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Alpha's Rejects #1
Stix & Stone
He hates that he wants me.
Stone
Just the sight of Nico ‘Stix’ Jamieson makes me want to hurt something. Between his stupid smiles on that annoyingly handsome face and the constant drumming of anything that makes a sound with those drumsticks of his, I want to throttle him. No one is that happy. I don’t trust it. Even when my hate for him is clear, he throws it back in my face with a smile and wave. And how he loves to push my buttons when he’s feeling especially obnoxious. If I hate him, then why am I obsessed with him?
Stix
Damien ‘Stone’ Sloan hates me. I have no idea what I did to the guy. Despite being gorgeous, he scares me a little. He’s bigger than me, and I have doubts he even knows how to smile. I have to put on a brave face and show how much he doesn’t affect me. Fine, I like to tease him a little too much. I probably have some death wish. But underneath all those growls and scowls is fear and pain. You can see it when his walls come down, even if it’s for a second. Everything in me wants to peek over those walls and see what’s really behind them. I’m invested now. Who are you, Stone?
MM Urban, Found Family, New Adult, Enemies to Lovers, Bi-Awakening, Demisexual Romance.
This book is the first in a series, but like all my books, it can be read as a standalone.
Please read the triggers before picking up this book.
CW: Child abuse (physical and verbal on-page as a teen), drug and alcohol addiction (parents), parental abandonment, gaslighting (from a parent), internalized homophobia, bullying, suicidal ideations, homophobia, sexual proposition, PTSD, prostitution, drug use, explicit language, violence, and sex.
Stone
Just the sight of Nico ‘Stix’ Jamieson makes me want to hurt something. Between his stupid smiles on that annoyingly handsome face and the constant drumming of anything that makes a sound with those drumsticks of his, I want to throttle him. No one is that happy. I don’t trust it. Even when my hate for him is clear, he throws it back in my face with a smile and wave. And how he loves to push my buttons when he’s feeling especially obnoxious. If I hate him, then why am I obsessed with him?
Stix
Damien ‘Stone’ Sloan hates me. I have no idea what I did to the guy. Despite being gorgeous, he scares me a little. He’s bigger than me, and I have doubts he even knows how to smile. I have to put on a brave face and show how much he doesn’t affect me. Fine, I like to tease him a little too much. I probably have some death wish. But underneath all those growls and scowls is fear and pain. You can see it when his walls come down, even if it’s for a second. Everything in me wants to peek over those walls and see what’s really behind them. I’m invested now. Who are you, Stone?
MM Urban, Found Family, New Adult, Enemies to Lovers, Bi-Awakening, Demisexual Romance.
This book is the first in a series, but like all my books, it can be read as a standalone.
Please read the triggers before picking up this book.
CW: Child abuse (physical and verbal on-page as a teen), drug and alcohol addiction (parents), parental abandonment, gaslighting (from a parent), internalized homophobia, bullying, suicidal ideations, homophobia, sexual proposition, PTSD, prostitution, drug use, explicit language, violence, and sex.
311 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2023
383 people are currently reading
1522 people want to read
About the author
Courtney W. Dixon
39 books1,084 followersCourtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy hurt/comfort romance, giving her characters challenges, struggles, and sometimes trauma... Fine, a LOT of trauma. Her team teases her about charging her for their therapy bills after reading one of her books.
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
October 26, 2023
It’s exactly what you thought it will be so expect melodrama, little depth , mediocre writing and wasted opportunity. My first and last from this author, that’s for sure.
This one had a fabulous premise and start. It captures amazingly the urban life in a sort of..ghetto, their struggle and real problems. And it even has great characters .The author could have made something epic with them but sadly everything fizzled out and went towards the melodrama and soap opera instead of realism. I hate it when rough around the edges, stern and aloof characters become fucking marshmallows ! I want them to thaw, of course but not to the point of a puddle !! Keep it real,ppl! Anyway, as I said it had a god start, I felt for Stone and for his past and I loved Stix . I liked his physical description (he sounded like a hot mix between femme and masc) , loved his bleached hair and his crazy T-shirts. And I loved how he drummed his sticks everywhere and how he took care of his family. So these total opposite guys should have made an interesting pair . Unfortunately they were not that interesting together. They were sappy and boring and everything is oh so smooth sailing when Stone gets over his hang ups. There’s also an unnecessary gay bashing, a prostitution story arc that went nowhere interesting and some small details that contradicted themselves.
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up because I loved the premise, the setting and the guys were sweet sometimes but this ain’t no James Acker’s “The long run” that’s for sure.
This one had a fabulous premise and start. It captures amazingly the urban life in a sort of..ghetto, their struggle and real problems. And it even has great characters .The author could have made something epic with them but sadly everything fizzled out and went towards the melodrama and soap opera instead of realism. I hate it when rough around the edges, stern and aloof characters become fucking marshmallows ! I want them to thaw, of course but not to the point of a puddle !! Keep it real,ppl! Anyway, as I said it had a god start, I felt for Stone and for his past and I loved Stix . I liked his physical description (he sounded like a hot mix between femme and masc) , loved his bleached hair and his crazy T-shirts. And I loved how he drummed his sticks everywhere and how he took care of his family. So these total opposite guys should have made an interesting pair . Unfortunately they were not that interesting together. They were sappy and boring and everything is oh so smooth sailing when Stone gets over his hang ups. There’s also an unnecessary gay bashing, a prostitution story arc that went nowhere interesting and some small details that contradicted themselves.
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up because I loved the premise, the setting and the guys were sweet sometimes but this ain’t no James Acker’s “The long run” that’s for sure.
December 23, 2023
The worst reading slump of my life continues as this is the only book I read all month, but I really enjoyed reading this one so I call it a success!
I have been in the worst reading slump of my entire life this year and reading this book was the first time in months where I felt myself being super engaged in a book and just wanted to keep reading it to see what would happen next.
I just adored every seconds I spent reading this book. I always love a good journey of self discovery and acceptance and this one was just so lovely. I loved how the internalized homophobia was done and how it was such an integral part of the story, it's something I can really relate to and I always appreciate reading about it.
The romance in this book was just so lovely and heartwhelming and I loved how they both did everything to try and hate each other, but it never really worked no matter how hard they tried, that was just the sweetest thing in the world to me. This book was just so lovely and I had the best of time reading it.
I have been in the worst reading slump of my entire life this year and reading this book was the first time in months where I felt myself being super engaged in a book and just wanted to keep reading it to see what would happen next.
I just adored every seconds I spent reading this book. I always love a good journey of self discovery and acceptance and this one was just so lovely. I loved how the internalized homophobia was done and how it was such an integral part of the story, it's something I can really relate to and I always appreciate reading about it.
The romance in this book was just so lovely and heartwhelming and I loved how they both did everything to try and hate each other, but it never really worked no matter how hard they tried, that was just the sweetest thing in the world to me. This book was just so lovely and I had the best of time reading it.
December 28, 2024
2.5
This is another case where I feel like I must be reading a different book to everyone else after looking at people’s reviews. I had to give up at 45%. I just couldn’t make myself read anymore and honestly it was disappointing because the plot idea really appealed to me, but the execution was really lacking.
The things I liked:
✅The location descriptions were really detailed. I could picture every location that was mentioned really clearly, and put myself there amongst the characters.
✅The concept of being a found family of lost skater boy’s who’d all had difficult lives and were finding their way in life
What I didn’t like:
⛔The writing style. It’s all telling and not showing, and the whole time I was reading I could just hear my Creative Writing lecturer in my head chanting ‘show don’t tell, show don’t tell’!!
⛔The majority of the book was all internal monologuing with barely any dialogue, and of the dialogue that was there it was really stiff and felt unnatural - it was like two robots talking to each other, and the language used didn’t really fit with the character’s being uneducated / poorly educated (in their own admittance) and in their early twenties. I think by the time I had read 70 pages, you could have fit all of the dialogue in the story into maybe three continuous pages and that’s being exceptionally generous.
