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Chase
Chase was never part of my plan.
Chase is a forthcoming standalone MM romance about two guys who don’t make any sense together, but they’re pulled to each other in a magnetic, obsessive way.
Chase is a forthcoming standalone MM romance about two guys who don’t make any sense together, but they’re pulled to each other in a magnetic, obsessive way.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
September 28, 2026
4.5 stars
This gorgeous story feels like it shouldn't have worked. In fact months ago I had read a little and then put the book aside. My bad, I misjudged it. I'm glad I came back to it. The MCs were not only different to each other, they were worlds apart. The fact that it was their souls that locked into each other and their want for each other made them better men was what made this almost impossible relationship thrive.
The dynamics in everything between them was opposing but worked.
With much of the book happening in a hotel setting, I could visualize this as a play, on stage. How fitting🤗
I really loved this unique book.
This gorgeous story feels like it shouldn't have worked. In fact months ago I had read a little and then put the book aside. My bad, I misjudged it. I'm glad I came back to it. The MCs were not only different to each other, they were worlds apart. The fact that it was their souls that locked into each other and their want for each other made them better men was what made this almost impossible relationship thrive.
The dynamics in everything between them was opposing but worked.
With much of the book happening in a hotel setting, I could visualize this as a play, on stage. How fitting🤗
I really loved this unique book.
July 10, 2026
This was a smooth, easy read with great dialogue flow.
I really loved Chase and his dominant, touch obsessed, needy self. Logan was also an interesting character, dealing with his mental health struggles and his new fame. While I connected with them more in the second half, the romantic chemistry stayed a bit surface level for me, so I didn't feel the deeper emotional pull I was hoping for with this type of story.
This book was well written enough that I would be open to reading other books by this author.
I really loved Chase and his dominant, touch obsessed, needy self. Logan was also an interesting character, dealing with his mental health struggles and his new fame. While I connected with them more in the second half, the romantic chemistry stayed a bit surface level for me, so I didn't feel the deeper emotional pull I was hoping for with this type of story.
This book was well written enough that I would be open to reading other books by this author.
July 12, 2026
"When I look down, Logan’s eyes are closed. I stare at his lashes for a while, realizing he’s fully asleep. I can’t stop rubbing the top of his back in slow, steady circles. I don’t have a single clue if I’d feel comfortable touching other guys… but having Logan resting on me like this feels good. Like he’s keeping me from drifting away, up into the air like a loosened balloon."
I've been inhaling Raleigh Ruebins's Crimson College series but I think their current standalone Chase is my new fave!
This is Chase and Logan's story and they are such opposites that they make for the perfect chaotic combination. There are some dark themes and toxic behaviours, but the journey for both men makes the ending that much sweeter for the reader.
What To Expect:
🖤MM romance
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Opposites attract
🖤All the spicy first times
🖤Bi-awakening
🖤Age gap (8 years)
🖤Toxic, obsessive traits
🖤Dark themes
🖤HEA
Loved it!
4.5 stars
I've been inhaling Raleigh Ruebins's Crimson College series but I think their current standalone Chase is my new fave!
This is Chase and Logan's story and they are such opposites that they make for the perfect chaotic combination. There are some dark themes and toxic behaviours, but the journey for both men makes the ending that much sweeter for the reader.
What To Expect:
🖤MM romance
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Opposites attract
🖤All the spicy first times
🖤Bi-awakening
🖤Age gap (8 years)
🖤Toxic, obsessive traits
🖤Dark themes
🖤HEA
Loved it!
4.5 stars
July 15, 2026
6 fucking stars. Damn, this was good. I loved Chase and Logan from the moment they laid eyes on each other. Their chemistry was off the charts!
⚠️ Probably some tiny spoilers past this point. Read at your own risk ⚠️
Their relationship is toxic in the beginning. They were SO GOOD for each other while being SO VERY BAD for each other. They were both living on the edge of their feelings. No one was saying things that needed to be said. It was heartbreaking. They relied on their sexual attraction to keep them coming back to each other while drowning out the rest of the world with alcohol.
Logan Stone is a big time TV star with the lead role in a massive production. Everyone knows him, fans and paparazzi follow him, tabloids print lies about him. He’s experiencing all this while dealing with past traumas. He has a hard rime dealing with being famous. He’s sad and lonely and a little bit broken. He’s trying to put on the perfect face for everyone while crumbling inside.
Then comes Chase Cameron… the “straight” bartender/artist from the hotel Logan is briefly staying at. He craves connection with someone. He’s touch starved/obsesses. He’s needy and clingy. And he’s just… lost. He has so much going on in his head all the time. And Logan spends so much time wanting to protect himself AND Chase from his lifestyle that he pushes him away. The moment they realized they would ruin each other if they kept going the way they were going BROKE MY FUCKING HEART. When they parted ways without ever even having kissed, it broke me.
But, Logan and Chase taking that year apart to find themselves and realize what they lost made them coming back together so much more impactful. Their journey back to eachother is emotional. Their lives are a struggle. The character’s growth through their journey was beautifully written. The vulnerability between them was top notch. I was an emotional wreck through most of this book. It hit me hard and I loved every second of it. Their HEA was well deserved.
Chase’s bi awakening was fucking beautiful. The way he experienced things with Logan was intense. It had me on the edge of my seat. All through the first arc of their story, I was clinging to every little moment between them in the hotel room.
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read an ARC of this beautiful fucking book.
⚠️ Probably some tiny spoilers past this point. Read at your own risk ⚠️
Their relationship is toxic in the beginning. They were SO GOOD for each other while being SO VERY BAD for each other. They were both living on the edge of their feelings. No one was saying things that needed to be said. It was heartbreaking. They relied on their sexual attraction to keep them coming back to each other while drowning out the rest of the world with alcohol.
Logan Stone is a big time TV star with the lead role in a massive production. Everyone knows him, fans and paparazzi follow him, tabloids print lies about him. He’s experiencing all this while dealing with past traumas. He has a hard rime dealing with being famous. He’s sad and lonely and a little bit broken. He’s trying to put on the perfect face for everyone while crumbling inside.
Then comes Chase Cameron… the “straight” bartender/artist from the hotel Logan is briefly staying at. He craves connection with someone. He’s touch starved/obsesses. He’s needy and clingy. And he’s just… lost. He has so much going on in his head all the time. And Logan spends so much time wanting to protect himself AND Chase from his lifestyle that he pushes him away. The moment they realized they would ruin each other if they kept going the way they were going BROKE MY FUCKING HEART. When they parted ways without ever even having kissed, it broke me.
But, Logan and Chase taking that year apart to find themselves and realize what they lost made them coming back together so much more impactful. Their journey back to eachother is emotional. Their lives are a struggle. The character’s growth through their journey was beautifully written. The vulnerability between them was top notch. I was an emotional wreck through most of this book. It hit me hard and I loved every second of it. Their HEA was well deserved.
Chase’s bi awakening was fucking beautiful. The way he experienced things with Logan was intense. It had me on the edge of my seat. All through the first arc of their story, I was clinging to every little moment between them in the hotel room.
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read an ARC of this beautiful fucking book.
August 23, 2026
Tropes: actor/artist, Rich/poor, second chances, age gap
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: mild dominance, breath play
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: abusive father, death of minor character in past due to overdose, major characters struggling with alcohol / drug dependence, past death of father, bullying, ADHD
Cheating between MCs: No
Any other cheating: No
Other person drama: they were hooking up a year ago at the start of the book, and then Logan left town for work for a year. So they ended their thing. And then they started hooking up when they met up a year later when Logan came back to town. Neither of them were with anyone else while they were apart.
