Graduation and Gifts

Untouchable #8

by Heather Long

Life doesn’t come with a script but some moments don’t need one.

Senior year pushed us all. It dared us to embrace wonder and chase love. It challenged us to find out who we were as people, as partners, as a family. We’re so much better together.

Graduation isn’t the end of our story by any stretch. It’s the next chapter.

*Please note this is a reverse harem and the author suggests you always read the forward in her books. Contains some bullying elements, mature situations, and is recommended for 17+. This is the eighth in a series and the story will continue through future books.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Why Choose, High School, BDSM

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2021

About the author

I love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.

I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.

After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.

Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.

Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.

One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.

I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!

Reviews

[Jane Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I am still #teamarchie #teamcoop butttt I love them all. This book gave me everything I wanted! We get to see them all graduate and also you meet Hank. Hank could not be any more perfect than he is. I really can’t wait to meet his whole family! Also, Rachel! For a side character, she is one of my all time favorites. Plus she has her sarcasm down to an art.

Now for Frankie and the guys! You get to see them graduate, travel the world and just bond more. It is these bonds that make this series one of my favorites. They each know that none of it will work with any of them missing. Plus the banter. Man do the guys have some of the best banter. If you can’t tell, I just love this series and honestly can’t wait for more.

PS. That cliffy was amazing!

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

WTF!!!! That cliffhanger is gonna kill me until August 🥲

This was such a solid and enjoyable read! I loved Hangovers & Holidays and this gave off the same vibe. We get to see Frankie and her guys graduate high school and then travel the world. Loved imagining them in my hometown of Orlando before jet setting to super exciting things!

Frankie’s grown so much and I’m happy to see her growth in how she stood up to Maddie. I’m so glad her dad is around and he’s a good guy. I’m excited to see how their relationship grows. I also hope Maddie is locked up forever and ever with no where to go to.

I just did a reread of the first few books and remembered how bad the guys upset me in the beginning with the all the other girls, so I was glad to see that they were trying to make up for the last summer lol. There were definitely some more romantic moments than there have been, which was nice. I do wish Frankie didn’t feel guilt over how she had separated herself from the guys the summer before though, she mentions it once or twice, and tbh I feel like she was totally justified in doing so, but that may be a me and my pettiness thing lol.

I really love how the guys have grown closer and brother boyfriends and how they’re always there for each other. Archie is my favorite still! With the cliffhanger, I’m sure they’ll need to be there for one another even more. They’ve been well developed and I like them more and more each book! I’m glad some familial relationships are also being fixed.

I will say though, one con for me was the Rachel subplot. In book 3, she tells Frankie that she’s only ever dated girls and thinks guys are gross, and explicitly tells her she’s not bi. She was heartbroken before when a girl she liked ended up liking a guy more, so finding out that she’s been experimenting with guys felt off to me. I’m all for sexual exploration, as someone who is bi and in a FF relationship, and I’m not trying to belittle bisexuality, but for me it just didn’t fit in with Rachel’s character as it’s been presented. Again, totally a me thing and it didn’t take away from the plot. 💖

[Liaden · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book made me hate the characters a little. It was repetitive and unnecessary filler material that didn’t progress the story at all. I’m going to read the next one but the series is just sliding downhill. Frankie has almost completely lost all of her individuality and simply lives for her male harem. I know its supposed to be endearing but at this point its a bit nauseating. If I hear that you’re adorable one more time . Also, what’s with all the fluttering? Pussy flutters, heart flutters, dick flutters. Why so much fluttering? This is a rant if you haven’t figured it out by now. The Frankie praise is ridiculous. Not sure if I can stomach much more. Read if you wish.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why? Why did it have to end like that? 😭 How can I wait until August for the next book? I need to know they are all ok 😭.

The guys whisk Frankie away for the summer. They are all celebrating graduation and are on the mend to repair some of their broken relationships with their parents. But there are two big accidents happening in the book, and the second one is what tore me apart. I'm so looking forward to read book 9.

[Tia Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEATHER!? Seriously....

Oh man, Graduation and Gifts did not disappoint!
Frankie and her guys are definitely owning their relationship and coming into their own even more. I am loving watching Frankie grow and become even more comfortable in her skin. The dynamics of their relationship are wonderful. Each one definitely has their own part and they all come together and run like a well oiled machine...even when they disagree.