⛔When the character’s were experiencing emotions there were no emotional descriptors used. I couldn’t feel what they were feeling at all from what I was reading, so it left me feeling completely detached from the characters and their story. For example, Stone literally says “God, this emotional truth shit hurts” but at no point are we seeing how it’s actually making him feel! It’s just said and they instantly move on to something else. In a high stakes emotional conversation, I would expect to at least have the author describing how the character is physically feeling e.g. shaking, sweaty/clammy, heart racing etc. but there’s just nothing. It read more like a 3rd person POV story that had been forced into a 1st person POV format.
⛔I didn’t like Stix at all. He was adamant that Stone had to accept his sexuality immediately but there was no consideration for the fact that maybe he was confused and didn’t actually know what his sexuality was! There was no discussion, no advice, no being a friend. It was just Stix demanding of Stone that he needed to admit that he was gay / into guys and come out. It felt really irresponsible and completely lacking in any empathy or understanding. Considering Stix’s own experience in coming out to his Dad, I would have expected more understanding that you don’t just click your fingers, figure out your sexuality and immediately announce it to the world. Felt very weird and it made me uncomfortable.
⛔Stone’s flashbacks. I’m not a fan of flashbacks in all honesty and I’d rather have it be part of the story when the MC is opening up to their partner about their past, rather than just being inside their head. For a book so full of internal thoughts, this just detached me even more from the character, the language used didn’t fit the character again, and even though it was a serious topic there was just no emotional impact for me at all.
⛔The sex work element with Stix. There’s nothing wrong with sex work if that’s what you want to do and you enjoy it, but Stix openly admitted that he didn’t enjoy it and just did it for the money, so I struggled to understand the situation. It wasn’t even like that was his only available option, he could find another job he just liked the flexibility of choosing his own hours…. It was just weird to me and considering his other job was solely in the evenings, he could easily have found a day job that fit around the hours he needed to be there for his sister? Plus his sister is five and surely she’d be starting school soon enough so again, it just didn’t add up and felt like it had just been included for the sake of a shock factor and as a catalyst for Stix and Stone to have their first sexual encounter. The whole thing just felt off to me and just added even more pointless side characters.
⛔Everyone goes by a nickname. Fair enough, friends have nicknames, but when it’s book one and you’re trying to establish a cast, providing each person's actual name plus their assortment of nicknames just makes it confusing. I couldn’t keep up with who was who, which physical description went with each person, or how everyone was linked. There were too many characters too soon when I hadn’t even been able to form an emotional bond to the two MC’s because of the writing style! I didn’t care about all the side characters at all but this book was bloated with them.
In all honesty I think this book would actually have worked better in a 3rd person omniscient POV rather than a dual 1st person POV and I don’t think I’ve ever said that before. It would have made the emotional detachment from the character’s make sense and it really felt like this author was forcing themselves to write in first person, when their writing fits a 3rd person omniscient narrative much better.
This is another case where I feel like I must be reading a different book to everyone else after looking at people’s reviews. I had to give up at 45%. I just couldn’t make myself read anymore and honestly it was disappointing because the plot idea really appealed to me, but the execution was really lacking.
The things I liked:
✅The location descriptions were really detailed. I could picture every location that was mentioned really clearly, and put myself there amongst the characters.
✅The concept of being a found family of lost skater boy’s who’d all had difficult lives and were finding their way in life
What I didn’t like:
⛔The writing style. It’s all telling and not showing, and the whole time I was reading I could just hear my Creative Writing lecturer in my head chanting ‘show don’t tell, show don’t tell’!!
⛔The majority of the book was all internal monologuing with barely any dialogue, and of the dialogue that was there it was really stiff and felt unnatural - it was like two robots talking to each other, and the language used didn’t really fit with the character’s being uneducated / poorly educated (in their own admittance) and in their early twenties. I think by the time I had read 70 pages, you could have fit all of the dialogue in the story into maybe three continuous pages and that’s being exceptionally generous.
⛔When the character’s were experiencing emotions there were no emotional descriptors used. I couldn’t feel what they were feeling at all from what I was reading, so it left me feeling completely detached from the characters and their story. For example, Stone literally says “God, this emotional truth shit hurts” but at no point are we seeing how it’s actually making him feel! It’s just said and they instantly move on to something else. In a high stakes emotional conversation, I would expect to at least have the author describing how the character is physically feeling e.g. shaking, sweaty/clammy, heart racing etc. but there’s just nothing. It read more like a 3rd person POV story that had been forced into a 1st person POV format.
⛔I didn’t like Stix at all. He was adamant that Stone had to accept his sexuality immediately but there was no consideration for the fact that maybe he was confused and didn’t actually know what his sexuality was! There was no discussion, no advice, no being a friend. It was just Stix demanding of Stone that he needed to admit that he was gay / into guys and come out. It felt really irresponsible and completely lacking in any empathy or understanding. Considering Stix’s own experience in coming out to his Dad, I would have expected more understanding that you don’t just click your fingers, figure out your sexuality and immediately announce it to the world. Felt very weird and it made me uncomfortable.
⛔Stone’s flashbacks. I’m not a fan of flashbacks in all honesty and I’d rather have it be part of the story when the MC is opening up to their partner about their past, rather than just being inside their head. For a book so full of internal thoughts, this just detached me even more from the character, the language used didn’t fit the character again, and even though it was a serious topic there was just no emotional impact for me at all.
⛔The sex work element with Stix. There’s nothing wrong with sex work if that’s what you want to do and you enjoy it, but Stix openly admitted that he didn’t enjoy it and just did it for the money, so I struggled to understand the situation. It wasn’t even like that was his only available option, he could find another job he just liked the flexibility of choosing his own hours…. It was just weird to me and considering his other job was solely in the evenings, he could easily have found a day job that fit around the hours he needed to be there for his sister? Plus his sister is five and surely she’d be starting school soon enough so again, it just didn’t add up and felt like it had just been included for the sake of a shock factor and as a catalyst for Stix and Stone to have their first sexual encounter. The whole thing just felt off to me and just added even more pointless side characters.
⛔Everyone goes by a nickname. Fair enough, friends have nicknames, but when it’s book one and you’re trying to establish a cast, providing each person's actual name plus their assortment of nicknames just makes it confusing. I couldn’t keep up with who was who, which physical description went with each person, or how everyone was linked. There were too many characters too soon when I hadn’t even been able to form an emotional bond to the two MC’s because of the writing style! I didn’t care about all the side characters at all but this book was bloated with them.
In all honesty I think this book would actually have worked better in a 3rd person omniscient POV rather than a dual 1st person POV and I don’t think I’ve ever said that before. It would have made the emotional detachment from the character’s make sense and it really felt like this author was forcing themselves to write in first person, when their writing fits a 3rd person omniscient narrative much better.
May 24, 2024
♾️/⭐️
this one snuck up on me and changed my entire life 🫶🫠
BUT Where do I even start with this book????
ONE MINUTE OF SILENCE FOR THESE WHO HAVEN'T HEARD ABOUT THIS BOOK YET 🤌BUT NO WORRIES IM FUCKING HERE TO SHOW U HOW WONDERFUL THISS STORY WAS AND U HAVE TO PICK IT UP NOWWWW. NO PRESSURE🤥
Ignore my tears because this book just sucked the hell out of me in the most pleasant way 🫶🥹 LOOK , don't get me started on my ✨️OBSESSION✨️with STONE . BECAUSE you'll BE SICK OF ME , BUT GUESS WHAT? THANKS U FOR ASKING !!!
THIS FUCKING MAN IS MY EVERYTHING , I can't form the right adjective that could do justice to the way I love this man , I love stix ,for sure , his the best for STONE, so ofc I adore him , but sorry not sorry ,stone owns my whole fucking existence. He's just perfect, and it hurts me a lotttttttttt how he saw himself unworthy and screwed up after what he went through alone 💔 my boy was unsafe and harmed because of his parents ,his his abusers, the place that he had to feel safe and wanted the most , I've read many stories about broken boys and shit , but stone's story touched something inside of me I didn't realize it was there before him , and I'm pretty sure he'll touch ur heart too because it's stone we are talking about 😭😂 are u KIDDING ME?????
stix , I don't forget u , how dare I? Huhhh ??? Thanks for always being there for my baby , for sticking up for him , for seeing through the walls , for show him the light , for showing him that he can finally live instead of surviving because that what he deserves, what u both deserve.
U guys , made me forget how the outside would look like , literally, God I was so much immersed , I forgot about the world , isn't that what I craved????? HELL YES 🫠
I WOULD SPOUT OFF ABOUT HOW THIS BOOK IS TOP NOTCH FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE !!! DO I LOOK LIKE A DRAMA QUEEN? YUPPP , BUT IS THAT RIGHT? FUCK YES...
WHEN I SAY I PUT IT DOWN PLENTY OF TIMES JUST BECAUSE I DIDN'T FIND IT IN ME TO LEAVE THIS UNIVERSE I MEAN IT , BUT GUESS WHAT ??? ITS A SERIES 😫😫😫😫😫😫 AND I CAN SAFELY TELL U THIS IS GOING TO BE MY FAV SERIES. YOU:BUT HOW ? U HAVEN'T READ THE WHOLE SERIES YET ?
ME : ARE U KIDDING ME 🤨?? WHO CARES ??? IT'S A GUT FEELING AND I ALWAYS BELIEVE THIS SHIT , I PROMISE .🤭
And This are some of the quotes that will stay with me for life :( go and read the book)
1.
“How’d you get to be so sweet? Even after everything you’ve been through. I told you, you were special.”
“I’ve never been sweet. Ever. And I’m not trying to downplay it. It’s just… you. You’re the one who’s special. I want to be… better. For you.”
“No, you’re amazing. Get the fuck used to it'
Ohhhhhhhhh 🥹♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ just kill me they're soooooo kind
2.I hadn’t realized how starved I was for love until Stix gave it to me so freely.
Who wouldn't????? 🤨
3. “How do you want me?”
“On your back. I want to see your face destroyed from coming.”
“Now you’re speaking my love language, baby.”
🫦🫦🫦🫦🫦 did I mention their sexual tension??? Huh because I'll take Ur breath away
4. “Hey, everyone. I’m Nico, Damien’s best boyfriend ever.”
Could not agree more stix 🥹🥹🥹🥹
5.He leaned in and gave me a quick kiss. Small kisses, long kisses, dirty kisses, or sensual kisses. They were all equally special when it came to Stix.
6.
“Yeah, and what’s that?” He leaned close to my ear and bit my lobe until it stung. “Let’s just say you won’t be able to sit for a week.”
“Fuuuck, yeah. Take me home, Stone. Now.”
“Good thing Grace and Nova aren’t home because I’m going to make you scream.”
“You always know my love language, baby.”
“Because you know mine.”
I could die happy now 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠.
this one snuck up on me and changed my entire life 🫶🫠
BUT Where do I even start with this book????
ONE MINUTE OF SILENCE FOR THESE WHO HAVEN'T HEARD ABOUT THIS BOOK YET 🤌BUT NO WORRIES IM FUCKING HERE TO SHOW U HOW WONDERFUL THISS STORY WAS AND U HAVE TO PICK IT UP NOWWWW. NO PRESSURE🤥
Ignore my tears because this book just sucked the hell out of me in the most pleasant way 🫶🥹 LOOK , don't get me started on my ✨️OBSESSION✨️with STONE . BECAUSE you'll BE SICK OF ME , BUT GUESS WHAT? THANKS U FOR ASKING !!!
THIS FUCKING MAN IS MY EVERYTHING , I can't form the right adjective that could do justice to the way I love this man , I love stix ,for sure , his the best for STONE, so ofc I adore him , but sorry not sorry ,stone owns my whole fucking existence. He's just perfect, and it hurts me a lotttttttttt how he saw himself unworthy and screwed up after what he went through alone 💔 my boy was unsafe and harmed because of his parents ,his his abusers, the place that he had to feel safe and wanted the most , I've read many stories about broken boys and shit , but stone's story touched something inside of me I didn't realize it was there before him , and I'm pretty sure he'll touch ur heart too because it's stone we are talking about 😭😂 are u KIDDING ME?????
stix , I don't forget u , how dare I? Huhhh ??? Thanks for always being there for my baby , for sticking up for him , for seeing through the walls , for show him the light , for showing him that he can finally live instead of surviving because that what he deserves, what u both deserve.
U guys , made me forget how the outside would look like , literally, God I was so much immersed , I forgot about the world , isn't that what I craved????? HELL YES 🫠
I WOULD SPOUT OFF ABOUT HOW THIS BOOK IS TOP NOTCH FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE !!! DO I LOOK LIKE A DRAMA QUEEN? YUPPP , BUT IS THAT RIGHT? FUCK YES...
WHEN I SAY I PUT IT DOWN PLENTY OF TIMES JUST BECAUSE I DIDN'T FIND IT IN ME TO LEAVE THIS UNIVERSE I MEAN IT , BUT GUESS WHAT ??? ITS A SERIES 😫😫😫😫😫😫 AND I CAN SAFELY TELL U THIS IS GOING TO BE MY FAV SERIES. YOU:BUT HOW ? U HAVEN'T READ THE WHOLE SERIES YET ?
ME : ARE U KIDDING ME 🤨?? WHO CARES ??? IT'S A GUT FEELING AND I ALWAYS BELIEVE THIS SHIT , I PROMISE .🤭
And This are some of the quotes that will stay with me for life :( go and read the book)
1.
“How’d you get to be so sweet? Even after everything you’ve been through. I told you, you were special.”
“I’ve never been sweet. Ever. And I’m not trying to downplay it. It’s just… you. You’re the one who’s special. I want to be… better. For you.”
“No, you’re amazing. Get the fuck used to it'
Ohhhhhhhhh 🥹♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ just kill me they're soooooo kind
2.I hadn’t realized how starved I was for love until Stix gave it to me so freely.
Who wouldn't????? 🤨
3. “How do you want me?”
“On your back. I want to see your face destroyed from coming.”
“Now you’re speaking my love language, baby.”
🫦🫦🫦🫦🫦 did I mention their sexual tension??? Huh because I'll take Ur breath away
4. “Hey, everyone. I’m Nico, Damien’s best boyfriend ever.”
Could not agree more stix 🥹🥹🥹🥹
5.He leaned in and gave me a quick kiss. Small kisses, long kisses, dirty kisses, or sensual kisses. They were all equally special when it came to Stix.
6.
“Yeah, and what’s that?” He leaned close to my ear and bit my lobe until it stung. “Let’s just say you won’t be able to sit for a week.”
“Fuuuck, yeah. Take me home, Stone. Now.”
“Good thing Grace and Nova aren’t home because I’m going to make you scream.”
“You always know my love language, baby.”
“Because you know mine.”
I could die happy now 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠.
October 23, 2023
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
Angsty, one-sided hate to love, with the cutest grumpy/sunshine dynamic.
I LOVED Stone. I loved how the author captured his struggles and how he gradually warmed up to Stix.
He’s my favorite type of character, so I knew right away I’d end up loving their story. The broody type with a dark past that just needs some cuddles to melt his stone heart. Instant heart eyes.
This brand of one-sided hate is a hard trope to pull off without it coming off as a little childish or OTT, but I feel it worked really well with the characters personalities and Stone’s past.
Great found family vibes and interesting side characters, which made me look forward to reading the next installments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Coworkers
- MCs with tattoos
- Skater boys
- Vers MCs
- Internalized homophobia
- Child abuse
- Physical abuse
- MC with autoimmune disease
- Demisexual MC
- Prostitution
“Why is it so scary? Like I’m going to be sick.” I huffed a laugh.
“Because once you fall in love, you have so much more to lose.”
Angsty, one-sided hate to love, with the cutest grumpy/sunshine dynamic.
I LOVED Stone. I loved how the author captured his struggles and how he gradually warmed up to Stix.
He’s my favorite type of character, so I knew right away I’d end up loving their story. The broody type with a dark past that just needs some cuddles to melt his stone heart. Instant heart eyes.
