Outcast

Foster Bro Code #1

by D.J. Jamison

I'm the outcast brother ...

I'm headed back to Riverton and the foster brothers I left behind. But this homecoming isn't going to be sweet. I left without a word to them after getting outed and disowned.

The fences don't just need mending. They need rebuilding. My brothers and I had a code to always be there for one another, and I broke it.

Now, I have the chance to step up and help them with their floundering business. To prove myself and make good. And one night, while on a job, I see the town's golden boy shoved to his knees by none other than the jerk who got me outed in high school.

After I run to his rescue, everything changes...

Emory is a fragile, beautiful man trying to find himself--even as he struggles under the weight of guilt, grief, and expectation. And I'm the bad boy he's never let himself have.

I could be the key to his salvation or his ruin.

And suddenly, my brothers aren't the only ones I'm fighting for.

But can I really have it all--love and family--or will I just lose everyone all over again?

Outcast is Book 1 of Foster Bro Code, set in Riverton near the fictional town of Granville, which appears in Games We Play and Rules We Break series. It includes found family, bisexual journey, and bad boys with hearts of gold! TW: for childhood trauma and death of loved ones off-page.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Found Family, Contemporary, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Queer

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2025

About the author

DJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.

DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.

Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany

Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany

Follow her on Ko-Fi for bonus content: www.ko-fi.com/ReadingDJ

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outcast is the first book in the Foster Bro Code series by D.J. Jamison. I was first drawn to this book by this amazing cover and the blurb intrigued me. Four foster brothers who made a promise to always be there for each other. And wow, it was amazing. I loved these two men and the family we are introduced to.



Gray Marsh is twenty seven years old. After losing his parents at a young age, he became the second of four foster brothers taken in by The Forresters in Riverton, Nebraska. His step father owned and ran Forrester & Sons Auto Shop which all four brothers eventually worked at. After losing their foster mother as well, things went downhill with their foster father. When Gray was seventeen, his father caught him with a boy. He was immediately thrown out and never got a chance to say goodbye to his brothers. Now, ten years later, his father has passed. His oldest brother wrote to him and said they need him, the business is going under. Will his brothers ever forgive him for leaving? He broke their code. They probably don’t even know why. But he can’t say no. He’ll do what he can to help, then move on.



Emory Gold is also twenty seven. He is the son of the local bank owner and has grown up with the expectation that he will take over the bank, marry and give his family lots of children. But Emory has so many secrets. The biggest one is that there is a side of himself that he has kept hidden, denied even. But he want’s to explore it. When a suggestion from someone local to do just that, he thinks this is the perfect time to finally figure things out. Until it all goes horribly wrong. But suddenly, a boy from high school who he hasn’t seen in years, the town bad boy, comes to his rescue. And opens the door to something wonderful, to finally figuring out who he really is.

“Gray was solid, in body and spirit, the kind of guy who wouldn’t let me fall.”

I loved these two together. What started out as just an arrangement led to so much more. They brought out the best in each other. They gave each other confidence, they felt at peace when they were together. Both of their lives were in turmoil but when they were together, everything else faded away. I loved that there was no unnecessary angst between them. They just supported each other through it all.



These two men made me swoon. And I love this family of brothers. I’m so excited to get to know all of their stories. The next book will be Axel’s book. He’s kind of the wildest of the bunch. His book is called Wild Card. I can’t wait to read it.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the found family aspect to these four foster brothers so much. They've really been through it and seeing Gray rejoining his family was such a rewarding read.

I'm already obsessed with Axel and his chaotic ways 😂

I did struggle with Emory though, purely because martyr characters always bother me! I always want to shake them until they understand that people don't even realise that they're making the sacrifices that they are, they're just making themselves miserable for no reason! So, it was difficult for me to like him, but I did like his growth and that the ending felt so optimistic and promising for Emory as an individual, and also for Gray and Emory as a couple.

Very much looking forward to the next book!

