A fun-in-the-sun tropical cruise is just what I need. Three months relaxing, surrounded by hot guys…and my ex, apparently. Shit, seeing Bryce again after four years is a mixed blessing. I’m not sure if I should be happy, heartbroken, hopeful…or all three. Maybe we can be friends? Probably not. I know my heart can’t survive another goodbye. One thing I do know is this vacation isn’t going to be as relaxing as I thought.
All I want is one last vacation, one last moment of freedom before returning to face my mother and my family duty. It’s cost me a great deal already, but that’s what family does, right? However, the universe decided I needed one last obstacle thrown my way...Jesse. The only man I’ve ever loved. The man I hurt. I tried to resist. I really did. My head told me this was a disaster of epic proportions…but my heart had other ideas.
Romeo Alexander writes M/M romance out of Michigan, usually late at night, usually with coffee, always with one dog and two cats who couldn't care less about his deadlines.
He's a gay man writing what he knows: love that's messy before it's easy, men who need to be cracked open a little before they let someone in, and the kind of hurt/comfort that makes you want to reread the same chapter three times.
He believes in happy endings. He also believes they should cost something first.
I loved this book the characters are very real and just full of life, the enemy to friends is not my favorite but this was amazing. I loved the realism of the surrounding and the characters and often felt like I was right beside them, hoping all went well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh yes!! on the edge of my seat Bryce was just living. He knew he could never have what he wanted because his mother had such a control on him that she would never let him be himself. So he was on a cruise with his best friends. And he couldn’t wait for three months of being away from his family. But he got the shock of his life when he heard the sexiest voice ever commenting on the art he was looking at. He knew before he turned around it was Jesse. The one man that he could nearly be himself with. When they were alone everything was right but his mother put a stop to that. Jess was on a cruise with his mother. They had a wonderful relationship and he look forward to the three months together. As he took in on a art display on the ship he was shocked to see the one man that made him whole. The one man that broke his heart into a million pieces. The one man he could never forget but he knew there wasn’t a future there but seeing him brought all those feelings back. That is all I’m giving you because this is an outstanding read my emotions are all over the place with this book for Bryce could never be himself I felt the hurt!! I felt his pain. And yes Jesse is an amazing man Who hide his relationship just to be with Bryce when they’re together nothing else mattered but as soon as the evil witch of a mother was involved Bryce just broke. What an outstanding read I am totally hooked on this series and I think I’ve said every book is my favourite but this one this one really touched me and I had to read it in one sitting what an amazing read. Thank you Romeo Alexander for this book it is fabulous.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The cover features Jesse, who is not one of the five super wealthy friends who have decided that a three-month cruise through the Caribbean is just what these young men need in their otherwise hardly destitute lives. Instead, he is the ex-boyfriend of Bryce, one of the Gang of Five who seemed to be perpetually bolted down and not the party type you might expect on a cruise like this.
Indeed. while Jesse appears on the cover to be sort of a loose-as-a-goose character, and he does provide a great deal of introspection to a situation in which Bryce, who has kept his sexuality under lock and key from his friends partially because his vicious mother has dictated his life, has fallen when they accidentally meet on board.
Sure, serendipity plays a part in this one, but more than that this is a well developed tale of two privileged mid-20s men who come at life from polar opposite experiences and perspectives, but manage to eventually get along on the high seas.
There are some things about this series that I can quibble about--not the least of which is that there are a lot of gaps in the three-month time frame during which we know nothing about what is happening to any of the couples to bring them closer.
Most of the time, however, it takes a well defined heart-to-heart among the friends to bring things closer to a satisfying conclusion.
This is a sweet and sometimes deeply emotional series which has one more book to go and that one is likely to be complicated. Looking forward to it.
