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aleksandrareading's review against another edition
4.0
4/5
Riley Hart knew what she was doing writing this books, because this story was utterly gorgeous. I knew I will love it since I met Charles and Brian in the second books from this series. Mainly because these two couldn’t be different from each other but somehow together created a beautiful relationship. I know my rating isn’t five stars. Don’t let yourself be fooled by it though. That’s just how I am. The book has to be perfect to gain five stars from me. Although, this one was extremely close. I loved this story but it strangely didn’t give me this five stars book feeling as I thought it will. I will write further why.
The books follows Brian and Charles. Two men who couldn’t be possibly more different. Brian is closed, really introverted, lives in a small town, works at a factory, has one close relative and he had never experienced true love except the unrequited and tragically ended one he felt for his dead brother's wife. Charles though is extraverted, confident, charming, works as a big lawyer in New York city, is close with his family, has a lot of money, friends and past love/ sexual partners. As you can see how could it be possible for these two to create a great relationship? Well. They did. An amazing one even. They started out as friends, thanks to Charles, but with each passing day they grew closer. Charles helped Brain open up to the world and more possibilities without being too pushy but instead giving him time and helping him through it. They both actually helped each other recover from the tragedies they experienced in life, as Charles was still grieving his dead brother.
The progress Brian made after a life of sadness and grief until he met Charles and he helped him open up was amazing.
The demisexuality representation here was probably made in the best possible way. I don't remember reading a book in which this was presented in a better and truer form. Brian, after living alone as a heterosexual man with only a few failed sexual encounters, struggles with his sexuality until he meets Charles and starts questioning a few things. The book perfectly described and portrayed his way of becoming more open with it, without magical making him "healed". The book turned out to be more spicy as I thought, but I liked it because each scene focused more on their connection and dynamic rather than just smut.
I love how patient and sweet they were with each other. The love for music brought them together and every scene they played in Charles’s house was wonderfully described. One of my favorite moments was when Charles bought Brian flowers almost every time he visited him at his house. It’s so simple but beautiful. It made me tear every time. Don't make me start with the things they said to each other because that made me tear even more. Or the fact that Charles called Brian 'sweetheart'.
The thing I adore the most about this book and series is that there is not third act break up. At least in the second and third book, because I didn’t finished the first one. The characters actually communicate and talk things out when the problems comes. Exactly how it should be when you are in a mature relationship that you care about and want it to last even when conflicts arise.
My rating, although I liked the book, is not five stars. So why exactly? First, the "I love you" confession was a bit too fast for my taste. If they had said those words even three or four chapters later, it would have been more believable to me. But that's just my opinion though. The next and last thing is the use of some words, which I hate when are mentioned in books. The sexual ones, like 'tight pucker' or 'prick', or when Charles was saying during the act that Brian’s you know what is 'ready to play'. I despise those words and phrases in smutty scenes. Unfortunately, they make me gag. I know it might not be a problem for everyone, but I just hate them.
I only read three books from Riley, but I would definitely recommend starting with this series. I’m not the biggest fan of the first book. I actually dnfed it, but the second and third one? Close to perfection. If you like opposites attracts, small town setting, Demi awakening, hurt/ comfort, mature MCs in their forties, strangers to friends to lovers and found family. You know what your next read will be. Do yourself a favor and add it to your tbr. Seriously.
Inevitable series
1.[b: Only for the Weekend|61426724|Only for the Weekend (Inevitable #1)|Riley Hart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1657565575l/61426724._SX50_.jpg|96932298] tbr/dnf?
2.[b: A Million Little Moments|62775191|A Million Little Moments (Inevitable #2)|Riley Hart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668968537l/62775191._SX50_.jpg|98455950] 4.5 stars
3.[b: A Lifetime Kissing You|141699932|A Lifetime Kissing You (Inevitable #3)|Riley Hart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682587712l/141699932._SY75_.jpg|157453293] 4 stars
Riley Hart knew what she was doing writing this books, because this story was utterly gorgeous. I knew I will love it since I met Charles and Brian in the second books from this series. Mainly because these two couldn’t be different from each other but somehow together created a beautiful relationship. I know my rating isn’t five stars. Don’t let yourself be fooled by it though. That’s just how I am. The book has to be perfect to gain five stars from me. Although, this one was extremely close. I loved this story but it strangely didn’t give me this five stars book feeling as I thought it will. I will write further why.