“You always know my love language, baby.”
“Because you know mine.”
This brand of one-sided hate is a hard trope to pull off without it coming off as a little childish or OTT, but I feel it worked really well with the characters personalities and Stone’s past.
Great found family vibes and interesting side characters, which made me look forward to reading the next installments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Coworkers
- MCs with tattoos
- Skater boys
- Vers MCs
- Internalized homophobia
- Child abuse
- Physical abuse
- MC with autoimmune disease
- Demisexual MC
- Prostitution
October 27, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ I got a soft spot for the characters. I started this book assuming for whatever reason I would end up DNFing it but it really sucked me in.
Imagine an indie slacker skater film from the late 90s/early 2000’s, with two characters that share some animosity who start to finally connect. Good aesthetics. Very visual.
Rounded down because I did start skipping/skimming the flashbacks because I truly dislike flashback scenes in books and skimmed after 80% since it got needlessly (imo) long.
Imagine an indie slacker skater film from the late 90s/early 2000’s, with two characters that share some animosity who start to finally connect. Good aesthetics. Very visual.
Rounded down because I did start skipping/skimming the flashbacks because I truly dislike flashback scenes in books and skimmed after 80% since it got needlessly (imo) long.
September 7, 2025
Two ordinary boys, no billionaires, no magic rescues, just raw survival, heartbreak, and the tiniest sparks of love trying to shine through. 🥁 Stix and 🪨 Stone broke me in the best way. These aren’t glossy, untouchable characters; they’re painfully real, bruised, struggling, and somehow still finding each other 💛 🖤.
Stix is sunshine with shadows 🌞💔. He jokes, drums, skates, charms everyone, but beneath that glow is guilt, sickness, and the crushing weight of carrying his family. He’s too kind for this world, still asking forgiveness from the father who abandoned him. Watching him give, give, give, and still somehow sparkle—it hurt and healed me at once.
Stone is the storm cloud ⛈️. Grumpy, scarred, and shaped by an abusive childhood so cruel it left me sick with rage. His mother especially—I cannot overstate this—I was ready to throw hands. Yet somehow, despite the darkness stamped into him, he doesn’t break into cruelty. With Stix, he’s possessive, yes, but never controlling. He lets him choose, he respects his boundaries, and when he softens… oh, it’s everything.
Their relationship isn’t insta-anything. It’s shaky hands, clammy palms, jealousy mistaken for hate, and the slow, messy process of two boys trying to trust again. Every detail felt lived-in and real. Not a switch flipped, but a gradual unravelling of walls. And in between the angst came glimpses of beauty—Stix’s sweet mom, little Nova’s laughter, Stone’s grumpy protectiveness turning tender. It was light breaking through the cracks, and it made me love them even harder.
And the heat? 🔥 Spicy but never shallow. Every scene carried weight, tenderness, and that rough, possessive edge that matched them perfectly. Hot, messy, unforgettable.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading a romance. I was watching two boys survive, choose each other, and carve out happiness in a world that hadn’t been kind to them. And honestly? It was beautiful.
💔 Emotional Take: My heart ached the whole way. This wasn’t fairytale healing—it was scars, pain, and tiny flashes of hope that felt earned.
🌞🥁 Stix: sunshine with a shadow, too good for this world, carrying guilt that wasn’t his to bear.
🖤🪨 Stone: grumpy storm, full of scars, parents -from-hell trauma, but softening in the most precious ways.
🔥 Sexual Scenes:
• Hot, raw, threaded with tenderness.
• Possessive Stone + resilient Stix = perfection.
📚
• Enemies-to-lovers (but really jealousy-to-lovers).
• Grumpy × Sunshine.
• Trauma healing.
• Found family vibes.
• Stone’s parents specially mother = literal monsters. I wanted them six feet under🔪🩸
• Stix’s father walking away and leaving him with that guilt? Unforgivable, disgusting 🤢
• “Enemies” label felt more like misplaced jealousy and fear than true animosity.
• Realistic pacing of trust and healing.
• Balance between heavy angst and small joys.
• Stix’s family (mom & Nova!) giving warmth to the story.
• Stone’s possessiveness 🤤🤤🤤
🖋️ Writing & Pacing: Smooth, emotional, never melodramatic. Every detail mattered.
Final Take: Gritty, tender, heartbreaking, and quietly beautiful. Stix and Stone is about survival, scars, and the kind of love that feels like finally coming home.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐
Stix is sunshine with shadows 🌞💔. He jokes, drums, skates, charms everyone, but beneath that glow is guilt, sickness, and the crushing weight of carrying his family. He’s too kind for this world, still asking forgiveness from the father who abandoned him. Watching him give, give, give, and still somehow sparkle—it hurt and healed me at once.
Stone is the storm cloud ⛈️. Grumpy, scarred, and shaped by an abusive childhood so cruel it left me sick with rage. His mother especially—I cannot overstate this—I was ready to throw hands. Yet somehow, despite the darkness stamped into him, he doesn’t break into cruelty. With Stix, he’s possessive, yes, but never controlling. He lets him choose, he respects his boundaries, and when he softens… oh, it’s everything.
Their relationship isn’t insta-anything. It’s shaky hands, clammy palms, jealousy mistaken for hate, and the slow, messy process of two boys trying to trust again. Every detail felt lived-in and real. Not a switch flipped, but a gradual unravelling of walls. And in between the angst came glimpses of beauty—Stix’s sweet mom, little Nova’s laughter, Stone’s grumpy protectiveness turning tender. It was light breaking through the cracks, and it made me love them even harder.
And the heat? 🔥 Spicy but never shallow. Every scene carried weight, tenderness, and that rough, possessive edge that matched them perfectly. Hot, messy, unforgettable.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading a romance. I was watching two boys survive, choose each other, and carve out happiness in a world that hadn’t been kind to them. And honestly? It was beautiful.
💔 Emotional Take: My heart ached the whole way. This wasn’t fairytale healing—it was scars, pain, and tiny flashes of hope that felt earned.
🌞🥁 Stix: sunshine with a shadow, too good for this world, carrying guilt that wasn’t his to bear.
🖤🪨 Stone: grumpy storm, full of scars, parents -from-hell trauma, but softening in the most precious ways.
🔥 Sexual Scenes:
• Hot, raw, threaded with tenderness.
• Possessive Stone + resilient Stix = perfection.
📚
• Enemies-to-lovers (but really jealousy-to-lovers).
• Grumpy × Sunshine.
• Trauma healing.
• Found family vibes.
• Stone’s parents specially mother = literal monsters. I wanted them six feet under🔪🩸
• Stix’s father walking away and leaving him with that guilt? Unforgivable, disgusting 🤢
• “Enemies” label felt more like misplaced jealousy and fear than true animosity.
• Realistic pacing of trust and healing.
• Balance between heavy angst and small joys.
• Stix’s family (mom & Nova!) giving warmth to the story.
• Stone’s possessiveness 🤤🤤🤤
🖋️ Writing & Pacing: Smooth, emotional, never melodramatic. Every detail mattered.
Final Take: Gritty, tender, heartbreaking, and quietly beautiful. Stix and Stone is about survival, scars, and the kind of love that feels like finally coming home.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐
November 7, 2023
This was a soft 3.
I just couldn't feel the change of heart.
Stone starts the book hating Stix, why? He doesn't even know.
But out of nowhere he cares and it's "his Stix now". I would love for this to evolve in a more organic way, felt to rushed.
This is a good book for people that really love the enemies to lovers trope - I have some tropes that I will read no matter how shitty the book is just because I love them - if you are like that with enemies to lovers this is definitely a good one (not that the book is shitty)
I just couldn't feel the change of heart.
Stone starts the book hating Stix, why? He doesn't even know.
But out of nowhere he cares and it's "his Stix now". I would love for this to evolve in a more organic way, felt to rushed.
This is a good book for people that really love the enemies to lovers trope - I have some tropes that I will read no matter how shitty the book is just because I love them - if you are like that with enemies to lovers this is definitely a good one (not that the book is shitty)
October 17, 2024
Reread
5 Stars!⭐️
3.5🌶️
OMG! I Loved This Book The Second Time Around Y’all. Damien And Nico Are Just So Special To Me. They Are A Couple Where There Relationship Is Not Gonna Be Easy, But No Matter What Happens, They Are Always Gonna Be With Each Other And Love Each Other No Matter What. And AHHHHH! I Love Them So Very Much UGH! I Adore Them. Also The Found Family Is Just Amazing Here And One If My Favorite Found Families Ever. And I Adore Every Character We Got And This Universe Is Just One Of My Favs Because It’s SO WELL WRITTEN! Courtney, I Absolutely Love Your Writing And How You Create Worlds And Characters And Romances And Spice Because This Series Is Just So Special To Me And Always Will Be. I Can’t Wait To Reread Pippin And Nacho And I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT Wait For Book 3. I Need It Like Air😂 Highly Recommend This Series To All MM Romance Reader.🫶💕
—————————————
4.5⭐️
3.75🌶️
AWWWWWWWW, THIS BOOK WAS REALLY PRECIOUS! Stix And Stone Were ALSO, SO FREAKING PRECIOUS And There Relationship Was So Special And What Happened In Damien’s Past And The That Nico Is There For Him Think And Thin And The Same Goes For What Happen Stix Past And How Stones There For Him. ITS SO BEAUTIFUL. I Loved This Book SM! I Cannot Wait For Book 2 Fir Pippin And Nachos Book Because I’m SO Excited For There Story. Also FYI, I See Blaze And Ajax Getting A Book In There Near Future Same With Alpha😉😂
HIGHLY Recommend For Any And All MM Romance Lovers Who Loves A Book That’s Emotional And With A LOT If Depth 💕💕💕💕
5 Stars!⭐️
3.5🌶️
OMG! I Loved This Book The Second Time Around Y’all. Damien And Nico Are Just So Special To Me. They Are A Couple Where There Relationship Is Not Gonna Be Easy, But No Matter What Happens, They Are Always Gonna Be With Each Other And Love Each Other No Matter What. And AHHHHH! I Love Them So Very Much UGH! I Adore Them. Also The Found Family Is Just Amazing Here And One If My Favorite Found Families Ever. And I Adore Every Character We Got And This Universe Is Just One Of My Favs Because It’s SO WELL WRITTEN! Courtney, I Absolutely Love Your Writing And How You Create Worlds And Characters And Romances And Spice Because This Series Is Just So Special To Me And Always Will Be. I Can’t Wait To Reread Pippin And Nacho And I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT Wait For Book 3. I Need It Like Air😂 Highly Recommend This Series To All MM Romance Reader.🫶💕
—————————————
4.5⭐️
3.75🌶️
AWWWWWWWW, THIS BOOK WAS REALLY PRECIOUS! Stix And Stone Were ALSO, SO FREAKING PRECIOUS And There Relationship Was So Special And What Happened In Damien’s Past And The That Nico Is There For Him Think And Thin And The Same Goes For What Happen Stix Past And How Stones There For Him. ITS SO BEAUTIFUL. I Loved This Book SM! I Cannot Wait For Book 2 Fir Pippin And Nachos Book Because I’m SO Excited For There Story. Also FYI, I See Blaze And Ajax Getting A Book In There Near Future Same With Alpha😉😂
HIGHLY Recommend For Any And All MM Romance Lovers Who Loves A Book That’s Emotional And With A LOT If Depth 💕💕💕💕
dnf
August 31, 2025dnf @ 81%
i am so, so, so sorry to all the people who reached out and told me they love this book, but i tried really hard to push through and i just cannot. the writing style, the characters, the relationship… just nothing is working for me and i’m kind of drawing the line now at the weird stuff with the dad going on. this just wasn’t for me unfortunately.
i am so, so, so sorry to all the people who reached out and told me they love this book, but i tried really hard to push through and i just cannot. the writing style, the characters, the relationship… just nothing is working for me and i’m kind of drawing the line now at the weird stuff with the dad going on. this just wasn’t for me unfortunately.
November 20, 2024
2.5⭐
Did I love the characters? Yes.
Is it the same way with the book? No.
After the list of the trigger warnings and the author note at the beginning I get super excited. The book was promising me an amazing journey with Stone and Stix, but I'm kinda disappointed now.
The book wasn't terrible, wasn't fantastic either. I expected it to be more emotional because of the topics that discussted in it, like you have a very huge space and materials to make this story heartbreaking, unforgettable but instead the author rushed their relationship at the beginning, jumped from Stone hating Stix to being physically attracted to him, almost in love with him. I also didn't want the smut this early, where's the baby steps the author talked about because Stone is demisexual? And the relationship building wasn't there at all, instead it ruined by all the spicy scenes (for me)
I was ready for an emotional rollercoaster, with more depth than I got.
The dialogue between Stone and Stix becomes cringe and annoying at many scenes. Honestly the book lost me before it reached 50% and I was trying to love it, but I didn't feel anything, no affection, no hurt, no happiness, no enough connection with the MC, no single damn emotion.
Still almost half of it was enjoyable, I loved the sweet gestures between Damien and Nico, so I didn't hate it all.
Did I love the characters? Yes.
Is it the same way with the book? No.
After the list of the trigger warnings and the author note at the beginning I get super excited. The book was promising me an amazing journey with Stone and Stix, but I'm kinda disappointed now.
The book wasn't terrible, wasn't fantastic either. I expected it to be more emotional because of the topics that discussted in it, like you have a very huge space and materials to make this story heartbreaking, unforgettable but instead the author rushed their relationship at the beginning, jumped from Stone hating Stix to being physically attracted to him, almost in love with him. I also didn't want the smut this early, where's the baby steps the author talked about because Stone is demisexual? And the relationship building wasn't there at all, instead it ruined by all the spicy scenes (for me)
I was ready for an emotional rollercoaster, with more depth than I got.
The dialogue between Stone and Stix becomes cringe and annoying at many scenes. Honestly the book lost me before it reached 50% and I was trying to love it, but I didn't feel anything, no affection, no hurt, no happiness, no enough connection with the MC, no single damn emotion.
Still almost half of it was enjoyable, I loved the sweet gestures between Damien and Nico, so I didn't hate it all.
October 18, 2023
4.5/5 Stars
Stix and Stone is the first book in Courtney W. Dixon’s new series, Alpha’s Rejects. It’s a M/M urban, slow-burn romance with enemies-to-lovers. Before reading, please review the content warnings and take care. Here’s what you can expect from Nico “Stix” Jamieson and Damien “Stone” Sloan:
-Guaranteed happily ever after
-First person, dual point-of-view
-Skater boys with hurt/comfort vibes
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Chronic illness representation
-Found family
-Demisexuality representation
Everything that Stix does makes Stone want to put his fist through a wall. Stix always seems happy and carefree, constantly making sound with his drumsticks and Stone hates it. Even worse? Stix knows just how to push Stone’s buttons. Something about Stone’s prickly exterior has drawn Stix in, and he can’t help but tease and poke the bear. Both men have experienced a lifetime of hurt in such a short period of time - can they tear down each other’s walls, and find a fresh start with one another?
Even worse, he always wore a smirk I wanted to punch off his face, which wasn't terrible to look at, making me hate him even more for even thinking about violent urges or pretty faces with soulful, dark eyes.
Courtney W. Dixon has an incredible knack for writing such beautiful, flawed characters with complicated pasts. Stix and Stone was no exception. This book is an urban romance featuring a group of perceived misfits that live to skateboard on the streets of Baltimore. With their leader and mentor Alpha at the helm, it was fun to meet them all as the story progressed and I’m obviously looking forward to seeing more of them as the series continues.
Both Stix and Stone are broken boys, and the hurt/comfort vibes throughout this book were strong. Stone’s background is revealed to us slowly throughout the book as he gives us a little more of himself each time. The thoughts and feelings he internalized as a child caused chaos in his mind, and the author did an excellent job at showing that to the reader. We get the same impression of Stix that Stone does - that he’s happy and carefree, despite living paycheque to paycheque and barely making ends meet. Of course, we also learn that there’s more to Stix than that. He dreams of being a drummer, but he’s doing whatever he has to do to get by and provide for his lovely mother and adorable little sister (they were such great side characters that brought some light and levity to a story that could be heavy at times). This was definitely a slower-burn romance, and it took some time for Stix and Stone to properly come together but it was beautiful when they did. Not only did I love watching these two get their happily ever after together, but I loved them taking care of each other - whether it be during an autoimmune flare-up for Stix or Stone confronting his past, they worked so well as a team.
If you’re looking for a grittier, angstier read featuring two broken boys and a lot of confusing emotions look no further than the first book in Alpha’s Rejects, Stix and Stone!
I quickly decided I'd make it my life's mission to keep that smile on his face. I needed it as much as I needed to skate.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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July 7, 2024
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
So freaking good.
Really enjoyed it !!
So freaking good.
Really enjoyed it !!
December 18, 2024
I’m leaving this at 30% with some disappointment as I was sure this would be a solid mm read. I like the enemies to lovers trope and the story started well with lots of mutual antagonism while thinking each other is hot. And they were, I liked the good descriptions of these young men. Their world is the urban skating world and I like a skater story, very much. Their boards are their transportation for the two underprivileged MCs. Their lives were pretty hardscrabble.
One of the MCs was a sex worker on the side from his other job. I thought the idea of it was hot more than sad, as Stix controlled the narrative and the money was really needed for his low income mom and little sister. The action was all off page, but there were references made.
Stone stumbles into an at work bj that Stix is giving at their workplace and stays and watches, getting turned on. I didn’t find it hot.
The bickering and hate talk between them was dragging and I just felt kind of bored. There were a lot of skater friends for each MC and I got the idea they will have their own future books. No friend was a stand out.
I think I’ll call this a ‘meh’ read.
Cover caught my eye because he looks like MG Kelly, who I find extremely attractive.
One of the MCs was a sex worker on the side from his other job. I thought the idea of it was hot more than sad, as Stix controlled the narrative and the money was really needed for his low income mom and little sister. The action was all off page, but there were references made.
Stone stumbles into an at work bj that Stix is giving at their workplace and stays and watches, getting turned on. I didn’t find it hot.
The bickering and hate talk between them was dragging and I just felt kind of bored. There were a lot of skater friends for each MC and I got the idea they will have their own future books. No friend was a stand out.
I think I’ll call this a ‘meh’ read.
Cover caught my eye because he looks like MG Kelly, who I find extremely attractive.
November 4, 2025
4.5 stars
February 25, 2024
The beginning was a bit slow. I get it. We need to understand where these two are coming from. And it takes us a while. But then they start to bond and I loved it. How Stix held space for Stone to heal and trust and accept love. How Stone slowly came to terms with who he is after everything he'd gone through (careful there, because it HURTS) and decided to open himself to healing. A bit of back and forth was necessary and it didn't drag much. The found family aspect was so wholesome. I appreciated that although they lived in dire circumstances, the author didn't go for blood and they got good things in their lives. It sometimes reminded me of a fluffier Garron Park, less gritty and angsty. I also appreciated the smut, which was an integral part of the plot, not just there for the sake of entertainment.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but once it gets going, I was invested.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but once it gets going, I was invested.
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dnf
November 3, 2024I’m not gonna rate this one but I am gonna DNF it at 7% because HOOOO BOY the writing is really just painful to read. There is no way I could make it through a whole book of that 😅 yikes
January 1, 2025
3.5 stars
Stix & Stone is book one in Alpha’s Rejects series. This MM enemies to lovers urban romance story is about Stix and Stone.
Stix (Nico) is the happy sunshine of a guy while Stone (Damien) is the grumpy guy that hates him. Stix doesn’t know where this hatred comes from, but that doesn’t stop him from teasing Stone and pushing all his buttons. These guys are both broken and it was so sad once we learned about the hurt they both have experienced.
I have to say that I was a little uncomfortable with a job of Stix’s (listed in trigger warnings) and the scenes associated with it in the beginning of the book, but I am glad I was able to push through it. Also, it did take me a little bit to get into both of these characters, but once we got to see them get to know each other better, Stix and Stone started to grow on me. It was tough to see the struggles they faced, but I loved how they were there to support each other. Stix was especially patient and understanding. He was perfect for Stone, always reassuring him he was worthy. These two definitely take us on a journey of self discovery and acceptance.
Stix and Stone were hot together. I loved when Stone would get jealous and growly, and I especially loved the times when Stone would call Stix by his real name Nico. Not only did I enjoy their steamy times together, but their sweet moments as well.
This book has a great found family. I loved Stix’s mom and his adorable little sister, and how they loved and accepted Stone into their family. I also enjoyed getting to know Stix and Stone’s friends and loved how they would do anything for each other. I look forward to reading more about these guys in the future.
Stix & Stone is book one in Alpha’s Rejects series. This MM enemies to lovers urban romance story is about Stix and Stone.
Stix (Nico) is the happy sunshine of a guy while Stone (Damien) is the grumpy guy that hates him. Stix doesn’t know where this hatred comes from, but that doesn’t stop him from teasing Stone and pushing all his buttons. These guys are both broken and it was so sad once we learned about the hurt they both have experienced.
I have to say that I was a little uncomfortable with a job of Stix’s (listed in trigger warnings) and the scenes associated with it in the beginning of the book, but I am glad I was able to push through it. Also, it did take me a little bit to get into both of these characters, but once we got to see them get to know each other better, Stix and Stone started to grow on me. It was tough to see the struggles they faced, but I loved how they were there to support each other. Stix was especially patient and understanding. He was perfect for Stone, always reassuring him he was worthy. These two definitely take us on a journey of self discovery and acceptance.
Stix and Stone were hot together. I loved when Stone would get jealous and growly, and I especially loved the times when Stone would call Stix by his real name Nico. Not only did I enjoy their steamy times together, but their sweet moments as well.
This book has a great found family. I loved Stix’s mom and his adorable little sister, and how they loved and accepted Stone into their family. I also enjoyed getting to know Stix and Stone’s friends and loved how they would do anything for each other. I look forward to reading more about these guys in the future.
October 23, 2023
I almost loved this book. Almost. The start was great, just the right amount of grit and the way the MCs interacted was really great to see. But then it just went downhill and I did not like them together as much as I thought I would. It became a bit too mushy mushy in some parts. But considering my history of mostly DNF this author, I think giving this a solid 4* is actually a very good development. I am very interested in the next books in the series as well.
April 14, 2024
This book was so good. Poor Stone, had been through so much and finally found the love he deserved all along. He was such a gentle soul, he was all gruff but when you got to know him, he was just a marshmello. Stix, loved him, he was there for the people he loved and he was a good guy too. I loved them together, they fit in all the best ways. I really hope Blaze and Ajax are a couple because they would rock
October 20, 2023
▪️About this book:
-MM Romance
-First Person Dual POV
-Hurt/Comfort
-Enemies to Lovers
-Found Family
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Urban Romance
▪️Thoughts:
Stix & Stone was a deep emotional story involving Damien who is known as Stone because according to his friends because of his lack of emotion and Nico known as Stix because of his love for playing the drums.
This is a story of enemies who become lovers and the hate is mainly one sided and once I read why there was hatred it broke my heart for both Stone and Stix. Like I mention, this book was deep emotionally because of both of these characters history.
Stix has things that weigh him down everyday he is a sunshine, a very happy person but he hides his hurt behind a mask of sarcasm and positivity. The way he supports Stone by being patient, caring, and most of all understading of taking things at Stone's pace really speaks highly about Stix as a person.
Stone in many ways is the opposite of Stix. Stone does have friends but they only have a very superficial relationship. They don't know much about Stone besides him being a hardworker and being very to himself most of the time. Stix sees through all that and when Stone begins to open up Stix sees the hurt, the damage, and how frighten he is of admitting a lot of things to himself.
Courtney really made me feel so much for both Stone and Stix they are very special they are so good for each other. I absolutely loved the changes of each of them had from the beginning to the end of the story. The growth of each of them individually and together as a couple was great.
Stix & Stone does contain some topics that may be sensitive to reader and I do encourage you to look at the TWs the author has put for this book. Overall, it was another great read from this author so happy get a story about Nico and Damien.💖
▪️Quotes:
💬 But Stix not only opened my wounds but my eyes and soul. After my wounds opened, he started to heal them. Now, I needed to accept the truth and stop being fucking afraid.
💬 His energy, vibrancy, and excitement strangely moved me like I was right there with him in the zone with flashing colored lights that changed the color of his hair. He looked like a neon rocking angel.
💬 I smiled at his retreating back, feeling really alive for the first time since I could ever fucking remember. Like I was living for the first time instead of surviving.
I received this book as an ARC, this is my honest opinion.
-MM Romance
-First Person Dual POV
-Hurt/Comfort
-Enemies to Lovers
-Found Family
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Urban Romance
▪️Thoughts:
Stix & Stone was a deep emotional story involving Damien who is known as Stone because according to his friends because of his lack of emotion and Nico known as Stix because of his love for playing the drums.
This is a story of enemies who become lovers and the hate is mainly one sided and once I read why there was hatred it broke my heart for both Stone and Stix. Like I mention, this book was deep emotionally because of both of these characters history.
Stix has things that weigh him down everyday he is a sunshine, a very happy person but he hides his hurt behind a mask of sarcasm and positivity. The way he supports Stone by being patient, caring, and most of all understading of taking things at Stone's pace really speaks highly about Stix as a person.
Stone in many ways is the opposite of Stix. Stone does have friends but they only have a very superficial relationship. They don't know much about Stone besides him being a hardworker and being very to himself most of the time. Stix sees through all that and when Stone begins to open up Stix sees the hurt, the damage, and how frighten he is of admitting a lot of things to himself.
Courtney really made me feel so much for both Stone and Stix they are very special they are so good for each other. I absolutely loved the changes of each of them had from the beginning to the end of the story. The growth of each of them individually and together as a couple was great.
Stix & Stone does contain some topics that may be sensitive to reader and I do encourage you to look at the TWs the author has put for this book. Overall, it was another great read from this author so happy get a story about Nico and Damien.💖
▪️Quotes:
💬 But Stix not only opened my wounds but my eyes and soul. After my wounds opened, he started to heal them. Now, I needed to accept the truth and stop being fucking afraid.
💬 His energy, vibrancy, and excitement strangely moved me like I was right there with him in the zone with flashing colored lights that changed the color of his hair. He looked like a neon rocking angel.
💬 I smiled at his retreating back, feeling really alive for the first time since I could ever fucking remember. Like I was living for the first time instead of surviving.
I received this book as an ARC, this is my honest opinion.
September 9, 2025
★★★. stixstone were so cute together. I loved them building their relationship and how they got together. The internalized homophobia was done really well with Stone and I loved how he started to realize it was just his parent’s abuse that made him think it was wrong. Him slowly opening up and being more accepting of what he is was amazing. The demisexuality was also done very well.
Both Stix and Stone go through such sad times and their pasts hurt. I loved how they both grew from it and got the closure they needed. Stix with his dad hurt so much. I hate that man and he deserves nothing. Stone’s parent’s, im so glad he didn’t actually speak to them and just saw them and knew. I absolutely loved that therapy was added in this.
For my safety readers, not safe for some. Stix is a prostitute. Since his dad left, he felt immense guilt for it thinking it was his fault and now his mom and younger sister don’t have enough money coming in so he decided to sell blow jobs and sex (one person) for some money. I do think some grooming was done with one client, it never touched the topic but with context clues I could see it. There’s on page scenes of blow jobs and one sex scene. Stix stops once it’s get serious with Stone so by chapter 10, it’s done. There is one scene after, but he thought of Stone and felt guilt after. Stone told him to continue for the money, Stix was very adamant he only wanted Stone. There’s some jealousy moments. Both aren’t virgins, but Stone has no experience with men.
Both Stix and Stone go through such sad times and their pasts hurt. I loved how they both grew from it and got the closure they needed. Stix with his dad hurt so much. I hate that man and he deserves nothing. Stone’s parent’s, im so glad he didn’t actually speak to them and just saw them and knew. I absolutely loved that therapy was added in this.
For my safety readers, not safe for some. Stix is a prostitute. Since his dad left, he felt immense guilt for it thinking it was his fault and now his mom and younger sister don’t have enough money coming in so he decided to sell blow jobs and sex (one person) for some money. I do think some grooming was done with one client, it never touched the topic but with context clues I could see it. There’s on page scenes of blow jobs and one sex scene. Stix stops once it’s get serious with Stone so by chapter 10, it’s done. There is one scene after, but he thought of Stone and felt guilt after. Stone told him to continue for the money, Stix was very adamant he only wanted Stone. There’s some jealousy moments. Both aren’t virgins, but Stone has no experience with men.
September 21, 2024
Stix and Stone is book one in the Alpha’s Rejects series
This is your vibe if you like
Grumpy/sunshine
Hate to love ish
Skater boys
Found family
Don’t be fooled by the series name this is very much not a PNR series.
This was my first time reading Courtney and I’m definitely curious to look into her other reads after this one
Stix and Stone had an interesting start to their relationship. Both boys are a little broken on their own ways and the growth throughout the story works through their issues.
I did enjoy the characters and the side characters did pique my interest to want to read the other books in the series. But I will say it is the low angst kinda story. It’s lighthearted for the most part and easy reading without real depth to it. I’m keen to see if the other books in the series follow the same vibe.
This is your vibe if you like
Grumpy/sunshine
Hate to love ish
Skater boys
Found family
Don’t be fooled by the series name this is very much not a PNR series.
This was my first time reading Courtney and I’m definitely curious to look into her other reads after this one
Stix and Stone had an interesting start to their relationship. Both boys are a little broken on their own ways and the growth throughout the story works through their issues.
I did enjoy the characters and the side characters did pique my interest to want to read the other books in the series. But I will say it is the low angst kinda story. It’s lighthearted for the most part and easy reading without real depth to it. I’m keen to see if the other books in the series follow the same vibe.
August 17, 2025
5 ⭐
𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨!!!
This is the first book I've read by this Author and I'm glad I decided to read it. I've also never read an urban romance or a where they're skaters.
l just knew the moment I read Stone say "I'm not gay" that it was gonna be peak shit 🤌🤌. Stone has suffered so much from his parents that he thought he was undeserving of love and then Stix came into his life with his obnoxious shirts and witty smiles and he made him feel alive for once and I also liked that the author didn't make all of Stix's dreams come true because we don't always get what we want and we should accept that. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a change of scenery where they're both poor instead of one MC being extremely rich while the other looks like he hasn't seen food for years
𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨!!!
This is the first book I've read by this Author and I'm glad I decided to read it. I've also never read an urban romance or a where they're skaters.
l just knew the moment I read Stone say "I'm not gay" that it was gonna be peak shit 🤌🤌. Stone has suffered so much from his parents that he thought he was undeserving of love and then Stix came into his life with his obnoxious shirts and witty smiles and he made him feel alive for once and I also liked that the author didn't make all of Stix's dreams come true because we don't always get what we want and we should accept that. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a change of scenery where they're both poor instead of one MC being extremely rich while the other looks like he hasn't seen food for years
October 25, 2023
I love them so much 🥹🥹🥹 my heart broke for Stone 😭😭 The tension and chemistry between them was so consuming🔥🤌🏽. My baby Stix I love his soul. He had so much going on but he found light in everything and just keep fighting to find happiness. I am so happy Stone found a family within Stix, his mom and sister.
I love the found family and the friends group and how supportive they are to one another.
I cannot wait to see what come next.
I love the found family and the friends group and how supportive they are to one another.
I cannot wait to see what come next.
October 30, 2023
OMG these boys! Two of them, both struggling in different ways, but both blame themselves for shitty parents. Both felt the need to prove themselves, when they had nothing to prove. They were treated badly and both lived with the effects of it. But together they found a bond, a kinship, some common ground which turned into understanding and a love like no other. Courtney just keeps bringing these books to life, finding these broken boys and healing them. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
My poor stone his parents are what make the world a bad place. I hurt so much for him. The abuse he took, how it mentally scared him, how he had no self worth, angry with himself for having any type of emotion, it was brutal I hated seeing him in so much pain. He needed someone to help him heal and be patient with him till he come to terms with all he’d been through. He learned his feeling were valid and it’s ok to be yourself despite always being told he couldn’t. I just wanted to wrap him up and protect him.
Stix was a good son and a great brother, but he was left feeling like he was to blame for something he didn’t do and needing to always be better. Despite this he was generally a happy guy and everyone loved him, except Stone who hated him. But he could see through Stones tough exterior to the softer side of him. I loved that he was so caring towards someone who was so uptight and negative and even though he had his own troubles he made time for Stone, till eventually he cracked.
Love, love love this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trigger warning in book
💛Enemies to Lovers
💛Slow Burn
💛Grumpy/Sunshine
💛Urban Romance
💛Skater Boys
💛Found Family
💛Hurt/Comfort
💛Demisexuality
My poor stone his parents are what make the world a bad place. I hurt so much for him. The abuse he took, how it mentally scared him, how he had no self worth, angry with himself for having any type of emotion, it was brutal I hated seeing him in so much pain. He needed someone to help him heal and be patient with him till he come to terms with all he’d been through. He learned his feeling were valid and it’s ok to be yourself despite always being told he couldn’t. I just wanted to wrap him up and protect him.
Stix was a good son and a great brother, but he was left feeling like he was to blame for something he didn’t do and needing to always be better. Despite this he was generally a happy guy and everyone loved him, except Stone who hated him. But he could see through Stones tough exterior to the softer side of him. I loved that he was so caring towards someone who was so uptight and negative and even though he had his own troubles he made time for Stone, till eventually he cracked.
Love, love love this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trigger warning in book
💛Enemies to Lovers
💛Slow Burn
💛Grumpy/Sunshine
💛Urban Romance
💛Skater Boys
💛Found Family
💛Hurt/Comfort
💛Demisexuality
October 17, 2023
Stix and Stone is the first full-length novel in Courtney W. Dixon's Alpha's Rejects series. Our MCs are Nico "Stix" Jamieson, a perpetual ray of sunshine, and Damien "Stone" Sloan, thundercloud extraordinaire. These characters have both had insanely rough upbringings and are just trying to survive.
The tension starts on page one and is intense. We don't know why Stone hates Stix at first, and we don't find out for quite some time. We just know that Stone has a major chip on his shoulder and Stix loves poking at it. As time goes on though, we (along with Stone) start to figure out that maybe it isn't hate he's feeling after all.
I loved how incredibly patient Stix was with Stone as he slowly began to understand his feelings and some of the motives behind his actions. And some actions in this book will have you a little frustrated or perplexed. But make no mistake, Stix was never a doormat. He didn't just take all the abuse lying down and never speaking up for himself. He is brave, resilient, and saucy and we love him for that. Stone's character growth was beautiful to watch unfold, especially considering the torture he had endured at the hands of his parents.
Please heed the trigger warnings. Prostitution is always hard to read about for me. Stix doesn't enjoy it, and it's more of a survival sex thing. I found that part heartbreaking and felt uncomfortable after every job, but it definitely adds to the story. There are also instances of on-page child abuse and a hate crime. If you aren't in a place to read about that, I would recommend skipping this book for now.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an angsty enemies-to-lovers skater romance with a hard-earned HEA.
The tension starts on page one and is intense. We don't know why Stone hates Stix at first, and we don't find out for quite some time. We just know that Stone has a major chip on his shoulder and Stix loves poking at it. As time goes on though, we (along with Stone) start to figure out that maybe it isn't hate he's feeling after all.
I loved how incredibly patient Stix was with Stone as he slowly began to understand his feelings and some of the motives behind his actions. And some actions in this book will have you a little frustrated or perplexed. But make no mistake, Stix was never a doormat. He didn't just take all the abuse lying down and never speaking up for himself. He is brave, resilient, and saucy and we love him for that. Stone's character growth was beautiful to watch unfold, especially considering the torture he had endured at the hands of his parents.
Please heed the trigger warnings. Prostitution is always hard to read about for me. Stix doesn't enjoy it, and it's more of a survival sex thing. I found that part heartbreaking and felt uncomfortable after every job, but it definitely adds to the story. There are also instances of on-page child abuse and a hate crime. If you aren't in a place to read about that, I would recommend skipping this book for now.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an angsty enemies-to-lovers skater romance with a hard-earned HEA.
December 15, 2024
DNF @ 9%.
I kept seeing a bunch of promo stuff for book 3 on IG from the few authors I follow there. So, I figured, why not?
Did I read the blurb? No. But surely a series called Alpha’s rejects is shifters and/or omegaverse?
Wrong.
And like, that was fine (not really though, I was hoping for sad omegas)… but then I got to the whole explanation of Alpha’s Rejects, and my eyes rolled so hard I feared they roll right out of my head.
So, a bunch of these skater dudes just call this guy Alpha and are happy to be called his rejects. 😑 Yeah, no… that’s not gonna work for me. Especially once Stone is all “we all met Alpha at the skatepark” and “I walked in and waved to Alpha”. Nope. Can’t do it.
“Alpha” in omegaverse or shifter setting? ✅
“Alpha” in a contemporary setting, where it’s being used as a complimentary title and not a term to let you know to steer clear of this asshole? ❎
I kept seeing a bunch of promo stuff for book 3 on IG from the few authors I follow there. So, I figured, why not?
Did I read the blurb? No. But surely a series called Alpha’s rejects is shifters and/or omegaverse?
Wrong.
And like, that was fine (not really though, I was hoping for sad omegas)… but then I got to the whole explanation of Alpha’s Rejects, and my eyes rolled so hard I feared they roll right out of my head.
Alpha’s Rejects was a bad owned by Kingston McLaren […] Because he was a natural leader and charismatic, we called him Alpha, and that was how he came up for the name for the bar. And we became his rejects because we had all been rejected in some form.
So, a bunch of these skater dudes just call this guy Alpha and are happy to be called his rejects. 😑 Yeah, no… that’s not gonna work for me. Especially once Stone is all “we all met Alpha at the skatepark” and “I walked in and waved to Alpha”. Nope. Can’t do it.
“Alpha” in omegaverse or shifter setting? ✅
“Alpha” in a contemporary setting, where it’s being used as a complimentary title and not a term to let you know to steer clear of this asshole? ❎
June 28, 2025
This was the story of stone and stix. First stone was not nice to stix which was mostly because he struggles with his sexuality. You see how there relationship changes and grows.
I liked the book but i did not love it. There were parts that kept repeating and i missed a little plot.
But overall it was a fun read and i'm happy i got to read it with one of my book besties.
I am going to read the other books in the series because I'm curious about the life of the side characters in this book.
Also if you listen to the audio book be aware that after some chapters the narrator coughs 🙊🤣
I liked the book but i did not love it. There were parts that kept repeating and i missed a little plot.
But overall it was a fun read and i'm happy i got to read it with one of my book besties.
I am going to read the other books in the series because I'm curious about the life of the side characters in this book.
Also if you listen to the audio book be aware that after some chapters the narrator coughs 🙊🤣
November 5, 2024
2,75 ✨
Not gonna lie, I didn’t love this.
I skimmed a lot of parts and pretty much skipped over every spicy scene.
I liked stix and stone well enough separately, but I didn’t really feel their chemistry together so I didn’t care about them all that much as a couple.
I was generally more interested in the side characters if I’m being honest.
Not gonna lie, I didn’t love this.
I skimmed a lot of parts and pretty much skipped over every spicy scene.
I liked stix and stone well enough separately, but I didn’t really feel their chemistry together so I didn’t care about them all that much as a couple.
I was generally more interested in the side characters if I’m being honest.
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