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A Siren's Point Story #2
Facing Leeward
Winters are slow in Siren’s Point. For Nils Lee, that means solitude, tending his chickens, and minding his own. It means days of silence. For Oliver Martin, the season brings a different, unique set of challenges: home repairs and loneliness.
Neighbors and coworkers, Nils and Oliver are together more often than they are apart. It’s not enough, though, and both of them wish for more. More time, more companionship, more intimacy. Unsure of how to ask for it, they simply move forward as they are, ignoring the attraction growing between them.
Oliver knows he can be a lot. His personality, his energy, his inability to talk, or think, in a straight line. All of it, too much for most people, and certainly too much for quiet, calm Nils.
Nils has spent his life choosing silence. A partner was never in his future. And, until Oliver moved in next door, he might have said that life was perfect for him. Now, he wishes the short distance between their houses didn’t exist and Oliver was always near enough for Nils to hear him singing.
When a massive winter storm hits Siren’s Point, the choice about whether to close that last bit of space is made for them. With snow falling outside and a fire burning, Oliver and Nils find out there is more than one way to stay warm during winter.
Neighbors and coworkers, Nils and Oliver are together more often than they are apart. It’s not enough, though, and both of them wish for more. More time, more companionship, more intimacy. Unsure of how to ask for it, they simply move forward as they are, ignoring the attraction growing between them.
Oliver knows he can be a lot. His personality, his energy, his inability to talk, or think, in a straight line. All of it, too much for most people, and certainly too much for quiet, calm Nils.
Nils has spent his life choosing silence. A partner was never in his future. And, until Oliver moved in next door, he might have said that life was perfect for him. Now, he wishes the short distance between their houses didn’t exist and Oliver was always near enough for Nils to hear him singing.
When a massive winter storm hits Siren’s Point, the choice about whether to close that last bit of space is made for them. With snow falling outside and a fire burning, Oliver and Nils find out there is more than one way to stay warm during winter.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
July 3, 2026
8/10 Яка ж ✨ніжнятіна✨. Читати про таке мальовниче сніжне❄️ містечко треба було як раз в +40. Авторка підримує Україну 🇺🇦 і пише дуже тендітні книжки. Ця про двох ловців лобстерів🦀
Did Not Finish
August 1, 2026Could NOT get into this for the life of me. A month later, I'm ready to call it.
June 18, 2026
3.5 rounding up because I feel bad only giving this a 3 star when I LOVE the characters 😂
This had all the elements to make me love the story: Great writing, two lovely main characters (seriously, I love them both so much🥰), mutual crush, no miscommunication, chickens, DATING (talk about needle in a haystack, so hard to find!) and no drama with others so why didn't I love it?😩
While I loved the MCs relationship, the rest of the story didn't really have me fully engaged, the book felt too long with not enough happening to hold my attention. There were things I wanted to see on page that didn't happen, and so many things that happened towards the very end that I wished had happened sooner in the story so we could spend more time leading up to the epilogue on page. 🤷♀️
Just not too sure with this one on why it didn't work out for me the way it should've given it's everything I love. I am an avid low angst lover and this definitely delivers in that aspect but I guess it turns out I still need some driving force to produce strong emotions or on-page strong emotions when reaching different relationship milestones. Give me the giddiness and overwhelming joy in the right places,pls!
I would've really liked to have seen
Anyway, this is a lovely slow romantic story. You just have to be in the right mood for it.
This had all the elements to make me love the story: Great writing, two lovely main characters (seriously, I love them both so much🥰), mutual crush, no miscommunication, chickens, DATING (talk about needle in a haystack, so hard to find!) and no drama with others so why didn't I love it?😩
While I loved the MCs relationship, the rest of the story didn't really have me fully engaged, the book felt too long with not enough happening to hold my attention. There were things I wanted to see on page that didn't happen, and so many things that happened towards the very end that I wished had happened sooner in the story so we could spend more time leading up to the epilogue on page. 🤷♀️
Just not too sure with this one on why it didn't work out for me the way it should've given it's everything I love. I am an avid low angst lover and this definitely delivers in that aspect but I guess it turns out I still need some driving force to produce strong emotions or on-page strong emotions when reaching different relationship milestones. Give me the giddiness and overwhelming joy in the right places,pls!
I would've really liked to have seen
Anyway, this is a lovely slow romantic story. You just have to be in the right mood for it.
June 19, 2026
I loved these two. I love their dynamic and the slow, sweet way they develop their relationship. Both of them are such gorgeous characters in their own right.
I love JJ Mulder as an author, and I did enjoy the book; the writing is great as usual, the setting beautifully done, but I couldn’t mark it as a 5. Although their relationship is cute to read, nothing else happens until the last three chapters; then it’s all over and done too quickly.
I would have much preferred this to happen sooner in the book and had a chapter on them moving in together and navigating that new step. I feel like we were cheated.
May 28, 2026
Surprise surprise, JJ Mulder does it again 🥹
Read
June 18, 2026This was cozy to the point of almost being boring but I liked the characters enough that it was okay to just hang out and cook and talk interior design with them.
There were a few really abrupt scene jumps though, to the point I wondered if there were errors in the ebook file.
There were a few really abrupt scene jumps though, to the point I wondered if there were errors in the ebook file.
July 2, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ This is my favorite kind of book - where you just sink in and feel like you’re with the characters and can see and feel every small moment. It’s a true slow burn love story with two emotionally mature, sympathetic characters.
If you’re looking for action and drama this isn’t for you.
5 ⭐️ for the relationship and all the feels, 4 ⭐️ for the somewhat abrupt ending.
Oliver 🦞 Nils
These are two men in their late 20’s who meet as lobster fishermen and are also neighbors. We meet them 1 yr into their friendship. It’s easy to see from the beginning how genuinely kind they are to each other… and how smitten. Both treat the other carefully and almost reverently; taking their time to build trust through a thousand small moments and acts of care.
Their mutual infatuation has been building, but one weekend there’s a snowstorm and after they spend it together at Nils house, they just don’t want to be apart. I loved their love. It was about trust and companionship with all the heat and desire building from a place of utter safety. So so good. 😊
This quote at 6%: Oliver speaking about Nils: “He’s got a very steady, sure presence. Like an oak tree or a mountain. Conversely, I would be the psychotic squirrel in that scenario. He never makes me feel bad about that either, though, which is one of the many reasons he’s my favorite person.”
❤️No third act breakup
🌸 Low angst
🦞Nils has suffered w severe stuttering his whole life and was bullied for it. He is a quiet, hard working man, who has never been in any kind of relationship and avoids people. Oliver is a ray of sunshine who just never stops talking. He’s has been told he’s “too much” and is self conscious about his inability to be quiet. Somehow, these two opposites just ‘get’ each other. Nils actually listens to everything Oliver says and Oliver is able to wait patiently for Nils to speak and can read Nils micro expressions.
🗣️ Communication - There are no misunderstandings w these two. The way they communicate is just beautiful.
👬🏽 MM - both similarly sized lobster fisherman. Both out/gay. Nils also raises chickens and is an all around handyman. Oliver is a trained chef but fairly useless at repairing his falling down ‘fixer upper’.
🌶️ Spice - these two take their relationship beautifully slowly. It’s so fitting for them. Every touch, forehead and cheek kiss mean something. Oliver enjoys wearing feminine lingerie and is so worried about what Nils will think and Nils just loves it bc he loves everything about Oliver. It is open door.
🏚️Found family - This story centers on the two men but we do see glimpses of the other fishermen and Oliver’s family.
🫣No OM drama.
👥Dual POV; 1 yr later epilogue; moving in together.
I truly truly adored both of these main characters. I just can’t get enough.
