I’m His First, He’s My Forever

by Romeo Alexander

Two best friends, one straight, one gay, fight their own emotional storm in the middle of a raging hurricane.

Who will win, heart or hurricane?

Ethan: Being in love with my straight best friend? Not the greatest idea. But hey, I’ve kept it a secret from him all these years. Well, until hurricane Ada decided to visit our quiet town. I’m a forest ranger, and after my recent brush with death, I wasn’t thinking, and maybe…just maybe, I made one impulsive decision that officially changed everything. We were sheltering from the storm, the wind and lightning all around us. I just wanted to know what it would feel like, and Cole was asleep…or so I thought.

Cole: I like my life and the routine of being a cop. I like living in Watercrest Bay, a few minutes from my mom and next door to my best friend of twenty years. I don’t dislike change, but when hurricane Ada hits, everything changes. As the storm rages outside, events take a very different turn. I’m forced to see Ethan in a whole new light, and a new door opens for me. He nearly died, so when he…well, did what he did, what was I supposed to do? I changed.

***

A best friends to lovers, bi-awakening romance with hot heroes battling the elements and their emotions. Fun family and sassy friends help our heroes find their true feelings while hurricane Ada does its best to tear them apart.

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Gay For You

419 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2022

About the author

Romeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.

As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.

Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter

Reviews

[D.L. Howe · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️💫

You know those moments in sitcoms, when someone is in the middle of a particularly juicy story and right as they get to the good part that annoying character keeps interrupting? Yeah, that’s this book in a nutshell.

Too many words, too many details and descriptions of things that don’t matter. I understand a build up and if done right it’s entertaining and tantalizing. This unfortunately didn’t offer that, instead wasting my time with a lot of b.s.

Don’t get me wrong, there were enjoyable moments, for at least half the time. I would’ve much preferred a book half as long if the writing is like this.

Seriously, it feels like being cockblocked. Over and over again by a nice old lady that needs help crossing the street. And she’s as slow as molasses on a winter’s day.

How sweet is it that Ethan’s dad did research after he came out to give him a second gay friendly sex talk. 🥹🏳️‍🌈

After all that build up, when we finally reach the kiss and you are still cock blocking me?! Sorry, I’m just not enough of a masochist for this.

DNF 52%

[Marci]

DNF @ 13%

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 2 out of 5]

MM Romance
Childhood Friends To Lovers/GFY
2 Lackluster stars ⭐️


I should have DNF’d this, many times but I had been looking forward to this book and had this in my Amazon new book wishlist. After reading the sample, I wasn’t sure this book was for me based on the writing style but I’ve never read anything by this author before and the blurb of forced proximity due to a hurricane, GFY/Bi awakening and childhood friends was too tempting to walk away from so I gave it a chance. I wish I had the time I spent on this back although I spent most of it falling asleep while attempting to read this. This one was unnecessarily long and had a really weird unbelievable transition from friends to lovers. Like WTF?

The story took a long time to set everything up and it was such a slowww burn that I never felt like these two had much chemistry with each other except as friends. We are told Ethan loves Cole but never shown the reasons why. We know he has a creepy hobby when it comes to Cole and there are a few flashbacks but nothing that made me believe in these two having a future together. But after Ethan attempts to kiss Cole, Cole who has never shown interest in men or Ethan in that way, goes all in and it’s supposedly the best kiss of his life. 🤔 He rationally thinks about it and it’s just weird? I wanted passion or something that made this believable but it was like “Oh, Ethan loves me, I didn’t know but now that I do, let’s be together”. At 84% it appears this story is over and I was about to put it down because I could not for the life of me figure out wtf could happen that hadn’t already. Unfortunately, I kept reading it, my eyes glazing over learning how they repair the town, announce their relationship everyone already thought they were having. etc etc. Yawn 🥱 I fell asleep again. 😂😂😂

But back to the writing style which was my biggest issue. I prefer 1st person POV but the best book I’ve read so far this year was in 3rd so it’s not a must have for me to love a book. This one was an issue for me because of the sentence structures and phrasing. I am not even sure I can explain it but the way their inner monologues were written bugged the hell out of me especially all the references to “the man”. I’ll have to find an example after I post this because I know this makes no sense. But the writing style also made me feel weirdly detached from everyone, affected the sex scenes making them rather blah and just made me completely uninterested in trying to read anything else by this author.

