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Gym Rat Pack #3
Love at First Rep
After losing his best friend while fighting overseas, Garrett has spent his life following the law and doing what’s right. But when he finds out his long-lost bestie is alive and was part of a government coverup, everything changes…
Detective Garrett Pearson has spent the last two decades grieving the loss of his best friend, Rafe, who was killed while fighting overseas as a Navy SEAL. He’s always been a staunch believer in the black-and-white nature of the law, but lately, he’s wondered if the law isn’t always on the right side of things, especially when it fails to protect those less powerful, like his friends at the gym.
Just as he’s on the brink of an existential crisis, he’s blindsided by the reappearance of Rafe in his life. It turns out, Rafe was never killed in action at all, and now he’s back to upend Garrett’s entire life.
Nearly twenty years ago, the government was in need of a multilingual chameleon to get behind enemy lines. Deciding to break his best friend’s trust rather than his heart, Rafe lies to Garrett, hoping to save him from the grief he knew might kill him.
Now, Rafe has found himself in the middle of a drug cartel’s operations running through town and he needs Garrett’s help to bring them down. Can he repair his relationship with his best friend or will the secret he’s hiding tear them apart before they get the chance?
Detective Garrett Pearson has spent the last two decades grieving the loss of his best friend, Rafe, who was killed while fighting overseas as a Navy SEAL. He’s always been a staunch believer in the black-and-white nature of the law, but lately, he’s wondered if the law isn’t always on the right side of things, especially when it fails to protect those less powerful, like his friends at the gym.
Just as he’s on the brink of an existential crisis, he’s blindsided by the reappearance of Rafe in his life. It turns out, Rafe was never killed in action at all, and now he’s back to upend Garrett’s entire life.
Nearly twenty years ago, the government was in need of a multilingual chameleon to get behind enemy lines. Deciding to break his best friend’s trust rather than his heart, Rafe lies to Garrett, hoping to save him from the grief he knew might kill him.
Now, Rafe has found himself in the middle of a drug cartel’s operations running through town and he needs Garrett’s help to bring them down. Can he repair his relationship with his best friend or will the secret he’s hiding tear them apart before they get the chance?
- GenresM M Romance
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2026
About the author
Lauren Kohout
8 books23 followersLauren Kohout is a chaotic golden retriever disguising herself as a human. She has dreamed of being a writer since middle school and started in journalism before moving on to education. It turns out education was great at providing lots of story ideas, but she’d rather write them than live through them. Since Usher chose Lil Jon to be his hype man instead of hiring Lauren, she started pursuing her second dream job of writing novels instead. She lives in southern New Jersey with her dog, Luca, and loves to spend her time reading and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 28, 2026
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed. The cast was obviously already introduced in the previous books but that is OK. .. so no reading in order necessary.
Although I liked the story and the relationship, it was very similar to fated mates (although there is no paranormal aspect at all)
In other words, these two are very dedicated to each other
The storyline was nice but a bit simple and there are so many open questions left.
The main focus is definitely on the relationship
In all, it was a nice read with a good cast where you just have to stop being realistic or too focused on the story
Although I liked the story and the relationship, it was very similar to fated mates (although there is no paranormal aspect at all)
In other words, these two are very dedicated to each other
The storyline was nice but a bit simple and there are so many open questions left.
The main focus is definitely on the relationship
In all, it was a nice read with a good cast where you just have to stop being realistic or too focused on the story
October 25, 2026
Oh, I love a second-chance romance, especially when there's twenty years of heartbreak, secrets, and unresolved feelings involved!
Garrett has spent two decades believing his best friend Rafe died overseas, so imagine his shock when Rafe suddenly reappears! A detective who has spent years mourning someone he loved, now having to deal with the fact that Rafe was alive all along? My heart hurt for Garrett.
Rafe has some serious explaining to do! His decision to disappear was supposedly to protect Garrett, but twenty years of grief and broken trust isn't something you can just fix overnight. Add a dangerous drug cartel investigation, a multilingual spy, and all those complicated feelings, and these two have quite the journey ahead of them.