*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this was good. A good story with compelling characters in a new town and that charm DJ adds to her settings and characters. I love that we get another series that is interconnected to previous series we dedicated DJ readers know and love while still being fully independent from them to know that if you are a first time DJ reader you won't find yourself out of place. I really enjoyed it

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, did I love this book! I had previously read other books by this author, but I didn't enjoy them as much as this one. None of them were as amazing as this book was.
Gray and Emory were both great characters. I loved them from the beginning, they had had such different lives but they were so similar in many things, and they just clicked like puzzle pieces.
Gray had to leave his foster family when his foster dad found out he was gay. They lived in a small town and the man, well, it seemed he was a bit narrow minded. Gray returns to his home to help his brothers with the family business.
Then there is Emory, who works in his family's business (see the resemblance already?) but it's not what he'd like to do the rest of his life. Also, he's been hiding his sexuality for almost all his life because he didn't want to disappoint his father.
Like I said, they had so much in common. They both felt some sort of guilt over situations that happened in their past and they both thought they were not good enough for their families. Gray broke my heart every time he tried to make amends with his brothers, he was such a good guy that had been forced to live away from the people he loved the most. And Emory had spent his life trying to be his brother, who had passed away when they were kids.
Their relationship was beautiful and their love helped them become their best selves. The support and caring they showed for each other was very romantic, sweet and heartwarming. I was sighing through most of the book, it was a real and true love story if I've ever seen one.
I can't wait to read the story of Gray's brothers. They all are so special that I know for sure they'll steal my heart just like Gray and Emory did.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

DJ decided to take a chance from their cutesy pun town romance in the Foster Brothers and succeeded beautifully. Gray was ran off when he was outed to his foster dad and hasn't returned home since. when his brother calls him in to help, he knows it's time to at least try to mend long broken fences. These four brothers have each been through so much, and when it matters, most will be there for each other. Emory grew up on the better side of town and didn't really give the Fosters their fair shot until one night Gray helps him out of a bad situation. These two take their time letting one another in , as well as letting their past demons free. When they do allow happiness in they prove to the whole town why they were made for each other. Loved the banter of this broken family, and you need to see each of their pasts to see them eventually flourish. Was a bonus seeing past characters from previous series to see this was in the same world, just a little different view from the usual. Always a beautiful thing to see when an author shows their range.

[Toddles · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTCAST
by DJ Jamison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This is book 1 of the FOSTER BRO CODE Series. It will be available on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited on May 29, 2025!

www.amzn.com/B0DXDD58QL

 
This is a 351-page Opposites Attract, Found Family MM Romance. It is a fast-paced story about two men on opposite sides of the community only to realize the line that’s crossed should have never existed in the first place. Written in alternating chapters duel POV, Gray leaves Swallow Cove (series*) and comes home to his foster family to help support their life struggles only to be met with resistance. His fear of letting them down again is hard to overcome with the glares and tension in the family. Emory is a VP of the community bank, and while he doesn’t hate his job, he struggles to find passion in life. He loves art and wants to find his true self without disappointing his family.


(This review is so hard to write because so much happened, and I don’t want to give anything away.)

This had a great balance of character and plot development. Each MC has awesome individual plots, but when they collide together, it’s truly a work of art. DJ Jamison did say this was one of her easiest writes. It shows! What I truly love about this novel is that the romance actually wasn’t the only main focus. It shared the spotlight with Gray's relationship with his foster brothers, Holden, Axel, and Bailey, and their past & current person struggles with themselves and each other. It was a very deep plot that introduced each sibling with phenomenal detail and shared enough of their Bro Code that it hooks you. They way the plot brought Emory into the picture was disturbing but still made your heart beat pound. Their meet-cute was a true moment of heroism. But also how Emory weaved himself into their family by helping them from losing their livelihood. By doing his job, he grows close with Gray and his brothers to the point of no return, that he eventually had to come clean and say who he truly is, and not live someone else’s life just to please others, even his family. Death is hard on everyone, but you can’t remember them by becoming them. You have to be yourself and remember them by living life for yourself.

The spice was 4.5/5🌶! This made my mechanic smut dreams cum true! Gurl! 😋🥵 It was everything from sensual and rough with all the first-times. I also appreciated how realistic the author detailed the scenes even down to the reactions of taste, since that is different for everyone.

The Ensemble was HUGE! Gray has 3 brothers and all the monsters that Axel calls pets and Emory has a family and friends. And lets not forget the mutual enemy that is the reason it all started in the first place. All the ensemble were written with care and not as throw away characters. They all had purpose and you get to know everyone just as much as you do the two MCs. Each of their storylines is just as important too. I felt like I was reading multiple books in one because of how in depth the author took us into everyone’s lives. I also love how she always finds a way to include characters from other series, past & future. We got some cameos from Granville! In additionally sets up the next book really well by including Axel's interests and how their life starts colliding even before book 2 begins. Their tension is already THICK and gives off a rigid rival-to-lover trope.

I can't say it loud enough how much I loved this book. I resonated with both the MCs because of their mutual fear of not being enough for their loved ones. They both have scars and loss from the past that are still fresh. But those scars are also everyone else’s in the present too. By losing someone, they lost themselves but by being honest they can live authentically again. It also opened the door in the ensemble for acceptance for everyone and how giving someone a chance to show their true self and giving second chances after mistakes were made can we all live a happy life together.

 
💜Happy Reading!🫶


*This series is a Spin-off of Swallow Cove. Gray was introduced in book 4, RESTING BEACH FACE. It can be read as a standalone, however, I recommend reading the entire series in order as characters & plots mildly cross over for Easter egg moments and each MCs character progression through the entire series.

Swallow Cove Series
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL997SBD

1)     DOCK TEASE
2)     PRETTY BUOY
3)     KNOCKIN' BOATS
4)     RESTING BEACH FACE




***Personal Note: 75th book in 2025 (May).

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am no stranger to DJ Jamison's books and this one did not disappoint. We first met Gray in Resting Beach Face and I was excited to get his story. This time we're back in Riverton, where Gray grew up, and Gray is back to help his foster brothers save their auto shop. Riverton is next to Granville, the scene of two other series from DJ Jamison's universe. I enjoyed the little cameos and I'm excited to see more.
Gray is back and he rescues Emory from a not so great situation. He ends up helping Emory explore his sexuality. I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship. Despite Gray's bad boy appearance, he is very sweet and gentle with Emory, and he's nice and gentlemanly. I loved how they stood up for each other and leaned on each other in their time of need.
Gray was gone for 10 years, so he needed to make peace with leaving his foster brothers behind, but also had to explain why he left. Emory needed to finally start living for himself. I was happy to see them tackle these issues and come out stronger on the other side.

Gray and Emory's story was sweet, swoony and steamy! I really enjoyed every moment of it. The story felt lighthearted and I loved the banter between the foster brothers. I love these foster brothers and I'm very excited to read more about them.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always forget how good DJ Jamison's books are. This was a good blend of hurt-comfort, small-town, and found family, all the things I'm craving right now. Can't wait to read the rest of the brothers' stories.

[DeniReadsMostlyMM · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is the first book in DJ Jamison’s Foster Bro Code series and I love how well she sets the series up. I’m already chomping at the bit to read Axel’s story, but first let’s talk about Gray and Emory. This couple is so endearing!

Gray is returning to Riverton after a ten year separation from his foster brothers: Holden, Axel, and Bailey. A really terrible situation forced him to leave and he’s back to help bring their struggling business back into the fold. All of the foster brothers have past trauma that they are dealing with. It takes a while for their connection to rekindle once Gray returns. Emory is struggling with figuring out his sexuality and dealing with some past trauma and/or guilt of his own. Gray comes to Emory’s rescue one night and the two hit it off. Gray might seem like a bad boy, but he has a heart of gold.

The more time that Gray and Emory spend together, the more obvious it becomes that they want one another in each other’s lives. The main question is for how long. I love the natural progression of Gray and Emory’s connection from inquisitive to all-consuming. Their protectiveness (and possessiveness) over one another is swoon worthy. Gray and Emory both need time and space to heal, and they provide that for one another.

Gray works toward mending fences with his brothers as Emory figures out how to go after what he truly desires. (Emory is a people-pleaser afraid of disappointing his family). Gray is a constant source of comfort for Emory. I love how totally accepting and unassuming Gray is with him. He never pushes Emory and always reassures him. Emory and Gray are the salve to one another’s ragged edges and it is really remarkable watching them slowly work towards their respective healing. Their growing affection and love is beyond heartwarming.

I love all of Gray’s brothers, as well as Emory’s friends like Allison and Marty. I have to say, though, that Axel’s dogs and Emory’s grandpa stole some scenes here and there. This book is really well written. It’s gritty and vulnerable. I appreciate the care and concern that Emory and Gray have for one another. They have a great connection, both physically and emotionally. I really enjoyed seeing the bond between the brothers as well.

This story does have some heavy themes, so be sure to check out the trigger warnings. Don’t worry, Gray and Emory manage to overcome any hurdles and find a way to their HEA. Also, the found family vibes in this book are top tier!

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

This is a sweet and fun opposites attract, first-times romance with half the puns of the author’s previous Nebraska-set series. Emory and Gray both have work to do to get their families in a healthier place, and their growing affection for the other is a catalyst to do exactly that. Gray wants to prove to his brothers, and Emory, that he’s worth something. That being outcast from the only family he knew wasn’t the end of his story.

The story has some nice spicy moments, but the book really revolves around the relationships between the Forrester foster brothers, and between Emory and Gray. I liked all the characters and their fierce commitment to each other. This is the first book in the Foster Bro Code series and is a great start. The plot has great pacing, revealing enough about the side characters to introduce them without interfering with the flow of Emory and Gray’s story.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[A🦄🌻🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️


Gray and his band of foster brothers are a good and entertaining time - definitely a strong start to what will be an engaging series. This does start with an attempted SA in one of the first few chapters, so be forewarned of that. I was happy to have Gray play the hero, especially given his background with the asshole. Emory, bless his heart, is just the sweetest soul and I loved how quickly he accepted his budding bisexuality. His and Grays chemistry was 🔥 too. The drama surrounding them was mainly external, which I appreciated. I’m happy with how things turned out in the end though I desperately wish what’s his name, starts with a D, asshole - there needed to be stronger consequences for his many misdeeds. I wanted more than what we got. Overall though, I enjoyed the Forrester brothers and think they will have some interesting stories to follow. Lets goo Axel

[Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the prodigal brother.

Gray is returning home to a family that he was forced to leave ten years ago. He doesn't know what to expect. What he doesn't expect to find is love. Emory is the "Golden Boy" from his high school days, but he's harboring guilt from his childhood. When he meets Gray, he has another secret to hide; he's bisexual with a preference for men. Gray and Emory meet adequately. Let's just say that Gray saves him from a bully.
One thing that bothers me about the way the author just lets Dallas get away with things, is that you have to surmise that Dallas will be reprimanded for things that he did. When really nothing happens to the villain in the end.

[Terri]

DNF at 12% -- it's okay, I just can't deal with the money aspect of the plot right now. Also I was having some trouble distinguishing the characters. But primarily, money stress hits my anxiety too hard.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ale to była urocza książka, mimo momentami trudnej tematyki. Bardzo polubiłam Graya i jego braci, i z niecierpliwością czekam na kolejne tomy. Zwłaszcza Bailey mnie zaintrygował.

[Alexooo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this is my first book by this authr and I'm very happy with it!! It has an amazing found family trope and the relationship between MCs is cute, hot and swoony. Also, generally the plot is nice and well-written as well. I really felt for both MCs even though their issues are completely different. I'm very invested now and can't wait for book two in this series!! 🥺🩷

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another town for us to love being in by DJ Jamison! Gray left his home ten years ago after his foster dad chased him out, leaving behind his three brothers. But when his older brother asks him to come back and help them save their auto shop after their foster dad passes, he can’t help but return. He never wanted to leave his brothers and he knows they probably hate him for it. He was just trying to protect him but he’ll do whatever he can to make it up to them and prove he isn’t going anywhere this time. But he never expects that his long high school crush, Emory, would show interest in him. Emory has spent a long time trying to make those around him happy. Losing his brother as a kid really scarred him and he never really has done anything for himself. But when Gray saves him for a bad night and opens the door to exploring a part of himself that he was never able to do, he can’t help the feelings that start to come with it. Together, they are exactly what the other needs. Gray gives Emory a safe place to be himself and Emory is everything Gray didn’t think he would ever get. I adored these two as they got to know one another and started falling for each other! Looks like we are set with a great cast of characters and I can’t wait to see Gray’s brothers find their happy endings. Just another fun town to be in! I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[caffeinated.crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

How have I not read DJ Jamison before?! How did NONE OF YOU TELL ME ABOUT THIS BOOK?! This is EXACTLY up my alley.

Spoiler -not spoiler- I LOVED THIS.

Gray and Emory were amazing & the brothers leave us with an entire series of books on the horizon.

This was a messy story interlaced with familial expectations, survivors guilt, tons of trauma, and lots of love.

Gray comes home to help his brothers. He wants to work (earn) his way back into their lives, but it's hard. After rescuing his old high school crush on the side of the road from a hookup gone wrong, Gray and Emory orbit each other while navigating secrets, their own pasts, business, harassment and SO MUCH more.

This story had me dailed in immediately. The mcs were main-charactering, the other brothers have me feral for their books, the other side characters were entertaining & the villain was very turdy which, y'all know I love to hate on someone.

Along with all the plot and story, the emotional components were all there, and the spicy scenes hit the spot.

I made it about 30% before I bought a copy and ordered book 2, Wild Card, as well.

I'm so glad I found DJ Jamison and I can't recommend OUTCAST enough!

[Monikat]

DNF 18%
It's me. the book would be great but just not for me.
no rating♥️

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost and Found

Gray, Holden, Axel and Bailey, each of them have been fostered individually by a man and his wife who own a motor shop business. It was like an investment so they could be free labour and save the business.
All of the boys had suffered loss, abandonment, neglect and abuse but at least they made a Bro Code to ‘have each other’s back’. When the foster father found teenager Gray kneeling before a guy in the garage, he ran him out of town with no time to say goodbye to his faster brothers.

Fast forward some years and Holden, the oldest of the boys finds Gray and asks him to come home to save the business.

All their lives change when one night, Gray saves another young man from being abused by non other than the man who had led to Gray’s departure years earlier.

Emory is scared of losing his blood family if they discover his secrets. Gray is afraid he will lose his found family if he cannot help them save the business. Gray and Emory rescued each other but the prospect of them losing their families looms over them.

Seeing these two guys together really touched someplace in my heart, Emory the rich kid of the town, and Gray from the other seedier side. I loved how the foster brothers looked out for each other, despite all their differences.

‘Outcast’ is book one in Foster Bro Code Series by DJ Jamison and each of the brothers get their own book.

Gray apparently featured in a book in the authors other series, Swallow Cove which was also an enjoyable series that I loved.
I’ve added the next 3 books in Foster Bro Code series to my TBR list.

Start with ‘Outcast’ which has enough grittiness and steam to keep you flipping those pages to the HEA. Enjoy

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

DJ Jamison, I love this book. Emory and Gray's story hits you like a freight train with the emotions that everyone probably has before. The love those two have from beginning to end is amazing. I love the fact that Cash and Declan and Granville have made appearances. I cannot wait for Axel's story and the rest of the brothers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this new town by the author and this story was a wonderful start for this series. Looking forward to reading more stories in this series.

RTC

* I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review *

[Amy Aislin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this.

[bo.okm.ark · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

story of Gray and Emory

This is an opposites attract to more romance, featuring Gray and Emory, and is book one in the Foster Brothers Code series.

Gray is heading back to Riverton to fix things with the foster brothers he left behind after being outed and disowned. But when Gray saves Emory—the town’s golden boy—from someone in their past, Gray realises he is not just fighting for family anymore, but for a chance at love too.

I’ve been waiting Gray’s book and it totally exceeded to my expectations. I absolutely love DJ Jamison’s writing style, I know I am guaranteed a beautiful HEA. Gray and Emory were perfect together and I can’t wait to see this series unfold.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Small town
Opposites attract
Mechanic x Banker
Found family
Hurt / Comfort
Outed MC x Closeted MC
Reconnecting with foster bros
Spicy times & dirty talk
First times
Jealous & possessive
Coming out
Little bit of drama
Calls him Golden Boy
Cameos from prev series
HEA

[Edga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not my favourite book by DJ, I did like the premise, and thought that it served its purpose in introducing a new series. The story was made by the contrast between the wealthy Emory and Gray's worlds. I thought that it added depth and tension to their story. There's also a lot going on throughout: Gray's return, his brothers' antagonism towards him, Emory's reluctance to accept his bisexuality, due to his fear that he might let his family down. Oh, what a tangled web! I don't want to give any spoilers, but all's well that ends. I do think that the story was a little on the long side, and that certain spark present in the author s recent books seemed to be missing. However, I did enjoy coming across some of the characters from DJ's previous stories, especially Cash and Declan. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4, cos I liked the brothers so much and can't wait to read their stories.

[Lisa Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an great introduction to a new series. This book was so amazing that I read it in one sitting and was upset when it ended. DJ did an incredible job getting us to fall in love with this new town and the people there. I'm so excited to see what's in store for us with the next book.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.

[Crisana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid start to a new series. Looking forward to the next book.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outcast by DJ Jamison is the first book in her Foster Bro Code series. It is the story of two men who knew each other in high school but were on opposite ends of the social scale and how they found love together 10 years later. Gray Marsh went into foster care after his parents died when he was 6. He eventually ended up with the Forresters and a loving foster mother and horrible foster father who got even worse after the mother died. Together with his foster brothers Holden, Axel, and Bailey they were a tight group and felt bound together forever until Gray was found in a compromising situation with Dallas, the sheriff’s son, and kicked out by his foster father. He left without saying good-bye because he didn’t want his brothers to suffer and was gone for 10 years. Then Holden, who knew why he left, asked him to return to help them rebuild Forrester and Sons Auto Shop in Riverton, Nebraska, which was going downhill fast and they needed it to be successful in order to survive together. When he got back, he faced a lot of resentment for leaving, especially from Axel and Bailey and he knew he had to rebuild their trust. Emory Gold was vice president in his family’s bank. He had been the golden boy in high school being class president and participating in sports and was moving on in his life, happy when he could help people achieve their dreams but dreading having to foreclose on others. He was also hiding a secret concerning his dead brother and felt he had to do everything he would do in order to make up for what happened and be the perfect son he thought his parents wanted, even if it wasn’t what he really wanted to do with his life. He confided in his best friend, Allison, and everyone thought they would get married, but she had a boyfriend and he had an interest in being with a man. That led him to leaving a party with Dallas who made a move on him and got violent when he refused. Luckily Gray was driving by and saved him. In high school they were on the opposite ends of the social spectrum so Emory didn’t remember much about him but was grateful and after talking he got his first kiss from a man. Gray had had a crush on him from that time so he was happy to oblige. Emory’s father asked him to work on foreclosures and it ends up that the auto shop is one of them. He was scared to approach them but knew he must. Meanwhile Gray is trying to make amends for leaving his brothers and is working on motorcycles to try to bring in more business. He tells them what happened with their father and promises them he won’t leave again unless he tells them and starts to make progress with them. Emory goes to the pool hall and sees Gray and his brother and they have some interesting bets that leads to a hot love scene and the beginning of many more as they act on their attraction and Gray makes him feel safe by saying he will only go as far as he wants to. For the first time in a long time Emory is doing something he wants to do and he knows he doesn’t want to lose Gray. He is able to come up with a plan to help them out of the foreclosure, against his father’s better judgement, and is happy he can help them out. They continue seeing each other and have a wonderful day at a festival in Granville where they can be themselves and not have to hide their relationship. Unfortunately, it ends in a blow out involving Dallas where they end up in jail which then leads to Emory coming out to his family as well as telling them about his feelings when his brother died, and Gray has a confrontation with Holden that leads them to come together at Emory’s and contemplate their future as they declare their love for each other. Luckily Emory’s parents are there for him and his father even confronts the sheriff and Gray’s brothers talk with him and ask him to get the tattoo they share that exemplifies their love for each other as brothers. I really enjoyed this book. There is a lot of angst and family drama as both men have had to face adversity in their lives and are sometimes unsure of how to deal with it. Gray, especially, with both his foster father and with trying to earn the trust of his brothers again. He is also compassionate and helps Emory to be the man he wants to be. Emory has changed from high school and knows what kind of life he wants but is held back by trying to be the image of his brother that he thinks everyone wants him to be. Gray helps him to see that he can be his real self and is patient as he comes to terms with this. Gray’s brothers and Emory’s friends and parents play a huge part in the story as the plot develops and they move ahead to forge the lives they want to have. And you feel pretty good when Dallas gets what’s coming to him. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories that revolve around family, found and real, a man looking to find himself with another who has to make amends and how their love helps them through it all.

