What happens when you fall for the one person you can't have?
Ryan has had seventeen years of being compared to Cody, part of his toxic fractured family, so you’ll forgive him for some epic eye-rolling when it comes to Mr Perfect. Although not related to him by blood, Cody has always been annoying background noise in Ryan’s life. It doesn’t help that Cody’s a high achieving musician, while Ryan’s life ambition doesn’t extend past catching the next wave.
One summer changes everything. It’s the summer when circumstances collide, and Cody and Ryan end up spending time together at Cody’s family’s beach house. It’s the summer Ryan teaches Cody to surf and Cody teaches Ryan to play guitar. It’s the summer when they become friends.
And then more than friends.
But when summer ends, Cody and Ryan are forced back to reality, where they must hide their relationship from their warring family members. And as tragedy strikes and family secrets buried deep in the past worm their way to the surface, their relationship is threatened. Can their feelings, which began in the summer sun, survive the winter ahead?
Ryan has had seventeen years of being compared to Cody, part of his toxic fractured family, so you’ll forgive him for some epic eye-rolling when it comes to Mr Perfect. Although not related to him by blood, Cody has always been annoying background noise in Ryan’s life. It doesn’t help that Cody’s a high achieving musician, while Ryan’s life ambition doesn’t extend past catching the next wave.
One summer changes everything. It’s the summer when circumstances collide, and Cody and Ryan end up spending time together at Cody’s family’s beach house. It’s the summer Ryan teaches Cody to surf and Cody teaches Ryan to play guitar. It’s the summer when they become friends.
And then more than friends.
But when summer ends, Cody and Ryan are forced back to reality, where they must hide their relationship from their warring family members. And as tragedy strikes and family secrets buried deep in the past worm their way to the surface, their relationship is threatened. Can their feelings, which began in the summer sun, survive the winter ahead?
My Rating - 5 Stars!
The Other Brother is a fabulous romance by Jax Calder. I love every single moment of this friends to lovers book.
This book is truly awesome. The set-up is great, as Cody and Ryan aren't related, but they share the same half sisters, as Ryan's mother and Cody's father used to be married. But they aren't related, even if it means things are a little bit awkward.
I love that the two young men grew up barely seeing one another, until they are together at college. It perfectly sets up a situation that seems completely realistic and intriguing. There's also a history between the two and their sisters that cause a lot of animosity and doubts.
The friendship that the two develop is wonderful. It develops naturally and the bond is easily established. I was definitely rooting for these two throughout.
This is a story with some beach scenes, surfing, and a slow burn. It's a story between complete opposites who have a complicated history and a shared proximity.
Adding to the storyline is the extreme tension between the ex spouses and their families. Everyone knows the exes can't be in the same room together, but it isn't known why until the end. And I appreciate the way this all is revealed.
The writing is well done, with the author's writing style immediately pulling me into the storyline. The characters are well developed and the pace is perfect. I am quickly falling in love with this author's writing.
The Other Brother is a riveting new adult romance. I highly recommend this story for the next time you're in the mood for a sweet college romance. I couldn't read this one fast enough and am definitely adding it to my re-read list.
