This is my first book by Emory Weste, and I'm so glad I found this author because I thoroughly enjoyed this book so much. This is book 5 in the series of interconnected standalones, and I already have plans to read the previous books.
This book revolves around Oli and Dean. Upon meeting these guys, you'd never think they would make a good match, but they were perfect for each other and absolutely adorkable. I just loved how their story developed and built up slowly. We have Oli this big ball of positive sunshine living his most unapologetic self life. Then we have Dean. He's super difficult to get to know with how guarded he is and plans ahead, so being impulsive is not in his wheelhouse. This made for a great dynamic, bringing balance to one anothers lives.
This was such a feel-good, fun, sweet story. That gave me all the feels while alse being funny and entertaining.
Tropes:
MM
Opposites attract
Roommates to lovers
Forced proximity
Mental health rep
Slow-burn
First times
Sexual Discovery
Hurt/Comfort
Impulsive Sunshine + Guarded Jock
Found Family
Dual POV
Check TW
J
Janice J Crump
May 6, 2026
Book 5 of an on going series, it does start off a bit slow. There is a bit of push and pull between the two MMC while one is overly friendly and bright. The other is put off by his friendly attitude and a prank from another friend leave them in an uncomfortable spot. Eventually both parties give each other a chance and sparks fly. I’m trying to keep this review spoiler free since I received an ARC. But this story is low angst compared to the other 4 books in the series but still shows a level of emotional growth between both MMC. I went back and gobbled up the other 4 books and I look forward to book 6.
Perfect addition to the series
This was such a great addition to the series and I loved getting to know Oli and Dean!
I’ve been curious about Dean’s story since he was introduced and I’m so glad his HEA is finally here!
This is a story about two different people who cover their emotions in vastly different ways but they both understand each other at their core. With their living situation being what throws them together, it’s a slow burn for both me to drop their guard and really get to know each other. It’s a beautiful story that highlights how what you might be looking for won’t come in the form that you might expect. Once they gave each other a chance it was *perfection*. This seiries has a special place in my heart! I definitely recommend it to anyone (and I’m not typically a college romance girly)
Thank you for the ARC! All these thoughts are my own!
J
Julia Toth
April 12, 2026
Oli and Dean's beautiful story
I absolutely devoured this! I was hooked from the start and I couldn't put it down wanting to see what will happen between Oli and Dean.
Oh, Oli, baby! Such a wonderful, chaotic, sunshine-y golden retriever in spite of his childhood. And Dean is the perfect protector and the perfect person to offer him safety and the love he never got. I loved the slow burn! They needed that time and I loved seeing them go from roommates to lovers! I loved their discussions and I loved how direct and honest Oli was. I really enjoyed the hurt/comfort in this and how they both took care of each other in their own ways. And went they went from roommates to lovers? I loved their intensity and possessiveness.
I loved how they fit in with the other couples from this series. Seeing this growing found family just warms my heart.
I laughed(a lot when West was in a scene), I even cried a bit and I loved every moment of reading this book.
J
Jessi Hernandez
April 18, 2026
This was so good. I’ve loved everything I’ve read from Emory Weste, and this did not disappoint. I loved how you couldn’t help but love Oliver, and it was so satisfying to see Dean feel the same way, especially after struggling to figure him out. Watching their love grow and how they made each other better was really special. I thoroughly enjoyed this and was completely entertained.
