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Oahu Lovers #2

Change for You

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Silver fox Stephen Webb doesn’t mean to start a workplace fling with the cute new intern. 



Stephen has a pivotal tax season ahead of him and he doesn't have time for distractions. At least that's what he thinks—until Minoru "Max" Kamigawa walks into his life and disrupts all his plans.

Stephen's been hurt before, and keeping Max at arms-length is the smart choice. But how can he do that when Max keeps taking down all his defenses?



A May-December MM romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers set in Honolulu, Hawaii.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2018

84 people are currently reading
291 people want to read

About the author

Crystal Lacy

19 books329 followers
Crystal Lacy lives with her loving family in Hawaii, where it is always either drizzling or sunny and never snows—which is a shame, because she prefers being cold to being damp and hot unless it’s for Very Good Reasons. She writes queer romance, mainly M/M, but also some F/F. She has aspirations to one day write a YA novel about cats.

Crystal is a long-time fangirl and writes slash fanfiction for the Untamed/CQL and NBC Hannibal fandoms under the name crystalusagi. She has a deep love for fandom culture, and can be frequently spotted on Twitter and Tumblr reblogging pretty fan art.

Join her readers' group on FB for sneak peeks, extras, and the chance to grab advanced reader copies at https://facebook.com/groups/lacybits

Subscribe to her newsletter at crystal-lacy.com/subscribe for monthly book giveaways, recs, news, and more!

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5 stars
119 (26%)
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192 (43%)
3 stars
112 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,580 reviews1,118 followers
October 9, 2018
This is a cute story with a unique Hawaiian setting. I loved that so many of the characters, including one of the MCs, were of mixed heritage.

Max was a sweetheart, taking care of his feisty grandma, writing music in his spare time, and working hard to support his family.

Frankly, I'm not sure Stephen deserved him. Stephen kept pushing Max away and was not particularly likable.

The first third of the story really dragged for me. I contemplated giving up, but the plot, primarily relationship driven, got more interesting as it went along.

Honestly, I could have done without all the audit and tax minutiae. It was mind-numbing. Doing my taxes once a year is all I can handle, and even that is hella stressful. Accountants everywhere, you have my respect. I just don't want to read about accounting in a romance novel.
Profile Image for Shin Mon Thway.
663 reviews1,702 followers
April 8, 2019
Who knew accounting could be so sexy? 😂 Goddamn! I loved office romances! 😍 Those lingering glances, secret touches and forbidden trysts between co-workers, I am a sucker for all that!!! 😁 And Crystal Lacy didn’t fail to deliver at all. Although this is the second book in the series, it’s perfectly ok to standalone this one. 😉



The things I loved about this book: ❤️

1. Office romance between a silver fox and an early twenties guy, huge age gap.

2. The UST was sizzling and a lot of hot, erotic office sex! *gasp* 😱🔥

3. Unexpected roles between intern and the boss. They are both versatile but more often than not it was Max topping Stephen and I loved the hell out of it! 😁🔥

4. The romance was slow-burn and believable. 🥰




That being said, it’s not a book without flaws. 😌 Webb’s reluctance to commit and be truly himself was really irritating. I wanted to pound some sense into him several times. And Max was practically a saint and forgives Stephen Webb too easily. I would have sulked wayyyy linger if I were him. Lol 😂 They love each other and they are perfect for each other. They just needed to sit down and talk like adults yet they both acted like immature children. 😐 And this create unnecessary misunderstandings between them. But, Stephen more than made up for his flaws in the end and I loved the whole pace and setting of the story. And not needing to say, Iggy Toma did an excellent job narrating this book. 👏 His performances are always a delight to listen and enjoy. 💜 And heat level wise? This book is seriously erotic! 🔥 I have always had a thing for office romance between co-workers and this one is intern and boss so it definitely was my catnip. 😁 I also loved side characters in this one, Max’s family especially his grandmother was such a delight. 😍 And a nice epilogue to finish off a very enjoyable story so I’m one happy listener. Will be waiting expectantly for the audio of third book in the series. 😌



4.25 I finally found THE one stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨









Audio rating

Story - 3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨












Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Anna.
563 reviews
September 22, 2018
Czy dwóch księgowych , może zakochać się podczas najbardziej zwariowanego czasu dla każdego księgowego. Crystal udowodniła, że może. Dodała do tego różnice wieku. No cóż w mojej ocenie przepis na sukces
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,412 reviews400 followers
September 27, 2018

I think this second installment of this series is better than the first one. At least there's no wife in the picture. It's the same pattern, with the ex and all, but Stephen's ex, Derek, he's kind of bearable.
I liked Max a lot, in my opinion, he's too sweet for the grumpy Stephen, and too easy to forgive and forget.
Not that was bad, it's good, but Stephen needed more strong hand to make him awake, that he doesn't need to marry his job in the first place. Good thing is, Max made it clear that he gave Stephen a choice, whether he's stay married to his job, or chasing after Max.
The plot was good, the sex was hot, but not too much please.
I debated myself about my rating. I think I'll have to go with three stars. I liked Max, I liked the overall story, but not crazy about it.
If you love the first book, you'll probably give this one five stars. Give it a try.

Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
October 3, 2018
The plans you make and the people you love don't always mix. In Stephen's case, his whole life has revolved around his ambition. It has cost him love and companionship in the past and he's not holding out hope of that ever changing. In Max's case, his dreams and his reality are the two elements that don't seem to mix. When he meets Stephen he's attracted for sure, but there's something deeper that calls to him. As both men navigate the waters of professionalism, desire, and ambition they'll find that change and compromise are what will win them their HEA...but only if they have the courage and determination to do so.

Though we do get an introduction of Stephen in Brave for You we're not given much. Diving deep right from the get-go from Max's perspective and office gossip the picture that's painted is of a lonely, hard, cold man who has blinders that keep him oblivious to anything and anyone that would distract him from his professional aspirations. Reality however, shows us a much different man. He's tired, he's vulnerable, he's scared. He's also wickedly smart, driven, and controlled. And Max sees it all, wants it all.

Max is young, definitely, but he's not naive or unaware of the personal ramifications of his romantic interest in Stephen. What he wants is everything that Stephen is...well, maybe a little more than that. But it's that little more that throws a wrench or two in the whole thing. The things he wants aren't unreasonable, but the way he goes about getting them shows his youth and inexperience with romantic hardship. I do completely appreciate the way he doesn't actually give up ever. He tries and tries and tries and, even heart-sore, he holds out hope for Stephen to do the trying.

I really enjoyed their resolution. Stephen's groveling was perfect for their dynamic. It was heartfelt, honest, earnest, and right for the type of future that was most likely between the men. For all of Max's lightness and perseverance in the face of Stephen's dumb-head moments, it was actually Stephen that captured my interest the most. His complexities were believable as well as frustrating and it was his growth, his change, his complete evolution that made the story interesting, made it all work. Even though I can't say I liked Derek's moments, I did feel that the closure both he and Stephen got was necessary for all the pieces in Stephen's plan to fall into place in his mind before he could make things right with Max.

Staying true to her writing style, the descriptions in the story were spot-on but were much more to-the-point and focused here in Change for You than in Brave for You. The characters were vivid and know-able, the food choices were perfection and really apropos for Max's family, and the internal struggles for each character were well-written and in sync with the story's flow and end goal. Such a great read! And with the next book's MC subtly and expertly introduced, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on Ready for You this winter.
Profile Image for Annika.
1,374 reviews94 followers
February 13, 2019
Audiobook review

The books in this series can easily be read as standalones without that "what did I miss" feeling that you can sometimes get when jumping in without reading the prior book/s. If you are in the mood for an office fling with a may-december couple, then this might just be the book for you.

The busiest part of the year is nearing, and Stephen Webb does not have time for any distractions. He's all work and no play - and a tough boss to boot. That is until the latest intern starts in the office and somehow always manages to distract him to no end. And he can't fire the man, because he does a fantastic job at the firm. So what’s a man to do? Well, it's not long until the sniping turns into lust filled clandestine meetings and then some. But are they really on the same page? What about the future. Are they going somewhere or is it only a little fun for the moment?

I didn't feel that proverbial it with this book. It was nice enough for the moment, but lacked depth to me. I can see them for a fling, but don't feel them as anything long term. There wasn't any real foundation for it. It was either work or having sex. And a lot of it. Couple that with some meetings with the ex and well… I wasn’t really feeling the everlasting love there. Which is probably why a lot of the book dragged for me. And sorry to say, the ins and outs of taxes and accounting didn't help, numbers and I rarely get along on a good day.

I was a bit worried with Iggy Toma in the (very) beginning. I mean he's the perfect choice for YA/NA books because he sounds young. And seeing that one of the main characters was over 40 kind of worried me there. That is until the first lines by Stephen, which sounded appropriate for his age and just fit him perfectly. So nicely done Toma, hat off from me. As for the rest of the narration, it was as solid a performance as Toma usually gives.

I'm in love with the Hawaiian setting, the people, customs etc in this book. I can't speak to its authenticity in any way shape or form, but to me it feels authentic. It feels real. Lacy really brought it to life with her words and descriptions. I can't really put my finger on it; I just know that I enjoyed spending time on the island and won’t mind spending more there in the future.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
January 11, 2019

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
Silver fox Stephen Webb doesn’t mean to start a workplace fling with the cute new intern.

Stephen Webb has a pivotal tax season ahead of him and he doesn't have time for distractions. At least that's what he thinks—until Minoru "Max" Kamigawa walks into his life and disrupts all his plans.

Max secretly wants to follow his love of music, but family obligations keep him rooted in Hawaii. Tax supervisor Stephen Webb makes his spring internship a little sweeter, but the man's priorities don't seem to include Max. Is it only a fling or something worth staying for when his dreams come calling?

Stephen and Max must decide whether to stick to their goals or risk everything and change their course for love.
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,890 reviews99 followers
July 14, 2020
I listened to this as an audiobook. Iggy Toma is so good. His performance is definitely 5 stars. He really brought the characters to life.

I loved the beginning of the book. Stephen and Max dancing around each other and then finding something so sweet and incredible. I love the May/ December romance with the grumpy older guy.

Then the angst and sadness and the fighting started. It just seemed to go on and on. If I was reading and not listening I might have walked away.

I probably would have given the book 2 and 1/2 stars, but Iggy was so wonderful and so was the HEA.
Profile Image for Peppa.
1,178 reviews97 followers
Read
May 20, 2024
I actually can’t really rate this at all yes I did finish it but I actually didn’t read everything because I got bored and flipped pages😭

Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 21 books172 followers
September 26, 2018
I truly enjoyed getting to know Max and Stephen. Stephen is a bit jaded because of a past relationship with his co-worker going badly. He'd spent three years since his relationship ended without getting attached to anyone, until Max. When Max starts an internship, Stephen is intrigued by the musician/accountant from the first moment he spotted him. Max is young, but he works hard, he's smart, and he knows what he wants...Stephen. As you learn more about the two men and read how tangible and hot their chemistry is, you can't help but root for these two. And the more Stephen tries to push Max away, the harder he finds himself clinging to him. I loved the book, it's sexy and loving, smart and funny, and I can't recommend it highly enough!!
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,074 reviews517 followers
November 12, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars


I really enjoyed this book. It’s the second in the Oahu Lovers series, and I reviewed the first one, Brave for You, here. I liked it fine, but I think Change for You was better. There was just something about Stephen and Max that made me feel…warmer? I felt close to both of them right away. The best quality of both men is that they’re both fundamentally good. They’re driven, but they feel things deeply. Years after their breakup, Stephen still thinks about his ex. He compares all other men to him and wonders if they’ll hurt him as badly (the ex cheated). Stephen wants to be a partner in the firm, and he’s willing to work very hard to achieve it. He seems gruff and almost mean, but it’s not because he’s a bad guy. He just wants to succeed. Max is dedicated to his mother and grandmother. He’s got a great relationship with both women and feels as if he should be taking care of them the way they took care of him. This is why he’s even seeking an accounting degree. He’d much rather be a musician. He writes songs and sings them, and that’s where his passion lies. I loved how Stephen and Max met early in the mornings in the breakroom at the office. Max writes his music and sings, all the while playing the ukulele, and Stephen sits, doing a little work and has his morning coffee. I thought these interactions were a perfect set up for their blossoming romance.

Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.



Profile Image for Alex.
165 reviews12 followers
September 28, 2018
*I received the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*

Obviously, this is the second book in Oahu Lovers Series, but it can also function as a standalone. Still, the first book is also amazing and should be read 😉 (buy links for book one are under the next two teasing pictures 🙂 ).

While I liked the first book, Brave for You, I absolutely adored this one. There wasn’t as much cooking in it as in Brave for You, but given Stephen and Max’s jobs, and Max’s grandmother, that is understandable. Who can convince grandmother not to cook for her grandson? 🙂 And Stephen often does not have time to do more than his job, much less cook.

I loved the characters here from the beginning and at one point I just wanted to bang their heads together and knock some sense into them. I loved Stephen and Max, and Max’s grandmother because she is amazing, but I absolutely hated the boss in Stephen’s office.

The dynamic between Max and Stephen was also masterfully done. Despite the fact that Stephen is much higher in the hierarchy of the office, with Max being the intern, there was absolutely no question of abuse of power in the relationship. It was wonderful to see Stephen’s progression from completely career driven and lonely to what he was in the end 🙂

I should probably stop before I get too spoilery, but I adored this book. It was sweet and just complicated enough. And An and Nate do have a cameo in the book, which just made it more amazing.

If you want a sweet romance to make you feel better, these two books by Crystal Lacy are a great choice! 🙂
Profile Image for SandyL.
3,731 reviews
July 4, 2019
Stephen Webb, who briefly appeared in the first book in the series as one of An's gaming buddies, is a senior tax accountant getting ready for the busy tax season. Max Kamigawa is in his final year of his accounting degree. He'd rather be pursuing his music, but he's gotta pay the bills. He takes in internship with Stephen's firm and gets assigned to Stephen's team. Max immediately develops a crush on Stephen, who is 20 years his senior. Although he was burned by an office romance once before, Stephen can't seem to stay away from sweet Max. I liked both Stephen and Max, but the story moved along really slowly and didn't hold my attention like the last one did. I did love Max's grandmother - she was a hoot!!
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,071 reviews39 followers
October 2, 2018
I have really enjoyed the Oahu Lovers series so far. I am loving the cultural references and am getting a great feel for Hawaii. In this book, grumpy tax accountant manager (Stephen) gets smitten with an intern (Max) who is half his age. There are legitimate concerns on Stephen's part between the age gap and the fact that they work together, but they are really drawn to each other. Stephen has been closed off for a few years since a bad break up and has always been a workaholic. He really had to come to terms with what he finds most important in life, and it was great to see him work through it all. Max was a bit of a dreamer in that he couldn't quite understand or wrap his head around Stephen's fears and concerns. Luckily they were able to see what was most important and go for it. I really liked watching Stephen build a relationship with Max's family, and I am very excited about Stephen's future. I'm looking forward to reading Reggie and Shohei's book.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
Profile Image for Agla.
833 reviews63 followers
December 2, 2020
This was a winner. I had read book 1 in the series first and loved it, I'm not sure which I prefer. It is kind of a slow burn so the relationship has a strong foundation from the start. It is angsty but in a way that makes sense. The story is set in Hawaii which is a nice change of scenery even though the island features less of a role than in book 1. Stephen is 43 and Max 21. The age-gap was a bit too large for my taste but Max definitely acted more mature than his age (I teach in a university and my students are definitely not that mature overall). The relationship deepens at a believable rate and was very nice. I would highly recommend it and I'm off to read book 3 right away.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,409 reviews95 followers
October 27, 2022
This did not work for me. It was just way too much of everything and I mean everything, they got together too fast, too dumbly because it was in the office, they volleyed back and forth on should they shouldn't they, Stephen loves Max's music too much, and the list goes on.

I skipped most of the audio and in the end, they are happy together, so did I really miss anything? The audio narration was good, from what I remember.

I can't say I recommend this but I know this will appeal to several people because this story is right up their ally, so if you like this type of story, this is perfect for you.

2, I did finish but not really because I skipped like 90% of the story, stars.
Profile Image for Hemmel M..
803 reviews54 followers
November 25, 2021
For now, I think 4 stars. I am a bit in doubt. Stephen was so very dull and the narrator performed him as such. The lack of emotion bothered me a bit but I believe only a good author can write a personality so convincingly. Candice was very annoying and a bit ott in her disregard of boundaries.
There was a lot of office talk and colleagues interacting and I was very happy about this memory of life before Covid.
Profile Image for ML.
1,602 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2018
This book was excellent! It's two of my favorite themes meshed together. May/December AND boss/employee. This story was told so well. Max was so charming and cheeky. You couldn't help but fall in love with him! How could Stephen resist! I really look forward to more books from this author. I love her writing style!
Profile Image for Tanja.
575 reviews19 followers
September 30, 2018
To be honest, I struggled with this book. I found the first quarter outright boring. I am not fond of numbers, and the details of the tax season and all the employees in the firm didn’t sway me over in the least. I almost put the book down not to pick up again. But I read through, and slowly but steadily, I found it more enjoyable.
This was largely due to Max. He is a sweetheart, charming and full of life. Sometimes a bit naïve, and in my opinion, way too good for Stephen. Apart from his, apparently, good looks, I don’t know what made Max fall for him. Stephen is an a*hole and rather proud of it. From the little we’re told about his youth—I wouldn’t have minded more background—, I understand that he is afraid of commitment. I get that, but what I didn’t like was that he kept pushing Max away. I didn’t feel he did anything to grow closer to Max until the very end. I couldn’t really warm up to Stephen.
I always love good banter and quick wit, but in this book, I was not always sure how to take the jokes. For me, they fell flat a lot. Maybe that has something to do with the fact I couldn’t really connect to the characters, apart from Max, that is. I don’t know, but there were too many moments I didn’t like them.
As I said, it wasn’t until the end that I found Stephen showing a caring and more likable side of himself by caring for Max’s mother and grandmother, and not to forget the bold decision he made. That made up quite a lot in enjoying this story.

Profile Image for Lillian Francis.
Author 15 books101 followers
February 22, 2019
This was excellent.
Unlike Brave for you, which was a very slow burn, strangers to friends to lovers story, this one started with a sexual relationship that developed into something more.
This is an age difference story that didn't actually focus too much on that aspect, focusing more on their social differences and Stephen's belief that he isn't 'relationship material' or good enough.

I cried for a good portion of the last third of the book, as Stephen talked himself into 'doing what's best' and things fell apart.

I loved Stephen and Max as a couple. And I also appreciated that the author made no attempted to cure Stephen's grumpiness just because he fell in love, and that Max embraced that part of him.

I listened to the audio for this book and the narrator did an excellent job.
Profile Image for Wax.
1,295 reviews22 followers
January 15, 2019
I love age gap romance, so a MC who others nickname Silver Fox? Count me in. However, the anticipation was better than the actual story. I actually felt like it dragged a bit. And probably could have been tightened a bit in the middle. Also, I'm still not really sure what the difference between the two sides of the office (tax and audit) were. If you're going to go into the nitty-gritty of tax folks, then I wouldn't mind actually learning something. Even though I wanted the relationship to succeed, I just really wasn't sure it was in the cards for them. I did love how the author really spotlighted Hawaii and it's unique culture.
October 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book even though Stephen was a bit of an asshole. Max didn't seem mind that about him once Stephen got his head out of his ass. Max on the other hand was a delight!

It may not be an ultra-original story but it was well written and also interesting. Keiko was a fantastic secondary character.
Profile Image for Cee Brown.
1,310 reviews38 followers
September 28, 2018
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•`❤️Max & The Silver Fox.

They were hot to trot and their slow, burning affair was enough to get them both fired. Working as an intern during tax season was the worst possible job for wanna-be musician Max. Yet with money being an issue, he needed a career that would help him and his family. Working with Stephen, whom Max and the boss's daughter dubbed the silver fox was hard enough when Max developed an instant crush on the man.

"You're young. And I’m your boss. Anyone looking at this would say I'm taking advantage of you." ~Stephen

All he wanted was the season to be at an end. Stephen never anticipated falling for his intern, let alone a much younger man and someone he was working with. Once bitten, twice shy should have been his motto. But there was so much about Max that kept drawing him in and it was not like Max was making it any easier.

Working well together on the job was a plus, but once the season was over and Max left, how would they both survive without each other? If you have read Brave for You, you met Stephen as the flirty, competitive gaming CPA who made Nate jealous. Join a new cast of characters in Crystal Lacy's newest book and sequel in the Oahu Lovers series. I'm glad I did. Tax season never got so hot.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through LesCourt.
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2018
This book revolves how much you would change for love even you don't realize it.

Pressures of work, relationships and even family can make you stop and think about what you want and who you are. The great thing is when you meet that one person who you can't stay way from and forces you to reevaluate everything you thought you wanted.

Stephen is a complicated character, his past has made him jaded. When he meets his new intern Max, he knows he needs to "stay away". Alcohol is one of life's pleasure but of course it also allows these two to be honest and courage to get what they want.

I loved Max's grandma Keiko!!! I'm also going back to read book 1.
Profile Image for Sheridan.
582 reviews15 followers
October 3, 2018
My first book by this author and I really enjoyed it!
Who wouldn't enjoy it when you have an office relationship and may/dec! 2 of my favourite things!

It's so easy to fall in love with Max! So sweet and caring and goes out of his way to show Stephen he wants to be with him.
But Stephen is a workaholic. He lives for his job and when push comes to shove, it may just push Max away!
But when Stephen is given an ultimatum, he realises that something is more important than his job, he realises he needs to change some things in order to get that back!
I can't wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Brooke Edwards.
Author 11 books30 followers
September 30, 2018
The silver fox and the baby suit - a little opposites-attract with my May/December, don't mind if I do! Max tugs at all the right heartstrings, and Stephen needs a bit of a smack around the ears to get himself together through most of this. Just the right amount of workaholic jerk to balance out the emotional damage from the implosion of a past relationship and make you not just believe in his redemption, but actively want it. A great look at how sometimes, love changes you without you even realising it and by the time you make the choice to change, you're already halfway there. Well done Crystal!
Profile Image for Andi.
Author 15 books250 followers
June 29, 2020
Enjoyed it

This was a sweet and sexy read and a good may/December romance. I genuinely linked this couple together and enjoyed how they worked out their romantic relationship by the end of the book. I also liked that Stephen was a bit of a grump and Max's sunshine personality rubbed off on him...some...lol. I really liked this story. It will be a keeper for me.
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