That ending made me want to throw my phone though!! Well played ma’am, well played!! Can’t wait for the next installment of this series.

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good series but wildly over the top. The heroine is gorgeous, brilliant, a wonder singer, and guys everywhere are dying to be with her. It’s annoying that she doesn’t have a single flaw. Oh and now she is rich too. It’s becoming super difficult to like her.

[SammieB · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really, really hate to do this, because I love Frankie and her boys and read every single one of books in this series, but this one was a miss for me. There were two others in the series that failed to deliver, and book 8 is a third. I was bored reading it. It just felt like a filler to me. And I hate how much attention Ian is now getting in the books. I also hate how he's been turned into a BDSM dom. Coop and Jake are barely being spotlighted anymore except as background material.

[AHCuteArt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why did you read this book?
There are a few series I’ve been wanting to read. This is one of them.

What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an ebook on Kindle.

Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.

What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Adult

What was your favorite part in the book? SPOILERS
I think my favorite scenes in the book were when Ian and the MC go to BDSM training. Their experience seems like the real thing and not some romanticized version.

Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes slow building romances.

What is your general opinion/ rating of this book? SPOILERS
I like the MC biological father. He seems nice and to take everything in stride. I am not surprised that the MC mother shows up at graduation. (It seems like she love creating drama.) It’s sweet how they all work together to make the move to New York easy for everyone. The long vacations at different places… were my least favorite part of the book. It seemed like she was going from one amazing place to another. It made them crammed together in one book less special, in my opinion. (Disney land, Private Island, and Paris in one book is a bit much.) It’s awesome that Ian and Frankie might be starting a great music career. The fact that they got to do a cover for one of their favorite bands was exciting to read about. When Jake’s dad was in an accident and all the guy let him and the MC have space to travel to take care of this… was sweet. Like the previous books this one has a more thrilling cliffhanger with MC and Archie possibly in a car accident. Overall, sadly this book was my least favorite of the series because it seemed to drag on during the vacation scenes. Still, I want to know what happened so I will be continuing the series.

Are there any cliché scenes or concepts?
Friends to lovers troupe. Sassy best friend troupe.

How intense are the intimacy scenes?
The intimacy scenes are vividly detailed. MF. MFM. Voyeurism. BDSM.

At what “burn” level is the romance?
HOT burn.

Love interests, how many of them are there and what gender?
There are four love interest, all of them males, and childhood friend.
Coop, Ian, Jake, and Archie.

Any trigger warnings?
Mental Health: Emotional Abuse, Controlling Parents, Panic Attacks, Trauma
Sexual Content: Explicit Sex Scene, Masturbation, Blowjob, Dubious Consent, Violent Sex
Other: Slut Shaming, Drugging Someone Against Their Will(?), Female Oppression, Underage Drinking, Adultery, Bullying

[M Mendes Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G….I am still reeling from the cliffhanger ending!! I know, I know…I should expect one but that one was just mean! I will be waiting on pins and needles for Defiance and Dedication Book 9 from the Untouchable Series. I plan on starting the 82 Street Vandals Series while waiting for Defiance and Dedication. Back to Graduation and Gifts…Frankie, Archie, Ian, Coop, Jake, and Rachel all graduated!! Now they have the summer they are enjoying and then starting their collegiate careers. They all plan on attending NYU (yes, even Rachel). Graduation and Gifts had so many surprises, revelations, twists, turns, things going sideways, emotions, and lots and lots of heat 🔥🌡. Frankie made some new friends and even with the guys surprising Frankie with a trip and declaring the month of June Family time (all five of them agree that June will be only for their family). Of course, life gets in the way and something came up to interrupt part of that plan (at least the ending of their vacation). Just when Frankie and the guys were starting to plan and get ready for classes to start at NYU something big came up and of course that is where the cliffhanger came in and I don’t know how bad it is or not!! It’s the kind of cliffhanger where you don’t know whether you need to 🙏🏼 or 🤞🏽. Ok, I don’t want to spoil this book for any future readers so I will just say that you don’t want to miss Graduation 👩‍🎓👨🏼‍🎓and Gifts 🎁. Heather Long, author, did an amazon in job with Graduation 👩‍🎓 👨🏼‍🎓 and Gifts 🎁. This series was the first one I have read from Heather Long and it will not be the last. I fully intend to read 82 Street Vandal and have already downloaded the first book, Savage Vandal. Heather writes several of my favorite tropes like reverse harem, PNR, Military, and bully romances. If Untouchable Series is an example of her writing then I know I will not be disappointed. Highly recommend Graduation 👩‍🎓👨🏼‍🎓and Gifts 🎁 and the whole Untouchable Series. Graduation 👩‍🎓 👨🏼‍🎓 and Gifts 🎁 is not a standalone and you do need to read the books that all came before to understand what is happening. If you are up to date with the Untouchable Series then you might want to check out the 82 Vandal Street series with me or any of Heather’s other brooks depending on what trope you love to read. Can you believe this was already book 8 and there are only four more to go? I can’t wait to find out what is going to happen in the next four books 📚. Can you ? Enjoy reading Graduation 👩‍🎓👨🏼‍🎓and Gifts 🎁.

