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The Other Brother
What happens when you fall for the one person you can't have?
Ryan has had seventeen years of being compared to Cody, part of his toxic fractured family, so you’ll forgive him for some epic eye-rolling when it comes to Mr Perfect. Although not related to him by blood, Cody has always been annoying background noise in Ryan’s life. It doesn’t help that Cody’s a high achieving musician, while Ryan’s life ambition doesn’t extend past catching the next wave.
One summer changes everything. It’s the summer when circumstances collide, and Cody and Ryan end up spending time together at Cody’s family’s beach house. It’s the summer Ryan teaches Cody to surf and Cody teaches Ryan to play guitar. It’s the summer when they become friends.
And then more than friends.
But when summer ends, Cody and Ryan are forced back to reality, where they must hide their relationship from their warring family members. And as tragedy strikes and family secrets buried deep in the past worm their way to the surface, their relationship is threatened. Can their feelings, which began in the summer sun, survive the winter ahead?
Ryan has had seventeen years of being compared to Cody, part of his toxic fractured family, so you’ll forgive him for some epic eye-rolling when it comes to Mr Perfect. Although not related to him by blood, Cody has always been annoying background noise in Ryan’s life. It doesn’t help that Cody’s a high achieving musician, while Ryan’s life ambition doesn’t extend past catching the next wave.
One summer changes everything. It’s the summer when circumstances collide, and Cody and Ryan end up spending time together at Cody’s family’s beach house. It’s the summer Ryan teaches Cody to surf and Cody teaches Ryan to play guitar. It’s the summer when they become friends.
And then more than friends.
But when summer ends, Cody and Ryan are forced back to reality, where they must hide their relationship from their warring family members. And as tragedy strikes and family secrets buried deep in the past worm their way to the surface, their relationship is threatened. Can their feelings, which began in the summer sun, survive the winter ahead?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2022
233 people are currently reading
1693 people want to read
About the author
Jax Calder
30 books1,050 followersJax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
March 1, 2023
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the first 80% of the story or so. It was sweet and mostly lighthearted, despite the family issues. I liked both Ryan and Cody as main characters.
What I didn't like
I really enjoyed the first 80% of the story or so. It was sweet and mostly lighthearted, despite the family issues. I liked both Ryan and Cody as main characters.
What I didn't like
December 23, 2021
This was a happy and fun YA/NA read, but it didn't entirely blow my man-skirt up around my ears and keep it there.
Set in New Zealand, it's about two 17 y.o. guys who shared two half-sisters, but were not related to one another by blood themselves.
[My My take on easy-going, fun-loving Ryan...]
[My take on studious, musically-inclined Cody...]
Ryan's mother and Cody's father had gotten divorced two decades earlier, but still couldn't be in the same room together without starting a fight, causing both new families continual tension and resentment.
And in spite of their shared half-sisters, Ryan and Cody had rarely been around one another while growing, so they were virtually strangers.
Until their summer at Cody's dad's beach cottage.
I adored witnessing Ryan learn that there was more to Cody than being Mr. Perfect, and Cody seeing the Ryan had hidden (sometimes very hidden) depths under his jokester attitude.
Their friendship began with Ryan teaching Cody how to surf, and Cody teaching Ryan how to play the guitar, then progressed from there, after their time at the cottage had concluded.
For the most part, the story had very few surprises, from the expected developing of feelings, hiding their relationship from their feuding parents, then being found out and the ensuing fallout/separation.
Although, I did enjoy the one rather large family history reveal at the end, which began to heal the rift between Ryan's mom and Cody's dad, allowing the rest of the family to finally breathe a bit easier.
Still, that external angst imposed upon the guys for most of the book was ever-present, making up nearly all of the story's angst, but it never got insanely intense, thankfully.
There was also a little steam, which was mostly relegated to PG-13 territory, so kinda "under the shirt, over the bra" feeling, but with boys. heh
The length and pacing of the story were fine, but at times a bit too "internal monologue'y" for my tastes.
Overall, it was a fun story that I enjoyed, but not really all that next level and mind blowing in the feels department.
I'd rate the book at around 3.5 stars and recommend it to fans of YA/NA.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley for a fair, unbiased review.
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June 22, 2022
He bites his lip. "There are other reasons too."
"Oh yeah? Like what?"
"Like the fact you're my shot of tequila too."
My breath rushes out of me.
"And I can't imagine being with anyone but you," he continues, giving me his intense Cody stare.
i feel like YA romances can, at times, come across as immature and cringe. it actually make sense though bc the characters are teenagers so it's inevitable they would act like one: making stupid decisions, breaking the rules, trying hard to fit in (of course, this is not all teenagers but, generally, this is how they are - based on my experience anyways), but this book reminded me of why i personally adore YA stories (especially coming of age) bc, if written well, it can be so sweet and wholesome and that's how Cody and Ryan's relationship felt to me.
i loved how they started off as friends, before turning into more. the beach house scenes when they were hanging out and getting to know each other... Cody teaching Ryan how to play guitar, Ryan teaching Cody how to surf. it was precious. 🥺 but seeing their friendship grow into something more, the tension and pull between them until they finally gave in, was my fav part. their first kiss was honestly so cute. i loved how devoted Ryan was towards Cody and the moment something more happened between them, it was just him (and vice versa). oh, also!! i really liked the twist towards the end. mainly bc i did not expect it at all so it left me surprised lol.
two things i wished were different, though:
✧ during their
✧ i wished this was dual pov, where we also get Cody's thoughts. i have no doubts of his feelings for Ryan, but there were moments throughout the book when i was curious about what he was thinking (such as their first kiss, the
aside from those small things, i simply adored the story and characters so much!! 🥰
"Oh yeah? Like what?"
"Like the fact you're my shot of tequila too."
My breath rushes out of me.
"And I can't imagine being with anyone but you," he continues, giving me his intense Cody stare.
i feel like YA romances can, at times, come across as immature and cringe. it actually make sense though bc the characters are teenagers so it's inevitable they would act like one: making stupid decisions, breaking the rules, trying hard to fit in (of course, this is not all teenagers but, generally, this is how they are - based on my experience anyways), but this book reminded me of why i personally adore YA stories (especially coming of age) bc, if written well, it can be so sweet and wholesome and that's how Cody and Ryan's relationship felt to me.
i loved how they started off as friends, before turning into more. the beach house scenes when they were hanging out and getting to know each other... Cody teaching Ryan how to play guitar, Ryan teaching Cody how to surf. it was precious. 🥺 but seeing their friendship grow into something more, the tension and pull between them until they finally gave in, was my fav part. their first kiss was honestly so cute. i loved how devoted Ryan was towards Cody and the moment something more happened between them, it was just him (and vice versa). oh, also!! i really liked the twist towards the end. mainly bc i did not expect it at all so it left me surprised lol.
two things i wished were different, though:
✧ during their
✧ i wished this was dual pov, where we also get Cody's thoughts. i have no doubts of his feelings for Ryan, but there were moments throughout the book when i was curious about what he was thinking (such as their first kiss, the
aside from those small things, i simply adored the story and characters so much!! 🥰
August 18, 2025
This was such a lovely slow-burn, sort-of enemies-to-lovers YA story, set against the heat of a New Zealand summer and wrapped in a Romeo and Juliet–style star-crossed lovers situation.
We have our MC and narrator Ryan, always there for a good laugh, always joking, always surfing - and always overlooked and underestimated by literally everyone around him - his sisters, his very complicated family, basically the whole world.
One summer throws him together with Cody - his kind of stepbrother but not really - who is the golden boy from the other side of the family, and the last person Ryan should be getting close to. Their families’ long-standing feud keeps them firmly on opposite sides, yet once they get to know each other they turn from reluctant acquaintances into tentative friends… and eventually into something far deeper.
I absolutely loved watching their friendship slowly take root and then blossom into something more. All the looks, the accidental touches, the teasing and bonding, the butterfly-inducing moments - it was all done so well. Their connection and chemistry just jumped off the page 😍 I especially loved how they both saw and understood each other as more than just the surface-level images they projected.
Ryan completely stole my heart. I felt for him so much because EVERY SINGLE PERSON in his life (except Cody, of course) underestimates him, belittles him, and never takes him seriously. Honestly, I don’t even know who the worst offenders were, but probably his sisters. He deserved better - SO MUCH BETTER - from literally everyone around him 😤
And oh my god, the families. Incredibly toxic and dysfunctional. Every time they showed up on the page I wanted to scream: GROW THE FUCK UP. Way to absolutely wreck your children. Maybe it was my PMS, but wow, these people ignited a RAGE in me.
My only little complaints next to my sporadically very negative emotions (again, hello pms): I sometimes wished for Cody’s POV (especially once he started pining for Ryan - I wanted to know what was going through his head during those early stages of their friendship and relationship), and I could have used a bit more grovelling from him after their breakup.
But still - this was such a fantastic summer read. I loved the atmosphere, the surfing, the piano playing, and just the whole vibe of it. Most of all, I adored Ryan. He was such a compelling MC, and his journey toward finally being seen for the great guy he is carried the story for me 🥹
We have our MC and narrator Ryan, always there for a good laugh, always joking, always surfing - and always overlooked and underestimated by literally everyone around him - his sisters, his very complicated family, basically the whole world.
One summer throws him together with Cody - his kind of stepbrother but not really - who is the golden boy from the other side of the family, and the last person Ryan should be getting close to. Their families’ long-standing feud keeps them firmly on opposite sides, yet once they get to know each other they turn from reluctant acquaintances into tentative friends… and eventually into something far deeper.
I absolutely loved watching their friendship slowly take root and then blossom into something more. All the looks, the accidental touches, the teasing and bonding, the butterfly-inducing moments - it was all done so well. Their connection and chemistry just jumped off the page 😍 I especially loved how they both saw and understood each other as more than just the surface-level images they projected.
Ryan completely stole my heart. I felt for him so much because EVERY SINGLE PERSON in his life (except Cody, of course) underestimates him, belittles him, and never takes him seriously. Honestly, I don’t even know who the worst offenders were, but probably his sisters. He deserved better - SO MUCH BETTER - from literally everyone around him 😤
And oh my god, the families. Incredibly toxic and dysfunctional. Every time they showed up on the page I wanted to scream: GROW THE FUCK UP. Way to absolutely wreck your children. Maybe it was my PMS, but wow, these people ignited a RAGE in me.
My only little complaints next to my sporadically very negative emotions (again, hello pms): I sometimes wished for Cody’s POV (especially once he started pining for Ryan - I wanted to know what was going through his head during those early stages of their friendship and relationship), and I could have used a bit more grovelling from him after their breakup.
But still - this was such a fantastic summer read. I loved the atmosphere, the surfing, the piano playing, and just the whole vibe of it. Most of all, I adored Ryan. He was such a compelling MC, and his journey toward finally being seen for the great guy he is carried the story for me 🥹
January 17, 2022
This is exactly what I was hoping for in a YA book.
-New Zealand setting
-Dreamy Beach house
-Surfing
-Boys that play piano
-Slow, chill vibes
-Lingering looks (my fave)
-Bi/ofy
-Complicated family dynamics
-Low steam because it is considered YA but it’s there and fits the story
The only thing that could have made this better was if it also had Cody’s POV.
4.5 ⭐️
-New Zealand setting
-Dreamy Beach house
-Surfing
-Boys that play piano
-Slow, chill vibes
-Lingering looks (my fave)
-Bi/ofy
-Complicated family dynamics
-Low steam because it is considered YA but it’s there and fits the story
The only thing that could have made this better was if it also had Cody’s POV.
4.5 ⭐️
January 31, 2022
***3.35 rating***
"Kissing Cody makes so much sense. It makes sense in the way that strawberries and ice cream make sense. The way lightning and thunder are always paired."
Overall Thoughts:
This was sweet and lighthearted. Two guys who share two sisters and complicated family drama. I definitely enjoyed the blossoming of their friendship, especially the surfing and guitar lessons. However, I felt that the constant agony and tension between Julia and Frank, took the focus away from the relationship development of the MCs. The back and forth between these two after 20 years of seperation was exhausting. The kids acted more like adults than the actual adults. I felt sorry for Mel and Kate who were always torn in between the drama of their parents. Frank was an unlikeable character, even with the cute wedding story which takes place 7 years after the original story, I still found it hard to like him.
They say real G's move in silence and Heather is exactly that. The unexpected hero we didn't know we needed. With her short appearance in the story she truly made a difference in the MCs life. You go Heather 👏🏻.
I also didn't like how because Ryan is a happy-go-lucky guy everyone doubted his feelings and abilities, especially when it came to him wanting to pursue his relationship with Cody and him being a future paramedic. I felt bad for him. Yes even the goofiest people who pretend everything is fine and dandy have feelings 😤. The only person who really believed in him was Cody.
When it comes to the mains, as I mentioned, I enjoyed their friendship and when they became more than that. However, the family drama kind of became the main focal point of the story instead. The reason for their breakup was kind of predictable.
With all that being said, this was a cute story. If you like low angst and slow-burn romance, I say go for it. I did feel like the ending was rushed but it was cute still. The wedding story was sweet and wholesome 💕💕.
"Kissing Cody makes so much sense. It makes sense in the way that strawberries and ice cream make sense. The way lightning and thunder are always paired."
Overall Thoughts:
This was sweet and lighthearted. Two guys who share two sisters and complicated family drama. I definitely enjoyed the blossoming of their friendship, especially the surfing and guitar lessons. However, I felt that the constant agony and tension between Julia and Frank, took the focus away from the relationship development of the MCs. The back and forth between these two after 20 years of seperation was exhausting. The kids acted more like adults than the actual adults. I felt sorry for Mel and Kate who were always torn in between the drama of their parents. Frank was an unlikeable character, even with the cute wedding story which takes place 7 years after the original story, I still found it hard to like him.
They say real G's move in silence and Heather is exactly that. The unexpected hero we didn't know we needed. With her short appearance in the story she truly made a difference in the MCs life. You go Heather 👏🏻.
I also didn't like how because Ryan is a happy-go-lucky guy everyone doubted his feelings and abilities, especially when it came to him wanting to pursue his relationship with Cody and him being a future paramedic. I felt bad for him. Yes even the goofiest people who pretend everything is fine and dandy have feelings 😤. The only person who really believed in him was Cody.
When it comes to the mains, as I mentioned, I enjoyed their friendship and when they became more than that. However, the family drama kind of became the main focal point of the story instead. The reason for their breakup was kind of predictable.
With all that being said, this was a cute story. If you like low angst and slow-burn romance, I say go for it. I did feel like the ending was rushed but it was cute still. The wedding story was sweet and wholesome 💕💕.
January 12, 2022
"Those blue eyes burning with the intensity of a thousand suns.
I can’t wrench my eyes away from him. I’m fairly sure civilizations rise and fall in the time that Cody and I stay wrapped in each other’s gaze."
"The Other Brother" by Jax Calder is a new adult standalone M/M romance. Perfect for the fans of Autoboyography. To be honest, this book is even better than Autoboyography.
☆ Slow-burn
☆ Rivals to friends to lovers
☆ Fire-cracker mc + quite and perfectionist mc / opposite attracts
☆ Forbidden romance (kind of)
☆ Entertaining family drama
☆ Fantastic chemistry
☆ Swoony, Fun, humorous
☆ Emotional, inspiring, evocative
☆ Pure, deeply moving Love
☆ Bisexual rep
The moment I laid my eyes on this book, I was immediately intrigued. The blurb felt really promising; the few reviews I noticed were all positive. So, I was extremely happy when my request for an arc got approved.
Now, I haven't read anything from the author before. So, I had no idea what to expect. I had minimal expectations while starting this book. But wow! Jax Calder totally surprised me. I am very surprised to see how much I loved this book. "The Other Brother" has everything I like in a MM romance book. Perfection to the core. I'm truly in awe.
First person, single pov. We are following our protagonist Ryan who's in his final year of school. Ryan is the prankster, rulebreaker, carefree, directionless, trouble kid of the family. He is a total fire-cracker. All the time, he's making jokes, partying with friends, pulling pranks on his sisters. He is charming and has a sharp wit. Though Ryan is usually very carefree, he also can be compassionate, loving and thoughtful when necessary. Ryan loves the ocean. Surfing is his solace.
Ryan has had seventeen years of being compared to Cody, part of his toxic fractured family, so you’ll forgive him for some epic eye-rolling when it comes to Mr Perfect. He doesn't like Cody at all until a chance encounter at a friend's party changes something between them. He discovers that Cody isn't as perfect as he seems. He's also has own problems and flaws. And when they spends a whole summer together, Ryan has to admit that Cody actually is amazing. Gradually, there blossoms a wonderful friendship. Soon that turns into shimmering attraction. I loved Ryan. I love Ryan. I loved Ryan. I always tend to love the rule breakers. So obviously...
"I don’t know. I just love being out there on the ocean. Everything is simple, you know? Like, it all boils down to whether or not you catch the wave, so all the other crap disappears. And it’s so peaceful. Like, there’s this big adrenaline surge when you catch a good wave, but most of the time it’s incredibly chill. And you’re so close to the ocean, it’s like you’re part of it.”
Cody is a perfectionist and has a brilliant brain. He's one of those poeple who are amazing at everything. Cody is music prodigy. Always polite, respectful and abides by the rules. Ryan comes as a storm in his life. He's the total opposite of him. Ryan is the only person with whom Cody can be himself. Soon he becomes the safezone for Cody. As the whole story is told from Ryan's pov, we don't get to witness Cody's inner monologues. But it is too oblivious that Cody becomes atttracted to Ryan pretty early in their friendship. I loved Cody. He's such a sweet person. He deserves the whole world.
"Sometimes you get a feeling, and you can’t find the words to describe it. Like words can’t do it justice. So you try to produce music that makes people feel the same.”
The family drama is very interesting. It is both funny and frustrating to see how much the families hate each other. I loved the sisters though. Their relationships with Ryan and Cody added to the perfection of the book.
"The Other Brother" is an easy and cute book to read. But it's also very emotional. Jax Calder perfectly portrayals the complicated family dynamics between the two families. She brings life into the characters. The relationships between all the characters seems genuine. The inner struggles the boys went through had me moved. I could feel how the rivalry between the families affected them. They were trying to ignore their attraction and feelings but couldn't. In chapter 17, when Ryan desperately wanted to stay by Cody's side but still couldn't because of Cody's parents - that part literally broke my heart. I found the characters so real and lovable. I was rooting for them, hurting for them. Jax Calder did an amazing job at characterization.
"The Other Brother" is absolutely an incredible book. I wouldn't say that it's life changing or anything. But I promise you'll have a great time reading this book. I had too. For me it was a marvellous read. Not a single dull moment. I can't remember a time when I was bored while reading it. This book surprised me in a wonderful way. I have nothing but praises for Jax Calder and lots of love for Ryan and Cody.
Would highly recommend.
*** Ryan and Cody isn't related by blood. Ryan's Mom and Cody's Dad were previously married. They had two girls and went through a very nasty divorce. Later on both them got married for the second time. Ryan and Cody are the products of their second marriages.
✩｡:*•.───── ❁ ❁ ─────.•*:｡✩
=》Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions are my own.
January 18, 2022
This was seriously adorable. Ryan and Cody have known each other all their lives. Because Ryan’s mom and Cody’s dad used to be married, and have two kids together, Cody and Ryan’s older sisters. But their parents hate each other so much that Cody and Ryan were never close growing up.
Until one summer, where they spend a lot of time together at a beach house with their sister Mel. They become friends, they surf, they play the guitar. They kiss. They fall in love.
But can they survive their messed up families? Even their sisters think it’s a terrible idea.
I loved both boys so much, they were so sweet together.
It was a little slow and it took me a while to connect with the romance, but once I did, it gave me all the feelings.
Until one summer, where they spend a lot of time together at a beach house with their sister Mel. They become friends, they surf, they play the guitar. They kiss. They fall in love.
But can they survive their messed up families? Even their sisters think it’s a terrible idea.
I loved both boys so much, they were so sweet together.
It was a little slow and it took me a while to connect with the romance, but once I did, it gave me all the feelings.
December 17, 2022
Those blue eyes burning with the intensity of a thousand suns.
I can’t wrench my eyes away from him. I’m fairly sure civilizations rise and fall in the time that Cody and I stay wrapped in each other’s gaze.
Ryan has hated Cody all his life on principle.
Their parents used to be married and now can’t stand in the same room without yelling. They share two half-sisters who always say Cody is the better brother. Cody, the super talented, responsible boy who can do no wrong. How is going to stand an entire summer living with him?
But the more they talk, the more difficult it is to keep hating him. Until the only thing Ryan wished could change is that his new friend Cody is very much straight.
I stand on my love for Jax Calder’s characters: they are so easy to root for, to keep reading to see them together. The romance was as heartwarming as lovely, the kind of story you want to live in. Ryan seemed carefree and confident, always making everyone laugh by being his own self, but he was hurting on the inside due to all the hateful comparisons he had to endure because of their parent’s constant competition about which one had ‘the best’ son. It broke my heart a little, because people around him weren't aware they were hurting him by always teasing him about Cody being better, that he wasn’t as tough as he seemed.
At the same time, you could see Cody was jealous of him for being brave enough to stand up for what he wanted, that he hated himself a bit for being so rigid and responsible instead of making everyone laugh like Ryan did. It hurted in the best way possible how much Cody admired Ryan, while Ryan was angry at him for always being ‘more’ than him in everyone’s eyes. And when they started to see each other through the other’s eyes? BEST.THING. EVER.
I only wished there was less toxic family drama and that I had read it before reading Attractive Forces, instead of picking it up right after I finished AF. They have a really similar structure-not a good idea to binge read them-and the characters, although I liked them, didn’t resonate with me the way Logan and Jake from AF did. As always when you have impossible expectations after reading which might be your favorite work by the author, it’s hard to not be a tiny bit disappointed with the next book, but it was good. If you are interested, I’d recommend you to try this one first and wait a bit before reading Attractive Forces.
Rating: 3.5/5
I can’t wrench my eyes away from him. I’m fairly sure civilizations rise and fall in the time that Cody and I stay wrapped in each other’s gaze.
Ryan has hated Cody all his life on principle.
Their parents used to be married and now can’t stand in the same room without yelling. They share two half-sisters who always say Cody is the better brother. Cody, the super talented, responsible boy who can do no wrong. How is going to stand an entire summer living with him?
But the more they talk, the more difficult it is to keep hating him. Until the only thing Ryan wished could change is that his new friend Cody is very much straight.
I stand on my love for Jax Calder’s characters: they are so easy to root for, to keep reading to see them together. The romance was as heartwarming as lovely, the kind of story you want to live in. Ryan seemed carefree and confident, always making everyone laugh by being his own self, but he was hurting on the inside due to all the hateful comparisons he had to endure because of their parent’s constant competition about which one had ‘the best’ son. It broke my heart a little, because people around him weren't aware they were hurting him by always teasing him about Cody being better, that he wasn’t as tough as he seemed.
At the same time, you could see Cody was jealous of him for being brave enough to stand up for what he wanted, that he hated himself a bit for being so rigid and responsible instead of making everyone laugh like Ryan did. It hurted in the best way possible how much Cody admired Ryan, while Ryan was angry at him for always being ‘more’ than him in everyone’s eyes. And when they started to see each other through the other’s eyes? BEST.THING. EVER.
I only wished there was less toxic family drama and that I had read it before reading Attractive Forces, instead of picking it up right after I finished AF. They have a really similar structure-not a good idea to binge read them-and the characters, although I liked them, didn’t resonate with me the way Logan and Jake from AF did. As always when you have impossible expectations after reading which might be your favorite work by the author, it’s hard to not be a tiny bit disappointed with the next book, but it was good. If you are interested, I’d recommend you to try this one first and wait a bit before reading Attractive Forces.
Rating: 3.5/5
June 1, 2024
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“You’re so much more than you pretend to be, you know?” he says, eventually.
'So are you...'”
A soft and sweet young adult romance that is a lot more complicated than most step-bro setups, but still quite enjoyable. 💛 It was a pleasant surprise that it was a single POV, although maybe having Cody's perspective might have been a more helpful touch to see his thoughts on their arrangement, but Ryan was such a fresh and honest protagonist that I didn't quite miss not having The Other Brother's thoughts taking up the narration. It's not enough that most of the time he has to explain how their relationship works - 'he’s not my stepbrother. He’s my half-sisters' other brother. He’s nothing to me' - until their lives take a turn where it comes to the point when Cody can look to him and say 'I have been lucky in so many areas of my life, but you are where my luck shines the brightest.' 💮
“You’re telling me I’m not perfect?” He throws me a grin, his tone teasing.
“I’m telling you that when you stop trying to be perfect and just feel, you’re better than perfect.”
I replay my words, and my shoulders stiffen, my cheeks heating. We stare at each other for a few heartbeats.
“And you claim I’m the philosopher,” he says.”
