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Better With You #3
The Underdog
Anders:
There once was a guy who told a little white lie. That didn’t turn out so well. I would know. I’m the guy.
Once upon a time, I told my brother and sister that my dream was to do a triathlon. I never expected them to sign me up for one! Now I’m forced to deal with my very cantankerous personal trainer. Wells Montgomery is an angry, rude, judgmental bastard. Frankly, I’m surprised the chip on his shoulder hasn’t crushed him yet.
But the more time I spend with him, the more I realize that the anger is just a facade that conceals a man who is more than a little lost.
The more time I spend with him, the more I start to think that maybe somebody should find him.
The more time I spend with him, the more I start to think that maybe, just maybe, that person could be me?
Wells:
There once was a guy who flew unimaginably high. That didn’t turn out so well. I would know. I’m the guy.
A year ago I was on top of the world. It only took a handful of seconds for my life to irreversibly change course. Needless to say, I’m not happy. Neither am I happy when my dad and one of my so-called friends trick me into becoming a personal trainer for some guy who wants to do a triathlon. Now I need to get this Anders Kelly to fire me.
It’s a good plan, if only Anders wasn’t so unbelievably stubborn. And too nice for his own good. Annoyingly fun. Irritatingly kind. His faults just keep piling up.
But the more time I spend with him, the harder it becomes to keep my distance.
The more time I spend with him, the more I start to see the possibilities life still offers.
The more time I spend with him, the more I start to think that maybe, just maybe, Anders might not be an unattainable dream after all.
There once was a guy who told a little white lie. That didn’t turn out so well. I would know. I’m the guy.
Once upon a time, I told my brother and sister that my dream was to do a triathlon. I never expected them to sign me up for one! Now I’m forced to deal with my very cantankerous personal trainer. Wells Montgomery is an angry, rude, judgmental bastard. Frankly, I’m surprised the chip on his shoulder hasn’t crushed him yet.
But the more time I spend with him, the more I realize that the anger is just a facade that conceals a man who is more than a little lost.
The more time I spend with him, the more I start to think that maybe somebody should find him.
The more time I spend with him, the more I start to think that maybe, just maybe, that person could be me?
Wells:
There once was a guy who flew unimaginably high. That didn’t turn out so well. I would know. I’m the guy.
A year ago I was on top of the world. It only took a handful of seconds for my life to irreversibly change course. Needless to say, I’m not happy. Neither am I happy when my dad and one of my so-called friends trick me into becoming a personal trainer for some guy who wants to do a triathlon. Now I need to get this Anders Kelly to fire me.
It’s a good plan, if only Anders wasn’t so unbelievably stubborn. And too nice for his own good. Annoyingly fun. Irritatingly kind. His faults just keep piling up.
But the more time I spend with him, the harder it becomes to keep my distance.
The more time I spend with him, the more I start to see the possibilities life still offers.
The more time I spend with him, the more I start to think that maybe, just maybe, Anders might not be an unattainable dream after all.
282 pages, ebook
First published October 14, 2021
133 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Briar Prescott
17 books1,303 followersBriar Prescott is a work in progress. She swears too much, doesn’t eat enough leafy greens and binge watches too much television. It’s okay, though. One of these days she'll get a hang of that adulting thing.
Probably.
Maybe.
She hopes.
Want to check in occasionally to hear what's up? You can stalk her here:
Newsletter: https://www.briarprescott.com/contact
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/briar...
Email: prescottbriar@gmail.com.
Webpage: www.briarprescott.com.
Probably.
Maybe.
She hopes.
Want to check in occasionally to hear what's up? You can stalk her here:
Newsletter: https://www.briarprescott.com/contact
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/briar...
Email: prescottbriar@gmail.com.
Webpage: www.briarprescott.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
October 18, 2021
well... this wasn’t how i thought this would go :///
the pacing of this book was truly bizarre to me that i am struggling to articulate it lol.
firstly, i was 30% into this book and it felt like id only just started reading it— as in, nothing worthwhile happened whatsoever, to the point it felt like the story hadn’t even begun yet. i was kinda shocked to see i was that far into the book when it felt like id barely made a dent bcos of the lack of... everything.
i truly don’t know what filled that first 30%.
...well, i suppose i do. a lot of telling and minimal showing.
the relationship development felt, again, bizarre to me due to the pacing of this. bcos during the first 20% the MCs barely interact beyond Wells grunting commands at Anders while they train... and we’re extensively told about Wells trying to sabotage the training sessions to get Anders to quit – but we’re barely shown.
we’re just given a list of something like “Monday, i did this to Anders... Tuesday I did this... then Wednesday...” with only very short interactions between them being shown. this part of their relationship has a very watered down “enemies” vibe bcos they’re sniping and griping at one another with Wells trying to force Anders to quit.
then, Anders quits for about 2.5 seconds before they try again, and it was like they were two completely different people with all this playfulness and flirting but i couldn’t enjoy it bcos it gave me whiplash. Wells says he’s never laughed as much as he does with Anders... respectfully, where?? so, AGAIN, we’re told in a big inner monologue by Anders how Wells is warming up to him and they’ll be on their way to being besties in no time.
i would like to see it.
(seriously this book took place over a period of seven months and it felt like maybe a month, tops. and that’s with me reaching lmao).
there was no well-explored transition from their hostility to their playfulness. especially bcos we’re barely shown either stage of their relationship. (it was my main issue with the last book despite me adoring Connor and enjoying the romance— the whole premise of the book being the dating experiment... we don’t even get shown it😭 it’s all skimmed over and we’re told in a brief paragraph).
you can’t skim over vital relationship development and think being told by an MC is convincing enough. just bcos it’s from the horse’s mouth, doesn’t mean it’s convincing. we just kept jumping from “it’s been a few days... it’s been a few weeks... it’s been a month now” with apparently so much change occurring in the nature of their relationship with so much time passing. yet being shown only a fraction of it.
i get you can’t show everything bcos yes that would be tedious, boring and repetitive. and some telling every now and again is needed to hurry things along. but not for such vital relationship development— i felt like i barely knew these two or their relationship. their trainings sessions are the set up for this book and ultimately where they get to know one another and form a romantic relationship... but we don’t get any of that.
and Anders also inserts himself into Wells business regarding his prosthetic and issues he’d been having with it... at the 33% mark. so, they go from strangers who are pretty hostile to one another, to playful friends who banter to that. all within a span of a few pages/chapters. it felt bizarre that Anders would insert himself into something so personal in Wells’ life when they still felt like strangers to me, and Wells just opening up and letting Anders in like that... when they still felt like strangers? it just didn’t make any sense to me.
am i making sense lol? plz tell me if im not bcos, like i prefaced this review with, i am struggling to articulate my issues with the pacing. everything felt so off kilter, like i was missing something.
it’s not to say i didn’t like the characters— i was super intrigued by both. Wells grappling with his disability while Anders has been parenting his teenage siblings since he was in high school. so they both had interesting af backstories ... it was just the pacing of this that put me off.
they had some lovely endearing interactions and bonding moments... but i also found them a kind of clumsy and awkward couple lol. i didn’t feel the romantic chemistry whatsoever.
like the scene around the 50% when they decide to sleep together was the most awkward and cringey thing i have possibly read in a while😭 i think it was supposed to be cute and fumbly, with them tripping over their tongues and realising they both want the same thing. but it felt forced and awkward as fuck, i was physically wincing the whole damn time, oh my god.
*****
now, the body politics of this book... and i will preface this by saying i probably noticed this more than others who might not have cared bcos i always struggled with my body image since being diagnosed with a chronic illness when i was eleven. it hasn’t been until the past year or so that im super comfortable with myself. so, the rhetoric surrounding body image in this book was glaringly apparent to me and left me feeling some type of way🥲
the conversations around body image in this weren’t handled well in my opinion. both ends of the spectrum, being skinny and being fat were both portrayed as being undesirable— that Anders needed to lose weight while Wells needed to put on weight bcos he was skinny after losing weight bcos he no longer played hockey.
so i didn’t like the weight loss plot line surrounding Anders’ training. he’s fat, according to Anders, while Wells says “You’re carrying some extra weight but you’re working on it, and it’s already starting to show. You should start taking photos to document the journey, otherwise it’s difficult to see the change.”
didn’t like how that quote sounded tbh. left a bitter taste in my mouth - that the extra weight Anders was carrying was something he should get rid of. and it wasn’t until Anders starting losing weight that the pair explored a relationship beyond friendship— Wells doesn’t really notice Anders like that until he begins to lose weight.
and the associations of being skinny = weak while being fat = sturdy and dependable... was just weird as fuck. what’s a person’s body size got to do with their personality and mentality?
idk. it was just the implications of his weight loss and the way both characters spoke about their bodies that left a bad taste in my mouth. it was just an observation on my part that i thought was odd and ultimately unnecessary.
but this isn’t to say i hated the book... it just disappointed me lol. there were aspects i enjoyed, like Anders’ relationship with his siblings, the disability rep as well as their relationship in the last 25% of the book— that part was steamy and i felt the chemistry, unlike the rest of the book beforehand😭 like the scene where the twins find out that Wells and Anders are together was adorable and so fun to read. as well as Wells’ declaration to Anders before the triathlon.
so the book had its moments, but overall it just felt a bit messy and needed refining.
(but i low-key feel like there’s gonna be a Max and Isac romance?! and im kinda down for that😌)
the pacing of this book was truly bizarre to me that i am struggling to articulate it lol.
firstly, i was 30% into this book and it felt like id only just started reading it— as in, nothing worthwhile happened whatsoever, to the point it felt like the story hadn’t even begun yet. i was kinda shocked to see i was that far into the book when it felt like id barely made a dent bcos of the lack of... everything.
i truly don’t know what filled that first 30%.
...well, i suppose i do. a lot of telling and minimal showing.
the relationship development felt, again, bizarre to me due to the pacing of this. bcos during the first 20% the MCs barely interact beyond Wells grunting commands at Anders while they train... and we’re extensively told about Wells trying to sabotage the training sessions to get Anders to quit – but we’re barely shown.
we’re just given a list of something like “Monday, i did this to Anders... Tuesday I did this... then Wednesday...” with only very short interactions between them being shown. this part of their relationship has a very watered down “enemies” vibe bcos they’re sniping and griping at one another with Wells trying to force Anders to quit.
then, Anders quits for about 2.5 seconds before they try again, and it was like they were two completely different people with all this playfulness and flirting but i couldn’t enjoy it bcos it gave me whiplash. Wells says he’s never laughed as much as he does with Anders... respectfully, where?? so, AGAIN, we’re told in a big inner monologue by Anders how Wells is warming up to him and they’ll be on their way to being besties in no time.
i would like to see it.
(seriously this book took place over a period of seven months and it felt like maybe a month, tops. and that’s with me reaching lmao).
there was no well-explored transition from their hostility to their playfulness. especially bcos we’re barely shown either stage of their relationship. (it was my main issue with the last book despite me adoring Connor and enjoying the romance— the whole premise of the book being the dating experiment... we don’t even get shown it😭 it’s all skimmed over and we’re told in a brief paragraph).
you can’t skim over vital relationship development and think being told by an MC is convincing enough. just bcos it’s from the horse’s mouth, doesn’t mean it’s convincing. we just kept jumping from “it’s been a few days... it’s been a few weeks... it’s been a month now” with apparently so much change occurring in the nature of their relationship with so much time passing. yet being shown only a fraction of it.
i get you can’t show everything bcos yes that would be tedious, boring and repetitive. and some telling every now and again is needed to hurry things along. but not for such vital relationship development— i felt like i barely knew these two or their relationship. their trainings sessions are the set up for this book and ultimately where they get to know one another and form a romantic relationship... but we don’t get any of that.
and Anders also inserts himself into Wells business regarding his prosthetic and issues he’d been having with it... at the 33% mark. so, they go from strangers who are pretty hostile to one another, to playful friends who banter to that. all within a span of a few pages/chapters. it felt bizarre that Anders would insert himself into something so personal in Wells’ life when they still felt like strangers to me, and Wells just opening up and letting Anders in like that... when they still felt like strangers? it just didn’t make any sense to me.
am i making sense lol? plz tell me if im not bcos, like i prefaced this review with, i am struggling to articulate my issues with the pacing. everything felt so off kilter, like i was missing something.
it’s not to say i didn’t like the characters— i was super intrigued by both. Wells grappling with his disability while Anders has been parenting his teenage siblings since he was in high school. so they both had interesting af backstories ... it was just the pacing of this that put me off.
they had some lovely endearing interactions and bonding moments... but i also found them a kind of clumsy and awkward couple lol. i didn’t feel the romantic chemistry whatsoever.
like the scene around the 50% when they decide to sleep together was the most awkward and cringey thing i have possibly read in a while😭 i think it was supposed to be cute and fumbly, with them tripping over their tongues and realising they both want the same thing. but it felt forced and awkward as fuck, i was physically wincing the whole damn time, oh my god.
*****
now, the body politics of this book... and i will preface this by saying i probably noticed this more than others who might not have cared bcos i always struggled with my body image since being diagnosed with a chronic illness when i was eleven. it hasn’t been until the past year or so that im super comfortable with myself. so, the rhetoric surrounding body image in this book was glaringly apparent to me and left me feeling some type of way🥲
the conversations around body image in this weren’t handled well in my opinion. both ends of the spectrum, being skinny and being fat were both portrayed as being undesirable— that Anders needed to lose weight while Wells needed to put on weight bcos he was skinny after losing weight bcos he no longer played hockey.
so i didn’t like the weight loss plot line surrounding Anders’ training. he’s fat, according to Anders, while Wells says “You’re carrying some extra weight but you’re working on it, and it’s already starting to show. You should start taking photos to document the journey, otherwise it’s difficult to see the change.”
didn’t like how that quote sounded tbh. left a bitter taste in my mouth - that the extra weight Anders was carrying was something he should get rid of. and it wasn’t until Anders starting losing weight that the pair explored a relationship beyond friendship— Wells doesn’t really notice Anders like that until he begins to lose weight.
and the associations of being skinny = weak while being fat = sturdy and dependable... was just weird as fuck. what’s a person’s body size got to do with their personality and mentality?
idk. it was just the implications of his weight loss and the way both characters spoke about their bodies that left a bad taste in my mouth. it was just an observation on my part that i thought was odd and ultimately unnecessary.
but this isn’t to say i hated the book... it just disappointed me lol. there were aspects i enjoyed, like Anders’ relationship with his siblings, the disability rep as well as their relationship in the last 25% of the book— that part was steamy and i felt the chemistry, unlike the rest of the book beforehand😭 like the scene where the twins find out that Wells and Anders are together was adorable and so fun to read. as well as Wells’ declaration to Anders before the triathlon.
so the book had its moments, but overall it just felt a bit messy and needed refining.
(but i low-key feel like there’s gonna be a Max and Isac romance?! and im kinda down for that😌)
October 19, 2021
This book was like a warm hug.
Anders has spent his whole life taking care of his younger siblings. He never took any time for himself, and certainly not for relationships.
Wells’s entire life derailed after a car accident. He is lost and broken.
Together, our two men find friendship, hot sex, fun, and…could it be more? Could it be love?
It’s slow burn, first hate, then friendship…then after what seems like forever they hook up. Love comes really in the last pages of the book.
It was sweet, funny, and heartwarming. ❤️❤️❤️
Anders has spent his whole life taking care of his younger siblings. He never took any time for himself, and certainly not for relationships.
Wells’s entire life derailed after a car accident. He is lost and broken.
Together, our two men find friendship, hot sex, fun, and…could it be more? Could it be love?
It’s slow burn, first hate, then friendship…then after what seems like forever they hook up. Love comes really in the last pages of the book.
It was sweet, funny, and heartwarming. ❤️❤️❤️
October 19, 2021
Q&A to cover some of the basics?
Q: What are the tropes in this book Layla?
A: Forced Proximity and Friends with Benefits! #DoubleWhamy
Q: Are the characters lovable?
A: YES! Anders is the sweetest big brother, a rock to his family and friends, and Wells is a bitter a$$hole who Anders brings down a peg or two. #MatchMadeInHeaven
Q: So Wells doesn't stay an a$$hole?
A: NOP! He turns out to be a cute fluffy marshmallow covered in sexy muscles. #TransformationComplete
Q: What else is special about this book Layla?
A: Welp... you got Anders who ACCIDENTALLY becomes a triathletE. #LittleBigLies
You also have Wells who is an amputee and has been in a standstill until he meets Anders. #LightUpMyWorld
Q: Steam-o-meter?
A: Medium Steam but so sexy and sweet. #PerfectCombo
Q: Angst-o-meter?
A: Mostly no angst because why not. #FeelGood
Q: Does it have an HEA Layla?
A: Of course it does! A sweet sweet one too! #Forever
Q: What are the tropes in this book Layla?
A: Forced Proximity and Friends with Benefits! #DoubleWhamy
Q: Are the characters lovable?
A: YES! Anders is the sweetest big brother, a rock to his family and friends, and Wells is a bitter a$$hole who Anders brings down a peg or two. #MatchMadeInHeaven
Q: So Wells doesn't stay an a$$hole?
A: NOP! He turns out to be a cute fluffy marshmallow covered in sexy muscles. #TransformationComplete
Q: What else is special about this book Layla?
