Buy:  Amazon  |  Apple Books  |  Barnes & Noble

---

---

Review

4.5 stars

I was so excited to start this book, delving back into the all-consuming Addicted/Like Us world and losing myself amongst characters that I love so much and, as expected, I loved it!

The storyline in this book is a bit different from the previous ones, moving away from the famous families and focussing on two of the supporting players of the series – super hot bodyguard, Oscar Oliveira, and filmmaker/producer, Jack Highland. That’s not to say that it’s not still strongly focussed on the Hale/Cobalt/Meadows clan, because of course it is. The Ritchies have created a large world featuring many characters all intricately interwoven, with some of the best dynamics I’ve read. So even though the romance is focussed on non-family members, the famous ones are still very heavily a part of the story.

Oscar and Jack’s flirtation has been hinted at in previous books in the series, but there’s a hitch. While Oscar is openly gay, Jack is very much straight. At least he thinks he is. So when Oscar makes a move on Jack and is humiliatingly rejected, he decides to walk away for good.

But then Charlie Cobalt comes along, asking for his own TV show and asking Jack to film it. As Charlie’s bodyguard, Oscar is never far away from the most complicated of the Cobalt offspring, so he and Jack are thrown together as they follow Charlie around the world, forced to confront what happened between them, and the growing feelings that are about to turn Jack’s world upside down.

I’m twenty-seven. I should have this shit figured out. I should know who I am. I thought I did. I’m straight. I’ve only dated women. Only been sexual with women. Only really thought about being with a woman.
But then Oscar entered the picture.

I love this story! I loved getting to know Oscar and Jack, and I especially loved Jack’s journey as he figures out who he is and what he wants.

I feel chicken-shit scared in this moment. To believe one thing for so long about myself and then have to reassess is not even close to easy.

And I was in a world of swoon as he takes the brave and bold step to explore all that he is feeling.

“I like you so fucking much that the idea of losing what we have makes me sick. I don’t want to shut the door on possibly the greatest opportunity of my life, and it’s right here – it’s you.”

And Oscar is just awesome. He’s open and honest, understanding and patient, and he’s totally got Jack’s back, and I loved watching him support and guide him along the way.

“You aren’t too late. Do what you feel without letting judgement cast you aside. So whatever label you choose – or don’t choose, you don’t have to have one – don’t let anyone take that from you. Live your truth. And if someone tries to check you on it, I’m going to check them back in the fucking mouth.”

And of course, I absolutely loved their romance. These two are so smitten with each other, and all of it is written so beautifully, with fun moments, sweet moments, smoking hot sexy times and soul-deep emotion, and I felt it all along with them and I loved seeing them fall so hard.

“I am supposed to be with you. You are supposed to be with me. Nothing else makes sense.”

But, of course, there is drama playing out alongside their developing romance. Firstly, how can they find time together when Oscar is completely occupied by protecting the most self-destructive of the Cobalt clan? Why does Charlie even want his own show? And then there are the fan-fed rumours of an Oscar and Charlie relationship and the mad fans that aren’t happy to see their golden couple seemingly torn apart.

The rest of the famous ones, and their security, are a big part of the story, taking Oscar and Jack’s backs through it all, and there are multiple minor plotlines running along in the background. As always, it’s all very involved and I love the little glimpses we get into the lives of other characters – both those that have had their stories told already, and those that haven’t. There is teasing and bickering, and lots of those little moments that bring the feels and add more depth to the dynamics between them all. There are hints at future books to come, and I’m both curious and so excited for more from this world.

I admit, I was nervous about Oscar and Jack’s story. I was worried about moving away from the families, that I wouldn’t be so invested because I hadn’t really come to care for them that much before starting their book, but I trusted in the Ritchies, and they didn’t let me down. This book completely stole my heart and further cemented my obsession with these characters and their world. It’s a wonderful addition to the series, and a swoony (occasionally cheesy) romance, and I loved it!

“Basta ikaw,” I use his words now and translate, “as long as it’s with you, because it’s you.”

4.5 stars!

 

Like Us series

 

---

About the Authors

 

Krista & Becca Ritchie are New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors and identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—but with their shared passion for writing, they combined their mental powers as kids and have never stopped
telling stories. Now in their twenties, they write about other twenty-somethings navigating through life, college, and romance. They love superheroes, flawed characters, and soul mate love.

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub | Newsletter

 

For more awesome reads, check out our Krista & Becca Ritchie Author Spotlight