What do you think?
Rate this book
A Siren's Point Story #2
Facing Leeward
Not yet published
Expected 17 Jun 26Winters 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
Expected publication June 17, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 28, 2026
Surprise surprise, JJ Mulder does it again 🥹
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!**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (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!**
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nils and Oliver are together more often than they are apart. After a year of working together, their friendship has truly developed. While Oliver can never sit still and always has something to say, Nils is a quiet listener. Though mostly because talking with his stutter is never easy. But he never tires of hearing Oliver talk. Especially when Oliver can read him so well and actually gives him a chance to speak when Nils wants to. Now that it is winter and they aren’t on the boat so often, they still find themselves drifting to one another. Oliver is constantly attempting home repairs with Nils’s help and Oliver loves cooking Nils food and visiting his chickens. So it’s only a matter of time that they come to realize that this friendship between them feels like so much more. And when they take a chance to become more, it may be the best thing that’s happened to both of them. I adored these two! They were just so sweet and I loved watching their friendship slowly develop into something so much more. They balanced one another out perfectly and also gave each other safe spaces to truly be themselves. I loved getting to know them more and watch them fall in love. Another great book in this series, and I can’t wait for more!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
May 30, 2026Facing Leeward was like the warmest hug on the coldest of winter nights.
I’ve been looking forward to Nils and Oliver since reading Finest Kind of Fate, and knew J.J. wouldn’t disappoint with their story. It was gorgeous, I love winter, and cosy, cold days and nights, so reading this while in the middle of a UK heatwave was perfection for my little winter-loving heart!
They were perfect together, the talkative ray of sunshine Oliver perfectly balancing the quiet, selective mute Nils. All Oliver wants is someone that listens when he talks and really hears what he’s saying, and Nils has resigned himself to a life of never finding someone that is patient enough to wait for him when his words won’t come, and hears what he’s not able to say.
I love the way J.J. writes, and the worlds she creates. I could read her hockey books til the end of time (and I do just that), but Siren’s Point is fast becoming another favourite.
With warning of book three being ‘emotional trauma-filled’, could we finally be getting Drydens story?!
I’ve been looking forward to Nils and Oliver since reading Finest Kind of Fate, and knew J.J. wouldn’t disappoint with their story. It was gorgeous, I love winter, and cosy, cold days and nights, so reading this while in the middle of a UK heatwave was perfection for my little winter-loving heart!
They were perfect together, the talkative ray of sunshine Oliver perfectly balancing the quiet, selective mute Nils. All Oliver wants is someone that listens when he talks and really hears what he’s saying, and Nils has resigned himself to a life of never finding someone that is patient enough to wait for him when his words won’t come, and hears what he’s not able to say.
I love the way J.J. writes, and the worlds she creates. I could read her hockey books til the end of time (and I do just that), but Siren’s Point is fast becoming another favourite.
With warning of book three being ‘emotional trauma-filled’, could we finally be getting Drydens story?!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Aaah the feeling of an anticipated book exceeding expectations is a high I never want to get rid of.
As for many people, Nils and Oliver captured my attention in book 1 with their opposite personality but being friends either way. And I've been waiting patiently for them to have their spotlight ever since.
Did I expect to get into gentle love heaven? Absolutely not, but JJ didn't miss a single beat to lead me there.
She writes love stories with the uttermost care, fluffy feelings, but in a way that the characters could be real life people. And my god do I wish these two could take a real life breath.
The patience, the caretaking, the subtle touches and unspoken words said by just looking at each other makes this book one of my favorites I read this year.
And with that little teaser at the end... This might become a Roman empire series for me.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Neighbours to lovers
Extrovert x introvert
Opposites attract
Mmc who wears lace
Mmc who stutters
Gentle love galore
Spice: 2/5
As for many people, Nils and Oliver captured my attention in book 1 with their opposite personality but being friends either way. And I've been waiting patiently for them to have their spotlight ever since.
Did I expect to get into gentle love heaven? Absolutely not, but JJ didn't miss a single beat to lead me there.
She writes love stories with the uttermost care, fluffy feelings, but in a way that the characters could be real life people. And my god do I wish these two could take a real life breath.
The patience, the caretaking, the subtle touches and unspoken words said by just looking at each other makes this book one of my favorites I read this year.
And with that little teaser at the end... This might become a Roman empire series for me.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Neighbours to lovers
Extrovert x introvert
Opposites attract
Mmc who wears lace
Mmc who stutters
Gentle love galore
Spice: 2/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to return to Siren's Point for Book Two and even more excited when I found out Nils and Oli would be the MC's. I was wanting more of them after their introduction in Book One, Finest Kind of Fate. Oli is a sweetheart I wanted to wrap in a blanket and assure him he is perfect the way he is the entire time I was reading. I admittedly took a tiny bit longer to completely warm to Nils, who has learned it's best to be silent and make himself unknowable dealing with a severe stutter. The way this friends/coworkers to lovers story unfolds is so endearing. It becomes clear to the reader that they fit together like puzzle pieces that just couldn't quite fit with anyone else. The entire book is like a warm blanket and an ode to winter coziness! Gearing up for Book Three that is promising to be quite different emotionally but no doubt as satisfying as the first two. JJ truly can write anything and will forever be one of my MM queens :D.
May 30, 2026
I really enjoyed returning to the world of A Siren's Point Story
One of my favorite parts of this installment was spending more time with characters who had previously been on the sidelines. I always love when a series gives supporting characters a chance to shine, and this book did that well.
I also appreciated seeing familiar faces throughout the story. The continuity between books makes the world feel connected and rewarding for readers who have been following the series from the beginning.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth. The story explores themes of family, belonging, and connection in a way that felt genuine, and I found myself invested in the characters' journeys from start to finish.
