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Uno Reverse
Seth:
I've had a crush on Kaden since the day I met him six years ago. He's everything I've ever wanted, which sounds amazing. Except that he's straight. And my best friend. And my coworker.
It's okay, though. It's just a harmless crush. It's not so bad.
Until Covid hits, and suddenly I'm facing one of the hardest decisions of my life: when what I want is finally in reach, is it worth the risk of losing it all?
Kaden:
I used to have a life before all of this. I'm not saying I was the life of the party, but I had a girlfriend. I was in a band. I trained in kickboxing.
I used to work hard. Play hard. Train hard.
Now everything is just hard. I'm not who I used to be, and maybe that's why the idea of hooking up with my best friend—as a way to keep some kind of balance and human touch in this apocalyptic mess we're living in—wasn't that far-fetched.
Or maybe I've finally lost my mind.
But Seth promised me nothing would change if we did this, and if there's one person I trust with my life, it's Seth. So, we're good.
Right?
I've had a crush on Kaden since the day I met him six years ago. He's everything I've ever wanted, which sounds amazing. Except that he's straight. And my best friend. And my coworker.
It's okay, though. It's just a harmless crush. It's not so bad.
Until Covid hits, and suddenly I'm facing one of the hardest decisions of my life: when what I want is finally in reach, is it worth the risk of losing it all?
Kaden:
I used to have a life before all of this. I'm not saying I was the life of the party, but I had a girlfriend. I was in a band. I trained in kickboxing.
I used to work hard. Play hard. Train hard.
Now everything is just hard. I'm not who I used to be, and maybe that's why the idea of hooking up with my best friend—as a way to keep some kind of balance and human touch in this apocalyptic mess we're living in—wasn't that far-fetched.
Or maybe I've finally lost my mind.
But Seth promised me nothing would change if we did this, and if there's one person I trust with my life, it's Seth. So, we're good.
Right?
360 pages, ebook
First published July 10, 2026
About the author
Ivy James
1 book50 followersIvy James is an indie author of love stories.
Based in Northern Europe.
Lover of licorice.
Hopeless daydreamer and introvert.
Based in Northern Europe.
Lover of licorice.
Hopeless daydreamer and introvert.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
June 25, 2026
ARC
Changed my review…..
Author has potential for sure and good on her for even writing a book, BUT……
Bullying as an adult is crazyyyyy
And because I don’t like bullying, I wish I could do this….
Changed my review…..
Author has potential for sure and good on her for even writing a book, BUT……
Bullying as an adult is crazyyyyy
And because I don’t like bullying, I wish I could do this….
July 10, 2026
Let me start off by saying this is my personal thing when reading books. It may be fine for other readers, but it's just not for me.
So I knew going into this per the blurb that Covid would at least be mentioned in this book, but I didn't know that it would be a main storyline of the book for at least half of it.
As someone who lived it, I don't want to read about it as a main storyline in my fictional book.
I read to step out of real life stuff/real world stuff and I don't want any of it in my books.
Again, this is just how I am as a reader.
So I won't be continuing this book.
So I knew going into this per the blurb that Covid would at least be mentioned in this book, but I didn't know that it would be a main storyline of the book for at least half of it.
As someone who lived it, I don't want to read about it as a main storyline in my fictional book.
I read to step out of real life stuff/real world stuff and I don't want any of it in my books.
Again, this is just how I am as a reader.
So I won't be continuing this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2026
I wrote like 7 pages of notes, then accidentally deleted the notes! So I’ll try to remember everything!
The pacing was just all over the place. It didn’t flow well at all. It was like the author had a lot of ideas and wrote them down but struggled to connect them. It started off so slowly. At 17% it felt like I’d been reading it for hours. Then the ending was just rushed!
There were some major inconsistencies that bothered me too! Like they are in 2021 and it’s shortly after they hooked up on Molly and the beginning of the chapter it says Now playing: Back to friends by sombr. That song didn’t come out until 2024. Then a few chapters later it said Now playing: some song by sleep token that didn’t come out until 2023. A little bit of research goes a long way! The other inconsistency was Seth’s age. When Jude was fixing to ask him out he asked Seth how old he was and Seth said 25. Then towards the end of the book when Seth’s mom told him she wanted grandchildren he said “I’m only 24 years old”. So is he 24 or 25?
The 4th act breakup if you want to call it that since they weren’t technically together didn’t make any sense! It was just added for unnecessary drama! First of all, this should have happened at 80% if you’re going to make it happen at all. That way the whole making up getting back together shit has a good 20% left to get fleshed out. But you did it at 94% making it not flesh well and the ending being rushed as fuck. And they had this fight because Seth told Kaden he was in love with him. Then Kaden freaked the fuck out and said he lied to him and that he had given him so many outs. So what does being in love with you have ANYTHING to do with having an out?? Then…THEN….when they are talking it out or whatever Kaden goes “I was scared of losing you” or I thought I was losing you or something stupid like that. So Seth literally just said he’s in love with you and you thought you were losing him from that? How? Make it make sense!
I also didn’t understand the whole Uno Reverse thing. It was never once explained on what it meant or why they say it. I’ve never played the game, so maybe I’m just the idiot! 🤷🏻♀️
There was so much other shit I had written down but I don’t remember it all now! I just know that the book pissed me off and I hated it!
Then come to find out the author not only bullies people who don’t like her book but has other people bully them too AFTER her MMC is bullied is fucking ridiculous! “Wahhh someone didn’t like my book” boo fucking hoo lady! You obviously got trophies for coming in last place and it shows!
It is our right as a human to have an opinion. Just because people’s opinion is different from yours or hurts your feelings doesn’t give you the right to harass them! Take their constructive criticism and use to better yourself! What a boring ass world we would live in if we all had the same opinions on things.
I did not like this book. It wasn’t for me. I thought it was too long. There was way too much banter that after a while it just got annoying and started to piss me off. There was a lot of repetition. I think 200 pages at least could have been removed. I think it needed better editing.
If you truly loved this book, then sweet! I love that for you! Isn’t it great that reading is subjective?!
The pacing was just all over the place. It didn’t flow well at all. It was like the author had a lot of ideas and wrote them down but struggled to connect them. It started off so slowly. At 17% it felt like I’d been reading it for hours. Then the ending was just rushed!
There were some major inconsistencies that bothered me too! Like they are in 2021 and it’s shortly after they hooked up on Molly and the beginning of the chapter it says Now playing: Back to friends by sombr. That song didn’t come out until 2024. Then a few chapters later it said Now playing: some song by sleep token that didn’t come out until 2023. A little bit of research goes a long way! The other inconsistency was Seth’s age. When Jude was fixing to ask him out he asked Seth how old he was and Seth said 25. Then towards the end of the book when Seth’s mom told him she wanted grandchildren he said “I’m only 24 years old”. So is he 24 or 25?
The 4th act breakup if you want to call it that since they weren’t technically together didn’t make any sense! It was just added for unnecessary drama! First of all, this should have happened at 80% if you’re going to make it happen at all. That way the whole making up getting back together shit has a good 20% left to get fleshed out. But you did it at 94% making it not flesh well and the ending being rushed as fuck. And they had this fight because Seth told Kaden he was in love with him. Then Kaden freaked the fuck out and said he lied to him and that he had given him so many outs. So what does being in love with you have ANYTHING to do with having an out?? Then…THEN….when they are talking it out or whatever Kaden goes “I was scared of losing you” or I thought I was losing you or something stupid like that. So Seth literally just said he’s in love with you and you thought you were losing him from that? How? Make it make sense!
I also didn’t understand the whole Uno Reverse thing. It was never once explained on what it meant or why they say it. I’ve never played the game, so maybe I’m just the idiot! 🤷🏻♀️
There was so much other shit I had written down but I don’t remember it all now! I just know that the book pissed me off and I hated it!
Then come to find out the author not only bullies people who don’t like her book but has other people bully them too AFTER her MMC is bullied is fucking ridiculous! “Wahhh someone didn’t like my book” boo fucking hoo lady! You obviously got trophies for coming in last place and it shows!
It is our right as a human to have an opinion. Just because people’s opinion is different from yours or hurts your feelings doesn’t give you the right to harass them! Take their constructive criticism and use to better yourself! What a boring ass world we would live in if we all had the same opinions on things.
