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Local Beats #3
Ex-Rivals
The best way to get over your past is to get back under it.
Julian Corelli
After fifteen years, I’m back in Chicago for a new job, with enough sass and charm to power the whole city. There are two million people here, and only one I never want to see again. Except who do I come face-to-face with on my very first night back? My ex-rival, my ex-classmate, my ex… nevermind.
Camdon Gaines
As if getting over a breakup isn’t bad enough, the worst person I’ve ever had the displeasure to know is at my favorite club on guys’ night, laughing with my best friends. He’s still the most infuriating man, but at least I faced him, lost my temper a little, and now it’s case closed.
Except now that we’ve crossed paths again, it’s like we’re cosmically handcuffed together. Everyone else thinks he’s the funniest, cleverest man in the city and they want to be his new bestie. But I know the real Julian and there’s no way I can ever trust him again after what he did to me—especially when he’s acting like I’m the one who ruined everything.
This is a 70k word enemies-to-lovers, second chance, slower burn romance with a guaranteed HEA. It’s the third book in the Local Beats series and can be read as a standalone, but is more fun if read in order.
Julian Corelli
After fifteen years, I’m back in Chicago for a new job, with enough sass and charm to power the whole city. There are two million people here, and only one I never want to see again. Except who do I come face-to-face with on my very first night back? My ex-rival, my ex-classmate, my ex… nevermind.
Camdon Gaines
As if getting over a breakup isn’t bad enough, the worst person I’ve ever had the displeasure to know is at my favorite club on guys’ night, laughing with my best friends. He’s still the most infuriating man, but at least I faced him, lost my temper a little, and now it’s case closed.
Except now that we’ve crossed paths again, it’s like we’re cosmically handcuffed together. Everyone else thinks he’s the funniest, cleverest man in the city and they want to be his new bestie. But I know the real Julian and there’s no way I can ever trust him again after what he did to me—especially when he’s acting like I’m the one who ruined everything.
This is a 70k word enemies-to-lovers, second chance, slower burn romance with a guaranteed HEA. It’s the third book in the Local Beats series and can be read as a standalone, but is more fun if read in order.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2021
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Lee
17 books123 followersZoe writes contemporary romances and believed everyone will get extraordinary love stories since before she ever fell in love. She lives with her family near the mountains in Colorado, where she writes while listening to music, never drinks coffee, reads books in one sitting, and watches too many movies and tv shows. She’s been writing since she was a kid, but luckily she knows how grown-ups work now. Mostly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 20, 2021
Julian is thirty-five and just back in Chicago for a job as the executive director of a charity that raised money for research on degenerative diseases. He’s the co-chair for the bachelor auction in December. After a meeting, he ends up in a bar and makes friends with a group of guys right away. Great, until another friend arrives and Julian can’t believe his eyes... Camdon ugh, it’s been fifteen years since he last saw him.
Imagine the commotion when Camdon, co-chair of the auction, understands Julian’s part in it.
Passionate in their hate and passionate in their love. A great enemies to lovers narrative. There is a lot of hate, wonderfully written.
There is a big big issue and it’s all about hurt, heartbreaking hurt.
A bunch of friends and family members are very helpful.
Awesome story, with two vulnerable engaging main characters, captivatingly written, maybe a tiny tiny bit dragging, or it was me who was impatient, lol.
Imagine the commotion when Camdon, co-chair of the auction, understands Julian’s part in it.
Passionate in their hate and passionate in their love. A great enemies to lovers narrative. There is a lot of hate, wonderfully written.
There is a big big issue and it’s all about hurt, heartbreaking hurt.
A bunch of friends and family members are very helpful.
Awesome story, with two vulnerable engaging main characters, captivatingly written, maybe a tiny tiny bit dragging, or it was me who was impatient, lol.
May 17, 2021
Jump started a series at the third book, as is my habit. What can I do that the third book is the most interesting?! Usually...
Never read this author before and I was happy with the writing. As is due for ex-rivals and lovers, there was too much back and forth, insecurities and senseless withholding of information, but it did not irritate me somehow. (Obviously, I'm training for the new Garrett Leigh book, not that they have anything in common, except missed opportunities galore.) I hated the meddling family a lot, but they were not a bad bunch, mainly did not support Camdon enough and I felt he was lonely throughout the book. Julian somehow got their in their food graces and just stayed there.
I will probably try some more of this author's work.
Never read this author before and I was happy with the writing. As is due for ex-rivals and lovers, there was too much back and forth, insecurities and senseless withholding of information, but it did not irritate me somehow. (Obviously, I'm training for the new Garrett Leigh book, not that they have anything in common, except missed opportunities galore.) I hated the meddling family a lot, but they were not a bad bunch, mainly did not support Camdon enough and I felt he was lonely throughout the book. Julian somehow got their in their food graces and just stayed there.
