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Mars Fitness #2
Stacked
Preston and I have been best friends and roommates since the first day of boarding school. If it weren’t for me, he’d never step away from his precious dissertation, not to eat, not to shower, not for anything.
I might have been in love with him for ages, but Preston has never expressed any interest in anyone other than his research. That's fine, there are plenty of guys at Mars Fitness who can help me get my rocks off.
Then one day, the sexiest man alive walks through the front door and sweeps me off my feet. He's everything I've ever wanted, except there's just one problem. He wants my heart, but how can I give it to him when I've already given it to Preston?
Stacked is a best friends to lovers, gay-awakening, nerd/jock MM romance between co-dependent roommates. It is the second book in the Mars Fitness series and can be read as a standalone. Happily ever after guaranteed.
I might have been in love with him for ages, but Preston has never expressed any interest in anyone other than his research. That's fine, there are plenty of guys at Mars Fitness who can help me get my rocks off.
Then one day, the sexiest man alive walks through the front door and sweeps me off my feet. He's everything I've ever wanted, except there's just one problem. He wants my heart, but how can I give it to him when I've already given it to Preston?
Stacked is a best friends to lovers, gay-awakening, nerd/jock MM romance between co-dependent roommates. It is the second book in the Mars Fitness series and can be read as a standalone. Happily ever after guaranteed.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 10, 2024
- best friends to lovers
- nerd x jock
- roommates
- queer awakening
- demi/neurodivergent mmc
Prefacing this by saying that overall I did enjoy Sawyer and Preston's book, buuuutttt there's this thing.... It's not quite OMD or a love triangle, but it's there. Normally I wouldn't mind the OMD/love triangle thing, but for some reason it really bothers me here lol
Like Sawyer is supposed to be super in love with Preston, his bff since high school, and still pines for him, but starts seeing/banging Fitz, who works under Preston and reminds him of Preston... Their relationship is mostly off page, but takes up like almost the entire first half the book 😒😒😒
& the whole thing clearly rankles Preston,. There's lots of hurt and jealousy on his end which gives him his eye opening moment when it comes to how he feels about Sawyer, who is completely oblivious to the entire thing which is odd given how in-tune he's supposed to be to Preston's other feelings. Again 😒😒😒
I just hated the whole Fitz situation, and felt that got dragged out a bit too with Sawyer delaying breaking it off with him. Preston clearly had no hesitations when it came to their relationship, it didn't matter to him that he'd never been with a man before, he just wanted Sawyer. It was Sawyer who continued to have hang ups about the whole thing, which was frustrating. Why are you looking a gift horse in the mouth?! The man you want finally wants you back, fucking go for it lol
Outside of that, I have no complaints lol
- nerd x jock
- roommates
- queer awakening
- demi/neurodivergent mmc
Prefacing this by saying that overall I did enjoy Sawyer and Preston's book, buuuutttt there's this thing.... It's not quite OMD or a love triangle, but it's there. Normally I wouldn't mind the OMD/love triangle thing, but for some reason it really bothers me here lol
Like Sawyer is supposed to be super in love with Preston, his bff since high school, and still pines for him, but starts seeing/banging Fitz, who works under Preston and reminds him of Preston... Their relationship is mostly off page, but takes up like almost the entire first half the book 😒😒😒
& the whole thing clearly rankles Preston,. There's lots of hurt and jealousy on his end which gives him his eye opening moment when it comes to how he feels about Sawyer, who is completely oblivious to the entire thing which is odd given how in-tune he's supposed to be to Preston's other feelings. Again 😒😒😒
I just hated the whole Fitz situation, and felt that got dragged out a bit too with Sawyer delaying breaking it off with him. Preston clearly had no hesitations when it came to their relationship, it didn't matter to him that he'd never been with a man before, he just wanted Sawyer. It was Sawyer who continued to have hang ups about the whole thing, which was frustrating. Why are you looking a gift horse in the mouth?! The man you want finally wants you back, fucking go for it lol
Outside of that, I have no complaints lol
February 28, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Cute & low angst friends to lovers.
Stacked was one of those mindless romances. No thoughts, just vibes.
I enjoyed the initial pining, the nerd vs jock trope, the oblivious “straight” friend, the codependent relationship.
Now the negatives.
The dialogues were a little cringy at times, and the plot definitely over-used. I kept getting Déjà vu, ‘cause I’m pretty sure I’ve read an identical book to this one.
I also didn’t really like the whole other guy thing. There were other ways to get Preston to have a lightbulb moment, other than making him jealous.
The spice was okay, but a little repetitive after the first couple of times.
The ending dragged on, was really cheesy, and I lost interest at the fifth I love you.
Despite my negatives, it was still an entertaining, low energy read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Nerd vs Jock
- Friends to lovers
- Queer awakening
- Demi MC (speculated but not confirmed)
- Neurodivergent MC (also unconfirmed)
- Codependency
- Frotting & rimming
- Strict top/bottom
- Facial
Cute & low angst friends to lovers.
Stacked was one of those mindless romances. No thoughts, just vibes.
I enjoyed the initial pining, the nerd vs jock trope, the oblivious “straight” friend, the codependent relationship.
Now the negatives.
The dialogues were a little cringy at times, and the plot definitely over-used. I kept getting Déjà vu, ‘cause I’m pretty sure I’ve read an identical book to this one.
I also didn’t really like the whole other guy thing. There were other ways to get Preston to have a lightbulb moment, other than making him jealous.
The spice was okay, but a little repetitive after the first couple of times.
The ending dragged on, was really cheesy, and I lost interest at the fifth I love you.
Despite my negatives, it was still an entertaining, low energy read.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Nerd vs Jock
- Friends to lovers
- Queer awakening
- Demi MC (speculated but not confirmed)
- Neurodivergent MC (also unconfirmed)
- Codependency
- Frotting & rimming
- Strict top/bottom
- Facial
Read
March 11, 2024This starts off with Sawyer realising nothing is ever going to happen with his straight best friend Preston so he tries to move on… with a guy who is not only suspiciously physically similar to Preston but also in the same department at their university.
This relationship takes up a good chunk of the book and I didn’t enjoy it bc a) Fitz was a nice guy who didn’t deserve to be someone’s second choice and b) their relationship was going really well so it sucked that Preston could just swoop in and Fitz was immediately forgotten (but not dumped until after Sawyer and Preston started being involved).
So yeah Preston gets jealous and even though in 12 years of friendship he’s never thought of Sawyer that way he decides to kiss him and then pretty much immediately they start banging.
The pacing was just off for me, especially since Preston was presented as asexual/demisexual and hadn’t so much as looked at anyone for 8 years but immediately became the horniest bottom to ever bottom.
Big family drama and a resolution that tied everything up in a bow.
I think I’m going to stick to her Camboys series from now on..
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
This relationship takes up a good chunk of the book and I didn’t enjoy it bc a) Fitz was a nice guy who didn’t deserve to be someone’s second choice and b) their relationship was going really well so it sucked that Preston could just swoop in and Fitz was immediately forgotten (but not dumped until after Sawyer and Preston started being involved).
So yeah Preston gets jealous and even though in 12 years of friendship he’s never thought of Sawyer that way he decides to kiss him and then pretty much immediately they start banging.
The pacing was just off for me, especially since Preston was presented as asexual/demisexual and hadn’t so much as looked at anyone for 8 years but immediately became the horniest bottom to ever bottom.
Big family drama and a resolution that tied everything up in a bow.
I think I’m going to stick to her Camboys series from now on..
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
March 15, 2024
I love Linden Bell's book but this one was so special and it has become one of my favourites by her.
I fell in love with both the MCs from the prologue. Sawyer showing up in Preston's room at school was life altering and they became best friends from them on. Not only that, they developed such a special relationship that ran deep in their hearts and was both touching and heartwarming.
I suffered for Sawyer, being in love with your best friend for so long was very difficult for him. But I absolutely loved it when Preston panicked and ran to the gym to look for his friend. It was beautiful to see Preston finally realise what his true feelings were.
Sawyer and Preston were co-dependant, yes, but it didn't feel unhealthy, quite the opposite. They were exactly what the other needed and they'd known each other for so long that it was natural for them to rely on each other. I always love a friends-to-lovers story and this one was perfect.
In my opinion there wasn't cheating in this book. It's true Sawyer went out with another guy a few times, but they never established a serious relationship and he broke it up as soon as he realised his feelings for Preston would never fade.
Overall, this book moved me to tears and made me sigh so many times. It was beautiful and epically romantic. Having one of the MC being neurodivergent added great moments and emotions to the story. This book was everything to me, everything that I always look for in a romance novel.
I fell in love with both the MCs from the prologue. Sawyer showing up in Preston's room at school was life altering and they became best friends from them on. Not only that, they developed such a special relationship that ran deep in their hearts and was both touching and heartwarming.
I suffered for Sawyer, being in love with your best friend for so long was very difficult for him. But I absolutely loved it when Preston panicked and ran to the gym to look for his friend. It was beautiful to see Preston finally realise what his true feelings were.
Sawyer and Preston were co-dependant, yes, but it didn't feel unhealthy, quite the opposite. They were exactly what the other needed and they'd known each other for so long that it was natural for them to rely on each other. I always love a friends-to-lovers story and this one was perfect.
In my opinion there wasn't cheating in this book. It's true Sawyer went out with another guy a few times, but they never established a serious relationship and he broke it up as soon as he realised his feelings for Preston would never fade.
Overall, this book moved me to tears and made me sigh so many times. It was beautiful and epically romantic. Having one of the MC being neurodivergent added great moments and emotions to the story. This book was everything to me, everything that I always look for in a romance novel.
Read
March 25, 2024Dnf@46%
March 7, 2024
4 stars
Please, be aware that at the beginning of the story, Sawyer has a romantic and physical relationship with another man. Don't be mean towards the author by leaving unfair reviews if love triangle it's not your cup of tea.
Really nice story of best friends to lovers.
Sawyer and Preston met in an exclusive high school in Boston, that Sawyer could be able to attend because of his scholarship. They've been roommates since then at the beginning of the story they live together in New York. During all those years Sawyer went from considering Preston just a roommate, then a friend and ultimately he fell in love with him. Too bad Preston seems not being interested in Sawyer (or in anyone else).
They have a very close bond: Preston is neurodivergent and completely absorbed in his work as a neuroscientist; Sawyer has always took care of him, remembering him to eat, cuddling to him when he needs to relax after a stressful day and also platonically sleeping with him.
Things start to change between them when a new guy joins Sawyer's gym (Mars Fitness): Fitz is beautiful and charming and Swayer is very attracted to him. They seem to hit it off instantly. Unfortunately, Fitz is also the new grad student assigned to Preston.
The dynamic between the three of them is very difficult: Sawyer is torn between his unrequited love for Preston and his strong attraction to Fitz; Preston is scared about losing his best friend and he's confused about all the emotions he stars feeling.
I think Preston's sexual awakening is handled very well: Preston is probably on the asexual/aromantic spectrum and he has a hard time trying to understand the new side of his relationship with Sawyer. He doesn't manage change very well, but he's also very brave and he's determined to be a better person, worth of Sawyer's love.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
the love triangle didn't bother me, but I think it would have been better if Sawyer were more straightforward towards Fritz about his relationship with Preston. Also I don't think that he should have brought Fitz home, since he and Preston had to work together.
About Fritz: he was unprofessional with Preston, asking questions about his relationship with Sawyer and accusing him to want to derail his career. Those questions should have been addressed only to Sawyer, he was the man he was dating, not his mentor.
Lastly, Preston's dad not apologising to Sawyer was very very rude (I'm not going to say more to not leave spoilers).
Overall it was a lovely story and I appreciated the simplicity of it: Sawyer and Preston's closeness was heartwarming and I loved how Sawyer doted on him and how Preston worked on himself to be a better person for both of them.
The guys at Mars Fitness were supportive and amazing (I'm just a little baffled I couldn't get a glimpse of Christian, one of my favourite book boyfriends) and I'm wondering if next book will be about Logan.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Please, be aware that at the beginning of the story, Sawyer has a romantic and physical relationship with another man. Don't be mean towards the author by leaving unfair reviews if love triangle it's not your cup of tea.
Really nice story of best friends to lovers.
Sawyer and Preston met in an exclusive high school in Boston, that Sawyer could be able to attend because of his scholarship. They've been roommates since then at the beginning of the story they live together in New York. During all those years Sawyer went from considering Preston just a roommate, then a friend and ultimately he fell in love with him. Too bad Preston seems not being interested in Sawyer (or in anyone else).
They have a very close bond: Preston is neurodivergent and completely absorbed in his work as a neuroscientist; Sawyer has always took care of him, remembering him to eat, cuddling to him when he needs to relax after a stressful day and also platonically sleeping with him.
Things start to change between them when a new guy joins Sawyer's gym (Mars Fitness): Fitz is beautiful and charming and Swayer is very attracted to him. They seem to hit it off instantly. Unfortunately, Fitz is also the new grad student assigned to Preston.
The dynamic between the three of them is very difficult: Sawyer is torn between his unrequited love for Preston and his strong attraction to Fitz; Preston is scared about losing his best friend and he's confused about all the emotions he stars feeling.
I think Preston's sexual awakening is handled very well: Preston is probably on the asexual/aromantic spectrum and he has a hard time trying to understand the new side of his relationship with Sawyer. He doesn't manage change very well, but he's also very brave and he's determined to be a better person, worth of Sawyer's love.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
the love triangle didn't bother me, but I think it would have been better if Sawyer were more straightforward towards Fritz about his relationship with Preston. Also I don't think that he should have brought Fitz home, since he and Preston had to work together.
About Fritz: he was unprofessional with Preston, asking questions about his relationship with Sawyer and accusing him to want to derail his career. Those questions should have been addressed only to Sawyer, he was the man he was dating, not his mentor.
Lastly, Preston's dad not apologising to Sawyer was very very rude (I'm not going to say more to not leave spoilers).
Overall it was a lovely story and I appreciated the simplicity of it: Sawyer and Preston's closeness was heartwarming and I loved how Sawyer doted on him and how Preston worked on himself to be a better person for both of them.
The guys at Mars Fitness were supportive and amazing (I'm just a little baffled I couldn't get a glimpse of Christian, one of my favourite book boyfriends) and I'm wondering if next book will be about Logan.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
September 26, 2024
ughh idk it got so much worse, i forced myself to complete it
March 28, 2024
So much love! So much slavish devotion, but Sawyer never became a doormat for Preston. He was appreciated by Preston, in a myopic sort of way. I liked when Preston’s synapses aligned, especially after talking with former rival Fitz, and he realizes what he has long felt for Sawyer is love. There is so much beautiful writing of Sawyer’s love, desire, and devotion for Preston that it was almost over the top, but I ate it up!!
I liked their semi platonic relationship in the early chapters. Preston was such a lovable brainiac. Sawyer was a wonderful character. I liked the dual POV. That Sawyer was having sex with other people was low key, it was just some mentions. I did wonder about it, but Preston was not ready for or in a relationship with Sawyer for the previous years since they met at boarding school. He was definitely aromatic or something, until some wonderfully written scenes of his being overcome with passion for Sawyer, primed by jealousy of another.
The alluded to sex scenes with Sawyer and Fitz I thought were hot. The instant that Preston let Sawyer know he was unhappy about Fitz wanting Sawyer, the relationship with Fitz was over and Sawyer never wanted or needed anyone else after that. He was decent about how he broke it off with Fitz, too.
So, why four stars instead of five for a book that made my heart happy? I thought some of the situations were a bit simplistic, the story line with the parents slotting into place so easily. Did Preston’s dad really nail him in the face with a football on purpose? I feel this should have been addressed. I like low angst, this might have been a little too low angst.
This is a new to me writer. I am going to read the first book in the series.
I liked their semi platonic relationship in the early chapters. Preston was such a lovable brainiac. Sawyer was a wonderful character. I liked the dual POV. That Sawyer was having sex with other people was low key, it was just some mentions. I did wonder about it, but Preston was not ready for or in a relationship with Sawyer for the previous years since they met at boarding school. He was definitely aromatic or something, until some wonderfully written scenes of his being overcome with passion for Sawyer, primed by jealousy of another.
The alluded to sex scenes with Sawyer and Fitz I thought were hot. The instant that Preston let Sawyer know he was unhappy about Fitz wanting Sawyer, the relationship with Fitz was over and Sawyer never wanted or needed anyone else after that. He was decent about how he broke it off with Fitz, too.
So, why four stars instead of five for a book that made my heart happy? I thought some of the situations were a bit simplistic, the story line with the parents slotting into place so easily. Did Preston’s dad really nail him in the face with a football on purpose? I feel this should have been addressed. I like low angst, this might have been a little too low angst.
This is a new to me writer. I am going to read the first book in the series.
March 17, 2024
This was a nice easy n cute friends to lovers read with aaaaaaaaall the co-dependency and pining and idiots to lovers vibes (even tho one is a genius)
I like a Linden Bell book, their work is always gentle on me and is just a chill read? And this definitely fell into that, I was expecting a lot more toxicity but that’s because I love a bit of toxic so it didn’t fully hit that mark with me BUT that’s my own expectations and my want for the dramaaaaaaa I think
Preston and Sawyer become roommates in high school and remain roommates for the rest of their lives, literally sleeping in the same bed and being all over each other. Sawyer is so gone for Preston but Preston needs a bit of a nudge and a wake up call, and that comes from Sawyer meeting Fitz and starting a relationship with him
Preston is JEALOUS. It doesn’t help that Fitz is in the same department as Preston so he has to see him all the time but he is not in the mood for Fitz to be anywhere near him. He’s kinda mean and I kinda loved it cos I love a bit of mess but Fitz was so nice!! I really hope he gets a book a some point
(There is no on-page spice between Sawyer and Fitz, just implying that *things* happen)
There’s some fam drama which added a bit more tension (Fitz was pretty understanding and I think he knew deep down anyway) but it was wrapped up and had a cute lil HEA
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review 💕
I like a Linden Bell book, their work is always gentle on me and is just a chill read? And this definitely fell into that, I was expecting a lot more toxicity but that’s because I love a bit of toxic so it didn’t fully hit that mark with me BUT that’s my own expectations and my want for the dramaaaaaaa I think
Preston and Sawyer become roommates in high school and remain roommates for the rest of their lives, literally sleeping in the same bed and being all over each other. Sawyer is so gone for Preston but Preston needs a bit of a nudge and a wake up call, and that comes from Sawyer meeting Fitz and starting a relationship with him
Preston is JEALOUS. It doesn’t help that Fitz is in the same department as Preston so he has to see him all the time but he is not in the mood for Fitz to be anywhere near him. He’s kinda mean and I kinda loved it cos I love a bit of mess but Fitz was so nice!! I really hope he gets a book a some point
(There is no on-page spice between Sawyer and Fitz, just implying that *things* happen)
There’s some fam drama which added a bit more tension (Fitz was pretty understanding and I think he knew deep down anyway) but it was wrapped up and had a cute lil HEA
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2024
This also ate. Forgot to add it
March 6, 2024
So, this book is basically catnip to me. Co-dependent best friends, jealousy, and an inexperienced MC going through an awakening? Yes. Yes. Yes times infinity. Sawyer is our sweet sunshine boo who works the desk at Mars Fitness. He meets cute new member, Fitz, and starts a dalliance that has the potential to be something deeper. The only problem is Preston, Sawyer’s best friend and roommate who he is secretly in love with.
Preston is a brilliant researcher closing in on the end of his doctorate program. He struggles with socializing, having received an ASD diagnosis as a child that his uptight, wealthy parents chose to disregard. His world consists of his work, his ex-girlfriend and friend, Madison, and Sawyer. He and Sawyer are deeply entangled, but Sawyer knows Pres is straight and resigns himself to the fact their relationship will never be more. But as newcomer Fitz invades every area of Preston’s life he holds dear, he begins to feel possessive of Sawyer in new ways.
I adore this dynamic! Sawyer reminds Preston when to eat, he cuddles him, he lets him sleep in his bed, all while secretly eating his heart out over him. And let me tell you, the spice is FIRE! Preston has little experience or prior interest in sex. Watching him discover himself in his unique way, with the adoring Sawyer along for the ride, was perfection. Linden never lets us down with character growth, and this is no exception. Preston and Sawyer both learn and acknowledge things about themselves and their relationship that only make them stronger individually and as a unit. I love everything about this book, and I highly recommend it to all!
*I received an advanced reader copy from Gay Romance Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving my review*
Preston is a brilliant researcher closing in on the end of his doctorate program. He struggles with socializing, having received an ASD diagnosis as a child that his uptight, wealthy parents chose to disregard. His world consists of his work, his ex-girlfriend and friend, Madison, and Sawyer. He and Sawyer are deeply entangled, but Sawyer knows Pres is straight and resigns himself to the fact their relationship will never be more. But as newcomer Fitz invades every area of Preston’s life he holds dear, he begins to feel possessive of Sawyer in new ways.
I adore this dynamic! Sawyer reminds Preston when to eat, he cuddles him, he lets him sleep in his bed, all while secretly eating his heart out over him. And let me tell you, the spice is FIRE! Preston has little experience or prior interest in sex. Watching him discover himself in his unique way, with the adoring Sawyer along for the ride, was perfection. Linden never lets us down with character growth, and this is no exception. Preston and Sawyer both learn and acknowledge things about themselves and their relationship that only make them stronger individually and as a unit. I love everything about this book, and I highly recommend it to all!
*I received an advanced reader copy from Gay Romance Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving my review*
March 17, 2024
Cute af, tego potrzebowałam
March 19, 2024
I had a really hard time with how another character was treated. I feel like Fitz character was just there to be a punching bag. Poor guy admits he’s catching feelings and Preston decides yes that’s the moment to go get Sawyer. I also feel like Sawyer and Preston are not great people, Sawyer for completely forgetting Fitz, and Preston for being a jerk to someone who tried to be friendly with him. I really enjoyed the first book, but this one was not it for me. I know Fitz and Sawyer were not together-together, but they were enough that Sawyer doing everything with Preston and then not telling Frits until later was horrible. Fritz deserved way better from sawyer and Preston who was supposed to be a mentor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
This book just wasn’t for me. The last thing I want to read in a romance book is one MC having another relationship besides with MC2.
March 19, 2024
Stacked is the second book in Linden Bell’s Mars Fitness series. It’s a MM best friends to lovers romance and can be read as a standalone. Here’s what you can expect from Sawyer and Preston:
- First person dual point of view
- Guaranteed happily ever after
- Bi-awakening
- Nerd/jock
- Possessive, protective, and codependent roommates
- Tender caretaking
- Sexual awakening
About: Sawyer and Preston have been best friends since high school. They’re now roommates while Preston completes his PhD research and Sawyer goes to school and works at Mars Fitness. Sawyer’s been in love with Preston as long as he can remember, but Preston’s always been oblivious and decidedly straight. Unsure of how much longer his heart can take this, Sawyer decides to take a chance, move on, and start dating. Preston realizes that he hasn’t appreciated Sawyer enough over the years, but when it feels like someone’s trying to steal his best friend? The possessive and protective instincts kick in and Preston will do whatever it takes to keep his best friend.
We met Sawyer, Mars Fitness’s front desk manager, in Ripped. I was really excited for his story and happily ever after, and although parts of this story just didn’t quite work for me, he got there and it was so sweet!
Overall I enjoyed this story, even though it got off to a rockier start for me. Once Sawyer and Preston realized they wanted to be together, they were just so unbelievably sweet and steamy together. I’m excited to read the next book in the series, and well, everything else Linden is willing to throw our way!
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- First person dual point of view
- Guaranteed happily ever after
- Bi-awakening
- Nerd/jock
- Possessive, protective, and codependent roommates
- Tender caretaking
- Sexual awakening
About: Sawyer and Preston have been best friends since high school. They’re now roommates while Preston completes his PhD research and Sawyer goes to school and works at Mars Fitness. Sawyer’s been in love with Preston as long as he can remember, but Preston’s always been oblivious and decidedly straight. Unsure of how much longer his heart can take this, Sawyer decides to take a chance, move on, and start dating. Preston realizes that he hasn’t appreciated Sawyer enough over the years, but when it feels like someone’s trying to steal his best friend? The possessive and protective instincts kick in and Preston will do whatever it takes to keep his best friend.
His hand is on my chest, over my heart. Can he feel how fast it’s beating? Does he know how long it’s beat for him?
We met Sawyer, Mars Fitness’s front desk manager, in Ripped. I was really excited for his story and happily ever after, and although parts of this story just didn’t quite work for me, he got there and it was so sweet!
Overall I enjoyed this story, even though it got off to a rockier start for me. Once Sawyer and Preston realized they wanted to be together, they were just so unbelievably sweet and steamy together. I’m excited to read the next book in the series, and well, everything else Linden is willing to throw our way!
His lips are red and bruised. His cheeks are flushed and rosy. His hair is in disarray on the pillow. He’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2024
I just want to say right off the bat that I adored Sawyer and Preston together. Okay, with that out of the way (because I couldn’t wait to say that), this is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I did enjoy the story, writing style, and characters. Plus having the nerd/jock setup coupled with best friends to lovers…that’s a combo that I couldn’t pass up.
I found Preston especially intriguing, with the way his brain works and where he places his focus at any given time. He gets so wrapped up in his research, totally absorbed and fascinated by what he is doing. Sawyer takes wonderful care of him, and while yes Sawyer admits early on that he’s in love with Preston (to us readers), he’s also keenly aware that Preston is likely not into guys—though Sawyer continues to hold on to the tiniest glimmer of hope.
Yes, Sawyer has dated and hooked up with plenty of guys over the years, knowing he likely will never have anything more than friendship with Preston. And yes, as the book starts off he starts seeing someone, which I wasn’t a fan of but it does act as a catalyst for the story. Once Preston has his “a-ha” moment about what Sawyer means to him, everything from there becomes all about their relationship’s change from supremely close best friends (really codependent) to even closer lovers.
At that point the word to describe Preston I would choose is “enthusiastic”. As in, get ready for a lot of physical scenes that are incredibly hot. As yummy as those are, we also get to see a shift with Preston, and through the entire story his character is the one that experiences the most growth. He realizes his true feelings for Sawyer, starts to adjust his behaviors around others to come out of his tunnel-vision-research mode, and even has a moment with his parents that has been building for quite some time.
Overall Stacked was a very strong 4-star read for me. Preston is one of my favorite characters I’ve read so far this year, and he and Sawyer together are perfect. While this book is part of the Mars Fitness series, it can definitely be read as a standalone and I’d recommend it to any M/M romance fan. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
I found Preston especially intriguing, with the way his brain works and where he places his focus at any given time. He gets so wrapped up in his research, totally absorbed and fascinated by what he is doing. Sawyer takes wonderful care of him, and while yes Sawyer admits early on that he’s in love with Preston (to us readers), he’s also keenly aware that Preston is likely not into guys—though Sawyer continues to hold on to the tiniest glimmer of hope.
Yes, Sawyer has dated and hooked up with plenty of guys over the years, knowing he likely will never have anything more than friendship with Preston. And yes, as the book starts off he starts seeing someone, which I wasn’t a fan of but it does act as a catalyst for the story. Once Preston has his “a-ha” moment about what Sawyer means to him, everything from there becomes all about their relationship’s change from supremely close best friends (really codependent) to even closer lovers.
At that point the word to describe Preston I would choose is “enthusiastic”. As in, get ready for a lot of physical scenes that are incredibly hot. As yummy as those are, we also get to see a shift with Preston, and through the entire story his character is the one that experiences the most growth. He realizes his true feelings for Sawyer, starts to adjust his behaviors around others to come out of his tunnel-vision-research mode, and even has a moment with his parents that has been building for quite some time.
Overall Stacked was a very strong 4-star read for me. Preston is one of my favorite characters I’ve read so far this year, and he and Sawyer together are perfect. While this book is part of the Mars Fitness series, it can definitely be read as a standalone and I’d recommend it to any M/M romance fan. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
April 7, 2024
"His fingers wrap around mine, firm and sure...His hands always make me feel safe. I love his hands."
Oh Preston. You precious, clueless man you. Anyone with a pair of working eyes could tell how much Preston and Sawyer belonged together. Hell, Sawyer's been aware of his feelings for Preston for almost a decade. He's just convinced it's a hopeless endeavor. Even the new guy Fitz that Sawyer begins dating can see the connection between the two besties, but it isn't until Preston sees how serious Fitz and Sawyer seem to be getting that he starts to get a clue.
Preston's brain is a marvelous thing. He's getting his doctorate in neuroscience and has already published his own studies. The thing Preston's brain has trouble with is emotions. He's not very good at social cues, which is likely the only reason he hasn't realized his best friend has been in love with him for years. I mean these two basically live like a married couple just without the sex. And once that part of their relationship changes, it's full speed ahead for these two.
It was sweet how Sawyer took care of Preston. He never complained, just did it because he cared about him and knew that's what Preston needed. Sawyer was basically Preston's entire world even before they became a couple. Them being intimate just brought them that much closer. They really were an adorable couple and I loved how good they were for one another. Were they a bit co-dependent? Yes. But it worked for them and I am so glad they finally got their HEA.
Oh Preston. You precious, clueless man you. Anyone with a pair of working eyes could tell how much Preston and Sawyer belonged together. Hell, Sawyer's been aware of his feelings for Preston for almost a decade. He's just convinced it's a hopeless endeavor. Even the new guy Fitz that Sawyer begins dating can see the connection between the two besties, but it isn't until Preston sees how serious Fitz and Sawyer seem to be getting that he starts to get a clue.
Preston's brain is a marvelous thing. He's getting his doctorate in neuroscience and has already published his own studies. The thing Preston's brain has trouble with is emotions. He's not very good at social cues, which is likely the only reason he hasn't realized his best friend has been in love with him for years. I mean these two basically live like a married couple just without the sex. And once that part of their relationship changes, it's full speed ahead for these two.
It was sweet how Sawyer took care of Preston. He never complained, just did it because he cared about him and knew that's what Preston needed. Sawyer was basically Preston's entire world even before they became a couple. Them being intimate just brought them that much closer. They really were an adorable couple and I loved how good they were for one another. Were they a bit co-dependent? Yes. But it worked for them and I am so glad they finally got their HEA.
March 18, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, it had some freshness to it and I read it in under a day. So, I happily requested this book when it was offered as an ARC.
This book didn't quite live up to the unexpected pleasure of the first book, but was a nice time overall.
I won't lie, the mention of a certain boy wizard in the prologue did have me worried. It made sense for the fact that it takes place 13 years ago, and a teenager would naturally think of the most popular magical boarding school as a reference point for this new experience. I was very relieved that it was never mentioned again, however. (But I really wish that authors could find another way to describe things that an infamous wizarding world has become the default comparison/shorthand for. This wasn't an egregious use, but that also means it could easily be excised from the text.)
We have a very codependent nerd/jock best friends who are roommates situation. We meet them when Sawyer (the caretaking jock) is starting to think he needs to give up the ghost and try for a real relationship. He meets Fitz, a new member at the gym he works at, and they hit it off. Coincidentally, Fitz is the new grad student in Preston's (the hapless neurodivergent nerd/genius) lab at the university. Cue Preston getting jealous but not recognizing it as jealousy and away we go.
This book felt much more like it was hitting the standard beats, but it did a nice job, for the most part. I'm sure some readers will be more upset about how long the Sawyer/Fitz relationship goes on (and the overlap with Preston and Sawyer have their relationship revelation.) It didn't bother me overmuch, especially as Sawyer breaks it off as soon as he can talk to Fitz in person.
I do wonder about the portrayal of Preston's neurodivergence. I feel like it could have been explored a little deeper, beyond "my parents had me tested and didn't like the results so we never talked about it again." His crisis about wondering if he loved Sawyer 'the right way' seemed like an opportunity to address things, one that wasn't taken.
I also found the sex to be very immediately full on between them without a lot of discussion about it. I would have liked Sawyer to maybe talk to Preston a bit more about what he was experiencing. (And the scene where Sawyer enumerates all the reasons he loves Preston and how MUCH he loves him, all while they are in the midst . . . it just seemed a bit too much?
I will likely give book three a try, because I do like the author's writing, but I hope for a little more of the freshness of book one.
This book didn't quite live up to the unexpected pleasure of the first book, but was a nice time overall.
I won't lie, the mention of a certain boy wizard in the prologue did have me worried. It made sense for the fact that it takes place 13 years ago, and a teenager would naturally think of the most popular magical boarding school as a reference point for this new experience. I was very relieved that it was never mentioned again, however. (But I really wish that authors could find another way to describe things that an infamous wizarding world has become the default comparison/shorthand for. This wasn't an egregious use, but that also means it could easily be excised from the text.)
We have a very codependent nerd/jock best friends who are roommates situation. We meet them when Sawyer (the caretaking jock) is starting to think he needs to give up the ghost and try for a real relationship. He meets Fitz, a new member at the gym he works at, and they hit it off. Coincidentally, Fitz is the new grad student in Preston's (the hapless neurodivergent nerd/genius) lab at the university. Cue Preston getting jealous but not recognizing it as jealousy and away we go.
This book felt much more like it was hitting the standard beats, but it did a nice job, for the most part. I'm sure some readers will be more upset about how long the Sawyer/Fitz relationship goes on (and the overlap with Preston and Sawyer have their relationship revelation.) It didn't bother me overmuch, especially as Sawyer breaks it off as soon as he can talk to Fitz in person.
I do wonder about the portrayal of Preston's neurodivergence. I feel like it could have been explored a little deeper, beyond "my parents had me tested and didn't like the results so we never talked about it again." His crisis about wondering if he loved Sawyer 'the right way' seemed like an opportunity to address things, one that wasn't taken.
I also found the sex to be very immediately full on between them without a lot of discussion about it. I would have liked Sawyer to maybe talk to Preston a bit more about what he was experiencing. (And the scene where Sawyer enumerates all the reasons he loves Preston and how MUCH he loves him, all while they are in the midst . . . it just seemed a bit too much?
I will likely give book three a try, because I do like the author's writing, but I hope for a little more of the freshness of book one.
March 25, 2024
Rating: 4
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: friends to lovers, sexual discovery, grumpy / sunshine
Linden Bell is back with another sweet and steamy book! Stacked was a great best friends to lovers story, full with pining, co-dependency and romance.
I loved how clueless Sawyer and Preston were, they were so co-dependent and had a great connection, and I was totally there for it! Sawyer had been pining for Preston for years, but Preston had never showed any interest - until Sawyer started dating someone else. While Preston's jealousy led to some realisations and a pretty epic and romantic lightbulb moment, I couldn't help but feel like the dating between Sawyer and Fitz was too dragged out.
I have to admit that I overall struggled with the whole situation of Sawyer dating Fitz, and while I didn't consider it to be cheating, the relationship wasn't fair on Fitz, who was actually a nice and decent guy. It set up a situation for Preston to realise his feelings for Sawyer and take that step though, but I don't know, something about the whole situation just felt off to me. Don't get me wrong, I loved Preston and Sawyer together - I just didn't love the way they got there.
Apart from that situation, they were honestly the sweetest together. I mean, they were basically living as a couple for years before getting together romantically, and while they were very co-dependent, it never felt toxic or destructive. I loved Sawyer's sunshine personality and his energy, and the way he took care of Preston made my heart all melty and happy.
Stacked was a really cute and heartfelt romance full of emotions and steam. I adored how close Sawyer and Preston were, and I really enjoyed seeing their friendship turn into a relationship - it was just such a sweet and romantic read!
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: friends to lovers, sexual discovery, grumpy / sunshine
Linden Bell is back with another sweet and steamy book! Stacked was a great best friends to lovers story, full with pining, co-dependency and romance.
I loved how clueless Sawyer and Preston were, they were so co-dependent and had a great connection, and I was totally there for it! Sawyer had been pining for Preston for years, but Preston had never showed any interest - until Sawyer started dating someone else. While Preston's jealousy led to some realisations and a pretty epic and romantic lightbulb moment, I couldn't help but feel like the dating between Sawyer and Fitz was too dragged out.