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

the outcast n the popular guy

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2025...

***Spoilers here and there***

I think I do remember bits and pieces of gray in the other series that I read. But besides all of that. I hope that something was done to Dallas. For him being a perv and DL. I believe he may have hurt people and outted a lot of people besides Gray. Especially what he tried to do to Emory when he naively went with him in the car.

I was glad Gray showed up when he did because never know what would’ve happened that night between Dallas and Emory.

For Dallas dad to be in denial no turn a blind eye to the stuff that Dallas does is ridiculous. Especially with him being the sheriff of the town.

Not only that I’m glad that Emory found himself and learn to be himself and love himself and wanted to go into art after he told his parents he was gay - no bisexual and dating Gray. Because his dad did say some mean things. But I love how his dad went to that police station and gave Dallas dad a piece of his mind. I was like yasssss, Emory dad get in that a££ ..

Plus at the end learning that Emory got help and seek therapy with the help of Gray was good for him. Because I think that getting help is well needed for some people. That is dealing with grief, because I know that feeling because I am going through that myself just this year with the death of my mom. Who took her last breath in my arms when we was in a mobile accident.

Grief is something that is hard especially when you blame yourself like Emory did with his brother my nephew who was 4 at the time of the accident now he’s 5 blame himself for my mom dying when it wasn’t nobody fault it just she had a medical emergency.

With Emory I was glad he actually talk to Gray about what happened and through that talk with him he learn that nothing was his fault. Even his parents mention that as well. Which I love for him., because through it all Gray was a good fit for him and vise versa.

I love how Gray brothers didn’t turn their back on him especially Axel and Bailey once they learn the reason behind why he left at a young age and left them behind. I can’t wait to read Axel book next and learn more about Holden I’m definitely curious about him.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably closer to a 3.5 than a 4 for me. I have some issues with the writing, but I also couldn't put this down. It had enough drama to keep me hooked, and I also like how this author tackles heavy issues and trauma but still manages a pretty light tone.

The dialogue is super cheesy and corny. The writing felt kinda sitcom-y at times? That might not be the best description, but I don't know how else to describe it aside from how much it made me cringe so hard I had to put the book down several times. And I do not cringe easily. Real people don't talk like that. Which is fine, it's a book, of course the dialogue is cleaner and more coherent than people normally are. But it was just sooooo corny.

I also really struggled to follow scenes at times. Sometimes the characters will be in a group, and then two of them will have a conversation that seems to be private. but there is no indication that the others have moved somewhere else, or that the two are speaking quietly to not be overheard. Or sometimes they will have a conversation that I assume is private that is actually in front of a bunch of people (and that absolutely SHOULD have been private. If you’re going to be that disgustingly cheesy, at least don't subject others to it.). It just often isn't clear at all who is privy to a conversation and who isn't.

There were a lot of cameos from other works. This was my first read by this author, but it was pretty blatant when there was a cameo, and it was mildly annoying, but not enough to change my score. This series completely works as a standalone despite that, and I do believe the books in it can be read in any order.

Also, it was a bit too long. There were a lot of sex scenes, and I ended up skimming them toward the end.

Finally, the names of everyone and everything in this book made it extremely clear at all times that this is a fictional world with fictional people. The banker family are the Golds, the foster family are the Forresters, the mayor's family are the Princes, the town with a river is Riverton. And then the location names are all innuendos: Ball Breakers pool hall, Jerkers diner, I can’t remember more of them, but they're even worse. Again, cheesy af writing.

But overall pretty enjoyable if you can handle the cringe.