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Love Letters #1

Dates & Mistakes

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What happens when you accidentally go on a blind date with the wrong guy -- worse, a straight guy?

EDWIN
After spending my first year of university sleeping around, I want a real boyfriend. After showing up to a blind date, I meet Leo, who's friendly and sweet, and we spend the day wandering around the city, getting to know each other. It's a perfect first date...

Until I realise Leo isn't my blind date -- he's a random man off the street. I want to die from embarrassment, but Leo laughs it off and insist that we stay friends.

I have to admit, I like being Leo’s friend. He’s funny, kind, gorgeous…and straight. I’m still dedicated to my mission of finding a boyfriend, but with every moment I spend with him, I can’t help but think he’s perfect for me. And sometimes, with his casual touches and lingering looks, I wonder…maybe he wants me too?

Dates & Mistakes is a New Adult MM Romance novel, with funny misunderstandings, steamy scenes and low-drama. It features a virgin love interest, praise, and a guaranteed HEA.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

63 people are currently reading
152 people want to read

About the author

Milana Spencer

11 books161 followers
Milana Spencer writes steamy slow burn MM romance.

She's in her early twenties and has an existential crisis every other week. She lives in Australia and loves matcha lattes, cats and to-do lists.

Her favourite tropes include oblivious characters, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers and forced proximity.

Sign up to her email list via her website for latest updates about new books and giveaways!

Contact her via her website!

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5 stars
49 (18%)
4 stars
86 (32%)
3 stars
95 (35%)
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28 (10%)
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10 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Brooke.
793 reviews509 followers
July 7, 2024
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️

“I’m a top.” That hung in the air for a bit. A second passed. Then another. “Top of what?” he said.


Dates & Mistakes was super cute, but wayyy too short. I really wanted more of Winnie and Leo.
Leo was the most adorablest golden retriever energy baby to ever be. I’m so in love.
[Yes, I’m making up words ‘cause he deserves a new category of adorable.]
He was so sweet and loveable, shy and blush-y. I just wanted to eat him up.

“You’re leaking already,” I murmured. “And you’re so hard. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”


Holy hell, this was HOT. Them exploring Leo’s firsts together was sweet and tender, the mix of Leo’s innocence with Edwin’s dirty talk was ughhhh. Mind-meltingly good.
Everything about this cute little read just hit the spot, scratched the romance itch in my bookish brain.
I’m also intrigued by the side characters, and curious to see if they have/will get their own sweet book.

“I like the word pretty.” “You do?” He nodded. “No one’s ever called me that before.”


I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and tropes (spoilers):
- College setting
- Friends to lovers
- Queer awakening
- Virgin ‘never been kissed’ MC
- Strict top/bottom
- Intercrural
- Smaller top
Profile Image for Renae Reads.
744 reviews721 followers
June 29, 2024
Dates & Mistakes is a cute low angst mistaken identity romance between Edwin and Leo who are both in the right place at the right time for an instant connection to alter their trajectories as they embark on a heartfelt journey together.

Together these two have a sweet friendship that slowly evolves into something more. They both are confused and slightly afraid of their budding feelings and how it may affect their friendship, but over time their feelings remain genuine and strong regardless of any fears.

Overall I enjoyed this story and how low angst and heartfelt this friendship and eventual romance evolved into. These two have a remarkable bond that shows how one misunderstanding can lead to something impactful and meaningful.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Profile Image for Dani.
1,555 reviews283 followers
June 28, 2024
This was really cute when the story was flowing and it definitely felt like a relationship between teenagers with no relationship experience, but I really struggled to feel connected to either character, even when they were discussing the difficult relationship each had with their parents.

For me, the story just got bogged down in the sheer amount of completely unnecessary details that were included, and there was a lot of repetition of words and phrases and that's something that always grates on me. I didn't need to know that the road they were on sloped gradually, or the vast amount of food and drink options they made. It felt like I was being told every little detail (the majority of which I genuinely never needed to know) instead of being 'shown' who the characters were. I could probably make their drink orders in my sleep now, they were repeated so many times!!

There were definitely some funny moments, especially with Leo suddenly styling himself the way Eddie describes his ideal boyfriend, but overall the story felt clunky and forced. I didn't really buy them as a couple - they actually felt more suited to being friends in my opinion!