Overall, this was a strong addition to the series and left me excited to see where it goes next.
And if future books are taking requests, there is one particular character I'd love to see get their own story next.
One of my favorite parts of this installment was spending more time with characters who had previously been on the sidelines. I always love when a series gives supporting characters a chance to shine, and this book did that well.
I also appreciated seeing familiar faces throughout the story. The continuity between books makes the world feel connected and rewarding for readers who have been following the series from the beginning.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth. The story explores themes of family, belonging, and connection in a way that felt genuine, and I found myself invested in the characters' journeys from start to finish.
Overall, this was a strong addition to the series and left me excited to see where it goes next.
And if future books are taking requests, there is one particular character I'd love to see get their own story next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC received from the author.
A cosy,gentle story that is filled with all the sweet feels!
This is the second book in the Siren's Point series, and follows Oliver and Nils, as their friendship blossoms into something more.
The patience, understanding and connection between these characters definitely pulled at my heartstrings. It was wonderful the way Nils listens intently to Oliver speak and how Oliver listens without always needing the words from Nils.
It was also lovely to see some familiar characters from the first book and feel a part of this family again.
If you enjoy reading peaceful,cosy books with friends to lovers, hurt\comfort, baking and caretaking this one is for you.
Thanks to the author for this arc copy.
A cosy,gentle story that is filled with all the sweet feels!
This is the second book in the Siren's Point series, and follows Oliver and Nils, as their friendship blossoms into something more.
The patience, understanding and connection between these characters definitely pulled at my heartstrings. It was wonderful the way Nils listens intently to Oliver speak and how Oliver listens without always needing the words from Nils.
It was also lovely to see some familiar characters from the first book and feel a part of this family again.
If you enjoy reading peaceful,cosy books with friends to lovers, hurt\comfort, baking and caretaking this one is for you.
Thanks to the author for this arc copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Facing Leeward
A Siren’s Point Story 2
JJ Mulder
Lobster fishermen
Friends to lovers
Small town
Caretaking
Nils & Oliver
Yeah, so this was the sweetest, swooniest, most adorable, beautiful book I have read in a long time.
Sheesh these two were everything.
The caretaking by both of them in different ways just melted my heart.
These two saw each other, they just fit so well.
Their intimacy and connection was incredible to watch unfold. But all their spice was super hot.
This is such an incredible new series by JJ Mulder, who is, in fact, a favorite auto read author of mine.
Stunning new series. I loved seeing previous characters. Also CANNOT wait for the next book !!!
I just loved watching these two fall in love. The little ways they took care of each other, watched out for one another was just so beautiful.
I just loved this. SO sweet and swoony, like a warm hug with a side of spice lol
Love this world JJ Mulder has created… Longing for the next book
So thankful for this book
A Siren’s Point Story 2
JJ Mulder
Lobster fishermen
Friends to lovers
Small town
Caretaking
Nils & Oliver
Yeah, so this was the sweetest, swooniest, most adorable, beautiful book I have read in a long time.
Sheesh these two were everything.
The caretaking by both of them in different ways just melted my heart.
These two saw each other, they just fit so well.
Their intimacy and connection was incredible to watch unfold. But all their spice was super hot.
This is such an incredible new series by JJ Mulder, who is, in fact, a favorite auto read author of mine.
Stunning new series. I loved seeing previous characters. Also CANNOT wait for the next book !!!
I just loved watching these two fall in love. The little ways they took care of each other, watched out for one another was just so beautiful.
I just loved this. SO sweet and swoony, like a warm hug with a side of spice lol
Love this world JJ Mulder has created… Longing for the next book
So thankful for this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
More than any other writer, JJ Mulder can write the most perfect soft and gentle love stories. This isn’t a plot heavy book; this is the soft, gentle descent into a forever love. Nils and Oliver captured my heart back in the first book and I was so excited when they were announced as the MCs for book two. And they live up to every expectation you have. They are so perfect. JJ’s writing is beautifully immersive and I felt like I was right there with them on wintery nights. I can’t wait for the third book!
Thank you JJ Mulder for the ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.
Thank you JJ Mulder for the ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a comfort read from JJ. These two men seem polar opposite but in the end they are both full of insecurities. They find in the other one their perfect match: Nils is the listener that Oli needs and Oli can understand Nils without him speaking.
At the end this books warms your heart without any drama or hurt, in the middle of beautiful and snowy winter in Siren's Point.
Great job JJ, you definitely did it again!!!!!!
At the end this books warms your heart without any drama or hurt, in the middle of beautiful and snowy winter in Siren's Point.
Great job JJ, you definitely did it again!!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was just SO LOVELY. Definitely my new favorite of hers. Nils and Oliver were so true to themselves and slowly made their way into each other’s lives seamlessly. They loved each other for exactly who they were and in such a careful, meaningful way. I wish we could all find such pure acceptance and love to help beat back the trauma. As always, I felt and loved the neurodivergent rep. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Officially my favourite JJ book
Low angst
Caretaking
The most wonderful characters
I read it in less than a day
Devoured
Slow burn but so freaking beautiful
Nils and oli listened to each other
The way I can’t wait for book 3
Low angst
Caretaking
The most wonderful characters
I read it in less than a day
Devoured
Slow burn but so freaking beautiful
Nils and oli listened to each other
The way I can’t wait for book 3
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was all sorts of sunshiny goodness. Oliver and Nils complemented each other so perfectly. The way their relationship just slowly unfolded in the most romantic and affectionate way. I loved how simple and sweet this story was. These two are just so perfect for each other.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The sunshine that is Nils and Oliver. Full review to come.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my god I love this book! Nils is my new favorite person. And Oliver is perfect for him.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews