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Love in Sienna #5

Confidential Moments

I might be the newest player for the Sienna Grey Wolves, but they’ll be bringing home another championship trophy because of me.

Yeah, I’m cocky, but I’m that good. So good that women and men both want me.

But the only man I want is hiding his true self from the world.
Just when I think he’s finally out and proud, everything comes crashing down around us, turning my world upside down.

Is the man who holds my heart worthy of a second chance? Or will he turn tail and run when he finds out just how complicated things have become?

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2020

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About the author

Laura John

29 books496 followers
Hi i am Laura, a Canadian girl who loves to write romance. I write swoon worthy romances that will take you on emotional rollercoasters!

Visit me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraJ/

Visit me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlaura...

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5 stars
73 (49%)
4 stars
37 (25%)
3 stars
26 (17%)
2 stars
5 (3%)
1 star
6 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,231 reviews25.4k followers
November 3, 2020
Confidential Moments is book five in the Love in Sienna series by Laura John. This is my very first book by this author. It can be read as a stand alone with no problem at all. This is a M/M sports romance.

Xavier Briggs is twenty five years old and is a professional baseball player. Xavier has wanted to play for the Sienna Grey Wolves in Sienna, Oregon since his career began. He wasn’t completely happy with his previous team, didn’t feel one hundred percent accepted. So before he signs on the dotted line with the Grey Wolves, he wants to make sure his contract specifically states his requirements. He’ll need a contract lawyer to help make sure that happens.

Top 10 Hottest MLB Players in 2020 | Hot baseball players, Mlb players, Baseball guys

Mason Gulfson is a lawyer. It’s all he’s ever wanted to do. His goal is to be made partner. Mason has known he was gay since he was young. But he never told anyone. When he was just figuring things out, he experienced the negativity of some of Sienna’s residents and never tried again to explore the truest part of him. He tried his entire life to make himself straight. When his newest client, Xavier, walked into his office, Mason knew without a doubt that it didn’t work. One touch and he knew he would never get enough of Xavier Briggs.



Xavier felt the same attraction as Mason did. But it was obvious this man struggled with who he was, that he was completely in the closet. Can he be the one to help Mason accept himself? Or should he just walk away, spare himself the pain of waiting for someone who might never be ready.

“Wishing for Mason is like wishing for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it’s just never going to happen.”

This was both a sweet, sexy story, and a story of pain and heartache as these two try to find their way to each other. There was no doubt as to the truth of their feelings for each other. But Mason’s struggles were real. He had so much to wade through. And, it didn’t help that Xavier was a sports celebrity, recognized everywhere they went. This book also portrays the ugliness that can still be present in today’s society. It hurt my heart what they were forced to endure.

I admit I did struggle at times with these two. But their love was true and I enjoyed being a part of their journey to find happiness.

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...

Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,284 reviews77 followers
October 29, 2020
Oh, I cried. Granted, I haven’t ready many MM stories, but this one really tugged at my heart. The emotions pouring off the pages. Mason trying to find his way and his unexpected ally, Heather, who helps him open the door while he helps her. Xavier being a bit of a jerk, then earning his place in everyone’s heart. Mason finally realizing who he truly is and just how beautiful his soul is. All of it. This was about so much more than romance to me. This was about finding yourself, being true to yourself, and figuring out how to love yourself. And it was done wonderfully. It helps that the family of blood and choice in this book has Xavier’s and Mason’s backs no matter what, especially because of how cruel the world can be.

Now I need more of Meadow. And Liam. Maybe together? Maybe not. Either way, I love this series and these characters so much, I’ll go wherever the books lead.
Profile Image for Renee (BookLoveWithRenee).
276 reviews18 followers
October 30, 2020
ARC Review
• Coming November 12th •

Confidential Moments is the 5th book of the Love in Sienna series by @authorlaurajohn 💕 It's a heartfelt story of learning to embrace who you love, regardless of the opinions of others. Mason & Xavier's story is beautiful and full of chemistry. They are both powerful career men who must face the unfortunate challenges that come with being in a LGBTQ relationship. This story is well written & for sure worth the read!

As a side note, I just want to talk about how amazing Laura's books are when addressing tough subjects. Each book has a character or two who seeks help from a therapist to conquer their past and emotional issues. It's so refreshing to normalize getting help for mental health & she does it so eloquently 💚
629 reviews
November 12, 2020
Omg, i was so not prepared for this book. And I have read the last 2 in the series so I thought I was ready. Laura doesn't hold back, she goes in with everything she's got. It is real, and raw, and hard to handle at times but it is so realistic and true to what people are going thru and what they have to deal with and what they have to do to overcome it. And I love how she doesnt rush them to get back together. And yes I'm talked about all her books and not just CM. But in CM, since this is the one I'm reviewing right now lol, it showed how they both had to deal with their issues before they could work on their broken relationship. But omg with all the rollercoaster of emotions she puts us thru throughout she so makes up for it by the end. And the ending for CM was absolutely perfect. Now I just need to know if/when Meadow gets her book. I hope this series never ends!
Profile Image for Sassafrack.
544 reviews11 followers
November 5, 2020
This was a wonderful book. I fell in love with the characters immediately, and just could not stop reading.

Mason is a lawyer following in his father’s footsteps, who is hiding his sexuality. Only his best friend knows how lonely and miserable he is. Then he meets Xavier and finds in him someone worth risking it all for a chance at happiness. But as a baseball player Xavier’s celebrity adds an extra level of anxiety as Mason slowly lets go of his camouflage.
This story was sweet and touching, I shed a tear or two. The characters were wonderful and I loved how hard they tried to be considerate of each other.

The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars, is that it could have used a little more show, and a little less tell. Having the characters always stating what they were thinking or feeling, made the connection to them a little stunted. Describing their body language and reactions would have helped immerse me even more in the story.

But this book was well worth the read. So 4 stars from me.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
6,035 reviews219 followers
November 14, 2020


Amazon / Universal

Xavier is in no way in the closet. He's a professional baseball player and lives his life the way he wishes. Then he meets lawyer Mason, and he just may be the man to make him give up his playboy ways... IF Mason can take control of his identity and own who he really is.



I felt so for these two, especially Mason as he struggled to come to terms with himself, his desires, his true self. He and Xavier were actually perfect for each other, sharing chemistry for days, strong feelings, and both depth of character. I loved this story and cannot wait for more from Laura.



ARC via The Hatters Author Services for an honest review.

Review / Blog Tour: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Katslovesbooks.
1,098 reviews25 followers
November 10, 2020

WOW!!! Laura you did amazing with this book, I really don't read MM romance but this story really made fall in love with the characters and their love story.

This story was about understanding, acceptance, been brave and standing for what you believe and ultimately love.

Mason is been hiding in the shadows of his career and reputation, always been afraid of people finding out he is homosexual. He has tried not to feel the way he feels but everything is in vain. Everything changes for him when he mets sexy baseball player Xavier Briggs.

Xavier is immediately attracted to Mason. He has never thought about settling down until he meets him. Xavier wants to make Mason comfortable with his feelings but the journey is not easy.

Xavier and Mason's chemistry is amazing when they are just them two together but in public everything is different. Mason's insecurities are just too many and he needs to decide what he needs to do to keep the love of his life or the career he always wanted.

There is so many bumps in Mason and Xavier's relationship and if you love a love romance like no other then you definitely need to read this book.
Profile Image for Jessica (Novel Confessions Book Blog).
515 reviews10 followers
November 8, 2020
I received an ARC of Confidential Moments in exchange for an honest review. To prepare myself for Confidential Moments I binged the first four books. Although I enjoyed all four of the prior books, this one was my favorite of the series.

Xavier is openly bisexual MLB player, and Mason a lawyer who is hiding his true self. Mason is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality when he meets Xavier. They have instant chemistry, but that doesn’t make their journey an easy one.

Based on the blurb and the struggles Mason experiences, a few things were a little bit predictable. With that said, there is a huge twist to this book that removed any further predictions from my head. This book has an HEA, and I can say I truly enjoyed it.

One thing of note: I found some of the writing distracting. For example, I feel like the adjective amazing was used to describe too much. Like “an amazing meal”, “we had an amazing date”, “you look amazing”. Delicious, great, or gorgeous. Anything else. It was super distracting to me, but maybe I’m being picky. But at one point it’s literally used three times in one sentence. I didn’t detract stars from my rating, because overall I still really enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Mrs R.
1,517 reviews20 followers
November 11, 2020
This book is part of a series but is a standalone.
I really enjoyed Mason and Xavier's story, you couldn't help but feel the love these two had for each other.
Mason has hidden his sexuality all his life, but once he meets Xavier, he doesn't want to hide away anymore. However, its not as easy as he would like. They both have issues to work through.
I enjoyed reading about this love story, it didn't just show hearts and flowers but the harder stuff they had to deal with too. It really delved into their feelings and how they didnt hold back. I wanted to bang their heads together a few times over their misunderstandings and overrections.
This book is well written and you will totally get sucked into the story.
Profile Image for JudyAnnLovesBooks.
2,238 reviews79 followers
November 2, 2020
4.5 Stars ⭐️

This was my first book by Laura John and full disclosure, I jumped at the chance to read it after seeing its sexy cover and reading the blurb. Why you ask? Well, I am a huge fan of both sports and MM romances and Confidential Moments, is a delicious combination of the two!

This book was so much more than a romance read. It was a book that will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride as you watch the two main characters navigate their personal demons while trying to grow together.

Mason is a successful lawyer. His whole life has been planned out and he lives for meeting the expectations of his father. But this comes at a huge cost, his refusal to accept his homosexuality.

Xavier is a bisexual Major League baseball player. He is open and honest about his sexuality and Is unapologetic for it. Everything changes when he meets Mason.

His attraction to the hot as hell, firmly in the closet, lawyer, is off the charts. Sensing Mason’s interest and his confusion, Xavier strives to make him face his true self.

Their rocky journey starts with mutual attraction and turns into full blown love and acceptance. At times reading this book wasn’t easy, it was often difficult and gut wrenching, but ultimately beautiful, as you watched them get their much deserved happily ever after.

Confidential Moments gets the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval. TBR and Enjoy!
391 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2020
Confidential Moments is book five of the Live in Sienna Series by Laura John. It is a M/M sports romance that could be read as a stand-alone. Characters from the previous books are part of this one. I have read the other books in the series and Confidential Moments is my favorite.

I became a fan of Mason and Xavier and was rooting for them throughout the story. It was not an easy road for them. It was definitely a rollercoaster ride. I felt the story flowed very well. I liked that the timeline was not a short period of time. I thought the characters were well-developed. I felt their joy, love, pain, despair, and hope. I felt that Xavier and Mason were realistic characters.

Confidential Moments is one of my favorite books of the year. I was captivated by Xavier and Mason's love story. I am looking forward to the next installment of the series. Kudos to Laura John!

Profile Image for M Will.
976 reviews15 followers
October 30, 2020
Xavier and Mason's story was wonderfully written. This book about finding yourself, loving yourself and accepting others warmed my heart.
I love how honest Mason's struggle to accept himself and his feelings was not a straight line. Laura is so good at showing the humanness of her characters, especially their flaws.
This story line moves quickly but has depth and substance that kept me from putting the book down. I of course love seeing the reappearance of some of my favorite Sienna folks.
Great book. Tastefully and masterfully done. While not for everyone, this book, if you give it a chance will not disappoint.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Joyce Sparks.
75 reviews
November 3, 2020
This is an amazing book I loved it I didn't want it to ever end it's the best book I have read in a long time. It will keep your attention from the first page to the last. It's a must-read
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,158 reviews68 followers
November 11, 2020
Review by: Jennifer
(4.5 stars)

By far the best of the series in my opinion! Now, we learned very little about Mason in Leah's story, he was there but mostly like a super side character. It wasn't until I believe the last book that we got a little bit of a hint as to where Mason's attraction lay, with a certain hottie baseball player. No one knows of Mason's sexual preference, he has hidden his true self for so long that his hiding makes it seem like he is a loner. When in fact all he wants to be is with his family, to have a family of his own with the man of his dreams. When he suddenly is faced with the man of his dreams, Mason is slow to taking action. All of his fears are coming to the forefront, will he lose the job he worked so hard for, the little family he has left? Or will Mason find that being true to himself is the real happiness that he is missing out on?

WOW, ok so this was by far my fav of the whole series. The naughty bits were super hot, the drama was just right. Mason and Xavier's story was a bit different from the others, and I liked it. I will say that I'm a little tired of the "maybe we would be better off as friends" theme. But that's just IMO. I give this 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,699 reviews21 followers
November 10, 2020
This is such a  great book showing  the connection between  these to different men .
Mason a lawyer is at conflict with himself , his life , who he is …. but in reality he knows he is gay   but doesn't think people will except him …
   Does he try to change –  Yes
 Will it work – No ..

 Xavier a professional baseball player meets Mason for legal reasons ..
 One touch of the hand for both of them starts a reaction neither can stop...
 Trying to go forward  seems easy when you find the one,   but Mason  still feels very unsure  , confrontation with people outside of the family makes him doublethink , when anger gets between them everything changes .
 Xavier is a beautiful solid man who knows who he is , feels completely at ease with his life except for one man who needs him but said Man keeps backtracking …
   I applaud Mason trying so very hard to make things work …his struggles were  real …


A beautiful story of trying to come out and be true to oneself especially to the man you love ..
  Drawn in from the very first page it was so interesting to see how both men coped with their lives separately and together.

Written with love this is a wonderful storyline and wonderful book with a stunning ending …
Profile Image for Kelly Hill.
89 reviews
November 10, 2020
I love all of Laura John's books so this comes as no surprise that I love this one as well. This is book 5 in the Love in Sienna series.

This is my first m/m romance book and I do say I surprisingly loved it. Mason is a hot lawyer following in his late fathers footsteps and trying to make partner at his law firm. He is also struggling with his identity. He is attracted to men but is worried about the negativity it brings and will he be able to be a family lawyer if he is gay.

Xavier is a hot pro ball player new to town and needing some help with his contract when he crosses Mason's path. They struggle through some issues during their relationship. Mason continues to struggle with being gay and the hardships that that places on him. He struggles with the negative energy and name calling it brings in public. Also dating a big ball player comes with its struggles as it is in the public eye.

I don't want to mention any spoilers so I will just end with read it, you will love it! I cannot wait to see where their story goes from here.

Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews71 followers
November 11, 2020
From their very first meeting the chemistry between Mason and Xavier is off the charts hot but the fight that mason has within himself is so heartbreaking. Mason is so incredibly scared and lonely and all Xavier wants to do is help him. The time, patients and willingness to let Mason explore him, get comfortable with him and explore who he is was amazing. As your reading you feel every emotion that Mason and Xavier are going through at one point I had tears streaming down my face I was just so gutted saying this can’t be happening. Pushing through the tears to keep going because I needed them to get their happy ending and they got the ending they deserved it was beautiful and I was so happy. Getting to see Masons growth throughout the book and being able to accept who he was is fantastic. Also watching them grow as a couple was beautiful as well. The writing just flowed so well... absolutely recommend this book to everyone!
Profile Image for Bookstagrambrielle .
383 reviews21 followers
November 11, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved it!

This is a story about Mason, an attorney who is trying to make his father proud by following in his footsteps to be made junior partner in his lawfirm. He is doing so while also keeping a secret and denying who he really is because he is afraid of the repercussions. Then he meets his new client, Xavier, a professional baseball player who has been offered a contract with his dream team. Xavier wants to make it clear in his contact that his personal life is just that - personal. He dates men and women. When Xavier and Mason meet, the sparks fly.

This story was emotional and gut wrenching. Mason struggling to overcome his fears and Xavier struggling to be patient with Mason. It was a beautiful story. I would definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading some more books by this author.
Profile Image for Summerlynn83_reads.
767 reviews8 followers
November 13, 2020
My oh my, did Laura John not only bring the heat but also all the feels. This story was literally everything you want in a sports romance and then some. The relationship between Mason and Xavier was full of angst, self discovery and off the charts chemistry. I loved reading through their ups and downs. I definitely had moments of wanting to yell and toss my kindle but it wasn’t long before things turned back around and I was fanning myself as my kindle almost burst into flames. I also loved that we got some more of the Love in Sienna crew, I never want to let them go!
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews171 followers
November 12, 2020
This made my heart happy even when it was hurting. Xavier and Mason have amazing chemistry and share a deep connection they can't deny; but it's not easy. Mason struggles with other accepting him and him being out in the open. It's a struggle and I felt for them. The story is sweet, sexy, true, and so emotional.
3,241 reviews79 followers
November 10, 2020
Xavier and Mason's story was a beautifully written one about finding yourself, loving yourself and accepting others and yourself and it really did warm my heart. I have found that this author is really good at showing the realness of her characters, especially their flaws and I really enjoyed going on the journey of these two finding their happiness. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Memphisgirlreads.
233 reviews6 followers
June 9, 2021
You know what I love about this series? The characters. They are all amazing. I love how each book you learn the back story to the couple AND you still get to see what's going on in the others lives from previous books in series. This was one of my favs and I LOVE how it was LGBTQ!
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.6k reviews167 followers
November 9, 2020
I really enjoyed Mason & Xavier's story. This emotional romance tugged on my heartstrings as it unfolded. I thought both characters were likable separately and as a couple. The chemistry was almost tangible and the emotions deep and powerful. There was a honest, raw, genuine feeling to this epic romance that truly had my heart aching for these two. A beautiful read that gives you lots and lots of feels. This is my forthright, volitional review.
Profile Image for Biggs_bookshelf.
1,712 reviews27 followers
November 2, 2020
This is my first M/M only romance. I have read tons of mutli partner books but never a story about just two guys. I have to say Laura Johns did a wonderful job popping my cherry because it’s was hot! Mason and Xavier are both hotties at the top of their games when meeting each other brings them to their knees. Playboy baseball star meets still in the closet Lawyer and fireworks ensue. It’s not all hearts and flowers, angst and turmoil and a few surprises along the way give this book the extra emotion you need to just root for them! Seriously yelling at them to get it together because they are being well men lol. The world of Love in Sienna has been a joy to read with so many different but wonderful story lines. Each is a standalone so you don’t have to read them in order but the world is fluid so I recommend it.
Profile Image for Jacinta - Aussie Book Nook .
531 reviews
November 1, 2020
I love a good M/M story and boy was this a good one!

Mason workaholic lawyer in the closet hating on himself.
Xavier sexy baseball player! What happens when they meet! Magic, that's what happens!
Laura has absolutely brilliantly captured the right amount of sexy with the right amount of emotion! This book had me blushing with how hot the sexy times where, then I had my heart ripped out with emotion!

We get to see all our favourite characters from previous books and some new characters introduced (which I hope get books... I'm looking at you Meadow!)

Every book in this series gets better and better.. you can definitely read them as standalone you won't miss anything but why not read them all!!

Absolutely loved it. A must read
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
915 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2020
So totally blown away, HOT as HELL, this was my first male/male book and you Laura John have struck gold, Mason the workaholic lawyer meets Xavier the baseball player, they hit it off as fast friends, turn lover's, Mason hasn't had the chance to adjust to being gay as a adult and ultimately has issues when being made fun of and explodes in anger, heartbreak for them, can they make it back together, surprises arise, I voluntarily read and review this ARC, thank you for the privilege, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Shades.
1,047 reviews36 followers
November 16, 2020
This book started our really good for me yet somewhere along reading it, it really lost me. Mason is closeted gay man who thinks his sexuality will cause him the the love of his family and his career. All he talks about his making his dead father proud and making partner so he isolates himself from his family, tries to fuxk himself straight and works himself to the bone until he meets out and proud bisexual baseball player Xavier. He meets and develops and i stand attraction to Mason when he helps him negotiate his baseball contract. They feel this mutual attraction and hookup but Mason bails due to being in the closet and the fear of being outed as gay. That’s really the gist of this story. It’s the back and forth of Mason fighting with accepting himself and understand that his family would want to see him happy regardless of who he is with and that families don’t always look the same. At first it was cute seeing Xavier support Mason during his struggle but it got old fast. I got annoyed because I felt Mason was making it harder actually was. I know it might come off as insensitive but he annoyed me. The story really started to get boring and the sex scenes left more to be desired. Plus, the way the timeline was presented wasn’t a fact for me either. Overall, it wasn’t a bad story, I just expected more for it being a closeted story. Wanted a little more buildup and excitement.
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,599 reviews33 followers
November 8, 2020
ARC Review

Confidential Moments is Book #5 in the Love in Sienna series. Mason and Xavier’s story is one of self-discovery and personal growth and learning to love oneself as you are despite outside influences and painful past experiences. Once you can accept who you are, you can find happiness with someone else. I’ve read very few MM books, but the storyline was beautifully written. The emotion was raw and palpable, as was the chemistry. While I did get annoyed with both of them at times, I was able to sympathize with them, even though I haven’t had the same experiences. The themes are universal. As always Laura has amazing secondary characters who make you want more of them! I hope to see more of Meadow and Liam in some way! No one tackles sensitive topics like Laura John, with openness, realism, grace, and respect. I definitely recommend this book, as well as all the others!
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,227 reviews110 followers
November 20, 2020
Confidential Moments by Laura John is a M/M Sports Romance.

This is the fifth book in Love In Sienna series and can be read as a standalone.

This book does come with a warning "This book features some homophobic language and acts. It may not be easy for all readers to read, but unfortunately this is still something the LGBTQ community face all too often. If you feel like this would be hard for you to read please proceed with caution."

This is the first book of Laura's that I have read and it definitely won't be my last. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster that I never wanted to get off. I absolutely loved the relationship between Mason and Xavier. It was a bit messy but you couldn't help but root for them.

I look forward to reading more books in this series in the near future.

I would highly recommend this book if you like M/M Romances, Sports Romances, or Contemporary Romance.
Profile Image for Caroline.
1,597 reviews12 followers
November 21, 2020
'Confidential Moments' was my first book by Laura John and I loved it. Although it is part of a series it read well as a standalone, although I now want to go back and read the books 1-4.

This is Xavier and Mason's story, a MM Sports Romance. Mason is a workaholic Lawyer, still in the closet and not able to see himself living an open and true life. Xavier is a out there and proud bisexual man, not hiding anything from anyone. From the moment they meet sparks fly, but that's it. While Mason hooks up with women hoping to turn himself straight, Xavier hooks up to be happy no matter the gender.

This beautifully written book takes you through their highs and lows, it's an emotional roller coaster that twists and turns. A truly believable couple who brought me to tears on more than one occasion.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews