One Breath

by Crea Reitan

Blurb coming soon

Genres: Friends To Lovers, M M Romance, Contemporary

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2026

About the author

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Reviews

[Kealyn]

One Breath (Isle of Kala, #2) by Crea Reitan

2/5 stars

This is an incredibly difficult review to write. Difficult in more than one way. I'll try to unpack my thoughts throughout this review and hopefully I'll make a bit of sense along the way.

I'll start with the easy part and give a short summary of what this book is about. I have been wanting to read more MM romances and I've always seen Crea's book pop up everywhere. So when I had the chance to get an arc for One Breath I immediately jumped on to it and was excited to dive into this book. 

One Breath is the story of Onyx and Cash. Onyx has loved Cash for as long as he can remember. And Cash's older brother Benson is Onyx's best friend. They are in a band together but the last few years have been difficult. Benson is angry, tries to push his ideas onto others and he is cruel and extremely homophobic. That's one of the biggest reasons why Onyx never acted upon his feelings. The more Onyx and Cash are together, the stronger their bond gets until they cannot hide their feelings for each other anymore.

I love how caring both men are. And I admired their connection and I love how they support each other throughout the entire book. They truly have each other's backs. Of course there are some hiccups. But overall they are tightly woven together and that was the highlight of the book for me.

While I love their overall connection in this book. It was really hard for me as a reader to feel any of their emotions. The book starts off really slow and quite messily. It's a bit all over the place and in my opinion the characters aren't fleshed out really well. They lacked depth and that made it really hard for me to truly root for them. Around the halfway point I finally started to like the bigger picture of the story but I still struggled with a huge disconnect. Like one page I liked, the other was a struggle to read.

The men share some kinks and normally I like the spicy parts in books. I yearn for them and I devour every single spicy scene. In this book I wasn't able to connect with either Cash or Onyx on that level. After a few scenes my instincts told me to skip their spicy scenes because they didn't feel genuine and they didn't pull me in. I couldn't revel in their love and I was desperately chasing that connection but I never found it.

This book also felt really political. And while I understand and in a way admire that approach. It also took something away from the story. The author is very vocal about her own beliefs in the for and afterword. And while I mostly agree with her I also struggled with a few things I didn't agree with.

The author is very much connected to Onyx and his political beliefs. While Benson truly is a despicable character who thrives on hatred and homophobia. I do believe that everyone should get a second chance. The entire book I was waiting for a great character arc for Benson. I wanted the characters to talk to him. I wish Onyx told him how important he was for him as a child. I wish they spoke about his love for Cash. I wished they would educate Benson, or try to educate him. I understand why Cash didn't try to help his brother after years of mental abuse. But I wish their dads were more involved. I think Benson deserved a chance. But in this book he gets hated on right from the get go. He doesn't get a second chance. They never even try to help him. And the author point black says people like him don't deserve forgiveness. And I really struggled with that. Benson was shitty to the core, but no one ever tried to reach out and help him on the right path. And because no one even tried it I couldn't completely hate him like the characters in this book do. They ignored him and his behaviour for years. I think Benson desperately needed some love and someone who would put him in his place and told him point blank how shitty he is.

So I constantly felt that hateful undertone throughout the story and that made it really hard for me to fully enjoy this one. That combined with the lack of depth and fleshed out characters made it unfortunately a two star read for me.

And now I want to ask all of you for a little help. Did I cross a line by talking about the for and afterword of the author in this book? I believe in the freedom of speech. And even though I disagree with the author on the forgiveness part, that doesn't mean I disagree with her on everything. I love that she writes these positive queer books that steal people's hearts. And mostly I agree with her that hatred toward the queer community is getting out of hand. It was just that one little snippet I disagree with. So I mean absolutely no disrespect towards Crea. She is probably an amazing person that lights up a room with her brilliant mind and bookish ideas. And I still believe she is awesome and I don't hate on her whatsoever. We just think differently about that one detail, and that is okay I think. If I crossed a line, please say so, because I don't want to hurt Crea in any way, shape or form. And if I did cross a line I will adjust this review appropriately. I hope I explained myself carefully and respectfully and if not, just say so!

And I will read another book by Crea. Just so see if this was a one off and that I might find out if I love her other books or not. Or that our styles just don't mesh and she just isn't the author for me personally. This could totally be a me thing and not a book thing. 

So I'm looking forward to reading another one of her books! 

[True Loveislovereview]

Onyx and Benson were best friends since they were little. Cash, the two-year-younger brother of Benson, always tagged along. Benson adored his little brother.

But times have changed, Benson wasn’t the nice brother and friend anymore; he’d become hostile and angrier with the day. He hated Cash and was loud about it.
Onyx and Benson created a local band, Onyx is the drummer and songwriter, Benson is the guitarist and singer, and can’t seem to accept Onyx’s lyrics.
Where Benson should have sung the lyrics as a ballad, he angrily shouts them.

What nobody knows; most lyrics are about Cash and are written as love letters. Onyx has been in love with Cash for years, Cash is his muse. Onyx knows he’ll get the wrath if Benson knew.

Sadly the uncomplicated childhood is gone, the present is hard to digest.
Onyx’s friendship with Benson is almost nihilistic, he’s spending way more time with Cash, they kiss and fool around.
But once again, the present of one nasty brother shoves a wedge between Cash and Onyx.

The story is not just about a secret love; it’s about suppressed feelings, longing, and pining. It’s about friendships and situationships, about failing parents, about island matters, and, last but not least, the story is about a strong mutual love that survived storms.
Yes, it’s also about a derailed brother who doesn’t deserve more room in my review.

The daily life situations as their jobs, hobbies, families, and friendships, are entertainingly and realistically pictured. The conversations made so much sense.
Overall, an impressive story that deserves all the stars!

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[Charlotte.s.library]

As always it is a pleasure to be back on Kala, this time with Cash and Onyx.

I have been waiting for this story for a long time. All those crumbs we get throughout the Crea verse made me salivate for this book, and now it's here.

These two, ah, these two. They are so perfect for each other. Whenever I see them in other books I get those fuzzy feelings that they are just so perfectly matched, and after reading this book I can see why.

I just hope Ben never gets a story. He doesn't deserve a second chance ever after everything. Everyone is better off without him.

I loved being back, I loved finally seeing how they got together and I loved how this book made me feel. 💖

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69]

One Breath pulls me in from the very first line of the description, that quiet confession that every note of longing tastes like Cash.

There is something immediately intimate and painful about the way Onyx frames the story, as if the music itself has become both sanctuary and confession.

Falling for a best friend’s little brother is one of those classic forbidden setups that can feel overdone, yet here it lands with a particular ache because the history between them stretches all the way back to childhood.

Cash has always been the one who hypnotized Onyx, the constant undercurrent in every song written, every lyric shaped into a love letter that can never be delivered. That long, slow burn of unspoken feeling gives the story weight before it even properly begins.

What makes it so tense is the slow erosion of the friendship that once felt unbreakable. As the best friend grows angrier and more unrecognizable with each passing day, Onyx turns toward Cash almost instinctively, seeking the steadiness and understanding that used to come from elsewhere.

I love this author’s work, they have always been skilled at writing characters who are messy and human rather than perfectly heroic, and this setup seems tailor made.

The island setting of the Isle of Kala series adds another layer. I love this island and its inhabitants, is a sense of closed community and watchful eyes that heightens the stakes.

But secrets do not stay hidden long in places like that, and the knowledge that the truth will eventually surface creates a constant low level dread that sits beneath the romance.

The music element was a lovely addition. Songs as love letters, as pleas, as the only safe way to say the unsayable, give Onyx a voice that is both artistic and deeply personal. It turns the internal conflict into something external and lasting, something that will exist even if the relationship itself cannot.

I find myself most drawn to the quiet moments of it all. Onyx knows this will prove an undoing, knows the cost, and still cannot step away. That kind of helpless honesty is what stays with me after reading the description, I couldn’t put it down, I wanted to know more, even though I knew I would probably need a tissue 😢

It promised a story that does not shy away from the messiness of wanting someone you are not supposed to want, of finding comfort in the one place that will eventually cost you everything else. And it delivered that and more.

One Breath was a book that left me sitting with the characters long after the last page, still hearing the songs that were written for someone who was never supposed to know they existed. I loved it. And can’t wait to return to Isle of Kala.

🦋

*copy sent for review

4.5 ⭐️

[Aria Pickens]

A very awaited read on my TBR list. I enjoy Crea’s books, I think I’ve read the majority if not all. Onyx and Cash are two people who deserved love and happiness times a million. I’m glad Crea was able to give them that.

