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Corio Heights #3
The Forever Neighbor
What do you do when you’re in love with your childhood friend?
For as long as Will can remember, Jason has always been his safe space, his protector. Now as adults, he doesn’t know how much longer he can hide the desire he holds for his best friend. A desire he’s too afraid to convey and so is unable to make any progress on changing their relationship status. Is it finally time to let go?
There are two things Jason loves most in the world: food and Will. They’ve gone through everything together over the years and are as close as family. As he feels his best friend begin pulling away, Jason slowly discovers that his love for Will has turned into an emotion he can’t quite grasp but is determined to understand. Can he figure out his feelings before it’s too late and he loses Will forever?
The Forever Neighbor is an M/M romance with grumpy/sunshine and childhood friends-to-lovers tropes. It features obsessive lovers, healing, and finding found family once again. It is the third book of the Corio Heights series and can be read as a standalone but will be more enjoyable when read as a series.
For as long as Will can remember, Jason has always been his safe space, his protector. Now as adults, he doesn’t know how much longer he can hide the desire he holds for his best friend. A desire he’s too afraid to convey and so is unable to make any progress on changing their relationship status. Is it finally time to let go?
There are two things Jason loves most in the world: food and Will. They’ve gone through everything together over the years and are as close as family. As he feels his best friend begin pulling away, Jason slowly discovers that his love for Will has turned into an emotion he can’t quite grasp but is determined to understand. Can he figure out his feelings before it’s too late and he loses Will forever?
The Forever Neighbor is an M/M romance with grumpy/sunshine and childhood friends-to-lovers tropes. It features obsessive lovers, healing, and finding found family once again. It is the third book of the Corio Heights series and can be read as a standalone but will be more enjoyable when read as a series.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2022
About the author
Rye Cox
12 books83 followersBe sure to follow to stay updated on latest release: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rye-cox
Rye is an M/M Romance author who is a romantic at heart. She believes that love conquers all, and that's why her stories are guaranteed to always have an HEA. When she's not writing, she escapes to the world of books or daydreams about becoming a future cat lady.
Rye is an M/M Romance author who is a romantic at heart. She believes that love conquers all, and that's why her stories are guaranteed to always have an HEA. When she's not writing, she escapes to the world of books or daydreams about becoming a future cat lady.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 18, 2022
3.75 ⭐️
this was soo full of lovee. it was so heartwarming and a little sad at the same time. my favourite tropes are all over the place, childhood bestfriends, pining, first times and size difference. gah, love it!
the pining was great. i liked it. the way Will describe every moment he has with Jason really made me feel something and i was sad with him. they way he wants to desperately treasure every moment they have even though he couldn’t have Jason that way. every moment was so sad for Will and so confusing for Jason. gosh, i can feel it for both of them. and Jason was clueless af, it was cute :3
their friendship was based on pure, never ending closeness and not wanting each other to be gone, secret obsession, lots of admiration, love, love and love everywhere and lots of cuddles it was sooo adorable!! 🥰 their attachment towards each other was also mutual. because of what happened, their friendship grows stronger and stronger by age that they can’t even bear having the thoughts of leaving each other. and their love comes easy afterwards despite how tense it was bcs of their past.
i have to say that i loved the first half better than the second but that’s just an issue i have with some of the friends to lovers trope. i had only a few that i really, really liked. also, the intensity at the beginning of their relationship and how they were sooo attached to each other to the point it got bad was purely based off their childhood trauma and i totally get it, but what i didn’t fully understand was the pain behind it. the reasoning wasn’t enough to me. i needed more of their past backstory. also, Jason didn’t exactly behave like his age. both of them are 27, and because Jason is much more petite compared to Will, his character was created to be more childish? with his dialogues and behaviour being so immature. maybe because of how much dependent Jason was on Will? but that doesn’t make a 27 year old man behaves like a baby is it? i just had a hard time to understand that :/
lastly, i love that they manage to find the courage and figure out how to “fix” their problems in the end :)
I kindly received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
this was soo full of lovee. it was so heartwarming and a little sad at the same time. my favourite tropes are all over the place, childhood bestfriends, pining, first times and size difference. gah, love it!
the pining was great. i liked it. the way Will describe every moment he has with Jason really made me feel something and i was sad with him. they way he wants to desperately treasure every moment they have even though he couldn’t have Jason that way. every moment was so sad for Will and so confusing for Jason. gosh, i can feel it for both of them. and Jason was clueless af, it was cute :3
their friendship was based on pure, never ending closeness and not wanting each other to be gone, secret obsession, lots of admiration, love, love and love everywhere and lots of cuddles it was sooo adorable!! 🥰 their attachment towards each other was also mutual. because of what happened, their friendship grows stronger and stronger by age that they can’t even bear having the thoughts of leaving each other. and their love comes easy afterwards despite how tense it was bcs of their past.
i have to say that i loved the first half better than the second but that’s just an issue i have with some of the friends to lovers trope. i had only a few that i really, really liked. also, the intensity at the beginning of their relationship and how they were sooo attached to each other to the point it got bad was purely based off their childhood trauma and i totally get it, but what i didn’t fully understand was the pain behind it. the reasoning wasn’t enough to me. i needed more of their past backstory. also, Jason didn’t exactly behave like his age. both of them are 27, and because Jason is much more petite compared to Will, his character was created to be more childish? with his dialogues and behaviour being so immature. maybe because of how much dependent Jason was on Will? but that doesn’t make a 27 year old man behaves like a baby is it? i just had a hard time to understand that :/
lastly, i love that they manage to find the courage and figure out how to “fix” their problems in the end :)
I kindly received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
August 4, 2022
i was so excited for will and jason’s story and this absolutely wasn’t how i pictured it.
i love will and jason with all my heart and i wish i could hug them.
the first half was really amazing, full of pining and pure love, even though will’s therapist did make a bit of a mess.
what’s bugging me is the last quarter. i feel like the author could have done it better, i agree with the things that happened, i just feel it was more of telling us rather than showing us. everything happened for such a small thing that i just couldn’t justify everything.
it also doesn’t make sense how they didn’t know shit about each other even though they lived for like 20 years together.
i want to thank @mariam because she helped me sort my thoughts out for this one💖
i love will and jason with all my heart and i wish i could hug them.
the first half was really amazing, full of pining and pure love, even though will’s therapist did make a bit of a mess.
what’s bugging me is the last quarter. i feel like the author could have done it better, i agree with the things that happened, i just feel it was more of telling us rather than showing us. everything happened for such a small thing that i just couldn’t justify everything.
it also doesn’t make sense how they didn’t know shit about each other even though they lived for like 20 years together.
i want to thank @mariam because she helped me sort my thoughts out for this one💖
August 3, 2022
3.5 stars. Will and Jason are friends for more than twenty years, they knew each since they were seven. They were neighbors. Will was living more at Jason’s than at his own family because of the terrible circumstances he lived in. After Jason’s mother passed away they were even more inseparable.
Will has developed deeper feelings for Jason and it’s getting more difficult to hide them. He is trying to spend less time with Jason.
Jason is hurt, Will is avoiding him and he doesn’t know why, they were always together, day and night, hermits, with just a small circle of friends. Now he’s left alone most of the time.
When he suddenly understands the reason, his view of their relationship is changing.
Very carefully they start a romantic relationship, carefully but with a lot of heat.
It’s getting all complicated when obsessive and possessive feelings are getting involved.
I wish I’d understand their traumas more, there’s just a slight reference to them.
Both men see therapists but I would have loved to know more about it and not so superficial.
I tried to understand the suggestion from the therapist, but I failed mostly, I got it but maybe the way how wasn’t to my like.
This is one of these stories where I enjoyed it in big lines, but when scrutinizing it, there were a few things for me implausible, the therapist sessions, the traumas, and even the way things were solved. This is of course my opinion and way of experience.
Looking back at the story I must conclude, that I got the big picture, two guys, together from childhood friends to lovers, being together since they were seven, obsessed to be left alone.
I just took the story as it was, but I think certain important things were underdeveloped.
The heat and sexual encounters got a lot more attention if you were wondering!
Both Jason and Will were lovable characters, they had an innocent and maybe too immature vibe. Their friends were a good addition to the story.
Overall I liked this slightly developed story, I would have loved a more final and solid end, for me, it wasn’t satisfying this way. After all, they’ve been through a lot, and they earned and deserved it.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Will has developed deeper feelings for Jason and it’s getting more difficult to hide them. He is trying to spend less time with Jason.
Jason is hurt, Will is avoiding him and he doesn’t know why, they were always together, day and night, hermits, with just a small circle of friends. Now he’s left alone most of the time.
When he suddenly understands the reason, his view of their relationship is changing.
Very carefully they start a romantic relationship, carefully but with a lot of heat.
It’s getting all complicated when obsessive and possessive feelings are getting involved.
I wish I’d understand their traumas more, there’s just a slight reference to them.
Both men see therapists but I would have loved to know more about it and not so superficial.
I tried to understand the suggestion from the therapist, but I failed mostly, I got it but maybe the way how wasn’t to my like.
This is one of these stories where I enjoyed it in big lines, but when scrutinizing it, there were a few things for me implausible, the therapist sessions, the traumas, and even the way things were solved. This is of course my opinion and way of experience.
Looking back at the story I must conclude, that I got the big picture, two guys, together from childhood friends to lovers, being together since they were seven, obsessed to be left alone.
I just took the story as it was, but I think certain important things were underdeveloped.
The heat and sexual encounters got a lot more attention if you were wondering!
Both Jason and Will were lovable characters, they had an innocent and maybe too immature vibe. Their friends were a good addition to the story.
Overall I liked this slightly developed story, I would have loved a more final and solid end, for me, it wasn’t satisfying this way. After all, they’ve been through a lot, and they earned and deserved it.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
July 31, 2022
This was a childhood best friends to lovers story with a heartfelt twist.
Jason and Will have known each other forever, neither had a great childhood, fraught with poverty and struggles. Over time their friendship became all they had to feel safe and grounded. They are inseparable and highly co-dependent. As well, Will has been harbouring a lifelong crush on Jason. When it becomes too much he has to decide to pull away or tell Jason how he really feels.
I was pleased to see how their co-dependency was dealt with and their relationship ultimately progressed, because as much as I loved how sweet they were together, their learning to love themselves as individuals was deeply satisfying.
Jason and Will have known each other forever, neither had a great childhood, fraught with poverty and struggles. Over time their friendship became all they had to feel safe and grounded. They are inseparable and highly co-dependent. As well, Will has been harbouring a lifelong crush on Jason. When it becomes too much he has to decide to pull away or tell Jason how he really feels.
I was pleased to see how their co-dependency was dealt with and their relationship ultimately progressed, because as much as I loved how sweet they were together, their learning to love themselves as individuals was deeply satisfying.
August 5, 2022
Will and Jason are so sweet, extremely codependent but sweet.
These two have known each other for forever and have been through some pretty rough times. Always being there for one another, often sharing a bed and cuddling up. Will has been in love with Jason since they were kids, will finally comes clean thinking Jason only sees him as family and never as a lover but this just marks the start of their beautiful relationship as things just click for Jason.
I loved how Patient and caring will is towards Jason while they start to become intimate with one another sharing lots of firsts. He doesn’t rush or pressure Jason but both having baggage they hit a few bumps in the road. Seeing the overcome their issues just makes this story that little bit sweeter.
This is my 1st book by rye cox, when I saw the blurb I needed to read it. While this is part of a series I found it easy to understand the friendship groups although I think I’ll be rereading after I’ve read book 1 and 2 as I loved the side characters and want to find out more about them
I received an arc from the author in return for my honest review
These two have known each other for forever and have been through some pretty rough times. Always being there for one another, often sharing a bed and cuddling up. Will has been in love with Jason since they were kids, will finally comes clean thinking Jason only sees him as family and never as a lover but this just marks the start of their beautiful relationship as things just click for Jason.
I loved how Patient and caring will is towards Jason while they start to become intimate with one another sharing lots of firsts. He doesn’t rush or pressure Jason but both having baggage they hit a few bumps in the road. Seeing the overcome their issues just makes this story that little bit sweeter.
This is my 1st book by rye cox, when I saw the blurb I needed to read it. While this is part of a series I found it easy to understand the friendship groups although I think I’ll be rereading after I’ve read book 1 and 2 as I loved the side characters and want to find out more about them
I received an arc from the author in return for my honest review
September 7, 2022
We got to see Jason and Will in previous Corio Heights books and I was so excited to get their story. These two have been through a lot and have always had each other to depend on. But each of them are keeping feelings to themselves that they are afraid to share, because their friendship means everything. When it comes to the boiling point and they reveal their feelings, they shift into a new phase of their relationship.
Except, they each still carry a lot of trauma that has presented itself in different ways. Will is so careful with Jason, even while Jason encourages them going further. I absolutely adored these two and getting to see how they learned and explored together, but I also really love the way Rye handled certain issues. They took time to learn about themselves and try to heal. This made for a really beautiful romance where their deep connection is felt on every single page, but it also allowed room for mental health and therapy, which is seldom seen, and it was done really well
Except, they each still carry a lot of trauma that has presented itself in different ways. Will is so careful with Jason, even while Jason encourages them going further. I absolutely adored these two and getting to see how they learned and explored together, but I also really love the way Rye handled certain issues. They took time to learn about themselves and try to heal. This made for a really beautiful romance where their deep connection is felt on every single page, but it also allowed room for mental health and therapy, which is seldom seen, and it was done really well
August 8, 2022
Rye Cox is an amazing author and her Corio Heights series is a one click series for me. I've been looking forward to Will and Jason's story since the first one, because you could always see that there was something deeper going on between these two boys - and Rye delivered something beautiful with them.
They were more than best friends. They were two parts of one whole - bound not only by a shared childhood but by a LOT of shared trauma. (Seriously, heed the trigger warnings friends.) Will has had feelings for Jason for as long as he could recall - but those feelings are borderline obsessive. The two boys are entirely codependent and Rye does a great job at showing how this isn't exactly healthy.
I think the most interesting part of this love story is that it almost seemed to go in reverse. They were two men who lived together and knew each other incredibly intimately, but couldn't be apart from one another. It was only after they had to be apart that things changed even slightly and real feelings came out.
I also really loved the fact that Rye went into the fact that love couldn't fix everything. I loved the HEA at the end, because while it wasn't the most traditional place to end a book like this, it fit perfectly for their story. It fit perfectly for the two men that Rye has created and it showed growth from where they were at the start of the book - which is one of the most important things.
This is book three of the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, you'll understand a lot more if you read the first two - because the characters in the first two are a major part of this book and it operates under the assumption that you know their stories. (Plus, you get to see a lot more of Jason and Will and what they were like BEFORE by reading them and that's always cool.) However, even without those, you can still enjoy this book.
** DISCLAIMER: I recieved an advanced copy from the author and this is my fair and honest review. **
They were more than best friends. They were two parts of one whole - bound not only by a shared childhood but by a LOT of shared trauma. (Seriously, heed the trigger warnings friends.) Will has had feelings for Jason for as long as he could recall - but those feelings are borderline obsessive. The two boys are entirely codependent and Rye does a great job at showing how this isn't exactly healthy.
I think the most interesting part of this love story is that it almost seemed to go in reverse. They were two men who lived together and knew each other incredibly intimately, but couldn't be apart from one another. It was only after they had to be apart that things changed even slightly and real feelings came out.
I also really loved the fact that Rye went into the fact that love couldn't fix everything. I loved the HEA at the end, because while it wasn't the most traditional place to end a book like this, it fit perfectly for their story. It fit perfectly for the two men that Rye has created and it showed growth from where they were at the start of the book - which is one of the most important things.
This is book three of the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, you'll understand a lot more if you read the first two - because the characters in the first two are a major part of this book and it operates under the assumption that you know their stories. (Plus, you get to see a lot more of Jason and Will and what they were like BEFORE by reading them and that's always cool.) However, even without those, you can still enjoy this book.
** DISCLAIMER: I recieved an advanced copy from the author and this is my fair and honest review. **
July 25, 2022
Tropes:
✔️Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
✔️First Time
✔️Sexual Awakening
✔️Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️Found Family
Will has been in love with Jason for as long as he can remember. Together they survived heartache because of loss, they survived horrible and damaging situations as children and protected one another from the world. Their comfort is in each other and for Jason, it's still in 'brotherly' terms but Will can't hide his feelings anymore and he feels it's time to now tell Jason how in love he is with him and see if they're relationship can truly withstand anything.
I loved how Jason was able to just know and read through all of Will's emotions and vice versa. I think that's my favorite part of the childhood best friends to lovers tropes. Because as they're growing up into their own individuals, your childhood best friend knows all the pure parts of you, all the vulnerable parts, all the parts that one tries to hide as an adult.
Only thing I didn't like from Jason was that his character seemed to be a little immature at times.
but now to W I L L!!
I loved Will! I love how possessive he is, how I can literally imagine a big gentle giant with emoji heart eyes😍. I love how he didn't force Jason but instead made him wait so they can be ready together for a big step in their relationship.
"'I love you too', he said with such happiness, and there was no better feeling in the world than the knowledge that his happiness was because of me."
*Thank you to Rye Cox for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
✔️Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
✔️First Time
✔️Sexual Awakening
✔️Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️Found Family
Will has been in love with Jason for as long as he can remember. Together they survived heartache because of loss, they survived horrible and damaging situations as children and protected one another from the world. Their comfort is in each other and for Jason, it's still in 'brotherly' terms but Will can't hide his feelings anymore and he feels it's time to now tell Jason how in love he is with him and see if they're relationship can truly withstand anything.
I loved how Jason was able to just know and read through all of Will's emotions and vice versa. I think that's my favorite part of the childhood best friends to lovers tropes. Because as they're growing up into their own individuals, your childhood best friend knows all the pure parts of you, all the vulnerable parts, all the parts that one tries to hide as an adult.
Only thing I didn't like from Jason was that his character seemed to be a little immature at times.
but now to W I L L!!
I loved Will! I love how possessive he is, how I can literally imagine a big gentle giant with emoji heart eyes😍. I love how he didn't force Jason but instead made him wait so they can be ready together for a big step in their relationship.
"'I love you too', he said with such happiness, and there was no better feeling in the world than the knowledge that his happiness was because of me."
*Thank you to Rye Cox for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 20, 2022
If you've read the previous books in the series like me, you will already know that Will has been pining for his bestie and roommate Jason for years. The two of them are highly codependent. They have basically been in a committed relationship for years, just minus the sex. When Will's therapist gently nudges him to branch out from his Jason bubble it doesn't take long for Jason to notice when Will does just that. After all, Jason and Will are rarely apart. They even meet up for their lunch breaks in the middle of their workday. Their relationship isn't toxic, but it isn't exactly healthy either.
When Will finally cracks and tells Jason how he feels it sets a fire in Jason's heart. Jason is a sweetheart, but he is a naïve sweetheart and honestly had no idea Will harbored any romantic feelings towards him. He thinks back to all the cuddles they've shared. How Will has always felt like home to him. Will is his person and it just makes sense that they would be the perfect partner for each other.
Not everything goes smoothly. Both men have some baggage that they haven't truly unpacked, more like buried into the back of their closet. It's still there, but hidden away so they don't have to be reminded of it too often. This has to be worked through in order for Will and Jason to essentially work as well. Their HEA was well deserved and I couldn't picture the two of them with anyone else.
When Will finally cracks and tells Jason how he feels it sets a fire in Jason's heart. Jason is a sweetheart, but he is a naïve sweetheart and honestly had no idea Will harbored any romantic feelings towards him. He thinks back to all the cuddles they've shared. How Will has always felt like home to him. Will is his person and it just makes sense that they would be the perfect partner for each other.
Not everything goes smoothly. Both men have some baggage that they haven't truly unpacked, more like buried into the back of their closet. It's still there, but hidden away so they don't have to be reminded of it too often. This has to be worked through in order for Will and Jason to essentially work as well. Their HEA was well deserved and I couldn't picture the two of them with anyone else.
August 7, 2022
"There was only one thing I was certain about in this world, and that was Jason. He was my childhood friend who had been the only constant in my life. My protector, my family, my unrequited love…and I knew I had to give him up." ~Will
This story was a contradiction. It was light and yet very heavy at the same time. There was angst in the beginning regarding the pinning towards one another. Will and Jason grew up as childhood friends and they weren't in the best situation. Will developed deep feelings for Jason but didn't think it would ever be reciprocated which lead to the first part of the books inner monolog from Will and the longing feelings he was going through.
I never realized that I didn't enjoy pinning, however, the author did a great job at wrapping that up at a good point in the story. It was bordering on being annoying but really wasn't.
The rest of the book when they both finally relalized their feelings didn't get any lighter. The storyline was light and an easy read in general but not the emotional angst. Even by the end of the book I didn't really feel the happy ending. It was more of a real life ending with a HFN because they both were in therapy dealing with the childhood trauma. It wasn't a bad thing at all. I just wasn't expecting it to be so relatable and like I was sitting next to a friend and being a shoulder to lean on through all of their issues.
Overall a good story and it flowed well.
This story was a contradiction. It was light and yet very heavy at the same time. There was angst in the beginning regarding the pinning towards one another. Will and Jason grew up as childhood friends and they weren't in the best situation. Will developed deep feelings for Jason but didn't think it would ever be reciprocated which lead to the first part of the books inner monolog from Will and the longing feelings he was going through.
I never realized that I didn't enjoy pinning, however, the author did a great job at wrapping that up at a good point in the story. It was bordering on being annoying but really wasn't.
The rest of the book when they both finally relalized their feelings didn't get any lighter. The storyline was light and an easy read in general but not the emotional angst. Even by the end of the book I didn't really feel the happy ending. It was more of a real life ending with a HFN because they both were in therapy dealing with the childhood trauma. It wasn't a bad thing at all. I just wasn't expecting it to be so relatable and like I was sitting next to a friend and being a shoulder to lean on through all of their issues.
Overall a good story and it flowed well.
August 4, 2022
This is another fun, light-hearted, low-angst book from Corio Heights. This time, Will and Jason get their story and, although the book is light, some of the subject matter is serious. Will and Jason have been best friends since childhood. Living in neighboring apartments as children, Will's abusive parents were alcoholic and his home was chaotic. Jason, who saved Will from schoolyard bullying, also welcomed him into his home, where his struggling single mother did her best to help both boys. Now, the two are 28 year old men, virgins, and they have been wrapped up in each other's lives forever. Their relationship is obsessive and codependent. Will has sexual desires for Jason, but he's afraid to change their relationship and potentially destroy it. Jason eventually realizes that his sexuality is a type of ACE, but he's drawn to Will. When they finally take the leap into a romantic relationship, will everything magically fall in place or is more work to be done? This book includes the other friends from the apartment building and other books in the series. The love between Will and Jason is special and beautiful.
July 19, 2022
The most I loved about this book is the love and the undenying chemistry between Will & Jason.
The angst is well written, I think I might like Will a little more then Jason however.
Will has been in love with his bf for years and decides to take a step back from his bff to expand his horizons. Jacob who cannot understand why he’s hiding from him does everything to run him down. I really liked Jason’s determination. Was their obsession/codependency with each a little too much sometimes yes but thats the point of the book. I think Will was portrayed as more of an actual adult who took things seriously while I did struggle to remember Jason was literally the same age and came off super childish to me at times.
However was it super mushy and hit all the feels absolutely!!!
I was kindly provided a ARC copy for an honest review!
The angst is well written, I think I might like Will a little more then Jason however.
Will has been in love with his bf for years and decides to take a step back from his bff to expand his horizons. Jacob who cannot understand why he’s hiding from him does everything to run him down. I really liked Jason’s determination. Was their obsession/codependency with each a little too much sometimes yes but thats the point of the book. I think Will was portrayed as more of an actual adult who took things seriously while I did struggle to remember Jason was literally the same age and came off super childish to me at times.
However was it super mushy and hit all the feels absolutely!!!
I was kindly provided a ARC copy for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2022
This was a good read, but emotionally heavier than I expected.
I loved that Will and Jason got their happy ending, but felt their history (and trauma) was treated too superficially and then really only towards the end of the book.
I loved that Will and Jason got their happy ending, but felt their history (and trauma) was treated too superficially and then really only towards the end of the book.
July 25, 2022
This book was fluffy and sweet and like reading a big piece of chocolate cake. However, I found there to be a few things that made it just a 3/5 for me.
Things I liked
1. I loved loved LOVED reading a story of two friends exploring their sexuality together. In this story neither Jason nor Will have ever been with anyone. So they end up exploring it together. Learning together. Jason figures out some things about his sexuality. It was a great dynamic to read. Not to mention it was great to watch two inexperienced people put that trust in each other and learn together. It was beautiful, and I loved it.
2. The sweetness. I cannot emphasis how fluffy this book is. There is so much tenderness between these two. And it's shared openly. And it's beautiful.
3. Reading a romance novel where the angst (because there is some - you need some kind of conflict) is shared between the characters. 99% of the time when I read a romance novel the angst/conflict is something that they hide from one another. Whether it's feelings or a past secret that eventually comes out etc. But in this book the angst/conflict is something that comes out right away and they work through it together. It was kind of refreshing to see it happen that way AND still be a solid enough plotline to cause enough conflict to make the story work.
4. Size difference. I'm a sucker for this. One giant man and his adorable little tiny boyfriend. I loved it. And often when I see that dynamic it's done in an age gap. I liked that they're the same age in this one. So it's never about the smallness of Jason being an infantilizing thing.
5. Best friends to lovers. Yes please. This was so well done here. Lifelong friends taking that last step.
Things I didn't like
1. The brothers thing is heavily emphasized before they get together. "We're just brothers" or "We've always been just like brothers." It was pushed pretty hard at the beginning when they're trying to convince themselves that the other person could never love them back... but it means that when they do get together it feels a bit... squicky at first... because BOTH of them in their separate POVs emphasized that they've been just like brothers since they were very young. Once they get together they don't mention it anymore. But when they first took that next step it felt kind of weird because of it.
2. Writing. Some of the writing is a little muddled sometimes. I know this is the third in a series, but I haven't read the others and I would have liked better descriptions of the side characters. In my head they were fuzzy because I didn't get a good picture of them. I assume the author is going to assume you've read the other books (though you didn't really need to) but I would have liked a little something. Also there were some scenes I found confusing where descriptions of what characters were doing wouldn't be super clear and then suddenly I'd have to move them around in my head because they were actually somewhere else in the room. Stuff like that pulled me out of the story sometimes. It's not constant, but I ran into a few scenes that had less impact than they should have because of stuff like this.
3. Naïveté. For as old as these two guys are... and for having been pretty much out on the street together at a young age... they both read as very naive. Not necessarily with the sex stuff. It's fine that they're exploring sex together and are inexperienced. But just with general conversation/thoughts... they felt written as a lot younger than they're supposed to be. As I recall they're in their late 20's and it felt very much a lot of the time like they were still teenagers.
4. The ending felt rushed to me. There was resolution on the horizon but it didn't happen in the actual book. I would have preferred to see the actual resolution in the skip ahead Epilogue rather than just a hint of it.
Overall it was a sweet fluffy read that gave me so many feels.
Things I liked
1. I loved loved LOVED reading a story of two friends exploring their sexuality together. In this story neither Jason nor Will have ever been with anyone. So they end up exploring it together. Learning together. Jason figures out some things about his sexuality. It was a great dynamic to read. Not to mention it was great to watch two inexperienced people put that trust in each other and learn together. It was beautiful, and I loved it.
2. The sweetness. I cannot emphasis how fluffy this book is. There is so much tenderness between these two. And it's shared openly. And it's beautiful.
3. Reading a romance novel where the angst (because there is some - you need some kind of conflict) is shared between the characters. 99% of the time when I read a romance novel the angst/conflict is something that they hide from one another. Whether it's feelings or a past secret that eventually comes out etc. But in this book the angst/conflict is something that comes out right away and they work through it together. It was kind of refreshing to see it happen that way AND still be a solid enough plotline to cause enough conflict to make the story work.
4. Size difference. I'm a sucker for this. One giant man and his adorable little tiny boyfriend. I loved it. And often when I see that dynamic it's done in an age gap. I liked that they're the same age in this one. So it's never about the smallness of Jason being an infantilizing thing.
5. Best friends to lovers. Yes please. This was so well done here. Lifelong friends taking that last step.
Things I didn't like
1. The brothers thing is heavily emphasized before they get together. "We're just brothers" or "We've always been just like brothers." It was pushed pretty hard at the beginning when they're trying to convince themselves that the other person could never love them back... but it means that when they do get together it feels a bit... squicky at first... because BOTH of them in their separate POVs emphasized that they've been just like brothers since they were very young. Once they get together they don't mention it anymore. But when they first took that next step it felt kind of weird because of it.
2. Writing. Some of the writing is a little muddled sometimes. I know this is the third in a series, but I haven't read the others and I would have liked better descriptions of the side characters. In my head they were fuzzy because I didn't get a good picture of them. I assume the author is going to assume you've read the other books (though you didn't really need to) but I would have liked a little something. Also there were some scenes I found confusing where descriptions of what characters were doing wouldn't be super clear and then suddenly I'd have to move them around in my head because they were actually somewhere else in the room. Stuff like that pulled me out of the story sometimes. It's not constant, but I ran into a few scenes that had less impact than they should have because of stuff like this.
3. Naïveté. For as old as these two guys are... and for having been pretty much out on the street together at a young age... they both read as very naive. Not necessarily with the sex stuff. It's fine that they're exploring sex together and are inexperienced. But just with general conversation/thoughts... they felt written as a lot younger than they're supposed to be. As I recall they're in their late 20's and it felt very much a lot of the time like they were still teenagers.
4. The ending felt rushed to me. There was resolution on the horizon but it didn't happen in the actual book. I would have preferred to see the actual resolution in the skip ahead Epilogue rather than just a hint of it.
Overall it was a sweet fluffy read that gave me so many feels.
August 3, 2022
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book - for which I am grateful. Shaving a few days off of the wait makes me a very happy reader. I loved this book as I loved the 2 before it and as I’m sure I’ll love the one after it, but I have a wee bit of dissatisfaction over the ending. However, I'm a greedy reader and I want all the happiness, not just most of it. Over the first two books in the series, we’ve gotten a little glimpse of Will and Jason. We know that Will has been in love with Jason basically forever, but their traumatic childhoods (always read the TW, friends) keeps Will from feeling comfortable taking the chance and possibly ruining their (extremely codependent) relationship. They have lived together since they were 18 and rely on one another for everything. They spend next to no time apart and this is causing Will heartache because he wants what he thinks that he can’t have. Jason, while not lovestruck like Will, had pondered the idea of being with Will in a romantic relationship, but it wasn’t something that interested him because he didn’t think that Will loved or wanted him like that – something that we learn about around the halfway point of the book. Any further talk of the plot will give away too much of the story, making this a spoiler review and I really don’t want to do this. This beautiful story has a happy ending, but I wish that we’d gotten a glimpse of the guys further along in their happiness than we were left with. I’m pinning my hopes on peeks at them in the next book. While I was left wanting, I’m not mad about this book at all. You don’t have to read the first two books, but I would highly recommend it so that you aren’t missing anything from this story.Rye Cox
July 24, 2022
I feel like this is the book we’ve needed for awhile. Don’t get me wrong, I love books with an adorable meet cute to start and big declarations of love to end. But I really loved this book about all the in between stuff. Frankly, it was refreshing, but not without its pitfalls.
Will and Jason have known each other forever. Will has been in love with Jason for as long as he can remember. He doesn’t want to risk the friendship so he pines…and pines… and pines. It’s Will taking a chance that leads them to one another. Jason finally sees what was right in front of him the whole time. I really loved how these guys loved each other. However, sometimes familiarity isn’t always the best. And the obsession and possession get to be a little much. This was when it started being a real winner for me. Will and Jason were both willing to see a therapist to help them to a healthy place. They both had these underlying trauma responses they never recognized or tried to resolve. This is what we don’t get to see often enough with couples who go from friends to lovers. I loved this aspect of the book: Will and Jason growing together in their love.
Their explorations of one another were sexy. Both being virgins, they didn’t have a lot to go on. I wish we would have seen some more of their firsts. Some of these things were glossed over and I felt like I needed more to their story that way. I also felt like there was so much telling going on and not enough showing. Sometimes we’d skip a whole week in just a few sentences and I didn’t love that.
This was a mostly well rounded read. Some angst to be had and a heaping helping of pining, but I really did enjoy Will and Jason together. They were basically a couple without the physical intimacy all along. Adding that part was the icing on an already delicious cake. 4 hard won stars from me.
Will and Jason have known each other forever. Will has been in love with Jason for as long as he can remember. He doesn’t want to risk the friendship so he pines…and pines… and pines. It’s Will taking a chance that leads them to one another. Jason finally sees what was right in front of him the whole time. I really loved how these guys loved each other. However, sometimes familiarity isn’t always the best. And the obsession and possession get to be a little much. This was when it started being a real winner for me. Will and Jason were both willing to see a therapist to help them to a healthy place. They both had these underlying trauma responses they never recognized or tried to resolve. This is what we don’t get to see often enough with couples who go from friends to lovers. I loved this aspect of the book: Will and Jason growing together in their love.
Their explorations of one another were sexy. Both being virgins, they didn’t have a lot to go on. I wish we would have seen some more of their firsts. Some of these things were glossed over and I felt like I needed more to their story that way. I also felt like there was so much telling going on and not enough showing. Sometimes we’d skip a whole week in just a few sentences and I didn’t love that.
This was a mostly well rounded read. Some angst to be had and a heaping helping of pining, but I really did enjoy Will and Jason together. They were basically a couple without the physical intimacy all along. Adding that part was the icing on an already delicious cake. 4 hard won stars from me.
August 18, 2022
Hello, glorious, all-consuming, agonizing pining for unrequited love. This book is dripping with longing, and it's delicious.
Long-suffering nice guy Will (27) has been in love with his roommate and childhood best friend Jason (27) for years but, not wanting to lose him, is resigned to a lifetime of close friendship. Jason, for his part, is completely oblivious to Will's feelings and views Will more like family than a potential lover...or does he?
This is such a (non-sugar shock) sweet story, it's impossible not to root hard for Will's HEA with Jason from page 1. Both are very self-aware of their unhealthy codependency and irrational jealousy and fears (their traumatic shared backstory is well fleshed out, and they seek therapy), and Will doesn't want to risk their friendship by pursuing more, until he can't pack down true feelings any longer.
As much as this is a friends-to-lovers story, it's also a sexual awakening for Jason, who is on the ace spectrum. I think that aspect could've been delved into further, with more introspection by Jason (same for his going to therapy). The latter half of the book focuses on the two making up for lost time as lovers, but it's not all steam and no story.
I enjoyed this book's easy flow and slow-burn feel (and actually, I would've loved an even slower burn), which made for a quick and breezy read that left me smiling. I also really liked how the setting - Curio City - played a larger role in this book, as Will and Jason played tourist on their non-date dates around town.
Reading the previous two books in the series isn't necessary to fully enjoy this one but Will and Jason do appear in them, plus they're good reads too. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.) [Story: 4.5 Stars]
Long-suffering nice guy Will (27) has been in love with his roommate and childhood best friend Jason (27) for years but, not wanting to lose him, is resigned to a lifetime of close friendship. Jason, for his part, is completely oblivious to Will's feelings and views Will more like family than a potential lover...or does he?
This is such a (non-sugar shock) sweet story, it's impossible not to root hard for Will's HEA with Jason from page 1. Both are very self-aware of their unhealthy codependency and irrational jealousy and fears (their traumatic shared backstory is well fleshed out, and they seek therapy), and Will doesn't want to risk their friendship by pursuing more, until he can't pack down true feelings any longer.
As much as this is a friends-to-lovers story, it's also a sexual awakening for Jason, who is on the ace spectrum. I think that aspect could've been delved into further, with more introspection by Jason (same for his going to therapy). The latter half of the book focuses on the two making up for lost time as lovers, but it's not all steam and no story.
I enjoyed this book's easy flow and slow-burn feel (and actually, I would've loved an even slower burn), which made for a quick and breezy read that left me smiling. I also really liked how the setting - Curio City - played a larger role in this book, as Will and Jason played tourist on their non-date dates around town.
Reading the previous two books in the series isn't necessary to fully enjoy this one but Will and Jason do appear in them, plus they're good reads too. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.) [Story: 4.5 Stars]
July 26, 2022
3.5-4 stars
This was the story I was waiting for since I read the first in this series. When I first met Jason and Will I honestly thought they were already a couple and was surprised they were just friends. I was so looking forward their story, and I usually like friends to lovers.
This was a bit different to what I expected, and that's not a bad thing. This was less about Jason and Will's love story than it was two people overcoming past trauma in order to forge a life together. Their relationship at the start of the book was less than healthy really, completely co-dependent and not good for either one of them really. Things come to a head when Will starts seeing a therapist and on his advice attempts to break the pattern of behaviour they have both slipped into, which leads to Jason realising his feelings for his best friend are far from platonic.
I liked their dynamic better once they actually got together, before it felt like Jason taking advantage of Will, who wouldn't stand up for himself. Once they were together it felt more equal, and then when they both ended up getting counselling it was even better. This is a slow burn story, with two people who were meant to be together finally getting what they both need. It's more a tale of how to form a healthy relationship (with help from professionals and friends) and realising that while they need each other, they both also need other things too.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This was the story I was waiting for since I read the first in this series. When I first met Jason and Will I honestly thought they were already a couple and was surprised they were just friends. I was so looking forward their story, and I usually like friends to lovers.
This was a bit different to what I expected, and that's not a bad thing. This was less about Jason and Will's love story than it was two people overcoming past trauma in order to forge a life together. Their relationship at the start of the book was less than healthy really, completely co-dependent and not good for either one of them really. Things come to a head when Will starts seeing a therapist and on his advice attempts to break the pattern of behaviour they have both slipped into, which leads to Jason realising his feelings for his best friend are far from platonic.
I liked their dynamic better once they actually got together, before it felt like Jason taking advantage of Will, who wouldn't stand up for himself. Once they were together it felt more equal, and then when they both ended up getting counselling it was even better. This is a slow burn story, with two people who were meant to be together finally getting what they both need. It's more a tale of how to form a healthy relationship (with help from professionals and friends) and realising that while they need each other, they both also need other things too.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
July 31, 2022
I'm a sucker for friends to lovers romances and this one hit a lot of spots for me - a small amount of pining and angst, romance, sweetness and some heated scenes. There's also a great group of friends that the neighbors of Corio Heights have, all really supportive and caring towards each other, a little like a found family.
Will and Jason have been friends since they lived in the poor area of town as young teens, Will with his alcoholic parents and Jason with his hard working mum. Will was welcomed by Jason and his mum, avoiding his own home as much as possible, meaning the two have been near joined at the hip for the majority of their lives. Will's done this whilst also being in love with his best friend. It takes pulling away for them both to see what can happen and the it's like a switch is flipped. I love how easy it is for them to be together, all the sweetness of first love and needing to be together. They have all of the first two have together and that's where it heats up a bit as they take time to explore each other.
What takes time is working through their pasts to have a stable future and ensuring that they don't become so codependent that it causes a more intense relationship to implode what they already had. It's an emotional ride for them both from the start and a good addition to the series. I'm definitely looking forward to the enigmatic Noah next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Will and Jason have been friends since they lived in the poor area of town as young teens, Will with his alcoholic parents and Jason with his hard working mum. Will was welcomed by Jason and his mum, avoiding his own home as much as possible, meaning the two have been near joined at the hip for the majority of their lives. Will's done this whilst also being in love with his best friend. It takes pulling away for them both to see what can happen and the it's like a switch is flipped. I love how easy it is for them to be together, all the sweetness of first love and needing to be together. They have all of the first two have together and that's where it heats up a bit as they take time to explore each other.
What takes time is working through their pasts to have a stable future and ensuring that they don't become so codependent that it causes a more intense relationship to implode what they already had. It's an emotional ride for them both from the start and a good addition to the series. I'm definitely looking forward to the enigmatic Noah next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
July 21, 2022
✨3.5
This is an ARC review, thank you Rye, for providing me with a free copy ❤️
Both Jason and Will are very sweet characters. The story, despite the premise, is pretty low angst, just the way I like it. I'm glad it didn't take those two too long to come to their senses. I was a tad worried they wouldn't get together until like 80% 😅 I insanely appreciate the space before paragraph formatting, makes it so much easier to read!
My biggest issue was the amount of info dump throughout the book, but especially in the first quarter. If I remember correctly, Jason and Will don't have any proper interaction until 20% and that 20% is pretty much just Will's internal monologue.
I get it - the author is trying to establish for how long Will's had unrequited feelings for his best friend, but unfortunately for me, it only took away from the story. There's very little interaction/dialogue until the MCs start having sex - which btw is really hot! Love me two virgins with one of them on the ace spectrum!
On that note, I loooved what a needy, bossy bottom Jason turned into. Poor Will could barely keep up with him 🤣
This was a good book, an appropriate length too (I generally prefer books around 250 pages, especially for this trope), but not one I'd be going back to.
This is an ARC review, thank you Rye, for providing me with a free copy ❤️
Both Jason and Will are very sweet characters. The story, despite the premise, is pretty low angst, just the way I like it. I'm glad it didn't take those two too long to come to their senses. I was a tad worried they wouldn't get together until like 80% 😅 I insanely appreciate the space before paragraph formatting, makes it so much easier to read!
My biggest issue was the amount of info dump throughout the book, but especially in the first quarter. If I remember correctly, Jason and Will don't have any proper interaction until 20% and that 20% is pretty much just Will's internal monologue.
I get it - the author is trying to establish for how long Will's had unrequited feelings for his best friend, but unfortunately for me, it only took away from the story. There's very little interaction/dialogue until the MCs start having sex - which btw is really hot! Love me two virgins with one of them on the ace spectrum!
On that note, I loooved what a needy, bossy bottom Jason turned into. Poor Will could barely keep up with him 🤣
This was a good book, an appropriate length too (I generally prefer books around 250 pages, especially for this trope), but not one I'd be going back to.
August 4, 2022
This is book 3 of the Corio Heights series and it can be read as a stand alone story. This is the story of Will and Jason. The two have been best friends for most of their lives. They had lived together for years. Unfortunately they are a little too codependent upon each other. They both love each other. The problem begins when Will can no longer live with Jason as just his friend. He wants him as his lover and life partner. But he is afraid to move forward in case Jason rejects him. He can't imagine a life without Jason so Will is stuck. When Will's therapist has him slowly start to expand his circle and not rely on Jason, things begin to change. Jason slowly clues in that Will has been avoiding him and it starts him reassessing his relationship with Will. He always wanted to spend his life with Will but didn't think about him as a lover or partner. It is a big wake up call for both of them. If they want to be happy, things have to change. This is their story. It is well written and easy to read. Your heart will ache when you read about the hardships that both of them have already survived. You will be cheering for them to find their happy ever after. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an ARC and am leaving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC and am leaving my honest opinion.
August 5, 2022
LOVE & HEALING
I’ve been waiting for this book for so long!! Can I just tell you how happy I am right now?! I was on the edge of tears almost from the beginning, because these two are just perfect for each other in my eyes. The ending is absolutely lovely! This book is one I can see rereading.
Will has had feelings for Jason forever. FOREVER. I’m not sure Jason ever realized, not that he’s oblivious, he’s not, Will is just that good at hiding. When he finally slips the tether on his control and shows Jason, Jason responds. It’s like he finally woke up too. It was just beyond perfection seeing these connect the way they did. But perfection has a way of hiding cracks and broken pieces. Can love truly heal all wounds?
Oh man, y’all. I wanted and waited for this book. If Rye Cox herself had told me, she was planning on ripping my heart out before she pieced it back together, I would have still said please let me read your book. Jason and Will’s story is a doozy for me. Maybe others will feel like it isn’t an emotional book, but that’s the beauty in reading. We can all see a story through our own lens. For me, Jason and Will’s story is beautiful. I hope that you will love it too. ❤️
I’ve been waiting for this book for so long!! Can I just tell you how happy I am right now?! I was on the edge of tears almost from the beginning, because these two are just perfect for each other in my eyes. The ending is absolutely lovely! This book is one I can see rereading.
Will has had feelings for Jason forever. FOREVER. I’m not sure Jason ever realized, not that he’s oblivious, he’s not, Will is just that good at hiding. When he finally slips the tether on his control and shows Jason, Jason responds. It’s like he finally woke up too. It was just beyond perfection seeing these connect the way they did. But perfection has a way of hiding cracks and broken pieces. Can love truly heal all wounds?
Oh man, y’all. I wanted and waited for this book. If Rye Cox herself had told me, she was planning on ripping my heart out before she pieced it back together, I would have still said please let me read your book. Jason and Will’s story is a doozy for me. Maybe others will feel like it isn’t an emotional book, but that’s the beauty in reading. We can all see a story through our own lens. For me, Jason and Will’s story is beautiful. I hope that you will love it too. ❤️
July 20, 2022
Thank you to the author & GRR for an ARC for in return for my honest review.
This is my first book by Rye Cox. Sadly, The Forever Neighbor did not work for me. The premise is a favorite trope of mine. Childhood best friends-to-lovers, with all the pining and angst and resolution. So I was very excited to be given the arc. But the following reasons caused me to struggle quite a bit to get through the pages, so I did have to skip-n-read to get through.
- The protagonists are 27 year old men, but they sounded young, possibly 18-19 yrs. Their concerns and the scope of their world in this story felt very narrow.
- There was just too much telling vs. showing. Actually, most of the book felt like it was being told me: what and how the characters felt, what they feared, what they worried about, what they wanted...all of it was told rather than shown in actual active scenes rooted in the present.
- We live in the past too much. Too much of characters telling us things from their past via inner monologue (vs. showing through active scenes in the past or present). And these frequent switches between both was rather disorienting.
This is my first book by Rye Cox. Sadly, The Forever Neighbor did not work for me. The premise is a favorite trope of mine. Childhood best friends-to-lovers, with all the pining and angst and resolution. So I was very excited to be given the arc. But the following reasons caused me to struggle quite a bit to get through the pages, so I did have to skip-n-read to get through.
- The protagonists are 27 year old men, but they sounded young, possibly 18-19 yrs. Their concerns and the scope of their world in this story felt very narrow.
- There was just too much telling vs. showing. Actually, most of the book felt like it was being told me: what and how the characters felt, what they feared, what they worried about, what they wanted...all of it was told rather than shown in actual active scenes rooted in the present.
- We live in the past too much. Too much of characters telling us things from their past via inner monologue (vs. showing through active scenes in the past or present). And these frequent switches between both was rather disorienting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2022
He will finally get his wish
This book is fantastic! It’s back to Curio Heights for Will and Jason’s story and what a story it is! Together since childhood and sharing the trauma from the sudden death of Jason’s mother, the two friends are inseparable. But Will wants to be so much more than friends. Fear of losing Jason completely keeps him from expressing his feelings. Jason also wants more but feels Will can’t possibly feel the same. They will find out the truth one night after spending some time out together in public, which they usually don’t do. They are shocked to find each one feels the same as the other and start their relationship. But it’s a bit of a bumpy ride at first and Will’s therapist, Andrew, will step in to help save the day and the relationship. Teaching them that being independent of each other is just as important and being together, they will finally live apart for the first time in forever and they will find that not only are they learning new things about each other, but they learn that being apart will actually bring them closer together.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This book is fantastic! It’s back to Curio Heights for Will and Jason’s story and what a story it is! Together since childhood and sharing the trauma from the sudden death of Jason’s mother, the two friends are inseparable. But Will wants to be so much more than friends. Fear of losing Jason completely keeps him from expressing his feelings. Jason also wants more but feels Will can’t possibly feel the same. They will find out the truth one night after spending some time out together in public, which they usually don’t do. They are shocked to find each one feels the same as the other and start their relationship. But it’s a bit of a bumpy ride at first and Will’s therapist, Andrew, will step in to help save the day and the relationship. Teaching them that being independent of each other is just as important and being together, they will finally live apart for the first time in forever and they will find that not only are they learning new things about each other, but they learn that being apart will actually bring them closer together.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
July 12, 2022
The Corio Heights series is fun and light and just makes my heart happy. I've read book 2 several times and got the audio for both books as well. So to say I was excited for Will and Jason's story, was an understatement.
I was actually a little nervous about their book since I know both Will and Jason rely strongly on eachother for comfort. But honestly, I shouldn't have been nervous at all! Rye's signature light and romantic vibes came through nicely.
Their story was really sweet and had low angst, despite some of the heavier topics. (And thank goodness, I don't want to cry while reading right now.)
This story was really about self discovery, becoming independent while being with the one you love and learning to care for yourself. Both Will and Jason grow as characters in this story and it's really beautiful. It also felt genuine and relatable.
This story was swoonworthy with the right amount of steam... and boy did I like the steam! The cameos were fun and Rye also already has me invested in the next couple's book.
5 Stars.
I was actually a little nervous about their book since I know both Will and Jason rely strongly on eachother for comfort. But honestly, I shouldn't have been nervous at all! Rye's signature light and romantic vibes came through nicely.
Their story was really sweet and had low angst, despite some of the heavier topics. (And thank goodness, I don't want to cry while reading right now.)
This story was really about self discovery, becoming independent while being with the one you love and learning to care for yourself. Both Will and Jason grow as characters in this story and it's really beautiful. It also felt genuine and relatable.
This story was swoonworthy with the right amount of steam... and boy did I like the steam! The cameos were fun and Rye also already has me invested in the next couple's book.
5 Stars.
August 3, 2022
I'm so glad I started this series because it just keeps getting better with each new book. This is a lovely best friends to lovers story, and like everyone else who has read the previous books, I’ve been waiting for Jason to realise how much Will loves him and finally, we get to see it.
Will and Jason have been best friends for years and already have a well-developed relationship that Jason finds very satisfying, but not so much for Will, who has been in love with Jason for almost as long as they have been friends.
Watching Jason have a light bulb moment, and he and Will’s relationship change to one of lovers was wonderful, but not without its moments of angst and emotion. I loved their story and how all the men from the previous books were there to support and help.
This was a sweet story filled with emotion, heat and a happy ending that could be read as a stand-alone but will be better if you’ve read the previous books first. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from GRR to review, and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
Will and Jason have been best friends for years and already have a well-developed relationship that Jason finds very satisfying, but not so much for Will, who has been in love with Jason for almost as long as they have been friends.
Watching Jason have a light bulb moment, and he and Will’s relationship change to one of lovers was wonderful, but not without its moments of angst and emotion. I loved their story and how all the men from the previous books were there to support and help.
This was a sweet story filled with emotion, heat and a happy ending that could be read as a stand-alone but will be better if you’ve read the previous books first. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from GRR to review, and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
August 3, 2022
hm ... this one is difficult to rate for me. normally I like friends-to-lovers stories and in principle I liked this one as well, but I have some reservations
I liked both characters - Will and Jason are really different from each other but due to the fact that they grew up together and were family, they are perfect together.
after their upbringing, their story could have gone 2 ways - just be brothers with only brotherly feelings or develop more deeper feelings. as this is their story, you can imagine which way this went.
the story is not so much about how they explore their feelings for each other but more about how they can find closure about their shared trauma ... and here I have some reservations, as I am not sure I find the way the therapist argued really healthy and productive.
I had therefore some troubles with the flow of the story and I am not quite sure, I believe their happy end.
this is part of a series but you can definitly read it as a stand-alone.
all in all an ok read in a nice series.
an ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest review
I liked both characters - Will and Jason are really different from each other but due to the fact that they grew up together and were family, they are perfect together.
after their upbringing, their story could have gone 2 ways - just be brothers with only brotherly feelings or develop more deeper feelings. as this is their story, you can imagine which way this went.
the story is not so much about how they explore their feelings for each other but more about how they can find closure about their shared trauma ... and here I have some reservations, as I am not sure I find the way the therapist argued really healthy and productive.
I had therefore some troubles with the flow of the story and I am not quite sure, I believe their happy end.
this is part of a series but you can definitly read it as a stand-alone.
all in all an ok read in a nice series.
an ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest review
August 5, 2022
Firstly let me say I’ve got this book of gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review
This book is the third book in the series but my first book I have read by Rye Cox. It’s about two best friends Jason and Will who have known each other since they were very young gone through hell and back growing up together. But Will has always had feelings for Jason but he didn’t want to risk anything in case his feelings weren’t reflected in Jason. They are so close to each other that they seem a couple even before they start. But one kiss changes it all but does that mean they are right for each other??
I really liked these two. I felt the struggles that they have been through but the feelings they have for each other are real. the passion and the chemistry they have is real turn on Times intense but at times I just found it wet. I just needed the storyline to move on. I wish there was more of a storyline I think is what I’m saying. I enjoyed the group of friends I had around them and I will definitely read another book in the series.
This book is the third book in the series but my first book I have read by Rye Cox. It’s about two best friends Jason and Will who have known each other since they were very young gone through hell and back growing up together. But Will has always had feelings for Jason but he didn’t want to risk anything in case his feelings weren’t reflected in Jason. They are so close to each other that they seem a couple even before they start. But one kiss changes it all but does that mean they are right for each other??
I really liked these two. I felt the struggles that they have been through but the feelings they have for each other are real. the passion and the chemistry they have is real turn on Times intense but at times I just found it wet. I just needed the storyline to move on. I wish there was more of a storyline I think is what I’m saying. I enjoyed the group of friends I had around them and I will definitely read another book in the series.
July 30, 2022
Will and Jason ❤️
3 Stars ⭐️
I was so excited to read about these two finally getting together....what I didn't expect was the almost heaviness of this book compared to the others in this series. I felt like some of it worked but a lot of it was repetitive and I'm not sure I was a particular fan of the heavy emphasis on the co-dependency issues?? Ugh...I had such high hopes for this couple, not that this was a total let down but tbh some parts were. Now.....with that being said, I adored the inexperience between these two...it made their sexy times that much better and the dates....Omg so cute!!! The epilogue was extremely touching and It was everything that I wanted for Will and Jason. I would recommend this book for series fans, you'd be missing a piece of the group dynamic if you skipped it 😊 I will most definitely move on to the next book in this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
3 Stars ⭐️
I was so excited to read about these two finally getting together....what I didn't expect was the almost heaviness of this book compared to the others in this series. I felt like some of it worked but a lot of it was repetitive and I'm not sure I was a particular fan of the heavy emphasis on the co-dependency issues?? Ugh...I had such high hopes for this couple, not that this was a total let down but tbh some parts were. Now.....with that being said, I adored the inexperience between these two...it made their sexy times that much better and the dates....Omg so cute!!! The epilogue was extremely touching and It was everything that I wanted for Will and Jason. I would recommend this book for series fans, you'd be missing a piece of the group dynamic if you skipped it 😊 I will most definitely move on to the next book in this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
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