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Never Just Friends #4
Friendly Fire
RAFE
It started in high school.
We grew apart. Bit by bit, then all at once.
The friend who was my ride or die suddenly wanted nothing to do with me.
Now Cam’s back from college, living in the house next door, and pulling stupid pranks just to annoy me.
Between my intense family and my failing relationship, I’m struggling enough without his antics.
But Cam won’t go away. And I’m not so sure I want him to.
CAM
It started with a smile.
A touch.
A shared look of mischief.
Rafael Ortega stole my heart before I realized it was mine to give away.
We were best friends from the time we were in diapers right up until the unthinkable happened: he started dating.
I put distance between us to save myself, but now I’m back, willing to do anything for his attention again.
Because the only thing worse than Rafe breaking my heart …
Is him not getting a chance to.
It started in high school.
We grew apart. Bit by bit, then all at once.
The friend who was my ride or die suddenly wanted nothing to do with me.
Now Cam’s back from college, living in the house next door, and pulling stupid pranks just to annoy me.
Between my intense family and my failing relationship, I’m struggling enough without his antics.
But Cam won’t go away. And I’m not so sure I want him to.
CAM
It started with a smile.
A touch.
A shared look of mischief.
Rafael Ortega stole my heart before I realized it was mine to give away.
We were best friends from the time we were in diapers right up until the unthinkable happened: he started dating.
I put distance between us to save myself, but now I’m back, willing to do anything for his attention again.
Because the only thing worse than Rafe breaking my heart …
Is him not getting a chance to.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2021
257 people are currently reading
1294 people want to read
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August 24, 2021
im sorry but i really didn’t like this. at all😭 i was expecting this to be a no-brainer four or five star read bcos im a whore for childhood best friends turned “enemies” to lovers... but this was just painful for me lol. finishing this was a chore.
i seem to be in the minority here... but i really disliked Cam :///
it’s definitely a personal thing. one of my pet peeves are people who just don’t know how to leave well-enough alone, you know? like they just goad and goad, pester and poke constantly and don’t know when to just back off. whenever a character has that personality type in a romance book, im immediately turned off😭 then i struggle rooting for the romance since they get on every one of my last fucking nerves.
but everyone else views them as this hilarious jokester type... while i would literally want to throat-punch the fuck out of them— i had a few friends like that when i was younger where i would have to physically walk away before i exploded lmao bcos they just refused to leave me alone and back off.
it truly annoys the fuck out of me. i think it’s just the uptight, anxious introvert in me bcos i just want everyone to leave me alone and get out of my personal space. but Cam is the type of guy who just doesn’t know how the take a step back and not be so... OTT.
like Cam always goading and competing with Rafe when Rafe wasn’t interested knowing that Rafe’s mum constantly compared him to Cam to the point it really effected him mentally and the way he saw himself was just tactless and frustrating to read. especially bcos Rafe didn’t deserve it and had more going on than Cam knew about... so like i said. just back off mate.
and having the audacity to be bum-hurt over not being friends with Rafe anymore... when it was literally his fucking fault. even after all the annoying shit Cam does to Rafe, Rafe still offers to stay at his house and spend time with him, asking why they aren’t friends anymore and Cam portrays it like it was Rafe’s fault? telling Rafe to leave and framing himself as the wronged party.
erm fuck that thank you very much. just Cam’s maturity levels were not what i was expecting. from the previous books i got the vibe he was like a fun-loving but serious, esteemed doctor type. not the childish, immature “i-don’t-know-how-to-portray-my-feelings-beyond-childish-pranks” type😬 like, just talk? maybe not be a dick?
the hero of Good Boy immediately came to mind while i was reading this bcos he was the same type where i just wanted to smack him, honestly. i loathed him so much from the moment he fucked up the heroine’s wedding planning job— seriously, can you tell im still mad all this time later?
she basically asked him to do one job and stick to it bcos she needed to show her parents she was capable and responsible after so long of being underestimated by them... for him to do the opposite of what she asked, fucked up the order of like elegant decorations in favour of literal kids ones bcos he thought it was “funny”😐 i swear, the way i would have committed homicide.
those types of characters who want everyone else to “lighten up” really send me over the edge. truly my thirteenth reason. just bcos that’s how you like to live, doesn’t mean it’s the way i want to live. sincerely fuck off :)))
soooo, safe to say i struggled a lot with Cam and ultimately with the romance. i wasn’t rooting for them since i didn’t think Cam deserved Rafe, who i loved. he was sweet, slightly jaded and just exhausted from life. he was so confused about his identity and his happiness, feeling the weight of the world bearing down on him... and i just felt for him. so i suppose he was the upside to this annoying af story.
and Cam was too invasive as well— him buying Rafe sex toys when Rafe was explicitly uncomfortable talking about sex toys with Cam, again, was just icky to read. like, it’s really none of your goddam business— the guy has just acknowledged his asexuality like less than a week ago. let him come to terms with shit in his own time and respect his wishes maybe?? idk maybe im asking too much? the more i read, the more things i discovered about Cam irritated tf out of me.
and on the topic of Rafe’s asexuality... i lowkey didn’t think the author handled the portrayal well, in my opinion. i mean, Rafe openly states several times that he really isn’t into sex and doesn’t miss it when he’s not having it, even when he’s kissing Cam, he doesn’t feel the inclination to have sex... but does it any way for Cam?? i– what? i know asexuality is a spectrum like all sexualities, but it’s the fact he’s explicitly stated “I wish I could be into sex” (and many variations of that declaration) that didn’t align with him having sex with Cam.
if he’d said he found himself sexually wanting Cam and wanted to have sex with him, id have no problem with the portrayal bcos asexual people still enjoy sex and want it... just usually not as often as other people. but him even having feelings for Cam still had Rafe uninterested in sex... so i didn’t like that he just had sex with Cam for what, Cam’s sake? bcos Cam openly talks about how he loves sex and he wants to give that to Cam even tho Rafe is mostly disinterested in sex?
idk how i feel about that lol. it just felt tactless imo and like Rafe was just having sex with Cam to please him, not wanting to lose him? i didn’t like the whole “i want to give him this” (Rafe’s words btw) mantra he would repeat in regards to sex bcos it just implied that he wanted sex to please Cam rather than actually wanting it for himself. idk, it just didn’t sit right with me ://// if the language the author had used for Rafe to describe how he felt before and during sex wasn’t so... ambiguous words like “hesitant”, “not sure”, i mean he even says:
...like is it just me or doesn’t that suggest he’s just having sex to please Cam and implying that without sex, Cam won’t be satisfied and will leave him?? it just felt like he wasn’t having sex with Cam for the right reasons, in my opinion. i literally skipped most of the sex scenes bcos it just felt... idk, tactless?
so suffice to say, this wasn’t the guaranteed success i was anticipating. im sad that this was completely the opposite of everything i was hoping for :///
i seem to be in the minority here... but i really disliked Cam :///
it’s definitely a personal thing. one of my pet peeves are people who just don’t know how to leave well-enough alone, you know? like they just goad and goad, pester and poke constantly and don’t know when to just back off. whenever a character has that personality type in a romance book, im immediately turned off😭 then i struggle rooting for the romance since they get on every one of my last fucking nerves.
but everyone else views them as this hilarious jokester type... while i would literally want to throat-punch the fuck out of them— i had a few friends like that when i was younger where i would have to physically walk away before i exploded lmao bcos they just refused to leave me alone and back off.
it truly annoys the fuck out of me. i think it’s just the uptight, anxious introvert in me bcos i just want everyone to leave me alone and get out of my personal space. but Cam is the type of guy who just doesn’t know how the take a step back and not be so... OTT.
like Cam always goading and competing with Rafe when Rafe wasn’t interested knowing that Rafe’s mum constantly compared him to Cam to the point it really effected him mentally and the way he saw himself was just tactless and frustrating to read. especially bcos Rafe didn’t deserve it and had more going on than Cam knew about... so like i said. just back off mate.
and having the audacity to be bum-hurt over not being friends with Rafe anymore... when it was literally his fucking fault. even after all the annoying shit Cam does to Rafe, Rafe still offers to stay at his house and spend time with him, asking why they aren’t friends anymore and Cam portrays it like it was Rafe’s fault? telling Rafe to leave and framing himself as the wronged party.
