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Backslide
When you’re young, everything seems brighter, more hopeful, and like anything is possible.
Which is great. But it can also lead to so many mistakes.
Mistakes you promise yourself you’ll never make again.
You promise yourself you'll be smarter, guard your heart, and make better decisions. And you won’t ever let anyone crush you again.
But what happens when you’re confronted with the past?
Nash Davis is settled and happy, helping his brother and his wife pursue their dreams.
But when his biggest regret comes crashing back into his life, will he have the strength he promised himself he’d have?
Can he keep his walls up? Or will Adrian Walker’s presence be too much?
Will it lead toward an inevitable backslide to where they began? Or can there be a future after so much pain?
When Nash and Adrian are thrown together in the Ozarks for months, they’re about to find out.
Which is great. But it can also lead to so many mistakes.
Mistakes you promise yourself you’ll never make again.
You promise yourself you'll be smarter, guard your heart, and make better decisions. And you won’t ever let anyone crush you again.
But what happens when you’re confronted with the past?
Nash Davis is settled and happy, helping his brother and his wife pursue their dreams.
But when his biggest regret comes crashing back into his life, will he have the strength he promised himself he’d have?
Can he keep his walls up? Or will Adrian Walker’s presence be too much?
Will it lead toward an inevitable backslide to where they began? Or can there be a future after so much pain?
When Nash and Adrian are thrown together in the Ozarks for months, they’re about to find out.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2022
47 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Dykes
95 books2,529 followersNicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.
She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!
Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com
Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com
She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!
Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com
Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
January 29, 2022
I have been sitting here for a week now on how to write this review. The book definitely moved me touched my heart and soul. It’s a beautiful, touching book. Nicole Dykes is one of my favorite MM authors.
Adrian me Nash has a complex past. Both loved each other in high school, then painfully went their separate ways, and now years later, they are reunited.
He’s my greatest regret. I’m still his biggest secret.
Adrian me Nash has a complex past. Both loved each other in high school, then painfully went their separate ways, and now years later, they are reunited.
He’s my greatest regret. I’m still his biggest secret.
Nash works for his family’s Cabins when Adrian walks in with his soon-to-be fiancé and family. Can I just sidestep for one second and say I couldn’t stand his fiancé? I just want her to get lost in the woods. These two try to stay away from each other and suppress their feelings. Fate has other plans.
Imagine coming from a conservative family and against anything you are? I can. Now then, imagine you are from a conservative family in politics and have to stay deep and the closet. Put on a façade to make them happy instead of yourself? Painful, right? That is what I felt during this book. I cried for Adrian and Nash,
The author never shies away from any subjects. The good, bad, and ugly. She writes it. Her writing grips me every single time. If you want a heart-touching MM second chance romance, Backslide is for you.
January 20, 2022
I loved Nash in Runaways. He was strong, reliable and very family focused. He will do anything for you. Anything. My heart hurt for him when the one thing he wanted, the one thing that would make HIM happy was just out of reach.
While working at his brother and sister in law's cabins he gets a blast from his past. The one person who he thought he'd never see again, but the one who he wished was never away from him.
Adrian grew up in a very conservative household. His parents raised him to be one way and one way only. With his father being in politics, he knew to never step out of line or there would be major consequences. They have it set up for him to marry a young woman from another prominent family in politics. Despite everything he goes along with the plan. Despite repressed feelings, despite not being his true self, despite what he wants --- he is their puppet. His woman needed to be pushed into the lake, repeatedly. She was a vile and I just did not like her.
I feel like this story was heavily focused on Adrian and his struggles with everything. With his past, his present and his future. I didn't fully buy into the relationship dynamics of the two. I felt like it was a lot of intimate moments, but not enough of the emotional connections for me. I think it's because I just loved Nash that much. That I wanted every good thing for him. For all the hurts, the questioning of himself, the anger to not have happened.
This story was beautiful. Of two people with a second chance at what should have been. Open up your heart and soul to these two.
While working at his brother and sister in law's cabins he gets a blast from his past. The one person who he thought he'd never see again, but the one who he wished was never away from him.
Adrian grew up in a very conservative household. His parents raised him to be one way and one way only. With his father being in politics, he knew to never step out of line or there would be major consequences. They have it set up for him to marry a young woman from another prominent family in politics. Despite everything he goes along with the plan. Despite repressed feelings, despite not being his true self, despite what he wants --- he is their puppet. His woman needed to be pushed into the lake, repeatedly. She was a vile and I just did not like her.
I feel like this story was heavily focused on Adrian and his struggles with everything. With his past, his present and his future. I didn't fully buy into the relationship dynamics of the two. I felt like it was a lot of intimate moments, but not enough of the emotional connections for me. I think it's because I just loved Nash that much. That I wanted every good thing for him. For all the hurts, the questioning of himself, the anger to not have happened.
This story was beautiful. Of two people with a second chance at what should have been. Open up your heart and soul to these two.
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September 22, 2022
MM Romance
Second Chance Found Family
3.5 Stars ⭐️
I really, really liked this book until I didn’t. 😭 I’m seriously thinking about taking a break from reading because at this point, it has to be me right? So, this book has been in my ku library since March when I read the sample and loved it. Instead of picking up random shit that I end up hating, I decided to read something that I keep overlooking. Maybe my luck would improve, I thought. No such luck here. 💔
This is a second chance love story about two men who were not able to make it work as teens because one of them was too scared to live his truth and their chance meeting 8 years later that gives them an opportunity to make things right. Adrian and Nash were secret boyfriends in high school and each other’s first everything. They were so in love with each other but Adrian comes from a conservative political family and was too scared to step away from the life he knew to run away with Nash after graduation. A series of events breaks both their hearts and they haven’t spoken for 8 years until Adrian’s dad makes a reservation in the Ozarks for two months to set the stage for Adrian to propose to his girlfriend, whose name I can’t remember for the life of me. 😂😂😂 Nash happens to work and live at this lodge because his brother Lawson owns it with his wife Rae.
Fate, destiny, all the things…
So, I actually loved the first 40% of this book because it was super angsty after these two men see each other for the first time in 8 years. They have to pretend like they don’t know each other but the agony, pain and want is felt in both their POVs. They have run ins in the woods and exchange words, Nash wanting answers, Adrian trying to fight his feelings and there’s tons of UST. It also becomes apparent that Adrian’s relationship with his girlfriend is not what it appears to be but this is the life Adrian was born into and he feels like he has no choice. Like I said I loved all of this and was super invested but I hoped for some flashbacks of their time together in the past. Each man’s POV mentions something about their past but it was never enough for me to know WHY they fell in love beyond the physical.
When these two can’t take it anymore and give in to each other, it was hot 🥵 but from there the book becomes all about the sex and while they talk about what happened in the past, they have no idea who the other person is 8 years later except sexually. It was hard for me to get on board with everything that happens after this point. On one hand, I loved how Adrian grew a pair and finally stands up for himself and his life but like I said before, I have no idea who Adrian really is because it was like whiplash from who he was the first 40% and who he became the last 60%. It just didn’t feel like the same person 🤷🏻♀️ I dont know how to explain it.
That being said though, I finished this book in one sitting and I genuinely liked both characters despite not feeling the emotional pull towards each other after the 50% mark. I know they loved to fuck each other but I dont know why they loved one another in the present. A lot changes in 8 years. I’m really excited to see Hayden has a book, Outcast, that’s out now because he was a great character and I plan to read his book. Tbh though I dont know why I keep reading books by this author because I’ve only rated one 4 stars and all the rest have been 2 and 3 stars but there’s something about her writing style that just pulls me in every single time.
Can someone recommend something to me that doesn’t suck? I want angst, I want to cry, I want to FEEL. I’m so sick of the same mediocre, seen it all before plot lines with too much sex and not enough real emotions.
Second Chance Found Family
3.5 Stars ⭐️
I really, really liked this book until I didn’t. 😭 I’m seriously thinking about taking a break from reading because at this point, it has to be me right? So, this book has been in my ku library since March when I read the sample and loved it. Instead of picking up random shit that I end up hating, I decided to read something that I keep overlooking. Maybe my luck would improve, I thought. No such luck here. 💔
This is a second chance love story about two men who were not able to make it work as teens because one of them was too scared to live his truth and their chance meeting 8 years later that gives them an opportunity to make things right. Adrian and Nash were secret boyfriends in high school and each other’s first everything. They were so in love with each other but Adrian comes from a conservative political family and was too scared to step away from the life he knew to run away with Nash after graduation. A series of events breaks both their hearts and they haven’t spoken for 8 years until Adrian’s dad makes a reservation in the Ozarks for two months to set the stage for Adrian to propose to his girlfriend, whose name I can’t remember for the life of me. 😂😂😂 Nash happens to work and live at this lodge because his brother Lawson owns it with his wife Rae.
Fate, destiny, all the things…
So, I actually loved the first 40% of this book because it was super angsty after these two men see each other for the first time in 8 years. They have to pretend like they don’t know each other but the agony, pain and want is felt in both their POVs. They have run ins in the woods and exchange words, Nash wanting answers, Adrian trying to fight his feelings and there’s tons of UST. It also becomes apparent that Adrian’s relationship with his girlfriend is not what it appears to be but this is the life Adrian was born into and he feels like he has no choice. Like I said I loved all of this and was super invested but I hoped for some flashbacks of their time together in the past. Each man’s POV mentions something about their past but it was never enough for me to know WHY they fell in love beyond the physical.
When these two can’t take it anymore and give in to each other, it was hot 🥵 but from there the book becomes all about the sex and while they talk about what happened in the past, they have no idea who the other person is 8 years later except sexually. It was hard for me to get on board with everything that happens after this point. On one hand, I loved how Adrian grew a pair and finally stands up for himself and his life but like I said before, I have no idea who Adrian really is because it was like whiplash from who he was the first 40% and who he became the last 60%. It just didn’t feel like the same person 🤷🏻♀️ I dont know how to explain it.
That being said though, I finished this book in one sitting and I genuinely liked both characters despite not feeling the emotional pull towards each other after the 50% mark. I know they loved to fuck each other but I dont know why they loved one another in the present. A lot changes in 8 years. I’m really excited to see Hayden has a book, Outcast, that’s out now because he was a great character and I plan to read his book. Tbh though I dont know why I keep reading books by this author because I’ve only rated one 4 stars and all the rest have been 2 and 3 stars but there’s something about her writing style that just pulls me in every single time.
Can someone recommend something to me that doesn’t suck? I want angst, I want to cry, I want to FEEL. I’m so sick of the same mediocre, seen it all before plot lines with too much sex and not enough real emotions.
dnf
December 5, 2022DNF @ 18%
January 15, 2022
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
A second chance romance with all the feels in only the way that Nicole Dykes can do it. Nash & Adrian's story was a slow burn full of past mistakes, heartache and what it means being able to let go of all the things holding you back from being exactly who you were meant to be.
Ever since Runaways I have been waiting for Nash's story. His secrets were buried deep but underneath all that you could see the loving man who only wanted what was best for his brother. Eventually what was best for his brother ended up being what was best for him as well as the family he helped build along the way.
After all these years Nash still guards his heart since the first and only man, he has ever loved broke it entirely. Now living this new life with his brother, sister-in-law, and their friends he is happy but there is still something missing. It isn't until a prominent senator's daughter is scheduled to come to their resort that he is faced with the very past he has been trying to let go of. Adrian was the boy that broke his heart and all these years later he is still the only man who can make him wonder what if?
Adrian regrets every decision he has ever made especially letting Nash go. Since then, he has done everything that his father has asked of him including being everything he hates. Being faced with Nash was never a reality he was planning for but that is exactly what happened on this two-month retreat. Nash, the man who makes him want to be everything he could never have.
The close proximity that Nash & Adrian share only makes it harder to let go of the past but that is exactly what each man is trying to do. When a secret is revealed, and Adrian is faced with a decision he never thought he would have he does the only thing he can do. He works at winning back the only man he has ever loved but is it too late? Did their chance at forever leave all those years ago or will this be their second chance?
Nash has always had my heart but in this book, he stole it completely and entirely. The ache in his heart for the only boy he ever loved was shattering. Being faced with a second chance is not an option many people get. Nash's struggles on trusting the man who broke him all those years ago seems impossible, but his heart has always been forgiving and we see much more of that in Backslide. I expected Adrian to have to earn my love but after reading his story it was effortless. Being exactly who want to be is hard and sometimes it takes years, but Adrian came through.
All the stars and feels for Adrian & Nash's story!! Hopefully we get a couple more books out of this beautiful world Nicole has created because I am not reading to leave it just yet.
A second chance romance with all the feels in only the way that Nicole Dykes can do it. Nash & Adrian's story was a slow burn full of past mistakes, heartache and what it means being able to let go of all the things holding you back from being exactly who you were meant to be.
Ever since Runaways I have been waiting for Nash's story. His secrets were buried deep but underneath all that you could see the loving man who only wanted what was best for his brother. Eventually what was best for his brother ended up being what was best for him as well as the family he helped build along the way.
After all these years Nash still guards his heart since the first and only man, he has ever loved broke it entirely. Now living this new life with his brother, sister-in-law, and their friends he is happy but there is still something missing. It isn't until a prominent senator's daughter is scheduled to come to their resort that he is faced with the very past he has been trying to let go of. Adrian was the boy that broke his heart and all these years later he is still the only man who can make him wonder what if?
Adrian regrets every decision he has ever made especially letting Nash go. Since then, he has done everything that his father has asked of him including being everything he hates. Being faced with Nash was never a reality he was planning for but that is exactly what happened on this two-month retreat. Nash, the man who makes him want to be everything he could never have.
The close proximity that Nash & Adrian share only makes it harder to let go of the past but that is exactly what each man is trying to do. When a secret is revealed, and Adrian is faced with a decision he never thought he would have he does the only thing he can do. He works at winning back the only man he has ever loved but is it too late? Did their chance at forever leave all those years ago or will this be their second chance?
Nash has always had my heart but in this book, he stole it completely and entirely. The ache in his heart for the only boy he ever loved was shattering. Being faced with a second chance is not an option many people get. Nash's struggles on trusting the man who broke him all those years ago seems impossible, but his heart has always been forgiving and we see much more of that in Backslide. I expected Adrian to have to earn my love but after reading his story it was effortless. Being exactly who want to be is hard and sometimes it takes years, but Adrian came through.
All the stars and feels for Adrian & Nash's story!! Hopefully we get a couple more books out of this beautiful world Nicole has created because I am not reading to leave it just yet.
January 22, 2022
I really like this. That's different from the other books written by this author and I am glad I've enjoyed it.
June 17, 2025
Oh dear what a stupid, stupid story. Just ridiculous. 1.5 - 1.75⭐
And it started out so promising.
Wait until you get to the second half when it all gets flushed down a very nasty toilet.
🟢 Former highschool friends and lovers
🟡 Timespan 18 - 27 years
🟣 Bisexual / gay
🟠 Second chance
🔵 Found family
🟢 Coming out, toxic family, arranged engagement
🌶️ Sex is descriptive but since the couple wasn't working for me, it all felt lackluster; rimming, oral, penetrative; both vers
Where to start?
You've got Nash (a side character from another m/f book), a guy whose brother owns a set of cabins and is about to rent them out, start his business and Nash is living and working for his brother and his girlfriend.
Adrian is the guy who rents a cabin for 2 months (??) with his girlfriend, them both being children of prominent conservative senators and playing the roles they were raised to play. They're both victims, really, having an arranged relationship that's about to become an arranged marriage, but on the other hand, they could've just dropped the money and status and left this life... which they didn't.
Adrian and Nash were secret boyfriends in high school and were about to escape together when finishing high school, but Adrian ghosted Nash and that was the end of that.
Fast forward to less than a decade later and they meet again, with Adrian almost married and Nash openly bisexual.
You do get some tension and arguing, but not nearly enough and quite frankly, they're both pretty annoying all throughout the story.
Adrian is supposed to be this closeted, brainwashed guy who's constantly under control, can't get out, always shaking and trembling and stiff, but all of a sudden, overnight, he decides he's had it and drops the arranged girlfriend, tells her he's gay and distances himself from her.
The story at this point was already a mess, but what really got me was how the author then spun the narrative so that Samantha, the girlfriend, was the villain.
How? Adrian's father was literally talking about taking away her career and keeping her in line after marriage, so now she's suddenly the ultimate villain because she was shocked that Adrian is gay and because she wanted to continue their arrangement, knowing damn well something bad was going to happen to her if she or them both lose this imaginary relationship.
