it wouldn’t be as smutty as other books but still worth the read if you’re into family dynamics. I just wished we had a proper ending to what happens with winters father. I don’t think I’d end the book knowing he’s still out there. We also never get any updates on all the parents of riots siblings. Book was ok but I felt like something was missing to make me feel like it’s finally over.
February 21, 2026
Things I Wish We Said was such a good book. This was a best friends to lovers, slow burn, hurt/comfort, marriage of convenience read about Riot and Koa. I just loved these two and their hard earned HEA, it was so nice to see how hard they worked not only for each other but to keep their family together.
February 26, 2026
1.5 ⭐️
🏺 Found Family
🏈 High School Football Coach/Pottery Teacher
🏺Guardians for Kids
🖤 No Breakup
🩶 No OP Drama
🤍 Roles: N/A
This could have been great, but I think the biggest issue was trying to cram too much of a story into two few pages. The relationship and storyline wasn’t given enough time and work to be fully fleshed out. It’s a great concept that would be much better suited for a longer novel.
Also, I did not like the Pop culture references at all. One reference to Heated Rivalry was enough, but three was absolutely absurd. The show hasn’t even been out for more than a couple months.
🏺 Found Family
🏈 High School Football Coach/Pottery Teacher
🏺Guardians for Kids
🖤 No Breakup
🩶 No OP Drama
🤍 Roles: N/A
This could have been great, but I think the biggest issue was trying to cram too much of a story into two few pages. The relationship and storyline wasn’t given enough time and work to be fully fleshed out. It’s a great concept that would be much better suited for a longer novel.
Also, I did not like the Pop culture references at all. One reference to Heated Rivalry was enough, but three was absolutely absurd. The show hasn’t even been out for more than a couple months.
February 22, 2026
couldn’t put it down
This book tugged on my heart strings and I couldn’t put it down.
Riot and Koa are just the epitome of couple goals. But they also go through all of life’s challenges as well. Absolutely worth reading. Well done Jacey!
This book tugged on my heart strings and I couldn’t put it down.
Riot and Koa are just the epitome of couple goals. But they also go through all of life’s challenges as well. Absolutely worth reading. Well done Jacey!
February 23, 2026
There wasn't a lot going on here, but I enjoyed the aroace rep with focus on commitment/family. (Even if they did get a bit sappy/talky...) Would've liked it even more if their situation hadn't been quite so extreme - it felt like the relationship wouldn't have worked otherwise.
February 28, 2026
a beautiful hard read
This was a beautiful book. It was definitely lower spice than I expected, but was perfect for them.
There were so many difficulties to work through and the way Riot and Koa did and communicated was so great to read.
Highly recommend this one!
This was a beautiful book. It was definitely lower spice than I expected, but was perfect for them.
There were so many difficulties to work through and the way Riot and Koa did and communicated was so great to read.
Highly recommend this one!
February 23, 2026
a nice book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews