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WMU #1
Free Base
I need to stop crushing on the hot new guy. Asking him to move in with me is the last thing I should do.
Ian
My main goal for sophomore year is to survive with my bruised, rejected heart intact. That looks a lot like avoiding anything that could hurt me, at least until Callum Cross shows up. He’s so quiet, it’s like he doesn’t want people to notice him, but Callum is too tall, too built, and too damn good-looking to hide from anyone, especially me.
Sure, all signs point to Callum being straight, but nobody’s had his back before, and there’s nothing stopping us from just being friends. What makes things complicated is that Callum is exactly my type, and when he ends up crashing on my couch, there’s no escaping how much I’d rather have him in bed.
Callum
A thousand miles isn’t enough distance between here and home, not with nineteen years of baggage. I’m trying to keep my head down and stay out of the way where I belong, but Ian Scott doesn’t get the memo. I’m a shell of who I want to be, but that attractive, out-of-my-league baseball player talks to me like we’re friends, and then…we actually are.
Ian noticed me, but I can’t let him notice how I really feel—someone like him could never like me back. The only problem? He takes me in with open arms when I’m at my lowest. I know I’m not supposed to crave him, but he cares for me like nobody ever has. Ian gives me so much, and all I want is for him to take something back and take me apart.
Free Base is a friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort MM romance. It is the first book in the WMU series, but can be read as a standalone.
Tropes:
Hurt/comfort
Forced Proximity
Slow burn
Opposites attract
Found family
First time
Ian
My main goal for sophomore year is to survive with my bruised, rejected heart intact. That looks a lot like avoiding anything that could hurt me, at least until Callum Cross shows up. He’s so quiet, it’s like he doesn’t want people to notice him, but Callum is too tall, too built, and too damn good-looking to hide from anyone, especially me.
Sure, all signs point to Callum being straight, but nobody’s had his back before, and there’s nothing stopping us from just being friends. What makes things complicated is that Callum is exactly my type, and when he ends up crashing on my couch, there’s no escaping how much I’d rather have him in bed.
Callum
A thousand miles isn’t enough distance between here and home, not with nineteen years of baggage. I’m trying to keep my head down and stay out of the way where I belong, but Ian Scott doesn’t get the memo. I’m a shell of who I want to be, but that attractive, out-of-my-league baseball player talks to me like we’re friends, and then…we actually are.
Ian noticed me, but I can’t let him notice how I really feel—someone like him could never like me back. The only problem? He takes me in with open arms when I’m at my lowest. I know I’m not supposed to crave him, but he cares for me like nobody ever has. Ian gives me so much, and all I want is for him to take something back and take me apart.
Free Base is a friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort MM romance. It is the first book in the WMU series, but can be read as a standalone.
Tropes:
Hurt/comfort
Forced Proximity
Slow burn
Opposites attract
Found family
First time
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2026
About the author
S.J. Crawford
4 books54 followersS.J. Crawford writes MM romance novels. His goal for every story is to explore the enjoyably chaotic side of relationships through realistic characters and experiences.
Growing up, S.J. moved constantly, but he decided that he likes things cold so he now lives in Canada. Rest assured, his books bring a lot more heat than the weather outside.
Growing up, S.J. moved constantly, but he decided that he likes things cold so he now lives in Canada. Rest assured, his books bring a lot more heat than the weather outside.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
April 2, 2026
3.75⭐️
A very cute, double green flag college romance between Ian, a popular bi baseball star, and Callum, the big but quiet new guy on campus. Ian has no problem approaching Callum for a project, and when Callum’s dorm gets busted up, Ian is happy to let Callum stay with him.
Both of these two go through a long time of mutually pining over each other, thinking the other is straight. Honestly, that was my favourite part of the book. It was so cute. When they finally got together, things felt very rushed and the book lost the plot a little. The book also contains homophobic and crazy parents whose characters are so over the top that it’s almost comical (though it’s definitely not supposed to be).
If you love super cute, warm-fuzzy adorable college romance, this is the book for you!
A very cute, double green flag college romance between Ian, a popular bi baseball star, and Callum, the big but quiet new guy on campus. Ian has no problem approaching Callum for a project, and when Callum’s dorm gets busted up, Ian is happy to let Callum stay with him.
Both of these two go through a long time of mutually pining over each other, thinking the other is straight. Honestly, that was my favourite part of the book. It was so cute. When they finally got together, things felt very rushed and the book lost the plot a little. The book also contains homophobic and crazy parents whose characters are so over the top that it’s almost comical (though it’s definitely not supposed to be).
If you love super cute, warm-fuzzy adorable college romance, this is the book for you!
February 21, 2026
2,5⭐️
He has some deep traumas around the idea of sex due to his upbringing, and in a few weeks he’s fully out and dives head first in kinks?!? 🙄
Don’t go writing deep subjects if it’s just to ignore them
He has some deep traumas around the idea of sex due to his upbringing, and in a few weeks he’s fully out and dives head first in kinks?!? 🙄
Don’t go writing deep subjects if it’s just to ignore them
February 3, 2026
The first of a new series, I’m excited to see what’s next!
Ian spots Callum on the first day of class and immediately is interested. Even after swearing off dating, something intrigues him. His best friend decides to go for it and invites Callum into their group project.
Callum ran away from his house in the middle of the night, with no one knowing where he was going besides an admin at his previous community college who had to forward a transcript. He knew how he grew up wasn’t normal, and that it wasn’t the life for him. A new state, where he could be himself, was just the start.
Their friendship starts out with crushes, thinking the other has to be straight. A freak accident at a dorm, an invite to stay over, and finally deciding to communicate, Ian and Callum get to see what could be possible for them.
One of my favorite parts of books by S.J. Crawford is that the romance is low-angst, though there can be more angst in outside circumstances. I know the love is going to be beautiful and the characters are going to be okay, even when the outside world won’t always be the same. (pay attention to the TWs! they’re there for a reason).
Perfect for fans of insta lust/insta love, crushing on the “obviously straight” guy instead of… communicating, and roommates to lovers! sprinkle in a bit of baseball too, a cute college romance with a side of sports.
Thank you to the author & EverNorth books for the ARC!
Ian spots Callum on the first day of class and immediately is interested. Even after swearing off dating, something intrigues him. His best friend decides to go for it and invites Callum into their group project.
Callum ran away from his house in the middle of the night, with no one knowing where he was going besides an admin at his previous community college who had to forward a transcript. He knew how he grew up wasn’t normal, and that it wasn’t the life for him. A new state, where he could be himself, was just the start.
Their friendship starts out with crushes, thinking the other has to be straight. A freak accident at a dorm, an invite to stay over, and finally deciding to communicate, Ian and Callum get to see what could be possible for them.
One of my favorite parts of books by S.J. Crawford is that the romance is low-angst, though there can be more angst in outside circumstances. I know the love is going to be beautiful and the characters are going to be okay, even when the outside world won’t always be the same. (pay attention to the TWs! they’re there for a reason).
Perfect for fans of insta lust/insta love, crushing on the “obviously straight” guy instead of… communicating, and roommates to lovers! sprinkle in a bit of baseball too, a cute college romance with a side of sports.
Thank you to the author & EverNorth books for the ARC!
February 22, 2026
Callum is from a religious family with views he doesn't share especially when his sexual preference isn't one they'd ever agree with. He wants to blend in and not be noticed but he is. By Ian. The gorgeous baseball player who sees him and can't just let him slide by. This starts the beginning of them being classmates and then becoming friends until slowly they're something even more beautiful. Ian was there for Callum every step of the way even when he was crushing and didn't want to show it. Both felt that the other wouldn't want them but man were they wrong. They definitely took their time but when they got there it was so worth the wait. They were sweet, tender and a bit kinky which is a nice mix especially when first times are involved. I loved the way they were with each other and they definitely made a good hurt/comfort story because some of the things they go through especially Callum will break your heart but the salvation they find in each other will definitely soothe it. S.J Crawford is starting to become an automatic read for me as they always deliver a sweet story that's just as real and full of heart as the world needs now a days. Ian and Callum were a joy and I'm looking foward to reading the rest of the books that will make up this series.
Review of advance copy received from Autor
Me encantó, Ian es súper tierno, que ganas de abrazarlo todo el tiempo y más cuando contaba cómo lo habían tratado parejas anteriores. Es una green flag andante y nadie supo valorarlo hasta que llegó Callum. Otro dulce que venía huyendo de una familia horrible y se encontró con todo lo que no sabía que necesitaba y que iba a querer tan rápido.
El slow burn y el desarrollo de la amistad de estos dos fue muy lindo, Callum descubriendo sus intereses y sus límites, Ian encontrando por fin alguien que lo valore. 😘🤌
El slow burn y el desarrollo de la amistad de estos dos fue muy lindo, Callum descubriendo sus intereses y sus límites, Ian encontrando por fin alguien que lo valore. 😘🤌
February 23, 2026
My first book by this author and I loved it. Definitely can’t wait for book 2. I love Cal & Ian together and how much Ian does for Cal. Let me say I’m glad Callum doesn’t have to deal with his crazy parents anymore but that he has Ian to fight for him and with him. Such a cute couple.
July 28, 2026
Genuinely what was this
February 21, 2026
super cute read. both characters are absolutely adorable.
June 10, 2026
3.5 ⭐️. I really enjoyed this book, I’m so happy it was the first pride book of June. It was genuinely so cute and precious. I absolutely loved how this book started. It begins with the start of the fall semester into both Callum and Ian’s sophomore year, and on the first day of classes, Callum who is a transfer from a community college, undoubtedly caught the attention of baseball player, Ian. And in this class, they have to do a group project which is how their friendship/relationship starts with the help of Nick, Ian’s friend and teammate. And through this, Callum gets used to having people want him around, accept him for who he is, and enjoy his company. And seriously, it was so cute and precious to see Callum learn things about what people his age do and just learn to have the freedom to be who he is. I will always love the tropes gay/bi awakening and while both characters knew their sexuality, one had a harder time opening up to others about that, so once again it was so precious to see that process unfold. While I did have a good time with this book, I wish it was longer or at least I wish their characters were more fleshed out, and it had more of a plot. Like I have no problem if a book is more character focused than focusing on the plot, but since it was lacking a little bit of the character development, i wish there was just more. Like as soon as they admitted their sexuality to each other, they got together pretty quickly, which once again i had no problem with sine it didn’t feel like insta love or anything like that, i just wish there was more development. But honestly i still had such a good time.
quotes:
“Those periods at the end made me think I said something wrong”
What? I switch to my browser and go to the search engine.
Are periods rude in text messages?
They are. Darn it. I can't do anything right.
“Think of me like your college grandma who feeds you, whether you want me to or not. We’re eating Italian, so call me Nonna. Nobody leaves Nonna’s house with an empty stomach.”
“I think they’ll give us untoasted toast”
“Untoasted toast? Bread?”
That’s the word.
“You're so good to me, Ian. Nobody ever has been.”
“Why wouldn’t I be good to you? You’re the best, Callum. You make it so damn easy.”
“I've had ten hits off Callum's lips, and I'm already hooked. He should come with an advisory label the way nicotine does. Warning: Contains Callum. Callum is a highly addictive man. Consume at risk of being consumed yourself.”
quotes:
“Those periods at the end made me think I said something wrong”
What? I switch to my browser and go to the search engine.
Are periods rude in text messages?
They are. Darn it. I can't do anything right.
“Think of me like your college grandma who feeds you, whether you want me to or not. We’re eating Italian, so call me Nonna. Nobody leaves Nonna’s house with an empty stomach.”
“I think they’ll give us untoasted toast”
“Untoasted toast? Bread?”
That’s the word.
“You're so good to me, Ian. Nobody ever has been.”
“Why wouldn’t I be good to you? You’re the best, Callum. You make it so damn easy.”
“I've had ten hits off Callum's lips, and I'm already hooked. He should come with an advisory label the way nicotine does. Warning: Contains Callum. Callum is a highly addictive man. Consume at risk of being consumed yourself.”
April 2, 2026
Green Flags all around with Golden Retriever Energy
Free Base (WMU Book 1) – S.J. Crawford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a sweet, angsty college romance with a lot of heart. If you like slow-burn, hurt/comfort, and a gentle giant finding someone who finally sees him, this one will probably work for you.
First, a quick trigger warning: Callum comes from a very strict religious upbringing that left him with a lot of internalized shame and anxiety surrounding his sexuality. It isn’t described in graphic detail, but the emotional impact is definitely present throughout the story. I really appreciated that Callum actively puts himself in therapy and is trying to work through everything and become healthier.
Callum is a 6’5” gentle giant who just wants to exist quietly without drawing attention to himself. Ian, on the other hand, is the 5’7” chaotic, confident baseball player who notices Callum immediately and refuses to let him disappear into the background. Ian is honestly the biggest green flag / golden retriever hero. He’s affectionate, patient, and completely devoted once he realizes what he feels.
One thing I loved about the first half of the book was that they were basically doing the exact same thing. They were wildly attracted to each other but both actively trying not to think about the other in that way because they were convinced the other one was straight and could never possibly be interested. Watching them both internally panic while trying to act normal around each other was honestly adorable. When they finally realize the attraction is very much mutual… things escalate pretty quickly.
I also really liked how socially inexperienced Callum was written. Because of how sheltered and controlled his childhood was, he basically had to learn normal social behavior and cues by looking things up on the internet. Some of those moments were funny, but they were also a little heartbreaking because it showed just how deprived and isolated he had been growing up. In a lot of ways he was stepping into the world for the first time and trying to figure it out on his own.
They communicate well and Ian is especially good at helping Callum with his anxiety. And honestly… Callum secretly loving Ian’s “clingy” energy was adorable.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️½ (2.5/5)
There’s definitely some heat, which surprised me because I thought this would be a no-spice book. It’s not super explicit, but the scenes that are there are well written and feel natural for where the characters are emotionally. This story is much more about the romance and emotional connection than the smut.
I also loved the friend group and found-family vibes, which added a lot to the college setting.
Overall this was a really sweet slow-burn romance with two characters that were easy to root for.