There was a comment at the end of the book stating Benson is more than likely suffering from internalized homophobia which I can totally see that BUT why does that the equal Cashy Poo being his victim of choice? How come he doesn’t vocalize nasty comments to his fathers or even Lie/Laiken?….. what if he realized he was gay because he developed feelings feelings for Onyx. Rite.. hear me out, he have feelings for Onyx but catches on that Onyx has feelings for Cash. So maybe he felt rejected or angry that Onyx doesn’t return his feelings and feels that cash is ‘in the way’ of him being with Onyx. It’s mentioned in the book that Benson is mad at Cash for even exsisting in a room or area that Onyx is in. He’ll even being upset at the thought of Cash listening to them practice or perform at the bar. Which furthers the little voice in my head, that the problem with Cashy and Ben is unrequited feelings. There is no reason for Benson to hate Onyx for being queer. Though it would have been interesting to see Ben’s reaction to Onyx’s sexuality would he be hostile? I guess we willl never know but I kinda can’t see it since Ben primarily attacked Cash.To end that note and my reasoning let’s say Ben liked some guy lets call him Bob. Ben liking Bob doesn’t loudly equal Ben hated Cash because Ben likes Bob. How ever Ben being mad because he likes onyx and they like each other makes more since it a bookish math since. But, that’s just my bookish opinion that some how being a rant instead of review. What’s your opinion?

At the end of the day, another great read and absolutely joy go hang out with some old book babes again. 🧡

[Sabrina]

It is finally Cash and Onyx’s turn! We’ve seen hints of them plenty in this world, but we have yet to see how they got together. I was very excited for this one and it didn’t let me down. Onyx has had feelings for Cash for a long time. Cash is his muse when it comes to his song writing and he just has always cared for him. Probably even loved. But falling in love with his best friend’s brother? Not a good idea. Not when said best friend has changed a lot. Benson is no longer the guy he became friends with. He is toxic and angry and is always taking it out on those around him. Especially Cash. So Onyx has done what he can to protect Cash, even if that means not being with him the way he wants. He also just has a tiny bit of hope that his best friend is still in there. But things are about to change. Onyx finally gives in to his feelings for Cash and turns out, Cash has had some for a while as well. Cash has always liked Onyx but knows that nothing can happen. Not with Benson being the way he is now. Doesn’t stop them from shifting their friendship into more though. But it’s only a matter of time until things change again. But will they be together when it does? Crazy story! We got hints in the last book, but it was nice to get Onyx and Cash’s points of view. To see exactly how they’ve been feeling and going through. They come out of this story so much stronger once they realize just how much they love one another. So glad to see them get the happy ending they deserve! A great story all around!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Avery]

If you read everything by Crea religiously like I do, you will also have encountered Chase and Onyx. And now it is finally time for their story. I can’t tell you how long I have been waiting for this. Every time they would show up in other store I just needed to know theirs. It’s the most complicated my brother’s best friend trope that I have read so far. Benson is a terror, a complete nightmare, he’s not worthy of the title: human nor will he ever be. The way he terrorized Chase is horrific. And to have so many people stand by and ‘watch’ it for this long is heartbreaking. Chase is just himself, never did anything obvious to spur on this kind of behavior in Benson. Making the attraction both Chase and Onyx have felt for years that much harder. Benson is always in the way, he puts both of them down and controls them, in different ways but still. I hate that it took Onyx this long, to be pushed far enough to finally say no more. He deserves a better friend just as Chase deserves a better brother. The entire book is a rollercoaster and as Crea mentions in the foreword, it doesn’t line up exactly but to be honest I don’t care. But if you do just be warned and don’t come back later and make a fuss about it!

I loved where Chase and Onyx ended up, they finally get their HEA with all the toxicity left behind. I was just to see their story end since it was such a fun read.

[Josephine Thornton]

Review of advance copy received from the author and the author agency 

One Breath by Crea Reitan is a Brother's Best Friend MM. The main characters are Cash and  Onyx. Onyx has been best friends with Cash’s brother almost all their lives. He is almost a part of their family. Benson, Cash’s brother, started off being a great brother but something happened 9 years before, and he totally changed. He has been verbally abusive to Cash ever since that event.The book goes over the struggle with the brother Benson and the relationship Cash and Onyx start with each other.

I thought this was going to be a regular brother's best friend MM book, but it wasn't. Usually, the brother loves his little brother, and he gets mad because the friend is dating him. In this book, there is already conflict between the brothers. Onyx was my favorite character. He always loved Cash, but he struggled with being loyal to the boy Benson was 9 years ago. I got his struggle, it feels real to me. When you’ve known someone your whole life, it's hard to give up on them.

I enjoyed this book. I thought it was a great story and I could not put the book down. There were some dark moments but there were also some lighthearted moments. There were plenty of spicy moments which I loved. I recommend this book to any MM book lovers.

[Naurarwen]

The Isle of Kala has always been a place that intrigues me. We've seen it a lot in Crea's other series, but I'm loving actually getting to read about the inhabitants of the isle in this series. I'm sure we've met a few of these characters before, as I seem to remember something about Benson, but thankfully, this isn't his story because he's a bit of a douche. Instead, this is his best friend, Onyx and his brother, Cash.

Cash has had it rough with Benson; he's downright nasty to the brother he once claims he loved and protected. Cash puts up with it, and his family and Onyx seem to let Benson's attitude slide. What Benson doesn't realise is that Onyx is obsessed with his little brother, and all the lyrics he writes are for him because they are words he can't seem to say out loud.

Eventually, everything starts to come to a head. Onyx no longer wants to let Benson get away with his behaviour, and he's spending more and more time with Cash in a cosy way. Things get worse for Cash when it comes to his brother and him, and Onyx keeping their relationship quiet. A lot of heavy stuff goes down on both sides, and sometimes I really did want to kick Onyx in the butt, but eventually the two do get their happy ending.

Can't wait to see where we go next in the Isle of Kala books.

[ljamison]

This is the second book in the Isle of Kala series, I did not read the first book and some of the events that occurred in the first book impact on this book. Although its probably better to read the books in order, after reading this book you can understand what is going on. I chose this book because it had my favorite words: pining, longing and angst. This book is about Cash and Onyx, now Onyx is best friend's with Cash's older brother. However, this is not your typical in love with brother's best friend book, there are so many other layers and stuff going on. Cash has been in love with Onyx forever. Onyx's music is a romantic letter to Cash because he loves and longs for him too, however if Benson(Cash's brother) knew there would be trouble. Now Benson is not the typical brother who is watching over his brother, there is some animosity and anger. As Benson becomes more toxic, Cash and Onyx are drawn closer together in friendship and in a romantic sense. This was a truly emotional story of two men who both long and desire the other but there is a man standing in their way that they both care for. The mutual longing and desire made this book so delicious and truly made it memorable and enjoyable.

[Rae Leivesley]

Crea Reitan once again delivers us another beautiful but no less emotionally gripping story to dive into.

We return to the wonderful Isle of Kala where anyone would love to live but can only dream of staying one day longer where we get a glimpse into the daily lives of the residents that keep the resort running like a well oil machine.

Here we've already been introduced to an array of colourful characters from book one, The Way You Lie, which was Lie and Laiken's story. However were also introduced to Cash and Onyx and now this is where we are, focusing on two young men trapped in the storm of Cash's older, angier and wayward brother, Benson.

This is a story about the how unpredictable people can be. How even those we've known a lifetime can become a stranger. It is about the pitfalls of love and betrayal and for whether or not a person can ever be redeemed.

The hardest question some of us may ever have to ask is "why?" and then realising there may never, ever be an answer. There may never be complete and total closure. The best we can do is move forward with the small amount of peace we've been given.

[Richelle Zirkle]

I really enjoyed finally getting Cash and Onyx’s story and getting to see more of Laiken and Lie. Cash has long been Onyx’s musical muse, and Cash has always had a crush on his brother’s best friend. Unfortunately Benson is filled with so much hatred toward his brother at this point, Cash has become his main target, but everyone else is a casualty of his nasty attitude as well. It’s affecting the band’s music and his friendship with Onyx. It’s hard for Onyx to untangle the protective feelings he has toward Cash and wanting to keep him safe and stand between the brothers and maintain his friendship. Taking steps forward in their relationship means everything will change, but Benson was always on the verge of self-destruction. Seeing Onyx in protection mode restores some faith, but there are hard moments where you want to hug Cash for feeling like his protests and feelings go unacknowledged. The found family vibes are a standout, and I enjoyed the cameos a ton on the way to HEA for these two.

[Stacey Foss]

I love that we got Cash and Onyx's book, we have seen glimpses of them in other books and their relationship was always intriguing. Their story is sweet and heartbreaking. Onyx has had feelings for Cash for years, he has been his muse all the love songs he writes are about Cash. While he feels the pull towards Cash he has stayed away not wanting to push Benson Cash's brother into treating him worse than he already does. While they all used to hang out and were close, the angrier and uglier Benson has become towards Cash has made Onyx keep a distance as well. Onyx finally gives in and they start spending more time together and growing closer just for things to become more intense with Benson and Onyx once again backs off. I did love how Onyx proved to Cash that he will always pick him, I was truly hoping to have Benson redeem himself and for them to truly figure out what had changed with him. I am happy that Cash and Onyx got their HEA I was hoping for some closure with the brothers. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[VicReads]

𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝙱𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑

𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠

4.5/5 ⭐️

↓↓
We finally get Cash and Onyx. We got little snips of them from the first book in the series and we get to see their relationship unfold and from their perspective.