I’m not a fisher person, but I also really love that Facing Leeward can be interpreted as facing toward safety. This is exactly how these two feel about each other. 🥰
Why not 5 stars: There is a medical emergency in the last 10% that results in Oliver being hospitalized. I felt like it sort of rushed the ending. I wish that had taken place a bit earlier so we could have reveled in their I love You’s and seen them settle into their house together. (Sigh)
If you’re looking for action and drama this isn’t for you.
5 ⭐️ for the relationship and all the feels, 4 ⭐️ for the somewhat abrupt ending.
Oliver 🦞 Nils
These are two men in their late 20’s who meet as lobster fishermen and are also neighbors. We meet them 1 yr into their friendship. It’s easy to see from the beginning how genuinely kind they are to each other… and how smitten. Both treat the other carefully and almost reverently; taking their time to build trust through a thousand small moments and acts of care.
Their mutual infatuation has been building, but one weekend there’s a snowstorm and after they spend it together at Nils house, they just don’t want to be apart. I loved their love. It was about trust and companionship with all the heat and desire building from a place of utter safety. So so good. 😊
This quote at 6%: Oliver speaking about Nils: “He’s got a very steady, sure presence. Like an oak tree or a mountain. Conversely, I would be the psychotic squirrel in that scenario. He never makes me feel bad about that either, though, which is one of the many reasons he’s my favorite person.”
❤️No third act breakup
🌸 Low angst
🦞Nils has suffered w severe stuttering his whole life and was bullied for it. He is a quiet, hard working man, who has never been in any kind of relationship and avoids people. Oliver is a ray of sunshine who just never stops talking. He’s has been told he’s “too much” and is self conscious about his inability to be quiet. Somehow, these two opposites just ‘get’ each other. Nils actually listens to everything Oliver says and Oliver is able to wait patiently for Nils to speak and can read Nils micro expressions.
🗣️ Communication - There are no misunderstandings w these two. The way they communicate is just beautiful.
👬🏽 MM - both similarly sized lobster fisherman. Both out/gay. Nils also raises chickens and is an all around handyman. Oliver is a trained chef but fairly useless at repairing his falling down ‘fixer upper’.
🌶️ Spice - these two take their relationship beautifully slowly. It’s so fitting for them. Every touch, forehead and cheek kiss mean something. Oliver enjoys wearing feminine lingerie and is so worried about what Nils will think and Nils just loves it bc he loves everything about Oliver. It is open door.
🏚️Found family - This story centers on the two men but we do see glimpses of the other fishermen and Oliver’s family.
🫣No OM drama.
👥Dual POV; 1 yr later epilogue; moving in together.
I truly truly adored both of these main characters. I just can’t get enough.
I’m not a fisher person, but I also really love that Facing Leeward can be interpreted as facing toward safety. This is exactly how these two feel about each other. 🥰
Why not 5 stars: There is a medical emergency in the last 10% that results in Oliver being hospitalized. I felt like it sort of rushed the ending. I wish that had taken place a bit earlier so we could have reveled in their I love You’s and seen them settle into their house together. (Sigh)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2026
I was incredibly excited to read Facing Leeward after finishing Finest Kind of Fate. Nils and Oliver were easily the most intriguing side characters in that novel. Thankfully, this is one of those rare occasions where a sequel novel entirely lived up to the version I had already constructed in my head.
At its core, Facing Leeward is JJ Mulder operating at her absolute best. Nils and Oliver are exactly the sort of pairing she excels at writing: two nuanced and complex characters whose strengths and insecurities complement one another in ways that feel believable and deeply satisfying. Nils, who lives with selective mutism and a speech impediment, carefully weighs and guards his words until he feels confident enough to share them. Oliver, meanwhile, is hyperverbal, constantly processing his thoughts aloud while worrying that this makes him a burden. I love that what makes each character most insecure about themselves is specifically balanced by the other, and that these "weaknesses" are actively framed as strengths. They create space for one another to exist comfortably and authentically.
As with much of Mulder's work, the novel thoughtfully explores neurodiversity, sexuality, and identity without ever framing any of these things as defects to be overcome. I particularly appreciated Oliver's relationship with masculinity and self-expression. The novel embraces the idea that a masculine, sexually dominant partner can also enjoy forms of expression often coded as feminine, whether that's softness, or lace and silk clothing.
What surprised me most was just how much I enjoyed the pace of Nils and Oliver's relationship. It is described in-novel as a "high school romance", and that description feels remarkably accurate. Much of their relationship develops through small acts of intimacy: holding hands, texting good morning, sharing car rides, cooking meals together, and spending evenings curled up on the couch in front of the fire. There is very little plot in the traditional sense. Instead, the novel is almost entirely concerned with following these two people as they gradually become inextricable parts of one another's daily lives. The result is one of the cosiest romances I've read in quite some time. It left me with a persistent feeling of fuzzy warmth in my chest.
This novel's hyper-focus on the minutiae of their relationship meant that elements that dominated Finest Kind of Fate recede into the background. Siren's Point itself becomes less prominent, and even Ewan and Shiloh largely fade from view. Rather than finding that disappointing, I appreciated the way it allowed Mulder to create something that felt almost like a narrative snow globe, with the novel's attention remaining firmly fixed on Nils and Oliver, while the rest of the world continues on around them.
As with the previous book, some relationship development still occurs off-page, although I found it far less detrimental here. Likewise, Mulder's tendency towards abrupt endings remains firmly intact. I was so absorbed in the story that I completely failed to notice my Kindle's completion percentage and was genuinely shocked when I turned a page and found myself staring at the word "Epilogue."
For me, Facing Leeward succeeds because it understands that romance does not always need high drama, major plot twists, or external conflict. Sometimes it is enough to watch two people slowly build a life around one another. Few books this year have left me with quite the same feeling of warmth, and that alone makes it one of my favourite romances of 2026 so far.
At its core, Facing Leeward is JJ Mulder operating at her absolute best. Nils and Oliver are exactly the sort of pairing she excels at writing: two nuanced and complex characters whose strengths and insecurities complement one another in ways that feel believable and deeply satisfying. Nils, who lives with selective mutism and a speech impediment, carefully weighs and guards his words until he feels confident enough to share them. Oliver, meanwhile, is hyperverbal, constantly processing his thoughts aloud while worrying that this makes him a burden. I love that what makes each character most insecure about themselves is specifically balanced by the other, and that these "weaknesses" are actively framed as strengths. They create space for one another to exist comfortably and authentically.
As with much of Mulder's work, the novel thoughtfully explores neurodiversity, sexuality, and identity without ever framing any of these things as defects to be overcome. I particularly appreciated Oliver's relationship with masculinity and self-expression. The novel embraces the idea that a masculine, sexually dominant partner can also enjoy forms of expression often coded as feminine, whether that's softness, or lace and silk clothing.
What surprised me most was just how much I enjoyed the pace of Nils and Oliver's relationship. It is described in-novel as a "high school romance", and that description feels remarkably accurate. Much of their relationship develops through small acts of intimacy: holding hands, texting good morning, sharing car rides, cooking meals together, and spending evenings curled up on the couch in front of the fire. There is very little plot in the traditional sense. Instead, the novel is almost entirely concerned with following these two people as they gradually become inextricable parts of one another's daily lives. The result is one of the cosiest romances I've read in quite some time. It left me with a persistent feeling of fuzzy warmth in my chest.
This novel's hyper-focus on the minutiae of their relationship meant that elements that dominated Finest Kind of Fate recede into the background. Siren's Point itself becomes less prominent, and even Ewan and Shiloh largely fade from view. Rather than finding that disappointing, I appreciated the way it allowed Mulder to create something that felt almost like a narrative snow globe, with the novel's attention remaining firmly fixed on Nils and Oliver, while the rest of the world continues on around them.
As with the previous book, some relationship development still occurs off-page, although I found it far less detrimental here. Likewise, Mulder's tendency towards abrupt endings remains firmly intact. I was so absorbed in the story that I completely failed to notice my Kindle's completion percentage and was genuinely shocked when I turned a page and found myself staring at the word "Epilogue."
For me, Facing Leeward succeeds because it understands that romance does not always need high drama, major plot twists, or external conflict. Sometimes it is enough to watch two people slowly build a life around one another. Few books this year have left me with quite the same feeling of warmth, and that alone makes it one of my favourite romances of 2026 so far.
June 21, 2026
4 stars
This was a very beautiful story, Nils and Oliver are amazing characters and I loved to see them all coupled up and in love.
They are so in tune with each other and their interactions were heartwarming: I adored how Oli was able to interpret Nils' silences and his small gestures, how he always let him set the pace of their conversation and never pushed or talked over him.
And Nils is just as special: he knew Oliver deeply and he could always tell when he was excited or uncomfortable or if he had something on his mind. I think the author did a great job in describing Nils' stutter and all the frustration that came with it.
The sex scenes weren't my favourite, I found them a bit too long, but I really really enjoyed how intimate their relationship was.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
While I adored the domestic setting of this story, with Nils and Oli enjoying their quiet life, I couldn't shake away the feeling that they were living in a sort of bubble, outside the real world. They don't really interact as a couple with other people, and even their friends, Ewan and Shiloh, don't spend time with them. It would have been nice having them sharing dinners or cookouts at each others' homes and being friends outside work.
Moreover, both Oliver and Nils have issues with their own family (Oli way more than Nils) but after just one scene at the beginning with Nils' and a bit of drama with Oli's toward the end, they're not actually present in the story. I would have thought that Nils, at least, would have introduced Oliver to his family as his boyfriend, but that didn't happen.
I'm very curious about Dryden but, at the same time, I'm quite scared to read the next book since the author defined it as "an emotional trauma". We'll see if I'll build up the courage.
Very recommended.
This was a very beautiful story, Nils and Oliver are amazing characters and I loved to see them all coupled up and in love.
They are so in tune with each other and their interactions were heartwarming: I adored how Oli was able to interpret Nils' silences and his small gestures, how he always let him set the pace of their conversation and never pushed or talked over him.
And Nils is just as special: he knew Oliver deeply and he could always tell when he was excited or uncomfortable or if he had something on his mind. I think the author did a great job in describing Nils' stutter and all the frustration that came with it.
The sex scenes weren't my favourite, I found them a bit too long, but I really really enjoyed how intimate their relationship was.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
While I adored the domestic setting of this story, with Nils and Oli enjoying their quiet life, I couldn't shake away the feeling that they were living in a sort of bubble, outside the real world. They don't really interact as a couple with other people, and even their friends, Ewan and Shiloh, don't spend time with them. It would have been nice having them sharing dinners or cookouts at each others' homes and being friends outside work.
Moreover, both Oliver and Nils have issues with their own family (Oli way more than Nils) but after just one scene at the beginning with Nils' and a bit of drama with Oli's toward the end, they're not actually present in the story. I would have thought that Nils, at least, would have introduced Oliver to his family as his boyfriend, but that didn't happen.
I'm very curious about Dryden but, at the same time, I'm quite scared to read the next book since the author defined it as "an emotional trauma". We'll see if I'll build up the courage.
Very recommended.
June 29, 2026
I loved this story. A warning though - there is no real plot. The book is all character work. Nils and Oliver are lobstermen, working together on the same boat. It's the off season (winter) and they gradually get to know each other outside of work. They both have deep-rooted challenges. Nils has a stutter and was bullied in childhood, which resulted in him opting for silence. He's never dated/had a relationship. Although not specifically expressed, Oliver is likely neurodivergent (constantly talking/singing/humming) and has a toxic family who constantly found fault with him. As a result, they both have poor self-esteem but in each other, they find someone who provides what they each need. For Nils, Oliver is a songbird, filling the silence of his home and for Oliver, Nils is someone who really listens. The whole story is about the slow build of their relationship and I enjoyed it. One other thing I liked was the evocative depiction of winter - snow outside, cozy fireplace inside. The setting was very well done. I liked this book better than book 1 in the series and Facing Leeward can completely stand alone. The author has teased that the drama is going to be reserved for the 3rd book and I look forward to the next in the series.
Did Not Finish
June 18, 2026DNF @ 21% - I'm just not interested.
June 20, 2026
It’s a 6! This was so good, Nil and Oliver were so cute, I could stop smiling. The story was so sweet and well worth the long wait. I’m so excited for the next book in this series.
June 28, 2026
5 *Songbird & Smiles* Stars
Every once in a while you find *those characters* or *that story* that you feel was written just for you. This is that book for me. Every word is perfectly picked and every scene is perfectly written. So much thought was put in to it, as a whole, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Oliver & Nils are simply adorable. Oliver is the super chatty ex-chef-turned-lobsterman that has been told his whole life that he is "too much". Nils is the quiet loner that has always felt "less than" because of his stutter. They are total opposites but truly see each other for who they are and love what they see.
The pining and yearning in this book are next level. It's easily one of my favorites in this trope. Nils just wants to see and spend time with Oliver and will do anything to make that happen. Take him fresh eggs? Check! Help fix up his house. Check! Oliver's just as bad. Nils offers to let him stay at his place while the heating is out? Sign him up!
This book is full of so many super cute moments. My favorite being the online shopping for Oliver's lingerie. Nils was definitely not afraid to speak up with his preferences. And, the chickens...I can't forget the chickens!
These two are just simply ADORABLE together! If you love books on the sweeter side with lots of swoon-worthy moments, I cannot recommend this enough. It's one of my favorite books of the year!
Nicknames / Endearments: Oli
"Where do you-you get the pretty things?"
Every once in a while you find *those characters* or *that story* that you feel was written just for you. This is that book for me. Every word is perfectly picked and every scene is perfectly written. So much thought was put in to it, as a whole, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Oliver & Nils are simply adorable. Oliver is the super chatty ex-chef-turned-lobsterman that has been told his whole life that he is "too much". Nils is the quiet loner that has always felt "less than" because of his stutter. They are total opposites but truly see each other for who they are and love what they see.
The pining and yearning in this book are next level. It's easily one of my favorites in this trope. Nils just wants to see and spend time with Oliver and will do anything to make that happen. Take him fresh eggs? Check! Help fix up his house. Check! Oliver's just as bad. Nils offers to let him stay at his place while the heating is out? Sign him up!
This book is full of so many super cute moments. My favorite being the online shopping for Oliver's lingerie. Nils was definitely not afraid to speak up with his preferences. And, the chickens...I can't forget the chickens!
These two are just simply ADORABLE together! If you love books on the sweeter side with lots of swoon-worthy moments, I cannot recommend this enough. It's one of my favorite books of the year!
Nicknames / Endearments: Oli
"Where do you-you get the pretty things?"
July 5, 2026
This book was precious! So swoony. Oliver is precious. He is definitely chatty, but it's so delightful. He's a ray of sunshine. Nils is somehow even more precious. He's the opposite of chatty, but he's such a caretaker. They're both so thoughtful. I love how Oliver shows his love through food and Nils shows his love through acts of service. I also adore how they understand each other without having to use words. I thought this slow burn was so sweet and so good. I love how slowly they take their relationship even after they admit feelings for each other. And the little spots of jealousy before they get together is really sweet. The caretaking is top tier, too.
Overall, another amazing JJ book. I am so excited for the next one in the series!
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, slow burn, stuttering, talkative mc, lobster fisherman, friends to lovers, caretaking, low angst
Overall, another amazing JJ book. I am so excited for the next one in the series!
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, slow burn, stuttering, talkative mc, lobster fisherman, friends to lovers, caretaking, low angst
June 10, 2026
the whoop that i whooped when this arc hit my inbox. jj did it again. she played with my heart i'm sure there's a got lost in the game britney spears joke in here oops i think i'm in love somewhere but in the words of the world's best boss, no time but i thought the old lady dropped it into the ocean in the end, I SAID NO TIME. i must tell you about nils and oli.
each of them met the others insecurities with so much patience and understanding. AND THE MUTUAL TRUST THAT IS BUILT>>>>>> you get a glimpse in book 1 but book 2 takes them from friends to lovers IN A WORLD THAT HAD ONLY SHOWN THEM RIDICULE for simply being who they are. i sob. their love had my heart in my damn throat and every time nils quietly (albeit loudly cause actions speak louder than words and all that jazz) showed oli how much he meant to him my eyeballs would secrete. it's a beautifully vulnerable and tender story about accepting yourself, recognizing what others consider shortcomings to actually be your super powers, and finding YOUR LOBSTER.
each of them met the others insecurities with so much patience and understanding. AND THE MUTUAL TRUST THAT IS BUILT>>>>>> you get a glimpse in book 1 but book 2 takes them from friends to lovers IN A WORLD THAT HAD ONLY SHOWN THEM RIDICULE for simply being who they are. i sob. their love had my heart in my damn throat and every time nils quietly (albeit loudly cause actions speak louder than words and all that jazz) showed oli how much he meant to him my eyeballs would secrete. it's a beautifully vulnerable and tender story about accepting yourself, recognizing what others consider shortcomings to actually be your super powers, and finding YOUR LOBSTER.
June 19, 2026
3.5⭐️
i really loved how cozy and simple this book was. the relationship built from friends to partners and i loved how their dynamic was with one being quiet and the other a chatterbox. i wish there was a bit more resolution to the outside factors that they were contending with. i wish we got to see nils’ family more and i feel like oliver’s family strain was kind of just there and who knows how it’ll progress through the years. my other big issue was the way it so abruptly ended. all of a sudden it was the epilogue. like it didn’t quite feel like a completed ending. regardless, i did have a good time and i look forward to the next book later this year.
i really loved how cozy and simple this book was. the relationship built from friends to partners and i loved how their dynamic was with one being quiet and the other a chatterbox. i wish there was a bit more resolution to the outside factors that they were contending with. i wish we got to see nils’ family more and i feel like oliver’s family strain was kind of just there and who knows how it’ll progress through the years. my other big issue was the way it so abruptly ended. all of a sudden it was the epilogue. like it didn’t quite feel like a completed ending. regardless, i did have a good time and i look forward to the next book later this year.
June 20, 2026
Pleasant slow-burn romance. I liked the pairing of Nils' silences with Oliver's verbal incontinence. The lobster-fishing background featured enough to be interesting but not overwhelming.
No real plot, and I wanted more exploration of Nils' problems with school-work—he kept being ashamed, though it was never clear why his speech impediment hindered his education so badly.
Might read this again.
No real plot, and I wanted more exploration of Nils' problems with school-work—he kept being ashamed, though it was never clear why his speech impediment hindered his education so badly.
Might read this again.
June 20, 2026
Incredibly swoony, beautiful, low angst, gorgeous story
Full RTC
Full RTC
July 3, 2026
4.5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an Advanced Reader Copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 plus The Pathetic Fallacy Of It All bonus ⭐️)
4 Key Elements:
> MM romance
> Neighbours
> Opposites attract
> Play between femininity and masculinity
Three words: Peaceful, cosy, butterflies
Mini synopsis:
Our favourite opposites Oliver and Nils have their beautiful story after the closeness they seemed to share in Finest Kind of Fate. We get to see their bond grow through DIY, snow days and sharing a good meal.
Recommend? So so much, this was such a sweet book (Coming out 17th June 2026)
Books get an average of these scores:
Reread-ability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Main Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Supporting Cast: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional hit: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Main characters categorising:
> Nils: Tempered Good
> Oliver: Chaotic Good
Song for the book’s vibe: Nothing Like Being in Love - Maisie Peters
Did the advertised microtropes hit?
*SMALL TOWN
I felt it but it was distinctly different from the way FKoF was Small Town
*FRIENDS TO LOVERS
Hit so good that I wanted to eat it
*LOBSTER FISHERMAN X LOBSTER FISHERMAN
Uhm so cute, I already loved Oliver doing boat lunches for his colleagues but seeing them in low season was everything
*CARETAKING
Hit hit hit
*HURT/COMFORT
Like a warm hug
*SLOW BURN
I didn’t sense the slow burn, it felt fairly fast but I think like in perspective of how long Oliver has worked for Shiloh, it probably is a slow burn
*OPPOSITES ATTRACT
So opposite, so attract. I was obsessed
*VIRGIN MC
I mean, it was a factor but it wasn’t a central focus for me
*COOKING FOR HIM
Screaming, crying, throwing up. I loved it
*EVENINGS IN FRONT OF THE FIRE
Two angels in front of the fire really did hit
*SILK AND LACE
I sigh happily every time I think of this micro trope
*GOOD BOY
Hit so hard every time
*SILENT COMMUNICATION
Perfect. So damn perfect
*ALL YOUR FIRST TIMES WILL BE WITH ME
I don’t know if I noticed it
*LET ME TAKE CARE OF YOU
Enforced caretaking was hitting so well
*COZY TOGETHER
Super duper cozy, loved it so much
*SHARING CLOTHES
Ugh, don’t even get me started, it hit perfectly
Non-spoiler notes:
> Seeing them off the boat and at home was so fascinating
> I love hearing Nils’ internal monologue alongside his usual short sentences / monosyllabic answers
**Spoiler filled thoughts coming on release day!**
—————————
-Spoilers below-
—————————
Favourite character: I feel like I keep saying this on every review, but I can’t choose between the two MMCs
Why: Nils is gentle, patient and protective, while Oliver is sweet, generous and thoughtful. They’re two halves of a whole.
Favourite quote:
I smile, kissing his cheek again, happy that my songbird flew home in one piece.
Things I loved:
> The coworkers to friends to lovers pipeline
> Them being each other’s peace and happiness
> Nils being so protective, I never pictured it and I loved it
Things I'd change:
> I wanted to see Nils’ reaction to the nighties
> I think this is probably because Offsides was so interconnected, but I wanted slightly more Shiloh (I’m greedy)
Read-along:
> 3%
I am already obsessed with them both babbling in their head
> 7%
It’s already hurting me that Nils and Oliver talk so poorly about themselves
> 18%
Stop! I didn’t consider for a single second that Oliver would be wearing the lingerie. I have no idea why, but omg I love it
> 19%
Can’t explain it, but Dryden’s presence makes me grin, it’s confusing but it is what it is.
> 20%
Dryden and Ryan?👀 Is book 3 going to be my grumpy angel himself and the sweet bartender omfg
> 25%
Oliver is such a romantic, I love him
> 30%
Ridiculous side note, because the words ‘pipe dream’ are not a rarity but I immediately thought of AFTG
> 38%
I’m sorry? I was not anticipating a full confession from Oliver, holy fuck
> 60%
I’m so invested in this book that I totally forgot to make notes. But basically, I love them both dearly, they’re both angels and holy fuck Nils has a praise kink
> 67%
The mention of Ewan’s mother had me tearing up after the last book
> 80%
A. I dislike Oliver’s parents so much
B. I’m so sad we didn’t get to see Nil’s initial reaction to the satin slip
> 81%
Dryden’s “how self serving of you” had me spluttering out a laugh
> 89%
My baby Oliver being injured was not expected omg
> 94%
Crying at the “I love you”s before surgery
> 98%
When I flicked over and it was the epilogue, it was almost jarring. I needed more of Oliver’s recovery
> Acknowledgements
Book 3?? Emotional trauma? Oh dear haha
I’m intrigued to see what’s brought into it. We’ve had the sea and the snow so far, so I’m excited to see what’s next.
Other lines I loved:
>
I’m pretty sure this house is haunted, so I like to make sure it knows I’m friendly. Although after a year of living with me, any ghosts that used to be in residence might have already passed through the veil in an attempt to free themselves from my presence.
>
If the man is concerned for my well-being when wielding a power drill, it’s my gay civic duty to be as incompetent as I can with the thing.
>
Concern from Nils feels twice as good as independence ever will.
>
He’s got a very steady, sure presence. Like an oak tree or a mountain. Conversely, I would be the psychotic squirrel in that scenario.
>
I think I must be romantically starved. The littlest things he does make me woozy with delight. Bringing me a shovel during a snowstorm? Romance. Carrying my plate of curry for me? Romance. Helping me drywall, set paving stones, and repair the heating unit? Romance, romance, romance.
>
Dryden considers every single thing about himself a national-security-level secret.
>
Maybe he’s not a witch but a siren, luring lobstermen to him with a smile and a song.
>
The comfort of being around someone who doesn’t need me to talk to understand what I’m saying.
>
I’d tell him my house is far too silent after two days of music, and I wish my songbird would return.
>
“You-you-you-yours is p-p-prettier than mine.” I can’t help the blush that burns across my cheeks.
>
Exhausted by him? That’s like getting sick of happiness and light and wishing for depression.
>
“Yeah,” he agrees softly. “You are my person.”
>
If people were half as kind as Oliver, world peace might actually be an attainable goal.
>
My Oliver
>
The kind of morning I’d usually enjoy with a mug of coffee in my hand and, more recently, standing on Nils’ porch, breath fogging in front of me as I appreciate the view and the peaceful, crisp winter air.
>
He catches my chin in his hand, glove scratchy against my skin. He looks into my eyes for a moment before kissing me on the forehead and stepping around, getting back to work. That, I think, as I strip off my oilers, is about as good as an I love you from him.
>
Closing my eyes, face still beside his, I think about Oliver sitting wrapped in a blanket next to my fireplace, skin glowing and warm from the fire, eyes happy and mouth smiling. I think about snow and lace and singing in the kitchen.
>
Sitting on the couch, blanket wrapped around my legs, I have myself what Dryden Roy would call a nice little pity party.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 plus The Pathetic Fallacy Of It All bonus ⭐️)
4 Key Elements:
> MM romance
> Neighbours
> Opposites attract
> Play between femininity and masculinity
Three words: Peaceful, cosy, butterflies
Mini synopsis:
Our favourite opposites Oliver and Nils have their beautiful story after the closeness they seemed to share in Finest Kind of Fate. We get to see their bond grow through DIY, snow days and sharing a good meal.
Recommend? So so much, this was such a sweet book (Coming out 17th June 2026)
Books get an average of these scores:
Reread-ability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Main Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Supporting Cast: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional hit: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Main characters categorising:
> Nils: Tempered Good
> Oliver: Chaotic Good
Song for the book’s vibe: Nothing Like Being in Love - Maisie Peters
Did the advertised microtropes hit?
*SMALL TOWN
I felt it but it was distinctly different from the way FKoF was Small Town
*FRIENDS TO LOVERS
Hit so good that I wanted to eat it
*LOBSTER FISHERMAN X LOBSTER FISHERMAN
Uhm so cute, I already loved Oliver doing boat lunches for his colleagues but seeing them in low season was everything
*CARETAKING
Hit hit hit
*HURT/COMFORT
Like a warm hug
*SLOW BURN
I didn’t sense the slow burn, it felt fairly fast but I think like in perspective of how long Oliver has worked for Shiloh, it probably is a slow burn
*OPPOSITES ATTRACT
So opposite, so attract. I was obsessed
*VIRGIN MC
I mean, it was a factor but it wasn’t a central focus for me
*COOKING FOR HIM
Screaming, crying, throwing up. I loved it
*EVENINGS IN FRONT OF THE FIRE
Two angels in front of the fire really did hit
*SILK AND LACE
I sigh happily every time I think of this micro trope
*GOOD BOY
Hit so hard every time
*SILENT COMMUNICATION
Perfect. So damn perfect
*ALL YOUR FIRST TIMES WILL BE WITH ME
I don’t know if I noticed it
*LET ME TAKE CARE OF YOU
Enforced caretaking was hitting so well
*COZY TOGETHER
Super duper cozy, loved it so much
*SHARING CLOTHES
Ugh, don’t even get me started, it hit perfectly
Non-spoiler notes:
> Seeing them off the boat and at home was so fascinating
> I love hearing Nils’ internal monologue alongside his usual short sentences / monosyllabic answers
**Spoiler filled thoughts coming on release day!**
—————————
-Spoilers below-
—————————
Favourite character: I feel like I keep saying this on every review, but I can’t choose between the two MMCs
Why: Nils is gentle, patient and protective, while Oliver is sweet, generous and thoughtful. They’re two halves of a whole.
Favourite quote:
I smile, kissing his cheek again, happy that my songbird flew home in one piece.
Things I loved:
> The coworkers to friends to lovers pipeline
> Them being each other’s peace and happiness
> Nils being so protective, I never pictured it and I loved it
Things I'd change:
> I wanted to see Nils’ reaction to the nighties
> I think this is probably because Offsides was so interconnected, but I wanted slightly more Shiloh (I’m greedy)
Read-along:
> 3%
I am already obsessed with them both babbling in their head
> 7%
It’s already hurting me that Nils and Oliver talk so poorly about themselves
> 18%
Stop! I didn’t consider for a single second that Oliver would be wearing the lingerie. I have no idea why, but omg I love it
> 19%
Can’t explain it, but Dryden’s presence makes me grin, it’s confusing but it is what it is.
> 20%
Dryden and Ryan?👀 Is book 3 going to be my grumpy angel himself and the sweet bartender omfg
> 25%
Oliver is such a romantic, I love him
> 30%
Ridiculous side note, because the words ‘pipe dream’ are not a rarity but I immediately thought of AFTG
> 38%
I’m sorry? I was not anticipating a full confession from Oliver, holy fuck
> 60%
I’m so invested in this book that I totally forgot to make notes. But basically, I love them both dearly, they’re both angels and holy fuck Nils has a praise kink
> 67%
The mention of Ewan’s mother had me tearing up after the last book
> 80%
A. I dislike Oliver’s parents so much
B. I’m so sad we didn’t get to see Nil’s initial reaction to the satin slip
> 81%
Dryden’s “how self serving of you” had me spluttering out a laugh
> 89%
My baby Oliver being injured was not expected omg
> 94%
Crying at the “I love you”s before surgery
> 98%
When I flicked over and it was the epilogue, it was almost jarring. I needed more of Oliver’s recovery
> Acknowledgements
Book 3?? Emotional trauma? Oh dear haha
I’m intrigued to see what’s brought into it. We’ve had the sea and the snow so far, so I’m excited to see what’s next.
Other lines I loved:
>
I’m pretty sure this house is haunted, so I like to make sure it knows I’m friendly. Although after a year of living with me, any ghosts that used to be in residence might have already passed through the veil in an attempt to free themselves from my presence.
>
If the man is concerned for my well-being when wielding a power drill, it’s my gay civic duty to be as incompetent as I can with the thing.
>
Concern from Nils feels twice as good as independence ever will.
>
He’s got a very steady, sure presence. Like an oak tree or a mountain. Conversely, I would be the psychotic squirrel in that scenario.
>
I think I must be romantically starved. The littlest things he does make me woozy with delight. Bringing me a shovel during a snowstorm? Romance. Carrying my plate of curry for me? Romance. Helping me drywall, set paving stones, and repair the heating unit? Romance, romance, romance.
>
Dryden considers every single thing about himself a national-security-level secret.
>
Maybe he’s not a witch but a siren, luring lobstermen to him with a smile and a song.
>
The comfort of being around someone who doesn’t need me to talk to understand what I’m saying.
>
I’d tell him my house is far too silent after two days of music, and I wish my songbird would return.
>
“You-you-you-yours is p-p-prettier than mine.” I can’t help the blush that burns across my cheeks.
>
Exhausted by him? That’s like getting sick of happiness and light and wishing for depression.
>
“Yeah,” he agrees softly. “You are my person.”
>
If people were half as kind as Oliver, world peace might actually be an attainable goal.
>
My Oliver
>
The kind of morning I’d usually enjoy with a mug of coffee in my hand and, more recently, standing on Nils’ porch, breath fogging in front of me as I appreciate the view and the peaceful, crisp winter air.
>
He catches my chin in his hand, glove scratchy against my skin. He looks into my eyes for a moment before kissing me on the forehead and stepping around, getting back to work. That, I think, as I strip off my oilers, is about as good as an I love you from him.
>
Closing my eyes, face still beside his, I think about Oliver sitting wrapped in a blanket next to my fireplace, skin glowing and warm from the fire, eyes happy and mouth smiling. I think about snow and lace and singing in the kitchen.
>
Sitting on the couch, blanket wrapped around my legs, I have myself what Dryden Roy would call a nice little pity party.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love J J Mulder’s writing and her stories are just perfect. It makes me so happy to see her style and storytelling evolve from Changing the Game until now. I keep looking for the high her stories give me and I haven’t found a similar author.
Nils’ and Oliver’s story is the second one in A Siren's Point Story Series and it is the best story I didn’t know I needed to read. Think Troy (Changing the Game) and Corwin (Square to the Puck) but better. Think a sweeter story than Finest Kind of Fate but sensual in a way I never expected.
What I do appreciate about this series is that it opens discussions about kinks or taboos in a way that feels safe and normalized instead of shameful. But It did make me chuckle considering my feelings related to these specific ones.
The first book presents somnophilia between consensual adults (I am a light sleeper and I would be ready for murder even if the best sex woke me up) while the second deals with lace, silk and praise kink (I would rather eat stones).
But I do appreciate the way these are presented and how the relationships evolve around them. I love how Mulder combines consent with acceptance and always creates a lovely story. I haven't read an author like her.
Now I just need to wait until June 17th for my pre-saved book and read this again.
And, without spoiling anything, that acknowledgment was just mean, right?
Getting an ARC for the current book made me more happy than Christmas morning as a child. I lost my god damn mind yesterday and I don’t think the poor thing is coming back.
This is my honest review of the book.
Nils’ and Oliver’s story is the second one in A Siren's Point Story Series and it is the best story I didn’t know I needed to read. Think Troy (Changing the Game) and Corwin (Square to the Puck) but better. Think a sweeter story than Finest Kind of Fate but sensual in a way I never expected.
What I do appreciate about this series is that it opens discussions about kinks or taboos in a way that feels safe and normalized instead of shameful. But It did make me chuckle considering my feelings related to these specific ones.
The first book presents somnophilia between consensual adults (I am a light sleeper and I would be ready for murder even if the best sex woke me up) while the second deals with lace, silk and praise kink (I would rather eat stones).
But I do appreciate the way these are presented and how the relationships evolve around them. I love how Mulder combines consent with acceptance and always creates a lovely story. I haven't read an author like her.
Now I just need to wait until June 17th for my pre-saved book and read this again.
And, without spoiling anything, that acknowledgment was just mean, right?
Getting an ARC for the current book made me more happy than Christmas morning as a child. I lost my god damn mind yesterday and I don’t think the poor thing is coming back.
This is my honest review of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌊💙 GAH THIS BOOK! 💙🌊
Honestly, JJ Mulder could probably write a grocery list and I'd read it because once again she has gone and completely stolen my heart. 😭🥹
Nils and Oliver were just EVERYTHING. From the very beginning these sweet boys had me wrapped around their little fingers and I was completely invested in every awkward, adorable, heart-melting moment. 💙
Oliver is basically a human golden retriever with endless words, endless energy, and approximately zero ability to sit still for five minutes. Meanwhile, Nils is quieter, thoughtful, and had me wanting to wrap him in a blanket and protect him from the world. Together? Absolute perfection. 🥹✨
The way they understood each other absolutely melted me. Oliver never rushed Nils, always giving him the space and patience he needed, while Nils listened to Oliver in a way nobody else ever had. They saw each other. Really saw each other. And excuse me while I cry about that for the next six business days. 😭💕
The caretaking in this book? GOOD LORD. The cooking. The fixing things together. The chickens. The checking in on each other. The million tiny ways they showed their love without always saying the words. Every single bit of it had me kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot. 🐔❤️
And every time they were together I just wanted to shove them closer and yell, "KISS ALREADY!" 😤😂
Their romance felt so gentle and sweet, like the warmest hug on the coldest winter day, with just enough spice to keep me happily blushing. 🌶️💙
And can we talk about Siren's Point for a second? Because at this point I'd move to this little seaside fishing town without even packing properly. JJ has created a world that feels like home and every time I return, I never want to leave. ⚓️🌊
I adored both of these men so, so much and could not get enough of them. Their sweet, gentle love story completely melted my heart and reminded me why I love this series so much.
Now excuse me while I sit here impatiently waiting for the next trip back to Siren's Point. 😭💙
*I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!*
Honestly, JJ Mulder could probably write a grocery list and I'd read it because once again she has gone and completely stolen my heart. 😭🥹
Nils and Oliver were just EVERYTHING. From the very beginning these sweet boys had me wrapped around their little fingers and I was completely invested in every awkward, adorable, heart-melting moment. 💙
Oliver is basically a human golden retriever with endless words, endless energy, and approximately zero ability to sit still for five minutes. Meanwhile, Nils is quieter, thoughtful, and had me wanting to wrap him in a blanket and protect him from the world. Together? Absolute perfection. 🥹✨
The way they understood each other absolutely melted me. Oliver never rushed Nils, always giving him the space and patience he needed, while Nils listened to Oliver in a way nobody else ever had. They saw each other. Really saw each other. And excuse me while I cry about that for the next six business days. 😭💕
The caretaking in this book? GOOD LORD. The cooking. The fixing things together. The chickens. The checking in on each other. The million tiny ways they showed their love without always saying the words. Every single bit of it had me kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot. 🐔❤️
And every time they were together I just wanted to shove them closer and yell, "KISS ALREADY!" 😤😂
Their romance felt so gentle and sweet, like the warmest hug on the coldest winter day, with just enough spice to keep me happily blushing. 🌶️💙
And can we talk about Siren's Point for a second? Because at this point I'd move to this little seaside fishing town without even packing properly. JJ has created a world that feels like home and every time I return, I never want to leave. ⚓️🌊
I adored both of these men so, so much and could not get enough of them. Their sweet, gentle love story completely melted my heart and reminded me why I love this series so much.
Now excuse me while I sit here impatiently waiting for the next trip back to Siren's Point. 😭💙
*I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!*
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Facing Leeward by J.J. Mulder
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
This is such a beautiful, quiet friends-to-lovers romance. Nils and Oliver's story isn't built around grand romantic gestures or dramatic declarations. Instead, it's the small moments that make their relationship feel so special—the everyday acts of care, understanding, and devotion that show their love rather than simply telling us about it.
Nils absolutely broke my heart. After spending much of his childhood being judged because of his stutter, he's learned to stay quiet and make himself small. He genuinely believes he isn't smart enough or worthy enough to be loved, which couldn't be further from the truth. Beneath that insecurity is a deeply caring man who is always there for the people he loves. He's a fantastic listener, observant, thoughtful, and has so much to offer if people take the time to hear him.
Oliver broke my heart in a different way. He grew up in a home where affection was scarce and criticism was plentiful. His father spent years convincing him that enjoying traditionally feminine things somehow made him less of a man. Even as an adult working as a lobsterman—a profession that couldn't be more stereotypically masculine—he still struggles to silence that voice in the back of his mind.
