Blue Jay: An MM, Hurt/Comfort Stepbrother Romance

by Marina Pirlimpou

We were never meant to be apart.
After all, there’s no me without him.


Roman

At eighteen, I met a boy with golden hair and blue eyes.
He slipped through the cracks like it was inevitable, like it was always supposed to happen, and I never stood a chance. Not against him.
He was kind, and warm, and he was mine.
Until I ruined everything.
Like I always do.

Jesse

At eighteen, I met a boy with black hair and dark eyes.
He held me when I couldn’t sleep and chased my nightmares away.
But I couldn’t chase away his.
He was my stepbrother, my best friend, my everything.
Until he let me go.

Now five years later, we’re back to living together, sharing the same space, and the pull is impossible to ignore.
Only this time, it will either destroy me, or save us both.

Blue Jay is an MM, hurt/comfort, stepbrother romance. Told in two parts, it’s a story of first times and second chances, of inevitable connections that feel like gravity, and of two souls who were always meant to find their way back to each other.

Tropes: MM romance, stepbrothers, codependency, hurt/comfort, first times, second chances, quiet heartbreak, yearning, it’s always been us, so much intimacy, so many feels, 1st person/dual POV

Content Warnings: Mature content with explicit scenes meant for an adult audience, parental abandonment (off-page, mentioned), domestic abuse (off-page, mentioned), parental neglect & verbal/emotional abuse (on page, mentioned & in flashbacks), deceased parent (off-page, mentioned), sleepwalking

Genres: M M Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2026

About the author

Marina Pirlimpou is a self-proclaimed book lover and a proud introvert who lives for dreary, autumn days, cozy blankets, and hot beverages.
You can find her reading in her favorite nook, listening to music, or writing about all things romance.
If you want to know all about her new releases or just looking for some new book recs, follow her on Instagram as @marinas_readingcorner.

Reviews

[Syd · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

“You and me, Ro?”
“You and me, Blue.”

There is now a special place reserved in my mushy heart for Ro and his blue jay 🥹💙 This was soft from the very beginning - and somehow even softer the second time around. What got me was how their love was never harsh, even when it hurt. And the way their connection never really left, even after five years apart, made me ache. It wasn’t dramatic or loud, just this quiet, steady kind of love between two people who were always meant to be gentle with each other. The tenderness between them was just so adorable, and I honestly didn’t mind the lack of angst - there are times where I NEED more angst, but not for this. Oh, and if you’re wondering about the spice?? All I have to say is YES🔥

So so grateful to Marina for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book - thank you!!

[Wicked River Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet. I really enjoyed seeing the initial relationship between Jesse and Roman and how they got started and then seeing them get to know each other again in some aspects after they reunited.

Jesse and Roman had a great relationship from the start. Although Roman was a bit reserved in the beginning he began opening up to Jesse fairly quickly. Jesse was exactly who Roman needed in his life as he was loving, caring and supportive. All things Roman unfortunately had been missing. I really loved how these two made space for one another in their lives and even after time passed remained the same just maybe in different ways regardless of the distance between them.

I had a great time reading this and I can’t wait to see what Marina releases next!

💜ARC REVIEW💙

[gab_e_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has a very special atmosphere that draws you right in! So many feelings, emotions, intimacy, and attraction—it goes straight to your soul and your heart ❤️‍🔥! I loved being swept up in Jesse and Roman’s little world. Witnessing their first moments together, feeling their pain when hearts were broken, and seeing their pure joy and overwhelming love was wonderful. The steamy scenes were passionate, romantic, and incredibly hot 🔥! If you love all that too, then grab this book and start reading it today rather than tomorrow! I really love it ❤️!

[Queenbeereads_sugarandspice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I can rely on Marina for a lower angst comfort read and this one absolutely delivered. These two are so darn sweet, and their goodness stole my heart. It’s easy to get lost in Jesse and Roman. Their story felt so very romantic.
 
Jesse = the definition of sweetness, and both the nicknames Roman gives him – Blue Jay, Angel – are so apt for how gorgeous he is. I loved his smile, and how much joy it brought Roman, but I also loved that mischievous streak he has.
 
And Roman, what a darling! I had such a soft spot for him from his first chapter and felt so incredibly sad for how he’s been treated by the ones who should love him the most; they failed him so dreadfully by making him feel like a burden when he’s actually a real gem. I loved how he’s immediately protective of Jesse and he looks out for the other man from afar.
 
These two’s love is quiet, steady, and pure. It's beautiful watching them be together and just be. Just enjoying each other's company in the simplest of ways and not making any big demands of each other. They don't need the words to know they love each other; it's in every interaction, in every look, in every touch.
 
