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The Vers Podcast #1
The Loner
Declan
As a founding member of The Vers, a queer podcast I host with my three best friends, I’m The Loner—quieter than the others, and except for them, I don’t let myself get too close to people. Most of them just let you down anyway, or maybe it’s just that something about me chases people away.
Infrequent, no-strings-attached hookups have always worked for me. Who knew my favorite one would become such a popular movie star? But Sebastian Cole and I made it work, meeting up whenever he was in Santa Monica and in the mood—until he called it off when he got a serious boyfriend. A boyfriend he later found in bed with another man.
Now Sebastian is back in California, taking a break from acting. He needs a friend, and for whatever reason, he decides that should be me. We’ve known each other intimately for years, and yet we’ve never spent much time together with our clothes on. When he starts taking me places, it feels suspiciously like dates…and surprisingly, I like it.
Despite our differences, Sebastian’s lonely, like me. The more we hang out, the more I realize I’ll never get enough of him.
A loner dating a celebrity doesn’t make much sense. I don’t know how to be someone’s boyfriend, let alone be in the public eye. But to call him mine, I’ll need to leave the past behind and finally allow myself to move forward with him.
The Loner is an opposites attract romance about a movie star rethinking his career and a bar owner/podcast host who isn’t fond of most people. Expect Southern California sun, swoon, found family and once-in-a-lifetime friendships.
As a founding member of The Vers, a queer podcast I host with my three best friends, I’m The Loner—quieter than the others, and except for them, I don’t let myself get too close to people. Most of them just let you down anyway, or maybe it’s just that something about me chases people away.
Infrequent, no-strings-attached hookups have always worked for me. Who knew my favorite one would become such a popular movie star? But Sebastian Cole and I made it work, meeting up whenever he was in Santa Monica and in the mood—until he called it off when he got a serious boyfriend. A boyfriend he later found in bed with another man.
Now Sebastian is back in California, taking a break from acting. He needs a friend, and for whatever reason, he decides that should be me. We’ve known each other intimately for years, and yet we’ve never spent much time together with our clothes on. When he starts taking me places, it feels suspiciously like dates…and surprisingly, I like it.
Despite our differences, Sebastian’s lonely, like me. The more we hang out, the more I realize I’ll never get enough of him.
A loner dating a celebrity doesn’t make much sense. I don’t know how to be someone’s boyfriend, let alone be in the public eye. But to call him mine, I’ll need to leave the past behind and finally allow myself to move forward with him.
The Loner is an opposites attract romance about a movie star rethinking his career and a bar owner/podcast host who isn’t fond of most people. Expect Southern California sun, swoon, found family and once-in-a-lifetime friendships.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2023
638 people are currently reading
2386 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
114 books7,132 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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May 12, 2023
The Loner is book one in the new series, The Vers Podcast, by Riley Hart. I wanted to grab this for a couple of reasons. First, obviously, the sexy cover model! I pictured him all the way through this! Also, the whole premise sounded like so much fun. Four best friends doing a Queer podcast together. I got everything I hoped for and so much more! This book was amazing.
Declan Burns is thirty three years old. He owns his own bar and does a once a week podcast with his three best friends since childhood, Parker, Marcus and Corbin. The friendship between these four men who refer to themselves as The Beach Bums, was the BEST! They argued and loved to give each other a hard time. But they ALWAYS had each other’s backs. They were each other’s family.
Declan has always been known as ‘The Loner.’ He had a terrible childhood and has since kept others at a distance except for his three best friends. He doesn’t trust easily and has hook ups only. He first met Sebastian ten years prior when Sebastian came into his bar. He would return every few months and they would hook up. Sebastian said he was an actor but Declan didn’t know who he was until he finally saw one of his movies and was shocked that his once every few months hook up was THE Sebastian Cole! This relationship continued until Sebastian told him he was in a relationship but they still texted every so often, just to check in with each other. Until now, when here he was again, in his bar, saying he was single again.
Sebastian Cole is thirty two. All he ever wanted was to be an actor. When he hit it big, he was told to stay in the closet. That the public would not like that he was gay. After a few years, he did come out but still kept his private life private. He had been in a long term relationship until he came home early from work and caught him with someone else. Strange how the first place he thought to run was back to Santa Monica to his bartender, Declan. He hadn’t seen him in a long time but it was the only place he wanted to be.
Sebastian proposes that he and Declan try to be friends. That they spend time together just hanging out. Declan is reluctant but agrees. The more time these two spend together, the more comfortable they are together. And then being just friends is no longer enough. For the first time ever, Declan is falling for someone. And Sebastian realizes that what he had with his ex boyfriend was never love. That what he feels for Declan is the real thing.
This book was just absolutely delightful. It wasn’t angsty but it was full of heart, of sweet romance, and plenty of steam as these two figured things out. What was my very favorite thing about the book? It was the Beach Bum Hugs. I’ll just leave that alone and let you find out what they are. They made me smile so big. I pretty much knew by the end of the first chapter that I was in love with these characters. Now I can’t wait for the next book, Parker’s book, The Romantic. And hopefully I’ll get plenty more of Declan and Sebastian at the same time. I’m not ready to let go of them yet.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
February 5, 2023
3.25*** stars
wow. to be honest here, I was seriously bored with this book.
I was really excited for this release, with four friends hosting a queer podcast and giving their versatile opinions to numerous topics and all, but… yeah. There wasn’t much of podcast content, which was rather disappointing, tbh and what we saw of it I kinda expected it to be something different than the four of them only talking shit.
