C
Comfy nightshirt
April 30, 2026
Verified Purchase
I just don't think Emmy Sanders can write a bad book. And when you have read almost the whole series and you get the origin story, well that's it, I am thrilled. It starts as an enemies story but evolves with tatoos and poetry and glimpses into Isaac and Trevor's earlier lives. I love how Emmy writes developing love and here it is so beautiful, filled with family, found family and plans for the future.
The epilogue was filled with the men from the series and with only one more book to go made me realize how truly I will miss Elite 8 studios!
J
Jana Moravcikova
May 15, 2026
Verified Purchase
Omg, this was the sweetest couple in my opinion. I love their love story and their friends who are as chaotic as they can be. Highly recommend.
T
The Secret Librarian
April 30, 2026
A heartfelt and romantic story!
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: size difference, found family, sex worker
Trevor and Isaac's romance made me smile so much! They were adorable together, and their story was super romantic with some great steam!
I'm more than thrilled that we got the origin story about Elite 8 Studios–I've loved this series from the start and I didn't know how much I needed this one! I wasn't sure what to expect from Trevor and Isaac, but I'd been hoping for their story since we saw them renew their vows. They were sweet together, and I had the best time getting their backgrounds and history together!
Their initial interactions were hilarious, and it was a lot of fun seeing Isaac reluctantly warm up to Trevor. He just couldn't keep his curiosity at bay when it came to the big, tattooed guy that kept sitting at 'his' table. Isaac was super prickly, but Trevor didn't let it get to him the slightest, and they just had this intense, instant chemistry with each other. It was very easy to get captivated by their romance, and I couldn't get enough of their dynamic and the way Trevor had his hands full with a bratty Isaac.
Bruiser was a heartfelt and romantic romance that I could barely put down! Trevor had such a big heart and I loved how Isaac couldn't resist his charm. They were perfect for each other, and it was great seeing them explore together and Isaac figuring out things about himself. And Todd! I instantly loved Isaac's roommate Todd, and I truly…
A
Ashley | @adhd.and.read
May 1, 2026
5 ⭐
4.5 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
Elite 8's origin story
Library meet-cute
Size difference
Poetry AND dirty talk
So much flirting
Teddy-bear romantic
Sassy grump
Found family
MY THOUGHTS
This book is incredibly satisfying, especially if you’re a fan of the series. It feels both comforting and new, returning to this world I adore but also getting another peek behind the camera-when Elite 8 was still just an idea on Trevor’s laptop. I absolutely love this glimpse into Trevor (Bruiser) and Isaac's relationship and the origin story of the studio. The times we have seen them up until this book have been so brief yet so intriguing. Getting their backstory... total *chef's kiss*.
Isaac is soooo much more than the little we've seen of him so far, since he's the spouse and not the actor. But my gosh, he's a force to be reckoned with! I adore him! He is spicy and brash yet also vulnerable and sweet; I have zero confusion about why Trevor falls as hard as he does. Isaac is very much Trevor's Northern Star–the reason he works so hard and loves so fiercely–and I get a thrill out of seeing this giant of a man worship his partner so wholeheartedly. (And I looove that his stage name started as a nickname from Isaac!) Trevor is possibly the most romantic MC I've ever read and is the legitimate definition of swoon-worthy. It's no wonder Isaac can't resist him the minute they clash in the library.
Emmy has created a fabulous found family within the Elite 8 series, and even though…
Did I read this book before reading the Elite 8 series? Of course I did! It’s me, duh😅 I didn’t have time to catch up before the book was announced. But I’m glad I didn’t read them because I got to see where it all began. Trevor and Isaac were so perfect.
When they first met, Issac was having quite a bad day and wasn’t on his best behavior. But despite how prickly Issac was, Trevor felt a pulled towards him that he couldn’t explain.
The moment Trevor saw Isaac, he was a goner. He could see there was more to Isaac than he’s fiery personality. He saw the real Isaac not many people got to see and that only made him more special.
Trevor was determined to make Isaac’s life better in any way he could. So going above and beyond to make the day Isaac hated most a special one was just one way to show him. Especially in the way he did it. Having Isaac unknowingly be part of it was brilliant.
Isaac really had the best people around him. I loved how they always rallied around him to make him feel better when things got tough. They knew what he needed without him having to say anything.
I absolutely loved Trevor. He was such a teddy bear. People found him intimidating but not Isaac. I loved how fiercely he would defend Trevor whenever someone tried to hurt him. He was ready to fight anyone for his man.
After reading this book, I think I’m gonna look into Emerson. I’m not one for poetry but Trevor got me wanting to read it😅
I loved that the library was where they met and how…