“I might not be every gay man’s wet dream, but I always get a second look.” Mal Copol knows who they are: Nonbinary. Awesome. Exhausted. They won’t change for anyone, but just once, they’d like to be the one with relationship potential, not the hookup. Also, not having to fight employers on who they are and how they present themselves would be nice. And while they’re at it, add not getting raised … getting raised eyebrows at their high heels and tasteful makeup while discussing their latest rock-climbing trip to the wish list. Is that really too much to ask?
“Here I am at twenty-seven, embarking on life, version 2.0.”
Parker McWilliams is breaking free from the constraints of his former life and wife. He’s recapturing his zest to try new things and experience everything to the fullest, instead of the complacency he had fallen into over the past nine years. If one of those “new experiences” happens to be with a certain beautiful and intriguing nonbinary person, well, Parker’s just going to roll with it. Anything contrary to his past life is a good thing.
Mal and Parker keep surprising each other every time they meet. Despite their differences, neither has any interest in fighting their attraction. But when circumstances threaten to keep them apart, the couple must decide if that attraction is enough to overcome the obstacles they face.
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We met these characters in the first book in this series, Only With You. I didn’t like Parker at all in the beginning. When he finally stood up to his horrible wife, I decided there might be hope for him yet. In this book, I fell for him as completely as Mal did. And Mal, sweet sweet Mal! They were so strong. The discrimination and derision from others, just because they were nonbinary, was infuriating. This wonderful person just continued to stand tall and life their life as best they could. I don’t know that I’ve read romances with many couples better suited to be together than Parker and Mal.
I am such a fan of this series, and I love the characters so much! Zach and Craig, and now Mal and Parker, have found true love. Will it be Ben’s turn next? I so look forward to finding out. The author is a new favorite, and I’m so happy to recommend this book, along with the first one, to anyone who appreciates a sweet, sexy, heartbreaking, sometimes funny story of love that sometimes challenges the norm. Wonderful characters with loving hearts. Such a satisfying read!
This second story in the Only Colorado series is everything I hoped it would be. I loved the first book and was very much looking forward to Mal’s story. And the author didn’t disappoint. Mal identifies themselves as nonbinary. And because of that topic alone, the story is worth reading. It was some getting used to not reading about he and him, but about they and them. But it is the only way it could be done with respect their sexuality.
Mal has encountered many people who are struggling with that, but Parker is not one of them. Although he always thought he was straight – he was married to a woman, after all – Parker is immediately attracted to Mal. And that makes this story so unique and heartfelt. It is Parker’s ease and simple acceptance of Mal that is touching and heartwarming. Mal is the only one he sees.
Their journey together is not as easy, though. Parker has some serious family matters to deal with first before they can live their happily ever after.
The author has a beautiful writing style, flowing and smooth. It is full of lovely worded phrases, humorous situations, and witty banter. Mal and Parker are very endearing and well-developed characters. Zach and Craig, as well as Ben, make their appearance to make this story complete.
I would say it is a slow-burn love story, low on sex (but the sex there is, is scorching) and high on emotions.
3.5 stars
I was really looking forward to this one, because the first surprised me with how much I liked it. Especially how intrigued I was with the side characters. I was hoping the author would do justice to Mal as a non-binary character, and they did, at least as far as my admittedly limited knowledge could see. Parker was great, loved how he took to his newfound sexuality and acceptance of Mal. Putting them together was a total surprise to me, but it worked and was great.
I think the book just wasn’t long enough to fully flesh out all of the various things it needed. Which seems odd since it’s over 200 pages, but maybe since there was so much going on, with exploring Mal being non-binary, Parker’s sexuality, family issues and responsibilities on both sides. All of it was well done, it’s just a really fast paced book, so it felt shorter. Sometimes I felt like the romance took a back seat to everything else. I loved Mal and Parker together though. There just seemed to be something missing.
I think I liked this one more than the first, it made me think and gave me an enjoyable story. It’s a fairly quick read, because it’s fast paced and sucks you into the story. Chambers is definitely different from the average author, they write unusual stories that may not be for everyone. Despite some minor things, I find I am really enjoying the uniqueness and looking forward to what they do next.
Disappointed, did not finish
This book is about a man in the middle of a divorce discovering who he really is and finding love again. The person he loves is non binary and this author made it easy to read. Sometimes the sentence structure can be confusing when reading about non binary people. The they/their/them pronouns does take getting used to when you are used to following the grammar rules taught in school. I loved Mal they were a delight to get to know.
I absolutely loved this book. The fact that Mal is non-binary is just beautiful. Mal is so accepted in this book which is the way it should be for everyone. Parker is finding himself, and getting to read about these two beautiful people growing, and accepting each other, was truly heartwarming.
Mal identifies as a Nonbinary person. They are as comfortable in heels and pants as they are in boots and a skirt. Mal has never let their sex define them. All they want is to live their life on their own terms. Being the fabulous person that they are.
Parker is an unhappy man, divorcing from a terror of a woman who has made his life miserable. He feels an attraction to Mal but is unsure what he should do about it. Throw in the Nonbinary issue, add never been with a man, and Parker is in uncharted territory.
They become closer and the attraction deepens. They are just starting a relationship when life and family intervene.
A Nonbinary person identifies themselves as neither male or female and usually go by they/them pronouns. I had to research this before I started the book. At the very beginning the word usage was jarring. I was surprised that I quickly adapted and the story flowed. Give this book a try. Two likable guys, some hot sex, and a bit of conflict made for an interesting story.