This book served as a palate cleanser/reward between nonfiction and TBR books while on vacation a few weeks ago. I’ve previously read a couple of Wells books and know they’re pretty low conflict/angst with decent characters, storylines, and sex scenes. So I added it to my queue.
And when I got to it, it was exactly as promised. A decent story, low angst, hot sex scenes, and well-written characters. There were a few times where I rolled my eyes from the oversimplification of things, but that comes with the MM Romance territory.
I can’t remember where I said this previously, but if I’ve learned anything from the romance genre it’s that if your best friend has a younger sibling, you ARE going to fall for them if you have the same persuasion, because they’ve been in love with you since they idolized you and their sibling when all of you were younger. And this story is no different.
Rylan, a professional trainer, and his best friend Trask have moved out to California post-graduation to see if they can make it on the West Coast. When Casey, Trask’s younger brother, decides to come crash for a few months after his first year in college sparks fly (good and bad) and Casey and Rylan realize they are and always have been meant for each other.
But maybe, the takeaway of the story isn’t that you’re going to fall for the younger sibling, rather it’s that if you’re the older sibling don’t be a dick about your BFF and sibling hooking up. So many of these stories are instigated because the older sibling is like NOPE, off-limits. In this case, Trask took it to the extreme telling Rylan he couldn’t bring any guys home (he was a bit of a player—they both were) and trying to scare Casey off by telling him how many guys Rylan brought home.
I don’t remember any super awkward sex scenes, so they must’ve been decently written (one felt rushed, but it fit into the moment). For the most part, the minor characters were mostly forgettable. And the last 1/4 of the book was just adorably sweet with Casey going back to school and Rylan flying to meet him at his swim meets whenever he could and of course, ended in an engagement and happily ever after.
Recommendation: Overall, this was a quick fun read. Casey and Riley were great protagonists and there was NO angst other than a dick-of-an-older brother that couldn’t get out of his best friend and little brother’s way. The story made me want to visit this part of California if only to see all the dudebros jogging 😀
Opening Line: “I grinned as Trask Dutton set our drinks down on the edge of the pool table.”
Closing Line: “‘I couldn’t agree more,’ I murmured between kisses.” (Whited out to avoid spoilers, highlight to read.)