I did not like this book. It wasn’t for me. I thought it was too long. There was way too much banter that after a while it just got annoying and started to piss me off. There was a lot of repetition. I think 200 pages at least could have been removed. I think it needed better editing.
If you truly loved this book, then sweet! I love that for you! Isn’t it great that reading is subjective?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an early arc for this book and Ivys writing drew me in instantly. It felt like I was there for every moment, like a fly on the wall! 👀 I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I kicked my feet giggling on multiple different occasions.. I loved this book so so much. 🥺🫶🏼
Seth is a sweet baby angel who needs to be protected at all costs, he’s a hurt boy who just needs to be shown he’s perfect the way he is 🥺
Kaden is a walking green flag, he definitely has his own hang ups but he’s an absolute sweetheart, with a heart of pure gold. 🫶🏼
Kaden is the night to Seth’s day, the dark to his light and they are utter perfection together. 🖤🤍
Seth is a sweet baby angel who needs to be protected at all costs, he’s a hurt boy who just needs to be shown he’s perfect the way he is 🥺
Kaden is a walking green flag, he definitely has his own hang ups but he’s an absolute sweetheart, with a heart of pure gold. 🫶🏼
Kaden is the night to Seth’s day, the dark to his light and they are utter perfection together. 🖤🤍
July 10, 2026
DNF at 30%
Do you know that feeling, when you read a mm romance and it’s clear it’s written by a woman for women? This book is that feeling 🙃
Gave it 2 stars since I didn’t finish it, the writing is somewhat okay and it’s clear the author had a vision. It just didn’t work for me and I know I won’t be finishing the book. Sorry.
Very thin plot. At lot of sex scenes, but they are waaaay too short in my opinion. Everything feels “fast” and under developed which makes it difficult to connect with the story and characters. Also the dialogue was meh and borderline cringe most of the time.
I was looking forward to the whole Covid thing and was expecting it to be about the first lockdown. I honestly would have believed the story more if I was. I love bi-awakening stories but this felt unnatural, unnecessary and kind of offensive?
Do you know that feeling, when you read a mm romance and it’s clear it’s written by a woman for women? This book is that feeling 🙃
Gave it 2 stars since I didn’t finish it, the writing is somewhat okay and it’s clear the author had a vision. It just didn’t work for me and I know I won’t be finishing the book. Sorry.
Very thin plot. At lot of sex scenes, but they are waaaay too short in my opinion. Everything feels “fast” and under developed which makes it difficult to connect with the story and characters. Also the dialogue was meh and borderline cringe most of the time.
I was looking forward to the whole Covid thing and was expecting it to be about the first lockdown. I honestly would have believed the story more if I was. I love bi-awakening stories but this felt unnatural, unnecessary and kind of offensive?
Did Not Finish
July 11, 2026@14% another book about nothing. Eh..
July 23, 2026
DNF : 24%
I don’t know… this one just wasn’t for me 😭
I never really connected with the story, and honestly, I found it kind of boring. I wasn’t invested enough to keep reading, and I know I wouldn’t enjoy it if I forced myself to finish it.
I’d rather move on to something I’m actually excited to read 🤷♀️📚
I don’t know… this one just wasn’t for me 😭
I never really connected with the story, and honestly, I found it kind of boring. I wasn’t invested enough to keep reading, and I know I wouldn’t enjoy it if I forced myself to finish it.
I’d rather move on to something I’m actually excited to read 🤷♀️📚
June 7, 2026
This book was all the things I love in a best friends to lovers romance. I absolutely adored both Seth and Kaden. They both have some unsolved trauma from their pasts, that I don’t think they realize is affecting their life so much. My sweet baby Seth was bullied badly in high school. He moves away from his home town and completely changes his appearance, and how he acts. He starts to apprentice under Kaden, and they become best friends. Forward a couple years later post covid. Kaden is struggling to have things go back to normal. He had a family member who was very sick during Covid, and has some PTSD he hasn’t dealt with. They have a little fun one night, end up hooking up and the story starts from there. I loved how Ivy didn't have Kaden really dwell on hooking with a man for the first time. Of course he had inner thoughts about it, but it didn’t take away from the story. The scene with Seth breaking down to Kaden was heartbreaking. My heart hurt for him so much with what he went through. There were so many emotional moments throughout this book that made me cry. If you like your steamy scenes hot, growth, acceptance, love, romance, and healing then you don’t want to pass this book up! Thank you Ivy for allowing me to read this early! I can’t wait to see what’s in store next!
July 16, 2026
I found out about this book one day after ARC sign-ups closed and immediately added it to my TBR. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Even though there were a couple of things that could’ve been better in my opinion, the story grabbed me by the throat from the very beginning and didn’t let go.
I loved the banter, even if it was a little cringe sometimes.
Seth and Kaden are so adorable together I was literally kicking my feet and squealing (like, out loud).
I think Seth’s internal monologue is done really well, where he struggles with both his feelings for his best friend and the trauma from his past. I seriously just wanted to jump into the pages and give him a hug.
Kaden’s backstory on the other hand could’ve been developed a bit more. We know he has trust issues and we roughly know where they come from, but it still felt somewhat vague to me. What I missed most in Kaden’s POVs was more of a struggle with his sexuality. He believed he was straight for nearly thirty years, but aside from some mild panic after their first two “encounters 😏”, he adapts pretty quickly to the fact that he really enjoys making out and having sex with his very male best friend. On top of that, considering how affectionate he becomes toward Seth throughout the story, it started feeling like they were already boyfriends without the label instead of them just hooking up.
Lastly I felt like the conflict at the end was a bit forced. I can see what the author intended (where the reaction came from) and I do get it and I get the hurt the character was feeling, but it still felt slightly out of character to me based on everything we’d seen from him up until that point.
There were a few typos and grammatical errors, but nothing major.
Some of the chapters felt a bit random (more filler than plot), but in the end every interaction between characters made you learn more about them.
To end on a positive note, Jesus Christ the spice in this book had me sweating.
There was quite a bit of spice, but the plot literally revolves around two friends hooking up so it never felt excessive. There was a great balance between on-page smut and closed door, where the chapter started right after or ended right before the intimacy.
In summary: nothing is perfect, but this book was damn close. Despite the list above with things I might have liked differently, the story overall was addictive, heartwarming and emotional - and enjoyable enough to almost make me forget about that list. At times it felt like the boys were reaching into my chest and squeezing my heart.
I laughed, I cried, I squealed, I “awww”ed, and I flew through the book in less than 48 hours.
Even though there were a couple of things that could’ve been better in my opinion, the story grabbed me by the throat from the very beginning and didn’t let go.
I loved the banter, even if it was a little cringe sometimes.
Seth and Kaden are so adorable together I was literally kicking my feet and squealing (like, out loud).
I think Seth’s internal monologue is done really well, where he struggles with both his feelings for his best friend and the trauma from his past. I seriously just wanted to jump into the pages and give him a hug.
Kaden’s backstory on the other hand could’ve been developed a bit more. We know he has trust issues and we roughly know where they come from, but it still felt somewhat vague to me. What I missed most in Kaden’s POVs was more of a struggle with his sexuality. He believed he was straight for nearly thirty years, but aside from some mild panic after their first two “encounters 😏”, he adapts pretty quickly to the fact that he really enjoys making out and having sex with his very male best friend. On top of that, considering how affectionate he becomes toward Seth throughout the story, it started feeling like they were already boyfriends without the label instead of them just hooking up.
Lastly I felt like the conflict at the end was a bit forced. I can see what the author intended (where the reaction came from) and I do get it and I get the hurt the character was feeling, but it still felt slightly out of character to me based on everything we’d seen from him up until that point.
There were a few typos and grammatical errors, but nothing major.
Some of the chapters felt a bit random (more filler than plot), but in the end every interaction between characters made you learn more about them.
To end on a positive note, Jesus Christ the spice in this book had me sweating.
There was quite a bit of spice, but the plot literally revolves around two friends hooking up so it never felt excessive. There was a great balance between on-page smut and closed door, where the chapter started right after or ended right before the intimacy.
In summary: nothing is perfect, but this book was damn close. Despite the list above with things I might have liked differently, the story overall was addictive, heartwarming and emotional - and enjoyable enough to almost make me forget about that list. At times it felt like the boys were reaching into my chest and squeezing my heart.
I laughed, I cried, I squealed, I “awww”ed, and I flew through the book in less than 48 hours.
July 29, 2026
What an absolutely, beautiful story. I don’t know what was put into this book but ate in it up. I normally read darker stories but this was just a simply, beautiful, friends to lovers, figuring out life together. I loved how there is the mental health representation in it but in a way that it doesn’t feel super heavy.
October 1, 2026
Review to come when I can pull myself together 😭
July 25, 2026
Let me count the ways I hated this book.
1. The “gay for you” trope
2. Lots of internalized homophobia
3. Lots of dialogue that contributed nothing to the story
4. A wonky ass timeline of events and inconsistencies
5. Excessive inclusion of the brand name of everything
MM romance written by women is always a hit or miss. This is a big fucking miss. The author tried and failed to summarize a year and a half worth of events into a short prologue which does nothing with helping understand the timeline of the story. Kaden was in a band but that got shut down so he opened a tattoo studio...with what expertise? There was a scene where one of the MCs very much should have stopped tattooing a customer but didn’t. We were introduced to way too many side characters who had little effect on the story. At one point I asked out loud if the author had borrowed Rina Kent’s guide on how to write a shitty MM romance.
Seth pining over his straight friend is embarrassing. "It’s the gay curse—having a straight best friend who’s also the man of your dreams.” He was quite literally letting himself be treated like trash by a hookup because he couldn’t bring himself to find anyone else because he’s so in love with his best friend. The way he’s not worried about *being* gay or people knowing he is, but of *looking* gay. “I go to change my clothes, hanging the silk-pajamas in my closet, and put on a pair of sweats and a hoodie. I put away the wine bottles in the recycling bin under my sink and do a sweep over my apartment. After making sure I didn’t miss anything, I shuffle back to the couch and put the fashion magazines in a box under the couch.” This man hides his moisturizer because he thinks it makes him a “insert slur here.” The MCs had no chemistry that wasn’t sexual for majority of the book. They didn’t feel like best friends. They felt like casual bros. Not even a little bit of a fan of this book.
1. The “gay for you” trope
2. Lots of internalized homophobia
3. Lots of dialogue that contributed nothing to the story
4. A wonky ass timeline of events and inconsistencies
5. Excessive inclusion of the brand name of everything
MM romance written by women is always a hit or miss. This is a big fucking miss. The author tried and failed to summarize a year and a half worth of events into a short prologue which does nothing with helping understand the timeline of the story. Kaden was in a band but that got shut down so he opened a tattoo studio...with what expertise? There was a scene where one of the MCs very much should have stopped tattooing a customer but didn’t. We were introduced to way too many side characters who had little effect on the story. At one point I asked out loud if the author had borrowed Rina Kent’s guide on how to write a shitty MM romance.
Seth pining over his straight friend is embarrassing. "It’s the gay curse—having a straight best friend who’s also the man of your dreams.” He was quite literally letting himself be treated like trash by a hookup because he couldn’t bring himself to find anyone else because he’s so in love with his best friend. The way he’s not worried about *being* gay or people knowing he is, but of *looking* gay. “I go to change my clothes, hanging the silk-pajamas in my closet, and put on a pair of sweats and a hoodie. I put away the wine bottles in the recycling bin under my sink and do a sweep over my apartment. After making sure I didn’t miss anything, I shuffle back to the couch and put the fashion magazines in a box under the couch.” This man hides his moisturizer because he thinks it makes him a “insert slur here.” The MCs had no chemistry that wasn’t sexual for majority of the book. They didn’t feel like best friends. They felt like casual bros. Not even a little bit of a fan of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the ARC, Ivy!
4.5 ⭐️
I can't believe this was a debut! What an incredible story. Kaden is a green flag all around although a bit oblivious in his own feelings haha but such a good character. I could so relate to his fears around COVID too - it was refreshing to read a story like this and quite unique as well. And Seth my baby, what a heartwrenching backstory. I'm so glad Kaden made him accept himself for the perfect man he is. I felt for him throughout with his pining, OMG the yearning was making me want to give him a huge hug. They are perfect together and I'm over the moon they figured everything out and could have their HEA. Oh also the spice was chef's kiss. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I would have liked to get more of their time together as boyfriends + their coworkers, friends (shout out to Lou for being an amazing friend to Seth!) and families finding out. Maybe a future novella hint hint?
- Best friends to lovers done amazingly well
- No real OP drama - Kaden has a girlfriend at first but no on page intimacy and Seth got asked out by a client but he turned him down. Seth also had a thing with his neighbour but very brief and prior to anything between Kaden and him
- Short breakup towards the end (only 6 days)
4.5 ⭐️
I can't believe this was a debut! What an incredible story. Kaden is a green flag all around although a bit oblivious in his own feelings haha but such a good character. I could so relate to his fears around COVID too - it was refreshing to read a story like this and quite unique as well. And Seth my baby, what a heartwrenching backstory. I'm so glad Kaden made him accept himself for the perfect man he is. I felt for him throughout with his pining, OMG the yearning was making me want to give him a huge hug. They are perfect together and I'm over the moon they figured everything out and could have their HEA. Oh also the spice was chef's kiss. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I would have liked to get more of their time together as boyfriends + their coworkers, friends (shout out to Lou for being an amazing friend to Seth!) and families finding out. Maybe a future novella hint hint?
- Best friends to lovers done amazingly well
- No real OP drama - Kaden has a girlfriend at first but no on page intimacy and Seth got asked out by a client but he turned him down. Seth also had a thing with his neighbour but very brief and prior to anything between Kaden and him
- Short breakup towards the end (only 6 days)
July 25, 2026
The helplessly yearning trope is my favorite, okay? Don't yell at me! UNO REVERSE!
Let's keep this one short and sweet.
It was a great book! Very rom-com-y. Very sweet. Very much my kind of book when I just want to escape reality for a while.
I basically skipped the first part because it was boring as hell and jumped to the part where they started kissing—and that's when the book really took off.
There aren't any memorable characters. Besides the two MCs' romance, nothing else really interested me. BUT the romance was indeed great! Unrealistic as hell, but that's why it's a romance book haha.
Seth was obviously the best character, and I think the author felt that too because her writing was noticeably stronger whenever we got his perspective.
Kaden was sweet but... you know, nothing special. He didn't really have much of a personality, and he was really stupid most of the time.
Overall, I seriously recommend this book if you're looking for a fun, light read. I finished it in one sitting and enjoyed myself immensely.
Let's keep this one short and sweet.
It was a great book! Very rom-com-y. Very sweet. Very much my kind of book when I just want to escape reality for a while.
I basically skipped the first part because it was boring as hell and jumped to the part where they started kissing—and that's when the book really took off.
There aren't any memorable characters. Besides the two MCs' romance, nothing else really interested me. BUT the romance was indeed great! Unrealistic as hell, but that's why it's a romance book haha.
Seth was obviously the best character, and I think the author felt that too because her writing was noticeably stronger whenever we got his perspective.
Kaden was sweet but... you know, nothing special. He didn't really have much of a personality, and he was really stupid most of the time.
Overall, I seriously recommend this book if you're looking for a fun, light read. I finished it in one sitting and enjoyed myself immensely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review
4.5 ⭐️
When I first saw the teasers on socials I was already hooked. The book did not disappoint! It is a great debut!
Seth and Kayden are adorable together. Oblivious but adorable.
I love how they acknowledge they are each others person, do everything together, turn their Covid fling into a forever thing. Seth has been in crushing on his straight best friend for years, Kayden has never been attracted to a man before, then one night he looks at his best friend Seth and that’s it, a switch flipped.
Seth struggles with himself. Has trauma and when what happened to him comes to light you feel for him, and Kayden’s reaction had green flag written all over it.
Kayden know he is ridiculously attracted to Seth, that he is his favorite person, his person, he loves the things that make Seth Seth.
Watching these 2 stumble through their relationship was a fun ride.
Can’t wait to see what Ivy James comes up with next.
4.5 ⭐️
When I first saw the teasers on socials I was already hooked. The book did not disappoint! It is a great debut!
Seth and Kayden are adorable together. Oblivious but adorable.
I love how they acknowledge they are each others person, do everything together, turn their Covid fling into a forever thing. Seth has been in crushing on his straight best friend for years, Kayden has never been attracted to a man before, then one night he looks at his best friend Seth and that’s it, a switch flipped.
Seth struggles with himself. Has trauma and when what happened to him comes to light you feel for him, and Kayden’s reaction had green flag written all over it.
Kayden know he is ridiculously attracted to Seth, that he is his favorite person, his person, he loves the things that make Seth Seth.
Watching these 2 stumble through their relationship was a fun ride.
Can’t wait to see what Ivy James comes up with next.
July 13, 2026
DNF at 20%.
The pacing was weird to me at the start. It seemed we go from 2020-2021 and nothing really happened? The writing style was not my favorite so if I can’t connect with the book early on I know I won’t be able to finish.
The pacing was weird to me at the start. It seemed we go from 2020-2021 and nothing really happened? The writing style was not my favorite so if I can’t connect with the book early on I know I won’t be able to finish.
July 8, 2026
ARC REVIEW! 🌙✨
What happens when your best friend becomes the one person you can’t stop loving… but you’re convinced they could never love you back?
Seth and Kaiden have been best friends ever since Seth started apprenticing at Kaden’s tattoo shop.
Somewhere between shared days, moments, and years of friendship, Seth falls in love.
The only problem?
He believes Kaden is straight, (We all know they never actually are. 😂😂🤭), and instead of risking the friendship, he chooses silence.(🥹)
Then the post COVID era changes everything.
reintegration into society, touch starvation and just two best friends trying to survive and help each other through the after effects of a pandemic.
Now, I really appreciated that this book layered the MMCs beyond their goofiness. Beyond tbe romance, this book is about the different ways trauma shapes us.
One MMC carries years of bullying and homophobia that taught him to make himself smaller and tougher just to survive.
The other MMC is weighed down by anxiety, trust issues, and the lingering psychological effects of COVID and isolation.
Neither of them is emotionally whole when this story begins.
They were simply trying to figure life out while unknowingly becoming each other’s safe place and falling in love.
Now, were there chapters that frustrated me?
God, yes!!! 😭😭😭😭
Moments when I literally wanted to slap some sense into both Seth and Kaden! and I really held myself back from going to rant in Ivy’s dms! 😭 But yes, they both got it together eventually. 😄
This is a story about friendship becoming love.
About healing instead of fixing.
About learning to trust.
About choosing vulnerability after years of protecting yourself.
And about finding hope after one of the loneliest periods many of us have ever lived through.
Loved this book, I definitely recommend!
What happens when your best friend becomes the one person you can’t stop loving… but you’re convinced they could never love you back?
Seth and Kaiden have been best friends ever since Seth started apprenticing at Kaden’s tattoo shop.
Somewhere between shared days, moments, and years of friendship, Seth falls in love.
The only problem?
He believes Kaden is straight, (We all know they never actually are. 😂😂🤭), and instead of risking the friendship, he chooses silence.(🥹)
Then the post COVID era changes everything.
reintegration into society, touch starvation and just two best friends trying to survive and help each other through the after effects of a pandemic.
Now, I really appreciated that this book layered the MMCs beyond their goofiness. Beyond tbe romance, this book is about the different ways trauma shapes us.
One MMC carries years of bullying and homophobia that taught him to make himself smaller and tougher just to survive.
The other MMC is weighed down by anxiety, trust issues, and the lingering psychological effects of COVID and isolation.
Neither of them is emotionally whole when this story begins.
They were simply trying to figure life out while unknowingly becoming each other’s safe place and falling in love.
Now, were there chapters that frustrated me?
God, yes!!! 😭😭😭😭
Moments when I literally wanted to slap some sense into both Seth and Kaden! and I really held myself back from going to rant in Ivy’s dms! 😭 But yes, they both got it together eventually. 😄
This is a story about friendship becoming love.
About healing instead of fixing.
About learning to trust.
About choosing vulnerability after years of protecting yourself.
And about finding hope after one of the loneliest periods many of us have ever lived through.
Loved this book, I definitely recommend!
September 22, 2026
Loved it, highly recommend :)
September 29, 2026
I didn’t think this book would hit the way it did but it was just so great. I loved it all. 🖤
October 9, 2026
Something about the writing style, banter, and overall vibes of this book just totally did it for me even though I was screaming at them the entire time that a relationship is literally two best friends who fuck! I still love them.
Sweet baby Seth just broke my heart. He was so down bad for Kadey- Babe (ohh did that nickname make me swoon) and had literally no self preservation skills to manage it. His past really did a number on him and it was so painful to watch that affect his decisions. Kaden had so much growing to do and while I loved his personality he definitely made some poor choices here regarding Seth.
I loved watching them grow together and see their relationship unfold.
Sweet baby Seth just broke my heart. He was so down bad for Kadey- Babe (ohh did that nickname make me swoon) and had literally no self preservation skills to manage it. His past really did a number on him and it was so painful to watch that affect his decisions. Kaden had so much growing to do and while I loved his personality he definitely made some poor choices here regarding Seth.
I loved watching them grow together and see their relationship unfold.
September 6, 2026
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3.75/5
Main characters: Seth & Kaden
Side characters: Lou, Kit, Iggy, Finn, Ollie
Page count: 417
First person, dual POV.
I loved this beautiful, spicy, best friends to lovers novel. Seth and Kaden have such a beautiful relationship. I love that they are tattoo artists who work together and that Seth apprenticed under Kaden. I thought it was also really fun and interesting that some of their appointments and interactions with their tattoo clients were sprinkled in throughout the story.
The dynamic between Seth and Kaden is so wonderfully playful and supportive. They are so committed to each other even though they are just friends in the beginning. They both have some underlying struggles with mental health so we see them taking care of each other without any judgement or pressure to change. And once their relationship begins to evolve, their chemistry is absolutely off the charts. Because this book is predominantly about their exploration of a physical relationship, it is incredibly steamy. Many many scenes of them hooking up and figuring things out. And they are so good together. I can’t believe it took Kaden so long to figure his feelings out. He so clearly adored Seth, and Seth was just a goner the whole time.
I highly recommend this and am honestly having a bit of a hard time moving on! It feels like these characters really got under my skin. All credit to Ivy for composing such a wonderful and intimate story! ❤️🔥🫠
🌶️ 3.75/5
Main characters: Seth & Kaden
Side characters: Lou, Kit, Iggy, Finn, Ollie
Page count: 417
First person, dual POV.
I loved this beautiful, spicy, best friends to lovers novel. Seth and Kaden have such a beautiful relationship. I love that they are tattoo artists who work together and that Seth apprenticed under Kaden. I thought it was also really fun and interesting that some of their appointments and interactions with their tattoo clients were sprinkled in throughout the story.
The dynamic between Seth and Kaden is so wonderfully playful and supportive. They are so committed to each other even though they are just friends in the beginning. They both have some underlying struggles with mental health so we see them taking care of each other without any judgement or pressure to change. And once their relationship begins to evolve, their chemistry is absolutely off the charts. Because this book is predominantly about their exploration of a physical relationship, it is incredibly steamy. Many many scenes of them hooking up and figuring things out. And they are so good together. I can’t believe it took Kaden so long to figure his feelings out. He so clearly adored Seth, and Seth was just a goner the whole time.
I highly recommend this and am honestly having a bit of a hard time moving on! It feels like these characters really got under my skin. All credit to Ivy for composing such a wonderful and intimate story! ❤️🔥🫠
July 20, 2026
Ok. It has potential. Still dont understand the Uno Reverse. Half the time it wasn't even used in a way that makes sense. I probably would have enjoyed it more had it been closer to a time when covid was relevant but 6 years later being written as 2 years later didn't really read well.
Excessively long, by about 200 pages. Should have used those to build the close friendship they made before covid so we could really get a feeling for them together. I didn't feel like iggy/sully ( no idea why she has 2 nicknames) added anything to this story.
Also, an author bullying for a bad review is not cool. I wish I had known before I read the book but I was already 50% into it. If you can't take criticism you will never be a great writer. Probably the reason I would never write my own book. Or maybe that is a lack of talent. The world will never know.
