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I don’t do commitment. And though I swing both ways, I don’t do men either.
It’s too messy, too stressful, and just asking for trouble.
I’d rather shine bright like the sun than drown in the rain, so I adopt a pounce-and-bounce lifestyle for which my sparkling charm keeps me from being hated.
When I show up in Sweden for a semester abroad, I expect a roomie. What I don’t expect is Lars. The storm to my sun. The test of my patience. How easy he makes it to forget all my reasons for staying away from guys.
No big deal. I’ll just pivot from pounce and bounce to roomies with benefits. I’ll get to indulge in that side of me, then leave it half a world away. What happens in Sweden stays in Sweden� until he follows me home.
Lars shows up at Westbrook looking like my little brother’s new swim bro. Just as alluring as he did before.
And all I can do is ask myself,
My resolve for an uncomplicated, stress-free life isn’t something I’m willing to give up for anyone, even if his icy-blond hair begs for my fingers and those pale-blue eyes are haunted by shadows.
I might be the sun, but I am not his sun, and it’s not my job to chase away whatever sent him running here. He swears it isn’t me. But I’m calling bullshit. Why else would he show up on my turf?
But then shit starts happening, and the shadows in his eyes turn to panic. I catch a glimpse of the bruises on his creamy, flawless skin.
I can’t keep him at arm’s length anymore. I don’t want to. Protecting him means surrendering to everything I always refused. His destruction or mine.
The choice is simple, so achingly absolute that I can’t help but wonder once more�
WTF?
Please note that WTF contains stalking and domestic abuse (not between the main characters). There is also mention of (off-page) parental death. Some readers may find these things uncomfortable.
It’s too messy, too stressful, and just asking for trouble.
I’d rather shine bright like the sun than drown in the rain, so I adopt a pounce-and-bounce lifestyle for which my sparkling charm keeps me from being hated.
When I show up in Sweden for a semester abroad, I expect a roomie. What I don’t expect is Lars. The storm to my sun. The test of my patience. How easy he makes it to forget all my reasons for staying away from guys.
No big deal. I’ll just pivot from pounce and bounce to roomies with benefits. I’ll get to indulge in that side of me, then leave it half a world away. What happens in Sweden stays in Sweden� until he follows me home.
Lars shows up at Westbrook looking like my little brother’s new swim bro. Just as alluring as he did before.
And all I can do is ask myself,
My resolve for an uncomplicated, stress-free life isn’t something I’m willing to give up for anyone, even if his icy-blond hair begs for my fingers and those pale-blue eyes are haunted by shadows.
I might be the sun, but I am not his sun, and it’s not my job to chase away whatever sent him running here. He swears it isn’t me. But I’m calling bullshit. Why else would he show up on my turf?
But then shit starts happening, and the shadows in his eyes turn to panic. I catch a glimpse of the bruises on his creamy, flawless skin.
I can’t keep him at arm’s length anymore. I don’t want to. Protecting him means surrendering to everything I always refused. His destruction or mine.
The choice is simple, so achingly absolute that I can’t help but wonder once more�
WTF?
Please note that WTF contains stalking and domestic abuse (not between the main characters). There is also mention of (off-page) parental death. Some readers may find these things uncomfortable.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2023
183 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Cambria Hebert
101books5,580followersCambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than fifty titles. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.
Awards Cambria has received include:
Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook:
Twitter:
Pinterest:
Instagram:
GoodReads:
Amazon:
Newsletter subscription:
Share Squad sign up:
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.
Awards Cambria has received include:
Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook:
Twitter:
Pinterest:
Instagram:
GoodReads:
Amazon:
Newsletter subscription:
Share Squad sign up:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
November 10, 2024
4.5 Stars
OMFG, I’m such a whore for this series. The characters, the romance, the SEX, the OTT drama, the intensity, the “touch him and die� possessiveness!!!... Unf! SO GOOD! I feel like I’ve been ridden hard and put away wet by this book. #sorrynotsorry
Win and Lars weren’t quite what I expected them to be, after being introduced to Win heavily in , but you’ll see no complaints here because I loved every little character detail and relationship surprise between these two.
Win, having lost his parents as a teen, struggles with relationships, always in fear of getting too close to anyone when loss and heartbreak can often be right around the corner. He has his brothers, Wes (actual bio bro) and Max (best friend and brother by choice) but he tries to keep himself detached from any form of romantic involvement where possible because his heart is safer that way.
When he does a semester abroad in Sweden, lines get blurred when he meets his broody little Nordic roommate, Lars. Although off-page (mostly) for us, these two fall into an intense friends-with-benefits type situation, which ends abruptly when Win returns home after Wes’s drama (in book #4). But fate has other ideas, and soon enough Lars shows up at Westbrook college, as the newest member of the Elite swim team. He swears he didn’t come here just for Win, but there’s a lot Win doesn’t know about Lars� past that keeps him guessing.
There’s that inevitable push-and-pull between Lars and Win that was very reminiscent of what Wes and Max went through in their book, with Win trying—and failing HARD—to keep his distance from his striking blue-eyed, blonde angel. Eventually, that “he’s mine forever� switch is flipped and Win claims his man with a passion and intensity that rivals all other Hebert couples I’ve read to date.
There is this itty-bitty part of me that still—after almost 20 Cambria Hebert reads—feels like maybe I should feel bad about loving her stories so much?! But f*ck it!! This is my idea of a really fun and all-consuming romance read. These books bring me endless joy and I will not feel bad about that, nor should I have to. *side-eying all the judgy-mcjudgersons*
As is the going trend with this series, there’s a suspense/thriller side-plot, involving Lars� abusive ex, which gets adequately intense and troublesome, providing plenty of opportunities for Win to go all cave-man, “who did this to you� on anyone that even looks funny at Lars. The drama is often heightened in these books, but did I mention I give no f*cks?! Because I’m always just SO OBSESSED that my eyes have trouble comprehending the words at the same rate my heart wants me to whip through the pages for more, more, more!
The found family vibes, between Win’s brother and with all the dude-bros (and their ladies) on the swim team, are strong AF. The group is growing exponentially at this rate, but I’ve yet to meet a character I haven’t enjoyed, so I’ll take all the new players and wrap them up in my obsessive little arms with glee and eagerness. Lars and Win were a great addition to the series and I adored their story.
As far as series longevity goes, the Westbrook Elite have been some of my favourite reads of the past two years, and with (at least?!) three more books planned in the series, I don’t see my joy for these characters diminishing anytime soon.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
OMFG, I’m such a whore for this series. The characters, the romance, the SEX, the OTT drama, the intensity, the “touch him and die� possessiveness!!!... Unf! SO GOOD! I feel like I’ve been ridden hard and put away wet by this book. #sorrynotsorry
Win and Lars weren’t quite what I expected them to be, after being introduced to Win heavily in , but you’ll see no complaints here because I loved every little character detail and relationship surprise between these two.
Win, having lost his parents as a teen, struggles with relationships, always in fear of getting too close to anyone when loss and heartbreak can often be right around the corner. He has his brothers, Wes (actual bio bro) and Max (best friend and brother by choice) but he tries to keep himself detached from any form of romantic involvement where possible because his heart is safer that way.
When he does a semester abroad in Sweden, lines get blurred when he meets his broody little Nordic roommate, Lars. Although off-page (mostly) for us, these two fall into an intense friends-with-benefits type situation, which ends abruptly when Win returns home after Wes’s drama (in book #4). But fate has other ideas, and soon enough Lars shows up at Westbrook college, as the newest member of the Elite swim team. He swears he didn’t come here just for Win, but there’s a lot Win doesn’t know about Lars� past that keeps him guessing.
There’s that inevitable push-and-pull between Lars and Win that was very reminiscent of what Wes and Max went through in their book, with Win trying—and failing HARD—to keep his distance from his striking blue-eyed, blonde angel. Eventually, that “he’s mine forever� switch is flipped and Win claims his man with a passion and intensity that rivals all other Hebert couples I’ve read to date.
There is this itty-bitty part of me that still—after almost 20 Cambria Hebert reads—feels like maybe I should feel bad about loving her stories so much?! But f*ck it!! This is my idea of a really fun and all-consuming romance read. These books bring me endless joy and I will not feel bad about that, nor should I have to. *side-eying all the judgy-mcjudgersons*
As is the going trend with this series, there’s a suspense/thriller side-plot, involving Lars� abusive ex, which gets adequately intense and troublesome, providing plenty of opportunities for Win to go all cave-man, “who did this to you� on anyone that even looks funny at Lars. The drama is often heightened in these books, but did I mention I give no f*cks?! Because I’m always just SO OBSESSED that my eyes have trouble comprehending the words at the same rate my heart wants me to whip through the pages for more, more, more!
The found family vibes, between Win’s brother and with all the dude-bros (and their ladies) on the swim team, are strong AF. The group is growing exponentially at this rate, but I’ve yet to meet a character I haven’t enjoyed, so I’ll take all the new players and wrap them up in my obsessive little arms with glee and eagerness. Lars and Win were a great addition to the series and I adored their story.
As far as series longevity goes, the Westbrook Elite have been some of my favourite reads of the past two years, and with (at least?!) three more books planned in the series, I don’t see my joy for these characters diminishing anytime soon.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
Read
April 12, 2023 “I’m a fucking sinner. With this ass in existence, I will never be a saint,�
I don’t know how to rate this so I’m leaving it unrated. Liked the characters a lot. Didn’t like the events.
I don’t know how to rate this so I’m leaving it unrated. Liked the characters a lot. Didn’t like the events.
April 10, 2023
WTF is a great second chance hurt/comfort romance between Win and Lars. I was so curious about these two roommates that were first mentioned in Wish and I was not disappointed. They are so perfect together and seeing the start of their connection in Sweden and how it progressed into something so possessive, protective, and utterly addicting was so well done.
Win and Lars are complicated characters due to their past traumas, which I think was handled with great care seeing how both are able to help and support each other through their darkest moments is very powerful for this story and makes for such great character development for both.
Lars is such a beautifully kind person and I liked getting to see how rattled and caught off guard Win is with every interaction with him. I loved how Win's entire personality shifts dramatically where Lars is concerned. He becomes so dominant and protective that Lars cannot help but swoon.
Overall WTF is a complicated second-chance romance that has many loving moments between the two MCs while tackling some very troublesome subject matter. I love how Win and Lars make each other strong enough to persevere through some very difficult times.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Win and Lars are complicated characters due to their past traumas, which I think was handled with great care seeing how both are able to help and support each other through their darkest moments is very powerful for this story and makes for such great character development for both.
Lars is such a beautifully kind person and I liked getting to see how rattled and caught off guard Win is with every interaction with him. I loved how Win's entire personality shifts dramatically where Lars is concerned. He becomes so dominant and protective that Lars cannot help but swoon.
Overall WTF is a complicated second-chance romance that has many loving moments between the two MCs while tackling some very troublesome subject matter. I love how Win and Lars make each other strong enough to persevere through some very difficult times.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
June 2, 2024
"I choose you. All of you. The good. The bad. The fucking worst. I'll take all of it as long as it's part of you."
4.5 stars!
Trigger warning: domestic abuse/violence
This was another addicting story in this amazing series by Cambria! Lars and Win fit right in with our favorite Elite boys as they work to overcome external and internal obstacles in order to fight for their love. I loved how Win could be so charming while still capable of turning into his angel's protector. Lars was a bit more quiet to Win's loud persona, but I think they balanced each other brilliantly and I loved seeing them both slowly lower their walls. Jamie and the bros nearly stole the show amidst all of the drama and suspense, and I loved seeing all of the happy couple moments between them. I'm so excited to see what Cambria has in store for the rest of the Elite boys, and I cannot wait to meet her at Apollycon 2023!😍
Tropes: roommates-with-benefits, MM romance, hero-in-danger, playboy hero, LGTBQ+, alpha jp hero, hurt/comfort, 'who did this to you' vibes, opposites-attract, sports romance, international romance, will they/won't they, STEAMY🔥
*ARC provided by GMB promo, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
April 14, 2023
⭐︎
4.5 Stars Rounded Up!
⭐︎
I really, really enjoyed this one. It was so good, such page turner.
There was hints of Win and his roommate in Sweden, Lars, being a thing, and in this story we get their love story.
So, for the about 3 or so months Win was in Sweden, he and Lars were roommates, albeit reluctantly on Lars' side for reasons we later learn - that being, Lars has an abusive ex who still won't leave him alone, and Lars thinks it's better to be isolated so he won't get hurt again, but also so no one else will get hurt. Because his ex is...sadistic and cruel and just plain horrible.
Win doesn't know it, but he warns the guy off on his first day there, and he actually intimidates him into mostly leaving Lars alone those months Win is there. Lars feels safe, like he can breathe.
Maybe that's a big part of why Lars is drawn to Win at first, but there's more to it. Win is just...everything Oskar - his ex - should have been but wasn't.
Although Win has his own hang ups and fears, and he insists it's just sex between them at first, and he basically runs back to the states after his semester abroad, scares of the intensity of his feelings for Lars.
But, it turns out Lars is now in the states as well. Seemingly for a semester like Win did in Sweden, but could it be for longer?
I do have to wonder how long it takes to get a visa and get into a school and all that. For Lars, if he made the decision after Win left the first time...that's only a few months? This book starts off in January, so that is perhaps a little unrealistic? Unless...with Lars he's just trying to go as quickly as possible, because without Win there anymore...his ex is becoming bold again.
So part of Lars leaving is because of his abusive ex, but also being at Westbrook with Win is a part of it too. Win still makes him feel safe, and Lars just...he wants Win.
It takes a bit, as Win is resistant at first, because of his fears. But he comes around eventually and they two get for real together around 60-ish percent - which I liked, actually - and the rest is spent on the plot with Lars' abusive ex - of course, he follows Lars to the states because he's that evil and obsessive.
For the most part this was interesting plot - my only complaint and the big reason for my .5 stars off is that I hated that Lars didn't tell Win about Oskar. It annoyed me so much.
Like...I get it. Not telling him for the longest time. But even after he gets instead of going to Win with the problem, he doesn't tell him anything and plans to fold to Oskar's demands to save Win.
Which, very romantic sentiment, but Win is a tough guy all on his own, as we see. He is well matched against Oskar, so while I get Lars' fears and wanting to protect him, all that, it still annoyed the crap out of me. So much could have been avoided if Lars had just told Win about it all.
But, I didn't give more than .5 off because...I still liked the airport scene of Win running after him and making everything all right again. Lars might not have told him, but Win wasn't going to let Lars go, and was willing to fight Oskar to keep Lars safe. So that made up for a lot of my frustration at Lars not telling him himself until he was forced to.
I do also have a small niggle about us not getting to see much of them together in their time in Sweden living together. I would have just liked to have seen the first time they kissed and the first time they had sex and stuff. We got a flashback here or there, but not what I truly wanted.
But in the end the chemistry was just so good between these two and the build up of their relationship in present day was so good that I wasn't too bothered, at the end of the day. It just would have been nice to get those scenes that I mentioned, at the very least. To see their beginnings.
Buttt, other than those niggles, I loved this. It was so good, I just clicked with these two right away and felt their chemistry throughout, and they were just so sweet together.
And I really liked how the author showed the difference between Win and Oskar. How Win, yes, was possessive and jealous, but in a completely different, non-abusive way. There is a difference between when a good, healthy partner might feel possessive and when an abusive one is.
Oskar didn't want anyone around Lars in order to control him. Win just didn't want other people touching Lars because he loves him so much and well...is a possessive dude haha. But not to control Lars, but just...because he wants him and only him. And luckily, Lars feels the same way right back, and gets jealous as well, so it's not like a one-sided thing either.
It's just different when there isn't violence, emotional manipulation, fear and control in the mix.
These two could just be so sweet together, and I absolutely loved when Lars was feeling a little clingy at times with Win, and the way Win would do anything to protect Lars. Lars never felt scared with Win, ever, because he knew, in his gut, that Win would never hurt him.
It makes me happy when they're both possessive of each other, and clingy together. And Win being the only one Lars wanted to touch him, especially after what happens later on this book, just...*chefs kiss* I love ittttt.
Definitely two thumbs up from me. I'm bummed Rush - who we get introduced to in this - is gonna have an MF romance, but whattdya gonna do *shrug*. It'd be nice to get at least one more MM romance in this series, is all I'm saying.
Highly recommend, definitely pick this up, if you haven't yet. Also as this takes place right after Max and Wes' story, if you read that you definitely won't be lost with this.
Here's hoping for another MM romance in this series in the future 🤞
P.S. It's not a big deal, but why is this titled 'WTF'?? It doesn't really fit with the story. But it's not a big deal, so whatever...I just don't get the title.