The books follows Brian and Charles. Two men who couldn’t be possibly more different. Brian is closed, really introverted, lives in a small town, works at a factory, has one close relative and he had never experienced true love except the unrequited and tragically ended one he felt for his dead brother's wife. Charles though is extraverted, confident, charming, works as a big lawyer in New York city, is close with his family, has a lot of money, friends and past love/ sexual partners. As you can see how could it be possible for these two to create a great relationship? Well. They did. An amazing one even. They started out as friends, thanks to Charles, but with each passing day they grew closer. Charles helped Brain open up to the world and more possibilities without being too pushy but instead giving him time and helping him through it. They both actually helped each other recover from the tragedies they experienced in life, as Charles was still grieving his dead brother.
"Charles said, “You need to promise me you’ll always tell me how you’re feeling—whether it’s sex stuff, anxiety, or anything else. I don’t ever want to put more pressure on you, but I haven’t experienced this before and I’m gonna make mistakes.”
The progress Brian made after a life of sadness and grief until he met Charles and he helped him open up was amazing.
The demisexuality representation here was probably made in the best possible way. I don't remember reading a book in which this was presented in a better and truer form. Brian, after living alone as a heterosexual man with only a few failed sexual encounters, struggles with his sexuality until he meets Charles and starts questioning a few things. The book perfectly described and portrayed his way of becoming more open with it, without magical making him "healed". The book turned out to be more spicy as I thought, but I liked it because each scene focused more on their connection and dynamic rather than just smut.
"I stopped him, hand on his arm. “I like lookin’ at ya,” I admitted. “You’re so damn beautiful, it steals my breath.”
I love how patient and sweet they were with each other. The love for music brought them together and every scene they played in Charles’s house was wonderfully described. One of my favorite moments was when Charles bought Brian flowers almost every time he visited him at his house. It’s so simple but beautiful. It made me tear every time. Don't make me start with the things they said to each other because that made me tear even more. Or the fact that Charles called Brian 'sweetheart'.
"I can actually have you…and it’s deeper, like you’ve burrowed into my bones, like I don’t know if my heart would keep beatin’ if I didn’t have you."
The thing I adore the most about this book and series is that there is not third act break up. At least in the second and third book, because I didn’t finished the first one. The characters actually communicate and talk things out when the problems comes. Exactly how it should be when you are in a mature relationship that you care about and want it to last even when conflicts arise.
"I love you. It doesn’t matter if we’re different or if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. Something about you gives me things I didn’t even know I needed. You said I make you feel like you’re living for the first time, and while I might have lived my life differently from you, somehow you still make me feel the same."
My rating, although I liked the book, is not five stars. So why exactly? First, the "I love you" confession was a bit too fast for my taste. If they had said those words even three or four chapters later, it would have been more believable to me. But that's just my opinion though. The next and last thing is the use of some words, which I hate when are mentioned in books. The sexual ones, like 'tight pucker' or 'prick', or when Charles was saying during the act that Brian’s you know what is 'ready to play'. I despise those words and phrases in smutty scenes. Unfortunately, they make me gag. I know it might not be a problem for everyone, but I just hate them.
I only read three books from Riley, but I would definitely recommend starting with this series. I’m not the biggest fan of the first book. I actually dnfed it, but the second and third one? Close to perfection. If you like opposites attracts, small town setting, Demi awakening, hurt/ comfort, mature MCs in their forties, strangers to friends to lovers and found family. You know what your next read will be. Do yourself a favor and add it to your tbr. Seriously.
Inevitable series
1.[b: Only for the Weekend|61426724|Only for the Weekend (Inevitable #1)|Riley Hart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1657565575l/61426724._SX50_.jpg|96932298] tbr/dnf?
2.[b: A Million Little Moments|62775191|A Million Little Moments (Inevitable #2)|Riley Hart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668968537l/62775191._SX50_.jpg|98455950] 4.5 stars
3.[b: A Lifetime Kissing You|141699932|A Lifetime Kissing You (Inevitable #3)|Riley Hart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682587712l/141699932._SY75_.jpg|157453293] 4 stars
kahime's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this one and I didn't all at once. I think I enjoyed the characters separately rather than together if that makes sense? I didn't like Charles forcing his friendship on Brian, even going as far as to constantly invite himself over and insert himself into his life.
I liked Brian in the second book and was excited to see how he got his HEA in this one but, I felt like he was kind of.... bland I guess? I feel like it was very much a told they were in love and told they had a connection but I just didn't feel it? They shared their love of music and.... what else?
I did not appreciate or like the fact that Charles put himself second and was constantly accommodating his needs and wants to Brian due to said anxiety. I personally felt that Charles' mother was correct and that he was giving up way too much for Brian, even his own personality at times.