4 stars
Logan is 29. He is a bisexual actor who has really hit it big in the last couple of years. He hates the attention that he gets. He lost his best friend Daniel 10 years ago. He and Daniel would hook up, but Daniel was closeted, and Daniel was also an actor who hit fame fast and struggled with drug addiction. Daniel died of an overdose, he couldn't handle fame and pressure and everything that was available to him. He stays at a hotel in New York and meets a bartender there, Chase, who is 21. They are both attracted to each other. Chase has never been with a guy before. Chase is a want to be artist, struggling with alcohol and drugs, trying to get clean. Chase is a touch starved guy. Who's always too intense and too much to other people. They form a friendship and hook up for a few weeks, but their thing was casual and had to end when Logan had to leave town for his TV job that he has in LA.
We flashed forward a year and Logan is back in town in New york. And Chase has cleaned up his life a bit and is working now in the bakery section of the hotel as opposed to the bar. And he's really making a serious go of his art career as he is working there. But he hasn't made in a career yet, has not made it big at all. They resume hooking up and just being there for each other, being friends too. They both care a lot about each other and want more but aren't sure if they can ask for it. And then they do.
This was a nice enough book. I really do hate second chance books though. To me, when you let each other go, it just means you don't care enough about them and it's hard to come back from that for me. But it's nice that they didn't really stop thinking about each other, and neither could bring themselves to move on. I liked that they had a lot of trust between them, they never really doubted each other, and they were mature and talked through some things. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, it felt a little rushed, I would have liked it to be a tad bit more natural of a progression to being a couple and their careers aligning.
Some notable moments:
"“Okay,” I tell him as the sun is just starting to set behind the city. “The final shots we need to get are the ones where you’re spread eagle, gripping your ass to show the world your hole.” He snorts. “If you want pictures of my ass, all you have to do is ask, Chase.” “I was kidding. But you can feel free to text me pictures like that anytime.”"
"She claps her hands together. “I’m dreaming. Damn, this is a good dream.” “We’re late for an event right now, Mom,” I tell her. “But we could come by your house tomorrow for dinner?” She cackles. “I still think I’m on a secret prank show right now, but sure. Yes. Come for dinner. With Logan Stone.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: mild dominance, breath play
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: abusive father, death of minor character in past due to overdose, major characters struggling with alcohol / drug dependence, past death of father, bullying, ADHD
Cheating between MCs: No
Any other cheating: No
Other person drama: they were hooking up a year ago at the start of the book, and then Logan left town for work for a year. So they ended their thing. And then they started hooking up when they met up a year later when Logan came back to town. Neither of them were with anyone else while they were apart.
4 stars
Logan is 29. He is a bisexual actor who has really hit it big in the last couple of years. He hates the attention that he gets. He lost his best friend Daniel 10 years ago. He and Daniel would hook up, but Daniel was closeted, and Daniel was also an actor who hit fame fast and struggled with drug addiction. Daniel died of an overdose, he couldn't handle fame and pressure and everything that was available to him. He stays at a hotel in New York and meets a bartender there, Chase, who is 21. They are both attracted to each other. Chase has never been with a guy before. Chase is a want to be artist, struggling with alcohol and drugs, trying to get clean. Chase is a touch starved guy. Who's always too intense and too much to other people. They form a friendship and hook up for a few weeks, but their thing was casual and had to end when Logan had to leave town for his TV job that he has in LA.
We flashed forward a year and Logan is back in town in New york. And Chase has cleaned up his life a bit and is working now in the bakery section of the hotel as opposed to the bar. And he's really making a serious go of his art career as he is working there. But he hasn't made in a career yet, has not made it big at all. They resume hooking up and just being there for each other, being friends too. They both care a lot about each other and want more but aren't sure if they can ask for it. And then they do.
This was a nice enough book. I really do hate second chance books though. To me, when you let each other go, it just means you don't care enough about them and it's hard to come back from that for me. But it's nice that they didn't really stop thinking about each other, and neither could bring themselves to move on. I liked that they had a lot of trust between them, they never really doubted each other, and they were mature and talked through some things. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, it felt a little rushed, I would have liked it to be a tad bit more natural of a progression to being a couple and their careers aligning.
Some notable moments:
"“Okay,” I tell him as the sun is just starting to set behind the city. “The final shots we need to get are the ones where you’re spread eagle, gripping your ass to show the world your hole.” He snorts. “If you want pictures of my ass, all you have to do is ask, Chase.” “I was kidding. But you can feel free to text me pictures like that anytime.”"
"She claps her hands together. “I’m dreaming. Damn, this is a good dream.” “We’re late for an event right now, Mom,” I tell her. “But we could come by your house tomorrow for dinner?” She cackles. “I still think I’m on a secret prank show right now, but sure. Yes. Come for dinner. With Logan Stone.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2026
“Chase, I’m so tired of self-control.”
“So drop it. I’m here. I’m in control now, and I can handle it. I want you to relax.”
needy and affectionate top x untrusting actor tortured by fame = perfection
their build up was deliciousssss and their yearning, chefs kiss 🤌🏼
“So drop it. I’m here. I’m in control now, and I can handle it. I want you to relax.”
needy and affectionate top x untrusting actor tortured by fame = perfection
their build up was deliciousssss and their yearning, chefs kiss 🤌🏼
July 24, 2026
Rating: 4.5
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, opposites attract, hookup to more
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one, but I ended up loving Chase and Logan's story!
These two were… intense but also a bit of a slow burn. Neither of them were in a good place when they first met, and things moved quickly between them. While they were good for each other, they were initially also very bad for each other. Both of them were struggling with their mental health, and things felt a bit toxic at first. It was a case of the right person at the wrong time.
Chase and Logan were very different, Chase was chaotic and obsessive, while Logan more introspective. Logan wasn't dealing well with being famous, and Chase wasn't dealing well with life in general. They both had their flaws, Chase more than Logan, but it also made their characters feel real and genuine. I loved how clingy and touch-dependent Chase was at first, and the characters together with their fast paced feelings and chemistry truly had me hooked.
The bit of second chance romance worked well here, with Chase and Logan reuniting a year after they initially met. Neither of them had been able to move on from their intense weeks together, and they were both in much better headspaces. I loved the banter and how easy going things felt between them, and I really enjoyed the way their dynamic and relationship developed.
Chase ended up being an emotional read, with memorable characters and a storyline that didn't really remind me of anything I've ever read before. I loved the sense of second chance romance, with the whole meeting the right person at the wrong time, and how they found their way back to each other. It was a fantastic story, and I highly recommend checking it out!
-
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, opposites attract, hookup to more
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one, but I ended up loving Chase and Logan's story!
These two were… intense but also a bit of a slow burn. Neither of them were in a good place when they first met, and things moved quickly between them. While they were good for each other, they were initially also very bad for each other. Both of them were struggling with their mental health, and things felt a bit toxic at first. It was a case of the right person at the wrong time.
Chase and Logan were very different, Chase was chaotic and obsessive, while Logan more introspective. Logan wasn't dealing well with being famous, and Chase wasn't dealing well with life in general. They both had their flaws, Chase more than Logan, but it also made their characters feel real and genuine. I loved how clingy and touch-dependent Chase was at first, and the characters together with their fast paced feelings and chemistry truly had me hooked.
The bit of second chance romance worked well here, with Chase and Logan reuniting a year after they initially met. Neither of them had been able to move on from their intense weeks together, and they were both in much better headspaces. I loved the banter and how easy going things felt between them, and I really enjoyed the way their dynamic and relationship developed.
Chase ended up being an emotional read, with memorable characters and a storyline that didn't really remind me of anything I've ever read before. I loved the sense of second chance romance, with the whole meeting the right person at the wrong time, and how they found their way back to each other. It was a fantastic story, and I highly recommend checking it out!
-
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 30, 2026
Its an opposite sides of the spectrum kinda story between a celebrity and insanely sexy artist cum bartending commoner. Chase has an obsessed fan in a scotch-drinking Logan.
