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Lessons
Lessons in Balance
There’s a delicate balance between falling in love and falling apart.
Armand Demetrio finally has his life together, and he’s never been more terrified. He’s returning to London with the man of his dreams, and everything should be as golden as Lucas’s hair. But Armand’s past lurks around every corner of his beloved city; it’s not a question of if it will all go wrong, but when.
Lucas Barclay is trying his level best to be the world’s most supportive boyfriend, but Armand is flightier than a spooked horse. His lover is clearly hiding something; however, Lucas refuses to press. Armand will come to him when he’s ready—or so Lucas hopes—and he has bigger fish (and chips) to fry. Namely, growing Armand’s burgeoning social media presence and his own blossoming photography career.
When an old “friend” of Armand’s resurfaces, their relationship is thrown into turmoil. Armand isn’t the only one keeping secrets, and they’re both as desperate to hide as they are to open up. That means being braver than ever, and Lucas and Armand will have to balance their fears against their love to see which tips the scales.
Armand Demetrio finally has his life together, and he’s never been more terrified. He’s returning to London with the man of his dreams, and everything should be as golden as Lucas’s hair. But Armand’s past lurks around every corner of his beloved city; it’s not a question of if it will all go wrong, but when.
Lucas Barclay is trying his level best to be the world’s most supportive boyfriend, but Armand is flightier than a spooked horse. His lover is clearly hiding something; however, Lucas refuses to press. Armand will come to him when he’s ready—or so Lucas hopes—and he has bigger fish (and chips) to fry. Namely, growing Armand’s burgeoning social media presence and his own blossoming photography career.
When an old “friend” of Armand’s resurfaces, their relationship is thrown into turmoil. Armand isn’t the only one keeping secrets, and they’re both as desperate to hide as they are to open up. That means being braver than ever, and Lucas and Armand will have to balance their fears against their love to see which tips the scales.
- GenresContemporary
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
24 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Barry
2 books10 followersI am a seven foot tall, auburn-haired witch.
I live in a lighthouse with five cats named Heathcliff (various spellings); I collect sea glass, control the weather, and cure my own meats. In my solitary keep, I write romance novels about queer weirdos, and sometimes late at night I converse with the ghost of my grandmother, who takes the form of an apathetic pelican.
I am most definitely a real person.
I live in a lighthouse with five cats named Heathcliff (various spellings); I collect sea glass, control the weather, and cure my own meats. In my solitary keep, I write romance novels about queer weirdos, and sometimes late at night I converse with the ghost of my grandmother, who takes the form of an apathetic pelican.
I am most definitely a real person.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 6, 2026
While book 1 had a lot of potential, this direct sequel didn't work for me at all. Too much going on, non-communication up the wazoo, Armand and his friends talk like graduates of the Old Blighty School for Blokes and Blokettes, Lucas just seems dim, and the voice notes are a disaster (why does Robin sound like a 13-year-old??).
A sophomore slump bummer.
I got an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
A sophomore slump bummer.
I got an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2025
what a stupendous follow up to the first book. This one was a bit of a heartbreaker though. We expect the layers hidden under the story in book one but the authors do a truly beautiful job of making you feel the character’s journey for both Lucas and Armand. It’s a fantastic story with a ton of heart, found family, taking back your power and healing. It’s also a lot spicier than the first book but it works for this swoony relationship where the MCs are just gone for each other . Loved it very very much, cannot recommend it enough.
I do have to add that I am utterly grateful o got to read these back to back, waiting for book two would have killed me even though there is no cliff hanger - the story and characters are that good!
I am curious to see what happens with Skyler and with Finch how they find their HEAs now or later.
I do have to add that I am utterly grateful o got to read these back to back, waiting for book two would have killed me even though there is no cliff hanger - the story and characters are that good!
I am curious to see what happens with Skyler and with Finch how they find their HEAs now or later.
January 25, 2026
Whew! This author certainly knows how to pack an emotional punch.