As it is the first book in the series it is also the introduction to the group of friends that finds love one after the other throughout this series. Sadly they all tasted pretty bland and uninteresting to me so far.
The romance between our Loner, Declan, and hollywood-superstar Sebastian had a sweet premise and I liked the idea of the story but sadly there was nothing in there that got my blood pumping while reading. No intense chemistry, no intense conflict, no intense anything to be honest. And the whole shebang with the ex-boyfriend cheating and then showing up at Sebastians home and stuff felt rather pointless to the story. The smut was excellent, tho —as always.
So this wasn’t a winner but I’m curious about Parker’s, the Romantic, and I guess Elliot’s story next —it has the potential to be a good one.
*********
The Vers Podcast Series:
Book 1 - The Loner - 3.25 stars
Book 2 - The Romantic - release 03/23
Book 3 - The Realist
Book 4 - The Charmer
wow. to be honest here, I was seriously bored with this book.
I was really excited for this release, with four friends hosting a queer podcast and giving their versatile opinions to numerous topics and all, but… yeah. There wasn’t much of podcast content, which was rather disappointing, tbh and what we saw of it I kinda expected it to be something different than the four of them only talking shit.
I’m Corbin Erickson, The Charmer and the smartest, sexiest, and most fun out of the four of us.”
“Parker Hansley, The Romantic—and also, shut up, Corbin.”
“Marcus Alston, The Realist. Corbin is an idiot.”
“Declan Burns, The Loner, which is the most ridiculous nickname I’ve ever heard—almost as ridiculous as the name Corbin.”
As it is the first book in the series it is also the introduction to the group of friends that finds love one after the other throughout this series. Sadly they all tasted pretty bland and uninteresting to me so far.
The romance between our Loner, Declan, and hollywood-superstar Sebastian had a sweet premise and I liked the idea of the story but sadly there was nothing in there that got my blood pumping while reading. No intense chemistry, no intense conflict, no intense anything to be honest. And the whole shebang with the ex-boyfriend cheating and then showing up at Sebastians home and stuff felt rather pointless to the story. The smut was excellent, tho —as always.
So this wasn’t a winner but I’m curious about Parker’s, the Romantic, and I guess Elliot’s story next —it has the potential to be a good one.
*********
The Vers Podcast Series:
Book 1 - The Loner - 3.25 stars
Book 2 - The Romantic - release 03/23
Book 3 - The Realist
Book 4 - The Charmer
January 16, 2024
4 Stars
In the week since I read The Loner, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Something about the characters, the story, the friendships, the romance… it was a gorgeous slow-burn of emotions that, quite frankly, took me by surprise in all the best ways.
Honestly, when I started reading this and I realised the MCs, Declan and Sebastian, had been hooking up for the better part of a decade without anything more happening between them, I became a fair bit apprehensive with where this would lead, not enjoying similar stories in the past because of some personal preferences .
I tried hard to overcome my personal quirks with this initial set-up, and for the most part, I think I succeeded, largely due to the way Hart wrote these wonderfully sympathetic characters and how she expertly developed their relationship from purely sexual, to something deeper, more emotionally intimate, once they finally had the time and opportunity to get to know each other properly.
As a self-proclaimed loner, bar-owner Declan has never been one for romantic relationships, largely in part to some horrible experiences growing up that make him think he’s better off alone. His only true connections in life are with his three childhood best friends, who he now hosts a popular queer podcast, The Vers. As the group’s resident loner, Declan avoids most people in general, rarely hooking up and avoiding repeats as a rule, with one very noticeable exception… Sebastian Cole.
Sebastian was an unknown actor when he first met Declan ten years ago, inexperienced and deeply closeted due to his career aspirations in Hollywood. Initially, Declan was only meant to be a one-time tryst, but Sebastian couldn’t help coming back for more, even years after his rise to fame and beyond the point he’d publicly come out to the world; there was just always something about Declan that kept Sebastian hooked.
After a bad breakup sees Sebastian finally single and back in California, where Declan lives, he reaches out to Declan in search of friendship, seeing as he’s the only true connection Sebastian has ever really felt since trying his luck in tinsel town. Although Declan isn’t looking for a relationship, or even more friends than he’s already got, he too can’t deny the innate pull he feels towards Sebastian, and soon enough the two men start spending platonic time together, getting to know each other in ways their decade long hook-ups never allowed.
From here, our relationship-phobic hero can’t help but fall in love with the one man he’s never been able to turn away, helped along with a little push from his brother-like friends, who have only ever wanted the absolute best for him and his fractured heart. A decade of sex aside, Declan and Sebastian’s slow-burn romance was all things tender and beautiful, showing how perfect two people can be for each other without ever having realised it.
As far as series starters go, this one was a big hit for me. The wider cast of characters being my number one favourite thing about this story, closely followed by a series overarching premise that I absolutely love—seeing each of the four podcast friends finding unexpected love in each subsequent book.
I adored Declan and Sebastian’s love story a lot more than I could have first expected and I’m now positively buzzing with anticipation for the next book, The Romantic.
**grabby hands**
******************************
The Vers Podcast Series
Book 1 - The Loner (4 Stars)
Book 2 - The Romantic (4 Stars)
Book 3 - The Realist (4 Stars)
Book 4 - The Charmer (4.5 Stars)
In the week since I read The Loner, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Something about the characters, the story, the friendships, the romance… it was a gorgeous slow-burn of emotions that, quite frankly, took me by surprise in all the best ways.
