Killian & Matthias

With the Band #2.5

by Sundae Leighton

I broke my sobriety last night.

I thought for sure that Matthias was going to leave me. I seem to ruin everything just by existing. I need him like the air I breathe. Matthias calms my demons with a simple touch of his hand, and the soothing way he speaks to me and tells me he loves me. I couldn't imagine my life without him. I might be borderline obsessed with the man, but you would be too if you were in my shoes.

Yet, here he is; my Matthias. Holding me, saving me, and telling me he loves me like I didn't just ruin everything all over again. I need to make an honest man out of him once and for all. He puts up with so much of my nonsense. Without him I probably wouldn't be alive right now.

Say yes, babe. Marry me. Here, today, right now. I don't need a big fancy wedding with our friends or family. I only need YOU. The man who makes my life worth living. The boy with the hazel eyes that loved me from afar until that fateful night. I finally gave into my own urges and kissed you and it changed everything...

My ride or die. My forever love. Be my husband, make me the happiest man in the universe.

*This book contains dark themes that might be triggering. It contains self-harm, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues. Please read at your own risk. This is a love story first and always between two troubled boys who found one another when they needed it most.*

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Novella, Found Family

112 pages, Paperback

Published October 13, 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

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I would never be worthy of this man. No matter how many times he told me he loved me, no matter how often he accepted my apology or told me things would work out or told me he would want to die if I was dead, I would never, ever believe I was good enough."

If you haven't read The Lying Tree by Sundae Leighton stop reading this review now, and go and download that first! This novella, Killian & Matthias is book 2.5 in Sundae Leighton's With The Band series, and it follows on with Matthias and Killian's story.

As always with these two we get a whole load of angst, a whole load of steam and a whole load of love. Check out the author's note if you have any concerns about angsty content.

What you get in this novella:

🖤all the angst
🖤fragile rock star
🖤best friend's older brother
🖤all the love
🖤steamy first times
🖤HEA

I'm not a fan of novellas, but I adore these boys.

4 stars

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's almost impossible to say much about this novella without giving away spoilers. You need to have read The Lying Tree (book 1 in the series). I suggest reading both books in the series before this one.

This follows Killian and Matthias (obviously) and while it's short, it really packs a huge punch. I adore these two and was so happy to get more of their story. I went through a lot of feelings while reading this. It has it all, some humor, swoony moments, steam, and moments that had me tearing up.
I love when an author can take already established characters / couples and provide a novella as a follow up and it works. Sometimes they just feel like fluff or filler but this novella feels like a true extension of their story and the series.

Absolutely recommend and if you are looking at this but haven't read the series or the author you definitely should!

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

This review may contain spoilers for The Lying Tree

I didn't know how much I missed Killian & Matthias until I started this new part of their story, and although things are still complicated for Kill and his relationship with Matthias, I loved that Sundae Leighton showed us what happened after the end of The Lying Tree because yes, we have had updates on these two with each book by the author, something that I LOVE dearly, but Killian & Matthias is just them and it made me very happy.

I can't say much about the plot of this novella because I think everything would be a spoiler, and even though it was painful to read Killianrelapsing into his addictions, fighting with his demons and feeling that he's failing Matty, I really liked that the author shows the reality of people who struggle with addictions and mental health problems: recovery never ends, particularly after having gone through what Kill experienced in TLT, and despite the difficulties, Killian's growth is there in the way he communicates with Matty, in the simple fact that he's able to ask for help and understand that it's okay for Matty's circle to be bigger.

Furthermore, one of the things that made me most happy about Matthias's story with Kill was the possibility of Matty recognizing and dealing with his own traumas, finally feeling comfortable with asking Kill what he wants and most importantly, telling him his fears and showing himself vulnerable in front of him. It also broke my heart to read Matthias worried about Kill, but always showing him his unconditional love and support, and I loved learning more about his friendship with Holt and everything they share when they are together.

❤️‍🩹Killian: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Matthias: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Plot: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Love story: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Secondary characters: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Universe: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Cover: 3/5
🌶️; 4/5

🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Ésta reseña podría contener spoiler de The Lying Tree

No sabía cuánto extrañaba a Killian & Matthias hasta que empecé esta nueva parte de su historia, y aunque las cosas siguen siendo complicadas para Kill y su relación con Matthias, me encantó que Sundae Leighton nos muestre qué pasó después del final de The Lying Tree porque si, hemos tenido actualizaciones de estos dos con cada libro de la autora, algo que AMO con locura, pero Killian & Matthias es solo ellos y me hizo muy feliz.

No puedo decir mucho de la trama de esta novella porque creo que todo sería un spoiler, y aún cuando fue doloroso leer a Killian recayendo en sus adicciones, luchando con sus demonios y sintiendo que le está fallando a Matty, me gustó mucho que la autora muestre la realidad de las personas que luchan contra las adicciones y problemas de salud mental: la recuperación nunca termina, particularmente después de haber pasad por lo que Kill vivió en TLT, y a pesar de las dificultades el crecimiento de Killian sigue siendo evidente en la manera de comunicarse con Matty, en el simple hecho de que sea capaz de pedir ayuda y de entender que no pasa nada con que el circulo de su prometido sea más grande.

Además, una de las cosas que más me hizo feliz de la continuación de la historia de Matthias con Kill fue la posibilidad de Matty reconociendo y tratando sus propios traumas, que por fin se sienta cómodo pidiéndole a Kill lo que quiere y lo más importante, contándole sus miedos y mostrándose vulnerable frente a él. También me rompió el corazón leer a Matthias preocupado por Kill, pero siempre demostrándole su amor y apoyo incondicional, y me encantó conocer más de su amistad con Holt y todo lo que comparten cuando están juntos.

❤️‍🩹Killian: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Matthias: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Trama: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Historia de amor: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Personajes secundarios: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Universo: 5/5
❤️‍🩹Portada: 3/5
🌶️; 4/5

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

I always love me a good novella after showing us that things aren't always 100% perfect after the characters get their HEA. And Killian and Matthias are no exception.

Killian has always had mental health struggles along with addiction issues and when he is off on his own on a book tour, he has a mental breakdown and wants the one person who he knows that he can always count on - Matthias. And Matthias is there for him immediately.

We see these characters really come together for each other and have some real and true conversations. Matthias is able to open up to Kilian about things that he has wanted and they are able to be together and navigate the hard things together.

I loved how this novella was filled with so many things - the low lows that they suffer and then the high highs. I LOVED the high highs for this couple - so sweet and so spicy at times!

Can't wait to see more of these two in future books.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t begin to explain how excited I was when I found out there was going to be more from Killian & Matthias!!! They hold such a special place in my heart and mind. Their story begins in The Lying Tree. It was that book I didn’t realize I needed in my life as much as I did. So getting to revisit them…I was in heaven 😍🥰

This was everything I could have asked for in a follow up for them.

I devoured this novella! It packs so much in its pages; I cried, laughed, swooned. It has all the feels. There’s a balance of spice and plot. It holds true to who Matthias and Killian are. It was natural, real, and deep. I don’t want to spoil any of the plot but i will say I’m so happy for them 🤐😊😀 It’s amazing to see how far Killian and Matthias have come.

This is book 2.5 in the With The Band Series. You’ll need to read the prior books to avoid any spoilers. Trust me - it’s worth it.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Love is Indestructible

Killian and Matthias have been through hell to find their way to paradise. Their story is dark if you start it from the beginning. This novella finds them in a lighter place despite Killian’s struggles with his sobriety and it’s wonderful to see.

They fought hard for their happily ever after and continue to do the work. This is one couple that I would love to revisit again and again.

I recommend this novella because it’s awesome but if you don’t read at least The Lying Tree it want be as meaningful to you.

[LibraryofR · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:

First book I read from this author and I throughly loved it! That means I need to go read the before books but I can still say that these characters have been through a lot together and their struggles relate to me so much especially the need to feel loved and the “do you regret being with me” resonated with me. Both of those boys deserve the world and I can’t wait to read more from this author! Great job and 5 stars!!!

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Life After the HEA

This is a great update after the happily ever after of Matthias and Killian's first story. Life isn't always rainbows and sunshine. I enjoyed reading this.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Joy Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💔💔💔💔

Cliffhanger? ❌️

Do I recommend it? ✔️

Tropes: follow up novella, Rockstar Romance, bad boy, bi-awakening, MM Romance, gay for you, jealous/possessive, hurt/comfort

Killian had broken his sobriety last night. He thought for sure that Matthias was going to leave him. He seemed to ruin everything just by existing. He needed him like the air he breathed. Matthias calms Killian's demons with a simple touch of his hand and the soothing way he speaks to him and tells him he loves him. He couldn't imagine his life without him. Killian might be borderline obsessed with the man, but you would be too if you were in his shoes. Yet, here he is; Killian's Matthias. Holding him, saving him, and telling him he loves him like he didn't just ruin everything all over again. He needed to make an honest man out of him once and for all. He puts up with so much of his nonsense. Without him, Killian probably wouldn't be alive right now.

First and foremost, you really need to read the first two books in this series first. This is a follow-up on this couple's story. If you are a fan of love, then you need this look into their lives. My heart feels beaten but overflowing. This is my honest opinion, freely given.

[Dinoh (Akari) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and re-read The Lying Tree a while back and loved it, so when the author announced this new chapter in the lives of Killian and Matthias, I needed to read it too, so here we are.

One thing I love is when authors give us glimpses of the lives of the characters in their stories after they have reached their HEA and when some time has passed, but I like it even more when they show us something real. I mean, we all know that just because characters get their happy ending, it doesn't mean that some problems or struggles stop existing. Addictions never stop being addictions, mental health problems do not magically disappear. People can get better, they can have healthier lives, healthier relationships, but the struggles continue.

So when I read this chapter of their lives and saw that they still face difficult, hard situations, it made it more real. But their love never strays, it never wanes, on the contrary, they fight and overcome together every obstacle that crosses their path, making them more stronger and more sure of the love they feel for each other.

I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[INeedABookBreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5
I loved Killian & Matthias! This novella gives readers a view of what life is like after their HEA. This novella doesn’t stand alone. You should read their angsty rock star romance, The Lying Tree, before diving into this one.

Killian and Matthias had a long and arduous journey towards their hard earned HEA. Killian struggles with his mental health and addiction. While on his book tour, he gives into his demons and insecurities. This novella explores the aftermath of that slip up. Although the novella deals with some heavy issues, there were a lot of joyful moments.

This story was also pretty spicy. Typically, Killian and Matthias had pretty strict roles in the bedroom. Killian has always been straight before Matthias and has zero experience as a bottom. In this novella, he becomes vers. Watching them learn and explore was incredibly fun.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed revisiting these characters. It was a joy to see how far they have come—to see where they are headed and how they have overcome the demons that have plagued them in some ways. I like to see them pursuing the passions that interest them and surrounding themselves with friends that lift them up. I can’t wait to see where their lives intersect and overlap in the worlds this author creates.

[Alease B · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You are worth saving a million times over, Killian Hampton. Don’t you ever forget that.”

I never want Killian and Matthias stories to end. Killian pulls on my heart strings so much. That sweet broken boy 😭❤️ and Matthias never fails to make me cry with the way he loves and takes care of Kill. 😫😭 Struggling with addiction or a mental disorder is so hard and I love how Sundae writes those battles. These boys will always hold my heart.

[GM Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect novella for a HEA!

They deserved this happy ending novella! It was the perfectly imperfect story in that you are still seeing the mental struggle Killian has to endure on a daily basis but the strength he finds from Matthias is powerful and healing. Loved this for them! So great!

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read the Lying Tree you’ll know everything Killian & Matthias went through to get to this point. This book was so good seeing Killian come to terms with things a lot more and Matthias taking control was everything.

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short read of Killian and Matthias. Matti still worries when kill went on the road. Killian is jump the wagon and doesn’t want Matti to find out. As kill loves his man he call and they continue to work their issues out. Loved this story.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about Killian and Mathias. Best friends brother is one of my favorite tropes and this one is done well. I loved the characters and the story was wonderful.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved getting a bit more of Killian and Matthias! Killian has so much trauma yet he is still so strong. Love these two together.