I have to admit that I overall struggled with the whole situation of Sawyer dating Fitz, and while I didn't consider it to be cheating, the relationship wasn't fair on Fitz, who was actually a nice and decent guy. It set up a situation for Preston to realise his feelings for Sawyer and take that step though, but I don't know, something about the whole situation just felt off to me. Don't get me wrong, I loved Preston and Sawyer together - I just didn't love the way they got there.
Apart from that situation, they were honestly the sweetest together. I mean, they were basically living as a couple for years before getting together romantically, and while they were very co-dependent, it never felt toxic or destructive. I loved Sawyer's sunshine personality and his energy, and the way he took care of Preston made my heart all melty and happy.
Stacked was a really cute and heartfelt romance full of emotions and steam. I adored how close Sawyer and Preston were, and I really enjoyed seeing their friendship turn into a relationship - it was just such a sweet and romantic read!
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 10, 2024
Wow, the amount of pining in this story! It’s a sugar sweet (and spicy hot) codependent friends-to-lovers book that will give you all the cozy feels.
Preston, even though he is a genius working on his neuroscience PhD, is a clumsy social disaster who can barely function without Sawyer. And sweet, loyal Sawyer dedicated most of his life to making sure Preston was ok. Sawyer gives so much of himself to Preston while keeping his true emotions to himself, having random hookups but never any serious relationship like he cannot bear to part with him. Until Fitz, who is the catalyst for Preston to realize he could lose Sawyer to another person. He wants his friend to be happy, really … he just wants him to be happy with him instead of Fitz. One kiss and Preston goes from zero to 60 in a heartbeat, you could feel the desperation in him for his friend. Linden was writing the pining so well, I loved those chapters even though both guys were obviously hurting. We spend a good amount of time in their heads while they are trying to overcome insecurities and doubts and I actually really liked that. I enjoyed getting to know how they truly felt, not just how much they loved their physical connection (which was of course extremely hot, we are talking about Linden after all!). There was plenty of drama before they got to their perfectly geeky HEA, including advice and ribbing from all beloved side characters. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see the next couple.
Friends to Lovers
Bi Awake
Codependency
Slow Burn
Steamy
Please check the TW for sensitive content!
I received a copy of this book from the author via Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Preston, even though he is a genius working on his neuroscience PhD, is a clumsy social disaster who can barely function without Sawyer. And sweet, loyal Sawyer dedicated most of his life to making sure Preston was ok. Sawyer gives so much of himself to Preston while keeping his true emotions to himself, having random hookups but never any serious relationship like he cannot bear to part with him. Until Fitz, who is the catalyst for Preston to realize he could lose Sawyer to another person. He wants his friend to be happy, really … he just wants him to be happy with him instead of Fitz. One kiss and Preston goes from zero to 60 in a heartbeat, you could feel the desperation in him for his friend. Linden was writing the pining so well, I loved those chapters even though both guys were obviously hurting. We spend a good amount of time in their heads while they are trying to overcome insecurities and doubts and I actually really liked that. I enjoyed getting to know how they truly felt, not just how much they loved their physical connection (which was of course extremely hot, we are talking about Linden after all!). There was plenty of drama before they got to their perfectly geeky HEA, including advice and ribbing from all beloved side characters. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see the next couple.
Friends to Lovers
Bi Awake
Codependency
Slow Burn
Steamy
Please check the TW for sensitive content!
I received a copy of this book from the author via Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
March 24, 2024
4.5☆
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖:🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝕃𝕒𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕤:🤣🤣🤣
𝕋𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤:🥹🥹
𝕄ℂ𝕤: Swayer💕, Preston💕
ℙ𝕆𝕍: 1st, Dual PoV
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤: Friends to Lovers, Autismo Spectrum Rep, Roommates, Bi-awakening, Co-Dependent, Demi-Rep.
No hay nada que disfrute tanto como los personajes deliciosamente creados de Linden, Preston me robo el corazón al igual que Swayer. Y la representación del espectro autista ligera y fascinante, dios mio ha sido una maravilla de libro sencillo, adictivo, emocionante, espectacular 👌🏻
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖:🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝕃𝕒𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕤:🤣🤣🤣
𝕋𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤:🥹🥹
𝕄ℂ𝕤: Swayer💕, Preston💕
ℙ𝕆𝕍: 1st, Dual PoV
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤: Friends to Lovers, Autismo Spectrum Rep, Roommates, Bi-awakening, Co-Dependent, Demi-Rep.
No hay nada que disfrute tanto como los personajes deliciosamente creados de Linden, Preston me robo el corazón al igual que Swayer. Y la representación del espectro autista ligera y fascinante, dios mio ha sido una maravilla de libro sencillo, adictivo, emocionante, espectacular 👌🏻
April 15, 2024
Honorable mention of Madison.
It’s not very often that the female best friend in an mlm romance book is a likeable character but I loved Madison. She was funny and supportive and a good friend for both of them without crossing boundaries.
It’s not very often that the female best friend in an mlm romance book is a likeable character but I loved Madison. She was funny and supportive and a good friend for both of them without crossing boundaries.
April 8, 2024
It was nice, just not very eventful.
This could have been way more interesting but everything that happened was so predictable.
This could have been way more interesting but everything that happened was so predictable.
April 24, 2024
amazing
Wow Preston is so adorable and I love how Sawyer takes care of him. One of the best couples and one of the best series. I can’t wait to read everything by this author!
Wow Preston is so adorable and I love how Sawyer takes care of him. One of the best couples and one of the best series. I can’t wait to read everything by this author!
March 5, 2024
I was hooked up with their story since the first book where we got just glimpses of their bond. In this second one, we explore it deeply: how they take care of each other, especially Sawyer is completely devoted to Preston's wellness. They have so much tenderness toward each other, so much love and trust. It's really cute and heartwarming how they're fated since the very beginning.
I loved it so much! Thank you Linden for another great and lovely story!
I was given an ARC and this is my honest review!
I loved it so much! Thank you Linden for another great and lovely story!
I was given an ARC and this is my honest review!
March 29, 2024
Check out our full post for STACKED on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Angie – ☆☆☆☆
Preston and Sawyer have been best friends since high school. They are now adults and roommates. Sawyer has been in love with Preston since the day he met him. Preston is clueless but very codependent on Sawyer. Sawyer is a jock; Preston is your typical academic type.
