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Franklin U 2 #6
Tongue-Tied
Confessing feelings for your best friend takes being tongue-tied to a whole new level.
AUSTIN
Dex has always been my best friend, so it’s no surprise that we attend Franklin U together. We’re complete opposites. Dex is charismatic and outgoing. Me? Let’s just say I wish I could infuse some of his confidence into my veins. Making friends is hard enough, but trying to meet guys, even with Dex’s help? I’m useless. Maybe it’s because Dex is all about hooking up, but I want my first time to be straight out of the pages of the romance novels I read.
DEX
After a string of mishaps, I swore off helping Austin land guys. But when he asks me to show him the ropes with practice sessions, I get the feeling he’s desperate. Our dates are pretend, so why am I getting so into them? I want to make Austin happy, but the line between friendship and something more is getting really damned blurry. The fluttery feeling, that electric energy every time we touch…it’s addicting. I’m getting overprotective, not only of my time with Austin, but with douchebags who might break his heart.
Eventually, the pretending has to end so Austin can strike out on his own. But how do I tell him I’m not ready to let him go, when every attempt at confessing leaves me tongue-tied?
AUSTIN
Dex has always been my best friend, so it’s no surprise that we attend Franklin U together. We’re complete opposites. Dex is charismatic and outgoing. Me? Let’s just say I wish I could infuse some of his confidence into my veins. Making friends is hard enough, but trying to meet guys, even with Dex’s help? I’m useless. Maybe it’s because Dex is all about hooking up, but I want my first time to be straight out of the pages of the romance novels I read.
DEX
After a string of mishaps, I swore off helping Austin land guys. But when he asks me to show him the ropes with practice sessions, I get the feeling he’s desperate. Our dates are pretend, so why am I getting so into them? I want to make Austin happy, but the line between friendship and something more is getting really damned blurry. The fluttery feeling, that electric energy every time we touch…it’s addicting. I’m getting overprotective, not only of my time with Austin, but with douchebags who might break his heart.
Eventually, the pretending has to end so Austin can strike out on his own. But how do I tell him I’m not ready to let him go, when every attempt at confessing leaves me tongue-tied?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2024
305 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Christina Lee
55 books2,146 followersChristina writes romance in different sub-genres, mostly with LGBTQ characters, not only because she's part of the community, but because representation matters, and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
July 15, 2024
2.5
Oh yay, another ranty review!
This is the most forced relationship I think I have ever read. I genuinely did not want the MCs to end up together because they were so clearly not suited.
The two MCs are best friends - don't worry about remembering that small fact because you will be beaten over the head with it on almost every page of the book. You think I kid....
We are also told constantly that these two guys are complete opposites, they have absolutely nothing in common (except their parents both divorced as kids 🙄) and although they're best friends and both gay, neither has ever looked at the other in any way other than being friends.
Austin is a shy and inexperienced romantic with low self-esteem who is looking for a serious relationship, and considers himself a virgin because he's never had penetrative sex and he's fixated on that being the only way to lose virginity. I fucking hate that concept - if you never have penetrative sex in your life but you participate in a million hand jobs/blow jobs/whatever else, are you still a virgin? Really??
Anyway, his BFF Dex is, you guessed it, his complete opposite! He's all about the casual hookup, never wants a boyfriend or romance, and picking guys up is as easy as breathing etc. etc. So he decides to give Austin dating lessons. Because why not?
And this is where it falls apart, because the guy has never been on a date! Sure he can talk to guys and he can have sex easily, how different can dating and a relationship be? How can you teach someone to do something you yourself have never done? I may as well start offering fire breathing lessons based on this logic - don't worry because I can breathe and I have lit a fire in my lifetime so therefore I am an expert!
Also Austin's actual issue is having confidence around guys he's attracted to. If he's 'practicing' with his best friend he's never going to learn that skill because he's always going to be comfortable around him in a way he won't be with a stranger, especially because he's not at all attracted to Dex - that there is why the relationships are classified as being BEST FRIENDS and STRANGERS..... At the very least he should have practiced with someone he isn't so close to! The whole concept just didn't work for me and made zero sense - it's not even fake dating because everyone knows they're just practicing and they have no intention of being in a relationship or acting like it. I don't even know what trope this is but I never want to read it again.
I didn't buy this as friends to lovers in the slightest, because they have zero interest in each other for over 60% of the book. It doesn't even work as opposites attract because we're told for almost the entire book that they don't see each other that way at all, before it suddenly has a complete and drastic turn of events. It does briefly look like things are changing around the 60% point because they start adding sex to their 'practice', but Austin is still a virgin.... 🙄🙄🙄🙄 (Until he later asks his best friend to take it so he can get it over with. I mean, the absolute romance....) So I thought, FINALLY, here we go! But no, they backtrack again before eventually pulling their heads out of their arses, but by that point I was hoping that this did not infact have a happy ending but a tragic one instead.
They just don't go together and no amount of making them the perfect couple for the last 10% of the book is going to change my mind on it. Dex only starts to realise he's into Austin when he gets jealous that someone else asks him out - he's literally throwing his toys out of the pram because he doesn't want to share. It feels like they end up together because they're comfortable and it's convenient, and the author had lost track of where they were going with the book because the focus kept shifting to side characters and their dramas - give them their own damn book and focus on saving this one.
What really cemented this belief that they should not be together was the actual dates they went on. Austin is introverted, likes to read, hates socialising and parties etc. but Dex, his supposed best friend, takes him on dates to a party; a social gathering; and a club night, and proceeds to not understand why Austin is wildly uncomfortable and can't just do what Dex does to attract a guy. Seriously if this guy is your best friend, who the fuck needs an enemy?