Is it just me? Maybe. Am I disappointed? So disappointed! Because the blurb 😭😭😭 had so much promise but sadly this just did not work for me. Like I said, I should have DNF’d this.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two life/long best friends, one straight, one gay, fight their own emotional storm in the middle of a raging hurricane. Who will win, heart or hurricane?
I have yet to find a book written by Romeo Alexander that I have not liked, and this one was NOT the exception. There were so many things happening other than Ethan and Cole's friendship. The story of how they met when they were both 8-years old, captures you from the very start and lasts all the way to the end. There are so many emotions, everything from heartbreak at the start, a hurricane, health battles, feeling of much more than merely friendship, and so much more.

As adults both Cole and Ethan have professions in fields that requires them to perhaps face danger at perhaps any given moment, every day...one as a firefighter, the other a police officer. Their jobs also had them answering the "call to duty" during Hurricane Ada, to help get the little town's residents to safety and help those they stayed. Ethan and Cole both put their lives on the line more than once during this time, while yet trying to figure out the next step of their friendship. Should they stay as best friends or take the next step to romantic partners?

Their supportive family consists of Louis, who is Ethan's dad and Pam, who is Cole's mother. They long ago started out as friends and later bloomed into a joined family. The story also includes other "found family" who are also fun characters. I discovered this author several years ago and have enjoyed everything he has written, most of which I own and reread when I what something that I know is sweet with a happy ending...so of course I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how sweet these two guys were together even before they formed a romantic relationship.

If you don't mind a same sex couple, i highly recommend this book or any book that bears Romeo Alexnder's name.

[Caz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read and enjoyed a few books by this author, but this was just... dull. Not much chemistry and So Very Talky - like the opposite of the Big Mis romance where everything could be solved by one simple conversation! I appreciated there was no real lack of communication here, but everything is discussed to death. Oh, and while I like to see positive portrayals of female characters in m/m, involving Cole's ex in frank discussions of his and Ethan's sex life was cringeworthy.

[~Nicole~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and light , no-angst friends to lovers story. I enjoyed it.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 :( I thought it would be better

[Elsbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read more of this author and loved it. But this was awful. I finished it, hoping it would get better. It didn't.. I was so bored. Even when they FINALLY got together couldn't make me feel better.
Good lawd, I need a good book right now!!

[Mami Bear · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think my tastes have changed as I don't enjoy this author like I used to.

I really didn't enjoy this. The MCs and most of the supporting characters were likeable enough but I really struggled with the "romance"

I'm not a big fan of friends to lovers usually because it seems unbalanced to me. This book was a great example of Ethan being in love with Cole for years and Cole only deciding he was into Ethan after realising how much Ethan liked him.

The almost (first) kiss and Ethan's sketchbooks was really weird to me. And nearly everything involving Cait I could have done without especially when she's discussing what Cole is like in bed with Ethan. Icky.

[cierra ♡ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this book and it was definitely much more realistic and tamed compared to the many other MM Romances I’ve read recently.
Between the author making Cole very realistic in the big changes in his love life (making no promises to Ethan being the biggest one) to the mature conversations and interactions between all characters - it was much more tamer of an erotica. There was not nearly as much smutt as other books which isn’t always a bad thing.
I loved the parents, as well as Cait - the supporting characters were definitely fun and the banter between all parties was entertaining and funny.
I personally am more of a mushy, gooey reader who loves the “slow realization of being in love/hesitation that is hard to keep due to want and desire” kind of person and this book personally didn’t have that - they knew right off the bat what they both wanted and never had those issues or dynamics; also Cole gave me feelings in certain parts that he wasn’t really into the whole love thing with Ethan at first which slightly dulled the mood of the book during the big change in their relationship.
The description of their friendship/relationship was also a little redundant and a good portion of the book was entirely wrapped up in the hurricane efforts (which is ok in a way, but if you’re playing a book off as a romance/smutt, it may have been a little too much of hurricane efforts and less romance/smutt).
Overall, it was a nice read and kept me entertained!

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SLOW BURN TO IGNITE THE PAGES!

It was a slow burn with lots of sexual tension building between Cole and his best friend of 20 years- Ethan.

Ethan has harbored feelings for his best friend of 20 years since he knew he was gay and now as forest ranger and Cole as police officer they have to find shelter together when hurricane Ada hits their town and unleashes more than just chaos and destruction in her wake but unbridled passion between two men who have been in sync with each other from their first meeting as kids……

Will the hurricane tear them apart or bring them closer like everyone thought- that they were always meant to be?

A sweet story about taking the blinders off and realizing your one true love has always been right under your nose!

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m His First, He’s My Forever

Nine year old Cole and his mother Pamela moved across country to live in Wavecrest following the breakup of her marriage and the divorce. They moved in next door to Louis a widower and his nine year old son Ethan. While checking out the yard of her new home Pamela introduces herself to Louis and both their children say Hi. Cole is quiet shy but Ethan is a lively outgoing boy and quickly invites Cole to come out and explore the lake. He grabs Cole’s hand and off they went. This was the start of a beautiful friendship between the two boy and a lifelong friendship between Louis and Pamela. Wavecrest is a beautiful town with lots of interesting characters who take an interest in every bodies business in a friendly way. Ethan has been “out” about his sexuality it’s not a secret. Cole has plenty of girlfriends and is still friends with Cait who he had a 2 year relationship with in College.

This is one of the best eBook MM stories I’ve read and I didn’t want it to end. I’m going to search for more of Romeo Alexander’s book to read and hope it is a good as this one. It’s a really good heartwarming read and I highly recommend it.

[Timeout · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* A little long but worth trying a new genre.

Aside from a inadvertently reading a RH book, I've not read a MM romance. This came up when I was just searching for new releases and it sounded like a good story.
Firstly, if you had experience of or suffered during a hurricane,this does take part during one. I personally think it's done well and whilst serious, doesn't go deep in to loss of life but it might be hard to read otherwise.
Secondly, for the most part, it only take place over about 48 hours, soit seems like a lot of pages - it probably could have been about 50 - 100 pages shorter so whilst it didn't feel dragged out for the sake of it like some longer books do,I think it could be been shorter. From the outset, the plot revolves around there being an oncoming hurricane so you can sort of guess what kind event will bring our couple together.

Essentially,what you have here is a friends to lovers romance regardless of the gender of the leads.
Ethan and Cole have been friends for 20 years, and whilst Ethan has been in love with Cole, Cole has remained oblivious.
It's a real slow burn it takes about 120 pages before you get to any kind of acknowledgment of feelings.
Before then, the author builds the characters and their lives really well.  Ethan is always seemingly(he does hide his feelings somewhat)happy and laughing. He is a warm, funny, loyal and brave person. Not just through his job, but from the subtle hints given by the author about difficulties he faces being gay - although not from his family and friends. It is confirmed he has ADHD, and this is well done too. He has found a way to cope in both his personal life (slightly pimped out home!)and his work life, finding being outside as a ranger to be a good fit. He has a lovely and believable relationship with his father.
As for Cole, also having a single parent in his Mum, is the opposite - he is the quiet,calm, level headed one who sometimes keeps things to himself too much. He is also warm, has a dry (and as it turns out filthy) dry humour. He too is loyal to his friends an family.
It's made clear they have both had relationships with other people and they haven't worked out. Even though you know why Ethans haven't, you start to see the same with Cole as the story evolves. Even when you meet Cait, you can see that something has held Cole back. The author slowly starts to have Cole thinking about his feelings towards Ethan, which I like. Sometimes it's a sort of 'bang' moment but I think with this being a straight to bi/gay story, it works better as a slower realisation. Theres also elements that show whilst Cole has never been with man, he's not unaware of his curiosity.
Once you get to the catalyst that has Ethan being brave enough to say/do something, you get a two-hander (No pun intended)After some brief conversations with friends,the writer gives the characters some time alone to talk and process things before bringing them back to the action and amongst other characters. This time allows you to really understand what their friendship has meant to them individually. The author, whilst making sure the chemistry is right at the forefront, still shows that's is not all sexual, and that there is true depth of feeling on both sides. Ethan wants to make sure it's not just curiosity or adrenalin leading Cole. Cole, whilst still working somethings out himself, is trying not to push Ethan as well.
It's a wonderful relationship and it's a believable one too. The conversations are both serious and playful.You see two friends, realising what they mean to each other and navigating the issues that changes bring. Having not read MM sex scenes, I don't know for certain if they are realistic or well done,but it seemed to me to be both. The sex wasn't overdone (I find somethings authors start to.put more sex in just to fill pages rather than what fits with the story) and was steamy as well as loving. Yes, it's  MM romance, but past the mechanics of the sex, it's still a love story.

I may try more of this genre and probably this author to begin with as I like his style.
If you love friends to lovers, read this.

[10111111111 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 stars (10/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: best friends to lovers, small town, sexual awakening, unrequited love, slow burn
Review:
This book 😭 I'm a sucker for F2L, and childhood friends to lovers is just that much better too. I enjoyed the setup to this story, seeing them meet at 9 and the situations surrounding how they ended up at neighbours. We get the 20 year time jump to present day at the beginning of the story, and there are various flashbacks throughout which give some context to their lives and experiences. I enjoyed both MCs very much, but I definitely had a huge soft spot for Ethan, as he feels so very much like myself. I absolutely started a bunch of highlights which were things that I strongly related to that Ethan said or did. I don't have ADHD but my personality tends to make me behave in similar ways. I also love storms and natural disasters, so I enjoyed the kind of overarching plot that was happening. This book is definitely a character driven story though, with one single major event unfolding around them.

This book was a slow burn, which I expected, but I was a little surprised to see how early Cole started having not-so-straight thoughts, usually including Ethan, given the blurb for the book. In fact, the moment Ethan almost kisses him seems to be a tipping point for Cole as opposed to the first moment he thinks about it. And I also love how Cole thought through everything that was happening between them, the way he let himself feel and experience and didn't overthink too much, whereas poor Ethan was half losing his mind. I also love how Cole reacted upon finding Ethan's sketch books and Ethan having to confess his feelings. He was so sweet and gentle, and I just adored those moments in the book.

How did he explain just what this meant to him? What it meant to look through the pages of these secret books and see what lay in Ethan’s heart, of what Ethan saw when he looked at Cole?

“I’ve never had anyone who has ever seen me like this,” Cole said, tracing a finger over the three books. “No one has ever…Ethan, there was never anything wrong with this. There was never anything you needed to hide. For you to see me as you have over the years, the ins and outs, the good, bad, and everything in between, and still be able to love me like you have, is just…it’s breathtaking.”

I don't think I've seen someone react to hearing their best friend has been in love with them the way Cole did, and I found it interesting and very sweet.

He had missed so much over the past several years, he at least wanted to hear stories about it. He wanted to hear about how much Ethan had loved him, so much he was willing to suffer years of heartache to make sure they stayed in one another’s lives. This man, this crazy, eternally upbeat, wonderful man, had loved Cole fiercely for years, and Cole wanted to hear every story he possibly could.

We got a few fun and spicy scenes between them, but for the most part, the story focused on them getting together and the emotions of Cole finding out something else about himself and Ethan, as well as Ethan finally getting what he thought he never would've gotten. I enjoyed the peripheral characters like Cait and Brett, and how they both helped play into Ethan and Cole working through their thoughts and feelings. I lived the dynamic between Ethan and Cait, especially once things developed with Ethan and Cole and Ethan let himself really befriend her.

Some of my favourite quotes about Ethan that I personally relate to so much 😂

“It means most of the time when you explain something, you choose ten words where three would work, and three paragraphs where a couple of sentences would do,”

“What’s the point of having a label maker if you aren’t going to use it?”

Okay, mornings weren’t usually his thing, and Ethan had long since made peace with that. It wasn’t his fault other people were weird and could just wake up, ready to face the world. He needed at least an hour, including a few cups of coffee, before he was ready to deal with anything.

Still muttering, he bent down, his bad mood evaporating instantly as he realized the package was for him and scooped it up before going through the front door.

That was until the sneaky bastard pulled out a ring and waited patiently for Ethan to turn around after he’d been distracted.

(would totally be me, distracted by something while being proposed to)

Cole smiled. “You and your storms.”
“What?” Ethan asked with a slight pout. “I can’t help it! They’re just…great to watch.”

Ethan really did zoom around the kitchen when he was in charge of the cooking. It was impressive to watch. The fast pace of his thoughts worked perfectly when he was juggling several things at once. And yeah, it absolutely did leave any kitchen looking like a disaster area.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this book: friends to lovers is a favorite trope and I thought the idea of a relationship evolving against the backdrop of a natural disaster added intensity and scope to the story. Honestly, the way the guys deal with that disaster and their responses to and for their community in need is my favorite part of the story. We get to see them at their best, and there’s plenty of drama, danger, and heroism. I loved that.

As far as the romance goes, there’s so much thinking and rethinking and angst in the way this “relationship” evolves from friends to lovers that it’s difficult, at times, to see the chemistry that would even make it desirable in the first place. Ethan in particular is prone to spirals of “what does it all mean” and while I was sympathetic and invested the first time, by the twentieth I was…less so. I also found the way the community as a whole seemed compelled to participate in, comment on, or pull up front-row seats to their relationship at times funny or sweet but more often weird and a little squicky– don’t get me started on Cole’s over-sharing, overly-invested ex, but for me the real low point was Cole’s mother telling him at length how much “easier” it would be if he were into guys, because then he could be with Ethan. “Think of the convenience” is a weird argument for any relationship, and definitely not part of any conversation I’d want to have with a parent. If I did the math here right, these guys are almost thirty, but their relationship with their parents hovers, emotionally, distinctly in the teenage years.

