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Plum Valley Cowboys #1
Fool Hearts
Best friends. Unrequited love. A story that spans decades.
Wyatt
At twelve, he was my best friend. At sixteen, he became my crush. And now, at thirty-four, he’s the man I’m still pining after.
Falling in love with Easton was never part of the plan. But now that I’ve done it, I can’t seem to stop. It doesn’t help that we’re living under the same roof. Or that Easton is so dang sweet I want to lick him from head to toe.
But Easton is straight, and all the cattle in Texas won’t change the fact that he’ll never look at me the way I see him. I want someone who can love me back. And I won’t be able to find that while I’m hung up on my best friend.
It’s time to find a way to say goodbye.
Easton
I always knew I was a little bit different than everybody else. When kids my age were hooking up, all I wanted to do was sit on the ranch with Wyatt and plot out our future. I didn’t need anyone else.
When Wyatt leaves Plum Valley, he takes a piece of me with him. When he returns at the moment I need him most, he helps me to heal and feel whole again. We have a good life now, Wyatt and I, best friends still after all these years.
So when I happen to catch my friend down on his knees in the barn, I don’t understand why, all of a sudden, I’m thinking things I shouldn’t be. Now, I can’t stop wondering and wanting.
But would taking that chance with Wyatt risk the best thing in my life?
Fool Hearts is a small-town, longtime friends to lovers romance with a whole lot of pining, a bi-awakening in a barn, swoon-worthy cowboys, a roller coaster of emotions, and one very HEA. It’s book 1 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.
Wyatt
At twelve, he was my best friend. At sixteen, he became my crush. And now, at thirty-four, he’s the man I’m still pining after.
Falling in love with Easton was never part of the plan. But now that I’ve done it, I can’t seem to stop. It doesn’t help that we’re living under the same roof. Or that Easton is so dang sweet I want to lick him from head to toe.
But Easton is straight, and all the cattle in Texas won’t change the fact that he’ll never look at me the way I see him. I want someone who can love me back. And I won’t be able to find that while I’m hung up on my best friend.
It’s time to find a way to say goodbye.
Easton
I always knew I was a little bit different than everybody else. When kids my age were hooking up, all I wanted to do was sit on the ranch with Wyatt and plot out our future. I didn’t need anyone else.
When Wyatt leaves Plum Valley, he takes a piece of me with him. When he returns at the moment I need him most, he helps me to heal and feel whole again. We have a good life now, Wyatt and I, best friends still after all these years.
So when I happen to catch my friend down on his knees in the barn, I don’t understand why, all of a sudden, I’m thinking things I shouldn’t be. Now, I can’t stop wondering and wanting.
But would taking that chance with Wyatt risk the best thing in my life?
Fool Hearts is a small-town, longtime friends to lovers romance with a whole lot of pining, a bi-awakening in a barn, swoon-worthy cowboys, a roller coaster of emotions, and one very HEA. It’s book 1 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.
307 pages, ebook
First published March 24, 2022
983 people are currently reading
6715 people want to read
About the author
Emmy Sanders
25 books1,683 followersEmmy Sanders, author of sweet, steamy, swoony MM romance, would describe herself as a lover of love. She's obsessed with both reading and writing romance and believes everyone deserves their happy ending. Queer herself, Emmy has a soft spot for LGBTQ+ fiction, but MM is where her heart lies. Her debut novel, Fool Hearts, released in 2022.
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February 15, 2024
Well…
This is awkward, considering how much praise and love this story has received.
I can’t explain how fast this story sold me with the blurb. You mention nothing but childhood friends to lovers and I’m instantly sold, but you add unrequited love and I drop everything. After seeing so many of my friends rave about this, my excitement only grew. But of course, we don’t always get what we want because life is unfair.
This review will have spoilers because I don’t think I can write this review without mentioning exactly what happened.
Allow me to present the four reasons for my lack of enjoyment in the way they happened:
1. The dead wife trope.
The dead ex trope is possibly one of the least favorite tropes. While it won’t entirely stop me from reading a book, it is one that can make me hesitant. However, it also depends on the execution and the overall reasoning behind it. I think it’s possible for two characters to come together in unexpected ways dealing with a sort of grief. But, the way it was played out in Fool Hearts is the kind I don’t like because it all felt like a second choice. I’ve seen many express their dislike and hate towards Becca, and to an extent, I understand. She could have had a better character arc. Her type of character always makes me wonder why female authors like to portray their female character like that–bitchy and annoying, as if they’re pushing their heteronormative agenda towards the gay character. But her character wasn’t what made this lacking for me, it was simply how her death was a plot device used to bring Easton and Wyatt together. If Becca had not died, Wyatt would not have returned home and been with Easton to help him raise his son, Will. This was weak, tiring, and completely unnecessary.
2. Harrison.
I have a strong dislike for using people for the sake of yours and yours only. Maybe if I knew about this, it would have “prepared” me or helped me try to understand it more, but I think it’s a problem that not only needs to be mentioned but one that affected how I felt about this in the end.
Harrison was someone Wyatt had hooked up with previously when he was in San Antonio (SA is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Texas), so when Wyatt sees him again, he decides to make another move. The two hook up that night, and Wyatt realizes it was exactly what he needed to “let go.” Again, this happens a lot and many people do this to let go or forget about something or someone. Wyatt notices that he hasn’t exactly built any sort of connection with anyone because he’s been pining over his straight best friend and hasn’t been able to move on. So when Harrison asks him if they should give it a try and date, Wyatt takes his chance and starts dating him. I understand sometimes we don’t like it when one character gets together with another character who isn’t the main love interest, but in this case, I thought it was something that was even necessary because Wyatt could have used some sort of distraction. However, what I don’t think was necessary was the fact that Wyatt ended up using Harrison for two years. Was I supposed to feel bad for him? Some sort of emotion?
In my opinion, what could have helped was for Wyatt to be with Harrison for a while instead (like a couple weeks to a month) and given us the perspective of Easton seeing this engagement move on. It would have provided more tension for the two because at that point, they both would be oblivious to each other’s feelings. The two years that Wyatt spent with Harrison provided no sort of emotion but instead annoyance. You can’t force yourself to love someone your heart and mind don’t want, but that’s what Wyatt did. You’re telling me that Wyatt didn’t realize, in those two years, that clearly, something was not clicking? How did he spend two years not acknowledging the fact that he wasn’t feeling any love towards Harrison like he wanted? Why didn’t he end things after a couple months? He tried loving Harrison, and therefore used him. All I can think about is how shitty Harrison must have felt when he realized this and how he used his precious time on someone that didn’t reciprocate his feelings. If I was supposed to feel bad for Wyatt because he tried to love someone, I’m here to say all I thought was that he deserved to be shacked. All I felt in that moment was anger and annoyance because the author really took some of the worst routes for everything in this.
3. Easton’s sexual awakening.
Easton doesn’t figure out his sexuality until his 30s. This is normal and valid; it happens more than people may believe. Sometimes one may not even discover their sexual orientation in the end because the opportunity to test out a theory or even think about it is not presented. In this case, it is first implied that Easton may be demisexual when we first start seeing and understanding his thoughts as he questions some. Easton goes 10 years without thinking about sex after Becca’s death, and he even states it isn’t something he’s been missing. Becca has been the only person he has fallen for and had sex with because the emotional connection and bond he needed was always there. Even when they get together when they’re young, he realizes that he feels a certain way towards her because of how close he feels. While we don’t see every moment they spend together (as in, going into detail with everything they do, luckily), we still have enough context to understand that Easton developed a close relationship with Becca that allowed him to grow his feelings for her. But look, I’m tired of having to read about sex being the primary plot device used for the character’s epiphany.
I know that things like porn or voyeurism are sometimes the way some people figure out who they are, but I did not expect Easton to realize his feelings through seeing Wyatt engaged sexually with Harrison. For me, it took away a lot of the emotion of the story because of the missed opportunities. I felt like the author could have written this arc differently, such as making him see his best friend differently as he holds his son, or through the time they spend together domestically as if they were a couple. If it were done this way, it could have made it more realistic because of the close relationship they continued developing. For someone who didn’t know their sexuality and never really even questioned it or thought about it, the rushed revelation of Easton felt disjointed and completely unparalleled.
Adding on to that, the book is extremely slow burn both for the relationship and the time that passes in. We first see Wyatt and Easton when they’re kids and leave the book by the time they’re in their 40s, but they don’t get together until they’re both in their 30s. Despite this, I thought the time jumps did not take away from the story because of how easy it was to follow the relationship/friendship and the events that happened throughout. Yet, I do think that after Easton had his sexual awakening, the timing for his thoughts felt abrupt and too fast paced. Two years had passed and he spent those two years lusting over Wyatt to the point where he falls for him. How exactly he fell for him, I will never know. Some may say it’s because of their childhood friendship and how the feeling we’re always there, but I didn’t see it that way. Most of this is due to the fact that Wyatt actually moved out to live with Harrison (two years, remember?), so I couldn’t understand how Easton’s feelings developed when we don’t even see the close times the two spend time together that show this progression. In other words, we are briefly told about things Easton started noticing about Wyatt but not so many moments where the two actually bonded that allowed me to see how Easton started seeing Wyatt differently in a romantic way. When he went to Becca’s grave and told her “I’m in love with Wyatt,” I was confused as to how and why. The feelings really came out of nowhere.
4. Wyatt moving back with Easton.
At this point, it’s 65% in, and I’m wondering how the rest of the story is gonna play out. I wasn’t shocked to see how rushed it started to be. It goes like this: Wyatt and Harrison are over. Wyatt moves back with Easton. Easton tells him about the letter he found that his dad hid (a letter Becca wrote to Wyatt where she apologized and mentions the feelings Wyatt has for Easton). Wyatt reads it. Easton asks him about his feelings. Easton kisses him. The two make out. The two have unprotected sex. More stuff happens, like they make out and fuck more, but I honestly forgot already.
My biggest problem with this was how everything developed. For someone who hadn’t had sex in over ten years, hasn’t actually been with a guy and never even questioned it, and for someone who is demisexual, I was quite shocked at how sex was the first thing that took place after the two confessed feelings. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t understand how and why sex was the first thing the two thought about when they still had their general relationship to sort through. When Wyatt told Easton that they should have been talking about it, I agreed with him. I completely disagreed when Easton replied to that by saying, “I’ve wanted you for the past two years. And it sounds like you’ve wanted me a lot longer than that. So, what’re we waitin’ for?”
I know the two have an emotional connection from their friendship, but the events that followed after everything, and after not living together for more than a year, were surprising due to the amount of interactions that felt like they were missing. From how I saw it, the book lacked in punching that emotion. When the two finally got together, I wasn’t rooting for them at all. When we got to that *moment,* I was bored out of my mind at work, yawning, and wishing I could take back all the excitement I felt for this.
In conclusion, my interpretation of this has clearly been different to the majority of other readers. The book had potential but lacked in emotional execution. Feeling weak, unoriginal, and unimaginative, Fool Hearts is one of my most disappointing releases/reads of this year.
This is awkward, considering how much praise and love this story has received.
I can’t explain how fast this story sold me with the blurb. You mention nothing but childhood friends to lovers and I’m instantly sold, but you add unrequited love and I drop everything. After seeing so many of my friends rave about this, my excitement only grew. But of course, we don’t always get what we want because life is unfair.
This review will have spoilers because I don’t think I can write this review without mentioning exactly what happened.
Allow me to present the four reasons for my lack of enjoyment in the way they happened:
1. The dead wife trope.
The dead ex trope is possibly one of the least favorite tropes. While it won’t entirely stop me from reading a book, it is one that can make me hesitant. However, it also depends on the execution and the overall reasoning behind it. I think it’s possible for two characters to come together in unexpected ways dealing with a sort of grief. But, the way it was played out in Fool Hearts is the kind I don’t like because it all felt like a second choice. I’ve seen many express their dislike and hate towards Becca, and to an extent, I understand. She could have had a better character arc. Her type of character always makes me wonder why female authors like to portray their female character like that–bitchy and annoying, as if they’re pushing their heteronormative agenda towards the gay character. But her character wasn’t what made this lacking for me, it was simply how her death was a plot device used to bring Easton and Wyatt together. If Becca had not died, Wyatt would not have returned home and been with Easton to help him raise his son, Will. This was weak, tiring, and completely unnecessary.
2. Harrison.
I have a strong dislike for using people for the sake of yours and yours only. Maybe if I knew about this, it would have “prepared” me or helped me try to understand it more, but I think it’s a problem that not only needs to be mentioned but one that affected how I felt about this in the end.
Harrison was someone Wyatt had hooked up with previously when he was in San Antonio (SA is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Texas), so when Wyatt sees him again, he decides to make another move. The two hook up that night, and Wyatt realizes it was exactly what he needed to “let go.” Again, this happens a lot and many people do this to let go or forget about something or someone. Wyatt notices that he hasn’t exactly built any sort of connection with anyone because he’s been pining over his straight best friend and hasn’t been able to move on. So when Harrison asks him if they should give it a try and date, Wyatt takes his chance and starts dating him. I understand sometimes we don’t like it when one character gets together with another character who isn’t the main love interest, but in this case, I thought it was something that was even necessary because Wyatt could have used some sort of distraction. However, what I don’t think was necessary was the fact that Wyatt ended up using Harrison for two years. Was I supposed to feel bad for him? Some sort of emotion?
In my opinion, what could have helped was for Wyatt to be with Harrison for a while instead (like a couple weeks to a month) and given us the perspective of Easton seeing this engagement move on. It would have provided more tension for the two because at that point, they both would be oblivious to each other’s feelings. The two years that Wyatt spent with Harrison provided no sort of emotion but instead annoyance. You can’t force yourself to love someone your heart and mind don’t want, but that’s what Wyatt did. You’re telling me that Wyatt didn’t realize, in those two years, that clearly, something was not clicking? How did he spend two years not acknowledging the fact that he wasn’t feeling any love towards Harrison like he wanted? Why didn’t he end things after a couple months? He tried loving Harrison, and therefore used him. All I can think about is how shitty Harrison must have felt when he realized this and how he used his precious time on someone that didn’t reciprocate his feelings. If I was supposed to feel bad for Wyatt because he tried to love someone, I’m here to say all I thought was that he deserved to be shacked. All I felt in that moment was anger and annoyance because the author really took some of the worst routes for everything in this.
3. Easton’s sexual awakening.
Easton doesn’t figure out his sexuality until his 30s. This is normal and valid; it happens more than people may believe. Sometimes one may not even discover their sexual orientation in the end because the opportunity to test out a theory or even think about it is not presented. In this case, it is first implied that Easton may be demisexual when we first start seeing and understanding his thoughts as he questions some. Easton goes 10 years without thinking about sex after Becca’s death, and he even states it isn’t something he’s been missing. Becca has been the only person he has fallen for and had sex with because the emotional connection and bond he needed was always there. Even when they get together when they’re young, he realizes that he feels a certain way towards her because of how close he feels. While we don’t see every moment they spend together (as in, going into detail with everything they do, luckily), we still have enough context to understand that Easton developed a close relationship with Becca that allowed him to grow his feelings for her. But look, I’m tired of having to read about sex being the primary plot device used for the character’s epiphany.
I know that things like porn or voyeurism are sometimes the way some people figure out who they are, but I did not expect Easton to realize his feelings through seeing Wyatt engaged sexually with Harrison. For me, it took away a lot of the emotion of the story because of the missed opportunities. I felt like the author could have written this arc differently, such as making him see his best friend differently as he holds his son, or through the time they spend together domestically as if they were a couple. If it were done this way, it could have made it more realistic because of the close relationship they continued developing. For someone who didn’t know their sexuality and never really even questioned it or thought about it, the rushed revelation of Easton felt disjointed and completely unparalleled.
Adding on to that, the book is extremely slow burn both for the relationship and the time that passes in. We first see Wyatt and Easton when they’re kids and leave the book by the time they’re in their 40s, but they don’t get together until they’re both in their 30s. Despite this, I thought the time jumps did not take away from the story because of how easy it was to follow the relationship/friendship and the events that happened throughout. Yet, I do think that after Easton had his sexual awakening, the timing for his thoughts felt abrupt and too fast paced. Two years had passed and he spent those two years lusting over Wyatt to the point where he falls for him. How exactly he fell for him, I will never know. Some may say it’s because of their childhood friendship and how the feeling we’re always there, but I didn’t see it that way. Most of this is due to the fact that Wyatt actually moved out to live with Harrison (two years, remember?), so I couldn’t understand how Easton’s feelings developed when we don’t even see the close times the two spend time together that show this progression. In other words, we are briefly told about things Easton started noticing about Wyatt but not so many moments where the two actually bonded that allowed me to see how Easton started seeing Wyatt differently in a romantic way. When he went to Becca’s grave and told her “I’m in love with Wyatt,” I was confused as to how and why. The feelings really came out of nowhere.
4. Wyatt moving back with Easton.
At this point, it’s 65% in, and I’m wondering how the rest of the story is gonna play out. I wasn’t shocked to see how rushed it started to be. It goes like this: Wyatt and Harrison are over. Wyatt moves back with Easton. Easton tells him about the letter he found that his dad hid (a letter Becca wrote to Wyatt where she apologized and mentions the feelings Wyatt has for Easton). Wyatt reads it. Easton asks him about his feelings. Easton kisses him. The two make out. The two have unprotected sex. More stuff happens, like they make out and fuck more, but I honestly forgot already.
My biggest problem with this was how everything developed. For someone who hadn’t had sex in over ten years, hasn’t actually been with a guy and never even questioned it, and for someone who is demisexual, I was quite shocked at how sex was the first thing that took place after the two confessed feelings. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t understand how and why sex was the first thing the two thought about when they still had their general relationship to sort through. When Wyatt told Easton that they should have been talking about it, I agreed with him. I completely disagreed when Easton replied to that by saying, “I’ve wanted you for the past two years. And it sounds like you’ve wanted me a lot longer than that. So, what’re we waitin’ for?”
I know the two have an emotional connection from their friendship, but the events that followed after everything, and after not living together for more than a year, were surprising due to the amount of interactions that felt like they were missing. From how I saw it, the book lacked in punching that emotion. When the two finally got together, I wasn’t rooting for them at all. When we got to that *moment,* I was bored out of my mind at work, yawning, and wishing I could take back all the excitement I felt for this.
In conclusion, my interpretation of this has clearly been different to the majority of other readers. The book had potential but lacked in emotional execution. Feeling weak, unoriginal, and unimaginative, Fool Hearts is one of my most disappointing releases/reads of this year.
April 14, 2022
childhood best friends to lovers? yes please.
the dead wife trope? fuck no.
✦ the whole storyline just didn't work for me tbh. i hated almost everything about it. it just kept getting worse and worse.
🔪 spoilers ahead. 🔪
things i hated about this book:
✦ the dead wife trope. what a mess that was. the way her death was basically just a simple plot device to finally bring the mcs together. i hate it here.
✦ the way the unrequited love was portrayed here. yet another mess.
✦ the lack of communication.
✦ the fact that the mcs didn't really talk about their feelings once they got together, because they were too busy fucking nonstop.
✦ the fact that one of the mcs dragged his poor ex boyfriend along for two years, while he knew damn well he was still in love with this best friend.
✦ the fact that the mcs fucked literally hours after that relationship ended.
✦ i could go on, but i won't because i can't be bothered.
things i liked about this book:
✦ literally nothing, except for the fact that it ended.
the dead wife trope? fuck no.
✦ the whole storyline just didn't work for me tbh. i hated almost everything about it. it just kept getting worse and worse.
🔪 spoilers ahead. 🔪
things i hated about this book:
✦ the dead wife trope. what a mess that was. the way her death was basically just a simple plot device to finally bring the mcs together. i hate it here.
✦ the way the unrequited love was portrayed here. yet another mess.
✦ the lack of communication.
✦ the fact that the mcs didn't really talk about their feelings once they got together, because they were too busy fucking nonstop.
✦ the fact that one of the mcs dragged his poor ex boyfriend along for two years, while he knew damn well he was still in love with this best friend.
✦ the fact that the mcs fucked literally hours after that relationship ended.
✦ i could go on, but i won't because i can't be bothered.
things i liked about this book:
✦ literally nothing, except for the fact that it ended.
![Profile Image for ♡Gabi♡ [life & work is chaotic hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1764457886i%2F137459201._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 16, 2024
3.25 ✰
“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓?”
“𝒀𝒐𝒖,” 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒚. “𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏’ ’𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
“𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎 𝑴𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒆,” 𝑾𝒚𝒂𝒕𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔. “𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒍.”
“𝑨 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆,” 𝑰 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎.
𝑾𝒚𝒂𝒕𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅, 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒑, 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒔. “𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔.”
rtc once i finish studying for this HUGE certification exam i take on 01/19 and my brain has more thoughts than just medical/science information and facts, BUT easton and wyatt's HEA was so worth the chest pains and frustrations i had throughout their entire VERY slow-burn and angsty love story. 😭❤️🩹
special s/o to their precious angel son: will 🥹🪽🫶🏼
“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓?”
“𝒀𝒐𝒖,” 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒚. “𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏’ ’𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
“𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎 𝑴𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒆,” 𝑾𝒚𝒂𝒕𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔. “𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒍.”
“𝑨 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆,” 𝑰 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎.
𝑾𝒚𝒂𝒕𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅, 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒑, 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒔. “𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔.”
rtc once i finish studying for this HUGE certification exam i take on 01/19 and my brain has more thoughts than just medical/science information and facts, BUT easton and wyatt's HEA was so worth the chest pains and frustrations i had throughout their entire VERY slow-burn and angsty love story. 😭❤️🩹
special s/o to their precious angel son: will 🥹🪽🫶🏼
April 4, 2022
***4.0 rating***
"I can’t give us a different history, but I can give him now and forever. “I love you.” A kiss to his nose. “I love you.” The corner of his mouth. "I love you." The edge of his jaw. The pulse point in his neck. "Baby, I love you. So much," I say nuzzling against his skin."- Easton
"The way I love you,” he shakes his head slightly, “it’s just a part of me, of my very makeup. You’re in my atoms. My bones. My head and my heart. I wish I could show you. I wish I could hold it in my hands, so you could see just how brightly that love shines. But I can’t do that. What I can do is promise that my love for you will never go away. It won’t fade. It won’t falter. It won’t die. I will love you, Easton William Moore, for all my days and on into the night sky.”- Wyatt
I love the moment when I discover a new author and whose debut is not only a delightful introduction but whose book I thoroughly enjoyed reading. What a great introduction to this author and her characters! I have to give credit where credit is due, so congratulations Emmy Sanders on this wonderful debut, you have gained me as a reader and I look forward to reading more of your work in the near future.
Here is my take on this lovely book.
Brief Summary:
Fool Hearts is the first book of the Plum Valley Cowboys series. The story takes place in Plum Valley, Texas, a small town with conservative values (at least when the story begins). We follow the journey of Wyatt and Easton, whose story spans over three decades. A slow-burn (super slow burn) MM bestfriends-to-lovers romance, that begins as unrequited love with lots angst but eventually leads to a very touching, heartfelt love story between two men who deeply love one another.
From childhood to adulthood, Wyatt always loved his bestfriend Easton. That love may have started as a "crush" or "puppy love" as one wants to call it but it turns to something more passionate, more unrequited and at times painful. The love Wyatt had for Easton was not always mutual. While Easton knew Wyatt was gay and had always supported him, he always "loved" Wyatt as nothing more than a friend. He even marries someone else and that is truly painful for Wyatt. It affects their friendship, but despite the angst and hurt, Wyatt always showed up for Easton when he needed him. The friendship between these two men definitely leaves you in awe, even when one of the other characters secretly longed and hoped for more.
Over the years we see Easton and Wyatt living together, raising Easton's son together and one day when you least expect it Easton finally sees Wyatt as something more. The desire and the longing finally hits home for Easton. He suddenly feels all the feelings that Wyatt had felt for Easton most of his life. There is something satisfying in finally seeing Easton long for his bestfriend and even seeing him with another man.
The only other person Easton had ever been attracted to was his wife Becca but the feelings he has for Wyatt are more than just attraction. This is also when we see Easton discovering more about himself and his sexuality. It is implied that Easton is someone who does not care for casual sex, he is someone who needs to feel deep emotional connection before he has sex with anyone. So it is not surprising that he may be demisexual.
After all the angst and years these two shared together, their HEA was truly well deserved and I loved that Easton and Wyatt found their way back to one another, even if it took Easton longer than expected.
My thoughts on this book:
I had no idea what I was getting into when I decided to read this book. But I am glad I gave it a chance, Emmy Sanders is an author whose work I will continue to read. Its always a pleasure to discover new authors and books that put a smile on my face. This book was that. I will not lie the book is super slow-burn and has a ton of angst but the feelings and the longings that we read about really build up the romance/sexual tension between Wyatt and Easton. I was sad for Wyatt a lot, because we see him go through most of his youth having meaningless sex and not establishing a connection with anyone because they are not Easton. Whilst, Easton is building a life with his wife and living his best life. That was painful to see because I wanted Wyatt to be happy. Its painful to live a life of unrequited love. Seeing someone you love marry someone else, ugh I just wanted to hug Wyatt.
I am normally not a fan of love stories that span over various decades because I feel like I am missing out on the years the author skips. However, while this was a quick read (less than 300 pages), the romance was done well. Wyatt's unrequited love, and the angst that we witness over the years build up their connection and relationship. Some books unfortunately fail to do that successfully, but Emmy Sanders nails it with the limited space she has in her book. She manages to capture Wyatt's feelings, despair, anguish and love that he feels for his best friend, Easton. Therefore, when the reader finally sees the bestfriends becoming lovers, the reader is not surprised. In fact the reader expects it because these two were always in each others lives even when they were apart. It is impossible to imagine otherwise. That is why I loved their relationship development and when they finally became a couple. I loved how Wyatt and Easton and their son Will were their own little family unit, even before they got together Wyatt was Will's "Pop".
I don't really have anything negative to say, I guess the only thing I wasn't a big fan of was Becca (Easton's wife). She always saw them being close and I guess knew Wyatt loved Easton more than a friend but still somehow came in between them. However, at the same time I can't really hate her because Easton didn't know much about his own feelings or sexuality. I think even after they were married, Becca knew Easton always belonged with Wyatt. Sad when you think about it but I think in her own way she supported them. I won't reveal much about her because it will spoil the story. I guess you gotta read more to find out about her lol.
I also wish the story was longer, especially since it shows the story taking place over three decades. It would have been nice to see Easton longing for Wyatt more. In my opinion it would have developed their relationship more. But I get it.
I do love that we got to see Easton discovering more about his sexuality, I think after that he became more himself and confident.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two men, their love story, friendship, parenthood and their struggles. Their journey was not an easy one but it was beautiful to read about. Emmy Sanders captured their relationship development well. The transition from bestfriends to lovers was chef's kiss. I am happy that they got their well deserved HEA.
And while their love story was a complicated one with people and other obstacles who at times came in between them, their union was everything. I think when you read about them you cannot help but root for them and the family that they have made together. I really loved how their son Will was always their personal cheerleader, waiting for these two idiots to finally get together.
Easton's family were really supportive, except for his dad, who at times did not seem to support their relationship. Good thing is he eventually comes around.
I am excited to read more of this series. I think Hawthorne (Easton's brother) and Silver (mysterious guy) are next. I cannot wait to read about them and what awaits their love story.
If you love unrequited love, bestfriends-to-lovers romance/trope, angst, slow-burn, then this book is for you. I think you should give this book and author a chance. When you do,you will find yourself rooting for these two men and grinning like an idiot when they do finally get together. I hope you pick this up as your next read, you will not regret it!
What can I say I am a sucker for a good bestfriends-to-lovers romance and this book did not disappoint.
Until next time peeps😉.
"I can’t give us a different history, but I can give him now and forever. “I love you.” A kiss to his nose. “I love you.” The corner of his mouth. "I love you." The edge of his jaw. The pulse point in his neck. "Baby, I love you. So much," I say nuzzling against his skin."- Easton
"The way I love you,” he shakes his head slightly, “it’s just a part of me, of my very makeup. You’re in my atoms. My bones. My head and my heart. I wish I could show you. I wish I could hold it in my hands, so you could see just how brightly that love shines. But I can’t do that. What I can do is promise that my love for you will never go away. It won’t fade. It won’t falter. It won’t die. I will love you, Easton William Moore, for all my days and on into the night sky.”- Wyatt
I love the moment when I discover a new author and whose debut is not only a delightful introduction but whose book I thoroughly enjoyed reading. What a great introduction to this author and her characters! I have to give credit where credit is due, so congratulations Emmy Sanders on this wonderful debut, you have gained me as a reader and I look forward to reading more of your work in the near future.
Here is my take on this lovely book.
Brief Summary:
Fool Hearts is the first book of the Plum Valley Cowboys series. The story takes place in Plum Valley, Texas, a small town with conservative values (at least when the story begins). We follow the journey of Wyatt and Easton, whose story spans over three decades. A slow-burn (super slow burn) MM bestfriends-to-lovers romance, that begins as unrequited love with lots angst but eventually leads to a very touching, heartfelt love story between two men who deeply love one another.
From childhood to adulthood, Wyatt always loved his bestfriend Easton. That love may have started as a "crush" or "puppy love" as one wants to call it but it turns to something more passionate, more unrequited and at times painful. The love Wyatt had for Easton was not always mutual. While Easton knew Wyatt was gay and had always supported him, he always "loved" Wyatt as nothing more than a friend. He even marries someone else and that is truly painful for Wyatt. It affects their friendship, but despite the angst and hurt, Wyatt always showed up for Easton when he needed him. The friendship between these two men definitely leaves you in awe, even when one of the other characters secretly longed and hoped for more.
Over the years we see Easton and Wyatt living together, raising Easton's son together and one day when you least expect it Easton finally sees Wyatt as something more. The desire and the longing finally hits home for Easton. He suddenly feels all the feelings that Wyatt had felt for Easton most of his life. There is something satisfying in finally seeing Easton long for his bestfriend and even seeing him with another man.
The only other person Easton had ever been attracted to was his wife Becca but the feelings he has for Wyatt are more than just attraction. This is also when we see Easton discovering more about himself and his sexuality. It is implied that Easton is someone who does not care for casual sex, he is someone who needs to feel deep emotional connection before he has sex with anyone. So it is not surprising that he may be demisexual.
After all the angst and years these two shared together, their HEA was truly well deserved and I loved that Easton and Wyatt found their way back to one another, even if it took Easton longer than expected.
My thoughts on this book:
I had no idea what I was getting into when I decided to read this book. But I am glad I gave it a chance, Emmy Sanders is an author whose work I will continue to read. Its always a pleasure to discover new authors and books that put a smile on my face. This book was that. I will not lie the book is super slow-burn and has a ton of angst but the feelings and the longings that we read about really build up the romance/sexual tension between Wyatt and Easton. I was sad for Wyatt a lot, because we see him go through most of his youth having meaningless sex and not establishing a connection with anyone because they are not Easton. Whilst, Easton is building a life with his wife and living his best life. That was painful to see because I wanted Wyatt to be happy. Its painful to live a life of unrequited love. Seeing someone you love marry someone else, ugh I just wanted to hug Wyatt.
