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Blue Skies #2
Friendly Skies
Luis and Darius have been each other’s almas gemelas—soul twin—since childhood. They’re ride-or-die besties who have shared every coming-of-age experience, platonic kisses, cuddles, careers as flight attendants, even the occasional hook-up with a third. But they’ve never admitted to each other just how deep their feelings for each other run.
By the time Darius, who’s always known he’s gay, realized Luis was too, it was too late; his place in Luis’s friend zone was set in stone. Rather than pushing for what he really wants, he’s settled for being the safe place for Luis whenever his unexplained anxieties stalk him at night.
Luis has spent the years since he was drugged by a family friend at his sister’s quinceañera party hiding secrets. He doesn’t regret the kisses he shared with Darius in the shadows of his bedroom that night. It’s what happened later—at someone else’s hands—that he’s never told anyone. Not even his soul twin. He’s stayed silent rather than risk losing the one man he can’t survive without.
Luis’s trauma is pushed into the light when an incident on one of Darius’ flights makes him finally admit how he really feels. But when false accusations surrounding the incident surface, Luis’s anxiety and memories could derail his and Darius’ new-found relationship. Working their way past this rocky stretch on the road to forever will take every ounce of love they have for each other—and then some.
***Trigger warnings: SA, PTSD, trauma – this book contains an on-page description of assault as well as depictions of trauma response, confrontation with an abuser, and a false accusation of SA against one of the MCs.
By the time Darius, who’s always known he’s gay, realized Luis was too, it was too late; his place in Luis’s friend zone was set in stone. Rather than pushing for what he really wants, he’s settled for being the safe place for Luis whenever his unexplained anxieties stalk him at night.
Luis has spent the years since he was drugged by a family friend at his sister’s quinceañera party hiding secrets. He doesn’t regret the kisses he shared with Darius in the shadows of his bedroom that night. It’s what happened later—at someone else’s hands—that he’s never told anyone. Not even his soul twin. He’s stayed silent rather than risk losing the one man he can’t survive without.
Luis’s trauma is pushed into the light when an incident on one of Darius’ flights makes him finally admit how he really feels. But when false accusations surrounding the incident surface, Luis’s anxiety and memories could derail his and Darius’ new-found relationship. Working their way past this rocky stretch on the road to forever will take every ounce of love they have for each other—and then some.
***Trigger warnings: SA, PTSD, trauma – this book contains an on-page description of assault as well as depictions of trauma response, confrontation with an abuser, and a false accusation of SA against one of the MCs.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2024
53 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 25, 2025
Reread 09/2025
3,75 stars.
I loved coming back to Luis and Darius. This is a friends to lovers romance full of tender moments, with -eventually- lots of sex (they had to make up for all the lost time it seemed), all the ILY's imaginable (and then some more), soul mates, hurt/comfort and a bit of drama that was neatly resolved.
Ps mind the TWs (at the bottom of my first review).
---------------
Read 08/2025
4,5 stars.
Wow. What a rollercoaster of emotions.
So. Much. Love.
This might be the perfect friends-to-lovers romance.
A few twists, some angst (mind the TW!), supportive found family, lots of intimacy and feelings, heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I've never read so many "I love you"s in one book (and strange enough, there weren't too many either!).
I couldn't put this book down.
TW sexual assualt of a minor (told in flashbacks), drugging of a minor, both MCs have other partners and share other partners (not on page) before they confess their feelings to each other, (false) accusations of sexual assault against a MC.
3,75 stars.
I loved coming back to Luis and Darius. This is a friends to lovers romance full of tender moments, with -eventually- lots of sex (they had to make up for all the lost time it seemed), all the ILY's imaginable (and then some more), soul mates, hurt/comfort and a bit of drama that was neatly resolved.
Ps mind the TWs (at the bottom of my first review).
---------------
Read 08/2025
4,5 stars.
Wow. What a rollercoaster of emotions.
So. Much. Love.
This might be the perfect friends-to-lovers romance.
A few twists, some angst (mind the TW!), supportive found family, lots of intimacy and feelings, heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I've never read so many "I love you"s in one book (and strange enough, there weren't too many either!).
I couldn't put this book down.