Finally, while I loved Ethan’s courage and his snark, Cole sometimes felt less like a plausible character and more like a collection of desirable attributes: stoic and sensitive and dominant and oblivious, all according to the demands of the moment. Also, while Ethan and Cole are definitely hot together, I didn’t love the easy assumptions about who would take what role. The book makes it *crystal* clear that these guys have NEVER talked about what they’re like in bed before, but it never occurs to Cole to even ask about Ethan’s preferences, beyond one tiny throw-away “I guess that’s something all couples have to figure out” remark after they’d already started sleeping together, which changed precisely nothing about their interactions. Again, I can’t deny they’re super hot together, so I guess this kind of bothers me as a point of principle– especially since Ethan never pushes back on it.

Tl;dr: loved the premise, loved Ethan too (in spite of all the overthinking); not a huge fan of Cole or some of the assumptions that went into their connection. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Viki]

I try not to judge the book by its title but... in this case it really fits. As in it wasn't a good fit for me.

The premise was good, its execution felt... boring and frustrating? Basically, the first part (the one before I started skipping and didn't find the end of as it was sooo long) was something I would now consider just characters talking exposition at each other - in other words, characters artificially telling each other stuff they already know about each other or the world or other characters. Whatever you think about show, don't tell, I would prefer seeing it in chronological order, naturally, instead of a continuous loop of "remember when X done Y..."

The romance followed the same pattern. After years of being friends, suddenly (from what I noticed at least) two characters decided to point the MC towards "why am I not dating my best friend question" and their relationship is one of my least favourite ones: "I know our closeness seems weird to others", "we're okay with touching each other, that's how close we are" followed by "so, I've been secretly lusting after my BF this whole time, without knowing it, go figure" (which seems really dismissive by the way).

The whole trope (and way too many do it like this) feels so... forced? Silly? Deceitful? Like you want to tell me they're best friends turned lovers except... they're actually just two gay/bi guys who are too thick or afraid to make a move and it takes them ages to get together.

Eff that. Give me gay scare over this any day of the week.

In other other words, I... well, there are two kinds of inspiration that I draw from other people's work. One is when I read a book and it's amazing - so amazing I wish I could write something like that (and realize I can't, it's too good, but I may take some part of the awesomeness and try to make my own version). The other is the opposite - the work is just not doing it for me to the point I am coming up with ways I would do it differently and instead of focusing on what I have, I am enjoying my ideas more. Both could lead to me wanting/sketching out an idea for a book, but its obvious which category this book belongs.

So no, thank you, but this just isn't meshing with me in any way even though on the surface, I am interested in a few elements/features. DNF.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings after reading this book. I was hot and cold throughout - there were moments I felt the story was too long, too detailed, too disconnected, but then there were opposite moments where I truly felt the connection between Cole and Ethan and loved their chemistry.

First of all, IMO, this book was too long. A lot of details that felt extraneous to me - it felt like I was reading the uncut version of a movie before the unneeded scenes were removed. Way too many extra scenes for me. There were definite good parts and the MCs were well-fleshed out, so the goods were in there, you just had to hunt and seek to find them sometimes. I did find myself skimming a lot.

Second, some of the side characters were great (Pamela, Louis) while I didn't see the point of others (Brett), and finally there were even ones couldn't stand (Cait). Expounding on Cait - I did not like her character at all and actually felt that she detracted from the story. I'd like to have seen every moment with her removed from the book. Ethan was totally justified being jealous of her flirtatious relationship with Cole - I would not be ok with it if my husband was talking the way with his ex the way Cole and Cait talked. I didn't like the way the book portrayed Ethan as being in the wrong and the way Cait just stayed in their lives, randomly referring to her previous sex life with Cole jokingly. Yuck. That's not ok and not respectful of Cole's relationship with Ethan. She was really a negative part of this book for me.

I liked the action of the hurricane and the safety of people being threatened - it did make our MCs true heroes and was exciting to read. The story itself was well laid out and interesting, but again bogged down with excessing stories.

I would give this book 2.5/5 stars as I'm still torn about it even after finishing - I liked parts and didn't like other parts. I guess that makes it an average read for me which means I can't really recommend it or not recommend it. This is an author that I have really enjoyed before so I'll keep trying other books!

[Nara]

˚ · .˚ ༘🦋⋆｡˚ Si te eres paciente y te gusta el slow burn romance + friends to lovers este definitivamente es tu libro y las 400 páginas se pasarán como si nada.

Ethan ha estado enamorado de su mejor amigo por mas de 20 años, pero Cole es hetero y su mejor amigo, así que nunca arriesgaría su amistad. Pero, cuando el huracán Ada llega a la ciudad y la vida de Ethan corre peligro comienzan a salir sentimientos que durante 20 años estuvieron gestándose en Cole y, es aquí donde se dan cuenta que su sincronía no solo es para salvar al pueblo, sino para también para estar juntos y ser el foreverdel otro.

✧.* Es difícil mantener una historia, el hilo y ritmo durante tantas páginas, pero está autora lo logró con este libro y sinceramente se superó, porque este libro fue bueno, la verdad es que leerlo fue una delicia y sinceramente me la pase muy bien sabiendo de Cole y Ethan. Eso si, hay muchos, demasiados, para algunos, detalles que fácilmente podrían haberse omitido. No obstante, como se desarrolla su romance y cómo caen por el otro es demasiado lindo. ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Adore como comenzaron a enamorarse y cómo pueden unirse. Ahora bien, HAY MUCJO DRAMA y me encanta, pero también era un poco molesto, porque ellos que se iba a declarar su amor y boom que algo pasaba en la ciudad y no podían decirse que se amaban.

Otra cosa que no me gustó y que sinceramente odié fue a la ex de Cole. No sé por qué, pero no pude simpatizar con su personaje. Asimismo, sentí que las muertes de algunas personas no se sintieron/lloraron lo suficiente, más cuando se mencionan que son cercanos, como el compañero de trabajo de Ethan.

Algo que me encantó fueron los padres de ambos: el papá de Ethan es el mejor papá del mundo y la mamá de Cole era demasiado linda. Y, juntos, esos pases eran geniales. De verdad me encantaron.

[Bailie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and this couple!!! I love the friendship that we get to see between Cole and Ethan at the beginning of the book, but I love even more their relationship and how it develops throughout the book! I love how Cole and Ethan know each other and can communicate without have to talk! The whole scene between them after Rich has died and Ethan has the nightmare, while it breaks my heart, I love how Cole cares for Ethan! I love the way their personalities shift for a little bit after Ethan tries to kiss Cole and things start to shift between them. For Cole everything is fine and they will figure out what is going on between them as things progress partially because he doesn’t know how important everything happening is to Ethan. And yet it’s Ethan who is normally carefree that is majorly struggling with anxiety over everything that is happening between him and Cole because he is deathly afraid of losing Cole and the friendship that they have had for so long and he doesn’t yet realize that this is just something fun or an experiment for Cole. While I hate what happens to the town and everything that happens with the hurricane I love how it brings Cole and Ethan together! And the epilogue was everything!!! I love that we get to see how their relationship has continued to develop and grow, even though Romeo does make us wait to find out that they are married and we don’t get to see the wedding or proposal, but still it was everything I wanted. We got to see their family expand with Brett and Amy and Cait and her son and we got to see Ethan and Cole happy and established as husbands who are still making their relationship everything they promised themselves it would be! Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m so sad that it is over because I think I could have read about these characters for another 400 pages!!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started with two boys who had lost something that became a friendship that lasted 20 years Ethan and Cole there closeness has lead allot of people to speculate especially when Ethen a Forest Ranger is openly gay but his bestfriend Cole a Cop is straight so how did the lines get blured how did Cole finally wake up to the worst kept secret in there small town of Westlake Bay a hurricane and one two many near death experiences.

Ethan loves his job and he has everything he's ever wanted with few exceptions his fathers health could be better and his heart has always wanted one thing Cole his bestfriend and watching his bestfriend and his ex Cait reconnect after she came home has been difficult so he dates he trys to move on but it never works then one slip up during the hurricane and suddenly Cole knows his secret and has become very curious about one almost kiss.

Cole is the quit steady one he had lots of relationships his longest his Highschool sweetheart Cait but that's over the only thing longer and more steady is his bestfriend Ethan. Cole wouldn't give him up for anything but when it comes to his sexuality he's positive he's straight then a hurricane brought danger, lose, and something he never expected that one thing has him questioning everything but not for long he and Ethen are just ment to be.


