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Built for You #3

Brightly Built

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Love works in mysterious ways?
Well, love can go eat dirt.

Syl

I woke up with the hangover from hell in the adorable bartenders bed and I ran out of there as fast as my feet could take me. I don't mean to be an ass, but Russ is everything I have never wanted. He's too quiet, too young, and too sweet. How many drinks did it take to turn playful flirting into ripping his clothes off. It was just a one night stand, but I keep thinking about him in a new light.
Russ

I finally had a successful conversation with the man I have been pining. Not only that, but he tipsily tumbled into my bed at the end of the night. Unfortunately, when I woke up he was gone and I am back to being the friend with no benefits. He'll never really see me as anything but a stuttering, fumbling mess. I want to be the man he wants, but he shines so bright.

Brightly Built is an MM romance with two men who don't know their own strengths. This story features a hopelessly devoted stuttering bar man that just lost his virginity to the beautiful elusive barfly with a healthy appreciation for musicals and fruity pebbles. Syl shines everywhere he goes, but can Russ join him in the spotlight or will he be burned along the way?

135 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2022

25 people are currently reading
52 people want to read

About the author

T.H. Compton

11 books65 followers

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5 stars
60 (39%)
4 stars
53 (34%)
3 stars
33 (21%)
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5 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,844 reviews38 followers
October 12, 2022
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”Sssquirrels & Dragons: A Tale of Love and Alcohol.”

We’ve seen a bit of Syl in previous books, a flirtatious partier, but Russ was pretty much a mystery. And I love me a mysterious guy. Quiet, shy, basically the complete opposite of what we know of Syl.

When Syl walked (okay, ran) out on Russ after a one-night stand, I was fuming. How could he do that to such a sweet guy, and a friend?! And bless Emmett for holding no punches about it either (I do love that man!).

Of course, Russ isn’t as shy and innocent as we first believe, and Syl isn’t entirely who we think he is either. As we see behind their masks, I loved how our preconceptions were pushed aside, but also how Syl was forced to reconsider his own expectations of his life.

Together they make a pretty fun couple.
Profile Image for Hannah Roberts .
496 reviews9 followers
October 14, 2022
Really enjoyed this one, not a typical flamboyant MC getting with the “Daddy” muscular guy he thinks he wants but the shy, stuttering Virgin.

Russ was such a sweet character and suited Syl. Low angst, fun quick read.
Profile Image for Sarah Sargent.
Author 2 books12 followers
March 16, 2022
I absolutely adore this series. Syl is our favorite loud flirt and Logan’s best friend. Russ is our quiet bartender who has a studder, but Syl doesn’t care about that, Russ also holds a secret he has always been crazy about Syl. After one-night Syl must work to show Russ that it was not a mistake. As the pair builds trust and a relationship it was truly beautiful.
Profile Image for Flick.
1,011 reviews8 followers
September 22, 2022
Sweet, low angst story with two adorable humans

Russ and Syl were so cute. I’ve always liked Syl and seeing him find his HEA was awesome. In true Syl fashion he managed to go about it in a less than usual way but I loved that he could accept his mistakes and also be honest about what he wanted. I love that the characters in this series are able to take a chance when it’s presented to them. Yes, they have doubts and insecurities but they still take the leap. Russ and Syl both had reasons for believing that the other wouldn’t want them long term but they still made the effort and hoped for something good together. My one complaint would be that the ending felt a little abrupt but to be fair we’d clearly gotten to the end of the story so I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything or that the story was rushed. I love that Syl wasn’t portrayed as flighty. It’s a pet peeve of mine (read it absolutely infuriates me) that flirty characters or characters who have had casual sex are portrayed as incapable of commitment. Syl is flirty and he own that, but he was also 100% committed to trying with Russ. I also love how this author deals with conflict. No spoilers, but miscommunications/misunderstandings/fights are dealt with rationally. There is no huge blow up with an unwarranted break up. The characters talk (woohoo! Score one for communication) and work beyond their issues. All in all I think it’s fair to say I really enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,287 reviews44 followers
February 18, 2022
So enjoyable.

I absolutely adored Syl. He made this whole book for me. I certainly enjoyed Russ, but Syl just shined.

I’ve have really been enjoying the men of Built Bar. And Syl has always been like a shining star sitting in the background asking, “What about MY fabulous story?!” Well, here is it. Syl has so much more to him then people see. It was lovely to see Russ be able to get underneath the surface. Russ was so hard to get a bead on. He was sweet but held everything so close to the best. Getting information from him was like pulling teeth. It was slightly frustrating at times.