erm fuck that thank you very much. just Cam’s maturity levels were not what i was expecting. from the previous books i got the vibe he was like a fun-loving but serious, esteemed doctor type. not the childish, immature “i-don’t-know-how-to-portray-my-feelings-beyond-childish-pranks” type😬 like, just talk? maybe not be a dick?
the hero of Good Boy immediately came to mind while i was reading this bcos he was the same type where i just wanted to smack him, honestly. i loathed him so much from the moment he fucked up the heroine’s wedding planning job— seriously, can you tell im still mad all this time later?
she basically asked him to do one job and stick to it bcos she needed to show her parents she was capable and responsible after so long of being underestimated by them... for him to do the opposite of what she asked, fucked up the order of like elegant decorations in favour of literal kids ones bcos he thought it was “funny”😐 i swear, the way i would have committed homicide.
those types of characters who want everyone else to “lighten up” really send me over the edge. truly my thirteenth reason. just bcos that’s how you like to live, doesn’t mean it’s the way i want to live. sincerely fuck off :)))
soooo, safe to say i struggled a lot with Cam and ultimately with the romance. i wasn’t rooting for them since i didn’t think Cam deserved Rafe, who i loved. he was sweet, slightly jaded and just exhausted from life. he was so confused about his identity and his happiness, feeling the weight of the world bearing down on him... and i just felt for him. so i suppose he was the upside to this annoying af story.
and Cam was too invasive as well— him buying Rafe sex toys when Rafe was explicitly uncomfortable talking about sex toys with Cam, again, was just icky to read. like, it’s really none of your goddam business— the guy has just acknowledged his asexuality like less than a week ago. let him come to terms with shit in his own time and respect his wishes maybe?? idk maybe im asking too much? the more i read, the more things i discovered about Cam irritated tf out of me.
and on the topic of Rafe’s asexuality... i lowkey didn’t think the author handled the portrayal well, in my opinion. i mean, Rafe openly states several times that he really isn’t into sex and doesn’t miss it when he’s not having it, even when he’s kissing Cam, he doesn’t feel the inclination to have sex... but does it any way for Cam?? i– what? i know asexuality is a spectrum like all sexualities, but it’s the fact he’s explicitly stated “I wish I could be into sex” (and many variations of that declaration) that didn’t align with him having sex with Cam.
if he’d said he found himself sexually wanting Cam and wanted to have sex with him, id have no problem with the portrayal bcos asexual people still enjoy sex and want it... just usually not as often as other people. but him even having feelings for Cam still had Rafe uninterested in sex... so i didn’t like that he just had sex with Cam for what, Cam’s sake? bcos Cam openly talks about how he loves sex and he wants to give that to Cam even tho Rafe is mostly disinterested in sex?
idk how i feel about that lol. it just felt tactless imo and like Rafe was just having sex with Cam to please him, not wanting to lose him? i didn’t like the whole “i want to give him this” (Rafe’s words btw) mantra he would repeat in regards to sex bcos it just implied that he wanted sex to please Cam rather than actually wanting it for himself. idk, it just didn’t sit right with me ://// if the language the author had used for Rafe to describe how he felt before and during sex wasn’t so... ambiguous words like “hesitant”, “not sure”, i mean he even says:
I enjoyed it. I got off. Feeling him inside me was next-level, the deepest connection I’ve ever felt … but I can still live without it. It’s who I am.
What I can’t do is live without Cam.
...like is it just me or doesn’t that suggest he’s just having sex to please Cam and implying that without sex, Cam won’t be satisfied and will leave him?? it just felt like he wasn’t having sex with Cam for the right reasons, in my opinion. i literally skipped most of the sex scenes bcos it just felt... idk, tactless?
so suffice to say, this wasn’t the guaranteed success i was anticipating. im sad that this was completely the opposite of everything i was hoping for :///
October 27, 2022
Audio - 5 Stars
Story 4 Stars
Story 4 Stars
August 26, 2021
3.5 stars
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
This was my second book in this series- I've only listened to book 1- and it was so cute and sweet.
What I loved:
- How real the characters were.
- The ACE representation.
- The steamy scenes... they were very sweet in all their forms.
- The small flashbacks which gave insight to their past friendship.
- The progression of their relationship.
- The low relationship angst.
What I didn't like..
Rafe's mom. I think she could have been redeemed a bit more.
I also took a while to warm up to Cam's antics but he grew on me.
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
This was my second book in this series- I've only listened to book 1- and it was so cute and sweet.
What I loved:
- How real the characters were.
- The ACE representation.
- The steamy scenes... they were very sweet in all their forms.
- The small flashbacks which gave insight to their past friendship.
- The progression of their relationship.
- The low relationship angst.
What I didn't like..
Rafe's mom. I think she could have been redeemed a bit more.
I also took a while to warm up to Cam's antics but he grew on me.
February 13, 2023
coming back over a year later because i remember nothing about this story, and it's one of the few mm books featuring an ace character.
firstly, Cam did come across much more childish in the first half this time around, but it wasn't enough to be entirely off-putting. maybe the audio helped distance my own pet peeves from his behavior or i was more focused on other aspects of the story that made up for his shenanigans - regardless, that spit thing is still a big no from me lmao.
as for the ace rep, i like how Rafe breaks the stereotype that one's behavior and one's experience of sexual attraction must always line up. there are a few select lines that do sound off taken out of context (and could do with a little rewording, but i took it as Rafe still feeling out the verbiage as well as his own experience since it's still rather new to him. heck, i continue to have a hard describing the nuances of my own experience), but the underlying message remains unchanged.
the most important distinction to make is that while Rafe forced himself to have sex with his ex and derived zero enjoyment from the action, he doesn't hold the same sense of obligation when it comes to Cam. their openness with each other and willingness to take things at their own pace are important factors to make note of, because Rafe is allowed to explore what he's comfortable with in addition to being in his first relationship with a man. this sparks a shift in thinking of sex as more than just a means to an end. he still states that he prefers kissing and doesn't always feel the need to take things further, as in he wouldn't care if he couldn't have sex again. that being said, this doesn't automatically negate the reasons he might choose to have sex on days when he's feeling open to it. it's perfectly valid to have sex to give a partner pleasure and express intimacy, so long as Cam never forces it on Rafe and consent goes both ways.
needless to say, Rafe does not represent every ace folk out there. even if he plays around with graysexual & demiromantic labels at one point, there simply doesn't exist a single reality that can take into account every individual under these umbrellas. just as there will be asexuals who engage in sex, there will be individuals who choose not to have sex at all, and they're both equally valid. i highly recommend How to Be a Normal Person by TJ Klune to anyone on the lookout for superb sex-averse ace rep. there's loads of heartwarming kisses and hugs, and it's one of the cutest things ever <3
---- original review ----
[4.5] as you might've seen from my other reviews, this series has been a hit-or-miss for me but what a strong finish with this final installment!
what i always look for in childhood friends-to-lovers stories is the trust and understanding between mcs that allow them to be themselves and speak their minds, and that's exactly what Cam and Rafe have together. even though they've spent several years apart after their friendship fizzled out, once they reach out to each other again they're able to have many so-called awkward conversations without judgment or shame. i absolutely loved how we got that real and honest communication pretty much right off the bat.
my knowledge of labels in general isn't quite up-to-par (i lean more towards recognizing anything and everything someone feels as valid and true and we should just accept those feelings in a person as is, regardless of the name that may or may not come with it), so i learned a few things myself about sex-neutral and sex-favorable attitudes, and i found Rafe's journey of coming to terms with his sexuality to be highly positive. i honestly can't remember the last time i've read about an ace-spec individual as an mc 🤔
Cam is wonderfully supportive of Rafe as he explores his sexuality and gives him space to decide what he truly wants without injecting his personal feelings into the mix. no taking advantage of the vulnerable friend he's loved since they were teenagers, no pressuring Rafe into anything he's not willing to do--i love their relationship.
we also don't have to deal with needless dragging out of Cam's unrequited (or so he thinks) love (they confront these feelings relatively early on) or endless back-and-forth that's bound to annoy readers, and even when things are delayed, so to speak, it's written in a way that makes the situation understandable and its development organic .
another huge plus: unnecessary drama? who's that?
Cam has this incessant niggle of fear that Rafe might change his mind, go back to his previous ways, etc., but he doesn't let the uncertainty consume him, and instead, commits to do all that he can now in the moment so he won't be left with regrets even if their relationship doesn't turn out the way he wishes it did. an admirable attitude, indeed 😌
the family drama doesn't revolve around Rafe's sexuality, which is a breath of fresh air, and Rafe's ex Laura (who he was with more out of convenience) thankfully isn't painted as an ugly caricature of the vindictive, mad lady. she's an ambitious woman who's taken the road less traveled and is ready to spread her wings. the reveal to Laura could've been handled earlier on had Rafe spoken up sooner, but she's chill so *shrugs shoulders* 😆
as you can tell, i loved a lot about this book! reading about Rafe taking back the reins after spending his entire life caring way too much about living up to people's expectations was delightful. we love a good character development arc where they grow a backbone 😘
i will say the one thing that had me going ??? was the spit thing that Cam would do (two times too many in my humble opinion LOL), which i didn't find attractive or appealing *at all* but let Cam be Cam 🤣
firstly, Cam did come across much more childish in the first half this time around, but it wasn't enough to be entirely off-putting. maybe the audio helped distance my own pet peeves from his behavior or i was more focused on other aspects of the story that made up for his shenanigans - regardless, that spit thing is still a big no from me lmao.
as for the ace rep, i like how Rafe breaks the stereotype that one's behavior and one's experience of sexual attraction must always line up. there are a few select lines that do sound off taken out of context (and could do with a little rewording, but i took it as Rafe still feeling out the verbiage as well as his own experience since it's still rather new to him. heck, i continue to have a hard describing the nuances of my own experience), but the underlying message remains unchanged.
the most important distinction to make is that while Rafe forced himself to have sex with his ex and derived zero enjoyment from the action, he doesn't hold the same sense of obligation when it comes to Cam. their openness with each other and willingness to take things at their own pace are important factors to make note of, because Rafe is allowed to explore what he's comfortable with in addition to being in his first relationship with a man. this sparks a shift in thinking of sex as more than just a means to an end. he still states that he prefers kissing and doesn't always feel the need to take things further, as in he wouldn't care if he couldn't have sex again. that being said, this doesn't automatically negate the reasons he might choose to have sex on days when he's feeling open to it. it's perfectly valid to have sex to give a partner pleasure and express intimacy, so long as Cam never forces it on Rafe and consent goes both ways.
needless to say, Rafe does not represent every ace folk out there. even if he plays around with graysexual & demiromantic labels at one point, there simply doesn't exist a single reality that can take into account every individual under these umbrellas. just as there will be asexuals who engage in sex, there will be individuals who choose not to have sex at all, and they're both equally valid. i highly recommend How to Be a Normal Person by TJ Klune to anyone on the lookout for superb sex-averse ace rep. there's loads of heartwarming kisses and hugs, and it's one of the cutest things ever <3
---- original review ----
I want explosions. A thousand volts.
Cam gives me that and more.
I want to be free to choose him.
[4.5] as you might've seen from my other reviews, this series has been a hit-or-miss for me but what a strong finish with this final installment!
what i always look for in childhood friends-to-lovers stories is the trust and understanding between mcs that allow them to be themselves and speak their minds, and that's exactly what Cam and Rafe have together. even though they've spent several years apart after their friendship fizzled out, once they reach out to each other again they're able to have many so-called awkward conversations without judgment or shame. i absolutely loved how we got that real and honest communication pretty much right off the bat.
my knowledge of labels in general isn't quite up-to-par (i lean more towards recognizing anything and everything someone feels as valid and true and we should just accept those feelings in a person as is, regardless of the name that may or may not come with it), so i learned a few things myself about sex-neutral and sex-favorable attitudes, and i found Rafe's journey of coming to terms with his sexuality to be highly positive. i honestly can't remember the last time i've read about an ace-spec individual as an mc 🤔
Cam is wonderfully supportive of Rafe as he explores his sexuality and gives him space to decide what he truly wants without injecting his personal feelings into the mix. no taking advantage of the vulnerable friend he's loved since they were teenagers, no pressuring Rafe into anything he's not willing to do--i love their relationship.
we also don't have to deal with needless dragging out of Cam's unrequited (or so he thinks) love (they confront these feelings relatively early on) or endless back-and-forth that's bound to annoy readers, and even when things are delayed, so to speak, it's written in a way that makes the situation understandable and its development organic .
another huge plus: unnecessary drama? who's that?
Cam has this incessant niggle of fear that Rafe might change his mind, go back to his previous ways, etc., but he doesn't let the uncertainty consume him, and instead, commits to do all that he can now in the moment so he won't be left with regrets even if their relationship doesn't turn out the way he wishes it did. an admirable attitude, indeed 😌
the family drama doesn't revolve around Rafe's sexuality, which is a breath of fresh air, and Rafe's ex Laura (who he was with more out of convenience) thankfully isn't painted as an ugly caricature of the vindictive, mad lady. she's an ambitious woman who's taken the road less traveled and is ready to spread her wings. the reveal to Laura could've been handled earlier on had Rafe spoken up sooner, but she's chill so *shrugs shoulders* 😆
as you can tell, i loved a lot about this book! reading about Rafe taking back the reins after spending his entire life caring way too much about living up to people's expectations was delightful. we love a good character development arc where they grow a backbone 😘
i will say the one thing that had me going ??? was the spit thing that Cam would do (two times too many in my humble opinion LOL), which i didn't find attractive or appealing *at all* but let Cam be Cam 🤣
August 26, 2021
* 4 stars *
What I liked most in this story was the ace representation. I think that the author did a very good job with it, though maybe she went a bit heavy on the sex scenes overall.
Rafe and Cam were childhood friends that drifted apart as they hit their teenage years and life went in different directions. Then college brought them even further apart, until Cam returned home and started pulling weird pranks in an effort to approach Rafe again and rebuild their friendship.
Cam had figured out early on that he had romantic feelings for his best friend, but Rafe, even though there was a strong pull towards Cam, he was confused about a lot of things that he felt - or didn't feel.
Small town gossip and family expectations kept Rafe for years in a relationship that he could see it had no future. When he finally decided to end it for good, Cam was there to help him navigate his feelings and discover who he is.
I'd have prefered a more extended timeline, with more time for Rafe to explore who he is and understand his feelings and his wants, but if I don't focus on that too much, the story worked very good.
Rafe is ace and Cam is not, so it was interesting to see how they managed to navigate a relationship without either of them being pressured into a position that they were not comfortable with.
Both Cam and Rafe were interesting characters and their relationship - both as friends and later as lovers - was a good one. The secondary characters are mainly the couples from the rest of the books in the series, but there are also family members and other people from the town. I liked the feeling of community, it was a small town so everyone was in everyone's business but thankfully it wasn't OTT.
"Friendly Fire" is a low-angst, friends-to-lovers, self-discovery story that I don't think you'll regret reading. I sure had a great time with it!
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
What I liked most in this story was the ace representation. I think that the author did a very good job with it, though maybe she went a bit heavy on the sex scenes overall.
Rafe and Cam were childhood friends that drifted apart as they hit their teenage years and life went in different directions. Then college brought them even further apart, until Cam returned home and started pulling weird pranks in an effort to approach Rafe again and rebuild their friendship.
Cam had figured out early on that he had romantic feelings for his best friend, but Rafe, even though there was a strong pull towards Cam, he was confused about a lot of things that he felt - or didn't feel.
Small town gossip and family expectations kept Rafe for years in a relationship that he could see it had no future. When he finally decided to end it for good, Cam was there to help him navigate his feelings and discover who he is.
I'd have prefered a more extended timeline, with more time for Rafe to explore who he is and understand his feelings and his wants, but if I don't focus on that too much, the story worked very good.
Rafe is ace and Cam is not, so it was interesting to see how they managed to navigate a relationship without either of them being pressured into a position that they were not comfortable with.
Both Cam and Rafe were interesting characters and their relationship - both as friends and later as lovers - was a good one. The secondary characters are mainly the couples from the rest of the books in the series, but there are also family members and other people from the town. I liked the feeling of community, it was a small town so everyone was in everyone's business but thankfully it wasn't OTT.
"Friendly Fire" is a low-angst, friends-to-lovers, self-discovery story that I don't think you'll regret reading. I sure had a great time with it!
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
December 21, 2023
We love ace rep and self discovery, yes we do!
Super cute friends to lovers romance! Rafe and Cam just make sense
Super cute friends to lovers romance! Rafe and Cam just make sense
March 5, 2022
Sweet but not my style.
I'll recommend if you want to read something light
I'll recommend if you want to read something light
December 3, 2025
Re-read on 3rd Dec/25
4 full⭐
I take back my statement that Leon and Auggie are my top couple in this series. No, on second thought, it's definitely Rafe and Cam.
🟢 Best friends to strangers to lovers
🟡 Gay / ace
🟣 Both hot, tall, good looking
🟢 Hispanic MC
🔵 well written, you'll like it
🟠 read the series in order
🌶️ Different dynamic, but sex is still very present; first times; oral, frotting, a lot of kissing, penetrative; Cam is mostly a top, but with Rafe they're both vers
Re-reading this book was worth it. it's a really good book with emotion and depth, the sex is great and Rafe and Cam's dynamic is authentic, being together is such a natural progression of their friendship, even with years being apart.
I loved it.
____________________________________
Original review on 20th Sept/22
Rating : 4.5⭐
I just knew Rafe's book was going to be good!
Rafe and Cam were childhood best friends. When Cam goes to a private high school, they drift apart and both think it was the other’s choice not to remain friends, but in reality, Cam realized at 15 that he had feelings for Rafe, right before Rafe got himself ...a girlfriend.
"My history with Rafael Ortega is a long and rocky one. I’ve known him forever, so there was never that one solid moment where I looked at him and decided I was in love. It sort of crept up on me."
Ten years later, they’re now neighbors, both living in Sunbury. Cam is a nurse, openly gay, and secretly still in love with Rafe. He’s pulling all kinds of pranks on the poor guy, but what else is a man this hung up on someone to do??
Rafe lives next door with his girlfriend of ten years and is a successful real estate agent, but he’s not happy in his relationship, he doesn’t feel anything, doesn’t enjoy sex and longs for a big, amazing, electrifying love story that looks like it’ll never happen for him.
When he and Laura go through yet another breakup, something changes. Cam takes his one and only shot at Rafe in the ten years they’ve been apart, so they hang out, talk, Cam’s easy going nature is just what Rafe needs to get out of his head and Cam eventually confesses his feelings for Rafe. Their love story develops just beautifully from there.
“You’re finally a free man,” Cam murmurs into my ear.
I shake my head. “I’m finally your man.”
Keep in mind that Rafe is ACE, which might be a deal breaker for some, since it’s not your usual hot romance where the guys are just fucking like crazy all the time, there is sex though, and it’s delicious, but the emotional part is more pronounced.
They’re a really sweet, sexy couple, right up there with Leon and Auggie for me.
Too bad the series is almost finished, I literally devoured these books in three days!
4 full⭐
I take back my statement that Leon and Auggie are my top couple in this series. No, on second thought, it's definitely Rafe and Cam.
🟢 Best friends to strangers to lovers
🟡 Gay / ace
🟣 Both hot, tall, good looking
🟢 Hispanic MC
🔵 well written, you'll like it
🟠 read the series in order
🌶️ Different dynamic, but sex is still very present; first times; oral, frotting, a lot of kissing, penetrative; Cam is mostly a top, but with Rafe they're both vers
Re-reading this book was worth it. it's a really good book with emotion and depth, the sex is great and Rafe and Cam's dynamic is authentic, being together is such a natural progression of their friendship, even with years being apart.
I loved it.
____________________________________
Original review on 20th Sept/22
Rating : 4.5⭐
I just knew Rafe's book was going to be good!
Rafe and Cam were childhood best friends. When Cam goes to a private high school, they drift apart and both think it was the other’s choice not to remain friends, but in reality, Cam realized at 15 that he had feelings for Rafe, right before Rafe got himself ...a girlfriend.
"My history with Rafael Ortega is a long and rocky one. I’ve known him forever, so there was never that one solid moment where I looked at him and decided I was in love. It sort of crept up on me."
Ten years later, they’re now neighbors, both living in Sunbury. Cam is a nurse, openly gay, and secretly still in love with Rafe. He’s pulling all kinds of pranks on the poor guy, but what else is a man this hung up on someone to do??
Rafe lives next door with his girlfriend of ten years and is a successful real estate agent, but he’s not happy in his relationship, he doesn’t feel anything, doesn’t enjoy sex and longs for a big, amazing, electrifying love story that looks like it’ll never happen for him.
When he and Laura go through yet another breakup, something changes. Cam takes his one and only shot at Rafe in the ten years they’ve been apart, so they hang out, talk, Cam’s easy going nature is just what Rafe needs to get out of his head and Cam eventually confesses his feelings for Rafe. Their love story develops just beautifully from there.
“You’re finally a free man,” Cam murmurs into my ear.
I shake my head. “I’m finally your man.”
Keep in mind that Rafe is ACE, which might be a deal breaker for some, since it’s not your usual hot romance where the guys are just fucking like crazy all the time, there is sex though, and it’s delicious, but the emotional part is more pronounced.
They’re a really sweet, sexy couple, right up there with Leon and Auggie for me.
Too bad the series is almost finished, I literally devoured these books in three days!
August 16, 2021
4.5.
The Never Just Friends series finishes off strongly.
I'll admit it took me a while to warm up to Cam, his abrasive ways with Rafe didn't endear him to me at first.
I love how they went from best friends, to not friends, kinda enemies, and then back again.
Rafe was complicated and I loved that about him. He learns a lot about himself and it makes him better for it.
Low on drama. Yes Rafe has a girlfriend but absolutely nothing happens while he's with her. Some parent drama but not about his sexuality.
A lot of laughs and sweetness
The Never Just Friends series finishes off strongly.
I'll admit it took me a while to warm up to Cam, his abrasive ways with Rafe didn't endear him to me at first.
I love how they went from best friends, to not friends, kinda enemies, and then back again.
Rafe was complicated and I loved that about him. He learns a lot about himself and it makes him better for it.
Low on drama. Yes Rafe has a girlfriend but absolutely nothing happens while he's with her. Some parent drama but not about his sexuality.
A lot of laughs and sweetness
September 8, 2021
Alright then, that was a tidy little diddy. I liked it. It spoke to me….I related to Rafe and his experience…kinda got emotional for me…
They have good chemistry and the dialogue is great.
They have good chemistry and the dialogue is great.
June 28, 2023
Main cast storyline, complete
February 9, 2024
Great story.
4.25. I enjoyed the story. It had a really sweet ending. It’s not that I particularly disliked the MC’s but I didn’t feel a connection for either of them. Therefore, I can’t give this 5 stars. My favorite part of the story was finding out that Leon and sweet little Auggie got married! 🥰 anyway… 4 stars for this book… 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for the overall “Never Just Friends” series.
4.25. I enjoyed the story. It had a really sweet ending. It’s not that I particularly disliked the MC’s but I didn’t feel a connection for either of them. Therefore, I can’t give this 5 stars. My favorite part of the story was finding out that Leon and sweet little Auggie got married! 🥰 anyway… 4 stars for this book… 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for the overall “Never Just Friends” series.
September 7, 2023
M/M Romance
Series - can be stand-alone
Format: digital - KU
I enjoyed this one! Pure and sweet and I loved the Ace rep. Though, I really wish Rafe would have disclosed his breakup a hell of a lot sooner because that started feeling a little on the icky side of things real quick, I really did love this couple together.
Tags: (may contain spoilers)
m/m, lgbtq, asexual character, sexuality crisis/confusion, small town, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, next door neighbors, pranks, break up, ending a long term relationship, familial pressure to stay together, sexual exploration/experimentation, explicit content, healthy relationships and communication, fluff, sweet, intimacy, no cheating, but it starts to kinda deal that way with all the hiding…
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series - can be stand-alone
Format: digital - KU
I enjoyed this one! Pure and sweet and I loved the Ace rep. Though, I really wish Rafe would have disclosed his breakup a hell of a lot sooner because that started feeling a little on the icky side of things real quick, I really did love this couple together.
Tags: (may contain spoilers)
m/m, lgbtq, asexual character, sexuality crisis/confusion, small town, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, next door neighbors, pranks, break up, ending a long term relationship, familial pressure to stay together, sexual exploration/experimentation, explicit content, healthy relationships and communication, fluff, sweet, intimacy, no cheating, but it starts to kinda deal that way with all the hiding…
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
August 19, 2021
I freaking adored this book! Saxon writes schmoopy goodness like no other. That being said, Rafe is probably one of my favorite characters because he is still finding out about himself and he's real and raw in a way I hadn't expected and God was he perfect!
