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Secrets Kept #1
Off Limits
It started out as a little fun. When there was a man in my building on a hookup app, why not message him?
Only we didn’t meet. We just texted—one night after the other, after the other.
GoodWithHisHands was the perfect escape from my life, where pressure was always on my shoulders: my father’s expectations, the worry about my sister, Maddy, getting sick again, and her ex-husband, Ryder Lynwood, suddenly back and volunteering at the same hospital as me.
It would have been smart to keep my distance from the man who came out as gay, tearing our close families apart and breaking Maddy’s heart. Except Ryder intrigues me. I like talking to him, same as I enjoy chatting to GoodWithHisHands.
They weren’t supposed to be the same person.
I wasn’t supposed to fall for him. To want him. To need him. Maddy didn’t deserve to get hurt again, and I didn’t need another reason to feel like an outsider in my own family. Ryder was off-limits. I knew that. Still, I couldn’t make myself stay away.
Only we didn’t meet. We just texted—one night after the other, after the other.
GoodWithHisHands was the perfect escape from my life, where pressure was always on my shoulders: my father’s expectations, the worry about my sister, Maddy, getting sick again, and her ex-husband, Ryder Lynwood, suddenly back and volunteering at the same hospital as me.
It would have been smart to keep my distance from the man who came out as gay, tearing our close families apart and breaking Maddy’s heart. Except Ryder intrigues me. I like talking to him, same as I enjoy chatting to GoodWithHisHands.
They weren’t supposed to be the same person.
I wasn’t supposed to fall for him. To want him. To need him. Maddy didn’t deserve to get hurt again, and I didn’t need another reason to feel like an outsider in my own family. Ryder was off-limits. I knew that. Still, I couldn’t make myself stay away.
272 pages, ebook
First published October 28, 2021
492 people are currently reading
2155 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
114 books7,133 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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March 17, 2022
Off Limits is book one in the Secrets Kept series by Riley Hart. So, this has been sitting on my Kindle for awhile now. It kept getting pushed back by other things. I finally felt caught up and finally started it. Oh my heart. I loved it so much! I loved these two men so much. My heart was in full swoon mode all the way through this. It kind of has a “You’ve Got Mail” vibe but with men and hook up apps.
Grant “Hutch” Hutchinson is thirty two years old and is bi-sexual. He has one younger sister who went through cancer treatments twice in her childhood. He loves his sister with all his heart but as a result of her illness, their lives always revolved around her treatments and worry of her cancer returning. Hutch is now an emergency dr. and loves his job. He’s never been in a serious relationship.
Ryder Lynwood is thirty years old. His family and the Hutchinson’s had always been close when they were kids. He grew up with Hutch and Hutch’s sister, Maddy. He and Maddy became childhood sweethearts and married young only things never felt right between them. He was just too young but eventually figured out that he was gay. That he had confused his love for Maddy with romantic love. Maddy was his best friend but he could never be the husband she deserved so they divorced, both devastating Maddy and breaking apart their families. Ryder left Atlanta for five years but now is back and wants to make a new life for himself here and hopefully mend some bridges. Only he never planned on Hutch.
He and Hutch began texting on their app, having no idea who the other was. I loved the way their relationship evolved anonymously. I think they fell in love before they ever even knew who the other was. But eventually, the secret comes out and both of their worlds are rocked. They vow they will never be more than friends. That they can’t hurt their families by letting their feelings grow. But their hearts had other ideas.
“He got to me in ways no one ever had. It was both exciting and scary.”
I adored these two and the way they were together. I loved the way Ryder just saw Hutch, just knew what he needed. Once these two admitted how they felt, they frequently verbalized their feelings to each other which is something I adore. They were everything the other needed but didn’t think they deserved.
“Leave it to me to finally find a person I wanted beyond a night or two, and it was someone I could never have.”
This book was such a wonderful read. I enjoyed every single page of it and it made my heart so full. Watching the love grow between these two just made my heart happy. We also meet Hutch’s friend Isaac. We can see he is going through something but don’t know what. Isaac’s story is in the next book in the series, Pushing the Limits. I hope if you choose to read this book that you fall in love with Hutch and Ryder just as I did!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Grant “Hutch” Hutchinson is thirty two years old and is bi-sexual. He has one younger sister who went through cancer treatments twice in her childhood. He loves his sister with all his heart but as a result of her illness, their lives always revolved around her treatments and worry of her cancer returning. Hutch is now an emergency dr. and loves his job. He’s never been in a serious relationship.
Ryder Lynwood is thirty years old. His family and the Hutchinson’s had always been close when they were kids. He grew up with Hutch and Hutch’s sister, Maddy. He and Maddy became childhood sweethearts and married young only things never felt right between them. He was just too young but eventually figured out that he was gay. That he had confused his love for Maddy with romantic love. Maddy was his best friend but he could never be the husband she deserved so they divorced, both devastating Maddy and breaking apart their families. Ryder left Atlanta for five years but now is back and wants to make a new life for himself here and hopefully mend some bridges. Only he never planned on Hutch.
He and Hutch began texting on their app, having no idea who the other was. I loved the way their relationship evolved anonymously. I think they fell in love before they ever even knew who the other was. But eventually, the secret comes out and both of their worlds are rocked. They vow they will never be more than friends. That they can’t hurt their families by letting their feelings grow. But their hearts had other ideas.
“He got to me in ways no one ever had. It was both exciting and scary.”
