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Say You'll Be Nine #1
Say You’ll Be Nine
alternate cover edition of ASIN B088W9CHD8
Anyone will tell you; Cooper Heath isn’t much of a build-it-yourself kinda guy.
I’ve been way too busy trying to turn my Hollywood dreams into a career—while simultaneously trying to keep my family afloat when my twin brother’s medical bills keep threatening to sink us—to ever strap on a tool belt.
But when Jacks needs a treatment I can’t afford, I’m willing to take just about any role that comes my way…
Even if it means spending an entire summer posing as the fake boyfriend of an up-and-coming YouTube renovation expert while we renovate a dilapidated cabin in front of the cameras.
Even if it means we’re sharing one tiny bed in one very tiny RV.
Even though I quickly find myself falling for my sweet, strong, sexy, stubborn, and oh-so-silent costar.
Because in a world of social media filters and fair-weather followers, Isaac “Nine” Winshed is something special, someone real. He’s strong, and honest, and kind, and so incredibly… genuine.
And when our summer is over, I’m left with an impossible choice: leave Nine behind for the life I always wanted or build a new life with him… together.
Anyone will tell you; Cooper Heath isn’t much of a build-it-yourself kinda guy.
I’ve been way too busy trying to turn my Hollywood dreams into a career—while simultaneously trying to keep my family afloat when my twin brother’s medical bills keep threatening to sink us—to ever strap on a tool belt.
But when Jacks needs a treatment I can’t afford, I’m willing to take just about any role that comes my way…
Even if it means spending an entire summer posing as the fake boyfriend of an up-and-coming YouTube renovation expert while we renovate a dilapidated cabin in front of the cameras.
Even if it means we’re sharing one tiny bed in one very tiny RV.
Even though I quickly find myself falling for my sweet, strong, sexy, stubborn, and oh-so-silent costar.
Because in a world of social media filters and fair-weather followers, Isaac “Nine” Winshed is something special, someone real. He’s strong, and honest, and kind, and so incredibly… genuine.
And when our summer is over, I’m left with an impossible choice: leave Nine behind for the life I always wanted or build a new life with him… together.
274 pages, ebook
First published June 2, 2020
888 people are currently reading
2400 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lennox
94 books4,389 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
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June 2, 2020
Say You’ll Be Nine is my very first book by Lucy Lennox. And just like that, I am in love. This is a stand alone M/M sweet, sexy, fun, witty and just amazing romance and I have fallen hopelessly in love with these two men.
Isaac (Nine) Winshed is one of ten children. Can you guess which he is in their birth order? He grew up on his family’s farm in Wheatland, Wyoming. Nine is twenty four years old and is known as the man who will do anything for anyone. If someone needs help with anything, they call Nine. Nine works in a small farm store but in his spare time, he has taken up making DIY videos to help people learn to do small projects on their own. They were becoming more and more popular and he was gaining a large following. But none of that mattered to Nine. He liked learning about making videos and editing. He enjoyed it. He also enjoyed being to help people in this way. Nine is also straight.
Cooper Heath is twenty nine and has had dreams of being a famous actor since he was a little boy. He is also gay. Cooper has not been successful in his search for stardom. He has known Nine for years. Cooper is close friends and former college roommate to Nine’s older brother. Cooper has a twin brother who has a serious medical condition and needs an expensive procedure. One they don’t have the money for. So when an offer comes along requiring a gay couple to team up and do a renovation project for an old cabin in the woods of Colorado, he is immediately tempted. Nine needs money to put down for a future place he wants to buy so he’s the perfect man to pose as his fake boyfriend. Only, things don’t always go as planned, do they?!
“The man was God’s definition of masculine perfection. Okay, he was at least my definition of it.”
So, Cooper and Nine move into an RV parked on a lot in the woods with an old mountain cabin that needs rebuilding. They have the summer to complete the job. They will do all their own filming and editing for the followers while living on site and rebuilding the cabin.
“Why did he affect me this way when no other man did? When no other person did?”
Nine had dated but was just never overly interested in his dates. But something happened when he was with Cooper. His body lit up like a Christmas tree. More than that, he enjoyed Cooper’s company, he liked being challenged by him. Cooper didn’t believe in love, he had been hurt enough times to dash any dream of fairy tale endings for him. So why was he having this reaction to him? Together, these two were confused about their reaction to each other, but more than that, they were just so adorable together, so sweet. The chemistry was crazy hot.
As I said before, I loved these two so much. It’s probably wrong to say I have a favorite but how could I not love Nine the most? This man had a heart the size of Texas. And I loved the way he dealt with his confusing attraction to Cooper. Together, the cuteness factor was off the charts. My heart was doing that flippy floppy thing all the way through this.
If you like sexy, bearded, flannel wearing mountain man types who can build anything, then this is your book. If this is a genre you enjoy, then don’t miss this book. Get comfy because once you start reading, you won’t want to stop.
“He was like my own giant ray of personal sunshine, and I wanted to bask in it long after we were done here.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Isaac (Nine) Winshed is one of ten children. Can you guess which he is in their birth order? He grew up on his family’s farm in Wheatland, Wyoming. Nine is twenty four years old and is known as the man who will do anything for anyone. If someone needs help with anything, they call Nine. Nine works in a small farm store but in his spare time, he has taken up making DIY videos to help people learn to do small projects on their own. They were becoming more and more popular and he was gaining a large following. But none of that mattered to Nine. He liked learning about making videos and editing. He enjoyed it. He also enjoyed being to help people in this way. Nine is also straight.
Cooper Heath is twenty nine and has had dreams of being a famous actor since he was a little boy. He is also gay. Cooper has not been successful in his search for stardom. He has known Nine for years. Cooper is close friends and former college roommate to Nine’s older brother. Cooper has a twin brother who has a serious medical condition and needs an expensive procedure. One they don’t have the money for. So when an offer comes along requiring a gay couple to team up and do a renovation project for an old cabin in the woods of Colorado, he is immediately tempted. Nine needs money to put down for a future place he wants to buy so he’s the perfect man to pose as his fake boyfriend. Only, things don’t always go as planned, do they?!
“The man was God’s definition of masculine perfection. Okay, he was at least my definition of it.”
So, Cooper and Nine move into an RV parked on a lot in the woods with an old mountain cabin that needs rebuilding. They have the summer to complete the job. They will do all their own filming and editing for the followers while living on site and rebuilding the cabin.
“Why did he affect me this way when no other man did? When no other person did?”
Nine had dated but was just never overly interested in his dates. But something happened when he was with Cooper. His body lit up like a Christmas tree. More than that, he enjoyed Cooper’s company, he liked being challenged by him. Cooper didn’t believe in love, he had been hurt enough times to dash any dream of fairy tale endings for him. So why was he having this reaction to him? Together, these two were confused about their reaction to each other, but more than that, they were just so adorable together, so sweet. The chemistry was crazy hot.
As I said before, I loved these two so much. It’s probably wrong to say I have a favorite but how could I not love Nine the most? This man had a heart the size of Texas. And I loved the way he dealt with his confusing attraction to Cooper. Together, the cuteness factor was off the charts. My heart was doing that flippy floppy thing all the way through this.
If you like sexy, bearded, flannel wearing mountain man types who can build anything, then this is your book. If this is a genre you enjoy, then don’t miss this book. Get comfy because once you start reading, you won’t want to stop.
“He was like my own giant ray of personal sunshine, and I wanted to bask in it long after we were done here.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 19, 2021
This was a fun story.
I loved the MC's -- except for the frequency of talk about how bearded and hairy Nine, aka Isaac, was.
I loved the whole home renovation and close quarters aspect.
I liked that there was a pretty tight lid on the internal drama and bullshit between the MC's, who actually did talk things through. Mostly.
But it seemed a bit long, so even though I was never bored, I *was* ready for it to be over before it actually was.
There were a good number of steamy scenes, but I will admit that I skimmed past a few, because I felt my next read (whatever that book might be) calling to me.
3.5 stars.
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August 7, 2020
~4.5~
Let's recap:
One dilapidated cabin
One lumberjack (Isaac, aka Nine) who's good with all the tools
One hopeful actor (Cooper) who's a social media whiz (and also happens to be Isaac's brother's best friend)
Plenty of steam! (GAY SEX VIRGIN ALERT)
Almost no drama (Coop's brother is sick and needs a bone marrow transplant, but that's real life drama, not manufactured.)
Some miscommunication (Okay, maybe more than was warranted. Coop bottles up his feelings, and Isaac just grunts.)
Sexual awakening (Isaac is gray ace/demisexual, so it's all about the person for him, and Coop happens to be his person, even though Isaac has only ever dated women.)
Hint of enemies to lovers and opposites attract (Isaac is all handy and buff, and Coop is a bit of a drama queen, what with freaking out over tiny bats and all, but, hell, these two are hot together.)
Grand gesture (OMFG, where the hell is my Isaac? Because yes, and also YES.)
BEST HEA (Isaac was all naked, and ... something. I'm still stuck on naked Isaac.)
What can I say? This book worked on every level for me. I adored the secondary characters (except Isaac's mother because WTH is wrong with that woman?), and I'm always a sucker for forced proximity (one RV, one bed, one tiny shower).
And, yeah, I'm crushing hard on Isaac. He's just this shy, burly teddy bear who can wield a hammer like nobody's business. I'm also seriously jealous of Cooper, but Coop is the right person for Isaac.
Don't miss this fun, sexy story!
Let's recap:
One dilapidated cabin
One lumberjack (Isaac, aka Nine) who's good with all the tools
One hopeful actor (Cooper) who's a social media whiz (and also happens to be Isaac's brother's best friend)
Plenty of steam! (GAY SEX VIRGIN ALERT)
Almost no drama (Coop's brother is sick and needs a bone marrow transplant, but that's real life drama, not manufactured.)
Some miscommunication (Okay, maybe more than was warranted. Coop bottles up his feelings, and Isaac just grunts.)
Sexual awakening (Isaac is gray ace/demisexual, so it's all about the person for him, and Coop happens to be his person, even though Isaac has only ever dated women.)
Hint of enemies to lovers and opposites attract (Isaac is all handy and buff, and Coop is a bit of a drama queen, what with freaking out over tiny bats and all, but, hell, these two are hot together.)
Grand gesture (OMFG, where the hell is my Isaac? Because yes, and also YES.)
BEST HEA (Isaac was all naked, and ... something. I'm still stuck on naked Isaac.)
What can I say? This book worked on every level for me. I adored the secondary characters (except Isaac's mother because WTH is wrong with that woman?), and I'm always a sucker for forced proximity (one RV, one bed, one tiny shower).
And, yeah, I'm crushing hard on Isaac. He's just this shy, burly teddy bear who can wield a hammer like nobody's business. I'm also seriously jealous of Cooper, but Coop is the right person for Isaac.
Don't miss this fun, sexy story!
September 25, 2020
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
This was sweet, cute, fluffy and hot.
Story - 3.5 stars
This was sweet, cute, fluffy and hot.
June 8, 2020
Solid 4 Star Read!
I kind of quit reading Lucy Lennox - the Made Marion series started getting on my nerves. But I've read a few of her other books here lately and really enjoyed. This one included.
Nine was so adorably naive. He was so sweet. He literally metled my heart.
I loved him and Cooper together. I thought they had great banter and a great connection.
Loved the premise and the setting for this one - different from anything else I've really read.
I loved how committed to Cooper Nine was - and of course I loved all of that exploring. ;)
I kind of quit reading Lucy Lennox - the Made Marion series started getting on my nerves. But I've read a few of her other books here lately and really enjoyed. This one included.
Nine was so adorably naive. He was so sweet. He literally metled my heart.
I loved him and Cooper together. I thought they had great banter and a great connection.
Loved the premise and the setting for this one - different from anything else I've really read.
I loved how committed to Cooper Nine was - and of course I loved all of that exploring. ;)
March 15, 2024
If it hadn't been for Cat's review, I probably wouldn't have thought to read this. Because it's tagged GFY and I've developed an aversion to it. I don’t think it’s GFY! Nine just isn't sure how to label himself, or none fit and he doesn't really care. He always thought he was straight, but at the same time he's never been a big fan of sex. Until he spends more time with Cooper.
Honestly, one of the best things about this book is that Nine questions his sexuality but doesn't make a big deal out of it. And it drove me up the walls how his family judges him. There are so many secondary characters here that I wish I could have carved open. They're not overtly homophobic but they just can't accept Nine properly. In general, everything his family represents and how they treat him made me sooo angry.
“I told her I wasn’t pretending, and do you know what she said? ‘Of course you are, Nine, don’t be stupid.’ Like I don’t know my own feelings. Like I’m twelve instead of twenty-four.” 😤🤬🤯
Besides this, it's a really lovely story. I love how Nine and Cooper are getting closer. I even love their way of miscommunication. Yes, you heard me right. Actually an absolute big no-no, but somehow it fits and isn't overly hyped up. It leads to some melodrama of course, but even that is ok, so not too much for me and quite lovingly resolved.
I love Cooper's wonderful support and even though he has his own problems, he is rarely preoccupied with himself. He has a wonderful lightness and it's lovely how he responds to Nine.
„If you ever find someone who’s bothered by the way you are, drop them in a skinny minute and look for someone else.” 💞🥰💞
The book is not an overly brilliant work of art, but it's the little things that make it special in my eyes.
Cooper: I miss you.
Nine: You don’t know what missing is. I have to sleep in a bed that smells like you. Been avoiding the RV all day. 🦋🫠🦋
Honestly, one of the best things about this book is that Nine questions his sexuality but doesn't make a big deal out of it. And it drove me up the walls how his family judges him. There are so many secondary characters here that I wish I could have carved open. They're not overtly homophobic but they just can't accept Nine properly. In general, everything his family represents and how they treat him made me sooo angry.
“I told her I wasn’t pretending, and do you know what she said? ‘Of course you are, Nine, don’t be stupid.’ Like I don’t know my own feelings. Like I’m twelve instead of twenty-four.” 😤🤬🤯
Besides this, it's a really lovely story. I love how Nine and Cooper are getting closer. I even love their way of miscommunication. Yes, you heard me right. Actually an absolute big no-no, but somehow it fits and isn't overly hyped up. It leads to some melodrama of course, but even that is ok, so not too much for me and quite lovingly resolved.
I love Cooper's wonderful support and even though he has his own problems, he is rarely preoccupied with himself. He has a wonderful lightness and it's lovely how he responds to Nine.
„If you ever find someone who’s bothered by the way you are, drop them in a skinny minute and look for someone else.” 💞🥰💞
The book is not an overly brilliant work of art, but it's the little things that make it special in my eyes.
Cooper: I miss you.
Nine: You don’t know what missing is. I have to sleep in a bed that smells like you. Been avoiding the RV all day. 🦋🫠🦋
September 15, 2021
I snapped my head up and glared at him. “Yes, dammit! How many times do I have to tell you? I want him here. I called him, didn’t I? I told him I was scared, but he still didn’t—”
Eli interrupted me. “He’s out in the parking lot.”
I stared at him. “What?”
“He wanted to be here for you, but he was afraid you didn’t want him. He had grand plans to sneak over to your mom’s house tomorrow and trim the rosebushes or something, I don’t know. Go talk to him.”
“Hey, asshole!”
It was Cooper, and he might as well have had smoke coming out of his nostrils. His pale face was screwed up in anger, and his hands were balled into fists. He strode across the parking lot like he had hellhounds nipping at his heels.
He was so beautiful I wanted to cry.
This is when I loved Lucy Lennox and their books. This is probably an all time favorite of mine from all the series. It’s so cheesy and sugary that it made my teeth ache. It was also v cringe at times that I actually checked to make sure no one caught me smiling at this. But fuck
Eli interrupted me. “He’s out in the parking lot.”
I stared at him. “What?”
“He wanted to be here for you, but he was afraid you didn’t want him. He had grand plans to sneak over to your mom’s house tomorrow and trim the rosebushes or something, I don’t know. Go talk to him.”
“Hey, asshole!”
It was Cooper, and he might as well have had smoke coming out of his nostrils. His pale face was screwed up in anger, and his hands were balled into fists. He strode across the parking lot like he had hellhounds nipping at his heels.
He was so beautiful I wanted to cry.
This is when I loved Lucy Lennox and their books. This is probably an all time favorite of mine from all the series. It’s so cheesy and sugary that it made my teeth ache. It was also v cringe at times that I actually checked to make sure no one caught me smiling at this. But fuck
April 14, 2022
Say You’ll be Nine by Lucy Lennox
Contemporary M - M romance. Series book #1 by the same name. First time same sex relationship troupe and fake relationship setup.
Cooper and Nine agree to be in an on-camera relationship while rehabbing a dilapidated cabin in the woods. Their on-site RV has a king sized bed they must share and soon the relationship turns real and complicated.
The family was surprisingly accepting when it came down to “yes, I love him” after their questions. That was great. Loved the public response to their videos.
Highly steamy encounters. Satisfying resolution to issues and final ending.
Contemporary M - M romance. Series book #1 by the same name. First time same sex relationship troupe and fake relationship setup.
Cooper and Nine agree to be in an on-camera relationship while rehabbing a dilapidated cabin in the woods. Their on-site RV has a king sized bed they must share and soon the relationship turns real and complicated.
The family was surprisingly accepting when it came down to “yes, I love him” after their questions. That was great. Loved the public response to their videos.
Highly steamy encounters. Satisfying resolution to issues and final ending.
June 23, 2020
4.5 Stars
This was one smile-inducing and swoon-worthy falling-for-your-brother’s-best-friend M/M romance. I’m a sucker for this trope in general, but this was a particular stand-out among the ones I’ve read in recent years.
Isaac ‘Nine’ Winshed is a quiet, shy man of 24, born and bred in small-town Wheatland, Wyoming. Nine is—you guessed it—the ninth child in his big farm-working family and he is known, amongst his family and friends alike, for his generosity and his habit of helping anyone in need, almost to a fault. He also works in a hardware store and recently started his own DIY vlog, the popularity of which leading to a surprising, potentially life-changing sponsorship deal for Nine—one that requires having to pretend to be in a same-sex relationship, in order to take on an LGBT focused opportunity for a gay couple to vlog the renovation of a rundown Colorado cabin.
Enter, Cooper Heath—Nine’s older brother’s gay best-friend from college. Cooper is a struggling actor and has recently had to move home to Colorado (from L.A.) to be closer to his sick twin brother. He’s scrambling to come up with new career opportunities and desperate to help out his family financially, so when he hears about Nine’s job offer, he’s quick to offer up his fake-boyfriend services, especially if it means a huge payday and some online recognition that may boost his flailing career.
Nine and Cooper have always had a certain tension between them; Cooper has always assumed Nine hated him, but Nine has always just been shy, feeling overwhelmed by Cooper’s boisterous presence and seemingly unyielding confidence. Although this arrangement will require an assumedly straight man to pretend to be gay when on camera, it doesn’t take long for Nine to realise that he very much likes how he feels around Cooper. Their increased close proximity soon ignites dormant desires in Nine, resulting in the two men beginning a tentative romantic exploration of their new feelings for one another.
Up against Cooper’s career goals and facing confusion and disbelief from Nine’s friends and family, these two men must make some big decisions before the summer job is through—decisions that will require compromise and possibly professional sacrifices if they truly wish to make their unexpected but wonderful new relationship last long-term.
I very much enjoyed reading this story. It was such easy, moreish reading—the kind that once you start you simply don’t want to stop until forced to.
As I said, this was a great falling-for-your-brother’s-best-friend/best-friend’s-brother story, made all the more lovely by how wonderful shy, bearded Nine was as a romantic lead. He was the epitome of my perfect idea of a gentle giant character. I truly adored this guy and couldn’t help but swoon over how affectionately he treated Cooper as they fell deeper and harder into a forever love.
Besides having a great focus couple, I also loved the side-story with Cooper’s twin Jackson and his health battles. Cooper’s love and worry for his twin was palpable, and I found myself wanting to spend much more time with their family and seeing Jackson through his struggles in a more focuses way. I particularly wanted way more of Jackson and his bestie and love interest Marchie—a couple who get an unfairly brief but memorable short story, titled Jacks and Marchie, which is available to Lucy Lennox’s newsletter subscribers.
Ultimately, this delightful and heartwarming romance was a big win for me, and one I recommend to fans of Lennox, new and old.
This was one smile-inducing and swoon-worthy falling-for-your-brother’s-best-friend M/M romance. I’m a sucker for this trope in general, but this was a particular stand-out among the ones I’ve read in recent years.
Isaac ‘Nine’ Winshed is a quiet, shy man of 24, born and bred in small-town Wheatland, Wyoming. Nine is—you guessed it—the ninth child in his big farm-working family and he is known, amongst his family and friends alike, for his generosity and his habit of helping anyone in need, almost to a fault. He also works in a hardware store and recently started his own DIY vlog, the popularity of which leading to a surprising, potentially life-changing sponsorship deal for Nine—one that requires having to pretend to be in a same-sex relationship, in order to take on an LGBT focused opportunity for a gay couple to vlog the renovation of a rundown Colorado cabin.
Enter, Cooper Heath—Nine’s older brother’s gay best-friend from college. Cooper is a struggling actor and has recently had to move home to Colorado (from L.A.) to be closer to his sick twin brother. He’s scrambling to come up with new career opportunities and desperate to help out his family financially, so when he hears about Nine’s job offer, he’s quick to offer up his fake-boyfriend services, especially if it means a huge payday and some online recognition that may boost his flailing career.
Nine and Cooper have always had a certain tension between them; Cooper has always assumed Nine hated him, but Nine has always just been shy, feeling overwhelmed by Cooper’s boisterous presence and seemingly unyielding confidence. Although this arrangement will require an assumedly straight man to pretend to be gay when on camera, it doesn’t take long for Nine to realise that he very much likes how he feels around Cooper. Their increased close proximity soon ignites dormant desires in Nine, resulting in the two men beginning a tentative romantic exploration of their new feelings for one another.
Up against Cooper’s career goals and facing confusion and disbelief from Nine’s friends and family, these two men must make some big decisions before the summer job is through—decisions that will require compromise and possibly professional sacrifices if they truly wish to make their unexpected but wonderful new relationship last long-term.
I very much enjoyed reading this story. It was such easy, moreish reading—the kind that once you start you simply don’t want to stop until forced to.
As I said, this was a great falling-for-your-brother’s-best-friend/best-friend’s-brother story, made all the more lovely by how wonderful shy, bearded Nine was as a romantic lead. He was the epitome of my perfect idea of a gentle giant character. I truly adored this guy and couldn’t help but swoon over how affectionately he treated Cooper as they fell deeper and harder into a forever love.
Besides having a great focus couple, I also loved the side-story with Cooper’s twin Jackson and his health battles. Cooper’s love and worry for his twin was palpable, and I found myself wanting to spend much more time with their family and seeing Jackson through his struggles in a more focuses way. I particularly wanted way more of Jackson and his bestie and love interest Marchie—a couple who get an unfairly brief but memorable short story, titled Jacks and Marchie, which is available to Lucy Lennox’s newsletter subscribers.
Ultimately, this delightful and heartwarming romance was a big win for me, and one I recommend to fans of Lennox, new and old.
June 2, 2020
This book might just edge out Forever Wilde's Wilde Love as my favourite book from Lucy Lennox.
It's just all ends up charming, it's just the tonic for a long, lazy sunshiny day or for a quiet soak in the bath, it's chilled and sweet and steamy and all ends up just a gorgeous romance.
Inspired by the home renovation shows found on both YouTube and TV, it's about two guys who know each other but who have had a bit of a fraught relationship in the past, it's got the brother's best friend angle, the small age gap, the frustration sex (hot as!)
But it's also full of emotions, it's full of family and friendship, it's about discovering what you thought was your dream might be something different after all, it's about learning that you're more than just your family's ninth's child.
It's a standalone and there's a short story going to be coming for Cooper's twin brother which I can't wait to get hold of either because everything about this book just worked for me.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
It's just all ends up charming, it's just the tonic for a long, lazy sunshiny day or for a quiet soak in the bath, it's chilled and sweet and steamy and all ends up just a gorgeous romance.
Inspired by the home renovation shows found on both YouTube and TV, it's about two guys who know each other but who have had a bit of a fraught relationship in the past, it's got the brother's best friend angle, the small age gap, the frustration sex (hot as!)
But it's also full of emotions, it's full of family and friendship, it's about discovering what you thought was your dream might be something different after all, it's about learning that you're more than just your family's ninth's child.
It's a standalone and there's a short story going to be coming for Cooper's twin brother which I can't wait to get hold of either because everything about this book just worked for me.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
March 12, 2025
And another one bites the dust.
It's a bad sign when I start taking notes while reading.
Spoiler: I took many notes (no other spoilers, though).
-the MCs: Isaac (Nine) is a lumberjack/bear-type, supposedly straight but maybe demi, 9.child in a narrow minded family, has never travelled outside Wyoming, and has a DIY YouTube channel. His older brother Eli's best friend Cooper is an aspiring actor and insta-wanna-be-influencer, lives in Los Angeles, his family has been deeply screwed over by his absent dad, his brother is sick, they need desperately money.
Think about all the possible stereotypes from this set up... yes, they definitely all apply in this book.
-The author's "construction" of the story's set up was awkward and artificial. I thought about dnf'ing early on, and often. Throughout the book the storyline wasn't smooth, some interactions were embarrassingly choppy and dull.
-Cooper and Nine basically were one moment acquaintances and the next moment lovers. No built up, no relationship development.
-the author's approach to racism and homophobia was problematic:
*The excuses that were made for Nine's parents for being racist and homophobic were shady and icky. Nine told Cooper about how a prior relationship with a black girl hadn't worked out because his parents' racist comments had driven her away, without any comment that he had challenged them or told them off for being racist. He just accepted that (?!?).
*Then later on Nine says about his mother "I'm embarrassed to admit I'm more upset about her thinking I'm stupid than about her being homophobic. Homophobia is like.. a symptom of her upbringing and culture. But thinking I'm too stupid to know my own feelings ?"
I'm sorry, what???
*Eli, Nine's older brother and Cooper's best friend was a homophobe, all his comments showed that clearly. How was he Cooper's best friend? They had even lived together in college?
*I get the feeling that the author only writes mm because it sells? And doesn't really think through what being queer feels like? Another brilliant thing she wrote for Nine to think while Cooper started to dance in the woods after breakfast: "Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” blasted from the tiny speaker as he slid it back into his pocket. I only knew what the song was because Cooper had played it a thousand times this week and chatted my ear off about how the singer was enby and a proud example of the transformative nature of sexual identity exploration. I didn’t really know what any of that meant, but I also didn’t care as long as I got to have my hands on Cooper’s body while he swayed to the rhythm." Wow. What does the author want to accomplish with such superficial thoughts for her golden MC? Wasn't Nine supposedly sweet and thoughtful? Or is he really shallow and superficial and just doesn't care about anything (see the issue above, about his parents' racism and homophobia)?? Or is the author the problem who doesn't understand that it's not enough to NOT CARE to be an ally?
-The sheer stupidity of the numbers thing.. Again, in Nine's words "Growing up, everything was numbered to keep things easy for my mom. Our coat hooks, our water bottles, hell, even our underwear had little Sharpie numbers inside the waistband. Naturally, I was nine. I ate off the ninth plate. I got the ninth pick off the cookie plate at dessert. I got ninth choice in board game pieces. You get the idea. Nine."
What a stupid thing to write. And like the remark about his parents' racism, this was just an afterthought because Nine wanted to explain something else, it wasn't something that troubled him. Meaning, for the author this was totally reasonable parenting. Don't write about families if you haven't got a clue about family dynamics. Imagine the younger children's rebellion, EVERY time EVERY day this order-thing was implemented. There were 9 siblings NEVER getting the first cookie or first choice in board games, right, always only the first born, then the second and so on?!?
-a big pet peeve of mine is when authors don't research what they are writing about. Nine makes a mantel for the cabin's fireplace out of a tree he cut the same day. Fixed it in place. Just imagine the wood drying and totally bending out of shape, lol. You can't use freshly cut wood and just screw it together and hope it stays that way.
-There were other small things that didn't make sense or were cringey (like, who would write in a text "You're sexy af, as my sister would say. I don't know what the af stands for, though." Lol. Yeah, obviously that was Nine.), and Cooper got more annoying the longer the book got.
The positive:
The romance and tenderness between Cooper and Isaac. How much they loved each other in the first part of the book, before both started to THINK about these feelings, and both realised (obviously without talking about it) that nothing could come of it, because (Cooper:) I don't want to need someone to be happy, (Nine:) I want HIM to be happy and that's not with me.
*insert excessive eyeroll*
Tldr: 2 stars overall.
I can't block out all the negative things just because the MCs love each other. I could try to overlook many things but not how racism and homophobia were addressed (i.e. overlooked and accepted) in this book.
It's a bad sign when I start taking notes while reading.
Spoiler: I took many notes (no other spoilers, though).
-the MCs: Isaac (Nine) is a lumberjack/bear-type, supposedly straight but maybe demi, 9.child in a narrow minded family, has never travelled outside Wyoming, and has a DIY YouTube channel. His older brother Eli's best friend Cooper is an aspiring actor and insta-wanna-be-influencer, lives in Los Angeles, his family has been deeply screwed over by his absent dad, his brother is sick, they need desperately money.
Think about all the possible stereotypes from this set up... yes, they definitely all apply in this book.
-The author's "construction" of the story's set up was awkward and artificial. I thought about dnf'ing early on, and often. Throughout the book the storyline wasn't smooth, some interactions were embarrassingly choppy and dull.
-Cooper and Nine basically were one moment acquaintances and the next moment lovers. No built up, no relationship development.
-the author's approach to racism and homophobia was problematic:
*The excuses that were made for Nine's parents for being racist and homophobic were shady and icky. Nine told Cooper about how a prior relationship with a black girl hadn't worked out because his parents' racist comments had driven her away, without any comment that he had challenged them or told them off for being racist. He just accepted that (?!?).
*Then later on Nine says about his mother "I'm embarrassed to admit I'm more upset about her thinking I'm stupid than about her being homophobic. Homophobia is like.. a symptom of her upbringing and culture. But thinking I'm too stupid to know my own feelings ?"
I'm sorry, what???
*Eli, Nine's older brother and Cooper's best friend was a homophobe, all his comments showed that clearly. How was he Cooper's best friend? They had even lived together in college?
*I get the feeling that the author only writes mm because it sells? And doesn't really think through what being queer feels like? Another brilliant thing she wrote for Nine to think while Cooper started to dance in the woods after breakfast: "Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” blasted from the tiny speaker as he slid it back into his pocket. I only knew what the song was because Cooper had played it a thousand times this week and chatted my ear off about how the singer was enby and a proud example of the transformative nature of sexual identity exploration. I didn’t really know what any of that meant, but I also didn’t care as long as I got to have my hands on Cooper’s body while he swayed to the rhythm." Wow. What does the author want to accomplish with such superficial thoughts for her golden MC? Wasn't Nine supposedly sweet and thoughtful? Or is he really shallow and superficial and just doesn't care about anything (see the issue above, about his parents' racism and homophobia)?? Or is the author the problem who doesn't understand that it's not enough to NOT CARE to be an ally?
-The sheer stupidity of the numbers thing.. Again, in Nine's words "Growing up, everything was numbered to keep things easy for my mom. Our coat hooks, our water bottles, hell, even our underwear had little Sharpie numbers inside the waistband. Naturally, I was nine. I ate off the ninth plate. I got the ninth pick off the cookie plate at dessert. I got ninth choice in board game pieces. You get the idea. Nine."
What a stupid thing to write. And like the remark about his parents' racism, this was just an afterthought because Nine wanted to explain something else, it wasn't something that troubled him. Meaning, for the author this was totally reasonable parenting. Don't write about families if you haven't got a clue about family dynamics. Imagine the younger children's rebellion, EVERY time EVERY day this order-thing was implemented. There were 9 siblings NEVER getting the first cookie or first choice in board games, right, always only the first born, then the second and so on?!?
-a big pet peeve of mine is when authors don't research what they are writing about. Nine makes a mantel for the cabin's fireplace out of a tree he cut the same day. Fixed it in place. Just imagine the wood drying and totally bending out of shape, lol. You can't use freshly cut wood and just screw it together and hope it stays that way.
-There were other small things that didn't make sense or were cringey (like, who would write in a text "You're sexy af, as my sister would say. I don't know what the af stands for, though." Lol. Yeah, obviously that was Nine.), and Cooper got more annoying the longer the book got.
The positive:
The romance and tenderness between Cooper and Isaac. How much they loved each other in the first part of the book, before both started to THINK about these feelings, and both realised (obviously without talking about it) that nothing could come of it, because (Cooper:) I don't want to need someone to be happy, (Nine:) I want HIM to be happy and that's not with me.
*insert excessive eyeroll*
Tldr: 2 stars overall.
I can't block out all the negative things just because the MCs love each other. I could try to overlook many things but not how racism and homophobia were addressed (i.e. overlooked and accepted) in this book.
July 16, 2021
*2.5 stars*
I don't read much Lucy Lennox, but though most of my friends love Say You’ll Be Nine, it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
Okay, I'll admit that a HUGE part of why I didn't get into this one is because of the audiobook narrator, Michael Dean. He didn't bother me when I tried the sample, but the cadence of his voice... gah!, it irked the hell out of me. He has this reedy, forced way of ending his sentences that made me cringe. It was particularly bad while he was narrating Nine, but I just didn't enjoy his voice overall.
I thought the chemistry between the two MCs was okay, and I liked the book at times, but I found the set up and whole plot to be kind of too far-fetched for me. I was expecting drama from the faking being gay aspect of the story, but they sort of just hung out in the cabin and... chilled? It was not an exciting book for me, plot-wise.
Kind of just a fluffy, blah contemporary romance for me. Say You’ll Be Nine didn't convert me to a Lucy Lennox fan.
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I don't read much Lucy Lennox, but though most of my friends love Say You’ll Be Nine, it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
Okay, I'll admit that a HUGE part of why I didn't get into this one is because of the audiobook narrator, Michael Dean. He didn't bother me when I tried the sample, but the cadence of his voice... gah!, it irked the hell out of me. He has this reedy, forced way of ending his sentences that made me cringe. It was particularly bad while he was narrating Nine, but I just didn't enjoy his voice overall.
I thought the chemistry between the two MCs was okay, and I liked the book at times, but I found the set up and whole plot to be kind of too far-fetched for me. I was expecting drama from the faking being gay aspect of the story, but they sort of just hung out in the cabin and... chilled? It was not an exciting book for me, plot-wise.
Kind of just a fluffy, blah contemporary romance for me. Say You’ll Be Nine didn't convert me to a Lucy Lennox fan.
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September 3, 2020
A cute, sweet romance that has plenty of angst, a cute dog, and wood. Lots of wood.
Really, this isn't a boner joke... although that kind of wood makes appearances. It's about a wood cabin being fixed up by two guys pretending to be boyfriends in the woods. There are hardwood floors and everything. It's just very woody.
No. Just fucking NO.
So, it's kind of a HGTV thing, but on youtube of this cabin transformation. The two guys are Cooper, who is gay, and Nine who figures out he's gay when he gets into the woods with a hot guy. Ehh, it happens.
The whole romance between them is pretty cute, and we go back and forth with their POV's. I really liked both of the guys, but Nine stole the show. He is absolutely adorable and you will want your own lumberjack hottie by the end.
And then again, maybe not.
There is the usual romance-novel stuff of a dying relative, wondering if the relationship is real or fake, and miscommunications. But, the good thing is that you always know a HEA is coming.
Now I feel that I need some sort of murdery or bloody book to give me a palate cleanse after all of the sweetness.
Aww, thank you internet. I needed that. Don't want to get all soft in my old age.
Really, this isn't a boner joke... although that kind of wood makes appearances. It's about a wood cabin being fixed up by two guys pretending to be boyfriends in the woods. There are hardwood floors and everything. It's just very woody.
No. Just fucking NO.
So, it's kind of a HGTV thing, but on youtube of this cabin transformation. The two guys are Cooper, who is gay, and Nine who figures out he's gay when he gets into the woods with a hot guy. Ehh, it happens.
The whole romance between them is pretty cute, and we go back and forth with their POV's. I really liked both of the guys, but Nine stole the show. He is absolutely adorable and you will want your own lumberjack hottie by the end.
And then again, maybe not.
There is the usual romance-novel stuff of a dying relative, wondering if the relationship is real or fake, and miscommunications. But, the good thing is that you always know a HEA is coming.
Now I feel that I need some sort of murdery or bloody book to give me a palate cleanse after all of the sweetness.
Aww, thank you internet. I needed that. Don't want to get all soft in my old age.
August 2, 2020
I love this book. The passion and love within these pages are palpable.
Cooper’s character is vibrant, take no prisoners, in your face fun. He easily carries the onus of moving the story along. His effect on Nine was fascinating to watch. Coop’s backstory and the reason he’s with Nine is touching and sad.
Nine is the sweetest character ever. You wouldn’t think such a quiet character could steal the show, but, for me, he does. As much as I love Cooper, I absolutely adore Nine. It was lovely watching him grow and gain confidence as the book went on.
Nine and Cooper are a beautiful couple that feeds each other's needs as they stumble through their time in the wild. I had all the feels and was disappointed when the book was done.
I would never have thought I would enjoy a standalone as much as I have enjoyed this author's series, but I do. I mean, it's all in there. Everything needed to make these characters, the secondary characters, and this reader happy.
As always, I look forward to more from this author.
Cooper’s character is vibrant, take no prisoners, in your face fun. He easily carries the onus of moving the story along. His effect on Nine was fascinating to watch. Coop’s backstory and the reason he’s with Nine is touching and sad.
Nine is the sweetest character ever. You wouldn’t think such a quiet character could steal the show, but, for me, he does. As much as I love Cooper, I absolutely adore Nine. It was lovely watching him grow and gain confidence as the book went on.
Nine and Cooper are a beautiful couple that feeds each other's needs as they stumble through their time in the wild. I had all the feels and was disappointed when the book was done.
I would never have thought I would enjoy a standalone as much as I have enjoyed this author's series, but I do. I mean, it's all in there. Everything needed to make these characters, the secondary characters, and this reader happy.
As always, I look forward to more from this author.
August 10, 2020
4.5 stars, and Lucy Lennox has completely won me over! This is only my 2nd read by her and all the swoons have put her right on my have-to-read list. 🥰
This was charming and sweet and packed with feels, very minimal angst, and a grand gesture that actually brought a tear *or two* to my eyes. Bonus that it's also super sexy and damn hot. This was a complete win for me and just what I needed to read, and I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author. ❤️
This was charming and sweet and packed with feels, very minimal angst, and a grand gesture that actually brought a tear *or two* to my eyes. Bonus that it's also super sexy and damn hot. This was a complete win for me and just what I needed to read, and I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author. ❤️
September 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this! It was sweet and funny, with a small bit of angst towards the end but nothing too extreme.
June 13, 2020
It's ok, light fluff. Didn't get anything from this. Halfway through I had to pause at times to remember who was who, with Nine sometimes being Isaac the names weren't sticking which is never great. Just kept wanting that bit more from it.
It seems quite a casual decision to pretend to be gay in order to get sponsorship, there's no consideration of LGBTQ people missing this opportunity, no debate at all. Nine being approached in the first place seemed convenient. Cooper; the brother's gay best friend, had a very valid reason for needing the money, his brother's health. It's a lot later we find out Nine's reasoning and I wasn't fully sold on that the way it was delivered.
I was looking forward to seeing the men work together, but there's no DIY content, they never make anything on-page. For the amount of money thrown at this project the big company appears to have zero involvement or content control. Really this could be set anywhere. I like fixing things for myself, will check out youtube for how-to do things, feel accomplished over relatively little things, talk about the time 'that' happened laughing over missteps - there's none of that here.
Cooper's brother's illness with blood tranfusions and bone marrow testing is a step far too close to home for me right now. I thank the heavens for UK health-care. But it's not really about Jackson, it felt more a step between Cooper deciding what level of stardom he's craving than major worry and saving every penny.
There's more too the characters. Isaac mainly referred to as Nine is the forgotten one in a huge family, Cooper too needs some love. I think if the book had shown them at a task, shown them work together, it would have made all the difference. Instead to me it felt too trivial, they never quite address anything or develop, it's all falls together too easily. Nine's family were niggly, couldn't tell if Eli was challenging his brother or oblivious, it would have been nice to know how they became friends. Don't think enough of Nine's mother is shown with any context to give her a character, his father shows going by habit and a willingness to accept.
Overall it's ok. I quite liked the characters. There's a cute dog whose never forgotten, big plus there. Just forgettable, can't see me getting the urge to re-read it.
It seems quite a casual decision to pretend to be gay in order to get sponsorship, there's no consideration of LGBTQ people missing this opportunity, no debate at all. Nine being approached in the first place seemed convenient. Cooper; the brother's gay best friend, had a very valid reason for needing the money, his brother's health. It's a lot later we find out Nine's reasoning and I wasn't fully sold on that the way it was delivered.
I was looking forward to seeing the men work together, but there's no DIY content, they never make anything on-page. For the amount of money thrown at this project the big company appears to have zero involvement or content control. Really this could be set anywhere. I like fixing things for myself, will check out youtube for how-to do things, feel accomplished over relatively little things, talk about the time 'that' happened laughing over missteps - there's none of that here.
Cooper's brother's illness with blood tranfusions and bone marrow testing is a step far too close to home for me right now. I thank the heavens for UK health-care. But it's not really about Jackson, it felt more a step between Cooper deciding what level of stardom he's craving than major worry and saving every penny.
There's more too the characters. Isaac mainly referred to as Nine is the forgotten one in a huge family, Cooper too needs some love. I think if the book had shown them at a task, shown them work together, it would have made all the difference. Instead to me it felt too trivial, they never quite address anything or develop, it's all falls together too easily. Nine's family were niggly, couldn't tell if Eli was challenging his brother or oblivious, it would have been nice to know how they became friends. Don't think enough of Nine's mother is shown with any context to give her a character, his father shows going by habit and a willingness to accept.
Overall it's ok. I quite liked the characters. There's a cute dog whose never forgotten, big plus there. Just forgettable, can't see me getting the urge to re-read it.
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October 6, 2025
|| 4.5 stars ||
This was honestly so adorable! The sweetness is dripping from all the pages, and you can't help but smile and swoon!!
The love interests, Isaac and Cooper, are both extremely likeable, and also insanely compatible. They both respect the other so much, and I couldn't help but picture both of them with constant heart eyes. They were legit pining for one another; they were so in love.
Cooper seems to think Isaac is the most perfect man alive, and I cannot really disagree with him. Isaac is such a cutie; so kind, so generous, and so loveable. I almost fell in love with him myself.
I did think Cooper was a great guy too, especially when he was with Isaac. They fit so incredibly well together.
Their interactions were all covered in chemistry and tension, but also had quite a bit of humour. It was the ideal mix.
I also really liked the setting of this novel with Cooper and Isaac being forced to live in the woods together while renovating a cabin for a YouTube/Instagram show. I think both of their personalities, and specifically when put together, really got to shine in these surroundings and with the tasks they had to complete. It was a lot of fun and never became boring.
There was quite a lot of drama, but all of it made total sense, and never became over-the-top. This is exactly what I like: drama to outline how much they both care for each other, but not in a way that it becomes annoying or a sign of a bad relationship.
This book is generally just extremely entertaining, heart-warming, and swoon-worthy. I loved it!
Lucy Lennox books:
‘Forever Wilde’ series - var. ratings
‘After Oscar’ series - var. ratings
Shy Sheldon - 2.0 stars
Virgin Flyer - 4.5 stars
Say You’ll Be Nine - 4.5 stars
Hostile Takeover - 4.0 stars
Prince of Lies - 4.5 stars
This was honestly so adorable! The sweetness is dripping from all the pages, and you can't help but smile and swoon!!
The love interests, Isaac and Cooper, are both extremely likeable, and also insanely compatible. They both respect the other so much, and I couldn't help but picture both of them with constant heart eyes. They were legit pining for one another; they were so in love.
Cooper seems to think Isaac is the most perfect man alive, and I cannot really disagree with him. Isaac is such a cutie; so kind, so generous, and so loveable. I almost fell in love with him myself.
I did think Cooper was a great guy too, especially when he was with Isaac. They fit so incredibly well together.
Their interactions were all covered in chemistry and tension, but also had quite a bit of humour. It was the ideal mix.
I also really liked the setting of this novel with Cooper and Isaac being forced to live in the woods together while renovating a cabin for a YouTube/Instagram show. I think both of their personalities, and specifically when put together, really got to shine in these surroundings and with the tasks they had to complete. It was a lot of fun and never became boring.
There was quite a lot of drama, but all of it made total sense, and never became over-the-top. This is exactly what I like: drama to outline how much they both care for each other, but not in a way that it becomes annoying or a sign of a bad relationship.
This book is generally just extremely entertaining, heart-warming, and swoon-worthy. I loved it!
Lucy Lennox books:
‘Forever Wilde’ series - var. ratings
‘After Oscar’ series - var. ratings
Shy Sheldon - 2.0 stars
Virgin Flyer - 4.5 stars
Say You’ll Be Nine - 4.5 stars
Hostile Takeover - 4.0 stars
Prince of Lies - 4.5 stars
March 30, 2021
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a fun read that was sweet, funny, and pretty light. I didn’t have all that high of expectations going in, but I’m happy I read it. I liked both characters, I loved the premise of the DIY vloggers, and I appreciated how they cared for each other. I did want more in the end, but it still was better than my expectations— so I’m not too upset about that. Relatively no/low angst with just self imposed kind of drama, so I’d recommend this one if you like the mm romance genre and need something light!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Nine and Cooper’s story. Nine gets approached by a tool company to start a vlog fixing up a remote cabin to promote their products after seeing his YouTube tutorials he likes to post while working at his small town hardware store. This is a dream job, but the problem is that they are wanting an LGBT couple and Nine is straight. He reaches out to his older brother’s best friend since he is the only gay person he knows. Cooper is immediately on board because his acting career isn’t going anywhere with his recent need to move back to Colorado take care of family members and he also desperately needs the money. There are some sweet moments, some funny scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Nine and Cooper’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they’ve known each other for years.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4.5 stars. Nine/Isaac. I really liked him! Super sweetheart that was “a good guy” that always stepped up to help others.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 4 stars. Cooper. I liked him. He was a little too self absorbed at times, but I liked how he cared for Nine and his dog.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue but with what I would call a HFN sending . I was left with some unanswered questions in the end.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was a fun read that was sweet, funny, and pretty light. I didn’t have all that high of expectations going in, but I’m happy I read it. I liked both characters, I loved the premise of the DIY vloggers, and I appreciated how they cared for each other. I did want more in the end, but it still was better than my expectations— so I’m not too upset about that. Relatively no/low angst with just self imposed kind of drama, so I’d recommend this one if you like the mm romance genre and need something light!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Nine and Cooper’s story. Nine gets approached by a tool company to start a vlog fixing up a remote cabin to promote their products after seeing his YouTube tutorials he likes to post while working at his small town hardware store. This is a dream job, but the problem is that they are wanting an LGBT couple and Nine is straight. He reaches out to his older brother’s best friend since he is the only gay person he knows. Cooper is immediately on board because his acting career isn’t going anywhere with his recent need to move back to Colorado take care of family members and he also desperately needs the money. There are some sweet moments, some funny scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Nine and Cooper’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they’ve known each other for years.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4.5 stars. Nine/Isaac. I really liked him! Super sweetheart that was “a good guy” that always stepped up to help others.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 4 stars. Cooper. I liked him. He was a little too self absorbed at times, but I liked how he cared for Nine and his dog.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue but with what I would call a HFN sending . I was left with some unanswered questions in the end.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
March 14, 2024
Who doesn’t love a hot lumberjack?
You know Thoren Bradley? The guy on Instagram/Tiktok who basically chops wood and rates the axes he’s using to chop wood? If not, check him out. It’s… very hot. And informative ofc 😅 and I guess he has a similar following on social media like Nine.
Nine’s actual name is Isaac, but most people call him Nine. He’s an absolute sweetheart, a gentle giant who always puts others first, and who helps where he can. He started recording how-to videos, and he gets a sponsorship offer - only small problem is that the target group is LGBTQ, and Isaac is straight.
His brother’s best friend, Cooper, isn’t straight, and he desperately needs money to pay for a bone marrow transplant for his twin.
And so they decide to pretend to be a couple, all while filming content while renovating a cabin.
We have it all: fake boyfriends, forced proximity, gay/demi awakening, a shy lumberjack, an extroverted actor, small town fluff, country songs, and a cute dog named Nacho.
What we DON’T have (thankfully) is homophobia and evil side characters.
All in all, I had a good time, even if I wasn’t keen on the miscommunication between them at one point. But having Thoren Bradley in mind helped me even through the issues I rolled my eyes at 😅 (you REALLY need to check him out!)
I had this one on my audio-tbr, but after listening to the sample, I remembered why I’m not really into Michael Dean as a narrator: Cooper’s voice sounded nasal, and like he’s a young femme twink, while Nine’s voice was a more or less even growl.
Read it if you’re in the mood for a feel good book with a smattering of country boy romance.
You know Thoren Bradley? The guy on Instagram/Tiktok who basically chops wood and rates the axes he’s using to chop wood? If not, check him out. It’s… very hot. And informative ofc 😅 and I guess he has a similar following on social media like Nine.
Nine’s actual name is Isaac, but most people call him Nine. He’s an absolute sweetheart, a gentle giant who always puts others first, and who helps where he can. He started recording how-to videos, and he gets a sponsorship offer - only small problem is that the target group is LGBTQ, and Isaac is straight.
His brother’s best friend, Cooper, isn’t straight, and he desperately needs money to pay for a bone marrow transplant for his twin.
And so they decide to pretend to be a couple, all while filming content while renovating a cabin.
We have it all: fake boyfriends, forced proximity, gay/demi awakening, a shy lumberjack, an extroverted actor, small town fluff, country songs, and a cute dog named Nacho.
What we DON’T have (thankfully) is homophobia and evil side characters.
All in all, I had a good time, even if I wasn’t keen on the miscommunication between them at one point. But having Thoren Bradley in mind helped me even through the issues I rolled my eyes at 😅 (you REALLY need to check him out!)
I had this one on my audio-tbr, but after listening to the sample, I remembered why I’m not really into Michael Dean as a narrator: Cooper’s voice sounded nasal, and like he’s a young femme twink, while Nine’s voice was a more or less even growl.
Read it if you’re in the mood for a feel good book with a smattering of country boy romance.
June 20, 2020
4.5 💘 Loved-this-vlogging-romance stars!!😍 💕 An an avid watcher and subscriber of several vlogs I loved this plot premise but the actual story was even better😍
Isaac or "Nine" as he is known around his small town in Wyoming, is a reserved kind of a guy; despite being a part of his large boisterous family. He works at the local hardware store and his only other activity (when he's not helping his father on the farm) is to shoot and upload DIY projects to fix stuff in and around the house. He's a genuine do-gooder and enjoys this hobby, which has led to a steady fan following on YouTube. When he's offered an opportunity of a lifetime by a popular tool company to renovate a cabin in the woods, although tempted because he could use the money and sponsorship; he declines because they are looking for representation from the LGBTQ family and he is most certainly straight..😉 . But when he finds out about Cooper (his older brother's Eli's friend, who is gay) struggling to get funding for a life-saving surgery for his twin brother, Nine decides to take up the offer and partner with Cooper to work on the cabin. Cooper is not handy with tools or technology, but he is savvy with social media and his background as an actor makes him especially perfect for this vlog. With Nine's skill and Cooper's talent "Cooped up with Nine" is launched to rave reviews and a massive fan following. 🤩
Living in an RV completely cut off from the world while working on renovating a dilapidated cabin; all the while pretending to be a real couple for the social media sites, makes for some interesting slow burn in the story😳🔥. Cooper has always known Nine to be "straight" but when their pretend "kisses" start to feel real and the fake feelings start to make way for real feelings to bloom, can either of them tell what's fake and what's not? As Nine slowly starts to realize that he may not be "straight" and starts to turn up the heat and sizzle on their insane attraction will Cooper submit to his growing feelings too? But can this relationship survive outside their little world? And what about Cooper's hopes and dreams of having an acting career in LA? 💔Can they make it in the long-term? 🤔
This story had everything, opposites-attract trope💘, lovable MCs 🤩(Nine is an adorable Teddy Bear); interesting family, 💞steam & sizzle🔥, emotion & drama💔, and finally a sweet sweet HEA.. 💝 😍. Highly recommended! 👍👍
Isaac or "Nine" as he is known around his small town in Wyoming, is a reserved kind of a guy; despite being a part of his large boisterous family. He works at the local hardware store and his only other activity (when he's not helping his father on the farm) is to shoot and upload DIY projects to fix stuff in and around the house. He's a genuine do-gooder and enjoys this hobby, which has led to a steady fan following on YouTube. When he's offered an opportunity of a lifetime by a popular tool company to renovate a cabin in the woods, although tempted because he could use the money and sponsorship; he declines because they are looking for representation from the LGBTQ family and he is most certainly straight..😉 . But when he finds out about Cooper (his older brother's Eli's friend, who is gay) struggling to get funding for a life-saving surgery for his twin brother, Nine decides to take up the offer and partner with Cooper to work on the cabin. Cooper is not handy with tools or technology, but he is savvy with social media and his background as an actor makes him especially perfect for this vlog. With Nine's skill and Cooper's talent "Cooped up with Nine" is launched to rave reviews and a massive fan following. 🤩
Living in an RV completely cut off from the world while working on renovating a dilapidated cabin; all the while pretending to be a real couple for the social media sites, makes for some interesting slow burn in the story😳🔥. Cooper has always known Nine to be "straight" but when their pretend "kisses" start to feel real and the fake feelings start to make way for real feelings to bloom, can either of them tell what's fake and what's not? As Nine slowly starts to realize that he may not be "straight" and starts to turn up the heat and sizzle on their insane attraction will Cooper submit to his growing feelings too? But can this relationship survive outside their little world? And what about Cooper's hopes and dreams of having an acting career in LA? 💔Can they make it in the long-term? 🤔
This story had everything, opposites-attract trope💘, lovable MCs 🤩(Nine is an adorable Teddy Bear); interesting family, 💞steam & sizzle🔥, emotion & drama💔, and finally a sweet sweet HEA.. 💝 😍. Highly recommended! 👍👍
July 13, 2020
In Wyoming, two opposites, each has always irritated the other, but now it's different, they are grown and very different people.
Nine works in his hometown, and makes DIY videos on Youtube, that have been super successful. The burly, hairy bear of a man, Nine/Isaac, 29, with his beard
and strength is a perfect lumberjack looker, who loves to help folks.
He's the ninth of ten children, and his family is less than likable, but they are his.
Nine's brother, Eli's childhood friend is...
Cooper, 24, is gay, in Hollywood trying to be an actor,
so, when the opportunity comes along, he's on board, because he's home to help his family, and brother who needs his kidney, and the money he'll earn from this project.
Stallion Tools wants Nine and Cooper to bring a show about a cabin renovation, featuring the company tools, for an LGBT+ audience. But, Nine is straight, right?
So, our guys go off to the woods to work, and they fight, talk, share stories, and begin to like the arrangement, even if it's pretend... until it becomes real. (GFY) It's a gay-for-you, because Cooper is the only guy for Nine.
He gets all of his first times in M/M sexiness, and they really sizzle.
This is well written, fun, and serious, too. Nine's family is clueless and rude, but finally come around a bit. Cooper's brother is stable for now, but as his twin, Cooper will be donating the kidney, and the show's paycheck will pay for the procedure.
Things get complicated, with a Hollywood offer, the kidney time table moves up, and their loving relationship is in jeopardy.
You will like this strong tale, and the epilogue is marvelous.
ENJOY !
======
Nine works in his hometown, and makes DIY videos on Youtube, that have been super successful. The burly, hairy bear of a man, Nine/Isaac, 29, with his beard
and strength is a perfect lumberjack looker, who loves to help folks.
He's the ninth of ten children, and his family is less than likable, but they are his.
Nine's brother, Eli's childhood friend is...
Cooper, 24, is gay, in Hollywood trying to be an actor,
so, when the opportunity comes along, he's on board, because he's home to help his family, and brother who needs his kidney, and the money he'll earn from this project.
Stallion Tools wants Nine and Cooper to bring a show about a cabin renovation, featuring the company tools, for an LGBT+ audience. But, Nine is straight, right?
So, our guys go off to the woods to work, and they fight, talk, share stories, and begin to like the arrangement, even if it's pretend... until it becomes real. (GFY) It's a gay-for-you, because Cooper is the only guy for Nine.
He gets all of his first times in M/M sexiness, and they really sizzle.
This is well written, fun, and serious, too. Nine's family is clueless and rude, but finally come around a bit. Cooper's brother is stable for now, but as his twin, Cooper will be donating the kidney, and the show's paycheck will pay for the procedure.
Things get complicated, with a Hollywood offer, the kidney time table moves up, and their loving relationship is in jeopardy.
You will like this strong tale, and the epilogue is marvelous.
ENJOY !
======
June 11, 2020
Cooped up with Nine
3.5 stars
Nine, aka Issac, is the ninth child of 10. He lives in Wheatland, Wyoming and works at a hardware store. He enjoys making DIY videos to help the people in town learn to fix things at home on their own. Nine is also use to being the quiet, shy one who is always there to help others.
Cooper is best friends with Nine's brother Eli. He is a struggling actor who moved back home after his Hollywood plans didn't work out but also moved home to help with his ailing twin brother Jacks. Jacks is in need of a life saving surgery but unfortunately the family does not have the money to pay for it. Their father left them broke and screwed them and their credit over.
Nine has this opportunity to create youtube content for this big hardware company. However, they are looking for someone who can represent the LGBT+ community. The problem is Nine isn't gay but his brother's best friend is. They could both use the money the company is offering so Eli comes up with a plan for them to do the show together. All they have to do is pretend to be boyfriends. But what happens when you have to spend a summer in an RV together in a remote area, attraction occurs and Nine figures out he may not be so straight?
You get an adorably sweet story with little drama and a HEA.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
3.5 stars
Nine, aka Issac, is the ninth child of 10. He lives in Wheatland, Wyoming and works at a hardware store. He enjoys making DIY videos to help the people in town learn to fix things at home on their own. Nine is also use to being the quiet, shy one who is always there to help others.
Cooper is best friends with Nine's brother Eli. He is a struggling actor who moved back home after his Hollywood plans didn't work out but also moved home to help with his ailing twin brother Jacks. Jacks is in need of a life saving surgery but unfortunately the family does not have the money to pay for it. Their father left them broke and screwed them and their credit over.
Nine has this opportunity to create youtube content for this big hardware company. However, they are looking for someone who can represent the LGBT+ community. The problem is Nine isn't gay but his brother's best friend is. They could both use the money the company is offering so Eli comes up with a plan for them to do the show together. All they have to do is pretend to be boyfriends. But what happens when you have to spend a summer in an RV together in a remote area, attraction occurs and Nine figures out he may not be so straight?
You get an adorably sweet story with little drama and a HEA.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
August 19, 2020
M/M Stand alone. ✔️
New author. ✔️
Different storyline. ✔️
Sexy men. ✔️
Sexy times. ✔️
Sweet ✔️
Funny ✔️
Just a little bit of angst ✔️✔️
❤️‘d Isaac
❤️‘d Cooper
If a sweet and sexy M/M story is your thing, this one is a must read!
New author. ✔️
Different storyline. ✔️
Sexy men. ✔️
Sexy times. ✔️
Sweet ✔️
Funny ✔️
Just a little bit of angst ✔️✔️
❤️‘d Isaac
❤️‘d Cooper
If a sweet and sexy M/M story is your thing, this one is a must read!
June 5, 2020
Yeah!! Good stuff!! This was right up my alley! I am a reader. I don’t watch TV and I rarely watch movies. But, if I do put my book down to watch something, what I watch is YouTube. And I love DIY videos. If I want to make it, I watch videos. If it is broken, I watch videos. Sometimes, I just watch videos and then I end up wanting to do something I had no idea I wanted to do! I love YouTube and I loved how it was incorporated into this story.
Yeah again! This was just fun. It was sweet, it was hot, it had just a touch of drama and was just a refreshing great read.
I didn’t like Nine’s Mother and I don’t know how after having 10 children she would behave like this toward anyone especially one of her own. This is a modern story and after 10 children I’d think she’d have seen everything and nothing would shock her. But, that is me. She is not a nice woman and I don’t know if she gets redeemed or not because it wasn’t written.
I also rarely enjoy Hollywood in my reads and guess what, I didn’t enjoy it here…
But those were just two minor bumps in the road. The rest was a great read and exactly what I needed. I really enjoyed it.
Yeah again! This was just fun. It was sweet, it was hot, it had just a touch of drama and was just a refreshing great read.
I didn’t like Nine’s Mother and I don’t know how after having 10 children she would behave like this toward anyone especially one of her own. This is a modern story and after 10 children I’d think she’d have seen everything and nothing would shock her. But, that is me. She is not a nice woman and I don’t know if she gets redeemed or not because it wasn’t written.
I also rarely enjoy Hollywood in my reads and guess what, I didn’t enjoy it here…
But those were just two minor bumps in the road. The rest was a great read and exactly what I needed. I really enjoyed it.
June 12, 2020
This was really good, I enjoyed it.
Nine is a kind, sweet, always giving 24-year-old man who is the ninth sibling out of ten total. His real name is Isaac, but he's called Nine more often than not. He's from a small town in Wyoming and has lived in Wyoming his entire life.
Cooper is a 29-year-old aspiring actor who was roommates with Nine's brother, Eli, in college. Cooper and Nine know each other a little from then, but weren't close and didn't always get along.
But Cooper's twin brother needs a life saving procedure, only Cooper and his family doesn't have the money. Nine also wishes to have a property of his own that he can fix up and live in, but that's not the main reason Nine says yes to pretending to be a couple with Cooper for Stallion, a tool company that has seen Nine's videos on Youtube and would like to sponsor him...only with an LGBT+ angle.
The two agree to do a three month stay in the wilderness fixing up a cabin together as "boyfriends" but soon their attraction and growing feelings for each other make the "fake" part a little less fake, of course.
The sex was, again, a little lacking for me. I don't remember it always being so lacking with this offer, but I wonder why my last two ventures with this author has have lacking sex scenes. They just felt, again, glossed over and over really quickly. Like what's wrong with taking some time with them and letting us really feel all that their feeling? They would start out great and everything, but then just spend up way too quickly or it was just mention or kind of fade to black-ish, in a way.
But again, that doesn't take away too much from the overall story, and the romance is great and these two are wonderful together. They have bumps along the way, but they make it through.
So definitely recommended from me, this was a great standalone. Two thumbs up from me!
Nine is a kind, sweet, always giving 24-year-old man who is the ninth sibling out of ten total. His real name is Isaac, but he's called Nine more often than not. He's from a small town in Wyoming and has lived in Wyoming his entire life.
Cooper is a 29-year-old aspiring actor who was roommates with Nine's brother, Eli, in college. Cooper and Nine know each other a little from then, but weren't close and didn't always get along.
But Cooper's twin brother needs a life saving procedure, only Cooper and his family doesn't have the money. Nine also wishes to have a property of his own that he can fix up and live in, but that's not the main reason Nine says yes to pretending to be a couple with Cooper for Stallion, a tool company that has seen Nine's videos on Youtube and would like to sponsor him...only with an LGBT+ angle.
The two agree to do a three month stay in the wilderness fixing up a cabin together as "boyfriends" but soon their attraction and growing feelings for each other make the "fake" part a little less fake, of course.
The sex was, again, a little lacking for me. I don't remember it always being so lacking with this offer, but I wonder why my last two ventures with this author has have lacking sex scenes. They just felt, again, glossed over and over really quickly. Like what's wrong with taking some time with them and letting us really feel all that their feeling? They would start out great and everything, but then just spend up way too quickly or it was just mention or kind of fade to black-ish, in a way.
But again, that doesn't take away too much from the overall story, and the romance is great and these two are wonderful together. They have bumps along the way, but they make it through.
So definitely recommended from me, this was a great standalone. Two thumbs up from me!
July 6, 2020
5 stars audio
5 swoony stars story.
5 swoony stars story.
November 19, 2024
Loved this! Such a good sweet book. Although I will admit the characters were annoying idiots at times.
August 7, 2020
I’ve been quite impressed with what Lucy Lennox has released recently.
While I haven’t been a particular fan of her ‘Made Marian’ and ‘Forever Wilde’ series, I really enjoyed the last three stand-alone romances, Virgin Flyer, Fakers and now this one.
What’s to like:
- A good dollop of the enemies-to-lovers vibe.
- Two very sympathetic and cute MCs:
Isaac (‘Nine’): I admittedly do have a thing for gentle giants, and Isaac is the epitome of this wonderful species: tall, strong, sweet with touch of naivety, so very very modest and the kindest soul you can imagine. Should I mention the beard and the *cough* glorious chest hair?
Cooper's a genuinely nice guy who’s got to learn that there’s more to life than being independent. Loved all his pining for Nine and his appreciation of the man. He so deserves it!
- The very heart-warming relationship development with some lovely firsts in the bedroom for Nine.
- I loved that Nine doesn’t label himself and simply accepts that he wants Cooper, even though he’s never been with a guy before. Even better - he’s not afraid to show it! To him it’s like 2+2=4.
- The solution to their ‘our lives aren’t compatible’ issue is very well done!
- The dog. Dogs are always good. Definitely. And this one’s a cutie.
This book made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, even if there are times when Nine is virtually too good to be true!
It’s certainly one to make you smile, and don’t we all need that in these strange times!
While I haven’t been a particular fan of her ‘Made Marian’ and ‘Forever Wilde’ series, I really enjoyed the last three stand-alone romances, Virgin Flyer, Fakers and now this one.
What’s to like:
- A good dollop of the enemies-to-lovers vibe.
- Two very sympathetic and cute MCs:
Isaac (‘Nine’): I admittedly do have a thing for gentle giants, and Isaac is the epitome of this wonderful species: tall, strong, sweet with touch of naivety, so very very modest and the kindest soul you can imagine. Should I mention the beard and the *cough* glorious chest hair?
Cooper's a genuinely nice guy who’s got to learn that there’s more to life than being independent. Loved all his pining for Nine and his appreciation of the man. He so deserves it!
- The very heart-warming relationship development with some lovely firsts in the bedroom for Nine.
- I loved that Nine doesn’t label himself and simply accepts that he wants Cooper, even though he’s never been with a guy before. Even better - he’s not afraid to show it! To him it’s like 2+2=4.
- The solution to their ‘our lives aren’t compatible’ issue is very well done!
- The dog. Dogs are always good. Definitely. And this one’s a cutie.
This book made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, even if there are times when Nine is virtually too good to be true!
It’s certainly one to make you smile, and don’t we all need that in these strange times!
June 6, 2020
“Say You’ll Be Nine” is such a sweet, funny, adorable book.
I discovered Lucy Lennox only recently and I’ve loved everything I’ve tried from her so far.
I really enjoyed how Nine is not freaked out by possibly being attracted to a guy and how he just embraces it and goes with it. These are the kind of stories I like. Nine/Isaac was such a sweetheart, even if his selflessness slightly annoyed me as it got in the way of him being truly happy more than once. He deserved the best and I’m so happy to know he got it. Coop was a cool character too and they had really believable chemistry.
I really enjoyed the social media aspect of it too. Fake relationships are one of my favorite tropes, so I was a happy camper ;)
I discovered Lucy Lennox only recently and I’ve loved everything I’ve tried from her so far.
I really enjoyed how Nine is not freaked out by possibly being attracted to a guy and how he just embraces it and goes with it. These are the kind of stories I like. Nine/Isaac was such a sweetheart, even if his selflessness slightly annoyed me as it got in the way of him being truly happy more than once. He deserved the best and I’m so happy to know he got it. Coop was a cool character too and they had really believable chemistry.
I really enjoyed the social media aspect of it too. Fake relationships are one of my favorite tropes, so I was a happy camper ;)
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