Honestly, when I started reading this and I realised the MCs, Declan and Sebastian, had been hooking up for the better part of a decade without anything more happening between them, I became a fair bit apprehensive with where this would lead, not enjoying similar stories in the past because of some personal preferences .
I tried hard to overcome my personal quirks with this initial set-up, and for the most part, I think I succeeded, largely due to the way Hart wrote these wonderfully sympathetic characters and how she expertly developed their relationship from purely sexual, to something deeper, more emotionally intimate, once they finally had the time and opportunity to get to know each other properly.
As a self-proclaimed loner, bar-owner Declan has never been one for romantic relationships, largely in part to some horrible experiences growing up that make him think he’s better off alone. His only true connections in life are with his three childhood best friends, who he now hosts a popular queer podcast, The Vers. As the group’s resident loner, Declan avoids most people in general, rarely hooking up and avoiding repeats as a rule, with one very noticeable exception… Sebastian Cole.
Sebastian was an unknown actor when he first met Declan ten years ago, inexperienced and deeply closeted due to his career aspirations in Hollywood. Initially, Declan was only meant to be a one-time tryst, but Sebastian couldn’t help coming back for more, even years after his rise to fame and beyond the point he’d publicly come out to the world; there was just always something about Declan that kept Sebastian hooked.
After a bad breakup sees Sebastian finally single and back in California, where Declan lives, he reaches out to Declan in search of friendship, seeing as he’s the only true connection Sebastian has ever really felt since trying his luck in tinsel town. Although Declan isn’t looking for a relationship, or even more friends than he’s already got, he too can’t deny the innate pull he feels towards Sebastian, and soon enough the two men start spending platonic time together, getting to know each other in ways their decade long hook-ups never allowed.
From here, our relationship-phobic hero can’t help but fall in love with the one man he’s never been able to turn away, helped along with a little push from his brother-like friends, who have only ever wanted the absolute best for him and his fractured heart. A decade of sex aside, Declan and Sebastian’s slow-burn romance was all things tender and beautiful, showing how perfect two people can be for each other without ever having realised it.
As far as series starters go, this one was a big hit for me. The wider cast of characters being my number one favourite thing about this story, closely followed by a series overarching premise that I absolutely love—seeing each of the four podcast friends finding unexpected love in each subsequent book.
I adored Declan and Sebastian’s love story a lot more than I could have first expected and I’m now positively buzzing with anticipation for the next book, The Romantic.
**grabby hands**
******************************
The Vers Podcast Series
Book 1 - The Loner (4 Stars)
Book 2 - The Romantic (4 Stars)
Book 3 - The Realist (4 Stars)
Book 4 - The Charmer (4.5 Stars)
January 27, 2023
***4.0 rating***
"Blood isn’t what makes family; it’s being there for them, it’s sticking around. It’s loving someone even when they don’t feel like they deserve to be loved.”
This was a very cute and enjoyable read. Lately, I have enjoyed RH's books, and I hope I continue to do so. RH is a great writer, and she writes swoon-worthy romance stories with hunky men who aren't afraid to take a chance and fall in love. The Loner is a perfect example of that. It centers around four friends- Corbin Erickson (The Charmer), Parker Hansley (the Romantic), Marcus Alston (The Realist), and our MC, Declan Burns, The Loner. They run a well-known queer podcast together, The Vers, which has a double meaning if you know what I mean, lol😏. The Loner, as you can see from the obvious title, is about Declan. The book is about Declan and his long-time hookup Sebastian Cole, who is a famous actor. Their relationship spans over ten years, although the "hookup" stops once Sebastian gets into a serious relationship with another actor, Neil something (idc about this man). However, once Neil cheats on Sebastian with his "friend" Drake, Bastian finds himself back in Los Angeles seeking the company of the man who stole his attention 10 years ago.
Declan, who at the present time owns his own bar, is quite lowkey and is all about his bar and 3 friends, Corbin, Parker, and Marcus, or as we get to know them, "the Beach Bums." Declan does not let people in easily in his life; he has a very small circle and wants to keep it that way. Aside from his best friends, most people have let him down, particularly his parents. Declan, therefore, doesn't get into relationships. Trust and love are complex concepts for him to believe, and as you get to know him, you can't really blame him for being very guarded. He does casual hookups and is happy to keep it that way. After all, people can't disappoint you if they don't have that power over you, right? I am not so sure about that. Declan is somewhat surprised to see Sebastian at his bar after a few years, though the two kept in touch and never really stopped talking.
Fresh from a breakup, Sebastian isn't sure what he is looking for in LA, but he sure is glad to see Declan. He never forgot about him; he even listened to his podcast, shooting the shit with his friends. Trying to get a glimpse of Declan any way he could. Regardless, he is happy to see Declan; despite hooking up, he also considered Declan, a friend. He more than ever wants Declan's company; feeling particularly alone, Sebastian, like a golden retriever, chases Declan and wants him to be his friend. It was cute how he won over Declan and would "force" him to become his friend. At times awkward but also adorable. Sebastian, like Declan, was also lonely, so what better than two lonely people finding solace in each other?
I loved how RH wrote their friendship and how they would hang out, cook together, and have honest conversations about genuine things. You could tell as a reader that these two were obviously more than friends, and while their sexual chemistry was great, the friendship, in a way, solidified the romance as more than just sex and lust. It was hard for Declan to let Sebastian in, but once he did, it was hard not to root for them. I loved Declan's friendships with the podcast guys who also adopted Sebastian into their little "family." The guys have fun with each other on the podcast but also know how to be there for each other as friends; it was heartwarming to read about them. I hope they each get their own book. I know Parker is next in the series, but I am very curious about Corbin.
This was an enjoyable low-angst read. It felt, at times, fluffy, but I liked it. Two men who have known each other for 10 years and have hooked up consistently become friends and fall in love. What better to fall in love with someone than your best friend? The podcast guys win you over too. So if that sounds like a catch, I would recommend this read!😉
"Blood isn’t what makes family; it’s being there for them, it’s sticking around. It’s loving someone even when they don’t feel like they deserve to be loved.”
This was a very cute and enjoyable read. Lately, I have enjoyed RH's books, and I hope I continue to do so. RH is a great writer, and she writes swoon-worthy romance stories with hunky men who aren't afraid to take a chance and fall in love. The Loner is a perfect example of that. It centers around four friends- Corbin Erickson (The Charmer), Parker Hansley (the Romantic), Marcus Alston (The Realist), and our MC, Declan Burns, The Loner. They run a well-known queer podcast together, The Vers, which has a double meaning if you know what I mean, lol😏. The Loner, as you can see from the obvious title, is about Declan. The book is about Declan and his long-time hookup Sebastian Cole, who is a famous actor. Their relationship spans over ten years, although the "hookup" stops once Sebastian gets into a serious relationship with another actor, Neil something (idc about this man). However, once Neil cheats on Sebastian with his "friend" Drake, Bastian finds himself back in Los Angeles seeking the company of the man who stole his attention 10 years ago.
Declan, who at the present time owns his own bar, is quite lowkey and is all about his bar and 3 friends, Corbin, Parker, and Marcus, or as we get to know them, "the Beach Bums." Declan does not let people in easily in his life; he has a very small circle and wants to keep it that way. Aside from his best friends, most people have let him down, particularly his parents. Declan, therefore, doesn't get into relationships. Trust and love are complex concepts for him to believe, and as you get to know him, you can't really blame him for being very guarded. He does casual hookups and is happy to keep it that way. After all, people can't disappoint you if they don't have that power over you, right? I am not so sure about that. Declan is somewhat surprised to see Sebastian at his bar after a few years, though the two kept in touch and never really stopped talking.
Fresh from a breakup, Sebastian isn't sure what he is looking for in LA, but he sure is glad to see Declan. He never forgot about him; he even listened to his podcast, shooting the shit with his friends. Trying to get a glimpse of Declan any way he could. Regardless, he is happy to see Declan; despite hooking up, he also considered Declan, a friend. He more than ever wants Declan's company; feeling particularly alone, Sebastian, like a golden retriever, chases Declan and wants him to be his friend. It was cute how he won over Declan and would "force" him to become his friend. At times awkward but also adorable. Sebastian, like Declan, was also lonely, so what better than two lonely people finding solace in each other?
I loved how RH wrote their friendship and how they would hang out, cook together, and have honest conversations about genuine things. You could tell as a reader that these two were obviously more than friends, and while their sexual chemistry was great, the friendship, in a way, solidified the romance as more than just sex and lust. It was hard for Declan to let Sebastian in, but once he did, it was hard not to root for them. I loved Declan's friendships with the podcast guys who also adopted Sebastian into their little "family." The guys have fun with each other on the podcast but also know how to be there for each other as friends; it was heartwarming to read about them. I hope they each get their own book. I know Parker is next in the series, but I am very curious about Corbin.
This was an enjoyable low-angst read. It felt, at times, fluffy, but I liked it. Two men who have known each other for 10 years and have hooked up consistently become friends and fall in love. What better to fall in love with someone than your best friend? The podcast guys win you over too. So if that sounds like a catch, I would recommend this read!😉
January 27, 2023
Really enjoyed this, was so refreshing for the couple to actually get to know each other, and to see into their lives rather than constant pages of sex, which seems to be the case with a ton of books recently.
I'm here for the emotional connections first and foremost or I just lose interest in the story. I really liked Declan and Sebastian together and I'm looking forward to Parker's book.
I'm here for the emotional connections first and foremost or I just lose interest in the story. I really liked Declan and Sebastian together and I'm looking forward to Parker's book.
February 18, 2023
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book***
The Loner is a contemporary romance where a strict hookup relationship that spans over ten years suddenly becomes something more. Declan and Sebastian are great opposites who have only had a physical relationship and once the timing is right start exploring something more.
I really enjoyed this story and its large cast of characters. Declan is part of a podcast, where each person has a distinct role and his is The Loner. He is more subdued and private. The fun aspect of Declan is how inaccurate this title is due to his caring and thoughtful nature.
Sebastian and Declan have known one another for over ten years and due to both finally being available for something more than a hookup decide to see if they can be something more. What happens next is a series of dates and experiences where they learn more about one another and start seeing their connection as being more than physical.
The Loner is a great first entry in a promising series where every story focuses on a different member of The Vers podcast. I cannot wait to see more from this fun, great group of guys.
The Loner is a contemporary romance where a strict hookup relationship that spans over ten years suddenly becomes something more. Declan and Sebastian are great opposites who have only had a physical relationship and once the timing is right start exploring something more.
I really enjoyed this story and its large cast of characters. Declan is part of a podcast, where each person has a distinct role and his is The Loner. He is more subdued and private. The fun aspect of Declan is how inaccurate this title is due to his caring and thoughtful nature.
Sebastian and Declan have known one another for over ten years and due to both finally being available for something more than a hookup decide to see if they can be something more. What happens next is a series of dates and experiences where they learn more about one another and start seeing their connection as being more than physical.
The Loner is a great first entry in a promising series where every story focuses on a different member of The Vers podcast. I cannot wait to see more from this fun, great group of guys.
July 9, 2023
The way I'm all up in my feelings over Bastian and these adorable fking beach bums 😍 There's really something to be said about an MM romance that hits because it is sweet and simple and wholly unapologetic about it🍪. It's been my flex lately ngl. And it's something I appreciate more and more, as well. The art of the endearing, loveable, cinnamon rolls and the found family they wrap themselves up in💓. And then, even if it's just a casual mention, throw in some farm animals?🐐...
I will love on all of that forever and I will never get tired of it idgaf🥰.
So yes, I did love this book🙌🏽. And yes, I'm still smiling like a dork😄. And yes, I'm very much looking forward to diving into The Romantic, because I'm already all fluttery inside 🦋 for all the swoony sexy shenanigans Parker and Elliott can get up to when they wake up married😻
✨Fingers crossed for another win, fam 🤞🏽🍀✨
I will love on all of that forever and I will never get tired of it idgaf🥰.
So yes, I did love this book🙌🏽. And yes, I'm still smiling like a dork😄. And yes, I'm very much looking forward to diving into The Romantic, because I'm already all fluttery inside 🦋 for all the swoony sexy shenanigans Parker and Elliott can get up to when they wake up married😻
✨Fingers crossed for another win, fam 🤞🏽🍀✨
May 18, 2023
I really liked this it was really good!!
Honestly, I never say this but - I really think this book needed to be like 100 pages longer. The first half was perfect. It had the perfect pacing, perfect amount of tension and back and forth. But the second half just felt like so much got packed together. It felt like a rush to the finish line and lost a lot of the good tension and pacing as everything happened so quickly.
Also wish we got more podcast segments.
But overall I really did like this book. And excited for the rest of the series.
Honestly, I never say this but - I really think this book needed to be like 100 pages longer. The first half was perfect. It had the perfect pacing, perfect amount of tension and back and forth. But the second half just felt like so much got packed together. It felt like a rush to the finish line and lost a lot of the good tension and pacing as everything happened so quickly.
Also wish we got more podcast segments.
But overall I really did like this book. And excited for the rest of the series.
January 11, 2023
I have been wanting to read this since the author toyed with the idea of it on her Facebook reader group. It just sounded so fun. 4 best friends who do a queer podcast together, and in each book, one of the best friends finds their HEA. What a fabulous idea. The first book would be about the loner of the group meeting a famous actor. I was looking forward to reading it. I was really excited. And you know what the author did? She delivered. It was such a good book. Honestly, there wasn’t any doubt, though. I rarely find books from this author that don’t work for me. Her words have always reeled me in, and I always have had so much fun reading what her mind created.
Declan is the loner of The Vers (the queer podcast). He doesn’t get close to people for reasons you’ll see, except his best friends. He just isn’t a big people person. People suck, as he puts it. I wanted to give Declan a hug. My sweet, darling little angel baby. He had a rough past that this man did not deserve, and I am so glad he had his besties there for him. And I’m glad he has Sebastian, too.
Sebastian is our famous actor. This man is such a golden retriever. He is just so happy and sweet, and I also wanted to give him a hug. He had some not so fun stuff happen to him at the beginning of the book, and he really needed a friend, and he thought Declan was the perfect person for the job. Cue the Family Feud voice: GREAT ANSWER!!!!! They knew each other intimately for years, but they never did the friend thing. Declan and Sebastian becoming friends was the best thing that could happen for both of them.
The spice in this book was fabulous. This author never lets me down in that department either. She always knows how to write a good scene. There was also some dirty talk in this that was top notch. Now I am thinking about it again. Pass me a glass of water.
This is one of those books that as soon as I reached the last page, I could definitely start over and read it again. It was great, truly. It was sweet, funny, bantery, romantic, etc. I’m in love with it really. I cannot wait for the next installment of the series. I will be thinking about it for a long time. And I also want to start listening to some queer podcasts because of this. Any suggestions?
Declan is the loner of The Vers (the queer podcast). He doesn’t get close to people for reasons you’ll see, except his best friends. He just isn’t a big people person. People suck, as he puts it. I wanted to give Declan a hug. My sweet, darling little angel baby. He had a rough past that this man did not deserve, and I am so glad he had his besties there for him. And I’m glad he has Sebastian, too.
Sebastian is our famous actor. This man is such a golden retriever. He is just so happy and sweet, and I also wanted to give him a hug. He had some not so fun stuff happen to him at the beginning of the book, and he really needed a friend, and he thought Declan was the perfect person for the job. Cue the Family Feud voice: GREAT ANSWER!!!!! They knew each other intimately for years, but they never did the friend thing. Declan and Sebastian becoming friends was the best thing that could happen for both of them.
The spice in this book was fabulous. This author never lets me down in that department either. She always knows how to write a good scene. There was also some dirty talk in this that was top notch. Now I am thinking about it again. Pass me a glass of water.
This is one of those books that as soon as I reached the last page, I could definitely start over and read it again. It was great, truly. It was sweet, funny, bantery, romantic, etc. I’m in love with it really. I cannot wait for the next installment of the series. I will be thinking about it for a long time. And I also want to start listening to some queer podcasts because of this. Any suggestions?
June 7, 2023
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this book, I just found it boring..... It was well written and I loved the queer representation and perspective, but beyond that, I couldn't click with the characters and their love all that much. The writing and emotions throughout the book were good but nothing kept me engaged; I just wanted more to the plot than them slowly falling in love in their daily lives. I needed some angst or drama, literally anything to liven up the story!
June 25, 2023
reread March and June 2023
4/5 stars
I absolutely love Riley Hart’s writing style, so i breezed through this book. I loved the concept of the book, the characters and just the found family. Sebastian and Declan were so cute together and I’m really excited for the rest of the men.
4/5 stars
I absolutely love Riley Hart’s writing style, so i breezed through this book. I loved the concept of the book, the characters and just the found family. Sebastian and Declan were so cute together and I’m really excited for the rest of the men.
Read
April 3, 2023This is the 3rd day and I’m still at 30%.
Finished for now.
Finished for now.
January 27, 2023
The actor and the bartender
In a nutshell, I almost DNFd @ 13% and I’m very happy that I didn’t. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Great group of lovable guys.
ETA: it’s only been about 8 hours since I finished this and I already miss Sebastian and Declan.
This game was playful and fun. I knew I hadn’t really hurt his feelings, but still I found myself saying, “I missed you.”
Sebastian’s gaze softened. “I missed you too. That’s a little ridiculous, isn’t it?”
“Fuck yes. And embarrassing. Should we forget we said it?”
Again, he chuckled. “Yes. God yes.”
In a nutshell, I almost DNFd @ 13% and I’m very happy that I didn’t. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Great group of lovable guys.
ETA: it’s only been about 8 hours since I finished this and I already miss Sebastian and Declan.
This game was playful and fun. I knew I hadn’t really hurt his feelings, but still I found myself saying, “I missed you.”
Sebastian’s gaze softened. “I missed you too. That’s a little ridiculous, isn’t it?”
“Fuck yes. And embarrassing. Should we forget we said it?”
Again, he chuckled. “Yes. God yes.”
January 31, 2023
"The Loner" literally gave me butterflies. Never thought I would enjoy the no-strings-attached hookups to friends to lovers trope so much!
This book was a pleasant surprise. I loved the romance, the build up and the intense chemistry between the two main characters. The characters had distinct qualities. I loved how mature they were but could also be childish at times. The characters development was spot on. They felt real and were very likable.
Their interactions, banter- everything was perfect. This book also features an amazing found family which just made it even more special to me....
This book was a pleasant surprise. I loved the romance, the build up and the intense chemistry between the two main characters. The characters had distinct qualities. I loved how mature they were but could also be childish at times. The characters development was spot on. They felt real and were very likable.
Their interactions, banter- everything was perfect. This book also features an amazing found family which just made it even more special to me....
February 19, 2023
DNF @ 49%
I honestly tried but I’m just not connecting with the MCs and everyone else as well, it’s just too flat for me
I honestly tried but I’m just not connecting with the MCs and everyone else as well, it’s just too flat for me
August 16, 2023
I made the mistake of deciding to read just the first chapter before bed last night…. I read the whole book straight through til sunrise 🤦♀️
I don’t know why I put this one off for so long, it wasn’t at all what I expected, it was so good though. They had such good chemistry, poor Sebastian was gone for Declan before they even spoke 😂 looking forward to continuing the series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t know why I put this one off for so long, it wasn’t at all what I expected, it was so good though. They had such good chemistry, poor Sebastian was gone for Declan before they even spoke 😂 looking forward to continuing the series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 5, 2023
- opposites attract
- celebrity
- found family
- friends with bennies
Sebastian Cole is just an up and coming actor when Declan Burns meets him while working as a bartender. The pair are drawn to each other instantly and soon start a friends with benefits situation that spans over a ten year period, through the rise of Sebastian's acting career and and only ends when Sebastian gets himself a long term boyfriend.
Two years later Sebastian is back, recently single, and looking to rekindle things between himself and Declan, except this time he wants to be friends--a concept that isn't so easy for Declan. He doesn't have many friends, preferring to be alone, and definitely doesn't date. The more he spends with Sebastian platonically, the more he wants him romantically, which is a hard pill to swallow for Declan since he's not used to be loved.
Their story is a sweet story of going from lovers to friends and back again.
- celebrity
- found family
- friends with bennies
Sebastian Cole is just an up and coming actor when Declan Burns meets him while working as a bartender. The pair are drawn to each other instantly and soon start a friends with benefits situation that spans over a ten year period, through the rise of Sebastian's acting career and and only ends when Sebastian gets himself a long term boyfriend.
Two years later Sebastian is back, recently single, and looking to rekindle things between himself and Declan, except this time he wants to be friends--a concept that isn't so easy for Declan. He doesn't have many friends, preferring to be alone, and definitely doesn't date. The more he spends with Sebastian platonically, the more he wants him romantically, which is a hard pill to swallow for Declan since he's not used to be loved.
Their story is a sweet story of going from lovers to friends and back again.
Read
April 13, 2023DNF @68%…
I was just bored.