I loved this honest and sweet friends to lovers and what a way to wrap up one of my favorite series!
I loved this honest and sweet friends to lovers and what a way to wrap up one of my favorite series!
March 12, 2023
This is the book that wraps up the Never Just Friends series and the story follows Rafe and Cam. They were childhood friends, but their friendship grew apart as they aged. Now, years later, Cam misses that friendship and wants to try again. Unfortunately, his way of doing that seems to be mostly immature pranks. And the book follows them as they reform their friendship and as Rafe discovers some things about himself. it's a well-written book. I enjoyed the humor, and I thought the romance was sweet. I also really liked both of the characters, Rafe a bit more than Cam. Rafe is asexual. The book addresses how wide a spectrum asexuality can be and did it very well without focusing on a specific way or a right or wrong, but simply that there was room to just do what felt right, rather than what fits a category. found that Cam became a bit much with his jokes and pranks. Even though they were done in fun, sometimes things needed to be taken seriously. He couldn’t seem to do it and it at times became annoying. Overall...I did enjoy the book and the series. It's always good when a series sees all the characters finding their happiness.
December 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤.5/5
This was pretty cute.
Rafe and Cam were adorable together, once we got past their little “enemies” stage which I still don’t really understand at all.
I really appreciated the ace representation in this book, and how it looked a lot different than the norm. Rafe was relatively uninterested in sex but was fine with engaging in it every once in a while to feel close to Cam and give him pleasure. Which is a real and valid ace experience, that we don’t see a lot of.
My only negatives with this book were the weird antagonistic views Rafe had towards Cam in the beginning for no reason, and for the way he treated Laura and wouldn’t just put his foot down with his parents. I felt for him, but it was all very unnecessary. But I’ll also say, without those things, the book would’ve probably been very boring. I just wish they had some better, more entertaining things to focus energy on.
Overall, this series has been sugary sweet and relatively low-angst. Except for Just Friends which I DNF’d.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤.5/5
This was pretty cute.
Rafe and Cam were adorable together, once we got past their little “enemies” stage which I still don’t really understand at all.
I really appreciated the ace representation in this book, and how it looked a lot different than the norm. Rafe was relatively uninterested in sex but was fine with engaging in it every once in a while to feel close to Cam and give him pleasure. Which is a real and valid ace experience, that we don’t see a lot of.
My only negatives with this book were the weird antagonistic views Rafe had towards Cam in the beginning for no reason, and for the way he treated Laura and wouldn’t just put his foot down with his parents. I felt for him, but it was all very unnecessary. But I’ll also say, without those things, the book would’ve probably been very boring. I just wish they had some better, more entertaining things to focus energy on.
Overall, this series has been sugary sweet and relatively low-angst. Except for Just Friends which I DNF’d.
August 26, 2021
They were best friends until they weren't anymore.
It took some time to warm up to Rafe and Cam. They were annoying, rude, and not honest.
Rafe is with Laura, it’s been off and on for years now, there is non-chemistry and he’s keeping up appearance, he’s a coward (his own words), I think I agree!
Cam returns after years and now even lives next door, he tries everything to get Rafe’s attention. Rafe does his best to avoid Cam, an impossible case.
My opinion is in a split, on one hand, I loved the concept, friends - enemies- friends - lovers, and Rafe exploring his sexuality, on the other hand, I couldn’t connect with the guys in the first place, I didn’t like Laura with Rafe, and Rafe was way too confused and innocent. It took so long before they got together. Until, yes until, finally, thank you, lord, I thought it would never happen, they end up together.
The writing was good, the story lesser
It took some time to warm up to Rafe and Cam. They were annoying, rude, and not honest.
Rafe is with Laura, it’s been off and on for years now, there is non-chemistry and he’s keeping up appearance, he’s a coward (his own words), I think I agree!
Cam returns after years and now even lives next door, he tries everything to get Rafe’s attention. Rafe does his best to avoid Cam, an impossible case.
My opinion is in a split, on one hand, I loved the concept, friends - enemies- friends - lovers, and Rafe exploring his sexuality, on the other hand, I couldn’t connect with the guys in the first place, I didn’t like Laura with Rafe, and Rafe was way too confused and innocent. It took so long before they got together. Until, yes until, finally, thank you, lord, I thought it would never happen, they end up together.
The writing was good, the story lesser
August 24, 2021
Friendly Fire by Saxon James is fun and sexy. It has a little of everything.
-Two childhood best friends reconnecting
-Pranks
-Sexual discovery
-Chemistry
-Communication, patience, and understanding.
-Character development
-HEA
But Rafe's mom- I just didn't like her. Never warmed up to her.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
4 Stars
-Two childhood best friends reconnecting
-Pranks
-Sexual discovery
-Chemistry
-Communication, patience, and understanding.
-Character development
-HEA
But Rafe's mom- I just didn't like her. Never warmed up to her.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
4 Stars
August 25, 2021
Friendly fire is for me the book I liked least in these series. I couldn't connect with Cam.
August 25, 2021
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Friendly Fire by Saxon James is a sweet and fun friends to lovers romance with quality ace representation and acceptance. Low on the drama and high on the romance and the cheesy puns.
Rafe and Cam were best friends growing up until Rafe went to a new school for high school, and it was the beginning of the end. New friends, new obligations, a new girlfriend, and new feelings destroy their bond. Now they are older and Rafe is Cams newest neighbor and tries to rebuild their friendship. Cam is still the fun going guy he's always been, but Rafe is a mess. Rafe is unhappy with his long term girlfriend, depressed he'll never fall in love like those around him, jealous of his friends' relationships, tired of the constant pressure from his mother, and last but not least, confused over his feelings towards Cam. He finally decides to take control of his life, and that means ending what makes him unhappy and exploring what makes him feel, which happens to be Cam.
"the more he talks, the more it reminds me who I'm with. And being with Cam takes away all inhibitions, all expectations. It's me and him and us doing this thing WE want to do."
I loved both Rafe and Cam. I loved the way Cam never pushed him for more. When Rafe explores his ace identity, Cam is nothing but supportive. The emphasis that there's nothing wrong with him not wanting sex, and it doesn't change how much he loves him. Cam is just honored to get any part of Rafe whether only kissing or simply sleeping next to him. His unconditional love for him was just the sweetest. Rafe's struggle with himself broke my heart, and he and Cam share a lot of vulnerable and emotional moments between them that strengthen their bond. Besides the heavy, the book is filled ridiculous pranks by Cam, fun banter, and cheesy puns that will have you chuckling.
"I want explosions. A thousand volts. Cam gives me that and more. I want to be free to choose him."
The story is told through present day, dual point of view and well placed flash back scenes that let you see their childhood friendship as they pulled apart. I don't always love flashback chapters, but these worked. I loved the way Ace was represented in the book. A lot of times when the character is ace in MM romances, they are always in the mood when it comes to their significant other. Every person on the Ace spectrum is different and Rafe showed that no matter how much you love someone, sometimes you still have no desire to have sex and there's nothing wrong with that. Both Cam and Rafe are both satisfied in their intimate relationship, and that doesn't always result in both of them climaxing. It was just overall a very sex positive novel, and it made me happy.
"I'm so desperate for this connection with him. Sex or no sex, my feelings for him are never going to change. I wouldn't know who I was without them."
Friendly Fire is a great friends to lovers romance that includes ace love, acceptance, steamy baths, innocent pranks, friendly competitions, camping and dirty talk. This was a satisfying ending to a series, with n epilogue for this group of friends that will leave a smile on your face.
Friendly Fire by Saxon James is a sweet and fun friends to lovers romance with quality ace representation and acceptance. Low on the drama and high on the romance and the cheesy puns.
Rafe and Cam were best friends growing up until Rafe went to a new school for high school, and it was the beginning of the end. New friends, new obligations, a new girlfriend, and new feelings destroy their bond. Now they are older and Rafe is Cams newest neighbor and tries to rebuild their friendship. Cam is still the fun going guy he's always been, but Rafe is a mess. Rafe is unhappy with his long term girlfriend, depressed he'll never fall in love like those around him, jealous of his friends' relationships, tired of the constant pressure from his mother, and last but not least, confused over his feelings towards Cam. He finally decides to take control of his life, and that means ending what makes him unhappy and exploring what makes him feel, which happens to be Cam.
"the more he talks, the more it reminds me who I'm with. And being with Cam takes away all inhibitions, all expectations. It's me and him and us doing this thing WE want to do."
I loved both Rafe and Cam. I loved the way Cam never pushed him for more. When Rafe explores his ace identity, Cam is nothing but supportive. The emphasis that there's nothing wrong with him not wanting sex, and it doesn't change how much he loves him. Cam is just honored to get any part of Rafe whether only kissing or simply sleeping next to him. His unconditional love for him was just the sweetest. Rafe's struggle with himself broke my heart, and he and Cam share a lot of vulnerable and emotional moments between them that strengthen their bond. Besides the heavy, the book is filled ridiculous pranks by Cam, fun banter, and cheesy puns that will have you chuckling.
"I want explosions. A thousand volts. Cam gives me that and more. I want to be free to choose him."
The story is told through present day, dual point of view and well placed flash back scenes that let you see their childhood friendship as they pulled apart. I don't always love flashback chapters, but these worked. I loved the way Ace was represented in the book. A lot of times when the character is ace in MM romances, they are always in the mood when it comes to their significant other. Every person on the Ace spectrum is different and Rafe showed that no matter how much you love someone, sometimes you still have no desire to have sex and there's nothing wrong with that. Both Cam and Rafe are both satisfied in their intimate relationship, and that doesn't always result in both of them climaxing. It was just overall a very sex positive novel, and it made me happy.
"I'm so desperate for this connection with him. Sex or no sex, my feelings for him are never going to change. I wouldn't know who I was without them."
Friendly Fire is a great friends to lovers romance that includes ace love, acceptance, steamy baths, innocent pranks, friendly competitions, camping and dirty talk. This was a satisfying ending to a series, with n epilogue for this group of friends that will leave a smile on your face.
February 24, 2023
✧ «—Nunca había estado más seguro de algo, que de lo que siento por ti. Eres mis mil voltios.»
✧ Último libro de esta serie, nos encontramos con Rafe, un hombre que ha estado en relación heterosexual por diez años, pero que a pesar de haber estado tanto tiempo con su novia, él no siente que sean felices, no siente las mariposas que todo el mundo dice que debes sentir cuando estas con la persona indicada. Lo que si siente, es algo extraño en su corazón cuando tiene que interactuar con Cam, su ex mejor amigo, y es que en el pasado eran inseparables hasta que Cam se alejó completamente de él. En el presente, Cam intenta recuperar la amistad que tenía con Rafe, lo extraña y quiere volver a tenerlo en su vida, aún cuando nunca le haya dicho la verdad a Rafe, y es que ha estado enamorado de él desde que eran unos adolescentes.
✧ Sinceramente no pude conectar con este libro, no me gustaba la personalidad de Cam, lejos de quererlo cómo interés amoroso de Rafe, me irritaba como es que siempre tenía esa actitud de arrogancia y sé que todo es una fachada y lo comprobamos en su punto de vista, pero es que Rafe constantemente se la pasa repitiendo que nunca había podido ganarle en nada desde que eran niños y ver cómo se sale con la suya es irreal y me hacia poner los ojos en blanco. Luego sentí que todo fue muy apresurado, Rafe pasa de estar cansado de su vida “amorosa” con su novia a sentir mil sentimientos hermosos por Cam; recordemos que ellos llevaban años sin ser amigos y conectar con alguien es un proceso en el que ambos deben volver a conocerse porque las personas cambian, pero aquí retomaron las cosas como si apenas ayer se hubieran separado y eso me hizo sentir que Rafe no quería estar solo, así que brinco de su ex novia a Cam en dos segundos.
✧ Lo que si me gustó fue como se trató todo el tema de la asexualidad y sus espectros, nos explican en que consisten y que no todas las personas llevan del mismo modo ser asexual. Rafe se autodescubre y lo que antes le causaba conflicto, como no sentir ese deseo sexual o cuando lo tenia, sentir que no era satisfactorio o que era algo que sentía más como un trabajo, ahora lo hace sentir bien porque es parte de quien es; recibió ayuda por parte de Cam y eso es algo que le aplaudo, supo guiar y encaminar a Rafe, pero al mismo tiempo le dio su espacio para que pudiera aclarar sus dudas, le dio un lugar seguro para que expresara como se había sentido toda su vida y nunca lo presionó para hacer algo que no quisiera. Es interesante y lindo ver cómo es que Rafe no necesita sexo, pero decide tenerlo con Cam porque lo ama y esa conexión es lo que lo lleva a entregarse a él, por supuesto que no es siempre, ambos saben cómo funcionan y me pareció algo muy bien tratado.
✧ No tiene la gran trama, la mayoría del libro es de ambos protagonistas molestándose el uno al otro y luego pasando a amarse con la intensidad de mil soles. El poco drama qué hay se resuelve como en dos o tres párrafos, en serio no miento. La verdad es que si le doy dos estrellas es solo por el camino de autodescubrimiento de Rafe y porque salieron los chicos de los libros anteriores y les tengo cariño.
✧ Último libro de esta serie, nos encontramos con Rafe, un hombre que ha estado en relación heterosexual por diez años, pero que a pesar de haber estado tanto tiempo con su novia, él no siente que sean felices, no siente las mariposas que todo el mundo dice que debes sentir cuando estas con la persona indicada. Lo que si siente, es algo extraño en su corazón cuando tiene que interactuar con Cam, su ex mejor amigo, y es que en el pasado eran inseparables hasta que Cam se alejó completamente de él. En el presente, Cam intenta recuperar la amistad que tenía con Rafe, lo extraña y quiere volver a tenerlo en su vida, aún cuando nunca le haya dicho la verdad a Rafe, y es que ha estado enamorado de él desde que eran unos adolescentes.
✧ Sinceramente no pude conectar con este libro, no me gustaba la personalidad de Cam, lejos de quererlo cómo interés amoroso de Rafe, me irritaba como es que siempre tenía esa actitud de arrogancia y sé que todo es una fachada y lo comprobamos en su punto de vista, pero es que Rafe constantemente se la pasa repitiendo que nunca había podido ganarle en nada desde que eran niños y ver cómo se sale con la suya es irreal y me hacia poner los ojos en blanco. Luego sentí que todo fue muy apresurado, Rafe pasa de estar cansado de su vida “amorosa” con su novia a sentir mil sentimientos hermosos por Cam; recordemos que ellos llevaban años sin ser amigos y conectar con alguien es un proceso en el que ambos deben volver a conocerse porque las personas cambian, pero aquí retomaron las cosas como si apenas ayer se hubieran separado y eso me hizo sentir que Rafe no quería estar solo, así que brinco de su ex novia a Cam en dos segundos.
✧ Lo que si me gustó fue como se trató todo el tema de la asexualidad y sus espectros, nos explican en que consisten y que no todas las personas llevan del mismo modo ser asexual. Rafe se autodescubre y lo que antes le causaba conflicto, como no sentir ese deseo sexual o cuando lo tenia, sentir que no era satisfactorio o que era algo que sentía más como un trabajo, ahora lo hace sentir bien porque es parte de quien es; recibió ayuda por parte de Cam y eso es algo que le aplaudo, supo guiar y encaminar a Rafe, pero al mismo tiempo le dio su espacio para que pudiera aclarar sus dudas, le dio un lugar seguro para que expresara como se había sentido toda su vida y nunca lo presionó para hacer algo que no quisiera. Es interesante y lindo ver cómo es que Rafe no necesita sexo, pero decide tenerlo con Cam porque lo ama y esa conexión es lo que lo lleva a entregarse a él, por supuesto que no es siempre, ambos saben cómo funcionan y me pareció algo muy bien tratado.
✧ No tiene la gran trama, la mayoría del libro es de ambos protagonistas molestándose el uno al otro y luego pasando a amarse con la intensidad de mil soles. El poco drama qué hay se resuelve como en dos o tres párrafos, en serio no miento. La verdad es que si le doy dos estrellas es solo por el camino de autodescubrimiento de Rafe y porque salieron los chicos de los libros anteriores y les tengo cariño.
June 30, 2023
I can't 😭😭❤️❤️
August 29, 2021
"Every word he’s saying lightens some of that pressure on my heart. Maybe we’re not doomed. Maybe our friendship really can be given a jumpstart."