This book picks up right where Lessons in Timing left off--with Armand and Lucas heading to England to get Armand ready for the anniversary of his comic. With them only knowing each other for a short time, they of course have to worry if they're going too quickly--and contend with past demons, of the actual human and also psychological variety. We do get somewhat more spice--though this is a largely closed door book, with scenes described very vaguely.
This book gives us more of a look into Armand's past, which was only vaguely alluded to in the first book. Getting that depth is very illuminating, even if it is heartbreaking. Watching as he tries to navigate how to heal and be better and honest with his own feelings of shame was fascinating, if a bit difficult at times. And Lucas also is struggling with his own issues while also working to figure out what his career should be.
Lest you think this is a total angst-fest, Lucas and Armand are clearly head over heels for each other, and seeing them be obviously in love (even though they are terrified it's too soon and have their own past relationship issues holding them back) was very rewarding. I also loved the updates about life back at Norsemen U via voice notes from Robin to Armand, which gave us bits of levity.
This one was rather more serious than I was expecting, and I did want to give these two a hug and then force them to rationally talk their issues out, but we also get an HEA for these two that is perfectly them, and I really did love it.
CW: eating disorder, alcoholism/sobriety struggles, past abusive relationship, past grooming of a minor
This book picks up right where Lessons in Timing left off--with Armand and Lucas heading to England to get Armand ready for the anniversary of his comic. With them only knowing each other for a short time, they of course have to worry if they're going too quickly--and contend with past demons, of the actual human and also psychological variety. We do get somewhat more spice--though this is a largely closed door book, with scenes described very vaguely.
This book gives us more of a look into Armand's past, which was only vaguely alluded to in the first book. Getting that depth is very illuminating, even if it is heartbreaking. Watching as he tries to navigate how to heal and be better and honest with his own feelings of shame was fascinating, if a bit difficult at times. And Lucas also is struggling with his own issues while also working to figure out what his career should be.
Lest you think this is a total angst-fest, Lucas and Armand are clearly head over heels for each other, and seeing them be obviously in love (even though they are terrified it's too soon and have their own past relationship issues holding them back) was very rewarding. I also loved the updates about life back at Norsemen U via voice notes from Robin to Armand, which gave us bits of levity.
This one was rather more serious than I was expecting, and I did want to give these two a hug and then force them to rationally talk their issues out, but we also get an HEA for these two that is perfectly them, and I really did love it.
CW: eating disorder, alcoholism/sobriety struggles, past abusive relationship, past grooming of a minor
January 11, 2026
Solid four stars - The first book in this series was pretty unique in its concept and execution, and this book follows in the vein of 'not quite like the other books'. This isn't a manic pixie dream book, but instead shows us the reality of two damaged people who have been mistreated pretty monstrously by former partners tiptoeing around each other so they don't let each other see their trauma in full sun.
This is the yin and yang of emotional abuse survivors. Lucas turns sunshine and overcompensating, Armand turns quiet and cautious, which looks grumpy from the wrong angle. Lucas deflects with forced cheer; Armand conceals out of fear.
It was a bit of a relief to pare down the POVs to just Armand and Lucas for this story, but we did get voicemail interludes from our other curious pair from the first book. They were kind of cute, but I could see how they might be jarring for other readers. (This is not a book you can join in without having read book 1.) They did build to a satisfying interaction near the end, and I wouldn't mind a book about those two and their messy queerplatonic situation at some point, just saying.
For romance readers who like a bit of a twist on the usual and a dash of realism in their HEAs, this series is a lovely one.
Thanks to GRR for the review copy!
This is the yin and yang of emotional abuse survivors. Lucas turns sunshine and overcompensating, Armand turns quiet and cautious, which looks grumpy from the wrong angle. Lucas deflects with forced cheer; Armand conceals out of fear.