Excessively long, by about 200 pages. Should have used those to build the close friendship they made before covid so we could really get a feeling for them together. I didn't feel like iggy/sully ( no idea why she has 2 nicknames) added anything to this story.
Also, an author bullying for a bad review is not cool. I wish I had known before I read the book but I was already 50% into it. If you can't take criticism you will never be a great writer. Probably the reason I would never write my own book. Or maybe that is a lack of talent. The world will never know.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was provided with an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. These are my real sentiments about the story and everything written here is respectful, without meaning to harm anyone, but to offer my opinion as constructive criticism/compliments. Thank you, Ivy, for the opportunity!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥 / 5
Couple: Kaden and Seth.
Structure: 1st person. Present tense. Dual POV.
Ever since I started seeing the promotion for this book, I knew it was up my alley. Tattoo-professionals best-friends-to-lovers one-sided-pining-for-years possessive-guy-realizing-his-sexuality? I'll have an ocean of that, please! And the book did not disappoint!
First, I wanna start by talking about how well Ivy depicted the entire emotional situation so many people went/still go through after COVID regarding social anxiety. I thought the story was going to mostly happen during lockdown with forced-proximity. But no, it was right after life started slowly going back to a new "normal". One that left us to deal with a lifetime of sorrow and hardships in many cases. As a Psychologist who worked in a COVID-reference hospital in my city, and who had many clients in my clinic struggling exactly with that kind of fear and anxiety, I appreciate a lot how sensitive Ivy was to it. Kaden's mental health struggles and others' reactions to it were done perfectly,
I also love how she explored Seth's
Now onto their relationship. Their dynamic was so much fun to read. How much they meant to each other and saw each other even when they tried to hide themselves from the world. Seth's pining and ogling was always very entertaining haha And Kaden, the most oblivious guy to ever exist! he had one of those typical "straight-to-baby-bi" journeys in which he had lots of hot sex with his gay best friend, but still didn't think he was actually attracted to said gay best friend, hence it didn't make sense for him to be bi hahaha But it's all so innocent in his head, I wasn't even annoyed. I just often thought "Oh, honey!" LMFAO
Speaking of hot sex, OMG! This book has some of the hottest scenes I've ever read. It never gets boring, it always brings something new, each scene has a purpose and never cringe. All their actions and talking are hot as fuck. But there's also a lot of sweetness to them, especially the closer they become emotionally. I absolutely love how touchy Kaden turns out to be, showing to Seth he could be like that as well. The intensity of everything physical between them was over the charts, and boy did I hadvea good time reading it all those scenes haha
Another thing that caught my attention was how natural the dialogues felt. They rally sounded like the way we speak in our day-to-day life. No tonly the dialogues, but their actions too. I could actually picture everything vividly and clearly in my mind.
The only thing I did wish was to have more of them after they get together officially. I loved all their journey till they got there, but I usually like to see the aftermath more as well. I would love it if we had a follow-up to this story. Also to see Kaden's family trauma a bit closer, how he worked through all that. It was something that really awakened my curiosity. Those two didn't get boring for even a second, so I'd eat up another 400 pages of them 🤭
This was an AMZAZING debut! Ivy is so talented, and I cannot wait to read more from her. She's definitely in my list of "wanna read everything she writes" list haha
If you like boys being stupid, lots of pining, obliviousness, hot and sweet sex, and hurt/comfort moments, this one might definitely be for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥 / 5
Couple: Kaden and Seth.
Structure: 1st person. Present tense. Dual POV.
Ever since I started seeing the promotion for this book, I knew it was up my alley. Tattoo-professionals best-friends-to-lovers one-sided-pining-for-years possessive-guy-realizing-his-sexuality? I'll have an ocean of that, please! And the book did not disappoint!
First, I wanna start by talking about how well Ivy depicted the entire emotional situation so many people went/still go through after COVID regarding social anxiety. I thought the story was going to mostly happen during lockdown with forced-proximity. But no, it was right after life started slowly going back to a new "normal". One that left us to deal with a lifetime of sorrow and hardships in many cases. As a Psychologist who worked in a COVID-reference hospital in my city, and who had many clients in my clinic struggling exactly with that kind of fear and anxiety, I appreciate a lot how sensitive Ivy was to it. Kaden's mental health struggles and others' reactions to it were done perfectly,
I also love how she explored Seth's
Now onto their relationship. Their dynamic was so much fun to read. How much they meant to each other and saw each other even when they tried to hide themselves from the world. Seth's pining and ogling was always very entertaining haha And Kaden, the most oblivious guy to ever exist! he had one of those typical "straight-to-baby-bi" journeys in which he had lots of hot sex with his gay best friend, but still didn't think he was actually attracted to said gay best friend, hence it didn't make sense for him to be bi hahaha But it's all so innocent in his head, I wasn't even annoyed. I just often thought "Oh, honey!" LMFAO
Speaking of hot sex, OMG! This book has some of the hottest scenes I've ever read. It never gets boring, it always brings something new, each scene has a purpose and never cringe. All their actions and talking are hot as fuck. But there's also a lot of sweetness to them, especially the closer they become emotionally. I absolutely love how touchy Kaden turns out to be, showing to Seth he could be like that as well. The intensity of everything physical between them was over the charts, and boy did I hadvea good time reading it all those scenes haha
Another thing that caught my attention was how natural the dialogues felt. They rally sounded like the way we speak in our day-to-day life. No tonly the dialogues, but their actions too. I could actually picture everything vividly and clearly in my mind.
The only thing I did wish was to have more of them after they get together officially. I loved all their journey till they got there, but I usually like to see the aftermath more as well. I would love it if we had a follow-up to this story. Also to see Kaden's family trauma a bit closer, how he worked through all that. It was something that really awakened my curiosity. Those two didn't get boring for even a second, so I'd eat up another 400 pages of them 🤭
This was an AMZAZING debut! Ivy is so talented, and I cannot wait to read more from her. She's definitely in my list of "wanna read everything she writes" list haha
If you like boys being stupid, lots of pining, obliviousness, hot and sweet sex, and hurt/comfort moments, this one might definitely be for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC - and unfortunately, I had to reread and change my review.
What led me back to this book was the frankly scandalous behavior of one BookTok creator, as well as behavior from the author herself that was completely out of line.
I think this is becoming more common with the wave of new, self-published authors putting books out on Amazon - some seem to walk in assuming they've written a bestseller before it's even out, and end up overstepping boundaries with reviewers who simply shared an honest opinion.
I experienced this myself. After posting my review, the author reached out to question my wording and interpretation and, when I explained what I actually meant, still felt less like a conversation and more like being told how I was allowed to feel about the book I just read. I'll admit, I also struggled with my own review at first - not because I doubted what I felt, but because I let outside pressure make me second-guess it.
And that's the thing - a review is what YOU understand and feel as a reader, not what the author or other readers tell you it's supposed to be. Which honestly reminds me of ARC clauses asking reviewers to hold back publishing anything below 4 stars until after release - like, what is the actual point of that? The entire purpose of an ARC is for the author to learn what might need fixing before the final version goes out. Silencing honest feedback until it's too late to matter defeats the whole purpose.
Uno Reverse has real potential and hits hard emotionally in places - especially the scene where Seth finally breaks down and talks about high school. That's written with genuine pain, no cheap sentimentality, and it's the strongest part of the book. The supporting cast (Iggy, Diaz, Kit) also brings real warmth and humor to the story, giving it a solid found-family feel.
The problem is some of the writing around identity doesn't match that level. One exchange suggests that simply being gay makes a man an automatic "ally" to women, which reads more like a punchline than a thought-out observation. Seth's character also leans on some pretty tired shorthand at times (metrosexual, fashion-obsessed, sensitive gay guy vs. "tough" straight guy) instead of being built on something deeper than aesthetics.
One thing worth sitting with: writing queerness authentically from outside that experience is genuinely hard. It's not that non-queer authors shouldn't write these stories - representation matters regardless of who's holding the pen - but the gap tends to show up exactly where it did here: in the shortcuts - the stereotypes, dialogue where being gay doubles as an automatic personality trait, and trauma that gets shown in vivid detail but not carried through to an equally real recovery. Interestingly, this book did have a sensitivity reader listed in the credits, which suggests the issue isn't a lack of effort - it's that sensitivity reading can catch language, but it can't always catch structure. It can flag a slur or a scene, but it can't necessarily fix a story that treats identity as texture instead of substance.
The biggest letdown is the pacing around dealing with trauma. After a genuinely heavy, drawn-out confession, the entire healing/therapy process for both characters gets wrapped up in literally two sentences in the epilogue, tossed in during a "one year later" time jump. If the author spends that much space showing the harm, the lack of proportional space showing the actual healing makes the trauma feel more like a plot device than something the story genuinely wanted to work through.
This isn't a worthless book - it has real emotional highs and a genuinely likable cast, but it's uneven, and some of the shortcuts taken around identity and processing trauma deserved more care than they got.
What led me back to this book was the frankly scandalous behavior of one BookTok creator, as well as behavior from the author herself that was completely out of line.
I think this is becoming more common with the wave of new, self-published authors putting books out on Amazon - some seem to walk in assuming they've written a bestseller before it's even out, and end up overstepping boundaries with reviewers who simply shared an honest opinion.
I experienced this myself. After posting my review, the author reached out to question my wording and interpretation and, when I explained what I actually meant, still felt less like a conversation and more like being told how I was allowed to feel about the book I just read. I'll admit, I also struggled with my own review at first - not because I doubted what I felt, but because I let outside pressure make me second-guess it.
And that's the thing - a review is what YOU understand and feel as a reader, not what the author or other readers tell you it's supposed to be. Which honestly reminds me of ARC clauses asking reviewers to hold back publishing anything below 4 stars until after release - like, what is the actual point of that? The entire purpose of an ARC is for the author to learn what might need fixing before the final version goes out. Silencing honest feedback until it's too late to matter defeats the whole purpose.
Uno Reverse has real potential and hits hard emotionally in places - especially the scene where Seth finally breaks down and talks about high school. That's written with genuine pain, no cheap sentimentality, and it's the strongest part of the book. The supporting cast (Iggy, Diaz, Kit) also brings real warmth and humor to the story, giving it a solid found-family feel.
The problem is some of the writing around identity doesn't match that level. One exchange suggests that simply being gay makes a man an automatic "ally" to women, which reads more like a punchline than a thought-out observation. Seth's character also leans on some pretty tired shorthand at times (metrosexual, fashion-obsessed, sensitive gay guy vs. "tough" straight guy) instead of being built on something deeper than aesthetics.
One thing worth sitting with: writing queerness authentically from outside that experience is genuinely hard. It's not that non-queer authors shouldn't write these stories - representation matters regardless of who's holding the pen - but the gap tends to show up exactly where it did here: in the shortcuts - the stereotypes, dialogue where being gay doubles as an automatic personality trait, and trauma that gets shown in vivid detail but not carried through to an equally real recovery. Interestingly, this book did have a sensitivity reader listed in the credits, which suggests the issue isn't a lack of effort - it's that sensitivity reading can catch language, but it can't always catch structure. It can flag a slur or a scene, but it can't necessarily fix a story that treats identity as texture instead of substance.
The biggest letdown is the pacing around dealing with trauma. After a genuinely heavy, drawn-out confession, the entire healing/therapy process for both characters gets wrapped up in literally two sentences in the epilogue, tossed in during a "one year later" time jump. If the author spends that much space showing the harm, the lack of proportional space showing the actual healing makes the trauma feel more like a plot device than something the story genuinely wanted to work through.
This isn't a worthless book - it has real emotional highs and a genuinely likable cast, but it's uneven, and some of the shortcuts taken around identity and processing trauma deserved more care than they got.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐ - 5/5
*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰*
⊹ | 𝙐𝙣𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚 by Ivy James is a spicy, M/M friends-to-lovers romance. This story follows Kaden Merrick and Seth Avery as they navigate life during a global pandemic while also discovering love that has been in front of them all along.
Okay, who is cutting onions? Because I am tearing up 🥹. I have been excitedly waiting to read this book since I was accepted onto the official ARC team back in April. Now, when I say I was not disappointed, I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED.
Before we get into the juicy parts of my review, let me start off by saying a huge thank you to the author, Ivy James. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to be an ARC reader, and I am so stoked to see this book on my bookshelf soon!!
Kaden Merrick is a 26-year-old tattoo artist struggling with abandonment and trust issues. Everything in his life seemed to be smooth sailing. He loved his job at Bold Tattoo, he has an amazing girlfriend, and he couldn't have asked for a better best friend than Seth. Then COVID hit, and the world Kaden remembers isn't the same anymore. After spending months in isolation and then dealing with a breakup, Kaden is craving human contact. After turning to his best friend with a proposition, things soon get complicated when the line between love and friendship begin to blur.
Seth Avery is a 24-year-old tattoo artist who carries deep-rooted trauma from severe bullying he faced during high school. He has also been hiding his feelings for his straight best friend for the past six years. Kaden is not just his best friend, but he is also his coworker and mentor at Bold Tattoo. Seth knows Kaden will never feel the same way he does, but that doesn't stop his feelings from growing. When COVID hits and Kaden later comes to him with a proposition, Seth finds himself unable to deny himself the one thing he has always wanted: Kaden Merrick.
Y'all want to hear something? This is literally the first book I have read where COVID was an active part of the storyline. Let me be frank with y'all for a minute: I was a bit skeptical. But hey, that is coming from someone (me) who lost a family member during that period of time. While COVID was part of the storyline, it wasn't so overwhelming that I felt like it took away from the story itself, and I loved that. I actually thought the whole concept was pretty hilarious, in my opinion.
Kaden and Seth were cute, intense, and hot asf. Their spicy scenes seriously had me giggling and babbling to myself. Now, Kaden and Seth have a little spot in my heart alongside the hundreds of other characters I absolutely adore. While they had their messy moments here and there, I was still kicking, screaming, and eating up every little crumb. Seth's past, his trauma, and then his breakdown with Kaden had me putting the book down for a breather. My heart broke to pieces for the boy who hid underneath the mask Seth wore.
Overall, if you are looking for a cute but emotional M/M romance, then I definitely recommend adding 𝘜𝘯𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 to your TBR and checking it out when it releases. I am so sad to move on from the hurricane that is Seth and Kaden, but I can't wait for future works by Ivy!
— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰*
⊹ | 𝙐𝙣𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚 by Ivy James is a spicy, M/M friends-to-lovers romance. This story follows Kaden Merrick and Seth Avery as they navigate life during a global pandemic while also discovering love that has been in front of them all along.
Okay, who is cutting onions? Because I am tearing up 🥹. I have been excitedly waiting to read this book since I was accepted onto the official ARC team back in April. Now, when I say I was not disappointed, I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED.
Before we get into the juicy parts of my review, let me start off by saying a huge thank you to the author, Ivy James. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to be an ARC reader, and I am so stoked to see this book on my bookshelf soon!!
Kaden Merrick is a 26-year-old tattoo artist struggling with abandonment and trust issues. Everything in his life seemed to be smooth sailing. He loved his job at Bold Tattoo, he has an amazing girlfriend, and he couldn't have asked for a better best friend than Seth. Then COVID hit, and the world Kaden remembers isn't the same anymore. After spending months in isolation and then dealing with a breakup, Kaden is craving human contact. After turning to his best friend with a proposition, things soon get complicated when the line between love and friendship begin to blur.
Seth Avery is a 24-year-old tattoo artist who carries deep-rooted trauma from severe bullying he faced during high school. He has also been hiding his feelings for his straight best friend for the past six years. Kaden is not just his best friend, but he is also his coworker and mentor at Bold Tattoo. Seth knows Kaden will never feel the same way he does, but that doesn't stop his feelings from growing. When COVID hits and Kaden later comes to him with a proposition, Seth finds himself unable to deny himself the one thing he has always wanted: Kaden Merrick.
Y'all want to hear something? This is literally the first book I have read where COVID was an active part of the storyline. Let me be frank with y'all for a minute: I was a bit skeptical. But hey, that is coming from someone (me) who lost a family member during that period of time. While COVID was part of the storyline, it wasn't so overwhelming that I felt like it took away from the story itself, and I loved that. I actually thought the whole concept was pretty hilarious, in my opinion.
Kaden and Seth were cute, intense, and hot asf. Their spicy scenes seriously had me giggling and babbling to myself. Now, Kaden and Seth have a little spot in my heart alongside the hundreds of other characters I absolutely adore. While they had their messy moments here and there, I was still kicking, screaming, and eating up every little crumb. Seth's past, his trauma, and then his breakdown with Kaden had me putting the book down for a breather. My heart broke to pieces for the boy who hid underneath the mask Seth wore.
Overall, if you are looking for a cute but emotional M/M romance, then I definitely recommend adding 𝘜𝘯𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 to your TBR and checking it out when it releases. I am so sad to move on from the hurricane that is Seth and Kaden, but I can't wait for future works by Ivy!
— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well what an absolutely ADORABLE pair Kaden and Seth are!!
These two have my whole heart and I am so happy for their HEA!
I really like that the time period in this is around Covid and it's something that so many people relate to and brought back memories of a crazy time in our lives.
I resonated with Kaden in a way, his worries about it all - i could totally see myself in him. And i really felt for him when he was struggling, and I am so proud of him for finding the strength to get through it all. No matter how long.
Seth - be still my beating heart!
I adore him so much! He has such a big heart and has been through so much! When he finally let it all out my heart broke for him. He honestly deserves every bit of happiness and I am so, so glad he got everything he deserved and more. He is such a bloody good guy and deserves to be his authentic self!
This book left my heart happy and I had a huge smile on my face reading the epilogue.
The end of the ski trip nearly did me in! But Ivy healed my heart and didn't make me wait either...thank god!
That mirror scene - sweet jesus!
Beautiful and absolutely HOT at the same time!
When Kaden starts singing the lyrics to Seths favourite movie - MY HEART COULDN'T COPE!
Loved this book so much and I am so in love with these boys!
📚
Seth and Kaden both work together in a tattoo shop. What started as Seth being Kadens apprentice soon turned into them being the best of friends.
Covid then hits, Kaden and his girlfriend split and the world is in a weird place. The shop closes and the world goes into lockdown.
Kaden's super stressed and suffers with the anxiety of Covid and its repercussions, and Seth's normal back rubs soon start making Kaden feel something more...clearly touch starved from lockdown...
So what does he do, he comes up with a proposition for his best friend - why not get each other off to help with the stress 🤷🏻♀️
Nothing like helping your best friend out right?
The rules are pretty simple, nothing comes between their friendship, if one of them becomes uncomfortable they stop, and they must be completely honest with each other.
The only problem is, Seth has been in love with his best friend for years.... nothing could go wrong...right?
These two have my whole heart and I am so happy for their HEA!
I really like that the time period in this is around Covid and it's something that so many people relate to and brought back memories of a crazy time in our lives.
I resonated with Kaden in a way, his worries about it all - i could totally see myself in him. And i really felt for him when he was struggling, and I am so proud of him for finding the strength to get through it all. No matter how long.
Seth - be still my beating heart!
I adore him so much! He has such a big heart and has been through so much! When he finally let it all out my heart broke for him. He honestly deserves every bit of happiness and I am so, so glad he got everything he deserved and more. He is such a bloody good guy and deserves to be his authentic self!
This book left my heart happy and I had a huge smile on my face reading the epilogue.
The end of the ski trip nearly did me in! But Ivy healed my heart and didn't make me wait either...thank god!
That mirror scene - sweet jesus!
Beautiful and absolutely HOT at the same time!
When Kaden starts singing the lyrics to Seths favourite movie - MY HEART COULDN'T COPE!
Loved this book so much and I am so in love with these boys!
📚
Seth and Kaden both work together in a tattoo shop. What started as Seth being Kadens apprentice soon turned into them being the best of friends.
Covid then hits, Kaden and his girlfriend split and the world is in a weird place. The shop closes and the world goes into lockdown.
Kaden's super stressed and suffers with the anxiety of Covid and its repercussions, and Seth's normal back rubs soon start making Kaden feel something more...clearly touch starved from lockdown...
So what does he do, he comes up with a proposition for his best friend - why not get each other off to help with the stress 🤷🏻♀️
Nothing like helping your best friend out right?
The rules are pretty simple, nothing comes between their friendship, if one of them becomes uncomfortable they stop, and they must be completely honest with each other.
The only problem is, Seth has been in love with his best friend for years.... nothing could go wrong...right?
July 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is my first book by Ivy James. It was recommended by several booktok influencers I watch and trust so I had to give it a go. This book was between Seth and Kaden, 2 co-dependent best friends that work together at a tattoo parlor.
When COVID hits, Kaden takes it pretty hard when someone close to him is placed on a ventilator. It scares him into damn near becoming a recluse. Never going outside without a mask, and washing his hands until they bleed, but also the loneliness begins to sets in. There’s just something about a warm body tucked next to you that you don’t realize how much you need it until it’s no longer there.
Seth has been in love with his best friend pretty much since the day he meet him. So when Kaden approaches him with a proposition, he struggles deciding if he should accept it. On one hand it’s amazing to finally get to touch him in all the ways his mind has already done but on the other what if it puts a divide between them when they’re each others person?
This book was so good but at times so frustrating. There were plenty of times when Seth could’ve told Kaden about the feelings he was harboring for him. Also, Kaden expecting everyone to succumb to his wishes during the pandemic by keeping the shop under COVID procedures was triggering to me because those were the ones that I had issues with during the actual pandemic. I also didn’t quite understand the dynamic between Kaden and his mother, as it was never really explained? I know he was a foster child, but it almost seemed like he didn’t always like his mom, even though he said that he loved her? I don’t know maybe I just missed something…. Also there were so many typos in this book! I took off a half a star because of it because every time I encountered one I found myself rereading the sentence several times to figure out what it was trying to say.
Overall though, I enjoyed the story between Kaden and Seth. They were such great friends and they had a great relationship even before they began messing around. It had me rooting for them from the very beginning and I think I will definitely reread this one in the future.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is my first book by Ivy James. It was recommended by several booktok influencers I watch and trust so I had to give it a go. This book was between Seth and Kaden, 2 co-dependent best friends that work together at a tattoo parlor.
When COVID hits, Kaden takes it pretty hard when someone close to him is placed on a ventilator. It scares him into damn near becoming a recluse. Never going outside without a mask, and washing his hands until they bleed, but also the loneliness begins to sets in. There’s just something about a warm body tucked next to you that you don’t realize how much you need it until it’s no longer there.
Seth has been in love with his best friend pretty much since the day he meet him. So when Kaden approaches him with a proposition, he struggles deciding if he should accept it. On one hand it’s amazing to finally get to touch him in all the ways his mind has already done but on the other what if it puts a divide between them when they’re each others person?
This book was so good but at times so frustrating. There were plenty of times when Seth could’ve told Kaden about the feelings he was harboring for him. Also, Kaden expecting everyone to succumb to his wishes during the pandemic by keeping the shop under COVID procedures was triggering to me because those were the ones that I had issues with during the actual pandemic. I also didn’t quite understand the dynamic between Kaden and his mother, as it was never really explained? I know he was a foster child, but it almost seemed like he didn’t always like his mom, even though he said that he loved her? I don’t know maybe I just missed something…. Also there were so many typos in this book! I took off a half a star because of it because every time I encountered one I found myself rereading the sentence several times to figure out what it was trying to say.
Overall though, I enjoyed the story between Kaden and Seth. They were such great friends and they had a great relationship even before they began messing around. It had me rooting for them from the very beginning and I think I will definitely reread this one in the future.
August 29, 2026
Trust me, I really enjoyed this book.
It was easy to read and, for me, quite light. There wasn't any major conflict that made the story feel too heavy. Honestly, the one thing that kept me reading until the end was simply:
How are these two going to end up together?
Because, just like with most romance books, we as readers already know where this is going. We know they're going to fall for each other. They're just the ones who haven't figured it out yet
I really liked the tattoo artist setting, and especially the friendship between Seth and Kaden in the beginning. Their friendship genuinely felt like a friendship, while Seth was quietly crushing on Kaden from the sidelines.
And Kaden seemed so straight that watching him slowly become confused about his feelings for Seth was honestly hilarious. 😂
Would I call this a page-turner?
Not exactly.
But it was definitely a fast read for me. The story isn't overly complicated, and the casual writing style made it easy to move through the chapters quickly.