I adored these two and the way they were together. I loved the way Ryder just saw Hutch, just knew what he needed. Once these two admitted how they felt, they frequently verbalized their feelings to each other which is something I adore. They were everything the other needed but didn’t think they deserved.
“Leave it to me to finally find a person I wanted beyond a night or two, and it was someone I could never have.”
This book was such a wonderful read. I enjoyed every single page of it and it made my heart so full. Watching the love grow between these two just made my heart happy. We also meet Hutch’s friend Isaac. We can see he is going through something but don’t know what. Isaac’s story is in the next book in the series, Pushing the Limits. I hope if you choose to read this book that you fall in love with Hutch and Ryder just as I did!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
March 10, 2022
***3.0 rating***
My review has some spoilers so just giving a heads up in advance.
Where to begin with this one?
So the story is a forbidden romance/sort of friends to lovers trope between Ryder Lynwood and Grant "Hutch" Hutchinson the Third. Yes that is Hutch's name. Posh and bougie that's his family.
Ryder is Hutch's former brother in law. He was married to Madison, Hutch's sister but got divorced because he later realized he was gay and didn't love Madison the way a husband is supposed to. The Lynwood and Hutchinson families were family friends but all that changed when Ryder came out 5 years ago (before the story takes place).
Ryder leaves Atlanta but eventually returns. Through chance he and Hutch reconnect in a dating app but they have no idea who the other party is.
Hutch is a ER doctor and volunteers at a children's hospital in his spare time because his sister had cancer. It's a dear cause close to his heart.
Ryder and Hutch have a run in at the hospital and start reconnecting while at the same time talking on the app not knowing who the other person really is. They fall for one another. The chemistry is good, the talk genuine, the flirt and banter is great. They mesh. But when the two have a run in at the building they both live in, complications arise and drama begins.
But despite Ryder being Maddy's ex husband, Hutch and Ryder cannot deny their chemistry. They fall for one another. That is what I loved about this book. Is it wrong? Some may say so but these two had an undeniable chemistry. They were in sync in every sense. So the development of the romance in the first half of the book I adored.
Around 70% in the book I started to get annoyed.
Here is where the negative portion comes in.
Maddy and the Hutchinson's.
🙄
I couldn't stand Hutch's family or his sister.
Half of the book was about her. I get Maddy had cancer and that her husband left her because he was gay but that was 5 years ago. 5.whole.years.🤦🏼♀️
The whole world revolved around Maddy. Hutch's family disregarded him and discarded him like he was nothing when he got with Ryder because of her.
This woman acted like her brother and ex killed somebody the way she treated them. I get that she was hurt. But they divorced 5 years ago. Her brother and ex didn't choose their sexuality. And it felt like everyone had to walk on egg shells around her because of her sob story. Everything Hutch and Ryder did revolved around Maddy and her feelings. God forbid something is about Hutch. Even when he told her about his feelings to her, this bish made it about her.
Hutch and his father's relationship got over with so quickly in the end. Like huh? I barely felt like their years of issues were resolved in one chapter.
Sidenote: we do get some appearances from our beloved characters from the Atlanta lightning series that was great to see.
Sorry for the long ass rant in this review but this story left me unsatisfied as a reader. I rarely do with Riley Hart's books but I had better expectations for this one. I was excited to read this but this was less about romance and more about Maddy.
Overall not my favorite read. Do with this review what you will.😔
My review has some spoilers so just giving a heads up in advance.
Where to begin with this one?
So the story is a forbidden romance/sort of friends to lovers trope between Ryder Lynwood and Grant "Hutch" Hutchinson the Third. Yes that is Hutch's name. Posh and bougie that's his family.
Ryder is Hutch's former brother in law. He was married to Madison, Hutch's sister but got divorced because he later realized he was gay and didn't love Madison the way a husband is supposed to. The Lynwood and Hutchinson families were family friends but all that changed when Ryder came out 5 years ago (before the story takes place).
Ryder leaves Atlanta but eventually returns. Through chance he and Hutch reconnect in a dating app but they have no idea who the other party is.
Hutch is a ER doctor and volunteers at a children's hospital in his spare time because his sister had cancer. It's a dear cause close to his heart.
Ryder and Hutch have a run in at the hospital and start reconnecting while at the same time talking on the app not knowing who the other person really is. They fall for one another. The chemistry is good, the talk genuine, the flirt and banter is great. They mesh. But when the two have a run in at the building they both live in, complications arise and drama begins.
But despite Ryder being Maddy's ex husband, Hutch and Ryder cannot deny their chemistry. They fall for one another. That is what I loved about this book. Is it wrong? Some may say so but these two had an undeniable chemistry. They were in sync in every sense. So the development of the romance in the first half of the book I adored.
Around 70% in the book I started to get annoyed.
Here is where the negative portion comes in.
Maddy and the Hutchinson's.
🙄
I couldn't stand Hutch's family or his sister.
Half of the book was about her. I get Maddy had cancer and that her husband left her because he was gay but that was 5 years ago. 5.whole.years.🤦🏼♀️
The whole world revolved around Maddy. Hutch's family disregarded him and discarded him like he was nothing when he got with Ryder because of her.
This woman acted like her brother and ex killed somebody the way she treated them. I get that she was hurt. But they divorced 5 years ago. Her brother and ex didn't choose their sexuality. And it felt like everyone had to walk on egg shells around her because of her sob story. Everything Hutch and Ryder did revolved around Maddy and her feelings. God forbid something is about Hutch. Even when he told her about his feelings to her, this bish made it about her.
Hutch and his father's relationship got over with so quickly in the end. Like huh? I barely felt like their years of issues were resolved in one chapter.
Sidenote: we do get some appearances from our beloved characters from the Atlanta lightning series that was great to see.
Sorry for the long ass rant in this review but this story left me unsatisfied as a reader. I rarely do with Riley Hart's books but I had better expectations for this one. I was excited to read this but this was less about romance and more about Maddy.
Overall not my favorite read. Do with this review what you will.😔
December 19, 2022
3.5*** stars
Hutch & Ryder had some serious chemistry and ofc with the forbidden aspect came the intensity to the story I love so much in my romances. ♡
You wanna know which trope we’re talking here? My sister’s ex-husband or my ex-wife’s brother, depending on the side you’re looking at it. I also liked that they both were so toppy (tho both were vers) in their attitudes and fought for dominance. It was kinda cute.
So why wasn’t this a winner?
♢ I struggled with the narration for the audio; guess I’m not a Tim Paige fan.
♢ the second half dragged and at some point I just wanted it to be over.
♢ maybe bitchy-eyeroll-me also played a role, she listened with me. I tried to shake her but she wouldn't budge.
Three-and a half-stars because I really enjoyed the first half of the book very much (well, aside from the narration).
****************
Secrets Kept Series:
Book 1 - Off Limits - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Pushing the Limits
Hutch & Ryder had some serious chemistry and ofc with the forbidden aspect came the intensity to the story I love so much in my romances. ♡
You wanna know which trope we’re talking here? My sister’s ex-husband or my ex-wife’s brother, depending on the side you’re looking at it. I also liked that they both were so toppy (tho both were vers) in their attitudes and fought for dominance. It was kinda cute.
So why wasn’t this a winner?
♢ I struggled with the narration for the audio; guess I’m not a Tim Paige fan.
♢ the second half dragged and at some point I just wanted it to be over.
♢ maybe bitchy-eyeroll-me also played a role, she listened with me. I tried to shake her but she wouldn't budge.
Three-and a half-stars because I really enjoyed the first half of the book very much (well, aside from the narration).
****************
Secrets Kept Series:
Book 1 - Off Limits - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Pushing the Limits
November 9, 2021
3.5 Stars!
Not bad. Not great.
I do appreciate that there wasn't some big drama and break-up. This one definitely wasn't as angsty as it could've been.
But something was missing to make it wow me.
There was definitely too much Maddy. And Hutch's family was not pleasant.
I liked it, just didn't love it.
But I will still check out the next book in the series. Isaac maybe?
Not bad. Not great.
I do appreciate that there wasn't some big drama and break-up. This one definitely wasn't as angsty as it could've been.
But something was missing to make it wow me.
There was definitely too much Maddy. And Hutch's family was not pleasant.
I liked it, just didn't love it.
But I will still check out the next book in the series. Isaac maybe?
December 16, 2021
I’m so disappointed. Forbidden love? Yes please. I was so excited about the “falling for my sister’s ex husband” trope. And I liked Ryder and Hutch. Mostly.
But I felt like the whole thing was whiny and preachy and cheesy and sappy. And that’s not a good combo. I’d have preferred a more angsty book, with a breakup or something.
Even the sex scenes bored me. They were basically all the same. The two men bantering about who was bossier and who gets to top. Yawn.
Ugh. I think I’m not clicking with this author anymore. I was excited about this but it just didn’t work for me.
Also I skimmed starting at 70%. I was just ready to be done.
But I felt like the whole thing was whiny and preachy and cheesy and sappy. And that’s not a good combo. I’d have preferred a more angsty book, with a breakup or something.
Even the sex scenes bored me. They were basically all the same. The two men bantering about who was bossier and who gets to top. Yawn.
Ugh. I think I’m not clicking with this author anymore. I was excited about this but it just didn’t work for me.
Also I skimmed starting at 70%. I was just ready to be done.
January 9, 2025
I'm a bit annoyed at this book because I mostly liked it even though I don't particularly enjoy it when siblings share a partner, but alas, I think in this case it worked mainly because they didn't know who the other one was at first and the connection was built sort of anonymous.
Ryder was a great MC and I honestly can get the fact that he felt guilty for marrying his best friend and then realizing he was in fact gay, but everyone else acted as if what he did was horrible and instead he basically saved them both from having a miserable life. Obviously, Madison would not have been happy having a husband who never wanted to have sex with her and yet everyone acted as if Ryder killed her or something and dude they were 25! that's plenty young for them to still go and meet new people.
Hutch on the other side was a poor baby who spent all his life being an afterthought and being constantly criticized by his dad, it's a real trigger for me when one parent is awful and the other one just lets them be, Hutch's mother never intervened on behalf of his son, wtf is wrong with you lady?
Ryder's sister deserves an honourable mention because she was just the best.
Ryder was a great MC and I honestly can get the fact that he felt guilty for marrying his best friend and then realizing he was in fact gay, but everyone else acted as if what he did was horrible and instead he basically saved them both from having a miserable life. Obviously, Madison would not have been happy having a husband who never wanted to have sex with her and yet everyone acted as if Ryder killed her or something and dude they were 25! that's plenty young for them to still go and meet new people.
Hutch on the other side was a poor baby who spent all his life being an afterthought and being constantly criticized by his dad, it's a real trigger for me when one parent is awful and the other one just lets them be, Hutch's mother never intervened on behalf of his son, wtf is wrong with you lady?
Ryder's sister deserves an honourable mention because she was just the best.
November 7, 2021
DNF @ 37%
This was okay. It was just not what I was wanting at the moment and I had impatience with Hutch and Ryder.
I may come back and finish this one in the future if I happen to be in the mood.
This was okay. It was just not what I was wanting at the moment and I had impatience with Hutch and Ryder.
I may come back and finish this one in the future if I happen to be in the mood.
November 6, 2021
I usually love Riley Hart’s books and I liked this one too but…Oh,boy, I’m not used to say “but” to a Riley Hart book but here we are. So, as I was saying, I liked it but I didn’t love it and that’s mostly because her books have become kind of predictable (to me, at least) , even the sex scenes are …boring, the same , repetitive . I think maybe I would have liked it a bit more if it had been a sexuality discovery for Hutch (but this is just a personal preference ) . Nevertheless, the way I see it is that this book has the same MO as all her other books - the dude who isn’t appreciated by his parents, the martyr with low self esteem , who “keeps ppl at arm’s length” (God, I so hate this expression because it’s such a recurring theme in all MM books lately, the dude who “runs because he doesn’t want to get hurt first (eye roll-so OTT) and also although he is practically a saint (well,both MCs are , what with volunteering for kids with cancer and one of them became a dr. because of his sister who had cancer and who he adores -again eye roll) he doesn’t value himself and he needs the other MC to point out to him how wonderfully good he is blah blah. So,yeah, predictable. I love love love the taboo part of the book , I have a weakness for taboo love (well not incest ones, to be honest , I don’t dig brothers or father and son,etc but I do like brothers in law or supposedly straight married men,lol) so that part was what attracted me to this book but I can’t help feeling a bit disappointed. It was too…bland . It didn’t keep me interested and partly is because I know this author’s style, I knew what was going to happen, I knew where this story went . I wanted to be surprised but I wasn’t. Maybe is my fault for knowing almost all her books , or somehow expecting too much or maybe this author got stuck in a confortable pattern, I don’t know. Or hell, maybe I read too much MM books and I’m jaded lol. So yeah, only 3 stars this time and they’re hurting me because one of my all time favorite books (2 of them actually) is by Riley Hart . It is a good book though,enjoyable and I still recommend it because let’s be real, it’s Riley and her books are always worth it.
December 19, 2022
Hutch and Ryder have everything stacked against them. Their history is about as complicated as it can get and a bond is unknowingly formed that puts them on the path to a sweet and steamy love story. As a reader you can’t help but wish the rest of the world would just get with the program and embrace their HEA, but this wouldn’t be a Riley book without a little bit of push and pull. I loved the supporting cast and loved the unique dynamics between MC’s. We readers love forbidden romances and this one definitely delivers. Can’t wait for more!
early-dnf
September 8, 2025DNF chapter 2, just not for me. Kinda...ewwww. Hitting my nopes senses.
I was intrigued by the premise—Ryder divorces his wife when he finally realizes he's gay, burns down the lifelong friendship between their families...then years later, falls for a man via hookup app who turns out to be his former brother-in-law. JUICY! That sounded amazing. And probably is.
But...Ryder's first day back in town, after chatting with the mystery man (who'll turn out to be the former bro-in-law) online, he meets his sister for lunch, flirts with their waiter, hooks up with the waiter later that night, then starts chatting with the fun mystery man again...and learns out that the waiter he JUST hooked up with left and then propositioned the mystery man via the same app and offered to come right over there, and they start talking about whether the guy would then go to the mystery man, ha ha, this is so funny...and then they talk about how Ryder's hookup was quick but the mystery guy would've taken his time.... That casual, oh, we can maybe sleep with the same guy ha ha how funny situation squicked me out. Just not my kind of romance setup and I lost interest. The tone of their formerly fun convo got a little sleazy/not charming, and I'm noping out.
Bet it's really fun when they realize who each other is! Oh well. I've liked other things by this author, I'll try again with another sometime.
I was intrigued by the premise—Ryder divorces his wife when he finally realizes he's gay, burns down the lifelong friendship between their families...then years later, falls for a man via hookup app who turns out to be his former brother-in-law. JUICY! That sounded amazing. And probably is.
But...Ryder's first day back in town, after chatting with the mystery man (who'll turn out to be the former bro-in-law) online, he meets his sister for lunch, flirts with their waiter, hooks up with the waiter later that night, then starts chatting with the fun mystery man again...and learns out that the waiter he JUST hooked up with left and then propositioned the mystery man via the same app and offered to come right over there, and they start talking about whether the guy would then go to the mystery man, ha ha, this is so funny...and then they talk about how Ryder's hookup was quick but the mystery guy would've taken his time.... That casual, oh, we can maybe sleep with the same guy ha ha how funny situation squicked me out. Just not my kind of romance setup and I lost interest. The tone of their formerly fun convo got a little sleazy/not charming, and I'm noping out.
Bet it's really fun when they realize who each other is! Oh well. I've liked other things by this author, I'll try again with another sometime.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2022
2 stars for the book
3 stars for the audio
2.5 stars overall.
This was just: Too nice, too cheesy, too sappy.
Where was the forbidden love? The conflict? The angst? This trope demands more than was written here.
I think I'm taking a break from Riley Hart.
Her books are becoming formulaic and very similar to each other.
Riley had an edge before. Her stories had depth and feelings. I LOVED her older work. Broken Pieced is still one of my favorite MMM books. Depth of Field, Crossroads, Endless Stretch of blue...
Then Beautiful and Terrible things which was amazing.
Later came The Endgame and it went down hill from there.
Now it's just all very shallow and very preachy. too sweet ad too sugary full of too perfect characters who have no substance to them.
I'm so bummed.
Tim Paige was ok I guess. but everyone sounded very similar.
3 stars for the audio
2.5 stars overall.
This was just: Too nice, too cheesy, too sappy.
Where was the forbidden love? The conflict? The angst? This trope demands more than was written here.
I think I'm taking a break from Riley Hart.
Her books are becoming formulaic and very similar to each other.
Riley had an edge before. Her stories had depth and feelings. I LOVED her older work. Broken Pieced is still one of my favorite MMM books. Depth of Field, Crossroads, Endless Stretch of blue...
Then Beautiful and Terrible things which was amazing.
Later came The Endgame and it went down hill from there.
Now it's just all very shallow and very preachy. too sweet ad too sugary full of too perfect characters who have no substance to them.
I'm so bummed.
Tim Paige was ok I guess. but everyone sounded very similar.
November 9, 2021
O So Enjoyable
The “Online relationship” troupe is one of my absolute favourites so when this book popped up in my recommendations, I stopped my current read and hopped right to it. I’m so glad I did because this was fantastic.
Riley’s books have really been doing it for me lately and this was no exception.
The writing was great, storytelling great, it had great characters, some angsty moments(as was expected with the blurb) and a very solid, believable romance. Oh, and none of the OTT drama you'd think would be in a book like this.
There really isn't anything I didn't like about this book so I'll definitely recommend it if you're in the mood for a book like this.
The “Online relationship” troupe is one of my absolute favourites so when this book popped up in my recommendations, I stopped my current read and hopped right to it. I’m so glad I did because this was fantastic.
Riley’s books have really been doing it for me lately and this was no exception.
The writing was great, storytelling great, it had great characters, some angsty moments(as was expected with the blurb) and a very solid, believable romance. Oh, and none of the OTT drama you'd think would be in a book like this.
There really isn't anything I didn't like about this book so I'll definitely recommend it if you're in the mood for a book like this.
November 7, 2021
Gay and bi-awakenings, ex-wife’s brother, and an anonymous hookup app!
This was so good. Really unexpectedly good. I had no idea how this author would take a drama-filled beginning (and a trope that basically horrified me) and somehow make it work. Honestly, it was mostly morbid curiosity that made me read this and I’m so glad I did.
These two MCs were the sweetest guys ever. I wanted to hide them away and protect them from the world. They were both scared to come out, lost loved ones in the process, and still had the ability to open up and fall in love. I’m so here for that.
There’s the expected family drama, but nothing felt unnecessary. Hallelujah. It could have been so bad. I’m really a fan of couples working through these issues together and standing by each other!
It was also quite spicy and each scene maintained that level. That’s always impressive to me.
This was so good. Really unexpectedly good. I had no idea how this author would take a drama-filled beginning (and a trope that basically horrified me) and somehow make it work. Honestly, it was mostly morbid curiosity that made me read this and I’m so glad I did.
These two MCs were the sweetest guys ever. I wanted to hide them away and protect them from the world. They were both scared to come out, lost loved ones in the process, and still had the ability to open up and fall in love. I’m so here for that.
There’s the expected family drama, but nothing felt unnecessary. Hallelujah. It could have been so bad. I’m really a fan of couples working through these issues together and standing by each other!
It was also quite spicy and each scene maintained that level. That’s always impressive to me.
November 5, 2021
Considering how much I usually love and enjoy Riley Hart books it pains me to admit that I didn't love this one.
The main aspect that didn't work for me was how much attention was given to Maddy - Hutch's sister and Ryder's ex-wife. I get that it was a major issue through the book and it was done deliberately to show that both Hutch and Ryder didn't take their romance lightly and deeply cared about Maddy. But it ended up too much. Almost every interaction between MCs was colored by Maddy's presence, even some of the sex scenes. It was irritating and distracting and spoiled the romance for me.
Also, though I liked both MCs and their dynamics, it felt kind of similar to other Riley Hart books I've read this year. Especially connecting via messages that was brilliantly done in Atlanta Lightning series but felt repetitive and less believable in this one - I think in real life they would try to meet at person a lot sooner.
It still was a good book: strong writing and quality dialogues, emotions and chemistry between MCs, solid relationships development, memorable secondary characters. It just didn't work for me this time
The main aspect that didn't work for me was how much attention was given to Maddy - Hutch's sister and Ryder's ex-wife. I get that it was a major issue through the book and it was done deliberately to show that both Hutch and Ryder didn't take their romance lightly and deeply cared about Maddy. But it ended up too much. Almost every interaction between MCs was colored by Maddy's presence, even some of the sex scenes. It was irritating and distracting and spoiled the romance for me.
Also, though I liked both MCs and their dynamics, it felt kind of similar to other Riley Hart books I've read this year. Especially connecting via messages that was brilliantly done in Atlanta Lightning series but felt repetitive and less believable in this one - I think in real life they would try to meet at person a lot sooner.
It still was a good book: strong writing and quality dialogues, emotions and chemistry between MCs, solid relationships development, memorable secondary characters. It just didn't work for me this time
March 25, 2022
4 Stars!! So with the caveat that I actually did like the book I have to also add that some parts were extremely vexing. I loved the 2 MCs, both Hutch and Ryder were different in their personalities but also similar. How they find each other, their chemistry and bond is just off the charts.Also their generosity and charity is heartwarming. If it was only these 2 with a little family baggage I would have been super happy, BUT Hutch’s family was too OTT and I especially hated Maddy with her passive-aggressive and entitled behavior. 🙄🙄 A character like her does not instill empathy; if the author thought that, then she’s wrong. The MCs deserved their own story, a little nostalgia, some fun and yes a little angst.. but this was a threesome.. and not the good kind. 🤪
I’m giving this 4 stars because the writing is good, the MCs are lovely and the story in heartwarming in many ways plus I love this author’s work. ❤️
Highly recommended to all fans 👍🏻👍🏻
I’m giving this 4 stars because the writing is good, the MCs are lovely and the story in heartwarming in many ways plus I love this author’s work. ❤️
Highly recommended to all fans 👍🏻👍🏻
November 13, 2021
Ok I'm sorry but literally no one texts in paragraphs. Or with perfect words. Excluding that tidbit the book was good overall. Modern twist on Romeo & Juliet but with the feud only a decade old. Kind of a predictable storyline. Asshole father who turns out not to be that asshole-y at the end. Way too many coincidences for my tastes but well, it didn't impact my opinion of the book too much. Hutch's situation did hit too close too home for me so I wasn't really for forgiving the dad, there's that.
November 7, 2021
⭐︎3.25 Stars!⭐︎
For me, I never know if a Riley Hart book is gonna be amazing, good or just okay. It's not always consistent. But I'll always keep reading this author because they're usually good, and every once in awhile, I come across one I absolutely adored.
This one was more in the "it was okay" range.
Honestly, I wish this trope would have been played up more. That it had been treated more like a "forbidden" thing. The characters had appropriate "omg how could you do this" reactions, but not...enough for me. This never felt like a forbidden relationship at all. And so, it wasn't all that exciting.
Especially when Ryder and Hutch didn't have a crazy amount of chemistry to make up for the lack of excitement plot wise.
I liked them together, and they were cute, but they weren't burning off the page for me. Funny, since the last book that came out, I LOVED the main couple, and they were so perfect together with the best chemistry.
These two just didn't quite have it. The sex was fairly mild, in my opinion. And them both preferring to top, and thus wanting to fight over who topped, didn't add any hotness to the scenes. I think it totally could have, but they more often than not just teased each other and gave in to one of them bottoming. I guess a little more fight between them would have made it hotter, in my opinion, if they were both such tops.
It was like this story wanted to be all slightly taboo - with Ryder being Hutch's sister's ex-husband, which YEAH, should be a big scandal - but also as normal and not-a-big-deal at the same time. It didn't exactly lean into the "omg this is so wrong" aspect.
Like it was sweet, and cute, and these two were certainly enjoyable, especially in the first half as they built up their relationship, but it wasn't exactly...steamy, and once these two settled into their relationship, I just...didn't feel excitement while reading this.
Even when Hutch's sister - and Hutch's disapproving parents - found out, it didn't feel that explosive and world-ending.
The story also felt like it was going on too long. I was feeling, towards the 80% mark, that it should be done and over by then, and then it started to just drag a little bit, and I wanted it to be over.
A definitely stronger first half, for sure. While they still didn't have scorching chemistry, I could still feel their connection well, and I enjoyed a lot of their scenes together. But just...a lack of passion, really, and just making this not as explosive as the trope calls for, made it less exciting and interesting to read as the story went on.
The end even got maybe a little too sappy - which, I'm not one who minds that much in stories, at all, but when the subject/trope kinda calls for it NOT to be sappy, then the sappy gets to be a tad much.
Hutch even had a total Grey's Anatomy moment with a patient's family member. Like oh of course their situations is pretty damn similar to his and the family member is taking words right out of Hutch is he was talking about Mads, his sister. And then he has a clarifying moment because of his talk with the patients family that just so happens to be going through practically the exact same thing Hutch is going through at that moment in his life.
It also felt a little heavy-handed sometimes with the character's speeches and Madison saying over and over and OVER again how she needed to make her own decisions and the family needed to let her, and she was sheltered because of her cancer but she let them. She said something of this variation several times throughout this. And Hutch several times going "yes our parents babied her but I did too, I should stop that" but then not stopping until of course, the very end.
So overall, unfortunately this wasn't really a win for me. SO much could have been done with this trope, so much tension and drama and explosiveness, and in the end it was more of a...fluff type version of this trope, which isn't nearly as fun and exciting and interesting.
Still overall a good first half, and for what it presented this couple as, they were sweet and cute and fun at times. But still left a lot to be desired.
I'm getting the sense that the next book in this series is about Isaac, Hutch's friend, and his step-brother...I hope that one improves upon this one and actually gives into the taboo trope and all it's forbidden-ness.
For me, I never know if a Riley Hart book is gonna be amazing, good or just okay. It's not always consistent. But I'll always keep reading this author because they're usually good, and every once in awhile, I come across one I absolutely adored.
This one was more in the "it was okay" range.
Honestly, I wish this trope would have been played up more. That it had been treated more like a "forbidden" thing. The characters had appropriate "omg how could you do this" reactions, but not...enough for me. This never felt like a forbidden relationship at all. And so, it wasn't all that exciting.
Especially when Ryder and Hutch didn't have a crazy amount of chemistry to make up for the lack of excitement plot wise.
I liked them together, and they were cute, but they weren't burning off the page for me. Funny, since the last book that came out, I LOVED the main couple, and they were so perfect together with the best chemistry.
These two just didn't quite have it. The sex was fairly mild, in my opinion. And them both preferring to top, and thus wanting to fight over who topped, didn't add any hotness to the scenes. I think it totally could have, but they more often than not just teased each other and gave in to one of them bottoming. I guess a little more fight between them would have made it hotter, in my opinion, if they were both such tops.