Oh god, the pining! Onyx has had a thing for Cash for yearrrrrrrrs, I mean that man was his muse. Ugh swoon 😍 the add the mutual pining they had for each other for yearrrrrrrs, ugggggh so good.

It broke my heart the way Cash was treated. He was just the sweetest and did not deserve any of the treatment he got. So many people failed him over the years. I was so happy when those people, Onyx included, got their head out of their ass and started to do better.

Benson. Ben. Prick of a person. 🖕🏼

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, isle of Kala needs to be a real thing. I can’t wait to see what is next for this series.

𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
- Brother's Best Friend
- Best Friend's Brother
- Secret Relationship
- Small Town
- Punk Rock Band

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda)]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading

I've been so excited for Cash's story since the end of Lie's (The Way You Lie), as the scene highlighted there has been stuck in my head since I read it. What Reitan has delivered is a complex, emotional, character-driven read that explores family dynamics, found family and how to navigate complex relationships.

My heart hurt so badly for Cash, but I love how he was finally able to live the life he wanted, free of the drama his brother brought him. I loved seeing him slowly fall in love with Onyx, and get the job he so desperately has wanted for the longest time.

I'm always a sucker for a best friend's brother trope, and I loved how Onyx has always had feelings for Cash, but never acted upon them. He brings strength to the relationship, and whilst it doesn't necessarily run smoothly, it's still a point of great character growth for him.

Benson... I know why Reitan wrote him as she did. And I completely get the reasoning she gives in the afterword. But dear goodness did it hurt to read some of the stuff he came out with. It's unfortunate that there are people like him out there in the world, but I loved that despite Benson's attitude, Cash and Onyx were able to find their happily ever after (and what a well fought for one it was).

Loved getting to see Deryke again, and as always, enjoyed being back in the wider Creaverse.

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[Becky A]

"One Breath" received THREE stars.

The story itself was okay. The afterward had a very loud defensive tone and I felt like I was being yelled at for something I didn’t even say. I wished I hadn’t even read it. I won’t be reaching for any of the other Crea Reitan books in my TBR pile for a while.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

[Jordan Fiest]

One Breath is book two of the Isle Of Kala Series.

I loved seeing how Cash has been Onyx's muse for their whole lives. Everything he has written about, has been about Cash, who he loves dearly. However, he is best friends with Cash's brother and doesn't see how they can be together. Does Onyx make mistakes with his decision making? Yes, but we see him grow from his mistakes, which is most important. This island is important to everyone on it and seeing how careful they are for making sure it doesn't become toxic for those who live there was refreshing to see. They are a community that takes care of each other.

[Ashley Anders]

Isle of Kala

We’re back to the Isle of Kala! Onyx and Cash have known each other for as long as they can remember. Onyx is Cash’s big brother’s best friend, and Onyx and Cash’s brother both play in the same band. The three of them were once always close, but then one day, Cash’s brother started being mean. As they got older, their parents told them they needed to work things out. Onyx tried to be a buffer, but Benson’s behavior never improved. It wasn’t until Benson got physical that Onyx finally realized he couldn’t fix him. He needed to be the man he wanted to be for Cash, no matter the cost.

[Velvet Wrapped Smut]

Cash and Onyx finally get answers! We first met these two a while ago, and it's great to finally get to see their story.

While you don't always get answers or a nice neat redemption arc, this is what I love about Crea's books. Not everything gets a happy answer, not everyone is reformed and sees the light, and that's real and true to the world we live in.

While places like Kala feel fantastical and idealistic in the best way, bringing this back and grounding it in the reality of the world is also important. Queer books are political. And it's not always enough to make everything fluffy and light and wonderful, because that's not reality.

[Ashley]

Cash and Onyx are so cute together. I loved how sweet Cash is and how innocent in so many ways. Especially when you compare him to his bestie Lie. I will say I hated Ben. I know you are supposed to be but my heart broke for Cash and his family because that is awful to deal with someone with that much hate. I hate that Onyx stayed his friend for so long as well. He was awful. But thankfully Onyx was not like that. I love the island culture. It's so cool to see this side of Kala after having read so many from guests of Kala.

[Ami (Amireadsitall)]

It’s here! It’s finally here! After getting so many little glimpses of these two throughout the series, we finally get to see their story and how they made it to their happily ever after. And let me tell you, it was quite a journey.

Cash and Onyx have truly been through it, but they come out on the other side stronger and even more perfect for each other. The pining in this one was enough to sink the Titanic without the iceberg even showing up. I was suffering right along with them!

Their relationship has been building for years, with all that history, closeness, and trust making them such a perfect pairing. They’re genuinely stronger together and watching them finally find their way to each other was so beautiful.

There are some heavy topics throughout the story, which the author handled with so much care and thoughtfulness. It added so much depth to their journey without taking away from the beautiful romance.

Truly such a wonderful story with a well-deserved happily ever after for these two.

[Kalexreads]

Cash and Onyx have been in each other's lives for years because of Cash's brother, Benson, who is Onyx's best friend. Somewhere along the way, Onyx fell for Cash, despite Benson's unexplainable hatred and animosity for Cash. They start spending time together and exploring their feelings for one another. Always in the back of their minds is Benson and his volatility. Things eventually explode, and Onyx makes a mistake. It takes some convincing to get Cash to give him another chance. Sweet but spicy with some emotional trauma. Loved it!!!

[bookingcrazzyy]

I have been ITCHING for this one after how The Way You Lie ended. And it gave me everything I wanted and more.

Cash and Onyx have been circling each other for years. Both have deep feelings for the other, but certain things are holding them back. Particularly he who shall not be named🥴

This story is brother's best friend, pining, and definitely some rougher situations these men encounter. Poor Cash had a heart of gold and was treated so terribly by those closest to him.

Overall it was a great book with plenty of spice, tender moments, and all the feels.

[Autumn L]

For Onyx and Cash it’s always been each other they’ve wanted. You get to read them fall in love. And work for a toxic relationship with a Cash brother Ben. And let me tell you absolutely gonna hate that man. For Cash characters he’s known for being shy. But you see him grow into himself and be more confident with everything he’s doing. Then for Onyx is learning that he needs to let go of his past to have a better future. Now together, you get to see and go on Little dates in sneak around. But it was all worth it in the end. I cannot wait to see what else Crea writes this year.

[Jessica White]

We go back to Kala to get Cash & Onyx's story. Cash is our sweet, shy, virgin MC. Onyx is best friends with Cash's older brother(who's a big a-hole) & a drummer in their band. Onyx has always loved Cash, but has been scared to cause more grief between the brothers, as Cash has been the recipient of a lot of bullying from his brother. Cash has always crushed on Onyx too. This story is their journey and definitely has some ups and downs. Would definitely recommend.

[Ashley]

I feel like this was too much Benson without allowing for character growth or at least closure. Yes I read her reasoning for this but as someone who grew up in a homophobic family and who shared those beliefs until later in life I feel like he was a character who should have had the people around him who would have had the tough conversations. Like everyone is just like oh he just spews hate but we haven't asked why or put him in therapy or counseling because...

[Amy]

Home should be a safe space, not a place where you have to hide and hope you go undetected. Cash deserved every good thing that happened to him after spending half his time treading lightly in fear of his brother. He let both his fathers get off way too lightly. Benson broke my heart because, as Cash said, it was such a burden to carry that much hate and misery around. That does not excuse his behaviour at all! I am team Onyx all the way!

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Emzy Strong]

This is a fantastic story. Wow. Just wow. There is so much that goes on in this story. The characters are so rich and diverse. They practically jump off the page and into real life. Some I wanted to hug and become friends with, others I wanted to punch. The plot was beyond intense. I was on the edge of my seat for a good chunk of this book due to the tension the author created. The emotional impact that the author managed to convey was truly remarkable. I love this book.

[Amy]

one breath

I loved onyx and cash story. I was kind of sad in the end because one never truly found out why Benson became the way he did. Watching how their story unfolded was somewhat bittersweet because of the brother situation. Sucked how everyone had a rough time with benson around . Onyx did the best thing possible for everyone on the island including cash. I was happy that things worked out in the end .

[Natalie]

I really enjoyed Onyx and Cash's story. Onyx was so protective of Cash and I'm glad he loved him so much, he deserved love after having a brother so hurtful like Benson and everyone not tsking it as serious as it should have been. Cash was a cutie, i loved his innocence sometimes. I loved seeing more of Lie and Laiken. Isle of Kala seems like a great place to live.