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Open Doors #1
Hold the Door
One hidden crush.
One bunch of plastic mistletoe.
One alcohol-fueled kiss.
One set of taillights as Max Martino left town.
Sixteen years later…
Sam Addison hates change, and his company’s new merger is stretching him to his limit. When Sam finds out an older, hotter, and amazingly talented Max Martino is part of the acquisition, he knows the only way to keep his sanity is to avoid Max—and their history—at any cost.
Max never planned to settle down, but recently he’s been pining for roots. A new job, a new city, and a second chance with Sam makes the thought of staying in one place exciting for the first time ever.
But the harder Max pushes, the farther Sam runs, sometimes literally, and Max begins to wonder if Sam can ever let go of the biggest mistake Max ever made—leaving.
But maybe a second chance at forever is as simple as holding the door open for love.
Hold the Door is an 80,000-word contemporary romance that features friends to lovers and a second chance at love, a sassy work husband, and surfing lessons that often lead to more. Hold the Door is the first book in the Open Doors series and can be read as a standalone.
One bunch of plastic mistletoe.
One alcohol-fueled kiss.
One set of taillights as Max Martino left town.
Sixteen years later…
Sam Addison hates change, and his company’s new merger is stretching him to his limit. When Sam finds out an older, hotter, and amazingly talented Max Martino is part of the acquisition, he knows the only way to keep his sanity is to avoid Max—and their history—at any cost.
Max never planned to settle down, but recently he’s been pining for roots. A new job, a new city, and a second chance with Sam makes the thought of staying in one place exciting for the first time ever.
But the harder Max pushes, the farther Sam runs, sometimes literally, and Max begins to wonder if Sam can ever let go of the biggest mistake Max ever made—leaving.
But maybe a second chance at forever is as simple as holding the door open for love.
Hold the Door is an 80,000-word contemporary romance that features friends to lovers and a second chance at love, a sassy work husband, and surfing lessons that often lead to more. Hold the Door is the first book in the Open Doors series and can be read as a standalone.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2021
98 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Vinni George
36 books112 followersVinni George has been a lover of romance novels (of all shapes, sizes, and colors) since she first got her hands on one of her grandmother’s Harlequins and has never looked back. She lives in Ohio with her two favorite guys (her husband and son) and, hopefully—one day—a dog. When she’s not writing, Vinni can be found working for her family’s business, which provides plenty of plot bunnies. In her spare time, Vinni is a soccer mom who dabbles in performance art, quilting, and various culinary pursuits and enjoys traveling.
Vinni’s debut novel, Hold the Door, was a finalist and runner-up in Contemporary Gay Romance in the 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards.
Vinni’s debut novel, Hold the Door, was a finalist and runner-up in Contemporary Gay Romance in the 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 17, 2021
Wow, I’ve read all these glowing reviews and I feel kind of underwhelmed. I thought this was a really great story that was bogged down in words. I happen to be one of those people who read every word so all the explanation of everything wore me out. I don’t skim as a rule, but I have to admit I did some skimming. I want to know what’s going on, but this was too much information for me. Too much telling and descriptions.
December 30, 2021
Second-chance romance.
Say you’re sorry. Ride the wave.
Put down roots. So what?
Say you’re sorry. Ride the wave.
Put down roots. So what?
April 7, 2021
“I might be persuaded to change my opinion on whiskey, but only if I get to taste it on your lips.”
Okay I understand how Sam feels when he hears that line from Max. I just about literally swooned over the sweetness in this book. Max burned a bridge badly when he left college, to the point that when their companies merge, Sam hides out from him for the first few weeks. Sam has anxiety over the way their friendship ended and Max has a lot of work to do in order to convince him that he still cares. This book is about rebuilding trust and not letting the past dictate how you handle the future. I adored this book and can’t wait to read more in this series if they are half as good as this one. This story is full of sweetness, laughs, annoying work spouses, and second chances. I loved it!
Okay I understand how Sam feels when he hears that line from Max. I just about literally swooned over the sweetness in this book. Max burned a bridge badly when he left college, to the point that when their companies merge, Sam hides out from him for the first few weeks. Sam has anxiety over the way their friendship ended and Max has a lot of work to do in order to convince him that he still cares. This book is about rebuilding trust and not letting the past dictate how you handle the future. I adored this book and can’t wait to read more in this series if they are half as good as this one. This story is full of sweetness, laughs, annoying work spouses, and second chances. I loved it!
April 27, 2021
This was a very boring book for me. I am sorry, but it is true. When I read the blurb, I expected the "kiss" to happen while they were teenagers, in high school maybe. They would have been young enough to make such a big deal of it. But the kiss happened in college, and not even first year of college, but after they had been friends for a while. I get why it was sort of a big deal, what with questioning sexuality and all that, but it also felt silly and blown out of proportions. I mean, it is college. They had been there long enough to know it is not that big of a deal in parties when people are drunk. What is more, they had been friends for a long time already, so the freak-out was silly and way too dramatic. I mean, to dump a friendship forever just because of one kiss? It was so..juvenile, I really expected a teenager to act like that not grown ups. It made the 16 years antagonizing over it even sillier. I mean, I might understand up to 5 years, but 16? Silly. I get that a long gap was needed for the plot, to put Max into a position where he is ready to stop traveling and to settle down, but "the kiss" was such a big deal in the plot of the book, it felt overly dramatic and ridiculous to antagonize about it 16 years later. One small conversation could have cleared it all up, instead of this drawn out drama and angst. Maybe if it had been a bigger drama in college or something.. But considering how relatively insignificant it was.. it felt like an overkill to drop a friendship for something so minor and then to still pine over it 16 years later. I just didn't buy it.
I also didn't quite get why Max had to be the one to drop out and take care of the farm, when he had 4 other siblings and a full pair of parents, but okay. Moving on. And did you know cheating is a real tag? I mean, sure they didn't actually cheat, but for half of the book one of the main characters was in a relationship with someone else, while pining and losing brain cells because of the other main character. It just weirded me out. You are either in a relationship or not. It felt too much like it is a convenience relationship and MC is keeping options open for something better to come along. He is in a relationship, yet pining after someone else. You are either in a relationship or not, but this looking at better options while being in one was just nasty. If that is his attitude, then what will happen if he gets in a relationship with Max and someone even hotter comes along? He is going to pine about them too? Rather indecisive and shallow frankly. Which made Sam's worry about his relationship to feel flat. And his pining for Max kinda gross.
I did like how realistic Sam's anxiety was. Finally, an author who has bothered with proper research! I just wish the reason behind it wasn't so silly. I just couldn't get into this story...
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review**
April 18, 2021
Booz fucks up your head Sam learned the hard way, instead of holding back he just kissed Max, and gone was their friendship. Max was leaving town anyway, but the guy runs even harder.
Now sixteen years later, at thirty-five, Sam, as the financial director of Carnegie Media, is still rattled knowing he has to work with the photo director for Easy Living... Max Martino.
Ugh, avoiding him is his next goal.
He managed for weeks not running into Max, but once he has to face him.
Max desperately wants to apologize to Sam and tell him the truth, but every time he’s looking for Sam he’s just gone. At last, he got his chance.
Very carefully they start a friendship. Sam has already a boyfriend and Max is straight right?
They have the best time, it seems old feelings never really got old.
This story was for the biggest part focused on Max and Sam, I loved that. How their friendship and romance are blooming. It was all upwards, just a little bump in the way, but mostly it was all working positively.
A lovely story, their relationship is widely developed, very appreciated!
It was all quite captivatingly written.
Now sixteen years later, at thirty-five, Sam, as the financial director of Carnegie Media, is still rattled knowing he has to work with the photo director for Easy Living... Max Martino.
Ugh, avoiding him is his next goal.
He managed for weeks not running into Max, but once he has to face him.
Max desperately wants to apologize to Sam and tell him the truth, but every time he’s looking for Sam he’s just gone. At last, he got his chance.
Very carefully they start a friendship. Sam has already a boyfriend and Max is straight right?
They have the best time, it seems old feelings never really got old.
This story was for the biggest part focused on Max and Sam, I loved that. How their friendship and romance are blooming. It was all upwards, just a little bump in the way, but mostly it was all working positively.
A lovely story, their relationship is widely developed, very appreciated!
It was all quite captivatingly written.
June 23, 2021
Solid debut- thoroughly enjoyed it!
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of writing in this book. I would never have guessed it was Vinni George 's first novel.
It's a moderate heat slow-burn, second chance, opposites attract story with coworkers...but also with surfing and SoCal. I especially loved the surfing parts. If you are looking for a beach read, this would be a great one!
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of writing in this book. I would never have guessed it was Vinni George 's first novel.
It's a moderate heat slow-burn, second chance, opposites attract story with coworkers...but also with surfing and SoCal. I especially loved the surfing parts. If you are looking for a beach read, this would be a great one!
June 10, 2022
I liked this way more than I thought I would. Full review to come.
April 14, 2021
Glad to learn that this is a series! I so want a few secondary characters to get their own HEA's. Fletcher and Brody for instance. Archer? Homie is about to get sued for workplace sexual harassment. There's being charming and then there's being unprofessional and borderline predatory.
Moving on to the main characters of the book. I first would love to highlight one major component of relationships- be it friendships or committed relationships. It's certainly a staple necessity in one's entire character. It's---
I get being confused about your sexuality, but to go 16 years without contacting someone whom you considered a good friend simply because of a whole lot of questioning & confusion...... what? 16 years? Really! It was honestly adorable that Max thought they could immediately pick up after 16 years of ghosting Sam.... What a clueless man.
I laughed so hard when Sam hid under his desk to avoid speaking with Max for a bit there. I just found so much joy in picturing a grown ass man diving under his desk to avoid talking to some dude who didn't have the cajones to apologize for being a dick. Then, they both jump into a relationship without first truly hashing out the past. This of course leads to unnecessary drama because of jumping to conclusions with properly talking about things.
Again.
However, I really loved this. It made me smile as I read it. I see this being a great series. Fletcher seems to be an intriguing character that I would love to learn more about. Brody seems like fun. Archer is a whole lot of character (there’s some needed growth there). I am all for it.
*ARC received through Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
Moving on to the main characters of the book. I first would love to highlight one major component of relationships- be it friendships or committed relationships. It's certainly a staple necessity in one's entire character. It's---
I get being confused about your sexuality, but to go 16 years without contacting someone whom you considered a good friend simply because of a whole lot of questioning & confusion...... what? 16 years? Really! It was honestly adorable that Max thought they could immediately pick up after 16 years of ghosting Sam.... What a clueless man.
I laughed so hard when Sam hid under his desk to avoid speaking with Max for a bit there. I just found so much joy in picturing a grown ass man diving under his desk to avoid talking to some dude who didn't have the cajones to apologize for being a dick. Then, they both jump into a relationship without first truly hashing out the past. This of course leads to unnecessary drama because of jumping to conclusions with properly talking about things.
Again.
However, I really loved this. It made me smile as I read it. I see this being a great series. Fletcher seems to be an intriguing character that I would love to learn more about. Brody seems like fun. Archer is a whole lot of character (there’s some needed growth there). I am all for it.
*ARC received through Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
April 18, 2021
Hold the Door is the first book in Vinni George's Open Doors series. It's a nice combination of second chances, co-workers, and a lot of awkward moments.
This is a heartfelt tale of trust and taking chances. When Sam and Max last saw one another, things didn't go well. A whole lot of tension and weariness arises when they meet again.
I have to admit I love Sam's reaction to seeing Max again. I felt bad for him, but I admit to giggling a lot.
Their story is super sweet. It includes many surf lessons, that ultimately help bring them much closer. Not only does it increase the physical attraction between them, their friendship rekindles, and feelings are admitted.
The writing style is perfect to me. Written in alternating first person pov, everything about the writing works for me. I find the author's writing style to be soothing and comforting.
Hold the Door is one of those tales where a lack of communication caused the rift between the men. Some readers hate that aspect, but I have no problem with it. This Vinni George is well worth a read the next time you're in the mood for a second chance romance.
This is a heartfelt tale of trust and taking chances. When Sam and Max last saw one another, things didn't go well. A whole lot of tension and weariness arises when they meet again.
I have to admit I love Sam's reaction to seeing Max again. I felt bad for him, but I admit to giggling a lot.
Their story is super sweet. It includes many surf lessons, that ultimately help bring them much closer. Not only does it increase the physical attraction between them, their friendship rekindles, and feelings are admitted.
The writing style is perfect to me. Written in alternating first person pov, everything about the writing works for me. I find the author's writing style to be soothing and comforting.
Hold the Door is one of those tales where a lack of communication caused the rift between the men. Some readers hate that aspect, but I have no problem with it. This Vinni George is well worth a read the next time you're in the mood for a second chance romance.
April 15, 2021
I received an ARC of Hold the Door by Vinni George from Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Sam and Max, who meet in college. There’s a kiss and a misunderstanding and two unknowingly requited crushes and the next thing you know, 16 years have gone by without them talking. Now they are working together. Max wants to rekindle the friendship. Sam wants to keep it all in the past. There’s banter and surfing and social anxiety representation.
This was a really cute story with two likable MC’s. The only thing I didn’t like was Sam had a boyfriend when Max comes back into his life. But the boyfriend issue is resolved before Sam and Max get together so there’s no cheating between them. It just seemed unnecessary. There was enough keeping them apart that they didn’t need to add a boyfriend obstacle to overcome.
I give this story 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. It’s a cute, slow burn romance with a bit of a second chance vibe. I’ll definitely read more from this author.
This is the story of Sam and Max, who meet in college. There’s a kiss and a misunderstanding and two unknowingly requited crushes and the next thing you know, 16 years have gone by without them talking. Now they are working together. Max wants to rekindle the friendship. Sam wants to keep it all in the past. There’s banter and surfing and social anxiety representation.
This was a really cute story with two likable MC’s. The only thing I didn’t like was Sam had a boyfriend when Max comes back into his life. But the boyfriend issue is resolved before Sam and Max get together so there’s no cheating between them. It just seemed unnecessary. There was enough keeping them apart that they didn’t need to add a boyfriend obstacle to overcome.
I give this story 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. It’s a cute, slow burn romance with a bit of a second chance vibe. I’ll definitely read more from this author.
June 8, 2021
Hold The Door
By Vinni George
While I really liked Door Number Two much better Hold The Door was good. Though I had a hard time getting into it and finishing it. Once Sam and Max were at least talking to each other and surfing together I started enjoying it much more.
I liked both Sam and Max. Hated Dylan. Archer was irritating in the beginning, but by the end I really liked him.
Looking forward to reading Archer and Fletcher's story later this year.
The book is in both Sam and Max's POV.
By Vinni George
While I really liked Door Number Two much better Hold The Door was good. Though I had a hard time getting into it and finishing it. Once Sam and Max were at least talking to each other and surfing together I started enjoying it much more.
I liked both Sam and Max. Hated Dylan. Archer was irritating in the beginning, but by the end I really liked him.
Looking forward to reading Archer and Fletcher's story later this year.
The book is in both Sam and Max's POV.
Read
April 30, 2021It’s a cute enough story and nice debut of the author. The scenario took on friends to not-friends-but-not-quite-enemies to friends to lovers trope (yeah, I know, even pace approach) in a cutesy albeit stilted way. Sam and Max were mates in college but separated when Max was called back home to look after his grandfather’s farm. Somehow, the way things ended between them prior to Max going home left such a strong and disquieting impression on Sam that lasted to their reunification sixteen years later.
Sam struck me as a scaredy, strung out character while Max was portrayed as the suave globetrotter. I guess the story aimed for that close-knit and pleasant all-around mise en scène. However, for an office-setting romance of executive levels (these guys were high echelon corporate men) some of their antics felt high-schooler to me. And I wasn’t totally sold on this sitch.
Given it was told in alternate POVs that (supposedly) gave insight into our MCs’ head, I still felt there was lots left unclear. (Personally I felt the explanation on why Max acted that horridly to Sam years ago was unconvincing and his effort at saying sorry one and a half decades later was pretty lame). The overalls of too much telling and not enough showing was strong in this book. Sam was pretty much still a dark-horse to me yet I don’t think I care much to find out. That might not be a rousing endorsement to the first book in a new series, but here’s hoping the next installment to be fit me better than this one.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sam struck me as a scaredy, strung out character while Max was portrayed as the suave globetrotter. I guess the story aimed for that close-knit and pleasant all-around mise en scène. However, for an office-setting romance of executive levels (these guys were high echelon corporate men) some of their antics felt high-schooler to me. And I wasn’t totally sold on this sitch.
Given it was told in alternate POVs that (supposedly) gave insight into our MCs’ head, I still felt there was lots left unclear. (Personally I felt the explanation on why Max acted that horridly to Sam years ago was unconvincing and his effort at saying sorry one and a half decades later was pretty lame). The overalls of too much telling and not enough showing was strong in this book. Sam was pretty much still a dark-horse to me yet I don’t think I care much to find out. That might not be a rousing endorsement to the first book in a new series, but here’s hoping the next installment to be fit me better than this one.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2021
Three-ish stars?
Hold the door has a potential to be a great friends to enemy to enemy to lovers trope.
But Max didn't gave me a good vibes in the beginning. Sam used to be his best friend and after one kiss he just left him? Just like that (read the prologue, you'll know).
This has a good story plot but Sam and Max didn't really catch my attention that much to make me adore them.
It was a nice read though, with a little bit too much telling I'm not a fan of.
April 21, 2021
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
Sixteen years, that's a ling time to be think about one kiss, but that's what started this all. Max and Sam are good together, I couldn't fully connect with either of them but I still enjoyed the book. It was low angst and had amazing secondary characters that I hope get their own books. It's a good weekend read that will make you smile and sigh.
Sixteen years, that's a ling time to be think about one kiss, but that's what started this all. Max and Sam are good together, I couldn't fully connect with either of them but I still enjoyed the book. It was low angst and had amazing secondary characters that I hope get their own books. It's a good weekend read that will make you smile and sigh.
February 2, 2023
Loved it
This was such a sweet story with an amazing second chance romance. I loved how Sam and Max were able to reconnect and how they overcame their issues.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series as there is so much potential!
This was such a sweet story with an amazing second chance romance. I loved how Sam and Max were able to reconnect and how they overcame their issues.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series as there is so much potential!
May 2, 2021
J'ai pris ce livre sur un coup de tête, je l'ai commencé sans rien savoir, j'avais juste envie d'une romance contemporaine MM, mais malheureusement je n'ai pas du tout été séduite par ce roman. Je dois bien avouer, je me suis ennuyée.
Sam Addison avait un faible pour Max Martino, un soir bourré, il l'embrasse. C'était le dernier jour de Max à la fac et tous deux se quittent de façon tendue. Quelques années plus tard, ils se retrouvent dans la même entreprise. Sam est dans une relation qui bat de l'aile. Max sait maintenant qu'il est pansexuel (attiré par la personne plus qu'un genre, pour le vulgarisé). Ils vont passer du temps ensemble au travail et pendant des cours de surf ce qui va leur permettre de se rapprocher.
Mon problème c'est que mon résumé très court raconte tout le livre, il n'y a rien de plus, il ne se passe rien et le peu qui arrive est prévisible. Franchement je ne sais pas quoi vous dire de plus. Le livre se tient, ce n'est pas prise de tête mais c'est horriblement long, en tout cas ça l'était pour moi. Je n'ai pas particulièrement été touché par les personnages, je ne me suis pas retrouvée en eux.
Je pense que vous avez compris que ce n'est pas un roman qui était pour moi.
Sam Addison avait un faible pour Max Martino, un soir bourré, il l'embrasse. C'était le dernier jour de Max à la fac et tous deux se quittent de façon tendue. Quelques années plus tard, ils se retrouvent dans la même entreprise. Sam est dans une relation qui bat de l'aile. Max sait maintenant qu'il est pansexuel (attiré par la personne plus qu'un genre, pour le vulgarisé). Ils vont passer du temps ensemble au travail et pendant des cours de surf ce qui va leur permettre de se rapprocher.
Mon problème c'est que mon résumé très court raconte tout le livre, il n'y a rien de plus, il ne se passe rien et le peu qui arrive est prévisible. Franchement je ne sais pas quoi vous dire de plus. Le livre se tient, ce n'est pas prise de tête mais c'est horriblement long, en tout cas ça l'était pour moi. Je n'ai pas particulièrement été touché par les personnages, je ne me suis pas retrouvée en eux.
Je pense que vous avez compris que ce n'est pas un roman qui était pour moi.
June 2, 2022
DNF, skimmed a lot after 70% and even before I was fed up with the internal monologues between dialogue (so when someone answered a question, there was so much internal monologue that I had to go back a few pages to remember what was asked).
Also, seriously? Sam had to "get his man back"? This felt like a regular straight romance where the female character (in this case Sam) is left feeling guilty and confused and never really moves on, always with a shadow hanging over their heads and so much anxiety (which I could feel through the pages, so maybe the only good portrayal here) while the male character (Max) goes off to immediately explore his sexuality with other people, not bothering to reach out for 16 years. Max saw how heartbroken Sam was when he left, and he never looked back. So yeah, it reminds me of MF books that piss me off when the female character is the one always running after the man. It happened in this books and it bothered me deeply.
I don't think I'll keep reading this series, even though I enjoyed the 2.5 book A LOT.
Also, seriously? Sam had to "get his man back"? This felt like a regular straight romance where the female character (in this case Sam) is left feeling guilty and confused and never really moves on, always with a shadow hanging over their heads and so much anxiety (which I could feel through the pages, so maybe the only good portrayal here) while the male character (Max) goes off to immediately explore his sexuality with other people, not bothering to reach out for 16 years. Max saw how heartbroken Sam was when he left, and he never looked back. So yeah, it reminds me of MF books that piss me off when the female character is the one always running after the man. It happened in this books and it bothered me deeply.
I don't think I'll keep reading this series, even though I enjoyed the 2.5 book A LOT.
April 25, 2021
4.5 stars!
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Sam kissed Max the night before Max left college after the death of his grandfather. Boy that did not end well. While Sam had always known he was gay, he had this years long crush on Max and they had gotten so much closer their senior year and so he was drunk and went for it. He could have sworn that Max was kissing him back – well at least for a minute. But then things went badly and when he tried to apologize, Max took off and Sam was devastated.
Fast forward 16 years and Sam’s company has acquired a new magazine. And who is the director of photography? That would be one Max Martino – of the unrequited drunken kiss. And Sam has never had any contact with Max since he drove off in an angry huff. And frankly he has no desire to deal with him in his very comfortable life in San Diego. He tries to hatch a plan to move the whole staff of said magazine to Chicago, but to no avail. So he spends the first three weeks hiding out from Max. But eventually, they meet on an elevator and Sam has to talk to Max. Things don’t go horribly and a tentative truce is reached.
Sam’s reprieve from his work is surfing. When it turns out that Max lives in the same neighborhood and he’s looking for something to do, he decides to check out the surfing. And he’s pushed in Sam’s direction for lessons. Thus begins a tentative friendship and common goal of getting Max up on a board. Of course Max has to confess that he’s not actually straight. And of course it turns out that spark is still there between them. But they are trying to keep a lid on things. As they grow closer though, it’s obvious that they really do have a deep connection and friendship and more. You know though that of course it can’t all be smooth sailing 😉 Both Max and Sam have to learn to trust in themselves and each other, despite the different obstacles or perceived obstacles in their way.
Well! I have been so lucky this year with new authors and debut books, because this one is another winner 🙂 I loved Sam so much. His anxiety over having Max thrust back into his life after 16 years and a broken heart at the way Max left was so believable. Sometimes there just isn’t a good way to get over something so traumatic. His avoidance techniques once they are in the same building are hilarious! Sam’s “work husband” bestie, Archer, is also a great, dramatic, over the top and hysterically funny character. He’s a bit sneaky and nosy and in your face, but I adored his friendship with Sam – who admittedly needed some prodding from time to time. Max was the king of jumping to conclusions – and it takes him a bit to figure out that he just needs to ask! I loved the evolution over the months of their rekindled friendship and then more. Sam’s reluctance to take a chance with his heart was so genuine and true to life. I just wanted to give him a hug! Max’s family was hilarious and so typical of siblings and parents poking their noses in all the time 😉 I really just enjoyed the heck out of this entire story. The secondary characters were SOOO great – Brody the surfer dude, Fletcher the surf shop owner, Corbin and Millie from Max’s team, Jane the boss, even Sam’s douchebag boyfriend were so authentic and recognizable. I was chuffed to find out that this is the first in a series and I really cannot wait for the next book. Highly recommended and especially for those who love friends to lovers and second chances stories. Well done!