Logan has trust issues and a traumatic past. He suppresses it with alcohol and solitude.
Chase is straight and pushy. He breaks logan's walls and rules.
I liked the premise of the story, the plot and the meet-cute part, but it went nowhere . Very straightforward flow and shallow sentiments. I missed the connection or chemistry. But that's just me.
Good palate cleanser if youre looking for one
“4 stars for scotch & tequila pairing”
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Logan has trust issues and a traumatic past. He suppresses it with alcohol and solitude.
Chase is straight and pushy. He breaks logan's walls and rules.
I liked the premise of the story, the plot and the meet-cute part, but it went nowhere . Very straightforward flow and shallow sentiments. I missed the connection or chemistry. But that's just me.
Good palate cleanser if youre looking for one
“4 stars for scotch & tequila pairing”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻 TikTok 🌻 StoryGraph 🌻 YouTube 🌻
October 13, 2026
So I went into this without reading the reviews and just reading the blurb. So I didn’t realize this was like a second chance romance. I probably wouldn’t have read it if I knew that, but I’m glad I did because I really did like this even though it made me anxious at times. I very much think their one year separation was needed. I love how they both learned and grew and changed for the better.
2nd Chance Romance
Actor x Artist
Rich x Poor
Age Gap (21 & 29)
Bi Awakening
First Times
Hurt/Comfort
Separation (1 Year/Both Celibate)
No OWD/OMD
No Cheating/Sharing/Intimate Scenes With OP
Dual POV (1st Person)
HEA
Condoms
Notes (SPOILERS)
Separation between MCs happens a little over 30% into the book.
Chase - Experienced. Was considered a fuckboy. Only has been with women until Logan.
Logan - Experienced. Mostly been with Women. Has been with one OM besides Logan. OM and Logan didn’t kiss or fuck but did other things together.
Not going to go into too much detail but the OM was Logan’s best friend. He died 10 years before the story starts. His death still affects Logan. Logan was not in love with him but he did love him.
2nd Chance Romance
Actor x Artist
Rich x Poor
Age Gap (21 & 29)
Bi Awakening
First Times
Hurt/Comfort
Separation (1 Year/Both Celibate)
No OWD/OMD
No Cheating/Sharing/Intimate Scenes With OP
Dual POV (1st Person)
HEA
Condoms
Notes (SPOILERS)
Separation between MCs happens a little over 30% into the book.
Chase - Experienced. Was considered a fuckboy. Only has been with women until Logan.
Logan - Experienced. Mostly been with Women. Has been with one OM besides Logan. OM and Logan didn’t kiss or fuck but did other things together.
Not going to go into too much detail but the OM was Logan’s best friend. He died 10 years before the story starts. His death still affects Logan. Logan was not in love with him but he did love him.
Did Not Finish
July 17, 2026I just wanted to say I’m disappointed
I saw the tropes and and the cover I was intrigued it sounded good in theory
It didn’t connect with me. I didn’t feel it connecting in my brain and it just left me feeling underwhelmed.
I got to 17% and I just had to stop I just couldn’t do it. I wish I could suck it up and see where the story goes but I don’t know if I’ll like it enough to keep going. Especially if it’s not connecting.
“It’s like you’re trying to milk my cum from me” I also get cringed out when something like this is mentioned like I just can’t
However even though it wasn’t for me, it might be for you
I saw the tropes and and the cover I was intrigued it sounded good in theory
It didn’t connect with me. I didn’t feel it connecting in my brain and it just left me feeling underwhelmed.
I got to 17% and I just had to stop I just couldn’t do it. I wish I could suck it up and see where the story goes but I don’t know if I’ll like it enough to keep going. Especially if it’s not connecting.
“It’s like you’re trying to milk my cum from me” I also get cringed out when something like this is mentioned like I just can’t
However even though it wasn’t for me, it might be for you
July 25, 2026
4.5 stars!
I really enjoyed this despite it having a troupe that I don’t care for! It would’ve been a five star if the epilogue had been further out
I really enjoyed this despite it having a troupe that I don’t care for! It would’ve been a five star if the epilogue had been further out
July 26, 2026
Chase by Raleigh Ruebins is a standalone book. Chase has long thought he was straight and becomes interested in famous actor Logan. He doesn’t know who Logan is and Logan loves that. He is struggling with fame, the death of his former best friend, and being honest with himself. Both men lose themselves in each other and alcohol. They have bad habits which make it impossible for them to be together.
One year later, they are reunited. What follows is them learning real things about each other and wondering if they can make it work in real life. I did appreciate how honest they were.
But there were times that it felt so helpless. I did enjoy these two together, but I wanted to see more. It happened so quickly and I wish there had been some communication over the year they were apart. I just missed the deepening connection. I also wish that we had seen more of Chase’s brother, Julian. I guess I needed to know more of why he thought Logan was going to be so bad for Chase. I understand his concern, but I didn’t think what he said matched up with what really happened during the year apart.
I enjoy this author and it did feel different from her usual stuff. I appreciate that. I cannot wait to see what she brings us next!
I received an ARC from the author and GRR for my honest review.
One year later, they are reunited. What follows is them learning real things about each other and wondering if they can make it work in real life. I did appreciate how honest they were.
But there were times that it felt so helpless. I did enjoy these two together, but I wanted to see more. It happened so quickly and I wish there had been some communication over the year they were apart. I just missed the deepening connection. I also wish that we had seen more of Chase’s brother, Julian. I guess I needed to know more of why he thought Logan was going to be so bad for Chase. I understand his concern, but I didn’t think what he said matched up with what really happened during the year apart.
I enjoy this author and it did feel different from her usual stuff. I appreciate that. I cannot wait to see what she brings us next!
I received an ARC from the author and GRR for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
I loved Logan and Chase so much! They were just what the other needed. The obsession, the possession, the love it was all perfect!
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆
I loved Logan and Chase so much! They were just what the other needed. The obsession, the possession, the love it was all perfect!
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆
July 24, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I adored this book ❤️❤️❤️!
When Logan and Chase first meet, Logan has just been catapulted into fame and is struggling to handle everything that comes with it. Chase isn’t in a great place either, drinking far too much and trying to escape his own problems.
They meet at the hotel bar where Chase works, and Logan is immediately captivated because Chase doesn’t recognize him. After being followed by paparazzi and fans everywhere he goes, it’s a breath of fresh air to just be… Logan.
They spend a whirlwind few weeks together and form such a deep connection. But when Logan returns to LA, they both realize that, at that point in their lives, their obsessions with eachother aren’t healthy for either of them.
Fast forward a year…
(Yes, I know I usually hate time jumps too! 😂 But this one worked so well. You simply turn the page, there’s no unnecessary drama, and the time apart was exactly what they needed to grow.)
Logan returns to the hotel where Chase works, and they naturally gravitate back toward each other.
They’ve both grown so much. Logan has gone to therapy and learned to cope with his fame in a healthier way, while Chase is a year sober and focused on his art and on himself.
They are so perfect for each other that it genuinely made my heart sing.
I loved how Chase always needed to touch Logan. What first feels like an obsession slowly reveals itself to be something much more beautiful 💕
You’ll definitely find yourself thinking,
May this kind of love find me, please.
One of my favorite things was that there wasn’t a third-act breakup. Their biggest challenge wasn’t fighting each other it was becoming the best versions of themselves for each other.
And when news of their relationship breaks, Logan stands by Chase like a rock.
Read this if you like:
✨ An actor MMC falling in love with a chaotic artist.
✨ A famous actor who is hilariously bad at internet stalking his crush without getting caught.
✨ Being too much and being loved for it
✨ A bi awakening.
✨ A needy touch-starved MMC who can’t stop reaching for the person he loves.
