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In Southern Deep
What do you do when one man could give everything you need in the world…but the whole world is against you having him?
Unexpected reunions…
Jeremy Lyles can’t believe his eyes. Sean Sax — his onetime best friend, who disappeared from his life seven years ago — is working as a bouncer at an Atlanta nightclub. Muscular, tattooed, and very much the bad boy, Sean is irresistible…even though Jeremy considers himself straight.
Impossible dilemmas…
Sean knows he should stay far away from Jeremy. His troubled background and rough ways will never be welcome in Jeremy’s world. More, Sean doesn’t want his kind of trouble to intrude on his friend’s life. But sensitive, adorable Jeremy is exactly what he wants, and Sean finds himself unable to say no.
Fateful choices…
Afraid of his father’s disapproval, Jeremy tries to hide his relationship with Sean even as the heat between them intensifies. But constant meddling from both families strain things to the breaking point, especially when Sean learns that Jeremy’s keeping secrets. When Sean’s past returns with a vengeance, Jeremy must risk everything to save the man he loves.
Unexpected reunions…
Jeremy Lyles can’t believe his eyes. Sean Sax — his onetime best friend, who disappeared from his life seven years ago — is working as a bouncer at an Atlanta nightclub. Muscular, tattooed, and very much the bad boy, Sean is irresistible…even though Jeremy considers himself straight.
Impossible dilemmas…
Sean knows he should stay far away from Jeremy. His troubled background and rough ways will never be welcome in Jeremy’s world. More, Sean doesn’t want his kind of trouble to intrude on his friend’s life. But sensitive, adorable Jeremy is exactly what he wants, and Sean finds himself unable to say no.
Fateful choices…
Afraid of his father’s disapproval, Jeremy tries to hide his relationship with Sean even as the heat between them intensifies. But constant meddling from both families strain things to the breaking point, especially when Sean learns that Jeremy’s keeping secrets. When Sean’s past returns with a vengeance, Jeremy must risk everything to save the man he loves.
310 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2017
105 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 14, 2017
Interesting
This was a nice story of friends turn lovers. Both main characters were very likable. Two people fro!m different social classes become best friends only too be separated. They reunite and try to work on a relationship but are plagued with various distractions. The author did a great job of developing the characters and story line. Very interesting!
This was a nice story of friends turn lovers. Both main characters were very likable. Two people fro!m different social classes become best friends only too be separated. They reunite and try to work on a relationship but are plagued with various distractions. The author did a great job of developing the characters and story line. Very interesting!
July 31, 2017
This book just didn't work for me. Right off the bat the book started weird. You didn't really know where Jeremy stood. His denial about himself then all of sudden Sean is his irresistible best friend thrown into to his life once again. They literally are friends again for two minutes again and jump right into bed. This book was way insta even for the whole you are back in my life thing. The story then takes a weird turn and they are forced to deal with Sean's past, Jeremy's father causes a big misunderstanding between them that dragged. The whole thing felt juvenile trying to be grown up. It didn't help that I didn't particularly like any character in the book to include the supporting characters. Best person in the book is a dead woman (Jeremy's mother). Not a good one for me, I barely got through it. Points for a couple of hot moments but that's it.
July 20, 2017
**** Seven years ago, Jeremy's best bud moved away.
Now nearly 22, Jeremy/Rem has lost his sweet Mom, and has to put up with his controlling Dad while he finishes college, before he gets his inheritance. His best friend, Sean, 23, has moved back, and isn't the same guy Jeremy knew. He's rougher, tattooed, but is still the ass-kicker he once was.
When Jeremy is attacked in the club parking lot, it is Sean who saves him.
Jeremy is truly naïve, and never has had an interest in men, but Sean could be the one he's been waiting for. Sean is the only one who brings out these feelings in Jeremy. He only wants Sean, no one else will do. So, this GFY, gay-for-you story starts heating up, and gets super sexy.
It's all new sex for M/M virgin Jeremy, and Sean gets him caught u quickly. Jeremy's controlling Dad has always hated Sean. The men do talk between sexy times, and history is revealed. The guys decide to be together, to try a relationship. Jeremy's Dad threatens, and a bad guy from Sean and his sister's past causes trouble. Meanwhile it's school, work, and sex to fill up their time. Jeremy's immaturity shows when he doesn't own up to his relationship.
We see our men's inner thoughts, needs and wants, plus their fears and insecurities surface. Jeremy stands up to his Dad, and then, when Sean's trouble threatens, Jeremy steps up to protect him and his sis.
This is a well written story of reunited friends, turning into lovers. It has intense feelings, great sex, and an interesting plot that holds our attention. It's my first book by Marissa Holt and I'll happily read her books again.
ENJOY !
=======
Now nearly 22, Jeremy/Rem has lost his sweet Mom, and has to put up with his controlling Dad while he finishes college, before he gets his inheritance. His best friend, Sean, 23, has moved back, and isn't the same guy Jeremy knew. He's rougher, tattooed, but is still the ass-kicker he once was.
When Jeremy is attacked in the club parking lot, it is Sean who saves him.
Jeremy is truly naïve, and never has had an interest in men, but Sean could be the one he's been waiting for. Sean is the only one who brings out these feelings in Jeremy. He only wants Sean, no one else will do. So, this GFY, gay-for-you story starts heating up, and gets super sexy.
It's all new sex for M/M virgin Jeremy, and Sean gets him caught u quickly. Jeremy's controlling Dad has always hated Sean. The men do talk between sexy times, and history is revealed. The guys decide to be together, to try a relationship. Jeremy's Dad threatens, and a bad guy from Sean and his sister's past causes trouble. Meanwhile it's school, work, and sex to fill up their time. Jeremy's immaturity shows when he doesn't own up to his relationship.
We see our men's inner thoughts, needs and wants, plus their fears and insecurities surface. Jeremy stands up to his Dad, and then, when Sean's trouble threatens, Jeremy steps up to protect him and his sis.
This is a well written story of reunited friends, turning into lovers. It has intense feelings, great sex, and an interesting plot that holds our attention. It's my first book by Marissa Holt and I'll happily read her books again.
ENJOY !
=======
July 12, 2017
♥¸.•´♥¸.•*´♥¨) ♥¸.•*¨♥
(¸.•´♥ (¸.•`♥4.5 Stars of goodness
Marissa Holt is a new to me/new author and I have to say, good try first time around. And can we just give a minute of silence to that gorgeous cover?
You have Sean Sax, the tattooed, quintessential foul-mouthed bad boy, who frankly didn't give a damn. He knew what he wanted and when it was offered, he went after it full steam ahead. Then there was Jeremy. Soft spoken, easily taken advantaged off and needing excitement in his life.
Their's was a friendship forged as teenagers when Sean became his hero on saving Jeremy from bullies. But one wrong homophobic incident left them separated for fifteen years. Now Sean was back and Jeremy cannot give up on the man who had seemed to be his other half all those years ago. However, Sean was out and proud and trying to get his life on track following a bad run; and Jeremy could not even reveal his secrets, not even to his demanding and clingy ex-girlfriend.
As Sean and jeremy smoothly flowed into a relationship, the dominant Sean proved just how much Jeremy meant to him. But when Jeremy's secrets were revealed, the architect senior found that giving up Sean was not going to be easy, especially with everyone, including a bad guy willing to destroy it all.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
(¸.•´♥ (¸.•`♥4.5 Stars of goodness
Marissa Holt is a new to me/new author and I have to say, good try first time around. And can we just give a minute of silence to that gorgeous cover?
You have Sean Sax, the tattooed, quintessential foul-mouthed bad boy, who frankly didn't give a damn. He knew what he wanted and when it was offered, he went after it full steam ahead. Then there was Jeremy. Soft spoken, easily taken advantaged off and needing excitement in his life.
Their's was a friendship forged as teenagers when Sean became his hero on saving Jeremy from bullies. But one wrong homophobic incident left them separated for fifteen years. Now Sean was back and Jeremy cannot give up on the man who had seemed to be his other half all those years ago. However, Sean was out and proud and trying to get his life on track following a bad run; and Jeremy could not even reveal his secrets, not even to his demanding and clingy ex-girlfriend.
As Sean and jeremy smoothly flowed into a relationship, the dominant Sean proved just how much Jeremy meant to him. But when Jeremy's secrets were revealed, the architect senior found that giving up Sean was not going to be easy, especially with everyone, including a bad guy willing to destroy it all.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
August 12, 2019
4.5 Stars
July 12, 2017
Sean and Rem (Jeremy), what can I say, I adored this book. I literally couldn’t put it down, and I didn’t want to. I haven’t been able to find any other books by this author, so I’m going to assume it is a debut effort, and wow, Congrats! There was just something so deep and touching about this book, I was on the edge of my seat wondering if Rem’s father was going to get away with his crap, and I was actually scared he was going to win and Jeremy was fooled into doing something really stupid. When the truth comes out about what Sean has been up to, he thinks he’s going to lose Jeremy, but Jeremy’s reaction to it is awesome. There was also a bit of a scary moment when Sean’s past comes back to haunt him and his sister. Overall I thought this book was great, it sucked me into their story, and I was left wanting more of them.
November 13, 2017
I loved this story. Marissa Holt is a new-to-me author, and I am glad I got the chance to read this book. The writing is wonderful with a steady pace. I was pulled into the story right from the start and finished it in one session. It was captivating all throughout the book.
The story is not a new one: a famous pop star (Nash) who is not out as bisexual and a gay man (Brian) who comes to work for him as his personal assistant. But this author gives it the perfect twist to be highly entertaining.
I must be honest that Nash comes across as a selfish, arrogant diva at first, but as the story progressed, he grew on me. He enjoys being in the spotlight, and he knows he is full of himself, but he also acknowledges that this is to cover up his insecurities. He has his caring, selfless sides. The hospital scene brought tears to my eyes. He is showing more vulnerability and his gentler side further along the book. That, for me, is the power of good writing.
Brian is a very lovable character the moment I read about him. He is used to taking care of people, he raised his sister Jennifer after their parents’ death, without asking. But he is by no means a pushover. He won’t be ordered around, and that is just what Nash needs.
Their chemistry is off the charts. I felt the sparks flying when these two guys were together.
As can be expected with famous people, there is drama coming from being in the public eye, but I loved the way they handled things, kept talking, and that they didn’t blame the other for what happened.
The secondary cast has some interesting characters, not all of whom I appreciated (manager Ray, Aunt Peggy so-so) but they enhance the story. I have to high-five Lexi (great friend) and my favorite Doris, Nash’s housekeeper.
The only thing I don’t love that much is the title of the book. It certainly is eye-catching and covers the story, but it could send the message that it is full of swearing and cursing, which it is not. Don’t let that deter you from picking up this book because it is a great story.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
The story is not a new one: a famous pop star (Nash) who is not out as bisexual and a gay man (Brian) who comes to work for him as his personal assistant. But this author gives it the perfect twist to be highly entertaining.
I must be honest that Nash comes across as a selfish, arrogant diva at first, but as the story progressed, he grew on me. He enjoys being in the spotlight, and he knows he is full of himself, but he also acknowledges that this is to cover up his insecurities. He has his caring, selfless sides. The hospital scene brought tears to my eyes. He is showing more vulnerability and his gentler side further along the book. That, for me, is the power of good writing.
Brian is a very lovable character the moment I read about him. He is used to taking care of people, he raised his sister Jennifer after their parents’ death, without asking. But he is by no means a pushover. He won’t be ordered around, and that is just what Nash needs.
Their chemistry is off the charts. I felt the sparks flying when these two guys were together.
As can be expected with famous people, there is drama coming from being in the public eye, but I loved the way they handled things, kept talking, and that they didn’t blame the other for what happened.
The secondary cast has some interesting characters, not all of whom I appreciated (manager Ray, Aunt Peggy so-so) but they enhance the story. I have to high-five Lexi (great friend) and my favorite Doris, Nash’s housekeeper.
The only thing I don’t love that much is the title of the book. It certainly is eye-catching and covers the story, but it could send the message that it is full of swearing and cursing, which it is not. Don’t let that deter you from picking up this book because it is a great story.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
July 11, 2017
Sean and Jeremy were both irresistible characters in this friends to lovers story. Jeremy identifies as straight but has never been happy with any of the relationships he has tried with women. His current/newly ex-girlfriend, Stacey, is written very well and is easy to dislike for the most part. Sean has always been very drawn to Jeremy and realizes that he will not be able to stay away from the adorable man now that they have reconnected,
Jeremy's father, on the other hand, is heinous, devious and an all around arrogant and terrible person. He hated Sean and Jeremy's friendship when they were younger and was determined to break them apart. Unknown to everyone, he took steps to make that happen. When he finds out that they have reconnected in the present, he is more than livid. That's all I can say on that subject, because I do not want to give away spoilers. The story of Sean's mother is heartbreaking, but it is sweet to read about how much Sean loved his mom.
The two young men try to rebuild their old friendship and find there there is more under the surface for them to experience. Add in a HEFTY inheritance that is coming up for Jeremy, and a kind of back stabbing ex, with the terrible father and you have the makings of a fantastic read.
Marissa holt will be a GO TO author for me from now on.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Jeremy's father, on the other hand, is heinous, devious and an all around arrogant and terrible person. He hated Sean and Jeremy's friendship when they were younger and was determined to break them apart. Unknown to everyone, he took steps to make that happen. When he finds out that they have reconnected in the present, he is more than livid. That's all I can say on that subject, because I do not want to give away spoilers. The story of Sean's mother is heartbreaking, but it is sweet to read about how much Sean loved his mom.
The two young men try to rebuild their old friendship and find there there is more under the surface for them to experience. Add in a HEFTY inheritance that is coming up for Jeremy, and a kind of back stabbing ex, with the terrible father and you have the makings of a fantastic read.
Marissa holt will be a GO TO author for me from now on.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
September 13, 2017
In Southern Deep by Marissa Holt is a book I just could not put down. I loved the rough and deep connection Jeremy and Sean have. They are friends first then it becomes more. They might be from different sides of the tracks so to speak but their love runs deeper than social status, even deeper than either of them realize.
Jeremy has been looking for love in all the wrong places. Mostly women who treat him wrong. He is a kind sweet person, easily taken advantage of. He comes from money but does not flaunt it.
Sean is the bad boy who was Rem’s best friend. ( Rem is what Sean calls Jeremy) Jeremy relied on him always till one night he went away.
Sean appears tough, has tatts, piercings, and the whole tough guy image.
This books alternates in POV which allows you to really get inside the heads of both characters. I loved the deep connection and love in this book. It really is a must read for a true romantic. I never wanted this book to end, and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Holt in the future. If this book is anything to go by she has amazing stories yet to be told.
shining star award, and five shooting stars
Jeremy has been looking for love in all the wrong places. Mostly women who treat him wrong. He is a kind sweet person, easily taken advantage of. He comes from money but does not flaunt it.
Sean is the bad boy who was Rem’s best friend. ( Rem is what Sean calls Jeremy) Jeremy relied on him always till one night he went away.
Sean appears tough, has tatts, piercings, and the whole tough guy image.
This books alternates in POV which allows you to really get inside the heads of both characters. I loved the deep connection and love in this book. It really is a must read for a true romantic. I never wanted this book to end, and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Holt in the future. If this book is anything to go by she has amazing stories yet to be told.
shining star award, and five shooting stars
July 13, 2017
What an incredible book the writing was good however, there were a few grammar issues. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters compelling. The characters were well developed and thought out. Sean and Jeremy are the MC’s of this book and they are likeable. There was humor, a jerk of a dad, a drug dealer, a sister, an inheritance, a shared past and so much more in this book. Here is a quote from the book, “Well, are you gonna play doctor and fix me up, or what?” “Yeah, give me your …. hand.” I could see he wanted to change the subject, and so did I. Grabbing a cloth, I poured some peroxide on it and softly began to wipe he blood away from Sean’s knuckles. “Oww, ….! “ Sean snatched his hand back from me and blew on it. “Don’t act like a baby, Sean,” I said forcefully. “I’ve got to clean the wound first or it could get infected.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can recommend it as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
February 8, 2019
I know I’m in the minority amongst reviewers, but while the concept of this romance was good, the execution didn’t work for me. I really didn’t like any of the characters that much. Jeremy was annoying and confusing. I do not believe this gay-for-you nonsense so Jeremy going so quickly from allegedly straight to gay super power bottom....uh, nope! Sean could have been the most loveable character but he was just so unbelievably crass and vulgar he just felt like an over-the-top stereotype. Then we have the annoying ex-girlfriend Stacey and irritating sister Tammy. Everytime Tammy opened her mouth I felt like I was watching an episode of that old 80s sitcom “Alice.” Again, just more stereotyping.
I’m glad Jeremy and Sean get their HEA, but as the reader, it was really a tough road getting there.
I’m glad Jeremy and Sean get their HEA, but as the reader, it was really a tough road getting there.
November 13, 2018
Love this series by Marissa Holt. It was funny, sweet, romantic, and so hot. I can imagine how Royal's sexy accent and his tatted body was a big turn on for Flynn. I love a man with tats, especially a sleeve on their arm. It was great to see the other characters from the previous books also. The guys had made laughing, especially Lulu. I hope she gets her own book.
I can understand why Felix would want to be celibate after he was hurt by Michael. The chemistry from Flynn and Royal was written throughout the book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. I I read this book in one sitting and I couldn't put it down.
I can understand why Felix would want to be celibate after he was hurt by Michael. The chemistry from Flynn and Royal was written throughout the book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. I I read this book in one sitting and I couldn't put it down.
July 19, 2017
Powerful and Deep
This book had all the things that make you think about relationships and where you want to go and knowing how Jeremy felt says a lot. Seven years without your best friend not being there for you sucks and Jeremy and Sean that was difficult and to bounce back from tough situations was not easy and for Sean to go away and come back just so the past and ruin what you worked so hard to have breaks my heart. Jeremy standing up to his father was powerful and epic To see the bravery between the two was beautiful and I'm happy the got there happy ending
This book had all the things that make you think about relationships and where you want to go and knowing how Jeremy felt says a lot. Seven years without your best friend not being there for you sucks and Jeremy and Sean that was difficult and to bounce back from tough situations was not easy and for Sean to go away and come back just so the past and ruin what you worked so hard to have breaks my heart. Jeremy standing up to his father was powerful and epic To see the bravery between the two was beautiful and I'm happy the got there happy ending
July 13, 2017
Got ARC for an honest review.
First time reading from the author.
Jeremy and Sean have great chemistry as friends, which builds to more. The story was well written and the characters, to me, were likable. It had a nice steady pace to keep the story moving along, with all that was going on in their life. The two can heat up the pages. Hope to read more from the author. I liked the story.
Thank you for letting me read your story.
First time reading from the author.
Jeremy and Sean have great chemistry as friends, which builds to more. The story was well written and the characters, to me, were likable. It had a nice steady pace to keep the story moving along, with all that was going on in their life. The two can heat up the pages. Hope to read more from the author. I liked the story.
Thank you for letting me read your story.
July 8, 2017
I loved this book from beginning to end. Jeremy and Sean we meant to be together and I loved how their story developed. I don't want to give the story away but it's contains a little angst, a little heartbreak, but the complete realization that Sean and Jeremy will have their happily ever after!!! I can't wait to read more from Marissa Holt, especially after this book.
July 14, 2017
This was my first book by this author and I loved it. It's a great friends to lovers story that is very well written and flows flawlessly. Sean and Jeremy are wonderful characters with a strong connection and lots of chemistry. This is a fantastic book with drama, suspense, secrets, humor, and hot & steamy scenes.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 31, 2017
Really enjoyed!
Always excited to see a new author! This book was a great read and the characters were distinct and well developed. Only four stars, because while the characters had great chemistry and I believed they loved each other they had mediocre bedroom chemistry.
Can't wait for more!
Always excited to see a new author! This book was a great read and the characters were distinct and well developed. Only four stars, because while the characters had great chemistry and I believed they loved each other they had mediocre bedroom chemistry.
Can't wait for more!
March 26, 2018
Soul mates
No two people are more meant for each other than Jeremy and Sean. They love on a much deeper way then most. They might be total opposite but they connect ,from the friendship as kids, to sharing memories of the Moms and really disliking their Dads to becoming adults who can truly embrace their love. Really liked this story
No two people are more meant for each other than Jeremy and Sean. They love on a much deeper way then most. They might be total opposite but they connect ,from the friendship as kids, to sharing memories of the Moms and really disliking their Dads to becoming adults who can truly embrace their love. Really liked this story
June 16, 2018
I liked both Sean and Jeremy since I first read about them in Swayer, I thought back then their story was very cute. I did enjoy their childhood memories and closeness, I also enjoyed Rem's love for Sean even before he knew he was in love. I liked Sean's personality but the small daddy issue they both had was a bit of a mood kill. Overall, fun and sexy read with a bit of action.
August 29, 2018
I won't be reading anymore from this author. Too much drama for the sake of drama. Sean was a selfish prick!! And Jeremy let him get away with it. He was too wrapped up in his own shit to even listen to Jeremy's side of the story when things got rocky. His missed Jeremy's birthday and graduation. I wouldn't forgive that. Also he's a selfish lover!!
August 10, 2017
Love Conquers Everything!
Wow! Just wow...once I started reading this wonderful love story I couldn't put it down. Sean & Rem definitely are soul mates. I love a HEA ending. This love story certainly delivered.
Wow! Just wow...once I started reading this wonderful love story I couldn't put it down. Sean & Rem definitely are soul mates. I love a HEA ending. This love story certainly delivered.
September 19, 2017
Sean was crass. I totally get that it was part of his character but it made the book hard to read because of the way it was written. I’m glad Jeremy finally stood up to his dad. What a jackass! I’ll never understand how some people can be so cruel and unfeeling.
July 17, 2017
I just couldn't bring myself to like these two.
July 31, 2017
Great writing. I loved the story line. Both characters were extremely likable. Perfect amount of steamy scenes.
September 28, 2017
2,5 stars
October 6, 2017
Emotionally satisfying
Greatly enjoyed this read. Thoughtful characters and plot. Nice steamy times too. Nothing wrong with a high drive ;) will read from this author soon!
Greatly enjoyed this read. Thoughtful characters and plot. Nice steamy times too. Nothing wrong with a high drive ;) will read from this author soon!
December 18, 2017
There is a lot of drama in this book. Nothing goes easy for Rem and Sean. Just when you think things will go smoothly, someone throws a monkey wrench. Usually I hate that in books because I'm not a big fan of relationship angst. But while there was lots of drama, for the most part the relationship not that angsty.
When Sean and Rem get together for the first time, they go from 0 to 100 real fast but I didn't think that was unrealistic given Sean's personality. So in case you were wondering, yes, your kindle will be on fire. There was a lot of sex but not that much effective communication between the two. Not until certain types of weapons were pointed at certain heads, did the characters have the truly epic heart to heart and reunion. And it was epic. But I thought that was pretty accurate, 22yo males aren't always the best with feelings.
The only reason I had to give 4 stars instead of 5 was because, at times, I thought the internal monologue didn't flow well and it could make getting into the scene difficult, but it was minor and improved through the book.
So read this if you like slutty friends to lovers who are really soul mates, a high drama plot, and scorching sexy times!
When Sean and Rem get together for the first time, they go from 0 to 100 real fast but I didn't think that was unrealistic given Sean's personality. So in case you were wondering, yes, your kindle will be on fire. There was a lot of sex but not that much effective communication between the two. Not until certain types of weapons were pointed at certain heads, did the characters have the truly epic heart to heart and reunion. And it was epic. But I thought that was pretty accurate, 22yo males aren't always the best with feelings.
The only reason I had to give 4 stars instead of 5 was because, at times, I thought the internal monologue didn't flow well and it could make getting into the scene difficult, but it was minor and improved through the book.
So read this if you like slutty friends to lovers who are really soul mates, a high drama plot, and scorching sexy times!
July 12, 2017
I ended up picking this Friends to Lovers story up late at night. BIG MISTAKE! Once I started reading Rem (Jeremy) and Sean's story I couldn't put it down! I ended up finishing this book in less than a day. The story-line/plot was good, it kept me turning the pages. The writing was good, and the characters were entertaining! The only thing that was a little bit of a turn off was how Toppy/inflexible Sean was in the bedroom. But that is just my opinion. All and all, I thought this was a great read, and would recommend to all lovers of the M/M Genre and/or Friends to Lovers stories!
**ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
**ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
August 5, 2017
Originally appeared on Love is Love Book Reviews.
I’ve struggled with how to rate this book. After some debate, I settled on 3.5 Hearts, rounded up. This book is friends-to-lovers meets Richie Rich and the redeemed bad-boy. The reason I rounded up instead of down was that the book grew on me as I read it. For the first 20-30% of the story, I had trouble connecting with our heroes but by the time I reached the middle I was hooked. For the early part of the book, Jeremy came across as passive and a little wimpy, but once he and Sean start having sex, I saw him more as submissive which changed the way I related to him. For Sean, I think it just took time to get the insecurity underneath all of his bad-boy dominance.
The plot is pretty straight forward. Both men have their issues both of their own making and not. I thought Jeremy’s relatively angst free slide from straight to gay was a little too quick without enough backstory. And the ex-girlfriend subplot was wasted. It would have served the story better for Stacey to be an evil minion for Jeremy’s father rather than just a distraction.
The sex in this book is filthy in the best possible way. Sean’s aggressive dominance plays nicely with Jeremy’s natural submission without it bleeding over into the rest of their relationship. Some people are going to be put off by Sean’s super-toppy toppiness and his insistence on Jeremy becoming a power bottom without ever having the opportunity to explore the other side. I noticed it, but it didn’t bother me.
The writing was mostly good. There were a few typos and editing missteps but not enough to aggravate me. My biggest problem with the wordsmithing was the uneven pace. Ms. Holt was a little too heavy on the gas and the break for the tempo to feel natural. Overall I ended up enjoying it more than I thought at the beginning. I like it when a book ends up surprising me in a positive way, hence the rounding up.
I don’t have much to say about the cover. It’s fine for yet another generic floating torsos in the sky design which is so prevalent in the genre. I know they exist largely because of the limited number of M/M stock images out there, but it’s still overdone.
I’ve struggled with how to rate this book. After some debate, I settled on 3.5 Hearts, rounded up. This book is friends-to-lovers meets Richie Rich and the redeemed bad-boy. The reason I rounded up instead of down was that the book grew on me as I read it. For the first 20-30% of the story, I had trouble connecting with our heroes but by the time I reached the middle I was hooked. For the early part of the book, Jeremy came across as passive and a little wimpy, but once he and Sean start having sex, I saw him more as submissive which changed the way I related to him. For Sean, I think it just took time to get the insecurity underneath all of his bad-boy dominance.
The plot is pretty straight forward. Both men have their issues both of their own making and not. I thought Jeremy’s relatively angst free slide from straight to gay was a little too quick without enough backstory. And the ex-girlfriend subplot was wasted. It would have served the story better for Stacey to be an evil minion for Jeremy’s father rather than just a distraction.
The sex in this book is filthy in the best possible way. Sean’s aggressive dominance plays nicely with Jeremy’s natural submission without it bleeding over into the rest of their relationship. Some people are going to be put off by Sean’s super-toppy toppiness and his insistence on Jeremy becoming a power bottom without ever having the opportunity to explore the other side. I noticed it, but it didn’t bother me.
The writing was mostly good. There were a few typos and editing missteps but not enough to aggravate me. My biggest problem with the wordsmithing was the uneven pace. Ms. Holt was a little too heavy on the gas and the break for the tempo to feel natural. Overall I ended up enjoying it more than I thought at the beginning. I like it when a book ends up surprising me in a positive way, hence the rounding up.
I don’t have much to say about the cover. It’s fine for yet another generic floating torsos in the sky design which is so prevalent in the genre. I know they exist largely because of the limited number of M/M stock images out there, but it’s still overdone.
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