I am normally not a fan of love stories that span over various decades because I feel like I am missing out on the years the author skips. However, while this was a quick read (less than 300 pages), the romance was done well. Wyatt's unrequited love, and the angst that we witness over the years build up their connection and relationship. Some books unfortunately fail to do that successfully, but Emmy Sanders nails it with the limited space she has in her book. She manages to capture Wyatt's feelings, despair, anguish and love that he feels for his best friend, Easton. Therefore, when the reader finally sees the bestfriends becoming lovers, the reader is not surprised. In fact the reader expects it because these two were always in each others lives even when they were apart. It is impossible to imagine otherwise. That is why I loved their relationship development and when they finally became a couple. I loved how Wyatt and Easton and their son Will were their own little family unit, even before they got together Wyatt was Will's "Pop".
I don't really have anything negative to say, I guess the only thing I wasn't a big fan of was Becca (Easton's wife). She always saw them being close and I guess knew Wyatt loved Easton more than a friend but still somehow came in between them. However, at the same time I can't really hate her because Easton didn't know much about his own feelings or sexuality. I think even after they were married, Becca knew Easton always belonged with Wyatt. Sad when you think about it but I think in her own way she supported them. I won't reveal much about her because it will spoil the story. I guess you gotta read more to find out about her lol.
I also wish the story was longer, especially since it shows the story taking place over three decades. It would have been nice to see Easton longing for Wyatt more. In my opinion it would have developed their relationship more. But I get it.
I do love that we got to see Easton discovering more about his sexuality, I think after that he became more himself and confident.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two men, their love story, friendship, parenthood and their struggles. Their journey was not an easy one but it was beautiful to read about. Emmy Sanders captured their relationship development well. The transition from bestfriends to lovers was chef's kiss. I am happy that they got their well deserved HEA.
And while their love story was a complicated one with people and other obstacles who at times came in between them, their union was everything. I think when you read about them you cannot help but root for them and the family that they have made together. I really loved how their son Will was always their personal cheerleader, waiting for these two idiots to finally get together.
Easton's family were really supportive, except for his dad, who at times did not seem to support their relationship. Good thing is he eventually comes around.
I am excited to read more of this series. I think Hawthorne (Easton's brother) and Silver (mysterious guy) are next. I cannot wait to read about them and what awaits their love story.
If you love unrequited love, bestfriends-to-lovers romance/trope, angst, slow-burn, then this book is for you. I think you should give this book and author a chance. When you do,you will find yourself rooting for these two men and grinning like an idiot when they do finally get together. I hope you pick this up as your next read, you will not regret it!
What can I say I am a sucker for a good bestfriends-to-lovers romance and this book did not disappoint.
Until next time peeps😉.
March 25, 2022
This one is for my friends who like their coffees poured over, their music slowed & reverbed, and their romance books even slower. It was slowwww burn at it's finest 👌🏾
How was this a debut novel?! I haven't the darndest clue! Pardon my subpar review, I'm at a loss for words, just full of feelings and mush 🥰
This story spans just about three decades, centered around two best friends, Easton and Wyatt. It features unrequited love, small town vibes (and all the nastiness that comes with it) and cowboys. I can't pinpoint what it was about this gem that had me charmed, but from the first paragraph, I couldn't put it down. I loved both of them, I adored their friendship and bond, I loved seeing them grow up together, separated, then together again. The progression of their relationship was just so sweet, no miscommunication tropes, the pacing was perfect, and the wait was absolutely worth it. This book filled all the dark places in my heart that I didn't even know existed 😭
You’re in my atoms. My bones. My head and my heart
How was this a debut novel?! I haven't the darndest clue! Pardon my subpar review, I'm at a loss for words, just full of feelings and mush 🥰
This story spans just about three decades, centered around two best friends, Easton and Wyatt. It features unrequited love, small town vibes (and all the nastiness that comes with it) and cowboys. I can't pinpoint what it was about this gem that had me charmed, but from the first paragraph, I couldn't put it down. I loved both of them, I adored their friendship and bond, I loved seeing them grow up together, separated, then together again. The progression of their relationship was just so sweet, no miscommunication tropes, the pacing was perfect, and the wait was absolutely worth it. This book filled all the dark places in my heart that I didn't even know existed 😭
You’re in my atoms. My bones. My head and my heart
April 3, 2022
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Call me darlin’ stars.
The way I love you,” he shakes his head slightly, “it’s just a part of me, of my very makeup. You’re in my atoms. My bones. My head and my heart.
“You said the way you love me is just a part of you. And I feel the same. Even before I understood it, my heart knew yours, and yours knew mine.
You guys this was a beautiful book. And to come from a new author. Wow!
🤠 This is what I would call a slice of life story. There’s nothing super dramatic. There’s no huge plot. It’s just a love story. Told slowly. It spans decades. I don’t know. It’s hard to describe. But I just kind of settled in with these two men and fell in love.
🤠 Friends to lovers. Easton and Wyatt. I loved them so much. Both individually and together. They had the sweetest friendship and I melted. The connection between the two. 🥰 There was so much pining and longing on Wyatt’s side. Long before Easton knew about it. And then when Easton got on board. 😍 (It could be said that they jumped into things once feelings were revealed. But it worked for me because of their history. So I didn’t mind. It still felt natural.)
🤠 Demisexual representation.
🤠 No sugar coating the hard parts. This starts out in a small conservative town in Texas. And spans over 30 years. Things were not as they are now. And even in the present day moments of the story, things are not perfect. My heart hurt for Wyatt growing up in this environment. It wasn’t overly heavy but it didn’t gloss over things and I appreciated that.
🤠 Slow burn. (Like…super slow. You’ve been warned. Or…the opposite of warned…you’ve been…intrigued?)
I found this to be such a soothing, heart warming read. Simple. But not in a bad way. More that it was free from the drama. Everything flowed. Don’t get me wrong, I can love those books too. But this was without that and because so many books have that, this felt special and unique to me. It was more snapshots in time of two men and their lives and how their relationship evolved. I was captivated and enchanted and found it so lovely. 💞
“Thank you for lovin’ me,” I tell him again. “Easiest thing I ever did,” he replies, voice hoarse but true.
**Thank you so much Nicole for putting this on my radar with your amazing review! 😘 **
The way I love you,” he shakes his head slightly, “it’s just a part of me, of my very makeup. You’re in my atoms. My bones. My head and my heart.
“You said the way you love me is just a part of you. And I feel the same. Even before I understood it, my heart knew yours, and yours knew mine.
You guys this was a beautiful book. And to come from a new author. Wow!
🤠 This is what I would call a slice of life story. There’s nothing super dramatic. There’s no huge plot. It’s just a love story. Told slowly. It spans decades. I don’t know. It’s hard to describe. But I just kind of settled in with these two men and fell in love.
🤠 Friends to lovers. Easton and Wyatt. I loved them so much. Both individually and together. They had the sweetest friendship and I melted. The connection between the two. 🥰 There was so much pining and longing on Wyatt’s side. Long before Easton knew about it. And then when Easton got on board. 😍 (It could be said that they jumped into things once feelings were revealed. But it worked for me because of their history. So I didn’t mind. It still felt natural.)
🤠 Demisexual representation.
🤠 No sugar coating the hard parts. This starts out in a small conservative town in Texas. And spans over 30 years. Things were not as they are now. And even in the present day moments of the story, things are not perfect. My heart hurt for Wyatt growing up in this environment. It wasn’t overly heavy but it didn’t gloss over things and I appreciated that.
🤠 Slow burn. (Like…super slow. You’ve been warned. Or…the opposite of warned…you’ve been…intrigued?)
I found this to be such a soothing, heart warming read. Simple. But not in a bad way. More that it was free from the drama. Everything flowed. Don’t get me wrong, I can love those books too. But this was without that and because so many books have that, this felt special and unique to me. It was more snapshots in time of two men and their lives and how their relationship evolved. I was captivated and enchanted and found it so lovely. 💞
“Thank you for lovin’ me,” I tell him again. “Easiest thing I ever did,” he replies, voice hoarse but true.
**Thank you so much Nicole for putting this on my radar with your amazing review! 😘 **
March 24, 2022
I loved how this book made me smile.
I loved the heartache, the pining, the unrequited love because Euston was oblivious.
I LOVED Wyatt.
I loved how it made me swoon.
And I loved how it left a stupid, wide satisfactory smile on my face when I read the last few words.
This book has everything I look for in romance and more. What an unexpected journey this was!
*I might be a little spoiler-ish in my gushing over this book, so proceed with care. But knowing there is, of course, a hea (this is romance, after all!) the things I write may not be so surprising *
When I was young, I thought I'd live and die in Plum Valley. It was what I knew. The rolling hills dotted with Longhorn and Hereford cattle, Main Street with its dozen or so brick-faced shopfronts, the combination elementary-middle-high school that butted up against one of the town's largest processing plants. It was a simple life, but a good one. The rose-colored glassed fell off around the time I entered the double digits and realized somebody like me wasn't going to be accepted in a small, southern town like ours, with its conservative views and gay population of one. If it wasn't clear, that one was me.
I loved the heartache, the pining, the unrequited love because Euston was oblivious.
I LOVED Wyatt.
I loved how it made me swoon.
And I loved how it left a stupid, wide satisfactory smile on my face when I read the last few words.
This book has everything I look for in romance and more. What an unexpected journey this was!
*I might be a little spoiler-ish in my gushing over this book, so proceed with care. But knowing there is, of course, a hea (this is romance, after all!) the things I write may not be so surprising *
When I was young, I thought I'd live and die in Plum Valley. It was what I knew. The rolling hills dotted with Longhorn and Hereford cattle, Main Street with its dozen or so brick-faced shopfronts, the combination elementary-middle-high school that butted up against one of the town's largest processing plants. It was a simple life, but a good one. The rose-colored glassed fell off around the time I entered the double digits and realized somebody like me wasn't going to be accepted in a small, southern town like ours, with its conservative views and gay population of one. If it wasn't clear, that one was me.
I wanted to take my time to write a proper review, but I also didn't want to wait too long, because I want to hold on to the feeling this book gave me for a little while longer.
It left me satisfied, speechless, even. This has to be one of the best books I read this year. Yes, I know, I said that before, and some books made it to that list already, but this one I add with pleasure. Because it totally deserves to be on it! I was very hooked from the first pages and it was so, so hard to put this book down!
It's truly one of the best friends to lovers I have read.
"I don't think I like girls," I admit. I'm not sure what made me say it. I haven't told anyone else yet. Definitely not my parents. They wouldn't like it. Pa is always going on about good ol' fashioned values. I guess I just trust Easton most. Easton looks my way for real this time and holds my gaze. "That's all right," he says, and I believe him. After a minute, he adds, "I ain't gonna tell."
Wyatt and Easton have known each other ever since Kindergarten and they can't remember a life where the other wasn't in it. When they are teens, Wyatt discovers his feelings for Easton go beyond friendship, but he also knows Easton is straight and in love with a girl, so what else can he do than leave and try to forget about his feelings? Get over them and try to mend his heart.