[Sammie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of an era and an exciting new beginning

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

AHHHHHH! I was DYING to read this book and I’ve never had to exercise more self control than I did with waiting to be able to read it.

Was it worth the wait?

Absolutely yes it was!

It has a lot of the same feel of H&H to me but with more resolution as this entire chapter of their lives came to an end. This book was one full of transitions and Heather was able to capture all of those confusing and often conflicting emotions we all go through so perfectly with these characters.

There was also such a personal aspect to this book that made it truly special for any fans of Heather. She dedicated this one to her Heathens and I have to say, her readers Facebook group is my favorite place on the internet. There were so many little things in this book that felt like a shoutout to the group, it made it an even more special read for me. Little nods to conversations we’ve had in the group that had me smiling and cracking up all over again. Not only is heather an evil genius when she weaves together these stories and develops these characters, she’s just genuinely an amazing person and a truly fun author to follow.

We’ve all come to love these characters so much and watching them take this step really felt like I was watching my own family grow up. I swear I almost cried more than once with just how much development they’ve all gone through. This book really showcases that. Just how far they’ve all come. Individually as well as a group.

G&G also had some surprises that I never would have seen coming. Some had me sitting on the edge of my seat, cursing at heather. Others had my eyes getting misty. And still others had me cackling and whooping for joy. (Note to self, don’t read heather when the kid is sleeping next to you)

Frankie and the boys and all of the other characters have been so close to my heart since the very first book. Their story continues to be one of the most relatable series I have ever read. They feel like family, they feel like home. Reading their journey gives me peace and even hope. It’s so real and sometimes raw, it doesn’t skip over the ugly aspects of life. Where we disagree with our loved ones, get hurt, or hurt others. I honestly can’t think of another series that touches my soul the same way this one has. It’s in a league of its own.

So my hat is off to you heather. Mad respect and so much love.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok guys, we are in book 8, EIGHT, of this series and it is still by far one of my favorite series ever. It just keeps getting better and better. Frankie is everything you want in a main character. We have felt her pain, lived her joy and gotten angry on her behalf. The guys, well we have been through some things with them. We have loved them, we have hated them a little at times. And here we are, eight books later, and I am still just as caught up in their story as I was in the very beginning. These are the characters that just stick with you and that is when you know you have a great author.

Now, let's talk about this particular book in depth. Heather loves to kill us with those cliffhangers and book seven ended with Hank showing up at the door. So that's where we pick up in book eight and y'all, IT WAS EVERYTHING!!!!!! My heart almost couldn't even handle the freaking greatness that was Frankie finally meeting her dad. I teared up so many times in that first chapter. Hank quickly became one of my all time favorite characters. Then there was this one line he had, not going to spoil it but oh my word, I was laughing so hard. Even if nothing else at all happened in this book it would have been amazing just for Hank. Other things did happen of course. They graduated! Finally. Such a big step in their lives and we got to experience it right along with them. Then we got to do some amazing things over the summer with the gang. We got to spend some time with some of our favorite side characters. We got to have some insanely hot sexy times. Sheesh, do not read some of these in public.


And then, we have the dreaded ending. I say dreaded b/c if you are like me, you could keep reading about these characters until long after their story is actually finished. Of course there is also the fact that we know Heather is going to leave us with another one of her freaking hellacious cliffys. You kill me lady!! I knew it was coming and yet it still got me yelling at my kindle. Let's all hope August comes really quick so we can climb back off this ledge.

For this review and more check out https://nittygrittybookblog.blogspot....

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you met Frankie and her guys yet? If not you need to join the party and get your hands on the first book of the Untouchable Series, Roses and Rules by Jeather Long then buckle up for the ride!

I've been fortunate enough to get an ARC of book 8 Graduation and Gifts and the story just continues to get better and better.

Frankie, where do I begin with Frankie?! This girl is one of the most independent and driven female characters I've had the privilege to read about. She has grown so much through the series and I've enjoyed watching her find herself and embrace who she wants to be.

She is fortunate enough to have 4 amazing guys in her life that have been there for her through it all, even when she was too clueless to see what she really meant to them. While it took some serious growing pains they have all managed to find their place in their relationship and are stronger than ever now, which is a must for all the crazy that is the lives of Frankie, Archie, Jake, Coop. And Ian. Seriously there is never a dull moment! Let's not forget the best friend a girl could have, Rachel, she is everything Frankie never knew she needed.

In Graduation and Gifts we get to join them all as they graduate high school and prepare for the next step-college,but not before some much needed vacation time as a family. They travel so some amazing places and experience new things and you really get to see how far they have come. Love it!

Ok, so there are a few things that have me all kinds of swooning and fanning myself all at the same time. Haha. Frankie and Ian 🔥🤯🔥 and they are only getting started. Let's not forget the Easter eggs from other books where Frankie brings up some things she may possibly like from her reading. Let me just say Coop you sneaky smart man....I need to see while this goes! Please come back to this next book!

This book as expected ends on a cliffhanger of doom, though after the diabolical cliffhanger that was book 6 I feel like I can trust that I'll survive this one.

Heather- I cannot wait to see what you come up with next!

[Diana Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graduation and Gifts (Untouchable Book 8) Kindle Edition

by Heather Long 

Thank you to Heather Long and the publisher for the complimentary eARC. I am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.

Rejoining Frankie and her boys is like meeting up with old friends and catching up with them. This is accomplished with masterpiece of alternating point of view narration. Coop, Ian (Bubba), Jake and Archie all take their turns, and for those chapters it is like crawling in the mind of responsible future college students. And when Frankie grabs the reigns of the story? It is just wonderful.

Filled with angst, confusing and the glorious feeling of escaping school combined with the terror of becoming an adult, this story takes us through graduation and the summer after.

The story also includes a lot of travel – clearly Covid-19 Quarantine wishing happening here. We vicariously tour the world a bit.

As always, we get the fun of multiple narrators which is what truly drives the book. We see how much the characters have grown up and what they mean to each other. There are also sex scenes that we get a deeper understanding because we see both sides.

I was disappointed that Ms. Long left out what I loved best about this series. There were no text conversation. Those conversations took us deeper into the guys.

While we are treated to a trip to exotic places, there wasn't really much of a traditional plot. There was no great quest, no MacGuffin, not monster to slay or right to wrong. That is until around 85% of the way through. Ms. Long's beautiful writing and wonderful characters almost hide it.

All in all, a good read from a glorious series that I don't ever want to see end.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars out of 5
https://amazon.com/Graduation-Gifts-U...

[Jeni Wideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m reviewing this after receiving an ARC of Graduation & Gifts by Heather Long.

Graduation is finally here for Frankie and the guys and what a graduation, heck, summer it is! The mystery of Frankie’s Dad is “solved” and without giving away too much, it’s so perfect! I love seeing her happy and such great things happening. To her, even if she does have to see Maddy in it.
I laughed and cried in this book, but only in the best ways!

It’s the End of their Senior Year and so perfect, but like for so many of our kids who graduate, it showed the excitement, awe, fear, sadness, and hope that the years to come will have, even though they are unknown and filled with hopes and dreams. It was perfect.

