Rhys Manson and Noah Harris have spent the past five years pretending to hate one another. When the assignment of a lifetime finds them in close quarters for three weeks, they try their best to navigate around each other. Until by pure happenstance, they find themselves face to face and are forced to see past preconceived notions. Rhys and Noah share a connection they never expected, but all too … expected, but all too soon the job comes to an end and they go their separate ways.
A devastating blow puts Noah back in Rhys’s orbit. Only this time they’re surrounded by the secrets they’re both desperate to hide. They avoid one another until the feelings between them become too much to bear.
As they open up for the first time in their lives they need to decide if they’re going to keep pretending, or if they’re going to turn hate into something else.
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I think I found the perfect author if you don’t want to choose between sweet fluffy books and romance with a big old side of angst. Abrianna Denae has come up with the perfect formula for it, and it’s delivered so beautifully you don’t even feel the sucker punch from breaking your heart. I know I’ve said this many times, but I’ve never meant it as much as this time. I want to give Noah, Rhys, River, Jamie, and Alex a big hug so bad.
This is Rhys’ story. We met Rhys in book one. He’s Jamie’s best friend. He and Jamie have both been through A LOT, and have been there for each other through the worst times. They’re very close. This story is equally Noah’s as well.
Noah and Rhys have known each other for five years. They’ve openly disliked each other. Sometimes there’s more to it than that, and after a series of events in Europe, the dislike turns into tolerating and some unexpected shared company. When their time in Europe ends, they go their separate ways. Life brings them back together again, and Noah finds himself working for Rhys at his photography studio.
Both men have deep wounds they’re dealing with; deep wounds and secrets. Secrets have a way of coming out, as do hidden feelings. Watching these men struggle is hard to watch, but watching the small victories is everything.
The author does a beautiful job handling heavy topics. Mental health and well-being have been so taboo and ‘hush-hush’ for way too long. The author writes about her hope that this book can help people realize that ‘it’s ok to not be ok.’ It gives me goosebumps thinking that this book could be helpful to even just one person. You never know what can influence someone to reach out for help or to just talk.
This is the second book in the Stories series. Its timeline overlaps book one during part of it. In fact, they even share a couple of chapters. It’s very interesting as a reader for this to happen. It gives a deeper meaning to something that happened in the previous book, and an entirely different perspective. That said, I feel like this book shouldn’t be read as a stand-alone. Not if you fully want to understand some things that happen.
This series has taken me by surprise. Even though I’ve had plenty to say, it’s also left me blown away and a little speechless. It gives you a lot to think about, but in a good way. I would absolutely recommend this book and this series.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
This is the second story in the series. It packs a powerful punch again. There are so many issues being dealt with. It’s supposed to be Rhys and Noah’s story but it is so much more. First Jamie and Alex play a big part in the continuing timeline of these characters plus the relationship between Jamie and Rhys is such a big part of Rhys life. I liked how the author handled the issue of jealousy between the couples. I feel this author has the ability to make her stories emotional rollercoasters. When it’s stated the reason for Noah’s and Rhys difficulty having a relationship, it tore my heart apart for each of them. The situations that brought each to this point made me give them each credit for their strength. I appreciate how the author keeps the past characters active in the story. They bring so much to the relationship between all these people. I have to say this is one of the best series I’ve read in a long time. It’s impossible for me to set aside. I find myself ignoring things I should be doing and I’m reading instead. I can’t wait to see where this story goes in the next book. I received a free copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary review.
Same issues with editing and formatting as in book 1..
I got too annoyed! DNF at 12%
Oh, the feels in this story!! I was hooked, once I picked it up, I could not put it down! We meet Rhys is the first story and I was really hoping for his story! Yay, thank you! He’s Jamie’s best friend, they been friend thru thick and thin. Noah and Rhys have known each other for about 5 years and have totally disliked each other. But eventually they start to grudgingly get along. They each have secrets they’re hiding. I loved this story!!! I highly recommend it!! I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I loved Rhys and Noah’s story! It’s one filled with pain, heartache, missed opportunities and love. It can be read as a stand-alone,but honestly think a richer experience is had by reading A Love Story.
The characters have been wonderfully written, their backstories crafted into a heartfelt story. This is one not to miss!
This is the second in the series, and is the story of Rhys and Noah. Its a well paced read with scenes of A Love Story interwoven throughout, which flesh out the history.
The connection between these two men is clear, although they seem to be pushing one another away. Even when Rhys is being combative you can feel the attraction between them. Noah is quite a serious character, the reasons for which become clear, and Rhys is sometimes darker than the character we saw in the first book.
Seeing more of Alex and Jamie and how their relationship has developed since the first book was sweet. Rhys and Jamie are still as close as ever, and the Breneman family are once again bringing everyone ‘into the fold’.
This is an emotional read, with some really powerful scenes.
This book is a fabulous follow-up story to A Love Story but this book concentrates on Rhys and Noah. This book is full of heartbreak, secrets, darkness and finally love. The underlying theme here is to move past the darkness and heartache and find love. It’s a wonderful enemies to lovers book. This author takes you on an emotional journey that have two broken souls just trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel. I highly, highly recommend this book!! I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next!