"I saw you naked." "That was an accident." "Still counts. I figure the Universe likes symmetry."
Kieran Doyle is a liar. Small ones, mostly. “I'm fine. No one special. Everything's great.” The kind of lies you tell the people you love when the truth feels like a weight only one of you should carry.
He drove nine hours south with two dogs, a box of his mother's ashes, and thirty-two years of silence finally behind him. Encinitas wasn't the plan. Neither was accidentally saluting the shirtless man next door like a soldier reporting for duty.
Rory Kline surfs at dawn, keeps aloe in the fridge like a functioning adult, and looks at Kieran like he might actually mean it. He's also built his life around something Kieran doesn't yet understand—and wanting him might be a mistake.
But the walls of a duplex are thin. Conversations happen over fences. A jellyfish sting, a Taco Tuesday, and one catastrophic perineum sunning incident turn accidental glances into staying the night—and then wanting more.
And when the truth finally surfaces, Kieran has to choose between doing what he's always done, or staying long enough to be known, disappointed, and loved anyway.
We Are Just Us is a contemporary queer romance about grief, late-life coming out, and what it costs to stay.
I need a minute. Please hold. My heart, tears falling down my face.
This was a beautiful love story of two men whose grief and pain was so deep but together they learned to be each other’s light. Learning to find themselves again.
We are just us was such a beautiful story. The grief in this was showcased in a manner that it didn’t make fun of it it showed that grief is real it hurts it’s something that lasts clinging onto you. We witness both of these boys go through so much but it really shed light on what grief is and how it can affect us. It felt real. This whole book felt like something that was real.
I was crying, laughing, kicking my feet this book made me feel all the emotions and it’s everything that I needed in my life and it’s something that needs read and shown to the world. The real experiences of grief and pain is shown throughout and I know the connections this book might have to others will be powerful and meaningful I think this book is going to make a big difference !!!
Ughhh I was in the edge of my seat I couldn’t get enough of this book. I was drawn into this book so fast and I couldn’t stop. I loved every minute of it watching Kieran and Rory’s relationship blossom in front of my eyes was so beautiful so genuine they were so made for each other.
We witnessed Kieran learn to not run away he stayed for Rory and that alone was so beautiful to see but it made me cry knowing that Kieran was learning to find himself again alongside Rory and these two were just so beautiful together.
And that LAST 10% I’m gonna scream that broke my entire wellbeing. I was holding my breath i was so scared I was sobbing. But I got my exhale moment and I was still crying by the end. Oh that epilogue was everything.
I think my favorite part in this was standing their love story blossom and learning to love and find themselves again. Learning and growing together but holding each other grounded and locked hand in hand.
This book really took my heart my mind and my soul and most importantly it took my tears. This was a emotional rollercoaster but it had its moments where we saw a light shine through all the darkness and I just love these men so muchh ughh they are so precious I can’t
Grief is something that never goes away it comes back like a wave during a storm. But sometimes even in the darkness there’s light even if it’s just for a second or two.
I knew there was a very good chance I was going to love this book.
I’d read a few excerpts & Instagram posts and could tell the author’s self deprecating and relatable writing style was exactly the type of storytelling I appreciate.
I also had a hunch the personal journey of healing the main character, Kieran, goes through (after losing his mother to Cancer years earlier) could be a balm to my own struggle with similar grief.
What I wasn’t expecting, was the emotional ride in every chapter. One minute I was gasping with laughter, tears in my eyes, over one of Kieran’s many descriptive observations or his dogs’ antics, the next I was holding my hand over my heart, my mouth forming an “Ohhhh” as I grasped yet another deeply profound and soulful concept.
I honestly don’t know how the author did it. He never made it feel too contrived or overly sappy.
It was just real.
There are a few silly events that could’ve gone horribly wrong if they’d been written in a more stereotypical offhand and slapstick kind of way, but each time, I was surprised, yet again, with a more human turn of events that always brought the two main characters closer together.
The most moving part of this story is the adult relationship between Kieran and Rory. There’s a lot of humor & sometimes mortifying situations. There’s hurt and anger as they let themselves feel again. There’s healing and tears as they realize they want to be together, supporting one another. It’s perfectly imperfect and exactly what a relationship should be.
**********
What’s In This Book:
* Self deprecating humor * Healing from grief & loss * 2 awesome pups, a real & heartfelt bestie, plus the best quirky townies & found family * Adult communication * Embarrassing & seriously funny events that help equal the playing field * Intimacy & consent in the hottest sexxxy scenes * Book boyfriends energy til the last page * Perfectly imperfect main characters & relationships
********** NOTE: Thank you for sending me this free Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to leave this honest & voluntary review.
********** Hey Jude, your book didn’t suck. Not even close Not even a little bit Not even at all. <3
This was such a great book! It’s sweet, funny, witty and heartfelt. If you have ever struggled with grief this will resonate with you. I adored Kieran, the story is from his POV, and I related to him in the way he struggled to let go of his mom and feel confident in his own skin. I understood his attraction to Rory who seemed so confident in himself.
This book shows that even those who appear ok on the outside are usually struggling with their own grief and turmoil. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own losses and letting others see that rawness is extremely difficult. Kieran is far from perfect but that’s what makes him so relatable. He shares his grief sparingly and feels hurt when Rory doesn’t open up fully in return. But that’s is the thing about loss, everyone feels it differently and we don’t owe those feelings to anyone.
Hank and Mabel, Kieran’s two springer spaniels, were so cute! They are full fledged characters in their own right. Besides those two goofballs Kieran has his best friend Emory and meets some amazing people that become an integral part of the life he builds for himself after drowning in the loss left behind by his mom.
There were a few loose ends that I was hoping to get answers to, such as the picture Kieran buys for Rory. I think I know what was implied by that and who the artist was but it’s never said. And when Kieran and Rory get tested for STD’s they never get the results on page. The entire experience seemed important to Kieran since he struggled with the setting but it’s never mentioned again. I also can’t make up my mind on the last part of the book. I wasn’t expecting it and it sort of took me out of the story for a second, it seemed so sudden but at the same time I saw it as another obstacle for Kieran. Would he run when things got hard?
