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The Goode Life #2
Web of Lies
Jesse
My little brother is getting married and I couldn’t be happier…
Well, maybe I could if I hadn’t just been dumped by the boyfriend I thought was about to propose, kicked out of my New York apartment, and, worst of all, lost one of the pediatric patients under my care at the hospital where I work as a nurse.
With the current sh*tstorm that is my life, who could blame me for going a little overboard on the cocktails at the bachelor weekend in Vegas?
Me. I could blame me. Especially when I wake up with the hangover from hell and the memory of marrying my arch-nemesis, Webster Goode, in a ceremony caught on camera by the reality show Real Vegas Weddings.
There’s only one clear path forward: get through my brother’s wedding, get an annulment, and get back to New York and my normal life. All without anyone finding out what Web and I did in Vegas.
But it turns out correcting that big mistake won’t be as easy as I’d first thought, and keeping our secret from the Finchley gossip machine could be damn near impossible…
The truth is, the more time I spend with Web, the more I start to realize there might be a very thin line between love and hate…
Come visit Finchley, CA, where the sun’s always shining, the locals are always gossiping, and you won’t walk two steps without bumping into a member of the Goode family. If you’re lucky, you might find gold; or, even better…true love.
My little brother is getting married and I couldn’t be happier…
Well, maybe I could if I hadn’t just been dumped by the boyfriend I thought was about to propose, kicked out of my New York apartment, and, worst of all, lost one of the pediatric patients under my care at the hospital where I work as a nurse.
With the current sh*tstorm that is my life, who could blame me for going a little overboard on the cocktails at the bachelor weekend in Vegas?
Me. I could blame me. Especially when I wake up with the hangover from hell and the memory of marrying my arch-nemesis, Webster Goode, in a ceremony caught on camera by the reality show Real Vegas Weddings.
There’s only one clear path forward: get through my brother’s wedding, get an annulment, and get back to New York and my normal life. All without anyone finding out what Web and I did in Vegas.
But it turns out correcting that big mistake won’t be as easy as I’d first thought, and keeping our secret from the Finchley gossip machine could be damn near impossible…
The truth is, the more time I spend with Web, the more I start to realize there might be a very thin line between love and hate…
Come visit Finchley, CA, where the sun’s always shining, the locals are always gossiping, and you won’t walk two steps without bumping into a member of the Goode family. If you’re lucky, you might find gold; or, even better…true love.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2021
124 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
January 15, 2024
3.75**** stars
Cute ex-best-friends to lovers with waking-up-married in Vegas after a daring game of gay-chicken and fun small-town vibes.
*************
The Goode Life Series
Book 1 - Clean Slate - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Web of Lies - 3.75 stars
Book 3 - Rule of Law
Book 4 - Taken by Chance
“Are you saying you don’t want to marry me?” I challenge.
“You’re allowed to back out, you know.” His eyes narrow on me.
“Oh, I’m not backing out of anything. I’ll marry you, Jesse Cartwright. Just wait, I’ll marry the fuck out of you.”
Cute ex-best-friends to lovers with waking-up-married in Vegas after a daring game of gay-chicken and fun small-town vibes.
I glance up […], finally daring to admit what I’ve known for twenty years. “I’m in love with him, man. Always have been.”
*************
The Goode Life Series
Book 1 - Clean Slate - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Web of Lies - 3.75 stars
Book 3 - Rule of Law
Book 4 - Taken by Chance
April 18, 2021
4.5 near-perfect Stars!! 🤩💕 The only reason for deducting half a star is because the story felt shorter than usual 😟 I wish it was full length so that I could have enjoyed more of Web and Jesse 😍
Nevertheless, the story itself was quite unique with both the enemies-to-friends trope as well as the married-in-Vegas trope. I was curious as to how it would work, but it was wonderfully handled by a deft Isla Olsen. You see, Jesse and Web had not always been enemies; they had in fact been best friends till one misunderstanding led them to become estranged for two decades. Now that they are both best men at Zack and Slater’s (book 1) wedding it is not just luck that brings them together, but a long held secret.
Packed with humor, sentiment and steam; the story is both romantic as well as sweet. Web is adorable as the quiet, resilient, reserved and slightly confused MC; while Jesse is the witty, brave and dramatic MC who is still hurting from an incident that happened twenty years ago.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a second chance low angst M/M romance. 👍🏻👍🏻. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series 🥰; will it be George’s turn or someone else from the Goode family to find love? 😉
Nevertheless, the story itself was quite unique with both the enemies-to-friends trope as well as the married-in-Vegas trope. I was curious as to how it would work, but it was wonderfully handled by a deft Isla Olsen. You see, Jesse and Web had not always been enemies; they had in fact been best friends till one misunderstanding led them to become estranged for two decades. Now that they are both best men at Zack and Slater’s (book 1) wedding it is not just luck that brings them together, but a long held secret.
Packed with humor, sentiment and steam; the story is both romantic as well as sweet. Web is adorable as the quiet, resilient, reserved and slightly confused MC; while Jesse is the witty, brave and dramatic MC who is still hurting from an incident that happened twenty years ago.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a second chance low angst M/M romance. 👍🏻👍🏻. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series 🥰; will it be George’s turn or someone else from the Goode family to find love? 😉
April 20, 2021
Web and Jesse were childhood friends but had a falling out.
Jesse is back for this brother’s wedding as best man and Web is a best man too. They reconnect in more ways than one. Vegas things happen like weddings and sexy times. I feel like there was more story there but we were left with what was written. I would have liked to know more about Web’s backstory. With Jesse there was a bit more background.
The epilogue was romantic but I wish it was a bit longer than it was. I wanted to see how their life together ended up working. It was all very superficial and I wanted more depth to the story.
Also side note.. the FB page entries were cute in book one and more a nuisance in book 2.
Jesse is back for this brother’s wedding as best man and Web is a best man too. They reconnect in more ways than one. Vegas things happen like weddings and sexy times. I feel like there was more story there but we were left with what was written. I would have liked to know more about Web’s backstory. With Jesse there was a bit more background.
The epilogue was romantic but I wish it was a bit longer than it was. I wanted to see how their life together ended up working. It was all very superficial and I wanted more depth to the story.
Also side note.. the FB page entries were cute in book one and more a nuisance in book 2.
June 13, 2021
Another great read from Ilsa Olsen. I enjoy her books so much. The plot of enemies to lovers has been around a long time especially with the getting married on a trip to Vegas. Somehow Olga makes it fresh and fun.
February 11, 2022
Super cheesy, a bit shallow and a lot of fun. I did really enjoy this one.
April 13, 2021
Ohmygod... I loved this book even more than the first!! I’m about to gush about this book in a second so be prepared.
This is a somewhat kind of childhood best friends to quasi-enemies to accidental lovers story.
This read is on the shorter side, under 200 pages, but I still couldn’t put it down. I just wanted to continue reading more of Web and Jesse... and well, mostly Web. I absolutely LOVED his character. He’s supposed to be the jerk who ended a friendship because his best friend Jesse came out as gay in 8th/9th grade, then sent Jesse a letter saying he liked him, only to say it was a joke in front of a bunch of his friends when confronted about it. But the whole situation isn’t what it seems... and it’s really sad to think that 20 years have passed without resolving the issue. That damn pesky word “communication” again. Sheesh.
I really just felt for Web. He was only 15 at the time, thought he was weird for the things he felt and he still thinks that about himself 18+ years later. He’s quiet, always feels uncomfortable around sexual situations or even PDA in general because that’s just who he is. Jesse always takes it the wrong way and thinks Web is a homophobe. In reality, he’s most likely demisexual, has never really been attracted to anyone other than Jesse, never really enjoyed sex aside from Jesse... and has actually been in love with Jesse for the whole 20 damn years. Ahh my heart! 💔
Aside from the whole real feelings and connection part of it - the sex was freaking HOT. Like... wow. I was like 🥵🥵 Yes please more please.
I can tell this series is going to be another absolute favorite. I’m already fiending for the 3rd book and this one isn’t even technically out yet. (I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this) I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book...
POV: Dual 1st person
This is a somewhat kind of childhood best friends to quasi-enemies to accidental lovers story.
This read is on the shorter side, under 200 pages, but I still couldn’t put it down. I just wanted to continue reading more of Web and Jesse... and well, mostly Web. I absolutely LOVED his character. He’s supposed to be the jerk who ended a friendship because his best friend Jesse came out as gay in 8th/9th grade, then sent Jesse a letter saying he liked him, only to say it was a joke in front of a bunch of his friends when confronted about it. But the whole situation isn’t what it seems... and it’s really sad to think that 20 years have passed without resolving the issue. That damn pesky word “communication” again. Sheesh.
I really just felt for Web. He was only 15 at the time, thought he was weird for the things he felt and he still thinks that about himself 18+ years later. He’s quiet, always feels uncomfortable around sexual situations or even PDA in general because that’s just who he is. Jesse always takes it the wrong way and thinks Web is a homophobe. In reality, he’s most likely demisexual, has never really been attracted to anyone other than Jesse, never really enjoyed sex aside from Jesse... and has actually been in love with Jesse for the whole 20 damn years. Ahh my heart! 💔
Aside from the whole real feelings and connection part of it - the sex was freaking HOT. Like... wow. I was like 🥵🥵 Yes please more please.
I can tell this series is going to be another absolute favorite. I’m already fiending for the 3rd book and this one isn’t even technically out yet. (I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this) I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book...
POV: Dual 1st person
October 10, 2022
2.75⭐ for effort
Nooooo! 😐😭😭😭
I can't with this.
The blurb sounded so promising and the characters were good, they were good! But the story definitely wasn't.
∆ Too short!
∆ Not well developed AT ALL!
∆ No depth, no good story-telling, the author just rushed the story!
💗
For an enemies-to-lovers trope this had so much promise, I mean the foundation was right there! What happened??
I just came from reading The Wildes (L. Lennox) and I love the idea of a big family where the guys get their boyfriends and I was really hoping the Goodes were similar.
But I can't like this.
Too bad, it had big potential.
Nooooo! 😐😭😭😭
I can't with this.
The blurb sounded so promising and the characters were good, they were good! But the story definitely wasn't.
∆ Too short!
∆ Not well developed AT ALL!
∆ No depth, no good story-telling, the author just rushed the story!
💗
For an enemies-to-lovers trope this had so much promise, I mean the foundation was right there! What happened??
I just came from reading The Wildes (L. Lennox) and I love the idea of a big family where the guys get their boyfriends and I was really hoping the Goodes were similar.
But I can't like this.
Too bad, it had big potential.
October 29, 2021
* 3 stars *
I liked how the story started out as it drew me in really easily. Web and Jesse were childhood friends and pretty much inseparable growing up, until they started high school and they grew apart. Then, the incident happened about a year later and, because of a misunderstanding, they didn't speak for eighteen years. Yeah, don't get me started on the miscommunication in this one...
Then, at a pre wedding weekend in Las Vegas they start playing a weird game of chicken that ends up going too far and they end up getting married on a gondola. Later in the story it's mentioned that there was alcohol involved, but I don't remember either of them being too intoxicated to know what they were doing. The whole thing took a while to happen and they were both aware of what they were doing.
Anyway, they end up taking it even further and they sleep together. After that, they stop pretending and keep spending time together during the week leading to the wedding.
It all happened very fast in the story. Prior to his trip to Vegas - and by prior I mean the night before - Jesse had gone out to dinner with his boyfriend at the time, David, thinking that he was going to propose. What David actually ended up doing was ask for a break up after being together for two and a half years and living together for two of those. So, Jesse's moving on in just one week seemed way too fast. Granted, the wedding was a mistake, so I'm not really talking about that. I'm talking about everything else that happened during that week.
The story has a clear insta-love feeling to it and I'm never a fan of that, but I did enjoy Web and Jesse reconnecting and clearing the air between them.
The messages at the beginning of the chapters between various people from Finchley were pretty funny and the page about the Goode family at the beginning of the book, certainly helped with figuring out who all these people were.
I liked how the story started out as it drew me in really easily. Web and Jesse were childhood friends and pretty much inseparable growing up, until they started high school and they grew apart. Then, the incident happened about a year later and, because of a misunderstanding, they didn't speak for eighteen years. Yeah, don't get me started on the miscommunication in this one...
Then, at a pre wedding weekend in Las Vegas they start playing a weird game of chicken that ends up going too far and they end up getting married on a gondola. Later in the story it's mentioned that there was alcohol involved, but I don't remember either of them being too intoxicated to know what they were doing. The whole thing took a while to happen and they were both aware of what they were doing.
Anyway, they end up taking it even further and they sleep together. After that, they stop pretending and keep spending time together during the week leading to the wedding.
It all happened very fast in the story. Prior to his trip to Vegas - and by prior I mean the night before - Jesse had gone out to dinner with his boyfriend at the time, David, thinking that he was going to propose. What David actually ended up doing was ask for a break up after being together for two and a half years and living together for two of those. So, Jesse's moving on in just one week seemed way too fast. Granted, the wedding was a mistake, so I'm not really talking about that. I'm talking about everything else that happened during that week.
The story has a clear insta-love feeling to it and I'm never a fan of that, but I did enjoy Web and Jesse reconnecting and clearing the air between them.
The messages at the beginning of the chapters between various people from Finchley were pretty funny and the page about the Goode family at the beginning of the book, certainly helped with figuring out who all these people were.
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December 8, 2021
MM Romance
Ex friends to lovers
3.5 stars
This one was so much better than the first! I didn’t even mind the town gossip Facebook posts in the beginning of the chapters because they made me laugh. The townspeople are crazy but I liked them better now that there was no funeral. This takes place almost a year after the first book and while I wasn’t in love with Zack & Slater’s fast paced story in the first book, I liked their cameos in this one.
This is Webster and Jesse’s story. Jesse and Web were besties their whole lives until the beginning of high school. When Jesse came out, there was a misunderstanding between the two and it’s kept them apart for over 18 years. Now that Zack and Slater are about to get married, Web & Jesse are reunited as the best men in their wedding and must attend bachelor parties and other events together.
Now that I know what to expect with this series, I’m liking the characters more. I’m actually excited to read the next book as it’s going to be either a bi awakening or gfy type plot line. Like the first book, this was quite short but this one had way more depth and was a vast improvement on the first. Books like this are easy to read on days I don’t have a lot of time but want to indulge in something to take my mind off other things. Not the best book but it did the job.
Ex friends to lovers
3.5 stars
This one was so much better than the first! I didn’t even mind the town gossip Facebook posts in the beginning of the chapters because they made me laugh. The townspeople are crazy but I liked them better now that there was no funeral. This takes place almost a year after the first book and while I wasn’t in love with Zack & Slater’s fast paced story in the first book, I liked their cameos in this one.
This is Webster and Jesse’s story. Jesse and Web were besties their whole lives until the beginning of high school. When Jesse came out, there was a misunderstanding between the two and it’s kept them apart for over 18 years. Now that Zack and Slater are about to get married, Web & Jesse are reunited as the best men in their wedding and must attend bachelor parties and other events together.
Now that I know what to expect with this series, I’m liking the characters more. I’m actually excited to read the next book as it’s going to be either a bi awakening or gfy type plot line. Like the first book, this was quite short but this one had way more depth and was a vast improvement on the first. Books like this are easy to read on days I don’t have a lot of time but want to indulge in something to take my mind off other things. Not the best book but it did the job.
June 1, 2022
Web of Lies by Isla Olsen
I don’t even know how to begin reviewing this book because I LOVED IT TOO MUCH for words. I do not know how I am just now getting around to reading anything by Isla Olsen, but I am incredibly thankful to have found her now!
‘Web of Lies’ follows childhood friends who find themselves not so friendly with each other after a misunderstanding until they’re thrown together at a bachelor party in Las Vegas, and now rekindling their friendship is only one part of their connection. It’s the second in a series, but it’s not difficult to read on its own. Now that I’ve read it, though, I know I’ll be going back to read the first one.
Jesse and Web have sparkling chemistry, and I love the way their relationship evolves and deepens. I’m an absolute sucker for friends longing for each other, and ‘Web of Lies’ has such a perfect balance of longing, passion, humor, and heart. It’s like eating a perfect meal that leaves you incredibly satisfied and feeling happy.
One of the most fun things about the book is that each chapter has an exchange “From the private Facebook group ‘Finchley Locals Community Hangout.’” Each of these exchanges gives a little insight into the town of Finchley and its amusing cast of residents. I’m personally a fan of towns where everyone knows everyone else, and they’re all in each other’s business in a caring if otherly nosy way, at least in my fictional books! The familial aspects were charming, the friendships were strong and full of humor, and the romance was full of heart.
There were a few times that the book cut away from conversations or scenes that seemed like they would have been fun to see. It is a quick read, and while I would generally lean towards cutting unnecessary scenes, I would have loved the book to have included a little bit more of the interactions amongst the friends.
There is one thing close to the beginning that I think folks should be aware of before they’re reading. This book isn’t a spoiler, plot-wise, but it’s still sensitive information.
Jesse is a pediatric nurse, and one of his young patients dies. It’s clear from the character development that this is a tragic but sometimes unavoidable aspect of his job. He’s heartbroken, and it’s part of why things go so unlike other times they’ve interacted between their misunderstanding in high school and their interactions at the bachelor party. I know that’s somewhat of a spoiler, but I still feel like it’s the kind of thing some people would want to know about in advance.
The majority of the book is funny or heated or both, but there are some great emotional moments. The blend of emotion with the humor and the heat is what really makes this gem such a great read. I really can’t wait to go back and read the first one, ‘Clean Slate,’ and I hope to read many more titles by her.
I don’t even know how to begin reviewing this book because I LOVED IT TOO MUCH for words. I do not know how I am just now getting around to reading anything by Isla Olsen, but I am incredibly thankful to have found her now!
‘Web of Lies’ follows childhood friends who find themselves not so friendly with each other after a misunderstanding until they’re thrown together at a bachelor party in Las Vegas, and now rekindling their friendship is only one part of their connection. It’s the second in a series, but it’s not difficult to read on its own. Now that I’ve read it, though, I know I’ll be going back to read the first one.
Jesse and Web have sparkling chemistry, and I love the way their relationship evolves and deepens. I’m an absolute sucker for friends longing for each other, and ‘Web of Lies’ has such a perfect balance of longing, passion, humor, and heart. It’s like eating a perfect meal that leaves you incredibly satisfied and feeling happy.
One of the most fun things about the book is that each chapter has an exchange “From the private Facebook group ‘Finchley Locals Community Hangout.’” Each of these exchanges gives a little insight into the town of Finchley and its amusing cast of residents. I’m personally a fan of towns where everyone knows everyone else, and they’re all in each other’s business in a caring if otherly nosy way, at least in my fictional books! The familial aspects were charming, the friendships were strong and full of humor, and the romance was full of heart.
There were a few times that the book cut away from conversations or scenes that seemed like they would have been fun to see. It is a quick read, and while I would generally lean towards cutting unnecessary scenes, I would have loved the book to have included a little bit more of the interactions amongst the friends.
There is one thing close to the beginning that I think folks should be aware of before they’re reading. This book isn’t a spoiler, plot-wise, but it’s still sensitive information.
Jesse is a pediatric nurse, and one of his young patients dies. It’s clear from the character development that this is a tragic but sometimes unavoidable aspect of his job. He’s heartbroken, and it’s part of why things go so unlike other times they’ve interacted between their misunderstanding in high school and their interactions at the bachelor party. I know that’s somewhat of a spoiler, but I still feel like it’s the kind of thing some people would want to know about in advance.
The majority of the book is funny or heated or both, but there are some great emotional moments. The blend of emotion with the humor and the heat is what really makes this gem such a great read. I really can’t wait to go back and read the first one, ‘Clean Slate,’ and I hope to read many more titles by her.
May 12, 2021
4 Solid Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The funnies just keep rolling in! When you are snickering as you read, you know its good.
The fallout was hinted in book #1. There were issues that caused the long childhood friendship to implode/explode. Now, we know. Hormones are terrible on the cognitive function.
I liked that IO went demisexual with Web. He was mostly ambivalent about sex unless it was Jesse. Its important that Webs feelings were discussed yet not written off.
All in all, the story wasn't exactly as I expected but I still enjoyed it. George & Lawson are going to be so much fun!
The funnies just keep rolling in! When you are snickering as you read, you know its good.
The fallout was hinted in book #1. There were issues that caused the long childhood friendship to implode/explode. Now, we know. Hormones are terrible on the cognitive function.
I liked that IO went demisexual with Web. He was mostly ambivalent about sex unless it was Jesse. Its important that Webs feelings were discussed yet not written off.
All in all, the story wasn't exactly as I expected but I still enjoyed it. George & Lawson are going to be so much fun!
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April 27, 2021When you're reading a book and it's (debatably) good (enough)...until it's utterly just bad.
DNF @31%
I could pretty much guess where the story was heading from there.
This book combined 2 of my absolute favorite tropes so I just could not imagine it failing me so royally.
DNF @31%
I could pretty much guess where the story was heading from there.
This book combined 2 of my absolute favorite tropes so I just could not imagine it failing me so royally.
May 4, 2021
It was nice and short. I enjoyed the fact that it was short tbh. If it had been longer I would've lost interest.
April 17, 2021
Read for a group challenge and because this author’s books are so quick and fun. The prologue was Jesse’s own fault. Whether it was a joke or not, forcing someone to come out in front of their friends was asking for trouble. So his one sided hatred was a little annoying.
Twenty years on and Jesse hasn’t changed. Still holding a grudge and doesn’t click he made a mistake until eighty percent, confession time. I do like the enemies to lovers trope, but prefer when they both hate each other. I felt sorry for web and his he’d accept hatred so he knew Jesse cared.
Other than that it was sweet. Still had the nonsensical Facebook chatter from the town. One crazy wedding, one normal wedding and a countdown to divorce. I thought they were a silly pairing but a cute one.
Twenty years on and Jesse hasn’t changed. Still holding a grudge and doesn’t click he made a mistake until eighty percent, confession time. I do like the enemies to lovers trope, but prefer when they both hate each other. I felt sorry for web and his he’d accept hatred so he knew Jesse cared.
Other than that it was sweet. Still had the nonsensical Facebook chatter from the town. One crazy wedding, one normal wedding and a countdown to divorce. I thought they were a silly pairing but a cute one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
Sweet and fluffy
If you are looking for a quick read that's fun, funny and sexy, just about any of Isla Olsen's books will do, but this one is particularly sweet since it's friends to enemies to lovers and friends. Riffing off the Vegas themes again, this is a perfect vacation read.
If you are looking for a quick read that's fun, funny and sexy, just about any of Isla Olsen's books will do, but this one is particularly sweet since it's friends to enemies to lovers and friends. Riffing off the Vegas themes again, this is a perfect vacation read.
April 16, 2021
I will admit, I was curious to see how the author would handle the tropes of Enemies to Lovers as wel as Married in Vegas. The two didn't seem to go well together, and it was that curiosity (as well as my love for both of these tropes) that had me reading this particular book. And I am so glad that I did, because the answer to how she handles these two conflicting tropes? Beautifully.
The first thing she does is establish that Web and Jesse have not always been enemies. In fact, they were childhood best friends. The second thing she establishes is that they are not mutual enemies. Web has never hated Jesse, but Jesse has hated Web since they were fourteen for an incident involving a letter that we see at the onset of the book. The two men are then put together at a bachelor party and a game of Prove You're Not a Homophobe Chicken ends with them exchanging vows in a hilarious scene, all captured on film, and the book just goes from there.
The beauty of this book is not the accidental (on purpose) marriage that they both thought could be undone through annulment - which is never as simple as the media makes it appear. The beauty in this book is the time spent reconnecting Web and Jesse. They watch Buffy and debate Spike vs Angel. They talk to each other. Over the course of a week, they go from Jesse hating Web to realizing the truth of what happened when they were young teenagers.
It is the history between the two men that really defines this book and honestly, I'm here for it.
Other great parts about this book:
Web is demi-sexual. Seeing more characters on the ace spectrum is wonderful, because they've been underrepresented in books for a long time. Seeing healthy and honest representations of them is great for others who may feel out of place in the queer community because they do not fit the same set of attraction that other people do. Web is a great representation of the demi-sexual community, from what I can tell as someone who is not a member of that community. (My opinion is willing to be swayed based on what people in that community think, of course.)
This book is hilarious. There are so many references thrown out from when I was younger - Dawson's Creek, Buffy, The OC, Angel, and more - that make me grin from ear to ear.
This book has just the right amount of angst to make it a light read. There is angst, because we need some in order for the payout to be sweeter, but the angst amount is at that low threshold where you don't feel like they have to leap every hurdle imaginable. It is not an emotional labor to get to the ending, and I like that.
The interludes from the Facebook group had me rolling the entire time. It fleshed out some of the town they grew up in non-invasively. I would honestly join that facebook group, get some popcorn, and watch while laughing the whole time.
All in all, Web of Lies is a satisfying read full of humor and two main characters who have immaculate chemistry. I look forward to reading more books from the Goode Life and other books by Isla Olsen.
** ADVANCE READER COPY PROVIDED BY GAY ROMANCE REVIEWS IN EXCHANGE FOR FAIR AND HONEST REVIEW. **
The first thing she does is establish that Web and Jesse have not always been enemies. In fact, they were childhood best friends. The second thing she establishes is that they are not mutual enemies. Web has never hated Jesse, but Jesse has hated Web since they were fourteen for an incident involving a letter that we see at the onset of the book. The two men are then put together at a bachelor party and a game of Prove You're Not a Homophobe Chicken ends with them exchanging vows in a hilarious scene, all captured on film, and the book just goes from there.
The beauty of this book is not the accidental (on purpose) marriage that they both thought could be undone through annulment - which is never as simple as the media makes it appear. The beauty in this book is the time spent reconnecting Web and Jesse. They watch Buffy and debate Spike vs Angel. They talk to each other. Over the course of a week, they go from Jesse hating Web to realizing the truth of what happened when they were young teenagers.
It is the history between the two men that really defines this book and honestly, I'm here for it.
Other great parts about this book:
Web is demi-sexual. Seeing more characters on the ace spectrum is wonderful, because they've been underrepresented in books for a long time. Seeing healthy and honest representations of them is great for others who may feel out of place in the queer community because they do not fit the same set of attraction that other people do. Web is a great representation of the demi-sexual community, from what I can tell as someone who is not a member of that community. (My opinion is willing to be swayed based on what people in that community think, of course.)
This book is hilarious. There are so many references thrown out from when I was younger - Dawson's Creek, Buffy, The OC, Angel, and more - that make me grin from ear to ear.
This book has just the right amount of angst to make it a light read. There is angst, because we need some in order for the payout to be sweeter, but the angst amount is at that low threshold where you don't feel like they have to leap every hurdle imaginable. It is not an emotional labor to get to the ending, and I like that.
The interludes from the Facebook group had me rolling the entire time. It fleshed out some of the town they grew up in non-invasively. I would honestly join that facebook group, get some popcorn, and watch while laughing the whole time.
All in all, Web of Lies is a satisfying read full of humor and two main characters who have immaculate chemistry. I look forward to reading more books from the Goode Life and other books by Isla Olsen.
** ADVANCE READER COPY PROVIDED BY GAY ROMANCE REVIEWS IN EXCHANGE FOR FAIR AND HONEST REVIEW. **
April 13, 2021
My heart (from happiness), my sides (from chuckling), and my cheeks (from the goofy grins) ache. Those are the best feelings to have after reading a book. They are also guaranteed after reading a book written by Isla Olsen.
Jesse and Web stole my heart from the moment I met them. They appeared in the previous book, but if you haven’t read it yet, you won’t feel lost in this book. It explains everything you need to know in the beginning. However, as much fun as these books are, I would encourage you to read the first book in the series. You may find you’ve reached this conclusion on your own, though.
I could read a book that just includes random fb conversations between the townsfolk. They are hilarious. I want to live in this town!
I thoroughly enjoyed Web and Jesse’s story. It was an easy read with a lot of heart. I related with Web’s views on s e x. Not everyone feels the same way as the next, and it’s so refreshing to see this being discussed in the story. It makes it feel...more ‘normal’. It can definitely make you feel a bit isolated from the crowd because you can’t relate to what’s typically viewed as normal. The more it’s discussed, the fewer people there will be who feel ‘broken’. That’s important, and I love seeing it included in books. It just makes my little gray ace heart happy.
Isla Olsen is great at putting together a well written story that doesn’t hold back on the snark or the heartwarming, tender moments. Her books never come off as complete fluff either. There is the perfect balance of realism and fiction and I’m completely hooked. I highly recommend this book. I received a copy from the author, but I immediately purchased it from Amazon strictly for the quote features. Her books are filled with quotable moments.
***I received a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
Jesse and Web stole my heart from the moment I met them. They appeared in the previous book, but if you haven’t read it yet, you won’t feel lost in this book. It explains everything you need to know in the beginning. However, as much fun as these books are, I would encourage you to read the first book in the series. You may find you’ve reached this conclusion on your own, though.
I could read a book that just includes random fb conversations between the townsfolk. They are hilarious. I want to live in this town!
I thoroughly enjoyed Web and Jesse’s story. It was an easy read with a lot of heart. I related with Web’s views on s e x. Not everyone feels the same way as the next, and it’s so refreshing to see this being discussed in the story. It makes it feel...more ‘normal’. It can definitely make you feel a bit isolated from the crowd because you can’t relate to what’s typically viewed as normal. The more it’s discussed, the fewer people there will be who feel ‘broken’. That’s important, and I love seeing it included in books. It just makes my little gray ace heart happy.
Isla Olsen is great at putting together a well written story that doesn’t hold back on the snark or the heartwarming, tender moments. Her books never come off as complete fluff either. There is the perfect balance of realism and fiction and I’m completely hooked. I highly recommend this book. I received a copy from the author, but I immediately purchased it from Amazon strictly for the quote features. Her books are filled with quotable moments.
***I received a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
April 18, 2021
4.5 Stars
Web of Lies is the second book in Isla Olsen's The Goode Life series. And wow, what a fabulous series it is so far!
Jesse and his former friend Webster have an ugly history. Current enemies, they still have had to deal with their families being friends. But, oh how I adore the way everything develops between the two, even if it's all a little ridiculous. Hell, I'm not even sure what to say about what happens in Vegas. But I certainly don't hate it.
The big "aha!" moment seemed a little strange in it's timing, but I don't care. It's all cute and sweet.
The men are certainly great together, full of attitude and strangely never fighting it out. They banter and argue but never yell about their pasts. Instead, we get their stubborn sides that puts them in some crazy situations.
As for the sex, oh boy, it's hot! They certainly have chemistry in spades.
Jesse. Sweet Jesse. I love the nurse side of Jesse. As a pediatric nurse, I love how he cares for his patients.
And oh dear lord. The facebook posts, the texts, and chats are hysterical. This family is fabulous. I love it all. The Goode family keeps me delighted throughout. Everything about them make me smile.
Overall, Web of Lies is an amazing addition to this series. Isla Olsen once again leaves me smiling and laughing throughout. I can't wait to see what comes next.
Web of Lies is the second book in Isla Olsen's The Goode Life series. And wow, what a fabulous series it is so far!
Jesse and his former friend Webster have an ugly history. Current enemies, they still have had to deal with their families being friends. But, oh how I adore the way everything develops between the two, even if it's all a little ridiculous. Hell, I'm not even sure what to say about what happens in Vegas. But I certainly don't hate it.
The big "aha!" moment seemed a little strange in it's timing, but I don't care. It's all cute and sweet.
The men are certainly great together, full of attitude and strangely never fighting it out. They banter and argue but never yell about their pasts. Instead, we get their stubborn sides that puts them in some crazy situations.
As for the sex, oh boy, it's hot! They certainly have chemistry in spades.
Jesse. Sweet Jesse. I love the nurse side of Jesse. As a pediatric nurse, I love how he cares for his patients.
And oh dear lord. The facebook posts, the texts, and chats are hysterical. This family is fabulous. I love it all. The Goode family keeps me delighted throughout. Everything about them make me smile.
Overall, Web of Lies is an amazing addition to this series. Isla Olsen once again leaves me smiling and laughing throughout. I can't wait to see what comes next.
April 17, 2021
YEY! time for Slater and Zack's Bachelor Party to bring Web and Jesse together! This was such an original romantic take on what was best friends to enemies to finally lovers!!! Web is a very unique character, he has only ever been attracted to Jesse.. and well pretty much in love with him his whole life!! The way they first get back together as a way to prove that the misunderstanding from years ago is not true is Hilarious!! A kiss based on a Dawson's Creek quote!!.. Funny actions, banter and thoughts like this throughout! I love all the kissing and well these two are just Steamy Fun together! also enjoyed the town Facebook group at every chapter! I do not want to give anymore away as reading it yourself will have you smiling ! I recommend this to those who are looking for something charming and little bit more originally! And yes it is a quick read because you will not be able to put it down it is that much fun!
April 26, 2021
Jesse and Web were best friends until they weren't and Jesse made some assumptions about Web's behavior while Web let him believe and never set the record straight. Their little game of dare came at just the perfect time and wasn't as inconsequential as they thought it would be but it gave them the chance to get to know each other again. They still know so much about each other but learn so much more and find what has been missing from their relationships.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
May 8, 2021
Overall I found both this and the first book to read like fanfiction. The pacing and voice were just a little off. It needed some development. One of the things that is very frustrating are the large family’s. You are kinda just thrown into a large mix of people all at once and expected to know/keep straight who is who. These types of stories work better when new family members are added slowly with each book. It makes it much easier to keep things straight.
Also this continues with the community chat thing and it really just comes off as juvenile.
Also this continues with the community chat thing and it really just comes off as juvenile.
September 25, 2023
A bit better than the first installment, but still lacking depth or nuance. Our MCs, former friends turned enemies, meet up again at the wedding of the two MCs in the first book. They basically dare each other to get married while on a bachelor's weekend in Las Vegas, and hilarity ensues.
Except it doesn't. More tedious group chats, more miscommunication between the MCs, and the ever present choosing of a rare sexual orientation that comes across more like checking a box than true representation.
I read both Gooode Life books on vacation because they have been KU downloads for many months, but don't have the interest to finish this series. (The next is GFY, I think, like that really happens in real life. ) Blah.
Except it doesn't. More tedious group chats, more miscommunication between the MCs, and the ever present choosing of a rare sexual orientation that comes across more like checking a box than true representation.
I read both Gooode Life books on vacation because they have been KU downloads for many months, but don't have the interest to finish this series. (The next is GFY, I think, like that really happens in real life. ) Blah.
May 7, 2023
3.5⭐️
This was just what I needed. I've been reading so much dark and/or intense material lately that an Isla Olsen story full of banter, quirky characters, sweetness, giggle-snort moments, and hotness was just what I needed. I sat and binged the whole audio tonight (at 1.8x), and Kale Williams' narration was fabulous.
This was just what I needed. I've been reading so much dark and/or intense material lately that an Isla Olsen story full of banter, quirky characters, sweetness, giggle-snort moments, and hotness was just what I needed. I sat and binged the whole audio tonight (at 1.8x), and Kale Williams' narration was fabulous.
May 5, 2021
This was quite a silly wee story with 2 adorable MCs who have held a life long grudge due to a misunderstanding over something that happened 20 years ago.
October 15, 2022
Childhood friends, enemies to lovers, demisexual main character.
I enjoyed this one more than the first! The FB posts between chapters are so funny; even as I was enjoying the story, I looked forward to those and found myself smiling as soon as they began.
I enjoyed this one more than the first! The FB posts between chapters are so funny; even as I was enjoying the story, I looked forward to those and found myself smiling as soon as they began.
February 9, 2024
I think Webster deserves better
April 24, 2021
OMG! This was so goddamn sweet!
I loved it. I loved the character and all the LOL moments sprinkled across the book.
It was really steamy and lovely
I loved it. I loved the character and all the LOL moments sprinkled across the book.
It was really steamy and lovely
April 24, 2021
Web Of Lies is the second book in the Goode Life series by Isla Olsen. Web Of Lies is about Jesse and Webster. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, hot and very well written.
April 20, 2021
The second book in The Goode Life series by author Isla Olsen, Web Of Lies is Jesse and Webster’s story, and what a story! I loved the first book, Clean Slate (Zack and Slater) and from the first read, I fell in love with the quirky little town of Finchley, her residents, and the Goode family.
Web Of Lies follows Jesse and Web as they try to maneuver this weird little animosity they’ve got going for Slater and Zack’s wedding. The book begins when Jesse and Web were in high school together and from the beginning of the book, we learn why Jesse strongly hates - albeit unjustly - Webster Goode.
Years later, Zack, Jesse’s younger brother is getting married and Jesse, ow in New York, is dumped - quite un-dramatically / dramatically - by his boyfriend David. He moves in with his best friend from high school and is struggling emotionally with his job as a pediatric nurse. Life, for Jesse, couldn’t be more dramatic, right?
Wrong. Enters, Webster Goode. His cousin is tying the knot and Web is happy for Slater. Web’s life, however, feels empty, and sadly, he’s not actively looking for anyone.
Back in Finchley, Jesse and Web call a truce to their animosity as they try to figure out what is this simmering between them and what does it mean for their relationship. Truths are told, secrets are revealed as Jesse and Web come to terms with their weird relationship/truce.
Dive back into the town of Finchley with Web Of Lies and revisit her fun and quirky characters, weird legal conflicts, and socially wicked cousins/siblings/friends.
Overall, I loved how Isla Olsen presented Jesse and Web’s story but I believe (and was hoping) for a little more suspense and drama. Even then, Web Of Lies is a wonderfully written, fun, and sweet romance between two men who are drawn to each other from the beginning.
The ending was especially sweet and while I personally believe it didn’t exactly suit Web and Jesse, they didn’t deserve anything less than what they had in the end.
A short, sweet, sappy romance set in a quirky little town with fun characters, Web Of Lies (The Goode Life #2) is a must-read.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for my honest opinion.
Web Of Lies follows Jesse and Web as they try to maneuver this weird little animosity they’ve got going for Slater and Zack’s wedding. The book begins when Jesse and Web were in high school together and from the beginning of the book, we learn why Jesse strongly hates - albeit unjustly - Webster Goode.
Years later, Zack, Jesse’s younger brother is getting married and Jesse, ow in New York, is dumped - quite un-dramatically / dramatically - by his boyfriend David. He moves in with his best friend from high school and is struggling emotionally with his job as a pediatric nurse. Life, for Jesse, couldn’t be more dramatic, right?
Wrong. Enters, Webster Goode. His cousin is tying the knot and Web is happy for Slater. Web’s life, however, feels empty, and sadly, he’s not actively looking for anyone.
Back in Finchley, Jesse and Web call a truce to their animosity as they try to figure out what is this simmering between them and what does it mean for their relationship. Truths are told, secrets are revealed as Jesse and Web come to terms with their weird relationship/truce.
Dive back into the town of Finchley with Web Of Lies and revisit her fun and quirky characters, weird legal conflicts, and socially wicked cousins/siblings/friends.
Overall, I loved how Isla Olsen presented Jesse and Web’s story but I believe (and was hoping) for a little more suspense and drama. Even then, Web Of Lies is a wonderfully written, fun, and sweet romance between two men who are drawn to each other from the beginning.
The ending was especially sweet and while I personally believe it didn’t exactly suit Web and Jesse, they didn’t deserve anything less than what they had in the end.
A short, sweet, sappy romance set in a quirky little town with fun characters, Web Of Lies (The Goode Life #2) is a must-read.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for my honest opinion.
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