*****

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
396 reviews71 followers
July 1, 2024
Dates & Mistakes is the first in the Love Letters series. Students can write anonymous letters to other students and after waiting for someone to write a letter that catches his eye for over a year, Edwin decides to write his own, seeking a date. Edwin and Leo meet in a case of mistaken identity: Edwin is waiting for his blind date and thinks it's Leo, when Leo approaches him. Leo's a really social, friendly guy and just rolls with it, spending the day with Edwin. After an awkward encounter when Edwin makes the moves on Leo, who's straight, they decide to just be friends.... at first. Leo is a virgin and has never considered being with a guy before, but he realizes he wants more when he sees Eddie out on a date with someone else.

If you are looking for a book that focuses 98% on the relationship/romance between the main characters, this is the book for you! Personally I found myself losing interest after the initial first date. Both characters were pretty naive about relationships and while they're young, it was tough to read sometimes. I think there could've been some really interesting plot points around the MCs differences: Leo is outgoing and charismatic, making friends easily. He's a touchy-feely person as well. Edwin is more reserved, and while Leo brings out his best sides, is not overly emotive or expressive, and doesn't initiate physical intimacy like hugs. Their differences weren't really discussed and to me, spell future disaster for their relationship at their current maturity level. I enjoyed the book overall, but Leo and Edwin as a couple didn't work for me. I also didn't really buy a more stoic character like Edwin choosing which university to go to based on a super fanciful reason like the letters the students can write.

Although this book was not for me, there were many sweet moments between the MCs and it was nice to see representation of a Korean character.
Atticus, the guy Edwin was supposed to go on the blind date with, was an interesting character and I'd like to read more about him in a future book.

Rating: 3
Angst: 3.5/5
Steam: 1.5/5

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Karla.
1,999 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2024
I really connect with this author's writing and the way she sets up her stories. I read her books as soon as they are released. This was another fun story between two college students who fall into a friendship and then more.
Profile Image for Dani (Daniiireads).
1,891 reviews302 followers
June 30, 2024
- mistaken identity
- friends to lovers
- virgin/first times

A blind date mix up has Eddie spending all day with Leo thinking he's the guy he's supposed to be out with. Eddie later learns that it's all been a misunderstanding and Leo is in fact not his date, nor is he interested in men at all. Despite the hiccup the two become friends, and eventually the lines between blur into more.

I will say that Eddie and Leo were pretty cute and I thought their friendship was really sweet, but I didn't really feel like there was enough chemistry between them to make their relationship believable. I also didn't really vibe with the writing style and some things were a bit repetitive, but maybe this is just a not for me thing???
Profile Image for Hugo #freepalestine .
514 reviews50 followers
July 17, 2024
Im pretty sure Leo is autistic, or at least on the spectrum it was just too obvious from the way he behave throughout this book,
This was actually pretty cute not gonna lie,
Simple and cute.
Profile Image for Showarst.
1,041 reviews
July 8, 2024
This is my first book by Milana Spencer, but the blurb intrigued me and I knew I had to read it. In some ways, Dates & Mistakes was what I was expecting, but were a few things that surprised me.

Edwin is looking for a boyfriend. He writes a letter to his university’s Love Letter department advertising for a boyfriend. He sets up a date to meet at the cafe though he only knows how tall the man is and that he will be wearing a black shirt. Edwin mistakes Leo for his date and the two spend the day together. However, they soon figure out the mistake and Leo informs Edwin that he’s straight. The two decide to remain friends.

The beginning was so intriguing. The idea of mistaking someone else for your date and having an enjoyable time is so cute. I can even get behind the straight boy realizing that he is not as straight as he thought. But Leo made me a little uncomfortable. I’m not really even sure what it was, but the way he treated Eddie, the party he took him to after they started having sex, the way he ghosted Eddie (twice!), and his views on sex just threw me off. I honestly didn’t really like him too much. And Eddie was way too forgiving after the second ghosting incident. He needed to make Leo grovel a little bit, but Leo was portrayed so pathetically that Eddie just sort of forgave him.