With this, 8 out of the 12 books for The Untouchables series are written! What will the next books bring remains to be seen. We have a glimpse of the potential career Frankie & Ian could have as musicians or Bound Hearts as the are known, thanks to Torched launching them off (because they’ve adopted Frankie as another BFF in their circle), the boys trips with Frankie are absolutely perfect! I just love the way they love her and get her. As she says in the book as she’s leaving her apartment for the last time “as much as this was my home, it wasn’t anymore. My home is out there”.....I can’t wait to see the home they create together.

I would absolutely recommend that you read this book, even if there is a slightly, large cliffhanger at the end....I mean, we have to want to come back for the next book, right? Though, cliffhanger or not, I’d be back! I love this series!

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens right where the last one ended, with Jake opening the door to Frankie's biological father. A somewhat tense moment, but honestly it quickly became friendly and I immediately liked Professor Henry 'Hank' Jackson. He actually came to meet Frankie and attend her graduation. He also mentioned Harvard, since he is a tenured professor, and she is his daughter she could attend for free. She lets him know their decision on NYU is firm and he doesn't push. He is really the father Frankie should have had in her life. Now she at least has the opportunity to get to know him.

Oh my, why do graduations make me cry? I loved this so much, from the prep, to Rachel, to the Guys teasing, to texts with KC, to Pomp and Circumstance it's all just perfect. That is until the end and the meeting up with family. It seems there's an uninvited guest, Maddy.

Let's see from graduation and getting the best of Maddy, we move to the guys pampering Frankie, not really unexpected. We get a shibari lesson with Ian, followed by really sensuous and sexy night.

There's a very fun conversation with Chloe her half sister, a shopping trip for bathing suits and that's all just the beginning. Texts with KC and Rachel full of fun and information. The plans Archie and the guys made for their summer are perfect! Outrageous, fun, full of surprises and kindle melting sizzle.

There's also some things that brought me to tears, both happy and sad. Darn you Heather the endings in these books are killing me!!!

[Jesse Adler-Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow. HEATHER! What was that ending… Sorry squirreled there. Can we take a moment to recognize how amazing of an author Heather is? Seriously. This is my favorite book of the series now but how does she do it? Honestly. The thought behind different scenarios in the book and then how it molds together perfectly throughout the series. Incredible. She also introduced us to Hank. I kind of adore Hank and can not wait to discover more about him. But this was a tad emotional because the crew is done with high school. I feel like I went to school with them. But as they say, on to bigger and better things, right?

The book picks up right where we leave off in T&T. I say this every time but boy I love the dynamic of the boys with Frankie. It warms your heart to see so many in her corner. And the boys all have one another’s back. We certainly can not forget about Rach, talk about a favorite side female character. It’s kind of perfect how well her and Frankie’s relationship is. Every strong amazing female main character needs a female best friend. Their dynamic, uh so here for it. The characters, the growth, the loss, and the new beginnings. This book had it all and I am so anxious to see what is in store for the kids next book. College what can possibly go wrong…*insert scared emoji face*
Bring on book 9…because I still can’t believe how we ended in 8. I am not freaking okay. *breathe in breathe out* Heather this book was truly fantastic. Again my new favorite but girl, stop hurting my heart like that!

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's here. Graduation. It's hard to believe. So much has happened this year and now it's time for a new chapter. But first, there's the ceremony, a June trip, and one last glorious summer to enjoy before Frankie and the guys head off to NYU.

Talk about a golden summer. Just one year ago, Frankie was at her lowest point, alone and hurting. The guys and their stupid bet had all but disappeared from her life. Now they have become a family. They have faced their ups and downs. They put in the work, they have faced family dramas and physical attacks. They are together, stronger than ever. Now it's time to play. I am jealous of fictional characters. I want my own June! Honestly, I want my own Jeremy too! It goes without saying I want my own harem... Frankie is finally living her best life and the boys are loving every minute. It was so perfect. And I fell for the set-up. I should have known better. This cliffhanger hurts. It's particularly worrisome because it involves my favorite, and it better work out. I want the freshman year I was counting on. Difficult classes, living together growing pains, Rachel falling in love (maybe more than once), girls coming after the guys and being shut down, deepening relationships in every direction. So, this can't interfere. Please! And if Maddie is behind this, she will need to be handled. It's way past time. I love these characters more than I can say. Heather, make this right.

[brayshaw_love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing group dynamic, but keep in mind it is a very slow paced series

I have loved this group of characters in this reverse harem series, but I had a hard time getting into this book. I honestly don't know why, maybe because I am craving a bit darker read right now due to my own personal life stress and the lighter upbeat read just hit different. It really wasn't a writing issue, more of a personal issue... if I had read this at a different time I may have had an easier time reading it.

I LOVED the interaction with Rachel and the guys in this book. Her sarcastic in your face personality had me laughing and I loved that the guy's protective nature was extended to her as well.

I love seeing just how far this group has come in terms of emotional character growth. They have learned from past mistakes and are willing to work on their own behaviors. If you are looking for some spicey scenes, this book isn't lacking in those!!! And the cliffhanger is brutal!!!

Keep in mind this series is a long one and so far only covers senior year of high school. There are still 4 books left, so if you are looking for a faster paced story then this isn't the series for you.

Error wise, there has been a noticeable improvement in editing since book 1, but there were still enough errrors that at times I had to guess what it was trying to say. But I appreciate the fact that more time has obviously been put into the actual editing as the series continues.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No matter what life throws at us, you will always remember that I love you.
That you have my heart.
You have had my heart longer than I even understood what that meant."

* * * * *

I'm on my third reread of this book today, but that line will get me every time. I love Frankie Curtis and this series more than I can find a way to put into words. The magic that Heather Long has woven onto these pages - the authenticity, the love, the raw joy and anguish and pain and the strength she writes into these characters and this story make me weep. It makes me laugh and cheer and cry and fall in love with every page I turn.

Frankie, Coop, Jake, Archie, Ian and Rachel are a family. Bound by heart and soul, by choice and determined to make this life everything it can be - together. The friendship and devotion on these pages has grown into one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read, and Graduation and Gifts, book eight of their journey, is no exception. We see the ending of one chapter and the beautiful beginning of another, and in true Frankie fashion, the little moments slam into your heart like a wrecking ball. Nearly as hard as any twist or cliff Heather may consider tossing us off.

Speaking of twists and cliffhangers. #trustheather but also #teamdenydenydeny because HOLY CRAP ON A CRACKER, Heather Long, WHAT WAS THAT?

12/10 will read again and again and again...and scream every time. SO FREAKING GOOD.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What else can I say besides I LOVED IT!! Once again Heather has taken us on a beautiful journey and just when we think we've made it...BAM she hits us with a cliffy nobody saw coming.

G&G is everything I was hoping for and so much more. They've made it. It's officially graduation and they are stepping out on their own. We get to meet Frankie's dad who is seriously so amazing and I can't wait to see more of him. Frankie and the guys get the summer together to just be them. "June is our month" will forever be one of my favorite things. There were adventures and fun, growth and healing, and most importantly love. There was so much love in this book and not just between the harem, friendships grew and families mended. We got to see Frankie and Ian step out and do something so big and amazing it gives us a peek at what could come. We got to see Torched again and I'm OBSESSED. We went around the world and then ended up in their new home in New York. Archie did so good on that front but are we really surprised? We saw what happens when one of them needs her more than the others. The support and love is phenomenal. And Rachel. This book has some of my favorite Rachel lines to date!

So all this to say, definitely add this one to your list. G&G is book 8 in the Untouchable Series and the books should be read in order. If you haven't started yet, DO IT!

[Meredith Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I save the talk about the ending for the end of the review.... BUT THE ENDING. Y'all aren't ready. If you think you are, you're not. Just know that going in, and enjoy the amazing book with Frankie and the boys traveling the world and spoiling Frankie silly (as she deserves because she is a queen). It was seriously rewarding as a reader to see Frankie make it to graduation after 7 books of such a struggle with everything in her life, she FINALLY made it! I love that they chose to all stay together for college and to figure things out as they go, navigating such a huge change in their lives.

Graduation and Gifts gave me similar vibes as Hangovers and Holidays, so it's no surprise that I loved it as much as I did. My favorite thing about this series is the day to day interactions with Frankie and the boys, and getting to see them all relax a little bit. With no more school hanging over their heads, and some space and distance from their parents and any extra drama.

That being said, they can't escape the drama of their everyday lives for long and relationships are definitely tested in this book (not necessarily the relationship of Frankie and the boys) but the way its handled and how Heather writes is so perfect.

Still haven't quite forgiven her for launching us off another cliff with that ending though.

[Meg Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

6/5⭐ Extra Star Read I thoroughly enjoyed graduations and gifts. In it we pick up right in the scene the last book left us in and get to know more about Frankie parentage. The gang graduates and this book follows their summer Adventure post-graduation before moving to NYC. I really enjoyed G&G and got Hangover and Holiday vibes except think more global. There was a cliffy. I was okay with the Cliffy because I trust the author (who is amazing btw) and I think this is going to be an interesting storyline to see how it pans out later and what this means for the characters. But I was okay with it after the clliffhanger on Brazen and Breathless I'm like this is cake LOL and im kind if looking forward to seeing what happens next.

I love the series with each book more and more. I got really know the characters & love them fall more into their world. And I Truly get lost in their world and you almost feel like you're part of the gang you're so invested in these the characters, their emotions,;their well-being and you kind of live vicariously through them. When a book can do that it's really special. With this series because it's long and it's in-depth and the way author Heather Long writes you really do become invested like no other and it's a truly special thing.

[iliana G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life doesn’t come with a script but some moments don’t need one.

Senior year pushed us all. It dared us to embrace wonder and chase love. It challenged us to find out who we were as people, as partners, as a family. We’re so much better together.

Graduation isn’t the end of our story by any stretch. It’s the next chapter.

We are finally here!
We are finally at Graduation!
i truly don't know what to say about this book.
Once more it had it all.... love , laughter,tears,madness,anger,frustration,more love,kinky sex,normal sex.
And finally we got to see what happend after the huge hook that left us hanging in the previous book.
Frankie meets her dad.
The boys are the boys! (i love the boys)
I have said many times that this author is one of my favorites.
She as managed to create a world and a story that we are so invested in that its like i might see frankie and the boys tomorrow and chat them up.
They are my friends and what they go through i go through with them.
Heather Long pulls us into her world and she makes us feel as part of the family.
I have to add that once more the book had a hook in the end and oh my god we were left not just hanging but with our hand almost jumping out of our chests.
Once more an amazing story that i can't wait to read more!

[veronika_21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the upcoming graduation Frankie decided to contact her dad, because she would like him to attend. He surprises everyone when he does show up and is really cool and even likes the guys and defends Frankie against her mother when she shows up at the graduation. Frankie really deserves a great parent.
After graduating Frankie and the guys travel a bit and it's great to see them outside of high school and without dealing with the problems back at home.
They meet with Rachel during their travels and go to see Torched where Frankie and Ian get to perform on stage for the first time. I'm looking forward to see them pursuing this path and it will be hilarious to see Jake act as a bodyguard when they get to perform on their own.
We have some drama in the book as well, but this time it's bit different and it lands Frankie and Jake for several weeks in Germany. It shows how the guys are all grown-up and understand when one of them needs Frankie for themselves, because there was no jealousy or hard feelings when Frankie took of with Jake and they didn't get to see her for a long time.
This book has a pretty bad cliffhanger. Probably the worst we've seen so far in Untouchable and the release of D&D couldn't have come soon enough.

[Kerrie Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graduation at last!! Finally senior year is over for Frankie and the guys but its the start of so much more.

I'm not American so school works differently but I really feel like I've experienced the ups and downs of the final year right alongside them. They've all grown so much, as a group, as individuals and in their own relationships with Frankie. Not to mention Rachel who I want to kidnap and have for my very own!

I didn't think I could love the guys anymore but I saw a different side of them in this book. Their protectiveness extending to cover those who Frankie cares about and Jake and Archie especially making choices that are just for them finally realising the others have their backs. We join them on and incredible summer trip, see Ian help Frankie over some nerves and Torched have well and truly adopted Frankie as a BFF. We get a few answers, a few questions, some incredible steamy moments and a whole lot of laughter.