To me, these two meant quiet reassurance and safety. Jesse shows Roman that he’s somebody worth loving, even if it takes him a while to believe differently after being excluded his whole life. 
 
Jesse and Roman. Roman and Jesse. You can’t have one without the other. Even the idea of it was just wrong, so seeing them ripped apart like that by Roman’s piece of work father *big growls* My heart ached for them.
 
When they come back together, they easily fall back into each other’s orbits as if they’ve never been apart. And to me, that felt absolutely right because their relationship has also been full of softness, gentle support and loyal devotion, and I didn’t want that to change despite the distance that’s been between them.
 
Jesse and Roman lost each other in the fog for a little while but when they both find the path again, losing that heavy weight that held Roman back, they continue along their journey a lot freer and ready to start the rest of their lives. And that made me heart very happy indeed.
 
----

Some of my favourite quotes

He slipped through the cracks. Quietly. Effortlessly. Like it was inevitable. Like it was always supposed to happen. I never stood a chance. Not against him. My precious angel. My little blue jay. 

It felt as if something in me recognized something in him. This beautiful boy who flew like a blue jay into my life and altered the course of it. 

“I am only looking at you, Jesse.” 

How do you make a wish for something that’s right there, in front of you? 

If the pull towards him was strong before, now it feels like fighting gravity.

“I thought you couldn’t look any more beautiful than you do every day, but I was wrong,” 

“You’re right. Though it’s your fault, you know.” “How is it my fault?” “You made me need you all the damn time.” “It’s only fair, Blue. You made me need you first.”

“You like me like this?” “I haven’t been able to form one single, coherent thought since you stepped off those stairs,” 

And that kiss... It felt like coming home and I never wanted it to end. 

“You’re perfect, just the way you are, Roman, and you will never—ever—be a burden.”

“I’ll wait for as long as you want, Blue.” 
“Did it hurt? Walking away and staying away. Did it hurt?” “Yes.” “Did it hurt like you couldn’t breathe? Like it was agony?” “Like I was dying.” 

They were our moments, mine and his only. But they know of him. Of the boy who showed me what color was like even when everything was black. Of the boy who shone his light on me and filled me with a warmth I’d never felt before. Of the boy who owned my entire heart. At least, until I let fear take over me and I gave it all up. 

“I love you, Blue. It feels like I’ve loved you forever.” 

“You never stopped being mine, even when I thought it would have been better for you if you weren’t,” 

“I’ve been terrified of what I feel for you since the day I met you. Since the day you showed up at my bedroom door and changed my fucking life with nothing more than your kindness, your smiles, your beautiful soul.” 

“No one has ever cared for me like you have, Blue. And no one has ever made me want to love myself more than you have.” 

Jesse. My blue jay. My whole heart.

[Jessie J melka · Rating 3 out of 5]

{Blue Jay}
Arc review by Jessie Melka
___________•___________

Blue Jay by Marina Pirlimpou
Is a sweet little story about Jesse the golden haired sunshine boy and Rowan the hurt brooding boy, Rowan and Jesse is almost quite literally thrown together into being stepbrothers, stepbrothers quickly turned into best friends followed by the inevitable love us

it was so sweet and the casual intimacy between Jesse and Roman was the most fascinating thing about this book
Even when they were just getting to know each other there was such an amazing chemistry between them that’s the part I really fell for I mean they were so right for each other both before and after

A friend pointed out this book had so many plot holes and I have to admit I agree the Mc’s had almost no interactions with anybody outside of their little bubble we also needed to get more into the relationship between the father/mother and Roman and not even to talk about the fact that Ro was “to needy” I just don’t see it and I wanted to at least have dialled a little bit more into it

I must also admit my heart broke a little when he left that whole chapter just felt like a brick on my chest

But I see that Roman had to leave to become a better man for Jesse instead of just putting a plaster on it he needed to find himself and learn how to actually live without the guilt and trauma his father bullied into him

Make no mistake I know he could have handled it better when he left and Jesse did absolutely not deserve what he did

The first part of the book irked me in som way it kinda felt like reading on wattpat i don’t know how else to explain it the second half was better but it was heavily relying on the sexual context and I just feel like we could get a bit more growing into it, especially with how fast Jesse forgave Roman but I did quite like the fact that they couldn’t keep their hands of each other. The love was just so strong the pining oh my God so sweet.

I had to write this a three star because it didn’t really click with me. I think if you want to read a sweet romance with not a lot of plot this would definitely be something you would want to read.