I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ☆

Sure enough, Cole's eyes fluttered for a moment before opening. His unfocused gaze slid down to Ethan's face, blinking slowly before a smile spread over his features. The expression was sleepy but warm and happy, and Ethan thought his heart might hammer its way right out of his chest.

the pining?? chefs kiss. i loved how it was written bc i could feel the heartbreak and longing from Ethan. 😭

childhood best friends to lovers hits different and this book is an example of that. when it's executed well, it's SO good. the idea of your lover being someone who knows you inside and out, someone you've always been comfortable being around more than anyone else? i think that's why i loved the transition of how they went from friends to lovers bc it felt so seamless. their banters from their friendship was still the exact same once they finally got together; the only difference is the fact that they're in a relationship and doing couple things but, aside from that, i loved how everything else about them, their dynamic, remained pretty much the same. also, Cole's bi-awakening and how, even when he was confused of these new feelings, rather than running away, he chose to follow what he felt and explored being with Ethan bc it's what felt right to him. 🥺 i also loved the side characters and how important they felt in both mcs' lives (especially Cole's mom and Ethan's dad).

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read
Ethan and Cole have been friends since they were young. Ethan is a park ranger who was the life and soul of any party. He had come out as gay for many years now. His best friend Cole was a cop in watercress Bay where they lived. They grew up next door to each other after Cole’s mom moved in next door after the divorce. And now they live next door to one another again. But Cole didn’t know that his best friend been in love with him for many many years. But Ethan knew that Cole is straight and there was no future there for them . Even though everyone around them assumed that they were a couple. But everything changed when hurricane Ada came to town. After a near death experience Ethan had nearly kissed a sleeping Cole, Before their lips touched Coles eyes flashed open. It was time for some home truths. What would Cole do now knowing how Ethan felt??
This is such a brilliant read I just could not put the book down the storyline was excellent I enjoyed every character in this book. But I tell you something nothing beats the connection that Ethan and Cole have. The passion and chemistry that these two have is off the charts everything around them sizzles with magic when they are together. It was nice to see another side of Ethan and Cole. Well into the night have a fantastic book from Romeo.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I enjoyed reading this book but did find that it could’ve been a tad shorter, considering a lot of the book took place over a 48 hour period while in the middle of a Hurricane. Ethan and Cole have been best friends since Cole and his mum Pamela moved next door to Ethan, and his dad Louis. They’ve been best friends since then, and everyone in town thinks that they’re together but they’re not as Cole thinks he’s only into women. Ethan has hidden that he’s in love with Cole for years, well Cole’s the only one that’s oblivious as the rest of the town pretty much believes that they’re together no matter how many times they tell people that they’re just best friends. I loved getting to know Ethan & Cole. I thought their chemistry was completely off the charts, as well as hot as hell. I loved seeing how much Ethan and Louis are alike, and their arguments completely cracked me up. Cole & Pamela are alike as well. I liked that Cole didn’t freak out when things started changing between him and Ethan, he just accepted that he’s okay with it because it’s Ethan. Cole’s ex Cait was a fun supporting character as well. I liked the epilogue but I would’ve loved getting either the engagement or the wedding. I’d definitely recommend this book & author to anyone

[Shelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rocked like a Hurricane

WOW...this book is so good. Of course, I have yet to find a book written by Romeo Alexander that I do not like, so there is that. This book has so many things happening other than the friendship between Ethan and Cole, that it captures you from the beginning and lasts all the way to the end. There are so many emotions flying around from heartbreak at the start, a hurricane, health battles, feeling more than friendship, and so much more. Our MC's both have jobs in fields that require them to be in danger at any given moment. This also has them answering the call to duty during Hurricane Ada, to help get residents to safety and help those still in town. Ethan and Cole put their lives on the line more than once during this time while trying to figure out the next step of their friendship. Should they stay as best friends or take the next step to romantic partners?
Family consists of Louis, Ethan's dad and Pam, Cole's mom. But it also includes other found family and they are fun characters themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how sweet these two men were together even before trying a romantic relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jimbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Romeo Alexander has a type. His men are all big, well-huge, and "straight", but not. They are dark-haired with chest hair, big thighs, soft spoken, intelligent with hearts of gold.
Their lovers (or the gay men they fall in love with) are generally smaller--not twickish, but sometimes that is true-- with lighter hair and green eyes (very important).

Their sexual encounters are pretty much similar in all the books and there is nothing new in any of them--BUT-- Alexander can write plot and characters extremely well, so reading similar stories doesn't make them less enjoyable. Do I wish that the two lovers were different types? Different races? different physical attributes? -- sometimes.

I know in my own writing, I am always in a story I write. I try desperately NOT to be in them and I have succeeded on occasion, but I can always recognize myself, so I get that all of his characters are types of either him and his lover or fantasies that are decidedly his.

I enjoy "listening" in on his private thoughts and stories because they are entertaining and obviously his stories are meant to take a peek through that curtain that maybe his life or his romantic mind.

A little voyeurism to his exhibitionism.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I never wanted it to end

Ethan and Cole were such wonderful characters that I was drawn into their story from the very first page and I never wanted to leave them.
Friends from the first moment they met, total opposites who just fit together immediately, Cole was the quiet and thoughtful one while Ethan was the eager puppy with unending energy who couldn't sit still. As the years passed, their friendship never wavered and while relationships came and went, the one constant in their lives was each other. Cole instinctively understood how Ethan's mind worked and what he needed, and grounded him. Ethan was Cole's sunshine and they made each other happy, as friends, then as lovers.
The dangers that they faced with the hurricane and the aftermath ratcheted up the tension and drove the story forward. Family and friends and colleagues played important roles and I loved their parents. The relationship between Cole and his mum and Ethan and his dad felt real and natural and true, and I especially loved the back and forth between father and son who are two peas in a pod.
Friends to lovers and gay/bi awakening is always fun to read but this one is going to stick with me. I'm not quite sure what it was that made this even more special but I was so caught up in Ethan and Cole and their love that the outside world faded away. Romeo Alexander certainly knows how to write engrossing stories about true love with compelling characters and I'm hooked.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Romeo Alexander has created a cast of really likeable characters. I loved both MCs Cole and Ethan, they were both lovely people and I loved the friendship they had, being able to accept each other for exactly who they were and not being phased at people wondering about how close they are.

My heart went out to Ethan, being in love with his best friend for so long would be a hard situation, but he didn't let it interfere with his friendship. I loved that Cole, the overthinker, took things in his stride when faced with new feelings about his best friend and was willing to run with things. I always enjoy a low angst read and love it when the main characters communicate well.

Both of their parents were great secondary characters as were their workmates and bosses.

Being in the path of a hurricane would be an incredibly scary and stressful situation and I think the author did a great job of conveying that along with the danger and loss that are included.

I really enjoyed everything about this novel, especially the HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan is a Forest Ranger and lives next door to his best friend, when he was yound his mother died and he was raised by his father. When Cole was 10 years old his mother got divorced and moved them both to Watercrest Bay. Cole moved next door to Ethan and his father. Cole and Ethan have been best friends for twenty years. Ethan loves teaching kids and yound teens about the forest and outdoors. Ethan has been in love with his best friend for a long time but hides it well. Cole is a police officer and loves his job. When hurricane Ada turns and is headed toward Watercrest Bay Ethan and Cole help to get the townspeople to safety before Ada hits them. Ethan is out in the forest in the red zone trying to find campers and bring them back to the green zone so they can evaucate. When a mudslide hits Ethan is pushed to safety while his partner is hurt and dies. Cole gets a call to help at the ranger station because one ranger was hurt and one died. Cole is frantic to Ethan an make sure he is okay. Ethan has a nightmare and tries to kiss Cole. How does Cole React ???.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan and his dad lived next door to Cole and Cole's mom. They were thick as thieves ever since they met as kids and although they are very different, they are super close. As a ranger, Ethan is outdoors, has tons of adventures with the young boys he mentors and is able to let go and give into his adventurous spirit. As a police officer in a small town, Cole deals with all kinds of people, some who cause trouble and sometimes just helping people out.

As a hurricane heads towards their town, Ethan and Cole are professionally and personally challenged and their relationship takes a more intimate turn. Ethan has had a crush on Cole for years, but Cole is supposed to be straight. But one kiss and a little more changes everything.

Sweetly written, great characters who are very likable, overall nice guys who are really sexy too. I really enjoyed reading this!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friendship that grows.
The pace is a slow buildup, but the finish is classically this author's technique. The emotional stumbling blocks Ethan and Cole face and overcome make each man realistic characters that inevitably are just meant to be together. Their two families have been neighbors for 20 years and the two parents, Pamela, and Louis, along with Cole's sister Cait have such a wonderful uniqueness about each other that adds so much to their story and, for me, made this a good read though because of the slow buildup it took some patience to get into the nitty-gritty of this book. Throwing in the threat and arrival of Hurricane Ada and Ethan and Cole's awakening to their true feelings was an added element. All in all a satisfying read for me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.