There are so many funny moments, the nude beach and the perineum sunning were hilarious. I found myself both laughing and crying reading this. For a debut novel this was so good. I cannot wait to read more from Jude Bradley.
ARC reveived for review All thoughts and opinions are my own
This book was absolutely incredible. The author writes in a way that makes you feel like you're inside Keiran's head, not just reading a story. He's awkward and so, so very human and relatable in a way that is so refreshing. There is flirting, witty banter, humor, grief, warmth, love, suspense, and every other emotion in between, and it's all written in a way that makes you feel every single word of it so raw and authentically. Even the spicy scenes are written with a realistic viewpoint and a gentleness that isn't over the top or raunchy, but beautiful. Absolutely well done, especially for this to be the author's very first book! I am a fan, for sure.
I really enjoyed this one! 🥹💛 Kieran and Rory’s relationship felt SO real throughout the whole story, and I loved watching their connection grow. Nothing ever felt forced, which made it so easy to get invested in them.
I also really loved the themes of community and isolation! They were such a strong part of the story and honestly made me feel even more connected to the characters and what they were going through. There’s something about a story that explores loneliness and finding your people that just hits differently. 🥺
Overall, such a heartfelt read with characters and themes that really stayed with me! ✨
We are Just Us by Jude Bradley is a story about grief, starting over, and learning to trust and love again after loss.
Two years after his mother's passing, Kiernan decides its time for a change. After having spent the past few years caring for his mother as she battled cancer, it's time for his comfort to finally be a priority. He downsizes his belongings and loads what's left along with his two springer spaniels, Hank and Mabel, as well as his mother's ashes, in his car and heads south, not stopping til he happens upon a small coastal town in southern california. A town for tourists and surfers, Encinitas seemed to be the right spot to settle for who knows how long.
"I'm either about to live my dream, or make a huge sandy mistake"
Rory is Kiernan's new neighbor. He keeps aloe in the fridge, surfs every chance he gets, frequents the local nude beach and has strong opinions on the cleanliness of flip-flops. He's is kind and supportive but no one is perfect and this gentle soul struggles to be emotionally available.
As the two interact due to their close proximity and the fluffy loveable chaos caused by Hank and Mabel, the quip filled interactions become more frequent and the two men become friends and slowly more.
The two are in many ways opposite of each other. Kiernan, an external processor, anxious, and at times oversharing. Rory, is an internal processor, quippy, bold but reserved about his past.
These differences causes the main conflict between them and makes the story very interesting.
This is by no means a whirlwind romance. There's no grand gestures. Just two people falling for each other in a realistic, cozy and relatable way. Two people processing their own trauma and trying to do and be better for themselves and the people they care about.
Grief is a main theme in this book and I love how it is portrayed. I love how the author put it in his note in the beginning of the book:
"Grief doesn't leave. It goes out, and it comes back, the way the tide does. If You've ever stood at the edge of loss and waited for the next wave to pass, this book is already for you"
Both men are navigating grief in their own ways and like in the authors quote it comes in waves for them both. Grief can impact our actions, lives and relationships in so many ways. The pain of grief comes up at times unexpectedly which can make it more challenging to work through. This book portrays all of that so well.
Details I loved: Kiernan's springer spaniel dogs Hank and Mabel. You can tell from the beginning that the author is a dog person in the way these two were a part of the story. Kiernan's care for and connection with them was interwoven into the story in a way that only a dog person could communicate. I was not surprised to find out that the author has two springer spaniels of his own.
The writing style was so real and comforting and really brought me into the setting and the story without being too words. Thoughtful moments of internal monologue and quiet remarks that come back around in such satisfying ways.
"You look like you watch documentaries about surfing" "Wow. Is brutal your middle name?"
The sober representation. There is some drinking mentioned in this book but one of the characters is sober and it is normalized and portrayed in a accepting, positive way.
Rory's care for his little niece Aubrey. His kindness and gentleness really comes through in his interactions with her and the dogs.
All that to say, this story felt so familiar, cozy, emotional and real. Rory and Kiernan felt like people I would love to be friends with and do life together with. I loved so much about this book.
Needless to say I am adding this to my list of 2026 books I won't shut up about.
Thanks to LoveNotes PR and the author for the ARC.
I was gifted an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
(Spoiler Free of course since it hasn't been released yet! but Full reviews will follow as soon as it is available)
Jude Bradley's debut is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. I'm being so for real, this book caught me so off guard I had to sit with it for a while and even read it a second time.
It opens with a man driving nine white-knuckled hours south from Sacramento, two springer spaniels in the back seat, running from grief, and I mean real, true, honest grief.... and what follows is a slow-burn MM romance that balances humor and heartbreak with the precision of a writer who's been doing this for years. Except he hasn't. This is his first novel, and that fact genuinely startled me. Because this level of technique and emotional control over characters, story and plot... it had me FEELING... everything.
Kieran Doyle lands in Encinitas by accident, meets his neighbor Rory on the beach, and the chemistry is immediate, but Bradley earns every beat of the slow burn, let me just tell you that. The tension was enough to curl my toes and scream JUST KISS ALREADY!!
The humor is real (a naked-dog-chase scene had me laughing out loud), but the emotional architecture underneath is what stayed with me. The "staying" thesis — that the bravest thing either of these men does is remain — threads through every chapter without ever feeling heavy-handed. A green flash motif planted early pays off in the epilogue with quiet, devastating elegance. And when I say "its pays of" I really mean it because when the moment hits you're like... oh... OHH...
The grief writing is specific and lived-in. Both men carry losses that shaped them, and Bradley doesn't rush the healing. The supporting cast (Emory, Devon, Patti, Rory's niece Aubrey) feels like real people, not furniture. They felt like the type of found family that will stay with you in the back of your head, and wish you could find it again in other books.