It was like this story wanted to be all slightly taboo - with Ryder being Hutch's sister's ex-husband, which YEAH, should be a big scandal - but also as normal and not-a-big-deal at the same time. It didn't exactly lean into the "omg this is so wrong" aspect.
Like it was sweet, and cute, and these two were certainly enjoyable, especially in the first half as they built up their relationship, but it wasn't exactly...steamy, and once these two settled into their relationship, I just...didn't feel excitement while reading this.
Even when Hutch's sister - and Hutch's disapproving parents - found out, it didn't feel that explosive and world-ending.
The story also felt like it was going on too long. I was feeling, towards the 80% mark, that it should be done and over by then, and then it started to just drag a little bit, and I wanted it to be over.
A definitely stronger first half, for sure. While they still didn't have scorching chemistry, I could still feel their connection well, and I enjoyed a lot of their scenes together. But just...a lack of passion, really, and just making this not as explosive as the trope calls for, made it less exciting and interesting to read as the story went on.
The end even got maybe a little too sappy - which, I'm not one who minds that much in stories, at all, but when the subject/trope kinda calls for it NOT to be sappy, then the sappy gets to be a tad much.
Hutch even had a total Grey's Anatomy moment with a patient's family member. Like oh of course their situations is pretty damn similar to his and the family member is taking words right out of Hutch is he was talking about Mads, his sister. And then he has a clarifying moment because of his talk with the patients family that just so happens to be going through practically the exact same thing Hutch is going through at that moment in his life.
It also felt a little heavy-handed sometimes with the character's speeches and Madison saying over and over and OVER again how she needed to make her own decisions and the family needed to let her, and she was sheltered because of her cancer but she let them. She said something of this variation several times throughout this. And Hutch several times going "yes our parents babied her but I did too, I should stop that" but then not stopping until of course, the very end.
So overall, unfortunately this wasn't really a win for me. SO much could have been done with this trope, so much tension and drama and explosiveness, and in the end it was more of a...fluff type version of this trope, which isn't nearly as fun and exciting and interesting.
Still overall a good first half, and for what it presented this couple as, they were sweet and cute and fun at times. But still left a lot to be desired.
I'm getting the sense that the next book in this series is about Isaac, Hutch's friend, and his step-brother...I hope that one improves upon this one and actually gives into the taboo trope and all it's forbidden-ness.
November 11, 2021
This had the potential to go so horribly wrong. It could have been an angst riddled story. Thankfully, it really wasn’t. I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom until the inevitable “oh shit” that had to happen. This was handled very well (almost to the point of being a bit too easy), and I needed that. Now I have to go back and read The Endgame because the MC make an appearance.
August 5, 2022
3.5
This author is one of my favorite authors and as soon as I saw that she has a new book out I knew that I had to read it immediately, I loved the premise of it, a forbbiden relationship with your sister's ex-husband, sing me up, unfortunately there were things that I did not like, but in general I really enjoyed this reading and I would read everything this woman writes without hesitation.
This author is one of my favorite authors and as soon as I saw that she has a new book out I knew that I had to read it immediately, I loved the premise of it, a forbbiden relationship with your sister's ex-husband, sing me up, unfortunately there were things that I did not like, but in general I really enjoyed this reading and I would read everything this woman writes without hesitation.
November 3, 2021
This story is a heartwarming, steamy and a fascinating character-driven journey that grabbed me from the very first page.
There's so much depth to Riley's characters and I think this book highlights this perfectly.
Readers who love strong dialogue, a solid slow burn with some tension (a little bit of forbidden love) with a hard won HEA will simply adore this wonderful book. Hutch and Ryder were both dominant personalities and it's refreshing to see a pairing with a bit of tussle in the bedroom with fun banter and plenty of sweetness - but not in a schmoopy way.
There's a fair bit of family drama but it's all highly relevant and helps move the storyline along perfectly. A beautifully emotional story with some great characters you'll want to visit again.
There's so much depth to Riley's characters and I think this book highlights this perfectly.
Readers who love strong dialogue, a solid slow burn with some tension (a little bit of forbidden love) with a hard won HEA will simply adore this wonderful book. Hutch and Ryder were both dominant personalities and it's refreshing to see a pairing with a bit of tussle in the bedroom with fun banter and plenty of sweetness - but not in a schmoopy way.
There's a fair bit of family drama but it's all highly relevant and helps move the storyline along perfectly. A beautifully emotional story with some great characters you'll want to visit again.
January 30, 2022
I enjoyed this the first time I read it, but Tim Paige’s narration put this over the top. So very good.
February 4, 2022
I absolutely LOVED this book. This is the first book in a while that I actually got mad that I had to put it down and actually deal with real life. I was so sucked into this book.
I LOVED Ryder and Hutch. They had such great banter between them. My heart also broke for both of them. I love when a book can bring out such strong emotions in me. When the tears start leaking out, I know I'm hooked.
Ryder is such an amazing person. When he came out that he was gay, he was upset he broke his wife and best friend's heart. He tried to stay, but just couldn't. He has such a big heart and is so understanding with people.
Hutch takes a lot on his shoulders. He desperately wants his dad's approval and struggles to feel good enough. My heart broke for him. He deserves such a huge hug. He's such a kind-hearted person that tries to make everyone happy even if it's at the expense of himself.
These two are absolutely perfect for one another. Just perfect!!
“You wanna mark me all up inside? Make it so everyone knows I’m yours? Because I am, Hutch. Maybe I shouldn’t be, but I am.”
