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Hammered and Nailed
Best friends don't kiss each other. Especially when you're both straight.
I'm the cautious one--the guy who avoids romantic disasters by avoiding romance altogether. Mason's the impulsive, flirty, and perpetually in someone's bed. But it's always been women. For both of us.
That is, until one impulsive kiss in the middle of the cabin renovations turns my whole world sideways. I can't stop thinking about doing it again, and Mason's looking at me like he wants the same thing.
We've promised not to cross that line again, but dirt, sweat, and late nights at the lake are a dangerous combination. The more time we spend working together, the more I realize I'm not just curious. I want him.
If we're not careful, this renovation might end up rebuilding more than a cabin. It might change everything we thought we knew about ourselves.
Hammered and Nailed is a low angst, double bi-awakening, best friends to lovers standalone MM romance with a sexy contractor, bonfires by the lake, and a summer where unexpected discoveries turn into something Mason and Emery never saw coming. It has heat, heart, and a guaranteed happy ending.
I'm the cautious one--the guy who avoids romantic disasters by avoiding romance altogether. Mason's the impulsive, flirty, and perpetually in someone's bed. But it's always been women. For both of us.
That is, until one impulsive kiss in the middle of the cabin renovations turns my whole world sideways. I can't stop thinking about doing it again, and Mason's looking at me like he wants the same thing.
We've promised not to cross that line again, but dirt, sweat, and late nights at the lake are a dangerous combination. The more time we spend working together, the more I realize I'm not just curious. I want him.
If we're not careful, this renovation might end up rebuilding more than a cabin. It might change everything we thought we knew about ourselves.
Hammered and Nailed is a low angst, double bi-awakening, best friends to lovers standalone MM romance with a sexy contractor, bonfires by the lake, and a summer where unexpected discoveries turn into something Mason and Emery never saw coming. It has heat, heart, and a guaranteed happy ending.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2025
8 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Riley Long
40 books72 followersRiley lives in central Virginia with her husband, son, and very silly dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 28, 2025
ARC review
This was sweet, small and smut. All the best ingredients you want in a book.
Mason saw a video online and he couldn't see his best friend in the same way again.
Emery was starting to feel things too. There was no turning back for either of them. They were shy at first but when they got past that, my Lord, they really were all in. I loved how they accepted their feelings rather fast than dragging it out. They felt what they felt and there was that. It was more than enough for them
This was sweet, small and smut. All the best ingredients you want in a book.
Mason saw a video online and he couldn't see his best friend in the same way again.
Emery was starting to feel things too. There was no turning back for either of them. They were shy at first but when they got past that, my Lord, they really were all in. I loved how they accepted their feelings rather fast than dragging it out. They felt what they felt and there was that. It was more than enough for them
October 24, 2025
This is a best friends to more romance, featuring Emery and Mason, and is a standalone book.
During a summer cabin renovation, Emery and his best friend Mason share an impulsive kiss that upends their understanding of friendship and sexuality.
This was a low-angst and sweet story. I loved watching Emery and Mason slowly figure out they’re actually attracted to each other - it felt natural, tender, and heartfelt. Old MCs and being stuck in a cabin together with only one bed - hello happy place, it was a great read.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone book
MM summer romance
Small town & low angst
Best friends
Contractor x Teacher
Older MCs
Forced proximity
Cabin renovation
Only one bed
Swimming in the lake
Mutual attraction
Double bi awakening
First times
Marking
Dates
Secret relationship
Coming out
Found family
HEA
During a summer cabin renovation, Emery and his best friend Mason share an impulsive kiss that upends their understanding of friendship and sexuality.
This was a low-angst and sweet story. I loved watching Emery and Mason slowly figure out they’re actually attracted to each other - it felt natural, tender, and heartfelt. Old MCs and being stuck in a cabin together with only one bed - hello happy place, it was a great read.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone book
MM summer romance
Small town & low angst
Best friends
Contractor x Teacher
Older MCs
Forced proximity
Cabin renovation
Only one bed
Swimming in the lake
Mutual attraction
Double bi awakening
First times
Marking
Dates
Secret relationship
Coming out
Found family
HEA
October 23, 2025
My first book by Riley Long and I’m going to say it was a super cute fun straight beat friends to lovers. There were some fun moments between Mason and Emery while working on the cabin, they just kinda tackled their newly found feelings for each other rather then drag it out.
The only problem I had was definitely not as spicy as I like and it is kinda the same story we’ve all read about before but it was cute
The only problem I had was definitely not as spicy as I like and it is kinda the same story we’ve all read about before but it was cute
October 22, 2025
3.5/5 stars! This was very sweet and gentle. I liked it; I think I just wanted more. It felt too predictable and I was hoping for more spice. That said, watching how Mason and Emery grew in their feelings was adorable. Will read more by this author.
October 10, 2025
ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*
⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
"Hammered and Nailed" is a short, sweet best-friends-to-lovers romance. It follows Emery and Mason, two guys in their late thirties who have been best friends forever. Both are straight. Mason is a ladies’ man and works as a contractor, while Emery is a quiet theater teacher. Neither has ever really questioned their “straightness” (Mason did kiss a boy in college, but he was just being a supportive bro) until they end up alone, fixing up Emery’s family cabin. The forced proximity makes them both start wanting things they never even considered in over twenty years of friendship.
And... that’s pretty much all. The book sticks too closely to the usual formula and even the progression of their physical relationship follows a very typical pattern (and as suggestive as the title is, there’s way less “hammering and nailing” than you’d expect).
While it’s a nice, light read, it seriously feels like I’ve read this exact story at least twenty times before. You could swap the cabin for any other location, and nothing would change, there's nothing unique about it. There’s no real conflict, just the usual insecurities: does he feel the same? (of course he does), does he want to keep it a secret? (no, he doesn’t), will my parents freak out about this seismic change? (nah, they will barely react). And all those questions could’ve been made by either of the main characters, they’re interchangeable. The whole subplot with the dad, the photo album, and the dead partner could’ve been a great way to shake things up, but the author barely touches it. I honestly wonder why it was included at all.
Like I said, it was a pleasant read and saved me from a boring afternoon after work, but I’m pretty sure I’ll forget all about it in a couple weeks. And I think that’s honestly one of the worst sensations a book can leave you with.
But maybe, if you’re new to the genre and haven’t gone through the same plot a million times, this is a perfect place to start your journey.
---
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
*mild spoilers ahead*
⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
"Hammered and Nailed" is a short, sweet best-friends-to-lovers romance. It follows Emery and Mason, two guys in their late thirties who have been best friends forever. Both are straight. Mason is a ladies’ man and works as a contractor, while Emery is a quiet theater teacher. Neither has ever really questioned their “straightness” (Mason did kiss a boy in college, but he was just being a supportive bro) until they end up alone, fixing up Emery’s family cabin. The forced proximity makes them both start wanting things they never even considered in over twenty years of friendship.
And... that’s pretty much all. The book sticks too closely to the usual formula and even the progression of their physical relationship follows a very typical pattern (and as suggestive as the title is, there’s way less “hammering and nailing” than you’d expect).
While it’s a nice, light read, it seriously feels like I’ve read this exact story at least twenty times before. You could swap the cabin for any other location, and nothing would change, there's nothing unique about it. There’s no real conflict, just the usual insecurities: does he feel the same? (of course he does), does he want to keep it a secret? (no, he doesn’t), will my parents freak out about this seismic change? (nah, they will barely react). And all those questions could’ve been made by either of the main characters, they’re interchangeable. The whole subplot with the dad, the photo album, and the dead partner could’ve been a great way to shake things up, but the author barely touches it. I honestly wonder why it was included at all.
Like I said, it was a pleasant read and saved me from a boring afternoon after work, but I’m pretty sure I’ll forget all about it in a couple weeks. And I think that’s honestly one of the worst sensations a book can leave you with.
But maybe, if you’re new to the genre and haven’t gone through the same plot a million times, this is a perfect place to start your journey.
---
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
November 2, 2025
While it was great I wish the characters had more depth too them. Mason and Emery were super sweet and I loved them together. I also loved the tension between them when discovering their attraction to each other. (The way it was written gave me butterflies) They were so hesitant and unsure but you could feel how much they wanted each other.
💥 No OMD/OWD
💥 Great families no conflicts there
💥Bi awakening although Mason had kissed a guy in college during spin the bottle.
💥Emery said "I've been studying" ****This is what I like to hear! I am so tired of the porn references in regards to MCs learning how to take care of their partners first time.
Likes:
😍 The tension/budding attraction was sooooo well written. Swoon!
😍 I loved that there was no graphic thoughts of previous partners during the sex scenes.
Mason was on a date in the opening chapter and mentioned her "ample clevage" a few time but he wasn't interested. His brother referred to him a "hook-up-with-everyone brother".
Dislikes/Annoyances:
😬Some of the dialogue was cringy.
😩In chapter 8, Emery starts a pizza for dinner and as he gets it out of the oven Mason enters with red eyes. He was nervous and wanted to go outside and talk. They have a discussion about their budding relationship, make out and grind on each other stopping before completion *wink*. They decide to wrap it up and go inside but they just head to bed..WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PIZZA!?! Dumb, I know but it bugs me. They couldn't head in to eat? It felt like an unfinished scene.
😩 After M&E start their relationship, they have a little scene where they need to pick up windows from the hardwares story. Emery can tell that Mason isn't ready to make their relationship public. So he offers to stay back at the cabin....
Anyways, when Mason gets back he is bragging that he got hit on by the cashier and Emery is a little hurt by that. They COMMUNICATE and work it out but it seemed unnecessary. *****I dont understand why Em stayed at the cabin because they could have just kept their hands to themselves at the hardware store.***
💥 No OMD/OWD
💥 Great families no conflicts there
💥Bi awakening although Mason had kissed a guy in college during spin the bottle.
💥Emery said "I've been studying" ****This is what I like to hear! I am so tired of the porn references in regards to MCs learning how to take care of their partners first time.
Likes:
😍 The tension/budding attraction was sooooo well written. Swoon!
😍 I loved that there was no graphic thoughts of previous partners during the sex scenes.
Mason was on a date in the opening chapter and mentioned her "ample clevage" a few time but he wasn't interested. His brother referred to him a "hook-up-with-everyone brother".
Dislikes/Annoyances:
😬Some of the dialogue was cringy.
😩In chapter 8, Emery starts a pizza for dinner and as he gets it out of the oven Mason enters with red eyes. He was nervous and wanted to go outside and talk. They have a discussion about their budding relationship, make out and grind on each other stopping before completion *wink*. They decide to wrap it up and go inside but they just head to bed..WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PIZZA!?! Dumb, I know but it bugs me. They couldn't head in to eat? It felt like an unfinished scene.
😩 After M&E start their relationship, they have a little scene where they need to pick up windows from the hardwares story. Emery can tell that Mason isn't ready to make their relationship public. So he offers to stay back at the cabin....
Anyways, when Mason gets back he is bragging that he got hit on by the cashier and Emery is a little hurt by that. They COMMUNICATE and work it out but it seemed unnecessary. *****I dont understand why Em stayed at the cabin because they could have just kept their hands to themselves at the hardware store.***
October 12, 2025
4.25 stars
Emery is a teacher who is on summer break. As soon as he leaves the building he gets a call from his mother about the family's lake cabin. His father is there to open it up and he finds that a tree has fallen on the roof over the winter and there is extensive damage. Luckily for Emery's family his best friend is a contractor. Emery gives him a call and since Mason had not scheduled a lot for the next few weeks so the two of them could hang out he is game for the repair work. Emery and Mason will head up the next day to check it all out. Emery wants to unwind and goes to watch some online "videos" and becomes excited by watching a video but is surprised by one of a man who looks a lot like Mason. Why is he excited by this video?
Mason who runs a contracting company has had his employee out for a few weeks due to an off the job injury. So his schedule is light and when Emery calls he is thrilled about the idea. He thinks of Emery's parents as family so this will be a great way to help them out. When they get to the cabin there is more damage than they expected but they start to make their list and begin work. When they go into town everyone thinks they are a couple and they laugh it off. When they stop to help a neighbor she also assumes they are a couple. The two are very close and eventually they kiss but what does it all mean?
Will Mason be shocked by their first kiss? Will their attraction be a knew thing or will it explain their past feelings towards each other? Are they will to see where this takes them while they are working on the cabin? What will Emery's family think when they are told? Will Emery find a part of his father's past in the cabin? Will he learn more about his parents? What happens when one gets news of a change?
I really enjoyed these two straight men realizing feelings has always been there they were just not listening to their hearts. I would love a second book to see how they are doing with the changes in their life.
Emery is a teacher who is on summer break. As soon as he leaves the building he gets a call from his mother about the family's lake cabin. His father is there to open it up and he finds that a tree has fallen on the roof over the winter and there is extensive damage. Luckily for Emery's family his best friend is a contractor. Emery gives him a call and since Mason had not scheduled a lot for the next few weeks so the two of them could hang out he is game for the repair work. Emery and Mason will head up the next day to check it all out. Emery wants to unwind and goes to watch some online "videos" and becomes excited by watching a video but is surprised by one of a man who looks a lot like Mason. Why is he excited by this video?
Mason who runs a contracting company has had his employee out for a few weeks due to an off the job injury. So his schedule is light and when Emery calls he is thrilled about the idea. He thinks of Emery's parents as family so this will be a great way to help them out. When they get to the cabin there is more damage than they expected but they start to make their list and begin work. When they go into town everyone thinks they are a couple and they laugh it off. When they stop to help a neighbor she also assumes they are a couple. The two are very close and eventually they kiss but what does it all mean?
Will Mason be shocked by their first kiss? Will their attraction be a knew thing or will it explain their past feelings towards each other? Are they will to see where this takes them while they are working on the cabin? What will Emery's family think when they are told? Will Emery find a part of his father's past in the cabin? Will he learn more about his parents? What happens when one gets news of a change?
I really enjoyed these two straight men realizing feelings has always been there they were just not listening to their hearts. I would love a second book to see how they are doing with the changes in their life.
October 23, 2025
Thanks so much Riley Long and Gay Romance Reviews for the book. I was given this book as an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.
This was a cute best-friends-to-lovers story. It follows Mason, a contractor, and Emery, a drama teacher, who end up working together over the summer to fix up Emery’s family’s lake cabin after a storm takes out part of it. Mason’s regular helper is out, so Emery steps in as his temporary sidekick. Things get very interesting once sawdust, sweat, and a few lingering glances start flying around.
What starts as friendly teasing slowly turns into something more, and both guys have to navigate this unexpected attraction. This book features a double bi-awakening which I thought was handled in a fun, natural way. It felt authentic - like these were two “real” guys figuring things out, not some over-the-top fantasy version.
There are some steamy scenes, but I wouldn’t call this a wild, filthy read. It’s not a full 4 chili pepper” kind of book. I would rate it more like a solid 3. The spice is there, but it’s balanced with sweetness, humor, and some genuinely heartfelt moments.
It’s also a quick, easy read. A good choice for when you want something low-angst that still gives you butterflies. There were even a few parts that made me laugh out loud, which I always appreciate in a romance. The whole “fixing up the cabin” plot worked really nicely as a metaphor for them rebuilding and redefining their friendship into something deeper.
Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚
I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
This was a cute best-friends-to-lovers story. It follows Mason, a contractor, and Emery, a drama teacher, who end up working together over the summer to fix up Emery’s family’s lake cabin after a storm takes out part of it. Mason’s regular helper is out, so Emery steps in as his temporary sidekick. Things get very interesting once sawdust, sweat, and a few lingering glances start flying around.
What starts as friendly teasing slowly turns into something more, and both guys have to navigate this unexpected attraction. This book features a double bi-awakening which I thought was handled in a fun, natural way. It felt authentic - like these were two “real” guys figuring things out, not some over-the-top fantasy version.
There are some steamy scenes, but I wouldn’t call this a wild, filthy read. It’s not a full 4 chili pepper” kind of book. I would rate it more like a solid 3. The spice is there, but it’s balanced with sweetness, humor, and some genuinely heartfelt moments.
It’s also a quick, easy read. A good choice for when you want something low-angst that still gives you butterflies. There were even a few parts that made me laugh out loud, which I always appreciate in a romance. The whole “fixing up the cabin” plot worked really nicely as a metaphor for them rebuilding and redefining their friendship into something deeper.
Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚
I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
October 22, 2025
MY OPINION: I’ve enjoyed some other books by Riley Long, which is what prompted me to pick this up as an ARC.
I am always a sucker for a friend’s (best friend’s) to lovers story. This one was sweet and easy to read, no angst and plenty of heart. The MCs in this book are sweet and charming; they realize they are attracted to each other and go down the ‘I’m not straight after all’ path together.
Both men are similar in that they thought they liked only women, and they were in their thirties; it wasn’t so much a concern over their identity as it was whether the other man would feel the same thing. With a little dancing around each other, they find out that they have a mutual attraction. It is fortunate that they get to enjoy this awakening of their identities in a private cabin for a month.
Once they go home, they share with friends and family. This is such a lovely, low angst book. Both men are kind, and the families are supportive. There is a very long history between the men, and some of the reminiscing about how they felt about each other showed how deep their feelings ran. There are a lot of spicy bits that explore intimacy with a man for the first time—we get to experience these moments with them.
I enjoyed this book. Sometimes it's wonderful to read a book that feels happy, clears your emotional palate, and things go smoothly for them. Pick this up if you want a great story that makes you feel good when you are done. They found their happily ever after and it was lovely to read how it happened.
I am always a sucker for a friend’s (best friend’s) to lovers story. This one was sweet and easy to read, no angst and plenty of heart. The MCs in this book are sweet and charming; they realize they are attracted to each other and go down the ‘I’m not straight after all’ path together.
Both men are similar in that they thought they liked only women, and they were in their thirties; it wasn’t so much a concern over their identity as it was whether the other man would feel the same thing. With a little dancing around each other, they find out that they have a mutual attraction. It is fortunate that they get to enjoy this awakening of their identities in a private cabin for a month.
Once they go home, they share with friends and family. This is such a lovely, low angst book. Both men are kind, and the families are supportive. There is a very long history between the men, and some of the reminiscing about how they felt about each other showed how deep their feelings ran. There are a lot of spicy bits that explore intimacy with a man for the first time—we get to experience these moments with them.
I enjoyed this book. Sometimes it's wonderful to read a book that feels happy, clears your emotional palate, and things go smoothly for them. Pick this up if you want a great story that makes you feel good when you are done. They found their happily ever after and it was lovely to read how it happened.
October 21, 2025
If you like double bi awakenings, best friends to lovers, one bed, and delicious spice then this is the book for you. Mason and Emery have been friends since high school. But when Emery asks Mason for help fixing up his family cabin with damage due to a tree and a storm since Mason is a contractor they set off for a few weeks alone and find an unexpected tension developing between the two of them. They're starting to notice things about each other they never really have before and have thoughts they never thought they ever would especially since both men had only ever liked women. What starts as an impulsive kiss turns into so much more even as they're determined to put what happened behind them. They find that they can't and instead they explore these new found feelings for each other. They're experiencing each other in new heart pounding ways and even though its kind of sudden and a first for them neither shy away from the connection they feel. When the cabin is fixed and they return back to the real world they have to navigate their new found relationship and overcome obstacles and decide what they want. This was a cute, steamy low angst book that I read in a day and enjoyed. I hope Josh and Tommy get a story! I'll be on the look out for book 2
I received this ARC and this is my honest review
I received this ARC and this is my honest review
October 24, 2025
4.5 stars
This was an enjoyable story of friends to lovers and bi-awakening for longtime best friends Mason and Emery. Friends since high school, always dating women, they suddenly see each other in a new light after an unexpected kiss. Both men are a bit awkward at first, but after being friends for close to twenty years, they are able to talk about what is happening and how they are feeling about it. Over the course of the summer months, their relationship grows to encompass new things as they explore these new yearnings, navigate PDA in the small knit community, and contemplate coming out to their families. When the offer of a new job a distance away complicates things, both must decide how important this new relationship is, and where to go moving forward. Sweet, low-angst tale with realistic, relatable characters navigating new and unexpected realizations about themselves, and becoming aware of some things that maybe aren’t really so new after all. The relationship develops so naturally, it doesn’t feel that strange or unusual, and minor supporting characters see things the two don’t yet realize that give them away. A satisfying, light hearted read of friendship turning into a forever love, perfect for a lazy afternoon with a good book.
I received a copy of the book for free and this is my voluntary review.
This was an enjoyable story of friends to lovers and bi-awakening for longtime best friends Mason and Emery. Friends since high school, always dating women, they suddenly see each other in a new light after an unexpected kiss. Both men are a bit awkward at first, but after being friends for close to twenty years, they are able to talk about what is happening and how they are feeling about it. Over the course of the summer months, their relationship grows to encompass new things as they explore these new yearnings, navigate PDA in the small knit community, and contemplate coming out to their families. When the offer of a new job a distance away complicates things, both must decide how important this new relationship is, and where to go moving forward. Sweet, low-angst tale with realistic, relatable characters navigating new and unexpected realizations about themselves, and becoming aware of some things that maybe aren’t really so new after all. The relationship develops so naturally, it doesn’t feel that strange or unusual, and minor supporting characters see things the two don’t yet realize that give them away. A satisfying, light hearted read of friendship turning into a forever love, perfect for a lazy afternoon with a good book.
I received a copy of the book for free and this is my voluntary review.
October 22, 2025
A SWEET DUAL BI AWAKENING OF BEST FRIENDS!💕 🩷💜💙
I always enjoy Riley Long as an author who writes sweet, sassy and sexy characters and this new series did not disappoint!
"You’re a good guy, Mason. You’re going to be a real catch for the right person."
A Theatre Arts teacher Emery and his best friend of twenty years General Contractor Mason leave for the summer break to fix up emery’s parents holiday cabin which was damaged by a fallen tree, and this is where theses two straight friends have a dual bi-awakening with sweet undercurrents of joy and excitement which leads to something very special…
They encounter a sweet old lady neighbour who becomes very dear to them as they help her fix up her cabin and meet many people in the small town but neither are yet ready to come out yet until a pivotal moment…
“It felt perfect, like we’d slotted together the missing pieces of a puzzle that I hadn’t realized were missing in the first place.”
This was a sweet dual lo angst bi awakening with many revelations and realisations regarding their past and future with steamy, fun explorations!
A sweet epilogue a year later will conclude their journey!
Book two will follow soon, can’t wait!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and the author for an honest non biased review.
I always enjoy Riley Long as an author who writes sweet, sassy and sexy characters and this new series did not disappoint!
"You’re a good guy, Mason. You’re going to be a real catch for the right person."
A Theatre Arts teacher Emery and his best friend of twenty years General Contractor Mason leave for the summer break to fix up emery’s parents holiday cabin which was damaged by a fallen tree, and this is where theses two straight friends have a dual bi-awakening with sweet undercurrents of joy and excitement which leads to something very special…
They encounter a sweet old lady neighbour who becomes very dear to them as they help her fix up her cabin and meet many people in the small town but neither are yet ready to come out yet until a pivotal moment…
“It felt perfect, like we’d slotted together the missing pieces of a puzzle that I hadn’t realized were missing in the first place.”
This was a sweet dual lo angst bi awakening with many revelations and realisations regarding their past and future with steamy, fun explorations!
A sweet epilogue a year later will conclude their journey!
Book two will follow soon, can’t wait!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and the author for an honest non biased review.
September 28, 2025
Mason and Emery have been best friends for a long time, so they look forward to fixing up Emery’s family cottage when a tree falls on it.
Emery begins noticing Mason when they go skinny dipping after working hard, and starts to think about his body. Mason has had some fantasies since watching a video with someone resembling Emery.
The tension builds until they kiss, then it’s awkward because they want to kiss again. It soon becomes clear that neither of them is as straight as they thought they were. They work on the house, building their relationship at the same time, so that when they get home they both want to continue.
They tell their families, who are happy for them, then Emery gets a job offer which could make them long distance. They talk it through, and move in together, knowing they’ve found their person.
This is a sweet story of friends discover themselves and each other, but the writing is a bit simplistic, things don’t seem to go deep enough. Their friend Margaret doesn’t really belong, except to give them wise words that also don’t seem that meaningful.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to give it my honest review with appreciation.
Emery begins noticing Mason when they go skinny dipping after working hard, and starts to think about his body. Mason has had some fantasies since watching a video with someone resembling Emery.
The tension builds until they kiss, then it’s awkward because they want to kiss again. It soon becomes clear that neither of them is as straight as they thought they were. They work on the house, building their relationship at the same time, so that when they get home they both want to continue.
They tell their families, who are happy for them, then Emery gets a job offer which could make them long distance. They talk it through, and move in together, knowing they’ve found their person.
This is a sweet story of friends discover themselves and each other, but the writing is a bit simplistic, things don’t seem to go deep enough. Their friend Margaret doesn’t really belong, except to give them wise words that also don’t seem that meaningful.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to give it my honest review with appreciation.
October 16, 2025
Mason was on another blah date. It wasn't Brittany's fault she was just Mason's type. She was hot, smart, funny, kind, the whole package, but nothing was clicking. Instead, his thoughts were on his best friend Emery. Emery is a teacher, and summer break is just beginning. Mason, a contractor, has scheduled a few weeks of so they can go hiking, camping, and all the outdoor things they love to do. When he gets home, he is restless and decides to visit his favorite porn site and see if anything piques his interest. Low and behold as he is looking, he stumbled across a video of two men, and one looks just like Emery.
As Emery is leaving the school, his mother calls. His father had gone to the family lakeside cabin to open it for the season and found a small tree had fallen on the cabin and done damage. She wanted Emery to call Mason to see if he will look at it. Surprise when they arrive, only one bedroom with only bed is habitable.
We have several clichés, but they're cliches for a reason; they work. Bi-awakening, only one bed, friends to lovers. Totally no angst which was perfect after some of the heavy drama I've read lately.
As Emery is leaving the school, his mother calls. His father had gone to the family lakeside cabin to open it for the season and found a small tree had fallen on the cabin and done damage. She wanted Emery to call Mason to see if he will look at it. Surprise when they arrive, only one bedroom with only bed is habitable.
We have several clichés, but they're cliches for a reason; they work. Bi-awakening, only one bed, friends to lovers. Totally no angst which was perfect after some of the heavy drama I've read lately.
October 22, 2025
*Overall Book Rating: 4 / 5
*Tropes:
-MM Romance
-Small Town Romance
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Double Sexual Awakening
-Blue Collar x Theatre Teacher
-One Bed
-First Times
-Slow Burn
*Spiciness: 2.5 / 5
Hammered and Nailed is a sweet and simple story about Mason and Emery. The story centers around Mason and Emery’s journey of self-discovery regarding their sexuality. As they spend time together repairing Emery’s parent’s cabin, they discover the attraction they feel for each other. Things between them slowly progresses with each of them coming to terms with their sexuality. Learning that they both are attracted to each other is new and scary for them and I like that they talk about it with honesty and openness. They also encounter minor obstacles and challenges, just like any other couple, and they overcome these obstacles through their understanding, respect, supportiveness, and love for each other. Mason and Emery like to tease and banter with each other and have a good chemistry with a touch of spiciness (😜). I would say it’s a good entry book if you want to try MM romance.
*Tropes:
-MM Romance
-Small Town Romance
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Double Sexual Awakening
-Blue Collar x Theatre Teacher
-One Bed
-First Times
-Slow Burn
*Spiciness: 2.5 / 5
Hammered and Nailed is a sweet and simple story about Mason and Emery. The story centers around Mason and Emery’s journey of self-discovery regarding their sexuality. As they spend time together repairing Emery’s parent’s cabin, they discover the attraction they feel for each other. Things between them slowly progresses with each of them coming to terms with their sexuality. Learning that they both are attracted to each other is new and scary for them and I like that they talk about it with honesty and openness. They also encounter minor obstacles and challenges, just like any other couple, and they overcome these obstacles through their understanding, respect, supportiveness, and love for each other. Mason and Emery like to tease and banter with each other and have a good chemistry with a touch of spiciness (😜). I would say it’s a good entry book if you want to try MM romance.
October 23, 2025
(I received an ARC for this book)
When you’ve got an unexplainable thing for bestie lookalikes, it’s not a big deal. That is until you’re tucked away in a cabin alone for the summer. When Emery’s family needs some repair work done, Mason doesn’t hesitate to help out. And since Emery is out of the classroom for the summer, he figures helping his best friend of 30 years is the best way to spend his time off. Now they’re sharing a bed…what could possibly happen? An adorable run through the woods is what happens. And then an accidental walk in. It’s confusing, but they figure it out together. Step by step, base by base. There’s open communication, plenty of concerns and worries safely voiced. They’re unsure and hesitant, but confident in each other. And that’s all that matters.
My Favorite Quotes:
• “I want to taste you."
• “We can’t survive on just sex.” “You can’t, maybe."
• “It feels natural. Right. The way it’s supposed to be."
• “I want you. The rest isn’t important.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
6/10 Forced Proximity
8/10 Friends to Lovers
6/10 Slow Burn
When you’ve got an unexplainable thing for bestie lookalikes, it’s not a big deal. That is until you’re tucked away in a cabin alone for the summer. When Emery’s family needs some repair work done, Mason doesn’t hesitate to help out. And since Emery is out of the classroom for the summer, he figures helping his best friend of 30 years is the best way to spend his time off. Now they’re sharing a bed…what could possibly happen? An adorable run through the woods is what happens. And then an accidental walk in. It’s confusing, but they figure it out together. Step by step, base by base. There’s open communication, plenty of concerns and worries safely voiced. They’re unsure and hesitant, but confident in each other. And that’s all that matters.
My Favorite Quotes:
• “I want to taste you."
• “We can’t survive on just sex.” “You can’t, maybe."
• “It feels natural. Right. The way it’s supposed to be."
• “I want you. The rest isn’t important.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
6/10 Forced Proximity
8/10 Friends to Lovers
6/10 Slow Burn
October 25, 2025
4.5 stars
This was a sweet, double bi-awakening, best friends to lovers, romance featuring Mason, a general contractor and Emery, a high school theater teacher.
Following storm damage to his family’s vacation cabin, Emery spent the beginning of his summer vacation with Mason, making repairs on the home as well as assisting an older neighbor. During the time spent in such close quarters (there was only one bed), it wasn’t all that surprising that the two best friends began to notice things about the other they never had before.
While fairly short, it didn’t feel rushed to me at all. I felt satisfied, at the end, that I’d gotten a complete story with no drama and absolutely no angst—something I really appreciated. I can’t honestly say for certain whether or not I’ll be rereading it but I loved it; best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and Mason and Emery’s story was awesome. Both men thought they were totally straight then… boom, like being struck by lightning, the way they viewed themselves and each other was forever changed. Loved it!! 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free from GRR but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet, double bi-awakening, best friends to lovers, romance featuring Mason, a general contractor and Emery, a high school theater teacher.
Following storm damage to his family’s vacation cabin, Emery spent the beginning of his summer vacation with Mason, making repairs on the home as well as assisting an older neighbor. During the time spent in such close quarters (there was only one bed), it wasn’t all that surprising that the two best friends began to notice things about the other they never had before.
While fairly short, it didn’t feel rushed to me at all. I felt satisfied, at the end, that I’d gotten a complete story with no drama and absolutely no angst—something I really appreciated. I can’t honestly say for certain whether or not I’ll be rereading it but I loved it; best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and Mason and Emery’s story was awesome. Both men thought they were totally straight then… boom, like being struck by lightning, the way they viewed themselves and each other was forever changed. Loved it!! 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free from GRR but am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2025
3.5 stars
I truly appreciate the author's decision not to use miscommunication or lack of communication to break up Mason and Emery, the two besties who become more in this friends-to-lovers bisexual awakening romance. I enjoyed their adulting when it came to talking through their fears and being open with each other. The story was sweet enough, and the angst real enough, but the move from questioning to exploring, with intermittent bouts of awkwardness, was a little bit rushed for me.
And the one thing that should have caused a bigger hiccup than it did was smoothed over by Mason's super-indulgent understanding and willingness to be the one to make the decision that takes the onus off Emery. Also, that it didn't come up until after they'd decided to commit to each other, and to have Emery dismiss it as "Oh, I thought I told you", THEN worry about how it would be received, was equally unbelievable to me. And Mason makes his decision pretty quickly, as well, without enough time spent thinking it through. I just couldn't suspend disbelief enough to round this up to 4 stars.
I truly appreciate the author's decision not to use miscommunication or lack of communication to break up Mason and Emery, the two besties who become more in this friends-to-lovers bisexual awakening romance. I enjoyed their adulting when it came to talking through their fears and being open with each other. The story was sweet enough, and the angst real enough, but the move from questioning to exploring, with intermittent bouts of awkwardness, was a little bit rushed for me.
And the one thing that should have caused a bigger hiccup than it did was smoothed over by Mason's super-indulgent understanding and willingness to be the one to make the decision that takes the onus off Emery. Also, that it didn't come up until after they'd decided to commit to each other, and to have Emery dismiss it as "Oh, I thought I told you", THEN worry about how it would be received, was equally unbelievable to me. And Mason makes his decision pretty quickly, as well, without enough time spent thinking it through. I just couldn't suspend disbelief enough to round this up to 4 stars.
October 22, 2025
This is the story of Emery and Mason. Emery and Mason have been best friends for twenty years. Emery is a quiet teacher who focuses on theatre and is not a serial dater. Mason is a contractor who has a reputation for being a ladies man. Each is looking forward to spending some time together during school's summer break. When Emery gets a call from his dad that a tree has fallen on their family cottage and damaged the roof; he knows exactly what to do. Call his best friend and contractor Mason. The two of them work together on repairing the cottage over the next four weeks. And as they do, they begin to see themselves and each other in a different light. This is their story. The book is a short and sweet best friends to lovers romance. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from GRR and I am voluntarily leaving a review. While I enjoyed the book while I read it, it is not one that I would re-read. I didn't find any surprises or excitement to entice me to want to read more of it. This is a pleasant read that can be enjoyed in an afternoon.
October 20, 2025
First let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I absolutely adore this book. It just made me smile throughout. There is a special friendship between Mason and Emery. After a storm Emery’s parents asked Mason to go to their cabin in the woods to fix a tree coming through the roof. Emery had just finished teaching so was free for the summer so they agreed to go together.
I’ve got to say, I found the way they coped with their attraction towards one another really well you know the shock of believing you are straight then to find out that you actually are sexually attracted to your best friend. We also see a nice side of both men when they agreed to help a neighbour who has had problem with their roof from the storm.
I think they take it slow. I think they communicate really well and they trust one another. The perfect person to fall in love with. A great feel good feeling .
I absolutely adore this book. It just made me smile throughout. There is a special friendship between Mason and Emery. After a storm Emery’s parents asked Mason to go to their cabin in the woods to fix a tree coming through the roof. Emery had just finished teaching so was free for the summer so they agreed to go together.
I’ve got to say, I found the way they coped with their attraction towards one another really well you know the shock of believing you are straight then to find out that you actually are sexually attracted to your best friend. We also see a nice side of both men when they agreed to help a neighbour who has had problem with their roof from the storm.
I think they take it slow. I think they communicate really well and they trust one another. The perfect person to fall in love with. A great feel good feeling .
September 21, 2025
mason & emery - 3.75 stars 🩵 this was a sweet, low angst, feel good book. i definitely think it’s great palette cleaner between angsty books if that’s something you need! i love a good bi awakening but make it double and between best friends and you’ve got me. friends to lovers really hits in MM (i read both mm & mf and enjoy both a lot but friends to lovers hits more for me in mm than mf tbh😗). my only criticism of this one is that i would’ve liked more to happen in general. i’m guessing it didn’t because it’s meant to be low angst and it wasn’t too long of a book (it was roughly 220 pages i think?) but it was still a very sweet, easy read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving a review :)
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving a review :)
October 23, 2025
This is a friends-to-lovers, double bi-awakening of lifelong best friends who are in their mid-thirties. I love the fact that the characters were older and that there wasn't a ton of angst around both of them realizing they had feelings for each other.
This is a slow burn, low spice read, which fits the story perfectly. There's no gratuitous spice just for the sake of having spice. Emery and Mason are kind of perfect together and their story is low-angst. I can see this becoming a comfort read for me, just because of how simple and easy the story is.
If you like quick, easy reads with low angst and a guaranteed HEA - and NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! - this is the book for you!
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
This is a slow burn, low spice read, which fits the story perfectly. There's no gratuitous spice just for the sake of having spice. Emery and Mason are kind of perfect together and their story is low-angst. I can see this becoming a comfort read for me, just because of how simple and easy the story is.
If you like quick, easy reads with low angst and a guaranteed HEA - and NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! - this is the book for you!
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
October 24, 2025
Mason and Emery have a long history. They have known one another for 30 years and been besties for the past 20. They are there for one another and almost too close to catch the clues that there was more going on in their relationship than just friendship. A renovation project for Emery's folks when their vacation cabin gets damaged by a tree and weather gives Emery, who is a teacher, a chance to work with Mason the contractor alone and the proximity and some bi-curiosity on both of their parts leads to their relationship evolving into something more. The progression is a slow burn at first but once they get there they work together to not only become boyfriends but to build a life.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2025
murder bugs, ugly hat, watch out!, Stuart, heat exhaustion, not a cat!, window shopping, paint can lid, guava, fireworks
This is short, sweet, and STEAMY! It's low angst and VERY STEAMY! For 2 straight guys they sure do go at it. It feels like it's equal parts story and steam.
General contractor Mason and theater teacher Emery have been best friends since high school. Even nearing their 40's, they still are close. Emery's parents' cabin had a tree fll on it during a bad storm. Being a contractor, Mason is asked to assess and repair the cabin. His employee has a broken ankle and can't help Mason. Emery volunteers to go with and help him. You can probably guess what happens next. Yes, that happens. Enjoy!
This is short, sweet, and STEAMY! It's low angst and VERY STEAMY! For 2 straight guys they sure do go at it. It feels like it's equal parts story and steam.
General contractor Mason and theater teacher Emery have been best friends since high school. Even nearing their 40's, they still are close. Emery's parents' cabin had a tree fll on it during a bad storm. Being a contractor, Mason is asked to assess and repair the cabin. His employee has a broken ankle and can't help Mason. Emery volunteers to go with and help him. You can probably guess what happens next. Yes, that happens. Enjoy!
September 27, 2025
Mason & Emery are renovating a cabin together when they end up impulsively kissing one another, despite both being straight. They try to put this incident behind them, but despite all their best intentions, it’s clear they just can’t let this go.
As they do the renovations together, they might end up changing more than the cabin. Maybe being friends can turn into something more, something better.
They’re both quite cute together. This was a nice, wholesome story to read. I especially enjoyed them coming out to their families, with “I have a boyfriend, too” announcement, quite funny!
I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
As they do the renovations together, they might end up changing more than the cabin. Maybe being friends can turn into something more, something better.
They’re both quite cute together. This was a nice, wholesome story to read. I especially enjoyed them coming out to their families, with “I have a boyfriend, too” announcement, quite funny!
I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
October 19, 2025
Review:
I liked this book! It was a short and easy read, about two best friends who suddenly develop more (romanctic) feelings for each other. It came a bit out of nowhere in my opinion that Emery and Mason developed feelings for each other, but still it was really sweet. There was no real plot, but it was mostly about them figuring out their feelings for each other, since it's a bi-awakening for both of them and they are worried how the other might not feel the same.
Tropes:
🛠️Friends to lovers
🛠️Forced proximity
🛠️Double bi-awakening
P.S. I received an ARC, but this is my honest opinion. Thank you to GRR and Riley Long for the ARC.
I liked this book! It was a short and easy read, about two best friends who suddenly develop more (romanctic) feelings for each other. It came a bit out of nowhere in my opinion that Emery and Mason developed feelings for each other, but still it was really sweet. There was no real plot, but it was mostly about them figuring out their feelings for each other, since it's a bi-awakening for both of them and they are worried how the other might not feel the same.
Tropes:
🛠️Friends to lovers
🛠️Forced proximity
🛠️Double bi-awakening
P.S. I received an ARC, but this is my honest opinion. Thank you to GRR and Riley Long for the ARC.
October 21, 2025
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
4.5⭐️A delight! I loved the author’s take on best friends to lovers because it it felt unique for this trope- Mason and Emory lean into their new attraction to each other, they trust their friendship to take a chance on romance. I loved that they talked about their fears and didn’t let insecurity fester. I thought it felt so authentic and was a perfect low drama, but really lovely and entertaining read with two charming MCs, supportive parents (yeah!), and a really lovely HEA. I can’t wait for more from this series, I really loved this one!
4.5⭐️A delight! I loved the author’s take on best friends to lovers because it it felt unique for this trope- Mason and Emory lean into their new attraction to each other, they trust their friendship to take a chance on romance. I loved that they talked about their fears and didn’t let insecurity fester. I thought it felt so authentic and was a perfect low drama, but really lovely and entertaining read with two charming MCs, supportive parents (yeah!), and a really lovely HEA. I can’t wait for more from this series, I really loved this one!
October 23, 2025
A wonderful feel good book that touched my heart. Seems Mason and Emery are lifelong friends, straight friends at that, but suddenly worlds are rocked with an impulsive kiss at cabin on the lake. This kiss opens new ways of seeing themselves and one another. I love who they do not let the kiss scare them but they embrace their feelings and slowly move toward a relationship. While they have some obstacles post cabin fun, they communicate and are determined to be together. Low angst, feel good moment make this one of those books you will read in one sitting. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
October 5, 2025
A fun low angst double bi awakening best friends to lovers romance. Mason & Emery have been best friends since high school and when Emerys parents cabin sustains damage during a storm the two agree to go and fix it. Spending three weeks alone together, certain things come to light that neither noticed until it was put in front of them. This is one of those more real life than anything style of romances that are great for when you need something easy yo sit back and enjoy. With a teaser of what's to come next in the series, it seems a worthwhile read to give a go.
October 10, 2025
I enjoyed this warm, low-angst friends-to-lovers romance full of charm, humor, and emotional discovery. When lifelong best friends Mason and Emery team up to renovate a lakeside cabin, one impulsive kiss changes everything.
Their chemistry builds naturally, and the story handles their confusion, vulnerability, and growing attraction with care. Emery’s caution and Mason’s spontaneity make for a compelling dynamic, and their double bi awakening feels honest and heartfelt.
Cozy, sweet, and quietly sexy—this was a feel-good read that hit all the right notes for me.
Their chemistry builds naturally, and the story handles their confusion, vulnerability, and growing attraction with care. Emery’s caution and Mason’s spontaneity make for a compelling dynamic, and their double bi awakening feels honest and heartfelt.
Cozy, sweet, and quietly sexy—this was a feel-good read that hit all the right notes for me.
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