It was a bit of a relief to pare down the POVs to just Armand and Lucas for this story, but we did get voicemail interludes from our other curious pair from the first book. They were kind of cute, but I could see how they might be jarring for other readers. (This is not a book you can join in without having read book 1.) They did build to a satisfying interaction near the end, and I wouldn't mind a book about those two and their messy queerplatonic situation at some point, just saying.
For romance readers who like a bit of a twist on the usual and a dash of realism in their HEAs, this series is a lovely one.
Thanks to GRR for the review copy!
January 11, 2026
More like the blurb this time
Lessons in Timing confused me, because Finch and Skylar narrated twenty-one of the fifty-four chapters and it was Armand and Lucas' story. We still get to hear Finch's voice in Lessons in Balance as he narrates a few 'interludes' between chapters and, as they're dated, it helps to give an idea of the timeline.
I enjoyed Armand and Lucas as a couple, even if they were complete opposites and definitely the couple that, if someone told you they were together, you'd laugh and say you couldn't picture it. They did have chemistry which was sweet and awkward, an earnestness to both of them when it came to their relationship.
Of the secrets they're both keeping, Armand's was much harder to read about. It obviously affected him greatly, having a long-lasting impact on his mental health and his life in general. I didn't like the perpetrator getting away scot free.
Armand's friend group was a bit of comic relief, loud and fun and full of life. They had history with Armand and it showed in the affectionate and teasing banter between them all. It added some much-needed warmth to the story.
I'm glad it all worked out in the end for them, as they both deserved to be happy.
Lessons in Timing confused me, because Finch and Skylar narrated twenty-one of the fifty-four chapters and it was Armand and Lucas' story. We still get to hear Finch's voice in Lessons in Balance as he narrates a few 'interludes' between chapters and, as they're dated, it helps to give an idea of the timeline.
I enjoyed Armand and Lucas as a couple, even if they were complete opposites and definitely the couple that, if someone told you they were together, you'd laugh and say you couldn't picture it. They did have chemistry which was sweet and awkward, an earnestness to both of them when it came to their relationship.
Of the secrets they're both keeping, Armand's was much harder to read about. It obviously affected him greatly, having a long-lasting impact on his mental health and his life in general. I didn't like the perpetrator getting away scot free.
Armand's friend group was a bit of comic relief, loud and fun and full of life. They had history with Armand and it showed in the affectionate and teasing banter between them all. It added some much-needed warmth to the story.
I'm glad it all worked out in the end for them, as they both deserved to be happy.
January 7, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
Lessons in Balance is the follow-up to Lessons in Timing, a book I very much enjoyed, and continues the Lessons series. However, I have to say, this second book isn’t as strong as the first. The first book showed Armand as the fish out of water, flailing about a California campus with Robin as his guide, while he shared an apartment with Lucas. Armand and Lucas were on separate schedules and didn’t meet in person for the longest time, communicating through passive aggressive post its, all while Robin was having his own story with Skyler. Balancing all four characters and all of those intersecting relationships, the book spent a great deal of time on set up. This story should be the payoff in the romance between Lucas and Armand, but I don’t think the payoff is paying out.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
Lessons in Balance is the follow-up to Lessons in Timing, a book I very much enjoyed, and continues the Lessons series. However, I have to say, this second book isn’t as strong as the first. The first book showed Armand as the fish out of water, flailing about a California campus with Robin as his guide, while he shared an apartment with Lucas. Armand and Lucas were on separate schedules and didn’t meet in person for the longest time, communicating through passive aggressive post its, all while Robin was having his own story with Skyler. Balancing all four characters and all of those intersecting relationships, the book spent a great deal of time on set up. This story should be the payoff in the romance between Lucas and Armand, but I don’t think the payoff is paying out.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
January 10, 2026
Timon & Pumbaa, 'FotoBom' 'you needy bitch', zalabiyeh, sweet squirrel, mango lassi, 'sausage roll of shame', pedo board, bald eagle, the cowboy thing
This is a great follow-up to "Balance in Timing". Armand Demetrio and Lucas Barclay are back in what seems to be the end of their story. It's heavily angsty and sweet at the same time. It appears both have secrets they're keeping from each other. Whew! I was put through the emotional wringer.
Armand Demetrio is the artist behind graphic comic, 'Surrogate Goose'. It's wildly received, but he hates the notoriety at being semi-famous. Lucas Barclay is his boyfriend even though it's only been a short while. Lucas has temporarily left his family's ranch to follow Armand to England. Lucas is a photographer, and plans to help with the marketing of Armand's comic's first anniversary. However, both MCs' past comes roaring back, threatening their new romance.
You probably should read Book #1 first, though. Book #1 is equally fantastic. This book is worthy of your attention. You'll be pleased you read both. I ardently recommend it.
This is a great follow-up to "Balance in Timing". Armand Demetrio and Lucas Barclay are back in what seems to be the end of their story. It's heavily angsty and sweet at the same time. It appears both have secrets they're keeping from each other. Whew! I was put through the emotional wringer.
Armand Demetrio is the artist behind graphic comic, 'Surrogate Goose'. It's wildly received, but he hates the notoriety at being semi-famous. Lucas Barclay is his boyfriend even though it's only been a short while. Lucas has temporarily left his family's ranch to follow Armand to England. Lucas is a photographer, and plans to help with the marketing of Armand's comic's first anniversary. However, both MCs' past comes roaring back, threatening their new romance.
You probably should read Book #1 first, though. Book #1 is equally fantastic. This book is worthy of your attention. You'll be pleased you read both. I ardently recommend it.
January 10, 2026
I felt this was a much more emotional read than the first book. Bringing Armand back to London adds an undercurrent of tension from the very start, and you can sense how fragile his sense of safety is, even while he’s trying to build something new with Lucas.
I loved the contrast between them with Armand guarded and skittish and Lucas was steady, patient and quietly ambitious in his own right. Their relationship felt lived-in and real, especially as secrets and unresolved history begin to surface. The way the story explores fear, trust and what it means to let someone truly see you really stayed with me.
There’s warmth here too with a great found family, creative passion and a lot of genuine affection between the characters—which balances the heavier moments nicely. Emotional, intimate and deeply character-driven, this sequel adds real depth to their story and left me even more invested in where this world might go next.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I loved the contrast between them with Armand guarded and skittish and Lucas was steady, patient and quietly ambitious in his own right. Their relationship felt lived-in and real, especially as secrets and unresolved history begin to surface. The way the story explores fear, trust and what it means to let someone truly see you really stayed with me.
There’s warmth here too with a great found family, creative passion and a lot of genuine affection between the characters—which balances the heavier moments nicely. Emotional, intimate and deeply character-driven, this sequel adds real depth to their story and left me even more invested in where this world might go next.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
January 6, 2026
Ouch, this one was hard! There were still funny moments, but delving into the lives of Armand and Lucas, their issues, the trauma, and everything was… painful. I cried more than once, and kept saying “no, don’t do that” or “that’s not true”, but it goes to show how truly fantastic these characters are! And the support network is such a beautiful thing to behold! I love how even the secondary characters had their own voice and personality. But it was a tough read. I appreciated the warnings at the beginning of the book, and when you read, please, mind them and be careful, because some things can be triggering. Nothing was too graphic, but I was so invested in this story that some things affected me more than I expected. But it’s a great story, amazing continuation of the previous book, and even though their story is over, I will remember it fondly for a long time.
January 10, 2026
Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
This was an interesting follow up to book one, especially considering how very new and short this relationship is. I’d say, I liked book one a bit more as this one has some side characters I didn’t love and some unnecessary drama which took away from the relationship. I was frustrated through a lot of Armand and Lucas’s story, to be honest. I like these characters but they both are acting ridiculously, not communicating, and furiously hiding secrets. The whole Jean-Michele mess was also a detour I didn’t need or needed more from for it to work. So, lots of chaos with these two, but they are also oddly charming and endearing characters.