I rated this book a 3 out of 5 stars and I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a short sweet kind of read involving stepbrothers A shit ton of codependency and second chances
but remember to form your own opinions and not just listen to me
Until next time, my loves…

Rating: 3/5
Spice: 4/5
Angst: 2/5
Would I read again: maybe

(I received an advance copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily)


✍🏽Stepbrothers
🌤️Co-Dependency
✍🏽Close Proximity
🌤️Second Chances
✍🏽Burning Heat
🌤️First Times
✍🏽MM Romance
___________•___________

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Honestly, I really am such a sucker when it comes to the codependency trope and it showed when reading this because I absolutely ate this book up...in like a single sitting too.

I have to preface it's not perfect but it definitely gave everything I wanted it to give. Roman and Jesse are so easy to love and even easier to root for. From their very first interaction, I was just like - “yup these two are soulmates.”

Although I was a little uneasy when we jumped back in time after the prologue because I don’t usually not of fan that plot set up (don't like the impending doom feeling), but I think Marina executed it well. The first half takes place when the boys first meet at 18, they're almost done with high school, and at sort of turning point in their lives. Once they latch on to each other you just get so envelop in their love story that you're forget that everything is actually gonna fall apart for them in a couple chapters. Then it happens, and the subsequent transition into the book's second half is so smooth. And I really appreciated how Marina didn't waste any time throwing us right back into Roman and Jesse's throes of passion. Watching them fall back in sync with each other is a feeling I can only compare to a sense coming home. Like they really never stood a chance. By the time you reach the end, it felt like the world had righted itself.

That being said, I think there definitely could’ve been more to the story. The plot is very cut and dry, I wish we explored Roman’s family dynamic a little bit more towards the end. So much of his life and the things he went through felt like they were left unresolved. And while in my heart, I want want to say Jesse is enough and he doesn’t need the closure regarding everything; my brain still yearns for him to have it. But I'm not holding this against the book too much because I can also see this ending being intentional; because in a kind of unique way his story also resonates with you in a "such is life" type of mentality — where sometimes you don’t get all the answers, so you kind of just have to learn to make peace with it and allow yourself to be happy

Overall, I really enjoyed this (if it wasn't obvious) and I think it’s 100% worth picking up especially if you gravitate towards the synopsis and you like the tropes list.. because what you see is exactly what you’re going to get.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Blue Jay is the story of Jesse and Roman, stepbrothers who are the definition of codependent, falling in love at 18 and picking up right where they left off 5 years later. That love story is pretty much the whole of it.

The story itself isn’t bad, but the plot is on the thin side. Roman has some trauma from his parents that never really gets resolved. He leans entirely on Jesse rather than confronting his trauma, which works romantically but left me wanting more depth from his arc. Roman’s mother leaves them because he’s “too much”, his father hates him, both being rich wounds to give a character, and then in one sentence Roman’s dad is removed from his life after being set up as a major source of his trauma. No resolution, no healing, just a narrative inconvenience. There was plenty to unpack with his parents alone but instead they were treated as a sidenote.

Beyond that, the story is not much more than a lot of well-done sex scenes and day to day existence. There’s surprisingly very little angst and pining/longing considering the 5 years apart, which happened because of Roman’s father walking in on an innocent moment between Jesse and Roman, and deciding to use cruelty as a reaction. And then it all just perfectly clicked back into place when Jesse unconsciously found himself driving to their old house, and back into Roman’s arms.

And finally, a lot of the dialogue came out quite unnatural, especially for 18 year old boys. There were some grammatical mistakes, which I normally can overlook but some of the words used confused me, only because I think the author meant to use something else. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it did pull my attention out of the story. Nothing a good editing once-over can’t fix though.

Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who doesn’t like a lot of angst and prefers high heat, obsessed-with-you characters that live and breathe only for each other. It’s almost like a glimpse into the lives of a random couple than a story, so it’s perfect for readers who like easy reading over intense, plot-driven storytelling.

[Laura Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Jay is a MM hurt/comfort, stepbrother romance story about Roman and Jesse.

Right off the bat I was so invested in this story and I didn’t want to put the book down. With a lot of the stepbrother romances I’ve read, often times they start off as enemies, so I really enjoyed the fact that Roman and Jesse didn’t start off hating each other.

Jesse and his mom moved in with Roman and his father after their parents eloped. Roman and Jesse were strangers who became stepbrothers, and I loved seeing how they slowly became so much more.

Roman had some trauma from his parents, and my heart broke for him when he believed the awful things his father said about him. It caused Roman to leave because he thought Jesse would be better off without him. My heart ached for Jesse when this happened. But after they reunited, I was glad things didn’t drag out between them and that Jesse and Roman were able to move on.

This was such a sweet story filled with first times and second chances. It was surprisingly low angst and I was happy things fell right back into place pretty easily after these boys found their way back to each other. I think there could have been more resolution with Roman’s trauma from his parents, but that didn’t stop me from loving Ro and Blue’s story.

I have to say that I usually end up favoring one main character over the other, but in this story I couldn’t help but fall in love with both Roman and Jesse. I loved how they were obsessed with each other as well as codependent. They were possessive and needy and I just ate it up. Jesse and Roman were meant to be together and I couldn’t get enough of them. I am a huge fan of stepbrother romances, and I have to say this one is definitely a new favorite.

What you can expect:
Stepbrothers
Hurt/Comfort
Second Chances
Codependency
First Times
Soft Heartbreak
It’s Always Been Us

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this book made me all warm and fuzzy inside… such a beautiful falling in love story.. meeting your one and only who is meant just for you 💗

Roman and Jesse become stepbrothers at 18, when their parents marry one day.
Roman broody, closed off, a bit dark, weird, a loner… so much going on behind that facade, which only Jesse is able to crumble bit by bit.

Jesse is pure sunshine with long shiny blonde hair and a whicked gleam in his smile. His life is complicated too - not only smiles and sunshine. He overthinks everything and people at school aren’t very nice because of his looks and love for bright colors. How someone can’t love Jesse is beyond me. He is adorable.

They fell into a friendship effortlessly - one day they just spend some time together and never stopped, always seeking each others presence.

„Ro“ is Jesse‘s anker and calms him. Jesse is Romans „Blue“ - his piercing blue eyes and his pureness, grace and glow makes him the little blue Jay he wants to protect from everything bad.

Every glance, every touch, hug and every stolen kiss felt just like that it is how it’s supposed to be… like they were made for each other.
I was so excited for their love - it seemed so easy to just feel and love… and I was in constant fear of them getting caught and to be ripped apart.

Which obviously happens… at one point in the story… agonizing devastation on my end there… but thankfully the whole being apart time didn’t last for long on paper! For them 5 painful years had past.

Being back after all this time their body and souls just meet like magnets and soon we see all their love unfold right there in these last amazing chapters.

I devoured every page and had soo much fun, laughed so hard and am really happy now afterwords. Now sadly it’s over… but Ro and Blue will stay right there in one special corner of my heart, for eternity.

[readingwithmiaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!⭐️
3.75🌶️



I Had The Chance To Arc Read This Book And OMG YALL!!!!! This Book Was SIMPLY EVERYTHING I WANTED THIS BOOK TO BE AND MORE!!! Definitely One Of My Favorite Reads This Year 100% And A New Favorite Of Mine. Roman And Jesse, These Precious Boys Were Just Everything To My Heart And Soul And My Whole Mind. Like I Want My Person To Be Just Like Roman In The Future Y’all Cause He Was EVERYTHING I Want A Book Boyfriend To Be. And Jesse, Oh This Sweet Lovable Beautiful Baby Lace Loving Angel Blue Jay, He Was Everything Oh I Wanted To Hug Him So So Much Cause He Deserves The Whole World And I’m So Happy Both Jesse And Roman Get To Spend The Rest Of There Life’s And Eternity Together Cause They Are So Meant To Be. Now Romans Dad, FUCK YOU!!!!!! That’s All I Have To Say About Him. Jesse’s Mom, I Really Loved Her Y’all, So Sweet And Caring And Just UGH I Love. And Jesse’s Friend Molly ( I Think That’s Her Name If Not I’m So Sorry ) I Loved Her. Like Can I Have A Friend Like Molly Now Please That Would Be Amazing. And There Were Other Side Characters I Also Loved Too Like Jackson, Amazing Father Figure To Roman, So Amazing. But Y’all I HIGHLY Recommend This Book Because Marina Never Misses With Her Books And You Need To Read Her ASAP!!!!! Cause She Is Just An Amazing Author Who Writes Some Of The Best Heartwarming MM Romances Ever. She’s On My Auto Read List Like I Need More From Her Guys Like Her Books Are Everything!!!! So When This Book Cokes Out End Of March, READ IT!!!! And You’ll Thank Me Later 💕

[areadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this in one sitting and found it enjoyable and overly sweet. Blue Jay is a stepbrother, hurt-comfort romance with all the sweet and swoony moments with a high heat and some sad broken boys.

something i really loved about this book was how they didn’t start off as enemies which is the usual go to for a stepbrother romance. jesse and romans story begins with jesse and his mum travelling to their new home to join families with his new stepdad and his son. roman and jesses first official meeting is sweet but awkward, these two who were strangers and now stepbrothers, swiftly realise that they enjoy eachothers company a lot more than they initially thought, both loners in their own lives soon become each others safe place together.

it moves fast, their friendship developing was enjoyable to read, their attraction but also support and balance for one another was very heartwarming and once they soon realise their feelings that were once friendly are now more than that, possessiveness and jealous causes them to take the final step.

but this is second chance after all so bare that in mind. overall i enjoyed this read, it was gave me all those delicious caretaking moments and all the codependency that I crave in my reads. both of these boys had so much healing to do and i think they eventually found that in their own journey back to eachother - i did think it moved a lot faster than i would have usually liked for a second chance but that’s a personal preference to me, overall it was a enjoyable experience and i look forward to reading more from this author.

[✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC review ✨

💙 Blue Jay by Marina Pirlimpou 💙

“I’m never letting you fly away from me again, my little blue jay.”

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!

first things first: put a step sibling romance in front of me, and I’ll eat it up EVERY. TIME.
Roman and Jesse’s love story is a bit unhealthy due to the codependency and possessiveness, but I LOVED IT.

when we meet the two, you can tell almost right away how different they are. Jesse is small, dresses in bright (sometimes feminine) clothing, and wants to make an effort in being friends with his new stepbrother. Roman? not so much 😅 Roman can be broody, wears black, and blasts metal music while trying to come off as an asshole to his new ‘family’. fortunately, that doesn’t last long, because who in the world could resist a cutie pie like Jesse?! i definitely couldn’t.

things happen, words are said (thanks to Romans asshole father) and Roman disappears overnight. this leads to a five year time jump in the book.. and I’ll let you read to see how our boys reunite 🤍

the spice was SPICING 🔥 and the fact that Romans big feelings were validated by Jesse made me love them even more. Roman was so used to being told he was ‘too much’, and Jesse just swooped in and was like ‘NOPE. i can never get enough of you.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ i finished this faster than Roman and Jesse’s quiet lil quickie.


some tidbits:
💙 stepbrothers (to ex-stepbrothers)
💙 hurt x comfort
💙 ‘Blue’ and ‘Ro’ 🥹
💙 co-dependency
💙 ALLLL the longing and yearning!!
💙 hot-as-f*ck panties
💙 big ol tatted Roman being a good boy🧎🏻
💙 second chance
💙 close proximity

[Brittney Kane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jesse and Roman are thrust into being stepbrothers, never meeting before Jesse and his mom move in with Roman and his dad. Jesse and Roman were both very reserved in their own ways but were drawn to each other. They both trusted each other like they’d never trusted anyone before and seeing their friendship develop and progress to more was really sweet in the beginning. After this though, is where I found some disappointment. The plot kind of fell off for me.

Roman has childhood trauma that you never saw resolved. After a tense moment with his father, who walks in on Roman and Jesse, Roman runs. But we never see his dad again or see him work through his pain to become a person Jesse deserves. Five years into the future, Jesse reunites with Roman and caves after one night, never really making Roman work for forgiveness. Roman apologizes but I feel like there wasn’t really any real resolution other than bam, they’re back together.

This has a lot of tropes that I love so I was really hopeful this would be a 5 star read for me, but it fell a little flat for me. I enjoyed it.. but it didn’t do anything super special for me.

If you love a low-angst story with high heat, this might be a good one for you. I just prefer something with a deeper plot.

What you’re getting: stepbrothers | second chance | virgin mc | forced proximity | co-dependency | HEA | spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

*ARC Review*

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really wanted to love this, but sadly the book didn't live up to my expectations.

I liked the writing style, both MMCs, the fact that Roman and Jesse were meant for each other from the start and there were sweet and spicy moments, but in the end, there wasn’t much substance or plot to this. I mean, 95% of this book took place in their home, and there weren’t even any supporting characters (aside from a couple of odd mentions).

During the first half, I considered DNF’ing this because honestly, I got bored—there was nothing but Jesse and Roman's moments together -and these weren’t giving enough, it was lacking somehow. Yeah, they were cute as hell, but I needed more substance. I liked the second part better because there was more tension, but still no real substance beyond those moments.

And I just can’t get behind Roman leaving—and for what?? Basically, there was no reason to leave, let alone be gone for five years. I mean, I can read why he left but it was a bit far fetched. And we don’t get any content about their lives during that time either.

So, it is well-written for what it is, but I was left wanting more.

_____________________________________

“Why? Why did you hate it, Blue?”
”Because you should only be looking at me.”
“I am.”
“What?”
“I am only looking at you, Jesse.”


“I wonder why I bother calling you angel when you’re a damn demon in disguise.”


”He wants to be taken apart, to be broken into pieces, as much as he needs to be put together.”

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Jay - Marina Pirlimpou
4.25/5✨🌟

* SPOILERS *

This is the second book by Marina that I’ve read and I absolutely devoured it. I knew this was going to be so good just by how amazing her last book I read or even how the tropes sung to me.

Roman and Jesse were so good together in so many way. They just had this powerful entity that made you want more from the moment that Jesse knocked on his door because Jesse had expected him to yell at him or something but it was completely different than what he expected.

Roman envied Jesse because he had never had someone love him the way that Jesse had been by his own mother. Roman’s dad is really a piece of work. That’s all I’m going to say.

I will say to protect your mental health going in but the way that these get to know each other and the protection that Roman gives him in school was everything.

I was so here for the moment Roman saw Jesse’s lacy underwear. The spicy moments were everything because these two just couldn’t stay away from one another.

When Roman’s dad knocked him down, I wanted to cry. That man is just awful in so many ways.

The healing that these two go through was everything and I love that later in the book that Jesse’s mom really shows Roman that she loves him like he’s always deserved by a parent.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review

Roman is a brooding artistic loner with a traumatic past. He is abandoned by his mother and ignored by his father. When his father marries Laura, Roman is forced to share a home with her son Jesse. Jesse is a soft golden haired boy. Despite their instant mutual attraction Roman pushes Jesse away. But when Jesse seeks comfort in Roman's arms the two form a bond that blurs the lines between friendship, protection and forbidden desire.
Roman is a compelling mix of vulnerability and intensity. He has a tragic back story that explains his emotional walls. His gentle moments with Jesse are heartwarming. Jesse is lovable. He is an anxious sunbeam and brightens Roman's dark world. His sleepwalking and past trauma make him sympathetic.
The slow burn in this book feels natural and their first kiss is hot.
The book differs in pacing in the first half opposed to the second half. The first half is slow and focuses much on kisses and cuddles without advancing the plot. In the second halve we have major developments like Jesse's trauma or Roman's past. I'm also missing a real conflict. The biggest obstacle was Roman's guild and that is resolved fairly easy. The parents form no obstacle whatsoever.
I still enjoyed reading Blue Jay so I'm giving it 3 stars.

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Jay
Marina Pirlimpou

Roman & Jesse

Stepbrothers
Co-dependency
Longing / Yearning
It’s always been us
First Times
Soft Heartbreak
Second chance
Close proximity
So much emotional intimacy


Wow, so I loved this. This was good, good. Like so good.

The pining, yearning, neediness, possessiveness, stepbrothers… Right up my alley. These are some of my favorite tropes.

I just loved this. I read this in one day. Written so well. SO emotionally driven… the neediness, the “you’re mine”, “it’s always been you” … just wow.

My heart hurt for these boys, especially Roman. The people supposed to love him betrayed him … this poor broken boy.

These two first met as new stepbrothers and formed an instant attachment to each other. Light and dark, opposites in every way but just so perfect for each other.

This was an incredibly emotional book. The intimacy between them was everything. I adore Mariana’s writing. She is absolutely becoming an auto read for me.

The spice between these two was spicing…the neediness and possessiveness kicks the hotness factor up so much. I just loved this so much.

Stunningly written. Perfect angst, yearning, and neediness. Obsessive codependency … just chefs kiss. I loved every word of this.

So thankful for this arc

[Booked.on.a.feelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Jay : ARC Review
Release Date: 3/31/2026

Jesse and Roman are the unexpected step brothers I needed. They just fit and it was the light read I needed. While there is a breakup/leaving the tension was short lived so it felt like a light book that just made you smile!

🪺Step Brothers
🪺First Times
🪺Second Chance
🪺It’s Always Been You
🪺Hurt Comfort
🪺Codependency

When Jesse’s mother married Roman’s father the only thing they wanted was a friendship nothing more. Only one night Jesse sleep walked right into Roman’s bed. From that point there was not turning back for them.

It turns out both boy have past trauma’s that bonded them together. Jesse and his mother came from an abusive house that they were lucky to get out of. While Roman has been blamed for his mother leaving. Roman avoids his father as he has always felt like his burden and too much. So when Roman’s father catches them together things blow up. Roman leaves without warning leaving Jesse a ships life behind. This was also the end of Jesse’s mom and Roman’s dad!

5 years later Jesse has not stopped thing about Roman. He has moved on with his life and is heading towards his summer internship. When he finds out that Roman’s father died in a car crash he somehow shows up at Roman’s from door, not knowing if he will be there. When Roman answers Jesse agrees to stay for “Just one night.”

Will Jesse and Roman open up and share all their trauma? Will they be able to put the past in the past and move forward?

Read Blue Jay to find out!

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book takes you by surprise in a wonderful way. I'm lucky enough to read many books that I end up loving. But a lot of those are loud in their beauty. Blue Jay is quiet. Like a gentle stream glistening in the morning sun. Like waves of the ocean gently rocking back and forth endlessly under the light of the moon.

Blue Jay is a stepbrother romance with a healthy dose of hurt/comfort and it's such a beautiful story. Tender, sweet, low angst, but not without obstacles. The love and chemistry between Roman and Jesse is so pure and effortless. Their devotion towards each other is almost magical.

I don't want to say too much about the story because I want you all to go in as blind as possible and let it work its magic the way it did with me. So, if this sounds like a book you might enjoy, and the trigger warnings don't cause any hesitation, please read this book that is so quietly, wonderfully beautiful. Marina is definitely an author to watch, no doubt about that, and I look forward to seeing what she brings us next.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5☆

I really enjoyed this! This was really sweet, while also getting me to tear up as well. I really enjoyed seeing Jesse and Roman at 18 and watching their connection and relationship change and grow. I loved their puppy love phase. I also really enjoyed their reunion. I feel like the fact that Roman was honest and felt bad about what happened 5 years prior really changed everything for Jesse. I felt like they worked really well as a couple and I really enjoyed their teasing and playful moments.
While we did get some great hurt/comfort goodness this didn't feel too angsty and I appreciated that.
I would have liked a bit more information about the years in between the two parts, because those 5 years still shaped them as people, but in the end the focus was on Jesse and Roman and how they navigate this second chance.

All in all this was an enjoyable read and while it is second chance and hurt/comfort it didn't feel too heavy of a read, and I felt like this really hit the spot right now.

[HappilyEverReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I’m honestly shocked by how much I loved it—an easy five-star read for me. I already have a soft spot for the stepbrothers trope, but stepbrothers who are completely obsessed with each other? Say less.

This is one of those stories where everything feels almost too perfect early on—you can just tell something is going to go wrong when it feels like they’ve already reached their HEA at the 40% mark. And yep… it absolutely does. Even though I was bracing for it, I still couldn’t believe they went five years without contacting each other after everything they shared. It was genuinely heartbreaking.

Jesse and Roman’s relationship was such an addictive mix of sweet, obsessive, and a little co-dependent in a way that just worked for them. Their chemistry was insane—I couldn’t get enough of them together. They balanced each other perfectly with that classic opposites-attract dynamic, and every interaction felt intense in the best way.

When they finally reunited and Roman apologized to Jesse? I swear I could breathe again. That moment was so satisfying, and I loved watching them find their way back to each other and finally get the HEA they deserved.

If I had one small critique, it would be that I wanted more depth when it came to Roman's relationship with his dad—I feel like that trauma could have been explored a bit further. I also would have loved to see more of what their lives looked like during those five years apart. That said, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story overall.
I completely devoured this in one sitting and didn’t want to leave these characters behind.

Tropes: Stepbrothers, taboo romance, obsession, opposites attract, second chance, angst, co-dependent relationship, emotional hurt/comfort

** I was gifted an ARC of this book**

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute pleasure of reading this beautiful love story as an ARC.

Blue Jay has been heartachingly beautiful. Intensely gentle. The love between Jesse and Roman has been inevitable from the start. It has been quietly possessive. It has been life changing for both of them and the fact that they needed a second chance broke my heart. But the way they got said second chance healed me alongside them.

Roman is the broken boy I just wanted to hold and love. To tell that nothing is wrong with him. To assure that his parents were wrong and not him.

Jesse is the light shining through the crevices of Roman's broken soul and slowly but surely making him see beauty and know love.

They both feel like living without the other is impossible and I was absolutely here for it, because neither was too much for the other.

📖 Blue Jay by Marina Pirlimpou
Rating 4.5 ⭐

#reading #bookstagram #review #arc #mmromance

[jaz! · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)

I love these two so much. I've said before that im not always the biggest fan of dual timelines in books but i think it was done really well in this one. I loved seeing the bond between Jesse and Roman form not only romantically but also as a friendship; it was so clear to me that they are a safety for one another, which makes the conflicts and emotional parts in this story hit a bit harder. I also loved the night and day/black cat x adorable kitten aspect between the two, Roman being the quiet and broody character always in black and Jesse being the pretty, cutesy, bubbly one. I will say that although he was only in one scene, I NEED to see more of Bodhi; i feel in love with him instantly and i would love to see him have his romantic love story. Overall I really liked this book. I've never read anything from this author before but i will definitely be checking out more of their work.

[Patrycja · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing that comes to my mind after reading this book is Soft. This story was soft and gentle, while also breaking my heart, piece by piece, even during their times of happines. Or maybe especially during those times. Why? Because after everything, Roman and Jesse deserve each other and all the happiness.