I officially think that this is my favorite book in the series so far. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. I loved the flashbacks to their first attempt of a relationship and would have loved more of that, but I also love the way that they easily fall back into things with each other both times because the love they have for each other never dissipated! I love the way that while they were on the ship you could see Bryce’s defenses coming down as he more willingly showed the love and affection that he held for Jesse in public. And I absolutely love the conversation that Jaxon has with Bryce after they are home from the cruise that so easily shows Bryce that he will always have people behind to support him no matter what happens. Then the way that the unconditional acceptance from Jaxon ultimately helps to propel Bryce to finally stand up to his mother for what is best for him and for what he wants and desires! And that epilogue…I mean what more could you possibly want. It was everything and I’m so happy that we find out they are getting married and continuing to support each other in their love and are closer than everything! While I would have loved to have heard their vows for each other, I’m also completely satisfied with getting to see the behind the scenes them before the ceremony! While I don’t know how this book could possibly be topped for me, I cannot wait to read the next book and find out what happens with Dalton and Zane!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jesse and Bryce loved one another and dated for awhile but Bryce found himself beholden to a controlling mother with a narrow view of the way he was going to need to live his life to stay in hers and connected to their family. He was to marry a woman and have a family. Bryce is so buttoned down and regimented, his friends let him fret, plan and take care because they get that he needs to do this but also understand that it is a reaction to the life he is leading at the behest of his mother. When he and Jesse meet up again on the three month cruise, the feelings are still very much there. But Jesse is out and has a supportive family and they cannot work as a couple beyond vacation if he is still in the closet to his mother/family and not ready to live life on his terms. But Jesse also realizes that he cannot force Bryce to make the change. This one was so emotional and I felt for Bryce as he learned to fight for himself and really came to realize what is important and it was not the things and trappings that his mother used to control him. I really liked their story and Bryce's growth along with the supportiveness of the friend group as he comes into his own and winds up back with the love of his life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this series. So far each relationship and dynamic has been unique and makes each book feel refreshing and exciting. I really felt horrible for Bryce and for the weight that he must so often feel on his shoulders. He is firmly in the closet as his stern and tyrannical mother absolutely refuses to let him live his own life. If he pursued a homosexual relationship, he would be completely cut off without money, support, family, or connections. He would have nothing and nothing to offer a partner. He had been in only one secret relationship for two years before his mother discovered it and made him choose. Not willing to bring both him and his then-boyfriend down, he chose to end things. Jesse lived his life open and honest about who and what he was. He loved Bryce and was willing to have the relationship in secret, but it had been suffocating and he had been slowing losing himself. He was bitter about the end of the relationship due to Bryce's tyrant of a mother. Neither man expected to run into each other on a three-month long cruise. Can things remain civil between them, or will they rekindle into something more? 5 stars.
By the way- I really liked Jesse's mom! And there was a certain friend and his mom whom I absolutely loved in this book <3
MR Alexander creates the most well thought out supportive characters in a series. Jesse, is a laid back proud and out eclectic intellectual artist who has had his heart broken by the love of his life. He has put it behind him with fond regret. Bryce is a regimented disciplined, by force closeted man who has his heart broken by submitting to his Mother rather than his personal needs and wants. They had a loving secret relationship for 2 years before Bryce's Mother issued an ultimatum, wat Bryce owed to the family, business & money, or Jesse. He chose his obligation to his family. He has put it behind him with regret and guilt. They met again, 4 years later on a 3 month cruise and eyeballed each other with regretful yearning. Three months on a boat without his Mother's overbearing threats and opinion. Will they talk and restart their relationship? Will they step out or stay in the closet? Will Mother find out? Will Bryce make a different decision/choice? Great story. The friends are still strong and supportive. Great story. Bryce and Jesse are delightful. Jesse and Jaxon's parents are amazing. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It really was wonderful to read about Jesse and Bryce getting their second chance! Bryce is one of the guys on the Cruise with his other friends. He is the quieter one, always watching out for everyone, needs control and order.. They call him the mute drunk when he drinks! Due to family circumstances Bryce has always lived in the closet and is expected to marry a woman. Jesse was his one and only real boyfriend from four years ago.. and seeing him on this cruise.. well is going to make Bryce finally lose control! I could feel the love and familiarity between these two from the minute they found each other again! It is a bit of sweet slow burn as they dance around each other. Jesse's mom is wonderful and as always love reading about the other guys on the cruise as each of these romances is actually happening simultaneously ! I received an ARC of this book and I recommend you read the entire series.. but this one really does have a special place in my heart for being a beautifully developed second chance romance!
Bryce and Jesse finally get their HEA and it is a wonderfully perfect one full of so much love and happiness! Bryce is the caretaker of his friends, he always has his actions and emotions locked down, and he is the opposite of carefree, slightly rebellious Jesse. Their journey was interrupted for four years but now they have another chance, taking time to be friends, heating things up with their sizzling passion, reconnecting their souls and their love - but the obstacles of the past are still powerful and take a toll on their happiness. Determination, intense emotions, and the help of true family and amazing friends, finally brings Bryce and Jesse to where they are meant to be - together! As with the other books in this series, all the friends are prevalent in this story and help enhance it. I hope Zane and Colton get their story soon! This was an emotional, entertaining, and enjoyable story that I would definitely recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Part of the Cruise series. This one with mother hen, Bryce and his ex. An Ex- that no one in his friend's group knew about. Till on the ship in an art installment, Bryce and Jesse run into each other and Dalton is there to witness it.
Things get complicated before they get better of course, that is the theme of the entire Cruise series. Love, lose, love, rinse repeat.
The fact that Jesse and Bryce never stopped being in love with each other and only Bryce's hateful, ice-bitch of a mother was the reason they weren't together, they spent the entire cruise with each other renewing their relationship, knowing that it would end with the cruise.
Both of them miserable as hell after the cruise, Jaxon finally tells Bryce that he would never be alone, that his real family were his friends and that his mother never had shown any love to him--Bryce told his family to go F%$k themselves and left his family, their fortune, and them behind.
Cool story of finding out what is important in your life. Money isn't all it is cracked up to be. But love is worth it -- always.
Lets just say I was definitely emotional when reading this third book in the series. Second chances always get to me and Bryce and Jessie story was heartbreaking at times but really sweet. Bryce, being the straight laced and the most serious of the group of friends, had a lot going on in his past and present life that you couldn't help but feel sorry for him. I was so cheering for him and his eccentric and fun loving ex Jessie from start to end. You could tell that old feelings were there and hateful circumstance kept them apart but fate and wonderful coincidences pushed them back together. So when that climax towards the end of the book happened, I know my neighbors heard me yelling and whoop whooping like a nut. So proud...so happy that the guys got their happy ending. This was a good one and I can't wait for the next book to reveal what's up with Zane and Dalton.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a really good second chance romance. I really enjoyed getting to know Bryce better, Mr serious, mother hen, it was good to learn his backstory and I really felt for him when learning how messed up his family was, especially his controlling mother. Jessie was adorable and lucky he had a mother who was the complete opposite of Bryce's. When these two end up on the same cruise they both initially have pretty negative reactions to bumping into each other after both having their hearts broken a few years before. The rekindling of the romance took a while to start, but I enjoyed the backstory and the tentative reuniting with each other. I was really cheering these two on and hoping that this time around Bryce would be able to take control of his life back from his mother and live the life he deserved. This is my favourite in the series so far.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Five friends had decided to go on a three-month cruise through the tropics. Just taking the time to relax was wonderful. But the biggest surprise for Bryce was finding his ex on the same cruise, not having seen him for the past 4 years. It was scary to think of reconnecting when you know you would never make it through another goodbye. And yet both of them still thought of the other. Unless Bryce is willing to decide he wants his happiness and not merely accepting his family obligations (imposed on him, not chosen), then he and Jesse can’t have a future. He has a 3-month cruise to find out what matters. Will he take a chance? Or is the thought of walking away too painful for both of them?
This is another story that will grab the reader’s heart and fill it with emotion. And I really liked the characters and wanted to see them find their HEA. Grab your copy and enjoy a terrific read!
This is sweet, romantic and emotional. Bryce and Jesse met and got together while in college, but when Bryce's mother got wind of it, Bryce ended things. He was told in no uncertain terms that he was not allowed to be with a man, or he would be disowned. Four years later, while on a cruise with his friends, Bryce comes face to face with Jesse. After an awkward confrontation, Bryce tries to be better, and friendly with Jesse. That lead to them restarting their relationship. At least for the cruise, both knew it wouldn't last. But Bryce is so miserable after he gets home, he starts thinking that losing his family might be worth it, because he's have Jesse. Bryce is stoic and private, but underneath there's a funny, relaxed guy. Jesse is bold, teasing and sweet. I really loved this couple. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
While I enjoyed this story and seeing a deeper side of Bryce, it didn't have as much excitement for me as the first two in the series did. Maybe it's the trope as I'm not a huge fan of the second chance romance, but I did enjoy that their first parting wasn't fueled with anger and resentment and that when they picked up it was as if no time had passed, yet they had both grown. I also really enjoyed seeing the author weave the details from the first two books into this one and bring up conversations we'd seen in those books and add the twist of how the fit and were expanded into this current story. There were a few more glimpses of the Zane and Dalton dynamic and I'm really hoping we get their story(ies) next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bryce and Jesse dated and had to part ways for such painful reason. Bryce was told he needed to marry a woman and have the family his mother wanted for him. As controlling parents go, she was definitely on the list. Following along with unhappy course in life ended up costing him the one he truly loved. Or did it?
Opportunity knocks in the form of a three month cruise. Bryce and Jesse end up on the ship together. Jesse is out, happy and have a full support system. If Bryce is as he left him, nothing could become of their romance beyond this vacation. Not only does Bryce need to fight for himself, he also needs to fight for love.
Tugs at your heartstrings, but what an amazing second chance romance.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
I really liked Jesse and his parents but I had issues with Bryce. Not only did it take him a long time to realise that his family is awful, I struggle to empathise with characters who dump the supposed love of their life because they'd rather have money. The first time they got together was more understandable as they were younger but for Bryce to still choose family/money over Jesse after the cruise just pissed me off. Dude get a fucking job and live within your means especially as he had inherited from his grandfather. I just didn't get where he was coming from.
Then the reconciliation only happens because Jesse once again is the one to put himself out there. Was Bryce ever going to contact him or what? Jesse deserved better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is amazing! The next chapter in this new saga is Bryce’s story and it’s well worth reading. Kept from being who he truly is by his mother, Bryce has had to give up the one thing that truly makes him happy - Jesse. The two will meet again on the cruise and it will be a bit of a bumpy ride. But Bryce will find out that his old feelings aren’t as old as he thought and it will lead him back to Jesse. Both will deal with heartache when the cruise ends but when Jaxon makes Bryce realize what a true family is, it will finally give Bryce the strength to stand up to his mother and claim what he wants for his life and that is Jesse’s love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Second chance romances, when they work, are my all-time favorites, and this one definitely works. At its heart, this is a story about choices, and choosing the type of love that fits in your life: one that controls you, or one that supports and respects you. Bryce's mother has successfully manipulated and controlled him into to losing so much, and if he's going to make things work this time through with Jesse, he has to make sure he doesn't let her take any more-- it isn't easy, but it is worthwhile. I love the dynamic between Jesse and Bryce, and the supporting characters: Jesse's friends, his mom, etc. are all great as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought that his was a fantastic book. I loved that we finally got Bryce's book. This was an emotional book for me. Bryce put so much and so many before himself that he was truly did not know himself even if he puts up a good front. Jesse and Bryce get a second chance when fate brings them together after four years of being apart. These two still love each other more than they can say but they are afraid that they will repeat the past. I can't wait for Zane and Dalton's book next! I would recommend this book, this series, and Ms. Romeo as a fantastic author.
I received a free e-book copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An absolutely delightful story. Bryce and Jesse make this love story perfect. Their running into one another, unexpectedly on a cruise ship, was meant to be. Them becoming reacquainted was lovely and Bryce accepting, embracing and finally throwing away the old to become the new him was amazing. This story takes you on a voyage of hurt turning into a beautiful reunion but this time the ending is a blissful happiness. A great addition to this series, just confirming this author’s talent to draw you into the story and keep you there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bryce lived under his mom’s rule including breaking up with Jesse because he was told to get with a woman not a man. Then him 4 of his friends went on a 3 month cruise and met Jesse again and found that they still had feelings for each other. It took him a couple of months to tell his mom what he felt after Jaxon told him that his real family wasn’t going to be there for him. Jesse saw Jaxon at a gallery and told him where Bryce was and everything was working out for them. Great book again by Romeo Alexander!
This is the third in the series of a three month cruise with five friends and their love interest. Some people are just naturally born with a real heart but Bryce's mother doesn't even come close! Bryce and Jesse had once been lovers even though it had to be in secret. Four years later they happen to both be on the same 3 month cruise. Hostile moments then loving moments then nothing happens again. But don't despair it all works out into a happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Angsty story. Loved this second chance romance. Jesse is fun loving and not afraid of being flashy. He loves being around people. Bryce on the other hand is quiet most of the time and has his head buried in a book. He has kept himself in the closet and try’s to please his obnoxious mother , who is homophobic. But when Jesse and Bryce meet on the cruise sparks fly again. Now they have to decide if it’s worth taking a chance on their happily ever after
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this story that could aptly be subtitled 'The perils and pain of letting another person control your life.' That's Bryce, who has spent his life trying to please his controlling mother, including giving up Jesse, the man he loved. When he gets another chance with Jesse on the cruise, will he be bold enough to take it, or has that ship sailed? Great story, and I am really looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have been following this series, and felt this new story is the best of the series so far. The story of Jesse and Bryce was a powerful, intense tale of two past lovers finding their ways back to each other. Watching Bryce embarking on a self discovery journey was satisfying. It was a beautifully written story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ohh my gosh!! This one was the best one yet in this amazing series!! Bryce seemed so stiff in the first stories, really not happy at all. Jesse was Bryce's ex and the only man he ever really loved. Bryce's family are total sticks in the mud where as Jesse's family are great. This story really made me smile throughout the whole thing, sooo good! It was really well written, highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Second chance, mc with a narcissistic mother, found family, this story was my emotional sweet spot.
I could see myself in Bryce's relationship with his mum and the conversation he had with her was like a deja vu of what I myself lived so I can say it was very realistic.
Feelings were still strong between Bryce and Jesse and all the time they spent together was very intense, sweet and emotional.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. On the cruise Bryce and Jesse get a second chance when they meet up. This time Bryce doesn't fall in with his domineering mother's whims and strikes out on his own which includes happiness with Jesse. I appreciate the courage that Bryce finally shows to be his own man.
It was a nice easy read. Just letting you know love that can transcend time apart. Just a little time together to rekindle and realize where you were meant to be all along. Read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.