At the beginning, I actually felt like the book was going for a "short, simple, and straightforward" kind of storytelling. Because of that, I had a little trouble bonding with the story at first.
But somewhere around the middle, I think I finally got used to the pacing and writing style. After that, I started reading faster while still feeling connected to what was happening.
There was one part that felt a little off to me, though: Seth's confession.
Maybe I simply wasn't paying enough attention, but I didn't feel like Kaden's strong aversion to lying was established clearly enough beforehand.
I know his childhood experience with being abandoned by his biological mother was mentioned, and I understood where that fear came from. But I felt like there weren't enough moments afterward to really build up that emotional wound.
So when the truth finally came out, the transition didn't hit me as hard as I think the author intended.
It felt a little too sudden for me.
But did I enjoy the book?
Yessss.
I did.
And honestly, sometimes that's enough.
It was easy to read and, for me, quite light. There wasn't any major conflict that made the story feel too heavy. Honestly, the one thing that kept me reading until the end was simply:
How are these two going to end up together?
Because, just like with most romance books, we as readers already know where this is going. We know they're going to fall for each other. They're just the ones who haven't figured it out yet
I really liked the tattoo artist setting, and especially the friendship between Seth and Kaden in the beginning. Their friendship genuinely felt like a friendship, while Seth was quietly crushing on Kaden from the sidelines.
And Kaden seemed so straight that watching him slowly become confused about his feelings for Seth was honestly hilarious. 😂
Would I call this a page-turner?
Not exactly.
But it was definitely a fast read for me. The story isn't overly complicated, and the casual writing style made it easy to move through the chapters quickly.
At the beginning, I actually felt like the book was going for a "short, simple, and straightforward" kind of storytelling. Because of that, I had a little trouble bonding with the story at first.
But somewhere around the middle, I think I finally got used to the pacing and writing style. After that, I started reading faster while still feeling connected to what was happening.
There was one part that felt a little off to me, though: Seth's confession.
Maybe I simply wasn't paying enough attention, but I didn't feel like Kaden's strong aversion to lying was established clearly enough beforehand.
I know his childhood experience with being abandoned by his biological mother was mentioned, and I understood where that fear came from. But I felt like there weren't enough moments afterward to really build up that emotional wound.
So when the truth finally came out, the transition didn't hit me as hard as I think the author intended.
It felt a little too sudden for me.
But did I enjoy the book?
Yessss.
I did.
And honestly, sometimes that's enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2026
I really, really enjoyed this!
TW: the covid theme mentioned in the blurb actually played a much bigger role than I imagined. I was okay with it, but a lot of people may not be, so just a heads up!.
Uno Reverse (yes, I had to actually Google what this meant, and.. cute!) centres around best friends Seth and Kaden.. 6 years deep into their friendship. Only, one of them has secret feelings for the other that they have been keeping secret for most of that time!
Due to loneliness caused by the Covid lockdowns and Kaden's mental struggle of the world getting back to "normal" afterwards before he was ready, him and Seth come up with a plan of sorts.. to hook up with each other. "Platonic BJs", because of course that's what best friends do. What could go wrong?
“I’m serious, though, Seth. This can’t come between us. I need you. You’re my person.”
Surprisingly, the majority of the book did end up being plain sailing, which gave my nerves a welcome break. Instead we just witness Seth and Kaden explore their sexual needs with each other (which was HOT) and of course, watch Seth fall deeper and deeper in love..
Seth also had his own mental struggles due to a lifetime of bullying and him feeling like he needed to change who he was to fit in, which was so sad to read. Even though Kaden never acted as if he should.
I did find Seth frustrating at times, I was screaming at him to share his feelings with Kaden, even though I understood his hesitation. But Kaden was the most understanding and loving character, I knew eventually it would be received well.
Overall, the journey these two characters went on was one I loved to read, and the ending made any of the angst and frustrations certainly worth it.
My only complaint is the editing of this book leaves a lot to be desired.. there were a lot of typos which made it frustrating to read at times. I ended up having to reread sections sometimes.
TW: the covid theme mentioned in the blurb actually played a much bigger role than I imagined. I was okay with it, but a lot of people may not be, so just a heads up!.
Uno Reverse (yes, I had to actually Google what this meant, and.. cute!) centres around best friends Seth and Kaden.. 6 years deep into their friendship. Only, one of them has secret feelings for the other that they have been keeping secret for most of that time!
Due to loneliness caused by the Covid lockdowns and Kaden's mental struggle of the world getting back to "normal" afterwards before he was ready, him and Seth come up with a plan of sorts.. to hook up with each other. "Platonic BJs", because of course that's what best friends do. What could go wrong?
“I’m serious, though, Seth. This can’t come between us. I need you. You’re my person.”
Surprisingly, the majority of the book did end up being plain sailing, which gave my nerves a welcome break. Instead we just witness Seth and Kaden explore their sexual needs with each other (which was HOT) and of course, watch Seth fall deeper and deeper in love..
Seth also had his own mental struggles due to a lifetime of bullying and him feeling like he needed to change who he was to fit in, which was so sad to read. Even though Kaden never acted as if he should.
I did find Seth frustrating at times, I was screaming at him to share his feelings with Kaden, even though I understood his hesitation. But Kaden was the most understanding and loving character, I knew eventually it would be received well.
Overall, the journey these two characters went on was one I loved to read, and the ending made any of the angst and frustrations certainly worth it.
My only complaint is the editing of this book leaves a lot to be desired.. there were a lot of typos which made it frustrating to read at times. I ended up having to reread sections sometimes.
July 11, 2026
Wow, a lot of drama around this author that I hadn't seen. Anyway, I read the book and I'm not an influencer, so my reviews are honest because I just don't care.
The story was pretty good. It sucked me in, and I was rooting for them to get their stuff together. Friends to lovers is my favorite, so maybe a little biased there. Not a ton of angst, but a lot of one-sided pining that was sad. The relationship development was actually really, really good. I was waiting and waiting and waiting for the shift from friends with benefits to lovers, wondering how it was going to play out. So that hooked me. Seth's story also hooked me... I liked seeing him open up to Kaden.
The conflict at the end was... excessive. Unnecessary. I didn't really see it coming and didn't really understand why it did. I mean, I know why the author did it from a technical perspective, but I thought it was kind of forced.
My only other thing is the writing. It felt super... jerky? The scenes were super short and really all over the place. Some didn't seem to really fit. It bothered me a lot more in the first half of the book, whether that's because it got better as the book went on or I just got too invested in the story to care later, I don't know. When pivotal moments happened, there was no build-up within the scene itself. Remember the scene in AoT when they're on the wall and he's all "I'm the armored titan..." all casually and you're like "Wait, what!? What did he just say!?! Where did that come from!?" That's what a lot of big moments felt like (but in a less intentional way). Just out of nowhere. I also still have no idea what "Uno reverse" means.
Uh, regardless, I liked it. It was a good book. Not sure if this is the author's debut, but if it is, I think she's going to write some really great stuff. I'd read more from her, for sure.
The story was pretty good. It sucked me in, and I was rooting for them to get their stuff together. Friends to lovers is my favorite, so maybe a little biased there. Not a ton of angst, but a lot of one-sided pining that was sad. The relationship development was actually really, really good. I was waiting and waiting and waiting for the shift from friends with benefits to lovers, wondering how it was going to play out. So that hooked me. Seth's story also hooked me... I liked seeing him open up to Kaden.
The conflict at the end was... excessive. Unnecessary. I didn't really see it coming and didn't really understand why it did. I mean, I know why the author did it from a technical perspective, but I thought it was kind of forced.
My only other thing is the writing. It felt super... jerky? The scenes were super short and really all over the place. Some didn't seem to really fit. It bothered me a lot more in the first half of the book, whether that's because it got better as the book went on or I just got too invested in the story to care later, I don't know. When pivotal moments happened, there was no build-up within the scene itself. Remember the scene in AoT when they're on the wall and he's all "I'm the armored titan..." all casually and you're like "Wait, what!? What did he just say!?! Where did that come from!?" That's what a lot of big moments felt like (but in a less intentional way). Just out of nowhere. I also still have no idea what "Uno reverse" means.
Uh, regardless, I liked it. It was a good book. Not sure if this is the author's debut, but if it is, I think she's going to write some really great stuff. I'd read more from her, for sure.
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