And now I’m very curious about the next book… because I’m really hoping book 2 might be Nick’s story — maybe with Jeremy? One can hope 😏
Free Base (WMU Book 1) – S.J. Crawford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a sweet, angsty college romance with a lot of heart. If you like slow-burn, hurt/comfort, and a gentle giant finding someone who finally sees him, this one will probably work for you.
First, a quick trigger warning: Callum comes from a very strict religious upbringing that left him with a lot of internalized shame and anxiety surrounding his sexuality. It isn’t described in graphic detail, but the emotional impact is definitely present throughout the story. I really appreciated that Callum actively puts himself in therapy and is trying to work through everything and become healthier.
Callum is a 6’5” gentle giant who just wants to exist quietly without drawing attention to himself. Ian, on the other hand, is the 5’7” chaotic, confident baseball player who notices Callum immediately and refuses to let him disappear into the background. Ian is honestly the biggest green flag / golden retriever hero. He’s affectionate, patient, and completely devoted once he realizes what he feels.
One thing I loved about the first half of the book was that they were basically doing the exact same thing. They were wildly attracted to each other but both actively trying not to think about the other in that way because they were convinced the other one was straight and could never possibly be interested. Watching them both internally panic while trying to act normal around each other was honestly adorable. When they finally realize the attraction is very much mutual… things escalate pretty quickly.
I also really liked how socially inexperienced Callum was written. Because of how sheltered and controlled his childhood was, he basically had to learn normal social behavior and cues by looking things up on the internet. Some of those moments were funny, but they were also a little heartbreaking because it showed just how deprived and isolated he had been growing up. In a lot of ways he was stepping into the world for the first time and trying to figure it out on his own.
They communicate well and Ian is especially good at helping Callum with his anxiety. And honestly… Callum secretly loving Ian’s “clingy” energy was adorable.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️½ (2.5/5)
There’s definitely some heat, which surprised me because I thought this would be a no-spice book. It’s not super explicit, but the scenes that are there are well written and feel natural for where the characters are emotionally. This story is much more about the romance and emotional connection than the smut.
I also loved the friend group and found-family vibes, which added a lot to the college setting.
Overall this was a really sweet slow-burn romance with two characters that were easy to root for.
And now I’m very curious about the next book… because I’m really hoping book 2 might be Nick’s story — maybe with Jeremy? One can hope 😏
July 2, 2026
It always gets to me when a characters struggles with being happy because someone used religion with evil intentions or corrupted undertsanding. Callum is fresh out of "prison", and he gets to be his own self away from toxicity and then he meets Ian - the happy sweet bro dude - in his first day of his new university. They became friends quickly, and things keep happening so they spend more and more time together, obviously creating feelings for each other. And Callum is ready to welcome all the love that Ian has to give, Callum being neglejected and Ian being perceived as being too clingy according to his exes.
Love watching people finding freedom in love.
Love watching people finding freedom in love.
Did Not Finish
February 24, 2026DNF. Too much religion which is not my thing. My bad for not checking that out before starting.
March 24, 2026
the writing is terrible. reads like an 8 year old wrote it. do not recommend
March 4, 2026
Thank god that’s over
Spoilers:
HIS PARENTS ARE ACTIVELY SEARCHING FOR HIM AND YOU ENCOURAGE HIM TO MAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT WITH HIS COLLEGE INITIALS AND POST PICS OF HIM ON YOUR ACCOUNTS!? ARE YOU STUPID OR ARE YOU DUMB
This was just so random at every corner and I’m not usually this person but the cover does NOT match the weird undertone that this book holds
And the ending what on EARTH WAS THAT AGAIN SO RANDOM bc yes we hear they kept him sheltered and were super strict … but a GUN ? Unloaded but whatever still just so not in any way made sense with the rest of the story
Also was super uninterested in the side characters and didn’t really enjoy any of the dialogue and yeah really just overall this was not for me and that’s okay maybe it’ll be for someone else
Spoilers:
HIS PARENTS ARE ACTIVELY SEARCHING FOR HIM AND YOU ENCOURAGE HIM TO MAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT WITH HIS COLLEGE INITIALS AND POST PICS OF HIM ON YOUR ACCOUNTS!? ARE YOU STUPID OR ARE YOU DUMB
This was just so random at every corner and I’m not usually this person but the cover does NOT match the weird undertone that this book holds
And the ending what on EARTH WAS THAT AGAIN SO RANDOM bc yes we hear they kept him sheltered and were super strict … but a GUN ? Unloaded but whatever still just so not in any way made sense with the rest of the story
Also was super uninterested in the side characters and didn’t really enjoy any of the dialogue and yeah really just overall this was not for me and that’s okay maybe it’ll be for someone else
June 8, 2026
I cannot believe I just read a MM romance where they didn't actually fuck 😭 I feel like I got edged for 294 pages like what the hell?
On one hand this was delightfully green flag, on the other hand it was repetitive and a bit bland. The ending was ridiculously melodramatic and when that gun got whipped out I fucking cried laughing. What a random choice for that storyline. BUT I did like the characters, I liked Calums story and it was warm and fuzzy and sweet.
On one hand this was delightfully green flag, on the other hand it was repetitive and a bit bland. The ending was ridiculously melodramatic and when that gun got whipped out I fucking cried laughing. What a random choice for that storyline. BUT I did like the characters, I liked Calums story and it was warm and fuzzy and sweet.
April 6, 2026
Alright, the first half of this book was cute. Except for the whole 'he must be straight thing'. Very Charlie from Heartstopper about Nick, but like as a bisexual, Ian should know better than assuming someone's orientation.
What in the right wing Christian fundamentalism was going on in the end??? Also, you don't point a gun at someone unless you intend to shoot them, but it was unloaded? Maybe Callum's dad did that because he knew his wife was maybe going to shoot Callum? But like, why shoot him? And you're telling me in a whole ass crowd of people, no one did anything except record the whole thing? No one called the cops or 911 or got security? WILD.
In what timeline are we in that COLLEGE STUDENTS are out here with whole ass nice apartments, can cook, clean and are into bondage and have handcuffs, bandage ropes and all sorts of kinky things??? Maybe times have changed since I was in college or maybe I'm just in a different tax bracket but that was the most unbelievable part to me. Also, Ian was a student athlete so with practices and games, what time did he have to engage in all these *spicy* extracurriculars?
What in the right wing Christian fundamentalism was going on in the end??? Also, you don't point a gun at someone unless you intend to shoot them, but it was unloaded? Maybe Callum's dad did that because he knew his wife was maybe going to shoot Callum? But like, why shoot him? And you're telling me in a whole ass crowd of people, no one did anything except record the whole thing? No one called the cops or 911 or got security? WILD.
In what timeline are we in that COLLEGE STUDENTS are out here with whole ass nice apartments, can cook, clean and are into bondage and have handcuffs, bandage ropes and all sorts of kinky things??? Maybe times have changed since I was in college or maybe I'm just in a different tax bracket but that was the most unbelievable part to me. Also, Ian was a student athlete so with practices and games, what time did he have to engage in all these *spicy* extracurriculars?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2026
Spoilers but I'm not hiding the review because it doesn't contain spoilers until later on into it
Look, it's mostly just 'okay... i guess?' until the climax 87% of the way through the book
I personally feel like the characters are fine, more so the love interests are okay while the side characters are poorly fleshed out or used to essentially move the story forward without dimensionality
Ian playing baseball is fairly inaccurate as the story fails to portray the life of a student athlete (as in, he should have so much more of his time being taken up by baseball, more similar to what the author chooses to initiate around halfway through the book). I also disagree with most critiques that flame the author for having Ian jump to the conclusion that Callum is straight because it fits the narrative of the author attempting to portray Callum as straight-presenting (which is a separate element to critique entirely). Also, Ian not speaking to the police would land him in jail no matter what story was told by witnesses without visual evidence (which maybe the police officer letting him go scot-free is a non-issue). With that being said, he shouldn't have a gun charge on his record based on the situational circumstances and because the author fails to include a point of 'he needs to beat the criminal charge in order to play baseball again' removing him from the team wouldn't make sense contextually.
I second a lot of the reviews focused on Callum that critique how it's strange that he goes from a sexless, closeted, virgin to being essentially okay with being VERY out and discovering his kinks in the span of 4ish months. Kinks would have worked a lot better had he discovered them as a part of his thoughtcrime of discovering that he's gay. Also, sure... the book is fiction. You're telling me Callum is 6'5", buff, with a sizeable penis and no one has hit on him before? no one? like, the guy has never gotten pussy not a day of class at West Wisconsin Community College? like... really? 'everyone looks at me strange' no one has ever strolled up to him and subtlety been like 'i'm trying to ride that!' like, ever? I will credit the author for accurately portraying Callum as a side, not so much so within the context of how he's very up and down when it comes to his grasp on his experience with being gay.
By the conclusion of the story, I think I believe that we're running with the narrative that being gay (in a professional sport) is okay... but I don't think enough was shown in relation to the whole puritanical religiosity story line for that to be explicitly understood. With that being said, the Instagram hard launch and the BUC news article are both story beats that show Callum being a lot more okay with being publicly outed than he probably should. To stay grounded in the BUC news article, a college's newspaper isn't going to publish a story about their baseball team losing using a picture of one of the opposing players canoodling up with his boyfriend after the game. Do we grasp how ridiculous that sounds? The only other explanation is... queer player feature article. Are there no queer people at BUC? The BUC reporter didn't interview Ian. None of it makes sense. Why couldn't they have this take place at WMU and maybe fold in the coming out bit (for the sake of including two story beats in one scene).
The parents holding Callum and Ian at gunpoint was a lot of tomfoolery and bullamalarky. I think the reason that I actually changed my rating of this book from 2 stars to 1 star is because there is so much wasted potential via tying in his mother being a religious zealot to her not being mentally competent to own a firearm to her brandishing the father's firearm to it not having any bullets in it. Instead, we're handed Callum's singular thought of "I thought she couldn't get a gun-" WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUR MOTHER FAILED THE BACKGROUND CHECK TO PURCHASE A FIREARM IN WISCONSIN? You either need a felonious criminal background or a mental incompetency diagnosis for that to be the case... so which one is it? Why is the gun not loaded? I think tying in the mother's religious beliefs with a story beat of an untreated psychotic disorder would have actually sold her pulling a gun on her kid a lot more effectively.
I needed a little bit more in terms of why Callum is at this liberal arts school in New Hampshire. Sure, he gets a full-ride scholarship... but any an expensive liberal arts school would never provide a full-ride scholarship based on academic performance alone (which is actually a separate axe that needs to be ground with college-set novels in general). He has a needs-based scholarship? That requires independence from his parents prior to enrolling in school for the sake of financial aid purposes... unless his parents' combined income is essentially nothing. And even then... why are we doing kinesiology at a school in NH when you're from WI. if it's offered at this liberal arts school, it's offered at a lot of other schools. It's a little spinning a web out of nothing, in my opinion.
I'm assuming we'll get the Laura and Sabrina book at some point but Laura seemingly only exists for Callum to come out and Sabrina only exists to tie Laura to Callum. Otherwise, they do not stand on their own. This can be extended to Nick and Jeremy in terms of side characters that do little for the story, but even then... does Jeremy count?
I couldn't fit this anywhere else, but I feel that the whole 'putting Callum in restraints' storyline was too big of a focus to essentially put it together accurately a singular time (for the amount of sex that they had over the course of the book)
I do think that some parts of my review are fairly subjective in terms of the things that I want to see in the books that I want to read and the realism that I (sub)consciously would like to be reflected in them. With that being said, I personally feel that the climax is one of the worst that I've read in my (limited) experience of MM-Romance
Look, it's mostly just 'okay... i guess?' until the climax 87% of the way through the book
I personally feel like the characters are fine, more so the love interests are okay while the side characters are poorly fleshed out or used to essentially move the story forward without dimensionality
Ian playing baseball is fairly inaccurate as the story fails to portray the life of a student athlete (as in, he should have so much more of his time being taken up by baseball, more similar to what the author chooses to initiate around halfway through the book). I also disagree with most critiques that flame the author for having Ian jump to the conclusion that Callum is straight because it fits the narrative of the author attempting to portray Callum as straight-presenting (which is a separate element to critique entirely). Also, Ian not speaking to the police would land him in jail no matter what story was told by witnesses without visual evidence (which maybe the police officer letting him go scot-free is a non-issue). With that being said, he shouldn't have a gun charge on his record based on the situational circumstances and because the author fails to include a point of 'he needs to beat the criminal charge in order to play baseball again' removing him from the team wouldn't make sense contextually.
I second a lot of the reviews focused on Callum that critique how it's strange that he goes from a sexless, closeted, virgin to being essentially okay with being VERY out and discovering his kinks in the span of 4ish months. Kinks would have worked a lot better had he discovered them as a part of his thoughtcrime of discovering that he's gay. Also, sure... the book is fiction. You're telling me Callum is 6'5", buff, with a sizeable penis and no one has hit on him before? no one? like, the guy has never gotten pussy not a day of class at West Wisconsin Community College? like... really? 'everyone looks at me strange' no one has ever strolled up to him and subtlety been like 'i'm trying to ride that!' like, ever? I will credit the author for accurately portraying Callum as a side, not so much so within the context of how he's very up and down when it comes to his grasp on his experience with being gay.
By the conclusion of the story, I think I believe that we're running with the narrative that being gay (in a professional sport) is okay... but I don't think enough was shown in relation to the whole puritanical religiosity story line for that to be explicitly understood. With that being said, the Instagram hard launch and the BUC news article are both story beats that show Callum being a lot more okay with being publicly outed than he probably should. To stay grounded in the BUC news article, a college's newspaper isn't going to publish a story about their baseball team losing using a picture of one of the opposing players canoodling up with his boyfriend after the game. Do we grasp how ridiculous that sounds? The only other explanation is... queer player feature article. Are there no queer people at BUC? The BUC reporter didn't interview Ian. None of it makes sense. Why couldn't they have this take place at WMU and maybe fold in the coming out bit (for the sake of including two story beats in one scene).