It's always a pleasant feeling when you can take comfort in reading something that just moves well. And Jax Calder's young adult reads have a really easy-going feeling to them that with its fine balance of laid-back humor and steady development of emotional connections makes for a recharging and refreshing read that Ryan captured perfectly. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 It's never easy being the oddball younger brother of the family, the goofball who doesn't take things seriously, nor ever feels compelled to be treated with any regard of high expectations. 😔 'Natural that our parents, who despise each other, would look to one- up the other when it comes to their nonshared offspring.' It's even worse when your whole life you've been cast in the shadows of the other brother - born two months apart, who is the epitome of perfection - a musical aficionado - a parent pleaser - and to top it all of - suddenly the object of your affections with an attraction so startling and swift that Ryan can't help but wonder so many years were spent in enmity when he could have been friends with someone as good as him. 😢
And for that, I really liked how their story went and their relationship blossomed. Even if it felt awk-weird for Ryan to be lusting after his brother, but he can't help that he does have eyes to see how attractively perfect he was, I liked how their relationship grew. 🥹 It was very sweet to see them become closer and admit their feelings for each other, despite how complicated their lives were - made even more palpable when their own mutual desire started to appear, but were too afraid to act upon it, given the circumstances of their family's enmity. 'It’s about… uh… longing for something. And you just gave the perfect definition. It’s a kind of happy sadness.' 🥺 Their conversations felt so natural and so, too was their brotherly rapport with their older sisters - who, I didn't quite gravitate towards or sympathize with - being an older and younger sibling, myself, - but the author did a decent job of showing how Ryan has always been viewed as the unreliable one - the one that no one would quite look towards for any expectations. Even his friends never saw him as a sensible sort, which stung, but it was that dawning of realization that made him such a relatable character. One who I couldn't help but sympathize with and enjoy his quips and jocular behavior. 😥
“Shit, it’s so clichéd, parking up like this,” he says, undoing his seatbelt.
“There’s a reason clichés become clichés,” I say, unclicking my own. “It’s because they were awesome ideas to begin with.”
He smiles.”
So, the things I appreciated - I appreciated the growth to Ryan's character - the solid change he went through to become a better person. Even if it's a challenge for him to be upfront about what he's truly feeling or never one for a serious discussion, opting to choose humor over heart-to-heart, he was probably the most level-headed and logical of all of them. It just took being with Cody and spending time with him that allowed him to see how much of himself could be changed - for the better. Not only with his friends, but with his family, too. 🥺 I just liked him - how he always saw himself as second place, forever in comparison to his perfect brother - that blond surfer who hoped to be a paramedic - who crushed hard on his half-brother, not caring how convoluted their situation may be - just trusting that he was serious about how he felt for him. 'I can’t escape the intensity of his blue eyes. I don’t want to escape it.' That Cody brought out a part of him that he didn't think he ever had was the greatest gift he could have ever given him - along with the love of being someone who saw just how much more there was to him that he led himself to believe. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Cody was a likeable guy, too - he has the type of laugh that should never be lonely'; yes, it stung when he kicked Ryan while he was down, not to aggravate his own parents, but it was an even more rewarding feeling to see him grow a backbone because of Ryan's arrival into his life. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Their romance had a really soft filter to it, despite how heavy it may have felt, given their unusual circumstances, but when they were together - they were just so mushy together... Haha, I haven't used that phrase in awhile, but that's probably the best way to describe them. 🥹🥹 They didn't have any qualms or reservations of their own over how awkward it was between them, despite the hesitancy of making it public knowledge to their siblings and parents, which was nice... and comforting. Their intimate kisses - 'kissing Cody makes so much sense' - their bonding moments - the casual way in which they learned their hobbies - the support they gave each other when they needed it - it was really gentle and tender, until - well... Til disaster struck and well, cue the drama as Ryan has to fight and earn his way back into his heart, even though he had already wholeheartedly given his heart to him. 💌💌
“I guess we always knew this thing had an expiration date. I was just hoping it was something with a long-life expiry.”
It's not so much the revelation of why there was so much animosity between both families that bothered me or surprised me, it was more the fact that it was so easily resolved and readily accepted! After years of arguing and one-upping each other, in one moment it was so easy to bury the hatchet! 🙄 'Families are complicated, especially broken ones like ours.' To just push aside and forget all that the parents had put their children through - with a snap of the finger and to so readily decide that if the air is cleared between mom and dad then Ryan and Cody being a couple is a moot point??? Grrr - not cool! 😒 I don't know - I just want a little more groveling - yes, I know you're thinking I should look at it from the parents' point of view and what happened to them all, but a little admittance or contrition on their side - is that too much to ask??!!! 😮💨 But, despite my own wariness over how the family reacted, they are still their family. And the sibling dynamics were portrayed pretty honestly and I liked seeing Ryan and Cody not really giving a damn if their sisters knew about their change in status quo, so there is that. 🥲
Still, I needed a bit of a breather and I wanted to give this author another shot. The steam was moderately low, but they were really cute together, apart from when they boarded the angst train and I had to go through the drama, before they eventually realized how perfectly they belong with each other. 🥰 The bonus scene was also really precious and wholesome and nicely tied up how their family has moved on in a more positive and hopeful light. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“You’re so much more than you pretend to be, you know?” he says, eventually.
'So are you...'”
A soft and sweet young adult romance that is a lot more complicated than most step-bro setups, but still quite enjoyable. 💛 It was a pleasant surprise that it was a single POV, although maybe having Cody's perspective might have been a more helpful touch to see his thoughts on their arrangement, but Ryan was such a fresh and honest protagonist that I didn't quite miss not having The Other Brother's thoughts taking up the narration. It's not enough that most of the time he has to explain how their relationship works - 'he’s not my stepbrother. He’s my half-sisters' other brother. He’s nothing to me' - until their lives take a turn where it comes to the point when Cody can look to him and say 'I have been lucky in so many areas of my life, but you are where my luck shines the brightest.' 💮
“You’re telling me I’m not perfect?” He throws me a grin, his tone teasing.
“I’m telling you that when you stop trying to be perfect and just feel, you’re better than perfect.”
I replay my words, and my shoulders stiffen, my cheeks heating. We stare at each other for a few heartbeats.
“And you claim I’m the philosopher,” he says.”
It's always a pleasant feeling when you can take comfort in reading something that just moves well. And Jax Calder's young adult reads have a really easy-going feeling to them that with its fine balance of laid-back humor and steady development of emotional connections makes for a recharging and refreshing read that Ryan captured perfectly. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 It's never easy being the oddball younger brother of the family, the goofball who doesn't take things seriously, nor ever feels compelled to be treated with any regard of high expectations. 😔 'Natural that our parents, who despise each other, would look to one- up the other when it comes to their nonshared offspring.' It's even worse when your whole life you've been cast in the shadows of the other brother - born two months apart, who is the epitome of perfection - a musical aficionado - a parent pleaser - and to top it all of - suddenly the object of your affections with an attraction so startling and swift that Ryan can't help but wonder so many years were spent in enmity when he could have been friends with someone as good as him. 😢
And for that, I really liked how their story went and their relationship blossomed. Even if it felt awk-weird for Ryan to be lusting after his brother, but he can't help that he does have eyes to see how attractively perfect he was, I liked how their relationship grew. 🥹 It was very sweet to see them become closer and admit their feelings for each other, despite how complicated their lives were - made even more palpable when their own mutual desire started to appear, but were too afraid to act upon it, given the circumstances of their family's enmity. 'It’s about… uh… longing for something. And you just gave the perfect definition. It’s a kind of happy sadness.' 🥺 Their conversations felt so natural and so, too was their brotherly rapport with their older sisters - who, I didn't quite gravitate towards or sympathize with - being an older and younger sibling, myself, - but the author did a decent job of showing how Ryan has always been viewed as the unreliable one - the one that no one would quite look towards for any expectations. Even his friends never saw him as a sensible sort, which stung, but it was that dawning of realization that made him such a relatable character. One who I couldn't help but sympathize with and enjoy his quips and jocular behavior. 😥
“Shit, it’s so clichéd, parking up like this,” he says, undoing his seatbelt.
“There’s a reason clichés become clichés,” I say, unclicking my own. “It’s because they were awesome ideas to begin with.”
He smiles.”