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Sam kissed Max the night before Max left college after the death of his grandfather. Boy that did not end well. While Sam had always known he was gay, he had this years long crush on Max and they had gotten so much closer their senior year and so he was drunk and went for it. He could have sworn that Max was kissing him back – well at least for a minute. But then things went badly and when he tried to apologize, Max took off and Sam was devastated.
Fast forward 16 years and Sam’s company has acquired a new magazine. And who is the director of photography? That would be one Max Martino – of the unrequited drunken kiss. And Sam has never had any contact with Max since he drove off in an angry huff. And frankly he has no desire to deal with him in his very comfortable life in San Diego. He tries to hatch a plan to move the whole staff of said magazine to Chicago, but to no avail. So he spends the first three weeks hiding out from Max. But eventually, they meet on an elevator and Sam has to talk to Max. Things don’t go horribly and a tentative truce is reached.
Sam’s reprieve from his work is surfing. When it turns out that Max lives in the same neighborhood and he’s looking for something to do, he decides to check out the surfing. And he’s pushed in Sam’s direction for lessons. Thus begins a tentative friendship and common goal of getting Max up on a board. Of course Max has to confess that he’s not actually straight. And of course it turns out that spark is still there between them. But they are trying to keep a lid on things. As they grow closer though, it’s obvious that they really do have a deep connection and friendship and more. You know though that of course it can’t all be smooth sailing 😉 Both Max and Sam have to learn to trust in themselves and each other, despite the different obstacles or perceived obstacles in their way.
Well! I have been so lucky this year with new authors and debut books, because this one is another winner 🙂 I loved Sam so much. His anxiety over having Max thrust back into his life after 16 years and a broken heart at the way Max left was so believable. Sometimes there just isn’t a good way to get over something so traumatic. His avoidance techniques once they are in the same building are hilarious! Sam’s “work husband” bestie, Archer, is also a great, dramatic, over the top and hysterically funny character. He’s a bit sneaky and nosy and in your face, but I adored his friendship with Sam – who admittedly needed some prodding from time to time. Max was the king of jumping to conclusions – and it takes him a bit to figure out that he just needs to ask! I loved the evolution over the months of their rekindled friendship and then more. Sam’s reluctance to take a chance with his heart was so genuine and true to life. I just wanted to give him a hug! Max’s family was hilarious and so typical of siblings and parents poking their noses in all the time 😉 I really just enjoyed the heck out of this entire story. The secondary characters were SOOO great – Brody the surfer dude, Fletcher the surf shop owner, Corbin and Millie from Max’s team, Jane the boss, even Sam’s douchebag boyfriend were so authentic and recognizable. I was chuffed to find out that this is the first in a series and I really cannot wait for the next book. Highly recommended and especially for those who love friends to lovers and second chances stories. Well done!
April 21, 2021
4.25 stars
Hold the Door is a sweet, low angst romance that is a perfect weekend read after a long stressful week. Preferably on a beach as you watch hot surfers catch the waves…
As college students, Sam and Max part ways after a drunken, disastrous surprise kiss at a party and don’t meet up again until sixteen years later. Max, a travel photographer, gets a position at the magazine that also employs Sam in the finance department. Surfing lessons bring the two closer together and, of course, a happily ever after.
Former friends turned lovers is a great trope and Hold the Door does it well. I especially liked that Sam and Max are in their mid-thirties when they reconnect. Sixteen years is a long time to do a lot of living and really settle into the people they have become. It makes their happily ever after well-earned, they’ve had nearly half of their life apart and know that they are so much better together.
However, it’s that amount of time that also makes their falling out a little unbelievable?
As for other than the romance, there’s a love of surfing that shows up well. It’s portrayed really nicely, without overexplaining or taking over the story. There’s also a great cast of characters who are fun and individual—Archer and Fletcher were especially well-drawn and really interesting. Archer especially had me laughing, but there’s something fascinating beneath his surface. He’s in the next book (yay!) but I’m curious about the others and I’m excited to see future books in this series! This was a lovely, low angst read and I definitely recommend it!
**I received this as an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest and unbiased review**
Hold the Door is a sweet, low angst romance that is a perfect weekend read after a long stressful week. Preferably on a beach as you watch hot surfers catch the waves…
As college students, Sam and Max part ways after a drunken, disastrous surprise kiss at a party and don’t meet up again until sixteen years later. Max, a travel photographer, gets a position at the magazine that also employs Sam in the finance department. Surfing lessons bring the two closer together and, of course, a happily ever after.
Former friends turned lovers is a great trope and Hold the Door does it well. I especially liked that Sam and Max are in their mid-thirties when they reconnect. Sixteen years is a long time to do a lot of living and really settle into the people they have become. It makes their happily ever after well-earned, they’ve had nearly half of their life apart and know that they are so much better together.
However, it’s that amount of time that also makes their falling out a little unbelievable?
As for other than the romance, there’s a love of surfing that shows up well. It’s portrayed really nicely, without overexplaining or taking over the story. There’s also a great cast of characters who are fun and individual—Archer and Fletcher were especially well-drawn and really interesting. Archer especially had me laughing, but there’s something fascinating beneath his surface. He’s in the next book (yay!) but I’m curious about the others and I’m excited to see future books in this series! This was a lovely, low angst read and I definitely recommend it!
**I received this as an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest and unbiased review**
October 8, 2025
The prologue and the start was alright. Set up both Sam amd Max's characters and gave a believable reason for why they were so nervous meeting each other despite having had sixteen years between the incident. I kinda wish Sam had been more angry though. Given how rudely Max had ended their friendship, Sam could've afforded to be more indignant after all that time imo. Sam suddenly not being avoidant around Max after their very awkward reunion was disappointing. I would've liked more avoidance that Max could've worked through given how badly he left things off years ago.
Sam's BF, Dylan, shouldn't have existed based on how little he actually showed up before being written off as a cheater. If the author wanted to use an existing relationship to keep Sam and Max from being too easy then they should've actually put effort in making it matter rather than having Archer tell us Dylan was an asshole then have him be revealed as a cheater after like one and a half scenes on page.
Then things got generally fluffy until Sam and Max both got uber busy and somehow didn't find a way to talk causing a very annoying miscommunication situation that while given a reason, didn't stop it from being annoying, especially when Max sent Sam away without clearing the air. It was incredibly dumb how Sam didn't know whether Max's team were being planned to be moved across the country. Was he not competent at his job? Like Archer pointed out, the freaking financial director (who was being pressured into becoming VP of finance) would've been the first to know if such plans were being set into motion so he should've been able to deny the rumors.
I basically ended up skimming the last 10% as the melodrama resolved itself.
TL;DR: Needed actual groveling on Max's part (dude basically takes an eternity to apologize for how he acted in the prologue) and the conflict is basically nonexistent until poor miscommunication and contrived drama arises.
Sam's BF, Dylan, shouldn't have existed based on how little he actually showed up before being written off as a cheater. If the author wanted to use an existing relationship to keep Sam and Max from being too easy then they should've actually put effort in making it matter rather than having Archer tell us Dylan was an asshole then have him be revealed as a cheater after like one and a half scenes on page.
Then things got generally fluffy until Sam and Max both got uber busy and somehow didn't find a way to talk causing a very annoying miscommunication situation that while given a reason, didn't stop it from being annoying, especially when Max sent Sam away without clearing the air. It was incredibly dumb how Sam didn't know whether Max's team were being planned to be moved across the country. Was he not competent at his job? Like Archer pointed out, the freaking financial director (who was being pressured into becoming VP of finance) would've been the first to know if such plans were being set into motion so he should've been able to deny the rumors.
I basically ended up skimming the last 10% as the melodrama resolved itself.
TL;DR: Needed actual groveling on Max's part (dude basically takes an eternity to apologize for how he acted in the prologue) and the conflict is basically nonexistent until poor miscommunication and contrived drama arises.
February 19, 2023
Sighs of longing, bags of avoidance, lots of hiding under the desk!
Yes, sixteen years without communication, all because of one little kiss between friends, is ridiculous but I got past it, purely because it could happen. The way Vinni wrote about the fateful kiss and how each man dealt with the fallout was believable. We've all avoided doing something for long enough that it becomes too long, so very awkward to put right, and just bury our heads in the sand and hope it doesn't return to haunt us. Likewise, we've all had a moment in our lives that replays over and over in our heads, haunting us. Or maybe that's just me, in both instances.
Liking order and planning, keeping to his routines, worrying about things to obsession, Sam's anxieties were portrayed realistically and sympathetically. I understood him. I have to admit I snorted, very unladylike, when he admitted to how many times he'd hidden in his office from Sam and how he knew how often he did that. So true of both characters involved, it was a small but perfect observation.
Although he didn't behave very well to his friend immediately after the kiss and in the longer term, I empathised with Max as he was questioning himself, unsure of his sexuality, while putting his education on hold due to family obligations.
This was a slow burn romance and, of course, they could have opened up to each other sooner but I really didn't care that they didn't. I just enjoyed being along for the ride, or perhaps I should say I enjoyed riding the wave with them.
There are other characters that I liked very much and who get their own stories. I've read the boxset and reviewed it and will separately review each book too. This is a great series and I loved it.
Yes, sixteen years without communication, all because of one little kiss between friends, is ridiculous but I got past it, purely because it could happen. The way Vinni wrote about the fateful kiss and how each man dealt with the fallout was believable. We've all avoided doing something for long enough that it becomes too long, so very awkward to put right, and just bury our heads in the sand and hope it doesn't return to haunt us. Likewise, we've all had a moment in our lives that replays over and over in our heads, haunting us. Or maybe that's just me, in both instances.
Liking order and planning, keeping to his routines, worrying about things to obsession, Sam's anxieties were portrayed realistically and sympathetically. I understood him. I have to admit I snorted, very unladylike, when he admitted to how many times he'd hidden in his office from Sam and how he knew how often he did that. So true of both characters involved, it was a small but perfect observation.
Although he didn't behave very well to his friend immediately after the kiss and in the longer term, I empathised with Max as he was questioning himself, unsure of his sexuality, while putting his education on hold due to family obligations.
This was a slow burn romance and, of course, they could have opened up to each other sooner but I really didn't care that they didn't. I just enjoyed being along for the ride, or perhaps I should say I enjoyed riding the wave with them.
There are other characters that I liked very much and who get their own stories. I've read the boxset and reviewed it and will separately review each book too. This is a great series and I loved it.
April 15, 2021
4.5 stars
This is a second chance romance for Max and Sam. Friends in college, they both secretly wanted more, but Max’s inability to admit that plus a drunken kiss from Sam and Max’s need to move away to deal with family issues meant that whatever could have been, along with their friendship died a fiery death, one that was deeply humiliating for Sam. When, sixteen years later, they wind up working for the same company, it’s a masterclass in unvoiced regrets and avoidance, until surfing and their undeniable chemistry bring them together once more. Max and Sam’s interactions are a cautionary tale in the importance of communication-- a lesson neither is quick (think glacially slow, then slower than that) to learn. All, and I do mean ALL of their problems would have been avoidable if they’d just talked to each other: a point their respective friends make with limited degrees of success. To the author’s credit, however, we do get to see all the rationales for why they can’t just do the logical thing and communicate-- putting yourself out there is hard, making assumptions or telling yourself you’re waiting for the right moment is much, much easier. I liked the way the author conveyed the depth of feeling both Max and Sam have for each other in the smallest gestures, I loved the supporting characters, Archer in all his abrasive glory in particular, and I was happy, and deeply relieved, when Max and Sam finally got their HEA.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a second chance romance for Max and Sam. Friends in college, they both secretly wanted more, but Max’s inability to admit that plus a drunken kiss from Sam and Max’s need to move away to deal with family issues meant that whatever could have been, along with their friendship died a fiery death, one that was deeply humiliating for Sam. When, sixteen years later, they wind up working for the same company, it’s a masterclass in unvoiced regrets and avoidance, until surfing and their undeniable chemistry bring them together once more. Max and Sam’s interactions are a cautionary tale in the importance of communication-- a lesson neither is quick (think glacially slow, then slower than that) to learn. All, and I do mean ALL of their problems would have been avoidable if they’d just talked to each other: a point their respective friends make with limited degrees of success. To the author’s credit, however, we do get to see all the rationales for why they can’t just do the logical thing and communicate-- putting yourself out there is hard, making assumptions or telling yourself you’re waiting for the right moment is much, much easier. I liked the way the author conveyed the depth of feeling both Max and Sam have for each other in the smallest gestures, I loved the supporting characters, Archer in all his abrasive glory in particular, and I was happy, and deeply relieved, when Max and Sam finally got their HEA.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2021
This one is a super slow-burner. It's worth the wait though. Max and Sam went to college together, but one drunken night, Sam kissed Max under the mistletoe, and that was the end of their friendship. While Sam had always believed their friendship ended because Max was straight, and therefore horrified that Sam had kissed him, it turns out he was VERY wrong about that. When they were in college, Max had been nursing a crush on Sam, without really knowing what that meant for him. When their paths cross 16 years later, Max is no longer confused about his sexuality, and he knows exactly what he wants from Sam this time around.
Both Sam and Max are really likeable characters. I would have loved to have a little more background on both of them, but even without that, they were both easy to relate to. Sam suffers from some pretty major anxiety, and when he first learns that he's going to have to face Max in the flesh after 16 years without contact, it sends him into an anxious spin. He does his level best to try and ensure he and Max don't have to live in the same city. Those actions however come back to bite him when he finally realizes how much he cares for Max. It's satisfying to watch both men realize the lengths to which they will go to be together and take advantage of the second chance the universe handed them.
Hold The Door is a great debut novel by Vinni George, and I look forward to learning more about the supporting cast of characters we were introduced to in upcoming books.
Both Sam and Max are really likeable characters. I would have loved to have a little more background on both of them, but even without that, they were both easy to relate to. Sam suffers from some pretty major anxiety, and when he first learns that he's going to have to face Max in the flesh after 16 years without contact, it sends him into an anxious spin. He does his level best to try and ensure he and Max don't have to live in the same city. Those actions however come back to bite him when he finally realizes how much he cares for Max. It's satisfying to watch both men realize the lengths to which they will go to be together and take advantage of the second chance the universe handed them.
Hold The Door is a great debut novel by Vinni George, and I look forward to learning more about the supporting cast of characters we were introduced to in upcoming books.
May 13, 2023
I’ve realised that I tend to prefer romances where the two MCs meet quickly. This book went the other route, where we have a prologue setting up their fallout 16 years ago and then a chunk of the novel where Sam is actively avoiding Max, and it really took a while until they were building any sort of relationship again. It also took so long to introduce Sam’s boyfriend that it was really out of left field for me, but then it effectively became a non-issue as it became more clear that it had basically become a relationship in name only. I would have been happier if they’d (recently) broken up and it wasn’t tangled in what was going on with Sam and Max, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me.
Once Sam and Max actually started talking to one another and spending time together, I enjoyed their rebuilding relationship a lot, the contrast between Sam in the office and Sam on a surfboard, and the (sometimes silly) side characters. I do wish the two of them communicated better. (You behave badly, you apologise, even if it was 16 years ago, given that it destroyed a friendship, especially now you’re trying to rebuild that friendship.) Despite those challenges, though, I really did feel like they belonged together and that they were making progress to be together believably. (I’m pretty sure that Archer and Jane spent a fair bit of time in the background laughing at them, though, lol.) I’m looking forward to checking out the rest of the series.
Once Sam and Max actually started talking to one another and spending time together, I enjoyed their rebuilding relationship a lot, the contrast between Sam in the office and Sam on a surfboard, and the (sometimes silly) side characters. I do wish the two of them communicated better. (You behave badly, you apologise, even if it was 16 years ago, given that it destroyed a friendship, especially now you’re trying to rebuild that friendship.) Despite those challenges, though, I really did feel like they belonged together and that they were making progress to be together believably. (I’m pretty sure that Archer and Jane spent a fair bit of time in the background laughing at them, though, lol.) I’m looking forward to checking out the rest of the series.
April 16, 2021
This book is amazing and I loved it! The story of Sam and Max is one of secret crushes, a drunken kiss, regret and finally a second chance. They were good friends in college and Sam would have loved to have been more but he knew Max was straight. A going away party for Max when a family tragedy takes him from Chicago to Pennsylvania, will end in disaster in the form of a drunken kiss. An apology from Sam the next day won’t go as Sam hopes and he will be left, heartbroken in the middle of the road. Fast forward sixteen years and the two are now coworkers when their companies merge. Sam will try to avoid Max but soon, they run into each other and things aren’t as bad as Sam thought. Soon they are spending more time together and both are realizing they still have feelings for each other, although Sam didn’t know how Max felt about him all those years ago. It will be a bumpy ride but the two will find their stride and things will be going really well until a rumor threatens to destroy everything. Some wise advice from a friend will have Sam finding the truth about the rumor and moving forward with a plan to keep Max in his life. It will work and the two will finally be able to start the journey toward their happily ever after.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
May 8, 2022
Second Chance at Love
This is my first book by Vinni George. I almost started Revolving Door before I realized it was book two. I’m so glad I checked because I would have missed out on the joy that is Sam and Max. I so identify with Sam, his overthinking, his anxiety, his power suits that he wears for confidence! I immediately fell in love with him as there is so much to like about him. Max is the same for me. I didn’t dislike him for hurting Sam, you can see his confusion and as an adult you can feel his guilt. You know who I disliked? Dylan! Ick! Own your cheating dude. No gaslighting accepted.
What do I love about this book? Both men talked to their college best friends (still) to ask for advice. Both Sam and Max made moves to correct the past even when it was hard for them. Did they make mistakes? Yes, but did they fix them? Yes!! I liked the author’s voice. Does that make sense? His flow and his wording were easy for me to follow. This was a really quick read for me. I highlighted all my favorite parts as usual. I went back and reread the ending twice. I checked and it looks like there will be four books in this series with A Foot in the Door coming out soon. This excites me as y’all know I love a good series. These characters seem super sweet and I hope that I get to see more of them in each of the upcoming books. 😉
This is my first book by Vinni George. I almost started Revolving Door before I realized it was book two. I’m so glad I checked because I would have missed out on the joy that is Sam and Max. I so identify with Sam, his overthinking, his anxiety, his power suits that he wears for confidence! I immediately fell in love with him as there is so much to like about him. Max is the same for me. I didn’t dislike him for hurting Sam, you can see his confusion and as an adult you can feel his guilt. You know who I disliked? Dylan! Ick! Own your cheating dude. No gaslighting accepted.
What do I love about this book? Both men talked to their college best friends (still) to ask for advice. Both Sam and Max made moves to correct the past even when it was hard for them. Did they make mistakes? Yes, but did they fix them? Yes!! I liked the author’s voice. Does that make sense? His flow and his wording were easy for me to follow. This was a really quick read for me. I highlighted all my favorite parts as usual. I went back and reread the ending twice. I checked and it looks like there will be four books in this series with A Foot in the Door coming out soon. This excites me as y’all know I love a good series. These characters seem super sweet and I hope that I get to see more of them in each of the upcoming books. 😉
February 24, 2023
Max and Sam's second-chance love story was the perfect mix of sweet and angsty. Unlike some books that keep the details of the initial falling out a secret, this one opened with the awkward, unhappy event that led Max and Sam to avoid each other for 16 long years. I don't think either man would have ever reached out had they not been forced to work together, and their initial reconnection was as uncomfortable and nervous as you'd expect. Sam went to hilarious extremes to try to avoid Max, but once he actually talked to the man, things slotted into place surprisingly naturally. I can definitely understand why Sam was wary at first, but Max was persistent when he wanted to be, and soon their surfing lessons and lunch dates felt cozy and comfortable. Despite how much I could see them opening up to each other, Sam and Max were hesistant to define their relationship. I can understand why neither of them wanted to set themselves up for heartbreak, and when push came to shove, they snapped out of their comfort zones to admit their feelings for each other. Add in the swoony declarations of love and semi-dramatic gestures to affirm their commitment to each other and Max and Sam were more than ready to settle down into the next chapter of their life together.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 16, 2021
A sweet, slow burn, second chance, frinds-to-lovers M/M romance.
Thank you to GayRomanceReviews ans Vinni George for providing me a copy to review!
Hold the Door is a very symbolic title for this book. Max and Sam have a really complicated past that went wrong after a drunken kiss in college and left both of them confused and hurt. After 16 years when they paths cross again at work the past needs to be avoided so they can start over as friends.
Sam's anxiety and nervous behaviour prevents him of letting go of the painful past and Max tries to move forward without revisiting the issue hoping it won't matter.
But after they grow colser again and old feelings are rekindled they both need to face the facts and work through the problems to be together for real once.
Both main characters were very nice and loveable. Sam with his insecurities and Max with his confidence hiding some hurt from the past. The supporting characters were also great and added a really nice depth to the story (and of course a chance for a second book).
All in all, I enjoyed this story but sometimes it got boring when the story not evolved as fast. It was basically a slow burn without the tension of a slow burn. The low angst made it sometimes flat.
Really sweet story though!
Thank you to GayRomanceReviews ans Vinni George for providing me a copy to review!
Hold the Door is a very symbolic title for this book. Max and Sam have a really complicated past that went wrong after a drunken kiss in college and left both of them confused and hurt. After 16 years when they paths cross again at work the past needs to be avoided so they can start over as friends.
Sam's anxiety and nervous behaviour prevents him of letting go of the painful past and Max tries to move forward without revisiting the issue hoping it won't matter.
But after they grow colser again and old feelings are rekindled they both need to face the facts and work through the problems to be together for real once.
Both main characters were very nice and loveable. Sam with his insecurities and Max with his confidence hiding some hurt from the past. The supporting characters were also great and added a really nice depth to the story (and of course a chance for a second book).
All in all, I enjoyed this story but sometimes it got boring when the story not evolved as fast. It was basically a slow burn without the tension of a slow burn. The low angst made it sometimes flat.
Really sweet story though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2022
Solid debut novel! I would never have guessed this was this authors debut, it feels polished and well edited if maybe just a little wordy at times. I love how accurate Sam’s anxiety is presented and how it affects so many aspects of his life in little ways and also how Max is mostly oblivious to it. Which is so classic of how it really is - it feels like everyone is aware of your blundering and uselessness but in truth it’s often not even noticeable to others.
This is an office romance with lots of miscommunication - I’ll admit not my favourite themes so a few times my interest waned a little and things felt a bit flat but this is all on me as office job antics just dont piqué my interest. The slow burn is really nice though!
The dual point of view between the characters was done really well, they had clear voices and I liked how one would move into the other often in the middle of an important moment so we got both sides of the situation. I also liked how Sam had a boyfriend in the beginning. This was realistic. So many romances just have these gorgeous hotties hanging around single and just waiting to meet the other MC so I liked this different take.
The author already has more books in this series so I’m going to give Fletcher and Archer a try.
This is an office romance with lots of miscommunication - I’ll admit not my favourite themes so a few times my interest waned a little and things felt a bit flat but this is all on me as office job antics just dont piqué my interest. The slow burn is really nice though!
The dual point of view between the characters was done really well, they had clear voices and I liked how one would move into the other often in the middle of an important moment so we got both sides of the situation. I also liked how Sam had a boyfriend in the beginning. This was realistic. So many romances just have these gorgeous hotties hanging around single and just waiting to meet the other MC so I liked this different take.
The author already has more books in this series so I’m going to give Fletcher and Archer a try.
April 8, 2023
Hold the Door is a second chance at love romance. In college Sam is hopelessly attracted to friend Max, who is leaving college to take care of his family's farm. At a party the night before Max's departure Sam gets drunk and decides to go for it. He kisses Max under the mistletoe. Max reacts horribly. He runs away and refuses to talk to Sam. Fast forward 16 years and Sam's company buys the magazine Max works for. Because of their positions Sam and Max will be forced to work together. Sam goes to great lengths to avoid interacting with Max, often behaving immaturely for someone of his age and high position in the company. Max goes into the situation more maturely, hoping to talk through the issue and regain their friendship. Although I felt for college-aged Sam, I found him a bit more difficult to like as an adult. The book is told in dual POV which I think really helped me like Max's character. You get to see/hear his reasons for the way he acted after the kiss. An event at the end of the book sets up the romantic pairing for the next book in the series. I really liked the two characters so I plan to read that one for sure. I recommend this book to everyone who likes slow-burn second chance romance.
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