TW sexual assualt of a minor (told in flashbacks), drugging of a minor, both MCs have other partners and share other partners (not on page) before they confess their feelings to each other, (false) accusations of sexual assault against a MC.
August 29, 2024
This book features the word “love” 212 times in 252 pages. SO. MUCH. LOVE. It had some nice moments and ideas but also felt unnecessarily dragged out and then the ending wrapped up in a rush in the epilogue. Lots of repetitive inner monologue. Lots of repetitive everything. Darius doesn’t have much of a personality other than loving Louis. Despite the premise being quite serious with the whole storyline being about previous sexual assault as a teenager there isn’t a lot of depth.
Random things that were there to spice up the plot but then forgotten or never explained, like Luis saying ‘Dre’s’ in his sleeping and smiling but this was never discussed again and didn’t make sense.
SPOILER ******
The epilogue ends in a shock way to lead into book 3 which I’m not a fan of, it’s Ricky’s book and literally the last sentence of this book is “oh no his planes gone down”.
This was very sweet and had good ideas but I found the writing repetitive and dull, it didn’t captivate me the way book 1 did. The characters interactions and dialogue felt unrealistic and overall this was pretty disappointing.
Random things that were there to spice up the plot but then forgotten or never explained, like Luis saying ‘Dre’s’ in his sleeping and smiling but this was never discussed again and didn’t make sense.
SPOILER ******
The epilogue ends in a shock way to lead into book 3 which I’m not a fan of, it’s Ricky’s book and literally the last sentence of this book is “oh no his planes gone down”.
This was very sweet and had good ideas but I found the writing repetitive and dull, it didn’t captivate me the way book 1 did. The characters interactions and dialogue felt unrealistic and overall this was pretty disappointing.
dnf
August 16, 2024DNF. I could not get into this book or the characters. It did not give me any feels like the first one either. Perhaps the next one will work again for me.
August 19, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Friendly Skies is the second book in the Blue Skies series from author Marie Sinclair. Even though this story takes place chronologically immediately after the events in book 1 (Blue Skies), I think this can work well as a standalone and readers who enjoy angsty friends-to-lovers stories with a lot of spice will find a lot to enjoy in this book. The story is narrated in third person, but alternates between Luis’ and Darius’ perspectives and, because they are working flight attendants, there is plenty of opportunity for these two to shine on page as individual characters.
For readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers stories and stories that feature BIPOC MCs, or readers who enjoy couples who joyously express their love for each other in word and deed, I think you’ll find a lot to enjoy in this book.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Friendly Skies is the second book in the Blue Skies series from author Marie Sinclair. Even though this story takes place chronologically immediately after the events in book 1 (Blue Skies), I think this can work well as a standalone and readers who enjoy angsty friends-to-lovers stories with a lot of spice will find a lot to enjoy in this book. The story is narrated in third person, but alternates between Luis’ and Darius’ perspectives and, because they are working flight attendants, there is plenty of opportunity for these two to shine on page as individual characters.
For readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers stories and stories that feature BIPOC MCs, or readers who enjoy couples who joyously express their love for each other in word and deed, I think you’ll find a lot to enjoy in this book.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
August 16, 2024
3rd person, past tense, dual POV
Luis Roberto Herrera (28), flight attendant
Darius Williams (28), flight attendant
There's just something about friends to lovers that is so satisfying - I love the deep connection, the pining and the emotional journey they experience in transitioning from friends to more. Luis and Darius are closer than most friends; they are often mistaken for being a couple and all their friends are just waiting for them to realize and admit the truth to themselves. It takes a close call at work for them to stop hiding from their feelings from one another. Their airport reunion after their love declaration was swoony perfection.
However, it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Darius is accused of sexual assault in the aftermath of the in-flight incident and Luis struggles to finally reveal a traumatic secret he's been guarding for twelve years - that he himself had been assaulted when he was sixteen. I'm not gonna lie, I wanted to shake Luis at times for not confiding in Darius and I wish the explanation of his motivation that was eventually given had been mentioned earlier in the book because it made his thought process a little clearer and easier to understand. He struggled with anxiety and nightmares since, feeling weak so it was extremely satisfyingly when he spoke up in defense of Darius and when he finally spoke his truth to his family. The growth Luis experienced was very compelling.