So, the things I appreciated - I appreciated the growth to Ryan's character - the solid change he went through to become a better person. Even if it's a challenge for him to be upfront about what he's truly feeling or never one for a serious discussion, opting to choose humor over heart-to-heart, he was probably the most level-headed and logical of all of them. It just took being with Cody and spending time with him that allowed him to see how much of himself could be changed - for the better. Not only with his friends, but with his family, too. 🥺 I just liked him - how he always saw himself as second place, forever in comparison to his perfect brother - that blond surfer who hoped to be a paramedic - who crushed hard on his half-brother, not caring how convoluted their situation may be - just trusting that he was serious about how he felt for him. 'I can’t escape the intensity of his blue eyes. I don’t want to escape it.' That Cody brought out a part of him that he didn't think he ever had was the greatest gift he could have ever given him - along with the love of being someone who saw just how much more there was to him that he led himself to believe. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Cody was a likeable guy, too - he has the type of laugh that should never be lonely'; yes, it stung when he kicked Ryan while he was down, not to aggravate his own parents, but it was an even more rewarding feeling to see him grow a backbone because of Ryan's arrival into his life. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Their romance had a really soft filter to it, despite how heavy it may have felt, given their unusual circumstances, but when they were together - they were just so mushy together... Haha, I haven't used that phrase in awhile, but that's probably the best way to describe them. 🥹🥹 They didn't have any qualms or reservations of their own over how awkward it was between them, despite the hesitancy of making it public knowledge to their siblings and parents, which was nice... and comforting. Their intimate kisses - 'kissing Cody makes so much sense' - their bonding moments - the casual way in which they learned their hobbies - the support they gave each other when they needed it - it was really gentle and tender, until - well... Til disaster struck and well, cue the drama as Ryan has to fight and earn his way back into his heart, even though he had already wholeheartedly given his heart to him. 💌💌
“I guess we always knew this thing had an expiration date. I was just hoping it was something with a long-life expiry.”
It's not so much the revelation of why there was so much animosity between both families that bothered me or surprised me, it was more the fact that it was so easily resolved and readily accepted! After years of arguing and one-upping each other, in one moment it was so easy to bury the hatchet! 🙄 'Families are complicated, especially broken ones like ours.' To just push aside and forget all that the parents had put their children through - with a snap of the finger and to so readily decide that if the air is cleared between mom and dad then Ryan and Cody being a couple is a moot point??? Grrr - not cool! 😒 I don't know - I just want a little more groveling - yes, I know you're thinking I should look at it from the parents' point of view and what happened to them all, but a little admittance or contrition on their side - is that too much to ask??!!! 😮💨 But, despite my own wariness over how the family reacted, they are still their family. And the sibling dynamics were portrayed pretty honestly and I liked seeing Ryan and Cody not really giving a damn if their sisters knew about their change in status quo, so there is that. 🥲
Still, I needed a bit of a breather and I wanted to give this author another shot. The steam was moderately low, but they were really cute together, apart from when they boarded the angst train and I had to go through the drama, before they eventually realized how perfectly they belong with each other. 🥰 The bonus scene was also really precious and wholesome and nicely tied up how their family has moved on in a more positive and hopeful light. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
August 28, 2025
* I re-read this a month later. Friends with books in common to get on this.
You know those romance books where you get that feeling like something in your chest is dissolving?? Tell me you know what I am talking about? ‘Cause that’s what we are all here for right? It must be an ‘amine or a ‘pine or a ‘tonin or something….you know?…a drug that your body makes when subjected to something like this book.
Ryan and Cody have the sweetest slow burn love story. They are sort of related in retrograde, as in they were step brothers before birth, but never actually and DEFINITELY NOT NOW!!!!
It is a YA mild-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, forbidden love story.
I loved this book, so much I actually only slept for 30 minutes last night. No regrets.
You know those romance books where you get that feeling like something in your chest is dissolving?? Tell me you know what I am talking about? ‘Cause that’s what we are all here for right? It must be an ‘amine or a ‘pine or a ‘tonin or something….you know?…a drug that your body makes when subjected to something like this book.
Ryan and Cody have the sweetest slow burn love story. They are sort of related in retrograde, as in they were step brothers before birth, but never actually and DEFINITELY NOT NOW!!!!
It is a YA mild-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, forbidden love story.
I loved this book, so much I actually only slept for 30 minutes last night. No regrets.
February 21, 2022
This was a relatively low angst book with a taboo-adjacent couple. Not related, not even stepbrothers, but the two MC's share siblings.
Their slow journey to friends and then to lovers was very sweet. I was rooting for Cody and Ryan and hated their respective parents for being such stubborn, selfish pigheads. My dislike of the parents ebbed a bit during the epilogue. Especially recommended for those who like a little well done drama.
*I was honored to be provided with an ARC of this book by Netgalley
Their slow journey to friends and then to lovers was very sweet. I was rooting for Cody and Ryan and hated their respective parents for being such stubborn, selfish pigheads. My dislike of the parents ebbed a bit during the epilogue. Especially recommended for those who like a little well done drama.
*I was honored to be provided with an ARC of this book by Netgalley
January 27, 2022
✩ 𝟯.𝟮𝟱
Cody and Ryan were cute, don't get me wrong, but …
Can we get a round of applause going for the real MVP of the book, Heather.
Thanks Heather ´ˎ˗
Cody and Ryan were cute, don't get me wrong, but …
Can we get a round of applause going for the real MVP of the book, Heather.
Thanks Heather ´ˎ˗
January 19, 2022
⭐︎4.5 stars!⭐︎
I absolutely loved this. I adored the connection between Ryan and Cody and their chemistry was off the charts.
So Ryan and Cody's situation is a little different and a little complicated. So they're the same age, only 2 months apart. But Ryan's mom and Cody's dad used to be married, and before they had Ryan and Cody and with new people, they had Ryan and Cody's older sisters together, Kate and Mel. So Ryan and Cody share two sisters together. But Ryan's mom and Cody's dad married new people after their divorce, and had Ryan and Cody, and so Ryan and Cody aren't related by blood at all.
They've seen each other over the years, but for the most part they don't know each other all that well and aren't friends or anything. They even go to separate high schools and everything. Without Kate and Mel existing, Ryan and Cody would be like any other potential couple. But they have family that intertwines because Kate and Mel are both their half-sisters.
The summer before their senior year, for about a month they spend together at Cody's father's beach house with Mel there as well, in an out doing her own thing most of the time. While there, they finally really get to know each other.
Ryan, who has the only POV in this story, has always thought Cody was "too perfect." That he was the polite brother, the nice brother, the smart brother, the prodigy, and that he could never measure up. There grew even greater distance between them because of that.
But as he starts to spend more and more time with Cody at the beach house, as he starts to teach Cody to surf and Cody starts to teach Ryan the guitar, he starts to see more in Cody than he thought. That Cody has a lot of pressure put on him by his dad, that maybe he's afraid of being looked as anything other than perfect, and that puts even more pressure on him. That he isn't trying to please anyone by being "perfect" (except his dad and only when it comes to music, really).
And Cody learns more about Ryan and sees more of Ryan too. Ryan likes to crack jokes a lot, to act like he doesn't take anything serious, and that he's laid back and carefree without a care in the world. But there's more to him, and he cares deeply. He even shows that when they're on the beach after surfing and a young boy is caught in the waves, and Ryan goes out there to save him, brings him back to the shore, and then saves his life doing CPR.
They grow so close on that trip, that they almost, almost kiss. But they're interrupted before they can, and then Ryan has to leave, and that seems to be that...
Except Ryan can't get Cody out of his head.
At the start of the school year, Ryan is getting more serious about school so in the future he can do what he wants to do, but he needs a tutor...and what a perfect excuse for Cody to be his tutor and then they can spend time together...
Soon enough, the two get so close that they're texting all the time and barely stopping themselves from kissing each other....
But then eventually they do, and they start seeing each other, but keeping it secret...
But the thing is, Ryan's mom and Cody's dad hate each other and can never get along. They always have to find ways to snipe at each other, no matter what. They can barely be in the same room with each other, it's that bad.
The kids don't know why exactly they hate each other so much, even 20 years after they divorced, but it is what it is, and Ryan and Cody know their parents will have an issue if they start dating each other, but they're falling in love, and don't want to not see each other.
But as time goes on, and people in the family start to find out, things come to a head, and some angst ensues.
I gave .5 off for this amazing story because I personally, wished the fallout of their relationship had been more dramatic, that we'd gotten more than we had.
Ryan's mom wasn't happy about it, but she grudgingly accepted it. She wasn't supportive at first, but she also didn't lose her shit. Cody's dad was worse about it, but he still wasn't over the top about it. He tried to forbid them from seeing each other, but it wasn't in a blow-up kind of way. He just kind of said it in a tense moment.
So like, sure the parents weren't happy about it. But it wasn't some big scandal with a dramatic fall out. Given how much these two parents hated each other and seemed to dislike that Ryan and Cody had become friends, them being more would be even worse, so I was expecting more. Just a bigger, over the top reaction. It left me a tad disappointed, because I wanted the ~drama. I get there can be OTT reactions, but in this kind of situation, with these characters who are so quick to fly off the handle, I don't think it would have been OTT for them both to freak the fuck out, is all I'm saying.
Also at the end, this was the one time that I really wishing for Cody's POV as well. Before all that, this author did so well with it being a Single POV book. I felt Cody's emotions, I felt his feelings for Ryan so well, and I never felt bereft because we weren't getting Cody's POV as well. His thoughts and feelings came across so well.
But at the end, with the drama and angst of it, I just wish we had gotten his POV, and what exactly was going through his head (and also we hear about their sisters telling Cody off in the church....I really, really wanted to see that. It sucks that, like Ryan, we the readers didn't get to see it).
So the less dramatic reactions from the parents and Cody's lack of POV at the end (weeks and weeks go by and we get to get nothing from him. And when he and Ryan make up, we only get a few sentences of explanation. I wanted more) had me giving this .5 stars off.
But overall, this was so amazing that I rounded up instead of down. I loved how well this author set up their romance, how it was a slow burn but not too slow. How well the connection was made, and getting to read about all of Ryan's heart flutters and palm-sweatiness that is falling in love with someone.
I loved how the secondary characters were written as well. They never felt one dimensional, and they felt so well rounded (except for maybe Max and Heather, who were now married to Ryan's mom and Cody's dad, and were Ryan's dad and Cody's mother respectively. But even with them, even though they were small characters, more background than anything else, they didn't feel too one dimensional, and they had moments where they got to show some depth, however small they were). I especially loved Kate and Mel, the two sisters. They had their good qualities and their faults, but in the end they were great sisters two these two, and cared deeply about both brothers. I just loved how they didn't feel like one-note characters who are just there to be annoying older sisters or something.
Kate and Mel had their own stories, even if they weren't the focus, where they had to be in the middle of their parent's 20+ year long feud with each other. And they also took their two brothers being together pretty well, all things considered. I mean, to Ryan and Cody, they aren't related and they barely knew each other growing up, so it isn't that weird. But the sisters know both of them very well and both of their brothers, so it had to be weird for both of their brothers to get together.
So overall, this was amazing and I loved it. Great characters, great romance and great story. I'd definitely recommend this. Two massive thumbs up from me! And now I can't wait to read more of his author, who definitely won me over with this story😍
I absolutely loved this. I adored the connection between Ryan and Cody and their chemistry was off the charts.
So Ryan and Cody's situation is a little different and a little complicated. So they're the same age, only 2 months apart. But Ryan's mom and Cody's dad used to be married, and before they had Ryan and Cody and with new people, they had Ryan and Cody's older sisters together, Kate and Mel. So Ryan and Cody share two sisters together. But Ryan's mom and Cody's dad married new people after their divorce, and had Ryan and Cody, and so Ryan and Cody aren't related by blood at all.
They've seen each other over the years, but for the most part they don't know each other all that well and aren't friends or anything. They even go to separate high schools and everything. Without Kate and Mel existing, Ryan and Cody would be like any other potential couple. But they have family that intertwines because Kate and Mel are both their half-sisters.
The summer before their senior year, for about a month they spend together at Cody's father's beach house with Mel there as well, in an out doing her own thing most of the time. While there, they finally really get to know each other.
Ryan, who has the only POV in this story, has always thought Cody was "too perfect." That he was the polite brother, the nice brother, the smart brother, the prodigy, and that he could never measure up. There grew even greater distance between them because of that.
But as he starts to spend more and more time with Cody at the beach house, as he starts to teach Cody to surf and Cody starts to teach Ryan the guitar, he starts to see more in Cody than he thought. That Cody has a lot of pressure put on him by his dad, that maybe he's afraid of being looked as anything other than perfect, and that puts even more pressure on him. That he isn't trying to please anyone by being "perfect" (except his dad and only when it comes to music, really).
And Cody learns more about Ryan and sees more of Ryan too. Ryan likes to crack jokes a lot, to act like he doesn't take anything serious, and that he's laid back and carefree without a care in the world. But there's more to him, and he cares deeply. He even shows that when they're on the beach after surfing and a young boy is caught in the waves, and Ryan goes out there to save him, brings him back to the shore, and then saves his life doing CPR.
They grow so close on that trip, that they almost, almost kiss. But they're interrupted before they can, and then Ryan has to leave, and that seems to be that...
Except Ryan can't get Cody out of his head.
At the start of the school year, Ryan is getting more serious about school so in the future he can do what he wants to do, but he needs a tutor...and what a perfect excuse for Cody to be his tutor and then they can spend time together...
Soon enough, the two get so close that they're texting all the time and barely stopping themselves from kissing each other....
But then eventually they do, and they start seeing each other, but keeping it secret...
But the thing is, Ryan's mom and Cody's dad hate each other and can never get along. They always have to find ways to snipe at each other, no matter what. They can barely be in the same room with each other, it's that bad.
The kids don't know why exactly they hate each other so much, even 20 years after they divorced, but it is what it is, and Ryan and Cody know their parents will have an issue if they start dating each other, but they're falling in love, and don't want to not see each other.
But as time goes on, and people in the family start to find out, things come to a head, and some angst ensues.
I gave .5 off for this amazing story because I personally, wished the fallout of their relationship had been more dramatic, that we'd gotten more than we had.
Ryan's mom wasn't happy about it, but she grudgingly accepted it. She wasn't supportive at first, but she also didn't lose her shit. Cody's dad was worse about it, but he still wasn't over the top about it. He tried to forbid them from seeing each other, but it wasn't in a blow-up kind of way. He just kind of said it in a tense moment.
So like, sure the parents weren't happy about it. But it wasn't some big scandal with a dramatic fall out. Given how much these two parents hated each other and seemed to dislike that Ryan and Cody had become friends, them being more would be even worse, so I was expecting more. Just a bigger, over the top reaction. It left me a tad disappointed, because I wanted the ~drama. I get there can be OTT reactions, but in this kind of situation, with these characters who are so quick to fly off the handle, I don't think it would have been OTT for them both to freak the fuck out, is all I'm saying.
Also at the end, this was the one time that I really wishing for Cody's POV as well. Before all that, this author did so well with it being a Single POV book. I felt Cody's emotions, I felt his feelings for Ryan so well, and I never felt bereft because we weren't getting Cody's POV as well. His thoughts and feelings came across so well.
But at the end, with the drama and angst of it, I just wish we had gotten his POV, and what exactly was going through his head (and also we hear about their sisters telling Cody off in the church....I really, really wanted to see that. It sucks that, like Ryan, we the readers didn't get to see it).
So the less dramatic reactions from the parents and Cody's lack of POV at the end (weeks and weeks go by and we get to get nothing from him. And when he and Ryan make up, we only get a few sentences of explanation. I wanted more) had me giving this .5 stars off.
But overall, this was so amazing that I rounded up instead of down. I loved how well this author set up their romance, how it was a slow burn but not too slow. How well the connection was made, and getting to read about all of Ryan's heart flutters and palm-sweatiness that is falling in love with someone.
I loved how the secondary characters were written as well. They never felt one dimensional, and they felt so well rounded (except for maybe Max and Heather, who were now married to Ryan's mom and Cody's dad, and were Ryan's dad and Cody's mother respectively. But even with them, even though they were small characters, more background than anything else, they didn't feel too one dimensional, and they had moments where they got to show some depth, however small they were). I especially loved Kate and Mel, the two sisters. They had their good qualities and their faults, but in the end they were great sisters two these two, and cared deeply about both brothers. I just loved how they didn't feel like one-note characters who are just there to be annoying older sisters or something.
Kate and Mel had their own stories, even if they weren't the focus, where they had to be in the middle of their parent's 20+ year long feud with each other. And they also took their two brothers being together pretty well, all things considered. I mean, to Ryan and Cody, they aren't related and they barely knew each other growing up, so it isn't that weird. But the sisters know both of them very well and both of their brothers, so it had to be weird for both of their brothers to get together.
So overall, this was amazing and I loved it. Great characters, great romance and great story. I'd definitely recommend this. Two massive thumbs up from me! And now I can't wait to read more of his author, who definitely won me over with this story😍
March 10, 2022
Finallyyyy! A book I flew through and it actually kept my attention. Super cute story!
January 19, 2022
Well, this was a very enjoyable coming of age/young adult romance book. It might seem like there's some taboo in here, but there isn't. Both mc's are not related - they just share the same sisters, who were born from a previous marriage. This is a love story, but it's also a story about complicated family dynamics after a difficult and hurtful divorce, and about the impact this has when there are children involved. My husband often uses a phrase: one can divorce his wife or husband, but one can never separate from an ex. Specially not when there are children involved. This book shows, once again, how true that phrase is.
Ryan and Cody both have 2 sisters and they are the same - Ryan's mother was once married to Cody's father, long before both boys were born. They had their daughters and then divorced and remarried. From this second marriage Cody and Ryan were born, both seventeen years old. They see each other when their sisters celebrate their birthdays, but never got along all that well. Cody seems to be the better person of the two, their sister's favorite - he is good at everything he does and he always seems to be doing the right thing. Taking life and everything he does, seriously, where Ryan always jokes around and doesn't even know what he wants to do.