But of course distance is not the solution to a love so deep. Easton feels like a part of him, whether Wyatt wants that or not, whether he travels as far as he can or stays close.
When something happens to Easton, Wyatt doesn't hesitate for one second. His friend needs him and he will always be there for him, despite of how deep his feelings are for the best (and only) friend he has ever had, how he still hurts when accepting those feelings will never be answered.
Going to Easton feels like coming home and Wyatt realizes once again he has to hide his true feelings or he might risk their lifelong friendship.
What I also loved was the vibe I got from the very first pages. The ranching life, the small, narrowminded town, the love for horses and despite the bad things that happen in small Texas towns like theirs, the longing to stay there forever because it's home. Because it's where they were born and raised. It was a feeling I felt throughout the whole book. Emmy Sanders did a wonderful job capturing that exact feeling.
Like I already said, there was so much to love about this book.
I mean, talk about slow burn! I was over 50% and they hadn't even kissed yet! And it didn't bother me for one single moment. The pining and the longing, the wanting and the needing, but also the obliviousness and the questioning. It’s there and I loved every second of it. And even though my heart broke for Wyatt at times, it just wouldn't have felt right for Easton to all over sudden discover that he did have other feelings for his friend than friendship. The cause for that to eventually happen, felt very natural and real and that was one of the things I also absolutely loved about this. Also, when the sex finally comes, it’s hot! Easton and Wyatt had such chemistry! Wyatt was so patient in teaching Easton about gay sex, to introduce him to all the ways they could find pleasure together. It was so thoughtful of him, it fit their relationship, just as Easton wasn’t too shy to ask. They trusted each other with their lives and felt as comfortable together as people can feel.
"Can we do it like this?" he asked, running his eyes over my body and the way I'm now offered up, opened up to him. Oh Lord. This man is going to kill me.
I nod furiously and Easton scoots himself closer.
"And I just..." He cuts off, but it's obvious to tell what he's thinking as he stares down at my asshole.
"Yes, you just stick it in there," I say, unable to stop the amusement lacing my tone.
Easton gives me an exasperated look, which just makes me smile wider.
"And you'll show me how to do that thing next time? Where you got ready with your fingers?"
Oh God.
"Yep. Yep," I say nodding several times.
Their love shines throughout all the words, pages and chapters. I enjoyed seeing these two grow up together, watch their bond develop until Wyatt realized what he truly felt for his long life best friend. Even then, he always effaced his own feelings so he could be there for Easton the way he truly needed: as a friend.
And then, when it finally happens, the feelings grow deeper, the love only grows stronger and it's the most beautiful thing to witness. They just belonged together. The end couldn’t have been better - a completely swoon worthy, happy and satisfying hea they both deserve.
I really clicked with Emmy Sanders' writing. The dialogues are real and the character development is plain beautiful. The secondary characters were very likable, giving us a few glimpses of possible MC's for a next book, books that I will make sure to read!
So, if you love cowboys, ranchers, horses and longhorns, small Texas towns and a slow burn friends to lovers, unrequited love and an oblivious mc, this is your book. I know for sure you will not regret it. I’m grateful I got a chance to read this and tell everyone what a beautiful book this is!
"That's good, 'cause I want another forty years of this. When we're in our eighties, old and gray, it'll still be you and me. We'll be so stupid in love, we'll embarrass all the young folks in town 'cause we won't be able to keep our hands off on another."
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, voluntary review
June 4, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Unrequited love is a bitch, especially when it lasts almost 20 years. But that’s Wyatt’s story.
He realized in high school that he was in love with his best friend Easton. Unfortunately Easton never realized and married their mutual friend Becca.
But then the worst happened and he lost Becca in childbirth. Even though nothing good could come if it, one good thing happened. It brought Wyatt back into his life.
And for me, this is where the story really began. I loved how Wyatt was the only person Easton allowed near his son, Will. I especially loved that he considered Wyatt to be Will’s father as well.
Even though they’re raising this boy together it remains totally platonic, at least on Easton’s side. Until one fateful moment changes everything.
The chemistry between these men from childhood friends to everything was perfect. They just go together like PB&J.
Will was adorable, he was their biggest cheerleader before even Easton realized. His excitement when he found out they were together was hilarious and heartwarming.
Because it’s a town in the south, there was plenty of bigotry but there was more acceptance and allies. I adored how this one ended. Hell, from the moment Will was born I adored this whole damn book.
Unrequited love is a bitch, especially when it lasts almost 20 years. But that’s Wyatt’s story.
He realized in high school that he was in love with his best friend Easton. Unfortunately Easton never realized and married their mutual friend Becca.
But then the worst happened and he lost Becca in childbirth. Even though nothing good could come if it, one good thing happened. It brought Wyatt back into his life.
And for me, this is where the story really began. I loved how Wyatt was the only person Easton allowed near his son, Will. I especially loved that he considered Wyatt to be Will’s father as well.
Even though they’re raising this boy together it remains totally platonic, at least on Easton’s side. Until one fateful moment changes everything.
The chemistry between these men from childhood friends to everything was perfect. They just go together like PB&J.
Will was adorable, he was their biggest cheerleader before even Easton realized. His excitement when he found out they were together was hilarious and heartwarming.
Because it’s a town in the south, there was plenty of bigotry but there was more acceptance and allies. I adored how this one ended. Hell, from the moment Will was born I adored this whole damn book.
August 20, 2023
Kelsey thank you for giving me this book recommendation. 🩵
MM Romance
Pining
Slow burn
Small town
Bi-awakening
Chef’s Kiss 🤌🤌
Friends to Lovers
Unrequited love
Known since childhood
Book spans over 20 years.
“Because my fool heart has, and always will, love that man. I would do anythin’ for him, and right now, he’s broken and alone. If I can help him feel that a little less, it’s what I’m gonna do.”
Fool Hearts by Emmy Sanders is perfection. I’ve never been so heartbroken and in love at the same time. This book is one for the ages! I think this may be one of the best, if not the best MM romance book I’ve read.
“I would always choose him. Over and over again, no matter how it ends. In any world where there’s a Wyatt and an Easton, that Wyatt would find his Easton and fall in love. And maybe that’s just my story, to be the brokenhearted. Maybe I’m okay with that.”
This book is full of charisma, charm, Cowboys 🥵, heartbreak, love and so much more. I feel like I can’t articulate the review I want to give this. Like it deserve so much more love, hype and to be raved about.
Easton is my soulmate. He’s part of me, and even if there’s never more than what we have now—and let’s face it, I’ve already accepted there never will be—it doesn’t matter. It’ll never matter.
Emmy Sanders, you were a new author for me, after reading this, I’m in love, and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. As soon as I finished this book, the first I did was buy a physical copy. I needed to own it.
MM Romance
Pining
Slow burn
Small town
Bi-awakening
Chef’s Kiss 🤌🤌
Friends to Lovers
Unrequited love
Known since childhood
Book spans over 20 years.
“Because my fool heart has, and always will, love that man. I would do anythin’ for him, and right now, he’s broken and alone. If I can help him feel that a little less, it’s what I’m gonna do.”
Fool Hearts by Emmy Sanders is perfection. I’ve never been so heartbroken and in love at the same time. This book is one for the ages! I think this may be one of the best, if not the best MM romance book I’ve read.
“I would always choose him. Over and over again, no matter how it ends. In any world where there’s a Wyatt and an Easton, that Wyatt would find his Easton and fall in love. And maybe that’s just my story, to be the brokenhearted. Maybe I’m okay with that.”
This book is full of charisma, charm, Cowboys 🥵, heartbreak, love and so much more. I feel like I can’t articulate the review I want to give this. Like it deserve so much more love, hype and to be raved about.
Easton is my soulmate. He’s part of me, and even if there’s never more than what we have now—and let’s face it, I’ve already accepted there never will be—it doesn’t matter. It’ll never matter.
Emmy Sanders, you were a new author for me, after reading this, I’m in love, and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. As soon as I finished this book, the first I did was buy a physical copy. I needed to own it.
April 8, 2022
Best friends. Unrequited love. A story that spans decades.
This was a heart-warming, well written debut but patience is key!
May 28, 2024
I do love a tragic, unrequited love story full of cowboys...I don't know why, but I always cry at this dynamic!! Wasn't great while I've been battling a cold though 😂
Wyatt broke my heart. Repeatedly.😭 Easton was impossible to dislike though, or blame for any of Wyatt's pain.
I do like how it highlighted that there wasn't that much info on sexualities around in the nineties/early 00's. That was my experience too and I didn't even know that Asexuality was a thing until I started reading MM when I was 30, so I liked the realistic element to Easton not knowing how he identified, or that demi was even a thing.
I loved how Wyatt didn't question or second guess that he was going to be raising Will too - that there is a good dad and the perfect example of unconditional love that every parent should have for their kids.
Honestly could have kept reading about these two for so much longer, but I'm looking forward to Hawthorne's story, as well as Will's.
Wyatt broke my heart. Repeatedly.😭 Easton was impossible to dislike though, or blame for any of Wyatt's pain.
I do like how it highlighted that there wasn't that much info on sexualities around in the nineties/early 00's. That was my experience too and I didn't even know that Asexuality was a thing until I started reading MM when I was 30, so I liked the realistic element to Easton not knowing how he identified, or that demi was even a thing.
I loved how Wyatt didn't question or second guess that he was going to be raising Will too - that there is a good dad and the perfect example of unconditional love that every parent should have for their kids.
Honestly could have kept reading about these two for so much longer, but I'm looking forward to Hawthorne's story, as well as Will's.
April 6, 2022
4,5 stars
This was just … lovely.
I mean really really wonderful.
Sigh-worthy.
A love story, friends-to-lovers, spun over 30 years, that really tugged at my heart big time.
This is beautifully written, with calm, with heart and so much feeling.
And Wyatt’s pining and yearning that goes on for so many years. His conscious decision to have this, rather than not being around Easton.
And Easton, so accepting when the penny finally drops (and boy, does it take him a long time!) His firsts are simply swoon-worthy. As is the bond between them, they are soul mates, each a part of the other.
I loved both men, they felt so genuine and honest, and there are no silly misunderstandings or plot twists just for pure drama. Yes, maybe one thing or two might have felt a bit ‘easy’, but it didn’t matter.
All I can say, I devoured this, not being able to stop. I was invested from beginning to end.
This is definitely for everyone who is a romantic at heart. And if you love cowboys and horses, it’s a winner, too!
I’m seriously looking forward to the rest of this series!
This was just … lovely.
I mean really really wonderful.