The whole book is basically implying that there's something wrong with Austin because he is introverted and doesn't like to socialise, and that he needs to be more like outgoing, confident Dex to be viewed as attractive to any one. The message is that you have to change yourself to find a romantic partner, yet Dex's mum is used to show that you shouldn't change yourself for a man. Why is the side character allowed to have self-worth and be who they are, but not the MC?? Not a fan.
I think I'm done reading this author now because I spend more time thinking 'WTF am I reading?' than enjoying their books!
Oh yay, another ranty review!
This is the most forced relationship I think I have ever read. I genuinely did not want the MCs to end up together because they were so clearly not suited.
The two MCs are best friends - don't worry about remembering that small fact because you will be beaten over the head with it on almost every page of the book. You think I kid....
We are also told constantly that these two guys are complete opposites, they have absolutely nothing in common (except their parents both divorced as kids 🙄) and although they're best friends and both gay, neither has ever looked at the other in any way other than being friends.
Austin is a shy and inexperienced romantic with low self-esteem who is looking for a serious relationship, and considers himself a virgin because he's never had penetrative sex and he's fixated on that being the only way to lose virginity. I fucking hate that concept - if you never have penetrative sex in your life but you participate in a million hand jobs/blow jobs/whatever else, are you still a virgin? Really??
Anyway, his BFF Dex is, you guessed it, his complete opposite! He's all about the casual hookup, never wants a boyfriend or romance, and picking guys up is as easy as breathing etc. etc. So he decides to give Austin dating lessons. Because why not?
And this is where it falls apart, because the guy has never been on a date! Sure he can talk to guys and he can have sex easily, how different can dating and a relationship be? How can you teach someone to do something you yourself have never done? I may as well start offering fire breathing lessons based on this logic - don't worry because I can breathe and I have lit a fire in my lifetime so therefore I am an expert!
Also Austin's actual issue is having confidence around guys he's attracted to. If he's 'practicing' with his best friend he's never going to learn that skill because he's always going to be comfortable around him in a way he won't be with a stranger, especially because he's not at all attracted to Dex - that there is why the relationships are classified as being BEST FRIENDS and STRANGERS..... At the very least he should have practiced with someone he isn't so close to! The whole concept just didn't work for me and made zero sense - it's not even fake dating because everyone knows they're just practicing and they have no intention of being in a relationship or acting like it. I don't even know what trope this is but I never want to read it again.
I didn't buy this as friends to lovers in the slightest, because they have zero interest in each other for over 60% of the book. It doesn't even work as opposites attract because we're told for almost the entire book that they don't see each other that way at all, before it suddenly has a complete and drastic turn of events. It does briefly look like things are changing around the 60% point because they start adding sex to their 'practice', but Austin is still a virgin.... 🙄🙄🙄🙄 (Until he later asks his best friend to take it so he can get it over with. I mean, the absolute romance....) So I thought, FINALLY, here we go! But no, they backtrack again before eventually pulling their heads out of their arses, but by that point I was hoping that this did not infact have a happy ending but a tragic one instead.
They just don't go together and no amount of making them the perfect couple for the last 10% of the book is going to change my mind on it. Dex only starts to realise he's into Austin when he gets jealous that someone else asks him out - he's literally throwing his toys out of the pram because he doesn't want to share. It feels like they end up together because they're comfortable and it's convenient, and the author had lost track of where they were going with the book because the focus kept shifting to side characters and their dramas - give them their own damn book and focus on saving this one.
What really cemented this belief that they should not be together was the actual dates they went on. Austin is introverted, likes to read, hates socialising and parties etc. but Dex, his supposed best friend, takes him on dates to a party; a social gathering; and a club night, and proceeds to not understand why Austin is wildly uncomfortable and can't just do what Dex does to attract a guy. Seriously if this guy is your best friend, who the fuck needs an enemy?
The whole book is basically implying that there's something wrong with Austin because he is introverted and doesn't like to socialise, and that he needs to be more like outgoing, confident Dex to be viewed as attractive to any one. The message is that you have to change yourself to find a romantic partner, yet Dex's mum is used to show that you shouldn't change yourself for a man. Why is the side character allowed to have self-worth and be who they are, but not the MC?? Not a fan.
I think I'm done reading this author now because I spend more time thinking 'WTF am I reading?' than enjoying their books!
July 6, 2024
4.5 stars. This is one of my fav books so far in the second term of the FU series (along with Riley’s)! Austin and Dex were the absolute cutest!! They start out as best friends and I absolutely loved how this author did their trope! There wasn’t any pining and it was a “oh I have feelings for you now after years” just miraculously one morning. It really took a while to grow and there are reasons for it. I thought it was handled wonderfully!
Austin was so sweet and I absolutely related to him. I loved that he was able to gather some confidence and get out of his comfort zone sometimes! Dex was a great friend and I loved how he realized what Austin needed (and how he would understand when Austin would whip out a book in the middle of social situations)!!!
Whether you’re reading all the books in their series or not I recommend this book if you’re looking for a really sweet friends to lovers!
Austin was so sweet and I absolutely related to him. I loved that he was able to gather some confidence and get out of his comfort zone sometimes! Dex was a great friend and I loved how he realized what Austin needed (and how he would understand when Austin would whip out a book in the middle of social situations)!!!
Whether you’re reading all the books in their series or not I recommend this book if you’re looking for a really sweet friends to lovers!
July 5, 2024
Dex offers to take his super shy and awkward bestie Austin out on a few dates to boost his confidence and to show him that he is capable of dating if he puts himself out there.
As the pair continue to go on their practice dates, neither of them are prepared for the way the lines start to blur between their friendship into something more.
Honestly, Dex and Austin were too cute for words! I am an absolute suckered for the best friends to lovers trope, and ate up their sweet romance 🥰 So precious!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
- romantic x realist
- besties to lovers
- fake/pretend dating
- opposites attract
- virgin/first times
As the pair continue to go on their practice dates, neither of them are prepared for the way the lines start to blur between their friendship into something more.
Honestly, Dex and Austin were too cute for words! I am an absolute suckered for the best friends to lovers trope, and ate up their sweet romance 🥰 So precious!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
- romantic x realist
- besties to lovers
- fake/pretend dating
- opposites attract
- virgin/first times
July 12, 2024
boring as hell and super weird interactions
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July 14, 2024
DNF @24%
Soo damn boring. I just can't!!! 😮💨
Soo damn boring. I just can't!!! 😮💨
August 18, 2024
3.5 - BFFs to lovers is one of my fave tropes.
This book was overall pretty cute with lovely MC and wonderful side characters, too. I'm always a sucker for a fake dating/love lessons trope in a book and it was definitely fun to read about shy Austin and confident Dex having these pretend dates that took them to real feelings by the end of the book. There were lots of sweet and intimate moments in this book - the friendship these guys have made for a strong base to their eventual relationship. This book wasn't heavy on spice, but what was there was sweet and intimate.
This book was pretty slow for about the first half and while the pace seemed to pick up, not a whole lot happened in general. It was lovely to finally read Austin's story, since we have seen him at the coffee cart in some of the other books.
I have to give props to the LOTR reference - I ALWAYS enjoy seeing those!
What to Expect:
* childhood BFFs to lovers
* introvert MC + extrovert MC
*Library Science major + Political Science major
* virgin MC
* Fake dating/Dating lessons
* trans rep (side character)
Thanks to GRR for this ARC - this is my honest review.
This book was overall pretty cute with lovely MC and wonderful side characters, too. I'm always a sucker for a fake dating/love lessons trope in a book and it was definitely fun to read about shy Austin and confident Dex having these pretend dates that took them to real feelings by the end of the book. There were lots of sweet and intimate moments in this book - the friendship these guys have made for a strong base to their eventual relationship. This book wasn't heavy on spice, but what was there was sweet and intimate.
This book was pretty slow for about the first half and while the pace seemed to pick up, not a whole lot happened in general. It was lovely to finally read Austin's story, since we have seen him at the coffee cart in some of the other books.
I have to give props to the LOTR reference - I ALWAYS enjoy seeing those!
What to Expect:
* childhood BFFs to lovers
* introvert MC + extrovert MC
*Library Science major + Political Science major
* virgin MC
* Fake dating/Dating lessons
* trans rep (side character)
Thanks to GRR for this ARC - this is my honest review.
July 18, 2024
Cute friends to lovers romance
3.5*
Christina Lee is always reliable and here she delivers a solid friends to lovers romance with enough humour to help drive the "idiots in love" plotline.
Really great secondary characters flesh out the setting, which feels completely grounded in the Franklin U world.
Both Austin and Dex are sympathetic characters that it's easy to cheer on as they fumble and pretend date their way into a relationship.
3.5*
Christina Lee is always reliable and here she delivers a solid friends to lovers romance with enough humour to help drive the "idiots in love" plotline.
Really great secondary characters flesh out the setting, which feels completely grounded in the Franklin U world.
Both Austin and Dex are sympathetic characters that it's easy to cheer on as they fumble and pretend date their way into a relationship.
Read
October 14, 2025DNF @ 37%
These boys are BORING. Like every one of her books I've read, the writing is plain and written around 6th grade level. It's so basic. Neither guy is interesting, and it's predictable as hell what is going to happen. Just terrible.
These boys are BORING. Like every one of her books I've read, the writing is plain and written around 6th grade level. It's so basic. Neither guy is interesting, and it's predictable as hell what is going to happen. Just terrible.
July 13, 2024
Tongue Tied by Christina Lee
💙 Best Friends to Lovers
💙 Opposites Attract
💙 Pretend/Practice Dating
💙 First Times
💙 Introvert x Extrovert
💙 Romantic x Realist
💙 Political Science Major x Library Science Major
I've been really looking forward to this installment in the FU series as best friends to lovers and opposites attract are two of my favourite tropes!
I found Austin to be a really relatable character. His shy, introverted personality and love of romance books made him such an engaging MC. Dex is his opposite in almost every way, he's outgoing, charismatic and a realist when it comes to love. I really enjoyed the way these two characters complimented each other and seeing the way their friendship worked so well despite their differences.
One thing I wish we had more of in books is good side characters and this book definitely delivered on that. Kael and Milo were both great, well rounded additions to the story and I liked the way that their romantic relationships were also woven into the book.
On the downside, the writing felt a little disjointed at times and there was a lot of unnecessary focus on Dex's interest in politics. There were several scenes that could have easily been skipped as they didn't really add anything to the story.
As always with Christina's books, there are plenty of sweet and swoony moments and I found it quite refreshing to read a best friends to lovers story where neither of the mc's had romantic feelings for the other before the book started. Overall I did enjoy this story, it had some very sweet moments and it's a nice addition to the FU world.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂.5
Angst: 🥺🥺
First person dual pov 👀
CW: use of edibles, underage alcohol consumption, parentification, mentions of parent divorce, mention of death by alcohol poisoning (brief, off page event).
Mentions of underage sex, illegal drugs, intoxication, a police raid and arrest (off page, all to do with a side character from a different book in the series).
💙 Best Friends to Lovers
💙 Opposites Attract
💙 Pretend/Practice Dating
💙 First Times
💙 Introvert x Extrovert
💙 Romantic x Realist
💙 Political Science Major x Library Science Major
I've been really looking forward to this installment in the FU series as best friends to lovers and opposites attract are two of my favourite tropes!
I found Austin to be a really relatable character. His shy, introverted personality and love of romance books made him such an engaging MC. Dex is his opposite in almost every way, he's outgoing, charismatic and a realist when it comes to love. I really enjoyed the way these two characters complimented each other and seeing the way their friendship worked so well despite their differences.
One thing I wish we had more of in books is good side characters and this book definitely delivered on that. Kael and Milo were both great, well rounded additions to the story and I liked the way that their romantic relationships were also woven into the book.
On the downside, the writing felt a little disjointed at times and there was a lot of unnecessary focus on Dex's interest in politics. There were several scenes that could have easily been skipped as they didn't really add anything to the story.
As always with Christina's books, there are plenty of sweet and swoony moments and I found it quite refreshing to read a best friends to lovers story where neither of the mc's had romantic feelings for the other before the book started. Overall I did enjoy this story, it had some very sweet moments and it's a nice addition to the FU world.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂.5
Angst: 🥺🥺
First person dual pov 👀
CW: use of edibles, underage alcohol consumption, parentification, mentions of parent divorce, mention of death by alcohol poisoning (brief, off page event).
Mentions of underage sex, illegal drugs, intoxication, a police raid and arrest (off page, all to do with a side character from a different book in the series).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
3.5/5. This was a cute, sweet read. I'd been looking forward to getting to know Austin since he's popped up behind that coffee cart in all the other books. I love that he's a big romance reader and so shy. Honestly, so relatable. I like Dex's confidence and kindness. Their friendship really is so sweet and strong. It was fun to see these two realize they love each other more than as just friends. I just wish there was a little more communication or maybe a little more going on. It was a cute little read, but I don't feel a lot happened.
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, romance reading mc, friends to lovers, fake dating, practice dating, shy mc, poli sci major/library science major, college dating, childhood friends, jealousy
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, romance reading mc, friends to lovers, fake dating, practice dating, shy mc, poli sci major/library science major, college dating, childhood friends, jealousy
July 22, 2024
An adorably sweet best friends to lovers romance addition to FU2!
Dex and Austin have been best friends forever and while Dex is a total charmer, Austin could use a little help in the romance department. It’s not his fault he gets totally tongue-tied in front of hot guys!!
When they hatch a plan to fake date so Austin can get some experience, it sounds like the perfect plan. Until they start blurring lines and hooking up in addition to all the sweet romantic dates and gestures. Soon enough, they’re both realizing there might be more to their friendship but is it worth the risk?
Austin is such a sweetheart. I love how earnest he is and what a hopeless romantic he is! He stays reading romance books because they’re so much better than reality - relatable. He’s particular and easily overwhelmed. But Dex is his peace. Similarly, Dex is always busy, living fast-paced and so not interested in relationships but Austin brings him peace, grounds him in reality. They’re truly so perfect for each other!
I also LOVE the best friends to lovers trope so this really hit for me!
Dex and Austin have been best friends forever and while Dex is a total charmer, Austin could use a little help in the romance department. It’s not his fault he gets totally tongue-tied in front of hot guys!!
When they hatch a plan to fake date so Austin can get some experience, it sounds like the perfect plan. Until they start blurring lines and hooking up in addition to all the sweet romantic dates and gestures. Soon enough, they’re both realizing there might be more to their friendship but is it worth the risk?
Austin is such a sweetheart. I love how earnest he is and what a hopeless romantic he is! He stays reading romance books because they’re so much better than reality - relatable. He’s particular and easily overwhelmed. But Dex is his peace. Similarly, Dex is always busy, living fast-paced and so not interested in relationships but Austin brings him peace, grounds him in reality. They’re truly so perfect for each other!
I also LOVE the best friends to lovers trope so this really hit for me!
July 4, 2024
4.5 stars
Very sweet best friends to lovers romance.
Austin and Dex has been best friends since childhood, bonding over the fact that both their moms were single. They had each other's back through their teenage years until college, even if they have very different personalities. While Austin is reserved, shy and an avid reader, Dex is involved in different kind of activities, always ready to help others. Their expectations about their love lives are also very different: while Austin craves romance and grand gestures, Dex, is emotionally unavailable and only interested in hookups.
Their friendship has never had any sexual implication but when they are separated (after Dex goes to live to Poly House and Austin stays at the dorms), they start missing each other very much.
So, when Austin is embarassed again in front of his crush, they come up with the plan of fake dating to help him gain confidence.
Under that pretence, they're free to explore a romantic turn in their friendship and when things get physical, they're astounded by the deep connection they feel for each other.
I loved every single date and every single step that led them to fall in love. I adored how Dex took care of his best friend and how Austin could freely and safely enjoy sexual intimacy with him.
My only reservation is that I would have liked less lack of communication and for them to declare their feelings a little sooner.
I found very beautiful how the author described Kael: he's a young trans man who becomes a dear friend to Austin and his past experiences and everyday challenges add a deep meaning to the story.
This was a story in Franklin U 2 world this series keeps getting better.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
Very sweet best friends to lovers romance.
Austin and Dex has been best friends since childhood, bonding over the fact that both their moms were single. They had each other's back through their teenage years until college, even if they have very different personalities. While Austin is reserved, shy and an avid reader, Dex is involved in different kind of activities, always ready to help others. Their expectations about their love lives are also very different: while Austin craves romance and grand gestures, Dex, is emotionally unavailable and only interested in hookups.
Their friendship has never had any sexual implication but when they are separated (after Dex goes to live to Poly House and Austin stays at the dorms), they start missing each other very much.
So, when Austin is embarassed again in front of his crush, they come up with the plan of fake dating to help him gain confidence.
Under that pretence, they're free to explore a romantic turn in their friendship and when things get physical, they're astounded by the deep connection they feel for each other.
I loved every single date and every single step that led them to fall in love. I adored how Dex took care of his best friend and how Austin could freely and safely enjoy sexual intimacy with him.
My only reservation is that I would have liked less lack of communication and for them to declare their feelings a little sooner.
I found very beautiful how the author described Kael: he's a young trans man who becomes a dear friend to Austin and his past experiences and everyday challenges add a deep meaning to the story.
This was a story in Franklin U 2 world this series keeps getting better.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
Read
July 23, 2024D.N.F.
I'm not rating this because it didn't take long to realize this was not for me.
Friends to lovers is a very tricky trope to pull off convincingly.
I'm not rating this because it didn't take long to realize this was not for me.
Friends to lovers is a very tricky trope to pull off convincingly.
July 29, 2024
3.5 Stars - ARC Read
Dex and Austin were so sweet. Dex was constantly trying to help Austin in any way he could even if it ended badly all he wanted was for Austin to be comfortable and get everything he ever wanted when it came to love.
I love the lessons in love/fake dating trope however I don’t really like friends to lovers so this was both a hit and a miss for me.
This was a lot like Mr romance from the first set of Franklin U books.
Dex and Austin were so sweet. Dex was constantly trying to help Austin in any way he could even if it ended badly all he wanted was for Austin to be comfortable and get everything he ever wanted when it came to love.
I love the lessons in love/fake dating trope however I don’t really like friends to lovers so this was both a hit and a miss for me.
This was a lot like Mr romance from the first set of Franklin U books.
July 15, 2024
"Dex is such a caring and giving person with so much light and love and passion, but he still doesn't think he's got enough of that inside him to offer to someone else."
This was such a sweet best friends to lovers by Christina Lee set in the Franklin U universe. I loved getting to know Austin better after having him pop up in a few of the previous books I've read, such as when he gave book recommendations to Everly in Full Service. It was cute seeing it from Austin's POV this time. I liked that Austin had an acquaintance he could share his love of reading romance with.
The friendship between Dex and Austin was seriously something. They've known each other for a long time and usually read each other's emotions like a book. I found it funny that despite them adding intimacy into the mix of their friendship that they didn't pick up on the other catching feelings right along with them. I have a feeling Dex's past anti-relationship tendencies were what kept Austin quiet for so long. Dex just didn't seem to recognize the signs until it was basically pointed out to him by a friend since he'd never been in a relationship before.
Dex and Austin's book can be best described as fluffy goodness. There was zero angst on my meter and their romance was just an all around feel good read. I enjoyed the epilogue, seeing them a little bit down the road going strong. It was like spinkles added to the flufftastic sundae.
This was such a sweet best friends to lovers by Christina Lee set in the Franklin U universe. I loved getting to know Austin better after having him pop up in a few of the previous books I've read, such as when he gave book recommendations to Everly in Full Service. It was cute seeing it from Austin's POV this time. I liked that Austin had an acquaintance he could share his love of reading romance with.
The friendship between Dex and Austin was seriously something. They've known each other for a long time and usually read each other's emotions like a book. I found it funny that despite them adding intimacy into the mix of their friendship that they didn't pick up on the other catching feelings right along with them. I have a feeling Dex's past anti-relationship tendencies were what kept Austin quiet for so long. Dex just didn't seem to recognize the signs until it was basically pointed out to him by a friend since he'd never been in a relationship before.
Dex and Austin's book can be best described as fluffy goodness. There was zero angst on my meter and their romance was just an all around feel good read. I enjoyed the epilogue, seeing them a little bit down the road going strong. It was like spinkles added to the flufftastic sundae.
July 14, 2024
Woof. "Tongue-Tied" is... not a good book. And that would have been fine -- they can't all be winners -- except that Lee insisted on treating every bit of dialogue like it was a challenge to see how much slang she could cram in. Example:
So fucking cringey. The whole book had this same energy, and it just gave off an "I'm not a regular mom, I'm a cool mom" vibe. On top of that (or maybe because of it?), the characters' connection never really made sense to me. Their conversations were super awkward... yeah, just not the book for me.
The first thing Dex asks is about that very topic. “So, did you see the hottie in class?”
“Oh, I sure did.” I playfully knock his shoulder. “I also met his boyfriend, who’s a total snack.”
“His boyfriend?” His face falls. “Seriously?”
“Deadass.” I throw him a sharp look.
“Eh, you can’t win them all.” He winces. “Is this the part where I run like hell because you’re big mad?”
I bite back a smile. Somehow, he always charms his way back into my good graces. “Would you blame me for putting you on blast?”
So fucking cringey. The whole book had this same energy, and it just gave off an "I'm not a regular mom, I'm a cool mom" vibe. On top of that (or maybe because of it?), the characters' connection never really made sense to me. Their conversations were super awkward... yeah, just not the book for me.
July 13, 2024
This was a super-cute story that I enjoyed quite a bit. I was surprised that it is quite light-hearted and funny, as the previous Christina Lee books I've read have been quite angsty and serious, but I really enjoyed this vibe. It was a bit of a slow starter for me, and the interactions with other guys sometimes made me uncomfortable, but I really got into it after a while.
These guys are so cute, and oblivious-to l-lovers is always fun. Loved that they casually drop in a trans side character, it's really nice to have that sort of representation without it being a huge issue or plot in the book. I was really rooting for Austin and Dex by the end, and I loved their physical interactions and casual intimacy. It was a lovely read.
These guys are so cute, and oblivious-to l-lovers is always fun. Loved that they casually drop in a trans side character, it's really nice to have that sort of representation without it being a huge issue or plot in the book. I was really rooting for Austin and Dex by the end, and I loved their physical interactions and casual intimacy. It was a lovely read.
July 27, 2024
Every time I pick up a new book by this author I'm chasing the high of Home Plate I'll never give up.
This one just wasn't for me. I was bored most of the time. It was nice. Nothing groundbreaking though.
This one just wasn't for me. I was bored most of the time. It was nice. Nothing groundbreaking though.
July 19, 2024
Oh my gosh, I absolutely LOVE Dex and Austin!!
Austin is an adorably awkward, introverted, nerd. He’d much rather be reading a romance than pretty much anything else—even in the midst of a bar. Dex, his best friend since middle school, is much more outgoing and charismatic, figures that’s also why Austin is still a virgin but he also knows that he longs for a relationship so they hatch a plan for Dex to teach him to be more confident. Too bad neither one foresaw the outcome…or maybe they would’ve done the same thing either way. Do NOT skip this book in the Franklin U2 series, it’s just too good!! 5 awesome stars!!
Austin is an adorably awkward, introverted, nerd. He’d much rather be reading a romance than pretty much anything else—even in the midst of a bar. Dex, his best friend since middle school, is much more outgoing and charismatic, figures that’s also why Austin is still a virgin but he also knows that he longs for a relationship so they hatch a plan for Dex to teach him to be more confident. Too bad neither one foresaw the outcome…or maybe they would’ve done the same thing either way. Do NOT skip this book in the Franklin U2 series, it’s just too good!! 5 awesome stars!!
May 27, 2025
A mí me encantó, tiene escenas spicy 🔥 🫦
Austen y Dex son súper románticos y encantadores. los amé.
Es un friends to lovers, lo cual amo ❤️
también tiene citas falsas entre ellos y me encanta ese cliché 🤪 necesitaba algo de drama ya que tanta dulzura me empalaga jajaja.
Austen y Dex son súper románticos y encantadores. los amé.
Es un friends to lovers, lo cual amo ❤️
también tiene citas falsas entre ellos y me encanta ese cliché 🤪 necesitaba algo de drama ya que tanta dulzura me empalaga jajaja.
Read
December 6, 2024dnf 13%
September 12, 2024
3.5⭐️ 1.5🌶️ 5🎧
July 6, 2024
2.5 stars. I've really enjoyed Christina Lee's other college romanances so I was looking forward to this, but unfortunately I think it fell pretty flat. For a childhood friends to lovers romance(which is my all time favor trope which made me feel even more disappointed), I struggled to see how Austin and Dex were even friends. Austin is shy, a hopeless romantic, and get uncomfortable in social situations. I felt like Dex's attempts to bring him out of his shell and make sure he was included in things often went too far as alot of Dex's best intentions result in Austin feeling bad about himself. Dex is heavily involved in student government on the FU campus. I did not feel like that was compelling at all and the amount of side content that it took up in the book left me feeling bored. The fake dating/dating lessons also felt somewhat off considering that Dex has always been trying to make Austin more sociable and have him talk to guys.
I wouln't call this a bad book, but I would not call it a good one either.
I wouln't call this a bad book, but I would not call it a good one either.
2025-hopefuls
August 18, 2024
Planning On Reading
Franklin U 2 Series:
1. The Hookup Mix-up by Riley Hart - Planning On Reading
2. A Stealthy Situation by Saxon James - It's A Maybe
3. Batting Style by Louisa Masters - Planning On Reading
4. Level Up by Max Walker - Planning On Reading
5. Full Service by Cora Rose - Check Won’t Read
6. Tongue-Tied
Next N.R. Walker's book
7.
Method Acting
- 4,0 stars
8. Twincerely Yours by Eden Finley - Check Won’t Read
Franklin U 2 Series:
1. The Hookup Mix-up by Riley Hart - Planning On Reading
2. A Stealthy Situation by Saxon James - It's A Maybe
3. Batting Style by Louisa Masters - Planning On Reading
4. Level Up by Max Walker - Planning On Reading
5. Full Service by Cora Rose - Check Won’t Read
6. Tongue-Tied
Next N.R. Walker's book
7.
8. Twincerely Yours by Eden Finley - Check Won’t Read
July 18, 2024
Franklin U (FU) is back, babies!!! :D I fucking looooved this series a year and a half ago when the first installment came out, and now, there's a second installment. Excuse me while I just fangirl for a bit. The sixth novel is "Tongue Tied," and its by Christina Lee.
["Confessing feelings for your best friend takes being tongue-tied to a whole new level.
AUSTIN
Dex has always been my best friend, so it’s no surprise that we attend Franklin U together. We’re complete opposites. Dex is charismatic and outgoing. Me? Let’s just say I wish I could infuse some of his confidence into my veins. Making friends is hard enough, but trying to meet guys, even with Dex’s help? I’m useless. Maybe it’s because Dex is all about hooking up, but I want my first time to be straight out of the pages of the romance novels I read.
DEX
After a string of mishaps, I swore off helping Austin land guys. But when he asks me to show him the ropes with practice sessions, I get the feeling he’s desperate. Our dates are pretend, so why am I getting so into them? I want to make Austin happy, but the line between friendship and something more is getting really damned blurry. The fluttery feeling, that electric energy every time we touch…it’s addicting. I’m getting overprotective, not only of my time with Austin, but with douchebags who might break his heart.
Eventually, the pretending has to end so Austin can strike out on his own. But how do I tell him I’m not ready to let him go, when every attempt at confessing leaves me tongue-tied?"]