Until one day they get to know each other better and a friendship develops. And then that friendship turns into something more. But how can they find a future together with all the tension in their families? When the ex-parents can't be in a room for just a second without starting an argument or a disagreement that turns into harsh words and a fight? Will they ever be able to tell them they fell in love when even their sisters are skeptical?
This is a slow burn. There are lots of lingering looks and feelings of attraction before they finally act on it. But when they do, it's just sweet and nice and real and I really liked that about this story. It's written from Ryan's pov only, which worked well for me.
There is sex in this book, but even though the scenes are not fully fade to black, they are not very descriptive either.
This book is my first one by this author, but I enjoyed the writing and the story, so I will definitely be checking out more of their books.
If you are looking for a sweet ya/coming of age book with a bit of tension on the side, this book might work really well for you. It really did for me.
I kindly received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review
Ryan and Cody both have 2 sisters and they are the same - Ryan's mother was once married to Cody's father, long before both boys were born. They had their daughters and then divorced and remarried. From this second marriage Cody and Ryan were born, both seventeen years old. They see each other when their sisters celebrate their birthdays, but never got along all that well. Cody seems to be the better person of the two, their sister's favorite - he is good at everything he does and he always seems to be doing the right thing. Taking life and everything he does, seriously, where Ryan always jokes around and doesn't even know what he wants to do.
Until one day they get to know each other better and a friendship develops. And then that friendship turns into something more. But how can they find a future together with all the tension in their families? When the ex-parents can't be in a room for just a second without starting an argument or a disagreement that turns into harsh words and a fight? Will they ever be able to tell them they fell in love when even their sisters are skeptical?
This is a slow burn. There are lots of lingering looks and feelings of attraction before they finally act on it. But when they do, it's just sweet and nice and real and I really liked that about this story. It's written from Ryan's pov only, which worked well for me.
There is sex in this book, but even though the scenes are not fully fade to black, they are not very descriptive either.
This book is my first one by this author, but I enjoyed the writing and the story, so I will definitely be checking out more of their books.
If you are looking for a sweet ya/coming of age book with a bit of tension on the side, this book might work really well for you. It really did for me.
I kindly received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review
January 14, 2022
I completely fell in love with this book from the moment I read the first sentence! I don’t know how that happens but it’s kind of magical to me and one of my favorite things about reading. This is such a sweet, funny, beautiful story about becoming friends with someone you shouldn’t and how family is never easy.
The book is in Ryan’s POV and he is such a delightful character, always the fun one but never taken seriously. This has never been an issue for him except for the fact that his sisters compare him to their other brother Cody. Ryan’s mom and Cody’s dad used to be married and had Kate and Mel, Ryan and Cody’s half sisters. They divorced and remarried and Ryan and Cody are the children from their new marriages. Unfortunately the divorce was nowhere near amicable and relations between the parents is still horrible over 20 years later. These have got to be some of the worst parents I’ve read about. There are reasons we find out about but they still are so horrible thinking of themselves and essentially ruining everything special for their daughters and even their new families in the process.
Ryan and Cody become friends over a few weeks in the summer and watching their friendship form is beautiful. Ryan teaches Cody to surf and Cody teaches Ryan guitar. Ryan realizes that all the animosity he held towards Cody for being the perfect brother is not what he expects and he learns who Cody really is.
This is a major slow burn but in the best possible way. It’s sort of YA being they are 17 but it didn’t read as YA for me. The writing is excellent and the story flows so well I didn’t want the book to end. I loved every word, every emotion and even the messed up family situation wasn’t enough to stop me loving this book. This was a very different story than what I usually read and it was like a breath of fresh air. I’m now off to discover more from Jax Calder.
**I received an ARC via NetGalley for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
March 25, 2022
Best random Kindle pickup ever. Calder is a new author for me but will definitely be reading more. Usually not a massive fan of female authors writing mm but the voice she gives her characters is so refreshing to read, so irresistible and charming and funny; I could not get enough of it.
It reads more YA than M/M, there's no steamy sex scenes, no taboos but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of how effortless it is to read this book. It's a bit like the MCs, good natured and funny and a bit troubled but sweet and so, so cute. It's basically teenage first crush written properly, with a bit of family drama, a tiny bit of angst and a HEA, of course.
Cannot praise or recommend this enough, perfect book to get you to a - kinda early but why not? - mood for summer romance and ideal bedtime read. Already started the Sporting Secrets trilogy and really hoping it lives up to this.
It reads more YA than M/M, there's no steamy sex scenes, no taboos but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of how effortless it is to read this book. It's a bit like the MCs, good natured and funny and a bit troubled but sweet and so, so cute. It's basically teenage first crush written properly, with a bit of family drama, a tiny bit of angst and a HEA, of course.
Cannot praise or recommend this enough, perfect book to get you to a - kinda early but why not? - mood for summer romance and ideal bedtime read. Already started the Sporting Secrets trilogy and really hoping it lives up to this.
January 18, 2022
Sweet
This YA , sweet , heartfelt , fade to black , romance was an unexpected and happy surprise.
Because , The Other Brother isn't your typical angst filled teenager drama story; it's so much more.
It's an interesting , entertaining at times heart wrenching glimpse into what makes and takes to be a blended modern family.
Jax Calder is a new , to me , author and I am glad I took the chance and read this book. Looking forward reading some of her other books.
This YA , sweet , heartfelt , fade to black , romance was an unexpected and happy surprise.
Because , The Other Brother isn't your typical angst filled teenager drama story; it's so much more.
It's an interesting , entertaining at times heart wrenching glimpse into what makes and takes to be a blended modern family.
Jax Calder is a new , to me , author and I am glad I took the chance and read this book. Looking forward reading some of her other books.
June 30, 2022
A new author for me ... and it just can't be done any better than this. Just finished and I'm literally choked up and fighting back the tears. Two protagonists that you will immediately fall in love with along with secondary characters that are "real", not over-the-top cliche and predictable. Add in a believable and interesting storyline and ... well ... an absolutely perfect YA LGBTQ+ fiction story. I'm so very sad that it's over now, though. I will never forget Ryan and Cody! 💞
December 16, 2021
This book is really just perfect . . .
- Unique family dynamics and family drama
-"Frenemies" to friends to lovers
- Feelings and pure love
- Swoony
- YA/NA
- Close proximity
- Opposites
This might be my new favourite book!
The Other Brother by Jax Calder is a book from Ryan's POV - a teenager who has always felt like he was being compared to his half-sisters' other half-brother, Cody. Therefore, it is safe to say that Cody is not Ryan's favourite person, and they are not friends.
But the book opens up with Ryan at a party, where he sees the usually straight-laced Cody drunk and miserable looking! From there, a friendship and later a romance develop ...
I haven't been this invested in a story in a while! Although we do not get Cody's POV, it doesn't feel like we're missing anything. And I absolutely loved how much Ryan loved Cody! It was there, in his thoughts and his actions. It was so clear to us how much Cody meant to Ryan, how special he was to him! How he slowly became his favourite person! I loved how they're each other's anchor. They read like soulmates, like they were created just for each other!
There was not a moment where i got bored! I was anxiously reading thought the chapters just so I can get to what happens next. This book will leave you with such a happy feeling! You can just feel that despite the hardships, they will make it, and the epilogue further showed us this.
Do not miss the story of pure love with a dash of family dynamics!
I received this ARC by GRR in exchange for an honest review!
- Unique family dynamics and family drama
-"Frenemies" to friends to lovers
- Feelings and pure love
- Swoony
- YA/NA
- Close proximity
- Opposites
This might be my new favourite book!
The Other Brother by Jax Calder is a book from Ryan's POV - a teenager who has always felt like he was being compared to his half-sisters' other half-brother, Cody. Therefore, it is safe to say that Cody is not Ryan's favourite person, and they are not friends.
But the book opens up with Ryan at a party, where he sees the usually straight-laced Cody drunk and miserable looking! From there, a friendship and later a romance develop ...
I haven't been this invested in a story in a while! Although we do not get Cody's POV, it doesn't feel like we're missing anything. And I absolutely loved how much Ryan loved Cody! It was there, in his thoughts and his actions. It was so clear to us how much Cody meant to Ryan, how special he was to him! How he slowly became his favourite person! I loved how they're each other's anchor. They read like soulmates, like they were created just for each other!
There was not a moment where i got bored! I was anxiously reading thought the chapters just so I can get to what happens next. This book will leave you with such a happy feeling! You can just feel that despite the hardships, they will make it, and the epilogue further showed us this.