I loved the history between Garrett and Rafe and watching them work through everything while trying to rebuild their relationship. Garrett had me wanting to reach into the book and give him a hug, and I really enjoyed the Cherrywood found family supporting him through it all.
There were a few things that didn't quite work for me, particularly some of the manipulation and how neatly certain emotional struggles were resolved, but overall I really enjoyed this one. Garrett and Rafe got their well-deserved HEA, and I'm definitely interested in going back and reading the rest of the series!
Tropes/Themes:
MM Romance
Second Chance Romance
Best Friends to Lovers
Twenty Years Apart
Secret Spy
Detective x Spy
Forced Proximity
Suspense & Mystery
Found Family
Emotional Healing
HEA
Garrett has spent two decades believing his best friend Rafe died overseas, so imagine his shock when Rafe suddenly reappears! A detective who has spent years mourning someone he loved, now having to deal with the fact that Rafe was alive all along? My heart hurt for Garrett.
Rafe has some serious explaining to do! His decision to disappear was supposedly to protect Garrett, but twenty years of grief and broken trust isn't something you can just fix overnight. Add a dangerous drug cartel investigation, a multilingual spy, and all those complicated feelings, and these two have quite the journey ahead of them.
I loved the history between Garrett and Rafe and watching them work through everything while trying to rebuild their relationship. Garrett had me wanting to reach into the book and give him a hug, and I really enjoyed the Cherrywood found family supporting him through it all.
There were a few things that didn't quite work for me, particularly some of the manipulation and how neatly certain emotional struggles were resolved, but overall I really enjoyed this one. Garrett and Rafe got their well-deserved HEA, and I'm definitely interested in going back and reading the rest of the series!
Tropes/Themes:
MM Romance
Second Chance Romance
Best Friends to Lovers
Twenty Years Apart
Secret Spy
Detective x Spy
Forced Proximity
Suspense & Mystery
Found Family
Emotional Healing
HEA
October 20, 2026
Was a good book but took me quite a bit to get in to. I liked the mystery plot combined with the spy element but it didn't flow quite how I expected it would. The relationship between the two MMCs was nice, I like seeing the whole 20 year separation and then coming back together but on the other hand, they didn't quite fit for me. I felt like it was somewhat surface level and I didn't feel the emotion that I felt I should.
It is a good book however and I will read the next in the series!
It is a good book however and I will read the next in the series!
October 31, 2026
Garrett & Rafe met while in the Navy Seals. They became close friends. There was an attraction but due to DADT in the service they kept their feelings to themselves. Rafe was ordered by the heads of the SEALs to go on a secret mission but had to fake his death. 20 years later & still grieving Rafe is back, and on a mission he needs Garrett's help. Will Garrett help or will Rafe's lies hold him back? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This series has really taken me by suprise, so underrated as a romantic suspense. Rafe and Garrett's story is so good, two friends finally getting that chance they always wanted. There are secrets, lies and romance that just go so well together and this group of friends is some of the best.
October 24, 2026
This was a nice read, I loved the plot, the suspense, the found family element, the second chance trope. Garret and Rafe are great together. I struggled a bit to get into the story, and the style, but still enjoyed the book.
This is the third book of the series, and can be read as a standalone.
I got an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the third book of the series, and can be read as a standalone.
I got an ARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Some love stories deserve a second chance but when the person you spent twenty years mourning suddenly comes back to life, I can only imagine the emotions that would come with it. Add years of secrets, broken trust and the kind of connection that never truly disappeared, and you have a story that had me hooked just thinking about it.
Garrett Pearson has spent two decades believing his best friend, Rafe, died overseas. As a detective who has always believed in the law and doing what’s right, Garrett is already questioning everything he thought he knew when Rafe suddenly reappears and turns his entire world upside down. I can only imagine the shock, anger, and hurt Garrett must feel discovering that someone he loved and grieved for all those years was alive and had kept such a massive secret from him.
And Rafe? This man has some serious explaining to do! A multilingual spy with a complicated past, he made the decision to disappear to protect Garrett, but good intentions don’t erase the pain of twenty years of loss. Now he needs Garrett’s help to take down a dangerous drug cartel, forcing them to work together while facing all the feelings and unresolved hurt between them.
What I love about this setup is that their relationship has so much history behind it. These aren’t two strangers falling for each other but they’re best friends who already know each other in ways nobody else does. There’s trust to rebuild, wounds to heal and a love that has been waiting far too long for its chance. Watching them navigate that complicated mix of heartbreak, tension, and undeniable attraction sounds absolutely delicious!
Throw in a dangerous investigation, secrets, suspense, a sassy spy and a detective whose rough edges need a little sanding down, and this has all the ingredients for an addictive read.
Lauren Kohout has created a story that promises heart, heat, suspense and a second chance at the kind of love that never really goes away. I’m such a sucker for best friends to lovers, especially when there’s years of history and a mountain of emotions standing between them. Garrett and Rafe’s story sounds like the perfect mix of angst, passion and the kind of love that makes every second chance worth fighting for.
Garrett Pearson has spent two decades believing his best friend, Rafe, died overseas. As a detective who has always believed in the law and doing what’s right, Garrett is already questioning everything he thought he knew when Rafe suddenly reappears and turns his entire world upside down. I can only imagine the shock, anger, and hurt Garrett must feel discovering that someone he loved and grieved for all those years was alive and had kept such a massive secret from him.
And Rafe? This man has some serious explaining to do! A multilingual spy with a complicated past, he made the decision to disappear to protect Garrett, but good intentions don’t erase the pain of twenty years of loss. Now he needs Garrett’s help to take down a dangerous drug cartel, forcing them to work together while facing all the feelings and unresolved hurt between them.
What I love about this setup is that their relationship has so much history behind it. These aren’t two strangers falling for each other but they’re best friends who already know each other in ways nobody else does. There’s trust to rebuild, wounds to heal and a love that has been waiting far too long for its chance. Watching them navigate that complicated mix of heartbreak, tension, and undeniable attraction sounds absolutely delicious!
Throw in a dangerous investigation, secrets, suspense, a sassy spy and a detective whose rough edges need a little sanding down, and this has all the ingredients for an addictive read.
Lauren Kohout has created a story that promises heart, heat, suspense and a second chance at the kind of love that never really goes away. I’m such a sucker for best friends to lovers, especially when there’s years of history and a mountain of emotions standing between them. Garrett and Rafe’s story sounds like the perfect mix of angst, passion and the kind of love that makes every second chance worth fighting for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐️
3🌶️
REVIEW: Twenty years ago, Garrett lost his best friend Rafe when they were both serving as Navy SEALs. They had been best friends since high school and Garrett had been head over heels for him since then. Rafe was straight though so besties was as good as it was going to get. On a mission one night Garrett watched as the building Rafe had just entered exploded, killing the love of his life. For twenty years he has been haunted by the ghost of his best friend, purple thread tied to door handles, on his car, random deliveries showing up. Why won’t Rafe leave him alone to grieve?
The night Rafe ‘died’ he heard his best friend and the man he loved fall apart, screaming having just watched him die. But Rafe wasn’t dead, he had been recruited for a mission that required he make the world believe he had. Now he’s back and he needs Garretts help, but after what Rafe put him through Garrett isn’t ready to trust him. Rafe wants help to find a mole in the police department Garrett works in. Someone is pushing deadly drugs into general population. Garrett wants to help, but it’s clear Rafe is up to something and as much as Garrett loves him, he has a life and a family that he built without Rafe, and he needs to protect them. The question is, what is he protecting them from and how deep does Rafe’s deception go?
I really enjoyed this. There were twists I didn’t see coming, the side characters were so fun! The group chat was hilarious. My heart broke over and over for Garrett. I recommend this book if you want a feel good, cozy mystery romance.
3🌶️
REVIEW: Twenty years ago, Garrett lost his best friend Rafe when they were both serving as Navy SEALs. They had been best friends since high school and Garrett had been head over heels for him since then. Rafe was straight though so besties was as good as it was going to get. On a mission one night Garrett watched as the building Rafe had just entered exploded, killing the love of his life. For twenty years he has been haunted by the ghost of his best friend, purple thread tied to door handles, on his car, random deliveries showing up. Why won’t Rafe leave him alone to grieve?
The night Rafe ‘died’ he heard his best friend and the man he loved fall apart, screaming having just watched him die. But Rafe wasn’t dead, he had been recruited for a mission that required he make the world believe he had. Now he’s back and he needs Garretts help, but after what Rafe put him through Garrett isn’t ready to trust him. Rafe wants help to find a mole in the police department Garrett works in. Someone is pushing deadly drugs into general population. Garrett wants to help, but it’s clear Rafe is up to something and as much as Garrett loves him, he has a life and a family that he built without Rafe, and he needs to protect them. The question is, what is he protecting them from and how deep does Rafe’s deception go?
I really enjoyed this. There were twists I didn’t see coming, the side characters were so fun! The group chat was hilarious. My heart broke over and over for Garrett. I recommend this book if you want a feel good, cozy mystery romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
There's a wonderful found family element to this story that I really enjoyed. I have not read the prior books and did not have any issues, but I am interested in going back and giving them a look after reading this one.
Garrett was carrying a lot of stress/trauma which made me want to reach into the book and give him a hug several times. I do think that was resolved somewhat too neatly (especially after the later events that Rafe had been dreading). There was also quite a bit of manipulation going on, which I did not care for. This is completely a me thing and I'm aware of it, so it will likely not be an issue for most people, but it did sour things for me a bit - particularly since no one (excepting Rafe) seemed to have an issue with it.
When Rafe's team appeared I did find it a bit tricky to keep everyone straight since there were several of them and they all had a code name and a real name (it would have been a smoother read if they all just got referred to by their code names all the time and I didn't have to try and match two names to one person constantly).
Rafe and Garrett did get their well deserved happy ending though and the writing was good over all (a few very minor typos here and there, but nothing that pulled me out of the story). Definitely worth checking out if you like second chance romance with a nice found family vibe.
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
Garrett was carrying a lot of stress/trauma which made me want to reach into the book and give him a hug several times. I do think that was resolved somewhat too neatly (especially after the later events that Rafe had been dreading). There was also quite a bit of manipulation going on, which I did not care for. This is completely a me thing and I'm aware of it, so it will likely not be an issue for most people, but it did sour things for me a bit - particularly since no one (excepting Rafe) seemed to have an issue with it.
When Rafe's team appeared I did find it a bit tricky to keep everyone straight since there were several of them and they all had a code name and a real name (it would have been a smoother read if they all just got referred to by their code names all the time and I didn't have to try and match two names to one person constantly).
Rafe and Garrett did get their well deserved happy ending though and the writing was good over all (a few very minor typos here and there, but nothing that pulled me out of the story). Definitely worth checking out if you like second chance romance with a nice found family vibe.
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
October 13, 2026
To be honest, the first half of this book just wasn’t doing it for me🥲 There were quite a few plot holes and I constantly felt like I was missing something😭. Even though it’s a standalone in a series, I couldn’t help feeling like I needed to have read the other books to fully understand the dynamics.
I didn’t want to DNF it though, so I pushed through and I’m glad I did because the second half was definitely better! We got more insight into the characters and I loved seeing them finally step up🥹❤️
One thing I had mixed feelings about was how quickly the characters MOVED ON/FORGIVE each other. You could tell they’d both been through things before the story began, but when it came to the conflicts we actually witnessed, it felt like the author didn’t want them to suffer too much(Very Valid). Even when one of them did something hurtful, forgiveness came so quickly that I didn’t get the emotional pull I needed morrrreeee, more angst and more time for those feelings to sit😭
I feel a little sad because I was genuinely looking forward to this book, but sometimes a book just isn’t for you and that’s okay.
I’m glad the second half gave me something to enjoy🌸!
I didn’t want to DNF it though, so I pushed through and I’m glad I did because the second half was definitely better! We got more insight into the characters and I loved seeing them finally step up🥹❤️
One thing I had mixed feelings about was how quickly the characters MOVED ON/FORGIVE each other. You could tell they’d both been through things before the story began, but when it came to the conflicts we actually witnessed, it felt like the author didn’t want them to suffer too much(Very Valid). Even when one of them did something hurtful, forgiveness came so quickly that I didn’t get the emotional pull I needed morrrreeee, more angst and more time for those feelings to sit😭
I feel a little sad because I was genuinely looking forward to this book, but sometimes a book just isn’t for you and that’s okay.
I’m glad the second half gave me something to enjoy🌸!
October 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️.5
Garrett and Rafe have been childhood friends and together they joined the US Navy and SEALs. Later on, Rafe gets an unexpected opportunity with the CIA, but to accept it, he has to fake his own death to the one person he cares about most in the world. Garrett spends the next 20 years mourning and believing he's haunted, only to find out that his ghost is actually Rafe! Not only is Rafe back, but he's reaching out for help to take down a drug kingpin, and he's hoping Garrett will want him to stay once everything settles.
While I really enjoyed the concept and idea behind this book, I felt like the pacing was just a bit off. This was the first book I read from this author, and even though it’s the third in a series, I was mostly able to follow all the characters, both new and familiar. The one thing that threw me a little was all the alias for Rafe’s team.
I received a free copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
🌶️🌶️.5
Garrett and Rafe have been childhood friends and together they joined the US Navy and SEALs. Later on, Rafe gets an unexpected opportunity with the CIA, but to accept it, he has to fake his own death to the one person he cares about most in the world. Garrett spends the next 20 years mourning and believing he's haunted, only to find out that his ghost is actually Rafe! Not only is Rafe back, but he's reaching out for help to take down a drug kingpin, and he's hoping Garrett will want him to stay once everything settles.
While I really enjoyed the concept and idea behind this book, I felt like the pacing was just a bit off. This was the first book I read from this author, and even though it’s the third in a series, I was mostly able to follow all the characters, both new and familiar. The one thing that threw me a little was all the alias for Rafe’s team.
I received a free copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 25, 2026
We are back with the Gym Rat Pack with Love at First Rep. Detective Garrett Pearson has a problem. For the past twenty years he has been haunted by the ghost of his best friend. Imagine his surprise when he finds Rafe sitting in his back seat. Turns out, he is not dead and the hauntings were supposed to be hints that he was still alive. Rafe spent the last twenty years undercover, pretending to be dead but he is back and he is ready to have a life with Garrett.
I love this series. Each book has such a unique and interesting story between the main couple but still pulls in this wonderful Cherrywood found family. Garrett really needed his friends to help him through the upheaval of emotions he had to work through in this book. The guys were there for him every time he needed them. Kohout is definitely setting us up for a new series because the new characters introduced in this book are top notch. I cannot wait to see where her incredible storytelling is going to take us next.
I love this series. Each book has such a unique and interesting story between the main couple but still pulls in this wonderful Cherrywood found family. Garrett really needed his friends to help him through the upheaval of emotions he had to work through in this book. The guys were there for him every time he needed them. Kohout is definitely setting us up for a new series because the new characters introduced in this book are top notch. I cannot wait to see where her incredible storytelling is going to take us next.
October 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this one, especially the twist of Garrett discovering that the best friend he’d spent nearly twenty years mourning was actually still alive. That’s a huge secret to come to terms with, and I could understand why rebuilding their relationship wouldn’t be straightforward. Garrett and Rafe have so much history between them, and I liked seeing them get the chance to reconnect while dealing with everything that had kept them apart.
The suspense surrounding the government cover-up and the drug cartel gave the story plenty of intrigue, while the found-family element added some warmth to balance out the action. I also enjoyed the second-chance aspect of their relationship, with both men having to face the past before they could move forward. A satisfying mix of romance, mystery, and suspense, with two characters worth rooting for.
I received a free ARC and this is my honest review.
The suspense surrounding the government cover-up and the drug cartel gave the story plenty of intrigue, while the found-family element added some warmth to balance out the action. I also enjoyed the second-chance aspect of their relationship, with both men having to face the past before they could move forward. A satisfying mix of romance, mystery, and suspense, with two characters worth rooting for.
I received a free ARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Overall I enjoyed the book and the characters. I love a happy-ever-after, and this book delivered that for sure. This was kind of a second chance romance (although they weren’t technically romantic the first time), but the time gap was kind of wild to me. Not only were they apart for 20 years, but Rafe basically emotionally tortured Garrett that whole time. If this were reality, I don’t think Garrett would ever have forgiven Rafe.
The drug cartel plot line felt anticlimactic, but let’s be real, I’m not here for drug cartel resolution. 😂😂 I would say 4/5 spice level, but the first couple of sex scenes were also kind of heartbreaking because Rafe spent 20 years breaking Garrett’s heart. :|
Side characters are all cute and the found family for Rafe and Garrett is lovely. I will go back and read the first two books in the series.
The drug cartel plot line felt anticlimactic, but let’s be real, I’m not here for drug cartel resolution. 😂😂 I would say 4/5 spice level, but the first couple of sex scenes were also kind of heartbreaking because Rafe spent 20 years breaking Garrett’s heart. :|
Side characters are all cute and the found family for Rafe and Garrett is lovely. I will go back and read the first two books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book, which I greatly appreciate. I can definitely see and respect the different tone this book took as contrasted to the one before, which I also read. That being said, I think for me, there was a mix of tones that did not work well for me. We have espionage elements, military trauma, and very heavy-hitting subjects that were interwoven with an overall tone that was very lighthearted. This was not necessarily my favorite. I did like the second chance aspect, especially after the two main characters had not seen one another in 20 years. All-in-all, this was not bad, just also not my cup of tea, but thank you again to the author for sending me this.
October 21, 2026
After reading the first chapter of this book I knew I was hooked I just absolutely love a second chance romance, and Love at First Rep does not disappoint! 😭😍
Nearly 20 years later, Garrett's best friend shows back up in his life in Cherrywood, and things progress from there.
This is the third book in the Gym Rat Pack series, it can be read as a standalone but definitely recommend reading the first two because some of the characters from the other books show up in book 3!
Lauren does not disappoint with lots of spice, mystery/suspense and funny banter throughout the book! Definitely add this to your TBR because you'll fall in love with Garrett and Rafe's story like I have.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nearly 20 years later, Garrett's best friend shows back up in his life in Cherrywood, and things progress from there.
This is the third book in the Gym Rat Pack series, it can be read as a standalone but definitely recommend reading the first two because some of the characters from the other books show up in book 3!
Lauren does not disappoint with lots of spice, mystery/suspense and funny banter throughout the book! Definitely add this to your TBR because you'll fall in love with Garrett and Rafe's story like I have.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2026
First starters let me just say this book was way more than I thought it was going to be. I didn't read the blurb I just went by the name and the picture of the cover and let me tell you something this book is a hidden gem.
I want to say thank you to GRR the opportunity to read and review this book it was absolutely mind-blowing.
Garrett and Rafe we're friends and Rafe wound up supposedly passing overseas in a military accident. Little does they know that isn't what happened Garrett grieved his best friend forever and then they come face to face when Rafe needs his help taken down a cartel that has come through Garrett's town.
Like I said this book is absolutely phenomenal way way deeper than I thought it was going to be I was mind blown this book was just amazing.
I want to say thank you to GRR the opportunity to read and review this book it was absolutely mind-blowing.
Garrett and Rafe we're friends and Rafe wound up supposedly passing overseas in a military accident. Little does they know that isn't what happened Garrett grieved his best friend forever and then they come face to face when Rafe needs his help taken down a cartel that has come through Garrett's town.
Like I said this book is absolutely phenomenal way way deeper than I thought it was going to be I was mind blown this book was just amazing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This third book in the Gym Rat Pack didn’t disappoint. This book explores how trust has to be earned and forgiveness is possible. It also shows how much mental strain DADT put on LGBT people in the military along with the ptsd that lingers for so many soldiers. The emotional toll that everything that happened in Garrets and Rafes life might make it hard to reconnect after 20 years but with love, patience and communication it is possible. The side characters also make a big impact in their lives as they are found family. It was also nice reading about characters in their 40s as I am in mine. Make sure to read trigger warnings as there are a lot of serious subjects discussed.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.5 star
This book gives me a lot of anime vibes. I like the idea of a queer Avenger league and the heroes in plain clothes troop (despite not at all expecting it). I am not really a fantastical story reader in general, so a few times I forgot to suspend my disbelief and ended up falling into the cringe hole. Both the overall plot and the romance arc feel very fantastical. So if you are looking for something that is grounded (it can be me or someone I know), this may be a bit different. But if you want a fairy-tale story, this is exactly what you need
3.5 star
This book gives me a lot of anime vibes. I like the idea of a queer Avenger league and the heroes in plain clothes troop (despite not at all expecting it). I am not really a fantastical story reader in general, so a few times I forgot to suspend my disbelief and ended up falling into the cringe hole. Both the overall plot and the romance arc feel very fantastical. So if you are looking for something that is grounded (it can be me or someone I know), this may be a bit different. But if you want a fairy-tale story, this is exactly what you need
October 23, 2026
This series is so amazing. Garrett and Rafe have such a difficult past. Imagine the man you mourned for two decades just coming back to life. Garrett’s shock and pain are heart wrenching. Rafe made a decision to keep him safe at a huge expense. These two best friends have so much to rebuild. I love that they are finally getting a chance on this amazing love that has never died over the years. There is still a dangerous investigation, secrets that build so much suspense and trust to rebuild. This was an addictive amazing read and addition to an incredible series. Thank you to GRR and the author for my ARC of this book.
October 21, 2026
Love at First Rep by Lauren Kohout is a really lovely story that has a fantastic back story about our two guys. Garrett had the trauma of losing his best friend years ago and has been dealing with grief since then. He's blindsided years later that his friend, Rafe, is still alive. This book shocked me in the best way possible. It was suspenseful without being a thriller and had just a beautiful love story of 2 best friends finding their way back together. I highly recommend this book (the whole series is really good too).
October 24, 2026
The perfect mystery book for me. I feel hard for the love and relationship between Garrett and Rafe. I understand why Rafe disappeared years ago and let Garrett thing he was dead (to protect him), but I also deeply feel the emotions and betrayal that Garrett experienced upon finding Rafe was alive, not dead. Great spice but great mystery involving the drug cartel, when both men must work together to solve the mystery. This books ask us do we ever get over our first love, even when betrayed, and can our forgiveness become a second chance at love. This books proves yes it can.
October 27, 2026
Exciting! Once upon a time Garrett and Rafe were best friends, and a little more. Garrett is a Detective now and has grieved for over 20 years over the death of Rafe while deployed. Garrett, is having a bit of work life crisis when he realizes Rafe is not dead. Rafe, is back with lots of explanations while working undercover and needing Garrett's help. Excellent story of reconcilliation, recovery and renewal. Navigating new complexities, is amazing. Good flow, great little adventure, nice cover art, well done!
October 31, 2026
One of my absolute favorite tropes is the friend/lover/family member believed dead who suddenly returns to the land of the living. Here, when Rafe returns with a story that devastates Garrett and makes him question some of the most rock solid beliefs he's built his whole life on, it isn't clear if he will be able to forgive Rafe. When the threat from a drug cartel forces them to work together again, they are able to begin to slowly rebuild what seemed destroyed. A great mix of heartache, second chances and suspense.
Review of advance copy
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
This was a cute and enjoyable read! I really liked the premise and the characters.
My only real issue was the angst. There was so much potential for drama, especially with the lying, but everything got resolved way too quickly. I really wanted more emotional fallout and drama before they just forgave each other.
Still, I had a good time reading it.
This was a cute and enjoyable read! I really liked the premise and the characters.
My only real issue was the angst. There was so much potential for drama, especially with the lying, but everything got resolved way too quickly. I really wanted more emotional fallout and drama before they just forgave each other.
Still, I had a good time reading it.
Review of advance copy
Rafe & Garrett were best friends who joined the Navy Seals together. They both had feelings for each other, but at that time DADT (don't ask, don't tell) was prevalent in the armed forces and so they kept their secret from each other. Rafe is recruited by the CIA and part of the deal is that he has to fake his own death. Garrett is obviously distraught when it happens.
Cut to 20 years later and Rafe returns. He wants Garrett to help him with a case he's working on by Garrett is distrustful of Rafe, he left him once before, why wouldn't he do it again.
This story is about Rafe earning back that trust by showing Garrett that he isn't going anywhere and he can be relied on. There is also the ongoing investigation into a drug supplier within the police precinct where Garrett works.
This was an emotional story about 2 men who love each other, but past trauma hinders their reunion. I enjoyed following their journey back to each other whilst also tracking down the mole in the precinct.
There were a couple of occasions where I did think that Garrett was too quick to forgive Rafe for his necessary subterfuge but they did eventually get their HEA. We're also left on a bit of a cliffhanger, as we never really find out who the main supplier of the drug is only the mole.
Overall I enjoyed the mix of mystery and romance and especially enjoyed meeting Garrett's found family who seem to spend an awful lot of time at the gym 😉.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cut to 20 years later and Rafe returns. He wants Garrett to help him with a case he's working on by Garrett is distrustful of Rafe, he left him once before, why wouldn't he do it again.
This story is about Rafe earning back that trust by showing Garrett that he isn't going anywhere and he can be relied on. There is also the ongoing investigation into a drug supplier within the police precinct where Garrett works.
This was an emotional story about 2 men who love each other, but past trauma hinders their reunion. I enjoyed following their journey back to each other whilst also tracking down the mole in the precinct.
There were a couple of occasions where I did think that Garrett was too quick to forgive Rafe for his necessary subterfuge but they did eventually get their HEA. We're also left on a bit of a cliffhanger, as we never really find out who the main supplier of the drug is only the mole.
Overall I enjoyed the mix of mystery and romance and especially enjoyed meeting Garrett's found family who seem to spend an awful lot of time at the gym 😉.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2026
Loved this Book! *chefs kiss*
I think this might just be my favorite of the series so far! Rare and Garrett are absolutely wonderful! This story has the right amount of suspense, angst, spice, love, and humor to full entertain❤️
The whole Gym Rat Pack is in full action and we learn a lot more about some of the members giving their characters more depth and intrigue.
Friends to Lovers ✅
Suspense ✅
Humor ✅
Mild angst ✅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5
I think this might just be my favorite of the series so far! Rare and Garrett are absolutely wonderful! This story has the right amount of suspense, angst, spice, love, and humor to full entertain❤️
The whole Gym Rat Pack is in full action and we learn a lot more about some of the members giving their characters more depth and intrigue.
Friends to Lovers ✅
Suspense ✅
Humor ✅
Mild angst ✅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5
October 24, 2026
another great book
This book was a little different than the first two but I feel like it was written well enough to fit with them.
I normally don’t like a lot of pining, but I really liked it in this book. The found family was top-tier and I honestly didn’t see the ending coming. Devoured this book in a day. I’m now desperately waiting for the fourth book.
I really love how you have all the cameos with the other characters. Just makes the journey even better.
This book was a little different than the first two but I feel like it was written well enough to fit with them.
I normally don’t like a lot of pining, but I really liked it in this book. The found family was top-tier and I honestly didn’t see the ending coming. Devoured this book in a day. I’m now desperately waiting for the fourth book.
I really love how you have all the cameos with the other characters. Just makes the journey even better.
October 27, 2026
Garrett + Rafe
This was a second chance romance that was executed perfectly. These two don't automatically get together which I loved. Garrett was my favorite as he didn't let love blind him and considered Rafe a suspect in an active investigation. Wasn't bored for a single second. We had romance, shenanigans, found family, and mystery. Only wished we had been fed small bits of Rafe's secrets throughout the book. As I did feel we where thrown a significant amount of information in one go.
This was a second chance romance that was executed perfectly. These two don't automatically get together which I loved. Garrett was my favorite as he didn't let love blind him and considered Rafe a suspect in an active investigation. Wasn't bored for a single second. We had romance, shenanigans, found family, and mystery. Only wished we had been fed small bits of Rafe's secrets throughout the book. As I did feel we where thrown a significant amount of information in one go.
October 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! I haven't read the prior books in this series and while I don't necessarily feel like I missed out because I jumped in the middle, I definitely want to go back and read the other books in this series. Great found family vibes, friends to lovers, mystery and suspense make for a great read!
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