This was an interesting follow up to book one, especially considering how very new and short this relationship is. I’d say, I liked book one a bit more as this one has some side characters I didn’t love and some unnecessary drama which took away from the relationship. I was frustrated through a lot of Armand and Lucas’s story, to be honest. I like these characters but they both are acting ridiculously, not communicating, and furiously hiding secrets. The whole Jean-Michele mess was also a detour I didn’t need or needed more from for it to work. So, lots of chaos with these two, but they are also oddly charming and endearing characters.
January 10, 2026
The first book was my favorite, and this didn't live up to my expectations, unfortunately. The interludes with Skylar and Robin kind of threw me off, and I don't think really fit. I felt like they were thrown in just so those characters showed up again. I think I would have preferred if the end of this book would have started the the story, rather than everything before it, because the author would have a reason to bring Skylar and Robin back into the story. I don't know, just my opinion. I think what I loved about the first book didn't really translate well to the second. I will say, however, that despite my critism, this book did get me out of my book slump. I did enjoy revisiting characters I fell in love with in the past.
January 11, 2026
Getting together is good. Staying together takes work. That is the lesson to be learned in this continuation of Lucas and Armand's love story. As they settle into life together there are all the things they have yet to discover, and don't necessarily want to share, laying in wait for them. And these guys often do a bad job of dealing with their issues. The past and secrets weigh heavily on them as they work to find their rhythm with one another. There is also the reality of time spent together after how things started for them in the first story. This story is angsty as these two are figuring things out but there are so many elements in the story that made their somewhat bumpy journey hopeful.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2026
I loved book one in this duology, so I was excited to dive into this one. And on the whole, it didn't disappoint. I will say that I'd probably have enjoyed it more if I read them both together (or reread book one before reading this one). I remembered some of the setup but not as much as I'd have liked. Nevertheless, this story held up on its own. I still cared about and rooted for the MCs, and the way the younger characters were included was fun. I felt as if the resolution of both MCs' big issues was handled a bit too swiftly/easily, but this was a very satisfying read nevertheless.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for a complimentary copy of this book.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for a complimentary copy of this book.
January 3, 2026
3.5, but I'm going to round down. I remain conflicted about these characters. I was really looking forward to seeing the next stage in Skyler's story and there was NONE OF IT IN HERE (well, except for a handful of little peeks through text exchanges and phone calls with Robin). I probably would have rounded up if it weren't for that. It's so weird that the author is choosing to follow the two least interesting characters. I don't know...maybe I just can't relate to them. It's not a bad story, it just didn't deliver at all what I was looking forward to.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
January 4, 2026
This book was focused much more on the relationship, but rather than have any plot external to the couple, it was just two people feeling sorry for themselves and not wanting to burden their partner over and over and over and over.
The ex-boyfriend moment was ... ridiculous, but at least Lucas admitted that making the reveal of your boyfriend's past -- -- all about how Lucas felt about not being told immediately, even though they'd only known each other for maybe two or three months at that time was a shitty thing to do.
The end is ... okay. Overall, that's pretty much my review. It's okay. The first book was better.
The ex-boyfriend moment was ... ridiculous, but at least Lucas admitted that making the reveal of your boyfriend's past -- -- all about how Lucas felt about not being told immediately, even though they'd only known each other for maybe two or three months at that time was a shitty thing to do.
The end is ... okay. Overall, that's pretty much my review. It's okay. The first book was better.
January 8, 2026
I loved this book, but will admit it was much more emotionally draining to me than I expected. I had read book one (and my advice is read it first) and I paid attention to the warning at the start of this book (read it cause it it real), I was still surprised to be so moved and drained by this book. I had to read it in bits, put it down, and pick it up. I share all of this as positives as it is an excellent book with wonderful flawed and traumatized main characters, and second characters that move the book along, not simply serve as fillers. A book with emotional complexity that will hang with you once you finish, so be prepared.
January 9, 2026
Lucas and Armand are just going for it - after a month of relationship development through notes and texts Armand is going back to England and he’s taking Lucas with him (for a time for work). These two people are deeply flawed but trying to- TRYING - and we get a lot more of how Armand got to active addiction. In book two here is spends most of the book sober. TW addiction and recovery, disordered eating, history of abuse. These two have to figure out how to actually talk to one another. I may have laughed out loud less, but the book was just as good. What a debut series! Would not read as a standalone, but also when it’s this good you’ll just be happy there’s more.
January 9, 2026
The second act in Lucas and Armand's story has some harder, and rougher,
edges than the first-- there are some moments of humor and sweetness,
but there are plenty of "but why" and "please don't" moments as well as
communications breakdowns, issues, trauma, etc. These are still easy
characters to care about and want the best for, which makes enduring
some of the material in this narrative both worth it and difficult.
Overall, an interesting read: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
edges than the first-- there are some moments of humor and sweetness,
but there are plenty of "but why" and "please don't" moments as well as
communications breakdowns, issues, trauma, etc. These are still easy
characters to care about and want the best for, which makes enduring
some of the material in this narrative both worth it and difficult.
Overall, an interesting read: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I still do not see these two working out. Their relationship just seems messy, moved very quickly, and didn't really see any type of connection. Armand just seems kinda nasty and Luca is the complete opposite. I was hoping for more of Skylar and Robin but unfortunately they were just briefly in this book.
I still do not see these two working out. Their relationship just seems messy, moved very quickly, and didn't really see any type of connection. Armand just seems kinda nasty and Luca is the complete opposite. I was hoping for more of Skylar and Robin but unfortunately they were just briefly in this book.
January 17, 2026
I enjoyed the sort of twist in this one in that from the first book and initially in this one I thought Armand was the one with secrets and a serious inability to communicate openly with Lucas. Then we find out Lucas is carrying around his own secrets and a ton of baggage. Two damaged characters and some more heartaches along the way.
January 17, 2026
This sequel seemed undeveloped. It was nice to see Lucas bloom into his possible career. Armand's conversations with his sobriety sponsor were a good addition. His friend group in London adds a dimension to his character. We go through several crisis of communication, which seem very real, but the end result for me was much less than book one.
January 8, 2026
While I enjoyed the first book in this series this 2nd part left a bit to be desired. There were still some good laughs and the characters were well written it just required a bit too much set up without a whole lot of story.
January 13, 2026
Narrative: 📕📘📗📓
Angst: Moderate
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Humor: 😆😆
Heart: 💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Moderate
Our two favorite characters are back to continue their journey but it appears their is more depth to each of them on both sides of the pond. Armond has been keeping his past tight lipped and its about to sneak out of its own accord.
It took a bit of brain power to remember b-list players that are also part of this book, but its a great closing act. Read the originally first or you will be lost.
Angst: Moderate
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Humor: 😆😆
Heart: 💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Moderate
Our two favorite characters are back to continue their journey but it appears their is more depth to each of them on both sides of the pond. Armond has been keeping his past tight lipped and its about to sneak out of its own accord.
It took a bit of brain power to remember b-list players that are also part of this book, but its a great closing act. Read the originally first or you will be lost.
January 10, 2026
The story continues... This book continues Armand and Lucas' story and it's challenging! Angsty, heart-breaking, romantic and very engaging throughout! I read an advanced copy of this story and this is my unbiased review!
January 24, 2026
You must read the first book. The communication isn’t better in this book which leads to more drama than I prefer in my established couple books. These two also have a lot of personal issues that effect things as well.
January 4, 2026
I gobbled up this delightful sequel in a day. Even better than a getting together story, is a story about early relationship challenges, with all the uncertainty and terrifying intimacy that entails.
January 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this book!!!
January 8, 2026
Lessons in Balance is the second book in the Lessons series and should be read in order. While I really enjoyed the first book, this one just didn't hit as well.
January 14, 2026
Book one had potential but this one just fell flat and did not deliver.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews