Forgiving a break in trust is not easy, but it can be worth it in the long run to be with the love of your life.

Grady and Mateo have been best friends since first grade. They are now enjoying their final year at college together, and one fateful night, they take their relationship to the next level. Unfortunately, while Mateo was more than willing to keep it moving forward, Grady couldn’t deal with possibly being gay and so he walked away from Mateo.

Once Grady is finally willing to accept that not only is he gay, but that he left the love of his life and best friend, he goes in search of Mateo. Mateo isn’t the same person he used to be and has suffered greatly since they last saw each other. Now Mateo has to determine if he can forgive Grady, and if they can have a life together again.

I loved Mateo and thought that he was such an amazing person who was trying so hard to do the right thing. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed in. Grady came across as somebody who was initially very spoiled, but was now finally maturing and accepting how horribly he treated his best friend. I wasn’t sure I would be able to forgive Grady, but the author managed to make me love him and hope that the two of them would get back together.

I enjoyed the heartfelt conversations that they had and especially liked watching Grady open his heart completely. These two were also definitely smoking hot together. The story takes a nice little turn and throws in a roadblock to their future happiness. It has to do with how Mateo spent the last 6 years. I was very surprised at the reason for Mateo’s scars and thought the author did an excellent job with this bit of mystery.

Although I finally forgave Grady, it was very hard to think of Mateo’s life for the past six years and not get a bit depressed. His entire social connection was basically ripped away from him because of Grady’s cowardice.

An emotional take on the friends-to-lovers theme with a bit of mystery.

Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

BLURB

When roommates Grady and Mateo give in to their growing lust, it’s the best sexual experience of their lives. But are they really gay? Is this just sex or something more? It takes time for confused Grady to figure that out, but once he does, he’s determined to have all of Mateo. Too bad tracking down brokenhearted Mateo proves impossible.

So what’s a horny gay virgin who wants only one man to do? Grady posts an ad online to encourage his friend out of hiding and into his bed. Once he gets Mateo between the sheets, he’s sure he can convince him that what they had together was no college experiment. But Mateo’s been hiding from something—or someone. Grady is determined to tear down all Mateo’s walls so he can find out what happened to him and help heal his wounds, and in the process show his best friend that he won’t run. Not this time. He swears.