I LOVED Ryder and Hutch. They had such great banter between them. My heart also broke for both of them. I love when a book can bring out such strong emotions in me. When the tears start leaking out, I know I'm hooked.
Ryder is such an amazing person. When he came out that he was gay, he was upset he broke his wife and best friend's heart. He tried to stay, but just couldn't. He has such a big heart and is so understanding with people.
Hutch takes a lot on his shoulders. He desperately wants his dad's approval and struggles to feel good enough. My heart broke for him. He deserves such a huge hug. He's such a kind-hearted person that tries to make everyone happy even if it's at the expense of himself.
These two are absolutely perfect for one another. Just perfect!!
“You wanna mark me all up inside? Make it so everyone knows I’m yours? Because I am, Hutch. Maybe I shouldn’t be, but I am.”
dnf
December 17, 2021Sad day. Hardly any angst for what I was expecting. Womp womp.
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Original pre-review: His sister’s ex-husband??? Riley Hart PLEASE come through with the angsty forbidden romance that I really need right now.
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Original pre-review: His sister’s ex-husband??? Riley Hart PLEASE come through with the angsty forbidden romance that I really need right now.
March 18, 2022
Riley Hart's books are a hit or miss for me, unfortunately this one is a miss.
It's hard to like a book when you don't feel character's scorching heat and attraction at all. There was zero chemistry and tension in a plot where there could've been so many.
Oh and Maddy, the whole story revolves around her. It became boring after a point.
The slow-burn (idk if we could even call it that) felt very flat, there was no emotional physical anything. I think the main reason is that this book kind of skipped to stuff so much, like this
At times the characters felt really the same, there were no distinct quirks to the characters expect one is a doctor and one is a mechanic (2 really hot professions btw).
but yeah overall not feeling this one.
It's hard to like a book when you don't feel character's scorching heat and attraction at all. There was zero chemistry and tension in a plot where there could've been so many.
Oh and Maddy, the whole story revolves around her. It became boring after a point.
The slow-burn (idk if we could even call it that) felt very flat, there was no emotional physical anything. I think the main reason is that this book kind of skipped to stuff so much, like this
"Weeks went by, and our routine became like clockwork. We texted daily.
On Mondays, we started going to the hospital together and leaving together
afterward."
At times the characters felt really the same, there were no distinct quirks to the characters expect one is a doctor and one is a mechanic (2 really hot professions btw).
but yeah overall not feeling this one.
January 2, 2024
Some of the writing is predictable (like you can see Isaacs book coming from the minute he's introduced in the story). But predictable plot points don't always mean bad writing. I genuinely liked this book and it was extra fun to read it with friends. I think I'll definitely be reading Riley Hart again in the future.
June 2, 2022
This was super cute, very interesting premise and uncomfortable situation for both leads. I was definitely hooked and loved both leads. I still felt there was something missing. Regardless, I really liked it. Audiobook was good, although I prefer dual narrators, even if MM.
Read
January 8, 2022
May 25, 2022
2.5 stars rounded down. No strong thoughts either way about this book, other than the fact I couldn't stand Hutch's dad and I'm so done with overbearing/unsupportive/homophobic/selfish/~insert other common annoying parental trait~ in so many of the stories I read lately. I'm sure these sorts of people exist and I'm extremely lucky not to have them in my orbit but as it is, I cannot relate at all and get super impatient and frustrated and eye roll-y when reading about such folks. Moving on.
Hutch and Ryder were a nice couple. Their journey to their HEA wasn't overly dramatic or angsty and was mostly believable (the coincidence of their online and in-person friendship notwithstanding). They had decent enough smexy times together. It was all nice, but also kinda boring and slowly paced. At the end of the day, I wasn't in love with them as a couple and never got very caught up in their story.
I liked Tim Paige's narration. He has a deep, slightly gravelly tone that I appreciate. My only complaint is there was pretty much no discernible difference in the way he voiced the two MCs and I often forgot whose chapter I was listening to.
Not sure if I'll move on to book 2 or not. I was definitely interested in Isaac, and the stepbrother angle that I've read about in the blurb sounds very enticing. However, I also skimmed a few reviews and several of them were not exactly promising. We'll see.
Hutch and Ryder were a nice couple. Their journey to their HEA wasn't overly dramatic or angsty and was mostly believable (the coincidence of their online and in-person friendship notwithstanding). They had decent enough smexy times together. It was all nice, but also kinda boring and slowly paced. At the end of the day, I wasn't in love with them as a couple and never got very caught up in their story.
I liked Tim Paige's narration. He has a deep, slightly gravelly tone that I appreciate. My only complaint is there was pretty much no discernible difference in the way he voiced the two MCs and I often forgot whose chapter I was listening to.
Not sure if I'll move on to book 2 or not. I was definitely interested in Isaac, and the stepbrother angle that I've read about in the blurb sounds very enticing. However, I also skimmed a few reviews and several of them were not exactly promising. We'll see.
November 9, 2021
Once I read the blurb I couldn't wait to finally read the book! It didn't disappoint me, there was a lot of history between the characters and p!entry of hurt but Riley Hart did the story tastefully considering you have a relationship starting that includes a ex brother-in-law becoming the new boyfriend for the brother and no longer married to the sister. 😱
I loved ❤ both Ryder and Doc Hutch so much, I finished this story in one day because I just couldn't put it down.
I loved ❤ both Ryder and Doc Hutch so much, I finished this story in one day because I just couldn't put it down.
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