This is book 2 of Altered Paths, so of course I had to read That One Moment (which came highly recommended from a friend) before I could read Just Us Two. I had every intention of having this read, reviewed and everything ready to go for release day.
And then I read That One Moment.
That book made me feel so many emotions. I was ugly crying at 6 am. I had to set it down and collect my thoughts and emotions numerous times. And when I was done, I couldn’t pick up a book for 3 days. And I usually devour a book in a day. I needed time to process. To heal.
It was like you stabbed me in the heart and every time I pulled the knife out, you snatched it back just to shove it in again, even deeper.
I’m not gonna lie, I was scared to read Just Us Two. But I did it. And it is amazing.
Darius and Oliver are perfect for each other. Love, love, love seeing the demi rep. I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve ever seen it. Getting to see how their relationship evolved from friendship into this crazy, beautiful love… chef’s kiss. The intimacy Darius & Oliver shared before things ever got spicy (and boy did it get spicy) between them was top notch. The story reminds us that the bonds we make with our found family can be stronger and much, much healthier than blood family bonds we are born into. There were moments I had to set it down and process what I had read, mainly when it comes to Oliver’s story. There were definitely tears. Anger. Hurt. All of the emotions. Right here, in this…
Just Us Two by C.S. Autumn is lightly connected to the author’s book, That One Moment, but you could start with this book. Oliver used to hook up with Caiden and also knew Cooper from that first book and Caiden is on page here for a few moments.
Oliver is just trudging along. He has a job and a place to live, but his mental health suffers and his eating is disordered. This all relates back to abuse from his childhood where his parent didn’t believe him and he has not addressed his issues at all. When Oliver receives bad news from home, he goes to see Caiden, but finds Darius instead.
Oliver and Darius connect instantly, but with Oliver having a past with Caiden, Darius is wary of starting anything. He also only knows Oliver through Caiden’s eyes, but what Darius sees is much different. He instantly wants to take care of Oliver and sort out his issues. The two become close friends and then act on the spark between them, but there is a lot in their way.
There is a lot of intense drama in this book, first through Oliver’s eyes and then on Darius’ side. If you are looking for a large serving of angst, this is the book for you, as Darius and Oliver have a lot to overcome to be together forever.
I had to seriously psych myself up before starting this book—and it delivered exactly the kind of emotional devastation I expected from C.S. Autumn 💔
Oliver completely stole my heart. I wasn’t sure what to expect with his character after That One Moment but I was pleasantly surprised. His past is so deeply painful, and it’s turned him into someone who keeps his walls so high, out of fear of letting anyone too close. But from the very beginning, Darius sees through his facade. He understands Oliver in a way no one else does, and gives him a safe space to just be. Watching their friendship and connection grow was the most rewarding part of this story.
Their friendship is genuinely endearing. It’s full of softness, warmth, and the small moments where they both just get to exist in quiet peace together. But slowly, their friendship start growing into something incredibly deeper. These two could not be more perfect for one another. I absolutely adored the moments of them planning their futures. Of course there was the grand ideas, but they both just dreamt of the little moments of just being together 🖤
But of course, that happiness doesn’t last. And not only do things fall apart, they shatter. Darius breaking Oliver’s heart felt like a punch to the gut. Of course, Oliver doesn’t know the reasoning behind Darius’ actions, which just makes it so much worse. I cried (like full on ugly sobbed) for 4 chapters straight 😭
“I only ever wanted him to be happy. I just wish –” I wish…
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Rating: 4.5/5⭐
Spice: 3.5/5🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT:
💙Strangers-To-Friends-To-Lovers
🩵Hurt/Comfort
💙Demi Rep
🩵Slow Burn
💙Lace/Lingerie
The relationship between Ollie and Darius has been one of my favorites to watch develop. Their connection, though immediate, was sweet and emotional, and ran much deeper than just physical attraction. Seeing them establish a relationship based on emotional intimacy was so much more satisfying for me to read than just a hook-up situation.
When it came to the blackmail and arranged marriage, etc…the plot started to lose me a little bit. I think the story would’ve been just intense (or more so) without the supervillain addition. But I was so invested in Ollie and Darius and their relationship, and that HEA was 100% worth it!!
**I received an ARC and this is my honest review.**
**Edits are mine. Pictures are not.**
So excited for Darius & Oliver!
Thank you to the author, CS Autumn, for the ARC of Just Us Two.
Just Us Two follows the story Oliver and Darius from That One Moment. The story opens with Oliver who is struggling with past trauma and the end of his situationship with Caiden. When he turns to Caiden in a difficult moment, he instead finds Darius. The two characters develop a quick friendship that progresses into romantic feelings as they get to know one another. They seem like the perfect couple until Darius’ father is blackmailed with his past and Darius has to make a choice.
The cast of characters in this book were a highlight for me. I also I appreciated that the author didn’t use the “love cures all” approach and instead showed how healing has to be a choice you make for yourself. The first half of the books seems too good to be true as far as Darius and Oliver’s relationship goes and you are hit hard with reality for sure. There is one character in the book that I think everyone will collectively despise.