The beginning had promise but I didn’t feel anything for either main character. I did like the podcast parts, but idk it just didn’t capture my attention…
Also I have also come to find out that Sean Crisden isn’t one of my favorite narrators he’s kinda monotone and there wasn’t much change in any characters… so when I zoned out I couldn’t really tell which character was talking haha
I am bummed I didn’t like this because I thought this series had promise.. but I don’t think I am going to continue.. but like I always (as well as Justin Bieber) say never say never.. 😂😂
I was just bored.
The beginning had promise but I didn’t feel anything for either main character. I did like the podcast parts, but idk it just didn’t capture my attention…
Also I have also come to find out that Sean Crisden isn’t one of my favorite narrators he’s kinda monotone and there wasn’t much change in any characters… so when I zoned out I couldn’t really tell which character was talking haha
I am bummed I didn’t like this because I thought this series had promise.. but I don’t think I am going to continue.. but like I always (as well as Justin Bieber) say never say never.. 😂😂
October 8, 2023
DNF ~7%
Couldn't even make it past the first chapter. Admittedly, this author is hit or miss for me and the concept didn't massively appeal, but I thought I'd give it a chance, and I wasn't feeling it. The writing was really awkward, Declan immediately came off as kind of a dick, and the whole premise + lazy writing had me losing what little interest I had to start with.
Couldn't even make it past the first chapter. Admittedly, this author is hit or miss for me and the concept didn't massively appeal, but I thought I'd give it a chance, and I wasn't feeling it. The writing was really awkward, Declan immediately came off as kind of a dick, and the whole premise + lazy writing had me losing what little interest I had to start with.
Read
February 8, 2023DNF at 90pages or 35% so no rating. This didn't work for me at all, it may just me my mood but I didn't feel connected to the MCs and didn't feel their connection. In the prologue we see them meet, have sex right away and then we are told their relationship over the next 10 years during which they have sex occasionally. Sebastian was always the one initiating things so they stopped whenever he was in a relationship with someone else. Then, he walks in on his boyfriend and best friend in bed so he runs off, to the other side of the country to see Declan. A man he says he barely knows (from the summary we got in the prologue I would agree on that). This felt odd and gave the impression that he was already in love with Declan. So on the one hand they barely know each other but on the other he is his only friend because they've had intermittent sex for 10 years... You can't really have it both ways. Then Sebastian says "we should be friends without the sex" but keep angsting and getting jealous.... That's when I quit. I skimmed the last 3 or 4 chapters and nothing in them was really hinted at on p90 which showed me that things were not about to improve.
Declan's found family: not a fan of the way they were introduced (through Sebastian's eyes, a person who has never met any of them when I stopped reading), this was odd to me. That may be why I don't really feel the found family either.
I may read book 2 but the jury is very much still out on that one.
Declan's found family: not a fan of the way they were introduced (through Sebastian's eyes, a person who has never met any of them when I stopped reading), this was odd to me. That may be why I don't really feel the found family either.
I may read book 2 but the jury is very much still out on that one.
March 22, 2023
Loved this series opener
Sometimes when you read a book, it just delivers on all the things you want at that time as The Loner did all that and more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of the Hollywood star and a bar owner who finds it hard to believe that he deserves to be loved unreservedly and without conditions.
Watching Declan fall into Sebastian's orbit and slowly realising they were in more than just a friendship was wonderful.
Sebastian himself is a total sweetheart, with his own vulnerabilities, and I absolutely adored his family too.
The rest of the guys are brilliant, I love that Riley's writing a friendship group that aren't all secretly in love and showing that gay men can have deep bonds without having to want to hook up.
Hooking up is how Dec and Sebastian start off though and each one of the sex scenes in this narrative serves to drive on the relationship development between them.
I did call the 'tension point' way before it happened, but it also isn't just drama for the sake of it. It perfectly fits into the plotline and felt believable.
Some people are just ********* after all!
Can't wait for Parker's book next month.
Sometimes when you read a book, it just delivers on all the things you want at that time as The Loner did all that and more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of the Hollywood star and a bar owner who finds it hard to believe that he deserves to be loved unreservedly and without conditions.
Watching Declan fall into Sebastian's orbit and slowly realising they were in more than just a friendship was wonderful.
Sebastian himself is a total sweetheart, with his own vulnerabilities, and I absolutely adored his family too.
The rest of the guys are brilliant, I love that Riley's writing a friendship group that aren't all secretly in love and showing that gay men can have deep bonds without having to want to hook up.
Hooking up is how Dec and Sebastian start off though and each one of the sex scenes in this narrative serves to drive on the relationship development between them.
I did call the 'tension point' way before it happened, but it also isn't just drama for the sake of it. It perfectly fits into the plotline and felt believable.
Some people are just ********* after all!
Can't wait for Parker's book next month.
January 15, 2023
This is my favorite type of Riley Hart book. Where the romance sneaks up on you. Where you can feel the unbreakable bond between found family. And where the ending leaves you with a little smile on your face. There's just enough angst to propel the storyline and plenty of banter to keep it light hearted. Oh and the steam. Declan has a very very dirty mouth. 🔥 I fell in love with both of the MCs and all of the Vers podcast members. I couldn't even decide who's book I wanted most next. Apparently it's Parkers and as the self proclaimed romantic I'm hoping the amazing man finally gets his own swoon worthy love story.
November 28, 2025
Dulce, divertida, romántico
Declan ha vivido toda su vida solo, nunca se ha permitido amar a nadie más que sus amigos, así que todas sus relaciones son de una noche y ni siquiera todas las noches. Así que cuando comienza a verse para tener sexo con este hombre, quedan en solo eso. Sin embargo, van pasando los años y llega un momento en su deciden tratar algo más. Pero funcionará? Declan será capaz de dejarse amar? Que problemas enfrentaran?
Es un libro dulce, romántico, divertido. Me gustaron mucho los amigos, además de los diálogos sarcásticos entre ellos, y lo dulce que resultaron al final
Es un bonito libro, una buena introducción a la serie, te hace querer saber más de los amigos y como conseguirán su felices para siempre. Así que si, voy a continuar con la serie más adelante.
Declan ha vivido toda su vida solo, nunca se ha permitido amar a nadie más que sus amigos, así que todas sus relaciones son de una noche y ni siquiera todas las noches. Así que cuando comienza a verse para tener sexo con este hombre, quedan en solo eso. Sin embargo, van pasando los años y llega un momento en su deciden tratar algo más. Pero funcionará? Declan será capaz de dejarse amar? Que problemas enfrentaran?
Es un libro dulce, romántico, divertido. Me gustaron mucho los amigos, además de los diálogos sarcásticos entre ellos, y lo dulce que resultaron al final
Es un bonito libro, una buena introducción a la serie, te hace querer saber más de los amigos y como conseguirán su felices para siempre. Así que si, voy a continuar con la serie más adelante.
June 29, 2023
So this started off good but quickly went downhill. Sebastian and Declan had good chemistry when they were just sleeping together, but as soon as the friendship started it all went downhill.
Declan did not want to be friends with Sebastian. Any time Sebastian asked him to do something he'd try brush it off awkwardly, or agree but didn't seem happy about it. His attitude was making Sebastian seem like a clingy friend who just could not take a hint! All their friend trips felt so awkward to me. I had no idea why Sebastian liked Declan, and I didn't believe Declan's change of heart at all when he fell for Sebastian. Riley tried to play it off like "Declan felt something different for Sebastian all this time but couldn't admit it because he was afraid to open up to someone else", but to us readers it was like Declan honestly did not care. It was like he only hung out with Sebastian because he felt sorry for him.
Even when they both admitted their feelings, I couldn't believe them. It was too late for me by then to have any investment in their story. Honestly I only finished it so I could rate it, since I don't rate my DNF's. I was feeling petty.
It was a big shame because if Riley had let us see Declan actually say "I feel drawn towards Sebastian but I can't let him get close", then it might've worked. But there wasn't any hint of that until too late.
Declan did not want to be friends with Sebastian. Any time Sebastian asked him to do something he'd try brush it off awkwardly, or agree but didn't seem happy about it. His attitude was making Sebastian seem like a clingy friend who just could not take a hint! All their friend trips felt so awkward to me. I had no idea why Sebastian liked Declan, and I didn't believe Declan's change of heart at all when he fell for Sebastian. Riley tried to play it off like "Declan felt something different for Sebastian all this time but couldn't admit it because he was afraid to open up to someone else", but to us readers it was like Declan honestly did not care. It was like he only hung out with Sebastian because he felt sorry for him.
Even when they both admitted their feelings, I couldn't believe them. It was too late for me by then to have any investment in their story. Honestly I only finished it so I could rate it, since I don't rate my DNF's. I was feeling petty.
It was a big shame because if Riley had let us see Declan actually say "I feel drawn towards Sebastian but I can't let him get close", then it might've worked. But there wasn't any hint of that until too late.
March 27, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up cuz it was adorable.
I don’t have much to say here. It was easy breezy reading and nice to pick up after a string of DNFs. Not this author’s best, but not her worst.
I don’t have much to say here. It was easy breezy reading and nice to pick up after a string of DNFs. Not this author’s best, but not her worst.
June 22, 2023
This series until now (book 2) is being to much fun, Riley books are hit or miss to me, but until now this series is good
Read
January 30, 2023DNF @ 62%
I’ve said this before, but this is truly my last try with this author. We are very clearly not a match and after many failed/mediocre outcomes of the past their works are just simply not for me. I was honestly very bored by this, the leads read very immature for two adults in their 30’s, and the sex scenes felt cringe. I’m not even going to get into a lot of the problematic aspects. Lots of folks will love this book, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve said this before, but this is truly my last try with this author. We are very clearly not a match and after many failed/mediocre outcomes of the past their works are just simply not for me. I was honestly very bored by this, the leads read very immature for two adults in their 30’s, and the sex scenes felt cringe. I’m not even going to get into a lot of the problematic aspects. Lots of folks will love this book, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. 🤷🏻♀️
February 18, 2023
It was cute but not my favorite from this author. Ill still check out the next installments though
January 17, 2024
This was disappointing on so many levels I don't know where to start. The only good thing was the friendship of the beach bums
June 14, 2023
I love a good celebrity and regular guy trope. There just aren’t enough good ones! This story exceeded my expectations with the cuteness and the 10 years of obliviousness between the two MCs.
This story was fairly low angst and I just loved seeing anything that could be angsty resolved how I wanted it to be resolved. It was a feel good story all around.
Real question though. Is Declan a loner? I couldn’t quite figure it out because it was only mentioned about 500 times. 😂
This story was fairly low angst and I just loved seeing anything that could be angsty resolved how I wanted it to be resolved. It was a feel good story all around.
Real question though. Is Declan a loner? I couldn’t quite figure it out because it was only mentioned about 500 times. 😂
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