I will probably try some more of this author's work.
May 10, 2021
... this one is so hard to rate ... I really liked the story. I liked - after the first third - both MCs but I really, REALLY, am disappointed in the secondary characters ... so, let's start at the beginning.
this story beginns with Julian coming back to Chicago after he spent the last years in Europe. I liked Julian and he is an interesting character. obviousely he is good with people and - after spending the last years in Europe, he is now a person, he himself likes as well.
Camdon was much harder for me to like - because, seriously, the first third of this book his behaviour is really childish and although I felt for him, because he obviously was really hurt by Julian, I was a bit annoyed with him. that changed after the first third because he tried and he worked on himself and in the end, I think, I liked him a lot more than Julian.
the storyline is a classic enemy-to-lovers story and I thought it was done quite well - especially with the background from high school and college.
but, I had real troubles with Camdons so called friends, because seriously, if your friends behave like that, I think you don't need them at all.
I get why they befriended Julian despite Camdons experiences with him as they did not have the whole story but to be so inconsiderate of his feelings - for example, who invites someone into the house of their friend, knowing that they can't stand each other and without asking first.
furthermore, they seemed a lot more Julians friends as camdons - they talked to Julian, asked Julian about his feelings, did different outings with him and so on.
there was not a single instance when one of his friends really took time to spend with Camdon.
this was something, which really mady me angry and disappointed me during the whole book and made me take of at least one star
so. all in al a nice story and I think I may read the first two books .. not really sure but the characters are interesting enough.
I would love a story about Ambrose and Ray, I think that would be really interesting and I am looking forward to Sams story
this story beginns with Julian coming back to Chicago after he spent the last years in Europe. I liked Julian and he is an interesting character. obviousely he is good with people and - after spending the last years in Europe, he is now a person, he himself likes as well.
Camdon was much harder for me to like - because, seriously, the first third of this book his behaviour is really childish and although I felt for him, because he obviously was really hurt by Julian, I was a bit annoyed with him. that changed after the first third because he tried and he worked on himself and in the end, I think, I liked him a lot more than Julian.
the storyline is a classic enemy-to-lovers story and I thought it was done quite well - especially with the background from high school and college.
but, I had real troubles with Camdons so called friends, because seriously, if your friends behave like that, I think you don't need them at all.
I get why they befriended Julian despite Camdons experiences with him as they did not have the whole story but to be so inconsiderate of his feelings - for example, who invites someone into the house of their friend, knowing that they can't stand each other and without asking first.
furthermore, they seemed a lot more Julians friends as camdons - they talked to Julian, asked Julian about his feelings, did different outings with him and so on.
there was not a single instance when one of his friends really took time to spend with Camdon.
this was something, which really mady me angry and disappointed me during the whole book and made me take of at least one star
so. all in al a nice story and I think I may read the first two books .. not really sure but the characters are interesting enough.
I would love a story about Ambrose and Ray, I think that would be really interesting and I am looking forward to Sams story
May 18, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
Julian and Camdon Start in childhood as rivals but in college they start becoming lovers. Julian misses Camdon's 21st birthday they drift apart. Will explain what happens later in review. We start the story 15 years after. Julian has been living in Europe and come back to run a charity bachelor auction as a test run for becoming the executive director of the Charity. on his first night back he first meets, Camdon's friends not knowing it because Camdon was so closetted in their relationship that Julian never met his friends. Julian is charming and Camdon's friends likes Julian. Camdon is a lawyer and is late meeting his friend's a Local Beats. a music club in Chicago. Spark fly and I am reminded of the saying that hate is the flip side of love and hate can mask a strong love.
They are Co-Chairs of the Auction Because Julian's father is a convicted criminal who stole from most of the residents of Chicago. and the board of the Charity is understandably wary of him. The Auction planning can get tense and the forced proximity brings attraction even as Camdon and Julian struggle with knowing if they can trust each other. After A summer Softball game where Julian is in long sleeves and getting over heated. Camdon removes the shirt and Discovers the scars that Julian was trying to hide. Later Julian reveals to one of the friends that the scars are from an accident that happenned on Camdon's 21st birthday and he was in the hospital for days. Camdon didn't visit Julian because he didn't know and lost his phone so when Julian tried contracting him after he left the hospital he couldn't be reached. So Julian thought Camdon ghosted him. So much loss from a misfortunate set of misunderstanding. They are so right when they work together.
this is a series I came into with reading the previous books. I enjoyed this book even though I felt I was missing some of the inside jokes among the group of friends.
Julian and Camdon Start in childhood as rivals but in college they start becoming lovers. Julian misses Camdon's 21st birthday they drift apart. Will explain what happens later in review. We start the story 15 years after. Julian has been living in Europe and come back to run a charity bachelor auction as a test run for becoming the executive director of the Charity. on his first night back he first meets, Camdon's friends not knowing it because Camdon was so closetted in their relationship that Julian never met his friends. Julian is charming and Camdon's friends likes Julian. Camdon is a lawyer and is late meeting his friend's a Local Beats. a music club in Chicago. Spark fly and I am reminded of the saying that hate is the flip side of love and hate can mask a strong love.
They are Co-Chairs of the Auction Because Julian's father is a convicted criminal who stole from most of the residents of Chicago. and the board of the Charity is understandably wary of him. The Auction planning can get tense and the forced proximity brings attraction even as Camdon and Julian struggle with knowing if they can trust each other. After A summer Softball game where Julian is in long sleeves and getting over heated. Camdon removes the shirt and Discovers the scars that Julian was trying to hide. Later Julian reveals to one of the friends that the scars are from an accident that happenned on Camdon's 21st birthday and he was in the hospital for days. Camdon didn't visit Julian because he didn't know and lost his phone so when Julian tried contracting him after he left the hospital he couldn't be reached. So Julian thought Camdon ghosted him. So much loss from a misfortunate set of misunderstanding. They are so right when they work together.
this is a series I came into with reading the previous books. I enjoyed this book even though I felt I was missing some of the inside jokes among the group of friends.
May 5, 2021
I love second-chance romances, and this one is a delicious cocktail of angst, determination, chemistry, love, and stubbornness. Could Julian and Cambdon have worked out, and worked beyond, their tragic past in a single conversation (or maybe two) if they’d just been willing to sit down and communicate clearly with each other? Absolutely. Will they do that? Heck no. The beautiful thing about this book, though, is that, frustrating as their stubbornness is, it’s so easy to see where each man is coming from, and why they make the decisions they do. Both Cambdon and Julian have different memories of their shared past, and both have blindspots-- I spent the first half of the novel infuriated by Cambdon’s melodrama and the second half flabbergasted by Julian’s obliviousness-- and I still loved them both throughout it. They’re complicated, proud, stubborn, deeply complex characters who don’t know how to get out of their own way, and they’re so worth the read. I also loved their shared friend group, all of whom are awesome, engaging people in their own right. I’d highly recommend this book: it’s got steam, feels, and a well-deserved HEA.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
Ex-Rivals is the third book in the Local Beats series and tells Camdon and Julian’s story. Their story does stand alone, but former MCs are present in their group of friends, so there is some series crossover.
I did struggle with this book and the story the men shared. Julian and Camdon were legendary rivals growing up, but at times, it seemed even more extreme than the word rivals would describe. So extreme that when Camdon’s friends even hear the name Julian, they all think of Camdon’s rival. Their former history is only told in pieces and I never did feel like I had the complete picture of this rivalry.
There were times when I certainly felt chemistry between the men and I was in the groove with their story, only to be pulled out yet again by the rest of their story around them not working for me as much. It then made it more difficult to get on board with Julian and Camdon deciding to have a relationship with benefits and refusing to discuss anything about the mountain of history blocking their path to moving forward.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
Ex-Rivals is the third book in the Local Beats series and tells Camdon and Julian’s story. Their story does stand alone, but former MCs are present in their group of friends, so there is some series crossover.
I did struggle with this book and the story the men shared. Julian and Camdon were legendary rivals growing up, but at times, it seemed even more extreme than the word rivals would describe. So extreme that when Camdon’s friends even hear the name Julian, they all think of Camdon’s rival. Their former history is only told in pieces and I never did feel like I had the complete picture of this rivalry.
There were times when I certainly felt chemistry between the men and I was in the groove with their story, only to be pulled out yet again by the rest of their story around them not working for me as much. It then made it more difficult to get on board with Julian and Camdon deciding to have a relationship with benefits and refusing to discuss anything about the mountain of history blocking their path to moving forward.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
May 13, 2021
Ex-Rivals is a wonderful second chance romance by Zoe Lee. I love every single moment of it.
Camden and Julian. I love these two.
When we meet them, they aren't happy to see each other. Their past is a painful secret that leaves them both hurt and bitter all these years later.
The families are friends, with their moms being best friends. I adore the way Camden's friends and sister are charmed by Julian and bring him into their group.
Everything about this story is wonderful. I enjoy the way they start off as enemies and slowly start to bring down their walls.
I always enjoy second chance romances, but especially when the reason things didn't work out the first time are realistic and natural. Their story is one of bad timing and miscommunication, but it's no one's fault. It's just the circumstances. They are the victims of their secrets and events out of their control.
Written in alternating first person pov, I love the writing style. The author fully brings everything to life, including the large gatherings and the scars. The secondary characters are fabulous, keeping me laughing and entertained.
There are some serious moments, but the author's humor helps keep things much lighter than you'd expect.
Ex-Rivals is everything I was hoping it would be. This Zoe Lee gem had me intrigued at the start, and I quickly found myself mesmerized. I couldn't put this book down. It's perfectly sweet and completely feel good.
Camden and Julian. I love these two.
When we meet them, they aren't happy to see each other. Their past is a painful secret that leaves them both hurt and bitter all these years later.
The families are friends, with their moms being best friends. I adore the way Camden's friends and sister are charmed by Julian and bring him into their group.
Everything about this story is wonderful. I enjoy the way they start off as enemies and slowly start to bring down their walls.
I always enjoy second chance romances, but especially when the reason things didn't work out the first time are realistic and natural. Their story is one of bad timing and miscommunication, but it's no one's fault. It's just the circumstances. They are the victims of their secrets and events out of their control.
Written in alternating first person pov, I love the writing style. The author fully brings everything to life, including the large gatherings and the scars. The secondary characters are fabulous, keeping me laughing and entertained.
There are some serious moments, but the author's humor helps keep things much lighter than you'd expect.
Ex-Rivals is everything I was hoping it would be. This Zoe Lee gem had me intrigued at the start, and I quickly found myself mesmerized. I couldn't put this book down. It's perfectly sweet and completely feel good.
Read
May 15, 2021A delightful romance between childhood rivals against the fun backdrop of planning a bachelor auction! I loved the hurt/comfort, family feels, and snarky side characters. Rivals to lovers—I didn’t know I needed it but their dynamic was really engaging and generated a ton of sexy tension. A totally enjoyable read. ❤️
May 17, 2021
Good writing, fleshed out MCs with great chemistry. The beginning was promising but I ended up disappointed. I genuinely liked Camdon, but Julian's behavior had zero sense, especially for 35 year old accomplished man, and I couldn't connect with him. Inability/unwillingness to communicate was super frustrating. I can understand major misunderstanding that happened in the past but sleeping together and not talking about it was ridiculous. The truth was revealed around 70% mark and only thanks to friends' intervention. Not my thing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
Ex-classmates. Ex-rivals. Ex-lovers. Present enemies. Camdon is left reeling one night when Julian Corelli, the man he loves to hate and hated to love, shows up at Camdon's local club only to reveal that he's back in the city for the foreseeable future.
With Ex-Rivals, Zoe Lee takes a handful of my favourite tropes - enemies to lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity, slow burn - and stirs them together in one big angsty cauldron that the reader can't help but watch to see when it inevitably boils over. This book is enemies to lovers (and back to enemies again) done right: you can feel the mistrust and resentment and irrepressible sexual tension oozing between Camdon and Julian in every scene they share together. Ever since starting Zoe Lee's Local Beats series, I've been fascinated to see Camdon's story, and his journey with Julian does not disappoint. Lately I've been reading a lot of dual POV books in which the perspectives somewhat blur into one, but Zoe Lee is excellent at giving her characters, from the stubborn and steadfast Camdon to the sassy and smooth-talking Julian, such distinct voices that I was never in any doubt about which pair of eyes I was seeing the story through. Both of their internal monologues are strong, but it's when the two come together and start riffing off each other that their individual voices blend to create snappy, fast-paced dialogue that had me dragging my eyes from line to line like I was watching two people volley tennis balls at each other over a net.
Having read the previous two instalments, I also love how we get to see a glimpse of how our old favourites are doing without letting their stories overshadow Camdon and Julian. The side-characters are just as distinctive as our leading lads, with particular standouts being Camdon's sister Lex and his friend Sam, who is on a mission to challenge sexual stereotyping of gay men. Iconic, the both of them.
Overall, Ex-Rivals is a great addition to this series, and its simmering slow-burn love story will keep you gripped until the words 'The End'.
**Full Disclosure: I beta-read this book for Zoe, but all opinions shared here are my own. I wouldn't have beta-read for her if I didn't love her work and the project, so honesty is my policy here.**
With Ex-Rivals, Zoe Lee takes a handful of my favourite tropes - enemies to lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity, slow burn - and stirs them together in one big angsty cauldron that the reader can't help but watch to see when it inevitably boils over. This book is enemies to lovers (and back to enemies again) done right: you can feel the mistrust and resentment and irrepressible sexual tension oozing between Camdon and Julian in every scene they share together. Ever since starting Zoe Lee's Local Beats series, I've been fascinated to see Camdon's story, and his journey with Julian does not disappoint. Lately I've been reading a lot of dual POV books in which the perspectives somewhat blur into one, but Zoe Lee is excellent at giving her characters, from the stubborn and steadfast Camdon to the sassy and smooth-talking Julian, such distinct voices that I was never in any doubt about which pair of eyes I was seeing the story through. Both of their internal monologues are strong, but it's when the two come together and start riffing off each other that their individual voices blend to create snappy, fast-paced dialogue that had me dragging my eyes from line to line like I was watching two people volley tennis balls at each other over a net.
