Thirtysomething bandmates, Nolan Metcalf and Ellis Bloom, have been there for each other through thick and thin. So when a life-changing event sends Ellis to the safety of Nolan’s apartment, he’s grateful for the comfort his best friend provides. They’ve never done anything resembling cuddling and sleepovers before, but Ellis finds he needs it just the same.
Soul-deep conversations and tender moments transform into a passion that shocks them both. Since neither has ever entertained the idea of being with another man, they attribute their confusing feelings to their established nightly routine. Determined to spend time apart, they resume their solo lives. But the desperate, achy neediness only returns, and soon enough they’re back in each other’s arms—and beds.
Before they have time to work through it, the real world intrudes. Admitting their secret status would change not only the chemistry of their band but the trajectory of their lives. Plus, their newfound feelings seem as fragile as the beginning notes of a new melody. They’ll need to rely on the solid foundation of their friendship, and even then, it could all fall apart. Will they become a one-hit wonder or a love song that endures the test of time?
*TW: Discussions of past child abuse and a home invasion involving weapons
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I was pretty excited for this book. It didn’t disappoint. Best friends. Bi-awakening. In their 30s. Recipe for YES!
So many times we get the rock star and the regular guy. What I never see is two regular guys who also play in a band at night mostly for fun. Because they just love it. They don’t aspire to be rock stars. They just want to play music with their friends.
Nolan and Ellis are regular guys. One is a middle school teacher, one works at a music store and gives lessons in various instruments. On Thursday nights they play with two other guys at a local bar. They are also best friends and live in the same apartment building. One directly above the other.
Handy when Ellis needs his friend the most. They are both straight and acknowledge the toxic masculinity out there when Nolan says they can sleep in the same bed. When Ellis has nightmares and Nolan comforts him. When that comforting leads to cuddling. And then more.
Was it a seamless transition from best friends to lovers? Nope. Besides the fact that they both identified as straight, they stumble a bit with family and friends. They recognize that hiding it is also part of their preconceived notions.
At times the language they used was a bit stiff. Making them sound older than they were. But I got over it. Because you could really feel the love between these men.
This was a very easy read with some past trauma that is mentioned as well as the trauma that led Ellis to Nolan’s apartment in the first place. But it isn’t overly angsty at all and definitely focuses more on their budding relationship.
4 pieces of eye candy
