Denny has been struggling for a while. When he learns that he is going to be a father, he panics in a number of ways. The days are ticking by closer and closer to when his child will be born. He has to decide what is best for his child’s future, even if that includes him not being in it. But before he can figure it out, the mother of his child, Sally, passes away shortly after childbirth. There is no more figuring out because the moment he sees his son, he knows he loves him. He’ll take care of him. But Denny can’t help but wonder if he is still doing right by him. Then Tyler shows up. Tyler is Sally’s brother. He was on his way to move in with Sally and demand some answers about who she was marrying when he learns she is gone. Tyler always felt like there was something Sally wasn’t saying about her relationship with Denny. And when he tracks Denny down, he has even more questions, because neither of them seem to be in the other’s lives. But that’s something he’ll have to examine later, because all he wants is to be in his nephew’s life. And in doing so, Tyler and Denny realize they need one another in more ways than one. Oof, this story hits you right in the emotions! Both of their lives are turned upside down in many ways. Denny has so much to work through but I loved that he took his responsibilities for his child so seriously in all the ways that mattered. He proved to his friends and himself that him wanting to be a dad now after believing it was something he never…
R
romanticreadsandsuch
May 23, 2026
4.25*s
This is my first book by Reitan and I’m not sure where to start. There are some trigger warnings so I would make sure that you read those to make sure the book is a good fit. It also discusses kinks pretty bluntly so make sure you’re OK there too. I’m kinda like Tyler, more on the slightly salted vanilla side of things, so while it’s not my thing personally I do appreciate where they are coming from and I feel like Reitan explains things well.
She also knows how to deliver the heat because Denny and Tyler are hot together. HAWT hot! While they bring the spice tho they also bring tons of emotions. I mean, Denny hits us right from page one with his guilt and his anxiety and his fear of the future. Then when Sally dies … ooof, it’s a gut punch. But Tyler comes at a time when he’s needed and they slowly get to know one another, drawn together by the miracle of a little boy and the impact from the loss of his mother.
And I love them together. I understand their hesitation considering who Sally was but they work together seamlessly. It’s pretty low angst while also being complicated, steeped in the problems that come from childhood trauma. It’s not easy, and probably could have used the advice of a professional, but I do like that all of them are willing to recognize that they may need to explore further to understand who they are.
Being my first book there is a lot of history in this world and within this friend group that I don’t know or understand. I enjoyed Denny’s…
4.5/5
I just knew going in to this book that it was going to be emotional and heavy and boy oh boy was I right.
Denny you struggling beautiful soul. Right off the bat my heart hurt for him. For his struggles when it came to parenthood, his loss, then everything that came after. I felt like even with Tyler there he didn't get a moment to truly breathe and process everything.
Oh Tyler, I love you so much. Tyler is so understanding, patient, kind and just there in a way that no one else could really be for Denny. I felt like he also didn't have a full moment to really grieve the loss of his sister. He showed up and from there it was all about baby Ty.
You would think that there would be some drama surrounding the fact that Tyler was the baby mom's brother but there was none of that. These two just fit together like they always belonged and they both really needed that in their lives.
Gah the found family and friendship aspect, STUNNING! They way they all showed up and supported Denny, Tyler and Ty. They brought food, cleaned up, just honestly being there when they needed some support and help, shows how deep their friendship goes.
As always I absolutely devoured this book. It was just so beautiful and I'm left wanting more. Thankfully though, I know how Crea's universes work and I know I will see all of these beautiful characters again
We see Denny struggling with becoming a father and marring his baby mama. They don't truly have a relationship and he is constantly second guessing himself and what kind of parent he will be due to not having a very good childhood with his own parents. When tragedy hits and leaves him a single father, his life changes forever. Tyler has just lost not only his sister but his best friend and he has no idea were his nephew is, he is just trying to get by and find him. When Tyler finally finds Denny and little Tyler. Denny was drowning in everything when he meets Tyler and these two soon start to rely on each other. I loved the progression of their relationship, the attraction was instant but they truly formed a friendship before they moved on with more. Tyler was the one person Denny trusted with Ty the most while Denny gave Tyler a piece of his sister by making him a co-parent to Ty. Tyler and Denny deal with many struggles from Denny feeling like he is not a good father, to his mother becoming obsessive and trying to cause problems for them both. One of the best parts of the book was how everyone came out to support Denny even his siblings that he was not close with it just warmed your heart as you read.
Denny suddenly finds himself as a single dad, something that he never imagined wanting especially because of his childhood and what he endured growing up. Tyler had planned to move in with his sister, Sally, and help her raise baby Ty, but everything changed when Sally suddenly passed away after childbirth. Tyler is determined to be a part of his nephew’s life, so he tracks Denny down and shows up when he needs help the most.
Denny and Tyler fall into a routine caring for baby Ty together, and it's quite adorable and a little odd considering they barely know one another. I loved the development of their relationship. It grew slowly through late night conversations, feedings, and the support they gave one another. Their chemistry was wonderful, but I truly loved how Tyler helped Denny realize that he could be a great father despite all his doubts.
The found family aspect in Crea’s series continues to be one of my favorite things. I loved how everyone showed up for Denny without him even having to ask, making sure he had help, food, and support when he needed it.
