Perpetually undateable. That’s what you’d call me. Before I can get through the door, I’ve already told them too much. Getting stood up has become a sport. After yet another bad setup, I take a chance on the stranger at the table next to mine, but I'm not expecting what comes after.
This is why I should never think with my dick.
David
Another failed business trip. At this rate, all the terrible proposals could line a city block. When I stopped off for lunch and spotted the man who got stood up, I knew I had to shoot my shot. It didn’t hurt that he came with the added perk of being the new consultant I’m scheduled to meet the following morning.
Maybe I can convince him we can be more.
If I See You Again originally appears in the Queers and Quills Closer. It has been expanded from it's original 8.5k to a full length novel.
Let’s talk about Malcolm and David. Oh, these two. When I first met them, I genuinely wanted to put them both in a time-out corner to rethink their life choices. But stick with them, because once these two knuckleheads stop being emotionally constipated, the payoff is SO worth it.
Malcolm’s journey the man finally figures out his worth and it’s like watching a flower bloom in fast-forward. David, on the other hand, learns to stop bulldozing his way into conversations and starts being the soft, protective bear hug Malcolm always needed. Honestly, David’s “let me hold you until the bad thoughts go away” vibe had me melting into a puddle.
Now, lets talk about how Malcolm was always reject for his past like it was an Olympic Sport. Because the moment David hears his story, his first reaction is to wrap Malcolm up like a human burrito and never let go. That’s the gold standard, folks. Bare minimum. Blanket burrito energy always.
David is a little obsessed but in the “I will annoy you into loving yourself” way, not the creepy stalker way. Their banter is a delightful push-pull of wit, charm, and just the right amount of emotional warfare. They challenge each other, they grow together, and somehow manage to make it look like a rom-com slow burn that’s been marinating in feels.
Watching Malcolm and David fall in love is like being handed a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. It’s comforting, a little bittersweet, and leaves you with that “everything’s going to be okay” feeling. This isn’t just a romance it’s a quiet, heartfelt celebration of finding the person who sees you, all of you, and sticks around anyway.
A one-night stand, a boardroom, and a whole lot of chemistry!
A chance meeting turns into a hilarious and heartfelt office romance in the best way. Marcus is reserved, still grieving the loss of his brother, and usually plays it safe. David, a charming and wealthy executive, is on the hunt not just for a marketing firm, but for the man he can’t forget after a single unforgettable night.
When Marcus realizes the man he spent the night with is now a potential client, professionalism becomes a challenge, especially when David makes it very clear he’s not backing down. But what makes this story shine is how David never bulldozes his way in. His pursuit is determined, yes, but it’s also tender, respectful, and full of heart.
I loved Marcus and David. Their chemistry was off the charts, and David’s bold but considerate approach was swoon-worthy. A great story!
The book was good pretty much a slow burn but with a lot of back and forth especially with Malcolm. My heart for Malcolm and all the pain & trauma he had to go through but I’m glad he found someone like David who never gave up on him.
Thank you, Joelle, for my copy of If I See You. This standalone is an extended version of If I See You from the Queers and Quills Closer anthology. Malcolm and David meet in a bar and, after 1 night, aren't expecting to see each other again. But they do, they next day at Malcolms work! This is heartfelt slow burn MM Romance, which deals with themes including guilt whilst grieving.
👔 MM Romance 👔 Workplace Romance 👔 One Night 👔 Hurt/Comfort 👔 MCs over 30 👔 Grief 👔 Dual POV 👔 Epilogue
This was a cute and fun read! I enjoyed Malcolm and David's story a lot. I loved their chemistry. I really enjoyed how smitten David was and did not give up on Malcom, when Malcolm was sabotaging them. David was patient and steady and I loved that. Malcolm had some hangups, but I was glad to see him work through them. This was a great one night stand story, that turned into so much more and I really enjoyed it.
