Hollow

Neighbors of Sapphire Valley #2

by M.L. Burns

COMING SOON

Genres: Dark Romance, M M Romance, Dark, Forbidden Romance, Romance

553 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 3, 2026

Reviews

[Smutty Little Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Freaking Stars!!

This book is SO good. It has officially taken up permanent residence in my soul, and I will never forget these two or their story. Let me start by saying I finished this big chunker in ONE day. That’s right, I ignored my life. Responsibilities? Irrelevant. Sleep? Optional. I physically could not put this book down.

I thought after reading Heavy that nothing would top Cal and Ronan for me in this series… but Ayden and Keo stole my heart and threw away the key. This book has everything! Yearning that physically aches, suspense that keeps you turning pages, romance that feels earned, trauma and heartbreak that hit deep, and a storyline that hooks you and doesn't let go. Oof, so good!

We also get introduced to more of the neighbors in Sapphire Valley, and they play a strong supporting role that you can’t help but fall in love with every single character M.L. Burns brings to life. Her writing is incredible as she has this gift of making characters feel real, layered, and unforgettable.

Keo and Ayden’s story is heartbreaking… but it’s also so incredibly beautiful. There’s so much trauma and pain woven into their journey, but there’s also so much love and healing. This is officially one of my top reads of 2026, and I will be chomping at the bit for the next book.

Please pick this one up. It is SOOOOO worth it and definitely will be one of my top recommendations.

#MM Romance
#Trauma
#Taboo Romance
#Step Sibling

[Stefani Tomova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely in love with the Neighbors of Sapphire Valley series! Ayden and Keo’s journey toward becoming each other's home was everything I needed. Seeing them navigate their trauma together in that cabin was so moving. The stakes were high, the villain was truly terrifying, and the romance was breathtaking.
I live for forbidden, soul-shattering love and the forced proximity in this book delivered the perfect amount of tension. And the spice was so filthy and perfectly executed! 🔥
Getting more glimpses of Ronan and Calista made my heart so happy, and I am officially obsessed with Clover the cat! I’m incredibly intrigued by the mystery surrounding Jayde and Ezra next.
Thank you, Mel, for the ARC!
I’m forever a fan of your work!

[Sue Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come but YES

[🎋ara]

I will be clocked in 🫡

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ ARC REVIEW 'Hollow' 🌻🖤

This story was very emotionally focused on mental health between our two MMC'S, Ayden and Keo. 

Their strength, their fight, their insecurities.

M.L.Burns writes the sensitivities regarding mental health extremely thoughtful and well.

For me, I honestly found the story didn't grab me till around 40%. From then on, the storyline took me on the most heartbreaking and captivating read from their past desires, lost opportunities and heart wrenching secrets they have both suffered, kept within themselves. Fighting inner battles and trauma that interconnected within their lives.

We are introduced to other characters in this read that I'm very excited to get know in the next installment of this 'Neighbours Of Sapphire Valley' series, I can't wait!! The banter between some of these characters is fantastic!

I adore both of Ayden and Keo, through their emotional battles, near death experiences and healing, they found each other again. 

Learning to trust, to open up to a future they have both been longing for their whole lives and fully deserve.

There are extremely sensitive topics in this story so please check your trigger warnings, though that being said it was done beautifully.

[Mihaela Popova · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read! 📚 I love Mel’s writing and this last year I’ve found out MM romances are my guilty pleasure, so - easy 5 ⭐️.
They are both awesome characters who represent real everyday struggles, which makes them so easy to relate to and love.
Keoni - oh my, that man is perfect! Strong, sweet, protective.. and veryy dirty. 😏
The found family - amazing! I actually teared up in the end. Can’t wait to find out what was hinted in the epilogues. 🤔

P.S. I wish you all to have that kind of group chat with your neighbours!

“With him, I’m not hollow.”

“You live, I live.”

“Soulmates aren’t immune to hard times; we take them on together, because we know the person meant for us is someone worth the fight.” 🌻🔥

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Mel, for the ARC!

4.25✨
I live for forbidden, soul-shattering love and the forced proximity in this book delivered the perfect amount of tension. And the spice was so filthy and perfectly executed! 🔥 That’s why I am absolutely in love with the Neighbors of Sapphire Valley series! Ayden and Keo’s journey toward becoming each other's home was everything I needed. Seeing them navigate their trauma together in that cabin was so moving. The stakes were high, the villain was truly terrifying, and the romance was breathtaking.