One gentle critique: the middle stretch (a missing-dog arc spanning several chapters) may test readers who want plot momentum. I loved the idea of it, but it just went on a little too long and took up space where I felt, real honest connection could have been served better, but really its just a small note, nothing that breaks the story or the plot. I do have to admit, it does serves the emotional growth, but the pacing dips just a bit because of it. I also wanted slightly more of Rory's interiority, though the single-POV choice is deliberate and effective, it would have been nice (as someone who is used to/love duel POVs) to know his side too)
For readers who love Emily Henry's Beach Read and Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue, this is your next obsession.
Now because i am who i am I feel like I need to give some content notes: grief/loss of parent and spouse, a homophobic slur in a flashback, a severe surfing accident with on-page CPR, explicit MM sexual content, alcoholism/recovery, anxiety.
No audiobook available yet — I'll update when audio drops.
More than that I won't say until the book actually drops, but to the author, well done, this was an incredible debut and it had me hooked from the moment I started reading.
We Are Just Us is what initially appears to be a slow burn romance quickly reveals itself to be something much deeper: a moving exploration of grief, healing, self discovery, and the courage it takes to let someone truly see you.
The heart of the story lies in Kieran and Rory's relationship. Their connection develops naturally and authentically, allowing readers to experience every awkward interaction, meaningful conversation, and emotional breakthrough alongside them. Rather than relying on dramatic romantic clichés, Bradley focuses on vulnerability, trust, and communication, making their love story feel genuine and deeply earned.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its portrayal of grief. Bradley never treats grief as something that can be neatly resolved. Instead, he presents it as an ongoing process that shapes the lives of both characters. Kieran's struggle feels especially raw and realistic, capturing the confusion, regret, and loneliness that often accompany loss. The novel acknowledges that grief never completely disappears, but it also shows how love and connection can help us carry it.
The writing is beautifully balanced between heartbreak and humor. One moment had me laughing at Kieran's self deprecating observations and awkward situations, while the next left me emotional and reflective. The supporting cast, the lovable dogs, and the warm sense of found family add depth and charm to the story without overshadowing the central relationship.
What impressed me most was how real everything felt. The characters are flawed, imperfect people who make mistakes and struggle to move forward. Their journey isn't about being "fixed"; it's about learning to live again, accepting themselves, and finding comfort in another person who understands their pain.
The final chapters are particularly powerful. The emotional stakes rise dramatically, leaving me anxious, hopeful, and completely invested in Kieran and Rory's future. The ending delivers an emotional payoff that feels both satisfying and well deserved, closing the story with warmth and hope.
Overall, We Are Just Us is a stunning debut novel that combines romance, grief, healing, humor, and self-acceptance into a beautifully crafted story. It's a book about learning to stop running, choosing to stay, and finding light in the darkest moments. Heartfelt, moving, and unforgettable, this is a novel I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys emotional romance with deeply human characters.
A beautifully written story about grief, healing, and the kind of love that helps you find your way back to yourself.
Thank you Jude and Love Notes PR for this wonderful ARC copy!
An atmospheric story that touches on grief with a lot of grace. This book has a consistent, quieter energy to it, and is also a story that features a slightly older couple than the genre's usual (characters in their 30s). Even though it’s a quieter one, it’s not any less warm.
I walked into the premise imagining traditional things: beach dates, intimacy, contemporary plot twists. While that was there, I felt like there was more variety and small surprises than even some of the high-flying sports romance titles I’m a fan of. Kieran’s quirky, awkward, sincere personality worked well when paired with Rory, and with the setting itself.
I could feel the way the setting informed the story’s atmosphere in the imagery and even the overall writing style. Nothing was over-dramatized, but it was painted in the descriptions very clearly, without wasting a lot of space. The dialogue itself was clipped, efficient, but still emotional and soft in its own way, like how beach sand or sunsets in California feel.
I also related to a lot of different pieces within the story. I’ve lost loved ones in similar ways; my mom also loved gardenias, etc. Even if you may not have, blessedly, lost anyone, the way grief and healing were talked about was raw, and I think that the way it was written could reach everyone in some way. They say the best writing “finds the universal in the specific,” so this is a huge part of my compliments to the book.
Now, for notes on the other side of the coin…
The early half of the book was full of banter. I could see what the author was going for, but the syllable rhythm of the banter was almost uniform each time, and happened often. It came off more forced because of that, and if the dialogue breathed more like it does in the second half, I think it would elevate the first half.
I also wonder if having characters with a stronger personality contrast would give the story even more to chew on, but I also understand the book is meant to have a thoughtful, almost mellow lean to it. Also, if the ending had more heat and drama without being too much relative to everything else, I wonder if that could have worked, too.
Overall, I did like it, and there were many beautiful moments and a lot of food for thought. If you’re looking for that quiet, sincere, emotional read, this is a great choice.
This is a long one, so - tl;dr - This book is flipping amazing, and I loved it!!!
Jude Bradley wrote the most lovely debut contemporary romance I have ever read, regardless of gender. I don't consume a lot of contemporary romance in general (the tropes are usually not my cup of tea), but this story has had me in its clutches since before Jude was finished writing it. Just snippets of conversations from the WIPs posted on Jude's IG account were enough for me to lock in on this novel from the word go, and "We Are Just Us" delivered in spades.
To be cliché about it (moreso than I already have), I know what I'll be discussing with my therapist this week. 😅 And honestly, we will talk about grief, and change, and how hard it can be to stop running from yourself and your life, and also how simple it can be to do those things once you've decided to stand still... Kieran and Jude both learn those lessons in their own way, but they manage to do it together beautifully.
This story is a touchstone for processing grief (how grief is never linear), but it's also genuinely a love story. These two men are both broken already. It takes them a long time to get where they're going (slow burn), but they are falling in love while helping each other heal, and that takes time.
By the end of it, I lost count of the moments that brought tears to my eyes. There was one where I literally said out loud to an empty room, "Oh, please don't do this to me!" And that's how you know the book is excellent in its execution, delivery, and plotting, not to mention the gloriousness that is the character development. You genuinely care about these characters and can't help but feel what they are feeling.
Anyway, read the book. It's worth it for so many reasons beyond just being an MM romance. And don't let the 3rd person single-POV stop you. Personally, I prefer 1st person multi-POV, but this was absolutely the best way to tell this story. And it doesn't stop you from caring deeply about both MCs. You get to learn Rory alongside Kieran, and that's something you can only find with single-POV.
Also, if you've ever lost someone you loved, this book is for you.
You know the saying „Don‘t judge a book by its cover“? Yeah well I saw the Cover as I was scrolling on Booksiren and I thought it was pretty so I wanted to read and oh my it did so not disappoint.
There have been very few chapters that have broken my heart while reading and chapter 8 has joined that list. That chapter showed how much Kieran‘s life was formed and why everything he does is the way he does it.
The way my heart skipped a beat when Kieran met Samantha and Aubrey and how they accepted him at the beach! And even though Kieran and Samantha were at the hospital due to Rory’s surfing accident just seeing them bond made me get tears in my eyes.
And can we talk about the spice scenes cause they were SPICY AF?! I love when books have goood spicy scenes so the ones in this book made my heart very happy
“I saw you naked.”The ground shifted under him. “That was an accident.”“Still counts.” Rory stepped out of his shorts and kicked them aside. The baseball cap stayed on. “I figure the universe likes symmetry.” Help when I read this I laughed out loud
„No thanks. I brought my Kindle“ this whole sentence just descriped every reader ever when someone asks them to do something at a gathering.
“Then Rory glanced up. The joke was gone from his face. What was left was the look of a man who’d been waiting for someone to call him that and didn’t know it until he heard it.” Stop when I read this after Kieran called Rory his boyfriend my eyes got teary not gonna lie people
“Thank you,” Rory said softly. “For staying. For being here. For not running when it got hard.”“Where else would I go?”“I don’t know. But some people would. Would have left.”“I’m not some people. I’m not everyone.”“No.” Rory agreed. “You’re not.” The character devolopment from Kieran for not running away made me so happy when I read this part when they were getting ready to leave the hospital
Thank you so much to Booksirens and Jude for this ARC in exchange for this review <3
We Are Just Us🏄♂️ Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Jude Bradley for trusting me with this ARC!🌊 Lies are Kieran Doyle's coping mechanism. Encinitas,as the shirtless neighbor next door,was not his plan,after 9 hours driving with two dogs and some ashes by his side. Rory likes surfing at dawn,and living his every day life,with a pace no one could easy understands,but if he wants Kieran in,he must lower his walls.
We Are Just Us,is a beautiful love story,to end your summer with.We follow the romance of Rory & Kieran,who bond over tacos,and awkward moments,until they finally share their first kiss. Bradley's writing was addictive,with me reading it on,literally,one sitting.My favorite part was the way he connected the scenes together.Like,even if you wanted you could not even stop,because in every ending a little something happened,that,honestly,through you straight into the next one.Also,something that I have started to read a lot in books,and happened in this one too,is that the romances are stretching through time. Everything does not happen in two months and bye,it is over,but we see them through 6 plus months,or years together and get a good taste in what their life together looks like. Now getting into the characters,I will surely say that Rory stole my heart.He is so cute,authentic, passionate,truly what we describe a good guy.Life hasn't always been easy to him and nor will be,but my boy will manage.On the other side Kieran,was not my cup of tea,but I truly think it is just me.Let's say he did some stuff,that got me so mad,and maximized my likeness towards Rory more.Yet,I have to be fair that in the end,I think he got himself in place,and became the man that his boyfriend needed by his side. So,romance was beautiful,a positive side of LGBTQ+ relationships were shown (so refreshing to read),so why not end your summer with this apart from everything else,amazing summer read? Out On Aug,18th 🍜 4⭐
Jude Bradley's "We Are Just Us" is such a lovely, emotional, funny, wonderful book. Something about this story felt fresh despite its familiar premise. I adored the characters, Kieran (MMC) and Rory (MMC), who are both 30-something new next-door neighbors living in Encinitas, CA. Kieran has found himself in California trying to outrun the grief, regret, and sadness he has experienced since the passing of his mother. As someone who has lost a parent and a parent-in-law who might as well have been a parent, don't we all wish we could outrun our grief like this? If only it were that easy. Kieran and Rory keep meeting in the most unusual of circumstances. Kieran is more of a homebody, whereas Rory is a larger-than-life figure who knows everyone, makes friends easily, loves life, and tries to make the most out of every situation. The more they are in each other's orbit, the more they get to know each other and like what they see. On the surface, they are polar opposites, but the attraction between them is undeniable. The banter between them is so, so good, ridiculously funny, but it's also powerful and important and sometimes sad. I laughed so many times while reading this book, but I also cried and smiled and cried. Rory and Kieran teach each other in both little and big ways, and they learn things about themselves they might not have known without the other in their life. Both of these characters are endlessly relatable, at least they are to me. The coming out later in life aspect really felt authentic. This is a slow-burning romance, one I think revels in its slow exploration of life and love and intimacy instead of forcing it to happen. When it *does* happen, it's well-earned and fitting. Since I live in San Diego, it was really fun to read all of the references to places I have heard of and have been to in my life. The part that takes place on Blacks Beach had me in absolute stitches.
Thank you to Jude Bradley and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Thanks to Love Notes Pr for supplying me with an eARC to read and review.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Rory and Kieran. I flew through this book in a couple of days. It was sweet and charming, but also dealt with some pretty heavy topics. I loved the characters and their relationship, but it wasn't without fault.
The characters of Rory and Kieran were pretty fine. Each were relatable and both men did have some growth throughout the novel. Their relationship was wonderful to witness grow. There were moments that made me laugh, and one that has me genuinely put the book down to hide my face in my hands - the cringe was so, so real. But intentionally so! The author is really good at taking moments that should be awkward as anything and turning them into the best banter.
Both of our main characters address some past trauma and a lot of grief through the story - one of which I can relate to on a personal level. I almost had to take a break, but it was handled quite beautifully and respectfully throughout. I can't really go in to much more without entering spoiler territory, but the grief felt real. So did the healing.
My biggest gripe with this book, unfortunately, is some parts of the writing. There's a few contradictions in there that had me flipping back to see if I'd just missed some info. But no, his pants are magically back on again. I think there was also some magically vanishing chest hair. Maybe one of the guys started shaving and never mentioned it? Anyway, it's not the end of the world, but did pull me out of the romance once or twice. I caught myself thinking that it could have done with one more pass through an editor. But again, it's nothing that would make me DNF.
All in all, I enjoyed my time with We Are Just Us, and would definitely be up for reading more from this author in the future!
Main characters: Kieran & Rory Side characters: Emory, Meg, Devon, Vera, Samantha, Aubrey Page count: 407
Third person POV, with focus on Kieran.
A gorgeous debut novel about grief and love, loss and healing. I devoured this. Truly couldn’t put it down. These characters felt real in a way that is not always captured. They are both flawed and make mistakes. They have conflict they need to work through and hiccups in their relationship. They are both dealing with grief. And they both need some individual growth before they can make something work between them. I loved seeing their journey through this. How they were continually drawn back to each other and how they communicated and supported each other and owned up to their mistakes when it was necessary. There was also a rhythm to their lives, basic things like coming and going to work and spending time together. I found it beautiful in how normal it all felt.
Kieran was so funny and awkward, but charming and also free and open to experiences in a way that I’m not sure even he realized. He was focused on his fear and the things holding him back, all while he was out there seeking out life and pushing his own boundaries. I found him to be such a beautifully layered and interesting character. Rory was more stoic and settled in his life. He was guarded and less open than Kieran. There are reasons he is this way and it was wonderful to get to know his character better as their relationship deepened his layers were slowly peeled back.
The last few chapters were intense but also so real in the way that life always throws you curveballs you weren’t expecting. What matters is how you deal with them and how you move forward. Kieran and Rory weather this storm and fight for a beautiful and hopeful happy ending. Highly recommend!
Buckle up, bitches, because I have a lot to say about this one. This is basically a novella about my love for this book.
This book didn’t just leave a mark on me, it carved itself into me permanently.
I genuinely don’t know if there’s a complete string of words I could put together that would ever fully explain how this book made me feel. But we’re going to try.
Reading this felt like being transported directly into someone’s brain and connected to their soul. Like I didn’t just read these experiences, I lived them with the characters. And it hit me so hard.
The best way I can explain it is this:
Do you remember when you were younger and you discovered what it felt like to truly love a book? That one book you picked up as a teenager that wasn’t assigned for school and wasn’t recommended by anyone. The one you stumbled across organically while wandering through Barnes & Noble back when they had those oversized reading chairs tucked between the shelves. Maybe you’d sit there drinking coffee, exploring different worlds for hours. Maybe you used to study at those giant tables hidden between the stacks.
And then you find that book.
The one you absolutely judged by its cover first. You read the blurb and get those slow goosebumps creeping up your arms. You need to read it. Then you open to chapter one and immediately get shivers before you even know what the main character looks like.
And suddenly your entire existence becomes that story.
It plays through your head constantly. You feel like you’re one of the characters, experiencing every moment alongside them. And when it ends, you know that feeling is so rare, one of those once-in-a-blue-moon reading experiences you spend years chasing again.
That’s the closest I can possibly get to explaining how this book felt to me.
I was not anticipating this book cracking my chest wide open.
It’s rare to find a story that understands grief without romanticizing it, healing without simplifying it, and love without making it feel easy. This book managed to do all three.
I knew there would be deep themes balanced with humor, romance, and spice. But this story is so much more than two people falling in love. It’s more than someone trying to figure out what to do when they’re lost.
This book is about the reality of finding stability, purpose, and peace, not just in the life-changing moments, but in the quiet little ones too.
When the ocean is calm and the sun is warm while your feet sink into the sand.
When the barista knows exactly how to make your favorite drink without asking.
When your crush spends time with you and suddenly you’re building inside jokes and laughing those big, authentic laughs that make your stomach hurt.
This book is so. much. more. than what you expect going into it.
And I say that as someone who already knew I was going to adore it. I basically stalked this author and annoyed them into becoming my friend until I got to read it. Though honestly, I didn’t just read this book, I inhaled it into my soul.
This story will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced loss, anxiety, self-doubt, self-discovery, regret, or the feeling of being completely lost in life. Because this book is real. It doesn’t sugarcoat the good or the bad. It makes you sit with those emotions, explore them, and rethink what it truly means to heal and become better, better for yourself, your future, and the people you love.
Kieran was shaped by trauma. There was never really a time in his life untouched by it. Growing up with the constant fear of losing his mother while she battled cancer on and off for seventeen years leaves scars that never fully disappear. No matter how hard you try to heal from grief, some part of it always stays with you.
So he leaves everything behind to start over somewhere no one knows him, somewhere he can finally become a more authentic version of himself.
And while healing, this sweet man just so happens to have the world’s hottest neighbor.
And Rory… the man that you are.
I have never read a character healing, grieving, and growing in a way that made me stop and look inward quite like this. The way he communicates and articulates his emotions resonated with me so deeply it honestly hit me right in my center. He’s quiet, but when he speaks, every word feels meaningful and real.
He brings this soft, grounding calmness into every scene he’s in, like a brighter light helping everyone around him see more clearly and become more present.
He feels like the kind of character you desperately wish existed in real life.
This book felt like therapy in the best possible way.
And chapter 8? Yeah. That chapter absolutely wrecked me.
It felt like someone reached into my soul, found all the jagged little broken pieces, and carefully put them back where they belonged.
This book had me yearning for something I couldn’t even fully name. It had me yelling at chapters, laughing out loud, and crying into my Kindle screen at 2 a.m. I highlighted and annotated practically 90% of it because I didn’t want to miss a single important moment.
But that’s the thing, right?
The whole book is the important moment.
The story itself, the self-acceptance, the genuine love, the choice to stay even when things get hard. Grieving, but still choosing to live. Living for the people who can’t anymore and making your life count because of it.