Sigh-worthy.
A love story, friends-to-lovers, spun over 30 years, that really tugged at my heart big time.
This is beautifully written, with calm, with heart and so much feeling.
And Wyatt’s pining and yearning that goes on for so many years. His conscious decision to have this, rather than not being around Easton.
And Easton, so accepting when the penny finally drops (and boy, does it take him a long time!) His firsts are simply swoon-worthy. As is the bond between them, they are soul mates, each a part of the other.
I loved both men, they felt so genuine and honest, and there are no silly misunderstandings or plot twists just for pure drama. Yes, maybe one thing or two might have felt a bit ‘easy’, but it didn’t matter.
All I can say, I devoured this, not being able to stop. I was invested from beginning to end.
This is definitely for everyone who is a romantic at heart. And if you love cowboys and horses, it’s a winner, too!
I’m seriously looking forward to the rest of this series!
January 2, 2023
Did I like everything the MCs did? No. Will I rate it with 5 stars nevertheless? Definitely.
I guess you have to be in the right mood for this book. I’ve started reading it a few months ago and put it to the side at 15%. It was compelling, but I didn’t like the turn it was about to take. Months later, a friend made me pick it up again, and this time I couldn’t put it down.
It follows Wyatt and Easton from around the age of 11, and it ends when they’re around 40. They’re best friends, inseparable despite the fact that their parents don’t seem too happy about how close they are.
Wyatt knows early on that he’s not into girls, and for years, Easton is the only one who knows about it. They live in a small Texan town, and being gay just isn’t done there. What Easton DOESN’T know is that Wyatt is in love with him, his best friend.
Easton isn’t interested in romantic relationships at all (being demisexual is an even more foreign notion in that small town in Texas). But he befriends Becca, a really nice and sensible girl, and after a while, they start dating. When he decides to propose, it’s too much for Wyatt - he leaves the town (and Easton).
I’ll try and stay spoiler free, just let it be said that Wyatt comes back when Easton needs him most. Easton, who’s still oblivious to Wyatt’s feelings. Eventually, things change, and they FINALLY find their way as a couple.
Did I like every twist and turn? No, I didn’t. I’m not overly fond of the dead-ex-trope (damn, here’s a spoiler after all). And I didn’t like how Wyatt treated Harrison, his (temporary) boyfriend. But I think that even the plot twists that I didn’t like are realistic, fit perfectly in the story, and made the character (and relationship) development believable. Did I want to occasionally shake some sense into both Wyatt and Easton? Definitely. Their HEA was hard earned, but heartbreakingly beautiful and made me believe in all that’s beautiful in romances.
And that, dear friends, is the reason I gave it 5 stars. It made me laugh, choke, cry and smile happily. Definitely worth reading!
I guess you have to be in the right mood for this book. I’ve started reading it a few months ago and put it to the side at 15%. It was compelling, but I didn’t like the turn it was about to take. Months later, a friend made me pick it up again, and this time I couldn’t put it down.
It follows Wyatt and Easton from around the age of 11, and it ends when they’re around 40. They’re best friends, inseparable despite the fact that their parents don’t seem too happy about how close they are.
Wyatt knows early on that he’s not into girls, and for years, Easton is the only one who knows about it. They live in a small Texan town, and being gay just isn’t done there. What Easton DOESN’T know is that Wyatt is in love with him, his best friend.
Easton isn’t interested in romantic relationships at all (being demisexual is an even more foreign notion in that small town in Texas). But he befriends Becca, a really nice and sensible girl, and after a while, they start dating. When he decides to propose, it’s too much for Wyatt - he leaves the town (and Easton).
I’ll try and stay spoiler free, just let it be said that Wyatt comes back when Easton needs him most. Easton, who’s still oblivious to Wyatt’s feelings. Eventually, things change, and they FINALLY find their way as a couple.
Did I like every twist and turn? No, I didn’t. I’m not overly fond of the dead-ex-trope (damn, here’s a spoiler after all). And I didn’t like how Wyatt treated Harrison, his (temporary) boyfriend. But I think that even the plot twists that I didn’t like are realistic, fit perfectly in the story, and made the character (and relationship) development believable. Did I want to occasionally shake some sense into both Wyatt and Easton? Definitely. Their HEA was hard earned, but heartbreakingly beautiful and made me believe in all that’s beautiful in romances.
And that, dear friends, is the reason I gave it 5 stars. It made me laugh, choke, cry and smile happily. Definitely worth reading!
December 19, 2023
Audio - 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars
Story 4.5 stars
April 17, 2024
I liked it but I don’t see myself coming back for the other books. It wasn’t bad but I didn’t swoon either. Still a great read.
March 19, 2022
* 5 stars *
Wonderful debut novel by Emmy Sanders.
A story that spans decades. A friends-to-lovers trope. A lifetime of missed chances until that moment where everything works out and the timing is just right.
Wyatt and Easton grew up together in the small town of Plum Valley. They were always together, running free as children, navigating the confusion of their teenage years, facing the decisions that come with adulthood. They were inseparable, until Wyatt decided that he couldn't stand in the sidelines forever and watch his best friend get married and build a life with someone else.
From that point and for years, Wyatt kept his distance as much as he could, moving to another state and trying to get over his feelings and find someone who could love him back. They kept in contact but didn't see each other more than a couple of times throughout all the years that Wyatt was away. Then Easton's carefully planned future came crashing down around him and Wyatt came back without a second thought to help and support his friend.
They built a life together, although a platonic one, and they were happy. But they both knew that something was bound to change at some point. Their little family couldn't go on like that forever. Eventually, one or both of them would meet someone and everything would change.
What they didn't factor in, was that the way Easton saw Wyatt would change too.
This story takes us on a journey of close to three decades. Easton and Wyatt's lives had their ups and downs. They went through a lot of things together and their experiences shaped their characters. They managed to overcome grief, family issues, small town attitudes and they came out the other side happy, satisfied with what they had accomplished and hopeful for the future.
Easton was always the more reserved of the two. He was more quiet in social situations, introverted and uncomfortable with how the dating world worked. Wyatt on the other hand was more confident, the extrovert of the two. The one unafraid to explore the world and his sexuality.
There were a lot of missed chances for them to get together throughout the years. Wyatt's fear of losing his friend if he revealed his feelings along with Easton's obliviousness in what he really felt for him led to them staying just friends for much longer than if they had made different choices. I liked Wyatt's attitude about it though, about how it was his life, he chose to live it the way that he did and he had no regrets at all about it.
They do get their HEA eventually and I liked that there was even time for us to see them navigating a shared life as partners.
This book is not just another love story, it's actually the lifestory of two people.
Wonderful debut novel by Emmy Sanders.
A story that spans decades. A friends-to-lovers trope. A lifetime of missed chances until that moment where everything works out and the timing is just right.
Wyatt and Easton grew up together in the small town of Plum Valley. They were always together, running free as children, navigating the confusion of their teenage years, facing the decisions that come with adulthood. They were inseparable, until Wyatt decided that he couldn't stand in the sidelines forever and watch his best friend get married and build a life with someone else.
From that point and for years, Wyatt kept his distance as much as he could, moving to another state and trying to get over his feelings and find someone who could love him back. They kept in contact but didn't see each other more than a couple of times throughout all the years that Wyatt was away. Then Easton's carefully planned future came crashing down around him and Wyatt came back without a second thought to help and support his friend.
They built a life together, although a platonic one, and they were happy. But they both knew that something was bound to change at some point. Their little family couldn't go on like that forever. Eventually, one or both of them would meet someone and everything would change.
What they didn't factor in, was that the way Easton saw Wyatt would change too.
This story takes us on a journey of close to three decades. Easton and Wyatt's lives had their ups and downs. They went through a lot of things together and their experiences shaped their characters. They managed to overcome grief, family issues, small town attitudes and they came out the other side happy, satisfied with what they had accomplished and hopeful for the future.
Easton was always the more reserved of the two. He was more quiet in social situations, introverted and uncomfortable with how the dating world worked. Wyatt on the other hand was more confident, the extrovert of the two. The one unafraid to explore the world and his sexuality.
There were a lot of missed chances for them to get together throughout the years. Wyatt's fear of losing his friend if he revealed his feelings along with Easton's obliviousness in what he really felt for him led to them staying just friends for much longer than if they had made different choices. I liked Wyatt's attitude about it though, about how it was his life, he chose to live it the way that he did and he had no regrets at all about it.
They do get their HEA eventually and I liked that there was even time for us to see them navigating a shared life as partners.
This book is not just another love story, it's actually the lifestory of two people.
March 21, 2022
this was a... lonnnnng read, a really sloooow burn. we got to go through with them from a young age to 42 years old. it was a bittersweet jouuurney.
i love reading about them growing up together and their friendship. i love how Easton and Wyatt always orbit around each other, how Easton was so open and free around Wyatt and they both are so supportive of each other.
major spoiler | why the 3star rating
i truly enjoy this but i wouldn't reread bc it made me more frustrated than happy.
i love reading about them growing up together and their friendship. i love how Easton and Wyatt always orbit around each other, how Easton was so open and free around Wyatt and they both are so supportive of each other.
major spoiler | why the 3star rating
i truly enjoy this but i wouldn't reread bc it made me more frustrated than happy.
July 11, 2023
4.5
This ones so cute!
Wyatt is from a small conservative town & has been in love with his bestfriend Easton as long as he can remember unfortunately his best friend has no idea. 💔
This book brought the FEELS.
Dual Pov
Bestfriends to Lovers
Unrequited love & pining
Demisexuality
🌶️
5/5 audio 🎧
This ones so cute!
Wyatt is from a small conservative town & has been in love with his bestfriend Easton as long as he can remember unfortunately his best friend has no idea. 💔
This book brought the FEELS.
Dual Pov
Bestfriends to Lovers
Unrequited love & pining
Demisexuality
🌶️
5/5 audio 🎧
July 18, 2023
✰3 stars✰
I’m going to start this off by saying this book is extremely well written. It doesn’t feel clunky or awkward, and it truly makes you FEEL. I’ll also add if you usually like all of the tropes in this book, I can easily see how this might be a 4 or 5 star read for you. For that reason, I’m giving it a little higher of a rating to be more objective about it.
My problem is not that we see all those things and how much they gutted me, because those emotions and absolute visceral pain can be an amazing thing in a book, and HOLY CRAP can the author make you feel the pain. It’s impressive how much it hurt and made me want to puke on Wyatt’s behalf actually.
My problem is that a huge chunk of the book is backstory before we even get romance, so then the rest of the 30% that we are left with feels rushed and I wanted more of the “after it finally happens” story.
