"I want you. All of you. I will keep the ground from caving in for both of us if you let me.”
!!!!! Blue and Salem were adorable together. I loved th "I want you. All of you. I will keep the ground from caving in for both of us if you let me.”
!!!!! Blue and Salem were adorable together. I loved the patience and the caring and how it was kind of one-sided slow burn?? Blue was so hesitant to take it to the step of being official but he was also so deep in his feelings for Salem he didn't want to be with anyone else or see Salem with anyone else.
Salem really was that man. He was supportive, and intentional in his actions for Blue and I think Blue needed someone like that because he had his own insecurities he was dealing with. I thought his anxiety and OCD was handled well - it was interesting because they showed up enough that he was getting help for it and there were times where Salem noticed it but it was never a big topic for them to discuss. Salem trusted that Blue was getting help and if he needed to confide then he would.
This series has been a lot of fun! I loved the Sid and Ty cameos as well :) ...more
I was expecting a little bit more of a power dynamic based on the teasers that were used to promo this book so I think overall this ju3.5 rounded up!
I was expecting a little bit more of a power dynamic based on the teasers that were used to promo this book so I think overall this just wasn't what I was expecting? That's not necessarily a bad thing but I felt like Hugo and Boden spent more time not together than they did together so it was hard for me to really see their connection.
I liked the arc of Boden being rightfully upset about Hugo being a coach and then having that moment of understanding when he finds out about Hugo's past and who he is in relation to the PPHL world. I liked the friendship between Boden, Ford and Tucker - I think especially Ford and Boden. Their little found family is so cute and I hope there will be books for Micah, Jonah, and Journey.
Overall, this was cute but it was just missing a little something for me!
I am SO unbelievably curious for book 3 though because if it Ford and who was implied then there's going to need to be the redemption arc of a lifetime like omg !?...more
Omg cue the sobbing and tears!!!! So sorry it took me so long to hop on the Loving the Legend train, this absolutely lived up to the hype I had been sOmg cue the sobbing and tears!!!! So sorry it took me so long to hop on the Loving the Legend train, this absolutely lived up to the hype I had been seeing.
I know we cannot possess another person, but Sid is mine, and I am his forever. I feel it in the marrow of my bones, the tendons of my heart, the core of my soul.
I don't even know where to begin.
This was such a beautifully written story that explores grief, healing, and love in such a tender, honest way. Ty and Sid are both dealing with the aftermath of grief, but they're at such different stages. Sid has clearly spent time finding coping mechanisms that work for him, and it was so touching to see how much he wanted to share those with Ty, and even though Ty wasn't ready for it, he still indulged in the meditating simply because it was Sid who was requesting it.
I loved the relationship between Ty and Adam. Adam truly meant so much to Ty and Ty's reaction to when Adam was hospitalized?? Please, the tears won't stop.
I loved how Sid could so clearly see that Ty wasn’t okay and never stopped wanting to help. Their chemistry was incredible, especially on the court. Every time they played against each other, Ty gave his best game. And even though Ty didn’t open up completely (like keeping the panic attacks a secret), their communication was still solid and mature for the most part. There was so much care in the way they related to each other, and I genuinely loved everything about their connection I'm about to do a full reread just to make sure I didn't miss any cute moments between them. ...more
this had a ton of tropes that i usually love; possessiveness, a little bit of codependency, bratty mc x bossy mc. there was just something...off for mthis had a ton of tropes that i usually love; possessiveness, a little bit of codependency, bratty mc x bossy mc. there was just something...off for me? like the random chapters of POV from side characters (who had their own books previously)? i didn't love that. there were a few lines that just made me roll my eyes (there's one scene where Zach says something like "don't be a little girl" like why?).
i feel like Tristan had all the characteristics for my favorite kind of character; misunderstood and uses arrogance as a way to protect himself, but there just wasn't enough of him and Zach actually being together for me to root for them, if that makes sense? they kept sort of repeating the same pattern of being physical, feelings like they should regret it so zach distances himself, but then doing it all over again. ...more
He kissed me like he wanted it—like my words were important to him. Like I meant something.
Just discovered this book only to find out book 2 iOmg.
He kissed me like he wanted it—like my words were important to him. Like I meant something.
Just discovered this book only to find out book 2 is coming NEXT WEEK? Luck was on my side with this one.
This was SO cute! I loved Tucker and Deo. Tucker was so charismatic and so straightforward his vulnerability. He really was open when telling Deo how he navigates life and was always bracing himself for Deo to be uncomfortable or weirded out and I loved how Deo matched that energy with being like "well how am I supposed to get used to it if you don't show me". I loved Deo's nervousness and how he seemed so surprised that Tucker treated him so kindly.
I loved the found family and how they embraced Deo when he showed up. I just loved how enamored by Deo, Tucker was. All the petnames made me swoon.
“Another water, please. And—” I turned to Amedeo. “Babe. You want something else to drink?” He blinked. “Me? I’m babe?” “You’re babe,” I said with a tiny smile.
Like??? So fucking cute.
The only thing that sort of felt unfinished for me was Tucker's relationship with his brother. I felt like in the prologue there was a moment where it seemed like genuinely Killian didn't want to make his brother feel like shit so I thought they were going to have a moment later on in the book but they just...didn't?
Hugo and Boden is going to be an explosion of passion though I can just feel it. So excited! ...more
Reading this during baseball season was quite fun as I felt like because i've been asking so many questions Screamingggggggggggggg oh my godddddddddd
Reading this during baseball season was quite fun as I felt like because i've been asking so many questions about how the game works to my fiancé i actually understood the game parts of this book which normally in sports romance i just glance over lol
Gene and Luis were actually perfect. I loved everything about them. I loved how they played together and how they both were lowkey pining over the other and at first it came out as not being able to get along and turned into both of them being like "We play better together". I loved the unwavering support they had for each other but how Gene also acknowledged in his inner thoughts his worries and the little bits of jealousy he had for Luis' career.
I wish I had read this on my kindle so I could have highlighted because there were several lines in this book that i either was giddy about or was, like, shook with the profoundness. I loved Gene's journey from settling to minors but being surrounded by people who knew he was destined for more and that chipped away at his walls to the point where he started to WANT. His growth with wanting was super emotional. He kept himself content and never dared to go further because hoping for things could potentially lead to disappointment that wasn't a feeling he wanted to experience.
I was thrilled for him to have his big moment, and I loved that Luis supported him and in turn recognized his own feelings for baseball and what that meant for him moving forward.
Ugh, idk I just really enjoyed these two together and was rooting for them the entire time. ...more
Once again just truly obsessed with the way JJ Mulder manages to make me feral for her characters. This will in no way be a coherent review so bare wiOnce again just truly obsessed with the way JJ Mulder manages to make me feral for her characters. This will in no way be a coherent review so bare with me!
We'll start with Henri: - Starting this book off with Henri's little schedule is truly such a galaxy brain decision. Like yes, I see you my Virgo king. - I felt like Henri's voice was so clear. Even as he is in his internal monologue he's so concise with his word choice you can tell English isn't his first language but he's eager to learn which makes him so much more endearing. - Max/Henri friendship is god tier.
Now for Atlas: - I admit it took me a while to warm up to Atlas. I felt like at the beginning because Henri is just so wholesome, Atlas' sort of dick-ish attitude toward him made me meh. - There's one line where Nate says to Atlas "you're a dick and you want everyone to be as miserable as you are" and I truly was like OOF. - I think the turning point for me was when we get to learn about how much of an asshole Atlas' dad is and we realize how lonely he actually feels and how he has never felt like he is anyone's first choice. Having someone like Henri's attention who has such pure motives is sure to make Atlas afraid and lash out. He's very "let me hurt them before they hurt me"
Other: - I loved how much the word bisexual and asexual are used. Nothing is implied or left for the reader to decide or debate. Their identities are clear and they don't skirt around the words. - The theme song for this book is Angels Like You by Miley Cyrus - I always say this but I truly love how intimacy is portrayed in JJ Mulder's books. I love that even when the couple is together there is no assumption that they are automatically down for anything in the bedroom and I think this makes the characters feel more like real people because they aren't afraid to say "hey im not into this" and it's always met with such understanding.
Overall, this book was immensely enjoyable. I loved the progression of the relationship, and how even when Atlas and Henri were on the offs so to speak, Atlas recognized that Henri meant something to him and didn't want to cut him off. I liked that Henri allowed for Atlas to take his time (iykyk the epilogue omg) and let Atlas set the pace. I've adored Henri since he was introduced to the series so I was so thrilled to see him get his own happy ending. ...more
Nate & Marcos, my beloved little angels <333 using my shrink ray immediately so i can keep them both protected in my pocket.
A few incoherent thoughtsNate & Marcos, my beloved little angels <333 using my shrink ray immediately so i can keep them both protected in my pocket.
A few incoherent thoughts: - Love a party meet cute! - Nate thinking Vas is cute is soo important to me - Actually crying at every mean thought Marcos has about himself, can i give him an air hug pls? - Liam Walsh mentioned RAHHH iykyk - Once again I am letting everyone know I love Max - "Trust me, lovely" are you trying to kill me?
Absolutely adored Marcos and Nate together. Nate is truly such a ride-or-die, I loved how he just threw himself into his attraction for Marcos. I think him not having a total freak out about his sexual awakening matched his extroverted down for whatever personality but I did love him confiding in Micky bc their friendship is so precious.
It was so devastating to see Marcos blame himself - he has taken on this protector role and takes it so seriously even for things that seem small.
I liked how this relationship took time, it made sense for where Marcos was at mentally but also proved how Nate was willing to wait for someone he really cared about.
I felt like for the first 40% of the book there was so much activity that a lot of the "conflict" was resolved early on so it allowed for Marcos and Nate to just be together which I always love in books. I think that worked well for this book in particular because the "conflict" was really just Marcos realizing he's allowed to give love a chance.
Also, I just loved Max and Marcos' friendship. Their heart to heart when Max was like "i feel like i wasn't there for you" made me so sad for them but the way Max was supportive was so sweet.
This was really another banger in this series, and I can't wait for it to continue!...more
Basically Anders deserves the world, he really put his whole life on hold to take care of his younger siblings in the midst of hAnders, my beloved <3
Basically Anders deserves the world, he really put his whole life on hold to take care of his younger siblings in the midst of his mother straight up abandoning them all. I loved how loved and appreciated he was by Isac and Cassi too, like they never took their fears of abandonment out on Anders and truly wanted him to have the best life he could being aware that at 19 he put his dreams aside to make sure Isac and Cassi had what they needed.
He also managed to help Wells too!!! Like truly just by existing he gave Wells hope to work his way out of his depression and become hopeful for a future that does not include hockey in the same way that it had before.
I loved the dynamic between Wells and Anders, this story was hopeful and about recovery and pushing through hard times to get a little bit better at the end.
Would recommend to anyone who also loved Draft Bust by Hannah Henry :) ...more
Ryker and Lake!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my babies!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHH.
I love an established couple book but this one was even better because book 1 was so so sRyker and Lake!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my babies!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHH.
I love an established couple book but this one was even better because book 1 was so so sweet to see them get to this point, and now they're happy and in love!!! and yes they had a little bit of issues/insecurities but they actually communicated pretty decently and Ryker was a safe space for Lake which he deserves so SO much and also lake acknowledging that he has a family in Sawyer, Rachel, Kelly and Ryker!! THATS GROWTH BABY!!!! ugh god ok briar, let's make a book 3 now of ryker and lake being all domestic and in love please!!!
Oh and last thing: FUCK, and i mean this with my whole heart, SCOTT. Fuck that ugly ass LOSER!!! Lake should have spilled the truth!!!!...more
to be quite honest, i had this book on my tbr for a while and i forgot that i was specifically not reading it because its 1/3 of a trilogy and book 2 to be quite honest, i had this book on my tbr for a while and i forgot that i was specifically not reading it because its 1/3 of a trilogy and book 2 isnt coming out until 2026 *insert crying*
i liked this a lot. i think this 1st book set up a really nice foundation for where the rest of the series is going to go. there were tons of foreshadowing in my opinion of potential conflicts for the future and i am so excited for Danny and Sasha to be together through this journey, all i can hope is that they stay together and get through everything in one piece.
danny was so charming and perfect, and i loved how it was so opposite to Sasha's quietness. i think they are a really good pair and i am hopeful for their future.
i also feel like kirill lowkey not specifying the gender of the 2nd blonde he hooked up with that one night is telling???? perhaps sasha will have a closer ally than he thinks. love their friendship too btw, everyone needs a ride or die attack dog like kirill <3...more
Truthfully, I was battling food poisoning when I decided to read this arc the first time so I was a bit delusional andSo nice I had to read it twice!
Truthfully, I was battling food poisoning when I decided to read this arc the first time so I was a bit delusional and all I could remember was that I loved Grayson so much I wanted to shrink him and keep him in my pocket for safekeepings.
On the second read, I had a tad bit more brain function so I was able to better appreciate the gifts that are Grayson Brody and Remy Stone.
First I just want to say SIZE DIFFERENCE. Yes, please & gimme more.
Second, I really just loved Grayson and Remy’s entire dynamic. We have Grayson who is just giant of a man but continually tries to make himself blend into the background as to not make his teammates uncomfortable even though besides Zolkov and Gordon they’re all a bunch of dickheads. And then we have Remy who before Grayson has never looked at another man, but is so enamored he doesn’t even second guess his attraction, he just finds such comfort in Grayson he wants to be with him no question.
Remy is honestly human sunshine and he’s so down bad for Grayson. Grayson is convinced his entire existence of being near Remy is going to cause problems, meanwhile Remy is out here like:
“It’s better with Gray. Life, sex, everything. I feel like I’ve been walking around half-blind and he gave me perfect vision. Now I’m wondering how I could have gone so long without noticing what I was missing.”
These two really just hit the spot, their love was so unconditional on both ends, the way they fell together was so pure and something that began just because they truly enjoyed each other’s company.
I am a fan to say the least! Now, can we find Zolkov a better team and perhaps a man ??...more
This was such a delightful surprise! I really enjoyed this book a lot. I was a little like "ohh??" when the two characters meet and have their first pThis was such a delightful surprise! I really enjoyed this book a lot. I was a little like "ohh??" when the two characters meet and have their first physical interaction the same day but the development of the relationship was really well done imo. I think the class differences between Blaise and Jordan was really well done too. I felt like Blaise's struggle with accepting help from Jordan specifically was very valid and I thought the conversation Jordan and Blaise ultimately had set them up for a good future together. Jordan was just so lovely and wholesome and he just wanted to help. He was a bit naive at times but he was always willing to learn and just wanted to make Blaise's life easier which I feel like is a very realistic dynamic in couples where one may be a bit more well off than the other. I liked how even if Jordan didn't know the technicalities of Blaise's work he was always willing to listen and loved to let Blaise use him as a model. Similarly, Blaise and his friend group going to baseball games was sweet.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! This was sort of a hidden gem within this series so I'm glad I decided to give it a chance :) ...more
omggggg get ready for an incoherent review because there’s no way I can be normal about this book.
This was simply put, beautiful. The way that Zacky omggggg get ready for an incoherent review because there’s no way I can be normal about this book.
This was simply put, beautiful. The way that Zacky and Cameron loved each other was so pure and unconditional. There was never for one moment where Cameron didn’t believe Zacky about his other life. It was real to Zacky and that was enough for it to be taken seriously. I loved how Zacky was allowed to be emotional. I think he cried like at least 5 times and each time was met with such comfort from Cameron. He never let Zacky feel like he was alone in this really scary situation.
“You found our house, too. In my world. My Cameron.” “Zacky Porters need to be taken care of,” Cameron said. At this point, Zacky knew Cameron took that seriously.
The progression from friends to lovers was seamless. Mostly because they were basically dating already only without the sex. Cameron and Zacky knew each other in a way that was more than just friendship. They were so intertwined with each other, Cameron realizing that he felt more for Zacky barely registered as being surprising. It was more of an “ah ha” moment for him which I just thought was very nice.
I also like that Cameron respected other Cameron. Zacky was grieving the loss of his other life while also falling for this universes Cameron and it was done really nicely of allowing Zacky to have all these big feelings and not actually take away from the romance that was blossoming or the friendship to lovers transition.
Cameron calling Zacky “Zachary” during sex also just itched something in my brain I don’t know how to explain it but it worked for me.
Also ima need 100k of the Zacky and Cameron in the other universe pls and thank you
“How do you know the exact right thing to say constantly?” “I am very, very good at loving Zachary Porter. It is my life’s work.” ...more
“I’d miss you.” “From a room away?” “I miss you on the other side of this bed.”
Pleaaaaaaaaaaaase my heart!!
I’ll be honest the actual game of baseb “I’d miss you.” “From a room away?” “I miss you on the other side of this bed.”
Pleaaaaaaaaaaaase my heart!!
I’ll be honest the actual game of baseball and anything too technical went over my head but CHARLIE BRAXTON what a goddamn man!!! I really just adored how almost soft he was?? Just truly pure of heart.
I loved how his relationship with Reid starts off tentative. Sort of a “I know this is more than friendship but that’s it”. I loved how it progressed and how mindful he was of Reid when Reid requests he don’t speak up for him. Reid was so stressed the entire book, his future path never secure and though he was anxious about it I loved that he wanted Charlie too even if it was scary to admit.
These two were just so perfect for each other, I loved how there was no third act break up - just two people who wanted to fit in each others lives.
Merged review:
“I’d miss you.” “From a room away?” “I miss you on the other side of this bed.”
Pleaaaaaaaaaaaase my heart!!
I’ll be honest the actual game of baseball and anything too technical went over my head but CHARLIE BRAXTON what a goddamn man!!! I really just adored how almost soft he was?? Just truly pure of heart.
I loved how his relationship with Reid starts off tentative. Sort of a “I know this is more than friendship but that’s it”. I loved how it progressed and how mindful he was of Reid when Reid requests he don’t speak up for him. Reid was so stressed the entire book, his future path never secure and though he was anxious about it I loved that he wanted Charlie too even if it was scary to admit.
These two were just so perfect for each other, I loved how there was no third act break up - just two people who wanted to fit in each others lives....more
“I missed you,” Zach says. “Zach,” Eugenio says, teasingly, “I saw you less than a week ago.” “That’s not what I meant.” And he kisses him again.
I “I missed you,” Zach says. “Zach,” Eugenio says, teasingly, “I saw you less than a week ago.” “That’s not what I meant.” And he kisses him again.
I read book 2 first so I feel like I could not keep the timeline straight of when this book occurred and it was made even more difficult with the time jumps lol
Despite that!!! This was a very cute read, it felt a little heavier than book 2, way more angsty but I feel like the love story was still good. Zach and Eugenio are in positions where coming out could mean the end of their careers, something that Zach specifically struggles a lot with throughout the book. I truly just wanted to give him a hug the whole time! I really loved that in the future time jump he recognized how much Eugenio meant to him. Eugenio didn’t want Zach to come out to the world, but after losing Eugenio the first time Zach was willing to do just that. I liked how in the future part Zach was very open about his fears but made sure Eugenio knew that he wasn’t going to make the same mistakes.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! The baseball technicalities went over my head but the romance was good!
Merged review:
“I missed you,” Zach says. “Zach,” Eugenio says, teasingly, “I saw you less than a week ago.” “That’s not what I meant.” And he kisses him again.
I read book 2 first so I feel like I could not keep the timeline straight of when this book occurred and it was made even more difficult with the time jumps lol
Despite that!!! This was a very cute read, it felt a little heavier than book 2, way more angsty but I feel like the love story was still good. Zach and Eugenio are in positions where coming out could mean the end of their careers, something that Zach specifically struggles a lot with throughout the book. I truly just wanted to give him a hug the whole time! I really loved that in the future time jump he recognized how much Eugenio meant to him. Eugenio didn’t want Zach to come out to the world, but after losing Eugenio the first time Zach was willing to do just that. I liked how in the future part Zach was very open about his fears but made sure Eugenio knew that he wasn’t going to make the same mistakes.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! The baseball technicalities went over my head but the romance was good!...more
“To be clear,” Brody continued, “I like you. I’ve always liked you. Sometimes I’ve been mad at you, or disappointed by you, or confused by you. Which “To be clear,” Brody continued, “I like you. I’ve always liked you. Sometimes I’ve been mad at you, or disappointed by you, or confused by you. Which should not be a surprise, because you are confusing as fuck, Sea. But I like you. You’re interesting. I never know what you’re going to say, or what you’re going to do. You make me laugh. I like how hard you work, how seriously you take the things you care about. I like your nail polish. I like your face. I like your voice. I like your stories about growing up in the country.”
I originally rated this a 3 but then went back and rated it up. I think this book was a 3.5 for me just because believe me when I say it is slow burn, I mean SLOW burn. Even with the fake dating Brody and Sea really do take their time actually getting together.
Despite that, their getting to know you journey was very enjoyable. The way their relationship progressed was basically hot hook up to fake dating for pr to friends to lovers. I loved how gentlemanly Brody was toward Sea, and I really liked the way intimacy was handled throughout the book. I adored Sea to be honest, everything about him was so precious to me.
I didn’t love the time between the last chapter and the epilogue. I feel like the last chapter didn’t answer all my questions and then it was like BAM epilogue and they’re actually together and some time has passed?
Merged review:
“To be clear,” Brody continued, “I like you. I’ve always liked you. Sometimes I’ve been mad at you, or disappointed by you, or confused by you. Which should not be a surprise, because you are confusing as fuck, Sea. But I like you. You’re interesting. I never know what you’re going to say, or what you’re going to do. You make me laugh. I like how hard you work, how seriously you take the things you care about. I like your nail polish. I like your face. I like your voice. I like your stories about growing up in the country.”
I originally rated this a 3 but then went back and rated it up. I think this book was a 3.5 for me just because believe me when I say it is slow burn, I mean SLOW burn. Even with the fake dating Brody and Sea really do take their time actually getting together.
Despite that, their getting to know you journey was very enjoyable. The way their relationship progressed was basically hot hook up to fake dating for pr to friends to lovers. I loved how gentlemanly Brody was toward Sea, and I really liked the way intimacy was handled throughout the book. I adored Sea to be honest, everything about him was so precious to me.
I didn’t love the time between the last chapter and the epilogue. I feel like the last chapter didn’t answer all my questions and then it was like BAM epilogue and they’re actually together and some time has passed?...more
This was such a delight! I love when characters are basically dating the entire time and don’t realize it but then have that “oh shit” moment. I lovedThis was such a delight! I love when characters are basically dating the entire time and don’t realize it but then have that “oh shit” moment. I loved how easily Benji fell into everything. He wasn’t even concerned with the whole liking a guy thing, everything with Olly just felt so right he didn’t even question it. Olly was my sweet lil baby god I just wanted to give him the worlds biggest hug (me and Benji had that in common). I really loved Olly’s family too. I was skeptical at first especially if his dad but I thought his redemption was good. It wasn’t over the top and felt a lot more real of how a parent might feel in admitting they were wrong.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved Benji and Olly together and how Benji slowly got to see the real Olly. I loved seeing Olly get comfortable enough to lose some of the walls he built up. I also really liked all the other guys on the team, you could tell they really cared about each other and had each others backs.
Merged review:
This was such a delight! I love when characters are basically dating the entire time and don’t realize it but then have that “oh shit” moment. I loved how easily Benji fell into everything. He wasn’t even concerned with the whole liking a guy thing, everything with Olly just felt so right he didn’t even question it. Olly was my sweet lil baby god I just wanted to give him the worlds biggest hug (me and Benji had that in common). I really loved Olly’s family too. I was skeptical at first especially if his dad but I thought his redemption was good. It wasn’t over the top and felt a lot more real of how a parent might feel in admitting they were wrong.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved Benji and Olly together and how Benji slowly got to see the real Olly. I loved seeing Olly get comfortable enough to lose some of the walls he built up. I also really liked all the other guys on the team, you could tell they really cared about each other and had each others backs....more