Under the Blazing Stars

Love Abroad

by Becca Seymour

I'm a glutton for punishment. The reason? My foolish pursuit of straight guys. Correction. One straight man. Alec Rose. For twelve long years, my best mate's brother has starred in practically every fantasy I've had. Massage... oops... my towel slips. Swimming adventure mishap with a huge wave. Yep. Alec gives me mouth-to-mouth. Shower with soap that refuses to stay in my hands. I'd best bend over. Now, it's become something of a game. I flirt outrageously, just to see the big guy blush. The thing is, he takes it all in his stride. Even attempts sweet, flirty moments back, but he will never be mine. Until the impossible happens and interest sparks in his eyes and shines bright. Just maybe, under the blazing stars of the outback, we can navigate this connection and Alec will finally give me a chance. Under the Blazing stars is a 42,000-word, superhot, super-low-angst, bi-awakening MM romance starring a loved-up Aussie cowboy and a fun-loving teacher.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Novella, LGBT, Queer

222 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2023

About the author

Becca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.

Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.

Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek

Zone Defense

No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down


Fast Break

Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!


True-Blue 
Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us


Outback Boys 

Stumble | Bounce | Wobble


Fangs & Felons

Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone


Stand-Alone Contemporary

Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt


REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews

"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma

"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such

"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine

"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Set (predominantly) in Australia and featuring a cowboy and a PE teacher, this lovely M/M romance was everything I enjoy in stories with best-friends-brother tropes and bi-awakenings.

I instantly felt the pull between MCs Patrick and Alec, as they holidayed with Trevor (Patrick’s long-time friend and Alec’s younger brother) in Bali in the opening scenes. Patrick is outwardly flirty but subtly pining for Alec, and has been for years, while Alec, finally having a bit of a WOW moment, realises he may not be as straight as he once presumed, feeling a deep and consuming need to touch and taste Patrick, in all very new-to-him ways, before the opportunity passes them by.

A life-changing night later, ends with a miscommunication of sorts, neither man voicing their true feelings in a way that would lead to more than one passionate night. So, time passes, and a few months on, Patrick finds himself racing home, to his families small-town farm, in rural Queensland, to assist his injured father for the foreseeable future, trying to forget how perfect his one night with Alec truly was.

A few weeks in, Trevor and Alec take a few weeks of their own time to come stay with Patrick and his father, lending invaluable help on the farm during busy season. Sparks immediately fly again between Patrick and Alec, nudged along a bit by all too aware Trevor, eventually leading to some quality time and some lovely emotional declarations that have both men feeling like what they share could be relationship endgame, if they’re willing to put in the work and make some geographical changes to be together.

I just loved how likeable these guys were—how easy their relationship felt in its progression, even when it came to Alec’s newly discovered and wholeheartedly embraced bisexuality. It was lite angst, giving sweet and tender vibes throughout, making it a very easy and very moreish contemporary romance to devour.

This is only my second time reading a Becca Seymour story, but both times I’ve spent the entire book thinking to myself, “why haven’t I been reading her stuff this whole time!?” Her M/M romances seem to hit the spot for me and isn’t that a win?! I just know this is only the beginning of my Becca Seymour reading journey and I can’t wait to see what other stories lie in wait!

[Kaitlyn Using StoryGraph Only · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If there ever was a bucket list, it would be full. How could it not be when Patrick made the promise to always be mine?"

Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual, First Person
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🔥🔥🔥

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

Overall Opinion
I really really enjoyed this book! It left me smiling so much and it was an all-round beautiful story. Both Patrick and Alec deserved the best and it was so sweet with Patrick pining after Alec all those years and then Alec coming to terms with his bisexuality comfortably. It had a tiny amount of angst and was deliciously steamy. Overall this was a delightful quick read with a beautiful Australian outback setting, great for a palette cleanser!

Read if you like:
❣️ MM Romance
❣️ Bi Awakening
❣️ Aussie
❣️ Cowboy/Teacher
❣️ Low Angst
❣️ HEA

Trigger and Content Warnings: N/A

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure what it is but I’ve been on a roll lately with books I enjoy and this one is no exception. This is absolutely my favourite book that I’ve read by Becca Seymour to date. This is a standalone book in a multi-author series and I really enjoyed my first non-basketball sports romance by this author.