This book exceeded every expectation I could have possibly had.
So thank you to that random 3 a.m. Instagram scroll when I somehow stumbled onto Jude’s first post all those months ago. It was worth every single second.
And I’d do it all over again.
This book is more.
More feelings. More healing. More love. More grief. More growth. More humanity.
It’s more in the biggest, most overwhelming sense of the word.
And I hope everyone who reads it feels that “more” too.
Jude, my sweet angel bestie author friend, there will never be enough words for what this book made me feel or the experience it gave me. But what I can say is thank you.
Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into this story. Thank you for giving us something that feels like so much more than a book. This story genuinely felt healing in ways I didn’t even realize I still needed.
Rory and Kieran’s story is a hard-fought, deeply earned happily ever after.
And I would spend every lifetime growing and learning just to find a love like that.
Some books entertain you. Some books romance you.
And then there are the rare ones that quietly rearrange parts of who you are after you finish them.
This was one of those books for me.
We Are Just Us isn’t just stunning, it’s unforgettable.
DEBUT?! THIS is a debut?! If I didn’t know it going in then I wouldn’t have even thought about it. The storyline is consistent, the characters are well developed and the descriptive imagery is exceptional. Jude Bradley tackles some heavier topics like grief and death, yet weaves some of the funniest banter within to give the reader an all-around great story.
I appreciated reading a story that revolves around characters in their 30s. They have life experience as an adult and the author does a wonderful job of bringing in their backstories. He doesn’t overwhelm the reader with too much but it helps to define who they are more clearly. Please don’t misunderstand though, these two characters are by no means stuffy and boring. They have so much exuberance and it radiates off the page.
This book is angsty though it doesn’t leave the reader hanging. It has a solid build-up to the realization that the characters have feelings towards one another; however, communication, fear and the past throw up a hurdle in their story and those don’t often show themselves right away. The theme of acceptance throughout this book is written with a raw and organic touch and is so genuine. I’ve smiled, laughed out ridiculously loud, cheered and shed tears while reading.
Jude Bradley’s M/M contemporary romance book, We Are Just Us, is my first where the author marries the spice and romance. It’s not just one or the other. They are blended seamlessly and it’s absolutely beautiful.
This is a 5⭐️ must read!
Tropes include: Neighbors to Lovers Slow Burn Later-in-Life Coming Out Hurt/Comfort Grief Found Family No 3rd Act Breakup
Intro: This book is an MM romance between Kieran, a man starting over somewhere new to outrun his grief and Rory, a man calm on the exterior, but on the inside, he's hurting just the same
Tropes/Highlights: -Single POV -MM -Neighbors To Lovers -Later In Life Coming Out -Grief -Hurt/Comfort -Small Coastal Town -Anxiety Rep -HEA
Likes: -Dry humor/banter -Awkwardness -Desert scene -Care taking -Cute puppers -World building/descriptive detail -Author voice -Character development -Spice -Black's Beach -Full circle moments -Adorable cover
Quotes: -"You're not good at pretending to be casual" -"I spent most of my life trying to be less visible. Trying to shrink. Trying to fit into spaces that didn't make room for me" -"This is how I die, Killed by an aquatic blob" -"Because I know how this ends. I know what it feels like to lose someone. And I don't know if I can survive it again" -"You're the first thing I ever wanted that didn't make me want to run" -"You're still you, That's all I see"
It's quite amazing that this is Jude's debut book because it was so beautifully written. I loved the mix of dry humor with the overwhelming awkwardness and embarrassment from the characters. Awkward silences are not shied away from. Kieran's and Rory's story was so sweet and they are the cutest together and raw in their emotions. I can't say much without spoiling the good parts, so I highly recommend you read this book. You're going to love this story about two men finding real connection in an unlikely place, while learning it's never too late in life to find that special person that feels like home, a person who makes you feel like its time to stop running.
This was such a beautiful, tranquil and emotional read.
The story follows Kieran, a man grieving the loss of his mother and he also develops a relationship between his neighbour Rory which turns into something much deeper.
What I loved most about this book was its exploration of grief.
Kieran's grief felt very real. He carries regret about his past, struggles with the things he never got to say and has difficulty imagining what comes next. Rory has experienced loss himself, which allows him to understand Kieran in a way that not everyone could.
I really enjoyed watching Kieran slowly come out of his shell. He starts exploring the town, writing on Substack, making new friends, returning to dating and even confronting his fear of the ocean.
Rory becomes an important part of that journey. He's supportive and understanding, but he also encourages Kieran to step outside his comfort zone and experience life again.
Their romance is a genuine slow burn, and I enjoyed watching their connection develop naturally. Their chemistry was great and once things finally progressed, the spice definitely delivered 🥹
I also appreciated the way communication was handled. There were moments of misunderstanding and hurt, but they learn to talk through their problems rather than allowing them to permanently destroy their relationship.
Overall, this was a sad, sweet and comforting story about grief, healing, love and learning to move forward.
It reminded me that moving on doesn't mean forgetting the people we've lost. Sometimes it simply means allowing ourselves to live again.
A lovely read for anyone who enjoys atmospheric MM romance, neighbours-to-lovers, beach-town settings, slow burn and emotional healing.
"He took photos. Of the giraffes. Of the sky through the eucalyptus trees. Proof-of-life documentation he knew he’d never post but liked having."
Kieran's impromptu moved near the ocean, and met his neighbor, Rory. As Kieran's exploring the town, making memories, he got to know his neighbor pretty well to the point of forming a relationship.
Full on sobbing and I have to get up for a work meeting in 4 hours. Good luck to me! But totally worth it, because I love this book.
20% in and I instantly knew this book was gonna be 4 stars and up. It did not disappoint. We are following mainly Kieran, and my god, he was written so well. He was witty, he's smart, he's dealing with grief and adjusting to his new home. Plus he got two dogs.
The writing style on this book is something that I really like. I am constantly in awe with this author's way of describing some small mundane things. He literally paints a picture with his words, and it felt like I'm also there with Kieran's adventure.
Kieran's dealing with a lot, but it doesn't really feel forced. He got flaws, he stumbled, he made mistakes, he was so human that I felt like I was watching a reality show come to life. The way Rory was described and written was also great. He's a good character with depth to him, and that made him the great partner to Kieran.
Both characters are adults, and acted like one. They didn't play games, they talk, they showed vulnerabilities and supported each other in their relationship. It was a refreshing read in that regard.
I love this book. I love seeing Kieran's journey, and I love how everything was stitched together. Such a great debut novel! I am now a fan.
If I have to define this book in one sentence it would be “getting back on your feet”
I definitely wasn’t expecting all the emotions that came with this book and I will give anything to had the chance to read it again for the first time.
I’m not gonna lie, at first I thought this book was about Kieran’s grief and Rory being there to help him get past that but the author definitely prove me wrong, it is more complex than that, a lot of vulnerability, raw emotions but the interesting part is that you will also gonna laugh along the way. Kieran’s journey is definitely my favorite, it’s so unique because even after everything that happened to him he was still trying to find his path, find his essence but in order to achieve that he will find himself in awkward/funny situations.
On the other hand we have Rory, this carefree soul that is always bringing his A game and making everyone around him just enjoy life. He’s just this magnetic force and I get why it was easy for Kieran to trust him. The one thing that I wasn’t expecting was his story, it hit me like a bus and reaffirm me that no matter what your age is, stuff happens and it’s ok to not have your life figured out.
These two needed it each other so much because yeah, adulthood is messy, life is messy, relationships are messy but having someone, the right one, by your side makes the journey easier.
Thank you Love Notes PR and Jude Bradley for this incredible opportunity even though you almost kill me with anxiety in the lasts chapters of the book. It was definitely worth it and I’m really looking forward to your upcoming projects.
We Are Just Us by Jude Bradley is an MM romance between neighbours Kieran Doyle who with his 2 dogs has just moved into the area and Rory Kline.
While Jude Bradly has written your standard man next door romance, the novel is much more than that, as Kieran is still dealing with the death of his mum who passed away from cancer 2 years ago.
One thing to note while Kieran’s mum's struggle happens before the novel starts there are some flashbacks to Kieran being in hospital, while his mum is undergoing treatment.
One major point of note which some readers may need to be aware of is that while some romance novels mention the death of a loved one We are Just US is much more than just a passing mention.
In fact the plot line of a Death of a loved one is the essence of the story, which is handled so well especially for a debut novel.
As for the romance and itself was done with such care and style that as a reader your are definitely are rooting for Kieran and Rory as a couple,
As for the spicy scenes, there are a few in We are Just Us and they are definitely open door. The first one is written with such sensitivity that it really had an effect on the passion of the scene, which was lacking in similar scenes in the future.
While at 406 pages long Joe Bradly has written a long novel for a romance, which at times did drag on a bit, however the pay if at the end and the quality of the writing and the story just about made up for this.
Making We Are Just Us by Jude Bradley well worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jude Bradley has delivered an incredibly wholesome romance filled with rich, fully realised characters in the most charming seaside town. Watching this relationship develop over time was such a joy. It felt like a romance that grew through all the messy, beautiful highs and lows of life.
What I loved most about this book was how REAL it felt. These characters felt like people I could actually know. Their baggage was believable, their chemistry felt natural, and the way they communicated, or sometimes didn't, made every emotional beat land. The highs had me grinning, while the lows gave the story so much emotional depth and really strengthened the relationships rather than creating drama for the sake of it.
The writing is thoughtful too, with little moments and details that come back around later in such satisfying ways. Add in genuinely funny banter, incredible romantic tension, genuinely spicy scenes that earn their place, and a relationship I was wholeheartedly rooting for, and I was completely sold.
My only small critique is that I struggle with names at the best of times, and some of the side characters blurred together because they didn't feel quite distinct enough from one another.
Overall, this was an emotional, heartfelt, and incredibly satisfying romance. An easy five stars from me, and I genuinely can't wait to see what Jude Bradley writes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Jude Bradley and Love Notes PR for the ARC of We Are Just Us in exchange for an honest review. I knew going in that I would probably really like this book and what do you know? I was RIGHT! The writing is lyrical, witty, and impactful. The MCs both struggle with grief, different kinds, but equally impactful to their lives and experiences. Kieran is a very relatable MC to me. He is really nervous, socially awkward, and he leaves half drank cans of soda around? Definitely me, hah! His grief for his mom is really felt and you can tell the author put a lot of care into writing his character arc. Rory is a bit more mysterious as the book is only in Keiran's POV, but he is funny, kind, and dealing with his own loss, something different from Keiran, but they still find ways to help heal one another, which I find very sweet. A couple things I didn't totally understand was the "twist" at the very end. It felt completely jarring and not really in flow with the rest of the story. I think it may have been better if it had happened maybe 50 pages earlier in the book rather than right at the end. I also wish we got some resolution to the picture and the tests, but those are pretty minor. I wish we had gotten to see a little more small town charm in the latter half of the book as unfortunately, the side characters all kind of disappeared 50% through. Overall, this was a very romantic, sweet, and a bit spicy MM romance that definitely had me swooning. If you like emotional heavy hitters with some hurt/comfort and a little less fluff, definitely add this to your shelf!
Be warned: I loved this book so much, and it left me with such BIG feelings that I'm not going to be normal about it...
We Are Just Us by Jude Bradley is a contemporary queer romance that follows Kieran Doyle, a recent transplant to Encinitas, who is doing his best to navigate grief after losing his mother/sole parent following a decades-long battle with cancer. Adrift in the world, Kieran moves on a whim and suddenly finds himself living next to Rory Kline, a hot surfer he's immediately attracted to. After a few awkward encounters (including one involving Rory finding Kieran naked and chasing his dog around the yard), the two grow closer and unexpectedly find themselves falling for each other.
When some difficult truths come to light, Kieran and Rory find themselves having to decide if wanting more from each other is worth the risk of opening themselves up completely. A difficult decision for anyone, but especially for someone who's already experienced so much loss at such a young age.
Being intimately familiar with grief, I expected this book to hit close to home. What I didn't expect was to find what felt like a near mirror image of myself in Kieran. I felt seen in a way that's difficult to articulate and needless to say, I was an emotional wreck by the end.
We Are Just Us is such a beautiful exploration of grief, coming out later in life (both MCs are in their 30s), letting yourself be truly known, and most importantly, choosing to stay. I hope you'll read it, and hopefully enjoy it as much as I did!
We Are Just Us features Kieran and Rory, grief, and finding your way in the world. Kieran knows he’s awkward and always says the wrong thing and does the wrong thing and when he salutes Rory at their first meeting he wants to stay inside for a while. Kieran doesn’t really know what to do with himself. He took care of his mother for so long and now that she is gone Kieran has no tether. He’s immediately attracted to Rory, but he doesn’t know if Rory dates men. Kieran thinks he’s getting a vibe from Rory as he starts to settle into what might be his new life.
Rory can’t stop thinking about his new neighbor but he has reasons for not making a move and as time passes he feels that he lost the moment to explain to Kieran. But there is heat between them and friendship and Rory begins to think he can find love again.
This is a quiet book with Rory and Kieran navigating grief and then love. They become good friends and great lovers and make space for each other. They both have a lot of emotions they need to find a home for and just as they are figuring it out tragedy finds them again.
I mostly liked the pace of Kieran and Rory’s story until later into the book. I felt like just as they were figuring it out and their story should have gone into figuring out their HEA the tone shifts once more. It does solidify their bond on a whole other level but I had mixed feelings about the execution overall.
There was a mellow vibe to this read. Low-key and chill, but also emotional in just the right way in just the right places. I could feel it building to a soul-crushing ending like this were a Nicolas Sparks book or The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros (I will never forgive her for that ending) but the author takes us through The Big Event (no spoilers here) with care and gets us to the other side.
This is told from Kieran's POV and we meet him as he's trying to break out from under his oppressive grief from the loss of his mother. He really does the work to heal even though he is flawed and struggles through the process. Rory is as much a part of Kieran's healing journey as Kieran is for Rory's growth. I really like that neither of these MCs are perfect. They are real and flawed and also wonderful and likable.
There are parts of the book I wish we would have spent more time on and got more details. The story never felt incomplete, I just would have loved to dig into a few scenes a bit more. Like I said, these characters are likable and real, more time instead of a brief mention for a few things. This would have made the book longer though and I see why we don't have them included.
I absolutely recommend this. It isn't a light and fluffy read, this did include grief as a major topic after all, but it isn't too heavy either. I will read this author again, 100%.
We Are Just Us is a cute and sweet standalone about two men finding love later in life, but it's also so much more than just a romance.
I really enjoyed this story. It felt different and fresh, especially because Kieran and Rory aren't twenty-somethings figuring out life as they fall in love. They're both in their mid-to-late thirties, both dealing with grief, and both just trying their best to get through life.
Both characters felt incredibly real and relatable, with everyday problems and everyday struggles. But there was also so much comfort in the quiet happiness of everyday life: a night on the couch, playing with the dogs, going to the beach, sharing little moments together.
I particularly loved that the focus wasn't solely on the relationship or the getting together part. There's certainly that slow-burn romance, but there's also what comes after the passion and novelty start to fade. The silly little arguments, the minor inconveniences, the heartbreak, and the realization that loving someone means letting them see all of you.
Some passages made me laugh, some were deeply relatable, and some broke my heart a little.
Overall, this was a wonderful read and a lovely take on later-in-life romance. Perfect for readers looking for something a little different from the usual MM rom-com, and for anyone who wants to see what happens when the happily-ever-after is only the beginning.
I can't see my screen through the tears, hold please.
I'm back and feeling slightly more emotionally stable. When people say banter, this is what they want! Rory and Kieran's connection felt palpable from the beginning. I laughed out loud almost as often as I cried. They are so precious. I related so much to Kieran and his anxiety and overthinking and Rory was like the kind of person I wish I could be: steady and quietly observant, but always comfortable.
This book captured such a peaceful atmosphere. I felt like I was experiencing the cool sea breeze and salty air alongside Kieran. In my opinion, the pacing was perfect. This book embodies such a healthy and peaceful relationship where two normal people slowly grow trust and intimacy and weather hardships together.
The one thing that felt a little abrupt to me was the incident at the end. I can understand why it happened to show us Kieran's growth and his commitment to stay and Rory's reaction to the whole thing felt true to his character. However, it just felt like a lot for the last 10 percent of the book. I almost wish it had happened earlier or the book was a little longer so we could see more of Rory's experience.
I actually can't wait for everyone to get to read this one. This is such a special book and I will be think about Kieran and Rory for a long time.
Kieran & Rory. Kieran recently lost his mom and is heading out of town to get a fresh start. With his two springer spaniels in tow, he heads out, and ends up stopping in Encinitas, California. He’s not sure if he’s gonna set down roots, but it’s a place for now. He moves into a duplex and meets his next door neighbor Rory. Rory is a local, super friendly, and super … straight? Hard for Kieran to tell!
This book wowed me in the best possible way. Kieran is dealing with significant grief and trying his best to be a person. Meeting Rory helps Kieran start to break his walls down. I love the camaraderie these two have. They meet each other where they are and when things get tough, some words are exchanged, but ultimately communication prevails. I loved the mix of heartfelt exploration of grief with such funny dialogue or situations. This book felt so true to life. You never know what someone else is dealing with. And talking things out is probably the best solution even when it would be easier to run. I also really enjoyed Kieran’s friendship with Emory - I love a gal that will tell it to you like it is. Rory and Kieran are also both in their mid to late thirties and act like it, giving the book a nice mature sense to it. This book made me emotional at so many different points and I simply couldn’t get enough!!
Thank you LoveNotes PR and the author for an ARC of this book.💜