What I loved most about this romance is how naturally Nils and Oliver fit together. In many ways, they're opposites, but they understand each other so completely. Nils gives Oliver the unconditional love and acceptance he's always deserved, while Oliver has learned to read the things Nils doesn't say out loud. Their connection feels effortless, and their transition from friendship to something more is completely believable.
The tenderness between them is what really sold me on their relationship. They're patient with each other, protective of each other, and so deeply invested in the other's happiness. By the end, it felt impossible to imagine them with anyone else.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, heartfelt romance that proves the quietest love stories can sometimes be the most powerful.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC!
Facing Leeward by J.J. Mulder
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
This is such a beautiful, quiet friends-to-lovers romance. Nils and Oliver's story isn't built around grand romantic gestures or dramatic declarations. Instead, it's the small moments that make their relationship feel so special—the everyday acts of care, understanding, and devotion that show their love rather than simply telling us about it.
Nils absolutely broke my heart. After spending much of his childhood being judged because of his stutter, he's learned to stay quiet and make himself small. He genuinely believes he isn't smart enough or worthy enough to be loved, which couldn't be further from the truth. Beneath that insecurity is a deeply caring man who is always there for the people he loves. He's a fantastic listener, observant, thoughtful, and has so much to offer if people take the time to hear him.
Oliver broke my heart in a different way. He grew up in a home where affection was scarce and criticism was plentiful. His father spent years convincing him that enjoying traditionally feminine things somehow made him less of a man. Even as an adult working as a lobsterman—a profession that couldn't be more stereotypically masculine—he still struggles to silence that voice in the back of his mind.
What I loved most about this romance is how naturally Nils and Oliver fit together. In many ways, they're opposites, but they understand each other so completely. Nils gives Oliver the unconditional love and acceptance he's always deserved, while Oliver has learned to read the things Nils doesn't say out loud. Their connection feels effortless, and their transition from friendship to something more is completely believable.
The tenderness between them is what really sold me on their relationship. They're patient with each other, protective of each other, and so deeply invested in the other's happiness. By the end, it felt impossible to imagine them with anyone else.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, heartfelt romance that proves the quietest love stories can sometimes be the most powerful.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC!
June 24, 2026
Nils and Oliver are first introduced in Finest Kind of Fate, and I was excited to get their story after meeting them there.
Oliver is outgoing, talkative, and incapable of keeping his thoughts to himself for very long. Nils is much quieter, struggling with both insecurity and a stutter that often makes him second guess himself. They are complete opposites in many ways, but they fit together beautifully.
I enjoyed both of them in the first book, but after reading their story, I like them even more.
What I loved most about this book is that both men struggle with confidence and self worth, yet neither hesitates to support the other. They see the good in each other long before they can see it in themselves.
The relationship starts as coworkers and develops naturally into friendship before becoming something more. It is a true slow burn, and I appreciated how much time was spent building trust between them. Watching them learn to rely on each other, encourage each other, and become each other’s safe place was incredibly rewarding.
Both Oliver and Nils have caretaker personalities, which made their relationship feel especially sweet. They are constantly looking out for one another, building each other up, and reminding the other of their worth. It felt less like watching two people fall in love and more like watching two people finally realize they deserve to be loved.
The romance is soft and gradual, with low to moderate spice. 🌶️🌶️ The focus is very much on the emotional connection and the relationship itself, which worked perfectly for this story.
I will also admit that the chickens and baby chicks were a huge bonus. They added so much charm to the story and definitely made me smile.
While I would not say I enjoyed this book more than Shiloh and Ewan’s story, it was still a wonderful read and a great addition to the series.
J.J. Mulder continues to prove how well relationships can be written when the focus is on communication, growth, and genuine connection. And, as always, I appreciate that there is no third act breakup.
I am already hoping we get more stories from Siren’s Point because I am not ready to leave this town behind. ❤️🐥📚
Oliver is outgoing, talkative, and incapable of keeping his thoughts to himself for very long. Nils is much quieter, struggling with both insecurity and a stutter that often makes him second guess himself. They are complete opposites in many ways, but they fit together beautifully.
I enjoyed both of them in the first book, but after reading their story, I like them even more.
What I loved most about this book is that both men struggle with confidence and self worth, yet neither hesitates to support the other. They see the good in each other long before they can see it in themselves.
The relationship starts as coworkers and develops naturally into friendship before becoming something more. It is a true slow burn, and I appreciated how much time was spent building trust between them. Watching them learn to rely on each other, encourage each other, and become each other’s safe place was incredibly rewarding.
Both Oliver and Nils have caretaker personalities, which made their relationship feel especially sweet. They are constantly looking out for one another, building each other up, and reminding the other of their worth. It felt less like watching two people fall in love and more like watching two people finally realize they deserve to be loved.
The romance is soft and gradual, with low to moderate spice. 🌶️🌶️ The focus is very much on the emotional connection and the relationship itself, which worked perfectly for this story.
I will also admit that the chickens and baby chicks were a huge bonus. They added so much charm to the story and definitely made me smile.
While I would not say I enjoyed this book more than Shiloh and Ewan’s story, it was still a wonderful read and a great addition to the series.
J.J. Mulder continues to prove how well relationships can be written when the focus is on communication, growth, and genuine connection. And, as always, I appreciate that there is no third act breakup.
I am already hoping we get more stories from Siren’s Point because I am not ready to leave this town behind. ❤️🐥📚
June 19, 2026
So, a little late, but here’s my ARC review of Facing Leeward by J.J. Mulder.
These two boys… they mean everything.
After reading the first book in the series, I already knew I needed Nils and Oliver’s story. I was hoping so much that they would be the protagonists of the next book that when I saw the ARC sign-up—and found out they actually were the main characters—I ran. I literally RAN to apply.
And oh my God, I absolutely was not disappointed.
Oliver? He’s a real-life golden retriever in human form, with endless words and endless energy, and the chances of him staying still for more than two minutes? Equal to zero.
The fact that his father spent years convincing Oliver that he was somehow less of a man because he loved things that are traditionally seen as feminine—and that those hurtful words still linger in his mind even now… ahh. Poor Oliver.
And then there’s our quiet little Nils, who was judged so much for his stutter when he was younger that he learned to stay silent and make himself small. He even dropped out of school because of it.
And you know what?
He’s one of the most lovable characters in any of J.J. Mulder’s books, and all you want to do is wrap him up in a blanket and protect him from everything.
Yes.
Nils and Oliver are incredibly different, and that’s exactly why they work so well together.
Because they do work.
Because they understand and support each other on such a deep level. The care they show each other, the acceptance, the patience, the way they protect one another, and, of course, the romance and love they share—it was all so incredibly sweet and beautiful.
Their relationship transitioned from friendship into something more so naturally and effortlessly that it genuinely warmed my heart. 🥹
But if I’m being honest, I wasn’t expecting anything less.
Thank you for the ARC. This review reflects my honest opinion.
These two boys… they mean everything.
After reading the first book in the series, I already knew I needed Nils and Oliver’s story. I was hoping so much that they would be the protagonists of the next book that when I saw the ARC sign-up—and found out they actually were the main characters—I ran. I literally RAN to apply.
And oh my God, I absolutely was not disappointed.
Oliver? He’s a real-life golden retriever in human form, with endless words and endless energy, and the chances of him staying still for more than two minutes? Equal to zero.
The fact that his father spent years convincing Oliver that he was somehow less of a man because he loved things that are traditionally seen as feminine—and that those hurtful words still linger in his mind even now… ahh. Poor Oliver.
And then there’s our quiet little Nils, who was judged so much for his stutter when he was younger that he learned to stay silent and make himself small. He even dropped out of school because of it.
And you know what?
He’s one of the most lovable characters in any of J.J. Mulder’s books, and all you want to do is wrap him up in a blanket and protect him from everything.