Patrick has wanted his best friend’s brother Alec forever and they’ve known each other for years so even though this is a very short book their relationship does not seem rushed in the slightest. Everything worked so well in this book, between their first sexual encounter, their flirting and banter and where they ended up together in the epilogue.

This book is very low-angst but still had enough going on to keep me interested and invested in wanting to know where they end up. These two were super cute together and I really hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars

This book is part of the Love Abroad series, a multi-author collection featuring romances taking place all over the globe. This one takes place in Bali and Australia. I don’t think you need to have read any of the other books in the series to enjoy any particular story.

This one ls light and breezy, with a very surface level romance and pleasant enough characters. Alec is a nice guy, Patrick is a nice guy, and the misunderstandings between them — about Alec’s comment and Patrick’s history of love ‘em and leave ‘em — is quickly smoothed over. I enjoyed Patrick’s statement that sex was whatever the two of them wanted it to be, penetration or not, with as much or as little contact as they wanted. That it was up to them and them alone and what worked for them.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

[E.L. Ough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great best friends book, Patrick has been friends with Alec’s brother since they were younger, he had been crushing on him and flirting with him for years. He had to watch him be with women on all the trips they went on, but to be fair Alec didn’t realise that he was hurting Pats feelings because he was so used to his flirting and didn’t think much of it, till Bali.

Something clicked into place on their trip she Alec started to realise he felt some kind of way towards Patrick.

This was fun flirty low angst read between a cowboy and teacher.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

💜Brothers best friend
💜Small town
💜Bi awakening
💜Cowboy
💜Teacher
💜Streamy

[Emily]

I just couldn’t get into it. If you’ve been in love with someone for 12 years there seems like it would have more emotional moments. Was mostly just about sex and how hot the other person was - I like more than physical chemistry in what I read.

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: brother's best friend, forced proximity, bi-awakening
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks: mild pining

Patrick is about 32, gay, been mildly pining over his best friend's straight brother (Alec) for 12 years. They are on a vacation with a group of friends and suddenly Alec is looking at Patrick differently, curiously. They hook up. Alec says something dumb about the hookup crossing something off his bucket list, oblivious to how Patrick takes that. Patrick goes home. 4ish months later they see each other again. Alec, 34, has realized he's bi and he wants a relationship with Patrick.

This was an ok book for what it was (a bit longer than novella length). It was low angst romcom stuff.

Alec ticked me off though to be honest. He didn't mean to be hurtful or selfish, but he said/thought some dumb shit. Like, heading to see Patrick after Patrick's dad got injured Alec is jonesing to hookup again - kind of ugly and rude of him - you didn't leave things on the best of terms, you haven't talked to him, yet you think you're excitedly running into sex? And Alec yammered on to lots of people about hooking up with Patrick and his bi-awakening - yay that he's not ashamed but it comes across as violating Patrick's privacy a bit. And they were hanging out for days, lots of opportunities to talk, but they go someplace picturesque and the moment they are alone, he makes a cheesy move?

These guys don't talk about their living in different places and how their relationship will last in the real world until like, 91% in. For most of the book, I couldn't picture them as a long-term couple yet because they hadn't had that talk.


*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely read.

This is a sweet, steamy romance between two very likeable characters Patrick and Alec.
Sweet and thoughtful Patrick has pined after his best friends brother for 12 years and Alec certainly does blush at the flirtatious nature of Patrick. It’s all in good fun until Alec has a moment of clarity, they have a steamy encounter which then leads to a bit of a communication hiccup. A few months later circumstances have them reconnecting. Alec is comfortable with his newfound bisexuality and being within Patrick’s orbit has the chemistry between them reigniting and the heat levels rising.

I enjoyed this engaging low angst romance with its beautiful writing that perfectly depicts the part of the Australian outback in which it’s set. The romance element made my heart happy whilst the HEA for Patrick and Alec left me smiling.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Australian addition to this excellent series. The only country so far in this series that I have been to/lived in and it resonated beautifully. The plot and characters were very enjoyable and the bi-awakening was done well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Sweet love story with zero angst, bi awakening and forced proximity.
Alec is straight, but during a holiday in Bali he starts feeling attraction for Patrick (who's gay and has crushed on Alec for years). They've known each other for a long time because Patrick is Trevor (Alec's brother) best friend.
Alec is extroverted and outgoing and when he feels something for his friend, he let himself be open to an aspect of his sexuality he didn't know yet; after hooking up, a little misunderstanding make them insecure about the other's feelings, but when Alec shows up to help Patrick with his farm after his father's injury, both men are determined to explore their connection.
I appreciated that they were straghtforward wih each other and that there wasn't any unnecessary drama (especially with Yarren).
The rural scenery is very beautiful and peaceful and I loved the epilogue!
Recommended

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good brother’s best friend story. This one certainly fits the bill! This one is sweet, swoony, and steamy. It has been a hot minute since I read High Alert and first met Alec, but I still enjoyed this little slice of Aussie night sky. Patrick and Alec are just too sweet and cute for words. This won’t take you long to read but it is very worth it! I love these characters! Alec is starting to question his “straightness” as he really begins to notice Patrick after years of the other man’s flirting. Patrick is wondering if he might actually have a chance with the other man. I just love how the author spun this story; no angst ( at least when they actually talk to each other), just happy endings!

[Louise Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet low-angst romance. The beginning left a miscommunication that could’ve been dragged out but thankfully was not used to add unnecessary drama or angst to the story. Alec’s seemingly easy acceptance of his bisexuality was refreshing and the chemistry was undeniable between him and Patrick from the start. Trev and Graham were great secondary characters and added to my enjoyment of the book.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never want to leave the worlds that Becca Seymour creates. Under the Blazing Stars is a sweet, steamy, highly enjoyable read. With just enough angst to create some tension, it was a pleasure to immerse myself in another one of Becca‘a stories. I love a good HEA, and this book certainly delivers! ❤️

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve years ago, Patrick fell in love with Alec, his best friend Trevor’s older brother. Over the years, Patrick has flirted with Alec outrageously, and Alec has responded in kind, with neither taking things seriously. On a vacation trip to Bali with Trevor, Alec, Patrick and another friend, Alec suddenly finds himself more aware of Patrick than ever, especially for a guy who is supposed to be straight, with mind pictures of sexy times that could be had becoming more frequent. On his last night there, Patrick and Alec do a bit of experimenting, then both misread things that are said, pull away and go their separate ways.
Several months later, Patrick’s father needs hip surgery and won’t be able to handle the ranch during his recovery, so Patrick takes a leave from work to care for him. When the time to vaccinate and castrate the cattle comes around, Trevor and Alec arrive to help out. Both Alec and Patrick hope the attraction they feel can progress into something more over the two week stay, but only time will tell.
Two casual friends, one gay and one straight who finds out he may be into men—or at least one man; an unexpected one night hook-up; misunderstandings without communication; friends helping friends; hot, dirty, sweaty Outback ranch work; a small town Easter parade; descriptions of the vast Outback landscape; and hot nights under the canopy of stars arching over the Outback all made for a story letting two find their other half. I have read others in the series and this is one of my favorites. Looking forward to reading the rest.

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙠𝙮, 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙘 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚.

𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 by Becca Seymour is part of the 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘈𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥 series and is Alec and Patrick's story.

Patrick has had a thing for his mates' brother since the moment he saw him but knew he could never have the straight hunk the way he wanted until everything changed between them while on vacation in Bali.

Alec and Patrick's story is an adorable and quick, low-angst read that will have you wanting to go star gazing while you fall in love with them. I loved the flirty banter between the two of them and wished that the book was longer as I didn't want to say goodbye to them so quickly.

Get ready for... mm, one-night stand, friends to lovers, bi-awakening, first times, close proximity, and dual first-person point of view.

4 Maple Leafs | 3 Flames

*A copy was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog*



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[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a friends-to-lovers/bi-awakening one and could have been your run of the mill book but it is a very enjoyable book.

Patrick is flirting with Alex, his friend's straight brother, for what it seems forever. Nothing new until one evening during a group holiday on Bali and everything changes.
Unfortunately a misunderstanding is now the stone in the road for both of them.

They are thrown back together when Patrick's dad fell ill and Patrick has to help on their farm. Alex is drafted in to help and he hopes that it's the start of a new beginning. Luckily the issue on Bali is sorted out without dragging or additional drama.

Both Patrick and Alex come over genuine and while the book is on the short side for a in-depth character development, they are well written and likeable. The timeline itself is also short but as there is plenty of background, it's not an insta-love one.

It's a fairly quick read, perfect for either a rainy afternoon where you want to think of heat and sun, or a day on holiday.

The only negative point for me is that I would have loved to know more of what Alex's did/feel during the end of the Bali holiday and meeting Patrick again. He obvioulsy came to peace with his bi-sexuality but it would have been good to see that as well.

[Rochelle Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

GUH, this book is so good. I do love a best friend's brother/brother's best friend romance - swoon! Patrick has been crushing on Alec FOREVER. Meanwhile, Alec is straight, right? And Patrick has been teasingly flirting with him for years, so why all of a sudden is Alec taking an interest in said flirtation? Oh well, what happens on vacation stays on vacation, right?

...Or not, haha. The chemistry between Patrick and Alec is wonderful - Patrick wants him so bad but is afraid to go there with his bestie's (straight) brother. Meanwhile, Alec is feeling all these new kind of ways, but he's pretty sure he knows what he wants. Add in some forced proximity while Alec and his brother (whose name I can't remember right now, I AM SORRY) help Patrick out on his family's (...farm? cow ranch?) and them dancing around each other, there's so much delicious will-they/won't-they tension here.

Under the Blazing Stars is a standalone novel that is part of the multi-author Love Abroad series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.

Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter

[Kiki Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Blazing Stars is part of the Love Abroad series, and when I saw it took place in Bali and the Outback, I was in! It’s a sweet and steamy best friend’s brother story that was full of heart.
Flirty, out geologist Patrick has known Alec for over a decade and is used to having inconvenient feelings for his best friend’s straight brother. Alec’s bi-awakening during a guy’s trip finds him wondering “what if” about his brother’s outgoing uni friend Patrick.
Their steamy poolside hookup on a hot Bali night is 🔥🔥🔥
They part ways with a bit of misunderstanding, Patrick thinking it was just a one time curiosity for Alec. A few months later, Alec accompanies his brother Trev to the Outback to help Patrick with a family situation. And things get interesting…
The emotions, relationships, and gorgeous scenery are so vivid. Both MCs were good guys, and this was a low angst, light-hearted read. You’ll find yourself smiling at their playful banter and easy connection. It was fun watching them get their HEA. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOW ANGST BROTHERS BEST FRIEND LOVE!

Another wonderful and sweet love story about an unrequited love of 12 years that gets requited after a bi- awakening in Bali…

The book starts off in Bali and ends in Roma, Australia where our two main characters paths cross 3 months later after a sultry, steamy night of skinny dipping which turned into the best night of their lives!

“You’ve never tried to kiss me.”

“True.”

“Why not?”

“Is it something you might be interested in now?”

I loved how relaxed and cool Alec was after his bi-awakening but a misunderstanding causes doubt and confusion but with the help of supporting family and friends they are sure to weather any storm if they are meant to be…

“It’s under the blazing stars we found each other.”

A sweet, low angst love story that will have you smiling all the way till the end!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the multi-author Love Abroad series, set in Bali and the australian outback. Bi-awakening, brother's best friend with plenty of sun, stars, and heat.

This is such a sweet story, I loved both Patrick and Alec. Patrick has been flirting with Alec for years, never thinking that Alec might look at him the same way, until he does when they're on holiday together. I loved the progression of their relationship, how they were friends first then everything else. The connection between the two was wonderful to witness, once they got past their initial miscommunication and were able to talk and move forward together.

This is so sweet, with plenty of heat and a great cast of supporting characters. This was exactly what I needed after my last book, a shot of fun in the sun with a real connection and a super sweet HEA.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this low angst, best friend’s brother, romance. Alec and Patrick are both good guys who need to talk to each other, rather than presume the other isn’t interested. I loved how they finally realise their true feelings under a gorgeous Australian night sky.

I liked the way Alec’s bi-awakening is written, and how their memories of their first get-together are very different. I love how they’ve known each other for years, with Patrick’s friendship with Alec’s brother. The family relationships are a highlight of the story too.

I liked Yarran and hope he gets his own HEA. I love how his flirting gives Patrick and Alec a further push in the right direction. I liked Graham, Patrick’s father. I did wonder how Patrick and Alec were going to get their HEA, given their work, and loved how it worked out.

The epilogue set 5 years later is a sweet conclusion to their story.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. Patrick has been friends with Alec’s brother Trev for many years. He has always had a crush on him and knew nothing would happen. The book started as they were on vacation in Bali, and Alec is questioning his feelings for Pat. They had a great night together and now we fast forward three months. Pat’s dad got into an accident and he had to go back to the farm to help him with the cattle. Both Trev and Alec came along to help out as well. This started their relationship as Alec opened up some more about his feelings. Great no angst steamy read which I adored. I love when authors include an epilogue to show a snippet of their lives together in the future. Cannot wait to read more.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great contribution to this amazing series! I've read a lot of combined universes where some I love. Some are just okay. This series is not that I have loved every single book.
Alec and Patrick have known each other for years, Patrick has always had a crush on Alec (his best friends brother) and has always flirted in good fun. Until one day, he notices Alec isn't as indifferent to the flirting as always suspected. Once these two try for something more than just friends, it just clicks, and they just work so well together. It's obvious they've been friends a long time. It may be a short book, but that doesn't matter because you fan feel their past from Beccas writing.
Great low angst fun read, highly recommended.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Blazing Stars is a super sweet, fun and intriguing story with great characters and I love that it is set in the Australian outback. I love both Alec and Patrick as they are clearly perfect for each other even though it does take Alec a while to figure out his complicated and surprising feelings for Patrick. They have a few misunderstandings along the way but once they get to spend some time together I love how their relationship develops. One of my favorite parts of this story are the wonderful and accepting secondary characters. The ending is perfect and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[InsatiableSuccubooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet but wanted more

This was perfectly sweet, fun and sexy and I loved the setting. I just wished it was longer. I really wanted more of them in the early days of their relationship after they made it official, before the big time jump epilogue.

I admit I'm never really satisfied with HEAs that don't have a proposal or wedding, despite knowing not every couple wants or needs that in RL. In a book, it just makes it feel complete, I guess. Some kind of solemn moment that solidifies they're together for life. But this couple seemed absolutely the marriage type and I was surprised and disappointed it wasn't mentioned.

Aside from that, zero complaints, it was an easy and fun read with just the right amount of pining to make their HEA feel earned.

[Tanya Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick reminded me of a 4th grade boy with a crush. Patrick was attracted to Alec from the first time he saw him. Alec was straight so Patrick flirted like crazy just to tease Alec. Trevor, Alec's brother, is Patrick's best friend. Over Christmas, Alec and Trevor are spending time at the family villa in Bali. Patrick joins them for his break and things heat up. After a hook up between Alec and Patrick, a misunderstanding forces them apart. Three months later Patrick's life is thrown into chaos. He father broke his hip, and Patrick must return to the ranch temporarily to handle the cattle. Trevor and Alec come at Easter break allowing Alec and Partick to reconnect and smooth out their misunderstanding.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love me a brother's best friend romance! Alec has been the object of Patrick's desire for over a decade but since Alec is straight Patrick has just kind of been dreaming. Patrick does behave so adorably flirty around Alec because he just cannot stop himself! It is amusing and fun because poor Alec has yet to realize that how he really feels about Patrick is why the flirting both embarrasses him and makes him happy. They have know each other for a while which is the perfect build up for the steamy encounter that opens Alec's eyes to his feelings for Patrick. Very sweet and smile worthy quick read!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patrick has had a crush on his best friend's brother Alec for many years, although Alec is straight. Patrick enjoyed flirting with Alec and making him blush, and finally while on vacation in Bali, Alec finds himself suddenly attracted to Patrick.

After the men pursue their feeling for the fist time, there is a misunderstanding with Alec rambling on and not realizing what he is saying. I didn't like Alec for part of the book, but he redeemed himself once they finally had a conversation about what had happened.

The ending was super sweet and gave me all the feels. My only complaint was that this book wasn't longer. I would have loved to get to know the characters better.

[Justine Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Blazing Stars is part of the multi-author Love Abroad series. This is a sweet and steamy story about Patrick and Alec. Patrick is Alec's brother's best friend and has been flirting with him for years. Nothing has ever come of it until one night in Bali and a swimming pool. Alec has always just brushed off Patrick's flirtations towards him until one night he decides to take a chance. Patrick and Alec are so sweet together as they make fantasy a reality and discovering how they fit into each other's lives. The best thing Alec did was to take a chance on love. I recommend this book and series.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a wonderful sense of place in Bali and the Australian Outback just as all the others in the series have done exactly what I hoped in taking me all around the world. This is a sweet and fluffy entry in the series as Patrick flirts with Alec, his best friend's brother always assuming nothing would happen as Alec is straight. Suddenly, however, Alec, discovers he might not be as straight as he thought and decides to see what might happen if he responds to Patrick. It turns out to be a dream come true for both of them and for the reader taken along on this gentle, romantic ride.