My Reviews for the Westbrook Elite series:
☶� : DNR
☶� : DNR
☶� : 4.5 stars (my review)
☶� WTF: 4.5 Stars
I really, really enjoyed this one. It was so good, such page turner.
There was hints of Win and his roommate in Sweden, Lars, being a thing, and in this story we get their love story.
So, for the about 3 or so months Win was in Sweden, he and Lars were roommates, albeit reluctantly on Lars' side for reasons we later learn - that being, Lars has an abusive ex who still won't leave him alone, and Lars thinks it's better to be isolated so he won't get hurt again, but also so no one else will get hurt. Because his ex is...sadistic and cruel and just plain horrible.
Win doesn't know it, but he warns the guy off on his first day there, and he actually intimidates him into mostly leaving Lars alone those months Win is there. Lars feels safe, like he can breathe.
Maybe that's a big part of why Lars is drawn to Win at first, but there's more to it. Win is just...everything Oskar - his ex - should have been but wasn't.
Although Win has his own hang ups and fears, and he insists it's just sex between them at first, and he basically runs back to the states after his semester abroad, scares of the intensity of his feelings for Lars.
But, it turns out Lars is now in the states as well. Seemingly for a semester like Win did in Sweden, but could it be for longer?
I do have to wonder how long it takes to get a visa and get into a school and all that. For Lars, if he made the decision after Win left the first time...that's only a few months? This book starts off in January, so that is perhaps a little unrealistic? Unless...with Lars he's just trying to go as quickly as possible, because without Win there anymore...his ex is becoming bold again.
So part of Lars leaving is because of his abusive ex, but also being at Westbrook with Win is a part of it too. Win still makes him feel safe, and Lars just...he wants Win.
It takes a bit, as Win is resistant at first, because of his fears. But he comes around eventually and they two get for real together around 60-ish percent - which I liked, actually - and the rest is spent on the plot with Lars' abusive ex - of course, he follows Lars to the states because he's that evil and obsessive.
For the most part this was interesting plot - my only complaint and the big reason for my .5 stars off is that I hated that Lars didn't tell Win about Oskar. It annoyed me so much.
Like...I get it. Not telling him for the longest time. But even after he gets instead of going to Win with the problem, he doesn't tell him anything and plans to fold to Oskar's demands to save Win.
Which, very romantic sentiment, but Win is a tough guy all on his own, as we see. He is well matched against Oskar, so while I get Lars' fears and wanting to protect him, all that, it still annoyed the crap out of me. So much could have been avoided if Lars had just told Win about it all.
But, I didn't give more than .5 off because...I still liked the airport scene of Win running after him and making everything all right again. Lars might not have told him, but Win wasn't going to let Lars go, and was willing to fight Oskar to keep Lars safe. So that made up for a lot of my frustration at Lars not telling him himself until he was forced to.
I do also have a small niggle about us not getting to see much of them together in their time in Sweden living together. I would have just liked to have seen the first time they kissed and the first time they had sex and stuff. We got a flashback here or there, but not what I truly wanted.
But in the end the chemistry was just so good between these two and the build up of their relationship in present day was so good that I wasn't too bothered, at the end of the day. It just would have been nice to get those scenes that I mentioned, at the very least. To see their beginnings.
Buttt, other than those niggles, I loved this. It was so good, I just clicked with these two right away and felt their chemistry throughout, and they were just so sweet together.
And I really liked how the author showed the difference between Win and Oskar. How Win, yes, was possessive and jealous, but in a completely different, non-abusive way. There is a difference between when a good, healthy partner might feel possessive and when an abusive one is.
Oskar didn't want anyone around Lars in order to control him. Win just didn't want other people touching Lars because he loves him so much and well...is a possessive dude haha. But not to control Lars, but just...because he wants him and only him. And luckily, Lars feels the same way right back, and gets jealous as well, so it's not like a one-sided thing either.
It's just different when there isn't violence, emotional manipulation, fear and control in the mix.
These two could just be so sweet together, and I absolutely loved when Lars was feeling a little clingy at times with Win, and the way Win would do anything to protect Lars. Lars never felt scared with Win, ever, because he knew, in his gut, that Win would never hurt him.
It makes me happy when they're both possessive of each other, and clingy together. And Win being the only one Lars wanted to touch him, especially after what happens later on this book, just...*chefs kiss* I love ittttt.
Definitely two thumbs up from me. I'm bummed Rush - who we get introduced to in this - is gonna have an MF romance, but whattdya gonna do *shrug*. It'd be nice to get at least one more MM romance in this series, is all I'm saying.
Highly recommend, definitely pick this up, if you haven't yet. Also as this takes place right after Max and Wes' story, if you read that you definitely won't be lost with this.
Here's hoping for another MM romance in this series in the future 🤞
P.S. It's not a big deal, but why is this titled 'WTF'?? It doesn't really fit with the story. But it's not a big deal, so whatever...I just don't get the title.
My Reviews for the Westbrook Elite series:
☶� : DNR
☶� : DNR
☶� : 4.5 stars (my review)
☶� WTF: 4.5 Stars
May 11, 2023
I felt like I like, and liked it even more, and then really liked it and then I didn't like it, but then I got to like it again and the whole cycle continues.
I don't know what I expected from this book. It's Cambria Hebert, so it's got some good old fashioned traits that I love to see and always roll my eyes out.
This book was Cambria Herbert book, but I don't know why, I just feel dissapointed.
Maybe I'm used to having a lot of romance, sweet and tender moments and just soft moments in her book that this book felt lacking.
Because, yes. For a 400 page book, this book sure felt like lacking , (but also and never ending). 😳🥹
Yeah, there are sweet and tender scenes in this book, but it was countable. Hell, it was barely 5 chapters max.
But I enjoyed it. I couldn't stop reading until 9 am, and it's been a while since that happened.
Some sleep deprived thoughts:
- when Win said: "What happened in Sweden, stayed in Sweden." This author meant no shit because we literally got nothing from Sweden. Yeah we got them meeting and the conflict (that wasn't really well explained in detail) but we didn't get to see what happened to conspired it. How it happened. Why it happened. Like how did they eventually became roomies with benefits??? I wanted to see how Win broke down Lars' barriers, but I only saw the beginning of it.
- RUSH AND RYAN SHOULD BE TOGETHER MAN. I was so dissapointed to see that Ryan has his own book. THE WAY RUSH AND RYAN GIVE OFF ENEMIES TO LOVERS VIBE IS 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼�
- Win yelling for Max every time he needed an epi-pen is so funny I'm sorry-😳😂
- a round of applause for Cambria because her smut scenes have IMPROVED people.
I don't know what I expected from this book. It's Cambria Hebert, so it's got some good old fashioned traits that I love to see and always roll my eyes out.
This book was Cambria Herbert book, but I don't know why, I just feel dissapointed.
Maybe I'm used to having a lot of romance, sweet and tender moments and just soft moments in her book that this book felt lacking.
Because, yes. For a 400 page book, this book sure felt like lacking , (but also and never ending). 😳🥹
Yeah, there are sweet and tender scenes in this book, but it was countable. Hell, it was barely 5 chapters max.
But I enjoyed it. I couldn't stop reading until 9 am, and it's been a while since that happened.
Some sleep deprived thoughts:
- when Win said: "What happened in Sweden, stayed in Sweden." This author meant no shit because we literally got nothing from Sweden. Yeah we got them meeting and the conflict (that wasn't really well explained in detail) but we didn't get to see what happened to conspired it. How it happened. Why it happened. Like how did they eventually became roomies with benefits??? I wanted to see how Win broke down Lars' barriers, but I only saw the beginning of it.
- RUSH AND RYAN SHOULD BE TOGETHER MAN. I was so dissapointed to see that Ryan has his own book. THE WAY RUSH AND RYAN GIVE OFF ENEMIES TO LOVERS VIBE IS 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼�
- Win yelling for Max every time he needed an epi-pen is so funny I'm sorry-😳😂
- a round of applause for Cambria because her smut scenes have IMPROVED people.
August 17, 2023
i wanted to love this tbh i really loved Win in both books and i was lowkey upset his book was cornville. Lars was good too, but god this was hard to choke down. it wasn't even bad exactly, i just struggled to get through it.
the book opens in a flashback to when Win, the brother of Wes and Max, meets Lars, the swedish swimmer who was reluctant to be an american's exchange student-buddy-thing. Lars immediately dislikes him for reasons initially undisclosed and also because he's attracted to him and doesn't want to be. since Win's presence is a disruption to Lars' preferences and is everything he dislikes in life, it isn't shocking at all when they become friends with benefits after Lars has a near-death experience due to a nut allergy. none of the relationship, aside from their first impressions, is in this part of the book. so going into it, we know how they met and that they've slept together. i wasn't a big fan of that because a lot of things had to be told to us instead of shown and that kind of narration just drags on, especially when it's shown in thoughts or flashbacks.
at some point, Win leaves Sweden and Lars, but they cross paths again when Lars transfers to Westbrook, the American college that Win attends. Win doesn't want to come out as bi and Lars won't admit he came to Westbrook because he needed to be close to Win again.
Lars and Win have undeniable chemistry, but they're both closed off and pining in silence for different reasons. Lars still wants and feels most safe with Win, but he is recovering from a previous relationship with his abusive partner, Oskar. Oskar shows in the first flashback, but very little is revealed about the nature of his proximity to Lars. he's still out for Lars with a vengeance but Win doesn't know how much there is to the story. for Win's part, he also wants Lars and loves him too, but the existence of that love has him in a grip of fear due to losing his parents and seeing his baby brother Wes have two nearly-fatal experiences. he doesn't want to love because he doesn't want to lose it.
eventually, Win gets over his worries and the two end up together in a sickeningly sweet relationship. seriously these two are so cute and Win calling Lars "Angel" was borderline too much for me. that is the main thing i liked about this book and the other too: the mmcs are feral for each other and that's the shit i do like.
Lars' past comes back to haunt him and once again, it's a little OTT and dramatic but i'm in this genre to have an experience so i won't complain when they deliver. Win and Lars together 4 ever.
if i had read this out of order and read it before Wish, i might have a higher opinion of this one and lower opinions of Wish. i think the dialogue and the overall way the author tends to write her characters was just too much too soon from book to book and it started wearing on me. seriously, the amount of times they referenced "Win's sun" was agonizing. and if we did a word count for how often they say "bro" i bet i wouldn't even believe it because it feels like even MORE. i wasn't unhappy with this book. the things that stuck out to me in the wrong way just tallied too high.
the book opens in a flashback to when Win, the brother of Wes and Max, meets Lars, the swedish swimmer who was reluctant to be an american's exchange student-buddy-thing. Lars immediately dislikes him for reasons initially undisclosed and also because he's attracted to him and doesn't want to be. since Win's presence is a disruption to Lars' preferences and is everything he dislikes in life, it isn't shocking at all when they become friends with benefits after Lars has a near-death experience due to a nut allergy. none of the relationship, aside from their first impressions, is in this part of the book. so going into it, we know how they met and that they've slept together. i wasn't a big fan of that because a lot of things had to be told to us instead of shown and that kind of narration just drags on, especially when it's shown in thoughts or flashbacks.
at some point, Win leaves Sweden and Lars, but they cross paths again when Lars transfers to Westbrook, the American college that Win attends. Win doesn't want to come out as bi and Lars won't admit he came to Westbrook because he needed to be close to Win again.
Lars and Win have undeniable chemistry, but they're both closed off and pining in silence for different reasons. Lars still wants and feels most safe with Win, but he is recovering from a previous relationship with his abusive partner, Oskar. Oskar shows in the first flashback, but very little is revealed about the nature of his proximity to Lars. he's still out for Lars with a vengeance but Win doesn't know how much there is to the story. for Win's part, he also wants Lars and loves him too, but the existence of that love has him in a grip of fear due to losing his parents and seeing his baby brother Wes have two nearly-fatal experiences. he doesn't want to love because he doesn't want to lose it.
eventually, Win gets over his worries and the two end up together in a sickeningly sweet relationship. seriously these two are so cute and Win calling Lars "Angel" was borderline too much for me. that is the main thing i liked about this book and the other too: the mmcs are feral for each other and that's the shit i do like.
Lars' past comes back to haunt him and once again, it's a little OTT and dramatic but i'm in this genre to have an experience so i won't complain when they deliver. Win and Lars together 4 ever.
if i had read this out of order and read it before Wish, i might have a higher opinion of this one and lower opinions of Wish. i think the dialogue and the overall way the author tends to write her characters was just too much too soon from book to book and it started wearing on me. seriously, the amount of times they referenced "Win's sun" was agonizing. and if we did a word count for how often they say "bro" i bet i wouldn't even believe it because it feels like even MORE. i wasn't unhappy with this book. the things that stuck out to me in the wrong way just tallied too high.
May 4, 2023
TOD 36% I just couldn’t stand it anymore. It feels this was written by a stupid and maybe drunk college BRO!!!
(I think this idiotic word must appeared a 1000 times by now)
Like any reader I need to love my characters and I felt zero love here.
(I think this idiotic word must appeared a 1000 times by now)
Like any reader I need to love my characters and I felt zero love here.
April 23, 2023
SOBBING
Wow this was so great. I was on the edge of my seat. I wish some things would have been more flessed out but overall this was so good. I didn't want to put it down. I need more
Wow this was so great. I was on the edge of my seat. I wish some things would have been more flessed out but overall this was so good. I didn't want to put it down. I need more
April 9, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
WTF is the third book in the Westbrook Elite series by Cambria Hebert. I recently read Cambria Hebert for the first time with the book prior to this one, Wish, loved it and jumped on the chance to read an arc of this baby.
I still wanted him. I wanted him so much my bones ached. My heart whimpered as though being inside me paled in comparison to being with him.
Win did a semester abroad in Sweden, where he acted on his bisexuality for the first time with a roommates with benefits situation with Lars. It wasn't supposed to be serious, so he returned to the states without looking back and left a piece of his heart behind. Lars yearning for the security Win provided runs from his past in Sweden and joins the Elite swim team at Wins school. Win didn't plan to see him again and still doesn't want permeant because he doesn't want to risk giving his heart completely and then losing that person. Yet the more he pushes him away the more he craves him until he can't ignore his feelings anymore. When he realizes Lars is hiding painful secrets, he promises to keep him safe. But will Lars past give them a choice in the matter.
“Win,� he begged. “Touch me.� I swelled with possession and the heady feeling of being needed.
I seriously couldn't get enough of Win and Lars. Lars is just so insecure and starved of genuine affection and love, he positively glows under Wins praise and adoration. Even though Win fights his feelings for him and pushes it away, he can't help doing little things to make sure he's ok and has what he needs. The hurt/comfort between them is on point. The intimacy was pretty close to perfect in this one except for one little sex scene where they proceed without lube. Besides that one scene, the rest were A++ , deliciously steamy and full of emotion.
“Duktig pojke,� he rasped, teeth scraping over the back of my shoulder. I whimpered, my knees going weak. Good boy.
“Where did you learn that?� I demanded with a pathetically shaky voice. “You think I wouldn’t learn how to praise my angel in his preferred tongue?� he asked, lips caressing the back of my neck. I whimpered again.
Story wise , WTF, is filled with a satisfying love story set among a great supporting cast. Win's brothers and the entire Elite swim team is like a big family who have each others backs. Between the swim team moment and the intimate ones between Win and Lars, the story keeps from lagging with a steady dose of suspense thanks to Lar's unhinged ex.
His arm slid around my middle, tugging me into the protection of his body, surrounding me with that thing I craved most. Safe, secure, sheltered.
WTF by Cambria Hebert is an MM roommates with benefits to more romance with hurt/comfort, high emotion, high steam, angst, possessive MC, all the coffee, bi rep, a swim team that's more like family, and a bit of suspense.
More of my favorite Quotes because I highlighted so much of this one lol
WTF is the third book in the Westbrook Elite series by Cambria Hebert. I recently read Cambria Hebert for the first time with the book prior to this one, Wish, loved it and jumped on the chance to read an arc of this baby.
I still wanted him. I wanted him so much my bones ached. My heart whimpered as though being inside me paled in comparison to being with him.
Win did a semester abroad in Sweden, where he acted on his bisexuality for the first time with a roommates with benefits situation with Lars. It wasn't supposed to be serious, so he returned to the states without looking back and left a piece of his heart behind. Lars yearning for the security Win provided runs from his past in Sweden and joins the Elite swim team at Wins school. Win didn't plan to see him again and still doesn't want permeant because he doesn't want to risk giving his heart completely and then losing that person. Yet the more he pushes him away the more he craves him until he can't ignore his feelings anymore. When he realizes Lars is hiding painful secrets, he promises to keep him safe. But will Lars past give them a choice in the matter.
“Win,� he begged. “Touch me.� I swelled with possession and the heady feeling of being needed.
I seriously couldn't get enough of Win and Lars. Lars is just so insecure and starved of genuine affection and love, he positively glows under Wins praise and adoration. Even though Win fights his feelings for him and pushes it away, he can't help doing little things to make sure he's ok and has what he needs. The hurt/comfort between them is on point. The intimacy was pretty close to perfect in this one except for one little sex scene where they proceed without lube. Besides that one scene, the rest were A++ , deliciously steamy and full of emotion.
“Duktig pojke,� he rasped, teeth scraping over the back of my shoulder. I whimpered, my knees going weak. Good boy.
“Where did you learn that?� I demanded with a pathetically shaky voice. “You think I wouldn’t learn how to praise my angel in his preferred tongue?� he asked, lips caressing the back of my neck. I whimpered again.
Story wise , WTF, is filled with a satisfying love story set among a great supporting cast. Win's brothers and the entire Elite swim team is like a big family who have each others backs. Between the swim team moment and the intimate ones between Win and Lars, the story keeps from lagging with a steady dose of suspense thanks to Lar's unhinged ex.
His arm slid around my middle, tugging me into the protection of his body, surrounding me with that thing I craved most. Safe, secure, sheltered.
WTF by Cambria Hebert is an MM roommates with benefits to more romance with hurt/comfort, high emotion, high steam, angst, possessive MC, all the coffee, bi rep, a swim team that's more like family, and a bit of suspense.
More of my favorite Quotes because I highlighted so much of this one lol
June 19, 2023
If i see the word BRO one more time, I'll scream🙃
September 12, 2024
I really, really wanted to love it. Loaded with over the top moments that had me rolling my eyes. Super disappointed. Loved the characters, but the story is a no for me.
April 13, 2023
Tropes: FWB to love, second chances, roommates, grumpy/sunshine
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: minor appearance of some kinks (docking, c** eating, c*** warming)
Angst: medium-high (but with a lot of comic relief)
Triggers/potential icks: domestic violence, near death experience, attempted murder, nut allergy
Winston goes to Sweden for a semester on an exchange program. Lars is saddled with taking him on as a roommate. Lars has recently got away from his abusive ex and he is scared. He doesn't want to deal with Win. He finds him obnoxious. In a disjointed sequence we hear that they became roommates with benefits but Win leaves at the end of his semester, never let it get more than just casual. But Lars was catching feelings though we don't know this it's not on page. Lars decides to go to Win's college himself for an exchange. He joins the swim team that Win's brother is on (he's not trying to stalk him, he's just a swimmer too). Lars did the move because he felt safe around Win.
This book gave me mixed feelings. At some points I really wanted to love it. Because I love characters that are chaotic messes, I love when the side characters give great comic relief, I love banter and I love possessive main characters.
But I feel like this book needed better editing. The author needed to check themself before they wrecked themself. Lol. I felt like skipping over the months that they spent together as roommates with benefits was a bad decision, if they had shown that that would have been a compelling story. Them reluctantly giving in to each other would have been entertaining to watch. And it also would have gone a long ways to lay bread crumbs of them developing feelings. There were periodic flashbacks but I didn't feel like the flashbacks were used to the best effect. Also, some of the s*** that came out of these guys mouths was just over the top dramatic. This book touched on some sensitive subjects so I want to be clear my feedback about over the top isn't about that, it was how the characters gave me whiplash in how they went from one emotion to the next, one rash decision to a completely differing decision. Sometimes spewing some cheesy stuff. There were some good bones to the story but it was just too heavy-handed in how it was handled.
I did love a lot of moments in it. Like the multiple times that Jason got dragged for being a human garbage disposal in the way that he ate, it was a running joke for everyone. How Lars was a grumpy grumpster. The stealing of clothes, and the comfort seeking that Lars did.
Some notable moments:
"And what about his roommate? I still didn’t know who it was. Who slept just feet away from him every night? Was that guy entranced by his angel looks and swimmer’s body? Was Lars distant and grumpy to him? Was that asshole trying to charm himself into Lars’s bed?"
"Wes erupted. “Newsflash, you’re my boyfriend, not my dad.� Max rumbled a laugh. “You wanna call me daddy, Nemo?� Wes made a gagging sound. “What is it with you and Win today?� The Jeep jerked. “What the hell does Win have to do with you calling me daddy?� “I’d kinda like to know the answer to that too,� I put in from the backseat. Max laughed."
"The rush of tears pushed behind my eyes, making my vision blur. “Win?� “What, angel?� “I know I said I’d leave you alone. I know that’s what you want.� I swallowed. “Maybe we could go back to that tomorrow?� I asked, not even caring how wounded and small I sounded. I was so tired. So fucking tired. “I just really want you right now.� And then I was in his arms, the stricken sound he released a sweet melody floating overhead as I buried my face into his neck."
"“Angel, how many of my shirts did you steal?� My stare fell to my feet. “I just wanted something to remember you by.�"
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: minor appearance of some kinks (docking, c** eating, c*** warming)
Angst: medium-high (but with a lot of comic relief)
Triggers/potential icks: domestic violence, near death experience, attempted murder, nut allergy
Winston goes to Sweden for a semester on an exchange program. Lars is saddled with taking him on as a roommate. Lars has recently got away from his abusive ex and he is scared. He doesn't want to deal with Win. He finds him obnoxious. In a disjointed sequence we hear that they became roommates with benefits but Win leaves at the end of his semester, never let it get more than just casual. But Lars was catching feelings though we don't know this it's not on page. Lars decides to go to Win's college himself for an exchange. He joins the swim team that Win's brother is on (he's not trying to stalk him, he's just a swimmer too). Lars did the move because he felt safe around Win.
This book gave me mixed feelings. At some points I really wanted to love it. Because I love characters that are chaotic messes, I love when the side characters give great comic relief, I love banter and I love possessive main characters.
But I feel like this book needed better editing. The author needed to check themself before they wrecked themself. Lol. I felt like skipping over the months that they spent together as roommates with benefits was a bad decision, if they had shown that that would have been a compelling story. Them reluctantly giving in to each other would have been entertaining to watch. And it also would have gone a long ways to lay bread crumbs of them developing feelings. There were periodic flashbacks but I didn't feel like the flashbacks were used to the best effect. Also, some of the s*** that came out of these guys mouths was just over the top dramatic. This book touched on some sensitive subjects so I want to be clear my feedback about over the top isn't about that, it was how the characters gave me whiplash in how they went from one emotion to the next, one rash decision to a completely differing decision. Sometimes spewing some cheesy stuff. There were some good bones to the story but it was just too heavy-handed in how it was handled.
I did love a lot of moments in it. Like the multiple times that Jason got dragged for being a human garbage disposal in the way that he ate, it was a running joke for everyone. How Lars was a grumpy grumpster. The stealing of clothes, and the comfort seeking that Lars did.
Some notable moments:
"And what about his roommate? I still didn’t know who it was. Who slept just feet away from him every night? Was that guy entranced by his angel looks and swimmer’s body? Was Lars distant and grumpy to him? Was that asshole trying to charm himself into Lars’s bed?"
"Wes erupted. “Newsflash, you’re my boyfriend, not my dad.� Max rumbled a laugh. “You wanna call me daddy, Nemo?� Wes made a gagging sound. “What is it with you and Win today?� The Jeep jerked. “What the hell does Win have to do with you calling me daddy?� “I’d kinda like to know the answer to that too,� I put in from the backseat. Max laughed."
"The rush of tears pushed behind my eyes, making my vision blur. “Win?� “What, angel?� “I know I said I’d leave you alone. I know that’s what you want.� I swallowed. “Maybe we could go back to that tomorrow?� I asked, not even caring how wounded and small I sounded. I was so tired. So fucking tired. “I just really want you right now.� And then I was in his arms, the stricken sound he released a sweet melody floating overhead as I buried my face into his neck."
"“Angel, how many of my shirts did you steal?� My stare fell to my feet. “I just wanted something to remember you by.�"
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2023
Ha! I figured this would be how this would get setup. I mean, there had to be a swimmer, yeah?
I don’t know what this series has but man, it is still working for me!
Just a couple things that I wish were different but nothing that kept me from devouring the story in one sitting.
I do wish we could have gotten to actually see their time together in Sweden and Win’s departure. I mean, it seemed super sudden and heartbreaking to both but we didn’t get to feel it or read it. Then, the big decision for Lars to come to Westbrook. Seeing that would have been a great setup for the big bad. I think we missed out on a lot there.
And because of some of the above, the romantic suspense part of the story was a little bit of a miss for me this time. That part was more of an abuse story and it was going on in Lars’s head and not really on page. It was awful, awful, awful but I wouldn’t really call it romantic suspense. As I mentioned above, if we had gotten to see the why of Lars coming to Westbrook then maybe it would have read better. I don’t know. Without it intertwined throughout the rest of the story it just seemed to be an event in the story instead of part of the story. The blurb sort of gives the impression that the abuse is the catalyst to Win’s true fall but that’s not how it plays out at all. I kind of wish it was the why. It would have actually made it a romantic suspense had it played out a bit differently.
Don’t get me wrong though. When it got suspenseful, IT GOT SUSPENSEFUL. It was bad, bad, bad and I was a little freaked at how intense it got.
Really, just ignore me. I mean, without the added drama the story focused more on the romance and that was cool. I’m glad Win was pretty quick to get his head out of his ass and I’m even more glad that even though Lars is definitely going to need some therapy, he was really abused, he feels safe with Win and has a super great and strong and smothering family/support system around him.
Regardless of my niggles, it had everything I want and expect in this series and I had a great time! I can't wait for Rush's story! He came out of nowhere and took over the page when he was there. It's gonna be a ride for sure. And that hint? I'm clueless. I wonder if it'll be someone we've seen, maybe a barnacle?
I don’t know what this series has but man, it is still working for me!
Just a couple things that I wish were different but nothing that kept me from devouring the story in one sitting.
I do wish we could have gotten to actually see their time together in Sweden and Win’s departure. I mean, it seemed super sudden and heartbreaking to both but we didn’t get to feel it or read it. Then, the big decision for Lars to come to Westbrook. Seeing that would have been a great setup for the big bad. I think we missed out on a lot there.
And because of some of the above, the romantic suspense part of the story was a little bit of a miss for me this time. That part was more of an abuse story and it was going on in Lars’s head and not really on page. It was awful, awful, awful but I wouldn’t really call it romantic suspense. As I mentioned above, if we had gotten to see the why of Lars coming to Westbrook then maybe it would have read better. I don’t know. Without it intertwined throughout the rest of the story it just seemed to be an event in the story instead of part of the story. The blurb sort of gives the impression that the abuse is the catalyst to Win’s true fall but that’s not how it plays out at all. I kind of wish it was the why. It would have actually made it a romantic suspense had it played out a bit differently.
Don’t get me wrong though. When it got suspenseful, IT GOT SUSPENSEFUL. It was bad, bad, bad and I was a little freaked at how intense it got.
Really, just ignore me. I mean, without the added drama the story focused more on the romance and that was cool. I’m glad Win was pretty quick to get his head out of his ass and I’m even more glad that even though Lars is definitely going to need some therapy, he was really abused, he feels safe with Win and has a super great and strong and smothering family/support system around him.
Regardless of my niggles, it had everything I want and expect in this series and I had a great time! I can't wait for Rush's story! He came out of nowhere and took over the page when he was there. It's gonna be a ride for sure. And that hint? I'm clueless. I wonder if it'll be someone we've seen, maybe a barnacle?
July 7, 2023
Bro, yeah.
This series. I wish I could review it all at once but regardless I’m here to say yes they’re all standalones, but you NEED to start with book 1, and you need to do it NOW.
Listen to me and do it.
This book is about Winston Sinclair, the infamous older brother of Wes Sinclair, and un-offish bro / BIL Max.
Win is hilarious. A golden retriever if there ever was one. He’s all sunshine, but in WTF we finally get a behind the scenes look at what that sunshine is hiding after all the trauma he’s faced in his life - loss of loved ones, almost losing Wes (TWICE), dealing with Max biologics anxiety� ya. The guy has layers.
Win is a self proclaimed fuck + chuck guy. He doesn’t do strings and with good (he thinks) reason. There is only room in his life for his brothers & the found family Wes brought in by way of Elite swimming team. The bros.
Enter Lars.
The Swedish “roommate� with his own closet full of trauma skeletons and the sweetest bb.
Random tidbit - Lars has a nut allergy, feels insecure about that, and as someone with that same allergy that is so often mocked or ignored or whatever the fuck, I appreciated the way it was written into his character. It’s a vulnerability that can be kept secret or else accidents happen, and revealing it gives any evil person the perfect murder plan� JS. Also, me and Lars are bros.
FRTC
This series. I wish I could review it all at once but regardless I’m here to say yes they’re all standalones, but you NEED to start with book 1, and you need to do it NOW.
Listen to me and do it.
This book is about Winston Sinclair, the infamous older brother of Wes Sinclair, and un-offish bro / BIL Max.
Win is hilarious. A golden retriever if there ever was one. He’s all sunshine, but in WTF we finally get a behind the scenes look at what that sunshine is hiding after all the trauma he’s faced in his life - loss of loved ones, almost losing Wes (TWICE), dealing with Max biologics anxiety� ya. The guy has layers.
Win is a self proclaimed fuck + chuck guy. He doesn’t do strings and with good (he thinks) reason. There is only room in his life for his brothers & the found family Wes brought in by way of Elite swimming team. The bros.
Enter Lars.
The Swedish “roommate� with his own closet full of trauma skeletons and the sweetest bb.
Random tidbit - Lars has a nut allergy, feels insecure about that, and as someone with that same allergy that is so often mocked or ignored or whatever the fuck, I appreciated the way it was written into his character. It’s a vulnerability that can be kept secret or else accidents happen, and revealing it gives any evil person the perfect murder plan� JS. Also, me and Lars are bros.
FRTC
May 8, 2023
I really enjoyed Win and Lars story. It was quite intense and emotional when it comes to domestic abuse which I think Cambria highlighted really well and didn’t shy too much away from what a hard topic it is, I liked that. Also bringing up a nut allergy which gave an extra bite to Lars as a person and how difficult moving to a new country with an allergy would be.
The only disappointment for me is that there wasn’t more detail from their time in Sweden at the beginning, I was gutted their first time flashback wasn’t detailed, only hinted at as I was excited at that point and felt deflated that we didn’t get that sex scene. I was also disappointed there was no detail of that side of their relationship when they met in Sweden and what happened when when Win left Sweden. I just think it would’ve added more to their connection and story.
I will however say that I didn’t realise you could make shaving so hot !
The only disappointment for me is that there wasn’t more detail from their time in Sweden at the beginning, I was gutted their first time flashback wasn’t detailed, only hinted at as I was excited at that point and felt deflated that we didn’t get that sex scene. I was also disappointed there was no detail of that side of their relationship when they met in Sweden and what happened when when Win left Sweden. I just think it would’ve added more to their connection and story.
I will however say that I didn’t realise you could make shaving so hot !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
I flew through this book in under 24 hrs. It completely captured my attention, and had me on the edge of my seat.
This is a second chance romance, and while it has a few flashbacks, most of the story takes place in current time. The flashbacks provide just enough of a solid foundation for these characters, that you immediately start rooting for them.
I can always count of Cambria’s books to have found family, and this series has the added edge of romantic suspense (that I love).
Lars and Win have crazy chemistry, and I really appreciate the way that the author showed us the differences between their relationship and the previous relationship Lars had.
Definitely has some TW with this one, including on page assault/domestic violence.
This is a second chance romance, and while it has a few flashbacks, most of the story takes place in current time. The flashbacks provide just enough of a solid foundation for these characters, that you immediately start rooting for them.
I can always count of Cambria’s books to have found family, and this series has the added edge of romantic suspense (that I love).
Lars and Win have crazy chemistry, and I really appreciate the way that the author showed us the differences between their relationship and the previous relationship Lars had.
Definitely has some TW with this one, including on page assault/domestic violence.
April 11, 2023
This is book 4 in the Westbrook Elite Series and is another delicious, thrilling and enticing MM romance by Cambria.
Win Sinclair is Wes� brother and a royal pain in Lars Eriksson butt. Win and Lars meet in Sweden when Lars was an exchange student, they were roommates and developed a relationship. Fast forward to the present and Win is back in the States, never in a million years he thought he’d see Lars again but Lars is the new Westbrook Elite swimmer. Their relationship goes beyond anything that can be imagined. Their connection seems almost fated. And as hard as they fight, they love.
Please no one tell Jamie, but Win Sinclair has game for days and can take ANYONE’s spot any day, all day. If I thought I was in love and head over heels for this series and these group of friends before reading WTF, I’m completely devoted and enamores by it and Win and Lars in particular now.
Get ready to fall for the Angel and his Jester 🥵❤️🔥
What an spectacular book, Cambria. All the stars for this one ✨🌟✨🌟✨�
Win Sinclair is Wes� brother and a royal pain in Lars Eriksson butt. Win and Lars meet in Sweden when Lars was an exchange student, they were roommates and developed a relationship. Fast forward to the present and Win is back in the States, never in a million years he thought he’d see Lars again but Lars is the new Westbrook Elite swimmer. Their relationship goes beyond anything that can be imagined. Their connection seems almost fated. And as hard as they fight, they love.
Please no one tell Jamie, but Win Sinclair has game for days and can take ANYONE’s spot any day, all day. If I thought I was in love and head over heels for this series and these group of friends before reading WTF, I’m completely devoted and enamores by it and Win and Lars in particular now.
Get ready to fall for the Angel and his Jester 🥵❤️🔥
What an spectacular book, Cambria. All the stars for this one ✨🌟✨🌟✨�
July 9, 2024
4.5⭐️ easily!! I am rapidly eating up Cambria’s MM
Books in the Westbrook Elite series. They have such sincere connections, swoon, spice, plus the element of suspense! What more could you want? NOTHING! 🫶 Now onto the next Cambria book! Lars+Win will stick with me for a long time.
Books in the Westbrook Elite series. They have such sincere connections, swoon, spice, plus the element of suspense! What more could you want? NOTHING! 🫶 Now onto the next Cambria book! Lars+Win will stick with me for a long time.
June 2, 2024
Is it me? I read this because Wish was amazing but words can not describe how boring I found it. I don't care about either of these characters. DNF 4 hours in.
March 17, 2025
4.5✨no-one does it better than the Sinclair brothers!!! I love Win and Lars, Win was an absolute sweet heart like they said in the book he is definitely the sun while Lars is the moon.
August 17, 2023
I am really enjoying Cambria Hebert's new series Westbrook Elite and I just realized that some characters do remind me a bit of Hashtag, which I loved :)
After studying a semester abroad in Sweden, Winston Sinclair, aka Win, is back at his life in Westbrook. Studying in Sweden was just an excuse to run away just for a couple of months and have some freedom. Even though he is happy to be back and be with Wes and Max, he feels like something is missing. Shortly, he will realize whether he left a huge part of his heart in Sweden, or not :) After being forced to be a foreign exchange buddy last semester, Lars Eriksson became a foreign exchange student at Westbrook. Only he has the advantage of being part of the Westbrook Elite. After the loss of two swimmers last season, the coach added Lars and Jason Rush to the Elite’s roster. It doesn’t take Win to realize that his foreign exchange buddy/ex-roommate or better term ‘roomies with benefits� is one of the new team members of Elite. Then suddenly sunshine and always happy Win becomes the brainless, cold-hearted prick because of his fears and breaks Lars’s heart. I felt pretty bad for Lars and hated a bit of Win for his selfishness and THANKS GOD it didn’t take too long for Win to get his head out of his ssa (read it backward :) ). Once everything was perfect, since I am reading one of Cambria’s books, I started to wait for the other shoe to drop, which ended up being the Oskar, the monster. I love how Elite became one and be there for each other. They are an amazing support system and I love seeing their tiny group getting bigger and bigger with every book. WTF is a captivating, emotional, and super-hot second-chance romance, you will not be able to put down.
P.S. Apparently during my review of Wish, the previous book of the series, I guessed the next book to be most likely to be Win's, and since I was right, why not try again :) I think the next book will be Kruger and Jess's story :) If I am right and the next book of the series is Kruger's then we will have two mysterious guys left in hand, Prism and Rush, which would be challenging to wait to see their mysteries to be solved.
� Would I recommend this book: Yes
� Would I re-read this book: Done :)
� Would I read future books by this author: Yes
The review was originally posted on:
After studying a semester abroad in Sweden, Winston Sinclair, aka Win, is back at his life in Westbrook. Studying in Sweden was just an excuse to run away just for a couple of months and have some freedom. Even though he is happy to be back and be with Wes and Max, he feels like something is missing. Shortly, he will realize whether he left a huge part of his heart in Sweden, or not :) After being forced to be a foreign exchange buddy last semester, Lars Eriksson became a foreign exchange student at Westbrook. Only he has the advantage of being part of the Westbrook Elite. After the loss of two swimmers last season, the coach added Lars and Jason Rush to the Elite’s roster. It doesn’t take Win to realize that his foreign exchange buddy/ex-roommate or better term ‘roomies with benefits� is one of the new team members of Elite. Then suddenly sunshine and always happy Win becomes the brainless, cold-hearted prick because of his fears and breaks Lars’s heart. I felt pretty bad for Lars and hated a bit of Win for his selfishness and THANKS GOD it didn’t take too long for Win to get his head out of his ssa (read it backward :) ). Once everything was perfect, since I am reading one of Cambria’s books, I started to wait for the other shoe to drop, which ended up being the Oskar, the monster. I love how Elite became one and be there for each other. They are an amazing support system and I love seeing their tiny group getting bigger and bigger with every book. WTF is a captivating, emotional, and super-hot second-chance romance, you will not be able to put down.
P.S. Apparently during my review of Wish, the previous book of the series, I guessed the next book to be most likely to be Win's, and since I was right, why not try again :) I think the next book will be Kruger and Jess's story :) If I am right and the next book of the series is Kruger's then we will have two mysterious guys left in hand, Prism and Rush, which would be challenging to wait to see their mysteries to be solved.
� Would I recommend this book: Yes
� Would I re-read this book: Done :)
� Would I read future books by this author: Yes
The review was originally posted on:
April 12, 2023
This book was so hysterical, I can’t.
I really liked Win in the previous book. He was sweet and kind and somewhat mature (I mean he’s only 21). We finally find out what happened in Sweden when he was doing his semester abroad and well � nothing much. It was all a nothing burger.
The book starts with a prologue with Win arriving in Sweden and meeting Lars for the first time. It then shoots forward to the present day in the US with Win back and Lars has shown up to Westbrook. Win is a closeted bisexual for reasons apparently. In all honesty I felt like the author just wanted to add a typical gay trope to make things more dramatic. Win’s reason could have been simple as in we both live in different countries and I don’t want to do long distance. Instead we got some strange explanation that he wasn’t ashamed of being bisexual but he didn’t want to paint a target on Max and Wes’s back? What?
Lars in now a swimmer at the college and Win pulls the hot and cold game with Lars until he doesn’t at some point. Then Win is incredibly hysterical. He shouts and screams at people who go near Lars, he’s possessive and jealous but he’s got a good heart because he’s you know a nice guy or something. Win literally screams and threatens people in this book and it was just so cringe.
Of course the author added an abusive ex boyfriend to the mix, a few near death experiences, attempted murder and all in all it has to be one of the stupidest books I’ve read this year.
ETA: There is a scene where Lars has been beaten up and bleeding but he and Win decide to have sex in a public bathroom. I find it disturbing that author’s have very little respect when they’re writing scenes of abuse then think a sex scene and another possessive boyfriend is somehow romantic.
I really liked Win in the previous book. He was sweet and kind and somewhat mature (I mean he’s only 21). We finally find out what happened in Sweden when he was doing his semester abroad and well � nothing much. It was all a nothing burger.
The book starts with a prologue with Win arriving in Sweden and meeting Lars for the first time. It then shoots forward to the present day in the US with Win back and Lars has shown up to Westbrook. Win is a closeted bisexual for reasons apparently. In all honesty I felt like the author just wanted to add a typical gay trope to make things more dramatic. Win’s reason could have been simple as in we both live in different countries and I don’t want to do long distance. Instead we got some strange explanation that he wasn’t ashamed of being bisexual but he didn’t want to paint a target on Max and Wes’s back? What?
Lars in now a swimmer at the college and Win pulls the hot and cold game with Lars until he doesn’t at some point. Then Win is incredibly hysterical. He shouts and screams at people who go near Lars, he’s possessive and jealous but he’s got a good heart because he’s you know a nice guy or something. Win literally screams and threatens people in this book and it was just so cringe.
Of course the author added an abusive ex boyfriend to the mix, a few near death experiences, attempted murder and all in all it has to be one of the stupidest books I’ve read this year.
ETA: There is a scene where Lars has been beaten up and bleeding but he and Win decide to have sex in a public bathroom. I find it disturbing that author’s have very little respect when they’re writing scenes of abuse then think a sex scene and another possessive boyfriend is somehow romantic.
Read
April 23, 2024Winston � Lars
�.
“But you’re my exception. The one love strong enough to override the paralyzing fear of losing it.�
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“For letting me be me while we are us.�
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“One night with him would never be enough.� // “The truth was Win made me feel safe. Something no one else had ever been able to do.� // “There is nothing about you that is lacking. Nothing.� // “Loving you is a risk I just can’t take because losing you would absolutely destroy me.� // “Duktig pojke.� // “One look at those angel eyes and I turned blind to everyone else.� // “To get my life back.� // “You are the literal reason for the breath in my lungs.� // “Patience, my little Nordic warrior. Good things come to those who wait.� �
�.
�.
“But you’re my exception. The one love strong enough to override the paralyzing fear of losing it.�
.
“For letting me be me while we are us.�
�.
.
�.
“One night with him would never be enough.� // “The truth was Win made me feel safe. Something no one else had ever been able to do.� // “There is nothing about you that is lacking. Nothing.� // “Loving you is a risk I just can’t take because losing you would absolutely destroy me.� // “Duktig pojke.� // “One look at those angel eyes and I turned blind to everyone else.� // “To get my life back.� // “You are the literal reason for the breath in my lungs.� // “Patience, my little Nordic warrior. Good things come to those who wait.� �
�.
April 8, 2023
ARC received for an honest review
It has been an age since I have read a Cambria Hebert book, and this is the first of the Westbrook series, and I am now kicking myself for not reading the first 3 books before now (and I am rectifying it!)
WTF is a beautiful second chance story for Win and Lars. I mean, we hear people say that being an exchange student changed their lives, but in this case it really, really did.
There are a few flashback scenes, which for someone like me who has not read the other books, this was the perfect amount of background information that I did not feel that I was missing out on anything. I read it not realising it was part of a series, and to me it could have been read as a standalone also.
I love stories about "found family", and these Elite guys really are a family.
There are some darker issues in the story that made my heart hurt so much, but I knew that Ms Hebert would set things to right, and I was on the edge of my lounge as I was reading
I loved all the guys, and am looking forward to going back to read the previous books, and hope there are more in the future.
It has been an age since I have read a Cambria Hebert book, and this is the first of the Westbrook series, and I am now kicking myself for not reading the first 3 books before now (and I am rectifying it!)
WTF is a beautiful second chance story for Win and Lars. I mean, we hear people say that being an exchange student changed their lives, but in this case it really, really did.
There are a few flashback scenes, which for someone like me who has not read the other books, this was the perfect amount of background information that I did not feel that I was missing out on anything. I read it not realising it was part of a series, and to me it could have been read as a standalone also.
I love stories about "found family", and these Elite guys really are a family.
There are some darker issues in the story that made my heart hurt so much, but I knew that Ms Hebert would set things to right, and I was on the edge of my lounge as I was reading
I loved all the guys, and am looking forward to going back to read the previous books, and hope there are more in the future.
April 10, 2023
The teaser that we got in Wish about Win and Lars was just the beginning of this hot and angsty story between these two roommates. When Win goes to study abroad in Sweden, he doesn’t have any expectations but he really wasn’t expecting to get a grumpy roommate who could barely tolerate him. I really wish that we got more glimpses of their time in Sweden and how things changed. That is the only thing stopping this from being 5 stars. But it was seriously such a wonderful story.
I love Cambria’s writing. The humor she puts in is just enough to be serious but still make you laugh. These bros are some of my favorite friends in books and the way they all look out for each other is so heartwarming.
I enjoyed the way the differences between Sweden and America were written in. I have no clue if they were correct but you can tell from the writing that Cambria wanted to get all the details correct!
Of course there is some suspense to the story, these bros are always in danger. Secrets need to be revealed. And when things start coming to light, Win turns into a very protective boyfriend and is very swoony!
I love Cambria’s writing. The humor she puts in is just enough to be serious but still make you laugh. These bros are some of my favorite friends in books and the way they all look out for each other is so heartwarming.
I enjoyed the way the differences between Sweden and America were written in. I have no clue if they were correct but you can tell from the writing that Cambria wanted to get all the details correct!
Of course there is some suspense to the story, these bros are always in danger. Secrets need to be revealed. And when things start coming to light, Win turns into a very protective boyfriend and is very swoony!
May 18, 2023
I knew the moment I started this book I wasn't going to be able to stop until I finished it and I did. I consumed this book in one sitting and I'M NOT OKAY! This book served the kind of hurt/comfort I LIVE FOR. The kind that keeps my heart beating because it is perfect and the kind in WTF was EVERYTHING! I loved Lars and Win so freaking much.
Lars is a legit angel and can do NO WRONG. His story broke me and my heart hurt for him constantly all I wanted to do was reach in and hug him. Win, I loved from Wish, he is Wes's older brother and he is an amazing character. My heart hurt for him as well but then his possessiveness took over and oh my sunshine I ATE IT UP! This book devoured me and still hasn't let me go. Lars and Win are perfection and I love them. I love them. There were moments in this book that had me screaming, I thought my heart was going to implode - I love these two so much I was immediately sad when I finished it.
Lars is a legit angel and can do NO WRONG. His story broke me and my heart hurt for him constantly all I wanted to do was reach in and hug him. Win, I loved from Wish, he is Wes's older brother and he is an amazing character. My heart hurt for him as well but then his possessiveness took over and oh my sunshine I ATE IT UP! This book devoured me and still hasn't let me go. Lars and Win are perfection and I love them. I love them. There were moments in this book that had me screaming, I thought my heart was going to implode - I love these two so much I was immediately sad when I finished it.
June 3, 2023
An enjoyable read but not my favorite of the series.
I love the friend group, the other couples, the humor, the whole school setting is always fun and the suspense was really good in this one. The story is pretty fast paced and I always love Cambria's writing style. I really appreciate how Cambria tackled the "Abbuse" in this book. I really liked both characters. I just didn't connect with them as a couple. We don't really spend a lot of time with them just hanging out without it leading into sex. So I kinda missed the little things like them goofing around and just having fun. So, not my favorite of the series, but i still had an overall good time. I'm very interested in seeing what the other guys are going to end up doing in their books.
Rating: 3,5 stars.
I love the friend group, the other couples, the humor, the whole school setting is always fun and the suspense was really good in this one. The story is pretty fast paced and I always love Cambria's writing style. I really appreciate how Cambria tackled the "Abbuse" in this book. I really liked both characters. I just didn't connect with them as a couple. We don't really spend a lot of time with them just hanging out without it leading into sex. So I kinda missed the little things like them goofing around and just having fun. So, not my favorite of the series, but i still had an overall good time. I'm very interested in seeing what the other guys are going to end up doing in their books.
Rating: 3,5 stars.
July 29, 2024
I was so invested In win in wish & his secret little phone calls so I was excited to start his book !!!! Sorry but I instantly fell in love with Lars his love interest and their story was so captivating and heartbreaking ( Lars ex abusive partner) I thought Cambria wrote about domestic abuse and Lars story so well tbh! The things that happen between Win & Lars was fire and they could not ignore the pull and chemistry between them! If you ask me it was love at first sight! 4 stars due to I would of like abit more of their story in Sweden when they first got together but still very much loved the book!
April 11, 2023
This was my first journey into the Westbrook Elite Universe. If you love a good, kind of dark, college sports romance you’ll love this one. Swimmers, foreign exchange students, forced proximity and quality spice, what’s not to love?! I do have to say that it didn’t fully grip me until about 25-30% in, but once it did I was fully invested. This was my first MM romance, which doesn’t really matter to me I’ll read any sort of romance, love is love. This one does not disappoint though. Win and Lars are just so perfectly imperfect together, I want all the happiness for them. All of the characters in this book are unique and seem to have really interesting stories so I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. This book does deal with a lot of DV and stalking if those are triggers for you.
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