Their chemistry was smoking hot. Every time then we’re alone together you could practically hear the sizzle.

My two issues: Syl having such trouble with the age difference. He’s 26. Russ is 20, nearly 21. I didn’t see what the big deal was for him in the beginning. Thankfully, he does get to a point it doesn’t bother him. My second issue was the rather abrupt ending. Yes, we were in the epilogue, but it still felt abrupt. I flipped the page twice thinking I was missing something.

This was a sweet story that was fitting for Syl’s big personality.
Profile Image for Sophie Reads Stories.
287 reviews
January 30, 2023
This was a lovely addition to the Built For You series.

It was really nice to get to know Sly's personality and the kind, loving, patient person he is underneath the glitter and flirty banter.

Russ is a character that was only mentioned in passing here and there (although he features more in Emmet's story) so it was a nice surprise to see the whole book devoted to his story at Built.

This is more of a have sex first, get to know you later story than the others, but it fit both the characters and their personalities. Russ would be much to sensitive and shy to get to know someone and make the first move, and Sly was too much into simply having a good time and living in the moment to realise that he would actually love being someone's long term partner.

I did feel, after the end of the book, that I still didn't really know Russ and that their relationship was still in the early, early days - but as will both appear in the next Built stories I am hoping that the relationship and Russ will be given a bit more detail.
Profile Image for Grace ❤️.
329 reviews11 followers
February 20, 2022
2.5 ⭐️

This was just okay for me. I didn’t really feel like I got to know either character very well and a lot of their interaction and relationship was told and not shown so I didn’t really feel their connection either.

I was excited by the blurb but I don’t think the story lived up to what I hoped it would be. Stutter aside I didn’t really understand what was going on with Russ and even when he did open up we got a few lines of dialogue and then a vague description of how they went deeper into it and continued talking.

This was my first book from this author and unfortunately I find myself a little dubious in reading anything else from them because I really do not enjoy plot where I’m just told what happened and how the characters feel rather than letting their connection and interactions show me that. Overall this just didn’t work for me while I did finish it, I mostly skimmed the last 20% or so.
1,901 reviews7 followers
September 27, 2022
Lovely story and Syl surprised me

I've read the short story and the first two books in the series and I had some preconceptions about Syl which actually turned out to be misconceptions. The glimpses T.H. gave us were cleverly designed to point us to a wrong conclusion and though I liked what I'd seen of him anyway, he was so much more than just the flighty barfly he appeared to be.
Russ was just the shy bartender until now but Syl brought him out of his shell. They were perfect for each other, against all the odds, as Russ needs taking care of which is what Syl excels at and Syl brings out Russ' cheeky side and unleashes his passion too.
Seeing behind Syl's mask was fascinating and I loved what I learnt about him. I also loved seeing the rest of the Built crew again, especially Emmett whose relationship with James is improving his life exponentially.
Next up is Jaylen, James' friend, and I hope he gets the relationship we were teased with in this one.
Profile Image for Anna.
2,016 reviews356 followers
Read
September 27, 2022
So I received free copies of this whole series with gay romance reviews and unfortunately I'm pretty sure that had I not committed to giving reviews I would have DNFed. It's not even that they're bad necessarily but they are so so rushed that they're boring.

I'd really high hopes for this one in particular because I really liked both Syl and Russ from the beginning but neither one of them are given any chance to show who they are. We know the most basic of basic facts about each one of them and that's it. Everything that happens in their relationship is super freaking rushed and there's tons of time jumps. All of a sudden months have gone by and you get a one paragraph rundown of what happened. It left me feeling very disconnected and uninvested in the story. I am a little bit annoyed that I still have to read one more book.
929 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2022
This is the third book in the series, it is not necessary to have read the previous book in the series, but in my opinion it helps to get a bit more background information about both Syl and Russ.
I was happy to see that they would gwt their story. For me it felt like a reversed ' get to know you story' They have both been eyeing eachother, with realizing it. One sloahed night Syl and Russ take the plunge and end up in bed. After a hasty retreat by Syl the following morning, which was thwarted by the friendly neighbour, they start dating and gettibg to know eachother. That took bravery on both part, but especially for Russ. These strong and caring men who overcame their birth family, find their found family and a hea.

I received an arc for an honest review
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,285 reviews30 followers
May 3, 2022
Such a good book

I have loved every book in this series and this one was no exception. Syl may act like a total flirt, well he really is, but he loves interacting with people and wants to be loved for who he really is. Russ is shy and quiet, always trying to hide his stutter, so he doesn’t talk much. One night changes the course of both of their lives. This book was so good. Syl brings out the best in Russ and lets him learn to open up. Russ gives Syl the chance to be the caretaker he really is. I love the found family that revolves around the Built bar and can’t get enough of any of them. And now I can’t get the picture of Syl as a ferret out of my head!
Profile Image for Traci S.
2,028 reviews12 followers
September 17, 2022
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series, but Syl and Russ are my favorite. We had peeks of both these characters in the previous books in the series, and I am very glad they got their chance to shiny. Syl is a great character, he has a little bit of a hard shell but really is kind and loving as he slowly learns to accept Russ’ love. The author does a nice job with some challenging issues, treated with kindness and heart, which really made me invested in their beautiful and well deserved happy ending. Sweet, MCs with great chemistry, some pining, and a lovely epilogue. Great story, loved this couple!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,828 reviews
September 25, 2022
Syl and Russ are such real and genuine guys. Both with insecurities about themselves and how they are starting to feel about the other. I will admit this is a new author for me and this cover had drawn me in. I am so glad it did because I adored Syl and how flirty sweet he was. This was perfectly balanced though with his sincere feelings for Russ. He was determined, dedicated and loyal despite some of the miscommunications between them. Russ was a hard nut to crack but these two ended up being steamy sweet together! I am going back to read the earlier books in the series now! This can be read as a standalone romance, but I think full enjoyment will be reading the entire series!!
1,067 reviews
October 5, 2022
I felt a kinship with Russ, it felt personal

This is a modern romance, the 3rd book in the series that should be read in order. I’ve love Syl since book 1 where he built up his best friend and pushed him out into the world. I never would have paired him with quiet, shy Russ, and neither would have Syl, which is why he panics! Enough people tell him to give Russ a chance that he tries. It’s so realistic in how relationships go with a wounded heart that my heart aches for what happens. I have seen so much growth in the author’s writing from book 1 to book 3, but one consistency is the well-developed and vulnerable characters!
3,026 reviews19 followers
October 22, 2022
Syl had been hoping for a connection and then he got it with Russ. The fact that it was somewhat fueled by his overdoing it with the alcohol may not have been ideal. But since Russ is shy and Syl was overthinking things it was the catalyst they both needed to move them in the right direction. Syl panics when he wakes up in Russ' bed. They are fortunate that there were good friends to convince him not to let the opportunity pass. They are truly opposites that attract, and theirs is a good sweet love story. They bring out good things in one another.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,878 reviews18 followers
October 24, 2022
Sometimes, everyone is not as they seem. Russ, is still moaning about losing his bar hopping wing man, Logan to love. He still is insecure about his stutter. Syl, gives off the persona of a flighty, flirty airhead. He hides a deeply carling nurturing man. Russ and Syl feed on each other. They make it easy for each other to be the best man he can be. Syl, hides behind a good protective shield that camoflauges him from the rest of the world. Good story, good timing, good support. These men take the opportunity to explore and find out who they really are. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Latecia Jennings.
2,332 reviews10 followers
October 25, 2022
Third book in this series started off great...kept me interested in how this relationship/romance was gonna play out between Syl and Russ. Russ had his issues/insecurities but Syl with his flightiness was there with comfort and support. I like how this shows even though you might have a "type", it's really all about the person..so don't limit yourself:)...as with the others in the series...there was overwhelming support and love from all the characters for each other. Made this a delight to read...until I got to the end...I'm like whhhhhhhaaat just happened...How you gonna leave me wondering like that T.H.??? LOL

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Karen.
418 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2022
I can't say I was especially engaged with either Syl or Russ in this story. It's cute if you like the self-conscious boy - Russ, the stuttering virgin -- and the super-confident man -- Syl, cocksure and flamboyant -- finding fulfillment in each other. Russ felt off to me, as though he wasn't sure who to be from one moment to the next. That may just be the way the author chose to present him. He was a paradox of opposing reactions and behaviors. Syl just didn't engage me at all. I preferred his "real" side to the default face he preferred to show the world, and kept wishing I could see more of that. 2.5 stars rounded up.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,616 reviews34 followers
February 17, 2022
I loved the other two books in this series and this one did not disappoint at all. I love that Russ was finally able to get together with Syl after watching him from afar for so long. Russ always felt unsure of himself and didn't seem to think he was quite good enough for Syl because he was so shy and self-conscious about his stutter, but his friends end up encouraging it and in the end it's all worth it. I'm so glad Syl was finally able to get his head out his rear end and see what a great person Russ was.
2,119 reviews17 followers
September 18, 2022
My Mom loved Pink Squirrels! And apparently Syl did, too. Hanging out at the bar with friends, he meets and sleeps with Russ, a bartender. He is shamed into dating him and his attachment becomes real. These guys are an odd couple but they work, an outgoing hook up guy and a virgin. There are lots of sexy times and not many sharing of feelings between a chatty guy and a quiet stutterer. They have a great circle of friends who all care for each other and Syl turns out to be a pretty good caretaker. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for avid reader 1.
819 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2022
4 ½ Stars

As much as I enjoyed book 2 in the series, Brightly Built is my favorite. The secondary characters support the storyline and make the piece more interesting and colorful.
Syl and Russ are so good together. Their passion is strong, but the emotional connection is what kept my focus. They learn about each other and what they need, and why. They learn to trust and give it unreservedly and accept each other freely. They are a beautiful couple, and I was left with a good case of the warm fuzzies.
I look forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Myeshia Cole.
707 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2022
Russ and Syl are not two people I would have ever put together, but they actually work. Syl is this beautiful butterfly that just attracts everyone whit his shining personality and good looks. Russ is this shy wallflower, who can barely talk to people and has a hard time opening up. Nothing about them should work, but it does and I loved it. This is truly an opposites attract book and it was done so well. I honestly enjoyed watching the ebb and flow of their relationship. Great addition to the series.
1,719 reviews14 followers
October 22, 2022
What began as a drunken night soon became the perfect match. Russ and Syl both have made people family that aren’t technically related but they both feel the love they may have missed out on as youths. This family’s support help to build their new relationship through advise and encouragement. Their journey is fast paced and has a strength about it that’s sweet and warm. Syl’s love of glitter and musicals made me smile. This entire story just kind of made me smile. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,076 reviews66 followers
February 17, 2022
3.5 stars A good romance to read.
A great start with a very drunk Syl not wanting to be alone at Built bar. Eyeing off a cute bartender Russ was aww to cute making purple dragons and blushing.
Russ 20 yrs has had a crush on Syl 26 yrs but he made him nervous but by the end of night things would change.
Wow Syl was a bugger but I'm glad he had a consonsus for Russ.
I loved the banter between them in this and really liked the story but felt something missing while I read this.
Profile Image for Louise Ryan.
431 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2022
I’ve been looking forward to Russ’ book since he was introduced in a previous book and his story was exactly what he needed. Syl and Russ are very different but worked well once Syl saw what was in front of him. Even though Syl got frustrated at times with how uncommunicative Russ was, it was nice that he had the patience to let Russ come out of his shell, exactly as he needed. The only downside was the length, I felt the book jumped forward erratically and some parts could have been longer.
Profile Image for DJ McCready.
492 reviews8 followers
October 5, 2022
This is a good but not exceptional book. The two main characters were characters, hurt by their past. Their relationship, partilcularly as Russ saw it was not solid and the consequence was fear.

There was not enough preparation for the Epilogue.

The friends were all much more normal people and helped the couple along. I liked that.

I would try another book by this author but would look for a more smooth trasnition to the Epilogue.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
October 20, 2022
Brightly Built is the third book in the Built For You series. Russ has been pining for Syl, but he’s quiet and shy and doesn’t think he’ll ever get the man he wants. Syl is like a bright light, but he thinks Russ is too quiet for him. They just happen to fall in to bed together one night, oops. This was the sweetest so far in my opinion. Loved Russ, but Syl took a bit for me to like him, too flirty. Overall, a great story! Well written with good pacing that kept me engaged.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,893 reviews
October 22, 2022
This is a book about falling not for the person you think you want but for the best person for you. Syl has been a side character in earlier book and we now have his happily ever after. Russ is the shy bartender who go has had a crush on Syl, he can’t believe they finally end up in bed together. After their night Russ goes about showing Syl it wasn’t a mistake and they build a truly lovely relationship by the end of the book.
This is a low angst, sweet read that I enjoyed overall.
1,005 reviews10 followers
February 21, 2022
Sweet

Russ was just the sweetest character. He has a crush on Syl but his stutter and past have kept him from opening up to anyone. Syl is a flirty glitter bomb that finally realizes what a great guy Russ is after a druken hookup. I liked how they got to know each other. Little to no angst, full of sweetness, and oh so hot!
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