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Hearts for Hire #3
Coming Together
Growing up together, they shared everything. But now, Reid is ready to keep Riley for himself.
Riley Morgan
I'm in love with Reid Morgan–my roommate, my childhood best friend, my life.
I've wasted years wishing he felt the same. I risk losing him if I reveal my true feelings. But I can’t stop my heart from loving him. After everything we’ve been through, don’t we deserve happiness together?
Reid Morgan
For six years, I’ve pined for a man that only sees me as his responsibility.
After I was brutally attacked, Riley believes I’m too fragile to handle a romantic relationship. We share everything but our bodies. But that isn’t enough for me anymore.
Could Riley ever see me as a boyfriend to love?
Coming Together is the third book in the Hearts For Hire series. This demisexual gay escort romance features hurt/comfort, childhood friends to lovers, found family, mutual pining, first times, and a romantic getaway that leads to the happiest ever after.
Riley Morgan
I'm in love with Reid Morgan–my roommate, my childhood best friend, my life.
I've wasted years wishing he felt the same. I risk losing him if I reveal my true feelings. But I can’t stop my heart from loving him. After everything we’ve been through, don’t we deserve happiness together?
Reid Morgan
For six years, I’ve pined for a man that only sees me as his responsibility.
After I was brutally attacked, Riley believes I’m too fragile to handle a romantic relationship. We share everything but our bodies. But that isn’t enough for me anymore.
Could Riley ever see me as a boyfriend to love?
Coming Together is the third book in the Hearts For Hire series. This demisexual gay escort romance features hurt/comfort, childhood friends to lovers, found family, mutual pining, first times, and a romantic getaway that leads to the happiest ever after.
237 pages, ebook
Published August 1, 2022
49 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 8, 2022
"And you can remind yourself that you can't be nothing because you're my everything."
This series continues to provide the (generally) low angst, cute, romantic, steamy goods! Coming Together is the third book in the Hearts for Hire series by Raquel Riley and this is Reid and Riley's story. It's more angsty than the previous two books and it is slowwww burn!
The Morgan boys have been everything for each other since they first met in the foster care system at 14 years old. Riley has always looked out for Reid and protected him from the world, as much as he could. Riley works as an escort at Lucky Match, but that is not something he will allow Reid to do; no-one touches Reid, not under Riley's watch.
Except Riley has been having all the feels for Reid for years. And Reid has been having all the feels for Riley for exactly the same amount of time. What on earth will happen if they ever get their honesty on at the same time....?
There are some abusive, assault and homophobic situations in this book that may effect some readers, so please do ensure you read the author's TWs.
4 cute and HEA stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This series continues to provide the (generally) low angst, cute, romantic, steamy goods! Coming Together is the third book in the Hearts for Hire series by Raquel Riley and this is Reid and Riley's story. It's more angsty than the previous two books and it is slowwww burn!
The Morgan boys have been everything for each other since they first met in the foster care system at 14 years old. Riley has always looked out for Reid and protected him from the world, as much as he could. Riley works as an escort at Lucky Match, but that is not something he will allow Reid to do; no-one touches Reid, not under Riley's watch.
Except Riley has been having all the feels for Reid for years. And Reid has been having all the feels for Riley for exactly the same amount of time. What on earth will happen if they ever get their honesty on at the same time....?
There are some abusive, assault and homophobic situations in this book that may effect some readers, so please do ensure you read the author's TWs.
4 cute and HEA stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 25, 2023
I've been looking forward to Reid and Riley finally coming together since the series started and their story did not disappoint. They had such a pure, deep connection, really felt the love they shared for one another. Reid is my favorite, just a absolute delight! I wish they figured things out sooner, all they needed to do was talk, but that was part of their journey/story. Some scenes in this book were tough to take, especially the physical attack on my bunny, ugh my heart broke. (Read trigger warnings) Even though Raquel broke my heart, she put it back together. I loved the sweet, sexy, and satisfying ending. Another great installment to the series and looking forward to reading the next book.
August 1, 2022
Finally, the book I have been waiting for in this series, Riley and Reid. They grew up together in foster care like brothers but their attraction is anything but brotherly. Reid is the victim of several assaults and Riley tries to protect him but he is not always there. This book depicts Reid's struggle to work through the assaults and make Riley see he needs him as more than a brother. The supporting characters from the previous books are here also. I only wished for a little more heat as they tiptoed around the physical aspects for Reid's mental health but Riley was protective. These two were meant to be together. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
July 11, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC REVIEW⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPOILERS AHEAD 💚💚
“You’re my everything, Ry. But most importantly, you’re my home.”
OMG. Riley and Reid are so incredibly precious. I have to admit I was a little worried they would be too dependent upon each other in the beginning; however it was really beautiful watching Reid and Riley both grow as individuals and together. Let me tell you there is nothing “brotherly” about these two 🔥🔥
“I’m just exploring. I have a lot to learn. Your body is like a map and I’m in geography class.”
Please read the TWs prior to reading. If you haven’t done so, go grab your copies of the first two books in the Hearts for Hire series.
I can’t wait to see what is in store for Hudson and Murphy in Curious Relations. 💚
SPOILERS AHEAD 💚💚
“You’re my everything, Ry. But most importantly, you’re my home.”
OMG. Riley and Reid are so incredibly precious. I have to admit I was a little worried they would be too dependent upon each other in the beginning; however it was really beautiful watching Reid and Riley both grow as individuals and together. Let me tell you there is nothing “brotherly” about these two 🔥🔥
“I’m just exploring. I have a lot to learn. Your body is like a map and I’m in geography class.”
Please read the TWs prior to reading. If you haven’t done so, go grab your copies of the first two books in the Hearts for Hire series.
I can’t wait to see what is in store for Hudson and Murphy in Curious Relations. 💚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
After all the anticipation in book 1&2, I was so excited to finally read Riley and Reid's story. It was everything I wanted and more. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, intense, swoonworthy and sweet.
Even though Riley and Reid were Foster brothers at one point, it was clear from the start that their love was more than platonic. This story is clearly a childhood friends to lovers book.
I loved the growth both of the these main characters go through before finally getting together. (This book had a little more angst than the first two and definitely some heavier themes and lots of triggers, so make sure you read those TWs before jumping in!)
I also really liked the demisexual rep and discovery in this story.... and of course I loved the side characters as well. I'm eager for Hudson's book already!
If you haven't read the first two books I recommend reading them in order since there are lots of cameos and we originally meet Riley and Reid in book 1. It can read on its own but there are a few issues the characters see from the start that eventually get resolved in this book.
Again I loved this book. 5 stars.
Even though Riley and Reid were Foster brothers at one point, it was clear from the start that their love was more than platonic. This story is clearly a childhood friends to lovers book.
I loved the growth both of the these main characters go through before finally getting together. (This book had a little more angst than the first two and definitely some heavier themes and lots of triggers, so make sure you read those TWs before jumping in!)
I also really liked the demisexual rep and discovery in this story.... and of course I loved the side characters as well. I'm eager for Hudson's book already!
If you haven't read the first two books I recommend reading them in order since there are lots of cameos and we originally meet Riley and Reid in book 1. It can read on its own but there are a few issues the characters see from the start that eventually get resolved in this book.
Again I loved this book. 5 stars.
September 13, 2023
❝ 𝚁𝚎𝚒𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚕𝚞𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚢 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚙𝚒𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚖𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚖 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚞𝚙𝚘𝚗 𝚞𝚜. ❞
⭐ 4/5
🌶 2/5
💦 5/10「cliterature wetometer」
💬 first-person, dual POV
🏳🌈 MM
📖 writing style was really smooth, i was flying through the pages but also must add i sometimes felt there were too much monologues, especially in the beginning when i was impatiently waiting for the MCs to interact.
📚 standalone in a series - this was my first book by this author, and i definitely felt like there were stuff happening in the previous books in this series that could've added more to my reading experience but overall i didn't feel like i was lost or missing (too) much.
🫂 foster brothers who slept together, cuddled lots, and were in a relationship despite "not knowing" it.🤭 they were the sweetest childhood besties who were there for each other always, even when they had no one. they were soulmates, meant for one another, and i adored them so much! & they must be protected pls😭😭
⚕️ therapy positivity!! there was lots of heavy stuff in this book, one MC was especially dealing with a lot of trauma bc of past abuse so it was really great to see how he finally got to the point where he wanted to seek help & i really loved the other MCs' supporting him always, even when he was super protective & possessive!
🏡 found family - i loved the dynamics the MCs had with the other characters, there was a strong supportive friend group and i was so happy the MCs had a caring parental figure despite being former foster kids.
🔥 slowish medium burn - they were so tender with each other!! & took things slowly bc of past trauma, abuse.. but it was perfect & their chemistry was 🔥 + the mutual "secret" pining was everything 🔥🔥
🌧 i picked this book bc i wanted a palette cleanser between my angsty, dark books & i expected cute cuddles & sweet kisses which this book did deliver however it also does deal with heavy stuff so i definitely rec reading the TWs (which i didn't do lol but i usually ignore the TWs or use them as a shopping list haha but anyway i was surprised by all the stuff that happened on page..😳 um so stay safe♡)
⚠️ TWs: homophobic slurs, bullying, graphic violent hate crimes involving physical and sexual abuse, past trauma involving childhood sexual abuse, panic attacks, victim blaming, depression, suicidal ideation
⋅⋅─────────⊹⊱❂⊰⊹─────────⋅⋅
❝ “I’m just exploring. I have a lot to learn. Your body is like a map and I’m in geography class.” ❞
⋅⋅─────────⊹⊱❂⊰⊹─────────⋅⋅
⭐ 4/5
🌶 2/5
💦 5/10「cliterature wetometer」
💬 first-person, dual POV
🏳🌈 MM
📖 writing style was really smooth, i was flying through the pages but also must add i sometimes felt there were too much monologues, especially in the beginning when i was impatiently waiting for the MCs to interact.
📚 standalone in a series - this was my first book by this author, and i definitely felt like there were stuff happening in the previous books in this series that could've added more to my reading experience but overall i didn't feel like i was lost or missing (too) much.
🫂 foster brothers who slept together, cuddled lots, and were in a relationship despite "not knowing" it.🤭 they were the sweetest childhood besties who were there for each other always, even when they had no one. they were soulmates, meant for one another, and i adored them so much! & they must be protected pls😭😭
⚕️ therapy positivity!! there was lots of heavy stuff in this book, one MC was especially dealing with a lot of trauma bc of past abuse so it was really great to see how he finally got to the point where he wanted to seek help & i really loved the other MCs' supporting him always, even when he was super protective & possessive!
🏡 found family - i loved the dynamics the MCs had with the other characters, there was a strong supportive friend group and i was so happy the MCs had a caring parental figure despite being former foster kids.
🔥 slowish medium burn - they were so tender with each other!! & took things slowly bc of past trauma, abuse.. but it was perfect & their chemistry was 🔥 + the mutual "secret" pining was everything 🔥🔥
🌧 i picked this book bc i wanted a palette cleanser between my angsty, dark books & i expected cute cuddles & sweet kisses which this book did deliver however it also does deal with heavy stuff so i definitely rec reading the TWs (which i didn't do lol but i usually ignore the TWs or use them as a shopping list haha but anyway i was surprised by all the stuff that happened on page..😳 um so stay safe♡)
⚠️ TWs: homophobic slurs, bullying, graphic violent hate crimes involving physical and sexual abuse, past trauma involving childhood sexual abuse, panic attacks, victim blaming, depression, suicidal ideation
⋅⋅─────────⊹⊱❂⊰⊹─────────⋅⋅
❝ “I’m just exploring. I have a lot to learn. Your body is like a map and I’m in geography class.” ❞
⋅⋅─────────⊹⊱❂⊰⊹─────────⋅⋅
August 14, 2023
I made a mistake of reading this book out of order. In my defence I didn’t think it was a part of the series as I picked up solely because I knew there was a demisexual character. No wonder I felt lost and a bit confused with other characters who I didn’t know but who felt like they belonged there. I learned later that they were from the first two books.