The ending left A LOT to be desired. There was no epilogue. No wrap up. It just ended with them going to class and talking about meeting later. These two were so young (19 and 20), and I usually like my stories to have a little more concrete ending. There was affection but no ILYs either. It just wasn’t for me.

I am intrigued by Atticus though so I may check out the next book if it’s about him.

I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
Profile Image for Babara-Anne.
1,689 reviews17 followers
July 13, 2024
A MISTAKEN DATE LEADS TO MORE!💕

“if I wanted someone to cuddle and grab coffee with and have meaningful conversations with, then… Oh god. I would have to find a boyfriend.”

Oh this was such a sweet, funny and fun story with a bit of angst to make it more enjoyable!

I had to laugh at poor Edwin how he misunderstood his encounter with Leo at the coffee shop to be his date from Lygon University Love Letters, it was so adorable and sweet how they were so comfortable with each other!🐾☕️🧋

For a straight guy Leo just went with the flow, it was so adorable however he did show his jealousy later on with Edwin’s original stood up date… ahem 🐓🚫 much?

Leo’s insecurities came to light during the course of their friendship and after it went further…

How do you redeem yourself with a romantic gesture- just ask Leo! 🐶🐾

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
1,985 reviews14 followers
June 28, 2024
Edwin set up a blind date but assumed Leo was the date when he wasn't. After spending the day together, he realized Leo was straight and it was all a misunderstanding. They became friends only now they like each other and try to be real boyfriends. Edwin is bossy and direct and very experienced while Leo is quirky and sweet and very virginal. I loved the characters together and the story though it did end rather abruptly. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for Elise H.
1,058 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2024
3,5

Cute and funny, really adorable the way Leo’s shy and unsure about sex.
But the end is too abrupt for my taste.
Profile Image for Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) .
822 reviews135 followers
July 16, 2024
Some bits of this were funny, especially the first half, but I guess I just couldn't get back onto the Leo train after what he did (even though it kinda made sense and he apologized et c) and I don't really know why.

Maybe because there were no amends. The big gesture wasn't really a gesture. The apology was hollow because we didn't get to see Leo fix anything.

Also, the apology sounded more like an extended explanation but maybe I just have strict requirements. This one didn't quite land for me.
Profile Image for Sandy Kay.
687 reviews51 followers
July 13, 2024
Endearing college MM romance, first times, sexual awakening

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and she’s charmed me all over again. I loved this sweet and fumbling read, featuring a former player who truly wants a boyfriend and the guy he accidentally picks up and has a fabulous first date with, without the other guy realizing what’s happening.

It sounds a bit unlikely, but, in this author’s hands, I believed it and went along for the ride. Edwin’s done with hookups and has posted on the campus online boards hoping to date someone and have it lead to a relationship. But when he goes to meet his date, he mistakes someone else for the person he’s meeting, and they hit it off so well they wind up spending hours and hours together, learning they get along well and have a lot in common.

Oh, it does not go the way Edwin thinks it is, and the moment he realizes the guy—Leo—he’s with has no idea Edwin’s thought it’s a date all that time and Leo is straight is so wonderfully awkward and heartwarming, heartbreaking, sweet and just great. What I love about this book is that Edwin constantly confronts the issue, and they talk through things, there’s no pretending anything didn’t happen, and it sets up the start of a solid, respectful, and fun friendship.

Even when Edwin gets a second chance at dating the person he was supposed to meet (another intriguing character I hope will be a hero in the future!), he brings Leo into it on a group date, and it becomes clear that Edwin and Leo are the true pairing. The evolution from friends to taking a chance is done organically and I just kept rooting for them and cringing and sighing as they bumbled along and made mistakes but kept owning up to them and communicating, basking in each other’s company, and figuring it out. Even when Leo retreats, Edwin stands up for what he wants and it was refreshing and totally enjoyable to read. They’re interesting in that Leo’s so outgoing and friendly when it comes to interacting in public, but quite introverted and shy about romance. Edwin’s not shy about romance or sex, but he’s insecure about whether someone might actually want to date him, and on shaky ground not knowing if Leo actually wants him or is just excited to have someone to explore with.

This author is terrific with authentic sex scenes too, she captures the awkwardness and the heat of it in ways that feel so realistic, nothing’s perfect but everything is consented to and not-perfect in sweet and steamy ways. It seems so much more realistic than the usual, with communication and chemistry, real awkwardness and sweetness that adds to the sense of connection and builds on the growing relationship.