Having read the previous two instalments, I also love how we get to see a glimpse of how our old favourites are doing without letting their stories overshadow Camdon and Julian. The side-characters are just as distinctive as our leading lads, with particular standouts being Camdon's sister Lex and his friend Sam, who is on a mission to challenge sexual stereotyping of gay men. Iconic, the both of them.
Overall, Ex-Rivals is a great addition to this series, and its simmering slow-burn love story will keep you gripped until the words 'The End'.
**Full Disclosure: I beta-read this book for Zoe, but all opinions shared here are my own. I wouldn't have beta-read for her if I didn't love her work and the project, so honesty is my policy here.**
May 13, 2021
As with all the books in the Local Beats series, Ex-Rivals was a balance between gut wrenching angst and heartwarming sweetness. Camden has been in the background of the first two books so it was nice to finally get his full story as well as see him get his HEA. Julian and Camden have been rivals since they were kids and after their relationship changed in college from frenemies to lovers, a major event when they were 21 tore them apart. It was interesting seeing the events of their past from both Camden and Julian's perspectives. While the author does not have flashbacks, there is a lot of internal dialogue by both main characters about the events of the past and how it has shaped the last 15 years of their lives. I love a good second chance story, especially if there is a lot of angst throughout, but I will say there were parts of this story that seemed to drag a little because Julian and Camden refused to talk about past events, meaning there are several chapters of the same sequence of fighting, storming off, and making up for their friends and families sake before they get it together. I loved seeing the characters from the first two Local Beats books and am so excited for Sam to finally get his story told. I hope we will get to see Lucas and Asher's wedding in the fourth book or in a novella! One thing I really like about Zoe Lee's writing is the depth in which the story is told. As a reader, you really get to understand the chapters and the depths of their emotions. I also very much enjoy that each book spans a significant amount of time, several months to up to two years. I look forward to more from this author and the fourth book! I received an ARC for an honest and fair review.
May 17, 2021
3.75 Stars
The third story of the Local Beats series features enemies to lovers, between two former rivals. I really enjoyed book one the most, and I felt a little lost with this current story. The beginning definitely reeled me in but the middle lagged and felt forced. The anger between the two men was off-the-charts and was uncomfortable at times. By the midway point, they could be together without verbally lashing out.
The crux of the story is a massive miscommunication coupled with warped perceptions. Camden is a lawyer that never has forgiven his first love for what he believed was a betrayal. Julian, a teacher, has come to Cam’s town to oversee a charity benefit that features a bachelor auction. While much more civil, Julian is filled with hurt over his version of Camden’s abandonment. Each feels the victim, and the wound has been festering way too long.
There is a large host of secondary characters, and at times I felt they took up too much of the story. I would have preferred less of everyone else and more time with the two men trying to navigate and merge their new feelings. It took me a little bit longer to bond with Camden as he shouts quite a bit in the story, which did not endear him to me at first. I did feel a stronger pull towards Julian and ached for his past.
It took a while before I felt a true connection between the two men and this was near the end. I suggest reading the first two stories before delving into Ex-Rivals. If you enjoy enemies to lover tropes this will be a book you should try. Happy reading!
* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. * * *
The third story of the Local Beats series features enemies to lovers, between two former rivals. I really enjoyed book one the most, and I felt a little lost with this current story. The beginning definitely reeled me in but the middle lagged and felt forced. The anger between the two men was off-the-charts and was uncomfortable at times. By the midway point, they could be together without verbally lashing out.
The crux of the story is a massive miscommunication coupled with warped perceptions. Camden is a lawyer that never has forgiven his first love for what he believed was a betrayal. Julian, a teacher, has come to Cam’s town to oversee a charity benefit that features a bachelor auction. While much more civil, Julian is filled with hurt over his version of Camden’s abandonment. Each feels the victim, and the wound has been festering way too long.
There is a large host of secondary characters, and at times I felt they took up too much of the story. I would have preferred less of everyone else and more time with the two men trying to navigate and merge their new feelings. It took me a little bit longer to bond with Camden as he shouts quite a bit in the story, which did not endear him to me at first. I did feel a stronger pull towards Julian and ached for his past.
It took a while before I felt a true connection between the two men and this was near the end. I suggest reading the first two stories before delving into Ex-Rivals. If you enjoy enemies to lover tropes this will be a book you should try. Happy reading!
* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. * * *
May 18, 2021
Julian and Camdon have not seen one another in fifteen years. Julian has been travelling all over the world during that time and the last person he wants to see upon his return to Chicago is Camdon and the feeling is mutual. Or is it? These two have such a strong reaction to seeing one another again because they have strong and very deep feelings for one another that have never gone away. Being apart hurt them and they named their hurt anger, but it is hurt. Even when they were together growing up making each other miserable as rivals the strength of their response to one another is about more than competition. Then when they were in college they had a taste of what it was like to be with one another when they became lovers and confessed love for one another. And then a major misunderstanding tears them apart and leaves them both heartbroken but communication is not this pair's strong suit so they hurt for a long time and resist the second chance Julian's return offers them. Good friends and family interfering/helping and proximity gives them the opportunity to slowly but surely get it right this time and after a ton of angst they find their way back to one another. Oh the feels! I liked and wanted to shake each of these men but was so glad that things ended well.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
May 11, 2021
In relationships, as in life, timing is everything…...this was a major takeaway for me in Ex-Rivals, the latest Local Beats Series by Zoe Lee. This was the first book in this series and the first book by this author for me and I enjoyed it so much I now HAVE to go back and read the first two books! Ex-Rivals is the story of Julian and Camdon, former schoolmates from elementary school into college. Julian returns home to Chicago after having been gone for almost 15 years and inserts himself into Cam’s life purely by accident. Both characters have totally antagonistic memories of each other from their pasts, but you know there is more to the story and boy are you right! Cam and Julian are both happy where their lives have led, not knowing how each played a role in shaping the other. Together they need to work through their shared past before they are able to find their future together. I loved the writing style of Zoe Lee. Her characters are emotionally complex but still manage to make you laugh out loud at some of the things she has them do and say. If you are fans of the series you will enjoy revisiting with other couples she has brought together. I’m really looking forward to discovering more great stories from the author.
May 18, 2021
**ARC Review**
This is my first time with this author and all in all I enjoyed this enemies to lovers romance. I missed out on the first two books in the series but ultimately I didn't feel lost in the story. You meet previous couples but they are friends and family to the two MCs. Julian and Camdon hatred of each other was kinda intense. Both guys holding intense grudges for years so when they met up after a very big misunderstanding in the past, it was explosive. As a reader you would think it would take a miracle for these guys to be even friendly. It was definitely a push and pull type/slow burn relationship...first half you see Camdon trying to come to grips (full blown stubborn) of their issues while Julian is seen as the "good guy" and then towards the second half, Julian is having issues with their budding relationship and Camdon is the understanding/compliant one...very angsty with these two. Fears keep these guys floundering and you have to read really to the end to see if they have a HEA or not. As a reader I was constantly cheering them on because I love happy endings and this couple definitely deserved it.
This is my first time with this author and all in all I enjoyed this enemies to lovers romance. I missed out on the first two books in the series but ultimately I didn't feel lost in the story. You meet previous couples but they are friends and family to the two MCs. Julian and Camdon hatred of each other was kinda intense. Both guys holding intense grudges for years so when they met up after a very big misunderstanding in the past, it was explosive. As a reader you would think it would take a miracle for these guys to be even friendly. It was definitely a push and pull type/slow burn relationship...first half you see Camdon trying to come to grips (full blown stubborn) of their issues while Julian is seen as the "good guy" and then towards the second half, Julian is having issues with their budding relationship and Camdon is the understanding/compliant one...very angsty with these two. Fears keep these guys floundering and you have to read really to the end to see if they have a HEA or not. As a reader I was constantly cheering them on because I love happy endings and this couple definitely deserved it.
May 3, 2021
Ex-Rivals is a sweet enemies-to-lovers second-chance MM romance.
Camden is just getting out of a six-year relationship and is partying with his friends when he sees Julian again after 15 years. Julian is his ex-rival and ex-boyfriend. The man he thought he loved and who left him without notice and just disappeared. Now he is back into his life and worms his way into his group of friends. Can he get closure or will old feelings get dragged back?
I really liked this book. Both characters had some issues to deal with and had to deal with repressed feelings. They had amazing chemistry together.
I have not read the other two books in this series and had no problems understanding this one, so you don’t have to read all books in the series.
This one is definitely worth to be read!
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
Camden is just getting out of a six-year relationship and is partying with his friends when he sees Julian again after 15 years. Julian is his ex-rival and ex-boyfriend. The man he thought he loved and who left him without notice and just disappeared. Now he is back into his life and worms his way into his group of friends. Can he get closure or will old feelings get dragged back?
