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Our Way
Nathan Mercer, the only man in my life.
Loving him was never an option.
We met ten years ago, when we started at the same company on the same day.
Both new in town and with nobody else to rely on, we quickly became friends.
And while Nathan went on to rule San Francisco, ’m still doing the same job with the same people.
We finish each other’s sentences, we spend Christmas together and he sleeps at my house more than his.
He’s beautiful.... beyond belief.
In another life, he’s probably my soul mate.
However, lately things have changed. He’s started looking at me differently.
His eyes drop to my lips as I speak.
His hugs are tighter�. longer.
Our fights are more passionate, his jealousy insane.
I know it’s all in my head�.it has to be.
They say to never love someone who treats you like you’re ordinary.
I don't. To him I'm a queen.
But our story is complicated.
And as much as I love Nathan Mercer with all of my heart. . .
He’s the one man I can never have.
Loving him was never an option.
We met ten years ago, when we started at the same company on the same day.
Both new in town and with nobody else to rely on, we quickly became friends.
And while Nathan went on to rule San Francisco, ’m still doing the same job with the same people.
We finish each other’s sentences, we spend Christmas together and he sleeps at my house more than his.
He’s beautiful.... beyond belief.
In another life, he’s probably my soul mate.
However, lately things have changed. He’s started looking at me differently.
His eyes drop to my lips as I speak.
His hugs are tighter�. longer.
Our fights are more passionate, his jealousy insane.
I know it’s all in my head�.it has to be.
They say to never love someone who treats you like you’re ordinary.
I don't. To him I'm a queen.
But our story is complicated.
And as much as I love Nathan Mercer with all of my heart. . .
He’s the one man I can never have.
560 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2020
10.7k people are currently reading
11.3k people want to read
About the author
T.L. Swan
33books21.6kfollowersT L Swan is a #1 Amazon best-selling author and a professional daydream believer. Based on the scenic South Coast of NSW with her husband and three kids, she's seen her books take the romance world by storm with multiple #1 best sellers and translated editions of her books in over 20 languages.
Best known for "The Miles High Club" series, all of her books exist in an inter-connected universe that exudes luxury and desire. Her mission is crafting steamy, tender, and unforgettable romantic stories that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.
Best known for "The Miles High Club" series, all of her books exist in an inter-connected universe that exudes luxury and desire. Her mission is crafting steamy, tender, and unforgettable romantic stories that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,090 reviews
August 10, 2020
“But when I look at you, I don’t see a female or a male.�
“What do you see?�
“I see happiness.�
Song :
Note : Ejaculate is never going to sound sexy. Someone have a chat with T.L. Swan about her overuse of this word in all of hers books, please and thank you. Reading about a hero that is desperate to ejaculate makes me desperate to bleach my eyes.
So, this is the complicated and messy story of Eliza Bennet and Nathan Mercer.
They met 10 years ago on their first day in a new city, new job and new life. That very first day, Nathan makes it clear that Eliza is the wrong sex for him, but they fast become friends, confidents and platonic soulmates.
Fast forward ten years, and Nathan is incredibly protective of Eliza, spoils her rotten and their relationship, while certainly worthy of an eyebrow raise or two, is wholesome and you could feel how much they care for each other and how much they make each other happy.
”Being inside Nathan Mercer’s arms is my favorite place to be.�
One day, out of the blue, Nathan gets an erection while looking at Eliza, and all hell breaks loose. What follows is a LONG journey of misunderstandings, miscommunications, jealousy, hurt, judgement, contradictions and headaches, sprinkled with moments of happiness, laughter, friendship and love.
I had a smile on my face about 40% of the time, during their vacation, the banter before their fights escalated, when they kiss each others hands 🥺They really had some amazing moments. �
“Where do you want to go?� I ask.
“Anywhere with you.�
“Why did you bother coming to bed if you want to read? Why didn’t you just stay out there and read?�
“Because I wanted to be close to you, but of course, you are completely wrecking it, so stop talking.�
“I want to be friends.�
“I don’t want you as a fucking friend, Eliza. I want you as my wife!� he shouts.
Felt okay/meh through 10%.
And the remaining 50%
WARNING : that was the classy, composed part of the review. This next part is LONG, made up of spoilers, spoilers, more spoilers and one frustrated as fuck Mina.
Now, excuse me while I go look for high BP remedies. I'll get y'all some too. 🙈
this rant was 30k characters long but GR only allows 15k so I had to delete half of it LOL
July 30, 2020
He wasn’t an Alpha Male.
He is a manchild who can’t hold a meaningful conversation without storm out the door when he couldn’t get what he wanted.
His idea about loving the heroine is, by trying to have sex with any other women but the heroine, you know let’s see if he’s going to like it, since he was only had with men before 🙄🙄🙄.
Does he plan to have an adult conversation with her about how he feels with her? Of course not!
When the heroine have doubts about his feelings and left him because she needs some space to see where their relationship will going to, his answer?
Fuck more other women, see if he really had feelings for her too.
Does he bother to see her in those time, to find out if she’s okay and have conversations to tell her how he felt? Of ourse not.
The heroine think it was fine he had sex with those prostitutes, because you know he had no really feelings to them, just sex 🙄.
Yeah, it’s really a nice romance, isn’t it? 🙄
Then she’s the one who end up apologised for left him, and made him have sex with strippers 😳, when the bloody man who the one couldn’t talk to her how he feels about her. How she supposed to feel when his ex who she knew he used to love for years wanted him back? And is a He.
Pansexual my arse, he was a gay!
And he expected her to believe him have a change heart, just like that without any history to prove it?
Yeah, that will do, mate! 🙄
It’s too many potholes in this story, more than potholes on Oxford’s roads.
And Oxford was founded in 8th century! 😬.
Seriously, I just couldn’t stop rolling my eyes 👀.
But you know what made me really fuming? That apology!
Gosh, you know what this reminds me?
Woman in an abusive relationship.
She always had the excuses why her partner keeps hitting her.
No hitting this time though, just why he had sex with other women.
However this book is well written despite the awful main characters.
I like them when they still just best friend.
Also the epilogue is cute and I believe their HEA if everything are perfect and lovely.
If something wrong happens, I bet he will out the door to find some strippers to take his mind out of his misery 😳🙄
He is a manchild who can’t hold a meaningful conversation without storm out the door when he couldn’t get what he wanted.
His idea about loving the heroine is, by trying to have sex with any other women but the heroine, you know let’s see if he’s going to like it, since he was only had with men before 🙄🙄🙄.
Does he plan to have an adult conversation with her about how he feels with her? Of course not!
When the heroine have doubts about his feelings and left him because she needs some space to see where their relationship will going to, his answer?
Fuck more other women, see if he really had feelings for her too.
Does he bother to see her in those time, to find out if she’s okay and have conversations to tell her how he felt? Of ourse not.
The heroine think it was fine he had sex with those prostitutes, because you know he had no really feelings to them, just sex 🙄.
Yeah, it’s really a nice romance, isn’t it? 🙄
Then she’s the one who end up apologised for left him, and made him have sex with strippers 😳, when the bloody man who the one couldn’t talk to her how he feels about her. How she supposed to feel when his ex who she knew he used to love for years wanted him back? And is a He.
Pansexual my arse, he was a gay!
And he expected her to believe him have a change heart, just like that without any history to prove it?
Yeah, that will do, mate! 🙄
It’s too many potholes in this story, more than potholes on Oxford’s roads.
And Oxford was founded in 8th century! 😬.
Seriously, I just couldn’t stop rolling my eyes 👀.
But you know what made me really fuming? That apology!
Gosh, you know what this reminds me?
Woman in an abusive relationship.
She always had the excuses why her partner keeps hitting her.
No hitting this time though, just why he had sex with other women.
However this book is well written despite the awful main characters.
I like them when they still just best friend.
Also the epilogue is cute and I believe their HEA if everything are perfect and lovely.
If something wrong happens, I bet he will out the door to find some strippers to take his mind out of his misery 😳🙄
November 11, 2024
***4 STARS***
� Our story isn’t neat and it doesn’t fit into any boxes. We are complicated and messy. Fucked up and tainted. ܳ� This is love. Our Way.�
Whew....what an emotional ride. I am dizzy and a little heartsick over all the angst in this one.
Nathan and Eliza meet on their first day on the job at a hospital. He as a resident and she as a nurse. They strike up a friendship instantly that lasts ten years and boy are they close...even sleeping together every night. Of course, Nathan is gay, so what’s the harm? Until he becomes sexually attracted to his best friend and then all hell breaks lose.
Boy did this couple’s relationship go through the paces: misunderstandings, lack of communication, game playing, breakups, arguments, tantrums. It ran the full gamut. Physically this couple is like fire...they sizzle and the chemistry is off the charts. It’s the emotional part that they couldn’t handle and we the reader were taken on the long arduous ride.
I liked this couple. I really liked Nathan. Yes, he could throw a tantrum like the best two year old but he knew his love for Eliza and that never wavered. I think we would all want a best friend like him...I know I would. I enjoyed their journey although I frequently wanted to yell at them to get their shit together. But that makes a good book. I highly recommend this read but be ready to be frustrated at times because this couple could be aggravating...lol. But we root for their HEA in the end.
For this review and more please visit my blog at .
� Our story isn’t neat and it doesn’t fit into any boxes. We are complicated and messy. Fucked up and tainted. ܳ� This is love. Our Way.�
Whew....what an emotional ride. I am dizzy and a little heartsick over all the angst in this one.
Nathan and Eliza meet on their first day on the job at a hospital. He as a resident and she as a nurse. They strike up a friendship instantly that lasts ten years and boy are they close...even sleeping together every night. Of course, Nathan is gay, so what’s the harm? Until he becomes sexually attracted to his best friend and then all hell breaks lose.
Boy did this couple’s relationship go through the paces: misunderstandings, lack of communication, game playing, breakups, arguments, tantrums. It ran the full gamut. Physically this couple is like fire...they sizzle and the chemistry is off the charts. It’s the emotional part that they couldn’t handle and we the reader were taken on the long arduous ride.
I liked this couple. I really liked Nathan. Yes, he could throw a tantrum like the best two year old but he knew his love for Eliza and that never wavered. I think we would all want a best friend like him...I know I would. I enjoyed their journey although I frequently wanted to yell at them to get their shit together. But that makes a good book. I highly recommend this read but be ready to be frustrated at times because this couple could be aggravating...lol. But we root for their HEA in the end.
For this review and more please visit my blog at .
July 28, 2020
4 Beginning of Something Wonderful Stars �
Our Way is the definition of complicated. When two people have been friends for a lifetime, you certainly don’t want to jeopardise it by adding sex to the mix. Now technically this shouldn’t be an issue when your best friend is gay. Right?!
From their first interaction, Nathan Mercer and Eliza Benett clicked. As newbies on their first day on the job, they were joined at the hip. A friendship that has seen them practically living together as close as any couple could be. Their arrangement was perfect. Except for when they both started feeling a shift, and neither could pinpoint the why.
"This doesn’t feel sexual. It feels honest. Like we care about each other so much that the worship we have for one another is running over into the physical."
It seems as if overnight attitudes and feelings are changing. An awareness is setting in. Eliza is feeling the pinch of being single for too long and Nathan is experiencing an attraction towards a woman. Now having only slept with men, getting hard over his best friend is frightening.
"What are you saying?"
"’m saying that maybe you just happened to fall in love with a guy first and that it doesn’t have to define who you will love in the future."
There is no denying how deep their affections and love is. So exploring a romantic relationship seems to be the next step. So, they try. However, the underlying insecurity Eliza feels lingers like a dark cloud. Because the fear of Nathan leaving her for a man down the track weighs on her. And insecurities can fester to ruin things.
Our Way was a modern twist to the friends to lover’s trope. Admittedly it wasn't what I expected and that’s probably why I enjoyed it so much. It was emotional, sexy and quite witty in parts while exploring a delicate situation. This author is always a winner for me as she has no qualms producing romances that are in your face and push boundaries.
I'd also like to add my 5 cents worth on the topic of cheating. I feel that I should as there is a misconception surrounding this story. In my opinion it's not cheating if two people are not dating or are no longer in a relationship, even if feelings are involved. And if one member decides to remain single/celibate at the time, kudos to them. However, if you're single, you're entitled to shag whomever and how many you please. Just use a condom...
Our Way is the definition of complicated. When two people have been friends for a lifetime, you certainly don’t want to jeopardise it by adding sex to the mix. Now technically this shouldn’t be an issue when your best friend is gay. Right?!
From their first interaction, Nathan Mercer and Eliza Benett clicked. As newbies on their first day on the job, they were joined at the hip. A friendship that has seen them practically living together as close as any couple could be. Their arrangement was perfect. Except for when they both started feeling a shift, and neither could pinpoint the why.
"This doesn’t feel sexual. It feels honest. Like we care about each other so much that the worship we have for one another is running over into the physical."
It seems as if overnight attitudes and feelings are changing. An awareness is setting in. Eliza is feeling the pinch of being single for too long and Nathan is experiencing an attraction towards a woman. Now having only slept with men, getting hard over his best friend is frightening.
"What are you saying?"
"’m saying that maybe you just happened to fall in love with a guy first and that it doesn’t have to define who you will love in the future."
There is no denying how deep their affections and love is. So exploring a romantic relationship seems to be the next step. So, they try. However, the underlying insecurity Eliza feels lingers like a dark cloud. Because the fear of Nathan leaving her for a man down the track weighs on her. And insecurities can fester to ruin things.
Our Way was a modern twist to the friends to lover’s trope. Admittedly it wasn't what I expected and that’s probably why I enjoyed it so much. It was emotional, sexy and quite witty in parts while exploring a delicate situation. This author is always a winner for me as she has no qualms producing romances that are in your face and push boundaries.
I'd also like to add my 5 cents worth on the topic of cheating. I feel that I should as there is a misconception surrounding this story. In my opinion it's not cheating if two people are not dating or are no longer in a relationship, even if feelings are involved. And if one member decides to remain single/celibate at the time, kudos to them. However, if you're single, you're entitled to shag whomever and how many you please. Just use a condom...
August 20, 2020
I've held off several days to write this review and it's been the strangest thing I've experienced with a book. Because for each day that came up where I got ready to write it, my feelings and what I wanted to say completely changed. That's partially because of the state I'm in right now but I now realise that it's MOSTLY the book itself and the journey I encountered walking side by side with Eliza and Nathan.
Nathan Mercer is the most gorgeous specimen one can imagine, with the charisma and the 'package' to match. But where on the outside he looks absolutely perfect, on the inside, he has so much to learn, so much to sort out, so many wrongs to make before he gets it right. You see, this is a friends to lovers romance and when I say friends, these two share the same bed and are as intimate and attached as two people can be. But what makes that possible & viable is the fact that on the very first page when Nathan & Eliza first meet, both new transplants to San Francisco, they start off on the most platonic of fronts because Nathan identifies himself as into men, not women.
And that right there was what separated this book from the regular formulaic friends to lovers trope and took my feelings on a rollercoaster ride where sometimes I wanted to adore him, sometimes I wanted to kill him, sometimes I wanted to tell them both to grow the fuck up! And sometimes I felt like Eliza, confused, insecure - wondering whether after a decade of just having been platonic how it could be possible that my best friend would wake up one day loving me not just platonically but wanting me sexually. Confused as to how to reformulate our relationship, confused as to the new feelings that maybe weren't so new but that I now realised I had for him also and how the hell these two people would and could navigate this road.
All of the above made for my experience of this journey. There are places where you will swoon - Mallorca is the magic you never wish to leave. There are places where your blood may boil as mine did but then question: should it? There's the million dollar question of is it really cheating when one party believes they've been abandoned or is not because of physical separation? Where does the line lie when weighing physical versus emotional? These are questions that had me up and down and for some, will make them want to throw down the book and for others only look further in. Either way, I have to say, for me, Eliza actually stole this show. And maybe that's my own personal experience. Because I have had that platonic relationship where each night we spent in the same house, the same bed and it was easy and full of the love of soulmates. And I couldn't fathom for the life of me how I would've reacted had that all of a sudden seemed to turn on a dime and find out it had transformed into something else. But throughout it all, no matter how these two bicker, no matter Nathan's sometimes seemingly thick head, Eliza always comes back to one integral value: her love for the man she has supported completely for 10 years. It doesn't matter in what form it took, Eliza has been that person and in the end, whether it frustrates one or not, she stays true to it.
As for Nathan, yes, I think I ended up right where the author wanted me to. When he went from harmless companion to all out interested in women, I kind of felt confused and betrayed by the actions he took. And then I looked at my notes and one stood out at me:
"I love the X factor in this friends to lovers which as it turns seems like it'll be so damn simple. But it isn't. It's so damn messy, just like real life. So far, I've wanted to console Nathan Mercer, fuck him, slap him up side the head, scream at him, fuck him again and then looked at it psychologically and realised that we are all more complicated creatures than we'll ever fathom."
That end line, I think the end of my above note really speaks for me. For Nathan has an even larger journey to take and while I wanted to simplify it, there is no simplifying waking up to the confusion of a new 'identity', dealing with the judgement and labels put on you that you yourself never considered. Being judged to have ulterior motives because of your past history of lovers. Trying to figure out how to tackle something where you are just as insecure as the other party and feel that you are up for the challenge. And most importantly, for both of them, to step out on that tiny ledge with no protection should they fall risking the most important thing in both of their lives - their love for each other, their history and ultimately their friendship.
The author is right. Their story is not neat. It refuses to fit into any box. They are complicated and messy. They fuck up and, here and there, they taint their developing relationship. But in the end, it IS love - the type that we all hope for. The reason we all enjoy reading romance novels. The kind of love that is bone deep, soul searing and everlasting. But make no mistake, to get there, they had to do it Their Way. And while their way was a bloody saga, the magic and beauty was always there, even when hidden.... And damn, did it sparkle when it shone through..
4**** Beautifully, flawed stars
July 29, 2020
3,5. I think when a relationship give you a headache, isn’t worth this kind of trouble.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
Friends to lovers with a twist!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🤎🖤
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😠😘🤓😉🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Eliza Bennett - In the prologue she moved from Florida to San Francisco and is just starting a new job as a nurse at a new hospital when she meets Nathan who just moved from New York and it is his first day as well, though as a resident doctor. They become fast friends and Eliza is immediately attracted to Nathan but soon finds out he is gay. Ten years later and they are still best friends.
The Hero: Nathan Mercer - a cardiovascular surgeon who prototyped and patented a new kind of bionic heart using his own life savings. He now has a factory in Germany that makes them and ships them all over the world. He is handsome, strong, and wealthy. He is friends with Eliza, though they are not romantically involved, of course.
The Story: Eliza refuses to work for Nathan and she still thinks he is the most handsome man she has ever seen. They are best friends and always support each other. Nathan has no patience for most people, but he is protective of Eliza and possessive as well.
When Eliza interviews for a new job with a plastic surgeon, the Doctor (Morgan) is honest with her and tells her he is attracted to her so is unsure he can work with her. So she lies and says she is in a relationship. She does practically live with Nathan, since he stays at her place nearly every night and sleeps in her bed (platonically).
This story is told in multiple points of view via dual narration. It is narrated by Elena Wolfe (Eliza’s POV), Andi Arndt (Eliza’s friends) and Connor Crais (Nathan’s POV). Elena has a soft, feminine voice which is age appropriate for Eliza, she sounds intelligent and has an expressive voice. Connor Crais has a great voice, deep and sexy which matches Nathan. Andi Arndt sounds to me almost exactly like Elena Wolfe, I actually have trouble telling them apart.
Like most of T.L. Swan’s books, this is about a relationship. Though this one has a bit more conflict than most, since Nathan has always been attracted to men in the past. Though he has never wanted to label himself as gay, he has never been attracted to a woman until one day his body reacts to seeing her in a bikini.
Nathan struggles with his feelings and not wanting to ruin the most important friendship of his life and sees a psychologist to try to make sense of things. I really liked Nathan’s journey in the first part of the book. The issues that Eliza struggled with, while feeling insecure and fearing that Nathan may someday need more than her or go back to his former life, was dealt with very well.
There were things I didn’t like. For instance both Nathan and Eliza were jealous of others. It seemed like every time Nathan became jealous, Eliza accused him of behaving like a child, yet she got just as jealous and he was supposed to understand her feelings. Granted she had a bit more reason to be jealous, but still it bothered me how many times she told him to stop being a baby.
|ŷ||||
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🤎🖤
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😠😘🤓😉🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Eliza Bennett - In the prologue she moved from Florida to San Francisco and is just starting a new job as a nurse at a new hospital when she meets Nathan who just moved from New York and it is his first day as well, though as a resident doctor. They become fast friends and Eliza is immediately attracted to Nathan but soon finds out he is gay. Ten years later and they are still best friends.
The Hero: Nathan Mercer - a cardiovascular surgeon who prototyped and patented a new kind of bionic heart using his own life savings. He now has a factory in Germany that makes them and ships them all over the world. He is handsome, strong, and wealthy. He is friends with Eliza, though they are not romantically involved, of course.
The Story: Eliza refuses to work for Nathan and she still thinks he is the most handsome man she has ever seen. They are best friends and always support each other. Nathan has no patience for most people, but he is protective of Eliza and possessive as well.
When Eliza interviews for a new job with a plastic surgeon, the Doctor (Morgan) is honest with her and tells her he is attracted to her so is unsure he can work with her. So she lies and says she is in a relationship. She does practically live with Nathan, since he stays at her place nearly every night and sleeps in her bed (platonically).
This story is told in multiple points of view via dual narration. It is narrated by Elena Wolfe (Eliza’s POV), Andi Arndt (Eliza’s friends) and Connor Crais (Nathan’s POV). Elena has a soft, feminine voice which is age appropriate for Eliza, she sounds intelligent and has an expressive voice. Connor Crais has a great voice, deep and sexy which matches Nathan. Andi Arndt sounds to me almost exactly like Elena Wolfe, I actually have trouble telling them apart.
Like most of T.L. Swan’s books, this is about a relationship. Though this one has a bit more conflict than most, since Nathan has always been attracted to men in the past. Though he has never wanted to label himself as gay, he has never been attracted to a woman until one day his body reacts to seeing her in a bikini.
Nathan struggles with his feelings and not wanting to ruin the most important friendship of his life and sees a psychologist to try to make sense of things. I really liked Nathan’s journey in the first part of the book. The issues that Eliza struggled with, while feeling insecure and fearing that Nathan may someday need more than her or go back to his former life, was dealt with very well.
There were things I didn’t like. For instance both Nathan and Eliza were jealous of others. It seemed like every time Nathan became jealous, Eliza accused him of behaving like a child, yet she got just as jealous and he was supposed to understand her feelings. Granted she had a bit more reason to be jealous, but still it bothered me how many times she told him to stop being a baby.
|ŷ||||
December 24, 2020
�1.5 STARS
� Preface.
If your bar for being visually overloaded is very low, I'm sorry for the gazillion gifs that are coming up.
� Overall.
Me, preparing mentally and physically to get into that review:
ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Important announcement: Please repeat exercises as instructed or head to a warm-up routine of your choice in order to execute the bends you'll need to follow this ridiculous book.
Now that we're all well stretched and warmed-up, let's get into it. *deep inhale - slow exhale*
I need two fingers to name the things I liked about this book. One, the male love interest is a man who identifies as pansexual and is not afraid of doing so publicly. Although people around him - including the woman he, for whatever wild unimaginable reason, is in love with - keep giving him shit for it and act despicably towards his sexual orientation, he stays strong in reiterating that 'love is love' and he is just himself. Go, Nathan, you tell 'em! Don't let that homophobic shit get to you.
Second, le sexy times are incredibly hawt. They literally made my body heat rise up. And there were plenty of those. If I were one of those people who could neglect all sense of morality and logic I would have probably loved this book. But... The truth is that... well
BOY DID THIS BOOK MAKE ME MAAAAAAAD
Let's start with a couple of minor things that irritated me, shall we:
And now on to the stuff that really triggered me:
Phew. Okay. I think that's it. I'll probably come back to rant some more every time I remember something.
_____________________
2 STARS. Definitely a disappointment. It might not even have been worth finishing for a variety of reasons.
1 STAR. Hate - hate - double hate [in Gringe mode]. Completely detested this due to problematic, offensive or just deeply unenjoyable content and would risk physical harm to keep others from making the same mistake.
This book is for you if� love to find new things to rave about every couple pages. Also, homophobes better stay away from this. TW: toxic friendships, toxic relationship, stalking, homphobia.
� Preface.
If your bar for being visually overloaded is very low, I'm sorry for the gazillion gifs that are coming up.
� Overall.
Me, preparing mentally and physically to get into that review:
ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Important announcement: Please repeat exercises as instructed or head to a warm-up routine of your choice in order to execute the bends you'll need to follow this ridiculous book.
Now that we're all well stretched and warmed-up, let's get into it. *deep inhale - slow exhale*
I need two fingers to name the things I liked about this book. One, the male love interest is a man who identifies as pansexual and is not afraid of doing so publicly. Although people around him - including the woman he, for whatever wild unimaginable reason, is in love with - keep giving him shit for it and act despicably towards his sexual orientation, he stays strong in reiterating that 'love is love' and he is just himself. Go, Nathan, you tell 'em! Don't let that homophobic shit get to you.
Second, le sexy times are incredibly hawt. They literally made my body heat rise up. And there were plenty of those. If I were one of those people who could neglect all sense of morality and logic I would have probably loved this book. But... The truth is that... well
BOY DID THIS BOOK MAKE ME MAAAAAAAD
Let's start with a couple of minor things that irritated me, shall we:
- While they were friends before they develop feelings for each other - absolutely out of nowhere - they were sleeping in the same bed for two years straight, cuddling mandatory if sleep is on the wish list for the night. ?????? Did - did I have a sad upbringing? What sort of friendships am I leading? I'm not even considering that I'm being judgy, this is WEIRD.
- my book buddy Dora mentioned this in her review and I'll have to agree with her: Eliza tries to act tough and self-assured but TL never quite convinced me of that. Neither when she's arguing with Nathan nor when her terrible friends act despicably towards her and Nathan.
- It was suspiciously convenient that they started finding each other sexually attractive at the EXACT. SAME. TIME.
- Eliza keeps turning a blind eye at her bosses' sexual advances. Those already started DURING the interview, isn't that lovely? Her biggest talent by far is making herself believe that Henry is simply like that and they're actually 'just friends'. Spoiler alert: OF COURSE HE WANTS TO BANG YOU, YOU IGNORANT SACK OF POTATOE SKIN. Also, he has a girlfriend.
- Eliza exclusively refers to her vagina as 'sex'. Never anything else. Does TL have a problem with that? Because she sure as heck is generous when it comes to intimately describing anal play, use of buttplugs and anal sex. That just doesn't make sense to me.
And now on to the stuff that really triggered me:
- Nathan reads Eliza's diary while she's in the shower. Without her consent. Obviously. *smiles in psychopathic seriel killer*
- Eliza also can't - and I'm quoting here - 'sleep without his hands on her behind'. Yeah, I've gotta side with Simon, that's a NO from me
- Eliza keeps making excuses for Nathan's toxic behaviour. Not that she's any better but Nathan is an asshole to others. Plain and simple. Controlling, stalkerish, mentally triggering. A whole package that is labelled 'HECK NO'. Nathan might as well wear a garbage bag to symbolise his lovely
character
- Nathan is a real man-baby: During over 500 pages of relationship drama, he was not able to lead one meaningful conversation without storming off crying like a child. His approach to solving problems consist of screaming, threats and being whiny about stuff. A real treat, this one...
- Eliza is the most paranoid and mistrusting person I've ever met in any book. She's never witnessed Nathan to be unfaithful in his past relationships and yet the minute they start their thing she suddenly expects him to jump humans left and right. As if his sexual orientation somehow makes him prone to cheating? which leads me to my next point;...
- ... Eliza's bubble of cishet straightness is SO homophobic she actually believes Nathan turned straight again for her. I just. I can't blink any faster else I'll lose my eyelids
- At one time they're about to engage in sexual intercourse and Nathan kicks it off with the words "once we start there is no stopping midway"... Well, that's some rape-y ass shit right there. If a person asks you to stop doing sexual things to you, you stop.
Phew. Okay. I think that's it. I'll probably come back to rant some more every time I remember something.
_____________________
2 STARS. Definitely a disappointment. It might not even have been worth finishing for a variety of reasons.
1 STAR. Hate - hate - double hate [in Gringe mode]. Completely detested this due to problematic, offensive or just deeply unenjoyable content and would risk physical harm to keep others from making the same mistake.
August 19, 2020
DNFing at 75% but marking as read because wow this book is long. I really wanted to love this book as the premise was super fascinating at first and I've loved T L Swan's other books but it just continually went downhill as I continued on with it and I actually can't stand to read any more of it. I've noticed an occurring pattern in Swans male characters often being extremely moody, selfish and ill-tempered but this book takes the cake. I also wasn't a huge fan of the way some serious discussions revolving sexuality were discussed and for that reason I just can't keep reading it. 1.5 stars only because I did really like the beginning but as soon as the leads got together it changed.
Shelved as 'nope'
June 8, 2021Here, we have a gay hero who starts to have feelings for his female friend after 10 years of being best friends. It starts when she wears a gold bikini???!!! Well, hmmm... Ok.
He later realizes that he is in fact pansexual because his therapist says so.
Their relationship is full of silly fights and he f*cks his way around during their separation of 6 months.
Nope, thanks but no.
Read this review for detailed information:
/review/show...
He later realizes that he is in fact pansexual because his therapist says so.
Their relationship is full of silly fights and he f*cks his way around during their separation of 6 months.
Nope, thanks but no.
Read this review for detailed information:
/review/show...
Read
July 26, 2020Wait is he Gay or Bi. Sorry 😐 ’m confused here? Ok confirmed he’s full on Gay but turns bi after like 10 years of friendship. 🥴 well ok. Love is love I get that, but I also read for that all time consuming love ❤️ where is just the girl and guy and no one else for each other. I believe in that.
He’s a horndog and a cheat too. 😩 BDSM included too. 🤦🏽♀️�
Read 2 books by this author and this is the third. Moving on now. 👋🏻
He’s a horndog and a cheat too. 😩 BDSM included too. 🤦🏽♀️�
Read 2 books by this author and this is the third. Moving on now. 👋🏻
Shelved as 'nope-nope-nope'
July 29, 2020I dont like this author, all her heros are manwhores and all her heroines are virgins/celibate. Not supporting that anymore.
Slight spoilers
.
.
Also low key this plot is kind of offensive to me, I don't know enough to fully say it is, but I am definitely side eying the hell out of it 🧐 conversion therapy is still a thing in the world so to say a full gay man can TURN bi for his best friend implies a lot of things and none of them are good
Edited to add: hero in book does not identify as gay (even though he exclusively sleeps with men for ten years or so) I am told, and in the end describes himself as pansexual. That being said I still think its problematic to tell this kind of story in such a cliche framework where it isnt any different than her stories about heterosexual couples so idk. I just think this is beyond her talent.
Slight spoilers
.
.
Also low key this plot is kind of offensive to me, I don't know enough to fully say it is, but I am definitely side eying the hell out of it 🧐 conversion therapy is still a thing in the world so to say a full gay man can TURN bi for his best friend implies a lot of things and none of them are good
Edited to add: hero in book does not identify as gay (even though he exclusively sleeps with men for ten years or so) I am told, and in the end describes himself as pansexual. That being said I still think its problematic to tell this kind of story in such a cliche framework where it isnt any different than her stories about heterosexual couples so idk. I just think this is beyond her talent.
August 9, 2020
This book has a heartbeat and that's Nathan Mercer, not because he is a swoony hero that has most of us girls revolving around his orbit but because of his transformation/realisation of dynamic of sex interest gave a life to this book. Along with Nathan and Eliza I was also new to their change. Our Way is exactly a fit title to not care about the worlds ways and find love in our own way.
"To the rest of the world he’s a bastard, but to me he’s a big pussy cat."
Nathan Mercer (34), is a successful cardiologist who is a very impatient man and expects excellence from everyone. Tall, handsome and broody he also has two moods: bossy and cranky. Not an easy man to mingle with because of his bastard attitude but is overlooked because of his handsomeness.
Eliza Bennet (31), is a cute, goofy and clumsy woman who can't cross the road without getting hit herself. Eliza can be described as simple and happy girl. Her bubblyness is a bright spot in the book.
Nathan and Eliza meet on the first day of their job. Their friendship was envious type if anyone understands the strong bond they have. They have a good understanding for each other. Eliza was attracted to Nathan in their first meeting but Nathan gently pushes her away clearing that he is gay. Now 10years later the relationship dynamic changes.
"Nathan is the most complicated person I know, and when someone is aggressive toward him, his natural instinct is to fire it straight back. He’s like a mirror projecting your reflection, and I know the only way to ease his temper is to ease my tone."
Nathan's attraction for Eliza was slow build but neither realised it. Fearing to destroy their friendship Nathan seeks a therapist and also explores his sexual interest. This stage was not easy. Many readers may find this cheating but I describe it as miscommunication. Nathan nor Eliza was in relationship with each other. Nathan's combative side is more pronounced and sweet Eliza just knows how to tame him.
"’m going to be the friend that Nathan needs. I can’t stop seeing the pain on his face when he told me he doesn’t know who he is.
I know who he is. He’s a beautiful man that I care about, and I want to wrap him in my love and support him through whatever he’s going through."
Eliza's determination and her patience to support Nathan throughtout his change is so heart-touching. Both of them are scared of losing each other and they risk rejection.
"What does it feel like to be the world’s biggest baby?�
“’m not a baby.� He snaps.
I roll over and look up at him. “I beg to differ.�
In the end there is no resisting Nathan's big magical dick. I love Nathan's tantrums, his possessiveness and stalking. I have a thing for tall hero and short heroine and this book gave me those features.
This book gives a good foundation of friendship of both the main characters and also the friends/relatives of Nathan and Eliza. Their advices were negative and cruel but that's realistic. There are doubts when a persons sexual dynamic chances. I want to be clear that Nathan isn't gay or bi-sexual. There is a new dynamic and we understand it through the conversation of the therapist and Nathan. At the end of the book Nathan and Eliza's actions seem childish and unnecessary. I'm not happy with this part and I hate that they are seeing other people. Their stubbornness is so infuriating most of the times.
Highly recommend this book if you love an unconventional romance.
"To the rest of the world he’s a bastard, but to me he’s a big pussy cat."
Nathan Mercer (34), is a successful cardiologist who is a very impatient man and expects excellence from everyone. Tall, handsome and broody he also has two moods: bossy and cranky. Not an easy man to mingle with because of his bastard attitude but is overlooked because of his handsomeness.
Eliza Bennet (31), is a cute, goofy and clumsy woman who can't cross the road without getting hit herself. Eliza can be described as simple and happy girl. Her bubblyness is a bright spot in the book.
Nathan and Eliza meet on the first day of their job. Their friendship was envious type if anyone understands the strong bond they have. They have a good understanding for each other. Eliza was attracted to Nathan in their first meeting but Nathan gently pushes her away clearing that he is gay. Now 10years later the relationship dynamic changes.
"Nathan is the most complicated person I know, and when someone is aggressive toward him, his natural instinct is to fire it straight back. He’s like a mirror projecting your reflection, and I know the only way to ease his temper is to ease my tone."
Nathan's attraction for Eliza was slow build but neither realised it. Fearing to destroy their friendship Nathan seeks a therapist and also explores his sexual interest. This stage was not easy. Many readers may find this cheating but I describe it as miscommunication. Nathan nor Eliza was in relationship with each other. Nathan's combative side is more pronounced and sweet Eliza just knows how to tame him.
"’m going to be the friend that Nathan needs. I can’t stop seeing the pain on his face when he told me he doesn’t know who he is.
I know who he is. He’s a beautiful man that I care about, and I want to wrap him in my love and support him through whatever he’s going through."
Eliza's determination and her patience to support Nathan throughtout his change is so heart-touching. Both of them are scared of losing each other and they risk rejection.
"What does it feel like to be the world’s biggest baby?�
“’m not a baby.� He snaps.
I roll over and look up at him. “I beg to differ.�
In the end there is no resisting Nathan's big magical dick. I love Nathan's tantrums, his possessiveness and stalking. I have a thing for tall hero and short heroine and this book gave me those features.
This book gives a good foundation of friendship of both the main characters and also the friends/relatives of Nathan and Eliza. Their advices were negative and cruel but that's realistic. There are doubts when a persons sexual dynamic chances. I want to be clear that Nathan isn't gay or bi-sexual. There is a new dynamic and we understand it through the conversation of the therapist and Nathan. At the end of the book Nathan and Eliza's actions seem childish and unnecessary. I'm not happy with this part and I hate that they are seeing other people. Their stubbornness is so infuriating most of the times.
Highly recommend this book if you love an unconventional romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2020
I don’t know why this blurb reads like he is the perfect guy. He is a selfish douche just like so many before. There really is nothing new here from the typical fiends to lovers. It’s actually worse than most because not only is he a manwhore before he starts having feelings for her, when they have a breakup he immediately starts screwing around again. He doesn’t even feel guilty about it! But don’t worry the double standard is in play like it usually is. The heroine stays celibate 🙄 The thing that really sucks is that this book is actually incredibly long. It could have been a good read if she stopped it at the point of the breakup when’re she then went on to invent the drama. The heroine had already let him know how much his screwing another girl would hurt her when she found out he got a blow job from another girl. It felt more betraying than if he had been with a guy. It’s not that she felt like she had control in his sexuality, it’s very personal because he basically told her when he met her that she was perfect aside from being the wrong sex. She was able to make peace with their relationship because of that. They basically had a real relationship aside from him having sex with other people. She just pretended it was a normal best friends thing, and respected that he was gay. So what does he do when he gets butthurt? He goes and has multiple threesomes (with two women) in a strip club. At least before she could justify their friends to lovers stance by telling herself that she was the only woman that he had ever been with. Then he took that from her too. And he knew what he was doing was wrong, because he says to himself that after the high wore off that he felt like shit because he CHEATED ON her. I highlighted the sections where he is a douchbag. So what does he do ever when he should have learned from the first time, he again and chases the high again (because he is a freaking douchebag). It’s like the author wants us to hate him. I forgave the Stephanie thing because he felt like he needed to figure something out before confessing his feelings to Eliza. The next few times (after the heroine tries to give him space) were beyond douchey. It seems like maybe the author wants us to be ok with it because he is “gay�. Up until this I felt like the author handled the complexity of human sexuality pretty well. After it just felt gratuitous and what followed after that was just unforgivable. Cheating is cheating, and trash is trash. He gets angry at her for being angry and obviously does not give a crap about the double standard. Because he flipped out over he kissing another guy after 6 months. He’s just a piece of crap.
Merged review:
So I don’t know if somehow I have two different reviews or what but here is what I already posted.
I don’t know why this blurb reads like he is the perfect guy. He is a selfish douche just like so many before. There really is nothing new here from the typical fiends to lovers. It’s actually worse than most because not only is he a manwhore before he starts something with her, when they have a breakup he immediately starts screwing around again. He doesn’t even feel guilty about it! But don’t worry the double standard is in play like it usually is. The heroine stays celibate 🙄 The thing that really sucks is that this book is actually incredibly long. It could have been a good read if she stopped it at the point of the breakup when’re she then went on to invent the drama. The heroine had already let him know how much his screwing another girl would hurt her when she found out he got a blow job from another girl. It felt more betraying than if he had been with a guy. It’s not that she felt like she had control in his sexuality, it’s very personal because he basically told her when he met her that she was perfect aside from being the wrong sex. She was able to make peace with their relationship because of that. They basically had a real relationship aside from him having sex with other people. She just pretended it was a normal best friends thing, and respected that he was gay. So what does he do when he gets butthurt? He goes and has multiple threesomes (with two women) in a strip club. At least before she could justify their friends to lovers stance by telling herself that she was the only woman that he had ever been with. Then he took that from her too. And he knew what he was doing was wrong, because he says to himself that after the high wore off that he felt like shit because he CHEATED ON her. I highlighted the sections where he is a douchbag. So what does he do ever when he should have learned from the first time, he again and chases the high again (because he is a freaking douchebag). It’s like the author wants us to hate him. I forgave the Stephanie thing because he felt like he needed to figure something out before confessing his feelings to Eliza. The next few times (after the heroine tries to give him space) were beyond douchey. It seems like maybe the author wants us to be ok with it because he is “gay�. Up until this I felt like the author handled the complexity of human sexuality pretty well. After it just felt gratuitous and what followed after that was just unforgivable. Cheating is cheating, and trash is trash. He gets angry at her for being angry and obviously does not give a crap about the double standard. Because he flipped out over he kissing another guy after 6 months. A lot of what this author wrote makes no sense. He says to his therapist (after the 6 months of being superstars) that he loved the heroine and couldn’t betray her by being with someone else. He says this after the night’s that he has went to a club to specifically seek out and have sex with other women. How do those things exist in the same person? He’s just a piece of crap.
Merged review:
So I don’t know if somehow I have two different reviews or what but here is what I already posted.
I don’t know why this blurb reads like he is the perfect guy. He is a selfish douche just like so many before. There really is nothing new here from the typical fiends to lovers. It’s actually worse than most because not only is he a manwhore before he starts something with her, when they have a breakup he immediately starts screwing around again. He doesn’t even feel guilty about it! But don’t worry the double standard is in play like it usually is. The heroine stays celibate 🙄 The thing that really sucks is that this book is actually incredibly long. It could have been a good read if she stopped it at the point of the breakup when’re she then went on to invent the drama. The heroine had already let him know how much his screwing another girl would hurt her when she found out he got a blow job from another girl. It felt more betraying than if he had been with a guy. It’s not that she felt like she had control in his sexuality, it’s very personal because he basically told her when he met her that she was perfect aside from being the wrong sex. She was able to make peace with their relationship because of that. They basically had a real relationship aside from him having sex with other people. She just pretended it was a normal best friends thing, and respected that he was gay. So what does he do when he gets butthurt? He goes and has multiple threesomes (with two women) in a strip club. At least before she could justify their friends to lovers stance by telling herself that she was the only woman that he had ever been with. Then he took that from her too. And he knew what he was doing was wrong, because he says to himself that after the high wore off that he felt like shit because he CHEATED ON her. I highlighted the sections where he is a douchbag. So what does he do ever when he should have learned from the first time, he again and chases the high again (because he is a freaking douchebag). It’s like the author wants us to hate him. I forgave the Stephanie thing because he felt like he needed to figure something out before confessing his feelings to Eliza. The next few times (after the heroine tries to give him space) were beyond douchey. It seems like maybe the author wants us to be ok with it because he is “gay�. Up until this I felt like the author handled the complexity of human sexuality pretty well. After it just felt gratuitous and what followed after that was just unforgivable. Cheating is cheating, and trash is trash. He gets angry at her for being angry and obviously does not give a crap about the double standard. Because he flipped out over he kissing another guy after 6 months. A lot of what this author wrote makes no sense. He says to his therapist (after the 6 months of being superstars) that he loved the heroine and couldn’t betray her by being with someone else. He says this after the night’s that he has went to a club to specifically seek out and have sex with other women. How do those things exist in the same person? He’s just a piece of crap.
November 12, 2022
Este es un Friends to Lovers mi cliché favorito y en el cual soy la más picky del mundo.
Este no es el mejor que he leído pero si es el más weird.
Para empezar el prólogo termina con esta frase
O sea excuse me, i mean.. WTF?!!
No me advirtieron, no viene en ninguna parte de la sinopsis, si fue como wow que estoy leyendo, a donde vamos a parar diría Marco Antonio.
Pues sí resulta que el protagonista es gay o al menos a tenido puras relaciones con hombres, hasta que llega Eliza y no crean que la vio y ya le gustó no duran diez años siendo best Friends, hasta que a él un día se le despertó la hormona el deseo como quieran llamarle y comenzó a tener pensamientos pecaminosos por su amiga.
Por otra parte ella sabe que es super guapo, sexy pero lo mantiene platónico porque sabe que no tiene ninguna chance.
Si eran los típicos problemas del género de que no te quiero confesar por no perder tu amistad pero sumándole la inseguridad de ella de tal vez no soy suficiente para él y me vaya a dejar por un hombre o de él que no lo vaya a satisfacer porque pues nunca ha estado con una mujer.
Pero después que ya estaban juntos parecían pubertos hormonales dándole duro contra el muro dale que te pego no se podían no rozar tantito porque era sexo seguro.
Tenían 30 años y su actitud era de teenagers, inseguros, inmaduros (no es que yo sea muy madura que digamos) , obsesivos el uno con el otro, sobre todo la actitud de ella era de una niña de 15 años, me sacaban de quicio.
Algo que no me estaba ayudando mucho es es lo largo que este libro, 560 páginas es DEMASIADO y luego en inglés ay no kill me lo bueno que se lee rápido aunque parezca que no avanzas.
No es el mejor libro del mundo pero yo nunca había leído esa premisa y quería ver como se desarrollaba todo, porque me ha tocado leer de relaciones poliamorosas donde una pareja gay se enamora de una chica y los tres tienen una relación o de un hombre que tiene una relación con una chica pero se enamora de un chico o sea que sale del closet pero no al revés.
No les digo que lo recomiendo pero tampoco que no, es diferente eso si.
By the way, si tienen otro friends to lovers que me recomienden se los agradecería.
Este no es el mejor que he leído pero si es el más weird.
Para empezar el prólogo termina con esta frase
“Just don’t fall in love with me or anything,� I say sarcastically.
“No chance of that,� he replies casually as he takes a mouth full of food. “You’re the wrong sex for me.�
O sea excuse me, i mean.. WTF?!!
No me advirtieron, no viene en ninguna parte de la sinopsis, si fue como wow que estoy leyendo, a donde vamos a parar diría Marco Antonio.
Pues sí resulta que el protagonista es gay o al menos a tenido puras relaciones con hombres, hasta que llega Eliza y no crean que la vio y ya le gustó no duran diez años siendo best Friends, hasta que a él un día se le despertó la hormona el deseo como quieran llamarle y comenzó a tener pensamientos pecaminosos por su amiga.
Por otra parte ella sabe que es super guapo, sexy pero lo mantiene platónico porque sabe que no tiene ninguna chance.
Si eran los típicos problemas del género de que no te quiero confesar por no perder tu amistad pero sumándole la inseguridad de ella de tal vez no soy suficiente para él y me vaya a dejar por un hombre o de él que no lo vaya a satisfacer porque pues nunca ha estado con una mujer.
Pero después que ya estaban juntos parecían pubertos hormonales dándole duro contra el muro dale que te pego no se podían no rozar tantito porque era sexo seguro.
Tenían 30 años y su actitud era de teenagers, inseguros, inmaduros (no es que yo sea muy madura que digamos) , obsesivos el uno con el otro, sobre todo la actitud de ella era de una niña de 15 años, me sacaban de quicio.
Algo que no me estaba ayudando mucho es es lo largo que este libro, 560 páginas es DEMASIADO y luego en inglés ay no kill me lo bueno que se lee rápido aunque parezca que no avanzas.
No es el mejor libro del mundo pero yo nunca había leído esa premisa y quería ver como se desarrollaba todo, porque me ha tocado leer de relaciones poliamorosas donde una pareja gay se enamora de una chica y los tres tienen una relación o de un hombre que tiene una relación con una chica pero se enamora de un chico o sea que sale del closet pero no al revés.
No les digo que lo recomiendo pero tampoco que no, es diferente eso si.
By the way, si tienen otro friends to lovers que me recomienden se los agradecería.
December 21, 2024
This book is a mess
He is the gay nice friend for 10 years than they falls in love to each other but they not communicate he is polyamorous to complicate the plot and then to test his own limits gets a blowie from OW 🤦♀�
She is not a doormat virgin and not celibate yuppi
BUT THEN
they break up and he goes more than twice to a strip club for a threesome with Prostitutes because he has needs .....
All man are pigs and women should be celibate is a crap logic.
I bleached my eyes
Bleah
He is the gay nice friend for 10 years than they falls in love to each other but they not communicate he is polyamorous to complicate the plot and then to test his own limits gets a blowie from OW 🤦♀�
She is not a doormat virgin and not celibate yuppi
BUT THEN
they break up and he goes more than twice to a strip club for a threesome with Prostitutes because he has needs .....
All man are pigs and women should be celibate is a crap logic.
I bleached my eyes
Bleah
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2021
Ok, so I’ve never hidden the fact that ’m not the biggest fan of this author’s books. Mostly because I don’t like her men, they’re horrible assholes. It’s one thing to be a cinnamon roll; an asshole to everyone but the girl. But it’s a whole other scenario when he’s as much, if not more of an asshole to the girl.
And I like enemies to lovers, I enjoy a good bully romance. But the guy’s gotta at least have some sort of positive attribute and the men in her stories I’ve read have had none.
As soon as I saw what this was about, I knew I needed to at least give it a shot. I love GFY, it’s my favorite MM trope so why wouldn’t I love it’s counterpart; straight for you?
’m so glad I looked past my aversion because Nathan Mercer is the perfect cinnamon roll. The best friend relationship between him and Eliza is freaking adorable, if not a little co-dependent. But I love that, in fact the more toxic the better.
But when he goes to the therapist and tells him that he was never attracted to either men or women before his first love that made me think. I don’t believe that he’s gay, I think he’s demisexual so it makes sense that through their long friendship he fell in love with Eliza along the way. In essence making him sexually attracted to her. Voila!
I mean you can’t cuddle someone every night for two years and not feel some kind of way.
Ok, Dr Morgan is a weird duck!
Holy smokes! Nathan’s discovery of the female body might be the hottest thing I’ve ever read.-“What are you doing?� I smile. “Playing with my favorite new toy.� His tongue runs over his bottom lip as he slides two fingers deep inside me.�
This book is long and it’s only made longer when at least half of it is spent in turmoil. ’m all for the angst and an emotional rollercoaster but this got to be too much.
They were much better off as friends. This book was like a training manual for why you shouldn’t date your best friend. Can you say toxic?
Be that as it may, “Our story isn’t neat and it doesn’t fit into any boxes. We are complicated and messy. Fucked up and tainted. ܳ� This is love. Our Way.� If all else fails ’m sure their relationship could survive on amazing sex alone
And I like enemies to lovers, I enjoy a good bully romance. But the guy’s gotta at least have some sort of positive attribute and the men in her stories I’ve read have had none.
As soon as I saw what this was about, I knew I needed to at least give it a shot. I love GFY, it’s my favorite MM trope so why wouldn’t I love it’s counterpart; straight for you?
’m so glad I looked past my aversion because Nathan Mercer is the perfect cinnamon roll. The best friend relationship between him and Eliza is freaking adorable, if not a little co-dependent. But I love that, in fact the more toxic the better.
But when he goes to the therapist and tells him that he was never attracted to either men or women before his first love that made me think. I don’t believe that he’s gay, I think he’s demisexual so it makes sense that through their long friendship he fell in love with Eliza along the way. In essence making him sexually attracted to her. Voila!
I mean you can’t cuddle someone every night for two years and not feel some kind of way.
Ok, Dr Morgan is a weird duck!
Holy smokes! Nathan’s discovery of the female body might be the hottest thing I’ve ever read.-“What are you doing?� I smile. “Playing with my favorite new toy.� His tongue runs over his bottom lip as he slides two fingers deep inside me.�
This book is long and it’s only made longer when at least half of it is spent in turmoil. ’m all for the angst and an emotional rollercoaster but this got to be too much.
They were much better off as friends. This book was like a training manual for why you shouldn’t date your best friend. Can you say toxic?
Be that as it may, “Our story isn’t neat and it doesn’t fit into any boxes. We are complicated and messy. Fucked up and tainted. ܳ� This is love. Our Way.� If all else fails ’m sure their relationship could survive on amazing sex alone
July 30, 2020
4 ”Hotness that is Nathan Mercer� stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Our story isn’t neat and it doesn’t fit into any boxes. We are complicated and messy.
Fucked up and tainted.
ܳ�
This is love.
Our Way.
Two things sucked me into reading this book. The beautiful COVER and the hunk of a MAN in that said cover. 🔥🔥 ’m picky when it comes to friends to lovers trope but since am familiar with this author’s writing, I knew I was gonna enjoy it and that’s exactly what happened. I one hundred percent did not see that twist coming and honestly the author did a convincing job in making me believe it. I can see why it might work for some and not for some. I too had some complaints which is why it didn’t make a full five star read for me and you’ll know why.
So basically the verdict is gay man can in fact turn STRAIGHT. Yes!!! You heard me right. It apparently can happen if a person is as complicated as Nathan was. I felt as if his therapy sessions helped me too so that I could understand where he was coming from. It wasn’t simply friends turned lovers but mostly a journey of a thirty four year old man who started questioning about his sexuality.
”You’re very hard to please, Eliza.�
I smile as I cut into my lasagne. “’m simply saying that I would never have picked you out to be a doctor, that’s all.�
“What would you think I would be?�
He holds out his two hands so I can look at him and my eyes roam over his perfect physique.
Stripper.
Nathan and Eliza have been best friends for ten years and even practically live together. They both are in medicine which is how they met each other. Things start to change when one day suddenly Nathan feels sexually attracted towards her and things become a little tense between them as he starts avoiding her.
“My eyes roam down her body and a strange feeling washes over me. I’ve seen Eliza with no clothes on many times before but tonight she feels so� naked.
Raw.
I stare at her for a moment, and my imagination takes me to a new place.
What would it be like to be inside her?
Funny thing, the first time he mentioned being gay I took it as joke, so much so that I forgot about that tidbit. So imagine my surprise when Eliza mentions how can he be attracted to her when he’s gay and not only that she mentioned this after getting hot and heavy with him, you tell me how was I supposed to believe the man was gay. It was all confusing.
”You want a date, I’ll get you a fucking date.� He gets up in a rush and storms over to my underwear drawer. He ruffles through it and digs out my vibrator. “Here he is.� He eyes it suspiciously as he holds it up. “Although ’m not quite sure what this pissant thing would do.�
“Size doesn’t count, Nathan.� I snap. “Not everyone wants a donkey dick, you know?�
“Does it even touch the sides?�
I did envy their friendship because it was that good. The kind where they finish each other sentences. I adored their banter, it was so funny and sweet and showed their sizzling chemistry. Even their fights and tantrums were entertaining.
This doesn’t feel sexual. It feels honest. Like we care about each other so much that the worship we have for one another is running over into the physical.
It’s magical.
The first half of the book was filled with so much angst and tension, the push and pull was worst kind of torture, I was screaming for them to get together. When it did, it was scorching hot. They decided to give relationship a shot even though they both knew it going to be hard.
Sadness sweeps over me. If Nathan and I did ever fall in love and we broke up and never saw each other again, I wouldn’t survive it.
He is in every corner of my heart, and I can’t ever risk losing him.
Eliza was super sweet and someone you would wanna be friends with. She truly had a heart of gold. I connected with her and could completely understand where she was coming for. Her insecurities and concerns were legit. It all felt real. My heart broke alongside hers whenever they fought. He kept her on her toes. Their biggest mistake was the miscommunication and a lot of stuff could be avoided.
”Gender has nothing to do with this. I can’t explain it.� He thinks for a moment. “But when I look at you, I don’t see a female or a male.�
I frown. “What do you see?�
“I see happiness.�
Nathan was the both the perfect best friend and book boyfriend. He brought chocolates, gave massages, took on expensive vacations. He basically spoiled her rotten and who wouldn’t want that. He came with a lot of baggage as well and just like her, I connected with him too. His struggle was real too but at least he had his therapist unlike Eliza.
She’s beautiful, more than beautiful. I knew I would like her body because it was hers, but I didn’t just like it� I fucking loved it.
I want to do it again, only harder.
Much harder.
My hand, wet with my semen, glides up and over Eliza’s breasts as I rub my body against hers, as if, somehow, it will preserve this feeling between us—a closeness I only dreamed of.
Apart from all this, he was the epitome of sexiness. Utterly filthy and dominating in the bedsheets. For a guy who’s only been with men, he sure learned real quick the way around a woman’s body.
Back to why it wasn’t a full five star read for me, the drama got a little too much for me, the push and pull stretched till the end. For people in their thirties, they sure acted really stupid few times. The steam was high in the beginning and then it came down in the later half. The way the author mentioned Nathan being all rough and intense in the bed, it felt a little lame or maybe ’m thinking that ‘cause of all the hardcore books I’ve been reading lately. In the middle, I even did a little skimming. Lastly all the attention went to the twist instead of the trope, in my opinion.
If you guys are looking for a unique spin on friends to lovers with lots of drama, amazing group of secondary characters (who hopefully get their own books), then this is the one for you. The author’s style will not leave you feeling bored, that’s for sure. ♥️
[P.S: This feels like the longest review I have ever written
P.P.S: please tell me where can i find that man in the cover 🤤🥺]
Our story isn’t neat and it doesn’t fit into any boxes. We are complicated and messy.
Fucked up and tainted.
ܳ�
This is love.
Our Way.
Two things sucked me into reading this book. The beautiful COVER and the hunk of a MAN in that said cover. 🔥🔥 ’m picky when it comes to friends to lovers trope but since am familiar with this author’s writing, I knew I was gonna enjoy it and that’s exactly what happened. I one hundred percent did not see that twist coming and honestly the author did a convincing job in making me believe it. I can see why it might work for some and not for some. I too had some complaints which is why it didn’t make a full five star read for me and you’ll know why.
So basically the verdict is gay man can in fact turn STRAIGHT. Yes!!! You heard me right. It apparently can happen if a person is as complicated as Nathan was. I felt as if his therapy sessions helped me too so that I could understand where he was coming from. It wasn’t simply friends turned lovers but mostly a journey of a thirty four year old man who started questioning about his sexuality.
”You’re very hard to please, Eliza.�
I smile as I cut into my lasagne. “’m simply saying that I would never have picked you out to be a doctor, that’s all.�
“What would you think I would be?�
He holds out his two hands so I can look at him and my eyes roam over his perfect physique.
Stripper.
Nathan and Eliza have been best friends for ten years and even practically live together. They both are in medicine which is how they met each other. Things start to change when one day suddenly Nathan feels sexually attracted towards her and things become a little tense between them as he starts avoiding her.
“My eyes roam down her body and a strange feeling washes over me. I’ve seen Eliza with no clothes on many times before but tonight she feels so� naked.
Raw.
I stare at her for a moment, and my imagination takes me to a new place.
What would it be like to be inside her?
Funny thing, the first time he mentioned being gay I took it as joke, so much so that I forgot about that tidbit. So imagine my surprise when Eliza mentions how can he be attracted to her when he’s gay and not only that she mentioned this after getting hot and heavy with him, you tell me how was I supposed to believe the man was gay. It was all confusing.
”You want a date, I’ll get you a fucking date.� He gets up in a rush and storms over to my underwear drawer. He ruffles through it and digs out my vibrator. “Here he is.� He eyes it suspiciously as he holds it up. “Although ’m not quite sure what this pissant thing would do.�
“Size doesn’t count, Nathan.� I snap. “Not everyone wants a donkey dick, you know?�
“Does it even touch the sides?�
I did envy their friendship because it was that good. The kind where they finish each other sentences. I adored their banter, it was so funny and sweet and showed their sizzling chemistry. Even their fights and tantrums were entertaining.
This doesn’t feel sexual. It feels honest. Like we care about each other so much that the worship we have for one another is running over into the physical.
It’s magical.
The first half of the book was filled with so much angst and tension, the push and pull was worst kind of torture, I was screaming for them to get together. When it did, it was scorching hot. They decided to give relationship a shot even though they both knew it going to be hard.
Sadness sweeps over me. If Nathan and I did ever fall in love and we broke up and never saw each other again, I wouldn’t survive it.
He is in every corner of my heart, and I can’t ever risk losing him.
Eliza was super sweet and someone you would wanna be friends with. She truly had a heart of gold. I connected with her and could completely understand where she was coming for. Her insecurities and concerns were legit. It all felt real. My heart broke alongside hers whenever they fought. He kept her on her toes. Their biggest mistake was the miscommunication and a lot of stuff could be avoided.
”Gender has nothing to do with this. I can’t explain it.� He thinks for a moment. “But when I look at you, I don’t see a female or a male.�
I frown. “What do you see?�
“I see happiness.�
Nathan was the both the perfect best friend and book boyfriend. He brought chocolates, gave massages, took on expensive vacations. He basically spoiled her rotten and who wouldn’t want that. He came with a lot of baggage as well and just like her, I connected with him too. His struggle was real too but at least he had his therapist unlike Eliza.
She’s beautiful, more than beautiful. I knew I would like her body because it was hers, but I didn’t just like it� I fucking loved it.
I want to do it again, only harder.
Much harder.
My hand, wet with my semen, glides up and over Eliza’s breasts as I rub my body against hers, as if, somehow, it will preserve this feeling between us—a closeness I only dreamed of.
Apart from all this, he was the epitome of sexiness. Utterly filthy and dominating in the bedsheets. For a guy who’s only been with men, he sure learned real quick the way around a woman’s body.
Back to why it wasn’t a full five star read for me, the drama got a little too much for me, the push and pull stretched till the end. For people in their thirties, they sure acted really stupid few times. The steam was high in the beginning and then it came down in the later half. The way the author mentioned Nathan being all rough and intense in the bed, it felt a little lame or maybe ’m thinking that ‘cause of all the hardcore books I’ve been reading lately. In the middle, I even did a little skimming. Lastly all the attention went to the twist instead of the trope, in my opinion.
If you guys are looking for a unique spin on friends to lovers with lots of drama, amazing group of secondary characters (who hopefully get their own books), then this is the one for you. The author’s style will not leave you feeling bored, that’s for sure. ♥️
[P.S: This feels like the longest review I have ever written
P.P.S: please tell me where can i find that man in the cover 🤤🥺]
July 29, 2020
Man!! it's awesome really.. I have nothing else to say!
TL. Swan just know exactly.. exactly what she writes!
it's complicated, it's sexy, and glamorous all at the same time!
the undenied attraction between Nathan and Eliza its just top-notch.
just some aspect from both characters that it's just too much nagging one to each other for being honest and the level of possessiveness kinda threw of 1 of the 5 stars that I intended to give.
but.. nevertheless. I'm completely, irrevocably enjoy the book so much! ..
TL. Swan just know exactly.. exactly what she writes!
it's complicated, it's sexy, and glamorous all at the same time!
the undenied attraction between Nathan and Eliza its just top-notch.
just some aspect from both characters that it's just too much nagging one to each other for being honest and the level of possessiveness kinda threw of 1 of the 5 stars that I intended to give.
but.. nevertheless. I'm completely, irrevocably enjoy the book so much! ..
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
September 2, 2020DNF in chapter 10
Dios! No puedo con tanta babasoda, este libro es tan ridiculo a mas no poder, al menos los de escritores como Alexa Riley, Jessa Kane, Ella Goode, etc, son cortos y puedes aguantarlos porque sabes que no duran mucho, pero esto tiene mas de 500 paginas de puras estupideses, ya no puedo, me rindo.
PS. In my way this book is so bad
Dios! No puedo con tanta babasoda, este libro es tan ridiculo a mas no poder, al menos los de escritores como Alexa Riley, Jessa Kane, Ella Goode, etc, son cortos y puedes aguantarlos porque sabes que no duran mucho, pero esto tiene mas de 500 paginas de puras estupideses, ya no puedo, me rindo.
PS. In my way this book is so bad
December 21, 2020
***2 weirded out stars***
I am so hot and bothered by this book.
I want to start off by saying that I hardly ever get triggered by anything in either books, movies or TV shows. I don't go crazy if I read something about men not acting properly, or if there is a hint of any type of "-ism" or "phobia". If I feel like there's something wrong in a story, I will give it a low rating or eventually DNF it/stop watching. I don't often rant or boycott writers for telling the story they want.
But this book, oof, it got on my nerve from start to finish. I don't even know how to begin this review 😂 I actually opened up a note on my phone and wrote down what annoyed me the most. I think I hadn't done that in years 😂
The plot: Eliza is a nurse who one day meets a gorgeous man named Nathan on their first day of work. She is instantly attracted to him, but as they go out for lunch one day, she finds out that he is into men and that there are zero chances for them to ever get together. Fast forward 10 years and they are BFFs. He has been hung up on his first love for years, she's been casually dating around, but nothing serious. Then one day, as Eliza goes shopping for bathing suits with Nathan, he suddenly gets a boner for her and comes to the realization that he is attracted to her and is also developing feelings.
Are you still with me? Starting to understand why I'm annoyed and weirded out by this story? 😂 Ok, so long story short, she always had feelings for him anyway and they decide to start dating. They screw around like crazy and then a ton of shit is going down. Which I will quickly try to list below:
- Nathan is an controlling jerk of a guy, who constantly yells at Eliza like an idiot, for no good reason if you ask me. He's also crazy jealous, possessive, a bit aggressive and an overly manly man who has been into men for all his life, but doesn't identify as gay. He actually doesn't like labels, which of course is fine. But later we learn that he is actually pansexual.
- Eliza is sort of a strong, independent woman, but more often than not she didn't come off believable to me. She tries to control Nathan and is kind of the only one who at times succeeds to keep him in check. Thing is, I felt like that was only to show the reader she's tough and in control... but I as I said, I never quite believed her.
- Eliza's two best friends are the worst! One of them falls for a guy who shows them videos of him having sex with random women in the most random places. SHE FINDS THIS HOT and will not stop until he screws her brain out, even though her friends tell her how wrong this is - but she actually pursuits him and is okay with eventually ending up as one of the taped girls. I don't know what else to say about this, I'm just shocked.
Oh, and both are non supportive when Eliza tells them she is together with Nathan. They're judgy as hell and bitch about it.
Then one of them tells Nathan something Eliza told them in confidence, which leads the two to break up.
Worst. Friends. Ever.
- everyone is calling everyone either babe, baby or bitch. And let me clarify, there are no teenagers here, only full grown-ass people. I don't know if this is something normal in the San Francisco area for women to call each other bitch all the time in their friend circles, or even babe and baby. I have zero friends I would ever call that. This seemed forced and fake throughout the book, (I'm sorry if anyone actually does this..). I also thought it was very forced every time Eliza and Nathan would call each other "baby".
- Eliza is also a pretty terrible person for not trusting Nathan. I get that she thinks he could leave her for either a man or a woman, that the threat is basically double in this case. But she often overreacts and is a bit paranoid.
- Nathan is basically stalking her at some point and the author brushes over this, as if it's something very ok and a normal thing to do. IT IS NOT ok for him to stalk her for 6 months through the "find my phone" app!!! Also, he's an idiot for giving up on her so easily and for refusing to read her letter. Had he done that the same night she wrote it, 20% of the book could have been avoided 🤦♀� because again, communicating is EVERYTHING in a relationship! :) I cannot say this enough.
- I knew the "plot twist" with Robert was coming. I saw it from a mile away, from the first time his name was mentioned. Hated that whole kerfuffle. So unnecessary.
I was also sure they would be breaking up, stay that way for a while, only to realize that both were in the wrong and end up back together at some point. So god damn predictable and overused in almost every single stupid romance novel. UGH.
- I was also very annoyed by the fact that he slept around a bit why they were broken off (I feel the need to mention that he had 2 threesomes 😎 because if we're being dramatic, we gotta do it real good 😎), while she didn't even go on a date for six months, until right before they got back together.
Aaaaaand I think I ranted enough for one review. I only want to mention a few positive aspects as well, such as the writing style which I enjoyed and the fact that Eliza stood up to Nathan and wouldn't take his shit (even though as I've said before, she wasn't always very believable). Then there's the fact that this is a friends to lovers story, which is my favorite trope and what attracted me to this book in the first place: the ridiculously hot guy on the cover 👀😂😂 Uhhhh, and the sex scenes were steamy af! But to be honest, after 20 times reading about them going at it, it does goes a bit boring?!
I am so hot and bothered by this book.
I want to start off by saying that I hardly ever get triggered by anything in either books, movies or TV shows. I don't go crazy if I read something about men not acting properly, or if there is a hint of any type of "-ism" or "phobia". If I feel like there's something wrong in a story, I will give it a low rating or eventually DNF it/stop watching. I don't often rant or boycott writers for telling the story they want.
But this book, oof, it got on my nerve from start to finish. I don't even know how to begin this review 😂 I actually opened up a note on my phone and wrote down what annoyed me the most. I think I hadn't done that in years 😂
The plot: Eliza is a nurse who one day meets a gorgeous man named Nathan on their first day of work. She is instantly attracted to him, but as they go out for lunch one day, she finds out that he is into men and that there are zero chances for them to ever get together. Fast forward 10 years and they are BFFs. He has been hung up on his first love for years, she's been casually dating around, but nothing serious. Then one day, as Eliza goes shopping for bathing suits with Nathan, he suddenly gets a boner for her and comes to the realization that he is attracted to her and is also developing feelings.
Are you still with me? Starting to understand why I'm annoyed and weirded out by this story? 😂 Ok, so long story short, she always had feelings for him anyway and they decide to start dating. They screw around like crazy and then a ton of shit is going down. Which I will quickly try to list below:
- Nathan is an controlling jerk of a guy, who constantly yells at Eliza like an idiot, for no good reason if you ask me. He's also crazy jealous, possessive, a bit aggressive and an overly manly man who has been into men for all his life, but doesn't identify as gay. He actually doesn't like labels, which of course is fine. But later we learn that he is actually pansexual.
- Eliza is sort of a strong, independent woman, but more often than not she didn't come off believable to me. She tries to control Nathan and is kind of the only one who at times succeeds to keep him in check. Thing is, I felt like that was only to show the reader she's tough and in control... but I as I said, I never quite believed her.
- Eliza's two best friends are the worst! One of them falls for a guy who shows them videos of him having sex with random women in the most random places. SHE FINDS THIS HOT and will not stop until he screws her brain out, even though her friends tell her how wrong this is - but she actually pursuits him and is okay with eventually ending up as one of the taped girls. I don't know what else to say about this, I'm just shocked.
Oh, and both are non supportive when Eliza tells them she is together with Nathan. They're judgy as hell and bitch about it.
Then one of them tells Nathan something Eliza told them in confidence, which leads the two to break up.
Worst. Friends. Ever.
- everyone is calling everyone either babe, baby or bitch. And let me clarify, there are no teenagers here, only full grown-ass people. I don't know if this is something normal in the San Francisco area for women to call each other bitch all the time in their friend circles, or even babe and baby. I have zero friends I would ever call that. This seemed forced and fake throughout the book, (I'm sorry if anyone actually does this..). I also thought it was very forced every time Eliza and Nathan would call each other "baby".
- Eliza is also a pretty terrible person for not trusting Nathan. I get that she thinks he could leave her for either a man or a woman, that the threat is basically double in this case. But she often overreacts and is a bit paranoid.
- Nathan is basically stalking her at some point and the author brushes over this, as if it's something very ok and a normal thing to do. IT IS NOT ok for him to stalk her for 6 months through the "find my phone" app!!! Also, he's an idiot for giving up on her so easily and for refusing to read her letter. Had he done that the same night she wrote it, 20% of the book could have been avoided 🤦♀� because again, communicating is EVERYTHING in a relationship! :) I cannot say this enough.
- I knew the "plot twist" with Robert was coming. I saw it from a mile away, from the first time his name was mentioned. Hated that whole kerfuffle. So unnecessary.
I was also sure they would be breaking up, stay that way for a while, only to realize that both were in the wrong and end up back together at some point. So god damn predictable and overused in almost every single stupid romance novel. UGH.
- I was also very annoyed by the fact that he slept around a bit why they were broken off (I feel the need to mention that he had 2 threesomes 😎 because if we're being dramatic, we gotta do it real good 😎), while she didn't even go on a date for six months, until right before they got back together.
Aaaaaand I think I ranted enough for one review. I only want to mention a few positive aspects as well, such as the writing style which I enjoyed and the fact that Eliza stood up to Nathan and wouldn't take his shit (even though as I've said before, she wasn't always very believable). Then there's the fact that this is a friends to lovers story, which is my favorite trope and what attracted me to this book in the first place: the ridiculously hot guy on the cover 👀😂😂 Uhhhh, and the sex scenes were steamy af! But to be honest, after 20 times reading about them going at it, it does goes a bit boring?!
Read
January 3, 2022DNF @ 65%! I tried� I really really tried y’all, but this one was just giving too much no, and my check in with reviews made me realize the ending wouldn’t be enough for me to forgive all the issues I had with this one.
*** spoilers to follow***
It’s a bit rant-y, but I think it’s justified to warn people because I didn’t see any reviews mentioning this, if you did ’m sorry I didn’t see your review but I wish I had.
I think the overall plot of someone in their 30’s figuring out their sexuality is more complex than they believed is intriguing. The hero has only ever had relationships dating/sexual with men. He meets the heroine after a break up and move, and they are the best of friends for 10 years before he starts to notice her in different ways. They have always had love between them and are as close as any romantic couple, but he’s never had a sexual attraction to her until� BAM boner when he sees her in a bikini. Ok. That’s all well and good. I can deal with that. Someone figuring out they are bi or pansexual and going through those motions of accepting it and such. But you’re meaning to tell me a 34 year old man who has been gay and sleeping and having friendships with other gay/bi men, for 19 years has no idea that he could possibly be bi or pan when he starts having feelings for a female. He thinks something is wrong with him. Maybe in his initial panic, but he runs around for weeks avoiding the heroine and freaking out like he’s ill. He’s 34 and has no idea that bi or pan exist. Like no clue lmao. I mean I can’t get on social media without seeing discussions about sexuality, so I can’t buy into it. Like once he has feelings he doesn’t even know what those words mean (he sees a therapist and the therapist introduces the verbiage) 🥴
another issue I had was that so many of the things that characters in this story say come off as extremely phobic. Like maybe the hero only wants the heroine because his body is subconsciously wanting to procreate?! He’s still gay, he just wants to fill her with babies first. Or that he only wanted men because it was his first sexual encounter. He only liked it because he knew nothing else. That now that he’s in love/having sex with a woman he is over his past of being gay 🥴 when the hero mentions he’s interested in anal with the heroine, she worries maybe he misses having sex with men. The heroines friends tell her he will end up going back to men, because if he’s interested in men she will never be enough?!! Whattttt?!! there were a bunch more situations, but like� what?! Oh and the hero adamantly assures the heroine at one point that he never got fucked by men, he did the fucking?!? What lol ’m still shocked that I even bothered reading to 65%. I kept hoping there’d be some positivity toward his sexuality, but it was all kind of biased and it felt very much like we were supposed to be convinced that he was “cured� of being gay. That’s the vibe I got. ’m straight, so maybe it’s not my business but these instances made me uncomfortable and made me cringe multiple times.
To top it all off the characters were only moderately likable, and other reviewers let me know the end didn’t justify my suffering, so what’s keeping me here?! Nothing. ’m out 😂
*** spoilers to follow***
It’s a bit rant-y, but I think it’s justified to warn people because I didn’t see any reviews mentioning this, if you did ’m sorry I didn’t see your review but I wish I had.
I think the overall plot of someone in their 30’s figuring out their sexuality is more complex than they believed is intriguing. The hero has only ever had relationships dating/sexual with men. He meets the heroine after a break up and move, and they are the best of friends for 10 years before he starts to notice her in different ways. They have always had love between them and are as close as any romantic couple, but he’s never had a sexual attraction to her until� BAM boner when he sees her in a bikini. Ok. That’s all well and good. I can deal with that. Someone figuring out they are bi or pansexual and going through those motions of accepting it and such. But you’re meaning to tell me a 34 year old man who has been gay and sleeping and having friendships with other gay/bi men, for 19 years has no idea that he could possibly be bi or pan when he starts having feelings for a female. He thinks something is wrong with him. Maybe in his initial panic, but he runs around for weeks avoiding the heroine and freaking out like he’s ill. He’s 34 and has no idea that bi or pan exist. Like no clue lmao. I mean I can’t get on social media without seeing discussions about sexuality, so I can’t buy into it. Like once he has feelings he doesn’t even know what those words mean (he sees a therapist and the therapist introduces the verbiage) 🥴
another issue I had was that so many of the things that characters in this story say come off as extremely phobic. Like maybe the hero only wants the heroine because his body is subconsciously wanting to procreate?! He’s still gay, he just wants to fill her with babies first. Or that he only wanted men because it was his first sexual encounter. He only liked it because he knew nothing else. That now that he’s in love/having sex with a woman he is over his past of being gay 🥴 when the hero mentions he’s interested in anal with the heroine, she worries maybe he misses having sex with men. The heroines friends tell her he will end up going back to men, because if he’s interested in men she will never be enough?!! Whattttt?!! there were a bunch more situations, but like� what?! Oh and the hero adamantly assures the heroine at one point that he never got fucked by men, he did the fucking?!? What lol ’m still shocked that I even bothered reading to 65%. I kept hoping there’d be some positivity toward his sexuality, but it was all kind of biased and it felt very much like we were supposed to be convinced that he was “cured� of being gay. That’s the vibe I got. ’m straight, so maybe it’s not my business but these instances made me uncomfortable and made me cringe multiple times.
To top it all off the characters were only moderately likable, and other reviewers let me know the end didn’t justify my suffering, so what’s keeping me here?! Nothing. ’m out 😂
July 21, 2020
I have no words. I am a sobbing mess in the best possible way. This book, this journey, this love. Absolutely sensational. My heart hurts so bad, but in the best way possible. I never want to leave Eliza and Nathan’s world.
This book will open your eyes to so many things. You will learn, grow, experience new things, go through heartbreak, see what true love and friendship is, and realize that man or woman, happiness is happiness love is love. The journey of Eliza and Nathan is a sweet angsty rollercoaster that will take you on the ride of your life...
This story is so much more than a best friends to lovers, so much more than sexuality awakening.. experience this wholly and come back and thank TL when you’re done. You will feel all the emotions you crave, and in the end your heart will burst and love will conquer all.
My only complaint is I want more, I want more epilogue, I don’t ever want to leave them, I felt like I went through this book with them, and ’m grateful to have experienced this book honestly. ♥️
This book will open your eyes to so many things. You will learn, grow, experience new things, go through heartbreak, see what true love and friendship is, and realize that man or woman, happiness is happiness love is love. The journey of Eliza and Nathan is a sweet angsty rollercoaster that will take you on the ride of your life...
This story is so much more than a best friends to lovers, so much more than sexuality awakening.. experience this wholly and come back and thank TL when you’re done. You will feel all the emotions you crave, and in the end your heart will burst and love will conquer all.
My only complaint is I want more, I want more epilogue, I don’t ever want to leave them, I felt like I went through this book with them, and ’m grateful to have experienced this book honestly. ♥️
July 27, 2020
Disappointing. Had cheating sprinkled with "we were on a break" magic.
Nope not my fav Ross moments.
Unless its a break long enough to last years dont come at me with we are on a break its not cheating drama. It is cheating and you know it.
:(
Nope not my fav Ross moments.
Unless its a break long enough to last years dont come at me with we are on a break its not cheating drama. It is cheating and you know it.
:(
July 29, 2020
I like it, I hated it. I was utterly frustrated by it!
August 1, 2020
This book ripped my damn heart out... as usual Swan, you have done me in.
So, right off, I'm not Pansexual. So any thoughts on that aspect of this story is not going to be from a person repping that community. However, from friends of mine who are, and from what I have gathered. That means that you are a person who falls in love with a soul, not a body type or certain sex parts on your partner. That is my understanding of that, at a very rudimentary and simplistic level.
Okay, that's out of the way?
Awesome.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!
I think it was so original in some ways, gut wrenching and painful in others. Somehow TL Swan just knows how to get to me and tear me limb from limb. The two friends in this novel don't know what's about to hit them and it is so beautiful and painful to watch it unfold.
I feel like it is just as realistic to see someone come into their sexuality one way (Nathan didn't say his was gay, so I don't want to say that about him) only sleeping with men, and then start having feelings for a woman, then if he had been hetero and had feels differently as an older man. So That is where I thought this story was so original. And in a lot of ways it still just felt like a Friends to Lovers, but with even more angst put in.
Also, I found it interesting that even though Nathan didn't want a label as gay, he was so resistant to thinking he would be attracted to a woman, let alone his best friend. But because they are best friends, she is so comfortable around him. Changing, being naked, and talking about sex... it was so fun to watch all that backfire on him. It was almost like reading a Kresley Cole novel where a vampire gets blooded for the first time and gets a boner. That is how surprised when he got an erection looking at her for the first time ever. So sexy!!!
It was also so relateable, even more than with a Hetero couple, that he was worried about fucking it up. Nathan had never slept with a woman. He thought men were the only ones he could be rough with, what if he can't please Eliza? What if he hates it? It made my heart hurt, because while I understand his fears, I just wanted shake him for not talking to her.
Then we have Eliza, who has liked Nathan since she first met him, and loves him at this point. She is crazy attracted to him, but so is everyone and she would never want to make a pass at him and have it ruin what they have. It definitely does help that no one believes he could love her that way. They immediately start to sow doubts in her and say she is just wishfully thinking and that he only wants children and it will all come crashing down.
So yeah, the biggest and most frustrating part of this book is the miscommunication. But that is 90% of romance novels and it is very believable to me in this situation. It feels to good to be true to Eliza, that all her wildest fantasies are coming true and she does listen to her friends and confide in them instead of Nathan. He, who is her true best friend, she now can't talk to because they are dating? It is so heart breaking, but I may have done it as well.
The other complaint, that some may have, is the toxicity of parts of their relationship. As soon as they start going romantic, they start fighting. A LOT. Also, Nathan is a wee bit controlling. He gets a tiny bit stalker-y (can't believe I just typed that) and bossy. However, I have to be honest. I possessive shit like that, so I'm not a good judge about that. I love that all of Nathan's feelings just overwhelm him and he goes bananas.
One final note... I do love that Nathan goes to therapy pretty early on in this book. Even though his first shrink gives him HORRIBLE advice... (He gets a better one later) That was so cool to see that he reached out that way when he was struggling and didn't just suffer alone. Very important.
How is the smut do you ask?
Really damn good. As always for TL Swan.
As I said, I loved when Nathan started having feelings for Eliza and he just kept getting hard around her. These friends were sleeping together on the regular (same bed trope here!) so it was a shock to him and he now feels kind of pervy getting fantasies out of being around her.
I love when they kiss a few times when they are drunk and when Nathan teases her about teaching her some naughty things. (Boy likes it rough!)
I love their first time together and I love that Nathan did his research so he could be a good partner to Eliza. *swoon*
They definitely don't lack chemistry and I really loved their journey together.
It was still jarring how it all ended. After drawing out the conflict for 100 pages and then BOOM! We skip forward 5 years... Dang it, I wanted a bit more, but I think the point is we know they will be good now.
I hope you give this unique story a try.
5/5 Stars
So, right off, I'm not Pansexual. So any thoughts on that aspect of this story is not going to be from a person repping that community. However, from friends of mine who are, and from what I have gathered. That means that you are a person who falls in love with a soul, not a body type or certain sex parts on your partner. That is my understanding of that, at a very rudimentary and simplistic level.
Okay, that's out of the way?
Awesome.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!
I think it was so original in some ways, gut wrenching and painful in others. Somehow TL Swan just knows how to get to me and tear me limb from limb. The two friends in this novel don't know what's about to hit them and it is so beautiful and painful to watch it unfold.
I feel like it is just as realistic to see someone come into their sexuality one way (Nathan didn't say his was gay, so I don't want to say that about him) only sleeping with men, and then start having feelings for a woman, then if he had been hetero and had feels differently as an older man. So That is where I thought this story was so original. And in a lot of ways it still just felt like a Friends to Lovers, but with even more angst put in.
Also, I found it interesting that even though Nathan didn't want a label as gay, he was so resistant to thinking he would be attracted to a woman, let alone his best friend. But because they are best friends, she is so comfortable around him. Changing, being naked, and talking about sex... it was so fun to watch all that backfire on him. It was almost like reading a Kresley Cole novel where a vampire gets blooded for the first time and gets a boner. That is how surprised when he got an erection looking at her for the first time ever. So sexy!!!
It was also so relateable, even more than with a Hetero couple, that he was worried about fucking it up. Nathan had never slept with a woman. He thought men were the only ones he could be rough with, what if he can't please Eliza? What if he hates it? It made my heart hurt, because while I understand his fears, I just wanted shake him for not talking to her.
Then we have Eliza, who has liked Nathan since she first met him, and loves him at this point. She is crazy attracted to him, but so is everyone and she would never want to make a pass at him and have it ruin what they have. It definitely does help that no one believes he could love her that way. They immediately start to sow doubts in her and say she is just wishfully thinking and that he only wants children and it will all come crashing down.
So yeah, the biggest and most frustrating part of this book is the miscommunication. But that is 90% of romance novels and it is very believable to me in this situation. It feels to good to be true to Eliza, that all her wildest fantasies are coming true and she does listen to her friends and confide in them instead of Nathan. He, who is her true best friend, she now can't talk to because they are dating? It is so heart breaking, but I may have done it as well.
The other complaint, that some may have, is the toxicity of parts of their relationship. As soon as they start going romantic, they start fighting. A LOT. Also, Nathan is a wee bit controlling. He gets a tiny bit stalker-y (can't believe I just typed that) and bossy. However, I have to be honest. I possessive shit like that, so I'm not a good judge about that. I love that all of Nathan's feelings just overwhelm him and he goes bananas.
One final note... I do love that Nathan goes to therapy pretty early on in this book. Even though his first shrink gives him HORRIBLE advice... (He gets a better one later) That was so cool to see that he reached out that way when he was struggling and didn't just suffer alone. Very important.
How is the smut do you ask?
Really damn good. As always for TL Swan.
As I said, I loved when Nathan started having feelings for Eliza and he just kept getting hard around her. These friends were sleeping together on the regular (same bed trope here!) so it was a shock to him and he now feels kind of pervy getting fantasies out of being around her.
I love when they kiss a few times when they are drunk and when Nathan teases her about teaching her some naughty things. (Boy likes it rough!)
I love their first time together and I love that Nathan did his research so he could be a good partner to Eliza. *swoon*
They definitely don't lack chemistry and I really loved their journey together.
It was still jarring how it all ended. After drawing out the conflict for 100 pages and then BOOM! We skip forward 5 years... Dang it, I wanted a bit more, but I think the point is we know they will be good now.
I hope you give this unique story a try.
5/5 Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
Before I even begin my rant, can we take a moment to let the density of Jolie just sink in?
I swear to god, this girl takes the word 'stupid' to a whole new level.
This book is 560 pages of miscommunications and misjudgements.
It is an emotional rollercoaster and I did enjoy the first half of the book when it was about Nathan embracing his sexuality and his feelings towards Eliza.
I did love the sexual tension these two have, the amazing chemistry and the sexy times. That thing was HOT as hell!!!
But then something went terribly wrong and I struggled a lot to finish the book without throwing my kindle out of the window.
There were too many things that rubbed me up the wrong way and no matter how much I wanted to love this book, I couldn't.
1. First of all, the constant and never ending miscommunication or its complete lack thereof.
I HATE THAT!
It was also kinda weird since Nathe and Eliza are bffs, have known each other for 10 years and yet, they never talk about things that really matter. Communication is the key in every relationship. How is that possible they don't know about it?
2. Cheating.
Yup.
Nathan cheats. And yet we get to find out that it wasn't really cheating because they were on a break. And they weren't together-together when that happened.
Ok, Ross.
If that was a one time thing, maybe I could get over it somehow. But that happened a few times and I couldn't understand how he could cheapen their relationship like this.
Plus, he stopped having sex with other people before they even got together because he felt it was unfair to Eliza and yet he didn't have this problem when he let Stephanie suck him off. Where the fuck is the logic in that? Can someone please explain that to me?
3. Unprotected sex.
How the fuck is that possible that two people who work in the medical field don't know how to use a condom?
He slept around and yet she never had a problem with them not using any protection?
How stupid is that? She is a nurse and she doesn't know how the pill works?
4. These two have a very toxic relationship.
They don't know how to talk to each other, he gets all jealous whenever she talks to another man, he is immature, manipulative and has a very short temper.
Eliza is the one I like a bit better but she has her own issues. But still, she was the one doing all the 'thinking' and 'right decisions' in this relationship (not all of them though).
They fight like crazy and make the same mistakes over and over again and that was pretty exhausting for me to read. But like I said before, the lack of communication seems to be the driving force in this book.
5. Her friends are the worst. I've already mentioned Jolie, the bimbo.
But we also have Brooke.
They not only bash Nathan's sexuality, his attraction to Eliza, they also attack Eliza for being with him.
And yet, they think that Jolie going away for a week to a different country with some twisted fuck addicted to home-made porn that she barely knows (he likes to record himself with his one-night stands), just to have a three-some with his fuck buddy, is yet somehow a great idea.
I HATED them, they were the definition of anti friends. They were also one of the reasons Nathe and Eliza finally split up (among others, naturally) and they weren't even sorry. *rubbing my temples
Summing up, it wasn't what I had expected. It was a very emotional but also very frustrating read. I loved the idea and partly the characters but too many things bugged the hell outta me to actually enjoy this book. Hence the rating.
Before I even begin my rant, can we take a moment to let the density of Jolie just sink in?
I swear to god, this girl takes the word 'stupid' to a whole new level.
This book is 560 pages of miscommunications and misjudgements.
It is an emotional rollercoaster and I did enjoy the first half of the book when it was about Nathan embracing his sexuality and his feelings towards Eliza.
I did love the sexual tension these two have, the amazing chemistry and the sexy times. That thing was HOT as hell!!!
But then something went terribly wrong and I struggled a lot to finish the book without throwing my kindle out of the window.
There were too many things that rubbed me up the wrong way and no matter how much I wanted to love this book, I couldn't.
1. First of all, the constant and never ending miscommunication or its complete lack thereof.
I HATE THAT!
It was also kinda weird since Nathe and Eliza are bffs, have known each other for 10 years and yet, they never talk about things that really matter. Communication is the key in every relationship. How is that possible they don't know about it?
2. Cheating.
Yup.
Nathan cheats. And yet we get to find out that it wasn't really cheating because they were on a break. And they weren't together-together when that happened.
Ok, Ross.
If that was a one time thing, maybe I could get over it somehow. But that happened a few times and I couldn't understand how he could cheapen their relationship like this.
Plus, he stopped having sex with other people before they even got together because he felt it was unfair to Eliza and yet he didn't have this problem when he let Stephanie suck him off. Where the fuck is the logic in that? Can someone please explain that to me?
3. Unprotected sex.
How the fuck is that possible that two people who work in the medical field don't know how to use a condom?
He slept around and yet she never had a problem with them not using any protection?
How stupid is that? She is a nurse and she doesn't know how the pill works?
4. These two have a very toxic relationship.
They don't know how to talk to each other, he gets all jealous whenever she talks to another man, he is immature, manipulative and has a very short temper.
Eliza is the one I like a bit better but she has her own issues. But still, she was the one doing all the 'thinking' and 'right decisions' in this relationship (not all of them though).
They fight like crazy and make the same mistakes over and over again and that was pretty exhausting for me to read. But like I said before, the lack of communication seems to be the driving force in this book.
5. Her friends are the worst. I've already mentioned Jolie, the bimbo.
But we also have Brooke.
They not only bash Nathan's sexuality, his attraction to Eliza, they also attack Eliza for being with him.
And yet, they think that Jolie going away for a week to a different country with some twisted fuck addicted to home-made porn that she barely knows (he likes to record himself with his one-night stands), just to have a three-some with his fuck buddy, is yet somehow a great idea.
I HATED them, they were the definition of anti friends. They were also one of the reasons Nathe and Eliza finally split up (among others, naturally) and they weren't even sorry. *rubbing my temples
Summing up, it wasn't what I had expected. It was a very emotional but also very frustrating read. I loved the idea and partly the characters but too many things bugged the hell outta me to actually enjoy this book. Hence the rating.
Shelved as 'not-interested'
August 10, 2020Last sentence was enough to discard this book. Didn’t even read my friends� reviews yet. 🙄🙄
July 31, 2020
Oh how I have missed Tee!!!! I always love her writing and that inner dialogue makes me laugh until I cry!!!!!🤣🤣🤣
Ok, so this book is completely different from anything that I’ve ever read from her. She has really stepped out of the box for this one.
Nathan Mercer *swoons😍* he is a brilliant cardiovascular surgeon and developer of a bionic heart. Needless to say he is beyond brilliant. He meets Eliza Bennett on his very first day as a resident (I believe) and her first day as a nurse. The chemistry is instantaneous! There is a problem though (go read the book🤪) but they are the best of friends for 10 years. Things happen and more things happen and I can’t tell you because you have to read it!
Eliza and Nathan have such a beautiful friendship. I was envious of that more than anything. They had a bond where they connected on such a level that you thought they were a couple even when they weren’t. I can’t say anymore without giving everything away.
I can say that you will get an HEA. I can also say that the Epilogue was one of the best I have ever read! I can also say that the sexy time was OFF THE HOOK! I can also say that these two were a CLUSTER🤣a beautiful mess is the best way to describe it. There is a reason the title is “Our Way� because they totally did it “Their Way�!
I can also tell you this, this is an unconventional love story. One that you don’t find very often and I think Tee did a fantastic job of navigating the verbal throat punches delivered as well as the love that had been there for a decade.
The secondary characters were amazing and I would love to get a book about Alex, Nathan’s brother, April, Elizas sister and her bf Brooke. Jolie can go jump off a cliff (hated her).
Eliza was a bit of a nut job 🤦🏼♀️she was a train wreck BUT in her defense she really was so damn confused with good reason. So, the back and forth really made me want to throat punch her. On the flip side, Nathan was just as confused and as much of a train wreck as she was. They didn’t communicate like they had for years, they let other things get in the way. They were so damn stubborn and I literally wanted to throw my phone and at one point i was screaming at both of them 🙈That is the only negative thing I can say about this book.
This is a stand alone and is a must read! Without a doubt a favorite of mine!!
Բ✨✨�
Cheating READ THE BOOK!
Sexy Time ✨✨✨✨�
Epilogue ✨✨✨✨✨🙌🏻🙌�
ʱdz✨✨✨✨�
Advance Copy kindly sent to me by the author
Ok, so this book is completely different from anything that I’ve ever read from her. She has really stepped out of the box for this one.
Nathan Mercer *swoons😍* he is a brilliant cardiovascular surgeon and developer of a bionic heart. Needless to say he is beyond brilliant. He meets Eliza Bennett on his very first day as a resident (I believe) and her first day as a nurse. The chemistry is instantaneous! There is a problem though (go read the book🤪) but they are the best of friends for 10 years. Things happen and more things happen and I can’t tell you because you have to read it!
Eliza and Nathan have such a beautiful friendship. I was envious of that more than anything. They had a bond where they connected on such a level that you thought they were a couple even when they weren’t. I can’t say anymore without giving everything away.
I can say that you will get an HEA. I can also say that the Epilogue was one of the best I have ever read! I can also say that the sexy time was OFF THE HOOK! I can also say that these two were a CLUSTER🤣a beautiful mess is the best way to describe it. There is a reason the title is “Our Way� because they totally did it “Their Way�!
I can also tell you this, this is an unconventional love story. One that you don’t find very often and I think Tee did a fantastic job of navigating the verbal throat punches delivered as well as the love that had been there for a decade.
The secondary characters were amazing and I would love to get a book about Alex, Nathan’s brother, April, Elizas sister and her bf Brooke. Jolie can go jump off a cliff (hated her).
Eliza was a bit of a nut job 🤦🏼♀️she was a train wreck BUT in her defense she really was so damn confused with good reason. So, the back and forth really made me want to throat punch her. On the flip side, Nathan was just as confused and as much of a train wreck as she was. They didn’t communicate like they had for years, they let other things get in the way. They were so damn stubborn and I literally wanted to throw my phone and at one point i was screaming at both of them 🙈That is the only negative thing I can say about this book.
This is a stand alone and is a must read! Without a doubt a favorite of mine!!
Բ✨✨�
Cheating READ THE BOOK!
Sexy Time ✨✨✨✨�
Epilogue ✨✨✨✨✨🙌🏻🙌�
ʱdz✨✨✨✨�
Advance Copy kindly sent to me by the author
March 23, 2021
one of the best books i’ve read! mr mercer😍😍😍
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