Do not miss the story of pure love with a dash of family dynamics!
I received this ARC by GRR in exchange for an honest review!
Read
June 28, 2023DNF ~36%
Interesting twist in the step-brothers trope by having them be ~connected~ by each being half-brothers to their two older sisters. A little convoluted, but interesting. I just didn't really vibe with the characters that much, nor did I feel their connection. This is also a high school book, which is not a time period I tend to super love reading about, so I'm sure that was also stacked against this one in terms of my enjoyment. Not going to rate, because I do think the reasons I wasn't loving it were just personal ones, and I might have even kept reading in a different mood, but I wasn't feeling invested.
Interesting twist in the step-brothers trope by having them be ~connected~ by each being half-brothers to their two older sisters. A little convoluted, but interesting. I just didn't really vibe with the characters that much, nor did I feel their connection. This is also a high school book, which is not a time period I tend to super love reading about, so I'm sure that was also stacked against this one in terms of my enjoyment. Not going to rate, because I do think the reasons I wasn't loving it were just personal ones, and I might have even kept reading in a different mood, but I wasn't feeling invested.
February 9, 2022
V cute.
May 28, 2023
4.75 stars
One of the best y/a (albeit older y/a) m/m romances I’ve read in a long time. Loved pretty much everything about this.
One of the best y/a (albeit older y/a) m/m romances I’ve read in a long time. Loved pretty much everything about this.
July 31, 2024
Okay so I read this a couple of years ago, I rated it 5 stars but never wrote a review so I decided to read it again.
I don’t know if I would quite give it 5 stars this time around. But if I did, all of the stars would go to Ryan. He literally carried this entire book on his back!! It was from his POV only so maybe that’s why but he was such an amazing character. I feel like everyone in his life did him a disservice though.
I hated every person in this book aside from the two MCs, Ryan and Cody, Ryan’s dad and Grace and Marco. Seriously everyone else can go kick rocks!! Hated Ryan’s friends who were complete assholes to him. Hated Ryan’s mom who treats him like he’s nothing and Cody’s parents who treated Ryan like something on the bottom of their shoe. Ryan and Cody share sisters through Ryan’s mom and Cody’s dad and I hated the sisters the most! They were awful.
I feel like every single person in this book owed Ryan an apology for how they treated him. Even Cody. Cody was a good character and really sweet and I loved him and Ryan together soo much. Their slow burn was satisfying to watch because they became friends first after having avoided each other most their lives. But when Cody broke up with Ryan causing their third act break up I wanted to strangle him! And again when he told Ryan not to wait for him. I wanted Ryan to make him beg and grovel more but Ryan was just too sweet for that.
There was no spice in this one and I didn’t realize it before but I think it’s because the characters are 17. So I’m glad for that. There are some scenes but they are very vague.
Also the writing was top notch in this one. It was soo witty and Ryan’s thoughts and words were so hilarious!!
NO CHEATING
NO OP DRAMA (they get flirted with)
THIRD ACT BREAK UP (both celibate)
HEA (two years later and seven years later at their wedding which you can download)
I don’t know if I would quite give it 5 stars this time around. But if I did, all of the stars would go to Ryan. He literally carried this entire book on his back!! It was from his POV only so maybe that’s why but he was such an amazing character. I feel like everyone in his life did him a disservice though.
I hated every person in this book aside from the two MCs, Ryan and Cody, Ryan’s dad and Grace and Marco. Seriously everyone else can go kick rocks!! Hated Ryan’s friends who were complete assholes to him. Hated Ryan’s mom who treats him like he’s nothing and Cody’s parents who treated Ryan like something on the bottom of their shoe. Ryan and Cody share sisters through Ryan’s mom and Cody’s dad and I hated the sisters the most! They were awful.
I feel like every single person in this book owed Ryan an apology for how they treated him. Even Cody. Cody was a good character and really sweet and I loved him and Ryan together soo much. Their slow burn was satisfying to watch because they became friends first after having avoided each other most their lives. But when Cody broke up with Ryan causing their third act break up I wanted to strangle him! And again when he told Ryan not to wait for him. I wanted Ryan to make him beg and grovel more but Ryan was just too sweet for that.
There was no spice in this one and I didn’t realize it before but I think it’s because the characters are 17. So I’m glad for that. There are some scenes but they are very vague.
Also the writing was top notch in this one. It was soo witty and Ryan’s thoughts and words were so hilarious!!
NO CHEATING
NO OP DRAMA (they get flirted with)
THIRD ACT BREAK UP (both celibate)
HEA (two years later and seven years later at their wedding which you can download)
December 15, 2021
4.5/5 stars
This book was so sweet! It put me in a giddy mood!
I love reading MM books, and discovering new authors that write MM books as well, so when I saw this, I was super excited to read it and to discover a new author! And this book did not disappoint! I couldn't put it down, it was really good, the story was original and somewhat forbidden depending on who you ask, but that aspect made it all the more enjoyable to read.
Cody and Ryan were great characters. There's the smart, shy, can-do-no-wrong, musical prodigy Cody and the opposite all-about-the-fun jokester Ryan, that find friendship and more throughout the book. It was very sweet watching how they started to care more for one another as the book went along, and how they dealt with the complicated family dynamics along the way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Jax Calder for the earc in return for an honest review.
This book was so sweet! It put me in a giddy mood!
I love reading MM books, and discovering new authors that write MM books as well, so when I saw this, I was super excited to read it and to discover a new author! And this book did not disappoint! I couldn't put it down, it was really good, the story was original and somewhat forbidden depending on who you ask, but that aspect made it all the more enjoyable to read.
Cody and Ryan were great characters. There's the smart, shy, can-do-no-wrong, musical prodigy Cody and the opposite all-about-the-fun jokester Ryan, that find friendship and more throughout the book. It was very sweet watching how they started to care more for one another as the book went along, and how they dealt with the complicated family dynamics along the way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Jax Calder for the earc in return for an honest review.
January 9, 2022
I didn't realize this was a YA book when I requested the advance copy of it, and I'm glad I didn't, because I would have probably passed on what turned out to be an entertaining and romantic story of messed-up family dynamics (My oversight - it was clearly labeled.)
The story is told from Ryan's POV. His mother and Cody's father were married and had children, had a bitter divorce and then remarried. Ryan and Cody are the children of those second marriages, so they're not blood-related, they're not even stepbrothers...they're each "the other brother."
Set in New Zealand, the romance begins during the summer, and while there's no on-page sex, there is a lot of UST and plenty of kissing. I enjoyed the character growth of each of the two young men, as well as that of their families. It's well-written, sweet, and engaging. I'll definitely give this author's other work a try!
The story is told from Ryan's POV. His mother and Cody's father were married and had children, had a bitter divorce and then remarried. Ryan and Cody are the children of those second marriages, so they're not blood-related, they're not even stepbrothers...they're each "the other brother."
Set in New Zealand, the romance begins during the summer, and while there's no on-page sex, there is a lot of UST and plenty of kissing. I enjoyed the character growth of each of the two young men, as well as that of their families. It's well-written, sweet, and engaging. I'll definitely give this author's other work a try!
January 16, 2022
A sweet enemies to lovers romance and a light read
January 27, 2022
“That was unreal,” Cody says. He’s standing in the thigh-deep water, his hair plastered to his head, grinning triumphantly. The black of his wetsuit makes his blue eyes stand out even more. His eyes that match the sky perfectly.
My breath leaves me.
“Yeah, unreal,” I echo.
I loved loved loved this book. It was perfect. The pinning, the long looks, the "forbidden" romance element, the awesome sisters, the humor.
When the sisters find out it was pure comedy.
I'm just head over heels in love with Cody and Ryan.
I was lately so let down with the m/m book and this was exactly what I needed.
I have to read more from this author.
My breath leaves me.
“Yeah, unreal,” I echo.
I loved loved loved this book. It was perfect. The pinning, the long looks, the "forbidden" romance element, the awesome sisters, the humor.
When the sisters find out it was pure comedy.
I'm just head over heels in love with Cody and Ryan.
I was lately so let down with the m/m book and this was exactly what I needed.
I have to read more from this author.
July 21, 2022
Woooo!!! The first first book I’ve finished in nearly a month 😪😪
This was a cute, fast read—low steam which I was particularly in the mood for— and some mild taboo. The real star of the show tho was the writing—like GD Jax way to kill it with the metaphors!!!!
This was a cute, fast read—low steam which I was particularly in the mood for— and some mild taboo. The real star of the show tho was the writing—like GD Jax way to kill it with the metaphors!!!!
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