"Rae stands up, determined. “Well, she has to leave. That’s all there is to it. I want that hateful bitch out of here.”"
“It doesn’t matter, Adrian. The way she treated you? The way she’s using blackmail to keep you in the closet and keep you from being the real you? That’s not okay.”
"Samantha huffs, placing her hands on her hips. “I don’t hate gay people. I just didn’t want my boyfriend to be gay.”
“Well, he is. And instead of trying to understand that and accept him for him, you made him lie to the world. You threatened him with not fitting into your perfectly wrapped little box of bullshit. And that’s not okay.”
"And if you guys wouldn’t have told me what a garbage human she was, I would have kicked both your asses when I found out. Because the truth always comes out."
So, let me get this straight.
Both fathers were very conservative senators and kept complete control of their kids - but they got away scott-free and this poor girl who's a travel blogger and brought a huge amount of business to the cabins and is only doing what she's been trained to do, is now a villain all of a sudden, she's the one who's keeping Adrian from living his authentic life? Because "he's not fitting into her little box of bullshit"? Are we for real here??
She's thrown out of the resort and portrayed as someone who first handedly destroyed Adrian's life. They were all so, so focused on her when they should've been worrying about the clusterfuck that would (it didn't) happen when the parents found out!
“This is a place of love and acceptance. A safe space for anyone who needs it.”
Apparently not for her! 😆
She's just as much the victim, yet the author decided to make the conflict between Adrian and his father (who actually did ruin his life) laughably light, when it should've been anything but, and decided to make the ex girlfriend come back to the cabins at the end, crawling back and asking for forgiveness and giving them yet another review on her blog and boost up their sales.
Not to mention the love story was completely shallow, even though it was promising something more at the beginning. Adrian and Nash quickly had sex and just forgot the last decade of hurt and pain ever happened and decided to stay in their little cabin together, both broke, I'm guessing, since Adrian, despite his upscale job, was left with nothing to his name.
Oh, what fun.
The chapters are short and the storytelling subpar.
The main couple is boring.
The side characters are nothing to brag about.
Overall many of this author's stories have the same formula, they're very much alike. I'd point out Hostile as the only book that's worth reading, but the rest are (mostly) very generic.
January 21, 2022
"He's my greatest regret. I'm still his biggest secret."
Backslide by Nicole Dykes is a second chance, MM romance.
We first meet one of our MCs, Nash Davis, in Runaways by the same author, and I am delighted that he got his own story. There was always some mystery surrounding Nash and his relationships (or lack thereof!) and we find out why in Backslide.
Nash has been living in the Ozarks with his brother Lawson and partner Rae (our lovebirds from Runaways, helping out with their holiday cabins venture. A group of high profile guests book out the resort, including senator's son Adrian Walker and his influencer girlfriend.
And it soon becomes apparent that Nash and Adrian aren't actually strangers....
Backslide comes highly recommended if you love:
💚 Second chance
💚 MM romance
💚 Slow burn
💚 High steam
💚 First loves
💚 HEA
There are some TWs, mainly around homophobia, so makes sure to read the author's note before diving in.
4 steamy stars ✨✨✨✨
Backslide by Nicole Dykes is a second chance, MM romance.
We first meet one of our MCs, Nash Davis, in Runaways by the same author, and I am delighted that he got his own story. There was always some mystery surrounding Nash and his relationships (or lack thereof!) and we find out why in Backslide.
Nash has been living in the Ozarks with his brother Lawson and partner Rae (our lovebirds from Runaways, helping out with their holiday cabins venture. A group of high profile guests book out the resort, including senator's son Adrian Walker and his influencer girlfriend.
And it soon becomes apparent that Nash and Adrian aren't actually strangers....
Backslide comes highly recommended if you love:
💚 Second chance
💚 MM romance
💚 Slow burn
💚 High steam
💚 First loves
💚 HEA
There are some TWs, mainly around homophobia, so makes sure to read the author's note before diving in.
4 steamy stars ✨✨✨✨
October 10, 2023
Backslide is a second chance romance between a man in the closet, but tired of being oppressed by his own family and his obligations, and the guy he left behind.
It's sweet and hit at the same time.
Nash was living a quiet and lonely life with his brother and their family. He was content, but not happy. He was just living.
Adrian was faking in everything. He was dating a girl that he didn't love, working for a father that he didn't respect, or that respected him, and forever in the closet.
Until they meet again, when he was supposed to propose to his girlfriend in the grounds of Nash's family cabins.
It's good to see Adrian finally stood up for himself. It was good to see why he left Nash behind, even if I hated him for it.
As always I was in love with Nash's family and the accept he had from his brother and sister in law.
I'll be definitely be listening to Outcast!
Both narrators did a great job here!
It's sweet and hit at the same time.
Nash was living a quiet and lonely life with his brother and their family. He was content, but not happy. He was just living.
Adrian was faking in everything. He was dating a girl that he didn't love, working for a father that he didn't respect, or that respected him, and forever in the closet.
Until they meet again, when he was supposed to propose to his girlfriend in the grounds of Nash's family cabins.
It's good to see Adrian finally stood up for himself. It was good to see why he left Nash behind, even if I hated him for it.
As always I was in love with Nash's family and the accept he had from his brother and sister in law.
I'll be definitely be listening to Outcast!
Both narrators did a great job here!
January 15, 2022
Another amazing MM romance by Nicole Dykes. I absolutely loved this second chance story. Nash & Adrian are everything! Nicole has this amazing talent of creating tenderness between her characters. It kills me very time!
July 8, 2024
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Second Chance
❥ First Love
❥ Slow Burn
❥ Being Your True Self
❥ HEA
This is a story about past heartbreak and finding yourself, second chances and overcoming your fears. Nash and Aiden make a wonderful couple, though it took some time to get there. I loved Nash from the beginning, while Aiden slowly warmed up to me, but you'll understand why when you read the book.
The narration was great! I've listened to books narrated by Devon Ryder before, while Theo Sinclair was a first, but definitely not last.
❥ MM Romance
❥ Second Chance
❥ First Love
❥ Slow Burn
❥ Being Your True Self
❥ HEA
This is a story about past heartbreak and finding yourself, second chances and overcoming your fears. Nash and Aiden make a wonderful couple, though it took some time to get there. I loved Nash from the beginning, while Aiden slowly warmed up to me, but you'll understand why when you read the book.
The narration was great! I've listened to books narrated by Devon Ryder before, while Theo Sinclair was a first, but definitely not last.
January 26, 2022
The story just didn't feel right for me and I hated Adrian and the way he acted. The trope of being with someone for political gain/family pressure is also not one I like. The writing was good though, so I think it's more of a it's me, not the book thing.
January 15, 2022
Another amazing read from author, Nicole Dykes. The way she cares for her characters and their stories is what makes her books so good. I am really loving this new path that Nicole has taken recently with her MM romances. They are filled with heart and soul.
I could feel the anguish between Nash and Adrian that it made my heart hurt. What both Nash and Adrian had to go through to get to the endgame was not easy. Yet, I am glad that they had each other. The sexual moments between them were hot but tender as well. I read this book in one afternoon.
I do have to give a shout out to Hayden. He brought the comedic relief to this book. I hope that I see him again in the future as I would love to see him get his own story and HEA.
I could feel the anguish between Nash and Adrian that it made my heart hurt. What both Nash and Adrian had to go through to get to the endgame was not easy. Yet, I am glad that they had each other. The sexual moments between them were hot but tender as well. I read this book in one afternoon.
I do have to give a shout out to Hayden. He brought the comedic relief to this book. I hope that I see him again in the future as I would love to see him get his own story and HEA.
January 15, 2022
*B E T A R E V I E W*
I just finished this book and omg! First MM of 2022 check!
First romance of 2022 check!
First Nicole Dykes book of 2022 check!
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this story. And being able to catch back up with some very loved characters too?! Also, getting to know more characters as well? I am so excited for more from this world!
This was a perfect read for a cold winter day, it’s sure to spice you up, make you heat with rage, and well as make you giggle (thanks Hayden!)
Nash & Adrian where perfection, two complete opposites, second chance for the win - they made me fall in love over and over again.
I just finished this book and omg! First MM of 2022 check!
First romance of 2022 check!
First Nicole Dykes book of 2022 check!
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this story. And being able to catch back up with some very loved characters too?! Also, getting to know more characters as well? I am so excited for more from this world!
This was a perfect read for a cold winter day, it’s sure to spice you up, make you heat with rage, and well as make you giggle (thanks Hayden!)
Nash & Adrian where perfection, two complete opposites, second chance for the win - they made me fall in love over and over again.
January 14, 2022
Sweet and sincere, this slow burn, emotional, second chance story is a heartfelt and captivating read.
Beautifully written and full of feels, Backslide is a truly magical story of love and family, hurt and hope, forgiveness and realizing your self worth. With a perfect balance of hardship and happiness, this book is a great reminder that family isn't always blood and that love is powerful in all it's shapes.
5 stars and a bonfire.
Beautifully written and full of feels, Backslide is a truly magical story of love and family, hurt and hope, forgiveness and realizing your self worth. With a perfect balance of hardship and happiness, this book is a great reminder that family isn't always blood and that love is powerful in all it's shapes.
5 stars and a bonfire.
January 13, 2022
There are so many great things about this book , it makes you really think about how it is to come out to family and friends. Nicole always brings the hardships and happyness to her books. This one has them both and I really did want to slap a few rude people while reading this. It was so good I started it and finished it in just a few hours I couldn't put it down. It's so worth it to read .
January 20, 2022
This is the second book I have read from this author, and I feel like I have similar thoughts and feelings about this one as I did the first book - so I don't know for sure if this is an author that is really for me? But I do want to read more from her.
This book is for fans of second chance romance, of powerful political families and an MC who is drowning in the weight of those family responsibilities, and a lot of push/pull driven angst.
The first two thirds of this book felt a touch overdramatic and OTT - there was a LOT of push/pull, and that tends to frustrate me personally as a reader. I think I needed a bit more reason and feelings for Adrian and Nash to feel the way they both felt - like, I think if we had maybe gotten some chapters of flashbacks to when they were teenagers and first in love, that may have helped amp up the emotions of seeing each other again. I don't know if I bought into them reconnecting and I don't know if I was fully invested in them finally being able to be together.
I really did enjoy the last third or quarter of this book, but for them to get there, it almost felt like such an abrupt 180 for Adrian.
I do really want a book for Hayden, though - I hope he gets his own HEA next!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book is for fans of second chance romance, of powerful political families and an MC who is drowning in the weight of those family responsibilities, and a lot of push/pull driven angst.
The first two thirds of this book felt a touch overdramatic and OTT - there was a LOT of push/pull, and that tends to frustrate me personally as a reader. I think I needed a bit more reason and feelings for Adrian and Nash to feel the way they both felt - like, I think if we had maybe gotten some chapters of flashbacks to when they were teenagers and first in love, that may have helped amp up the emotions of seeing each other again. I don't know if I bought into them reconnecting and I don't know if I was fully invested in them finally being able to be together.
I really did enjoy the last third or quarter of this book, but for them to get there, it almost felt like such an abrupt 180 for Adrian.
I do really want a book for Hayden, though - I hope he gets his own HEA next!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 3, 2022Dnf
January 18, 2022
Nash has been working at a Cabin retreat with his brother and sister-in-law for the past couple years with relative peace and quiet. He’s content with his life but a piece of him is still stuck in the past with the boy who broke his heart. They are readying for the arrival of VIP guests who can make or break their resort. Imagine his surprise when in walks the boy who broke his heart all those years ago and his influencer girlfriend.
Adrian has lived his whole life being controlled by his conservative senator father. He went to college to appease him, started following in his footsteps career wise and now he’s going to propose to the girl he isn’t even in love with to make his dad happy. When he runs into the only person he’s ever loved at the resort where he’s staying to make his sham relationship a sham marriage he panics. What if this ruins everything he’s sacrificed. What if Nash tells all his dirty secrets? Can he stand being in close proximity to him without it all crashing back?
After how Adrian broke Nash’s heart he isn't ready to face him. Unfortunately with him being the VIP guest whose girlfriend is singlehandedly bringing buzz to the resort Nash doesn’t have much of a choice. They can’t seem to stay away from each other but with Adrian still scared and in the closet and Nash still hurting how can they possibly change their ending this time?
You guys this story made my heart hurt and then made me so unbelievably happy. I was so mad at Adrian but I was still rooting for his HEA. I love that we got Adrian’s POV really early on. I think knowing what was inside of his head helped to keep us on his side because I was heated when I found out what he did to Nash in the past. Also Rae and Law being so supportive through it all just warmed my hurting heart. I’m obsessed with a good found family vibe and this story gave it to me hard. Also can we talk about the steamy scenes? Nicole knows how to write a spicy MM scene that is both hot and sweet. The perfect combo to make you swoon and also need more. I can wait till we get Hayden’s story because that poor boys desperately needs a HEA.
Thanks to Nicole and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for giving me an early copy to review!
Adrian has lived his whole life being controlled by his conservative senator father. He went to college to appease him, started following in his footsteps career wise and now he’s going to propose to the girl he isn’t even in love with to make his dad happy. When he runs into the only person he’s ever loved at the resort where he’s staying to make his sham relationship a sham marriage he panics. What if this ruins everything he’s sacrificed. What if Nash tells all his dirty secrets? Can he stand being in close proximity to him without it all crashing back?
After how Adrian broke Nash’s heart he isn't ready to face him. Unfortunately with him being the VIP guest whose girlfriend is singlehandedly bringing buzz to the resort Nash doesn’t have much of a choice. They can’t seem to stay away from each other but with Adrian still scared and in the closet and Nash still hurting how can they possibly change their ending this time?
You guys this story made my heart hurt and then made me so unbelievably happy. I was so mad at Adrian but I was still rooting for his HEA. I love that we got Adrian’s POV really early on. I think knowing what was inside of his head helped to keep us on his side because I was heated when I found out what he did to Nash in the past. Also Rae and Law being so supportive through it all just warmed my hurting heart. I’m obsessed with a good found family vibe and this story gave it to me hard. Also can we talk about the steamy scenes? Nicole knows how to write a spicy MM scene that is both hot and sweet. The perfect combo to make you swoon and also need more. I can wait till we get Hayden’s story because that poor boys desperately needs a HEA.
Thanks to Nicole and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for giving me an early copy to review!
January 30, 2022
5 Phenomenal Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Nash and Adrian ❤️
I can honestly say that this is one of the best second chance romances that I've ever had the pleasure of reading, I couldn't put this book down and I hated to see it end....it was just that good ❤️ Nash and Adrian were together in high school, they fell fast and they fell hard however, Adrain lacked the courage to stand up to his wealthy and very conservative senator father. As years pass neither can forget one another, they both try their best to put the past behind them...however fate has other plans....that's when this angsty, sexy and oh so beautiful story breaks wide open ❤️ My heart wept for Nash, he was so broken after losing Adrain, never understanding why his love wasn't enough and what exactly happened ....his inner/spoken dialogue just about broke me. My heart also broke for Adrian, just a shell of his former self and going through the motions of the cardboard life that his family planned out for him. This book was so full of passion, heartbreak, love and courage...the ending was truly everything, Adrian came into his own and I loved it!!! He was brave, he was loyal and he was loved ❤️ The side characters in this book were fantastic and I cannot wait for Hayden's story...I'm so excited. This is my third book by Nikole Dykes and each book has just gotten better and better, her writing is perfection....I highly recommend this book and would give it 100 🌟star's if I could, it deserves so many more than 5.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Nash and Adrian ❤️
I can honestly say that this is one of the best second chance romances that I've ever had the pleasure of reading, I couldn't put this book down and I hated to see it end....it was just that good ❤️ Nash and Adrian were together in high school, they fell fast and they fell hard however, Adrain lacked the courage to stand up to his wealthy and very conservative senator father. As years pass neither can forget one another, they both try their best to put the past behind them...however fate has other plans....that's when this angsty, sexy and oh so beautiful story breaks wide open ❤️ My heart wept for Nash, he was so broken after losing Adrain, never understanding why his love wasn't enough and what exactly happened ....his inner/spoken dialogue just about broke me. My heart also broke for Adrian, just a shell of his former self and going through the motions of the cardboard life that his family planned out for him. This book was so full of passion, heartbreak, love and courage...the ending was truly everything, Adrian came into his own and I loved it!!! He was brave, he was loyal and he was loved ❤️ The side characters in this book were fantastic and I cannot wait for Hayden's story...I'm so excited. This is my third book by Nikole Dykes and each book has just gotten better and better, her writing is perfection....I highly recommend this book and would give it 100 🌟star's if I could, it deserves so many more than 5.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
October 31, 2023
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒐𝒘𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉, 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆."
Backslide | Nicole Dykes
5 Maple Leafs | 3 Flames
Adrian and Nash were a secret when they were younger until Adrian broke Nash's heart and disappeared. A senator's son and a boy from the opposite of the tracks could never be together. Years later, Adrian and Nash come face-to-face again and Nash still sees through Adrian's mask that he wears in front of everyone.
Nash and Adrian had me feeling so much for them. Both went through so much individually due to their actions. The tension between them is thick and once they give in to each other, the chemistry is off the charts. I loved how much they both grew and how strong they became together. I was not a fan of Samantha or Adrian's father. I also loved Hayden and can not wait for his book.
Audio... Devon Ryder and Theo Sinclair did a good job of narrating the story and bringing the characters to life but unfortunately, the new perspective of the story had me not enjoying it as much as when I read it.
Get ready for…
MM | Small Town | Second Chance | Enemies | First-Person POV (Dual) | HEA
Be mindful that this book contains homophobia and emotional abuse.
Backslide | Nicole Dykes
5 Maple Leafs | 3 Flames
Adrian and Nash were a secret when they were younger until Adrian broke Nash's heart and disappeared. A senator's son and a boy from the opposite of the tracks could never be together. Years later, Adrian and Nash come face-to-face again and Nash still sees through Adrian's mask that he wears in front of everyone.
Nash and Adrian had me feeling so much for them. Both went through so much individually due to their actions. The tension between them is thick and once they give in to each other, the chemistry is off the charts. I loved how much they both grew and how strong they became together. I was not a fan of Samantha or Adrian's father. I also loved Hayden and can not wait for his book.
Audio... Devon Ryder and Theo Sinclair did a good job of narrating the story and bringing the characters to life but unfortunately, the new perspective of the story had me not enjoying it as much as when I read it.
Get ready for…
MM | Small Town | Second Chance | Enemies | First-Person POV (Dual) | HEA
Be mindful that this book contains homophobia and emotional abuse.
January 17, 2022
It may be easy to assume that being yourself is the easiest thing to do.
It may be easy to fault someone like Adrian for ditching Nash all those years ago.
But believe me, when you are surrounded by people who are constantly drilling it into your head that who you are and what you feel is wrong – it is one of the hardest things to experience in your life.
Especially when they are the people that are supposed to love and support you the most.
So I can totally understand what Adrian was feeling and how hard a life he would have had before re-uniting with Nash.
But the thing I loved about Adrian’s eventual coming out was that once he said those words, there was no going back for him...😘
I loved how Nash was such a pillar of strength for Adrian. He was strong and confident and so full of love.
And I loved even more that Nash and Adrian’s love for each other had stood the test of time.
Their passion and chemistry for each other was so obvious from their reunion - even though they tried to hide it - that it made the sex really hot…🔥🔥
A thoroughly enjoyable book with genuine characters and a heartfelt story…💖💖
Also, Hayden!! Man, I cannot wait for his story…💙💙
It may be easy to fault someone like Adrian for ditching Nash all those years ago.
But believe me, when you are surrounded by people who are constantly drilling it into your head that who you are and what you feel is wrong – it is one of the hardest things to experience in your life.
Especially when they are the people that are supposed to love and support you the most.
So I can totally understand what Adrian was feeling and how hard a life he would have had before re-uniting with Nash.
But the thing I loved about Adrian’s eventual coming out was that once he said those words, there was no going back for him...😘
I loved how Nash was such a pillar of strength for Adrian. He was strong and confident and so full of love.
And I loved even more that Nash and Adrian’s love for each other had stood the test of time.
Their passion and chemistry for each other was so obvious from their reunion - even though they tried to hide it - that it made the sex really hot…🔥🔥
A thoroughly enjoyable book with genuine characters and a heartfelt story…💖💖
Also, Hayden!! Man, I cannot wait for his story…💙💙
January 15, 2022
4.5 Stars
Backslide is a second chance forbidden MM romance that ultimately gives you the feel good love conquers all HEA! Author Nicole Dykes squeezes our hearts with some gut-wrenching moments while Adrian finds the courage to finally be his true self. His personal journey is so relevant in today’s society. Nash is everything you could ever want in book boyfriend hero… protective, kind, loyal, and oh-so patient. He is absolutely delicious! The sexual chemistry and steam between Adrian & Nash is seriously HOT HOT HOT!!
I’m ecstatic that Dykes returned us to her Runaways world (Book 1). I love these characters so much. They’re a great reinforcement of what true family looks like… people who love & support you regardless of bonds by blood. Friends are the family you choose. Nash, Adrian, Rae, Lawson, Hayden & Tammy are the epitome of “family” and make this story unputdownable! Hayden is quite the shining star and I cannot wait to get his book next!
Backslide is a second chance forbidden MM romance that ultimately gives you the feel good love conquers all HEA! Author Nicole Dykes squeezes our hearts with some gut-wrenching moments while Adrian finds the courage to finally be his true self. His personal journey is so relevant in today’s society. Nash is everything you could ever want in book boyfriend hero… protective, kind, loyal, and oh-so patient. He is absolutely delicious! The sexual chemistry and steam between Adrian & Nash is seriously HOT HOT HOT!!
I’m ecstatic that Dykes returned us to her Runaways world (Book 1). I love these characters so much. They’re a great reinforcement of what true family looks like… people who love & support you regardless of bonds by blood. Friends are the family you choose. Nash, Adrian, Rae, Lawson, Hayden & Tammy are the epitome of “family” and make this story unputdownable! Hayden is quite the shining star and I cannot wait to get his book next!
August 24, 2024
This is my second time reading this story and I loved it just as much as the first time. This was one of the earlier books I read by this author. It’s technically a standalone but is related to this author’s MF story Runaways and MM story Outcast. I definitely recommend reading them in order (Runaways, Backslide, Outcast) as I found I got the best feels for the stories that way.
I really loved Nash and Adrian together. This is a second chance story and it was so great to see them happy together again. I definitely recommend this story and the audio as the narrators were great!
I really loved Nash and Adrian together. This is a second chance story and it was so great to see them happy together again. I definitely recommend this story and the audio as the narrators were great!
January 17, 2022
Passive aggressive characters annoy me and Nash and Adrian were the definition of that. The push and pull got to be tiresome.
Adrian lives in a gilded cage where he’s “forced” into a straight relationship with Samantha. Who does NOT come off well in this book. Ewww. Horrible human.
I want to feel invested in these characters but sadly I’m not. It all seems a bit off.
Maybe Hayden’s book will be different. This book just didn’t click for me.
Adrian lives in a gilded cage where he’s “forced” into a straight relationship with Samantha. Who does NOT come off well in this book. Ewww. Horrible human.
I want to feel invested in these characters but sadly I’m not. It all seems a bit off.
Maybe Hayden’s book will be different. This book just didn’t click for me.
January 18, 2022
Someone tell ND to stop ripping my heart out.
No but really, these sweet boys deserved all the good things in life.
Adrian stuck living his families expectations and Nash just trying to live.
As always, ND infuses her books with so much found family, and I love every bit of it.
I am READY for Hayden’s book, and I loved seeing Law & Rae in their groove.
No but really, these sweet boys deserved all the good things in life.
Adrian stuck living his families expectations and Nash just trying to live.
As always, ND infuses her books with so much found family, and I love every bit of it.
I am READY for Hayden’s book, and I loved seeing Law & Rae in their groove.
January 17, 2022
A journey of love that grows in spite of the hatred that's so prevalent in today's times. Two people find their way back together after teenage fear tears them apart. They prove that family isn't always blood, and blood isn't always family.
February 5, 2022
All the angst… all the feelings!
Full review to follow.
Full review to follow.
January 21, 2022
Universal
The boy, now a man, who broke his heart is standing in front of him at his family's lodge, and Nash can't believe his eyes. Adrian was the only man he'd ever been with. The only one to shred his heart. And he's back. Only he's with his fiancée. Now it's looking like things are gonna get downright uncomfortable around here.
Adrian has always lived his life the way he's been expected by his family. Then he comes face to face with his first and only love, while he's with his fiancée. When the feelings he's always tried to push down come rushing back, he'll need to face himself and decide if he's going to live his life the way his family wants, or to simply be himself, with the only person who loves him the way he is, for who he is.
Second chance stories are probably my favorite trope, and it's because of stories like Backslide. There was a lot of pain between these two men, and more than a few obstacles to be overcome, but they finally found their happiness and I was rooting them on with every page. I absolutely loved them and their sweet, heartfelt, and sexy story.
ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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January 22, 2022
Actual Rating 3.5 stars
Backslide is a second chance MM romance with a quick pace, lots of steam and a little heartache. (I feel like this could be a ND staple but I’ve only read two of her books so I guess I’ll see 😂)
The Characters:
I really liked all the characters. Nash and Hayden were my favorites and I loved their banter with each other. It had me laughing out loud. With Adrian on the other hand...it took me awhile to warm up to him, but I did after I saw the depth of what he was going through. And I was so proud and happy for him when he realized that he’s perfect just the way he is! Lawson and Rae were great as well and I know they have their own book, so I’m going to have to check that out as well!
The Plot:
I loved the storyline of fate bringing Nash and Hayden back together and watching them rekindle their romance. What really got to me was the back and forth. For me, it was a bit excessive. Another thing is that I felt we were told about their past relationship a little and I wanted more from that. I’m not a fan of a lot of flashbacks in books, but I think in this case in would’ve been beneficial.
The Romance:
Besides what I mentioned in the section above, I really enjoyed Nash and Adrian’s relationship. There was plenty of steamy moments as well as heartfelt moments and I was so excited when they got their HEA. I just wish we could’ve seen more of them together in the present and the past!
While this wasn’t my favorite of ND’s MM romances I still enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to Hayden’s story!
*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Backslide is a second chance MM romance with a quick pace, lots of steam and a little heartache. (I feel like this could be a ND staple but I’ve only read two of her books so I guess I’ll see 😂)
The Characters:
I really liked all the characters. Nash and Hayden were my favorites and I loved their banter with each other. It had me laughing out loud. With Adrian on the other hand...it took me awhile to warm up to him, but I did after I saw the depth of what he was going through. And I was so proud and happy for him when he realized that he’s perfect just the way he is! Lawson and Rae were great as well and I know they have their own book, so I’m going to have to check that out as well!
The Plot:
I loved the storyline of fate bringing Nash and Hayden back together and watching them rekindle their romance. What really got to me was the back and forth. For me, it was a bit excessive. Another thing is that I felt we were told about their past relationship a little and I wanted more from that. I’m not a fan of a lot of flashbacks in books, but I think in this case in would’ve been beneficial.
The Romance:
Besides what I mentioned in the section above, I really enjoyed Nash and Adrian’s relationship. There was plenty of steamy moments as well as heartfelt moments and I was so excited when they got their HEA. I just wish we could’ve seen more of them together in the present and the past!
While this wasn’t my favorite of ND’s MM romances I still enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to Hayden’s story!
*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
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