And Then You: Until, Book 2

I am an avid reader as well as one who reads rapidly. Kindle unlimited has been a godsend as otherwise the public library which I do use online or purchase would be my only sources for books. As a result I have explored genres that I would have otherwise overlooked. It is a delight to find an author in any genre who is master of their craft. Prescott in this book shows that type of promise. The plot is well thought out, the characters have depth and the dialogue is very good. The erotic scenes are well written and unlike too many books are placed after we have come to know the characters. I hate books which are mere excuses to read one graphic scene after another. In this book the death of an identical twin brother plays a large part in all aspects. I was worried that it would result in making me overly sad but found it was more an exploration of the grieving process and how different people handle it. How long it takes and what it does to the survivors is clearly unique to each person. The main characters journey back to happiness ultimately make this book leaving you with feelings of hope that "this too will pass". While you will not forget, the effect on your actions can turn from negative to positive. The other main character while not experiencing physical death of a loved one, is dealing with the death of a love affair where he was betrayed unexpectedly. In short the story revolves around how the characters heal and move on. It makes this book one of joy rather…

Reading about Quinn and Steph is like drinking hot chocolate with mini marshmallows in a log cabin in the middle of December. In front of a fire place. Surrounded by love ones. Although I’ll admit Stephen’s lying habit got annoying really fast, it was worth it to see him finally opening up. The most refreshing trauma dumping I’ve ever witnessed. My only complaint is that we never get to see how Quinn’s family would react to him now that they’re actually dating. The ‘faking dating’ was such a big plot point but then it’s completely dropped and ignored like it never happened. The entire book starts because of a lie Quinn told, but then the rest of the novel paints Steph as the liar and Quinn as the honest one. It just seems a little odd that this is never addressed.

It took me a while to pick this one up after reading Until You simply because that book was so heavy and I was not ready to dive into that again. Well shame on me because this book was sooo different in some ways. While Steph’s story had some heaviness to it, it was brightened up by the amazing banter between him and Quinn. I love these two so much. They were so funny and totally opposites in some ways but somehow they both fit. Briar’s writing is just soooo good. I was hooked from the beginning and the audiobook was just as amazing. The narrator did such a fantastic job and was sooo expressive. I definitely recommend this book and series overall to anyone. I don’t want to explain too much of the plot because it’ll give away all the goodness. The spice was excellent. The build up towards it was worth the wait. I love love love this pick. Go now and buy it or add it to your endless TBR.

MM Enemies to lovers Fake dating Second book in standalone series (doesn’t need to be read in order) Oh man. This broke my heart. Steph is the unserious, noncommittal best friend. He makes jokes. Lightens the mood and is a fun time. Quinn is an Olympic swimmer. Serious is his middle name. They shouldn’t work but they do. Quinn’s seriousness makes Steph feel good and safe and home. He hasn’t felt that way since he lost his twin brother when he was 15. Honestly, I teared up so many times during this book. Steph drowned along with his brother all those years ago. And he’s been struggling ever since. I got so angry when Blair told him to stop messing around with Quinn because she just knew Steph was going to mess it up. And Steph instantly agreed because he only saw himself as the screwup. When Jude hugged him and told him he deserved to be happy and if Quinn made him happy, so be it. 😭 When Steph told his dad, “I’m your son too”. And it clicked for his dad in that moment that by allowing the grief of one son overtake their lives, they had lost both sons. - full stop- Steph being terrified of Quinn because Quinn actually looked at him, past all the outward joking. And said “Tell me something real” because Quinn could see beneath the facade Steph was trying to maintain. Also the banter between them had me laughing. It offset all the seriousness. I absolutely adored them both. Loved this story and the writing.

This book was exceptional from start to finish! I was bereft when it ended because I just wanted to keep reading about Steph and Quinn forever! I am a huge fan of everything this author writes, but this book now sits at the top as my favorite book by her. It was just perfect. It starts off with some background that is incredibly heartbreaking and gives context into why Steph is struggling through life. We met Steph in book 1 as a friend of Jude and Blair's, but this book stands alone just fine. But I highly recommend book 1 if you haven't read it yet, because it was excellent as well. Quinn and Steph know each other peripherally through their friend group, and Steph has a distain for Quinn he's been harboring. Circumstances put them together and what a joy it was! Briar writes dialogue, snark, banter, feelings, emotions, just everything so well. And it was here in spades. Their connection was fantastic, even when they were bickering and ribbing each other. Their love was glorious as things developed between them. The sweetness, the caring, the heat, the feelings, all of it absolutely fantastic!!! Do yourself a favor and read this gem of a book, you will not be disappointed!