The yearning in this book was beautifully done. Keoni and Ayden are stepbrothers who haven’t spoken in years due to an unknown reason when a tragedy brings them back together. I love the second chance aspect of this story and the honest conversation around mental health.

M.L.Burns writes the sensitivities regarding mental health extremely thoughtful and well. From then on, the storyline took me on the most heartbreaking and captivating read from their past desires, lost opportunities and heart wrenching secrets they have both suffered, kept within themselves. Fighting inner battles and trauma that interconnected within their lives.

I adored both of Ayden and Keo, through their emotional battles, near death experiences and healing, they found each other again. Learning to trust, to open up to a future they have both been longing for their whole lives and fully deserve.

Getting more glimpses of Ronan and Calista made my heart so happy, and I am officially obsessed with Clover!

We are introduced to other characters in this read that I'm very excited to get know in the next installment of this 'Neighbours Of Sapphire Valley' series, I can't wait!! The banter between some of these characters is fantastic!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keo and Ayden 🔥🌻🦁👑

I received this ARC and couldn't wait to jump back into the Sapphire Valley craziness and there was definitely no lack of craziness in this one. Poor Ayden. He was so broken and yet stayed so hopeful. Keo had so much guilt and his own demons but his sunshine was there no matter what. They truly saved each other.

The "Family" of the Valley was absolutely hilarious. Seeing Ronan and Cal again was awesome. I can't wait to see what happens with the next book.

[Katarinaxreads]

Review to come 🫶🏼

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course, book two of the Neighbors of Sapphire Valley is also FIVE stars!! ✨

I was lucky enough to get to BETA read this incredible masterpiece, and I can't thank Mel enough for the opportunity. 🥹

Keoni & Aydens story starts early on, and before their feelings could even be expressed, they become stepbrothers and are forced to lock those feelings away and move on. Until a tragedy unexpectedly brings them back together. Both need a place to stay & they soon realize they’re both stuck living in the same cabin. Let me tell you, the forced proximity was handled EXCEPTIONALLY well. Those poor babies were battling their feelings every single day-I could seriously feel the yearning through the pages.

Both of our MMCs have their own struggles and traumas to work through, and watching them try to handle everything on their own honestly made my heart ache. I just wanted to give them a big hug and tell them everything would be okay, and that they deserve to be happy together, consequences be damned!!

This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster-you're going to be feeling everything, yearning along with them, shouting at your Kindle, giggling kicking your feet, jaw dropping in shock, and clutching your pearls (or if you're feeling a bit naughty, switching into dry panties, hehe).

We also get to see a little more behind who is living in Sapphire Valley and it makes me even more excited for what’s to come. 🤭

I also want to point out that this story is quite different from Ronan and Cal, in HEAVY and that's NOT a bad thing! Both books share trauma and deep emotional connections, but Keoni & Aydens' story really deserves its own spotlight. Believe me when I say they may be my favorite stepbrothers ever, and my heart was bleeding for these two. I can't wait for everyone to experience their story. They hold a very special place in my heart, and no one is going to hurt my babies. ❤️‍🔥

For the ones who love a slow burn romance (which honestly makes the romance even sweeter), taboo, forced proximity, possessive MMC & all the yearning, read this IMMEDIATELY you won’t regret it. 🧎🏼‍♀️

[Angel Basri · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

ARC REVIEW

Will add a full review but for now, yes 💯
They both went through so much
My heart breaks for Ayden but also Keo had some close calls 🥺💔

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As part of M. L. Burns’ street team, I was kindly sent an ARC of this book.
This was PHENOMENAL. I am obsessed with Mel’s writing - I was immediately hooked and fell in love with the characters. Both main characters were full of depth and immediately had me rooting for them, and oh my god, I HATED the protagonist.
This story covers hard topics such as death, domestic abuse, sexual assault, mental health, abuse of power, just to name a few. It was all handled so sensitively and it was so clear that the author researched and ensured it was handled accurately whilst also considering the impact it could have on readers.
The YEARNING in this book was like nothing I’d ever read. The main characters had loved each other for 10+ years by the time we got to where the story started, and my god did they love each other unconditionally throughout that time despite not being able to be together.
Instant 5 ⭐️. This book had me giggling and kicking my feet but also crying my heart out, and the SUSPENSE had me screaming at my Kindle.
Kinda lost now I’ve finished it.

[Jojobean_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"For the first time in so long, I don’t feel hollow—I feel whole."

This story of overcoming grief, escaping from domestic violence, the stigma surrounding men not being the victims of DV and all the emotional turmoil those things come with- are covered with the utmost grace in this book.
Of course it is a work of fiction but the way ML weaves important topics into her work is superb. She always approaches these topics with a sense of grace and gives them the respect they deserve.

If you love an MM romance with a side of stepbrother and a boat load of drama... then this is for you!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE FREAKING STARS!! I mean it’s Mel, of course it it 🤭

First off, I cannot thank Mel enough for allowing me to alpha read this, it was truly such an honor!

I already know readers are going to absolutely love these stepbrothers and their love 🥹 There isn’t a single thing not to love about them!

This feels like a second chance romance, except the first chance never really got to exist…
We know something happens when Keoni and Ayden were younger, but after they’re forced to not move forward with their feelings (becoming stepbrothers), it’s given them this empty feeling! Then fate comes along later in life and says “nope, this isn’t over yet”!

Enters forced proximity… and let me tell you, it was done perfectly 🙌🏼 and the spice? So yummy!!! 😮‍💨 Keoni’s mouth has me feral!!

Between the secrets, tension, trauma, healing, and the yearning (OMG the yearning!!!!), this book had me gripping my kindle, desperate for the moment when these two could finally choose each other! I felt their love for one another through every page, and I wanted so badly for them to get their happiness… together.
The love I have for these two it’s indescribable! The kind that makes me just want to hold them so close!!

Both characters carry their own trauma, which seems to be a running theme in the Sapphire Valley neighbors series, but this story stands completely on its own. While it shares emotional depth with Heavy, Hollow delivers something very different in the best way possible!

If you love forbidden/ taboo romance, intense emotional connection, and aching, slow burn yearning, Hollow will absolutely consume you!!

This story is deep into my heart and wont let go… and I already wish I could experience it again for the first time
🥹🧡💛

[Aimee Harkess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollow is another masterpiece. If Heavy made you emotional, just wait until you read this one ~ it’s tragically beautiful and will completely pull at your heartstrings.

The character development, world building and pacing were perfection, and ML Burns' writing is so effortless to read that you could devour her books in one sitting!

This story is filled with a rollercoaster of raw emotion ~ anger, tension, longing, heartbreak, love, and eventually, healing. It will leave you on the edge of your seat, tissues in hand for the tears. Ayden and Keoni’s love story is tender and fragile, yet fiercely powerful and deeply intertwined with mental health. It also explores their personal battles behind closed doors. There were so many times I found myself wishing I could just give both boys a massive hug ~ they really deserve the world and so much more.

Keoni is portrayed as the strong, protective lion ~ steady, dominant, and seemingly unshakeable. But beneath that strength is a deeply tender heart constantly warring with his mind. He carries burdens quietly and loves with a softness that makes him impossible not to adore. Seeing his vulnerability adds such beautiful, heart-tugging depth to his character.

And Ayden… he is truly a sweetheart ~ kind, loving and selfless ~ yet that very softness is taken advantage of in heartbreaking ways. My heart ached for him more times than I can count. He has so much resilience after all he has been through.

Watching the boys navigate their insecurities, fight for each other and grow ~ both individually and together ~was beautiful. Being stepbrothers kept them apart for so long, and as they begin to test the waters as something new they're face with many challenges such as learning to communicate their needs, limits and desires. But grief, guilt, societal expectations and a villian of the story also add more layers of pain to a journey that already feels so emotionally raw.

Every page has feeling. There is a balance of heartwarming scenes, ones that will wreck you, have you flustered and ones that will make you giggle. It's a wild ride.

Ayden and Keoni’s love story is written with such visceral beauty that it’s impossible not to be swept up in it.

And the found family aspect? I was squealing! I was ecstatic to see so much of familiar characters and to catch glimpses of the other neighbours in Sapphire Valley, with little hints of what's to come. Some of these moments will absolutely leave you teary-eyed.

Hollow isn't an easy journey. It is a story about forbidden love overcoming obstacles. It is a story that lingers long after you turn the final page ~ a truly special experience.

But don’t worry… there are plenty of hot scenes involving our sunshine and baby. And I mean, inferno level HOT! The shower scene?! OMG... ML Burns absolutely knows how to write drool-worthy spice. There is also cute light hearted moments sprinkled throughout and, of course, Clover, the adorable cat.

Now listen, I’ve loved every book I’ve read by ML Burns, but Hollow truly holds a tender place in my heart and is absolutely my favourite so far. I would go to war for Keoni and Ayden.

I am beyond grateful to have not only read the ARC of Hollow but to be a part of ML Burns’ team ~ she is an absolute sweetie and her stories explore trauma so beautifully.

[Kenz✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Hollow took about 25% of the way to fully get invested in the story, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down.

please check your triggers before reading since this deals with heavy topics of depression, suicide, abusive relationships, guilt over deaths, and overcoming trauma. while these topics are difficult, I greatly appreciated how this story touched upon them in a way that if you were dealing with similar trauma, it showed there’s light at the end of the tunnel. also that while asking for help IS difficult, there are people and resources out there 🖤

I loved that as the story progressed in present day, the past was subtly revealed in parallel until both came to a head at the same point in the book. It was fun piecing together the past while trying to understand what’s happening in real time. The plot twists were easy to decipher and did not come as a shock to me.

Keoni and Ayden were the perfect couple, I fell in love with them instantly. They are both such cinnamon rolls who would do anything to protect the other. Their love knows no bounds and I’m so happy after all the years they loved each other in secret, they were able to find the space to open up to each other. While their relationship is taboo, I expected it to be a bit more. This story also focused heavily on advancing their relationship without the need of using overly romantic encounters and spice, which was actually refreshing as spice felt meaningful and intentional.

I also highly recommend reading heavy before this because Cal and Ronan are greatly involved in this story as side characters. I wouldn’t consider this a standalone, because it covers some of their story. I would have enjoyed a little refresher at the start because it’s been a bit since I read have. I love that we are starting to see more of the neighbors, but I did feel like this focused a decent amount of time on the set up for future books, more than I expected, because in heavy it wasn’t really prominent. I am very intrigued by these future stories. Also I was surprised to see the characters reading All Your Bloody Lies.

thank you to ML Burns for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Novellaworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and honestly… more if I could)

Hollow by M.L. Burns left me emotionally wrecked in the best possible way.

This wasn’t just a romance — it was an intense, deeply emotional experience. The kind of story that pulls your heart out, puts it through absolute agony, and then carefully pieces it back together.

M.L. Burns is known for handling sensitive and taboo themes with depth and care, and Hollow is no exception. This MM, stepbrother, second-chance romance is raw, vulnerable, and almost painfully intimate. The emotional intensity between Ayden and Keoni feels palpable — every interaction heavy with history, regret, and longing.

Ayden’s spiral didn’t start with the accident — it started at fourteen, when fate made the boy he loved his stepbrother. Twelve years later, tragedy forces them back together under one roof, in their parents’ cabin, carrying unresolved trauma and years of silence between them.

Keoni always believed Ayden was meant to be his. But family expectations and one life-altering mistake drove them apart. Watching these two navigate guilt, grief, resentment, and undeniable chemistry was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Their healing isn’t easy or immediate — it’s messy and hard-won, which makes it feel real.

The forced proximity, the simmering tension, the emotional vulnerability — it all builds into something incredibly powerful. This is second-chance romance at its most intense.

I also loved getting deeper insight into the Neighbours of Sapphire Valley. Those added details enriched the world and left me eager for future stories.

If you enjoy dark romance, forbidden love, emotional angst, and characters fighting their way back to each other through trauma and growth, Hollow is absolutely worth the read.

This book hurt — but in a way that made it unforgettable.

Thank you Mel for the honour of being in your ARC team these are still my heartfelt honest reviews

[Sashelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥🌻 Hollow ARC Review 🌻🔥
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
@mlburns_author
Releases March 3rd 2026

She’s done it again. Shes taken my heart and given it to two boys named Keyoni and Ayden, and I don’t want it back.

This was everything I had hoped it would be. Trauma, pain, yearning, anger, heartbreak, love, healing, spice, I could go on and on!

These beautiful broken boys are so damn perfect for each other. It hurts me that they lost so much time because fate brought them together as step brothers.

Keyoni was so fucking perfect. The big, strong lion, that was secretly a kitty cat on the inside. The pain he put himself through, the hurt he felt, oh it broke my heart. He was so strong for Ayden, whilst silently breaking himself. Ugh, I just love him.

Ayden was a big sweetheart. There were so many layers to him that no one knew of, and as each one was peeled back, more scars were hidden ready to be healed by Keyo. I really just wanted to climb into the book and hold them both and never let go.

The twists and turns Mel carved into their story, were done so damn well. There were parts you thought you’d figured out, then she’d pull the rug out from under your feet and watch you fall!

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, not many can write trauma and the journey to healing quite like Mel can.
If you’ve read Heavy and the All Your Bloody Lies duet, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

There were lots of exciting cameos along the way, ones I can’t wait to learn more about!
The found family was fucking perfect 🙌🏽

And Mel, I’ve not forgiven you yet for the full on sobbing you made me do in chapter 48. IYKYK!! It was both heartbreaking and beautiful!

I wish I could read this again already, it was pure fucking perfection.
So Buckle up girls and boys, you’re in for a tragically beautiful ride!

The second that book is released, I’ll be getting a shelf trophy to add to my shrine 🙌🏽🌻🔥❤️‍🔥♾️

[Jessica Rau · Rating 5 out of 5]

M. L. Burns has spoiled me with another favorite book! I absolutely loved Heavy—which is the first interconnected book in the Neighbors of Sapphire Valley Series—but Hollow gripped me in such a different way emotionally.

The major themes in this book I connected with are PTSD, depression, and grief.

I think an important thing to remember is domestic violence does happen in queer relationships too. The shame from getting trapped in a relationship with an unsafe person was shown so well. It had me wanting to grab Ayden and hug him and never let him go.

There were moments I was screaming at my kindle which stressed out!!! But wherever M. L. Burns stresses me out, she always makes it better again.

Seeing a healer like Ayden who’s an ICU nurse find the love he always deserved felt so cathartic to me. Every healer needs a protector and this is why I loved Keo so much.

Keo is such a safe, supportive, patient, and loving partner. But he’s also so PROTECTIVE!!! He would do anything to keep Ayden safe; anything to keep him happy.

They both individually have their own issues to work through and I loved seeing them learn how to support each other in doing that together. So beautiful.

This story showed such depth to two characters who really understood each other and they fought like hell to get back to each other.

I love this wild little community in Sapphire Valley and cannot wait for book 3. I’m only sad I don’t have more of Ayden & Keo 🥹

[Tracy Hanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.L. Burns has done it again. Wow. Hollow was everything.

I knew she would kill her first MM romance, but here we are again, me falling in love with another MMC. Keoni. Sir???

This is another taboo romance in the Sapphire Valley series, following two stepbrothers, and when I tell you the tension is TENSIONING… holy cow. There is nothing I love more than pining and longing, and Mel really got me in my feelings with this one.

Keoni and Ayden meet in high school and are instantly drawn to each other. And then fate just drops a pipe bomb on their lives when their parents decide to get married. The devastation?? We get it through the flashbacks, and my heart actually hurt for them.

Fast forward to present day, after a horrific accident leaves their parents deceased and Ayden on the run from a toxic relationship, they end up as reluctant roommates in their parents’ secluded cabin. There’s so much animosity. Ayden’s been basically MIA because of that trash relationship, and Keoni is carrying a lot of anger… plus that pull between them that never went away.

It’s taboo, yes... but it’s not super dark. It’s emotional. It’s angsty. It’s tender in places you don’t expect. And the mental health rep? So well done.

And Michael—Ayden’s ex? When I catch you. This man is actually the worst. Mel writes the most despicable villains and somehow makes me hate them every single time.

I need more in this universe immediately. Anything Mel writes? Perfection. No notes.

[Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that this book would be special. It's hard not to go into a M. L. Burns read without high expectations, because everything this woman writes is simply amazing.

Hollow has been one of my most anticipated reads for this year and I am so lucky to have gotten my hands on it pre release due to being part of her ARC team.

Keoni and Ayden are - once again - such complex and layered characters with their own struggles and demons. What makes their relationship special is that they were always meant to be together, but life got in the way. They had to overcome so many obstacles to finally be able to give their love a chance. Seeing them fall in love with each other in two time lines and two POVs made the experience even more intense.

While I was swooning over the quality of their devotion for each other, I also hurt for them. So much is happening, so many internal amd external struggles trying to prevent them from getting their well deserved happy ending.

One of my favourite parts of the book is seeing more of the other neighbours (the ones we already know as well as the ones yet to come), as well as the cameo of other M. L. Burns characters throughout the story.

📖 Hollow by M. L. Burns
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Shalieka ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollow ARC Review 🥹🧡🌻😭
5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ohhh where to start... My heart now belongs to Keoni and Ayden. Simple as that.

This book was EVERYTHING trauma, pain, yearning, anger, heartbreak, love, healing, and just the right amount of spice. Two beautifully broken souls who were so perfect for each other, and unfortunately they lost so much time because they ended up being stepbrothers. (Sighhhh)😭

Ah Keoni, is a strong, protective with literally the softest heart, which is quietly breaking while holding Ayden together. And Ayden? He is the definition of a sweetheart with many hidden layers, each scar healed by Keoni. I just wanted to give them both the biggest hug.😭🥹

The twists and turns were amazing, the found family was perfect, and the emotional depth was unmatched. Ermmm can we talk about Chapter 48 and onwards?! My heart actually couldn't take it heartbreaking and beautiful all at once. I really love that there was references from Mel's other books and some familiar characters also me an appearance 👀

Mel once again this was so beautiful, painfully healing, and absolute perfection, but the next book I read of yours and it breaks my heart we're gonna have to have some words🥹🥹

Out MARCH 3rd 2026🌻🥹🧡

[lettheinkleaveitsmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinite ⭐️ for Hollow.

I can always trust M.L. Burns to send me into an emotional rollercoaster with her books, and Hollow was no different (so please check your TWs).

This one definitely hit different. Closer. I’ve felt what Ayden and specially Keoni felt and, not gonna lie, I cried my eyes out while reading some scenes — but it was the good kind of crying, the therapeutic kind. I cannot begin to describe how beautiful Hollow is. It is raw and brutal at some points, but also so full of love. Their love for each other rivals the greatest love stories, honesty.

Ayden and Keoni’s story is forever engraved in my heart and soul — and probably soon on my skin too, just like Xeraphine and Kai’s story is. Yes, it is THAT GOOD to have a memory of it forever on my skin.

I loved seeing the other neighbors of Sapphire Valley, and I cannot wait for the next book 🖤

Also, shoutout to Clover for being the best cat ever and to Ronan for being, well, Ronan 😂😂 He made me roll my eyes and laugh more times than he was probably meant to. And Levi. I kind of love him already.

Thank you to M.L. Burns and her PA Misha Taylor for sending me this ARC. I’m forever honored.

[Heather Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

So going into this book its been a while since i read the first and i really should have read it again as i was a bit lost with all the side characters that live at the lake. a small recap would have been good.
this is not a stand alone and needs to be read in order.

that being said it was a good book, it did deal with some heavy topics such as
depression
suicide
mental/physical abuse
murder

But as a whole i didnt find it that dark of a story and certainly i didnt find keoni a "gray" character.
i did love the love at first sight aspect and i found that how they had to spend so many years apart was so sad.
the story as a whole is more about the relationship between Keoni and Ayden and that growing and the ex is kind off in the background.

the ending was not a surprise and i did figure it all out through the book.

this was relatively lower end of spice but i didnt miss it and i think the story was better for it.


did i prefer the fist one yes but i also think this is a worthy read as well

[MJ’s || BookMaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uh wow! Ayden & Keoni are just the sweetest! I’ve been itching to get my hands on this ARC for so long. Since Cal & Ronan in Heavy left me needing more from Sapphire Valley! Mel NEVER disappoints.🙌🏼 The way she has highlighted such importance over mental health, the struggles & how it’s not simply overcome but about working through it!

Ayden & Keo’s story is full of trauma & pain but also an insane amount of love, healing & true connection & understanding! Mel has a way of writing where you can’t help but fall in love with them both(well all of them)🖤

The story introduces a number of new couples from the Sapphire Valley neighbourhood, all of which have extremely intriguing backgrounds/story lines to themselves, which again has left me desperate to find out what will happen in their own personal stories! This story shows the importance of the family you build around yourselves & them being there for you unconditionally, no questions asked! 🥹


🧡 MM Romance
🔥 Step-Siblings
🧡Taboo Romance
🔥 ICU Nurse x Firefighter
🧡 Forced Proximity
🔥 Mental Health Rep
🧡 Yearning

[itzxraibooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!!!!!!!!!

I adore this book so much!!! For this to be Mels first MM romance, she absolutely knocked it out of the park. What stood out most for me was the diversity and how natural it all felt. Nothing was performative or forced. These characters exist fully on the page, messy, loving, and human.

Keoni and Ayden’s story is heavy in the way real emotions are heavy(call back to book one hehe). There’s trauma, guilt, longing, and years of unspoken feelings simmering under forced proximity, and you feel every ounce of it. The slow burn is pure ache. Watching them circle each other while trying to survive their own demons broke my heart.

What I loved most is that the romance never feels separate from their healing. Every step toward each other is also a step toward confronting the past. When they finally choose honesty, it feels earned, not easy. The spice hits harder (and its FLITHY) because of that emotional foundation. It’s intimate, not just physical.

Keoni and Ayden are my babies!!!

*I received this arc from the author all thoughts are my own*

[Torylee Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌻𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰🌻
𝟔 ⭐️ 𝟑/𝟓🌶

My most anticipated read since the moment Mel dropped the news and it did not disappoint. Not even in the slightest bit.

Wow. I don’t even know how I’m going to put into words how much I loved Hollow and how healing this book was.
Mel has this ability with her writing to just captivate you and never let you go. Once I started Hollow, I just couldn’t put it down. I was immediately sucked back into Sapphire Valley and I was so fucking happy to be back.

I got through probably 4 chapters and realized once again, this is going to change my brain chemistry. And fuck it did. Keoni & Ayden have so much of my heart and soul. I just loved these characters so deeply.

I love the dynamic between the two, the push and pull and the angst. These men YEARNED and my heart was just exploding. I adore the way Keoni understands Ayden and how seen with each other they feel. The growing communication between them was so important and refreshing. To be so open with each other and feel so safe. Like I said this book was incredibly healing and so beautiful.

Hollow is a slow burn but once the smut hits you, you’re on fire and I love the mouth on those men 😈🔥

So many cute Easter eggs and moments with the Sapphire Valley gang that had me cheesing like a fool and giggling and kicking my feet.

Hollow is a 6 star read, absolutely incredible. This book is heavy, dark but so damn beautiful. The topics in Hollow are SO important. The mental health rep in Hollow is unbelievable and this story was written with such care. Once again, I don’t know what to do with my life now that this journey is over. Ayden & Keoni will always live rent free. 🥹

❤️‍🔥𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
🌻𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐲
❤️‍🔥𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐩
🌻𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
❤️‍🔥𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞

[Amanda Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely 5 stars!!! Ayden & Keoni will forever have my heart! The yearning in this book is just heart aching. I related to Ayden & what he went through a bit and it really had me in my feels, I literally just want to give them both the biggest hug! I seriously loved the guest appearances & the way the author didnt deteriorate their character in this book,it happens to often and it is so appreciated keeping me loving all of the characters even more. I love the set up for the future books and seriously the books Ayden was reading!!!!! chefs kiss!!! This book is filled with yearning, Forbidden love, loss, angst, abuse, mental health,healing... uhg... I just absolutely love this book so much! Im so sad its over. Thank you for my arc, & this review is so genuine not just because im on the team.

[Lyds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is outstanding. This is a must read, although be prepared to not be able to put the book down once you've started. This is a deep, hard and emotional read. It'll tear you apart, again and again just to heal you after, everytime. The characters are beautifully written, the plot well thought through and concise, but don't expect to be able to predict what happens. This story develops into a heart wrenching love story. This is what true love is, what soul mates are.

Small advisory. If you suffer from anxiety or depression please read with caution. M.L. Burns has expertly written about both conditions, fully understanding what it feels to have either of them.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart HURT for these boys. The mental health rep, the vulnerability, the healing, UGH I CANNOT. I absolutely love Ayden and Keoni. It was so nice being back in Sapphire Valley, seeing Calista and Ronan again, along with meeting a few new neighbors. The found family trope will always always alwaaaaysssss do it for me. These characters and their bond were everything. I was already in love with Sapphire Valley, but I have a feeling I’ll fall more in love as I read each book.

Thank you so much Mel for the chance to read this one early 🥹🥹