The parents holding Callum and Ian at gunpoint was a lot of tomfoolery and bullamalarky. I think the reason that I actually changed my rating of this book from 2 stars to 1 star is because there is so much wasted potential via tying in his mother being a religious zealot to her not being mentally competent to own a firearm to her brandishing the father's firearm to it not having any bullets in it. Instead, we're handed Callum's singular thought of "I thought she couldn't get a gun-" WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUR MOTHER FAILED THE BACKGROUND CHECK TO PURCHASE A FIREARM IN WISCONSIN? You either need a felonious criminal background or a mental incompetency diagnosis for that to be the case... so which one is it? Why is the gun not loaded? I think tying in the mother's religious beliefs with a story beat of an untreated psychotic disorder would have actually sold her pulling a gun on her kid a lot more effectively.
I needed a little bit more in terms of why Callum is at this liberal arts school in New Hampshire. Sure, he gets a full-ride scholarship... but any an expensive liberal arts school would never provide a full-ride scholarship based on academic performance alone (which is actually a separate axe that needs to be ground with college-set novels in general). He has a needs-based scholarship? That requires independence from his parents prior to enrolling in school for the sake of financial aid purposes... unless his parents' combined income is essentially nothing. And even then... why are we doing kinesiology at a school in NH when you're from WI. if it's offered at this liberal arts school, it's offered at a lot of other schools. It's a little spinning a web out of nothing, in my opinion.
I'm assuming we'll get the Laura and Sabrina book at some point but Laura seemingly only exists for Callum to come out and Sabrina only exists to tie Laura to Callum. Otherwise, they do not stand on their own. This can be extended to Nick and Jeremy in terms of side characters that do little for the story, but even then... does Jeremy count?
I couldn't fit this anywhere else, but I feel that the whole 'putting Callum in restraints' storyline was too big of a focus to essentially put it together accurately a singular time (for the amount of sex that they had over the course of the book)
I do think that some parts of my review are fairly subjective in terms of the things that I want to see in the books that I want to read and the realism that I (sub)consciously would like to be reflected in them. With that being said, I personally feel that the climax is one of the worst that I've read in my (limited) experience of MM-Romance
March 25, 2026
It sounded cute! The writing is just terrible. It feels like it’s supposed to be geared towards middle school kids. Like it’s really “dumbed” down. Like us as mature adults won’t understand it! Everything is way over explained when it doesn’t need to be at all!
Then they say “Hey man, what’s good?” Do people actually talk like that? “what’s good?” I haven’t heard that expression in like 20 years!
I also find it quite annoying that Ian automatically assumes people are straight. Like don’t assume that shit! It’s offensive and just bullshit!
I actually don’t know what’s worse, the inner dialogue or the actual dialogue! 🤣🤣
I can’t with this “dude-bro” writing! “I didn’t even get to dap him goodbye.” WTF does that even mean?! Guess I’m just a “boomer” that’s too stupid to understand this immature bullshit!
It seriously felt like I was reading a teenagers diary!
“Broski”!!!! Jesus Christ! DNF! I can’t!
Then they say “Hey man, what’s good?” Do people actually talk like that? “what’s good?” I haven’t heard that expression in like 20 years!
I also find it quite annoying that Ian automatically assumes people are straight. Like don’t assume that shit! It’s offensive and just bullshit!
I actually don’t know what’s worse, the inner dialogue or the actual dialogue! 🤣🤣
I can’t with this “dude-bro” writing! “I didn’t even get to dap him goodbye.” WTF does that even mean?! Guess I’m just a “boomer” that’s too stupid to understand this immature bullshit!
It seriously felt like I was reading a teenagers diary!
“Broski”!!!! Jesus Christ! DNF! I can’t!
Did Not Finish
April 4, 2026dnf @ 40%
absolutely excruciating to get through if you want an actually good and enjoyable roommates and friends to lovers with an athlete and a nerd set in college just read shots on net and dont pick this up like this was so fucking bad. the writing is absolutely ridiculous we spend too much time romanticizing basic interactions please stop obsessing over your friend getting you a glass of water thats ridiculous and SO MUCH TIME thirsting over each other and then subsequently feeling guilty for doing so?????? especially in callum's head my GOD this bitch needs to loosen up and get over his hangups and hes in therapy but clearly not doing it properly becuase its MISERABLE being in his head. i tried so hard getting through this but i just CANT i just CANT! i want to do my homework more than i want to read this book! thats how you know its bad!
absolutely excruciating to get through if you want an actually good and enjoyable roommates and friends to lovers with an athlete and a nerd set in college just read shots on net and dont pick this up like this was so fucking bad. the writing is absolutely ridiculous we spend too much time romanticizing basic interactions please stop obsessing over your friend getting you a glass of water thats ridiculous and SO MUCH TIME thirsting over each other and then subsequently feeling guilty for doing so?????? especially in callum's head my GOD this bitch needs to loosen up and get over his hangups and hes in therapy but clearly not doing it properly becuase its MISERABLE being in his head. i tried so hard getting through this but i just CANT i just CANT! i want to do my homework more than i want to read this book! thats how you know its bad!
May 15, 2026
Dang. This was your classic college, sports adjacent, baby gay yearning friends to lovers with two very likable MMCs…and then the third act crisis was such a cringe fest the whole thing tanked and never recovered. I wish I could have just read the first 2/3 and un-know what I now know.
Oh well. Very readable until the last 20%. I’m not mad about it. Just 😖😖😖.
Oh well. Very readable until the last 20%. I’m not mad about it. Just 😖😖😖.
April 13, 2026
I read this in one go and I loved it. This book was a very easy read where both characters really complemented each other’s flaws and insecurities and helped the other heal. Rather low angst hurt comfort, and I really liked the character development especially with Callum. I think it was quite realistic how his growth was depicted in the context of finally getting to a place of safety and having someone he can trust deeply for the first time in his life. The amount of spice was good and the relationship between Ian and Callum was super sweet.
So when I came here to post a review I was a bit surprised to see a lot of people taking issue with the book. Naturally not everything will appeal to everyone and people can review as they want, but after reading some reviews I had to go back and look through the book again because I was wondering if I read the same thing.
For example, taking strident offense to Callum having (very mild) kinks that he indulges in twice doesn't make sense to me. His growth happens over months (not days or weeks), and is clearly tied to therapy and finally feeling safe enough to explore anything at all with someone he has huge trust in. The first times Callum has sex are very conventional, and the discovery of his specific likes happens naturally later on after that trust is established. Now that I re read the sections this aspect was actually spelled out a little too much imo. Then there's also the fact that some people can find comfort/healing/catharsis in certain activities, but apparently having a history of trauma prohibits independent adults from having preferences.
Also some of the comments about the dialogue and tone are exhausting because the characters are literally 19 so you can probably assume that they’re going to sound like 19 year old guys. Maybe don't read a book about college athletes if you don't like the way that group talks in real life. And a huge point of the book is for two people with insecurities to find each other and heal, so ofc there’s going to be insecurity and overthinking in both characters that isn't necessarily solved immediately.
It feels like people complaining about Ian assuming Callum is straight are ignoring how common it is for queer people to think that way in real life. Statistically most people are straight, and a lot of queer people default to that assumption to avoid putting themselves in awkward or unsafe situations. Like at this point why even read mm/queer romance if something like this bothers you because this kind of misunderstanding is so common.
Idk why I got so annoyed on this book specifically but I’ve been feeling this same way after looking at reviews for my last few reads and I’m honestly getting tired. I’m begging people to maybe actually read what’s on the page and apply even the smallest amount of critical thinking because a lot of the complaints I’m seeing are about things that are either explicitly shown or even core parts of the genre. I feel like this is exactly why books especially in romance now keep doing more and more spoonfeeding because some people refuse to stop skimming and then making assumptions.
Ok yeah I’m done here before I get more frustrated. TLDR I really liked this book which was a kind of spicy low angst/feel good college romance. Not every book is for everyone but also maybe don’t pick up a book/genre if you already know you don’t like its core features and then act scandalized when those things show up.
So when I came here to post a review I was a bit surprised to see a lot of people taking issue with the book. Naturally not everything will appeal to everyone and people can review as they want, but after reading some reviews I had to go back and look through the book again because I was wondering if I read the same thing.
For example, taking strident offense to Callum having (very mild) kinks that he indulges in twice doesn't make sense to me. His growth happens over months (not days or weeks), and is clearly tied to therapy and finally feeling safe enough to explore anything at all with someone he has huge trust in. The first times Callum has sex are very conventional, and the discovery of his specific likes happens naturally later on after that trust is established. Now that I re read the sections this aspect was actually spelled out a little too much imo. Then there's also the fact that some people can find comfort/healing/catharsis in certain activities, but apparently having a history of trauma prohibits independent adults from having preferences.
Also some of the comments about the dialogue and tone are exhausting because the characters are literally 19 so you can probably assume that they’re going to sound like 19 year old guys. Maybe don't read a book about college athletes if you don't like the way that group talks in real life. And a huge point of the book is for two people with insecurities to find each other and heal, so ofc there’s going to be insecurity and overthinking in both characters that isn't necessarily solved immediately.
It feels like people complaining about Ian assuming Callum is straight are ignoring how common it is for queer people to think that way in real life. Statistically most people are straight, and a lot of queer people default to that assumption to avoid putting themselves in awkward or unsafe situations. Like at this point why even read mm/queer romance if something like this bothers you because this kind of misunderstanding is so common.
Idk why I got so annoyed on this book specifically but I’ve been feeling this same way after looking at reviews for my last few reads and I’m honestly getting tired. I’m begging people to maybe actually read what’s on the page and apply even the smallest amount of critical thinking because a lot of the complaints I’m seeing are about things that are either explicitly shown or even core parts of the genre. I feel like this is exactly why books especially in romance now keep doing more and more spoonfeeding because some people refuse to stop skimming and then making assumptions.
Ok yeah I’m done here before I get more frustrated. TLDR I really liked this book which was a kind of spicy low angst/feel good college romance. Not every book is for everyone but also maybe don’t pick up a book/genre if you already know you don’t like its core features and then act scandalized when those things show up.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews and the author for this ARC!
IT. WAS. SO. CUTE.
This book gave me vibes of Game Changer by Rachel Reid and 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love by Emmy Sanders, don't ask me why. It’s not even about the plot. It’s more about how freaking sweet and funny the banter was.
What I really loved about this book is that, even with the fear of open communication, it doesn't take ages for the main characters to actually TALK. Which feels so rare these days. Every time I thought “Oh no, it is starting to be annoying, he is going to keep his feelings bottled up and suffer silently for the next ten chapters”, they surprised me by actually communicating. Wow. It was refreshing.
I also loved the whole Callum's healing journey and how it was made clear that Callum doesn’t need Ian’s love to survive. That Ian doesn’t “save” him, he just adds more happiness to his life. Healthy and spicy relationship, ladies and gentlemen.
It felt a little bit long in the middle, but I still had a great time. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author.
Even though I consider this book to be a very light reading, I am copying Content Warnings here, so you could make the best decision for yourself:
IT. WAS. SO. CUTE.
This book gave me vibes of Game Changer by Rachel Reid and 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love by Emmy Sanders, don't ask me why. It’s not even about the plot. It’s more about how freaking sweet and funny the banter was.
What I really loved about this book is that, even with the fear of open communication, it doesn't take ages for the main characters to actually TALK. Which feels so rare these days. Every time I thought “Oh no, it is starting to be annoying, he is going to keep his feelings bottled up and suffer silently for the next ten chapters”, they surprised me by actually communicating. Wow. It was refreshing.
I also loved the whole Callum's healing journey and how it was made clear that Callum doesn’t need Ian’s love to survive. That Ian doesn’t “save” him, he just adds more happiness to his life. Healthy and spicy relationship, ladies and gentlemen.
I’d be okay on my own, but he adds to my life in a way I couldn’t do myself. Like how black coffee does the job to wake me up, and I like it alright, but milk helps it go down smoother. My life would be fine if I was lactose intolerant, but his cream makes it so much better— Oh, god. That analogy took a filthy turn, even if it’s true.
It felt a little bit long in the middle, but I still had a great time. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author.
Even though I consider this book to be a very light reading, I am copying Content Warnings here, so you could make the best decision for yourself:
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I received an advance copy from the publisher/author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ok so this is a really cute story about 2 men in college, a bi baseball player and a sheltered transfer student who is gay but hasn’t been suffocated and ran away from ultra oppressive parents.
Callum has trauma from being raised in an ultra religious, neglectful, emotionally abusive home that sheltered him from outside beliefs. He carries deep shame, not about being gay, but about being a burden, taking what he feels he doesn’t deserve. His parents enforced the belief of sexual purity to the extreme and he has trouble accepting anything kind or attentive from anyone.
Ian is super outgoing bisexual golden retriever type who was blown off previously by someone/s saying he was clingy and just too much. He has a dislike and fear of rejection. He is always second guessing his friendship with Callum because of that previous experiences.
What I really liked about this story is Callums ability to seek out help for the issues he knows he has. He follows the advice of his therapist, and throughout the book we watch him make healthy decisions, use his learned positive coping mechanisms, and communicate openly (for the most part) at his own pace with Ian.
Ian is so incredibly smitten with Callum and is just purely happy to go at Callums pace, follow his lead, and support him when needed. They communicate so well as friends and eventually boyfriends. They have a great friend group who support them and provided levity when needed.
If I had to pick something that didn’t exactly work for me I would say it felt a little long in the middle, and some of the terms were either overused or unrealistic IMO. Dude and bro were used a lot and I don’t fee like college kids would use the endearment Buddy as much as in this book. It took me out of the story because of it.
The last thing i will say without spoilers is I had to give Callum some grace in his rationale and thinking when it came to him being open with Ian and those around him. I had to remind myself that just because he had the courage to get away from his family doesn’t magically make the way he was brought up to think magically go away, and he needed to open up at his own pace and comfort.
This is a low angst, MM, friends to roommates to lovers, hurt comfort book with some spice and an HEA.
Ok so this is a really cute story about 2 men in college, a bi baseball player and a sheltered transfer student who is gay but hasn’t been suffocated and ran away from ultra oppressive parents.
Callum has trauma from being raised in an ultra religious, neglectful, emotionally abusive home that sheltered him from outside beliefs. He carries deep shame, not about being gay, but about being a burden, taking what he feels he doesn’t deserve. His parents enforced the belief of sexual purity to the extreme and he has trouble accepting anything kind or attentive from anyone.