While I "awwwww'd" when Darius disclosed that he'd only become a flight attendant in order to remain near Luis I struggled to fully connect with and root for him as he didn't seem to have a personality or interests beyond loving Luis and it made him feel like he wasn't even a main character in his own story. Even the investigation gets overshadowed by the deepening physical relationship between Luis and Darius.
Similar to Blue Skies, it felt like this story ended a little abruptly with the investigation outcome being quickly summarized. Some plots threads were left dangling and left unexplained or used, .
Still, I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next.
As a former FA I have to say I appreciated the glimpse behind the curtain, it filled me with nostalgia for my former life.
While this could be read as a standalone, there is crossover with characters from the author's other books - I loved seeing Ry and Cart again - and while it ends with a HEA for the couple there is a dramatic hook for the next book in the epilogue, which I personally find irritating but is becoming increasingly common so it is what it is.
I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Luis Roberto Herrera (28), flight attendant
Darius Williams (28), flight attendant
There's just something about friends to lovers that is so satisfying - I love the deep connection, the pining and the emotional journey they experience in transitioning from friends to more. Luis and Darius are closer than most friends; they are often mistaken for being a couple and all their friends are just waiting for them to realize and admit the truth to themselves. It takes a close call at work for them to stop hiding from their feelings from one another. Their airport reunion after their love declaration was swoony perfection.
However, it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Darius is accused of sexual assault in the aftermath of the in-flight incident and Luis struggles to finally reveal a traumatic secret he's been guarding for twelve years - that he himself had been assaulted when he was sixteen. I'm not gonna lie, I wanted to shake Luis at times for not confiding in Darius and I wish the explanation of his motivation that was eventually given had been mentioned earlier in the book because it made his thought process a little clearer and easier to understand. He struggled with anxiety and nightmares since, feeling weak so it was extremely satisfyingly when he spoke up in defense of Darius and when he finally spoke his truth to his family. The growth Luis experienced was very compelling.
While I "awwwww'd" when Darius disclosed that he'd only become a flight attendant in order to remain near Luis I struggled to fully connect with and root for him as he didn't seem to have a personality or interests beyond loving Luis and it made him feel like he wasn't even a main character in his own story. Even the investigation gets overshadowed by the deepening physical relationship between Luis and Darius.
Similar to Blue Skies, it felt like this story ended a little abruptly with the investigation outcome being quickly summarized. Some plots threads were left dangling and left unexplained or used, .
Still, I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next.
As a former FA I have to say I appreciated the glimpse behind the curtain, it filled me with nostalgia for my former life.
While this could be read as a standalone, there is crossover with characters from the author's other books - I loved seeing Ry and Cart again - and while it ends with a HEA for the couple there is a dramatic hook for the next book in the epilogue, which I personally find irritating but is becoming increasingly common so it is what it is.
I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
August 22, 2024
This was a very touching friends to lovers read, filled with so much emotion! I really liked both Luis and Darius and just wanted to them finally find their happiness together! These two are just 100% meant to be together and they both seem to know it, it just takes them some time to sort through everything life has thrown at them and finally admit it to each other.
These two have been the very best of friends and have always loved each other very deeply, both knowing their love was beyond just friendship but neither willing to act on it. For Luis that is because of a trauma he experienced that has left him feeling unworthy of Darius’ love. And for Darius, he’s always figured Luis just wants to be his friend and despite his true feelings he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that friendship. It takes another traumatic moment for these two finally be open and honest about their feelings and it opens up a whole new world for both of them.
I was a little hesitant at first thinking this was going to be a drawn out angst-fest but I was pleasantly surprised by how everything progressed. Yes there is angst and it will tug at your heart it wasn’t too much for me and fit their journey. I loved the love that these two have for each other and loved seeing them express it openly. It’s not all unicorns and rainbows for them, they do have some very real and serious issues but they face them together and heal together and grow together. Overall, a touching and emotional read but one that made my heart happy – Darius and Luis are absolutely perfect for each other and two people who truly deserve their HEA! This was my first book in this series, but I’ll definitely be continuing on this journey!
These two have been the very best of friends and have always loved each other very deeply, both knowing their love was beyond just friendship but neither willing to act on it. For Luis that is because of a trauma he experienced that has left him feeling unworthy of Darius’ love. And for Darius, he’s always figured Luis just wants to be his friend and despite his true feelings he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that friendship. It takes another traumatic moment for these two finally be open and honest about their feelings and it opens up a whole new world for both of them.
I was a little hesitant at first thinking this was going to be a drawn out angst-fest but I was pleasantly surprised by how everything progressed. Yes there is angst and it will tug at your heart it wasn’t too much for me and fit their journey. I loved the love that these two have for each other and loved seeing them express it openly. It’s not all unicorns and rainbows for them, they do have some very real and serious issues but they face them together and heal together and grow together. Overall, a touching and emotional read but one that made my heart happy – Darius and Luis are absolutely perfect for each other and two people who truly deserve their HEA! This was my first book in this series, but I’ll definitely be continuing on this journey!
July 27, 2024
3.9 stars
ARC
This was a decent read. I didn’t expect it to feel so slow, I guess. I’m learning that I’m not so much a fan of third person. It just feels overly slow.
This is a best friends to lovers. Luis and Darius share a kiss when they were sixteen. A kiss that could’ve led to their relationship blooming into more. Things aren’t always that easy. Luis was assaulted by someone his family was just so blind to. The same someone who drugged him, and scared Luis so much that any time he comes around asking for money, Luis sends it. I do understand that people need to tell things in their own time. However, I think out of everyone, Luis probably should’ve shared what happened with Darius. No one can help you if they don’t know you need help.
Their love declaration was a little anticlimactic. Though Luis was very touchy with Darius, there was no build up leading to their declaration. Luis, thinking he lost Darius after a scare on Darius’s flight is what pushed him to finally admit his feelings.
Their reunion after Luis’s flight was cute. And how much they kept saying “I love you” was adorable.
The whole Darius being lied on seemed… I don’t know something to just throw in the book as a filler. Again, this was a decent read and my first time reading this author’s work.
ARC
This was a decent read. I didn’t expect it to feel so slow, I guess. I’m learning that I’m not so much a fan of third person. It just feels overly slow.
This is a best friends to lovers. Luis and Darius share a kiss when they were sixteen. A kiss that could’ve led to their relationship blooming into more. Things aren’t always that easy. Luis was assaulted by someone his family was just so blind to. The same someone who drugged him, and scared Luis so much that any time he comes around asking for money, Luis sends it. I do understand that people need to tell things in their own time. However, I think out of everyone, Luis probably should’ve shared what happened with Darius. No one can help you if they don’t know you need help.
Their love declaration was a little anticlimactic. Though Luis was very touchy with Darius, there was no build up leading to their declaration. Luis, thinking he lost Darius after a scare on Darius’s flight is what pushed him to finally admit his feelings.
Their reunion after Luis’s flight was cute. And how much they kept saying “I love you” was adorable.
The whole Darius being lied on seemed… I don’t know something to just throw in the book as a filler. Again, this was a decent read and my first time reading this author’s work.
August 20, 2024
GEMELO DEL ALMA💕👬✈️
Luis and Darius were each others twin souls since since they were old enough to realise it, however when they were 16 things changed….
A night that Luis just wants to forget… A night that gives him anxiety and nightmares…
“Darius kept his feelings under wraps and accepted that he was always going to be in the friend zone as far as Luis was concerned.”
Now twelve years later they are still in the friend zone although they have been pining for each other since their first kiss…
Their journey to their final happiness was fraught with lots of sadness, hurt, comfort and lies but they persevered through it all by supporting and loving each other first as co-dependant friends who hides their true feelings for each other until a life threatening scare which leads to truths and revelations!
Their roommates and co-workers were very supportive and helpful in their dire situation where they made new friends as well!
A sweet, angsty friends to lovers story about love, acceptance, friendship, trust and family with a beautiful epilogue and a shocking insight into the next book…
I voluntarily received an ARC from Forward PR & Marketing for an honest non biased review.
