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Love in O'Leary #5.5
The Castle
Brian Carr believes in fairy tales—princes, castles, once upon a times, happily ever afters. He's been that way since we were kids, and no matter how many times it all goes wrong, Brian's never given up hope of finding his one true love.
It's beautiful. Adorable. Charming.
It's also annoying as hell, because I've spent decades standing on the sidelines while guy after guy crushed my best friend's heart, leaving me to pick up his pieces.
The truth is, for as long as Brian has dreamed of fairy tales... I have dreamed of Brian. But if he's waiting for some dude on a white horse to wander into O'Leary, there's no way he's gonna notice the guy who's been by his side all along.
It's beautiful. Adorable. Charming.
It's also annoying as hell, because I've spent decades standing on the sidelines while guy after guy crushed my best friend's heart, leaving me to pick up his pieces.
The truth is, for as long as Brian has dreamed of fairy tales... I have dreamed of Brian. But if he's waiting for some dude on a white horse to wander into O'Leary, there's no way he's gonna notice the guy who's been by his side all along.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2020
245 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
June 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this. It was cute and fun. The writing was great and I loved Brian and Dare as main characters. They are adorable together.
The stories where a character has been in love with his friend for years are among my favourites. Especially when they are done well, and I think this one was. I only wish it was a bit longer, because everything happens super fast in the second half.
The stories where a character has been in love with his friend for years are among my favourites. Especially when they are done well, and I think this one was. I only wish it was a bit longer, because everything happens super fast in the second half.
May 5, 2020
I remember Brian as this awkward little nugget from Jamie and Parker's story. Brian talks too much and says all the wrong things. He falls for guys on sight and then conjures fairy tale castles in his head.
The only person who sees the real Brian, still dorky but also smart, funny, and helpful, is Dare, Brian's bestie since forever. Dare just gets Brian. They go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Dare has been in love with Brian for ages, but he's determined to set up Brian with the man of his dreams because he just wants Brian to be happy damn it.
Yes, the plot is predictable, but the story is highly enjoyable and sweet. I liked the dual first-person POV and the last chapter featuring Cal and Ash's wedding.
One sexy scene included at no additional cost.
The only person who sees the real Brian, still dorky but also smart, funny, and helpful, is Dare, Brian's bestie since forever. Dare just gets Brian. They go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Dare has been in love with Brian for ages, but he's determined to set up Brian with the man of his dreams because he just wants Brian to be happy damn it.
Yes, the plot is predictable, but the story is highly enjoyable and sweet. I liked the dual first-person POV and the last chapter featuring Cal and Ash's wedding.
One sexy scene included at no additional cost.
March 11, 2023
Aqui tenemos una historia corta para Brian (el ex de Jamie), donde porfin consigue a su principe azul en su mejor amigo, despues de intentar enamorarse de casi todos los hombres gay en O'Leary.
Brian no fue, para mi, el mejor personaje secundario de la serie, y no se hasta que punto el autor hizo esta historia mas para contar sobre la boda de Ash y Cal, que para darle un "final feliz" a Brian.
Sin embargo, se puede leer, pero tienes que haber leido la serie casi completa para entender a las parejas y la razon de algunos comentarios.
Con esta historia doy por cerrada la serie, y es seguro que mas adelante leere otras series de este autor.
Brian no fue, para mi, el mejor personaje secundario de la serie, y no se hasta que punto el autor hizo esta historia mas para contar sobre la boda de Ash y Cal, que para darle un "final feliz" a Brian.
Sin embargo, se puede leer, pero tienes que haber leido la serie casi completa para entender a las parejas y la razon de algunos comentarios.
Con esta historia doy por cerrada la serie, y es seguro que mas adelante leere otras series de este autor.
May 5, 2020
Simply adorable!
I haven't read this series yet, besides another short freebie and again, I'm wondering why that is?!?
I enjoyed the writing.
I loved the guys.
Friends to lovers can be incredible when done well and this was done extremely well.
I suppose my only complaint would be...I wanted more!
I will come back to this happy little town and discover the quiet magic.
I promise!
*whispers* don't let me forget, k?
Thanks for the freebie May!
*4 delightful-besties-becoming-boyfriends stars*
I haven't read this series yet, besides another short freebie and again, I'm wondering why that is?!?