I have anxiety and my partner also has anxiety and we both know our limits. If Brian was uncomfortable going to a slightly larger town than his own, how did he think he would handle New York City? Everyone knows it's busy, its loud and it's FULL OF PEOPLE. I'm not entirely sure how Brian thought he would handle it when he get overwhelmed at a grocery store? It just felt so unrealistic and I felt like Charles for the first time in the book, didn't see how badly Brian was struggling.
I am not on the Ace spectrum, nor am I Demi... but the sex in this book felt... idk. Off perhaps? I did appreciate how it was recognized that Brian didn't often feel the need for sex and sometimes just wasn't in the mood for it, and that was stressed throughout the entire book. But what about Charles? He's described as a flirt and has had sexual relationships before and seems to absolutely enjoy sex, so what about him? It felt very much like their entire sex life depended on whether or not Brian was feeling it and it always maximized the importance of Brian getting off while Charles was once again, just happy that Brian was happy. Their whole relationship just felt so one sided to me.
I liked Brian in the second book and was excited to see how he got his HEA in this one but, I felt like he was kind of.... bland I guess? I feel like it was very much a told they were in love and told they had a connection but I just didn't feel it? They shared their love of music and.... what else?
I did not appreciate or like the fact that Charles put himself second and was constantly accommodating his needs and wants to Brian due to said anxiety. I personally felt that Charles' mother was correct and that he was giving up way too much for Brian, even his own personality at times.
I have anxiety and my partner also has anxiety and we both know our limits. If Brian was uncomfortable going to a slightly larger town than his own, how did he think he would handle New York City? Everyone knows it's busy, its loud and it's FULL OF PEOPLE. I'm not entirely sure how Brian thought he would handle it when he get overwhelmed at a grocery store? It just felt so unrealistic and I felt like Charles for the first time in the book, didn't see how badly Brian was struggling.
I am not on the Ace spectrum, nor am I Demi... but the sex in this book felt... idk. Off perhaps? I did appreciate how it was recognized that Brian didn't often feel the need for sex and sometimes just wasn't in the mood for it, and that was stressed throughout the entire book. But what about Charles? He's described as a flirt and has had sexual relationships before and seems to absolutely enjoy sex, so what about him? It felt very much like their entire sex life depended on whether or not Brian was feeling it and it always maximized the importance of Brian getting off while Charles was once again, just happy that Brian was happy. Their whole relationship just felt so one sided to me.
kaity_b's review against another edition
4.0
Audio: 5 stars Nick J Russo killed it!
Book: 3.5-4 stars
Can be read as a standalone.
I enjoyed this more than I thought since I didn't love book one. Brian and Charles adorable and both understanding of each other's needs and wants.
I think that this is the first time a main character (Brian) who is demisexual doesn't get cured by the man, yes, they still have sex, but it's not as if the magical peen fixes him! That was refreshing to see.
I still thought something was missing with these two, but overall, I enjoyed this book and had a smile on my face throughout the whole thing.
Book: 3.5-4 stars
Can be read as a standalone.
I enjoyed this more than I thought since I didn't love book one. Brian and Charles adorable and both understanding of each other's needs and wants.
I think that this is the first time a main character (Brian) who is demisexual doesn't get cured by the man, yes, they still have sex, but it's not as if the magical peen fixes him! That was refreshing to see.
I still thought something was missing with these two, but overall, I enjoyed this book and had a smile on my face throughout the whole thing.
jamieb_19's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bookschaosnart's review against another edition
3.0
I'm glad this story was told. Sweet opposite attracts the emotions and generous story everyone expects from Riley.
kindlemmromancereader's review against another edition
5.0
***ARC Review***
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
This book is beautiful. It’s beautifully written. It’s full of so many emotions. I was smitten from the first sentence of the prologue. I fell more in love with each chapter. Brian and Charles falling in love is just about the sweetest, most heartfelt thing. Riley Hart has a way with words and this book (the third novel in the Inevitable series) takes the cake. I’ve lived all over, but most of my years have been spent in the Southeastern U.S. Hart’s description of Ryland through Brian’s eyes is spot on. Her acute attention to detail and nuance shines in this book. I could visualize every aspect of the small town Southern life with ease.
Brian is a character that stays with you. His loneliness is visceral, but man does he feel deeply. Charles loves with his whole heart, and gosh is it a big one. I was riveted by their story. Both of these men are so special. They have such a strong emotional connection. I appreciated how their differences enhanced their connection. Opposites attract is definitely one way to describe these MCs. Brian is a man of few words. Charles is not. Brian is introverted. Charles is a social butterfly. I loved the natural progression of their friendship into something deeper.
This really was a magical love story. Both men are dealing with loss and avoiding things that they need to address. But they work on things together and are open with one another. Brian comes out of his shell a bit when he’s with Charles, but he also stays true to himself. Both men see and find something in the other that they didn’t know they needed. They complement each other really well.
I appreciated the tone in this book. It worked for the characters. There’s a lot of hope, laughs, and love in this book. It was great seeing other characters from the series. Charles parents were a nice addition, as were Raya and Kim. I was happy to see Sutton and Brian get even closer. The epilogue made me tear up. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. It was really moving and simply lovely. You should read it when it comes out on July 6th!
Note: There are some themes in this book that may be triggering for some people. Pay attention to the author’s Content Warnings at the beginning of the book.
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
This book is beautiful. It’s beautifully written. It’s full of so many emotions. I was smitten from the first sentence of the prologue. I fell more in love with each chapter. Brian and Charles falling in love is just about the sweetest, most heartfelt thing. Riley Hart has a way with words and this book (the third novel in the Inevitable series) takes the cake. I’ve lived all over, but most of my years have been spent in the Southeastern U.S. Hart’s description of Ryland through Brian’s eyes is spot on. Her acute attention to detail and nuance shines in this book. I could visualize every aspect of the small town Southern life with ease.
Brian is a character that stays with you. His loneliness is visceral, but man does he feel deeply. Charles loves with his whole heart, and gosh is it a big one. I was riveted by their story. Both of these men are so special. They have such a strong emotional connection. I appreciated how their differences enhanced their connection. Opposites attract is definitely one way to describe these MCs. Brian is a man of few words. Charles is not. Brian is introverted. Charles is a social butterfly. I loved the natural progression of their friendship into something deeper.
This really was a magical love story. Both men are dealing with loss and avoiding things that they need to address. But they work on things together and are open with one another. Brian comes out of his shell a bit when he’s with Charles, but he also stays true to himself. Both men see and find something in the other that they didn’t know they needed. They complement each other really well.
I appreciated the tone in this book. It worked for the characters. There’s a lot of hope, laughs, and love in this book. It was great seeing other characters from the series. Charles parents were a nice addition, as were Raya and Kim. I was happy to see Sutton and Brian get even closer. The epilogue made me tear up. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. It was really moving and simply lovely. You should read it when it comes out on July 6th!
Note: There are some themes in this book that may be triggering for some people. Pay attention to the author’s Content Warnings at the beginning of the book.
a_hooman's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
niena's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I loved the built up, loved the not so perfect sex life.
secret_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
Rating: 5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
A Lifetime Kissing You was an exceptional and emotional story with amazing characters!
Charles and Brian’s story felt so special, and I loved seeing these two slowly fall in love. Charles was stubborn and his insistence of being Brian’s friend was sweet, and he definitely had to work for it. Brian’s loneliness and grief tugged hard on my heartstrings; he was such a kind and gentle person, but just so lonely and closed off.
These two men… everything between them felt so genuine, so real. The emotions Riley Hart managed to capture in their story… I don’t even have words for it. The friends to lovers together with the slow burn was beautifully put together and it fit the characters well. Brian really needed the time to get to know Charles and understand his own feelings. I loved how Brian’s sexual identity was portrayed, and the way he and Charles carefully explored it together warmed my heart.
A Lifetime Kissing You was beautifully written, I loved the tone of the story and the characters will stay with me for a long time. I smiled and cried my way through the story, it was just so hopeful, sweet and romantic, despite the obstacles that they faced. It’s definitely a book that should be on your TBR!
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
A Lifetime Kissing You was an exceptional and emotional story with amazing characters!
Charles and Brian’s story felt so special, and I loved seeing these two slowly fall in love. Charles was stubborn and his insistence of being Brian’s friend was sweet, and he definitely had to work for it. Brian’s loneliness and grief tugged hard on my heartstrings; he was such a kind and gentle person, but just so lonely and closed off.
These two men… everything between them felt so genuine, so real. The emotions Riley Hart managed to capture in their story… I don’t even have words for it. The friends to lovers together with the slow burn was beautifully put together and it fit the characters well. Brian really needed the time to get to know Charles and understand his own feelings. I loved how Brian’s sexual identity was portrayed, and the way he and Charles carefully explored it together warmed my heart.
A Lifetime Kissing You was beautifully written, I loved the tone of the story and the characters will stay with me for a long time. I smiled and cried my way through the story, it was just so hopeful, sweet and romantic, despite the obstacles that they faced. It’s definitely a book that should be on your TBR!