Edwin’s out to win his man; he won’t take less than he deserves. Sweet, shy Leo needs some self reflecting (off page) to understand what he wants, and then he steps up and finally takes a chance on the two of them. The joy of this book is in seeing the real friendship and chemistry grow between these two; they light up when they’re together, and everyone around them can see it.

There’s a bit of what one might call OM drama just from it taking time and going on group dates for these two to figure things out, and there are a few weeks of separation when Edwin believes Leo has ditched him and Edwin considers how to get over his feelings for Leo, but nothing unsafe for me happens and I enjoyed the conflict and tension the break to sort through feelings created.

If I have one complaint it’s that the book just kind of…ends? It felt abrupt and I wanted to stay with them and see a bit more of them together.

HEA, dating web site, mistaken identity date, virgin hero, true friends to lovers, very sweet. No cheating or others. Recommended, and I’ll read much more from this author.

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Profile Image for Shawna (endemictoearth).
2,315 reviews33 followers
July 10, 2024
This book doesn't waste any time, after a brief prologue, we're thrown right into the set up: Edwin mistakes the person he was supposed to meet for a blind date/connection through the campus Love Letters personal ads. He had a vague description and approached someone who might fit the profile, and they immediately hit it off and end up on an epically long date (or connected series of activities, depending who you ask.) Edwin never confirms with Leo that he is the date he was waiting for, but Leo is a very friendly and outgoing guy who's met lots of friends in strange circumstances.

When Edwin makes a move late that night at Leo's place, the truth comes out (not quite in the way you'd expect) and Edwin is mortified. They end up deciding to be friends, and when Edwin convinces his actual date to give him another chance, he asks Leo to double date with him.

Thus begins a pretty amusing, clumsy, stop-and-start sexual awakening for Leo. I see some other reviews unhappy with this part, but the book portrays this about at the level I would expect 19 and 20 year old dudes to behave, especially Leo, who is a virgin mainly because he finds physical intimacy to often be extremely embarrassing. Which, it definitely can be! And their first sexual encounters are, in my mind, adorably awkward. I have long wished for a bit of bumbling in these first time encounters, but it seems like we either get it completely played for laughs or we get virgins who are miraculously sex savants who intrinsically know what to do perfectly right out the gate. I thought this story handled this part with a great mix of humor and heart.

Yes, I was frustrated with Leo for ghosting, but I knew the character well enough at that point that I could understand why he did and believed his apology that he would do better by Edwin.

My actual main gripe is how abrupt the ending was; I really could have used another chapter or even a short epilogue with them after they patched things up.

I would read more in this series, because I think the author does do a great job of giving us realistic new adult characters who are still endearing. Not a perfect book, but one in which I found a lot to enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Abigail Beckwith.
1,569 reviews
July 9, 2024
Milana Spencer has a new series (Love Letters)! The first book is titled "Dates & Mistakes."

["What happens when you accidentally go on a blind date with the wrong guy -- worse, a straight guy?

EDWIN
After spending my first year of university sleeping around, I want a real boyfriend. After showing up to a blind date, I meet Leo, who's friendly and sweet, and we spend the day wandering around the city, getting to know each other. It's a perfect first date...

Until I realise Leo isn't my blind date -- he's a random man off the street. I want to die from embarrassment, but Leo laughs it off and insist that we stay friends.

I have to admit, I like being Leo’s friend. He’s funny, kind, gorgeous…and straight. I’m still dedicated to my mission of finding a boyfriend, but with every moment I spend with him, I can’t help but think he’s perfect for me. And sometimes, with his casual touches and lingering looks, I wonder…maybe he wants me too?"]

This book was seriously adorable! I'm obsessed with the idea of the Love Letters, I'm obsessed with Edwin's dream of having all the dogs, I'm obsessed with Leo's outgoing but shy personality, I'm obsessed with their friendship.

I love all of the side characters, too. helping Edwin and Leo through their journeys. I wonder who's novel will be next.

Milana is really finding her own in her writing. This book was much less awkward than some of the previous books of hers I read (awkward in the miscommunication tropes and character arcs). Love that for her. ;)

And that bonus epilogue?! Talk about freaking cute! So much fluff and just the right about of spice.

#datesandmistakes #loveletters #lovelettersseries #milanaspencer #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Profile Image for Tara Bennett.
Author 6 books22 followers
July 9, 2024
Edwin is tired of just having hookups and is looking for a boyfriend; he accidentally goes on a date with the wrong man, which turns out to be a great way to make a new friend. Maybe more than a friend, but there are a few things that need to be addressed between them. They stumble through finding a relationship and understanding each other's needs to find happiness, which they are both comfortable with, which might be too big of a challenge. Leo hasn’t had a relationship, assumes he is straight, and has never had any intimacy with another human. Edwin is just a big, embarrassing mystery to him, and he has to figure out how to approach it.

OPINION: This is a super nice book with some charming guys. Leo is clueless about approaching everything from dating to intimacy, which is clearly seen in the story. Edwin comes across as quite confident when it comes to sex and even with a boyfriend, even though he has never had one. The spice scenes are well written clearly, showing how there is inexperience. The whole story is sweet, with almost no angst, some great side characters, and the two MCs are full of kindness and a lot of heart. The spicy scenes are specific but not graphic, all of them very loving. This is a lovely book for people wanting a romance book that fills your heart and walks you to a lovely happily ever after.
Profile Image for Chloe.
337 reviews34 followers
July 8, 2024
Dates & Mistakes by Milana Spencer

💜 Mistaken Identity
💜 Strangers to Friends to Lovers
💜 Virgin MC
💜 Sexual Awakening
💜 Australian College setting
🔥 Intercrural sex, Smaller Top

I really enjoyed both of the mc's in this book. Leo has a real charismatic, bubby personality and is such a big softie. I loved how outgoing he was in comparison to Edwin who is more reserved and determined in his pursuits. There were some funny little moments in this book and both characters obliviousness made those parts even better.

Unfortunately this story needs a bit of editing as there were quite a few mistakes and unnecessary details throughout.
I have a love/hate relationship with single pov and though at first I didn't miss Leo's pov, nearer the end I really did. This didn't take away too much from the sweetness of the story though, and I enjoyed seeing the two characters grow together in their relationship.

Overall, this wasn't my favourite book from Milana Spencer, but it was still a really sweet and fun read. I'm really curious about one of the side characters, Atticus, and hope we get a book for him as I'd love to see him get a HEA too!

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺.5

First person single pov 👀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alix .
1,121 reviews39 followers
July 13, 2024
Overall, I thought this was pretty cute, especially when combined with the bonus epilogue offered by the author.

I absolutely enjoyed the opening with the accidental blind date - what a fun meet cute!

Leo is just an adorable golden retriever with such a big personality who discovers he has quite the praise kink. Edwin is so clear about what he wants (a boyfriend) and he is also pretty sweet & an open communicator.

At one point, Leo asks Edwin what his ideal boyfriend would be like and how he would look....and then guess what happens at a group date where Leo is supposed to be the wingman?

I enjoyed getting to know Edwin and Leo as they first become friends and then lovers. Edwin's friends are pretty good side characters as well & I hope we get to see both Atticus and Rome get their own boyfriends in future books.

I enjoyed the cultural details. The ending, though, was really abrupt (so do yourself a favor a def read the bonus epilogue!).

What to Expect:

* Mistaken Identity
* First time/virgin MC
* Smaller top
* Korean MC
* Set in Melbourne
* HFN

I received a ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Ginger.
690 reviews6 followers
July 10, 2024
I really struggled to get through this one. I would have bet all the money in my purse (which, admittedly, is like $5 because who carries cash anymore?) that "Dates & Mistakes" was Spencer's first ever book. I would have lost. Finding out that she's written seven others casts this one in somewhat of a harsher light. There were a lot -- a lot-- of problems with this story, ranging from the total and complete lack of plot to juvenile writing to rampant typos/syntax/grammar errors. Multiple instances of dialogue being left hanging without a closing quotation mark. Sentences were missing words, or had extra words sprinkled in nonsensically. One of them actually made me laugh out loud:

"After the orgasm had finished racking [sic] through Leo, he carefully dropped to the side of me, face up, so he wouldn't stain my bedding ... I'd probably have to wash it and my sheets anyway sex."