These two were adorable as hell! I mean, seriously! They were so blindsided by their Feelings, by the sheer fact that maybe, possibly, there could be more than just friendship things between the two of them. All of those butterflies and belly swoops and blushes and general awkwardness. It build and build until they were even more confused. Luckily, they have good friends who shook some sense into them. ;)
I don't want this series to end (maybe I'll have to add Christina to my to-binge list...that might help).
#tonguetied #christinalee
#gayromancereviews #arcs #arcteammember
#franklinu #franklinu2 #franklinuseries #FUKings #FUKingsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Confessing feelings for your best friend takes being tongue-tied to a whole new level.
AUSTIN
Dex has always been my best friend, so it’s no surprise that we attend Franklin U together. We’re complete opposites. Dex is charismatic and outgoing. Me? Let’s just say I wish I could infuse some of his confidence into my veins. Making friends is hard enough, but trying to meet guys, even with Dex’s help? I’m useless. Maybe it’s because Dex is all about hooking up, but I want my first time to be straight out of the pages of the romance novels I read.
DEX
After a string of mishaps, I swore off helping Austin land guys. But when he asks me to show him the ropes with practice sessions, I get the feeling he’s desperate. Our dates are pretend, so why am I getting so into them? I want to make Austin happy, but the line between friendship and something more is getting really damned blurry. The fluttery feeling, that electric energy every time we touch…it’s addicting. I’m getting overprotective, not only of my time with Austin, but with douchebags who might break his heart.
Eventually, the pretending has to end so Austin can strike out on his own. But how do I tell him I’m not ready to let him go, when every attempt at confessing leaves me tongue-tied?"]
These two were adorable as hell! I mean, seriously! They were so blindsided by their Feelings, by the sheer fact that maybe, possibly, there could be more than just friendship things between the two of them. All of those butterflies and belly swoops and blushes and general awkwardness. It build and build until they were even more confused. Luckily, they have good friends who shook some sense into them. ;)
I don't want this series to end (maybe I'll have to add Christina to my to-binge list...that might help).
#tonguetied #christinalee
#gayromancereviews #arcs #arcteammember
#franklinu #franklinu2 #franklinuseries #FUKings #FUKingsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
July 14, 2024
- a MM college romance! best friends to lovers, opposites attract, mutual pining, fake dating, practice dates!
- oh so they’re both in love with each other and don’t realise it? cool cool cool
- god how does Austin do it?! 3 rejections in a row would have me sobbing
- the texts Dex sent to Austin when he pretended not to know him were SO CUTE
- i hate that Brandon guy SO MUCH
- okay that bathroom scene was VERY hot
- they’re acc quite good at communicating just not always about the important stuff
- THE MAKE OUT SESSION!!!
- oh their pining for each other is INSANE
- i love Kael so much 🥹
- all the grand gestures Dex does for Austin makes my heart melt and he doesn’t even realise he’s doing it!!
- MORE HOOKING UP?! come on now boys
- so proud of Austin for scoring that date with Toby, even if it went no where (which duh)
- god Dex is nicer to his mum than i would be lmao
- THEIR FIRST TIME!!! so perfect for both of them
- hahahah they’re both so dumb and onto just having separate revelations!!
- Dex getting all worried about doing a grand gesture not releasing he’s done like a billion in this book
- LOVE CONFESSIONS AS SILLY AND GOOFY AS THEM
- so happy that Dex set some boundaries with his mum!
- i loved all of the sex scenes so much!
- the epilogue was so sweet for them, and it was cute they were talking about book tropes
- aw i thought this was super super cute!! they meant so much to each other and just always wanted what was best for each other
- oh so they’re both in love with each other and don’t realise it? cool cool cool
- god how does Austin do it?! 3 rejections in a row would have me sobbing
- the texts Dex sent to Austin when he pretended not to know him were SO CUTE
- i hate that Brandon guy SO MUCH
- okay that bathroom scene was VERY hot
- they’re acc quite good at communicating just not always about the important stuff
- THE MAKE OUT SESSION!!!
- oh their pining for each other is INSANE
- i love Kael so much 🥹
- all the grand gestures Dex does for Austin makes my heart melt and he doesn’t even realise he’s doing it!!
- MORE HOOKING UP?! come on now boys
- so proud of Austin for scoring that date with Toby, even if it went no where (which duh)
- god Dex is nicer to his mum than i would be lmao
- THEIR FIRST TIME!!! so perfect for both of them
- hahahah they’re both so dumb and onto just having separate revelations!!
- Dex getting all worried about doing a grand gesture not releasing he’s done like a billion in this book
- LOVE CONFESSIONS AS SILLY AND GOOFY AS THEM
- so happy that Dex set some boundaries with his mum!
- i loved all of the sex scenes so much!
- the epilogue was so sweet for them, and it was cute they were talking about book tropes
- aw i thought this was super super cute!! they meant so much to each other and just always wanted what was best for each other
July 12, 2024
"Are we still pretending? I can't tell anymore?"
Who doesn't love a good best friends to lovers trope? Especially when they are SO much best friends that they don't even realize they're catching feelings.
Austin, the shy ginger barista from the coffee cart, is capital A Awkward when it comes to chatting & meeting dudes he finds dreamy. All he wants is to have a love like his romance books.
Dex, the future politician, is charismatic and friendly - and commitment phobic. He's a hookup king with a heart of gold.
When FAKE DATING to help Austin gain confidence turns into "I don't know what we're doing, but I don't want to stop. " ... the lines get blurry, and both guys catch feelings. But what if it ruins their friendship?
These two were squishy and cute and awkward. They loved each other SO much, and they were such dummies. Austin gave me second-hand embarrassment, and Dex's trips to Luco Flowers made me swoon.
If you're looking for a new adult, oh my god... just kiss already, sweet and a little ridiculous love story - this may be for you! I thought it was really cute.
Who doesn't love a good best friends to lovers trope? Especially when they are SO much best friends that they don't even realize they're catching feelings.
Austin, the shy ginger barista from the coffee cart, is capital A Awkward when it comes to chatting & meeting dudes he finds dreamy. All he wants is to have a love like his romance books.
Dex, the future politician, is charismatic and friendly - and commitment phobic. He's a hookup king with a heart of gold.
When FAKE DATING to help Austin gain confidence turns into "I don't know what we're doing, but I don't want to stop. " ... the lines get blurry, and both guys catch feelings. But what if it ruins their friendship?
These two were squishy and cute and awkward. They loved each other SO much, and they were such dummies. Austin gave me second-hand embarrassment, and Dex's trips to Luco Flowers made me swoon.
If you're looking for a new adult, oh my god... just kiss already, sweet and a little ridiculous love story - this may be for you! I thought it was really cute.
July 13, 2024
Best friends to lovers is always a trope that will catch my eye. I thought Austin and Dex were sweet together. Even though we know how their fake dating will end up, it was fun watching Dex help Austin gain more confidence so he can talk to other guys without turning into a crazy mess.
Austin is adorable when he’s flustered by his interactions with any attractive guys. Dex is the total opposite, able to hook up at the drop of a hat, and turns out to be a great teacher to help Austin become more comfortable around any guy he might be interested in.
Was this predictable? Pretty much. But for me, this story made for several hours of easy entertainment with two guys that were a great match for each other. They were both great characters, and for me it was easy to identify with Austin (yep, I’m the shy, socially clumsy one) which helped me become invested in how things would turn out.
Overall, Tongue-Tied was a 3.5-star read for me, and I think any M/M romance fan would enjoy Dex and Austin’s story. Once things move from just platonic dates to the physical, they definitely have plenty of chemistry together to spice things up too. Even knowing how things will turn out between them, it’s still fun getting to that point.
Austin is adorable when he’s flustered by his interactions with any attractive guys. Dex is the total opposite, able to hook up at the drop of a hat, and turns out to be a great teacher to help Austin become more comfortable around any guy he might be interested in.
Was this predictable? Pretty much. But for me, this story made for several hours of easy entertainment with two guys that were a great match for each other. They were both great characters, and for me it was easy to identify with Austin (yep, I’m the shy, socially clumsy one) which helped me become invested in how things would turn out.
Overall, Tongue-Tied was a 3.5-star read for me, and I think any M/M romance fan would enjoy Dex and Austin’s story. Once things move from just platonic dates to the physical, they definitely have plenty of chemistry together to spice things up too. Even knowing how things will turn out between them, it’s still fun getting to that point.
July 19, 2024
Tongue Tied is a best friends to lovers story between childhood friends Austin and Dex. Austin is more of an introvert while Dex is less of a hopeless romantic and more of an extrovert. It all starts with Dex trying to help Austin with dating by taking him on fake dates and at one point it all starts being less fake and more real.
I think this was more of a fun read than a romantic read. While I do like best friends to lovers this time romance didn't do much for me. But I did like the way characters communicated and didn't let their growing feelings ruin what they already had.
Like I said this was a fun read but I think romance part could've been better. Maybe their love story starting when Dex decided to move out made their dynamic less interesting than what it could have been. While the romance could have been better it still was a fun read, this universe always delivers in that aspect so it did not disappoint in fun part.
I received a review copy for free from Gay Romance Reviews, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for the free copy! :)
I think this was more of a fun read than a romantic read. While I do like best friends to lovers this time romance didn't do much for me. But I did like the way characters communicated and didn't let their growing feelings ruin what they already had.
Like I said this was a fun read but I think romance part could've been better. Maybe their love story starting when Dex decided to move out made their dynamic less interesting than what it could have been. While the romance could have been better it still was a fun read, this universe always delivers in that aspect so it did not disappoint in fun part.
I received a review copy for free from Gay Romance Reviews, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for the free copy! :)
August 19, 2024
“I just realized friends to lovers is the trope I read most of all.”
Well friends to lovers is my favorite trope like Austin. Something about a relationship that is based on a different type of love blooming into something romantic always gets me smiling or sobbing. Luckily this is a super cute drama free friends to lovers book so it was all smiles and laughs for me. Dex and Austin are adorable and I don’t think I have ever seen them before in the other books. Usually we see other people from the other books through out the series but I don’t remember them in any of the other books in the series I’ve read. I thought this was just a simple to the point friends to lovers with the fake dating trope. Nothing extraordinary or anything that rocked my world. But it was still a fun read like all the books in this series. I was connected and happy for the characters especially since I found this book was extremely fast paced compared to most in the series. I think it’s a pretty cute Sunday afternoon read.
Well friends to lovers is my favorite trope like Austin. Something about a relationship that is based on a different type of love blooming into something romantic always gets me smiling or sobbing. Luckily this is a super cute drama free friends to lovers book so it was all smiles and laughs for me. Dex and Austin are adorable and I don’t think I have ever seen them before in the other books. Usually we see other people from the other books through out the series but I don’t remember them in any of the other books in the series I’ve read. I thought this was just a simple to the point friends to lovers with the fake dating trope. Nothing extraordinary or anything that rocked my world. But it was still a fun read like all the books in this series. I was connected and happy for the characters especially since I found this book was extremely fast paced compared to most in the series. I think it’s a pretty cute Sunday afternoon read.
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