What I loved the most about this story is the way Jesse and Roman were with each other from the very begining. Roman was so gentle with Jesse, there was no resentment and no anger, and he smiled only for him. But despite this story beeing so sweet and soft it was also very, veeery hot 🔥

Another thing I loved was the general vibe of this book. I don't really know how to describe it, but this author's books are like a warm blanket, I absolutely loved this book and it will definitely become one of my comfort reads.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25. Stepbrother romance that’s very relationship driven rather than plot heavy and I didn’t mind that at all. It’s a beautiful ‘first loves’ story & the connection between the two MMCs is soft and sweet. Their relationship feels fated, like they were always meant to find their way to each other. Even when things get messy, it doesn’t get too angsty. It has some of my favourite microtropes: can’t stop touching you and can only sleep when I’m with you. Love that! Yes, there’s a level of codependency, but as we meet them as teens it seemed fitting to me. And for anyone who struggles with teen romance, it starts there but jumps forward. There’s also pining, forced proximity, ‘good boy’, hurt/comfort, and…..lingerie. I loved both MMCs: Jesse is warm, and kind, while Roman is broody and sensitive. The only thing I wanted more of was Roman’s backstory. I’d definitely recommend this, especially if you’re after something softer and more character focused. It worked perfectly as a palate cleanser for me. I really really liked it. This is a honest ARC review

[Robin T · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wow this was a spicy read 4/5 for sure. You got tropes of hurt/comfort and grumpy/sunshine and a dash of second chances. But I'm getting ahead of myself.. let me tell you about the book.

So we meet the boys when they are 18 and still in school. Roman tall broad shouldered handsome loner, loves black and chocolate cereal. Doesn't like his dad and doesn't want a new family. Jesse blonde hair, clear blue eyes soft and polite. He makes me impossible for Roman to be mean to him so he decides to avoid instead and romans dad seems just fine with that.

See sounds good right! One thing I will say the plot revolves around the 2, there is not much interaction with side characters. I do kind of wish I got to see more interactions with there friends but I dont think it spoiled the story or anything. The story was well rounded and a good read.

I recommend it for sure

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so sweet! I loved every minute of it. I always love a grumpy/sunshine dynamic and Jesse and Roman are a great display of that. Jesse is sunny, golden smiles and Roman is a broody, black wearing, artist lol! Roman is hooked instantly. We see their relationship develop quickly, and passionately. Possible spoiler, but they do have a breakup of sorts which’s brings the story in their mid 20s. I really appreciate that their time apart was not drawn out and the author didn’t dwell or make us wallow in their misery. There’s some heaviness within the story but it doesn’t feel all encompassing. The story is so heartfelt and sweet, with lots of spicy times as well. Overall, I enjoyed this book start to finish. It wasn’t too long or angsty and it incorporated a lot of my favorite things! Very happy and grateful to have received an early copy!

[caffeinated.crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I just finished Blue Jay. If you like: younger mcs (both over 18), broken boys, soft boys, step brothers, and "just this once"... then Blue Jay is definitely the book for you.

Pirlimpou paints a vivid picture. That's what always draws me back to her books. Roman is so tragic and sad, his background leaves you heartbroken for him. Jesse is his pastel sweet boy, his breath of fresh air, his blue jay.

Roman and Jesse fall hard and fast, but when the pressure is on, Roman makes a decision both characters have to live with.

• step brothers
• forced proximity
• lingerie
• femme/soft mmc
• second chance
• first times
• first love
• codependent/obsessive
• hurt/comfort

This book was sweet and full of red flags. The storytelling was great & Jesse and Roman left me feeling so damn old. They are just so young.

Their obsession with each other make for a quick and entertaining read.

[Yvette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily a six star read for me. You know those books you begin reading and right away start dreading its ending because you are loving the story, writing, yearning, pining so, SO much? — This is it!
Roman and Jesse’s connection was instant and I couldn’t get enough. Their banter was perfect and had me giggling, and just their entire relationship was superbly written. They definitely go through it (loved every single second of the angst) and the spice scenes were everything. But it was their quiet heys, nicknames, hand brushes and little sweet moments, that had my heart going a million miles an hour. Scratch that, this whole book had me feeling that way and I know I’ll be rereading it just to feel that way again. Thank you to author Marina Pirlimpou for this ARC. Truly, one of my favorite reads of the year.

[chaoticpageturner · Rating 5 out of 5]

- ARC REVIEW -

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Jeez Louis. I love this book. I knew it was going to be epic and it was.

It’s a mix of sweeter than pie and hurt/comfort that is equally sweeter than pie. Gosh these two are cute as hell. So pure in the way their friendship blossomed into something more. A solid mix of chapters that tugged at my heart and ones that were quite spicy. Since when is kissing so hot?!

We also get some emotional chapters that made my heart hurt for these boys so badly. Thankully we don’t have too many chapters of them separated because it felt so wrong for them not to be together.

So much emotion and love between these two. It really was just an incredible read. Low angst, character driven, stepbrother romance with hot, hot heat 👏🏼 You don’t wanna miss this one!