I really liked this book. Both characters had some issues to deal with and had to deal with repressed feelings. They had amazing chemistry together.
I have not read the other two books in this series and had no problems understanding this one, so you don’t have to read all books in the series.
This one is definitely worth to be read!
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
May 13, 2021
Struggled with this one.
I just couldn't get past all of Cam's friends deciding he should give Julian a chance and basically taking Julian's side from the get go without even knowing the full story. Weird. And when we find out why they don't like each other (which takes far too long to be revealed) it's pretty weak. Even if they couldn't get in touch with each other when they were younger, there were so many opportunities for them once they were back in each other's lives to talk and get everything out in the open.
The lack of communication was frustrating, I didn't find Can or Julian all that likeable and I really didn't warm to the side characters for reasons previously mentioned.
Shame as I wasn't impressed with book 1 but really enjoyed book 2. I think this is where this author and I part ways.
I just couldn't get past all of Cam's friends deciding he should give Julian a chance and basically taking Julian's side from the get go without even knowing the full story. Weird. And when we find out why they don't like each other (which takes far too long to be revealed) it's pretty weak. Even if they couldn't get in touch with each other when they were younger, there were so many opportunities for them once they were back in each other's lives to talk and get everything out in the open.
The lack of communication was frustrating, I didn't find Can or Julian all that likeable and I really didn't warm to the side characters for reasons previously mentioned.
Shame as I wasn't impressed with book 1 but really enjoyed book 2. I think this is where this author and I part ways.
May 17, 2021
Second chance romance with a lot of snarky banter and delicious enemies-to-lovers feels
I haven't read the previous two books in the series but the blurb and title hooked me right in. We meet the stubborn Cambon and the oblivious Julian who share a lot of history and it almost feels like they can't be more perfectly matched even if they seem to bring out the worst in each other.
Like all second chance romances, a lot of their troubles stems from misunderstandings, but I also liked how the duo tried to work around their differences in personalities and their insecurities.
Julian seems to be favourite, but I liked Camdon more. The writing flows well and I liked the roles the side characters played.
Recommend to those looking for a low angst second chance romance with lots of banter.
I haven't read the previous two books in the series but the blurb and title hooked me right in. We meet the stubborn Cambon and the oblivious Julian who share a lot of history and it almost feels like they can't be more perfectly matched even if they seem to bring out the worst in each other.
Like all second chance romances, a lot of their troubles stems from misunderstandings, but I also liked how the duo tried to work around their differences in personalities and their insecurities.
Julian seems to be favourite, but I liked Camdon more. The writing flows well and I liked the roles the side characters played.
Recommend to those looking for a low angst second chance romance with lots of banter.
May 31, 2021
Huh. Surprisingly good
I haven't read Zoe Lee before, so I was going in blind with this one. I hoped it would be good, but was a bit leery of the 15 year old pestering drama. However, this book surprised me, because it was actually better than I expected. There was a lot of drama and main characters are definitely horrible examples of communication, but at the same time, it was engaging and kept my interest throughout the whole story. I liked them both and their big misunderstanding was understandably painful, but it was interesting to watch them work it out, enjoy their denial and see them solve their problems slowly but steadily. Definitely better than I expected.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
I haven't read Zoe Lee before, so I was going in blind with this one. I hoped it would be good, but was a bit leery of the 15 year old pestering drama. However, this book surprised me, because it was actually better than I expected. There was a lot of drama and main characters are definitely horrible examples of communication, but at the same time, it was engaging and kept my interest throughout the whole story. I liked them both and their big misunderstanding was understandably painful, but it was interesting to watch them work it out, enjoy their denial and see them solve their problems slowly but steadily. Definitely better than I expected.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
May 30, 2021
Ex-Rivals is the third book in the Local Beats series by Zoe Lee. The writing is very good, as it was with the first two books, but I didn’t connect as well with these characters. Julian and Camdon meet again after fifteen years apart, but the reunion is an icy one. It’s clear from the way they behave that they still have strong feelings for each other. Instead of talking things out, they grouse and bicker. There’s a fine line between love and hate, and these guys walk it like experienced tightrope walkers. While reading, I found myself feeling as frustrated as their friends, urging them to just have a conversation about what divided them years ago. Aside from that, Ex-Rivals is a solid, enjoyable read.
May 4, 2021
Oh wow. This book ripped my heart out, tore it in little pieces,and put it back together again. This book was gorgeous!! I have enjoyed all of them so far but I think the story of Julian and Camdon might be my favorite. The story of them reconnecting and slowly realizing that they never really stopped loving each other was so beautiful and gut wrenching. They have so much baggage to work out and work through from what was a horrible accidental coincidence. They both assumed the worst of the other person and have trouble moving past it. Glorious happy ending involved though. This is a really good book and I highly recommend you read it!
May 7, 2021
*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews*
This story was amazing. The drama and the angst could have turned me off if handled slightly differently, but luckily, there was balance between heavy and lighter tones throughout.
Both Julian and Camdon are complicated, full characters with pretty considerable baggage. While it has the potential, it never makes things overwhelming to read- just the necessary amount of drama to carry a story of this type.
I also really appreciated the secondary characters, they added a nice background to the environment and were fun to read.
All in all, a pretty good read.
This story was amazing. The drama and the angst could have turned me off if handled slightly differently, but luckily, there was balance between heavy and lighter tones throughout.
Both Julian and Camdon are complicated, full characters with pretty considerable baggage. While it has the potential, it never makes things overwhelming to read- just the necessary amount of drama to carry a story of this type.
I also really appreciated the secondary characters, they added a nice background to the environment and were fun to read.
All in all, a pretty good read.
May 10, 2021
This might just be my favorite of Zoe's books so far! I really fell for both Camden and Julian and loved watching them realize that their past not only made them the men they are glad to be, it made them perfect for each other. It has all the feels of a second chance and a homecoming, and watching them learn to trust each other again is heartwarming and amusing. Zoe always impresses me with how real and relatable her characters are and I would love to be able to join the wonderful group of friends in the Local Beats series! While this is a standalone, I'd highly recommend reading the others as well as the characters will pop in and out throughout.
May 10, 2021
Julian and Camdon, what else can be said besides they’re so absolutely fabulous. The rivalry was fascinating. The misunderstandings are heartbreaking. Their reunion, though bitter on both sides, was difficult to stop reading about. The love/hate relationship captivating. This book has an uncanny way of pulling you into the story, holding you, completely with your permission because putting it down is out of the question. Friends, family, every one of them weighs in spectacularly bringing even more to the romance. This book is so very much five star material and I adored it! I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
July 15, 2021
I spent a lot of this book feeling angry, not because the writing was bad, but because the secondary characters were horrible to Camdon. They were supposedly his friends and family but you wouldn't know it by the way they treated him.
Julian, the other MC was basically a jerk and everyone just sided with him against Camdon. They belittled Camdon's feelings, almost to the point of gaslighting, imo. I couldn't move past those feelings, and even though I did finish the book, the HEA didn't improve things for me.
Because I started the series here and I disliked everyone so much, I'm gonna call it a wrap. The author is a good writer, but this just wasn't for me.
Julian, the other MC was basically a jerk and everyone just sided with him against Camdon. They belittled Camdon's feelings, almost to the point of gaslighting, imo. I couldn't move past those feelings, and even though I did finish the book, the HEA didn't improve things for me.
Because I started the series here and I disliked everyone so much, I'm gonna call it a wrap. The author is a good writer, but this just wasn't for me.
May 12, 2021
This was a really good enemies to lovers, second chance romance. Camdon has just gotten out of a relationship when he sees his ex, Julian schmoozing with his friends. They all think he’s great. Both Camdon and Julian see things differently. They both had major issues not talking to each other, but there’s still serious chemistry between them. Both are complex and well written. I loved the steam and all the feels. I also loved the secondary characters! I‘m voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received.
May 13, 2021
Highly recommend this book! This is my first Zoe Lee book and I will definitely be reading her other books. Camdon and Julian had a rivalry since they first met. Secret past and misunderstandings while in college made the two disappear from each other’s life. Camdon went on and became a lawyer while Julian become a teacher and traveler. Meeting 15 years later is like a second chance for both of them if they can work it out. I loved reading their story. I love the ending. And can’t wait to read more about their friends. Highly recommend!!
May 16, 2021
Julian and Camdon have always been rivals but at one point they were more than rivals. A series of events on one particular day lead to lifelong misunderstandings. After 15 years the two come face to face again with all these misunderstandings clouding their perceptions even after 15 years. The only constant is an intense sexual attraction. They give in to these desires with no strings sex. The one thing they need to clear the air on is the fateful night in the past. The reader just wants to slap these very stubborn men around until they acknowledge that night in the past. I highly recommend.
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May 16, 2021They say you never get over your first love and these two prove this point. Julian and Camdon were rivals from preschool until Julian without a word fifteen years ago. They kept so many people in the dark about their secret relationship people didn't know who or what to believe. I always so there are two sides to every story and once the truth comes out they get their happily ever after. The book is romantic, sweet, funny, some angst, great characters, has a great flow to it and their sexy times are hot. I enjoyed this book and the series.
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