✨ An ADHD-coded love language
I adored this book ❤️❤️❤️!
When Logan and Chase first meet, Logan has just been catapulted into fame and is struggling to handle everything that comes with it. Chase isn’t in a great place either, drinking far too much and trying to escape his own problems.
They meet at the hotel bar where Chase works, and Logan is immediately captivated because Chase doesn’t recognize him. After being followed by paparazzi and fans everywhere he goes, it’s a breath of fresh air to just be… Logan.
They spend a whirlwind few weeks together and form such a deep connection. But when Logan returns to LA, they both realize that, at that point in their lives, their obsessions with eachother aren’t healthy for either of them.
Fast forward a year…
(Yes, I know I usually hate time jumps too! 😂 But this one worked so well. You simply turn the page, there’s no unnecessary drama, and the time apart was exactly what they needed to grow.)
Logan returns to the hotel where Chase works, and they naturally gravitate back toward each other.
They’ve both grown so much. Logan has gone to therapy and learned to cope with his fame in a healthier way, while Chase is a year sober and focused on his art and on himself.
They are so perfect for each other that it genuinely made my heart sing.
I loved how Chase always needed to touch Logan. What first feels like an obsession slowly reveals itself to be something much more beautiful 💕
You’ll definitely find yourself thinking,
May this kind of love find me, please.
One of my favorite things was that there wasn’t a third-act breakup. Their biggest challenge wasn’t fighting each other it was becoming the best versions of themselves for each other.
And when news of their relationship breaks, Logan stands by Chase like a rock.
Read this if you like:
✨ An actor MMC falling in love with a chaotic artist.
✨ A famous actor who is hilariously bad at internet stalking his crush without getting caught.
✨ Being too much and being loved for it
✨ A bi awakening.
✨ A needy touch-starved MMC who can’t stop reaching for the person he loves.
✨ An ADHD-coded love language
July 26, 2026
The chemistry between Logan and Chase is off the charts from the very first page. I loved the spark that started from an accidental meeting between a movie star and a bartender, which sets the tone for an intensely magnetic connection. I am always a fan of a good bi-awakening trope because the initial tension is so strong!
What makes this book stand out is how deeply human and flawed the characters are. I really enjoyed reading their back stories. Chase is vibrant, artistic, and entirely chaotic, while Logan is navigating the overwhelming weight of sudden television fame alongside a quiet grief. I also really appreciated the ADHD representation, which I thought was done exceptionally well.
Watching them navigate their emotional baggage, the hurdles of a messy first attempt, a necessary period of personal growth apart, and a second chance made this such an addictive read. It’s hard to do that all in one book and better yet it was done so well. It’s angsty, steamy, and tender, handling themes of healing and self discovery with a lot of care. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters grow both individually and as a couple. An absolute must read for fans of emotional contemporary romance!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
What makes this book stand out is how deeply human and flawed the characters are. I really enjoyed reading their back stories. Chase is vibrant, artistic, and entirely chaotic, while Logan is navigating the overwhelming weight of sudden television fame alongside a quiet grief. I also really appreciated the ADHD representation, which I thought was done exceptionally well.
Watching them navigate their emotional baggage, the hurdles of a messy first attempt, a necessary period of personal growth apart, and a second chance made this such an addictive read. It’s hard to do that all in one book and better yet it was done so well. It’s angsty, steamy, and tender, handling themes of healing and self discovery with a lot of care. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters grow both individually and as a couple. An absolute must read for fans of emotional contemporary romance!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
August 9, 2026
Well, safe to say that I really enjoyed this. It's right in the middle between the author's dark and lighthearted romances. It gives you emotional depth, trauma and struggles that need to be handled, while also giving you sweet and romantic moments and some fun banter. I really enjoyed Chase and Logan and how their relationship played out. It felt incredibly real, with both of them struggling with their own issues and ultimately working through them before devoting themselves to each other. The book gives great insight on how hard fame can be on a person and how to navigate it to not get lost. I loved how bossy Chase could be, and it really felt like Logan needed that after always having to be on and holding himself together. Their journey towards their happily ever after wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, but they made it work because their connection was special and strong. I loved how strong they were, but also how they could let their walls down with each other and open up. I loved how touchy feely Chase was right from the start and how they couldn't keep away from each other even if they tried.
Read this to see an obsessed artist and actor who is wary of fame make it work in a world that is quick to judge and misconstrue everything.
Read this to see an obsessed artist and actor who is wary of fame make it work in a world that is quick to judge and misconstrue everything.
July 26, 2026
This book was so so good. It's a story about two people from totally different worlds who meet by accident and end up realizing they were always meant to find each other, no matter how much time or distance comes between them.
Logan is an actor dealing with the ugly side of sudden fame, and Chase is an artist working at the hotel bar where Logan's staying for a shoot. They both end up hiding on the rooftop one day and that's where it all starts.
What I loved most is that Chase has no idea who Logan really is at first, and that anonymity is exactly what draws Logan to him.
Both of these characters are carrying real weight. They've each been through things that shaped how they see themselves and how they let people in, and watching them slowly choose each other again and again, without needing to say much at all, was so quietly powerful.
There's no drama for the sake of drama here. No secrets, no games. Just two people who fit.
And the dom/sub dynamic between them added a layer of intensity that made every scene between them spicier.
This one's going to stay with me for a while. Full 5 stars, easily.
Logan is an actor dealing with the ugly side of sudden fame, and Chase is an artist working at the hotel bar where Logan's staying for a shoot. They both end up hiding on the rooftop one day and that's where it all starts.
What I loved most is that Chase has no idea who Logan really is at first, and that anonymity is exactly what draws Logan to him.
Both of these characters are carrying real weight. They've each been through things that shaped how they see themselves and how they let people in, and watching them slowly choose each other again and again, without needing to say much at all, was so quietly powerful.
There's no drama for the sake of drama here. No secrets, no games. Just two people who fit.
And the dom/sub dynamic between them added a layer of intensity that made every scene between them spicier.
This one's going to stay with me for a while. Full 5 stars, easily.
July 24, 2026
This was less dark than Raleigh’s usual work and I absolutely loved it! It still had some dark topics that can be triggering for some people but the story itself was just beautiful.
Chase was a bartender in one of NYC’s most prestigious hotels, it is there that he first meets Logan Stone. Unbeknownst to him, Logan is an up and coming actor who skyrocketed to fame in the blink of an eye.
Throughout the night, Logan won’t stop staring at Chase as if he wanted to swallow him whole. Chase isn’t interested in men yet something about Logan is intriguing. Maybe it was the way he looked at him like he was the only person in the room or maybe because he was just beautiful. Regardless of the matter, Chase couldn’t help but notice him.
Logan thought he was ready for fame, but he wasn’t. Becoming so famous overnight only increased his fear of what fame can do. After all, he knows first hand how easy it is to lose yourself to it and how high the stakes are. But when Chase has no idea of who he is, he feels like he can finally be himself.
What begins as a casual conversation, quickly turns into something hotter. And even though Chase has never been into men, he can’t keep his hands off Logan. A whole new world of possibilities and excitement opens up and Chase finds himself wanting to explore it with Logan.
But there’s too much baggage between them. Chase has his own ghosts to exorcise and Logan can’t let go of his fear of losing himself. They both have destructive tendencies as coping mechanisms that are slowly destroying them. They’re not good for each other because they’re both somewhat broken.
They both know that what they have won’t last long because of who they are. Logan has a career to focus on and Chase needs to get his life in order. However, that doesn’t make their goodbye any less painful.
After some time apart, Logan comes back into Chase’s life but this time things are different. They’re different. They both worked hard on becoming the best versions of themselves.
The time apart was supposed to have quenched their thirst for each other but it only made them want more. Chase’s feelings for Logan only got stronger as time went on and seeing Logan again just reinforced how deee those feelings were.
Logan never really got over the little time he had with Chase and seeing him again brought it all back. He wasn’t the same scared man from the first they met, now he wasn’t as afraid as he was then.
Chase was everything he didn’t know he needed. He taught him how to let go of the pain he’d been carrying for so long and to give himself the chance to be happy.
“𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒚𝒆𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏, 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆. 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕.”
Chase knew that being with Logan would bring scrutiny to his life but he never expect it to be so gut wrenching. Dragging the worst time of his life for all to see would have been devastating for him in the past. He would have reverted back to all habits that would probably have landed him in the hospital. Instead, this time he handled it with strength and determination without spiraling.
But even if he had spiraled, Logan would have been there to pick him up. He would always be there whenever Chase needs him because now that he had him, he wouldn’t let him go.
”𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚," 𝑰 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎. "𝑲𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌. 𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.”
Such a beautiful story. Logan and Chase had to deal with some serious issues but in the end, they found their way back to each other 🥰
Chase was a bartender in one of NYC’s most prestigious hotels, it is there that he first meets Logan Stone. Unbeknownst to him, Logan is an up and coming actor who skyrocketed to fame in the blink of an eye.
Throughout the night, Logan won’t stop staring at Chase as if he wanted to swallow him whole. Chase isn’t interested in men yet something about Logan is intriguing. Maybe it was the way he looked at him like he was the only person in the room or maybe because he was just beautiful. Regardless of the matter, Chase couldn’t help but notice him.
Logan thought he was ready for fame, but he wasn’t. Becoming so famous overnight only increased his fear of what fame can do. After all, he knows first hand how easy it is to lose yourself to it and how high the stakes are. But when Chase has no idea of who he is, he feels like he can finally be himself.
What begins as a casual conversation, quickly turns into something hotter. And even though Chase has never been into men, he can’t keep his hands off Logan. A whole new world of possibilities and excitement opens up and Chase finds himself wanting to explore it with Logan.
But there’s too much baggage between them. Chase has his own ghosts to exorcise and Logan can’t let go of his fear of losing himself. They both have destructive tendencies as coping mechanisms that are slowly destroying them. They’re not good for each other because they’re both somewhat broken.
They both know that what they have won’t last long because of who they are. Logan has a career to focus on and Chase needs to get his life in order. However, that doesn’t make their goodbye any less painful.
After some time apart, Logan comes back into Chase’s life but this time things are different. They’re different. They both worked hard on becoming the best versions of themselves.
The time apart was supposed to have quenched their thirst for each other but it only made them want more. Chase’s feelings for Logan only got stronger as time went on and seeing Logan again just reinforced how deee those feelings were.
Logan never really got over the little time he had with Chase and seeing him again brought it all back. He wasn’t the same scared man from the first they met, now he wasn’t as afraid as he was then.
Chase was everything he didn’t know he needed. He taught him how to let go of the pain he’d been carrying for so long and to give himself the chance to be happy.
“𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒚𝒆𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏, 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆. 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕.”
Chase knew that being with Logan would bring scrutiny to his life but he never expect it to be so gut wrenching. Dragging the worst time of his life for all to see would have been devastating for him in the past. He would have reverted back to all habits that would probably have landed him in the hospital. Instead, this time he handled it with strength and determination without spiraling.
But even if he had spiraled, Logan would have been there to pick him up. He would always be there whenever Chase needs him because now that he had him, he wouldn’t let him go.
”𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚," 𝑰 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎. "𝑲𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌. 𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.”
Such a beautiful story. Logan and Chase had to deal with some serious issues but in the end, they found their way back to each other 🥰
July 29, 2026
DNF @ 65%
Having Chase want Logan's attention was interesting. Giving Chase a desire for attention that he wasn't getting from other people was a good reason for having Chase acknowledge Logan's crush on him despite Chase thinking he wasn't attracted to men.
Was there an inconsistency here? Chase asks Logah how he was able to give him such a good BJ and Logan says it comes from experience, but Logan also said that his only experience with a man was with Daniel ten years ago. Unless I misread that, then the implication is that Logan was able to retain that experience despite never having put those skills to use in a decade?
The sex was hot, but the romance lacking. There was good justification for why Logan and Chase started hooking up, but there wasn't really very much non-sexual sentimental connection between them. I needed more moments where both of them showed that they cared for and wanted to get to know one another without the need for sex to be involved. It was so weird on page 112 for Chase to say "we stop talking about how our days went, or sharing little stories, or doing anything other than calling into mutual physical need" because the story acts like it's established some non-sexual rapport between them that's suddenly only devolved into pure sex, but it's never been NOT sexual.
It was a little weird how little fanfare the first kiss got considering how it was one of the things Logan seemed to hold sacred (because he and Daniel never did it).
Unlike my usual DNFs, I didn't find issue with anything in particular, I just couldn't really feel the romance between Chase and Logan because I feel like they developed too strong sentimental feelings for one another too quickly, so there wasn't really any romantic tension to keep things interesting. Three weeks of hooking up does not really equal "I've desperately wanted to kiss you for the past year" level of pining imo. It doesn't help that, besides a few conversations about their life troubles, we didn't see much of anything other than sex in the three weeks. The start of their relationship fell into the trap of sex = romance (which it definitely isn't) and that didn't quite work as a foundation for a 350 page novel. I'd probably have finished if it was shorter.
TL;DR: A bit long for how quickly Logan and Chase developed sentimental feelings. Could've used more tension and actual romancing imo. 2 stars.
Having Chase want Logan's attention was interesting. Giving Chase a desire for attention that he wasn't getting from other people was a good reason for having Chase acknowledge Logan's crush on him despite Chase thinking he wasn't attracted to men.
Was there an inconsistency here? Chase asks Logah how he was able to give him such a good BJ and Logan says it comes from experience, but Logan also said that his only experience with a man was with Daniel ten years ago. Unless I misread that, then the implication is that Logan was able to retain that experience despite never having put those skills to use in a decade?
The sex was hot, but the romance lacking. There was good justification for why Logan and Chase started hooking up, but there wasn't really very much non-sexual sentimental connection between them. I needed more moments where both of them showed that they cared for and wanted to get to know one another without the need for sex to be involved. It was so weird on page 112 for Chase to say "we stop talking about how our days went, or sharing little stories, or doing anything other than calling into mutual physical need" because the story acts like it's established some non-sexual rapport between them that's suddenly only devolved into pure sex, but it's never been NOT sexual.
It was a little weird how little fanfare the first kiss got considering how it was one of the things Logan seemed to hold sacred (because he and Daniel never did it).
Unlike my usual DNFs, I didn't find issue with anything in particular, I just couldn't really feel the romance between Chase and Logan because I feel like they developed too strong sentimental feelings for one another too quickly, so there wasn't really any romantic tension to keep things interesting. Three weeks of hooking up does not really equal "I've desperately wanted to kiss you for the past year" level of pining imo. It doesn't help that, besides a few conversations about their life troubles, we didn't see much of anything other than sex in the three weeks. The start of their relationship fell into the trap of sex = romance (which it definitely isn't) and that didn't quite work as a foundation for a 350 page novel. I'd probably have finished if it was shorter.
TL;DR: A bit long for how quickly Logan and Chase developed sentimental feelings. Could've used more tension and actual romancing imo. 2 stars.
