Love Mediation

Conflict Mediation: Not So Normative Spin-Off #4

by D.C. Emerson

Love. Four seemingly innocuous letters that have caused James a lot of grief. Growing up, he thought he had his mom and dad’s love, and his first boyfriend had said lots of pretty words—“love" included. But when push came to shove, the only one whose love stuck around was his mom.

And yes, he knows how pathetic that sounds, especially given that his mom is now busier than ever, happily planning Valentine’s Day for her two partners. Things are changing, though. James also has a beloved partner. A man he’s ready to introduce to his mom, and maybe even say those terrifying three words to…

He just has to make it perfect.

Leon, on the other hand, is far from perfect, and has no plans to try and be anything other than what he is: the office bad boy who is finally facing his ADHD head on…while also reckoning with the fact that he's head over heels for his ridiculous, adorable boyfriend.

With the help of new friends and his loveable cat Yarmen, he’s sure everything will work out just fine.

Love Mediation is the third novella in the Conflict Mediation series. The series is MM romance novella with trans rep and follows James and Leon as they explore their relationship, form new, long-lasting friendships, and dote on everyone’s favorite cat, Yarmen.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Novella, Contemporary

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2026

About the author

D.C. is an avid board gamer and rock climber who lives on the East Coast of the United States but loves to travel to places near and far as often as they can.

D.C. has always identified as queer, but during the pandemic they came out as nonbinary (they/them pronouns) to family and friends. This book was part of that process, and they have loved exploring different genderqueer identities like their own through their writing, reading, research, and countless hours watching reels and videos on social media.

Their biggest hope in writing queer fiction is to provide at least one other person out there with characters and story lines that they can recognize themselves, or their friends and loved ones in.

Reviews

[Julie Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching for James and Leon and their still mostly new relationship, and feelings are strong!

I adored seeing these two taking the next steps, including Leon meeting James’ mum, and Leon’s journey regarding his ADHD felt really realistic to me. There was a lot to relate to, and gave me a lot to think about myself.

Meeting James’ mum’s partners was also really nice, and I thought it was so lovely that James and his mum decorate for all the holidays, big and small, including Valentine’s Day! James’ and Leon’s respective conversations with their people regarding how they feel about each other were also so lovely, and it gave the story more of a slow-burn feeling, even though we’ve skipped forward several weeks since the last novella in the series!

James and Leon’s physical intimacy is further explored in this instalment, and there were some absolutely incredible moments of “I need you right here right now” that were so well-written!!

Tension was created when someone (not MC) got hurt (not seriously) and I felt like this moment really helped push Leon and James just that last little bit so they were able to express their feelings towards each other. Not gonna lie, I was on the verge of tears myself at the end, and it was such a beautiful moment between the two main characters!!

It’ll be a few months now until we find out what else happens for these two, but I’ll be patiently waiting to see how their story plays out!

Massive thanks to the author, D.C. Emerson, for the chance to read and review an advance copy of this book!!

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Mediation by D.C. Emerson

🩷 Already Established Relationship
🩷 Co-workers
🩷 Opposites Attract
🩷 ADHD Rep
🩷 Trans, Gay & Pan Rep
🩷 Found Family
🩷 Novella
🔥 Light Dom/Sub vibes, Nipple Play, Strap-On S*x, Oral, Biting/Marking

Review:
Yet another wonderful installment to add to this series. Like the previous stories, this novella had so much sweetness and heart and as always I was left wanting more!

The first half of the story felt more focused on the MCs as individuals rather than their relationship together and I personally enjoyed the second half of the book better where we see more of the MCs together.

I've really loved seeing James and Leon's relationship progress throughout these novellas and can't wait to eventually read the final instalment of their romance!

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

First person dual pov 👀

Content Warnings
On page: anxiety, blood, injury, medical content, taking of a new medication & emotional/physical crash after (medication rebound).
Mentioned: parent death, car accident, cancer treatment, illegal drug use of a parent around a minor, child neglect, child abandonment.

Thank you to the author for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

[Gabs (gaybism) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He shimmied around in James’ arms until he became the little spoon. James allowed this with little fuss, because he was the most amazing boyfriend Leon had ever had. No wonder he loved him.”

I could read another hundred books about them. I can’t get enough of James and Leon and their relationship progressing so softly and beautifully! Their tenderness and love has me in a chokehold.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you so much for the eArc

i really loved this new jamesleon piece of story! it's so nice to see their relationship develop and grow in such a healthy way <3 and i like that now they have friends too !

[Cayolimebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review 4/5 ⭐

Thank you D.C. Emerson for the eARC of Love Mediation! I was more than eager to get back to James and Leon's story.

Love Mediation is the fourth installment of this spin-off series and it's now time for James and Leon to take the next step in their relationship: saying "I love you".

I will say that the series is growing more informative in a sense, at least for me, and I'm enjoying learning more about these sides of the queer world. I somehow keep forgetting that t's a contemporary genre because of how much I like Emerson's writing style and how they work the "realness" into characters. There's a certain complexity to both James and Leon that make them more real. For instance, any stereotype you'd expect from how James or Leon are described keeps getting thrown out the window and I love it!

More side characters are getting introduced to and from a healthy (very good for you, James and Leon) and story-wise that's great, but I sadly do find Aspen a bit annoying. They're a great character and very good for Leon's development and dive into ADHD. I just can't handle that type of personality. However! Aspen is absolutely amazing in the aspect of introducing someone to going-ons with ADHD and I think it's an important representation.

Emerson does of course deliver on the spicy level. James and Leon have a very nice dynamic in the bedroom and I personally love the pet-names they use for each other. It's also a very healthy relationship, which I'm more than happy to see represented! The checking in, the consent, the aftercare and affirmations. It's honestly making it better.

On a final very crucial note: heed the trigger warnings. Emerson states them very clearly and I'm very thankful for that because the second half of the book is one heck of an emotional ride. Not in a bad way, I do enjoy when I end up bawling my eyes out 😅 And Emerson does a great work getting that reaction out of me. Thankfully the story has a happy ending.

Love Mediation is out today, January 14th, 2026! I know I'll get a physical copy as soon as it's available at my go to store. But for now, I recommend you all to check out Emerson's bio for all and everything you might want to know.

[Colleen (colleenreads40) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐

Love Mediation is the fourth book in D.C. Emerson’s Conflict Mediation series. This series is best enjoyed in order as it features the same main characters. Here’s what you can expect from Leon and James in this instalment:

🩷 MM contemporary romance novella
🩷 Third person dual point of view
🩷 Guaranteed happily for now (the series isn’t completed yet)
🩷 Open door spice
🩷 Transgender main character
🩷 Opposites attract
🩷 Interrupted Valentine’s Day date
🩷 Chosen family
🩷 ADHD unmasking

Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
⚠️ Discussions of cancer
⚠️ ER visits
⚠️ Peripheral neuropathy
⚠️ Cancer recovery
⚠️ Discussion of food (including eating more protein), as well as how food relates to ADHD and ADHD medications
⚠️ On page ADHD symptoms
⚠️ ADHD medication usage and ADHD medication crash (medication rebound)
⚠️ Discussion around reticence to use ADHD medication
⚠️ Reference to illegal drug use of a parent around a minor
⚠️ Reference to child neglect

This lovely series has brought me so much joy, and it’s always a good day when I see another instalment is available to us! I love that this series follows the same couple, Leon and James, from workplace enemies to boyfriends. Each novella gives us insight into the next part of their journey, and Love Mediation focuses on Valentine’s Day and those three little words that can change everything. Even though this series features James and Leon’s romantic relationship, I’ve been enjoying exploring their personal growth. Leon is on a journey with his ADHD diagnosis, and in this book, we get to see him try medication with the help of a side character who has quickly become his best friend. James, on the other hand, is still finding the balance and his own identity after his mom’s cancer fight as she finds her own independence. This was a great addition to the series, and it had a great balance of emotion like the previous novellas. There was plenty of romance, just the right amount of spice, all the feelings, and of course a bit of humour to even everything out. I’m looking forward to continuing their journey in the next novella!

I received an advanced review copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been awhile since I had read the third book, so it took me awhile to get back into this duo, but I quickly did. Following the progression of James and Leon from work enemies to lovers to in love has been an emotional ride so far. These two men face challenges many of us have not, and they face them with courage and grace. Both had difficult times in their childhood that have impacted them to this day, along with challenges as adults that have had effects on their relationships with others, and long lasting fears that play a part as they become closer to each other, developing feelings which might — yes, if being honest, are actually love.

With James’s mother now cured of her cancer and in a stable relationship, James can concentrate more on himself and his desires, especially where Leon is concerned. Leon is dealing with his recent ADHD diagnosis and the decision whether to try meds for it or not. Since control is a real issue for him, it’s hard to give them a try, especially with the memories of his childhood. Luckily for Leon he has Aspen and Noah as additions to their circle of friends. Aspen is a great support as Leon starts the meds journey, sharing his experiences and helping guide Leon in ways to help.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, both Leon and James are analyzing and agonizing over their feelings, building the strength to admit what the feelings actually are, first to themselves, then how to share with the other. As the big day approaches, plans are made when a crisis unexpectedly derails everything, leading to an emotional declaration in the next step on their journey.

These characters pull me in and quickly engage me with their thoughts, words, actions, and feelings. I can empathize with Leon and his new ADHD diagnosis, having had students who exhibited many of the same behaviors and challenges. I can also identify with James in caring for someone with a long and life threatening illness, the way your attention is so focused on caring to the point of letting little else into your life, then the feeling of relief, while not knowing what to do next. Following their journey is one of joys and sadness, ups and downs, in other words, life. I’m looking forward to the next step on their journey.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 of Leon and James slowly developing relationship. Each of them has situations and issues that first had them at loggerheads in their shared workspace. So much so that they were sent on a ‘Conflict Resolution’ course to sort themselves out. Except due to an error they were attending at a ‘couples resolution’ course (Book1). Happily this did help and led to better work and eventually a personal relationship. This can be followed in Book 2 were we learn a lot more of Leon and James’s anxieties and characters and not least, James’ transgender progress and adjustment in relationships.
Clear descriptions are given when intimacies occur between Leon and James here and in Book 2.

I liked Leon’s relationship with his Doctor neighbour, and his occasional caretaking of her teenage daughter as if she was his own blood relation, a found family for him. Here in ‘Love Mediation’ both Leon and James both realise that this relationship is ‘it’ for them, but both are scared to say the ‘love’ word.

Another very interesting character is James’s mother who later in life discovers her own little ‘kink’ and is in a ‘threesome’ with Howard and Linda, who she met in a support group.

I found the opening chapters a bit slow and also the chapter where Leon’s fellow ADHD sufferer, Aspen, is helping Leon sort out his medication and food intake timetable a bit of a sidestep.

Overall this series was a nice change of ‘situationship’ and I think that those who have someone who has ADHD or going through an sexual ID transition might find it a helpful read.

I was happy to receive an ARC copy via author of each book and voluntarily leave my unbiased review of same.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is lovely, each story is glimpse into Leon and James's love story. They may have started out as enemies but they aren't anymore, they are so much more than they ever thought they would be.

In this specific book we see Leon and James work on themselves more, Leon is trying out new ways to manage his ADHD, and James is trying to learn how to live his life without being his mom's sole caregiver.

I want to start by saying, these CANNOT be read as a standalone, you must read all the books in order to fully enjoy and understand the contents of the stories. I think this one is the one full of the most steam, the most growth, and the most emotion too. I think this story in particular was my favorite one in the series so far because of how much these two grew in this one. They've been slowly growing throughout each book, but in this one we saw Leon start embracing his ADHD, admitting his feelings, and being honest and vulnerable. Whereas James finally recognized that he's struggling with living with life now that he doesn't need to be his mom's caregiver.

I liked that these two bonded together even more, I think that their differences compliment the other. I don't personally love steamy scenes, and while this book IS steamy, I liked the way DC gave those scenes a purpose for being there.

All in all, another great look into James and Leon's life!

**I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.***

[Polycraftory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so good. I love how much we are able to see and explore in novellas. Their relationship progresses so much it feels like we are checking in on long distance friends that we go like 6 months without seeing and we have so much to talk about and catch up on.

In this check in we see James coming to terms with just how serious his feelings for Leon really are and getting ready to say the 4 letter L word. And we see Leon try ADHD meds for the first time. The amount fo anxiety Leon had around his ADHD and being on meds for the first time was very relatable. I loved seeing how much support he had and all the tips and tricks (some of which I should be using). It is also so good to just see this kind of rep in media generally. I feel like we have generally not seen a lot of ADHD in books and I love seeing it all laid out in this.

I struggled some with this novella just because they were a bit more out of sync then they usually are but I think that just shows how invested I am in them. I cannot wait for the next one!

Thank you for letting me be a part of the arc team!

Review by Nic @polycraftory on Instagram & Tumblr where I do book reviews and crafts with my polycule. If you are curious about my thoughts on more books, you can find me @businesswife on Storygraph or Nic Morrow on Netgalley. You can also find content warnings on my Storygraph review of this book. You can also find my reviews @polycraftory on Goodreads.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐
2.5 🌶️

My eyes hurt from the tears, all of them good.

James and Leon have had my heart since their accidental couple counseling. Each installment that D.C. blesses us with just keeps getting better and better.

James’ relationship with his mom warms my heart. She knows exactly when to push James and when he needs the mom approach. That hug she gave Leon, SO SWEET.

Leon “The Bad Boy Who Was Actually Incredibly Sweet and Called James After a Tough Day Just to Hear His Voice” Rabinowicz (yes this is one of the names James calls him in his head. And yes it’s absolutely adorable) is one of my favorite MCs that D.C. has ever written. There is something so achingly tender about him underneath the tough exterior he shows the world. He truly is the best.

The love declarations were so perfectly *them*. I wish I could forget and reread it again for the first time.

Seeing Aspen and Noah’s friendship grow with Leon and James was so well done. Needing another connection besides your partner is so valid and I loved how D.C. showed that in this novella.

Shoutout to Yarmen for knowing exactly what his humans need and when. And for being the cutest little bandana model! 🩷

MM Romance with Trans MC
Established Couple
Opposites Attract
Chosen Family
ADHD Rep
Third Person Dual POV

[Jovie Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The movie used to be a natural and satisfying follow-up to the story of Leon and James. The two have become something stable, smooth, and in a very supportive way, and it was nice to see them go together as opposed to perpetually struggling with emotions. The sight of how well they are getting on with Noah and Aspen, and the mother of James getting happy once more put the burden that had long been resting on his shoulders.

I was surprised most about the way in which personal growth was addressed in the book. The experience that Leon had with his ADHD diagnosis was both sincere and familiar, particularly his reluctance to rely on medication and management. Those moments were not sad but optimistic because he has people surrounding him especially Aspen and they supported him. James, conversely, is finally becoming able to concentrate on what he wants after years of prioritizing someone else, and such a shift was too palpable.

As the time of love comes closer, the tensions are emotionally felt in a rather believable manner. The suspicion, anxiety and desire on each side transported the emotional release that occurred to be all the more gratifying. The story is full of the twists and turns of the real world and the real love and left me attached to these characters and very much interested in finding out what will happen next in their journey.

ARC READ

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boys are back and I'm so happy about it!

In this novella, we get Leon finally meeting James' mom (who is iconic in of herself, I adore her so much), Leon working through his ADHD diagnosis and trying medication for it for the first time, and of course, their first Valentine's Day together as a couple.

As I said, I adore James' mom so watching her interact with Leon, who had a really crappy upbringing and a mom who did not care about him was really sweet and special. Not to mention she is hilarious and I love her and James' relationship as well. Plus we got to see more of her relationship with Linda and Howard, which was sweet. I also really loved seeing Aspen more and how they helped Leon with transitioning into meds and helping James come out of his shell more with meeting and connecting with friends (and Noah!). Also James being so supportive with Leon trying the medication?? Ugh, I love them so much. And James' increasing ridiculous middle names for Leon.

I definitely got misty-eyed with this one and it had my emotions all over the place but in a good way. I cannot WAIT for the final installment.

Thank you to the author for the eARC, all opinions are my own.

[Carly Molinar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful novella in Leon and James’ story. They’ve come a long way from office enemies and their botched Conflict mediation meeting. Watching them slowly grow into their relationship and love has been a privilege.

In this novella we find them both grappling with their intense feelings and what it means to love and be in love as Valentine’s Day approaches. Throw in their slowly growing found family, Leon’s struggles with ADHD, the way they communicate and care for one another, and the passion and heat that has long built between them and you have an emotional, tension filled, and oh so satisfying novella.

I cannot wait for the final installment for these two. A series of novellas was a perfect way to spend time with one couple and experience all the in between and after that is so often overlooked in novels.


What you’ll get:
•Established Relationship
•Trans MC
•Hurt/Comfort
•Love confessions
•Opposites Attract
•ADHD Rep
•Trying out meds
•Found Family
•Opening yourself up to love

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings for Love Mediation include: A car accident, blood, cancer, ER visits, peripheral neuropathy, and cancer recovery. There is also discussions around food; as well as how food relates to ADHD and ADHD meds. As well as ADHD symptoms, ADHD medicine usage, and ADHD medicine crash (also known as medication rebound). Discussion around reticence to use ADHD medicine, reference to illegal drug use of a parent around a minor, and reference to child neglect are also present.
☆
☆
This is the fourth book in the Conflict Mediation series. And I've continued to enjoy this series as it's gone on.
~
For someone who identifies as asexual, it feels a little odd to me when I enjoy books like this with more sexual scenes and the discussions that occur around that.
~
I genuinely liked the conversations that Leon and James had around their feelings, both in terms of their emotions, as well as the conversations around their romantic feelings for each other, and being bery open and honest about things.
•
Thank you to author D.C. Emerson for sending me an ARC copy of this book.

[That One Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review* Thank you to D.C. Emerson for sending me a copy!

Intro:
This book is an MM romance and fourth book in the series between James and Leon, who are trying to come to terms with how they feel about one another.


Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Open Door Romance
-ADHD/Anxiety Rep
-ADHD Unmasking
-Trans MMC
-Chosen Family
-Established Relationship
-Hurt/Comfort
-HFN (Happy For Now)


Likes:
-Aspen is such a good friend and I can't wait to read their book
-MCs get sweeter with each book, they made me cry a little
-Light banter and humor
-James's transness is an integral part of the story and I loved reading about the different aspects of his identity
-Exploration of new friendship
-Characters who aren't afraid to cry and show emotion
-MCs who aren't afraid to talk to each other and discuss issues
-The cover is adorable and I love the color scheme


Quotes
-"Aspen was the kind of friend who would probably climb onto his lap if he let them"
-"I've got you, darlin' "
-"It was almost like with meds, his best friend, his cat, and his emotional support bag of marshmallows, he could do anything"
-"James made him feel safe enough to ask to be taken care of and to know he wouldn't be met with ridicule or neglect"
-"What do you need, baby? I promise, I'll give it to you"
-"I think if you can say shit like that, I'm not doing my job right"

I read the previous books in this series and I love getting to continue James and Leon's story. These characters are so tender and sweet and I love seeing them grow and further express themselves. This book focuses on Leon's ADHD, a newly formed friendship and the deeper feelings Leon and James are developing for each other. I recommend reading the previous books first as they are best read in order, but it can also standalone if need be. If you are looking for a short book with sweet characters, tender moments, expressions of love, budding friendship and personal growth, then I recommend reading this book/series.

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought that with every book I would love James and Leon more and more, and yet here I am, counting down the days until the final installment of the series is released.

Because these two boys are so lovable, so sweet, and so perfect on their own—and together—that there are simply no words for it.

@authordcemerson, you wrote the characters so wonderfully; it’s so easy to truly feel and experience everything they go through, whether it’s ADHD, panic attacks, the fear when Hailey gets into trouble, or simply understanding what the other needs in that moment 🥹

James’s mom with her polyamorous relationship, Aspen and Noah, Hailey, Trina, and Hailey’s mom are all absolutely lovable characters.

I never liked books written in third person, but you made me fall in love with them 💖

I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[ds321 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost want to just repeat my review from Conflict Resolution because… well. Love Mediation is just as amazing, although very different in a few dozen ways. I loved the evolution of relationships with secondary characters and how that reflects, and is reflected by, the evolution of Leon and James’ relationship. Their doubts and fears (which by the way are notably NOT only about each other) are realistic, and realistically written, instead of feeling contrived as they sadly are in many books.

This one did make me cry. More than once. Only in good ways, though!

I’m also very impressed with the representation of both physical and mental health challenges. Realistic, not overblown, and also not implying that a given experience is typical.

Once again, an exceptional story by DC Emerson and a delightful addition to the series.

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a gentle, heartfelt look at what it means to let love take up space when it hasn’t always felt safe to do so. James’s anxiety around the word “love” is handled with a lot of care, and his desire to make everything perfect before saying it felt very real. Introducing Leon to his mum was a lovely milestone, and I really enjoyed seeing more of James’s family dynamic and the warmth that surrounds it.

Leon begins to confront his ADHD with honesty rather than bravado. His perspective balances James beautifully, and their relationship feels increasingly grounded and emotionally intimate. The story may be short, but it’s packed with meaningful moments, quiet vulnerability and genuine connection. It’s a lovely continuation of their journey, so tender and affirming.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review,

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love Mediation" is the fourth book in D.C. Emerson’s Conflict Mediation series. This chapter in James and Leon's love story is sweet. It also gives food for thought.
Valentine's Day is fast approaching, their first. And both want to make it special. There's some difficulty saying the"L" word, which is quite bittersweet considering their back stories. Tissue alert!
On the brighter side, Leon gets to meet James' mom, a wonderful and supportive parent. She's like a warm hug. Friends and their chosen family also provide support and comfort. He also starts medication for his ADHD after a bit of angsty scenery chewing.James and Leon sizzle, but it was more sweet than smexy.
Watching these men grow from enemies to lovers was rather charming. I can't wait to see where the author will take them next.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.

[TeeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

The thing with D.C. Emerson's stories is that they feel real and accessible. The romance and story feel believable and relatable. Each novella in thsi series shows a real and healthy relationship progression with great character growth. The queer and trans rep is so well done as always. I always feel at home and comforted reading their books and this novella was no different. I love D.C. Emerson's work so much and each novella in this series is a nice little low angst snack of a story. I'm excited to see what happens next with Leon and James and I'm looking forward to see what's going on with Aspen and Noah in Emerson's new spin-off series coming up. This was a great time and it gave all the warm fuzzies.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[C Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Latest in the lovely Conflict Mediation series. Can be read as a standalone but you'll get more feels if you read the series in order and see what a long way our boys have come from their oppositional starting point.
Bad-boy-not-really-he's-a-cinammon-roll Leon and his boyfriend James navigate sex, feelings, icy roads, their neurodivergence, their chaotically adorable friendship group and family dramas. I was prepared for an immersive, tender read, but the issues are covered in some depth - I had to put it down at one point to go and talk to someone affected by an issue I was reading on the page. I would advise readers to check content warnings as always, but the author writes with great sensitivity and care.
I was rooting for the boys and I'm looking forward to reading Aspen and Noah's story, they are A LOT.

[Justinelivre · Rating 5 out of 5]

J’ai eu ce livre en service presse !

Encore une fois, une novella adorable et qui aborde des sujets importants et intéressants ! Dans ce tome on va suivre James et Léon qui passe la saint Valentin ensemble, après plusieurs mois passés ensemble, la prochaine étape semble être celle de s’avouer ses sentiments. J’aime beaucoup le fait que dans chaque tome ils semblent se rapprocher.

On a aussi Léon qui teste des médicaments pour l’aider avec son TDAH ainsi que les effets positifs et négatifs qui vont avec. Grave à cela on voit aussi leur amitié avec Aspen et Noah qui se développe !

En bref, un couple adorable qui passe par toutes les grandes étapes et en ressortent plus fort !

I received this book as an ARC !

Once again, it's an adorable novella that tackles important and interesting topics! In this volume, we follow James and Leon as they spend Valentine's Day together. After several months together, the next step seems to be confessing their feelings for each other. I really like the fact that in each volume, they seem to grow closer.

We also see Léon testing medications to help with his ADHD, along with the positive and negative effects that come with it. On top of that, we also see their friendship with Aspen and Noah develop!

In short, an adorable couple going through all the major stages and coming out stronger !

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Mediation
A Not So Normative Novella
By D.C. Emerson

I can’t get enough of James and Leon! These novellas are great for short reads when you are having trouble focusing. Each novella focuses on a different period or topic and each are complete in their own way.

In this novella, we get a deeper look at the feelings that James and Leon are having for each other. We also see how their feelings for Hailey affect them after her car accident with Trina. My favorite part is obviously James’s scrapbook for Leon. I thought it was so romantic how he inadvertently started saving mementos of their friendship. I know this isn’t the end of James and Leon yet, but it is so sweet that they got to this point. 💜

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

.

Oh I love James and Leon so much.
I love how each book is kind of a “small read” (for me at least) and it flows so well. James and Leon are growing more into each other’s loves and it’s beautiful to see their relationship grow throughout the separate books instead of it being in one giant book and kind of rushed.

James being there for Leon when it was needed, and then Leon turning around to be there for James, my poor heart. Leon’s love confession was truly beautiful and I love James’ response and how James said it back. I’m a sucker for memory books (I’ve made so many for different types of relationships over the years) and think James’ idea was beautiful.
I cannot wait to see where the last book for these two takes us.

[kj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! It’s such a unique way to write about a relationship; I really appreciate how it lets each relationship milestone be so deeply explored. This one builds up to the first I love yous. I enjoyed getting to reach both characters perspectives as they came to terms with their love, and seeing their own different ways to working up to sharing the admission for the first time.

The background characters, like always with DC Emerson, are phenomenal! It’s a tie for who I love more — James’ mom in her poly relationship that we’ve gotten to see bloom in the background of the series, or Aspen and Noah, who I’m very excited to read about in their own stories

Can’t wait for the next one!!!!

thanks to the author for the arc!

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

James and Leon have come so far from where they began in accidental couples therapy. Now their feelings are getting stronger every day and neither one knows quite what to do about it. I love these guys and the small circle of friends they are building. I have enjoyed this journey. Leon is ridiculously head over heels and James is terrified of losing those he loves and needs everything to be perfect. But sometimes life is far from perfect and has other plans. With each other and their found family, these two can overcome anything. All of the rep in this series is amazing and this group of diverse characters has stolen my heart.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and James and Leon are starting to realize that they may be in love with each other. This novella goes through a lot in a short amount of time, and I was on a rollercoaster of emotions.

Some of the highlights for me:
- Leon meeting James’ mom for the first time, and she knew that Leon needed a “mom hug”.
- James’ mom telling him that he is in love with Leon.
- Leon going down a hyperfocus rabbit hole searching for cat bandanas.

I’m going to really miss these two when this series is over. Thanks to the author for the ARC. I can’t wait for the next installment in James and Leon’s story.

[Ruby Dalegendaryreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’d happily burn the world down and laugh about it” to “I’m considering burning the world down, would you like to join me on this epic adventure?”

Leon and James are together for quite some time, but now they are ready to say the three words and when is the perfect time to say it but on Valentines' Day?

Hands down, my favorite in the series.

The queer and mental health representation in this book is top tier. I am learning things, and so thankful for D.C. Emerson for that. The author made me consider things about things I haven't considered before.

It's a novella and wished it's way longer.

[Elio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore James and Leon. Everything about this series has been so heartwarming and every time I finish a new one I’m so sad that it isn’t longer. At the same time I love the format so much. It’s all been really well done so far and Love Mediation was just as beautifully done as the last three. For me, this one was a little bit tougher to get through because the ADHD rep hit a little harder than I expected it to. Sometimes feeling seen is emotionally devastating, you know?

Thank you for the ARC!