I truly liked the book a lot after the got together though. But in the end I wanted to love the whole thing more than I did simply because the author wrote so well, but I couldn’t and that’s on me and my personal preference of tropes and plot timing.
I’m going to start this off by saying this book is extremely well written. It doesn’t feel clunky or awkward, and it truly makes you FEEL. I’ll also add if you usually like all of the tropes in this book, I can easily see how this might be a 4 or 5 star read for you. For that reason, I’m giving it a little higher of a rating to be more objective about it.
My problem is not that we see all those things and how much they gutted me, because those emotions and absolute visceral pain can be an amazing thing in a book, and HOLY CRAP can the author make you feel the pain. It’s impressive how much it hurt and made me want to puke on Wyatt’s behalf actually.
My problem is that a huge chunk of the book is backstory before we even get romance, so then the rest of the 30% that we are left with feels rushed and I wanted more of the “after it finally happens” story.
I truly liked the book a lot after the got together though. But in the end I wanted to love the whole thing more than I did simply because the author wrote so well, but I couldn’t and that’s on me and my personal preference of tropes and plot timing.
July 8, 2023
- cowboys
- best friends to lovers
- unrequited love & pining
- bi awakening
- small town
- slow burn
Best friends since kindergarten it has always been Wyatt & Easton, the two boys inseparable & always together, but for Wyatt it became more. Loving Easton was easy, until it wasn’t. Until loving him meant breaking his heart, because Easton is straight & has never once looked at Wyatt the way he’s always hoped.
Years fly by and Easton’s happiness ensures Wyatt’s devastation. In an attempt to find his own he leaves Plum Valley and Easton behind, leaving his heart there too, but when tragedy strikes Wyatt finds himself back home and back with the boy he’s loved his whole life.
Another decade passes before Easton even realizes his feelings for his best friend, and it’s almost too late. Unsure what to do with his feelings or how to tell Wyatt, he bides his time while Wyatt tries to move on, but then the truth comes out… AND OH MY GOD 😭😭😭
I have never been so invested in a pair of fictional character’s happinesses like I have been with Wyatt and Easton. This has been the most emotional ride with all the pining, heartache, and grief. These two were robbed of years together, and I hated that so much for them, but it made their happy ever after so much sweeter.
- best friends to lovers
- unrequited love & pining
- bi awakening
- small town
- slow burn
Best friends since kindergarten it has always been Wyatt & Easton, the two boys inseparable & always together, but for Wyatt it became more. Loving Easton was easy, until it wasn’t. Until loving him meant breaking his heart, because Easton is straight & has never once looked at Wyatt the way he’s always hoped.
Years fly by and Easton’s happiness ensures Wyatt’s devastation. In an attempt to find his own he leaves Plum Valley and Easton behind, leaving his heart there too, but when tragedy strikes Wyatt finds himself back home and back with the boy he’s loved his whole life.
Another decade passes before Easton even realizes his feelings for his best friend, and it’s almost too late. Unsure what to do with his feelings or how to tell Wyatt, he bides his time while Wyatt tries to move on, but then the truth comes out… AND OH MY GOD 😭😭😭
I have never been so invested in a pair of fictional character’s happinesses like I have been with Wyatt and Easton. This has been the most emotional ride with all the pining, heartache, and grief. These two were robbed of years together, and I hated that so much for them, but it made their happy ever after so much sweeter.
April 4, 2022
4 stars ⭐️ This story was so beautiful that I was quite surprised to see it was Emmy’s debut novel. Folks, it can't be! She can write!!
I have a soft spot for guys who fall head-over-heels in love with their best friend after realizing they might be a little gay because of the way they feel about their best friend.
Easton and Wyatt were quite a couple. I loved how serene I felt after reading this book. There was no rush between them. But there was palpable temptation between these two, and they couldn’t keep their hands to themselves. I'm so happy that I was able to witness the whole journey these guys went on.
Many thanks to Leslie, for her compelling review! 😂❤️👻
Recommended!
I have a soft spot for guys who fall head-over-heels in love with their best friend after realizing they might be a little gay because of the way they feel about their best friend.
Easton and Wyatt were quite a couple. I loved how serene I felt after reading this book. There was no rush between them. But there was palpable temptation between these two, and they couldn’t keep their hands to themselves. I'm so happy that I was able to witness the whole journey these guys went on.
Many thanks to Leslie, for her compelling review! 😂❤️👻
Recommended!
March 28, 2022
Best friends to lovers.
This book is so heartful it made me melt.
I really enjoyed it.
This author is new to me but writes really good
This book is so heartful it made me melt.
I really enjoyed it.
This author is new to me but writes really good
October 11, 2023
3.5 stars
April 9, 2022
DNF 33%
There’s something wrong with my brain! This is a nice story but it’s frustrating! I’m not going to rant about it but I hate this scenario!!!!!
There’s something wrong with my brain! This is a nice story but it’s frustrating! I’m not going to rant about it but I hate this scenario!!!!!
May 22, 2022
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a cute mm romance. I love the stories that span over many years when they are done well with the transition between the times, and I think Ms. Sanders did really well with that. I liked that I got a good HEA and I got to experience (mostly) how Easton’s feeling changed for Wyatt. My reason for not rating it higher was that it got too mushy for my liking and lagged a little towards the end. I also feel like we could’ve gotten a little deeper into the characters, since it felt a little surface at times (even though I understand because the author was writing over a long time period). But! I think overall this would be a great read for those that like the super sweet stories and are all about the closure like I am!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Wyatt and Easton’s story. They’ve been best friends for many years and while Wyatt has been honest with being gay, he hasn’t revealed that he loves Easton as more than a friend. This spans over many years where Wyatt had to leave after watching his love marry a woman and returns when tragedy strikes and he needs him. After witnessing Wyatt with another man, Easton sees him differently and their relationship is forever changed. There are some cute parts, some sexy times, and a few sad moments…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Wyatt and Easton’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the last 1/4ish where it felt slow. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part.
Instalove: No, they’ve been inseparable since kindergarten.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 3.5 stars. Wyatt. He was loyal and caring. I loved how he stepped up when Easton needed him.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3.5 stars. Easton. He was the strong but silent type, but he would be really sweet at times.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: No
Separation: Not once they get together
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with good, cute closure and what I would call a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with Exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Overall Opinion: This was a cute mm romance. I love the stories that span over many years when they are done well with the transition between the times, and I think Ms. Sanders did really well with that. I liked that I got a good HEA and I got to experience (mostly) how Easton’s feeling changed for Wyatt. My reason for not rating it higher was that it got too mushy for my liking and lagged a little towards the end. I also feel like we could’ve gotten a little deeper into the characters, since it felt a little surface at times (even though I understand because the author was writing over a long time period). But! I think overall this would be a great read for those that like the super sweet stories and are all about the closure like I am!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Wyatt and Easton’s story. They’ve been best friends for many years and while Wyatt has been honest with being gay, he hasn’t revealed that he loves Easton as more than a friend. This spans over many years where Wyatt had to leave after watching his love marry a woman and returns when tragedy strikes and he needs him. After witnessing Wyatt with another man, Easton sees him differently and their relationship is forever changed. There are some cute parts, some sexy times, and a few sad moments…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Wyatt and Easton’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the last 1/4ish where it felt slow. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part.
Instalove: No, they’ve been inseparable since kindergarten.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 3.5 stars. Wyatt. He was loyal and caring. I loved how he stepped up when Easton needed him.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3.5 stars. Easton. He was the strong but silent type, but he would be really sweet at times.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: No
Separation: Not once they get together
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with good, cute closure and what I would call a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with Exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
June 17, 2023
2.5/5 stars
Let’s just say that a lot of things in this book did not work for me. There were many issues that I personally hated or disliked.
Spoiler below:
1) I hated the pacing. The pacing just felt off to me. A lot of things were happening in a short period of time that just doesn’t work? Like Wyatt breaks up with his boyfriend, then the next day or the same day arrives back at Easton’s house to move back in. That’s not the weird part, it’s that they both kiss a couple of pages later? Like no. You just broke up with someone that you were with for TWO years. It’s not like it was six months or something but two fucking years. That brings me to my next point:
2) Harrison. Wyatt is with Harrison for the third or fourth part of the book. And that’s fine you know date who you want to date. But the problem is that Wyatt never loved him. Harrison was a place holder. Wyatt was trying to love him. That is so cruel to do a person that you are with for two years. I swear that made me hate Wyatt. I get if it’s for hookups but you were living together for a year. It just rubbed me off the wrong way.
3) I just didn’t like their relationship. It didn’t feel fleshed out or anything. I just wish there was more. The got “together” at like 70%. Mind you they were never together up until that point because of Wyatt being in a relationship. It felt so rushed to me. The way that Easton’s feelings were introduced was fine. Like it kinda appeared out of nowhere? I just think it could have been fleshed out more. Again I started skimming through the last half. It got so fucking boring. I felt like nothing was happening or progressing for them.
The only saving grace was Will. I truest loved his personality. He made me want to continue. I also think he has a book? Maybe I’ll check it out we will see. I’m just disappointed a little.
Let’s just say that a lot of things in this book did not work for me. There were many issues that I personally hated or disliked.
Spoiler below:
1) I hated the pacing. The pacing just felt off to me. A lot of things were happening in a short period of time that just doesn’t work? Like Wyatt breaks up with his boyfriend, then the next day or the same day arrives back at Easton’s house to move back in. That’s not the weird part, it’s that they both kiss a couple of pages later? Like no. You just broke up with someone that you were with for TWO years. It’s not like it was six months or something but two fucking years. That brings me to my next point:
2) Harrison. Wyatt is with Harrison for the third or fourth part of the book. And that’s fine you know date who you want to date. But the problem is that Wyatt never loved him. Harrison was a place holder. Wyatt was trying to love him. That is so cruel to do a person that you are with for two years. I swear that made me hate Wyatt. I get if it’s for hookups but you were living together for a year. It just rubbed me off the wrong way.
3) I just didn’t like their relationship. It didn’t feel fleshed out or anything. I just wish there was more. The got “together” at like 70%. Mind you they were never together up until that point because of Wyatt being in a relationship. It felt so rushed to me. The way that Easton’s feelings were introduced was fine. Like it kinda appeared out of nowhere? I just think it could have been fleshed out more. Again I started skimming through the last half. It got so fucking boring. I felt like nothing was happening or progressing for them.
The only saving grace was Will. I truest loved his personality. He made me want to continue. I also think he has a book? Maybe I’ll check it out we will see. I’m just disappointed a little.
April 9, 2023
Audio: 500 stars Blake Lockheart knocked it out of the park, I wish he’d do more MM romance! His county accent 😍🔥
Book: I am going back and forth with my rating and I think I am going to give it a solid 3 stars
I loved the beginning, seeing Easton and Wyatt growing up, being best friends. But Becca.. hmm didn’t hate her but would prefer her not in the picture at all… idk
Will was adorable especially when he was a teen.
Harrison deserved better from Wyatt than to be used as a placeholder for Easton… for 2 years…the fact that after Harrison and Wyatt broke up, Wyatt and Easton started their relationship/sexual relationship right away.. we should have had some time before that… made them talk about their feelings changing or something..
Didn’t feel right. #JusticeForHarrison lol he should get his own HEA!!
The narration really made this book for me, because without it I probably would have lost interest (or more than I did) after they got together lol…. Idk I zoned out during their sex scenes, and I liked their relationship more when they were best friends…idk.
this book has a lot of potential and for a debut book it was solid. I am only hoping it gets better from here. But we will see. I will be waiting for more audiobooks, because if Emmy Sanders chooses narrators like Blake Lockheart I know I’ll be listening!!
Book: I am going back and forth with my rating and I think I am going to give it a solid 3 stars
I loved the beginning, seeing Easton and Wyatt growing up, being best friends. But Becca.. hmm didn’t hate her but would prefer her not in the picture at all… idk
Will was adorable especially when he was a teen.
Harrison deserved better from Wyatt than to be used as a placeholder for Easton… for 2 years…the fact that after Harrison and Wyatt broke up, Wyatt and Easton started their relationship/sexual relationship right away.. we should have had some time before that… made them talk about their feelings changing or something..
Didn’t feel right. #JusticeForHarrison lol he should get his own HEA!!
The narration really made this book for me, because without it I probably would have lost interest (or more than I did) after they got together lol…. Idk I zoned out during their sex scenes, and I liked their relationship more when they were best friends…idk.
this book has a lot of potential and for a debut book it was solid. I am only hoping it gets better from here. But we will see. I will be waiting for more audiobooks, because if Emmy Sanders chooses narrators like Blake Lockheart I know I’ll be listening!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
4/5 ★
2/5 🌶
Well this was a delight. I looooove stories that take place over long periods of time. This one gave me real Wilde Love vibes. I wanted to hate Becca but I couldn't at the end.
Also I'm just pleased as punch that we're getting Hawthorne's story and then Will's. YEEEEESSSSS
2/5 🌶
Well this was a delight. I looooove stories that take place over long periods of time. This one gave me real Wilde Love vibes. I wanted to hate Becca but I couldn't at the end.
Also I'm just pleased as punch that we're getting Hawthorne's story and then Will's. YEEEEESSSSS
May 6, 2022
1.9 ⭐️
I should’ve mind my own business when I saw the mixed reviews. I should’ve let this one go. I wanted to dnf so bad, but I kept going to see if there was any hope for me to love this. And….Nope. Usually, I don’t write reviews for book I hate because what a waste of time, but this one though, too many things I have to include. And I’m going to be harsh, sorry.
SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS.
First of all, the fucking dead wife trope. Seriously? DEAD WIFE TROPE IS THE REASON TO BRING THEM TOGETHER?!?! OH, PLEASE! that’s absurd !!!! Not only that trope was crazy, but the fact that it wasn’t even written in detailed. At all??? It was like, “Becca’s dead. Aww, that sucks. Anyway, moving on.” That little twist to the plot should’ve shocked me, should’ve given me a heart attack and all of the feels because that was where the story supposed to move, but no. Just simple. Becca’s dead. Done, let’s move on. *sighs* I really can’t comprehend the whole situation. It was just messed up. But I couldn’t complain more because the love development between Becca and Easton wasn’t told in depth either so yeah, there’s that. But seriously, though? I’ve read multiple books with the dead loved ones, but it wasn’t as bad as this. smh.
Next, what the fuck is up with the MCs? First, Harrison, AKA Wyatt’s boyfriend of two years. Why on earth would Wyatt drag his mf boyfriend in the story even though he’s in love with his bestfriend. Two years. That was, quite a long…time. I tried to understand that maybe, maybe Wyatt needed something to push him to move on from Easton, but that stupid distraction was just terrible. He didn’t even try. That was such a turn off. And the fact that Wyatt even deny what he’d done? oh, what the hell. Here is the receipt: (context: this is Harrison confronting Wyatt for using him)
Despite all of the heartbreaking moments with Harrison, it happens out of sudden and again, no depth. What’s the point of writing a slow burn without depth? :/
I won’t stop there. Seriously, it gets worse and worse…
The “past two years” of Easton’s sexuality discovery was just wow, what was that? First, he never even think about sex after his wife is dead. For ten years. Then, saw Wyatt fucking Harrison one time and think “oh, I might be gay.”, and then waited for two more years (again, no depth or story to how he feels about being not so straight) and BOOM! he’s in love with Wyatt. finally. yay………. ://////
The whole storyline wasn’t something I love either. Sometimes I feel like it moved too fast and sometimes it was just too slow and sometimes it was bland. This book was meant to be slowburn at it’s finest but the blank holes in the plot was making me contemplating my whole life reading this. The “pining for the straight best friend” trope wasn’t exciting at all. To make it worse, the MCs didn’t act like their age at all. How can two men in their thirties, be so stupid and cringey like a twenty year old.
Oh, come on. I was supposed to love this!!! The blurb had me. I was supposed to love the dead wife trope. Hell, I loved Without You with the dead brother’s boyfriend trope. Dead loved ones—same thing, but more in depth and realistic. There you go, one of the prove that this trope is my thing, but this book is just terrible. I don’t know what else I hate more about this book. The plot? the undeveloped relationships? the storyline? But fine, I’ll give one credit. Will, their son manage to make me smile at times. Oh, and the sappy moments at 92%. I might like that a little.
PS. Did Easton even bottom for Wyatt? I forgot because I skimmed after 80%. I wish he did, but whatever, I don’t care anymore. I REALLY REALLY had high hopes for this one and well….
I should’ve mind my own business when I saw the mixed reviews. I should’ve let this one go. I wanted to dnf so bad, but I kept going to see if there was any hope for me to love this. And….Nope. Usually, I don’t write reviews for book I hate because what a waste of time, but this one though, too many things I have to include. And I’m going to be harsh, sorry.
SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS.
First of all, the fucking dead wife trope. Seriously? DEAD WIFE TROPE IS THE REASON TO BRING THEM TOGETHER?!?! OH, PLEASE! that’s absurd !!!! Not only that trope was crazy, but the fact that it wasn’t even written in detailed. At all??? It was like, “Becca’s dead. Aww, that sucks. Anyway, moving on.” That little twist to the plot should’ve shocked me, should’ve given me a heart attack and all of the feels because that was where the story supposed to move, but no. Just simple. Becca’s dead. Done, let’s move on. *sighs* I really can’t comprehend the whole situation. It was just messed up. But I couldn’t complain more because the love development between Becca and Easton wasn’t told in depth either so yeah, there’s that. But seriously, though? I’ve read multiple books with the dead loved ones, but it wasn’t as bad as this. smh.
Next, what the fuck is up with the MCs? First, Harrison, AKA Wyatt’s boyfriend of two years. Why on earth would Wyatt drag his mf boyfriend in the story even though he’s in love with his bestfriend. Two years. That was, quite a long…time. I tried to understand that maybe, maybe Wyatt needed something to push him to move on from Easton, but that stupid distraction was just terrible. He didn’t even try. That was such a turn off. And the fact that Wyatt even deny what he’d done? oh, what the hell. Here is the receipt: (context: this is Harrison confronting Wyatt for using him)
”It doesn’t work like that, Wyatt. You can’t just will love into existence. You should’ve told me. I had a right to know I was your second choice.”
“And that would’ve made a difference?”
WHY is that even a question?! I can’t believe he is 35 YEARS OLD at this time !! Can you think with your old brain, Wyatt?
Despite all of the heartbreaking moments with Harrison, it happens out of sudden and again, no depth. What’s the point of writing a slow burn without depth? :/
I won’t stop there. Seriously, it gets worse and worse…
The “past two years” of Easton’s sexuality discovery was just wow, what was that? First, he never even think about sex after his wife is dead. For ten years. Then, saw Wyatt fucking Harrison one time and think “oh, I might be gay.”, and then waited for two more years (again, no depth or story to how he feels about being not so straight) and BOOM! he’s in love with Wyatt. finally. yay………. ://////
The whole storyline wasn’t something I love either. Sometimes I feel like it moved too fast and sometimes it was just too slow and sometimes it was bland. This book was meant to be slowburn at it’s finest but the blank holes in the plot was making me contemplating my whole life reading this. The “pining for the straight best friend” trope wasn’t exciting at all. To make it worse, the MCs didn’t act like their age at all. How can two men in their thirties, be so stupid and cringey like a twenty year old.
Oh, come on. I was supposed to love this!!! The blurb had me. I was supposed to love the dead wife trope. Hell, I loved Without You with the dead brother’s boyfriend trope. Dead loved ones—same thing, but more in depth and realistic. There you go, one of the prove that this trope is my thing, but this book is just terrible. I don’t know what else I hate more about this book. The plot? the undeveloped relationships? the storyline? But fine, I’ll give one credit. Will, their son manage to make me smile at times. Oh, and the sappy moments at 92%. I might like that a little.
PS. Did Easton even bottom for Wyatt? I forgot because I skimmed after 80%. I wish he did, but whatever, I don’t care anymore. I REALLY REALLY had high hopes for this one and well….
January 27, 2024
My heart is BEAMING. This was darling. Absolutely DARLIN'!
Notes:
- It's a TRUE slow-burn romance
- Yes, they are indeed your very male and very muscly cowboys
- If small-town/conservative views against the queer community are a trigger for you, then take heed
- Will and Sadie are incredible characters - I adore them both so much
- If you're like me - you will devour this in one sitting
Oh! And if you don’t like introspective narratives (aka where you’re basically reading pages on end of the MC’s inner thoughts), then this book won’t be for you! I’m a huge fan of that writing style because it makes me fall in love with MCs. So it had me in my feels and I teared up several times 🥺🥺🥺
Notes:
- It's a TRUE slow-burn romance
- Yes, they are indeed your very male and very muscly cowboys
- If small-town/conservative views against the queer community are a trigger for you, then take heed
- Will and Sadie are incredible characters - I adore them both so much
- If you're like me - you will devour this in one sitting
Oh! And if you don’t like introspective narratives (aka where you’re basically reading pages on end of the MC’s inner thoughts), then this book won’t be for you! I’m a huge fan of that writing style because it makes me fall in love with MCs. So it had me in my feels and I teared up several times 🥺🥺🥺
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