Friendly Fire by Saxon James is the 4th and final book in her #NeverJustFriends series, and I have loved them all, with this one being no exception.
I'd been intrigued by Rafe's behaviour in previous books, and so it was really good to finally get his and Cam's story.
I think I am in the minority here, but I LOVED Cam. Yes, he was a real wind-up merchant at times, but I just found that endearing. He had been in love with Rafe FOREVER after all. And Rafe and Laura were not a love match in any event (note: no cheating occurs).
Clearly there's been a lot of miscommunication between these boys, but their relationship (albeit non-sexual at first) started from a young age and this is a real 'friends to enemies (ish) to friends to lovers' story. Both of them made mistakes. Both of them didn't talk about their feelings. It took their 10 years apart and Cam talking about his sexuality for Rafe to even consider how he felt and who he was.
I loved the diversity of the series and this book in particular. I loved how friends and families opinions and behaviours were discussed. Rafe and Cam may not be my favourite couple (stand up Rowan and Circus💙), but was a great end to the series nonetheless.
Recommended.
4 ✨✨✨✨
Friendly Fire by Saxon James is the 4th and final book in her #NeverJustFriends series, and I have loved them all, with this one being no exception.
I'd been intrigued by Rafe's behaviour in previous books, and so it was really good to finally get his and Cam's story.
I think I am in the minority here, but I LOVED Cam. Yes, he was a real wind-up merchant at times, but I just found that endearing. He had been in love with Rafe FOREVER after all. And Rafe and Laura were not a love match in any event (note: no cheating occurs).
Clearly there's been a lot of miscommunication between these boys, but their relationship (albeit non-sexual at first) started from a young age and this is a real 'friends to enemies (ish) to friends to lovers' story. Both of them made mistakes. Both of them didn't talk about their feelings. It took their 10 years apart and Cam talking about his sexuality for Rafe to even consider how he felt and who he was.
I loved the diversity of the series and this book in particular. I loved how friends and families opinions and behaviours were discussed. Rafe and Cam may not be my favourite couple (stand up Rowan and Circus💙), but was a great end to the series nonetheless.
Recommended.
4 ✨✨✨✨
August 24, 2021
~4.5
Frenemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes so I picked up the book based on blurb. I didn't realize one of the MCs is asexual. I love steam in books so would probably skip this one if I knew. And it would be a mistake. Rafe was such a wonderful character, his road of self discovery was a joy to read. And Cam was there for him, he accepted Rafe the way he is and never pushed. Rafe felt save to explore his sexuality with Cam and those two were surprisingly hot together. The intimate scenes were steamy and emotional.
There are random flashbacks throughout the book and I'm not a fan of those. Plus, the extent of Rafe's fear to disappoint his mother combined with how successful Rafe was didn't add up. His former girlfriend accepting it for 10 years was even more unbelievable. I would prefer break up to be widely known and Rafe standing up to his mother before Rafe started relationships with Cam. No cheating or anything unacceptable from Rafe towards his ex, just wanting Rafe to be strong enough on his own.
Despite those minor niggles, the story was well paced, sweet and steamy and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Frenemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes so I picked up the book based on blurb. I didn't realize one of the MCs is asexual. I love steam in books so would probably skip this one if I knew. And it would be a mistake. Rafe was such a wonderful character, his road of self discovery was a joy to read. And Cam was there for him, he accepted Rafe the way he is and never pushed. Rafe felt save to explore his sexuality with Cam and those two were surprisingly hot together. The intimate scenes were steamy and emotional.
There are random flashbacks throughout the book and I'm not a fan of those. Plus, the extent of Rafe's fear to disappoint his mother combined with how successful Rafe was didn't add up. His former girlfriend accepting it for 10 years was even more unbelievable. I would prefer break up to be widely known and Rafe standing up to his mother before Rafe started relationships with Cam. No cheating or anything unacceptable from Rafe towards his ex, just wanting Rafe to be strong enough on his own.
Despite those minor niggles, the story was well paced, sweet and steamy and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 25, 2021
It’s hard to review these sort of middle of the road reads, so I’m going to take a leaf from another reviewer and split this into liked and disliked.
Liked:
Laura, the non-evil girlfriend
So many MM books have the bland Evil Woman character, and Laura was very much not that. I appreciated that a lot. Rafe and Laura are in an easy if unhappy relationship. It’s hard to leave your comfort zone, and that’s what it was for both of them. I liked how understanding she was. I also absolutely loved that she bailed on the town and went off traveling like a badass. Like she said, she doesn’t need to “find” herself, she just wants to travel.
Rafe’s parents
I know they, especially his mother, were painted as the main source of expectations that kept Rafe dating Laura, and that they made him feel inadequate by comparing him to Cam all the time. I’m fine with that, it’s a reasonable parent dynamic, and I thought it felt well written. I liked how they came around, or at least his mom did since his dad was kind of a non-entity - and I liked that she shared why she put all those expectations on, and that she apologized for doing that to him. She had a valid point that he never tried to tell them how unhappy he was, until like…right when he explained the breakup.
Asexual representation
I haven’t read many (any?) books with an asexual main character. I liked how it was handled - I was informed about it as a sexual orientation without feeling lectured. I can’t say if it was accurate, but it felt like it was handled well. (if someone with more knowledge/experience/anything says it wasn’t, then i’m happy to edit this part out, i’m no expert here)
Disliked:
Cam
I actually didn’t like Cam as a character very much. He’s pretty self-centered, and came of petulant in many places. I get disliking the girlfriend of the guy he’s been in love with for forever, but it felt childish. He didn’t seem to get that she was unhappy too, and honestly happy for Rafe to find a good relationship, he just painted her as the villain in his mind. He also blamed Rafe for some of that as well, like he instigated the separation in high school but blamed Rafe anyway?
I also didn’t like in the beginning where he challenged Rafe to the dunk tank knowing he’d cave because everyone was watching and would expect him to. This, after meandering internally about how he didn’t like how Rafe always felt pressured to compete and suffered under the towns expectations of him. It felt like he was fine using Rafe’s buttons to use him as he wanted, instead of truly being understanding and caring. He was very pushy.
Rafe and his lack of backbone
This never felt resolved, he never quite developed a backbone. It took him almost the entire book - this was painful - to break up and the tell people him and Laura broke up, and he only managed to tell his parents because Laura was there forcing his hand. It was way too long for me. I get the expectations are hard for him, but…dude. He hides so many things and they always cause messes, but people excuse him. Like Cam - he doesn’t tell Laura about Cam at all, and of anyone, I’d expect her to be understanding and keep his secret. But instead, he lets her find out in a pretty bad way, even if he explains and she understands quickly. It’s still rude. But he pretty much only lets events force his hand, rather than taking agency for his choices.
I do feel sorry for him, he felt tired and beat down by life. So I guess that’s the source of his lack of backbone, but I still would have liked him to legitimately find one for himself. It almost felt like he was steamrollered by Cam, and I didn’t really feel his connection to Cam.
How Rafe handled his mom’s explanation of the pressure
I felt like this was shorted. It could have been explored more, to connect him and his mom more in depth, but it was almost just brushed off. She opened up about her parents and why she accidentally went overboard trying to be excited and involved for him, but he didn’t really seem to care. It could have been a moment to relate together, but…it wasn’t. It made Rafe feel self-involved, and also carried a shallow feeling to it.
The internal monologue felt repetitive, and the book dragged on
I felt like they both ran over the same mental ground over and over again. It got tiring, because it felt like that was done to drag out the story, rather than having more pieces of plot to happen. We spend a lot of time with Rafe dithering about his unhappiness before him and Laura break up, then Cam moons over him for forever, then Rafe dithers about Cam, and then they spin their wheels about Rafe being asexual (they covered the same ground too many times), then they dithered about when to explain their relationship, etc etc.
Overall…uh, apparently I disliked both main characters, but liked the secondary characters. And I didn’t appear to like the plot. But I didn’t struggle to read it. Hm.
Liked:
Laura, the non-evil girlfriend
So many MM books have the bland Evil Woman character, and Laura was very much not that. I appreciated that a lot. Rafe and Laura are in an easy if unhappy relationship. It’s hard to leave your comfort zone, and that’s what it was for both of them. I liked how understanding she was. I also absolutely loved that she bailed on the town and went off traveling like a badass. Like she said, she doesn’t need to “find” herself, she just wants to travel.
Rafe’s parents
I know they, especially his mother, were painted as the main source of expectations that kept Rafe dating Laura, and that they made him feel inadequate by comparing him to Cam all the time. I’m fine with that, it’s a reasonable parent dynamic, and I thought it felt well written. I liked how they came around, or at least his mom did since his dad was kind of a non-entity - and I liked that she shared why she put all those expectations on, and that she apologized for doing that to him. She had a valid point that he never tried to tell them how unhappy he was, until like…right when he explained the breakup.
Asexual representation
I haven’t read many (any?) books with an asexual main character. I liked how it was handled - I was informed about it as a sexual orientation without feeling lectured. I can’t say if it was accurate, but it felt like it was handled well. (if someone with more knowledge/experience/anything says it wasn’t, then i’m happy to edit this part out, i’m no expert here)
Disliked:
Cam
I actually didn’t like Cam as a character very much. He’s pretty self-centered, and came of petulant in many places. I get disliking the girlfriend of the guy he’s been in love with for forever, but it felt childish. He didn’t seem to get that she was unhappy too, and honestly happy for Rafe to find a good relationship, he just painted her as the villain in his mind. He also blamed Rafe for some of that as well, like he instigated the separation in high school but blamed Rafe anyway?
I also didn’t like in the beginning where he challenged Rafe to the dunk tank knowing he’d cave because everyone was watching and would expect him to. This, after meandering internally about how he didn’t like how Rafe always felt pressured to compete and suffered under the towns expectations of him. It felt like he was fine using Rafe’s buttons to use him as he wanted, instead of truly being understanding and caring. He was very pushy.
Rafe and his lack of backbone
This never felt resolved, he never quite developed a backbone. It took him almost the entire book - this was painful - to break up and the tell people him and Laura broke up, and he only managed to tell his parents because Laura was there forcing his hand. It was way too long for me. I get the expectations are hard for him, but…dude. He hides so many things and they always cause messes, but people excuse him. Like Cam - he doesn’t tell Laura about Cam at all, and of anyone, I’d expect her to be understanding and keep his secret. But instead, he lets her find out in a pretty bad way, even if he explains and she understands quickly. It’s still rude. But he pretty much only lets events force his hand, rather than taking agency for his choices.
I do feel sorry for him, he felt tired and beat down by life. So I guess that’s the source of his lack of backbone, but I still would have liked him to legitimately find one for himself. It almost felt like he was steamrollered by Cam, and I didn’t really feel his connection to Cam.
How Rafe handled his mom’s explanation of the pressure
I felt like this was shorted. It could have been explored more, to connect him and his mom more in depth, but it was almost just brushed off. She opened up about her parents and why she accidentally went overboard trying to be excited and involved for him, but he didn’t really seem to care. It could have been a moment to relate together, but…it wasn’t. It made Rafe feel self-involved, and also carried a shallow feeling to it.
The internal monologue felt repetitive, and the book dragged on
I felt like they both ran over the same mental ground over and over again. It got tiring, because it felt like that was done to drag out the story, rather than having more pieces of plot to happen. We spend a lot of time with Rafe dithering about his unhappiness before him and Laura break up, then Cam moons over him for forever, then Rafe dithers about Cam, and then they spin their wheels about Rafe being asexual (they covered the same ground too many times), then they dithered about when to explain their relationship, etc etc.
Overall…uh, apparently I disliked both main characters, but liked the secondary characters. And I didn’t appear to like the plot. But I didn’t struggle to read it. Hm.
August 26, 2021
Friendly Fire is book 4 in the Never Just Friends series. This is Rafe and Cam’s story.
Rafe became a character of interest in book 1, Just Friends, when he made the most spectacular outburst following Tanner and Roo's disclosure of their relationship to their friendship group. It was undoubtedly the result of confusion and possibly denial and frustration, and I was interested in seeing how it would play out. Of course, Saxon James is evil, so we had to wait for the final book to see how things would play out for Rafe. Apart from being a beautiful romance between Cam and Rafe, Friendly Fire explores Rafe’s sexuality, his coming to grips with it, and how it translates into his relationship with Cam.
Saxon once again outdid herself, creating characters so genuinely gorgeous, right down to their souls, that they quickly won my heart. Poor Rafe has spent so long simply not even considering that he's on the wrong path, or at least that there may be one that will actually make him happy. He's in a comfortable rut, and it takes Roo and Tanner’s declaration to give him the slap he needs to start examining his own feelings, wants, and needs.
I make absolutely no claim to understand asexuality beyond the broad strokes, but I do understand that, like all sexual identities, it varies dramatically from person to person. Rafe's exploration is just one presentation. Even that changes throughout the book as Rafe is only just starting to explore his needs and wants, accepting one aspect and disregarding the next. It's all about Rafe's continuing growth as an individual and as both he and Cam adapt and grow for each other.
I loved Saxon's portrayal of Rafe's uncertainties and his experimenting. For both Rafe and Cam, there is a lot of trial and error in this book. The ending is really only the beginning of them working out together how their relationship will progress. What is clear, though, is that both of them are absolutely dedicated to each other.
For me, Cam stole the show. His single-minded desire and love for Rafe, no matter how he could have him, made an impact. He is the ultimate romantic. He is so head over heels for Rafe, you can feel his love emanating off the page. Apart from his romantic soul, there is his wicked, some could call childish, but I call funny, sense of humour! I don’t think I’ll be able to look at gnomes or forks the same way again!
Friendly Fire is a beautiful ending to what has been a fantastic series. It could be read as a standalone, but I wouldn't recommend it. There has been too much character development throughout the previous three books; it would be a disservice to the series to start here. I'd also highly recommend reading the novella Friends with Benefits as it completes the story for one of the characters introduced in this book.
Saxon James may be a 'relatively new author, but she has firmly cemented her place in the MM author pantheon. Friendly Fire is full of the engaging dialogue, witty humour, and swoon-worthy romance I've come to expect from this author. It grabbed me from the first page, and after many chuckles, a couple of teary moments, and many romantic sighs, it ultimately left me with a grin on my face.
Who can ask for more than that?
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September 13, 2021
DNF at 75%. I think it was me not the book. I tried to finish it but it wasn’t holding my attention
August 17, 2021
i???? LOVE THIS.
Rafe and Cam are adorable together! their chemistry and interactions are wonderful.
i love how sexualities are talked about and explored. its not brushed off at all, even after Rafe confirms his. it gave me a better understanding.
but knowing why and how Rafe does it, just, shows his love for Cam. its beautiful.
(just found out this is the last for this series?? and i'm sad.)
Rafe and Cam are adorable together! their chemistry and interactions are wonderful.
i love how sexualities are talked about and explored. its not brushed off at all, even after Rafe confirms his. it gave me a better understanding.
but knowing why and how Rafe does it, just, shows his love for Cam. its beautiful.
(just found out this is the last for this series?? and i'm sad.)
September 16, 2022
3.5 stars
October 28, 2021
While it wrapped the series up well enough, I’m afraid Cam and Rafe‘s story just didn’t quite do it for me.
Cam has been in love with Rafe for most of his life, while Rafe has been in a relationship with Laura since he’s been 16, growing apart from his former best friend. Breaking up and finding out what (and whom) he really wants takes up almost the entire first half of the book, and after that… idk. While there are moments where i can feel that Can and Rafe are perfect for each other, there are many other situations where I feel like Cam is only humouring Rafe just to get to be with him. But maybe it’s just me and I don’t understand how a relationship between somebody who identifies as ace and another who clearly loves (and had) a lot of sex works.
An enjoyable read nevertheless, esp when we get to see the couples from the previous volumes.
Cam has been in love with Rafe for most of his life, while Rafe has been in a relationship with Laura since he’s been 16, growing apart from his former best friend. Breaking up and finding out what (and whom) he really wants takes up almost the entire first half of the book, and after that… idk. While there are moments where i can feel that Can and Rafe are perfect for each other, there are many other situations where I feel like Cam is only humouring Rafe just to get to be with him. But maybe it’s just me and I don’t understand how a relationship between somebody who identifies as ace and another who clearly loves (and had) a lot of sex works.
An enjoyable read nevertheless, esp when we get to see the couples from the previous volumes.
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