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Reckless Games #1
Don't You Dare
It was never meant to be more than a dare.
A party game. A dare. A single kiss. That’s all it took to flip my world upside down. I’ve always classified myself as straight, and as far as I can tell, so has he. I didn’t think one kiss would change that, but I was so wrong. Now, I can’t stop thinking about him. In all the ways I shouldn’t. My best friend. Aspen. His taste is branded in my memory, his touch seared in my skin. And I want more. This simmering attraction I feel only grows with passing time. Which is why I start tossing out new dares. Riskier ones that toe lines we never thought we’d cross. I’m gambling with our friendship, knowing it could ruin us. But there’s so much more at stake here. Like my heart.
*Don't You Dare is a new adult college romance featuring two best friends, too many baseball puns, scorching dirty talk, and a whole lot of bi-curious exploration. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*
A party game. A dare. A single kiss. That’s all it took to flip my world upside down. I’ve always classified myself as straight, and as far as I can tell, so has he. I didn’t think one kiss would change that, but I was so wrong. Now, I can’t stop thinking about him. In all the ways I shouldn’t. My best friend. Aspen. His taste is branded in my memory, his touch seared in my skin. And I want more. This simmering attraction I feel only grows with passing time. Which is why I start tossing out new dares. Riskier ones that toe lines we never thought we’d cross. I’m gambling with our friendship, knowing it could ruin us. But there’s so much more at stake here. Like my heart.
*Don't You Dare is a new adult college romance featuring two best friends, too many baseball puns, scorching dirty talk, and a whole lot of bi-curious exploration. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*
410 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2022
3101 people are currently reading
18604 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Ricci
17 books4,861 followersCE Ricci is a USA Today and international best-selling author who enjoys plenty of things in her free time, but writing about herself in the third person isn’t one of them. She believes home isn’t a place, but a feeling, and it’s one she gets when she’s chilling lakeside or on hiking trails with her dogs, camera in hand. She’s addicted to all things photography, plants, peaks, puppies, and paperbacks, though not necessarily in that order. Music is her love language, and traveling the country (and world) is the way she chooses to find most of her inspiration for whatever epic love story she will tell next!
CE Ricci is represented by Two Daisy Media.
For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell: info@twodaisy.com
Join CE Ricci's reader group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wreck...
CE Ricci is represented by Two Daisy Media.
For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell: info@twodaisy.com
Join CE Ricci's reader group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wreck...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,336 reviews
February 24, 2022
Finalllllyyyy. I thought it would never end. Have you ever read a book that felt like it was 700 pages and then you think the world is playing tricks on you when you find out it was just 379 pages? no? okay. just me I guess
“Living without you isn’t an option anymore, Keene. It never really was.”
Lemme just tell you that this is my second non-5-star from CE RICCI. She’s my go to author for a fun, toxic, high school bs that’s just perfectly OTT. But this wasn’t
This was BoOoOoring. Nothing like her usual style. The friends to lovers trope however was beautifully done. But the storyline? Meh
“At the risk of sounding completely fucking corny or like a total sap, I’m happiest when you’re happy, Kee. It’s always been that way, always will be.”
This was just 300 pages of Aspen and Keene messing around with no evident development imo. They’re growing feelings felt forced and unreal and it wasn’t all that sweet to me.
the sex was hot.
“Call it possessiveness or jealousy, I don’t care. But it’s not happening with anyone else, so you might as well get on your knees right now before I walk out the door and make you come begging for it.”
The part I DID however enjoy was the ending. After the mandatory fuck up and break up ; we see a very well written conversation between them and it was actually touching and understanding.
“I can’t handle more rejection from you, Pen. I can’t handle loving you and losing you all over again. So if there’s even the slightest chance you’re gonna back out of this down the road, I need you to say something now. Let me go, and let me be. Because I’m giving you the power to hurt me all over again, and I wanna know my heart is safe with you.”
Overall. It was okay. I cant say that I enjoyed the book because I didn’t half the time. But the parts that were good were good.
“Living without you isn’t an option anymore, Keene. It never really was.”
Lemme just tell you that this is my second non-5-star from CE RICCI. She’s my go to author for a fun, toxic, high school bs that’s just perfectly OTT. But this wasn’t
This was BoOoOoring. Nothing like her usual style. The friends to lovers trope however was beautifully done. But the storyline? Meh
“At the risk of sounding completely fucking corny or like a total sap, I’m happiest when you’re happy, Kee. It’s always been that way, always will be.”
This was just 300 pages of Aspen and Keene messing around with no evident development imo. They’re growing feelings felt forced and unreal and it wasn’t all that sweet to me.
the sex was hot.
“Call it possessiveness or jealousy, I don’t care. But it’s not happening with anyone else, so you might as well get on your knees right now before I walk out the door and make you come begging for it.”
The part I DID however enjoy was the ending. After the mandatory fuck up and break up ; we see a very well written conversation between them and it was actually touching and understanding.
“I can’t handle more rejection from you, Pen. I can’t handle loving you and losing you all over again. So if there’s even the slightest chance you’re gonna back out of this down the road, I need you to say something now. Let me go, and let me be. Because I’m giving you the power to hurt me all over again, and I wanna know my heart is safe with you.”
Overall. It was okay. I cant say that I enjoyed the book because I didn’t half the time. But the parts that were good were good.
June 22, 2022
***3.0 rating***
"I keep kissing him. Because I can. Because he’s mine."
You know when people say if you have nothing nice to say then don't? Guess that ain't me, so I apologize in advance.
My thoughts on this book:
I didn't think this book would ever end. Holy crap it was long. The sad thing is it wasn't technically long but like some have already mentioned in their reviews it felt like 800 pages.
Sigh.
It feels like lately every book I have read has either been two or three stars. All either predictable or boring. Where does this one fall?
Sadly, this read was worthy of three stars or less.
It wasn't a bad book or anything just very long, boring and predictable. I hate to be that person who hates on a new book by an author whose work I am not even familiar with, but this book... man it kept dragging and dragging. I kept waiting to feel something but it never happened.
The story begins with two best friends Keene Waters and Aspen Kohl who have been friends since they were 8 and bonded over the tragic death of their fathers. Ever since then, these two have been inseparable.
In a high school party, these two lock lips for the first time through a dare. This game that is based on a dare is called "Don't you dare", a game that they play throughout the story. For Aspen, that kiss two years ago (before the story takes place) is just that a dare or so he thinks. For Keene it was always something more. A simple dare that changed his whole life and well sexuality. It was then that Keene realized he was attracted to his bestfriend in a way that is more than what friends feel for one another. Torn about his feelings and sexual identity, Keene locks those feelings aside and hides his feelings from his bestfriend, well that is until another dare comes around. lol.
Fast-forward two years later at a college party, Keene and Aspen are dared to kiss one another, one more time. This time however, Keene does not want to pursue this dare since he likes his bestfriend romantically.
Feeling confused and humiliated since Keene refused to kiss Aspen during the dare, things change between the bestfriends. It is after that incident that Aspen comes up with the brilliant idea to dare his bestie to explore his sexuality with him or in his words "use each other".
"All I can do is nod, giving him permission to use me. And that's what this is right? Him using me to figure out where his mind is and what he wants. Right?
Most of the book is basically Keene being into Aspen more than he is into him while they are both confused af. The other half of the book is them being horny and fucking each other, which is fine because I am not one to complain when it comes to smut. I love a good smut but not when its dragged out my goodness. The sex scenes were so long and repetitive. At some point, I just wanted it to be over. Smh.
My other issue with the book was that most of the time it felt like Keene was being led on by Aspen, who is apparently allergic to relationships and can only do sex with no strings attached. Cliché? Predictable? I digress.
We get a little reason as to why Aspen "Pen" feels that way or why he thinks he doesn't deserve love but not much else. It is never really explained. Pen apparently likes to fuck em and leave em. It is after all what he does or so the author says. I just couldn't help but roll my eyes. This bad boy trope is so played out to death in both MF and MM stories that I have by now memorized the formula. He can't commit but doesn't want Keene to date anyone else or sleep with anyone else, and claims to be possessive because he is protective of his bestie.
“Believe me, I know it could. But I also know I’m not gonna let you figure it out with anyone else but me. Call it possessiveness or jealousy, I don’t care. But it’s not happening with anyone else, so you might as well get on your knees right now before I walk out the door and make you come begging for it.”
Give me a break. Aspen is just a glorified asshole. I couldn't stand him sorry. Keene isn't exactly blameless either. It takes two to tango. He knows Pen cannot give him what he wants but he is willing to have him any way he can. So when his heart ultimately gets broken can we say we did not see it coming? Nope. He knew what and who Pen was. Maybe I am being too harsh, these are after all bunch of 21 year old's. Its not fair to expect them to act rationally and maturely.
But bear with me.
As if it does not get worse in terms of Aspen being a total douche and a complete asshole, he abandons Keene when he needs him the most. It was really hard to like this character even when his sorry ass grovels and realizes that his bestie is the apple of his eye.