Yes.
Nils and Oliver are incredibly different, and that’s exactly why they work so well together.
Because they do work.
Because they understand and support each other on such a deep level. The care they show each other, the acceptance, the patience, the way they protect one another, and, of course, the romance and love they share—it was all so incredibly sweet and beautiful.
Their relationship transitioned from friendship into something more so naturally and effortlessly that it genuinely warmed my heart. 🥹
But if I’m being honest, I wasn’t expecting anything less.
Thank you for the ARC. This review reflects my honest opinion.
June 18, 2026
Nils Lee is a lobster fisherman and a man of few words. Due to his stutter, he prefers to keep to himself and limits his interactions, using sentences of five words or less. People don't know that Nils feels undesirable and stupid, never dating or finishing high school.
Oliver Martin, Nils' coworker, is more than happy to fill that silence. He talks, hums, and sings almost constantly, filling the quiet with noise to soothe his own anxieties. But despite that, nobody knows that Oliver struggles with his self esteem, his desires, and the house he bought that seems to be a haunted money pit.
Despite the fact that these two men are opposites, they begin to form a friendship that nobody, least of all them, saw coming. Oliver doesn't care if Nils struggles with his words, and Nils thinks Oliver is beautiful no matter what. And soon, they realize that they may have found exactly what they need in each other.
*happy sigh* From page one I loved this book. This is one of those books where you lay down and kick your feet while you're reading because it's so cute. Nils and Oliver's friendship and relationship were both so natural and easy. No frills, no drama, just quiet intention. They spoke each other's languages without words. Where one was lacking, the other one filled in the gaps. They said what they meant and showed up for each other every day. They fit into each other's worlds seamlessly, even though on paper they couldn't have been more different. I kept checking the percentage on my Kindle and panicking when it went up because I wanted it to be longer. I could read ten books about Nils and Oliver's life together because it just made my heart so happy. It's just one of those books where you feel on the verge of happy tears the entire time because everything just feels like more, and it's a testament to JJ's beautiful writing.
Oliver Martin, Nils' coworker, is more than happy to fill that silence. He talks, hums, and sings almost constantly, filling the quiet with noise to soothe his own anxieties. But despite that, nobody knows that Oliver struggles with his self esteem, his desires, and the house he bought that seems to be a haunted money pit.
Despite the fact that these two men are opposites, they begin to form a friendship that nobody, least of all them, saw coming. Oliver doesn't care if Nils struggles with his words, and Nils thinks Oliver is beautiful no matter what. And soon, they realize that they may have found exactly what they need in each other.
*happy sigh* From page one I loved this book. This is one of those books where you lay down and kick your feet while you're reading because it's so cute. Nils and Oliver's friendship and relationship were both so natural and easy. No frills, no drama, just quiet intention. They spoke each other's languages without words. Where one was lacking, the other one filled in the gaps. They said what they meant and showed up for each other every day. They fit into each other's worlds seamlessly, even though on paper they couldn't have been more different. I kept checking the percentage on my Kindle and panicking when it went up because I wanted it to be longer. I could read ten books about Nils and Oliver's life together because it just made my heart so happy. It's just one of those books where you feel on the verge of happy tears the entire time because everything just feels like more, and it's a testament to JJ's beautiful writing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25/5 ⭐ 1.75/5 🌶️
ARC Review for Facing Leeward by JJ Mulder
As someone who has never been to the East coast I really enjoyed how descriptive & picturesque the town of Siren's Point was portrayed. As someone who is very familiar with growing up in a small town & not moving far away, I felt it was a very honest depiction of how the small town gossip mill works.
Oliver & Nils are the epitome of mutual pinning. Both men think the world of the other & both men don't think they are good enough for each other. Obviously they are both very wrong. It's adorable to see them slowly realize they could be together.
This is a slow burn romance with mild angst. Nothing that would be considered highly triggering. It is still very much a feel-good read. You will get the cozy warm & fuzzies at several points throughout the book.
There are a couple things I am hoping to see in the next book(s) in the series as far as Oliver & Nils are considered. And I cannot wait to read about Dryden Roy. Hopefully his book is next!
I would recommend this to anyone who needs a cool down or pallet cleanser from something very dark, very angst or a more smut than plot romance.
Features:
- Dual POV
- Gay/Gay Couple
- Lobsterman/Lobsterman
- My Weird Recognizes Your Weird
- Coworkers to Friends to Lovers
- Competency Kink
- Lingerie Appreciation
- Cooking Is His Love Language
- Chicken Babies
- "Accidentally" Living Together
ARC Review for Facing Leeward by JJ Mulder
As someone who has never been to the East coast I really enjoyed how descriptive & picturesque the town of Siren's Point was portrayed. As someone who is very familiar with growing up in a small town & not moving far away, I felt it was a very honest depiction of how the small town gossip mill works.
Oliver & Nils are the epitome of mutual pinning. Both men think the world of the other & both men don't think they are good enough for each other. Obviously they are both very wrong. It's adorable to see them slowly realize they could be together.
This is a slow burn romance with mild angst. Nothing that would be considered highly triggering. It is still very much a feel-good read. You will get the cozy warm & fuzzies at several points throughout the book.
There are a couple things I am hoping to see in the next book(s) in the series as far as Oliver & Nils are considered. And I cannot wait to read about Dryden Roy. Hopefully his book is next!
I would recommend this to anyone who needs a cool down or pallet cleanser from something very dark, very angst or a more smut than plot romance.
Features:
- Dual POV
- Gay/Gay Couple
- Lobsterman/Lobsterman
- My Weird Recognizes Your Weird
- Coworkers to Friends to Lovers
- Competency Kink
- Lingerie Appreciation
- Cooking Is His Love Language
- Chicken Babies
- "Accidentally" Living Together
June 15, 2026
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶/5
TW - bullying (past, mentioned), negative self talk / low self esteem, emotional and verbal abuse from family, hospital visit (surgery / procedure mentioned, ruptured spleen), divorce (briefly mentioned, sc), death of a parent, trauma / health issue, alcohol consumption, anxiety, financial insecurity (family), bigotry (past, mentioned, from scs), small hurts (e.g. biting lip till bleeding, past, mentioned), unsupportive parent, arthritis (parent, mentioned), death of a grandparent (past, implied), nausea, boating emergency (no fatalities)
CW - edging
Tropes - forced proximity, neighbours, opposites attract, slow burn, friends to lovers, hurt x comfort, small town
Representation - MC with a stutter, sc use of mobility aids (walking stick)
I don’t know how to describe this other than: soft love.
JJ Mulder has a knack for writing characters that love in full sentences AND between the lines; characters that are the perfect embodiment of ‘to be seen is to be loved’.
That’s the vibe I got from Oliver (MMC) and Nils (MMC), two characters that just SEE each other better than anyone else can
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶/5
TW - bullying (past, mentioned), negative self talk / low self esteem, emotional and verbal abuse from family, hospital visit (surgery / procedure mentioned, ruptured spleen), divorce (briefly mentioned, sc), death of a parent, trauma / health issue, alcohol consumption, anxiety, financial insecurity (family), bigotry (past, mentioned, from scs), small hurts (e.g. biting lip till bleeding, past, mentioned), unsupportive parent, arthritis (parent, mentioned), death of a grandparent (past, implied), nausea, boating emergency (no fatalities)
CW - edging
Tropes - forced proximity, neighbours, opposites attract, slow burn, friends to lovers, hurt x comfort, small town
Representation - MC with a stutter, sc use of mobility aids (walking stick)
I don’t know how to describe this other than: soft love.
JJ Mulder has a knack for writing characters that love in full sentences AND between the lines; characters that are the perfect embodiment of ‘to be seen is to be loved’.
That’s the vibe I got from Oliver (MMC) and Nils (MMC), two characters that just SEE each other better than anyone else can
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
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