Ian is super outgoing bisexual golden retriever type who was blown off previously by someone/s saying he was clingy and just too much. He has a dislike and fear of rejection. He is always second guessing his friendship with Callum because of that previous experiences.
What I really liked about this story is Callums ability to seek out help for the issues he knows he has. He follows the advice of his therapist, and throughout the book we watch him make healthy decisions, use his learned positive coping mechanisms, and communicate openly (for the most part) at his own pace with Ian.
Ian is so incredibly smitten with Callum and is just purely happy to go at Callums pace, follow his lead, and support him when needed. They communicate so well as friends and eventually boyfriends. They have a great friend group who support them and provided levity when needed.
If I had to pick something that didn’t exactly work for me I would say it felt a little long in the middle, and some of the terms were either overused or unrealistic IMO. Dude and bro were used a lot and I don’t fee like college kids would use the endearment Buddy as much as in this book. It took me out of the story because of it.
The last thing i will say without spoilers is I had to give Callum some grace in his rationale and thinking when it came to him being open with Ian and those around him. I had to remind myself that just because he had the courage to get away from his family doesn’t magically make the way he was brought up to think magically go away, and he needed to open up at his own pace and comfort.
This is a low angst, MM, friends to roommates to lovers, hurt comfort book with some spice and an HEA.
February 18, 2026
FREE BASE is the first book in the WMU series. In it, we meet Ian, Nick, Sabrina, and Laura, before adding Callum into the mix. For Ian, it is crush at first sight when he spots Callum, but it is only thanks to Nick that they speak.
Ian has been told (and rejected because) he's too clingy and needy. Callum is pretty much touch-starved and is messed up mentally, through no fault of his own. He has been 'sheltered' to use his own words. Ian works hard to get over his crush on the straight guy, while Callum desperately wants to stop feeling things for Ian, which he is sure goes against the friendship code.
Well, now, these two melted my heart! I loved how Ian was so giving in every situation, and yet never boasted or bragged about what he had. His friends are also the best, and I loved the encouragement they not only gave him, but Callum too. And Callum, man, if ever there was a character I wanted to wrap in cotton wool to stop him from getting hurt again, it's Callum. Luckily for me, Ian is on hand to look after him, with the added bonus of Callum looking after Ian in return. And you could say both of them are needy and clingy... or you could just say they are a perfect match.
This was a great introduction to a new series. I really hope Nick gets a book of his own. One thing I need to add is that I was happy to read a book that isn't hockey- or football-related. You don't get much detail on the baseball side of things, but the fact that it's there was enough to make me want to read this book.
A low-angst, golden retriever-type book that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. I can't wait to continue with this series.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 18, 2026
Ian has been told (and rejected because) he's too clingy and needy. Callum is pretty much touch-starved and is messed up mentally, through no fault of his own. He has been 'sheltered' to use his own words. Ian works hard to get over his crush on the straight guy, while Callum desperately wants to stop feeling things for Ian, which he is sure goes against the friendship code.
Well, now, these two melted my heart! I loved how Ian was so giving in every situation, and yet never boasted or bragged about what he had. His friends are also the best, and I loved the encouragement they not only gave him, but Callum too. And Callum, man, if ever there was a character I wanted to wrap in cotton wool to stop him from getting hurt again, it's Callum. Luckily for me, Ian is on hand to look after him, with the added bonus of Callum looking after Ian in return. And you could say both of them are needy and clingy... or you could just say they are a perfect match.
This was a great introduction to a new series. I really hope Nick gets a book of his own. One thing I need to add is that I was happy to read a book that isn't hockey- or football-related. You don't get much detail on the baseball side of things, but the fact that it's there was enough to make me want to read this book.
A low-angst, golden retriever-type book that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. I can't wait to continue with this series.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 18, 2026
February 4, 2026
Huge thank you to Gay Romance Reviews, the author S. J. Crawford and the publisher for the chance to read and review an advanced copy of Free Base!
Oh man, I am completely in love with Callum and lan! I thought lan was awkward in the beginning... just wait until you get to Callum's pov in the next chapter. That poor boys awkwardness was off the charts (for good reason!)
Callum... sweet, sweet, baby Callum. Our LLBean model meets nightclub bouncer? (Is that even a thing? lan says it is.) Can we all just give the guy a hug? He needs it. His story broke my heart. He has lived a very sheltered life with verbally abusive religious extremists parents. Callum over analyzes everything he does and says to try to be "normal". He's not used to someone caring about him.
Which brings me to lan, THE MOST CARING PERSON YOU WILL LITERALLY EVER MEET. He's a lil clingy and possessive and he just wants someone that will be clingy back. He wants someone to fall for him with the same amount of energy, intensity and love that he gives.
The friends to roommates to lovers relationship between Callum and lan was
*chefs kiss*
The side characters were fire!
And the spice was SPICING.
It doesn't get much better.
Shoutout to Nick Russell - lan's EPIC wingman! Without him, we wouldn't even have this book, because I doubt lan would have gathered the courage to fist bump the sexy flannel wearing new guy Also, the banter between lan and Nick is top notch! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a Nick book!!!
Release date: February 18, 2026
Hurt/Comfort
Forced Proximity
Friends to Lovers
Slow Burn
Found family
First Time (also known as Virgin MC)
Secondary Tropes
College
Baseball
Caretaking
Height Difference
#DugoutDaddies #HomePlateHotties #BallparkBoyfriends
Oh man, I am completely in love with Callum and lan! I thought lan was awkward in the beginning... just wait until you get to Callum's pov in the next chapter. That poor boys awkwardness was off the charts (for good reason!)
Callum... sweet, sweet, baby Callum. Our LLBean model meets nightclub bouncer? (Is that even a thing? lan says it is.) Can we all just give the guy a hug? He needs it. His story broke my heart. He has lived a very sheltered life with verbally abusive religious extremists parents. Callum over analyzes everything he does and says to try to be "normal". He's not used to someone caring about him.
Which brings me to lan, THE MOST CARING PERSON YOU WILL LITERALLY EVER MEET. He's a lil clingy and possessive and he just wants someone that will be clingy back. He wants someone to fall for him with the same amount of energy, intensity and love that he gives.
The friends to roommates to lovers relationship between Callum and lan was
*chefs kiss*
The side characters were fire!
And the spice was SPICING.
It doesn't get much better.
Shoutout to Nick Russell - lan's EPIC wingman! Without him, we wouldn't even have this book, because I doubt lan would have gathered the courage to fist bump the sexy flannel wearing new guy Also, the banter between lan and Nick is top notch! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a Nick book!!!
Release date: February 18, 2026
Hurt/Comfort
Forced Proximity
Friends to Lovers
Slow Burn
Found family
First Time (also known as Virgin MC)
Secondary Tropes
College
Baseball
Caretaking
Height Difference
#DugoutDaddies #HomePlateHotties #BallparkBoyfriends
February 22, 2026
4.5/5 stars
"Free Base" is a superior, page-turning (or page-swiping), well-plotted and well-written m/m college romance novel. This is a trickier genre than a lot of readers (and writers) realize, because writing two male first-person narrators who don't sound alike and who are believable as college-age men and as romance main characters at the same time isn't easy. Crawford hits a home run both with baseball player Ian Scott, whose desire for affection has frightened off men before, and even more so with the appropriately-surnamed Callum Cross, who literally escaped in the night from fanatically religious parents and finds an emotional home with Ian.