July 26, 2026
This story was amazing. It pulled me right in and kept me invested the entire time. Logan and Chase were so utterly toxic to one another. Both dealing with things in life that had them all messed up on their heads. Logan is dealing with fame that he’s having a tough time with. Smiles on the outside, while slowly crumbling on the inside. Turning to alcohol to numb everything. And Chase the bartender that’s “straight” but he craves touch like no other. He’s so needy all the time. Together, they’re no good for one another. It was sexual and not much more. But once they started getting control of themselves, things started to change. They were there for one another in a healthier and more loving way. I absolutely fell in move with these two and this story. It was phenomenal
October 17, 2026
This was one was a sleeper hit for me. It was kinda slow getting into it because it bucks the expected trajectory a bi-awakening might go. Like, Chase does not behave at all like a guy who's never touched another guy's dick before and it's more like Logan who needs coaxing. Once that dynamic is established, the story takes off. I did not want them to leave without future plans or at least a way of communicating, but they both had shit they needed to figure out. I loved the anticipation around their reunion, even if I could never tell how Chase was going to approach the situation. I love that they finally started opening up to each other and falling even though they both held back the big three words until they couldn't hold them in anymore. One thing I'm still upset about is how Chase lost all his photography opportunities because of a mistake and his past that he had been moving on from. Still, the happiest of endings! I loved their love. They were obsessed with each other but in a grounded way lol exactly what I like to see.
July 24, 2026
This was insanely good. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this but I fell in love with Logan and Chase. Hard. I’ve been reading a lot of books with the hurt/comfort aspect lately. These guys have really been through it and when they find each other it isn’t simple. Not clear cut. But somehow it works.
There is mention of substance abuse. Self harm. Depression. Done with care. This was just well written.
Pretty spicy. 3.5🌶️
There is mention of substance abuse. Self harm. Depression. Done with care. This was just well written.
Pretty spicy. 3.5🌶️
August 3, 2026
3.75 stars rounded up. Good storyline but parts of it didn’t flow for me and I think it could have been a bit shorter.
Did Not Finish
August 6, 2026No chemistry. Just a lot of telling. Another one bites the dust. My kingdom for a decent book by an author I don't usually read.
August 23, 2026
Loved it!
July 30, 2026
OMG!! I love Chase so much. He's so imperfectly perfect and so credible.
Logan is the perfect superstar and they are so hot together
I cried sometimes through the end but a HEA is there in the end
Logan is the perfect superstar and they are so hot together
I cried sometimes through the end but a HEA is there in the end
August 15, 2026
Wow I fell hard for Chase and Logan. This was an idealized story in the best way for me. I don’t think the book is perfect, but, the MCs’ dynamic and romance was perfect for me, and this story and pairing was the right book at the right time.
Many thanks to @Elizabeth for letting me know it was safe for me! Yes. Yes, it was. 😁🥰
Logan Stone has been thrust into the A-list celebrity spotlight in his new role in a hugely popular TV series. Chase is the young, hot, tattooed bartender at his NYC hotel who has no idea who he is, which Logan loves and needs right then, as he’s reeling from the changes stardom has brought to his life.
Chase is very straight. Has a girlfriend…who is likely cheating on him. And is. And is no more by the time…
The good-looking to the point of cocky guy 21-year-old Chase has noticed and exchanged rather funny, smart, pointed repartee with finds him on the roof one night, and…a game of gay-chicken ensues and ends with Logan on his knees, blowing Chase’s mind.
I loved these two together! Chase is ADHD, needy, touch-starved clingy/cuddly, but has always been straight. But he isn’t a homophobe and also is intrigued by this good-looking older guy who can’t stop staring at him…and he likes that attention. He likes pushing Logan’s buttons. He likes…Logan.
Chase’s bi-awakening felt organic. He isn’t alarmed at all, more surprised, but then delighted as they get more involved. He knows he’s too much for everyone, but, Logan keeps assuring him he’s not too much for Logan. Logan loves that about him.
Seeing Logan reveal to Chase who he is, bit by bit, seeing Chase truly not care and enjoy getting to know Logan for Logan, coming up to his penthouse like he belongs there, giving no shits about other people’s opinions as they go…seeing the chemistry ignite and then explode off the charts…it was so rewarding. And the friendship chemistry is as strong as the physical. Lovely.
Chase really doesn’t care about the celebrity stuff, and though they keep their growing situationship secret, he doesn’t feel slighted. He knows Logan will be leaving in a matter of weeks.
Too bad they each fall for the other without even thinking about it…! The parting was melancholic and I just wanted to scream KEEP IN TOUCH!!!
They don’t. There’s a year time leap, and, spoiler alert, we do learn much later that neither, not even horny, needs-to-be-touched Chase, was with anyone else during that time apart. Unrealistic? Sure. But. This is a romance, people. I loved it!!! Thank you, romance idealist Raleigh Reubens, for that.
There’s something so earnest and honest about both of them that made this pair such a great fit. Life threw stuff at them, but they had each other. After the year apart, seeing Chase as his new and improved self, which he’d clearly fought for, tentatively hoping/trying to see Logan and then giving in and going to him…it was awesome. I don’t know why they didn’t stay in touch, I felt like they could have texted but, their connection re-grew—it was awkward at first! I loved that, neither new how the other felt or where they stood, but, these two are a mental and very hot physical match, and the re-connection was sweet and strong and entertaining. I loved Chase interacting with Logan’s manager Emily too, she was so fun, and her attitude toward the two of them was cute and appropriate. Loved it.
It was hard to believe the hard-drinking and former drug user Chase was able to completely turn himself around so completely and stay sober—it did seem too easy, and, we don’t see it on page. To be in recovery from addiction and also have started an entire side career with his art and photography, and streaming and posting, and to have changed from being a hotel bartender to being one of the pastry chefs…what?! That did stretch belief. (In the first half, I was concerned about both of them drinking so much, and then it wasn’t an issue at all in the second half of the book, but, this was an idealized story/situation, not one focused on addiction, so, I went with it. But TW for that element.)
I was thrilled for Chase, exploring his passions for art and baking. And Logan…his support for Chase, his belief in him…ah, so good! And Logan’s exponentially growing success…well deserved. I loved Chase showing up at Logan’s room, unexpected and then invited. I also didn’t get why that was called out as a huge problem at one point, because he did have Logan’s consent and permission to be there even when Logan was out. Maybe it was using his hotel credential/badge to get in?
Logan shows his heroism when a good friend of his, a woman, who is a newly rising star is targeted by trolls due to being mistakenly thought to have been dating Logan and cheating on him, and Logan goes out of his way and does something very hot and sexy, something that also helps Chase, to take attention off her and change the dialogue…he’s such a good guy.
When things go very, very bleak for Chase, I knew beyond doubt Logan would be there for him.
I also loved that Logan being bi wasn’t an issue. There was no bad press about him dating a man v a woman, and they came out on their terms. I loved that Logan was so concerned about how it would change Chase’s life, and not wanting that scrutiny for him, especially with his own challenges, but that people eventually learning of them was supported. I wish life was like that.
I did wonder at Julian’s attitude toward Chase and Logan at the end. He didn’t know or see them together, so, how was he judging? I loved that he was protective of Chase, but…? It was a Thing and then it just wasn’t resolved, and all was well. Hmmm.
We never learn who was responsible for Chase’s bleak moment with the hotel at the end, and that was too bad. Someone needed to go DOWN for that BS.
The dialogue, the sex, the growing friendship, their personal passions, personalities…I loved it all. Chase’s relationship with his mom and brother, Logan’s distant but caring parents…they had lives and world with and apart from each other, and despite Chase being so young, they acted like adults and I believed in them and rooted for them so hard. There's a wonderful funny moment at the end when Chase's mom finds out who his boyfriend is. 😂🥰
Anyway, a great read for me! Loved it.