{if i see you again} Arc review by Jessie Melka ___________•___________
NGL this was very sweet
If i see you again its a standalone by joelle lynne its a one night stand to lovers with a twist of workplace romance we get introduced to both mc’s pretty quickly first we meet Malcolm he’s waiting for his date, that He’s been set up with. When that person doesn’t show up, Malcolm has a laugh behind him and that’s when we are introduced to David and one thing leads to another and they find themselves in a hotel room wrapped in sheets and each other.
I loved how David went from. I don’t date to i met the one and only, so quick. it goes to show that once you met the right person you just know it David had a bit of a pushing problem in that that he was extremely pushy to watch Malcolm and that he did everything he could to convince him that this was what he really wanted, but I liked it a lot
Malcolm has been stood up a lot he thinks it’s because of his organ donation to his brother but deeper down I think it’s mostly because he’s not ready to commit to someone and then losing them he has lot to work through and thankfully, David is there to help him with some of his insecurities
The story was very sweet Malcolm and David is so adorable together and I loved how sweet Malcolm’s family was his mother especially she has such a good heart though it takes him a while to really get together and finding their happy ending their story is sweet and simple with a bit of angst
This was a little hard for me to get into not that I’m not totally in love with the slow burn of the story but I just found it was not really my type of book and that’s totally okay. It doesn’t mean that’s not yours and the book is not good. It just wasn’t my style.
I read this book a 3 out of 5 stars and I would recommend this to everyone who is extremely interested in one night stands to love us/workplace romance and also someone who’s looking for a sweet short book that just gonna give them a lot of joy then this is something I would recommend for you but remember to form your own opinions and not just listen to me Until next time, my loves…
Rating: 3/5 Spice: 2/5 Angst: 2/5 Would I read again: maybe
(I received an advance copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily)
🩷MM Romance 💜Workplace Romance 🩷Hurt/Comfort 💜Mc’s in their 30’s 🩷One night stand to Lovers ___________•___________
Book Review: If I See You Again by Joelle Lynn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Joelle Lynn delivers a heartfelt, slow-burn romance in If I See You Again that is equal parts witty, tender, and emotionally sincere. Originally a shorter story featured in Queers and Quills: Closer, this expanded version blossoms into a beautifully developed novel that explores the risks of vulnerability, the awkwardness of unexpected connection, and the transformative power of falling in love, especially when you least expect it.
Meet Malcolm and David: Malcolm, the self-proclaimed "perpetually undateable" consultant with a tendency to overshare, is no stranger to being stood up. But one failed dinner date turns into something surprising when the stranger at the next table; David makes a bold move. David, reeling from another fruitless business trip, isn’t looking for romance either, but the spark between them is undeniable. What starts as a spontaneous encounter takes a meaningful turn when fate (and a shared work assignment) brings them together again the very next day.
Their dynamic is magnetic and endearingly awkward in all the right ways. The chemistry is immediate, but the emotional depth grows organically, especially as the story transitions from flirtation to something more serious. One of the most heartwarming moments comes during Thanksgiving with Malcolm’s family, where David not only helps Malcolm navigate the chaos of family life but also gently nudges him toward a profound realization: he's falling in love.
Lynn shines brightest in these quiet, vulnerable moments, letting the characters breathe, hesitate, and stumble in real, relatable ways. Malcolm’s inner doubts and David’s patient reassurance create a relationship that feels deeply authentic. Their romance doesn’t rely on over-the-top drama or manufactured tension; instead, it’s about finding something real in a world full of disappointments.
Final Thoughts: If I See You Again is a cozy, queer romance that embraces the messiness of modern dating, the warmth of chosen and biological family, and the thrill of finding someone who just gets you. It’s a perfect read for anyone who loves a well-earned happy ending and characters who grow not just in love, but in self-understanding. Highly recommended for fans of emotionally honest romances with a soft heart and sharp sense of humor.
I was delighted to unpack the heartfelt charm of Joelle Lynne’s If I See You Again which is the expanded version of a novella.
Malcolm and David are two men who find themselves tangled up in a night of passion, only to discover that they’re about to be thrown together in a work project the very next day. Let the chaotic emotions begin!
I appreciated the dynamic between the protagonists. While Malcolm was grappling with his grief and keeping things at arm’s length, David was all about pressing forward. He wanted more than just a fling, and he was adorably protective and aware of Malcolm’s distress at work and at Malcolm’s family’s Thanksgiving. As the story progressed, I found myself rooting for them, hoping that Malcolm would find the strength to let David in, not just into his bed but into his heart.
Watching the lovers embrace vulnerability amid their quirks is what makes this novel shine. The way that Malcolm’s emotional journey was portrayed such as his struggles and his moments of vulnerability, added so much depth to the story. It wasn’t just about hot moments and spontaneous attraction, it was about the healing power of love and connection. David’s persistence and warmth provided a nice balance to Malcolm’s more serious demeanor. The book beautifully captures the challenges and joys of falling for someone in the midst of personal turmoil.
With all that being said, while his character had such potential to be explored in depth, I couldn’t shake the feeling that David’s backstory was rushed, almost like an afterthought. There’s so much richness in how dysfunctional family dynamics shape a person, and I found myself craving more insight into how David’s past influenced the man he is.
If you enjoy a slow-burn romance that’s packed with wit, tenderness, and genuine emotional depth, this book is a must-read. I look forward to more books by this author.
Thank you to Ms. Lynne for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
↓↓ This was a cute read but I feel that at times it wasn't as fleshed out as it could have been and there were things that should have been expanded on when it was previously mentioned.
Malcolm and David hit it off right away with a one night stand. They have an instant connection but Malcolm leaves in the middle of the night. The next day Malcolm meets his new contract for his job. Lo and behold its David.
David knew what he wanted from the start and it was Malcolm. He did everything he could to persuade him to give him a chance and a relationship a shot.
Things changed between them and Malcolm slowly came to realize that he can't keep pushing David away.
There were some things that I felt needed to be fleshed out a bit more. Why have Malcolm's boss be such an ass just to have him apologize and be upset with him leaving? It made no sense to me. Also the whole thing with David's family, there was a point towards the end of the book where David talks to his mom and pretty much ends the relationship, he then makes a comment that he need's to talk to Malcolm about his family and their issues. It's not touch on again except a passing comment from Aubrey, there was no big talk, there was no hey this is what I have going on with my family. Why bring it up at all if its not touched on again?
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥 💜MM Romance 💜Workplace Romance 💜One Night Stand to Lovers 💜Hurt/Comfort 💜MCs in their 30s
I could not put this book down it was so engaging and heartfelt starting off their explosive chemistry with a one night stand which gradually evolves into something so much more than they both expected!
Another failed blind date leads Malcolm Fisher to accept a pseudo date from a stranger sitting near him which changes both their lives unexpectedly!
David Garrison was just the perfect,patient, supportive and romantic man to ever cross Malcom Fisher’s path who accepted him baggage and all but Malcolm pushed him away time and time again to avoid a conflict of interest at his work…
But the heart wants what it wants…
“And maybe I’d been unsuccessful so many times because I’d been meant to find David this entire time.”
Malcolm’s boss was a first class emotional, abusive selfish a hole who belittled him and broke down his confidence time and time again but then David opened his eyes… and an unfortunate car accident was the last straw!
I loved Malcolm’s family and how welcome and warm they were towards David and how they tried to push them together subtly…
They had a lot of support to guide them on their path which was not easy hence the slow burn….
A sweet epilogue will show you what happens three months later with our sweet, beautiful characters!
I voluntarily received an ARC from Joelle Lynn and Nisha’s Books & Coffee for an honest non biased review.
I wanted to like this book a bit more than I did. I think the author made a valiant effort to write outside of her comfort zone/normal character types but I found it to be paced odd. Overall, fun easy read though. The odd pacing... it felt very fast but with that, I felt like I was missing stuff. At times it almost felt too fast. It’s kinda like it was trying to be a novella but then got too big but not big enough. According to an author’s note, this started as a short story in an anthology and then expanded into a full book. I don’t know if that played into this or if it’s the author stepping out of her comfort zone, but I feel like there was so much more potential places to explore deeper. There’s an entire subplot with Malcolm’s boss that ended probably in a realistic way but the build-up made it feel like it would be bigger. Same with some of the background stuff with David. There were hints and then an entire other part was suddenly introduced and then all of it quickly wrapped up in a pretty bow without really going into it which I think would’ve added a lot of depth into his character. Overall, it’s an easy read. I think it would be a great one to get out of a reading slump. And while I have these thoughts on it, it could just be me since I tend to like longer books which have more time to explore deeper.
Malcolm is used to being stood up and oversharing, so after another failed date he impulsively connects with the stranger at the next table. David, stuck on a disastrous business trip, takes a chance on the man he saw get stood up — only to discover Malcolm is the consultant he’s meeting the next morning. What starts as a spontaneous night quickly hints at something more.
The connection between Malcolm and David is undeniable — what starts as pure passion quickly deepens into something steadier as their relationship settles and feelings take root. I really enjoyed watching them navigate that shift from heat to genuine emotion. The jump from the original anthology story to this longer version didn’t always land for me. Some scenes felt a little stilted, as if the expansion stretched the rhythm more than the story naturally allowed. I also found David harder to relate to at times; his confidence occasionally tipped into being a bit too pushy. Still, their chemistry is strong, the emotional moments are lovely, and the journey from a chance encounter to something real makes this a satisfying, heartfelt read. This was an MM story with mature content.
*** Please note that this story originally appeared in the Queers and Quills Anthology: Closer. It has been expanded from it's original 8.5k to a full length novel. ***
I have pretty read all of Joelle’s books but I think this one is my absolute favorite one. The emotion and the low angst we got was just done so well. I literally finished this book in a few hours because it was that good. I love a good one night stand where they get together permanently.
Malcolm was just so adorable and all he wanted was a date that wouldn’t stand him up. When David overheard his phone call, he couldn’t help but to be intrigued by this man. Malcolm tried to stay away from him but how could he when David was so persistent?
There was enough angst in this book that made me eager for more. I also loved the way that David invited himself to meet Malcolm’s family. I loved it. What I loved was when David saw Malcolm’s scar, he didn’t turn away and I was a sucker when he called him Beautiful.
I really loved how the grief was written for Malcolm and his family. I’m so glad that he had David to lean on because without him, he wouldn’t have found his forever.
I loved most of the side characters but didn’t like how Malcolm’s boss treated him. Other than that, it was utterly perfection that made me want more and more.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
If I See You Again is a new MM contemporary romance from author Joelle Lynne. According to the blurb, "If I See You Again originally appears in the Queers and Quills Anthology: Closer. It has been expanded from it's original 8.5k to a full length novel." From my understanding, this anthology was exclusive to event goers at Queers and Quills, so I didn't have much of an idea of what to expect with this book. I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I admit that I wasn't the biggest fan of either Malcolm or David at the very beginning. Malcolm struck me as a tad whiny and too indecisive at times, while David initially came across as kind of arrogant and pushy/manipulative. Thankfully, the characters become more likeable as the story progresses. It takes Malcolm a bit longer than David to outwardly change, but he eventually becomes more sure of himself and what he wants and deserves. David becomes softer and more vulnerable while also being a protective, supportive partner for Malcolm.
This book was a very quick and overall enjoyable read, and I was glad that the two men were able to find each other and their HEA. 3.5/5 stars
I cannot understand why Malcolm was always so rejected when telling people of his past. I would think that him telling his story about his twin brother would bring about people's empathy, not them abandoning him. David's very first instinct after hearing his story is to hug Malcolm, which should be the standard individual's reaction.
I loved the way these characters were written. David is somewhat obsessed with Malcolm, but never to a scary or dangerous extent. He just comes on strong enough that he wears Malcolm down each time they interact. 😊 Their dynamic was really fun and entertaining to read. Both of the men were highly intelligent and they worked so well together through any and all their issues, relationship or not.
I read If I See You Again twice and both times were immensely enjoyable. The characters meshed well with one another and were exciting to follow as they interacted and fell in love. Their story was sweet and somewhat inspiring, especially when it led to Malcolm really finding out what it is he wanted in his life and his future.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This is only the second book I have read from this author and it was an enjoyable one. I loved Malcolm, he had so much baggage and pain from his brother’s death, and I couldn’t figure out why sharing that (although maybe a bit too soon) would make him undateable. He obviously still has trauma from the loss of his brother, but it was good to see him let loose a bit with David when they met. I could understand his hesitation once they were working together on David’s ad campaign, but was happy David was so persistent. David understood the value that Malcolm brought into his life, and the depth of feelings for him that he hadn’t ever had before. His caring and support were something Malcolm needed to realize he could be enough by himself, even with the loss of his brother. Just enough low level angst and heat between the two to make a satisfying romance for me. They pulled me into the book and along their growing relationship, having me invested in their HEA. A sweet and satisfying tale I could totally recommend for a feel good read.
A really lovely MM romance, with a perpetually undateable guy, a guy who was only into hookups and the most lovely coincidence I've read in a long time (maybe ever) that leads them together.
Malcolm is still grieving the loss of his twin brother, who he donated a kidney to but unfortunately his body rejected the transplant and he passed. He has had that be a dealbreaker for one too many dates. He gets stood up, but it is overheard by David, who finds him endearing. They both think this is just a hookup, until the client Malcolm meets the next morning turns out to be David. Oops.
They decide to keep things professional, but that doesn't last too long. Soon enough, they are falling in love, dealing with grief, meeting family and figuring out that they want to be together, not apart.
I liked the story and the premise, Malcom and David meet at a restaurant after Malcom is being stood up, and they hook-up. It's supposed to be only a one night thing, they don't even exchange full names or phone numbers, but the following day David goes to the advertising agency where Malcom works for a presentation and hires Malcom. David is immensely attracted to Malcom and wants him, Malcom is also attracted to David but fears for his job if he sleeps with a client. They have an incredible chemistry. For the first time with this author I struggled a bit to identify with the characters, mainly Malcom, but also with the rhythm and the style. Some situations really felt unrealistic.
This was originally a short story even if I struggle to see how this story would've fit the format. Even novella length would've made it go too fast. So I can see why Joelle wanted to write the story in novel form. Malcolm and David meet and have a one night stand. And learn next day they will work together on a project. Malcolm wants to keep his work and personal life separate, David wants more. Malcolm is suffering from grief and guilt after his brother's death. I really liked how determined David was to break down Malcolm's walls. Their attraction to each other was instant, but feelings took longer to develop - especially for Malcolm.
I received this ARC for my honest opinion. If I See You Again by Joelle Lynne was a fun and fabulous read. David and Malcolm’s story is a fabulous story. They meet because Malcolm gets stood up and David is meeting advertising companies. They both are having a rough go of hit. David over hears Malcolm got stood up and joins him. It’s a great start for one night. The rest takes a turn when Malcolm’s company is hired by David for advertising for his company. They go on an adventure together to address their insecurities together. It makes for a fun and real read. I highly recommend reading it and checking out Joelle’s other books in the catalogue.
ARC Review: Malcolm and David are just adorable. It’s a one night stand that becomes more. David is in Chicago for business he meets Malcolm while he’s being stood up the attraction is instant and they have an incredible night. They don’t expect to see each other again until David walks into Malcom’s job. Malcolm tries to keep it professional but he can’t deny the chemistry that they both have. David is all in but Malcolm is more scared. It takes them a while to fully give in but their HEA is so worth it. I truly enjoyed their story. It was sweet and heartwarming and I didn’t mind that it was a slow burn.
This book has everything a 5 star read needs. A gripping story, deep emotional moments, a love story with challenges, charming secondary characters and a boss who becomes increasingly unpleasant and brings a lot of tension to the plot.
I love Malcolm and David. I can't imagine how anyone gets through a loss like Malcolm had to go through! David is exactly the man he needed! With lots of patience, tenacity and determination to win over Malcolm, the first man he really wants to commit to his life, David gradually tears down all the walls Malcolm has built up to protect his heart.
If I See You Again according to the author "originally appears in the Queers and Quills Anthology: Closer. It has been expanded from it's original 8.5k to a full length novel." This is the story of Malcolm and David. This was a great story that I really enjoyed. The guys have great chemistry but like all good stories there are things to work out. Malcolm has a lot of things to work through personally. I loved how David didn't give up on breaking down Malcolm's barriers. I would definitely recommend this book.
Malcolm donated a kidney to his twin brother but he still died. The lasting effect of this colored his life. When he's stood up on a date, David steps in and they hook up. Then David turns out to be his new client. I loved Malcolm trying to stay professional and weakly pushing him away. I especially loved David's openess and persistent wooing with his patiently reinforcing his desire. It's full of angst and heartwarming at the same time while also being steamy. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
Malcolm gets stood up, and David steps in. They enjoyed their time together. They meet again when it turns out David is Malcom's new client. Malcolm tries to be professional and keep him at arms length, but David knows what he wants and is determined to get Malcolm. Malcolm is dealing with a lot of trauma and pain so so there's lots of back and forth from him. David also has a painful past, but eventually, David is able to help him heal and overcome his pain for them to move on together.
These two: Malcom and David, oh boy. They are a beautiful disaster. You will find yourself shaking yourself shaking your head but falling in love with them at the same time.
David had me in all the feels when he told Malcom "Let me hold you until the bad thoughts go away." like yes, daddy! Malcom has been rejected so much that he is used to it, until David. Now he feels special and likes he belongs.
Watching these two fall deeper in love was so adorable and I can't wait for you to love them, too!
Thank you, Joelle, for my copy of If I See You Again, narrated by Jeff Lindh. This standalone is an extended version of If I See You from the Queers and Quills Closer anthology. Malcolm and David meet in a bar and, after 1 night, aren't expecting to see each other again. But they do, they next day at Malcolms work! This is heartfelt slow burn MM Romance, which deals with themes including guilt whilst grieving.
👔 MM Romance 👔 Workplace Romance 👔 One Night 👔 Hurt/Comfort 👔 MCs over 30 👔 Grief 👔 Dual POV 👔 Epilogue
Malcolm’s dating life has been in the dumpster for a long time. After losing his brother he was scared of opening up to anyone else until David introduced himself. The last night in Chicago, David meets the adorable Malcolm and all it took was one night of fun for him to be hooked. David is exactly what Malcolm needed to help him start to finally heal. These two are great together. I hope we see them again. 🖤🔥🥂🔥🖤
My favorite quote from Malcolm:
Something passed between us. A silent message that this was our fate. I realized then that we were bound together, and though I sometimes resisted, this man was in my life to stay.
And the best part was… I didn’t want to fight it anymore.
This story touches you heart and soul. David is a software executive in Chicago looking for an advertisement agency to launch his website and software. He runs into Malcom at a restaurant where Malcom was stood up by a date, so they kept each other company. The next day David goes to meet the last of the prospective advertisers and it’s the company where Malcom works. Both individuals have issues from their past. The story is wonderful with a very happy ending.
I'm always a fan of a slow burn that does not lack heat! After a lot of back and forth (Yeah, I'm looking at you, Malcolm.. I get you, but i just wanted to shake you a bit 😏), Malcolm and David get to where they need to be. As someone who struggles to advocate for myself, I sympathized with Malcolm and was proud of his character growth. I loved David's pushiness. I loved that he knew what he wanted and he went after it. It was a quick read, but they make you work for it.