The ending though. To quote Jake and the final words of the book "Fuck. Me."

[Stacy Gragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Dance*
Frankie and the guys are back (can I get a Whoop Whoop)
Graduation and Gifts starts off where Trials and Tiaras left off.
Frankie finally gets to meet her father! Henry (Hank) Jackson and OMG! I loved Hank from the start, it explained where Frankie got her personality and her quarks. My favorite Hank and Frankie moment was when Frankie talks to her little sister Chloe for the first time, I can't wait until Frankie and the guys meet the rest of the family.
Graduation was another epic episode of dysfunctional family at it's best or worst. Maddie wins the Worst Mother of the Century and she so got what she deserved.
The dynamic between Archie, Ian, Jake, Coop and Frankie feels different more Solid in this book and I love it!
So many other things happened within these pages that you won't want to miss and I can't wait to find out what really happened between Jake and his dad and what was said.
Every book is getting better and better and this one was no different, but be prepared for an epic cliffhanger because OMG!

[Sencia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Frankie and her boys! As this is book 8 Frankie has grown so much since the beginning. She is no longer whiny. She stands up for herself and recognizes that she deserves more than she was getting. I love that we have seen her growth and continue to see her doing the work to get there. Archie and Ian are definitely my two favorites but Jake and Coop aren't any slouches either. All of the boys have grown up too and they continue to fight for Frankie and ensure that outside forces don't mess with their relationship. This book felt like it gave closure to the high school portion and I felt ready to move on to college. Also, I'm still sipping Rachel to join the harem cause that girl just goes for my heart. Her snark speaks to me. I wish we would have some text convos in this one. As for the cliffhanger, I refuse to even fathom that Heather would that to me so I'm going to ignore that. Finally, can Maddie slither under a rock and die? Thanks.

Bound Hearts Forever!

[R S Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you serious?! August is MONTHS away! You left us hanging in a terrible way.
I absolutely LOVED this book. Frankie and the boys wrapped up their high school years with friends and family. Hank sounds like an awesome dad and Frankie deserves a parent worth having around. I hope he stays as nice as he starts out. It was fun having Frankie and the guys shaking off the problems they had dealt with to go kickback and enjoy Disney World, spending time on a private Fiji island and then hitting up Paris and London. Frankie and Ian singing with Tourched. What a summer to remember. Having the POV from the guys showed how they had matured and grown as a family together. Brother boyfriends lol. It was nice Jake and his dad got to repair their relationship as well. But the cliffhanger was a killer! Come on, don’t mess up Archie or Frankie!! They deserve a break. But august is SO. Far. Away. I want to know now!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The theme of this book seemed to be bittersweet endings and new beginnings. We open with an unexpected introduction to a new character who I think will fill a gaping hole in Frankie’s life and let’s be honest the more people in homegirl’s corner, the better. It seemed all of guys were also cleaning up their loose ends and making peace with their pasts and their families, which was so good to see. Dads in general seemed to play a large role in this book- especially for Frankie, Archie and Jake.

For most of the book (other than a few key parts) it seemed almost fairy tale-ish. If anyone deserved a well deserved vacay that dreams were made of it’s most definitely Frankie; that being said it seemed almost over the top at one point and that should have been my first clue that trouble was on the horizon (Hangovers and Holidays, anyone???). Balancing out all that sweetness comes one hell of cliffie.

All in all another stellar read by the incomparable, Ms. Long!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore Frankie and the guys! Each book in this series gets better and better (and hotter and hotter!). **Warning, spoilers ahead if you haven't yet caught up to Trials & Tiaras.

G&G starts off right where T&T left us, with Frankie's Dad showing up at her door. Hank is genuine and likable, immedaitable taking to Frankie which is amazing to see. Next up is graudation and then a whirlwhind summer of jet-setting with the guys. This book focused a lot on Frankie's relationships, both her romantic relationship with the guys as well as her close friendships and budding relationship with Hank. G&G had a ton of both sweetness and steam and showcased a very confident Frankie.

This book was so satisfying I didn't even mind the crazy cliff at the end! I've already pre-ordered the next book and can't wait to be back with Frankie and the guys!