HEA. Actor-bartender. Secret identity (in that Chase has no clue/doesn’t care who Logan is). Bi-awakening; two bi heroes. Mental health awareness. Signs of alcoholism, maybe too easily handled. But not the point of the story. There is early OW action with Chase and the girlfriend who cheats on him, before they break up, but not shown on page. It is before the two heroes hook up. OW drama with a friend of Logan’s, manufactured by TikTok users and paparazzi. Safe for me. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to @Elizabeth for letting me know it was safe for me! Yes. Yes, it was. 😁🥰
Logan Stone has been thrust into the A-list celebrity spotlight in his new role in a hugely popular TV series. Chase is the young, hot, tattooed bartender at his NYC hotel who has no idea who he is, which Logan loves and needs right then, as he’s reeling from the changes stardom has brought to his life.
Chase is very straight. Has a girlfriend…who is likely cheating on him. And is. And is no more by the time…
The good-looking to the point of cocky guy 21-year-old Chase has noticed and exchanged rather funny, smart, pointed repartee with finds him on the roof one night, and…a game of gay-chicken ensues and ends with Logan on his knees, blowing Chase’s mind.
I loved these two together! Chase is ADHD, needy, touch-starved clingy/cuddly, but has always been straight. But he isn’t a homophobe and also is intrigued by this good-looking older guy who can’t stop staring at him…and he likes that attention. He likes pushing Logan’s buttons. He likes…Logan.
Chase’s bi-awakening felt organic. He isn’t alarmed at all, more surprised, but then delighted as they get more involved. He knows he’s too much for everyone, but, Logan keeps assuring him he’s not too much for Logan. Logan loves that about him.
Seeing Logan reveal to Chase who he is, bit by bit, seeing Chase truly not care and enjoy getting to know Logan for Logan, coming up to his penthouse like he belongs there, giving no shits about other people’s opinions as they go…seeing the chemistry ignite and then explode off the charts…it was so rewarding. And the friendship chemistry is as strong as the physical. Lovely.
Chase really doesn’t care about the celebrity stuff, and though they keep their growing situationship secret, he doesn’t feel slighted. He knows Logan will be leaving in a matter of weeks.
Too bad they each fall for the other without even thinking about it…! The parting was melancholic and I just wanted to scream KEEP IN TOUCH!!!
They don’t. There’s a year time leap, and, spoiler alert, we do learn much later that neither, not even horny, needs-to-be-touched Chase, was with anyone else during that time apart. Unrealistic? Sure. But. This is a romance, people. I loved it!!! Thank you, romance idealist Raleigh Reubens, for that.
There’s something so earnest and honest about both of them that made this pair such a great fit. Life threw stuff at them, but they had each other. After the year apart, seeing Chase as his new and improved self, which he’d clearly fought for, tentatively hoping/trying to see Logan and then giving in and going to him…it was awesome. I don’t know why they didn’t stay in touch, I felt like they could have texted but, their connection re-grew—it was awkward at first! I loved that, neither new how the other felt or where they stood, but, these two are a mental and very hot physical match, and the re-connection was sweet and strong and entertaining. I loved Chase interacting with Logan’s manager Emily too, she was so fun, and her attitude toward the two of them was cute and appropriate. Loved it.
It was hard to believe the hard-drinking and former drug user Chase was able to completely turn himself around so completely and stay sober—it did seem too easy, and, we don’t see it on page. To be in recovery from addiction and also have started an entire side career with his art and photography, and streaming and posting, and to have changed from being a hotel bartender to being one of the pastry chefs…what?! That did stretch belief. (In the first half, I was concerned about both of them drinking so much, and then it wasn’t an issue at all in the second half of the book, but, this was an idealized story/situation, not one focused on addiction, so, I went with it. But TW for that element.)
I was thrilled for Chase, exploring his passions for art and baking. And Logan…his support for Chase, his belief in him…ah, so good! And Logan’s exponentially growing success…well deserved. I loved Chase showing up at Logan’s room, unexpected and then invited. I also didn’t get why that was called out as a huge problem at one point, because he did have Logan’s consent and permission to be there even when Logan was out. Maybe it was using his hotel credential/badge to get in?
Logan shows his heroism when a good friend of his, a woman, who is a newly rising star is targeted by trolls due to being mistakenly thought to have been dating Logan and cheating on him, and Logan goes out of his way and does something very hot and sexy, something that also helps Chase, to take attention off her and change the dialogue…he’s such a good guy.
When things go very, very bleak for Chase, I knew beyond doubt Logan would be there for him.
I also loved that Logan being bi wasn’t an issue. There was no bad press about him dating a man v a woman, and they came out on their terms. I loved that Logan was so concerned about how it would change Chase’s life, and not wanting that scrutiny for him, especially with his own challenges, but that people eventually learning of them was supported. I wish life was like that.
I did wonder at Julian’s attitude toward Chase and Logan at the end. He didn’t know or see them together, so, how was he judging? I loved that he was protective of Chase, but…? It was a Thing and then it just wasn’t resolved, and all was well. Hmmm.
We never learn who was responsible for Chase’s bleak moment with the hotel at the end, and that was too bad. Someone needed to go DOWN for that BS.
The dialogue, the sex, the growing friendship, their personal passions, personalities…I loved it all. Chase’s relationship with his mom and brother, Logan’s distant but caring parents…they had lives and world with and apart from each other, and despite Chase being so young, they acted like adults and I believed in them and rooted for them so hard. There's a wonderful funny moment at the end when Chase's mom finds out who his boyfriend is. 😂🥰
Anyway, a great read for me! Loved it.
HEA. Actor-bartender. Secret identity (in that Chase has no clue/doesn’t care who Logan is). Bi-awakening; two bi heroes. Mental health awareness. Signs of alcoholism, maybe too easily handled. But not the point of the story. There is early OW action with Chase and the girlfriend who cheats on him, before they break up, but not shown on page. It is before the two heroes hook up. OW drama with a friend of Logan’s, manufactured by TikTok users and paparazzi. Safe for me. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy
Logan Stone has a type- he likes them messy, complicated, and straight.
When Logan meets Chase, he's a rising star in the first season of a hit TV show. His life has changed overnight and the fame is overwhelming. He's coping by consuming too much alcohol and attempting to seduce the hot bartender at his hotel. Chase is straight, but he's also a sucker for undivided attention and gets off on how much Logan craves him.
The two start a secret relationship- kept out of the public eye due to Logan's unease with his own fame, and his terror of forcing Chase into the pressures that come with the public eye. They recognize that they aren't good together and so when circumstances take Logan away from New York, they break things off. The brief but explosive time they spent together leaves an impression on them though- well beyond what either of them expected. The hope of being together is so motivating that they both clean up and start living clean.
Sometimes I think Raleigh looks inside my brain and picks out my favourite things: Logan has major Connor Storrie vibes- blond waves, freckles and muscles for days looking like a Greek god... and then we have Chase who's angry and a bit messed up, with touch hyperfixation. 🚨 WE HAVE A SUPER HANDSY, INCREDIBLY BOSSY STRAIGHT GUY WITH A GIANT DICK hooking up with Ilya from Heated Rivalry 🚨. Are you kidding me 😮💨🤤. They both have issues, are scared to really admit how they feel, and on top of that there's some slutty little glasses and art and a nude photoshoot and so much more!
Chase is a very character driven book, and in my opinion is the best book Raleigh Ruebins has written to date. The bond and sheer chemistry between Logan and Chase is everything. Their relationship works because of their pasts, not in spite of them.
I wish we'd gotten a bit of the time the two spent apart, because skipping that time trivialized their hard work and made it look easier than it should've been. I think this book was about an inch away from being something truly spectacular. I hope more characters pop up in Raleigh's head and refuse to go away, because I'm gonna need more exactly like this. I really enjoyed it and put it in my top reads of 2026 list!!
Rating: 4.5 stars, rounded up
Angst: 3.5/5
Steam: 4/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
You are completely and entirely a craving I can’t control. It's terrifying when I know I would willingly ruin my life for you. And maybe ruin yours, too.”
When Logan meets Chase, he's a rising star in the first season of a hit TV show. His life has changed overnight and the fame is overwhelming. He's coping by consuming too much alcohol and attempting to seduce the hot bartender at his hotel. Chase is straight, but he's also a sucker for undivided attention and gets off on how much Logan craves him.
I know the effect my cock can have on people, and honestly, it was just as flattering to have a guy be that hungry for it again that quickly.
The two start a secret relationship- kept out of the public eye due to Logan's unease with his own fame, and his terror of forcing Chase into the pressures that come with the public eye. They recognize that they aren't good together and so when circumstances take Logan away from New York, they break things off. The brief but explosive time they spent together leaves an impression on them though- well beyond what either of them expected. The hope of being together is so motivating that they both clean up and start living clean.
I don’t have a single clue if I’d feel comfortable touching other guys… but having Logan resting on me like this feels good. Like he’s keeping me from drifting away, up into the air like a loosened balloon.
Sometimes I think Raleigh looks inside my brain and picks out my favourite things: Logan has major Connor Storrie vibes- blond waves, freckles and muscles for days looking like a Greek god... and then we have Chase who's angry and a bit messed up, with touch hyperfixation. 🚨 WE HAVE A SUPER HANDSY, INCREDIBLY BOSSY STRAIGHT GUY WITH A GIANT DICK hooking up with Ilya from Heated Rivalry 🚨. Are you kidding me 😮💨🤤. They both have issues, are scared to really admit how they feel, and on top of that there's some slutty little glasses and art and a nude photoshoot and so much more!
I don’t think he’s a mess at all, because calling him a mess would be like saying a great painting is a mess of color. It’s supposed to be that way. The chaos is what makes it beautiful.
Chase is a very character driven book, and in my opinion is the best book Raleigh Ruebins has written to date. The bond and sheer chemistry between Logan and Chase is everything. Their relationship works because of their pasts, not in spite of them.
He’s given up all pretense of pretending he’s not completely in my control, right now, and he’s looking at me like I have his entire world within my palm.
I wish we'd gotten a bit of the time the two spent apart, because skipping that time trivialized their hard work and made it look easier than it should've been. I think this book was about an inch away from being something truly spectacular. I hope more characters pop up in Raleigh's head and refuse to go away, because I'm gonna need more exactly like this. I really enjoyed it and put it in my top reads of 2026 list!!
“You’re mine, Logan,” I tell him plainly. “You’re mine. You have been since the first time you saw me, because you couldn’t look away, and I couldn’t, either.”
Rating: 4.5 stars, rounded up
Angst: 3.5/5
Steam: 4/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 29, 2026
I received an ARC in return for my honest review.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Like... where do I even start?! This completely stole my heart, and I already know it's going to live rent-free in my head for a long time.
Chase and Logan are messy, obsessive, a little toxic at first, and so incredibly human. Their relationship isn't perfect from the beginning, but that's exactly what made me fall in love with them. Watching them grow together and learn how to love each other in a healthier way was everything.
I absolutely adored Chase. His ADHD felt so authentic, and I honestly saw a lot of myself in him. His brain is constantly going a mile a minute, and underneath all of that, he's just someone who's touch-starved and desperate to feel loved and wanted. My heart broke for him over and over again.
And Logan... this poor man is drowning in the chaos of sudden fame. He's trying to survive the paparazzi, the pressure, and a life that doesn't even feel like his anymore. Then he meets Chase, who has absolutely no clue he's a famous actor, and it was SO refreshing. Logan finally gets to be seen as just... Logan. Not the celebrity. Not the movie star. Just a person. I loved that so much.
Their rooftop meeting was the perfect beginning, and from there I was completely hooked. They come from two totally different worlds, yet somehow fit together so perfectly. Even when life pulls them apart, you just know they're always going to find their way back to each other.
The emotional depth in this book caught me completely off guard. Both of them carry so much hurt, and watching them slowly let each other in had me smiling one minute and wanting to cry the next.
And can we PLEASE talk about the chemistry?! 🥵 The dom/sub dynamic added so much trust, vulnerability, and intensity to their relationship. Every spicy scene had me kicking my feet, but what I loved most was that it never overshadowed the emotional connection between them. It made every moment together feel even more meaningful.
I also appreciated that the conflict felt real. There wasn't pointless drama or ridiculous miscommunication just to create tension. The obstacles came from who they were and what they'd been through, which made every emotional moment hit even harder.
This book made me laugh, swoon, ache, and smile like an idiot. I didn't want it to end, and now I'm sitting here wondering what I'm supposed to do with my life after finishing it.
An absolute, no-question, EASY five stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Like... where do I even start?! This completely stole my heart, and I already know it's going to live rent-free in my head for a long time.
Chase and Logan are messy, obsessive, a little toxic at first, and so incredibly human. Their relationship isn't perfect from the beginning, but that's exactly what made me fall in love with them. Watching them grow together and learn how to love each other in a healthier way was everything.
I absolutely adored Chase. His ADHD felt so authentic, and I honestly saw a lot of myself in him. His brain is constantly going a mile a minute, and underneath all of that, he's just someone who's touch-starved and desperate to feel loved and wanted. My heart broke for him over and over again.
And Logan... this poor man is drowning in the chaos of sudden fame. He's trying to survive the paparazzi, the pressure, and a life that doesn't even feel like his anymore. Then he meets Chase, who has absolutely no clue he's a famous actor, and it was SO refreshing. Logan finally gets to be seen as just... Logan. Not the celebrity. Not the movie star. Just a person. I loved that so much.
Their rooftop meeting was the perfect beginning, and from there I was completely hooked. They come from two totally different worlds, yet somehow fit together so perfectly. Even when life pulls them apart, you just know they're always going to find their way back to each other.
The emotional depth in this book caught me completely off guard. Both of them carry so much hurt, and watching them slowly let each other in had me smiling one minute and wanting to cry the next.
And can we PLEASE talk about the chemistry?! 🥵 The dom/sub dynamic added so much trust, vulnerability, and intensity to their relationship. Every spicy scene had me kicking my feet, but what I loved most was that it never overshadowed the emotional connection between them. It made every moment together feel even more meaningful.
I also appreciated that the conflict felt real. There wasn't pointless drama or ridiculous miscommunication just to create tension. The obstacles came from who they were and what they'd been through, which made every emotional moment hit even harder.
This book made me laugh, swoon, ache, and smile like an idiot. I didn't want it to end, and now I'm sitting here wondering what I'm supposed to do with my life after finishing it.
An absolute, no-question, EASY five stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 27, 2026
4.25 stars
Chase, on the other hand, is a hot mess of his own. He’s a starving photographer/artist who has a past of alcohol/drug abuse, working in the hotel bar and restaurant where Logan stays while in New York. They meet on a rooftop while both trying to escape their lives. Chase has no clue who Logan is, which is the initial draw for Logan for a number of reasons. Chase hasn’t ever been with a guy but he is willing to try. This opens a door when the chemistry between these two takes over.
Logan and Chase are on a bit of fragile ground for a while. Their fling lasts while Logan is filing in New York, but cools down for what they both believe is the best for both of them when Logan returns to LA. Upon his return to NY though, they are drawn right back to each other. Eventually, they each open up a little more with each other and their bond grows. I really enjoyed how this all developed and played out.
My immediate thought when starting this story was how it reminded me of Connor Storrie of Heated Rivalry fame. I really couldn’t help but draw the similarities with the immediate stardom and resultant fallout from the young star playing a sport and having a relationship with a teammate. People treat them in real life as though they are the characters, almost believing they are in an actual relationship and taking issue when real life shows them they are not. People can truly be crazy rabid fans, that’s for sure. Having seen that, this aspect of the story seemed much more believable.
This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed the writing style and flow. I will definitely be looking out for more in the future.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
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