A: Welp... you got Anders who ACCIDENTALLY becomes a triathletE. #LittleBigLies
You also have Wells who is an amputee and has been in a standstill until he meets Anders. #LightUpMyWorld
Q: Steam-o-meter?
A: Medium Steam but so sexy and sweet. #PerfectCombo
Q: Angst-o-meter?
A: Mostly no angst because why not. #FeelGood
Q: Does it have an HEA Layla?
A: Of course it does! A sweet sweet one too! #Forever
October 17, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Stars
If wishes were kisses, Goodreads would get a clue and start letting us give half stars. But they don’t. So I’m going with three. I did like a lot of this but it’s not a love for me. Book two remains my favorite so far and I’m so excited for the next one. It sounds like it’s going to be GOOD. (And 🔥) This one I struggled in places. But I’m not going to go all negative Nancy. Because there was a lot to like!
✅ The guys. grumpy Wells and cute Anders. Briar just writes adorable characters.
✅ Found family.
✅ Representation of a differently abled person. I don’t know how to word this correctly so I’m sorry. Wells is an amputee.
✅ Funny. I liked the banter between the two. It wasn’t OTT.
⚠️ The pacing felt a little off to me. It’s hard to explain but it kind of seemed like not too much was happening for the first half. It picked up after that but because of the first part, I found myself struggling to connect later.
⚠️ I’m sure this wasn’t intentional but I had some wariness about the issue of weight. We are kind of told Wells is attracted to Anders before he loses weight but nothing physical happens until Anders loses some weight. That troubled me a bit. I think this goes back to the pacing.
⚠️ This is just a personal preference and not a knock against the book but I would have liked a little more oomph and zing. You’d think I would have felt more since the book took a while to get going but I was craving more delicious build up.
I think I had more thoughts. Ironically I wanted to ponder my thoughts more before writing anything and now said thoughts have flown out of my head. 😂
All in all this was a sweet read and I have zero regrets reading it. 💜
I have no gifs to offer you atm but I hear they aren’t working so well anyhow.
If wishes were kisses, Goodreads would get a clue and start letting us give half stars. But they don’t. So I’m going with three. I did like a lot of this but it’s not a love for me. Book two remains my favorite so far and I’m so excited for the next one. It sounds like it’s going to be GOOD. (And 🔥) This one I struggled in places. But I’m not going to go all negative Nancy. Because there was a lot to like!
✅ The guys. grumpy Wells and cute Anders. Briar just writes adorable characters.
✅ Found family.
✅ Representation of a differently abled person. I don’t know how to word this correctly so I’m sorry. Wells is an amputee.
✅ Funny. I liked the banter between the two. It wasn’t OTT.
⚠️ The pacing felt a little off to me. It’s hard to explain but it kind of seemed like not too much was happening for the first half. It picked up after that but because of the first part, I found myself struggling to connect later.
⚠️ I’m sure this wasn’t intentional but I had some wariness about the issue of weight. We are kind of told Wells is attracted to Anders before he loses weight but nothing physical happens until Anders loses some weight. That troubled me a bit. I think this goes back to the pacing.
⚠️ This is just a personal preference and not a knock against the book but I would have liked a little more oomph and zing. You’d think I would have felt more since the book took a while to get going but I was craving more delicious build up.
I think I had more thoughts. Ironically I wanted to ponder my thoughts more before writing anything and now said thoughts have flown out of my head. 😂
All in all this was a sweet read and I have zero regrets reading it. 💜
I have no gifs to offer you atm but I hear they aren’t working so well anyhow.
October 19, 2021
3,75 stars
This author is certainly making a name for herself in the light romantic comedy genre.
I can only full-heartedly agree with what so many other readers have already pointed out:
This is funny, light, sweet, cute and full of warmth, with a tiny hint of sadness and angst, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Wells, still reeling from a blow of fate, is suitably grumpy and unapproachable to start with, but begins to thaw pretty quickly when sunny, snarky Anders starts training with him for a triathlon he never wanted to do.
Anders is a ray of sunshine and a genuinely nice and very kind guy. I was not sure if I could see him as a 30 year old though. THe way he speaks and acts felt more like someone younger.
I really liked the two men's dynamics, in and out of the bedroom, their banter and the way they gradually fall for each other. This is what I want to read when my head is aching, and I’m feeling stressed!
On any other day, I probably would have hoped for more depth on the two men’s issues and a teeny bit more angst. There were also a few events I'd have liked to witness, but they get resolved off page. And the ‘misunderstanding’ in the last third of the book is maybe a little contrived. But that’s me being extra moany. 😂
And this certainly does not, in any way, take away from the joy and fun Anders and Wells spread.
Go and enjoy!
This author is certainly making a name for herself in the light romantic comedy genre.
I can only full-heartedly agree with what so many other readers have already pointed out:
This is funny, light, sweet, cute and full of warmth, with a tiny hint of sadness and angst, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Wells, still reeling from a blow of fate, is suitably grumpy and unapproachable to start with, but begins to thaw pretty quickly when sunny, snarky Anders starts training with him for a triathlon he never wanted to do.
Anders is a ray of sunshine and a genuinely nice and very kind guy. I was not sure if I could see him as a 30 year old though. THe way he speaks and acts felt more like someone younger.
I really liked the two men's dynamics, in and out of the bedroom, their banter and the way they gradually fall for each other. This is what I want to read when my head is aching, and I’m feeling stressed!
On any other day, I probably would have hoped for more depth on the two men’s issues and a teeny bit more angst. There were also a few events I'd have liked to witness, but they get resolved off page. And the ‘misunderstanding’ in the last third of the book is maybe a little contrived. But that’s me being extra moany. 😂
And this certainly does not, in any way, take away from the joy and fun Anders and Wells spread.
Go and enjoy!
October 15, 2021
The Underdog by Briar Prescott is a story that starts with a little white lie that blossoms into a beautiful, uplifting love story.
Wells has recently lost part of his leg and is having difficulty moving on; his dad and friend Max are worried and trick him into training Anders for a triathlon in hopes it will motivate him.
What ensues is a whole lotta-
-Snark
-Feels
-Hurt/Comfort
-Chemistry
-Wonderful friends & family
-Hope
I loved every page of this book.
The Underdog will be filed under my "chicken soup for the soul" and "re-read" pile.
4.5 Stars
October 8, 2021
3,5 stars rounded up to 4 because it’s Briar Prescott. 🤷🏻♀️
This was a sweet, low-angst story about Anders and Wells. Both have had to deal with some life changing moments, both have seen the dreams they had for their future shattered due to something that happened to them.
When we enter the story, Anders has already found his footing. He has dealt with the turns his life took the best he could, even though that meant he had to sacrifice his own future plans. For Wells things have been too recent to accept and be able to adjust to the changes that torpedoed his dreams to be a hockey player. He can't. He has pushed everyone away, including his old teammates, the friends he once had, ending up wallowing in his self-pity and living with his dad again at 25.
He does not want to go out, he does not want to meet people, and he sure doesn't want to be someone's personal trainer. And somehow he ends up being exactly that, and from there on his life changes one more time again, but this time for the better.
Even though this was sweet and adorable, and I really enjoyed the snarky banter (because that's Briar Prescott's trademark!), something was lacking. Having just finished a book that was too long and could have done with less pages, I think this book is quite the opposite.
This story needed something more. I wished we could have seen a bit more of how Anders's training went, some more struggling to get it done right, to build up his condition and maybe failing in some departments, just to crawl back up again and not give up? I wished we could have seen a bit more about Well's handicap, what happened when he went to see the specialist he'd been avoiding. I even thought about some added ‘mother’ drama. Or would that have been too much?
Maybe I’m thinking of a little more showing instead of telling?
I do believe it could have added more depth to the story, and, for me personally, that could have added a little more angst. Don't get me wrong, I like sweet and fluffy and low angst from time to time, but most of the time I find myself invested more when there is a bit more angst. That usually makes a book unforgettable to me. Having said that, I adored The Dating Experiment, the second book in this series, which is also low angst, so I guess it also depends on the characters and how the story is written.
Anyway, this was my least favorite book in this series, but it still was an enjoyable read. Just wished for a few more pages and depth added in the mix.
I kindly received an ARC from the author and this is my honest, unbiased review
This was a sweet, low-angst story about Anders and Wells. Both have had to deal with some life changing moments, both have seen the dreams they had for their future shattered due to something that happened to them.
When we enter the story, Anders has already found his footing. He has dealt with the turns his life took the best he could, even though that meant he had to sacrifice his own future plans. For Wells things have been too recent to accept and be able to adjust to the changes that torpedoed his dreams to be a hockey player. He can't. He has pushed everyone away, including his old teammates, the friends he once had, ending up wallowing in his self-pity and living with his dad again at 25.
He does not want to go out, he does not want to meet people, and he sure doesn't want to be someone's personal trainer. And somehow he ends up being exactly that, and from there on his life changes one more time again, but this time for the better.
Even though this was sweet and adorable, and I really enjoyed the snarky banter (because that's Briar Prescott's trademark!), something was lacking. Having just finished a book that was too long and could have done with less pages, I think this book is quite the opposite.
This story needed something more. I wished we could have seen a bit more of how Anders's training went, some more struggling to get it done right, to build up his condition and maybe failing in some departments, just to crawl back up again and not give up? I wished we could have seen a bit more about Well's handicap, what happened when he went to see the specialist he'd been avoiding. I even thought about some added ‘mother’ drama. Or would that have been too much?
Maybe I’m thinking of a little more showing instead of telling?
I do believe it could have added more depth to the story, and, for me personally, that could have added a little more angst. Don't get me wrong, I like sweet and fluffy and low angst from time to time, but most of the time I find myself invested more when there is a bit more angst. That usually makes a book unforgettable to me. Having said that, I adored The Dating Experiment, the second book in this series, which is also low angst, so I guess it also depends on the characters and how the story is written.
Anyway, this was my least favorite book in this series, but it still was an enjoyable read. Just wished for a few more pages and depth added in the mix.
I kindly received an ARC from the author and this is my honest, unbiased review
October 20, 2021
3.5 Stars!
I liked this one but it was missing that wow factor for me.
Low angst, which I am okay with. Maybe it's that they didn't become a couple really or admit their feelings until the end of the book?
IDK, something was missing. Still a good read and Briar Prescott is an auto-buy author for me.
Curious about Max and Isac - guessing they will be getting a book?
I liked this one but it was missing that wow factor for me.
Low angst, which I am okay with. Maybe it's that they didn't become a couple really or admit their feelings until the end of the book?
IDK, something was missing. Still a good read and Briar Prescott is an auto-buy author for me.
Curious about Max and Isac - guessing they will be getting a book?
October 20, 2021
⭐︎4.5 stars rounded up!⭐︎
This story was adorable. Mayne not at first, because Wells is definitely a cantankerous asshole, but he was going through some tough shit, and once he started to let down his walls and loosen up, he was a very likable character.
This story takes place 5 years after the second book. I don't know why, but it's easy enough to go with.
Anders is one of two of Jamie's friend from his book, and for the past 11 or so years, he's been raising his twin siblings himself, ever since their mother abandoned them when he was 18 and the twins were 7 years old.
He's now 30 years old, and the twins are 18, going to graduate high school in a few months time. But for his birthday, they signed him up to do a triathlon because that's what he told them his dream was many years ago. He was lying, but as a parent, he finds that you do that sometimes to make your children happy/to protect them, etc. Well now that little lie is going to bite him in the ass. Because he can't let them down.
Enter in Wells who is 25, and for the past year has been absolutely miserable, as he lost part of his leg in a car accident. He was an NHL player, and had won Rookie of the Year and his career was just getting started. Having his dream ripped away from him and just having to get used to not having a leg as made Wells one miserable bastard.
Where Anders has never gotten to have his dream, Wells had his and lost it.
But Max, who was Wells' PT when he was still on the hockey team and a friend, who is also a friend of Jamie and Anders', asks Wells to help trains Anders for this Triathlon, he says no. But his father and Max trick him into going anyway.
But he's miserable, mean bastard to Anders their first session, and the sessions after that. He feels bad, but then he gets angry that he feels bad and that just makes him act worse. And he wants Anders to fire him anyway, so that's what he's trying to do.
Eventually he succeeds, but he finds he doesn't feel all that happy about it. But when his dad drags him out to the farmers market to get out of the house, he runs into Anders and his siblings there, and they end up agreeing to be trainer/trainee again.
But this time Wells loosens up, and they start to get to know each other and become friends, and the more than friends.
Anders makes Wells laugh more than he has in a long time, even before his accident. Wells is sweet and kind and does things for Anders, like make him healthy meals to eat that taste good.
I loved these two together. They were just so adorable and sweet. Anders acknowledged Wells' missing leg, but he didn't treat him as different for it, or weird or ugly or anything like that. And Wells saw Anders as beautiful when Anders had trouble seeing himself as beautiful, thinking he was too overweight and unattractive. A lot of time, it's hard to see ourselves in a positive light. But sometimes others can make us feel how they see us.
These two supported each other and fit seamlessly into a relationship. The chemistry was on point, and the romance was excellent. The steam could have been a little steamier, in my opinion, but what we had was good.
A definite win overall for me. Also I saw an accusation of fat shaming, and I personally didn't see it here. Yeah, there was one thing said - literally just one - by Anders that I think was a little iffy. But as an actual fat person myself, I've had those feelings and thoughts myself. Just because I know intellectually that my body is beautiful and fine just the way it is, doesn't mean it didn't take a lot to get me there, or that I still don't have those thoughts sometimes, that I don't feel less than pretty just because I'm fat.
Anders was never described as getting super duper fit for this triathlon either. In fact, there was never any description of his stomach and waist, or pointing out if he got very noticeably smaller/skinnier or super fit or anything. And Wells found him attractive from the beginning. And obviously Anders had to get in shape to do a triathlon, but he said he'd never do one again, which mean any weight he'd lose he'd gain at least some of it back, and no big deal was made of that.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox. But I just wanted to defend this story from claims of fat shaming. I didn't get that overall feeling from this story.
And with that, I'll just say that I definitely recommend this. It was a definite win for me, and I loved it. Two thumbs up from me!
(Also can't wait for Max and Isac's (Isac is Anders' younger twin brother) story. The epilogue in this was 5 years later as well, so I'm guessing Isac will be 24 or so in their book. I'm excited for it!)
This story was adorable. Mayne not at first, because Wells is definitely a cantankerous asshole, but he was going through some tough shit, and once he started to let down his walls and loosen up, he was a very likable character.
This story takes place 5 years after the second book. I don't know why, but it's easy enough to go with.
Anders is one of two of Jamie's friend from his book, and for the past 11 or so years, he's been raising his twin siblings himself, ever since their mother abandoned them when he was 18 and the twins were 7 years old.
He's now 30 years old, and the twins are 18, going to graduate high school in a few months time. But for his birthday, they signed him up to do a triathlon because that's what he told them his dream was many years ago. He was lying, but as a parent, he finds that you do that sometimes to make your children happy/to protect them, etc. Well now that little lie is going to bite him in the ass. Because he can't let them down.
Enter in Wells who is 25, and for the past year has been absolutely miserable, as he lost part of his leg in a car accident. He was an NHL player, and had won Rookie of the Year and his career was just getting started. Having his dream ripped away from him and just having to get used to not having a leg as made Wells one miserable bastard.
Where Anders has never gotten to have his dream, Wells had his and lost it.
But Max, who was Wells' PT when he was still on the hockey team and a friend, who is also a friend of Jamie and Anders', asks Wells to help trains Anders for this Triathlon, he says no. But his father and Max trick him into going anyway.
But he's miserable, mean bastard to Anders their first session, and the sessions after that. He feels bad, but then he gets angry that he feels bad and that just makes him act worse. And he wants Anders to fire him anyway, so that's what he's trying to do.
Eventually he succeeds, but he finds he doesn't feel all that happy about it. But when his dad drags him out to the farmers market to get out of the house, he runs into Anders and his siblings there, and they end up agreeing to be trainer/trainee again.
But this time Wells loosens up, and they start to get to know each other and become friends, and the more than friends.
Anders makes Wells laugh more than he has in a long time, even before his accident. Wells is sweet and kind and does things for Anders, like make him healthy meals to eat that taste good.
I loved these two together. They were just so adorable and sweet. Anders acknowledged Wells' missing leg, but he didn't treat him as different for it, or weird or ugly or anything like that. And Wells saw Anders as beautiful when Anders had trouble seeing himself as beautiful, thinking he was too overweight and unattractive. A lot of time, it's hard to see ourselves in a positive light. But sometimes others can make us feel how they see us.
These two supported each other and fit seamlessly into a relationship. The chemistry was on point, and the romance was excellent. The steam could have been a little steamier, in my opinion, but what we had was good.
A definite win overall for me. Also I saw an accusation of fat shaming, and I personally didn't see it here. Yeah, there was one thing said - literally just one - by Anders that I think was a little iffy. But as an actual fat person myself, I've had those feelings and thoughts myself. Just because I know intellectually that my body is beautiful and fine just the way it is, doesn't mean it didn't take a lot to get me there, or that I still don't have those thoughts sometimes, that I don't feel less than pretty just because I'm fat.
Anders was never described as getting super duper fit for this triathlon either. In fact, there was never any description of his stomach and waist, or pointing out if he got very noticeably smaller/skinnier or super fit or anything. And Wells found him attractive from the beginning. And obviously Anders had to get in shape to do a triathlon, but he said he'd never do one again, which mean any weight he'd lose he'd gain at least some of it back, and no big deal was made of that.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox. But I just wanted to defend this story from claims of fat shaming. I didn't get that overall feeling from this story.
And with that, I'll just say that I definitely recommend this. It was a definite win for me, and I loved it. Two thumbs up from me!
(Also can't wait for Max and Isac's (Isac is Anders' younger twin brother) story. The epilogue in this was 5 years later as well, so I'm guessing Isac will be 24 or so in their book. I'm excited for it!)
October 17, 2021
4.0 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this! Underdog is the third installment in the Better With You series, and personally my favorite thus far. This book also feels vastly different from its predecessors. Where books 1 and 2 were more fun and silliness, this one felt more grounded in reality. Maybe it’s just me 🤷🏻♀️
I enjoyed both Anders and Wells and thought the pacing and progression of their relationship was done well. Two people who were hit hard in life, feeling unbelievably low self-worth, forced outside of their respective boxes and coming to terms with themselves along the way. I thought the chemistry and friendship between them was showcased well. The first time they have sex was truly (intentionally) hilarious.
All-in-all I really had a good time reading this. I do think this book will be a mixed bag for folks. It’s a slower progression and more subdued tone in my opinion, so may not be everyone’s bag. I quite like that, so this was a good comfort read for me 🤗
I liked this! Underdog is the third installment in the Better With You series, and personally my favorite thus far. This book also feels vastly different from its predecessors. Where books 1 and 2 were more fun and silliness, this one felt more grounded in reality. Maybe it’s just me 🤷🏻♀️
I enjoyed both Anders and Wells and thought the pacing and progression of their relationship was done well. Two people who were hit hard in life, feeling unbelievably low self-worth, forced outside of their respective boxes and coming to terms with themselves along the way. I thought the chemistry and friendship between them was showcased well. The first time they have sex was truly (intentionally) hilarious.
All-in-all I really had a good time reading this. I do think this book will be a mixed bag for folks. It’s a slower progression and more subdued tone in my opinion, so may not be everyone’s bag. I quite like that, so this was a good comfort read for me 🤗
October 10, 2021
My favourite one yet in this excellent series from Briar, I just fell hook, line and sinker for both Anders and Wells.
It's as funny as the others in the series, it's a bit more slow burn, understandably so given the circumstances of Wells' situation and Anders' lack of confidence and it's as full of the sense of family and friendship as books one and two.
Set five years after The Dating Game, we get to see Jamie and Connor still being happy together, there's also a brief appearance from Grey and Kai, and obviously Max is present throughout too (and I am SO dying to find out what's going on between him and Anders' brother Isac (yes I've spelt that right :D )
There's a real warmth to the whole narrative, as both Anders and Wells start to open up as they reluctantly join forces to train the former for a triathlon that his younger twin siblings have entered him into (after he'd told a little white lie to them when they were kids that it was his lifelong dream to compete in one).
This thread of the twins' happiness being Anders' primary concern is present throughout, he's effectively been their dad since he was 19 and their mother fecked off to Vegas.
He's spent so long looking after them, he's forgotten that it's okay for him to want someone to look after him too and when Wells begins to realise he could be that person, it's such a gorgeous moment.
I loved everything about them as a pairing and the care and support they offer each other is beautiful to see.
Can't wait for more from Briar.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
It's as funny as the others in the series, it's a bit more slow burn, understandably so given the circumstances of Wells' situation and Anders' lack of confidence and it's as full of the sense of family and friendship as books one and two.
Set five years after The Dating Game, we get to see Jamie and Connor still being happy together, there's also a brief appearance from Grey and Kai, and obviously Max is present throughout too (and I am SO dying to find out what's going on between him and Anders' brother Isac (yes I've spelt that right :D )
There's a real warmth to the whole narrative, as both Anders and Wells start to open up as they reluctantly join forces to train the former for a triathlon that his younger twin siblings have entered him into (after he'd told a little white lie to them when they were kids that it was his lifelong dream to compete in one).
This thread of the twins' happiness being Anders' primary concern is present throughout, he's effectively been their dad since he was 19 and their mother fecked off to Vegas.
He's spent so long looking after them, he's forgotten that it's okay for him to want someone to look after him too and when Wells begins to realise he could be that person, it's such a gorgeous moment.
I loved everything about them as a pairing and the care and support they offer each other is beautiful to see.
Can't wait for more from Briar.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
October 15, 2021
Mixed feelings on this one.
I generally enjoyed the characters and thought the set-up was interesting. I've not read many romances with an amputee MC, and I appreciated Wells headspace and watching him navigate the abrupt change in his life circumstances. I liked Anders and appreciated the way they were able to connect, and I also like that the misunderstanding aspect was brief and not drawn out. The development of feelings was lovely and I generally enjoyed them as a couple.
Now, going into this one I was already a bit concerned because training for a triathlon is a concept that is just rife with opportunities for diet culture and anti-fat bias, and sure enough, this didn't escape those pitfalls, though thankfully it actually wasn't quite as bad as I was expecting. There were definitely a number of comments made by both Anders and Wells that had me cringing, and I wasn't wild about the fact that "chubby" Anders slims down over the course of his training, implying that training will necessarily lead to weight loss because fat people can't also be fit--given that we also don't see Wells and Anders get together until after he's lost weight and started "making healthier choices" it's hard not to make the connection that these changes are what enabled him and Wells to get together. Additionally, I just flat out found it unrealistic that Anders would be drastically increasing his physical activity AND changing the way that he ate and there are absolutely no struggles or growing pains. And for all of this, we actually don't *see* Anders and Wells training much for the triathlon once they start legitimately training. In fact, it's easy to entirely forget that is allegedly still happening during the course of their developing relationship as it's barely even mentioned once they become friends. Unrelated, Anders' mom left him in charge of his young siblings and fucked off to Vegas eleven years ago, and there's basically no follow-up to this. It's mentioned as a thing that happened, but then we get no additional follow-up in all that time since. Did they never hear from her again? Is she even still alive? Also, banter got a bit exhausting.
This was fine, but some personal issues made me not love it.
I generally enjoyed the characters and thought the set-up was interesting. I've not read many romances with an amputee MC, and I appreciated Wells headspace and watching him navigate the abrupt change in his life circumstances. I liked Anders and appreciated the way they were able to connect, and I also like that the misunderstanding aspect was brief and not drawn out. The development of feelings was lovely and I generally enjoyed them as a couple.
Now, going into this one I was already a bit concerned because training for a triathlon is a concept that is just rife with opportunities for diet culture and anti-fat bias, and sure enough, this didn't escape those pitfalls, though thankfully it actually wasn't quite as bad as I was expecting. There were definitely a number of comments made by both Anders and Wells that had me cringing, and I wasn't wild about the fact that "chubby" Anders slims down over the course of his training, implying that training will necessarily lead to weight loss because fat people can't also be fit--given that we also don't see Wells and Anders get together until after he's lost weight and started "making healthier choices" it's hard not to make the connection that these changes are what enabled him and Wells to get together. Additionally, I just flat out found it unrealistic that Anders would be drastically increasing his physical activity AND changing the way that he ate and there are absolutely no struggles or growing pains. And for all of this, we actually don't *see* Anders and Wells training much for the triathlon once they start legitimately training. In fact, it's easy to entirely forget that is allegedly still happening during the course of their developing relationship as it's barely even mentioned once they become friends. Unrelated, Anders' mom left him in charge of his young siblings and fucked off to Vegas eleven years ago, and there's basically no follow-up to this. It's mentioned as a thing that happened, but then we get no additional follow-up in all that time since. Did they never hear from her again? Is she even still alive? Also, banter got a bit exhausting.
This was fine, but some personal issues made me not love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2024
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“I don’t think anybody has ever looked at me like that. Like I’m something other than ridiculous. Like I’m maybe sort of wonderful, instead.”
What did I like about The Underdog? I liked Wells Montgomery; I felt his anger and frustrated feelings over the loss of the life he once had was very genuine and palpable. I felt his hurt, his pain, his sadness and his resentment over not being able to be the person that he once was. 'I’ve devoted my life to making it to the top, and I barely got a taste before it was all taken away from me.' Thrown from the peak of his career as a promising hockey player, forced to watch everything crumble before him - never knowing if he'll ever achieve that level of success, if not satisfaction in what he loved doing. 💔💔
It's the overwhelming loneliness that no one will understand how it feels to lose the chance to live your life, because of the shitty hand the card of fate deals you. When his father and Max to find a way out for him to get a chance to live a little - I, being the petty self-pitying one - probably would have thrown a hissy fit - wallowing in my grief. But, the thing about the person he's been forced into acting as his personal trainer - is that he's had his own share of losing out on a life that he could have had. 😢 He knows - more than anyone - that sting of losing out on a chance that could have been his - a life that had been set up for another step - only to be thrown into a hurdle - a curveball that no one saw coming. 🤍🤍
And for that - I sympathized with Anders' trials, too. What his mother did - I wanted to wring her neck!! 😡 - I don't know how it didn't break him. I can't believe how he managed everything on his own, but he did. Forced to give up the chance to live his own life to care for his younger siblings - it is understandable that he would then do anything to appease them - even if it is at the sake of his own sanity, if not safety. 😥 So agreeing to participate in the triathlon they signed him up for as a gift for his thirtieth birthday - how could he refuse?
How could he refuse when he has someone as strikingly good-looking as Wells, if not slightly snarky and totally a savage when it comes to whipping him into shape. How could he turn away when spending time with him, is the happiest and most carefree that he has felt in awhile? 'Ever since I met you, things have been getting better.' 😣 How could it work when they're completely different people, who swim in different social backgrounds, who perhaps wouldn't even gravitate towards one another, if not for simply being a twist of fate that placed them in each other's orbit?
“I thought you didn’t want to kiss me again.”
“All I want to do is kiss you.”
Yet, somehow, by some twist of fate, Wells wanted him, too - wanted him because being with Anders helps him forget about all that has changed in his own life - learning to live with a disability that took away his source of happiness and comfort - something that he thrived on. And to see that subtle, if not gradual change when it was Anders loose lips, but ever so tempting full lips be the thing that made him happy - who was he to not want that chance to have someone to love again? 'I want to drown in his kiss, sink into him, and never return for air.' 😊 Two underdogs who felt that they had nothing promising to show for themselves, only to realize that it is those parts of themselves that are a source of happiness and hope for both of them? 😟
And that's why this rather straightforward and lighthearted angst read of Briar Prescott's proved to be much better than the previous installments. It's not the simplicity of their relationship that was so easy to fall into, rather the nature of their dynamic that stemmed first from animosity of the other refusing to accept the other's help, but suddenly being the one person that provided a source of comfort and peace of mind that they had not had the chance to have with anyone else before. 'Time to leap and show him with my actions that I want to be the kind of best friends who kiss.' 🥺 In typical fashion, the banter was on point, and so was the few sexy times that she managed to capture so much of their feelings in the candid way in which they approached the next step.
For all of Anders' own insecurities about his less than stellar appearance and living conditions, it, somehow, was exactly what made Wells desire him even more so. How their imperfections made them perfect and whole together. It was in the way Wells was able to work through his own challenges that crippled him - that were a struggle to overcome, but by having someone who understood him - who knew where his resentment came from - made it that much more heartwarming and welcoming for him. How very tenderly Anders accepts Wells as he is - perfect in every way - so that he doesn't shy away from revealing himself entirely - allowing himself to remember what it feels like to feel - to want - to love. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“Maybe.
Maybe.
Maybe we could be something.”
That, in itself, is captured in such a genuine and heartfelt manner that your heart can't help but soar alongside the two of them. True, some of the comedic timing could have been held back. And I have my doubts at how easily Anders was able to manage raising not one, but two kids on his own, but the writing was very swift, very real in expressing all the emotions - the tension, the angst, the heat - in a very honest and palpable way that had me rooting for the two of them. 'Happiness is in his looks and his touches and his kisses.' 🥹🥹 Even when the obligatory hit came of personal inner doubts and much needed (cue sarcasm) of how their arrangement of friends with benefits could never amount to be the real thing unless one took the next step cementing their relationship status, I was able to roll with it.
I watched their relationship bloom into one where they had nothing between them, save the trust and warmth of affection that made them work as a couple so well. 🥰🥰 That they made each other better - improved their lives in a healthier positive light that gravitated beyond just the physical training. And seeing how they both came out on top in the end - from being victims of acts not in their control, but to succeeding in finally having someone to share a life with who accepted them as they are. It was finding happiness in each other - one that they both thought they would never be lucky enough to find again - was what made rooting for them all the more worthwhile. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
It's a good thing that this was better than the previous books, because the next one is already having me raise an eyebrow or two, so... yeah... 😒
“I don’t think anybody has ever looked at me like that. Like I’m something other than ridiculous. Like I’m maybe sort of wonderful, instead.”
What did I like about The Underdog? I liked Wells Montgomery; I felt his anger and frustrated feelings over the loss of the life he once had was very genuine and palpable. I felt his hurt, his pain, his sadness and his resentment over not being able to be the person that he once was. 'I’ve devoted my life to making it to the top, and I barely got a taste before it was all taken away from me.' Thrown from the peak of his career as a promising hockey player, forced to watch everything crumble before him - never knowing if he'll ever achieve that level of success, if not satisfaction in what he loved doing. 💔💔
It's the overwhelming loneliness that no one will understand how it feels to lose the chance to live your life, because of the shitty hand the card of fate deals you. When his father and Max to find a way out for him to get a chance to live a little - I, being the petty self-pitying one - probably would have thrown a hissy fit - wallowing in my grief. But, the thing about the person he's been forced into acting as his personal trainer - is that he's had his own share of losing out on a life that he could have had. 😢 He knows - more than anyone - that sting of losing out on a chance that could have been his - a life that had been set up for another step - only to be thrown into a hurdle - a curveball that no one saw coming. 🤍🤍
And for that - I sympathized with Anders' trials, too. What his mother did - I wanted to wring her neck!! 😡 - I don't know how it didn't break him. I can't believe how he managed everything on his own, but he did. Forced to give up the chance to live his own life to care for his younger siblings - it is understandable that he would then do anything to appease them - even if it is at the sake of his own sanity, if not safety. 😥 So agreeing to participate in the triathlon they signed him up for as a gift for his thirtieth birthday - how could he refuse?
How could he refuse when he has someone as strikingly good-looking as Wells, if not slightly snarky and totally a savage when it comes to whipping him into shape. How could he turn away when spending time with him, is the happiest and most carefree that he has felt in awhile? 'Ever since I met you, things have been getting better.' 😣 How could it work when they're completely different people, who swim in different social backgrounds, who perhaps wouldn't even gravitate towards one another, if not for simply being a twist of fate that placed them in each other's orbit?
“I thought you didn’t want to kiss me again.”
“All I want to do is kiss you.”
Yet, somehow, by some twist of fate, Wells wanted him, too - wanted him because being with Anders helps him forget about all that has changed in his own life - learning to live with a disability that took away his source of happiness and comfort - something that he thrived on. And to see that subtle, if not gradual change when it was Anders loose lips, but ever so tempting full lips be the thing that made him happy - who was he to not want that chance to have someone to love again? 'I want to drown in his kiss, sink into him, and never return for air.' 😊 Two underdogs who felt that they had nothing promising to show for themselves, only to realize that it is those parts of themselves that are a source of happiness and hope for both of them? 😟
And that's why this rather straightforward and lighthearted angst read of Briar Prescott's proved to be much better than the previous installments. It's not the simplicity of their relationship that was so easy to fall into, rather the nature of their dynamic that stemmed first from animosity of the other refusing to accept the other's help, but suddenly being the one person that provided a source of comfort and peace of mind that they had not had the chance to have with anyone else before. 'Time to leap and show him with my actions that I want to be the kind of best friends who kiss.' 🥺 In typical fashion, the banter was on point, and so was the few sexy times that she managed to capture so much of their feelings in the candid way in which they approached the next step.
For all of Anders' own insecurities about his less than stellar appearance and living conditions, it, somehow, was exactly what made Wells desire him even more so. How their imperfections made them perfect and whole together. It was in the way Wells was able to work through his own challenges that crippled him - that were a struggle to overcome, but by having someone who understood him - who knew where his resentment came from - made it that much more heartwarming and welcoming for him. How very tenderly Anders accepts Wells as he is - perfect in every way - so that he doesn't shy away from revealing himself entirely - allowing himself to remember what it feels like to feel - to want - to love. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“Maybe.
Maybe.
Maybe we could be something.”
That, in itself, is captured in such a genuine and heartfelt manner that your heart can't help but soar alongside the two of them. True, some of the comedic timing could have been held back. And I have my doubts at how easily Anders was able to manage raising not one, but two kids on his own, but the writing was very swift, very real in expressing all the emotions - the tension, the angst, the heat - in a very honest and palpable way that had me rooting for the two of them. 'Happiness is in his looks and his touches and his kisses.' 🥹🥹 Even when the obligatory hit came of personal inner doubts and much needed (cue sarcasm) of how their arrangement of friends with benefits could never amount to be the real thing unless one took the next step cementing their relationship status, I was able to roll with it.
I watched their relationship bloom into one where they had nothing between them, save the trust and warmth of affection that made them work as a couple so well. 🥰🥰 That they made each other better - improved their lives in a healthier positive light that gravitated beyond just the physical training. And seeing how they both came out on top in the end - from being victims of acts not in their control, but to succeeding in finally having someone to share a life with who accepted them as they are. It was finding happiness in each other - one that they both thought they would never be lucky enough to find again - was what made rooting for them all the more worthwhile. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
It's a good thing that this was better than the previous books, because the next one is already having me raise an eyebrow or two, so... yeah... 😒
October 14, 2021
Fantastic!
This was Fabulous! I just love Briar Prescott's writing. The story flows effortlessly, the dialogue is so funny, smart, and engaging, and she just writes the best characters. I adored Anders and Wells. From their bristly start, to their emerging friendship, to them falling in love...it was such an enjoyable journey. Anders stole my heart from the first page. He was so fun, so quick-witted, and so selfless. Wells started off as such a grump. He was still trying to come to terms with where his life had led and he was surly and angry much of the time. It didn't take much for the breath of fresh air, Anders, to crack that tough exterior though! I thoroughly enjoyed watching them become friends and watching Wells' walls start to come down. Their banter was just so good and there were so many sweet and touching moments.
There was a little bit of a misunderstanding about where they were at that could have been solved if they just talked to each other, but this is where Anders's friends come in and don't hold any punches. I love that solid group of friends that have your back and tell it to you straight!
This was just a pleasure to read from start to finish, highly recommend!
This was Fabulous! I just love Briar Prescott's writing. The story flows effortlessly, the dialogue is so funny, smart, and engaging, and she just writes the best characters. I adored Anders and Wells. From their bristly start, to their emerging friendship, to them falling in love...it was such an enjoyable journey. Anders stole my heart from the first page. He was so fun, so quick-witted, and so selfless. Wells started off as such a grump. He was still trying to come to terms with where his life had led and he was surly and angry much of the time. It didn't take much for the breath of fresh air, Anders, to crack that tough exterior though! I thoroughly enjoyed watching them become friends and watching Wells' walls start to come down. Their banter was just so good and there were so many sweet and touching moments.
There was a little bit of a misunderstanding about where they were at that could have been solved if they just talked to each other, but this is where Anders's friends come in and don't hold any punches. I love that solid group of friends that have your back and tell it to you straight!
This was just a pleasure to read from start to finish, highly recommend!
November 2, 2021
I really enjoyed Anders and Wells story. It was fun and lighthearted and at moment so very sweet. As I've come to expect from this author, the humor was snarky and so much fun. And if the teaser's are right and the next book is about Max and Isac, I can't wait. I've a soft spot for the best friends brother trope.
October 11, 2021
Hurt/comfort
Amazing humour
Disabled- amputee character
Sunshine- grumpy heroes
Chubby- athletic ( ice hockey player🤩)
Great friends and families
Low angst
Medium heat
Really good epilogue!!
Best hea
“I can picture him telling me he loves me exactly like this ten years from now, thirty years from now, fifty years from now.”
This book is unique, as in, I never ever read a hurt/comfort book with disabled character- which is my absolute favorite trope- in so down to earth, happy book.
Both of the MCs past have a tragic event, what changed their life forever and instead of the author tearing my heart out, she wrote a positive viewpoined, great -and not childish- humoured book with lots of happy moments.
Anders life changed so early, that when the story really begins he already on track and confident about his future. Maybe not the most shiny future, but a good life.
In the other hand, Wells is still hurting, his life have been forced to change so quick and so fundamentally that he is still very angry and in the border of denial.
This is not an insta love, ‘I’ll heal you with my love’ kind of book. And I truly love the book for it. Anders just full of sunshine, the funny one the caregiver, with great friends and practical life. He reminded me of single parents, widower friends from real life, who could get up and made a great life after their tragic. Because in reality usually this is what happens. And it was a fresh air after books, what only reflects on drama and suffering. Anders character could be my neighbour or the shop clerk or a taxi driver, an ordinary human who works with what he/she have and not see it as the end of the world. I really really appreciate his character!
“He has an incredible ability to make people feel comfortable in his presence. It doesn’t even matter if you’ve just met him. He’s sort of like the sun.”
As for Wells, he was still in progress at the beginning, and he can stand up because of the inspiration and a new propose of his life. He heals by himself, start to take care of himself because he sees a great example, a new perspective.
“Anders loves me. All of me. Just the way I am. I’m more certain of that than anything else in the world. One leg, two legs. He’d take me if I was like an octopus and had eight limbs. Or if I had none.”
I can really go on forever but I don’t think anyone reached this line, more like everyone dnf-ed this review a long time ago😅 but it’s ok! If you still here you are a hardcore reader, congrats!!🥳😂
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Amazing humour
Disabled- amputee character
Sunshine- grumpy heroes
Chubby- athletic ( ice hockey player🤩)
Great friends and families
Low angst
Medium heat
Really good epilogue!!
Best hea
“I can picture him telling me he loves me exactly like this ten years from now, thirty years from now, fifty years from now.”
This book is unique, as in, I never ever read a hurt/comfort book with disabled character- which is my absolute favorite trope- in so down to earth, happy book.
Both of the MCs past have a tragic event, what changed their life forever and instead of the author tearing my heart out, she wrote a positive viewpoined, great -and not childish- humoured book with lots of happy moments.
Anders life changed so early, that when the story really begins he already on track and confident about his future. Maybe not the most shiny future, but a good life.
In the other hand, Wells is still hurting, his life have been forced to change so quick and so fundamentally that he is still very angry and in the border of denial.
This is not an insta love, ‘I’ll heal you with my love’ kind of book. And I truly love the book for it. Anders just full of sunshine, the funny one the caregiver, with great friends and practical life. He reminded me of single parents, widower friends from real life, who could get up and made a great life after their tragic. Because in reality usually this is what happens. And it was a fresh air after books, what only reflects on drama and suffering. Anders character could be my neighbour or the shop clerk or a taxi driver, an ordinary human who works with what he/she have and not see it as the end of the world. I really really appreciate his character!
“He has an incredible ability to make people feel comfortable in his presence. It doesn’t even matter if you’ve just met him. He’s sort of like the sun.”
As for Wells, he was still in progress at the beginning, and he can stand up because of the inspiration and a new propose of his life. He heals by himself, start to take care of himself because he sees a great example, a new perspective.
“Anders loves me. All of me. Just the way I am. I’m more certain of that than anything else in the world. One leg, two legs. He’d take me if I was like an octopus and had eight limbs. Or if I had none.”
I can really go on forever but I don’t think anyone reached this line, more like everyone dnf-ed this review a long time ago😅 but it’s ok! If you still here you are a hardcore reader, congrats!!🥳😂
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2021
3.5 stars
Anders was 19 when his mother left him and his two siblings behind. He took on the responsibility of caring for the 7 year old twins Cassi and Isac. Leaving behind many of his own life dreams to make sure they were provided for.
Wells was a former hockey player that had his career cut short by an accident that costs him a leg. He has stopped living life and has become angry with the world.
The two meet through a mutual friend. Wells is forced to become Anders trainer. The more time spent with Anders the more Wells comes to life.
Likes:
The family dynamic.
-Anders and the twins
-Max and his dad.
**I do wish there was more of it though.
The relationship.
-It blossomed nicely and very little angst.
-The two helped with one another overcome some insecurities. Wells seemed to blossom more with Anders help. Just wish Anders did the same.
Dislikes:
Not enough of the friendship shown between Anders/Max/Jamie.
-Friendships of 15 years you think there would be a bit more appearances.
Anders constant insecurities about himself/putting himself down.
**The beginning of the story was a bit rough. For me, it didn't flow as easily as the previous stories.
Overall, this was a cute story with a HEA and IMO low steam (2 out 5). I enjoy this author's work and have a feeling the next one will be or at least I hope. However it goes...I look forward to reading it!
**ARC provided by author, this is my honest opinion.**
Anders was 19 when his mother left him and his two siblings behind. He took on the responsibility of caring for the 7 year old twins Cassi and Isac. Leaving behind many of his own life dreams to make sure they were provided for.
Wells was a former hockey player that had his career cut short by an accident that costs him a leg. He has stopped living life and has become angry with the world.
The two meet through a mutual friend. Wells is forced to become Anders trainer. The more time spent with Anders the more Wells comes to life.
Likes:
The family dynamic.
-Anders and the twins
-Max and his dad.
**I do wish there was more of it though.
The relationship.
-It blossomed nicely and very little angst.
-The two helped with one another overcome some insecurities. Wells seemed to blossom more with Anders help. Just wish Anders did the same.
Dislikes:
Not enough of the friendship shown between Anders/Max/Jamie.
-Friendships of 15 years you think there would be a bit more appearances.
Anders constant insecurities about himself/putting himself down.
**The beginning of the story was a bit rough. For me, it didn't flow as easily as the previous stories.
Overall, this was a cute story with a HEA and IMO low steam (2 out 5). I enjoy this author's work and have a feeling the next one will be or at least I hope. However it goes...I look forward to reading it!
**ARC provided by author, this is my honest opinion.**
Want to read
March 13, 2022Kindle freebie 3/11/22
October 16, 2021
3.5 stars
It was definitely cute and enjoyable, but it needed more angst.
It was definitely cute and enjoyable, but it needed more angst.
April 10, 2022
Not quite as lighthearted as the previous books, this book is not only about romance, but about finding yourself again after an unexpected event throws you off the path you thought you'd take.
We've met Anders in the previous book - he's one of Jamie's friends. Anders' flighty mother left him when he turned 18, leaving his 7 year old twin siblings in his care. After raising them for 12 years, his siblings gift him what they think is his biggest wish - the opportunity to participate at a triathlon.
Needless to say, Anders isn't in shape. And he doesn't have any ambition to participate, but as he doesn't want to dissapoint his siblings, he agrees to train with one of Max' friends.
Enter Wells: a former NHL player, who lost his leg (and his career. And himself) after a car accident one year prior. To call Wells a grump would be an understatement- he's downright hostile towards anyone who attempts to drag him out of his self pity party, and loathes that he's been tricked into helping Anders. And he does everything in his power to get Anders to fire him.
Needless to say - they become friends. And after a while, friends with benefits.
I loved their relationship, and how they slowly realised that they're perfect for each other: Wells helping Anders with his physical fitness, and Anders helping Wells accept his impairment, accept help from others, and finding a new life for himself. It's not really a grumpy/sunshine pairing. Both behave like adults, and there's no unnecessary drama that isn't quickly resolved.
If warmly recommend this book - and the entire series - to anyone looking for a lighter read, but with interesting characters.
And now excuse me while I'm off to read the last book from this series 😊
We've met Anders in the previous book - he's one of Jamie's friends. Anders' flighty mother left him when he turned 18, leaving his 7 year old twin siblings in his care. After raising them for 12 years, his siblings gift him what they think is his biggest wish - the opportunity to participate at a triathlon.
Needless to say, Anders isn't in shape. And he doesn't have any ambition to participate, but as he doesn't want to dissapoint his siblings, he agrees to train with one of Max' friends.
Enter Wells: a former NHL player, who lost his leg (and his career. And himself) after a car accident one year prior. To call Wells a grump would be an understatement- he's downright hostile towards anyone who attempts to drag him out of his self pity party, and loathes that he's been tricked into helping Anders. And he does everything in his power to get Anders to fire him.
Needless to say - they become friends. And after a while, friends with benefits.
I loved their relationship, and how they slowly realised that they're perfect for each other: Wells helping Anders with his physical fitness, and Anders helping Wells accept his impairment, accept help from others, and finding a new life for himself. It's not really a grumpy/sunshine pairing. Both behave like adults, and there's no unnecessary drama that isn't quickly resolved.
If warmly recommend this book - and the entire series - to anyone looking for a lighter read, but with interesting characters.
And now excuse me while I'm off to read the last book from this series 😊
September 22, 2022
This entire series is so good! Wells and Anders are my favourite couple so far 😍
This authors humour is awesome, I laugh so hard at every single book. Definitely a 1 click author going forward!!
This authors humour is awesome, I laugh so hard at every single book. Definitely a 1 click author going forward!!
November 21, 2021
This managed to feel fluffy despite the serious subject matter. The epilogue was especially sweet.
October 17, 2021
I can't help myself. Briar Prescotts writing is so much fun, I am enjoying her books very much.
This was a slow-burn light romance with two adorable and loveable characters.
This was a slow-burn light romance with two adorable and loveable characters.
October 14, 2021
Sweet and adorable story. Anders and Wells start with the wrong foot, but once things settle they just fit. Low angst with some hurt confort, this is a good addition to the series. And it has Briar's trademark all over: the banter, the jokes and the laughs. Recommended if you are in a mood for a good book.
October 1, 2022
This story had some very typical tropes: grumpy and sunshine, hurt and healing, self consciousness about a not perfect body-Anders because he was out of shape and Wells because he lost his leg in an accident.
So I read stories like this again and again in the past (e. g. "The weight of it all" from NR Walker).
However, it doesn't matter if you know what will happen, or how a story will develop if the writing is good and you can connect with the main characters.
I really loved, how the story was told here, both main characters were so sweet and loveable, especially with their insecurities.
The story concentrated on their journey together, instead of adding stupid and unnecessary drama.
Everything felt perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey,
the ending could have been a little more exciting for my liking, but overall this was a great read, above average and 4 stars for me!
So I read stories like this again and again in the past (e. g. "The weight of it all" from NR Walker).
However, it doesn't matter if you know what will happen, or how a story will develop if the writing is good and you can connect with the main characters.
I really loved, how the story was told here, both main characters were so sweet and loveable, especially with their insecurities.
The story concentrated on their journey together, instead of adding stupid and unnecessary drama.
Everything felt perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey,
the ending could have been a little more exciting for my liking, but overall this was a great read, above average and 4 stars for me!
September 21, 2022
I loved this story. Anders and Wells just wormed there way into my heart. I always enjoy enemies to lovers and a slow burn. This book delivers on both those accounts. I was just starting to get get frustrated with Anders pushing Wells away because of his insecurities when he turns everything around with a brave kiss. It was a beautiful moment.
I started two different books that I didn’t care for yesterday and was feeling lost. I saw this book in my TBR pile and couldn’t resist.
I started two different books that I didn’t care for yesterday and was feeling lost. I saw this book in my TBR pile and couldn’t resist.
October 3, 2025
5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
THESE TWO. OH MY GOD.
okay i thought the plot would be laughably flimsy but somehow it worked so well. anders told a little while lie that spiraled completely, comically, out of control and now has to follow through with training for a triathlon he totally does not want to do and is not at all in shape for. that leads him to meeting wells, an ex-hockey player who has been down and out since having his leg amputated after an accident.
these two really butted heads in the beginning but then it all just transformed into this beautiful story of them both healing together.
every book and couple in this series just gets better and better.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
THESE TWO. OH MY GOD.
okay i thought the plot would be laughably flimsy but somehow it worked so well. anders told a little while lie that spiraled completely, comically, out of control and now has to follow through with training for a triathlon he totally does not want to do and is not at all in shape for. that leads him to meeting wells, an ex-hockey player who has been down and out since having his leg amputated after an accident.
these two really butted heads in the beginning but then it all just transformed into this beautiful story of them both healing together.
every book and couple in this series just gets better and better.
Read
December 15, 2021DNF @ 40%
I have loved every single thing this author has published but for some reason I 've been trying for almost a month to finish this. Sorry, no rating.
I have loved every single thing this author has published but for some reason I 've been trying for almost a month to finish this. Sorry, no rating.
November 28, 2021
Initially this was a little harder to get into. Wells was stuck in a cycle of self loathing and deprecation. It was difficult to read him thinking such thoughts of low self worth. But this only stood to build a character you wanted to root for. And oh do you. This was the perfect epitome of an excellent grumpy/sunshine trope. Anders optimism and humor found his way into Wells’ heart, and mine as well.
October 3, 2021
I've made it abundantly clear that I am a Briar Prescott stan. And with every new release I say this is her best work yet.
But no, seriously. THIS is her best work yet.
Anders is so sweet, and so funny, and so selfless. His mom left town right after he graduated high school because it was time for her. In doing that he had to replan his entire life to take care of his 7 year old siblings. And he never complained. Just did it because what else was he supposed to do? Except lie to them about his biggest dream. He tells them he wants to be a triathlete. And that's where our story begins.
Wells is a former hockey player. He's depressed, and angry, and a recent amputee. But he's also so sweet, and so funny, and just what Anders needs.
I didn't even get mad at these two not communicating! That's one of my biggest pet peeves but I didn't even want to roll my eyes when that came up.
I can't even put into words how much I loved this book. I started reading it last night. I set an alarm for 4:30 am so I could finish it with no distractions. Because I knew from just the first couple chapters it was that kind of book.
But no, seriously. THIS is her best work yet.
Anders is so sweet, and so funny, and so selfless. His mom left town right after he graduated high school because it was time for her. In doing that he had to replan his entire life to take care of his 7 year old siblings. And he never complained. Just did it because what else was he supposed to do? Except lie to them about his biggest dream. He tells them he wants to be a triathlete. And that's where our story begins.
Wells is a former hockey player. He's depressed, and angry, and a recent amputee. But he's also so sweet, and so funny, and just what Anders needs.
I didn't even get mad at these two not communicating! That's one of my biggest pet peeves but I didn't even want to roll my eyes when that came up.
I can't even put into words how much I loved this book. I started reading it last night. I set an alarm for 4:30 am so I could finish it with no distractions. Because I knew from just the first couple chapters it was that kind of book.
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