Luis and Darius were each others twin souls since since they were old enough to realise it, however when they were 16 things changed….
A night that Luis just wants to forget… A night that gives him anxiety and nightmares…
“Darius kept his feelings under wraps and accepted that he was always going to be in the friend zone as far as Luis was concerned.”
Now twelve years later they are still in the friend zone although they have been pining for each other since their first kiss…
Their journey to their final happiness was fraught with lots of sadness, hurt, comfort and lies but they persevered through it all by supporting and loving each other first as co-dependant friends who hides their true feelings for each other until a life threatening scare which leads to truths and revelations!
Their roommates and co-workers were very supportive and helpful in their dire situation where they made new friends as well!
A sweet, angsty friends to lovers story about love, acceptance, friendship, trust and family with a beautiful epilogue and a shocking insight into the next book…
I voluntarily received an ARC from Forward PR & Marketing for an honest non biased review.
August 22, 2024
3.75 Stars
This is book 2 in the Blue Skies series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Luis and Darius have been best friends all their lives, and while they're both in love with each other, they're too afraid to tell the other for fear of risking their friendship.
I liked Luis and Darius, they were sweet and hot together and had a lot of chemistry. What I didn't particularly care for, was for Darius calling Luis 'chico' (dude in Spanish), which has to be the driest endearment ever and unfortunately, it was used so much, throwing me completely off the flow of the story. This is just my personal preference, and I'm sure others won't mind it as much as I did.
Other than that, please mind the triggers, because they're there for a good reason. I also didn't like the whole thing with the passenger Darius had to go through, especially seeing as it was resolved so easily and had no impact on the overall story.
Even if there were a few things I didn't quite like, I found the book entertaining and well-written and I was invested in Darius and Luis getting their HEA and the bad guy getting his comeuppance (which he totally did). Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This is book 2 in the Blue Skies series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Luis and Darius have been best friends all their lives, and while they're both in love with each other, they're too afraid to tell the other for fear of risking their friendship.
I liked Luis and Darius, they were sweet and hot together and had a lot of chemistry. What I didn't particularly care for, was for Darius calling Luis 'chico' (dude in Spanish), which has to be the driest endearment ever and unfortunately, it was used so much, throwing me completely off the flow of the story. This is just my personal preference, and I'm sure others won't mind it as much as I did.
Other than that, please mind the triggers, because they're there for a good reason. I also didn't like the whole thing with the passenger Darius had to go through, especially seeing as it was resolved so easily and had no impact on the overall story.
Even if there were a few things I didn't quite like, I found the book entertaining and well-written and I was invested in Darius and Luis getting their HEA and the bad guy getting his comeuppance (which he totally did). Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
August 2, 2025
Luis and Darius have been soul twins since childhood—inseparable best friends, flight attendant colleagues, and occasional partners in shared intimacy. But beneath their platonic façade lies a love neither has dared to name. Darius, openly gay, accepted his place in Luis’s friend zone long ago, choosing to be Luis’s safe haven through years of unexplained anxiety and silent suffering. Luis has hidden the truth of a traumatic assault that followed a night of innocent kisses with Darius—fearing that revealing it would cost him the one person he can’t live without. When a troubling incident on a flight forces Luis to confront his past and his feelings, the fragile hope of romance between them is tested by false accusations and resurfacing trauma. To build a future together, Luis and Darius must face the pain they’ve buried, the love they’ve denied, and the strength it takes to heal side by side.
I was really disappointed with this second book in the series. I found many of the moments silly which felt so wrong given the fact that there was a sexual assault there too. I lost my temper and attention for much of the book which was such a shame. This was an MM story with mature content.
*** Please read the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself.
I was really disappointed with this second book in the series. I found many of the moments silly which felt so wrong given the fact that there was a sexual assault there too. I lost my temper and attention for much of the book which was such a shame. This was an MM story with mature content.
*** Please read the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself.
August 12, 2024
This was a lovely best friends to lovers romance, Darius and Luis have a emotional story to share. Childhood best friends to lovers is a favorite of mine and the author does a strong job establishing how close and dedicated Luis and Darius’s friendship is. It has quite a wistful feeling as the kiss they shared at sixteen was so lovely and full of promise, but life interrupts. Life goes on, and their friendship growing stronger as Luis and Darius go to college together, even choosing the same career as flight attendants. Luis and Darius are stuck, both fear losing the friendship, so neither is able to take a chance for more. I wish it didn’t take quite so long but I really loved this once they do finally acknowledge that they love each other, more than just best friends. Their happiness at simply being together was a highlight, these two really deserved a little bit of joy. I also appreciated the strong friendships, the FA group was wonderfully supportive and added so much to the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 10, 2024
This one was a heartbreaker. Luis and Darius were raised together, were best friends, went to college together and became flight attendants together. Each of them are in love with the other, but say nothing. They don't want to lose their best friend if he doesn't feel the same way.
This comes to a head, they have their 'ah ha' moment after an on-plane incident leads Luis to realize that he could have lost Darius.
Luis is also holding onto a secret. Twelve years ago he was molested by his sister's boyfriend. He won't tell Darius about the attack because what if he loses him because of it.
Lots of angst. Lots of steamy bedroom activity in the last third of the book. They are both rather sweet men. The secondaries and family were lovely. Some good worldbuilding.
I liked the book, but didn't love it. It was a quick read. Ends with both a HEA. And a cliffhanger.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
This comes to a head, they have their 'ah ha' moment after an on-plane incident leads Luis to realize that he could have lost Darius.
Luis is also holding onto a secret. Twelve years ago he was molested by his sister's boyfriend. He won't tell Darius about the attack because what if he loses him because of it.
Lots of angst. Lots of steamy bedroom activity in the last third of the book. They are both rather sweet men. The secondaries and family were lovely. Some good worldbuilding.
I liked the book, but didn't love it. It was a quick read. Ends with both a HEA. And a cliffhanger.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
August 15, 2024
Luis and Darius, are terrific, and watching them change from best friends to lovers was a sweet and emotional journey. Luis is still traumatised by an incident that happened to him in his teens and has relegated Darius to being his best friend rather than risk losing him, but when Darius faces a trauma of his own they realise that their love for the other is the most important part of their lives. The characters are terrific, including the previous characters who make welcome appearances, and difficult subjects in their story are treated with sensitivity.
This story had emotion, sweetness a little angst, and heat, and I loved it. It's the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand-alone - although the ending will make you want to read the next one. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This story had emotion, sweetness a little angst, and heat, and I loved it. It's the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand-alone - although the ending will make you want to read the next one. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 30, 2025
Wow. Darius and Luis made me feel so many things. Sadness, hope, longing, to name a few. The two men pined for each other for so long, but they never once considered walking away from their friendship.
Luis was so very strong to keep his silence for so long, when he was obviously hurting. If he had, Darius would have been the one in jail. Nothing could have kept him from going after the one that hurt his Luis.
The author doesn’t shrink away from difficult subjects, as we’ve seen in her other books. This is no exception- SA isn’t an easy thing to handle. She did it with honesty yet didn’t make it so harsh it became a trigger for me.
My only complaint is that last sentence! On to the next book, please!
Luis was so very strong to keep his silence for so long, when he was obviously hurting. If he had, Darius would have been the one in jail. Nothing could have kept him from going after the one that hurt his Luis.
The author doesn’t shrink away from difficult subjects, as we’ve seen in her other books. This is no exception- SA isn’t an easy thing to handle. She did it with honesty yet didn’t make it so harsh it became a trigger for me.
My only complaint is that last sentence! On to the next book, please!
August 15, 2024
Another winner from Marie. This was such an emotional, angsty storyline with characters you couldn't help but feel for and love. A best friends to lovers trope featuring Luis and Darius who were raised together and best friends. They as usual don't want to loose their friendship so hide their feelings but when an incident happens on a plane which leaves Luis realising he could have lost Darius things come to a head! With Luis having to deal with past abuse that he is scared to tell Darius about this causes additional issues for him to overcome. Luckily they manage to overcome these issues and move to a boyfriends relationship with plenty of steam!
I received an arc copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an arc copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 14, 2024
Well written and thought out best friends to lovers story with the same enjoyable characters from the previous book. Luis suffered a very traumatic experience as a teen, which halted their potential romance, and he was still struggling with the after-effects years later. Darius was always too scared to lose him as a friend to push, so it was understandable that their relationship never evolved. For me, the story could have been a bit shorter, but I enjoyed it all the same.
September 4, 2025
It's a very sweet story, Darius and Luis are really meant to be together, and they were actually always together even if they did not realised it. They are both sweet and fun. The book was easy to read. I did not rate it higher because I think it should have been shorter, there are a lot of repetitions, and/or have a more thorough resolution of the two "incidents". There is also too much miscommunication for my taste.
December 29, 2025
Slow Burn worth the wait
Covers some challenging topics but depiction feels realistic and very much a part of the character development and background that makes for a well rounded story with depth. Waiting for these 2 mc’s to finally discover each other was everything and the heat and the steam when they do?? Oh. My.
Covers some challenging topics but depiction feels realistic and very much a part of the character development and background that makes for a well rounded story with depth. Waiting for these 2 mc’s to finally discover each other was everything and the heat and the steam when they do?? Oh. My.
August 17, 2024
Darius and Luis were wonderful characters and I did enjoy their friends to lovers journey. I do believe that some open communication could have cut down on the angst and anxiety. Their hea took a bit of time but it was worth it.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
August 5, 2025
Too tense for me
Andres was horrible. The female passenger was horrible as was her lawyer. I wasn't sure that Luis could keep it together long enough to realize that Darius loved him. I skipped most of the sex after a few scenes.
Andres was horrible. The female passenger was horrible as was her lawyer. I wasn't sure that Luis could keep it together long enough to realize that Darius loved him. I skipped most of the sex after a few scenes.
December 20, 2025
Best friends to lovers, past trauma with lingering effects, secrets kept, time jump from prologue to main story, blackmail, family adores person who did something bad because they don’t know about it, more traumatic events in the present, false allegations, declarations of love, big romantic gestures, lots of really good friends, overall a great read and I’m happy I found this series 😁
Oh and a very dramatic ending that sets up the next book perfectly!!!
Oh and a very dramatic ending that sets up the next book perfectly!!!
August 15, 2024
Friendly Skies is the second book in the Blue Skies series and can be read as a standalone. This is a best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, emotional read about Luis and Darius.
August 23, 2024
A very sweet, but also sad and heartbreaking read. A wonderful best friends to lovers book. Luis and Darius were so sweet with their bond.
June 8, 2025
slow burn, beautiful, perfect HEA
August 15, 2024
After being introduced to them in the first book of this series, I knew that Luis and Darius would have a truly memorable romance -- once they finally got their act together. The weight of the history and the connection between these two men meant that true love was inevitable, even if it took some pretty scary and stressful events to finally get them to that point. The way they supported each other through their respective conflicts felt incredibly true to their natures and put a lovely spin on the romance that bloomed between them, proving that best friends really do make the best lovers.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
January 1, 2025
The more I read Marie Sinclair's work, the more I like it. The writing itself is excellent, with solid technique and advanced storytelling skills expressed with a diverse cast in ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. If the romance weren't so clearly at the center of the story, I could easily classify her work as queer literature. Instead, it's queer romance at its finest, in my opinion.
Beyond technique, though, her characters touch my heart. Their stories are compelling. Luis and Darius' friends-to-lovers romance faces the challenge of years of repressed shame, guilt, anger, and all the other emotions that come from Luis having being sexually assaulted by someone close to his family. That assault is clearly described, and its a central part of the plot, so please take care if it's one of your triggers.
This story about more than just finding and embracing romantic love, but also about not only facing but confronting one's past to move forward. I loved it, especially Luis' family.
Beyond technique, though, her characters touch my heart. Their stories are compelling. Luis and Darius' friends-to-lovers romance faces the challenge of years of repressed shame, guilt, anger, and all the other emotions that come from Luis having being sexually assaulted by someone close to his family. That assault is clearly described, and its a central part of the plot, so please take care if it's one of your triggers.
This story about more than just finding and embracing romantic love, but also about not only facing but confronting one's past to move forward. I loved it, especially Luis' family.
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