Wrapped in Red

Wide Open #4

by Sundae Leighton

What we did that night lives rent free in my head. The way my best friend touched & kissed me; only to run away like it was the biggest mistake he ever made.

It's been months since I've seen Ezra Bardot. I've tried to live my life, but I felt like something was missing. Probably because he's sunshine and rainbows; a cheeky, pint-sized femboy who pushes me to be the best version of myself. I miss his smile, cuddles, and his intoxicating scent. So you can imagine my surprise when Ezra shows up at my parents' house when I'm home for the holidays battered and bruised, begging for my forgiveness.

Things between us are different. I look at Ezra in a way that’s more than friendly. I want him in ways I never did before; and when we both finally give in, it's the best decision we've ever made. He teaches me things I've only dreamed of.

Only Ezra's hiding something from me. I might be living my dream as a stock car driver, but he had aspirations too. One's that didn’t include using his body for money. We’re so good together. He pulls me in only to push me away seconds later. But his secrets and lies might be our downfall and ruin everything we’ve become...

*This is book four in the Wide Open Series. It can be read as a standalone but is more enjoyable if read in order. *

*𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲, 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗤+ 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴.*

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Christmas

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2023

About the author

Sundae Leighton writes romance novels that are sweet with a dark twist. She got her start writing fanfiction with her friends in school, but didn’t take the plunge to publish her first book (Picture Perfect) until 2020. Born and raised in Connecticut, where she currently resides with her husband and their cats. She sometimes scares herself when she writes things darker than intended, considers coffee the nectar of the Gods, and once ran the NYC marathon (OK - half marathon). When she isn’t writing down what the voices in her head tell her to, she likes watching murder shows, NASCAR, and reading romance books with lots of dark angst.

You can keep in touch with Sundae at SundaeLeighton.com and find her on most social media platforms.

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Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it for the icing alone

Dee's Grade: A

Kink:🚦🚦🚦/5
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵/5
Angst: 🥹🥹🥹🥹/5
Humor: 🤣🤣🤣.5/5
Toxicity: ☣️☣️☣️.5/5
Bullying: 💔💔💔💔💔/5 (not between MCs)
Intimacy: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥/5
Chemistry: 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋/5
Dirty Talking: 🤬🤬🤬🤬/5
Hurt/Comfort: ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹/5
Codependency: 🫂🫂🫂🫂/5
Protectiveness: 🪦🪦🪦🪦/5
Possessiveness: ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️/5
Communication: 🗣🗣🗣/5
The Dark Matter: 🌒🌒🌒🌒/5
The Swoon Factor: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
Growth and Healing: 🥳🥳🥳🥳/5
Comfort Readability: 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗/5


** If the score is ONE EMOJI that means little to none of whatever category/trope was present in the book.

Being a reviewer and a mood reader does not make my life easier. Especially since I'm a hyper fixating mood reader. Recently I was in my toxic codependent bratty love era and I consumed and loved a lot of Sundae's books. I'm in a different mood right now. So I can honestly say that the beginning of this book was a struggle for me. If you're not in the mood for toxic brats who don't know how to effectively communicate the beginning may be a struggle for you too. This isn't going to be because of the writing. It's because the writer is doing such a great job of letting the characters run the show. I wanted to shake everyone!

Here's the beautybif letting the character run the show though. It allows the reader a chance to really connect with them. As I got deeper into Ezra and Carson's head...I understood why they were acting the way they were acting. I still didn't often agree with them but I understood their motivation and also why they were like this.

Ezra has experienced a lot of trauma and he lacks good coping skills. Carson is pretty trauma free so he has trouble understanding Ezra on that level. He gets frustrated and reacts in unhelpful ways to Ezra's antics. Even though they've been codependent best friends most of their lives...a relationship is different.

I ultimately loved that this book is messy because a couple of guys in their mid twenties trying to navigate love when one of them needs therapy (that I assume he gets because Sundae Leighton is good about her characters addressing their mental health struggles) would be messy.

I'm also a HUGE fan of found family and the healing power of a supportive community. We get that in spades in this book. I wanted this for Ezra badly.

In conclusion read this books. It's going to be a roller coaster ride and so worth it. Ez and CC love each other and they fight for their well deserved HEA.

[Mandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are such a mess, and at first they are rather toxic together, but once you better understand where Ezra is coming from it makes a lot of sense. I really enjoyed this book, and think that the pair worked well together. Ezra needed to stop running, and start talking to CC. CC needed to listen, stop judging, and be there for his friend.

As they both said, the phone worked both ways, and after their NYE shenanigans, they both had the opportunity to pick up the phone. Once they reunited, they were quite the pair together. It was so hard to see Ezra so down on himself, but it was understandable when you saw what he had gone through with both his family and his ex.

I loved seeing the WAGs supporting him, as well as the love and support Ezra received from Carson’s folks. Definitely teared up on both fronts! I haven’t yet, but definitely plan to read the preceding books, and any books that follow in this series!!

[Laura Fabian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

Carson & Ezra were characters with a much more complicated relationship than I expected, and although there were moments in which their love was a little more toxic than part of the hurt-comfort trope, I think these two characters work really well together and Sundae Leighton nailed the Christmas vibe I was going for with Wrapped in Red, so I really enjoyed reading them too.

I really liked Carson in Amnesia and I have been dying to read him as the main character since the author announced his book. He's a kind, sweet guy, and I love how affectionate he is with Ezra in the first few chapters of the book when they're still "just friends," but it was also a little frustrating reading his behavior towards his best friend, especially knowing the relationship they share, that broke my heart along with Ezra's. BUT I really liked when he started to handle things more maturely, when he tried to understand Ezra and put himself in his shoes by showing him how much he loves him and means to him.

Ezra was my favorite, a daring, cute, good-hearted boy who takes care of those he loves, who has a complicated past and present and hides from Carson more secrets than he'd like. Ezra suffers thinking that he's not enough for the people around him, he has given up his dreams and everything for him seems to be more difficult when he kisses CC and then they stay apart for months, and even when Ezra's mechanism to take care of himself is always to run away, I think I can understand his decisions much better due to his past history, plus I loved reading him with Leo & Noelle!

Carson & Ezra have always been best friends, Ezra is practically a Carey, and Carson has been in love with him for a long time, but nothing between these two was easy because of Ezra's broken heart, his insecurities and the past that is about to catch up with him. But with everything and their difficulties I think that Carson & Ezra are very cute together, I love that they remain best friends even when they try to be a couple too, that they know each other better than anyone in the world, and after going through complicated situations, Carson secures his place as the unconditional support that Ezra needs.

The only thing I didn't love was the whole WAG thing, I can't say much about it because I think it would be a spoiler, but I think the group could have had a different name and still been just as awesome.

💚Ezra: 4.5/5
❤️Carson: 4/5
💚Plot: 5/5
❤️Love story: 5/5
💚Secondary characters: 4.5/5
❤️Universe: 5/5
💚Cover: 2/5
🌶️: 3/5

🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Carson & Ezra fueron personajes con una relación mucho más complicada de lo que esperaba, y aunque hubo momentos en los que su amor alcanzaba un poco más lo tóxico que el trope de hurt-comfort creo que estos dos personajes funcionan muy bien juntos y Sundae Leighton logró la vibra navideña que estaba buscando con Wrapped in Red, así que disfruté mucho leyéndolos también.

Carson me gustó mucho en Amnesia y me moría de ganas de leerlo como personaje principal desde que la autora anunció su libro. Es un chico amable, dulce y me encanta lo cariñoso que es con Ezra en los primeros capítulos del libro, cuando aún son "solo amigos", pero también fue un poco frustrante leer su comportamiento hacia su mejor amigo, especialmente conociendo la relación que ambos comparten, eso rompió mi corazón junto con el de Ezra. PERO me gustó mucho cuando empezó a manejar las cosas con más madurez, cuando trató de entender a Ezra y ponerse en su lugar demostrándole lo mucho que lo ama y significa para él.

Ezra fue mi favorito, un chico atrevido, lindo, de buen corazón y que cuida a los que ama, que tiene un pasado y presente complicados y le esconde a Carson más secretos de los que le gustaría. Ezra sufre pensando que no es suficiente para las personas a su alrededor, ha dejado de lado sus sueños y todo para el parece ser más difícil cuando besa a CC y después se alejan durante meses, y aún cuando el mecanismo de Ezra para cuidar de si mismo siempre es huir, creo que puede comprender mucho mejor sus decisiones debido su historia pasada, además, me encantó leerlos con Leo & Noelle!

Carson & Ezra siempre han sido mejores amigos, Ezra es prácticamente uno más de la familia Carey y Carson ha estado enamorado de él por mucho tiempo, pero nada entre estos dos fue fácil debido al corazón roto de Ezra, sus inseguridades y el pasado que esta a punto de alcanzarlo. Pero con todo y sus dificultades creo que Carson & Ezra son muy lindos juntos, me encanta que sigan siendo los mejores amigos aún cuando intentan ser una pareja también, que se conozcan mejor que nadie en el mundo, y que después pasar por situaciones complicadas Carson asegure su lugar como el apoyo incondicional que Ezra necesita.

La única cosa que no me encantó fue todo el asuntos de las WAGs, no puedo decir mucho al respecto porque creo que sería un spoiler, pero creo que el grupo pudo haber tenido un nombre distinto y seguir siendo igual de maravilloso.

💚Ezra: 4.5/5
❤️Carson: 4/5
💚Trama: 5/5
❤️Historia de amor: 5/5
💚Personajes secundarios: 4.5/5
❤️Universo: 5/5
💚Portada: 2/5
🌶️: 3/5

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers

This one took me a little bit to get into. I wasn't sure how I felt about their relationship. As I got further into the story though, I could see how good they were for each other. I enjoyed the story overall.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Spooky Peach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book. The characters! The fashion! The SPICE!

I gasped at least twice while reading this book. That's how it went - I was reading cute scenes and scorching spice and then BAM something big happens. B I thoroughly enjoyed the ride!!

Carson (CC) and Ezra are perfectly matched. I loved how sweet and supportive Carson was about Ezra's interests and encouraged him to pursue a career in fashion and wear his outfits loud and proud. And the way Ezra was so unapologetically himself just made this book a joy to read. If joy turned steamy AF, that is!

I love a friends-to-lovers story, especially because these guys start off claiming they aren't each other's type (yeah, suuuure.) Their friendship is broken when Ezra suddenly leaves after getting a taste of a possible more-than-friends future with Carson. He shows up nearly a year later, broken physically and emotionally, but refusing to tell Carson what happened. And Carson goes along with it because he'd do nearly anything for Ezra.

When the steam hits, phew, the dirty talk is off the charts! Both Carson and Ezra have dirty mouths and they can't keep their hands off each other. I was LIVING for it!

The found family is also strong here, with this being the 4th book in the series of standalones, Wide Open, there are several couples already established. Ezra has this way of bringing all of them together, as he basically dances around demanding (consensual!) cuddles and declaring people his friends. All the while, Carson in the background being extremely supportive. The found family comes with a whole lotta drama revolving around their protectiveness of Carson, which caused lots of conflict all around. But we know Ezra and Carson get their HEA in the end!

The next book is an MMM with Seth, Noel, and Wyatt, with the ending hinting at something already happening with the three - and I can't wait to read their story!!

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two are the definition at hot mess express, but ultimately they come out stronger because of it. Carson, aka CC, and Ezra are clearly soulmates that just go on a windy road journey to finding their HEA. Things to look for in this book:

❤️ MM romance
❤️ Holiday romance
❤️ Friends to lovers
❤️ Cam boy MMC
❤️ NASCAR driver MMC
❤️ Hurt/comfort
❤️ Push and pull
❤️ So many great side characters

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔.5

Ezra and CC have been best friends forever. And when one kiss threatens to ruin years of friendship, they both retreat to bad places. Ezra gets into a relationship with someone who is terrible to him and CC throws himself into work.

But almost a year after the fated kiss, they reunite and finally express what has been building up for years. But there are barriers in their way - the biggest one being Ezra’s overthinking. He automatically always assumes the worst and it definitely causes some unnecessary rifts between the two of them. But ultimately, they find their HEA together and it’s so, so sweet.

When Ezra and CC were finally on the same page, I smiled so hard for these two. You could tell how much they both genuinely loved each other from the very beginning. But my absolute favorite part of this book was the second half with all of the side characters (couples from Sundae’s previous books). And I loved how more and more friendships were formed. And clearly the WAGs group chat was amazing!!

Looking forward to the next book as it will be something completely different from Sundae’s other work and I am so excited!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in the Wide Open Series. This is a standalone but I highly recommend reading the other books in this series. Not only are they all wonderful reads, a lot of the prior characters make appearances here.

A roller coaster of emotions and a hard fought friends to lovers story. Ezra and Carson’s journey has the angst I've come to know and love from Sundae’s books. But as always it is worth it. Both characters have their moments of doubts but love will always find a way.

Carson and Ezra have that banter and chemistry that only comes from years of friendship. They always had feelings but never acted on it. Too afraid to ruin their friendship. The angst comes from the push and pull they have while transitioning into more than just friends. It seems to make things only hotter when they act on their urges. The dirty talk in this book is chef’s kiss 🥵

There’s a Christmas theme to this book without being over the top. It’s also not a typical, super sweet, magical, everything’s almost perfect, quick, holiday romance which I loved. There are some dark topics that come up so check TW/CW. It combines the holidays with real life.

Another big part of this book I really enjoyed was the found family elements. This group of characters warms my heart so much. This is what a core group of friends should be.

[Kate Seymour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Friends to Lovers

Carson and Ezra have been best friends since they were six years old. Carson is a NASCAR racer and Ezra is a camboy. One night when they’re out at a club, they end up making out and Ezra gives Carson a hand job before running off and avoiding Carson for almost a year. He finally shows back up after being badly beaten by his ex-boyfriend.

Carson instantly takes him in and insists on taking care of him. Their usual cuddling soon takes a sensual turn and both men realize they want more from their friendship and decide it start dating. Although Carson’s jealousy over Ezra’s job and Ezra’s insecurities threaten their relationship before it had a chance to take off.

‘Wrapped in Red’ is a steamy friends-to-lovers romance between two sweet men. Both men have their insecurities, but you can see the love between them from the beginning. The spicy scenes are also super hot and neither man can get enough of the other. There are also a lot of fun moments as Ezra becomes a part of Carson’s friend group and bonds with the other “WAGs” (wives and girlfriends). This is definitely a four-star romance.

I received a copy of this book from Chaotic Creatives, and this is my honest review.

[INeedABookBreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this toxic and angsty holiday story. Wrapped in Red is the fourth book in the Wide
Open series. It can be read as a standalone.

Ezra and CC are best friends, who have their relationship rocked by a single kiss. In the beginning, the two of them are quite toxic to each other. They really needed to learn how to communicate properly with each other. They came from really different backgrounds which made it hard for CC to empathize with Ezra. The two of them had a very hard earned HEA, but I really liked the emotional roller coaster that the reader goes on to get there.

I always love this author’s take on the hurt/comfort trope. I love how Ezra is not only healed by CC’s love but also by the other loving communities including the hilarious WAGs. It was also great seeing other characters from the series. At the end of this book, the author teased a MMM story, and I can’t wait to see how that comes together!

[Sylvia Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this was such a cute and spicy book! I adored Ezra and Carson. Besties since they were six and one fateful new years changed everything. All it took was a kiss and suddenly the two of them were trying to figure out their feelings. Unfortunately Ezra was scared and ran, but several months later he showed up on Carsons doorstep after some awful things happened to him. I loved that all the characters from previous books were so involved in the story and seeing Ezra finally find people that love and care for him was the absolute best. Also the WAGs chat was hilarious and I cant wait for all the new characters books! This is the perfect book for those that love a lot of spice and a Christmas centered story and of course those who adore MM romance.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are a disaster, but an adorable disaster. Ezra and CC have been best friends for their entire lives it seems. After a New Year’s kiss (turned more), they find themselves somewhat estranged, not knowing where to go. Carson buries himself in racing, and Ezra finds himself in a dysfunctional relationship. When the holidays find them together again, they finally have a chance to clear the air, but it’s not all smooth sailing. There is still miscommunication at times and moments where I wanted to strangle them, yet it’s clear they love each other and their friendship was masking their much deeper feelings. Ultimately this was a satisfying HEA and BONUS… It’s filled with secondary Sundae characters we’ve come to know and love.

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved it Ezra and Carson have been best friends for a long time but what they both didn’t realise was that they both loved each other as more than friends . It only took one night to almost bring that friendship to an end but when Ezra needed Carson at a bad time in his life Carson was there for him. Was great seeing all the guys from the previous books and some new faces which I presume will be in the next book .

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Ezra and Carson. They are the perfect match for each other. Ezra is the sweetest and full of sunshine and laughter. Carson is a man that loves Ezra with everything he has and would do anything for his princess. I just love this story it gives so much joy and happiness.

[Shawna S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends to lovers Ezra and Carson. They have been friends since elementary school, and one New Years Eve, they share a kiss that changes everything. Have they both always secretly had feelings for one another ? Can they be more? It's a fun, very spicy, sweet read and, at times, bumpy road.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series but the first one from it I have read. This was a fabulous friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, holiday read about Carson and Ezra.

[Melissa]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed this MM romance with its race car background. This has enjoyable characters, good mix of emotions, plot and steam.

[Annalise Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series so much!

[Collandherbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read Amnesia (I recommend you do!), you'll remember Carson and his attempt at dating a different character. Which obviously never became a thing. Well, now our sweet Carson Carey gets his happy ending! And with his very best friend Ezra.

The start to their relationship was turbulent and at times I wanted to lock them in a room and force them to talk! They were so good together and really good for each other and I'm glad they both fought for their relationship to work.

I adored CCs protectiveness, he'd do anything to keep his Ezra safe and happy. And I loved Ezra's affectionate side. Not just to CC but to their whole friendship group.  Which I'll add is a beautiful example of a found family. I especially loved the group chats between some of the guys and the friendship that bloomed between Ezra and Maverick.

This was a great festive read about two besties who realise they love each other as more than just friends. It's spicy and sweet and full of love.... and a helping of dirty talk too!