Just... something about a random "sex" being thrown in at the end of this sentence hit me square in the funny bone. So on the nose.
Profile Image for Amanda Winter.
730 reviews27 followers
July 14, 2024
This was my first read from Milana Spencer and I really enjoyed it. Dates & Mistakes is a charming, low-angst romance centered around mistaken identity and the unexpected connection between Edwin and Leo. Both find themselves in the right place at the right time, setting the stage for an instant connection that alters their trajectories and leads them on a heartfelt journey together.

Their sweet friendship gradually evolves into something more. Both Edwin and Leo are confused and slightly afraid of their budding feelings and the potential impact on their friendship. However, as time goes on, their feelings remain genuine and strong, overcoming any initial fears.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, appreciating the low-angst and heartfelt evolution of their relationship. Edwin and Leo’s remarkable bond illustrates how one misunderstanding can lead to something deeply impactful and meaningful. Their journey from friends to lovers is beautifully portrayed, making this a delightful read.
Profile Image for SaintDelicate _Edits.
230 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2024
This book was like candy, sweet but hard to swallow at times. First, no one can write young adult romance better than Milana. The teenagers think like teens and the 20somethings are no different too. It’s beautiful, it makes my heart as giddy as Leo’s during that one failed mission as a wingman. This story was low angst, fun and sweet, but it was TOO politically correct. I’m around the same age as the MCs and I’ve never come across teenagers that speak like this. Our online personas may speak like this but not IRL. Words like caucasion were used a lot and the persistent search of consent was nauseating at times too, it was distracting. Other than that, I completely enjoyed this one and all the other MCs. I’m a slut for pretty boys so fingers crossed for Atticus’s story, I hope he had a praise kink too and I hope it will not be excessively politically correct like my millennial aunt’s fb page.
•ᴍɪꜱᴛᴀᴋᴇɴ ɪᴅᴇɴᴛɪᴛʏ
•ꜱᴛʀᴀɴɢᴇʀꜱ.ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ.ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
•ᴘʀᴀɪꜱᴇ ᴋɪɴᴋ
•ꜱɪᴢᴇ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ
•ʙɪɢɢᴇʀ ʙᴏᴛᴛᴏᴍ
•ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ ᴄᴀᴍᴘᴜꜱ
•ɪɴᴛᴇʀʀᴀᴄɪᴀʟ
•ᴀᴄᴛᴜᴀʟ ᴅᴀᴛᴇꜱ. ꜱᴛᴜᴅʏɪɴɢ/ᴘʀᴏᴊᴇᴄᴛꜱ.
•ʜᴇᴀ
338 reviews
July 13, 2024
This was a nice easy read that shows how mistakes and mishaps can lead to something unexpected and wonderful. The connection between Leo and Edwin was evident. They are cute together, and they are funny.

I usually prefer dual POV, but it was a refreshing change to see everything from Edwin’s perspective. However, I wasn’t able to really connect to either character. I think it is because they are young and seem a bit immature, yet I could still appreciate it because it fits the storyline and the characters themselves. I was actually intrigued by one of the secondary characters, Atticus. He seems to have multiple layers and I could see his character having some depth, if he has a story to be told.

This was a light and enjoyable story that had some humor sprinkled in. The author does a good job of showcasing some of the worries and carefreeness of youth.
2,913 reviews19 followers
July 15, 2024
Eddie chooses his college partially because he is interested in the love letters that are posted/published there. He is looking for his own love story. He posts in his sophomore year, sets up a meeting and winds up connecting with someone that was not the date he expected. Instead he met a man that he connected to instantly over coffee, then they spent time at a puppy cafe and finally dinner. Once the misunderstanding is discovered - this was a bit embarrassing - all is not lost. They decide to be friends. Their growing friendship gives Leo, the man Eddie met and mistook for his date, time to come to terms with some things that allows them to make the journey from meet cute to friends to lovers with all the fits and starts that are befitting a young newbie to love and passion. These two were adorable together.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michele (_LivesBtweenPgs_).
728 reviews20 followers
July 12, 2024
“There’s a difference between dating and fucking.”

Okay this was a cute read.
Could it have been more? absolutely.
While I enjoyed it and it was a quick read for me, there was a disconnect too.

It flowed so good until it didn't.
There was too much disconnect between the MC's to me.
If there is chemistry there then explore that and give more of that, not all the drink options.
I genuinely wanted to like this book since the mistaken identity trope is normally a good one but this was too forced and there were some holes throughout.
Also the first time, bi-wakening (if this even fits here) was done in a very very weird uncomfortable way.

While it was cute, it just left so much up in the air and felt unfinished at the end.
Profile Image for Kristina.
379 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2024
This was a very cute book, but I think it may have been a little too new adult for me personally. I guess this is what happens when you get older!

I love a good bi/gay awakening book, with friends to lovers, and a little clueless character(s) thrown in. This book did have all of these things, but I just didn't connect with the characters. I don't know if it would have benefited from having some chapters from Leo's point of view to get his side, or if I am just getting too old to identify with 19/20 year olds anymore, but something just fell a little flat for me.

I'm going to be honest and give this one 3 stars because that's about where it landed for me, but I do think that it is a cute love story, just maybe not the perfect one for me.
1,065 reviews32 followers
May 5, 2025
This is a friends to more romance, featuring Edwin and Leo, and book one in the Love Letters series.

Edwin accidentally goes on a blind date with Leo, a charming and seemingly straight stranger, and despite the mix-up, they quickly form a close friendship. As Edwin searches for a real boyfriend, he struggles with his growing feelings for Leo, who might not be as straight—or as uninterested—as he first seemed.

This story had me giggling with joy and I swear at one point I got nervous butterflies. These two were so CUTE, I loved them!

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM college romance
Set in Australia
Slow burn & Low angst
Mistaken Identity
Friends to more
Virgin MC
Mutual Pining
Bi Awakening
Touch-Starved
Bit of spice & dirty talk
Praise kink
Found Family
HEA
Profile Image for eesha.
162 reviews1 follower
Read
May 10, 2025
ended crazy abruptly and i feel like the conflict was so whatever. no one was TECHNICALLY in the wrong i guess but i do wish edwin held more of a grudge. sorry im a bitch and i think everyone shouldn't be babied into epiphanies about themselves. make him work for ur forgiveness 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️ but like. they were cute i guess. this was also just so short like i truly don't think there was enough pagetime for it to be truly satisfying.

also. unrelated but if i had a nickel for every time i read a romance novel with a shirtless asian guy on the cover where the romance was with a white love interest id have three nickels. which isnt a lot, but it's weird that it's happened thrice. i need a tag abt for books where they're both poc when im in a better mood.
Profile Image for Frances.
219 reviews
July 3, 2024
Received as an ARC.

Edwin is ready for love and Leo is just living day to day making friends. A botched blind date later, while playing minecraft, Edwin learns that Leo was not his date.....and is straight.

Leo, never been kissed or anything, is totally clueless confused and learns that is ok to ask for what you want and to not be ashamed or shy. As their friendship progresses from friends to fwb to finally boyfriends, we see that it's ok to not know what you want and to just accept and have fun.

The only downside for me personally, is that we don't get Leo's POV in the story. I would have loved to known how he processed everything and what his thoughts were.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,015 reviews38 followers
July 21, 2024
This was a pretty cute story. Edwin wanted to find a boyfriend rather than just hooking up all the time. He set up a blind date and started talking to Leo thinking he was his date. Turns out it wasn't, but they had a great time. Edwin thinks Leo is straight, but Leo is trying to figure out how he feels and what he wants as he is pretty inexperienced. I did like their meeting and subsequent friendship turned romance. Their communication and Edwin's lack of understanding Leo at times was frustrating, but it was still a relatively enjoyable book. The meet cute was a total win, and I did enjoy the idea of the Love Letters page. I would read more from this author.
Profile Image for Justine.
153 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2024
This book was a cute romance with very little angst. Leo and Edwin accidentally end up on a date, to which Leo is oblivious to. It’s a cute story of them figuring out their relationship. It was a bit on the slower side, but I felt like the moment they finally get together was kind of meh. I wanted more excitement and romance maybe? There was a lack of communication and the characters were a bit naive. I enjoyed most of it but did find myself kind of checked out and not totally present when reading.
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