Dreads & Crew Cuts

Takoda Outreach Center #4

by Sammi Cee

Welcome to Takoda Outreach Center. Prepare yourself for open hearts, a full belly, and all the love you can handle.

When my homophobic, racist father caused a scene at my high school graduation, nobody was surprised, especially me. Getting kicked out the same day? Not a surprise either. I knew today represented freedom, but…maybe not quite so much?

With nowhere else to go, I’d be stupid to turn down Kamari’s kind offer. My brother’s super hot best friend isn’t only offering a place to stay, the man seems excited about it. I just need to keep my crush a secret so things don’t get awkward.

Now we’re hanging out every night, going on runs and having dinner, and my feelings are growing from crush to…so much more. With us both catching feels, will I be able to keep him? My relationship with my brother is everything to me, and I can’t lose either of them. The question is, how will my brother feel about our newfound love? Please, God, don’t make any of us have to choose.

This fourth book in the Takoda Outreach Center has a young man with beautiful hair and eyes that mesmerize, men who drive each other to a distraction with their lack of shirts, and an over-protective big brother who’s reaction isn’t quite what they expected. In Sammi’s low-angst, super-sweet world, hugs are freely given and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed.

Previously titled Kamari’s: No changes have been made.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Fiction, Drama, Queer

119 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2020

About the author

Sammi Cee was raised in a family of readers. Summer vacations consisted of a good book while sitting lakeside from as far back as she could remember. After growing up and having her own children, her appreciation of how the written word could transport you on an adventure, bring you to tears, or give you hope, took on a whole new meaning.

These days Sammi is watching her children develop into fine young ladies while doing the things she enjoys most: drinking coffee, eating chocolate, and writing her own stories.

Reviews

[Amy Stauffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was such a sweet story. Well, except for Lachy and Jasper’s dad. He was the opposite of sweet. He was filled with pure evil. The only thing he didn’t do was leave bruises or sexually assault anyone. Words take longer to dissipate though. Thankfully, Lachy has a strong resolve, a phenomenal support system, and the reminders of his mom’s guiding words. 

When Lachy comes out to his dad in an unplanned, public way, he knows his fate. He knows his life will change, and he’s been planning for it. What he didn’t plan on is his brother’s BFF making an offer of a place to stay.

I loved that, despite the young men being between 18-23, this story didn’t revolve around their amped-up sex drives. This story dug deeper than their need for each other, and they did desire each other. It showed us the kind of men they are. We got to witness Lachy FINALLY getting to actually have a life, and it was heart-warming to see. He’s been through so much and is such a beautiful human being, inside and out. Kamari was a great friend to him when he really needed one.

This story was well written and the characters were amazing. We got to see familiar faces throughout the story. It’s always fun to catch up with them. I loved the brotherly dynamic between Jasper and Lachy and Kamari as well. This is book 4 in the series, but gives enough information on the side characters that it can be read as a stand-alone. The only thing that will happen reading it that way, is you’re going to want to go back to the beginning and read them all. They’re so darn likable!

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I debated whether or not to say this, but to be on the safe side….there may be possible triggers for some in this book. At one point, one of the MCs had talked of self-harm. It never happened, thankfully because of a good counselor, but it’s there. There is also a verbally abusive father in the picture, who never really gets physical, but he’s not a nice person. Just in case any of that is a trigger, I wanted people to be aware.
Lachy’s life went down the toilet the day his mom died. Then the day when his father kicked Jasper out, because Jasper wasn’t really his son. Lachy’s father was never there for him, unless it was to gripe at him to cook and clean and such, while trying to go to school full time. And I mean high school. It got to the point he considered something drastic, but a friend’s mom, who is a counselor, gave him a different option and one that kept him sane. When it was time for him to finally graduate, he did so. And everyone was so proud for him. People he knew were Jasper’s friends even came to support him. Even though his father tried to ruin it. But Lachy had options now. And his father wouldn’t ruin it anymore. And when it came time for college, he had the best option of all. He got to live with Kamari. Someone he’s been crushing on for a while. But Kamari only saw him as a kid, Jasper’s little brother. Or so Lachy thought. But living together is making Kamari rethink his opinion and he knows he’s screwed. But he wants Lachy to experience life, and Lachy just wants Kamari. Will Kamari give in or make Lachy wait even longer?
If there was another person I would love to reach through and smack, it would be Lachy’s father. What an idiot. An absolute d***. I absolutely hate what that man did to those babies, but as stubborn as both Lachy and Jasper are, they ended up in the hands of some good people. It didn’t mean that life was easy for them. By no means was it. If you’ve read this series, you know what happened with Jasper, and for Lachy, he had to deal with that man alone for years. But he had Milo, his best friend, and Milo’s parents, who never hesitated to take him and make sure he was loved. I think with this series that’s what’s hit home for me. So many times we see youth in bad situations and they are often ignored. But for these guys, they had someone who backed them up, Even when they tried to hide the truth of everything going on. But people saw more than they thought and stepped in as much as they could. And I love that. Because it gives me a sense of hope that maybe in real life, people will start reaching out more.
This story actually made me think of a commercial I’ve seen about adopting teens. It was a young African American kid being adopted in a ‘white’ household. He sees the wall of pics of the family and you could see on his face, he wished to be a part of that, but how? Eventually he starts getting comfortable and interacts more, and one day he sees himself in a pic with the rest of the family, now knowing he belonged, by one simple gesture. And he hugged his new mom. And I cried like a baby. And it made me think of it all in this story. Maybe we can’t adopt a child or a teen, but we can sure as heck be an influence and a life line for someone. You never know whose life you can change by one simple gesture. And for Lachy, that’s what it took. Simple gestures from those who loved him, so he knew he had a family and a home. Whether blood or not, he was loved. And he had a way to finally break free and live the life he wants.

https://lovebytesreviews.com/

[JenCW · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars!

This addition to the Takoda Outreach Center series is a sweet, brother's best friend story. While I think you could maybe read this one as a standalone, I think you would enjoy it more after reading at least Jasper's story, if not the rest of the series. The series is great, and I have enjoyed every story, so I recommend starting at the beginning.

Kamari has moved back to town after college. When Lachlan, his best friend's brother, has it out with his dad, Kamari offers to let Lachlan stay with him if he needs a place. I loved watching Kamari get to know Lachlan as an adult and not just a kid who was around sometimes. I enjoyed how they both avoided their attraction to each other and got to be friends first. They were well matched. The scene where Jasper asks Kamari about their relationship was fun and a little unexpected in its tenor. I loved that Lachlan finally saw just what Jasper had at the center and realized he didn't need to be jealous of those relationships. The family continues to grow and expand. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be a good one... I just knew it! *grin*

Watching Lachy realize that he had feelings for Kamari that weren't exactly "big brother's best friend" feelings was extremely entertaining and the love and support that we see from the whole gang never ceases to amaze me!

I understand, at least I am thinking that the author is alluding to, that Lachy's dad (sperm donor) and Jasper's step-dad is the way he is because of his alcoholism... but, I still think if you would look up "evil, abusive, asshole" in the dictionary... you would see his picture! Just sayin'! :(

I know I should head to bed... it IS almost one o'clock in the morning... but I really just need to jump right into Motorcycles & Teddy Bears!!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and Quick

I liked the relationship between Kamari and Lachy. They were very sweet together. It was a quick read overall. They became attracted to each other quickly and there were no bumps in the road or hesitations. I would have loved more of a slow burn and building of tension, but can't complain too much. I didn't become overly invested in either character and wish Kamari was described a bit more. His looks, outside of his hair, that he was lean, and that he was black were skipped. What color was his skin tone, his eyes? What color did his eyes turn when he was turned on or when his skin flushed. There was more description for Lachy (sun-kissed, golden, pink blushing cheeks, hazel eyes) and barely anything about Kamari. I wanted to connect with the complexity of Kamari (outside of Black with Locs) much more.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love getting to see Lachlan’s story. I also love that Kamari is who he is paired with. Their connection to each other through Jasper makes their quick connection seem very realistic. I love the family vibe in this whole series.

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been really loving this series. However, I realize that I need to step away for a while. It just feels like there is a sameness to these stories that took away from my enjoyment of them. The main characters are all suffering from some major hardship, but stubbornly refuse help. When they start their relationship their new partner refuses to go all the way insisting on only kissing for weeks. This isn’t realistic, especially for such young men. It’s sweet and the first books had me crying like a baby. After basically reading the same thing four times I was rolling my eyes. I still enjoyed it, and certainly love Sammi Cee. I just need something different for a while.

[Annie Maus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want proof of great writing? Sammi Cee’s Kamari’s is book 4 in the Takoda Outreach Center series, and I hadn’t read the first three episodes, which appear to be intensely plot-driven. Yet, as Sammi Cee filled in the blanks for readers, Kamari’s completely enveloped me in an exciting drama, wonderfully drawn personalities and the type of community I wish for everyone. I couldn’t wait to see how it would play out!

Here’s the back story. Lachlan “Lachy’s” mom died when he was eleven. Then his dad threw his beloved half-brother out of the house. Lachy was ignored, insulted and threatened into keeping house, like Cinderella. Luckily, his school counselor became a second mother, while her son was his best friend. Meanwhile, Lachy’s brother lived with his best friend, Kamari.

Kamari moved with his family a couple of years later. But now, post-college, Kamari has returned, just in time for Lachy’s high school graduation, where Lachy comes out to his father. Dad reacts with homophobia and Kamari invites Lachy to stay in his two-bedroom apartment. That’s a relief, as the other alternative would have been for Lachy to stay with his brother, who is newly in love and openly demonstrative with his boyfriend. No teen wants to hear his brother’s sex noises!

The only problem is that Lachy likes Kamari a bit too much, unaware Kamari feels the same. A five-year age difference is huge between 18 and 23 year-olds, but Sammi Cee does a wonderfully realistic job of keeping the characters’ personalities true. I enjoyed their struggles to transform their bond into love, especially between a best friend’s little brother and a big brother’s best friend. These issues seem completely natural and are beautifully expressed.

This coming of age tale is slow, gentle and, oh, so kind. I was thrilled to observe these young men meet their challenges, pulling from strengths I didn’t expect, as they develop and mature. And mature, they do. They stay honest and clear-eyed, while remaining quite charmingly boyish.

I would recommend Sammi Cee’s ‘’Kamari’s’ to any young adult as a good model of how to stay true to oneself, how to develop a lasting and trusting relationship, and how to stay positive when life seems almost impossible. But I gotta admit, I’m really glad an “old-timer” like me got to read it, too. Lachy and Kamari’s relationship is riveting and delightfully fresh!

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Kamari is the third book in the Takoda Outreach Center series. This Sammi Cee series is amazing! Kamari is not exactly a standalone, so I actually quickly devoured the previous books, starting with Heavenly Melody, to get caught up. And I do not regret it at all. I only regret that I didn't discover this series sooner.

The series is full of heartfelt tales surrounding a soup kitchen, the men that run the center, the men that use the center, and all the inspirational changes that come to the center and the men.

Kamari is a quick read that is totally riveting. Kamari takes in Lachlan to help him have a place to stay. Ends up the two aren't just compatible in living together, but they are also extremely hot for one another.

This is a story with an alcoholic and abusive father that is tough to read at times. Luckily there isn't too much time spent on the details.

I enjoy the dynamics with the men and the fear of telling Kamari's brother that they're together. Of course, that scene is awesome!

The story itself continues in the tradition of the rest of the series. I love all the people involved in the center, and the beautiful ways in which everyone has changed since book one.

Kamari is one of those books I had to read in one sitting. I seriously can't recommend this Sammi Cee series enough. The writing is great, the storylines are heartfelt and emotional, and the ongoing aspect of the center is compelling. Just read them all! You won't regret it.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lachy knew when his homophobic father caused a scene at his high school graduation that he would be kicked out. When his brother Jasper's best friend Kamari offered him a place to live he knows that he needs to keep his crush on him a secret but it becomes increasingly difficult as they hang out every night, go on runs together and have dinner together. The question is as the crush transforms into something far deeper how will Jasper feel about it?

I loved this story with the brother's best friend and the friend's little brother and how they ignored everything and concentrated on the friendship and then the affection and the love grew. I loved that Jasper was more ok with the whole thing than we could have expected. Easy to read, feel and understand. I loved the descriptions of their life at home and the way that they were able to live. This is an MM story containing mature content.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lachlan's high school graduation has many surprises, some good and some bad. The Takoda Outreach Center core group joins Jasper, Lachlan's older brother, in attending the graduation. Lachlan's father hates Jasper so he attempts to drag Lachlan away from the group. Lachlan is 18 years old and has been waiting to inform his father he is gay. Lachlan is disowned on the spot. He gets three offers of residences and shortly moves in with Jasper's best friend, Kamari. And this is just the beginning...

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with this series, despite the shorter form we get a full blown emotions cornucopia and awesome characters. This one, with a brother’s best friend vibe, might actually be my favorite yet! It starts with an emotional sucker punch that is Lachlan’s painful reality and takes you on a very soulful journey to a new life. Loved it

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! So Good!!

Well written story and well developed characters! Sammi Cee tackles some heavy stuff and does it so awesomely! The relationships of all the people are fantastic and the stories are totally relatable! Although they should all be read in order for the best experience!

[Lena Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

“And then it happened… I had been going through one of the most difficult times in my life and was barely holding on anymore. You looked at me in a whole new way and I fell for you…I don’t even know exactly how it happened, but all I know is that I fell so hard for you...” ~ Kellie ( Falling in Love with Your Brother’s Best Friend


After his father’s awful treatment of Jasper at his high school graduation, Lachland (Lachy), of ‘Kamari’s’ by Sammi Cee, is furious! He decides, then and there, that he has had enough of his father’s indifference and mistreatment; he has to confront him even if it means losing everything. Little does he know how much that will change his life and his relationship with his brother’s best friend, Kamari.In a conversation with Kamari at a graduation party, Lachy admits that he has come out to his father and was told that he either forget that he is gay or leave. Kamari reveals that that he is not gay, but he is bisexual which surprizes Lachy who always considered Kamari the ultimate ladies’ man. Kamari has recently moved back to town and has just gotten his first apartment. Lachy laments the fact that he doesn’t know what he will do now about school, a place to live, or a job, but that he does know he is not going back home. Jasper and his boyfriend have offered Jasper a place to stay with them, but Lachy is resisting the idea, saying that he does not want to interfere with their new relationship. To Lacky’s surprise, Kamari asks him to move into his new apartment. Lachy is taken back but, all things considered, it’s a great idea. Now, they just have to find a way to let Jasper down easy.

Lachy is ridiculously happy about being able to live with Kari. In the past, he had always thought of him as his brother’s best friend. Now that he is living with Kamari, Lachy starts to look at him in a different, unexpected way. Although Lachy is gay, he has no experience, but being with Kamari makes him want things that he thinks are not appropriate. Besides, Kamari would never think of him the same way. However, the longer they are together, the closer they become. Kamari and Lachy realize that they have a lot of things in common. Kamari begins to think differently about Lachy now, seeing him not as a little kid, but as a full-grown, attractive man. He tries to dismiss these thoughts, but Lachy doesn’t make it easy. Eventually, something has to give

Although it was good to get to know Jasper’s brother and his best friend, this is my least favorite of the series. I liked Kamari and Lachy but wasn’t convinced about them being together. I didn’t feel the chemistry as much as I would have liked, certainly not as much as I did with the other couples in the book. In any case, the story ties up a lot of loose ends and Kamari and Lachy get their happy ending. Thanks, Sammi. I’m going to miss everyone from the series.

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 4 out of 5]

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books and
Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn't my favorite, only because we really never got to learn more about or get to know Lachlan or Kamari until this book, so they had no real foundation going in. I also wasn't really into how the author portrayed the self harm aspect of Lachlan's life. It seemed like kind of an add on and didn't really get the attention I thought it deserved. Honestly, after mentioning it in the beginning, they don't bring it up again until near the end. Granted, self harm never actually occured, just thoughts about self harm, but still. It just bugged me for whatever reason. That being said, the way Kamari handled all of Lachlan's insecurities and family issues was admirable. I just wish we got more time with them both before this book.

[CMLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kamari has known Lachlan since Lachlan was young but suddenly he is realizing that Lachlan is more than just his best friend's younger brother. Lachlan is happy to finally be able to have a relationship with his older brother and is trying to figure out what to do since he announced to his father that he was gay. With Kamari's offer to be roommates, he has his living situation figured out. Now, if he can just figure out what to do with the crush he has on Kamari that is only growing the more they spend time together.

This is a sweet, slow burn romance at it's best. You will get to see familiar faces and get to know more of newer ones.

[Julie Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, best-friend’s-brother, roommates to friends to lovers, with some hurt-comfort, about of pain from the past, and some absolutely hilarious moments! I loved the brother moments between Lachie and Jasper, and I adored Lachie and Kamari becoming close, having conversations and moving past Lachie just being Jasper’s little brother. The rest of the Takoda Outreach Center crew were of course present, and ready to adopt Lachie as one of their own, and it was just sweet to see this 18yo man who’d been forced to grow up much too soon just learn to be himself and be surrounded by people who love him 🥰

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soar

Oh how I love the Takoda Outreach family; they never fail to bring a smile to my face and I love how much they care. “I used to have a dream... To smile as easily as you. To be comfortable with myself and my choices. To love living in my own skin as much as you do.” Lachy and Kamari are a dream and oh so delectable. Their journey from friends to more was sweet, beautiful and kept me smiling. They soared their way right into my heart as I danced my way through the pages. A fantastic book, and series, that will open your heart and fill it full of joy.

[E.Muddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series, and the Takoda Outreach family so so much. It never fails to give me all the feels, from heartbreak and pain, to love, optimism, and hope. And I felt that all again with Kamari's story! Absolutely adored Lachy and Kamari, and they easily found their way into my heart. Their journey was so sweet and tender, and as always, I adored both characters. Gahh, this series is just everything and I'm always left with my heart feeling happy at the end of every book. I can't wait for the next one!

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you want to see the victim take power and Soar to sucess!

Lachy has endured loss, concern for estranged family and feeling trapped and all alone! Kamara has been living a good life when his best friend was separated. Being like brothers they are able to reconnect. Now his best friends little brother not so little and the bro code is a line he shouldn't cross....or should he? This is a great reminder those that care have your back if you let them. MM romance. Trigger warning abuse. More book reviews @my2centsbooklover!

[Ashley Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

I was hoping that lachy would get a book since he was introduced. I will say I didn't quite expect him to end up with Kamari tho but that was certainly a pleasant surprise. I will say even when I realized it would be them two I certainly didn't expect the dynamic to be what if was but was not disappointed. I loved them together and loved reading there book. I absolutely love this series and all the series that go with it. Such an amazing author. I would definitely recommend this book

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this marvelous, sweet, grab-you-by-the-feels, heartfelt, emotionally charged, delightful, charming, engaging, tug-at-your-heartstrings, adorable, slow burning, and totally awesome addition to this fantastic series. I REALLY wanted to rattle the teeth of a certain character, but the HEA ending was well worth the journey. I would recommend getting this gem of a series for yourself.

[Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this whole series! Lachlan is Jasper's younger brother, who is graduating and happens to be gay. He is developing feelings for Kamari, who is Jasper's best friend. Kamari is bisexual and is developing feelings for Lachlan, but he doesn't want to act on them because of his friendship with Jasper. Things come to a head when Lachlan's father kicks him out of the house, like he did to his brother. Kamari offers Lachlan a place as his roommate. Well, we know what happens.

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sweetest read

This was a great book and the sweetest I have read in quite some time. I started and couldn't put it down.

Lachlan and Kamary were amazing, I really loved their dynamic and how it so organically moved from friendship to love. So cute.

I really loved it and can't wait for the next one

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series! All the heartfelt love stories are so sweet and endearing... Now Kamari and Lachlan's love story is easy to read with many sweet romantic moments, a few angst situations but at the end everything settled just fine. I enjoyed seeing again all the amazing characters of the Takoda Outreach Center and to witness all the friendship and love healing a heart. A very nice reading.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roommate Rendezvous

Lachy thought escaping his alcoholic and abusive father was the best thing to happen in his life, but getting to share an apartment with his brother's best friend and learn more about him is even better. Adorable story with more about the community of the Takoda Outreach Center family.

[Devon Tellin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

One of the good things about the book is that I liked that it was less than 20 chapters. I truly enjoy interracial couples, being is that I'm a black woman married to a white man. I truly love gay novels because it gives me so much more than a regular romance novel. However this book did not have a lot of romance and that is one of the things that I missed.

[Elizabeth Mackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Cute but Too Short

This book was super cool but just a little bit short. I enjoy how the characters from each book blend together. These two had history that I was hoping to have more interaction with Lachy's brother. Having them just meet only a couple of times wasn't enough. But it did have the happy ending.

[Jemina Linnama · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dreads & Crew Cuts was my least favourite of the TOC books, possibly because neither Kamari or Lachy were part of the Outreach Center crew. They just kind of existed as in their own bubble for the majority of the book.

Once again, I liked the series as a whole, but the books as individual stories end up feeling very hollow and rushed.