Riley and Reid grew up in foster care system, so it was understandable why they stuck together through all those years. They just found comfort and safety in each other. Nevertheless, despite the fact that they grew up together, they’re very different. Reid is weak, feeble and vulnerable, and Raquel Riley made a habit out of pushing poor Reid off the cliff throughout the whole story. I really felt sorry for him ALL THE TIME. I suppose this was done just so strong and brave Riley could come to his rescue. No wonder Reid called him a hero.
The storyline was a bit plain for me. Nothing was really there to find out other than when the two friends would finally kiss and tell each other their “I love yous”. We knew all along they had more than brotherly feelings for one another but it took too long to make it obvious to the characters themselves.
I didn’t want to drop it even though I had a very strong desire but I admit that I was skipping pages just to get to the end. There was a transgender character who I thought was brought into the story for additional drama. It didn’t feel organic to me.
I have to admit though that the concept of demisexuality was very well executed by the author. I have to give her that. And the relationship between Reid and Riley was quite wholesome. They were already good friends but discovered each other again in a new way, and it was heartwarming to know they would be there for each other from now on…
Perhaps my impression of Reid and Riley’s story would have been different if I had a build up of the books that came before. But it is what it is unfortunately.
Riley and Reid grew up in foster care system, so it was understandable why they stuck together through all those years. They just found comfort and safety in each other. Nevertheless, despite the fact that they grew up together, they’re very different. Reid is weak, feeble and vulnerable, and Raquel Riley made a habit out of pushing poor Reid off the cliff throughout the whole story. I really felt sorry for him ALL THE TIME. I suppose this was done just so strong and brave Riley could come to his rescue. No wonder Reid called him a hero.
The storyline was a bit plain for me. Nothing was really there to find out other than when the two friends would finally kiss and tell each other their “I love yous”. We knew all along they had more than brotherly feelings for one another but it took too long to make it obvious to the characters themselves.
I didn’t want to drop it even though I had a very strong desire but I admit that I was skipping pages just to get to the end. There was a transgender character who I thought was brought into the story for additional drama. It didn’t feel organic to me.
I have to admit though that the concept of demisexuality was very well executed by the author. I have to give her that. And the relationship between Reid and Riley was quite wholesome. They were already good friends but discovered each other again in a new way, and it was heartwarming to know they would be there for each other from now on…
Perhaps my impression of Reid and Riley’s story would have been different if I had a build up of the books that came before. But it is what it is unfortunately.
August 1, 2022
I dare readers to not fall in love with Riley and Reid. Their love story is beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking and everything I didn’t know that I didn’t know I needed. From the very first chapter Raquel Riley takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Even knowing that there was going to be a satisfying resolution to all the heartache (shown in the TW at the beginning of the book) wasn’t enough to stop the tears. I cried for Riley, struggling to hide his love for Reid. I cried for Reid, dealing with so much trauma that you aren’t sure how he’s still going. Riley and Reid have been together since they were first in foster care together when they were 14. Now 20, Reid still seeks the comfort Riley brings him and continues to sleep in the same bed as him, wanting Riley but thinking he’ll never have him while Riley lays next to him thinking the same thing.
Their "will they or won't they" dance had me exiting the Kindle app a few times, just to take a breather from the emotional toll they were taking on my heart. Receiving an Advanced Copy of this book for review (and reading it in less than 12 hours) makes me feel lucky, in addition to being emotionally wrung out. While there is an HEA, please note that the TW at the beginning of the book is VERY valid and you shouldn’t read it if you are unable to read about trauma, physical and otherwise. However, if you’re able to handle reading this book, Raquel will not let you down. This is a truly beautiful love story that I am so happy to have read.Coming Together Raquel Riley
Their "will they or won't they" dance had me exiting the Kindle app a few times, just to take a breather from the emotional toll they were taking on my heart. Receiving an Advanced Copy of this book for review (and reading it in less than 12 hours) makes me feel lucky, in addition to being emotionally wrung out. While there is an HEA, please note that the TW at the beginning of the book is VERY valid and you shouldn’t read it if you are unable to read about trauma, physical and otherwise. However, if you’re able to handle reading this book, Raquel will not let you down. This is a truly beautiful love story that I am so happy to have read.Coming Together Raquel Riley
June 27, 2022
The most anticipated story of the series thus far and did Raquel deliver an emotional rollercoaster! From childhood trauma to empowering journeys, the growth witnessed within these pages were beautifully powerful! And, those Alphaholes!! 🤬
“𝙉𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧.”
Riley and Reid have such an intense connection, they were a team, a 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯. They would have been lost without the other.
𝙍𝙚𝙞𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙪𝙨. And they were a match made for the greater good of this world! Their protectiveness over the other was so sweet and not extreme, working perfectly for their lives.
𝙄𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙, 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.
In true Raquel fashion, she tortures her readers with anticipation. Though this story was about so much more, but let’s be honest, we’ve been patiently waiting for these two to finally seal the deal! The buildup was fierce, brutal, and filled with so much passionate desire I was egging them to hurry up by the time the actual scene came 🤣. But, it was explosive! 💥🤯
“𝕀’𝕞 𝕨𝕖𝕚𝕣𝕕𝕝𝕪 𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕟 𝕓𝕪 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕚𝕔𝕖, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕗𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕. 𝕀 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕒 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕥𝕪 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕝𝕖𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕦𝕟.”
Oh how I cannot wait to read Murph and Hudson’s story!! Their constant bickering continues with this one, though not as much but just as intense! Their chemistry is bound to be a combustible explosion of frustration and power! And I’m here for it all!!
“𝙉𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧.”
Riley and Reid have such an intense connection, they were a team, a 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯. They would have been lost without the other.
𝙍𝙚𝙞𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙪𝙨. And they were a match made for the greater good of this world! Their protectiveness over the other was so sweet and not extreme, working perfectly for their lives.
𝙄𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙, 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.
In true Raquel fashion, she tortures her readers with anticipation. Though this story was about so much more, but let’s be honest, we’ve been patiently waiting for these two to finally seal the deal! The buildup was fierce, brutal, and filled with so much passionate desire I was egging them to hurry up by the time the actual scene came 🤣. But, it was explosive! 💥🤯
“𝕀’𝕞 𝕨𝕖𝕚𝕣𝕕𝕝𝕪 𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕟 𝕓𝕪 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕚𝕔𝕖, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕗𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕. 𝕀 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕒 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕥𝕪 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕝𝕖𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕦𝕟.”
Oh how I cannot wait to read Murph and Hudson’s story!! Their constant bickering continues with this one, though not as much but just as intense! Their chemistry is bound to be a combustible explosion of frustration and power! And I’m here for it all!!
July 29, 2022
Coming Together by Raquel Riley was well worth the wait. I've been eagerly waiting for Reid and Riley's story and now it's finally here!
I was so interested in these two characters ever since I read Hopeless For You. I needed them to finally talk about their feelings for each other, and they finally did!
I felt so bad for Reid, all of the trauma and abuse he went through. I also felt bad for Riley as well because he was always so hard on himself, if something happened to Reid he blamed himself. He didn't want to acknowledge his feelings for his best friend cause he didn't want to ruin their friendship.
I enjoyed how this story came together, certain parts I felt didn't necessarily need to be there, but overall the story was good. Raquel knows how to write characters you can't help but cheer for. Now I have to wait for Murphy's story...
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
I also want to add if you have trouble with sexual assault, rape and abuse being mentioned than proceed with caution while reading this.
I was so interested in these two characters ever since I read Hopeless For You. I needed them to finally talk about their feelings for each other, and they finally did!
I felt so bad for Reid, all of the trauma and abuse he went through. I also felt bad for Riley as well because he was always so hard on himself, if something happened to Reid he blamed himself. He didn't want to acknowledge his feelings for his best friend cause he didn't want to ruin their friendship.
I enjoyed how this story came together, certain parts I felt didn't necessarily need to be there, but overall the story was good. Raquel knows how to write characters you can't help but cheer for. Now I have to wait for Murphy's story...