I enjoyed the writing.
I loved the guys.
Friends to lovers can be incredible when done well and this was done extremely well.
I suppose my only complaint would be...I wanted more!
I will come back to this happy little town and discover the quiet magic.
I promise!
*whispers* don't let me forget, k?
Thanks for the freebie May!
*4 delightful-besties-becoming-boyfriends stars*
May 4, 2020
Fun, quick story about Brian, Jamie's ex, finding his HEA with his best friend, Dare.
This was cute and sweet. Could have been longer to really get a connection between these two, but I liked and enjoyed what we did get.
This was cute and sweet. Could have been longer to really get a connection between these two, but I liked and enjoyed what we did get.
June 21, 2021
Have I said how much I LOVE this series?!! And this short story is just so cute and sweet I’m going to have cavities! Just the chemistry between the characters had me melted and swooning. I can’t even express all the emotions I feel right now, and every time I read a May Archer’s book, I get all overly excited, and even when I know it’s all fictional, I still believe this books are sorely made to make me incredibly happy, and restore my hope and faith in humanity.
I do, however, love sweet, cute and super romantic books, so if you’re not into that, than maybe you won’t enjoy this serie very much.
But let’s be real, who doesn’t like reading a book like this once in a while, and make themselves happy for the rest of the day, and most likely rest of the week? Therefore, I would 100 % recommend the entire series to anyone. This books are seriously great, and my more than guilty pleasure! Also, you can read this books as stand alones too, but I would recommend reading all of them because you can make connections to the other couples in the series that way, AND they’re all really good books too.
I do, however, love sweet, cute and super romantic books, so if you’re not into that, than maybe you won’t enjoy this serie very much.
But let’s be real, who doesn’t like reading a book like this once in a while, and make themselves happy for the rest of the day, and most likely rest of the week? Therefore, I would 100 % recommend the entire series to anyone. This books are seriously great, and my more than guilty pleasure! Also, you can read this books as stand alones too, but I would recommend reading all of them because you can make connections to the other couples in the series that way, AND they’re all really good books too.
May 3, 2020
super adorable shorty -friends to lovers, which is a favorite. I haven't read any of this series, but I will
Read
May 5, 2020DNF, hence no rating.
I got this freebie only to realise that this is part of the O'Leary series (And yes, I can see now that it says so on the cover, but ... 🙄)
So if you loved that, I'm sure you'll like this, but without any reference to the numerous characters mentioned, I felt lost and the quickie romance between these two guys is cute, but it didn't do much for me either. I did like the idea with the castle though!
Unfortunately, I still find the whole setup of O'Leary somewhat too sweet and unreal for my liking.
I got this freebie only to realise that this is part of the O'Leary series (And yes, I can see now that it says so on the cover, but ... 🙄)
So if you loved that, I'm sure you'll like this, but without any reference to the numerous characters mentioned, I felt lost and the quickie romance between these two guys is cute, but it didn't do much for me either. I did like the idea with the castle though!
Unfortunately, I still find the whole setup of O'Leary somewhat too sweet and unreal for my liking.
May 4, 2020
A sweet little journey back to O’Leary.
I enjoyed this friends to lovers story featuring two minor O’Leary men.
It was also fun to see how all the guys were doing. Especially my favorites, Constantine and Micah. 😍
It felt like this series was over but I’m happy May Archer decided to give us a little something.
And I have a feeling this won’t be the last book we get.
Mark’s book now, please, May? 😉
I enjoyed this friends to lovers story featuring two minor O’Leary men.
It was also fun to see how all the guys were doing. Especially my favorites, Constantine and Micah. 😍
It felt like this series was over but I’m happy May Archer decided to give us a little something.
And I have a feeling this won’t be the last book we get.
Mark’s book now, please, May? 😉
May 21, 2020
4✨
First thing is first: I'm sorry.
I owe Brian Carr a huge apology. I thought he was a huge, annoying man and I was happy when he and Jamie broke up.
But I was wrong.
Brian is so quirky and cute and kind and smart and excitable! He actually reminds me a lot of me. And his friendship with Dare (who I didn't even realize I had been missing in this series until now!) is the stuff I only could wish for!
I appreciated the lack of angst in this novella and I loved the romance. When you know, you know. Especially when your relationship evolves over a twenty year period. And that ending? Cal and Ash? All the O'Leary couples in their glory?
My sweet heart can barely handle it all! I almost thought that Brian might pull out the gorilla suit for Dare, but that had never been them. What Brian does instead made all the sense in the world and there was no better way for them to get together.
First thing is first: I'm sorry.
I owe Brian Carr a huge apology. I thought he was a huge, annoying man and I was happy when he and Jamie broke up.
But I was wrong.
Brian is so quirky and cute and kind and smart and excitable! He actually reminds me a lot of me. And his friendship with Dare (who I didn't even realize I had been missing in this series until now!) is the stuff I only could wish for!
I appreciated the lack of angst in this novella and I loved the romance. When you know, you know. Especially when your relationship evolves over a twenty year period. And that ending? Cal and Ash? All the O'Leary couples in their glory?
My sweet heart can barely handle it all! I almost thought that Brian might pull out the gorilla suit for Dare, but that had never been them. What Brian does instead made all the sense in the world and there was no better way for them to get together.
February 26, 2021
Sometimes love is right where you are ! A great O'Leary short story !
Brian's childhood was full of fairy tales and hope. Now, at 30, he feels he's a failure at finding his dream love.
His BFF, Darius/Dare is always there to pick him up and lean on, solid and caring. Dare explains to Brian what he may be doing wrong and tries to help. They have been childhood friends since they were 10 yrs. old, making Legos.
Now, as Dare gives advice, Brian must change his tactics, but it also sends up a flare of realization. Brian has an epiphany, and Dare, finally gets what he's always needed.
Well written short with Brian's awakening of what is right in front of him.
Loved the characters, and it's also super sexy !
ENJOY !
=====
Brian's childhood was full of fairy tales and hope. Now, at 30, he feels he's a failure at finding his dream love.
His BFF, Darius/Dare is always there to pick him up and lean on, solid and caring. Dare explains to Brian what he may be doing wrong and tries to help. They have been childhood friends since they were 10 yrs. old, making Legos.
Now, as Dare gives advice, Brian must change his tactics, but it also sends up a flare of realization. Brian has an epiphany, and Dare, finally gets what he's always needed.
Well written short with Brian's awakening of what is right in front of him.
Loved the characters, and it's also super sexy !
ENJOY !
=====
May 6, 2020
Sweet as usual. It was nice for a short story and would've been great as a full length novel as well to add a little more angst. I loved this series and it was nice to see Brian find love.
May 19, 2020
Lovely short and sweet story. Love this series.
July 9, 2024
I rarely give a short story more than 3 stars, but this was May Archer and Michael Dean. It’s short, but gave me a happy couple of hours. Always fun to visit O’Leary and the crazy characters who live there.
August 26, 2020
Cieszę się, że Brian dostał własną historię - krótką, słodką, uroczą. I za nią właśnie 4 gwiazdki, a ta dodatkowa za cudny, ostatni rozdział ze ślubem Cala i Asha - ich ciągle było mi mało 😁
May 5, 2020
The Castle is super cute friends to lover, you know when they're friends forever and everybody waited for them to realized that they're actually boyfriend since forever!
Brian and Dare were like that. They're just always there for each other since twenty years ago but never realized they didn't need anyone but each other.
While Brian was busy had crushes to everyone, Dare busy hooking up.
But there's always a moment of truth when they both hit by reality that Brian and Dare are one package deal.
I loved this story, Brian and Dare are both adorable and likeable characters you cannot not loving them.
Recommended!
May 29, 2020
Find Love, Build a Castle, Together!
Brian gets his dreams realized and Dare gets his man, finally. This is the cutest, sweetest tale of falling in love with your best friend ever. (Okay, I’m a little dramatic, Brian, much!) The tale also wraps up all the lovely coupledoms in the O'Leary series. Special mention: I loved the banter between the MCs. It’s tricky to demonstrate the connection between characters but May Archer nailed it with the silly, charming, and funny banter. Good job!
Brian gets his dreams realized and Dare gets his man, finally. This is the cutest, sweetest tale of falling in love with your best friend ever. (Okay, I’m a little dramatic, Brian, much!) The tale also wraps up all the lovely coupledoms in the O'Leary series. Special mention: I loved the banter between the MCs. It’s tricky to demonstrate the connection between characters but May Archer nailed it with the silly, charming, and funny banter. Good job!
August 12, 2020
3.5 I miss O'Leary already
September 14, 2021
Not my favorite but it was cute and fun. Brian is so awkward you can't help but love him and look forward to when he finally wakes up to realize he has what he wanted all along.
May 5, 2020
Adorable. One sided love with childhood friend. Crazy, awkward guy who says funny random things. Profound meaningful conversation using legos. Hot guys wearing nothing but a towel. Perfection. I just loved this.
April 2, 2023
First read May 2020.
Reread April 2023. Because I forgotten I read this before.
Brian is too extroverty for me. Too many exclamation marks in the book because of the way Brian is speaking.
Reread April 2023. Because I forgotten I read this before.
Brian is too extroverty for me. Too many exclamation marks in the book because of the way Brian is speaking.
May 3, 2020
3 stars!
I wish this series had a character list because I get them all mixed up but this story features Brian- a "villian" from previous books but here he was the heroine and he found love in a familiar place with his BFF! What a sweet friends to lovers story. I can't wait to read about Mark's gravity...who is it? I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for answers! I hope that is the next O'Leary book!
I wish this series had a character list because I get them all mixed up but this story features Brian- a "villian" from previous books but here he was the heroine and he found love in a familiar place with his BFF! What a sweet friends to lovers story. I can't wait to read about Mark's gravity...who is it? I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for answers! I hope that is the next O'Leary book!
December 29, 2023
Brian è l’ex di James e pare sia molto incline ai colpi di fulmine. Per lui l’amore è qualcosa di immediato, di travolgente. Tuttavia, non riesce a trovare il suo principe azzurro.
Darius, migliore amico di Brian, nonostante sia innamorato di lui da anni, vuole aiutarlo nell’impresa di far colpo su Mark, la sua ultima cotta. Nel far ciò tra i due amici scapperà un bacio che metterà in discussione tutte le certezze e le aspettative di Brian.
E finalmente anche lui avrà il suo finale da favola.
Piaciuto molto.
Voto 4,5
Darius, migliore amico di Brian, nonostante sia innamorato di lui da anni, vuole aiutarlo nell’impresa di far colpo su Mark, la sua ultima cotta. Nel far ciò tra i due amici scapperà un bacio che metterà in discussione tutte le certezze e le aspettative di Brian.
E finalmente anche lui avrà il suo finale da favola.
Piaciuto molto.
Voto 4,5
May 24, 2020
Awww, Brian... what an adorable, awkward dumbass! He's so focused on finding his Prince Charming that he doesn't realize that he already has one: Dare, the man who's been at his side for twenty years, supporting him, listening to him... loving him!
A sweet morsel of an addition to the lovely O'Leary series!
A sweet morsel of an addition to the lovely O'Leary series!
March 2, 2022
3.5 stars
Not gonna lie, I wasn't ecstatic when I realised this novella was about Brian. He wasn't my favourite since he stood between Parker and Jamie!
Also, did I completely miss the part where Dare and Brian were BFFs??
Nevertheless, this was another quick and cute novella set in O'Leary that I absolutely devoured.
Not sure if I'll read Mark's novella, but we'll see.
Not gonna lie, I wasn't ecstatic when I realised this novella was about Brian. He wasn't my favourite since he stood between Parker and Jamie!
Also, did I completely miss the part where Dare and Brian were BFFs??
Nevertheless, this was another quick and cute novella set in O'Leary that I absolutely devoured.
Not sure if I'll read Mark's novella, but we'll see.
April 4, 2022
This one got off to a good start. The MCs are funny and charming. However, it took them way too long to come together. It took the majority of the story for one of the MCs to even realize his attraction to the other, and because of that, it felt a bit forced to me.
March 10, 2024
This is a delightful story of best friends who finally get together. Dare knows how he feels but Brian realizes his feeling just in time. Another O’Leary match-up. I listen to audio which was very sell done.
May 3, 2020
3.5 Cute!
May 4, 2020
Very romantic and cutesy and it put a smile on my face! I didn’t know the other characters who swarmed the story at the end as I have not read the rest of the series but I skipped happily a bit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews