Building Up to Love by J.V. Speyer

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Blurb

Jared is at the top of his game, professionally. His love life leaves a little to be desired. All he wants is someone who can love him for him, and who doesn’t demand he “pick a side.” The sudden reappearance of his college boyfriend, Logan, doesn’t make anything better.

Logan knows he broke Jared’s heart all those years ago. He plans to keep a respectful distance, especially once he starts defending a mob case. The last thing he wants is to bring more trouble into Jared’s life. As they keep getting thrown together, he finds it harder to stay away.

The Mob isn’t known for being considerate of their targets’ love lives. It’s not going to be easy to build a new relationship with Jared as Logan’s client’s enemies come knocking at his door…

Review 

My Rating -  3.5 Stars!

Building Up to Love is a good read by JV Speyer. Focusing on bisexuality, it has a poignant theme. 

Jared's faith in men has been destroyed, as Logan wasn't able to trust the bisexual Jared. A very intriguing topic, it's a wonderful illustration of the struggles with explaining bisexuality and the ability to be monogamous.

As these former roommates are reunited, Logan has to ride the fine line between giving Jared his space and trying to explain his past decisions. It's a great story of being in love but unable to put the past behind him. It's about rebuilding trust, rebuilding faith.

They also have to deal with some danger from some people who don't like Logan defending a certain criminal. A lawyer for mobsters, this also makes for a good take on morality and the job.

Building Up to Love is a wonderful story of getting a second chance with the great love of one's life. I was a little weary in the beginning, but overall I really enjoyed this story.

Blindsided (Fake Boyfriend #4) by Eden Finley

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Blurb

𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫:

When Talon left to play pro ball six years ago, the hole in my chest confused me. I focused my heartache into making my own NFL dreams come true, and by the time I was drafted, the longing I had for my best friend was buried deep.

Now he wants everything to be like it was in college, but we can’t have threesomes and be reckless like we once were. The media storm would be enough to break both our careers.

That’s not my biggest concern though. The torch I had for him burns brighter after so long apart, and there’s nothing I can do about it. Marcus Talon is straight.

I need to stay away from him.

𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧:

Years ago, Miller and I made a pact that we’d win a Super Bowl together. When I’m offered a position on his team in Chicago, I don’t hesitate. I move across the country to chase a dream that’s a decade old.

Only, now that I’m here, he’s avoiding me every chance he gets. If he was anyone else, I’d cut my losses.

But this is Shane Miller—the guy who makes everything better just by existing in my universe. The guy I’d do anything for. The guy who’s more to me than a brother, a friend, or even a teammate.

I’m not going to let him get away.

**Blindsided is a full-length MM novel with an HFN/HEA and no cliffhanger. Unlike the other books in the Fake Boyfriend universe, Blindsided does not contain a fake boyfriend trope.**

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Eden Finley's Blindsided is an amazing friends to lovers romance. Although it takes place in the Fake Boyfriend's world, this is not a fake boyfriend tale.

Talon and Miller started have threesomes with girls in college. Now, years later, they're back on the same team, and things get interesting. 

I am absolutely in love with Miller and Talon. I enjoy the way they know each other so damn well, as well as the way they bring out the best on one another. Miller explored long ago and discovered he's bisexual, with Talon being the man for him.  It takes longer for Talon to come to terms with his feelings for Miller. When he suddenly realizes Miller's the one he's into, not the girls that they used to hook up with together, his world is thrown for a loop. New feelings suddenly come to life and confessions are made.

Their story is one of doubts, fears, and insecurities. They have to face being closeted in the world of pro football, and figuring out if, when, and how to come out. There are injuries to contend with, and trying to not run away from the what-ifs. 

It's truly an amazing book. Eden Finley's writing style is superb, taking me along for an incredible ride. I found myself fully engrossed in every moment and every scene. Her writing is accomplished and I am thrilled to read her works.

I find the aspects of homophobia and the power of hate to be extremely well explored. The author doesn't shy away from demonstrating the force behind hatred.
 

My favorite line has to be "Marcus Talon has the power to break me and he doesn't even know it." These men are so deeply in love, but have never told each other, and they are absolutely the other's everything.

Blindsided is a mesmerizing romance. Eden Finley excels in this tale of missing one another and wasted years, and all repressed feelings, fears, and doubts. And, damn, I love athletes falling in love and this one is as good as it gets.