I normally love a friends to lovers trope with possessive Mc's but I couldn't say this one was one of them. I did enjoy the final chapter and epilogue. It was the best part of the book. I really liked Keene. I felt sorry for him at times and thought he deserved better than that asshole, Aspen. But that's just me and my opinion.
If you have managed to finish this long ass book without getting bored and somehow enjoyed it, I applaud you. I wish I could say the same. Will I read more of this author's work? I am not sure, that remains to be seen.
"I keep kissing him. Because I can. Because he’s mine."
You know when people say if you have nothing nice to say then don't? Guess that ain't me, so I apologize in advance.
My thoughts on this book:
I didn't think this book would ever end. Holy crap it was long. The sad thing is it wasn't technically long but like some have already mentioned in their reviews it felt like 800 pages.
Sigh.
It feels like lately every book I have read has either been two or three stars. All either predictable or boring. Where does this one fall?
Sadly, this read was worthy of three stars or less.
It wasn't a bad book or anything just very long, boring and predictable. I hate to be that person who hates on a new book by an author whose work I am not even familiar with, but this book... man it kept dragging and dragging. I kept waiting to feel something but it never happened.
The story begins with two best friends Keene Waters and Aspen Kohl who have been friends since they were 8 and bonded over the tragic death of their fathers. Ever since then, these two have been inseparable.
In a high school party, these two lock lips for the first time through a dare. This game that is based on a dare is called "Don't you dare", a game that they play throughout the story. For Aspen, that kiss two years ago (before the story takes place) is just that a dare or so he thinks. For Keene it was always something more. A simple dare that changed his whole life and well sexuality. It was then that Keene realized he was attracted to his bestfriend in a way that is more than what friends feel for one another. Torn about his feelings and sexual identity, Keene locks those feelings aside and hides his feelings from his bestfriend, well that is until another dare comes around. lol.
Fast-forward two years later at a college party, Keene and Aspen are dared to kiss one another, one more time. This time however, Keene does not want to pursue this dare since he likes his bestfriend romantically.
Feeling confused and humiliated since Keene refused to kiss Aspen during the dare, things change between the bestfriends. It is after that incident that Aspen comes up with the brilliant idea to dare his bestie to explore his sexuality with him or in his words "use each other".
"All I can do is nod, giving him permission to use me. And that's what this is right? Him using me to figure out where his mind is and what he wants. Right?
Most of the book is basically Keene being into Aspen more than he is into him while they are both confused af. The other half of the book is them being horny and fucking each other, which is fine because I am not one to complain when it comes to smut. I love a good smut but not when its dragged out my goodness. The sex scenes were so long and repetitive. At some point, I just wanted it to be over. Smh.
My other issue with the book was that most of the time it felt like Keene was being led on by Aspen, who is apparently allergic to relationships and can only do sex with no strings attached. Cliché? Predictable? I digress.
We get a little reason as to why Aspen "Pen" feels that way or why he thinks he doesn't deserve love but not much else. It is never really explained. Pen apparently likes to fuck em and leave em. It is after all what he does or so the author says. I just couldn't help but roll my eyes. This bad boy trope is so played out to death in both MF and MM stories that I have by now memorized the formula. He can't commit but doesn't want Keene to date anyone else or sleep with anyone else, and claims to be possessive because he is protective of his bestie.
“Believe me, I know it could. But I also know I’m not gonna let you figure it out with anyone else but me. Call it possessiveness or jealousy, I don’t care. But it’s not happening with anyone else, so you might as well get on your knees right now before I walk out the door and make you come begging for it.”
Give me a break. Aspen is just a glorified asshole. I couldn't stand him sorry. Keene isn't exactly blameless either. It takes two to tango. He knows Pen cannot give him what he wants but he is willing to have him any way he can. So when his heart ultimately gets broken can we say we did not see it coming? Nope. He knew what and who Pen was. Maybe I am being too harsh, these are after all bunch of 21 year old's. Its not fair to expect them to act rationally and maturely.
But bear with me.
As if it does not get worse in terms of Aspen being a total douche and a complete asshole, he abandons Keene when he needs him the most. It was really hard to like this character even when his sorry ass grovels and realizes that his bestie is the apple of his eye.
I normally love a friends to lovers trope with possessive Mc's but I couldn't say this one was one of them. I did enjoy the final chapter and epilogue. It was the best part of the book. I really liked Keene. I felt sorry for him at times and thought he deserved better than that asshole, Aspen. But that's just me and my opinion.
If you have managed to finish this long ass book without getting bored and somehow enjoyed it, I applaud you. I wish I could say the same. Will I read more of this author's work? I am not sure, that remains to be seen.
May 5, 2022
why did this feel like the longest book of all time omg ….
i liked the groveling and there were some sweet moments but I didn’t really enjoy this ☹️
it felt like nothing happened (and nothing kept happening)!!!!
i liked the groveling and there were some sweet moments but I didn’t really enjoy this ☹️
it felt like nothing happened (and nothing kept happening)!!!!
December 6, 2022
*** I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Aww.... this is the most epic best friends-to-lovers romance I have ever read. Aspen and Keene's love story begins as a dare, which evolves into more, making it an epic love story.
C.E. Ricci is a master at crafting a story that pulls at your heartstrings while balancing a complex love story with characters that have a deep connection and affection for one another
Aspen and Keene have been best friends ever since they were boys and after a game of dares that ends in a kiss, their relationship is then filled with questions.
Another thing I loved in Don't You Dare is how devoted Aspen and Keene are to one another. Due to Keene's confusion over his changing feelings for his best friend, Aspen decides to help Keene navigate his new feelings.
Because of this agreement, which includes many dares their dynamic is forever changed. Both Aspen and Keene are shocked at their immediate chemistry, which leads to many steamy encounters that are great to see develop.
Overall I loved this romance and seeing the genuine connection between Aspen and Keene, they are absolutely perfect for one another.
Aww.... this is the most epic best friends-to-lovers romance I have ever read. Aspen and Keene's love story begins as a dare, which evolves into more, making it an epic love story.
C.E. Ricci is a master at crafting a story that pulls at your heartstrings while balancing a complex love story with characters that have a deep connection and affection for one another
Aspen and Keene have been best friends ever since they were boys and after a game of dares that ends in a kiss, their relationship is then filled with questions.
Another thing I loved in Don't You Dare is how devoted Aspen and Keene are to one another. Due to Keene's confusion over his changing feelings for his best friend, Aspen decides to help Keene navigate his new feelings.
Because of this agreement, which includes many dares their dynamic is forever changed. Both Aspen and Keene are shocked at their immediate chemistry, which leads to many steamy encounters that are great to see develop.
Overall I loved this romance and seeing the genuine connection between Aspen and Keene, they are absolutely perfect for one another.
February 20, 2023
EEEEhhh!!!
I waited for something to happen but it never did. 😪😭😭
It was sex, sex, inner monologue, sex, inner monologue, more sex, homophobic side character😒😒, the 90% thingy, make up sex, end.
Gosh! I am my own time waster. Anyhoo!! Shit happens.
I waited for something to happen but it never did. 😪😭😭
It was sex, sex, inner monologue, sex, inner monologue, more sex, homophobic side character😒😒, the 90% thingy, make up sex, end.
Gosh! I am my own time waster. Anyhoo!! Shit happens.
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February 22, 2022
i remember loving the river of rain duet but, unfortunately, ce ricci’s releases after that haven’t worked for me. maybe it’s me having high expectations that lead to disappointment bc of how invested i was with river of rain. this wasn’t the worst… i just wasn’t into it (the characters and romance) the way i hoped i’d be. there were cute moments, sure, but i honestly wouldn’t remember this book in the long run.
am i still going to read ce ricci’s future release? most likely. i’m just going to stop having expectations so i could enjoy it more. 😅
am i still going to read ce ricci’s future release? most likely. i’m just going to stop having expectations so i could enjoy it more. 😅
June 9, 2024
‘i dare you to let me love you the way you deserve to be loved. wholly. completely. and out in the open, where the world can see. [...] and i dare you to love me too.’
lesson learned folks; don't let your intrusive thoughts win, especially when it comes to kissing your homie and straight to making out goodnight. just like what happened between keene and aspen.
i was stunned when i found out that there's a (best) friends with benefits happening. but
i'm concerned with aspen and it's giving second hand embarrassment.
but the rest of it (the spice, their lovey-dovey moments [even though they're friends], and the [mini] plot twist)? just *chefs kiss*
ps: i almost forgot to type this but... f**k avery reynolds. that's it 😁
───────────────────────────
pre-read:
the only thing i know this book is best friends to lovers... and it has spice 🤭🌶️
but hey, i'm living for some best friends to lovers book so i chose this one 😄
lesson learned folks; don't let your intrusive thoughts win, especially when it comes to kissing your homie and straight to making out goodnight. just like what happened between keene and aspen.
i was stunned when i found out that there's a (best) friends with benefits happening. but
i'm concerned with aspen and it's giving second hand embarrassment.
but the rest of it (the spice, their lovey-dovey moments [even though they're friends], and the [mini] plot twist)? just *chefs kiss*
ps: i almost forgot to type this but... f**k avery reynolds. that's it 😁
───────────────────────────
pre-read:
the only thing i know this book is best friends to lovers... and it has spice 🤭🌶️
but hey, i'm living for some best friends to lovers book so i chose this one 😄
July 4, 2022
Audio - 4.25 Stars
Zachary Johson - 5++++ Stars
Liam Dicosimo - 3.5 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
Zachary Johson - 5++++ Stars
Liam Dicosimo - 3.5 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
March 9, 2022
"I don't get to finish, though, because his lips are already pressed against mine. My heart skips in my chest at the first brush, the contact electric, coiling my stomach in knots."