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
I also want to add if you have trouble with sexual assault, rape and abuse being mentioned than proceed with caution while reading this.
August 5, 2022
Sometimes you gotta take that last step. Riley, is in love with his roommate, his best friend Reid. He feels if he reveals his feelings, he will lose the friendship forever. Reid, was attacked and believes Riley sees him as a vulnerable delicate man. Reid and Riley, had a history as foster brothers. Their relationship was bonded as children with shared experiences then through school, university and adulthood. The men didn't realize the full extent of their bonding and go through a growth period that lays out who and what they are. The author handled their metamorphosis with absolute skill delicacy and heat! We go up and down the roller coaster of their emerging from the crysalis of their protective cocoon. There's a little fun, a bit of trauma and some adventure. Will they climb out of their minds and speak up? Will they ask for what they need? Excellent story. great characters and well paced. I really liked this story. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2022
Having read the first two books in this series, I was not sure I was fully prepared for this one, even though I was so ready for it. For me, it is unlike the first two in that this one is an intense and emotional love story of Reed and Riley. A story to two flawed men who have meet in foster care and have remained lifelong friends, with both wanting to be more than friends, but afraid to take that next step for fear of harming the friendship. Be prepared to feel and experience a range of emotions as this one has many ups and downs (and for me some hard to read parts, Reed's story). However, I loved how the two were always there to support one another. A beautifully written love story that at the end of the day is about hope, trust, and love winning out and two men finding their "one", their HEA. Just one note, i do think that while you can read as standalone, reading the first two makes this book more powerful and enjoyable. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
July 20, 2022
This book was incredible! I've been looking forward to Riley and Reid's book for some time now and am so pleased with how it turned out. I will advise you to heed the trigger warnings because this book is quite intense at times. Reid was a character that I just wanted to wrap up in my arms and never let go of. He has had so much pain in his life yet he still puts on a smile and tries to be the best human possible. Riley has made it his life's purpose to protect Reid and give him the future he deserves but at the expense of keeping his affections platonic. Reid adores Riley and wishes for more than sweet cuddles and gentle forehead kisses. I loved the beauty of their adoration towards each other. This was a true love match that just needed to find its way to the surface.
July 24, 2022
This book was so emotional! There was angst as I felt so much for what Reid had to go through. It was a hopeful angst with a lot of hurt comfort from his best friend since forever Riley. Poor Reid loves Riley so much he does not believe that Riley could possibly love him romantically because he sees him as someone he needs to protect. Riley does want to protect Reid and he is a natural comforter when it comes to Reid because he is also so in love with his best friend. Watching them finally develop into all they were meant to be, was not always easy but so heartwarming and I was an emotional wreck! I read an arc and these two best friends were absolutely endearing and I could feel how they were two halves of a whole! Loved seeing the other guys again too!
July 26, 2022
Coming Together is the third book in the Hearts for Hire series. Coming Together was sooo freakin good!! I have been impatiently waiting for this book! We finally got Reid and Riley’s story along with some background. They are best friends that do everything together. They were raised in foster care living as brothers but secretly in love with each other. Riley has always been Reid’s protector. Reid just wants Riley to see him as a man and love interest. I loved it when they finally admitted their feelings for each other, finally!!! Its seriously swoon worthy and sweet, sooo freakin good!! Overall, an excellent read that is well written with fantastic pacing. It hooked me and didn’t let go, very engaging! Highly recommend.
August 4, 2022
In so many ways Reid and Riley are already a couple. Except they are not. They were in foster care together and Riley has a long history of serving as Reid's protector. They are in a holding pattern of closeness that is in some ways the obstacle to them becoming to one another what each of them desires. In the previous books they always seemed like a couple but supposedly were not. But they could be. There are so many emotions binding them together that they cannot clear the way for the mutual love and attraction they feel for one another romantically. This story is more about them finally coming together in the way that they appear and becoming the couple it seems they have been all along.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
July 17, 2022
Star Rating 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV Dual
Cliffhanger No
Spice Rating 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre/Tropes MM, friends-to-lovers, demi rep,
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
First of all, I want to thank the author for the trigger warning at the beginning! I went into this book not having read anything by this author before, and I was pleasantly surprised! This was overall a really good read! I loved witnessing first-hand the growth between the main characters, and seeing how Reid became so much stronger through his ordeal. The depth the plot help was wonderful, and the HEA was so sweet!
POV Dual
Cliffhanger No
Spice Rating 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre/Tropes MM, friends-to-lovers, demi rep,
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
First of all, I want to thank the author for the trigger warning at the beginning! I went into this book not having read anything by this author before, and I was pleasantly surprised! This was overall a really good read! I loved witnessing first-hand the growth between the main characters, and seeing how Reid became so much stronger through his ordeal. The depth the plot help was wonderful, and the HEA was so sweet!
July 17, 2022
That was gut wrenching and absolutely beautiful! I knew the moment I met Riley & Reid that I would love their story. No lie, I cried on multiple occasions. The author is not playing around in this one; it is a love story with a lot of hurt/comfort and co-dependency that kicks you in all your feels. I do recommend reading the triggers before you begin in order to prepare yourself but I think it is worth it. I loved being on this journey with them, it made their HEA that much sweeter.
Also important to mention that from book one I was completely done in by the found family aspect, I would say it’s my favourite part of this series. Each book that found family grows and just gets better!
Also important to mention that from book one I was completely done in by the found family aspect, I would say it’s my favourite part of this series. Each book that found family grows and just gets better!
August 1, 2022
So, the first book In this series was my first by this author. It definitely wasn’t my favorite book, I skipped the second book in this series I was super curious about Reid and Riley so of course I had to read this one and I was slightly disappointed.
There was very little character growth for with one of them. There was also just something about this story that didn’t sit right with me. Not sure exactly what.
Having said that I was happy to read the HEA these guys got and fully deserved.
Having said that I am now super super curious about the next couple so I will probably read the next book out of curiosity.
There was very little character growth for with one of them. There was also just something about this story that didn’t sit right with me. Not sure exactly what.
Having said that I was happy to read the HEA these guys got and fully deserved.
Having said that I am now super super curious about the next couple so I will probably read the next book out of curiosity.
August 4, 2022
I have been waiting forever for Riley and Reid and to hear their story. Now that we are finally there, they had a heartbreaking story. However, seeing them fall in love was wonderful. Your heart will break especially as you learn about Reid's past. You see just how true and wonderful of a friend and protector Riley has been all along. My one critique is just how slow burn this story really was. I do think they could have brought Ried and Riley together and strengthened their relationship sooner. Despite this I thought the story was very strong and showed Reid finding his strength and voice. This was an enjoyable story. I am most eager to see what comes next in this series. This book was certainly worth the wait and time to read.
July 19, 2022
Omg. I couldnt wait for this book Reid and Riley were always adorable, but I was hoping these two would couple up.
I adored Reid despite everything he went through growing up, he had a sunny and kind personality most of the time. Only shutting down when he felt threatened, he seemed an easy target for the Alphaholes.
Riley felt like Reid is the light of his life and he felt that making Reids future the way he wants it to be. He felt that without Reids support he would only be a dumb jock.
This story was so well handled, especially after Reids last day at the coffee shop.... the support from previous characters was amazing....
I adored Reid despite everything he went through growing up, he had a sunny and kind personality most of the time. Only shutting down when he felt threatened, he seemed an easy target for the Alphaholes.
Riley felt like Reid is the light of his life and he felt that making Reids future the way he wants it to be. He felt that without Reids support he would only be a dumb jock.
This story was so well handled, especially after Reids last day at the coffee shop.... the support from previous characters was amazing....
July 21, 2022
I was so eager for Riley and Reid after the other books and I thought they were ok but I expected a little more. Riley has always been Reid's protector and they have clearly been in love with each other forever and they share everything EXCEPT for how they feel about one another.
I didn't understand Riley's insecurities in sharing his feelings with Reid because he did everything in his power not to hurt Reid but this hurt him more than anything. Catching up with the supporting characters was great and I love how supportive the group is.
Overall a great addition to the series and I loved their HEA!
I didn't understand Riley's insecurities in sharing his feelings with Reid because he did everything in his power not to hurt Reid but this hurt him more than anything. Catching up with the supporting characters was great and I love how supportive the group is.
Overall a great addition to the series and I loved their HEA!
July 31, 2022
I’m so happy we finally got to see Reid and Riley’s HEA!!! It was heartbreaking to finally hear about Reid’s childhood abuse. I was so happy to see his character growth with his therapy and self defense class! I also really liked his realization that he has the passion for social work. Riley is his normal caveman self, but that’s why we love him. I was pleasantly surprised he was so supportive of Reid growing on his own too. There is a lot of sap, and not nearly as much smexy time in this book, but what was there is still hot! I’m very much looking forward to Hudson and Murphy’s story next!
August 3, 2022
I have been waiting for this book since Riley and Reid were introduced to us in the first book, Lucky's book and I absolutely loved it. Riley and Reid met when they were 14 and ended up in the same foster care home and have been inseparable ever since. Some parts of the book were really hard to read and broke my heart, but I was looking forward to reading their HEA. I loved Riley and his protective personality and I loved Reid and how brave he ended up being. I can't wait for Hudson's and Murphy's story next.
August 4, 2022
Reid and Riley ❤️🔥❤️
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Finally!!! Best Friends to Lovers done so right! This was a really heartfelt story, lots of feeling, lots of super sexy and scorching exploration..wink wink 🔥 and lots of heart! Some parts were heartbreaking and heavy (See blurb warning) however through it all, the love and friendship were center stage leaving this story perfectly balanced with everything a heartwarming love story needs. I would highly recommend this read, imo it's the best book so far of this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Finally!!! Best Friends to Lovers done so right! This was a really heartfelt story, lots of feeling, lots of super sexy and scorching exploration..wink wink 🔥 and lots of heart! Some parts were heartbreaking and heavy (See blurb warning) however through it all, the love and friendship were center stage leaving this story perfectly balanced with everything a heartwarming love story needs. I would highly recommend this read, imo it's the best book so far of this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
July 20, 2022
The two main characters, Reid and Riley, make this story great. Reid, his goodness and his love for Riley, Riley, his love for Reid and his desire to protect, these two are terrific. Their journey has so much sadness and heartache but their friendship/relationship supports them as do their friends. This is a very moving story that touches you emotionally. The HeA is long awaited and very welcomed. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
July 30, 2022
This is my first book by this author, but I will definitely be going back and reading the first two books of the series. This one was simply beautiful and I read it in one sitting. First and foremost, the trigger and content warnings at the beginning are very important and should not be ignored. Reid and Riley travel a tough road together, but it is so important to see how they come out on the other side. I also love the demi rep and the conversation on page about feeling broken but the elation you feel when you find that label that explains everything.
July 31, 2022
This is the story of Reid and Riley and it is also the 3rd book in the Hearts for Hire series. Please read the trigger warnings. I was so glad when I saw that they got their book, and personally this is my favorite. There is just something so special about them and they will be a part of me forever. It is an emotional roller-coaster and you will cry, tears of joy and anger and sadness. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
July 31, 2022
This is a slow-burn, yet a perfect example of how feelings deepen over time and how two men can't stop the inevitable. Reid and Riley have stuck together and built a friendship that has stood over time. Both men crave the other but guilt stops them both in their tracks. But watching them come to the realization and move to heal past hurts was a beautiful, yet at times, heart-wrenching journey, but their HEA is worth it.
August 2, 2022
all the feels
This series is quickly becoming an addiction. While we are so excited to see what happens with Riley and Reid, there is a little more to this book. Reid’s past is not easy to get through. But at the same time he has the heart of gold and will do anything and everything to help others who may have the same experiences. This story was beautiful, make sure to have tissues on hand. Beautiful HEA.
This series is quickly becoming an addiction. While we are so excited to see what happens with Riley and Reid, there is a little more to this book. Reid’s past is not easy to get through. But at the same time he has the heart of gold and will do anything and everything to help others who may have the same experiences. This story was beautiful, make sure to have tissues on hand. Beautiful HEA.
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