Crawford's plotting is tight, with relatively little overt authorial nudging of his characters or external events. He lays the groundwork for the big climax well and his characters earn their happy ending. Callum's process of emotional and sexual self-discovery is compelling. The spicy scenes are very hot but also very believable, and better still, believably written in the characters' voices. The supporting characters get the job done, and I hope that Nick returns in the next book in the series.
"Free Base" is a good story well-told. This was the first book I've read by Crawford, but I'm going to check out his previous two.
With thanks to the author and Evernorth Books for access to a digital ARC on Gay Romance Reviews. All opinions are very definitely my own.
"Free Base" is a superior, page-turning (or page-swiping), well-plotted and well-written m/m college romance novel. This is a trickier genre than a lot of readers (and writers) realize, because writing two male first-person narrators who don't sound alike and who are believable as college-age men and as romance main characters at the same time isn't easy. Crawford hits a home run both with baseball player Ian Scott, whose desire for affection has frightened off men before, and even more so with the appropriately-surnamed Callum Cross, who literally escaped in the night from fanatically religious parents and finds an emotional home with Ian.
Crawford's plotting is tight, with relatively little overt authorial nudging of his characters or external events. He lays the groundwork for the big climax well and his characters earn their happy ending. Callum's process of emotional and sexual self-discovery is compelling. The spicy scenes are very hot but also very believable, and better still, believably written in the characters' voices. The supporting characters get the job done, and I hope that Nick returns in the next book in the series.
"Free Base" is a good story well-told. This was the first book I've read by Crawford, but I'm going to check out his previous two.
With thanks to the author and Evernorth Books for access to a digital ARC on Gay Romance Reviews. All opinions are very definitely my own.
June 16, 2026
Super cute and sweet romance between two very green flag MC's. Ian is the popular bi baseball player. Callum is the new guy on campus, quiet and deconstructing religious trauma from his up bringing. While overall the book is fairly low angst, there is a bit of the heavier plot line while Callum works through his feelings and his upbringing - I did like that there was strong representation of him getting help from a therapist on campus and we see him using the techniques he's learned as well as him reaching out when he need help. In the first half of the book, there's a bit too much of the two MC's "crushing on the obviously straight guy" for my tastes. This is has the forced proximity trope that was really well done - Callum's dorm is damaged and Ian invites him to move into his apartment and the beginning of that roommate time, as they are aware of each other is really cute. Ian's also battling his own past, as being told he's "too much" - but he's a natural caregiver and is perfect for what Callum needs - even to the point of Callum asking him to back off and when I was sure I *knew* what was going to happen didn't I was super excited. They are both 20 and I felt that most of the time they sounded and acted as the 20ish year olds I know. The supporting cast of characters around them really added to the story as well. Please check the author's web site for content warnings, as there are a few scenes (of the non spicy variety) that could be triggering. S.J. is a new to me author and I can't wait to read more from them!
February 21, 2026
A lovely soft, friends-to-lovers, sweet, emotionally satisfying start to a new series.
Ian is determined to keep his heart safe after being labelled “too much” one too many times. Then Callum arrives on campus, quiet, guarded and clearly carrying more than just a sports bag’s worth of baggage. Ian’s crush is immediate, but he’s convinced it’s hopeless. Callum, meanwhile, is battling his own history and a deep-seated belief that he’s better off unnoticed. Watching these two try (and fail) to keep their feelings neatly in the “just friends” box is both tender and quietly addictive.
What really worked for me was the emotional dynamic. Ian’s openness and generosity never feel performative; he simply cares, instinctively and without keeping score. Callum, who has spent most of his life starved of affection, doesn’t quite know what to do with that at first. Their connection builds through small acts of kindness, shared space and late-night vulnerability rather than grand gestures.
The supporting cast adds warmth without overshadowing the central pairing, and while baseball forms the backdrop, the focus stays firmly on character growth and healing. This is low-angst, high-comfort reading, the kind of story where two “needy” boys turn out to be exactly what the other needs.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Ian is determined to keep his heart safe after being labelled “too much” one too many times. Then Callum arrives on campus, quiet, guarded and clearly carrying more than just a sports bag’s worth of baggage. Ian’s crush is immediate, but he’s convinced it’s hopeless. Callum, meanwhile, is battling his own history and a deep-seated belief that he’s better off unnoticed. Watching these two try (and fail) to keep their feelings neatly in the “just friends” box is both tender and quietly addictive.
What really worked for me was the emotional dynamic. Ian’s openness and generosity never feel performative; he simply cares, instinctively and without keeping score. Callum, who has spent most of his life starved of affection, doesn’t quite know what to do with that at first. Their connection builds through small acts of kindness, shared space and late-night vulnerability rather than grand gestures.
The supporting cast adds warmth without overshadowing the central pairing, and while baseball forms the backdrop, the focus stays firmly on character growth and healing. This is low-angst, high-comfort reading, the kind of story where two “needy” boys turn out to be exactly what the other needs.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
February 28, 2026
Free Base by S.J. Crawford is a sweet, low-angst college romance filled with character growth, self-discovery, and a beautifully supportive found family.
Ian notices Callum on the first day of class and feels an immediate pull—despite swearing off dating. Callum, having fled a sheltered and deeply unhealthy home life, is starting over in a new state and trying to figure out who he is outside of the world he escaped. Watching his backstory unfold in phases was heartbreaking, and I really appreciated the mental health representation woven throughout.
Ian is such a standout character—affectionate, open, and vulnerable, even after being told he’s “too much” in the past. Meanwhile, Callum is touch-starved, resilient, and learning what safety and acceptance actually look like. Their relationship develops slowly and steadily, built on friendship, miscommunication (“he’s obviously straight”), and eventually choosing to communicate.
The romance is tender and reassuring, even when outside circumstances add tension. The ending delivers a strong emotional payoff, and I loved how certain the love felt by the end.
Perfect for fans of college romance, roommates-to-lovers, insta-crush, sports (with a sprinkle of baseball), and found family vibes.
I’m excited to see where this new series goes next.
Ian notices Callum on the first day of class and feels an immediate pull—despite swearing off dating. Callum, having fled a sheltered and deeply unhealthy home life, is starting over in a new state and trying to figure out who he is outside of the world he escaped. Watching his backstory unfold in phases was heartbreaking, and I really appreciated the mental health representation woven throughout.
Ian is such a standout character—affectionate, open, and vulnerable, even after being told he’s “too much” in the past. Meanwhile, Callum is touch-starved, resilient, and learning what safety and acceptance actually look like. Their relationship develops slowly and steadily, built on friendship, miscommunication (“he’s obviously straight”), and eventually choosing to communicate.
The romance is tender and reassuring, even when outside circumstances add tension. The ending delivers a strong emotional payoff, and I loved how certain the love felt by the end.
Perfect for fans of college romance, roommates-to-lovers, insta-crush, sports (with a sprinkle of baseball), and found family vibes.
I’m excited to see where this new series goes next.
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