Okay, so those of you who follow my reviews would know that I generally lead off with a quote from the book, and it's often a difficult pick when I have several highlighted favourites to choose from.
Well. For Don't You Dare I had 23. And I'd tried to keep them to the bare minimum. Yep, it was THAT GOOD 🖤.
It's no secret that I love a C.E. Ricci book; all of the things that often put readers off - high angst, dark romance, trauma, tragedy, multiple triggers - I inhale it. And whilst this is clearly a C.E. Ricci book (I could pick it with my eyes closed 🖤), it doesn't have any of her 'traditional' high angst hallmarks. Apart from the steam. And boy is it STEAMY🔥.
"I've never been one for dirty talk before, but holy shit do I ever want more of it from him. I want every dirty, wicked word he has to say right now."
So......if you've wanted to be able to pick up one of C.E. Ricci's books but maybe felt they weren't for you, Don't You Dare is the one to change your mind.
Keene and Aspen have been best friends since birth. And then a party dare at high school changes everything. And maybe nothing at all.....
Keene is an absolute delight but (as always) it's the insular, commitment-phobe in Aspen that does it for me. I loved them both unconditionally.
"You're the unexpected inevitable."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you love:
🌶️ MM college romance
🌶️ Baseball
🌶️ Best friends to lovers
🌶️ Low angst
🌶️ Bi awakening
🌶️ High steam
🌶️ HEA
5 steamy stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, so those of you who follow my reviews would know that I generally lead off with a quote from the book, and it's often a difficult pick when I have several highlighted favourites to choose from.
Well. For Don't You Dare I had 23. And I'd tried to keep them to the bare minimum. Yep, it was THAT GOOD 🖤.
It's no secret that I love a C.E. Ricci book; all of the things that often put readers off - high angst, dark romance, trauma, tragedy, multiple triggers - I inhale it. And whilst this is clearly a C.E. Ricci book (I could pick it with my eyes closed 🖤), it doesn't have any of her 'traditional' high angst hallmarks. Apart from the steam. And boy is it STEAMY🔥.
"I've never been one for dirty talk before, but holy shit do I ever want more of it from him. I want every dirty, wicked word he has to say right now."
So......if you've wanted to be able to pick up one of C.E. Ricci's books but maybe felt they weren't for you, Don't You Dare is the one to change your mind.
Keene and Aspen have been best friends since birth. And then a party dare at high school changes everything. And maybe nothing at all.....
Keene is an absolute delight but (as always) it's the insular, commitment-phobe in Aspen that does it for me. I loved them both unconditionally.
"You're the unexpected inevitable."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you love:
🌶️ MM college romance
🌶️ Baseball
🌶️ Best friends to lovers
🌶️ Low angst
🌶️ Bi awakening
🌶️ High steam
🌶️ HEA
5 steamy stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
did-not-finish
February 22, 2022 Time of death: 22%
I don't know why, but this book picked at my EVERY NERVE. Maybe my moody ass got even bitchier this year but these two characters, okay except for Aspen, is one big piece of shit. Keene that fucking hypocrite can go kiss his sorry hideous ass goodbye.
Also, wtfffff, I swear I thought I chose the wrong book and picked Head Above Water because these two character name sounds exactly like the characters in that book, or every other book of her.
Last but not least, I just don't vibe with Ricci's writing anymore. It just feels superficial and her dialogue is awkward as fuck.
I'm not going to put myself in misery after just getting thru this both in reading.
The only stellar part of this book?
Dirty talk 🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌🥵🥵🥵🥵🤌🤌🤌🤌
I don't know why, but this book picked at my EVERY NERVE. Maybe my moody ass got even bitchier this year but these two characters, okay except for Aspen, is one big piece of shit. Keene that fucking hypocrite can go kiss his sorry hideous ass goodbye.
Also, wtfffff, I swear I thought I chose the wrong book and picked Head Above Water because these two character name sounds exactly like the characters in that book, or every other book of her.
Last but not least, I just don't vibe with Ricci's writing anymore. It just feels superficial and her dialogue is awkward as fuck.
I'm not going to put myself in misery after just getting thru this both in reading.
The only stellar part of this book?
Dirty talk 🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌🥵🥵🥵🥵🤌🤌🤌🤌
January 15, 2024
"It's like he's crawled inside my mind and can read every thought and desire bouncing around in my head. Then again, it's always been that way with us."
Keene Waters and Aspen Kohl have been best friends for their entire lives.
They tell each other everything. They are there for each other for everything.
Then one fateful party. One night. One dare. One kiss.
Everything changed.
Well, at least for Keene Waters it seems.
But for their friendship, he has to push it down, he has to let it be in the past.
But the past can't be forgotten so easily.
So…
Don't you dare?
"Because I want this. I want him. I've never been more sure of anything. I just have no idea what it means for our friendship."
C.E. Ricci does it again as she does every time!!
The spice, the romance, the relationship, the angst!! It was hitting every single time!! (baseball pun not on purpose).
I have been wanting to read another C.E. Ricci book since "Caught Stealing" and this one was highly recommended. Yes this is friends to lover and IYKYK that it's not my favorite trope but it does enter the "hall of fame" of exceptions.
A huge shoutout to the "Supernatural" references because it is my comfort show and it will forever be ingrained in my personality! As well as wanting a 1967 Chevy Impala while not being able to drive stick. Ah the woes we have to live with.
"You're kidding right? No one drives my baby."
Cue an eye roll. "Okay Dean."
Let's start with Keene Waters. He is adorable, he is the definition of a golden retriever, and honestly I just wanna give him a big hug. I mean two years of pushing down your feelings for the good of your friendship is fucking hard bro. I mean you could see his jealousy coming out with Bristol but I found it absolutely adorable and savage honestly. Him and Aspen have been friends for all of their lives. And a relationship like that while important and nurturing is very complicated. Especially when one side has feelings that they feel the other does not (not a fun feeling at all). But Keene did do what he thought was best and did what he thought was best for Aspen as well. And I can respect it. I don't have to like it but I can respect it.
"And his pale skin makes him look like a marble statue of some sinfully beautiful god. With the dark hair, bad-boy aura, and wicked gleam in his eyes, I wouldn't say anyone but Hades.
And I'm more than happy to let him drag me to Hell."
"So do you really thinks it's been easy to want you, but know I can't have you?"
Aspen Kohl was my favorite character in this book. He was closed off to everyone but Keene and with Keene he would be himself. No matter what. The thing that made me most identify with Aspen was the fact that the worst thing he could do was hurt Keene. As someone who has always gelt like hurting others hurts themselves the most it was heartbreaking to see him care so much about others and not himself that he ends up hurting the ones he loves the most. To say I was crying is the understatement of the century. And on a lighter note, the fact that he acts like Dean and wears a leather jacket and rides the one and only 1967 Chevy Impala and is basically the human embodiment of the line "Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cake hole." makes him just amazing in my book. Loved it!!
"But it's how I feel, and if I've learned a damn thing in life, it's that my feelings are valid, no matter how misplaced they might be."
"So if I was the reason it started, I'm gonna make sure I'm the way he figures it out too."
"You. Are. Mind. You belong to me and me alone."
The playlist by C.E. Ricci is *chef's kiss* as always, these are the songs I added (to feed my narcissistic behavior of course):
(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6OM... )
🎵 "Shatter Me" - Lindsey Stirling, Lzzy Hale
🎵 "Shatter" - Maggie Rogers
🎵 "One Kiss" - Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa
🎵 "HONEY (ARE U COMING?)" - Maneskin
🎵 "Glimpse of Us" - Joji
🎵 "Here" - Alessia Cara
🎵 "Color - Remix" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "If I Had a Heart - Remix" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "Carry om Wayward Son" - Neoni
🎵 "One More I Love You" - Alex Warren
🎵 "Sarcasm" - Get Scared
🎵 "DANCING ALL ALONE" - Clinton Kane
🎵 "CHRONICALLY CAUTIOUS" - Braden Bales
🎵 "Why Am I Like This?" - Orla Gartland
🎵 "Collide (Sped Up Remix)" - Justine Skye, Tyga
🎵 "FU In My Head" - Cloudy June
🎵 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎵 "The Walls" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "Walls Could Talk" - Halsey
🎵 "Run Boy Run" - Woodkid
🎵 "Drinking With Cupid" - VOILA
🎵 "Memories" - Conan Gray
🎵 "Lyin' To Myself - Remix" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "Figure You Out" - VOILA
🎵 "Can't Get You out of My Head" - Kylie Minogue
🎵 "Who You Are" - Jessie J
🎵 "Fuck Up The Friendship" - Leah Kate
🎵 "Dial Drunk" - Noah Kahan, Post Malone
🎵 "Movement" - Hozier
🎵 "engravings" - Ethan Bortnick
🎵 "greedy sped up" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Allkaline" - Sleep Token
🎵 "Consequences" - Camila Cabello
🎵 "More" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎵 "harder to lie." - elijah
🎵 "Fire Up the Night" - New Medicine
🎵 "Touch" - Little Mix
🎵 "Desire" - MEG MYERS
🎵 "Taste (Speed)" - Ari Abdul
🎵 "Beggin" - Maneskin
🎵 "Meddle About" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l" - WILLOW, Travis Barker
🎵 "Rush" - Troye Sivan
🎵 "MANTRA" - Bring Me The Horizon
🎵 "Power Over Me" - Dermot Kennedy
🎵 "I Want To" - Rosenfeld
🎵 "Private Show" - Little Mix
🎵 "Sex On Fire" - Kings of Leon
🎵 "butterflies" - GAYLE
🎵 "goosebumps" - Travis Scott
🎵 "Bring Me To Life" - Evanescence
🎵 "Paralyzer" - Finger Eleven
🎵 "R U Mine?" - Arctic Monkeys
🎵 "Talking Body" - Tove Lo
🎵 "Wonder" - Shawn Mendes
🎵 "Skin" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "Lose Control" - Teddy Swims
🎵 "Ruin My Life" - Zara Larsson
🎵 "die first" - Nessa Barrett
🎵 "Die For You" - The Weeknd
🎵 "you broke me first" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Control" - Zoe Wees
🎵 "Don't Give Up On Me" - Andy Grammer
🎵 "Sand" - Dove Cameron
🎵 "Unconditionally" - Katy Perry
🎵 "Forget Me" - Lewis Capaldi
🎵 "Rain" - Sleep Token
🎵 "I Want It All" - Cameron Grey
🎵 "fOoL fOr YoU" - Zayn
🎵 "All Of Me" - John Legend
And as always the spice was spicing and the smut was smutting and… well you get it 😏😏
"You want my fingers sinking inside you? That it, Kee? God, you're gonna kill me."
"And because if I was there right now… I don't think I could stop myself from railing you into the goddamn tile wall of that shower."
"You were made to ride my cock, baby. We haven't even finished and I already can't wait to fuck you again."
⚾ Tropes ⚾
📷 Friends to Lovers
📷 Sports Romance (Baseball)
📷 College Romance
📷 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
📷 Secret Romance
Book edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C2DCDNkIoU-/
Keene Waters and Aspen Kohl have been best friends for their entire lives.
They tell each other everything. They are there for each other for everything.
Then one fateful party. One night. One dare. One kiss.
Everything changed.
Well, at least for Keene Waters it seems.
But for their friendship, he has to push it down, he has to let it be in the past.
But the past can't be forgotten so easily.
So…
Don't you dare?
"Because I want this. I want him. I've never been more sure of anything. I just have no idea what it means for our friendship."
C.E. Ricci does it again as she does every time!!
The spice, the romance, the relationship, the angst!! It was hitting every single time!! (baseball pun not on purpose).
I have been wanting to read another C.E. Ricci book since "Caught Stealing" and this one was highly recommended. Yes this is friends to lover and IYKYK that it's not my favorite trope but it does enter the "hall of fame" of exceptions.
A huge shoutout to the "Supernatural" references because it is my comfort show and it will forever be ingrained in my personality! As well as wanting a 1967 Chevy Impala while not being able to drive stick. Ah the woes we have to live with.
"You're kidding right? No one drives my baby."
Cue an eye roll. "Okay Dean."
Let's start with Keene Waters. He is adorable, he is the definition of a golden retriever, and honestly I just wanna give him a big hug. I mean two years of pushing down your feelings for the good of your friendship is fucking hard bro. I mean you could see his jealousy coming out with Bristol but I found it absolutely adorable and savage honestly. Him and Aspen have been friends for all of their lives. And a relationship like that while important and nurturing is very complicated. Especially when one side has feelings that they feel the other does not (not a fun feeling at all). But Keene did do what he thought was best and did what he thought was best for Aspen as well. And I can respect it. I don't have to like it but I can respect it.
"And his pale skin makes him look like a marble statue of some sinfully beautiful god. With the dark hair, bad-boy aura, and wicked gleam in his eyes, I wouldn't say anyone but Hades.
And I'm more than happy to let him drag me to Hell."
"So do you really thinks it's been easy to want you, but know I can't have you?"
Aspen Kohl was my favorite character in this book. He was closed off to everyone but Keene and with Keene he would be himself. No matter what. The thing that made me most identify with Aspen was the fact that the worst thing he could do was hurt Keene. As someone who has always gelt like hurting others hurts themselves the most it was heartbreaking to see him care so much about others and not himself that he ends up hurting the ones he loves the most. To say I was crying is the understatement of the century. And on a lighter note, the fact that he acts like Dean and wears a leather jacket and rides the one and only 1967 Chevy Impala and is basically the human embodiment of the line "Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cake hole." makes him just amazing in my book. Loved it!!
"But it's how I feel, and if I've learned a damn thing in life, it's that my feelings are valid, no matter how misplaced they might be."
"So if I was the reason it started, I'm gonna make sure I'm the way he figures it out too."
"You. Are. Mind. You belong to me and me alone."
The playlist by C.E. Ricci is *chef's kiss* as always, these are the songs I added (to feed my narcissistic behavior of course):
(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6OM... )
🎵 "Shatter Me" - Lindsey Stirling, Lzzy Hale
🎵 "Shatter" - Maggie Rogers
🎵 "One Kiss" - Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa
🎵 "HONEY (ARE U COMING?)" - Maneskin
🎵 "Glimpse of Us" - Joji
🎵 "Here" - Alessia Cara
🎵 "Color - Remix" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "If I Had a Heart - Remix" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "Carry om Wayward Son" - Neoni
🎵 "One More I Love You" - Alex Warren
🎵 "Sarcasm" - Get Scared
🎵 "DANCING ALL ALONE" - Clinton Kane
🎵 "CHRONICALLY CAUTIOUS" - Braden Bales
🎵 "Why Am I Like This?" - Orla Gartland
🎵 "Collide (Sped Up Remix)" - Justine Skye, Tyga
🎵 "FU In My Head" - Cloudy June
🎵 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎵 "The Walls" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "Walls Could Talk" - Halsey
🎵 "Run Boy Run" - Woodkid
🎵 "Drinking With Cupid" - VOILA
🎵 "Memories" - Conan Gray
🎵 "Lyin' To Myself - Remix" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "Figure You Out" - VOILA
🎵 "Can't Get You out of My Head" - Kylie Minogue
🎵 "Who You Are" - Jessie J
🎵 "Fuck Up The Friendship" - Leah Kate
🎵 "Dial Drunk" - Noah Kahan, Post Malone
🎵 "Movement" - Hozier
🎵 "engravings" - Ethan Bortnick
🎵 "greedy sped up" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Allkaline" - Sleep Token
🎵 "Consequences" - Camila Cabello
🎵 "More" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎵 "harder to lie." - elijah
🎵 "Fire Up the Night" - New Medicine
🎵 "Touch" - Little Mix
🎵 "Desire" - MEG MYERS
🎵 "Taste (Speed)" - Ari Abdul
🎵 "Beggin" - Maneskin
🎵 "Meddle About" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l" - WILLOW, Travis Barker
🎵 "Rush" - Troye Sivan
🎵 "MANTRA" - Bring Me The Horizon
🎵 "Power Over Me" - Dermot Kennedy
🎵 "I Want To" - Rosenfeld
🎵 "Private Show" - Little Mix
🎵 "Sex On Fire" - Kings of Leon
🎵 "butterflies" - GAYLE
🎵 "goosebumps" - Travis Scott
🎵 "Bring Me To Life" - Evanescence
🎵 "Paralyzer" - Finger Eleven
🎵 "R U Mine?" - Arctic Monkeys
🎵 "Talking Body" - Tove Lo
🎵 "Wonder" - Shawn Mendes
🎵 "Skin" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "Lose Control" - Teddy Swims
🎵 "Ruin My Life" - Zara Larsson
🎵 "die first" - Nessa Barrett
🎵 "Die For You" - The Weeknd
🎵 "you broke me first" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Control" - Zoe Wees
🎵 "Don't Give Up On Me" - Andy Grammer
🎵 "Sand" - Dove Cameron
🎵 "Unconditionally" - Katy Perry
🎵 "Forget Me" - Lewis Capaldi
🎵 "Rain" - Sleep Token
🎵 "I Want It All" - Cameron Grey
🎵 "fOoL fOr YoU" - Zayn
🎵 "All Of Me" - John Legend
And as always the spice was spicing and the smut was smutting and… well you get it 😏😏
"You want my fingers sinking inside you? That it, Kee? God, you're gonna kill me."
"And because if I was there right now… I don't think I could stop myself from railing you into the goddamn tile wall of that shower."
"You were made to ride my cock, baby. We haven't even finished and I already can't wait to fuck you again."
⚾ Tropes ⚾
📷 Friends to Lovers
📷 Sports Romance (Baseball)
📷 College Romance
📷 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
📷 Secret Romance
Book edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C2DCDNkIoU-/
June 3, 2024
3/5
Nothing special, but I still somehow enjoyed it. C.E. Ricci writes about quite toxic and complicated relationships in her books, and this story was nothing like that, so I was positively surprised. If you want to start your journey with this author, I highly recommend starting with this one.
Nothing special, but I still somehow enjoyed it. C.E. Ricci writes about quite toxic and complicated relationships in her books, and this story was nothing like that, so I was positively surprised. If you want to start your journey with this author, I highly recommend starting with this one.
"He’s what my forever looks like, and all I want is to prove that to him."
"But I want nothing between us. I want to be surrounded by him. Enveloped in him."
“I want you. So much, I can’t think. Can’t breathe. I can’t do anything but want you.”
February 28, 2022
So much inner monologue, so much over explaining, no world-building outside of the relationship (it felt like what we are told about their personalities we just have to believe because we aren’t really shown anything outside of their bubble. I needed to see Aspen being possessive and protective by interaction with the outside world and not just saying it) ,unnecessarily long separation.
I know everyone majorly disliked Aspen but he was actually my favorite 🤷🏻♀️
-Dean Winchester’s car
-college boys
-childhood best friends to lovers
-baseball jock
-boys with dimples
-bi awakening
-dirty talk
-super tropey
-high steam
-baby, baby, baby with a lite amount of mine, mine, mine
*buddy read with Gloria ♥️
I know everyone majorly disliked Aspen but he was actually my favorite 🤷🏻♀️
-Dean Winchester’s car
-college boys
-childhood best friends to lovers
-baseball jock
-boys with dimples
-bi awakening
-dirty talk
-super tropey
-high steam
-baby, baby, baby with a lite amount of mine, mine, mine
*buddy read with Gloria ♥️
February 19, 2023
4.5stars 😘
Era para eu tá vadiando no carnaval, mas estou lendo livro de machos se pegando 😎
CE ricci tem um poder de me deixar presa em seus livros. Começo a ler e não consigo parar. Seus personagens são loucamente intensos, fico ultra ansiosa quando pego um livro dessa autora para ler. Meus batimentos ficam meio descontrolados sentindo as emoções dos personagens. Friends to lover é um clichê que não canso, amo esse clichê quando é bem escrito e envolvente de uma maneira difícil de esquecer. Aspen e Keene forever 💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞
Era para eu tá vadiando no carnaval, mas estou lendo livro de machos se pegando 😎
CE ricci tem um poder de me deixar presa em seus livros. Começo a ler e não consigo parar. Seus personagens são loucamente intensos, fico ultra ansiosa quando pego um livro dessa autora para ler. Meus batimentos ficam meio descontrolados sentindo as emoções dos personagens. Friends to lover é um clichê que não canso, amo esse clichê quando é bem escrito e envolvente de uma maneira difícil de esquecer. Aspen e Keene forever 💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞
December 15, 2024
Re-read
4.5
I love Aspen and Keene! Doesn't matter how many times I read, I still cry so hard at that car park scene 😭
The only reason I can't rate this a solid 5 is that I'd have liked to see more of the angst when they were apart. Maybe it's because some of my favourite scenes from the River of Rain duet are when River is falling apart without Rain, and I kind of feel like Keene could have shown more of something similar, or more emotion than just a scene of him talking to his sister.
It also would have been nice to have at least some POV from Aspen while he was on his soul searching trip, so we see how he comes to terms with everything and decides to fight for Keene. I also would have liked to see how Keene decided to give Pen another chance once he came back. The time jumps that happen near the end skip over the two biggest soul searching moments and I'm kinda sad we don't get to see that.
4.5
I love Aspen and Keene! Doesn't matter how many times I read, I still cry so hard at that car park scene 😭
The only reason I can't rate this a solid 5 is that I'd have liked to see more of the angst when they were apart. Maybe it's because some of my favourite scenes from the River of Rain duet are when River is falling apart without Rain, and I kind of feel like Keene could have shown more of something similar, or more emotion than just a scene of him talking to his sister.
It also would have been nice to have at least some POV from Aspen while he was on his soul searching trip, so we see how he comes to terms with everything and decides to fight for Keene. I also would have liked to see how Keene decided to give Pen another chance once he came back. The time jumps that happen near the end skip over the two biggest soul searching moments and I'm kinda sad we don't get to see that.
February 1, 2025
"He’s my other half. My unexpected inevitable. My fucking everything."
4th reread 1/02/2025:
All i have to say is i could read about these 2 being horny and in love forever. I am such a simp for Aspen Kohl and his i-hate-everyone-but-you vibes😭😭 (yes, I cried again, and yes I will probably read this once a year until i die) I NEED AVERY NOW THANKS
reread review 14/02/2024:
UGH I MISSED THESE 2! This book has become something of a comfort read for me. I literally love them so fucking much.
Yes this is like my 3rd reread and honestly it never ceases to amaze me how down bad Aspen is before he even realises it. Keene walks that boy like a dog and he is truly just like "anything you want." He is lord of the simps and the king of grovelling. I LOVE HIM FOR IT IDC. Keene is also the sweetest baby you can not convince me otherwise. Tbh I love Aspen and Keene. I have a soft spot for friends to lovers and this book is a lot of fun. Until the last 20% anyway, and then it just kind of hurts. Bi-awakening, friends to lovers, turn your brain off kind of read in the best frigging way. It's also super spicy and that first scene really will live rent-free in my mind forever.
I really think this book probably has one of THE BEST love confessions I have ever read, and I will never move on.
Anyway probably gonna reread iced out now too bc I need my brain scratched.
4th reread 1/02/2025:
All i have to say is i could read about these 2 being horny and in love forever. I am such a simp for Aspen Kohl and his i-hate-everyone-but-you vibes😭😭 (yes, I cried again, and yes I will probably read this once a year until i die) I NEED AVERY NOW THANKS
reread review 14/02/2024:
UGH I MISSED THESE 2! This book has become something of a comfort read for me. I literally love them so fucking much.
Yes this is like my 3rd reread and honestly it never ceases to amaze me how down bad Aspen is before he even realises it. Keene walks that boy like a dog and he is truly just like "anything you want." He is lord of the simps and the king of grovelling. I LOVE HIM FOR IT IDC. Keene is also the sweetest baby you can not convince me otherwise. Tbh I love Aspen and Keene. I have a soft spot for friends to lovers and this book is a lot of fun. Until the last 20% anyway, and then it just kind of hurts. Bi-awakening, friends to lovers, turn your brain off kind of read in the best frigging way. It's also super spicy and that first scene really will live rent-free in my mind forever.
I really think this book probably has one of THE BEST love confessions I have ever read, and I will never move on.
Anyway probably gonna reread iced out now too bc I need my brain scratched.
October 4, 2025
Re-Read September 2025
"My heart stumbles and stutters in my chest as he continues to touch me in a way that’s both foreign and familiar all at once. In reverence. With…love."
5⭐
The first ever friends-to-lovers M/M romance I read. I wanted to see if it still hit the way it did the first time around.
I’ll be honest—it wasn’t as emotional on this second read. Maybe because I knew what was coming, or maybe because I’ve read so many more heartbreaking romances since then. Either way, I still enjoyed it a lot.
This time, I tried the audiobook (which I don’t think existed when I first read it). The story itself is outrageous in the best way—two best friends decide that if one of them is gay, they might as well “practice” together. That leads to hot, sexy dorm-room encounters that somehow turn into a real relationship.
The plot isn’t deep or sprawling, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s fun, emotional (depending on how easily you cry—I cry pretty easily), and sexy as hell. If you’re in the mood for steam with a side of feels, I definitely recommend this one.
Still my favorite CE Ricci book to this day.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Apparently sucking his dick has turned me into a stage-five clinger."
Fiends to lovers always hurt so good. I love crying because I care for a relationship that is founded in friendship, where the boys dont want to fuck that up. They had me giggling and blushing throughout the the entire book while tears streamed down my face. Happy 4th of July to me. That was a great way to celebrate the foundation of America; with bros being bros and doing bro things.
"My heart stumbles and stutters in my chest as he continues to touch me in a way that’s both foreign and familiar all at once. In reverence. With…love."
5⭐
The first ever friends-to-lovers M/M romance I read. I wanted to see if it still hit the way it did the first time around.
I’ll be honest—it wasn’t as emotional on this second read. Maybe because I knew what was coming, or maybe because I’ve read so many more heartbreaking romances since then. Either way, I still enjoyed it a lot.
This time, I tried the audiobook (which I don’t think existed when I first read it). The story itself is outrageous in the best way—two best friends decide that if one of them is gay, they might as well “practice” together. That leads to hot, sexy dorm-room encounters that somehow turn into a real relationship.
The plot isn’t deep or sprawling, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s fun, emotional (depending on how easily you cry—I cry pretty easily), and sexy as hell. If you’re in the mood for steam with a side of feels, I definitely recommend this one.
Still my favorite CE Ricci book to this day.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Apparently sucking his dick has turned me into a stage-five clinger."
Fiends to lovers always hurt so good. I love crying because I care for a relationship that is founded in friendship, where the boys dont want to fuck that up. They had me giggling and blushing throughout the the entire book while tears streamed down my face. Happy 4th of July to me. That was a great way to celebrate the foundation of America; with bros being bros and doing bro things.
June 16, 2024
3.5⭐
Unexpectedly I enjoyed it, I thought I would hate it after the first 30% and I already put it down for a while. I'm not a person who's enjoying books with high spice level easily, especially when it begins early in the book so it wasn't a good start.
Moving on I'm a sucker for I wanna ruin our friendship, we should be lovers instead vibes, I'm in love with Kenne and Aspen friendship and chemistry.. They're so cute more like soulmates. And everything happened between them was so realistic for me.
Although some moments was insufferable, and I get bored many times while reading. But I'm glad I didn't hate it at the end, and 100% it's better than Iced out.
His hands grip the front of my shirt, curling it in his fists to pull me closer.
Closer than he should ever dare.
Closer than I should let him, out of self-preservation and fear alone.
But how can I be afraid when everything about him screams things like safety and security and home?
****
My currently readings are so dark, so I need a sweet pause, and no thing is sweeter than best friends to lovers.
I hope it will be better than Iced out.🤩
Unexpectedly I enjoyed it, I thought I would hate it after the first 30% and I already put it down for a while. I'm not a person who's enjoying books with high spice level easily, especially when it begins early in the book so it wasn't a good start.
Moving on I'm a sucker for I wanna ruin our friendship, we should be lovers instead vibes, I'm in love with Kenne and Aspen friendship and chemistry.. They're so cute more like soulmates. And everything happened between them was so realistic for me.
Although some moments was insufferable, and I get bored many times while reading. But I'm glad I didn't hate it at the end, and 100% it's better than Iced out.
His hands grip the front of my shirt, curling it in his fists to pull me closer.
Closer than he should ever dare.
Closer than I should let him, out of self-preservation and fear alone.
But how can I be afraid when everything about him screams things like safety and security and home?
****
My currently readings are so dark, so I need a sweet pause, and no thing is sweeter than best friends to lovers.
I hope it will be better than Iced out.🤩
February 7, 2023
ce ricci knows what’s she doinnnn, let me tell ya
these books are HOT while simultaneously being so sweet
this is about aspen and keene who have best friends/partners in crime/attached at the hip for as long as they can remember. after high school graduation, they’re dared to kiss each other at a party. flash forward two years when they’re roommates in college and find themselves in a similar situation except keene reveals he hasn’t stopped thinking about their first kiss.
this was such a good one. i loved them both so much and was rooting for them the entire time. i wish we got a little revenge from the conflict and wish pen had groveled a bit more but otherwise, i loved this. so so spicy.
these books are HOT while simultaneously being so sweet
this is about aspen and keene who have best friends/partners in crime/attached at the hip for as long as they can remember. after high school graduation, they’re dared to kiss each other at a party. flash forward two years when they’re roommates in college and find themselves in a similar situation except keene reveals he hasn’t stopped thinking about their first kiss.
this was such a good one. i loved them both so much and was rooting for them the entire time. i wish we got a little revenge from the conflict and wish pen had groveled a bit more but otherwise, i loved this. so so spicy.
November 15, 2023
re-read on audio November 2023
3.5**** stars (rounding up for the audio)
*phew this was hot. And f***, Aspen is one hell of a dirty talker!!
While I really enjoyed this book I can also see why I couldn’t remember anything from my first read. *lol And I honestly wasn’t the biggest fan of the 3rd-act drama, the self-discovery journey and the very extended reconciliation. *yawn *eyeroll
Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to seeing Avery the douche getting his redemption —which inspired me going for a re-read here in the first place.
*************
Untitled Series
Book 1 - Don’t You Dare - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Never Will I Ever - release 2024
3.5**** stars (rounding up for the audio)
*phew this was hot. And f***, Aspen is one hell of a dirty talker!!
While I really enjoyed this book I can also see why I couldn’t remember anything from my first read. *lol And I honestly wasn’t the biggest fan of the 3rd-act drama, the self-discovery journey and the very extended reconciliation. *yawn *eyeroll
Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to seeing Avery the douche getting his redemption —which inspired me going for a re-read here in the first place.
“Don’t you dare?” I whisper the three words that started this entire mess over two years ago. A knot the size of a baseball lodges itself in my throat as I look at him, at the face I’ve known for my entire life, only recently realizing it’s the face of my future, no matter how unplanned it might’ve been.
*************
Untitled Series
Book 1 - Don’t You Dare - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Never Will I Ever - release 2024
April 20, 2022
A crack forms in his grimace, and soon, a smile takes over instead. "God, you're such an idiot sometimes."
"Your idiot."
i genuinely enjoyed this. gave this 3 stars earlier but for some reason this story wont stop lurking in my mind. no wow factor but my investment and my swooning were all there. readability is this book biggest positive. i popped my airpods on, blasted some music on it, and then my eyes were flying through the pages. for the most part, the story was light and cheesy however when it got heavy it got indeed heavy. the universe owes me one hot best friend like aspen kohl.
May 14, 2025
All kinds of feelings
This book was so much better than I expected! I’m not usually a fan of friends to lovers, but this was just so well done! I loved Kee and Pen so much! They were just so sweet. Of course there was some heartbreak involved and obviously I cried. But I loved their hea ♥️
This book was so much better than I expected! I’m not usually a fan of friends to lovers, but this was just so well done! I loved Kee and Pen so much! They were just so sweet. Of course there was some heartbreak involved and obviously I cried. But I loved their hea ♥️
February 22, 2026
I don’t know if it’s a 4.25 or 4.5😭
Now it’s a few days later since I finished it
And now I can say it’s a 4.5⭐️it’s amazing
Now it’s a few days later since I finished it
And now I can say it’s a 4.5⭐️it’s amazing
July 15, 2022
Oooph! Goddam … I mean holy shit … I’m pretty sure Ms Ricci set my uterus on fire because I’m smoking!!
It’s no doubt a mixture of the amazing writing and the narrations of Zachary Johnson, but this may have been the steamiest book ever!
It was a bit of a step away from the writer’s usual fair, it’s my fourth book by her and the first that wasn’t enemies to lovers. And I adored how surprisingly sweet this was.
Two years prior a game of Don’t You Dare totally changed the trajectory of Aspen and Keene’s friendship. It all started with a kiss but unlike The Killer’s song, it wasn’t only a kiss. It made Keene realize something pivotal about himself, that he may be into dudes.
Present day he admits everything to Aspen and for some reason Pen decides to continue the game in which they dare each other to do more and more … yeah I made the mistake of listening to the FaceTime shower scene while driving. I’m lucky I didn’t go off the road! 🤤🔥
Other than being hot this had a hell of a lot to offer. From the amazing character growth, to all the baseball innuendo, (he’s a catcher on and off the field 😉😆). Plus it was a tumultuous rollercoaster that snatched my heart right out of my chest. Yeah that organ was a little bruised upon it’s return but it was totally worth it!
It’s no doubt a mixture of the amazing writing and the narrations of Zachary Johnson, but this may have been the steamiest book ever!
It was a bit of a step away from the writer’s usual fair, it’s my fourth book by her and the first that wasn’t enemies to lovers. And I adored how surprisingly sweet this was.
Two years prior a game of Don’t You Dare totally changed the trajectory of Aspen and Keene’s friendship. It all started with a kiss but unlike The Killer’s song, it wasn’t only a kiss. It made Keene realize something pivotal about himself, that he may be into dudes.
Present day he admits everything to Aspen and for some reason Pen decides to continue the game in which they dare each other to do more and more … yeah I made the mistake of listening to the FaceTime shower scene while driving. I’m lucky I didn’t go off the road! 🤤🔥
Other than being hot this had a hell of a lot to offer. From the amazing character growth, to all the baseball innuendo, (he’s a catcher on and off the field 😉😆). Plus it was a tumultuous rollercoaster that snatched my heart right out of my chest. Yeah that organ was a little bruised upon it’s return but it was totally worth it!
April 23, 2022
DNF 90%
Just no... I kinda was hoping that this book would be funny, and good to just enjoy the couple. But the angst drama, to me, was so stupid and egoistic. For Jesus sake, your boyfriend/lover is being exposed, fearing his life, trying to survive everything and you just fly away? And go on a trip that it was the tradition on your relationship, without even telling him? Gosh you're an assh***, no way can I keep reading this. I would have stopped everything between us, because there is no excuse, no way to trust.
Just no... I kinda was hoping that this book would be funny, and good to just enjoy the couple. But the angst drama, to me, was so stupid and egoistic. For Jesus sake, your boyfriend/lover is being exposed, fearing his life, trying to survive everything and you just fly away? And go on a trip that it was the tradition on your relationship, without even telling him? Gosh you're an assh***, no way can I keep reading this. I would have stopped everything between us, because there is no excuse, no way to trust.
March 8, 2022
TWs: use of a homophobic slur
In my opinion, if you loved River and Rain's dynamic (um, the after Rain got his head out of his butt parts) you will love this. Period. I am convinced that in another life, Keene and River could be buddies 👀
I have a soft spot for the bestfriends to lovers trope. Always will. So I'm not surprised that I enjoyed this. I took my time with this one, because I realise that binging this author's books tend to leave me dry. Not in a bad way per se, I just need some time to digest her words.
Anyways, Keene is wanting to explore his sexuality and Aspen in all his protectiveness (mostly possessiveness tbh) offers to 'help' 🤭 They have this ongoing game of dares that adds some spice to the whole adventure and of course, they end up falling in love.
“I’ll never hurt you,” he murmurs, teeth scraping against my shoulder. “I’d rather die.”
From that first sexual encounter, I was hooked! Man, Aspen and Keene had chemistry!!! And they had a lifelong friendship at its core. It was beautiful to see them grow attracted to each other and develop such a sweet relationship. Y'ALL THAT FIRST SCENE WHERE THEY CUDDLE HAD ME IN MA FEELS! 😩 They were so soft for each other and idk it made me feel things. ((I'm-so-single-I-cry things))
I liked how this book was low-angst so I could enjoy it stress free, but ngl the last 20% stressed me tf out 😩
I haven't been a new adult romance reader for very long so I tend to be very easily pleased. And when I read the River of Rain duet the first time, I ate that ish up! As my profile says, if I get da butterflies it's a hard 4-5 stars, and Rivain gave me butterflies on steroids. I'm not picky at all. But I must say, over time I have noticed that I am no longer a fan of the long drawn out pre-'breakup' (because were they ever actually together?) fight that typically happens at about 80% and seems to add no value. I'm sorry, I had to say it. Sometimes it works, yes. But I really didn't like it here because it didn't make sense. Would it have been completely unrealistic if Aspen didn't have a moment of hesitancy in accepting and being open about his relationship with Keene? Yes, definitely, absolutely, 100%, yep! But did he really need to leave and cut off his bestfriend for that long? Prolly not.
I've loved all of CE RICCI's books and I always know what to expect going in so I genuinely wasn't shocked by it. I really just wish Aspen had groveled a bit more. When they do get back together though, it's honestly perfect. Gahh they were like magnets 🥴
He’s my other half. My unexpected inevitable. My fucking everything.
I will say this, if you're going into this expecting some highly climactic intense story then you will be disappointed. You know what this book is? It's a story of friendship, and exploration, and acceptance, and bestfriends figuring out that they are soulmates. It's slow at times, fast at others. It's fluff, and spice, and a touch of angst, and copious amounts of swoon worthy moments. *ahem* Cannon Beach scene *ahem* (W T F was that cuteness overload jeez 😭) And for the fact that I had to actually remove myself from my kindle so many times, it has my stamp of approval 🥰
Buddy read with Ivy 💙💙
In my opinion, if you loved River and Rain's dynamic (um, the after Rain got his head out of his butt parts) you will love this. Period. I am convinced that in another life, Keene and River could be buddies 👀
I have a soft spot for the bestfriends to lovers trope. Always will. So I'm not surprised that I enjoyed this. I took my time with this one, because I realise that binging this author's books tend to leave me dry. Not in a bad way per se, I just need some time to digest her words.
Anyways, Keene is wanting to explore his sexuality and Aspen in all his protectiveness (mostly possessiveness tbh) offers to 'help' 🤭 They have this ongoing game of dares that adds some spice to the whole adventure and of course, they end up falling in love.
“I’ll never hurt you,” he murmurs, teeth scraping against my shoulder. “I’d rather die.”
From that first sexual encounter, I was hooked! Man, Aspen and Keene had chemistry!!! And they had a lifelong friendship at its core. It was beautiful to see them grow attracted to each other and develop such a sweet relationship. Y'ALL THAT FIRST SCENE WHERE THEY CUDDLE HAD ME IN MA FEELS! 😩 They were so soft for each other and idk it made me feel things. ((I'm-so-single-I-cry things))
I liked how this book was low-angst so I could enjoy it stress free, but ngl the last 20% stressed me tf out 😩
I haven't been a new adult romance reader for very long so I tend to be very easily pleased. And when I read the River of Rain duet the first time, I ate that ish up! As my profile says, if I get da butterflies it's a hard 4-5 stars, and Rivain gave me butterflies on steroids. I'm not picky at all. But I must say, over time I have noticed that I am no longer a fan of the long drawn out pre-'breakup' (because were they ever actually together?) fight that typically happens at about 80% and seems to add no value. I'm sorry, I had to say it. Sometimes it works, yes. But I really didn't like it here because it didn't make sense. Would it have been completely unrealistic if Aspen didn't have a moment of hesitancy in accepting and being open about his relationship with Keene? Yes, definitely, absolutely, 100%, yep! But did he really need to leave and cut off his bestfriend for that long? Prolly not.
I've loved all of CE RICCI's books and I always know what to expect going in so I genuinely wasn't shocked by it. I really just wish Aspen had groveled a bit more. When they do get back together though, it's honestly perfect. Gahh they were like magnets 🥴
He’s my other half. My unexpected inevitable. My fucking everything.
I will say this, if you're going into this expecting some highly climactic intense story then you will be disappointed. You know what this book is? It's a story of friendship, and exploration, and acceptance, and bestfriends figuring out that they are soulmates. It's slow at times, fast at others. It's fluff, and spice, and a touch of angst, and copious amounts of swoon worthy moments. *ahem* Cannon Beach scene *ahem* (W T F was that cuteness overload jeez 😭) And for the fact that I had to actually remove myself from my kindle so many times, it has my stamp of approval 🥰
Buddy read with Ivy 💙💙
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2022
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
C.E. Ricci has published five books, all five books have been five stars including Don't You Dare!! You are not prepared for the attraction, the intensity or the heat that is Keene & Aspen!!
💙 DOUBLE BI-AWAKENING (of a sort)
💙 CLOSE PROXIMITY
💙 COLLEGE BASEBALL
💙 FRIENDS TO LOVERS
💙 OPPOSITES ATTRACT
💙 LOW ANGST
I mean, SERIOUSLY!! All that in one book, one fanfuckingtastic story of two best friends who share one single kiss on a dare that led them down a road neither one of them ever expected to be on.
Whereas with Ricci's other books I always find myself pulling for on hero over the other but with this one my whole heart was invested every step of the way in both Aspen & Keene.
Keene was very much the easy-going guy that loved life and lived it every day. He plays the sport he loves, shares a dorm with his best friend and up until a couple of years ago thought he was straight, but one kiss changed all that. One kiss on a dare from his best friend changed the way he saw Aspen, but he knows that it is just something he is going to have to get through on his own.
Aspen while closed off to the world has always left himself completely open to Keene. Until one night it all changes when Keene refuses a dare, a dare that they had share once before. Aspen can't understand what is going on with them, but when things start to become clear he offers up the one thing he never thought he would, his body.
Honestly, I never thought I would see a friends to lovers from C.E. Ricci because let's be real here, she does angst and anger like no one else, but she shocked the hell out of me with Don't You Dare. Every aspect of this story ebbed and flowed with fierce passion. There were times where my heart ached for Keene and others where it ached for Aspen, but I never lost hope for them. Their friendship was nothing short of spectacular and when you add in the physical aspects they were lacking before all you are left with is fireworks!!
Don't You Dare has been one of my favorite reads of 2022 and while the year is still young, I don't see this story leaving me anytime soon. Afterall, what's not to love about two insanely sexy best friends who realize that they want nothing more than each other?
C.E. Ricci has published five books, all five books have been five stars including Don't You Dare!! You are not prepared for the attraction, the intensity or the heat that is Keene & Aspen!!
💙 DOUBLE BI-AWAKENING (of a sort)
💙 CLOSE PROXIMITY
💙 COLLEGE BASEBALL
💙 FRIENDS TO LOVERS
💙 OPPOSITES ATTRACT
💙 LOW ANGST
I mean, SERIOUSLY!! All that in one book, one fanfuckingtastic story of two best friends who share one single kiss on a dare that led them down a road neither one of them ever expected to be on.
Whereas with Ricci's other books I always find myself pulling for on hero over the other but with this one my whole heart was invested every step of the way in both Aspen & Keene.
Keene was very much the easy-going guy that loved life and lived it every day. He plays the sport he loves, shares a dorm with his best friend and up until a couple of years ago thought he was straight, but one kiss changed all that. One kiss on a dare from his best friend changed the way he saw Aspen, but he knows that it is just something he is going to have to get through on his own.
Aspen while closed off to the world has always left himself completely open to Keene. Until one night it all changes when Keene refuses a dare, a dare that they had share once before. Aspen can't understand what is going on with them, but when things start to become clear he offers up the one thing he never thought he would, his body.
Honestly, I never thought I would see a friends to lovers from C.E. Ricci because let's be real here, she does angst and anger like no one else, but she shocked the hell out of me with Don't You Dare. Every aspect of this story ebbed and flowed with fierce passion. There were times where my heart ached for Keene and others where it ached for Aspen, but I never lost hope for them. Their friendship was nothing short of spectacular and when you add in the physical aspects they were lacking before all you are left with is fireworks!!
Don't You Dare has been one of my favorite reads of 2022 and while the year is still young, I don't see this story leaving me anytime soon. Afterall, what's not to love about two insanely sexy best friends who realize that they want nothing more than each other?
February 23, 2022
***AVAILABLE NOW***
CE Ricci never disappoints, consistently delivering steamy heartfelt romances that have my heart in my throat. And while this was was low on angst, for her, it was still one that had me completely enamored from page one.
Aspen and Keene have my whole heart. I loved these two so much, and you could really feel how much they cared for each other with their actions and their words. Their love is the kind of love of you wish for, a best friend to live all the best and worst moments with, as well as the one you can burn up the sheets with.
This friends to lovers romance was so sweet and spicy, with a good dose of angst (you know how much I love it) at parts. But ultimately, what made me love it was the look and examination of sexuality, the timeless message of love isn’t defined by gender but the soul of a human. Seeing these two fall in love and grapple with not only what that means but also how to evolve from best friends to lovers was everything I wanted.
CE Ricci is such a phenomenal story-teller. Her words and characters never fail to make me feel every single bit of emotion, the whole spectrum, and I absolutely loved every moment of this journey.
Beta read
CE Ricci never disappoints, consistently delivering steamy heartfelt romances that have my heart in my throat. And while this was was low on angst, for her, it was still one that had me completely enamored from page one.
Aspen and Keene have my whole heart. I loved these two so much, and you could really feel how much they cared for each other with their actions and their words. Their love is the kind of love of you wish for, a best friend to live all the best and worst moments with, as well as the one you can burn up the sheets with.
This friends to lovers romance was so sweet and spicy, with a good dose of angst (you know how much I love it) at parts. But ultimately, what made me love it was the look and examination of sexuality, the timeless message of love isn’t defined by gender but the soul of a human. Seeing these two fall in love and grapple with not only what that means but also how to evolve from best friends to lovers was everything I wanted.
CE Ricci is such a phenomenal story-teller. Her words and characters never fail to make me feel every single bit of emotion, the whole spectrum, and I absolutely loved every moment of this journey.
Beta read
April 1, 2023
“At the risk of sounding completely fucking corny or like a total sap, I’m happiest when you’re happy, Kee. It’s always been that way, always will be.”
This was better than I expected. And hotter.
The best friends-to-lovers trope is one of my favorites, and this book definitely delivered!
![Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 22, 2023
MM Romance
Childhood Best Friends To Everything
Audiobook Narrators: Liam DiCosimo, Zachary Johnson: 5 Stars ⭐️
*Note*I’m kind of obsessed with Liam DiCosimo right now. He was perfect in Unhinged by Onley James and even better now. I’ve never listened to Zachary Johnson before but I’m down for more. Their voices were similar enough that all the character’s matched no matter whose POV I was in. Love that!
I liked this book better on audiobook and would have rated it 5 stars the first time around had I listened to it instead of reading it. They were the best of friends and I could hear and feel their emotional connection the entire time. The first time around they bugged me with their inability to communicate but I didn’t feel that way listening to it probably because I could hear the emotion conveyed even if they didn’t voice it. Since I love this couple so much I have no idea how I’m going to be able to read Avery’s redemption story when it releases soon because he’s trash and I dont know if I can forgive him.
I never thought I’d get into audiobooks but here I am listening to all the books on my best of lists. This one was so hot that it felt like I was listening to porn when they fucked. 🥵🥵
Original Review Below
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MM Romance
Best Friends To Lovers/Bi-Awakening
4 Stars ⭐️
The only other book I’ve read from this author is Head Above Water and that was a total train wreck I’d rather not relive. Despite not liking HAW, I wanted to give this author another try because I liked her writing style but I was waiting for the right book. Since the MM childhood best friends to lovers trope with a sexual awakening is one of my absolute favorites, I knew this was the one I should read. It wasn’t perfect and I had to keep reminding myself these idiots were only 20 years old but I really enjoyed this and it tied into Head Above Water in an unexpected way. In HAW, there was a scene on the beach of one of the main characters coming out of the water after surfing, watching this couple frolic in the sand while they kissed and he watches them longingly. I remember thinking “I’d rather be reading their love story” and what do you know? That couple are the main characters in this book. 😂
Here’s what I liked:
I loved their friendship of 20 years and just the way they were together as friends and lovers. I liked Aspen’s protectiveness over their friendship and the easy trust and openness they had with each other. Pen wasn’t vulnerable and open with anyone but Keene and it was easy for me to see how much they meant to each other. These two had wicked chemistry in bed because of their friendship and the sex scenes were hot. I also appreciated the fact Keene stood up for himself and made Pen grovel. It showed Keene wasn’t just some “golden retriever” pushover and let’s be honest, Pen needed to fucking grovel. He fucked up.
Here’s what could have been better:
For being friends for so long, they sure were idiots when it came to talking about their feelings. I had to constantly remind myself these guys were only 20 and that it made sense both would be confused and unable to see what was right in front of their faces. This book was a lot longer than it needed to be due to the inner monologues. Also, instead of mentioning a dirty flip fucking scene, please show that shit. There’s a reason I read romance books.
But overall, I liked this and it even made me all teary eyed during a few scenes.
Childhood Best Friends To Everything
Audiobook Narrators: Liam DiCosimo, Zachary Johnson: 5 Stars ⭐️
*Note*I’m kind of obsessed with Liam DiCosimo right now. He was perfect in Unhinged by Onley James and even better now. I’ve never listened to Zachary Johnson before but I’m down for more. Their voices were similar enough that all the character’s matched no matter whose POV I was in. Love that!
I liked this book better on audiobook and would have rated it 5 stars the first time around had I listened to it instead of reading it. They were the best of friends and I could hear and feel their emotional connection the entire time. The first time around they bugged me with their inability to communicate but I didn’t feel that way listening to it probably because I could hear the emotion conveyed even if they didn’t voice it. Since I love this couple so much I have no idea how I’m going to be able to read Avery’s redemption story when it releases soon because he’s trash and I dont know if I can forgive him.
I never thought I’d get into audiobooks but here I am listening to all the books on my best of lists. This one was so hot that it felt like I was listening to porn when they fucked. 🥵🥵
Original Review Below
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MM Romance
Best Friends To Lovers/Bi-Awakening
4 Stars ⭐️
The only other book I’ve read from this author is Head Above Water and that was a total train wreck I’d rather not relive. Despite not liking HAW, I wanted to give this author another try because I liked her writing style but I was waiting for the right book. Since the MM childhood best friends to lovers trope with a sexual awakening is one of my absolute favorites, I knew this was the one I should read. It wasn’t perfect and I had to keep reminding myself these idiots were only 20 years old but I really enjoyed this and it tied into Head Above Water in an unexpected way. In HAW, there was a scene on the beach of one of the main characters coming out of the water after surfing, watching this couple frolic in the sand while they kissed and he watches them longingly. I remember thinking “I’d rather be reading their love story” and what do you know? That couple are the main characters in this book. 😂
Here’s what I liked:
I loved their friendship of 20 years and just the way they were together as friends and lovers. I liked Aspen’s protectiveness over their friendship and the easy trust and openness they had with each other. Pen wasn’t vulnerable and open with anyone but Keene and it was easy for me to see how much they meant to each other. These two had wicked chemistry in bed because of their friendship and the sex scenes were hot. I also appreciated the fact Keene stood up for himself and made Pen grovel. It showed Keene wasn’t just some “golden retriever” pushover and let’s be honest, Pen needed to fucking grovel. He fucked up.
Here’s what could have been better:
For being friends for so long, they sure were idiots when it came to talking about their feelings. I had to constantly remind myself these guys were only 20 and that it made sense both would be confused and unable to see what was right in front of their faces. This book was a lot longer than it needed to be due to the inner monologues. Also, instead of mentioning a dirty flip fucking scene, please show that shit. There’s a reason I read romance books.
But overall, I liked this and it even made me all teary eyed during a few scenes.
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