Sawyer is such a sweetheart, I loved him instantly. Preston is so involved with his dissertation that he forgets to eat, sleep, or basically anything else at times. If it wasn't for Sawyer and Madison, he'd be lost. Their friendship is close… I mean super close.
One day Fritz walks into Sawyer’s work and he is gobsmacked. Sawyer didn't realize it until almost the end of the book, but the reason he was drawn to Fritz was he is similar to Preston in looks and even their academics.
This was a sweet book, light on the angst and a good happily ever after.
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
STACKED is the second book in the Mars Fitness series. It can be read as a standalone without issue.
Preston and Sawyer have been best friends since Sawyer's first day at boarding school. Now, years later, they live together while Preston is getting his Masters and Sawyer takes classes and works at the gym. Sawyer has been in love with Preston for years, but Preston has a singular focus for his work. Sawyer takes care of Preston when he forgets to eat, sleep, or just take a break from his research. Preston is dependent on Sawyer – he'd forget everything if Sawyer wasn't there to keep him on track.
Sawyer meets Fitz at the gym. He's a new member and he and Sawyer have instant chemistry. Sawyer is tired of waiting for Preston to realize what's in front of him and starts dating Fitz. Fitz is also working under Preston, which Preston is not happy about. When he suddenly realizes Sawyer is spending time with Fitz, he is jealous but can't figure out what that feeling is.
Eventually Sawyer and Preston get their stuff together and become a couple. I really like Sawyer and Preston, but the addition of Fitz (which is a big part of the beginning of the book) didn't add to the story for me. I needed to finish but I spent a lot of time putting this one down and picking it back up. I was cheering for Sawyer and Preston, but it was just too much for them to get there for me.
I am interested in seeing what's next for this gym!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
March 18, 2024
Sawyer Paige (27-ish), front desk manager at Mars Fitness pursuing an undergraduate degree at Grantham University
Preston Boyer (27-ish), PhD candidate in neuroscience at Grantham University
Sawyer and Preston have been best friends pretty much since they became roommates at private school more than a decade earlier and Sawyer has been in love with the oblivious Preston for almost as long.
I loved the pining, and the codependent care Sawyer gives to Preston. Preston sneaking into Sawyer's bed pretty much every night was the cherry on top. I would have liked a little more incidental romance between them earlier to help build the idea of them being together in that way to the reader because it felt very caretaker to me initially.
There is, as stated in the content warning and almost every other review, a budding romantic relationship between Sawyer and another man, Fitz, who happens to be Preston's PhD mentee. Sawyer meets Fitz when he joins Mars Fitness and they have chemistry for days. Nothing physical on page, but like cheating (for me) the emotional part is almost worse, so that didn't really make it better. Sawyer expresses some doubts through his internal monologue about it, but all that serves to do for me is make me feel bad for Fitz, which made me feel a little conflicted about the pairing I was supposed to be rooting for. I
'm very happy that Fitz remains true to his character the whole way through the book, because I was worried he wouldn't and that would have actually ruined the book for me. I'm not a reader who demands a writer give every secondary character in their world a story, and it usually bothers me to read those demands in social media posts but Linden needs to give Fitz his own HEA 'cause he so deserves one.
Once Preston figures out some of his feelings and he and Sawyer get together I really fell into the story. In all likelihood Preston is demisexual and I enjoyed the evolution of him coming to terms with that, every spicy second. Sawyer and Preston cooking together and hanging out and exploring each other was just so delightful. I loved the way Preston was intentional in trying to be a good partner to Sawyer.
The secondary cast was great and other Mars Fitness guys appear without stealing the show. Sawyer's mom is the best (love her insights) and Preston's issues with his own family and future were very engaging. Of course, I also adored their friend Madison (Preston's high school girlfriend), who is so genuine, supportive, and a great friend and person.
I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Preston Boyer (27-ish), PhD candidate in neuroscience at Grantham University
Sawyer and Preston have been best friends pretty much since they became roommates at private school more than a decade earlier and Sawyer has been in love with the oblivious Preston for almost as long.
I loved the pining, and the codependent care Sawyer gives to Preston. Preston sneaking into Sawyer's bed pretty much every night was the cherry on top. I would have liked a little more incidental romance between them earlier to help build the idea of them being together in that way to the reader because it felt very caretaker to me initially.
There is, as stated in the content warning and almost every other review, a budding romantic relationship between Sawyer and another man, Fitz, who happens to be Preston's PhD mentee. Sawyer meets Fitz when he joins Mars Fitness and they have chemistry for days. Nothing physical on page, but like cheating (for me) the emotional part is almost worse, so that didn't really make it better. Sawyer expresses some doubts through his internal monologue about it, but all that serves to do for me is make me feel bad for Fitz, which made me feel a little conflicted about the pairing I was supposed to be rooting for. I
'm very happy that Fitz remains true to his character the whole way through the book, because I was worried he wouldn't and that would have actually ruined the book for me. I'm not a reader who demands a writer give every secondary character in their world a story, and it usually bothers me to read those demands in social media posts but Linden needs to give Fitz his own HEA 'cause he so deserves one.
Once Preston figures out some of his feelings and he and Sawyer get together I really fell into the story. In all likelihood Preston is demisexual and I enjoyed the evolution of him coming to terms with that, every spicy second. Sawyer and Preston cooking together and hanging out and exploring each other was just so delightful. I loved the way Preston was intentional in trying to be a good partner to Sawyer.
The secondary cast was great and other Mars Fitness guys appear without stealing the show. Sawyer's mom is the best (love her insights) and Preston's issues with his own family and future were very engaging. Of course, I also adored their friend Madison (Preston's high school girlfriend), who is so genuine, supportive, and a great friend and person.
I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
July 30, 2024
I decided to reread one of my favorite books with some of my favorite tropes—best friends to lovers with heavy codependency. Sawyer and Preston was such a sweet reread. Just what I needed.
Sawyer and Preston started out as roommates when they were younger to best friends and eventually to lovers. Sawyer has been pining after Preston for years. The codependency was super heavy and I LOVED It. Preston was so touchy-feely that I think a part of him always felt something for Sawyer. He didn’t understand social cues, and he didn’t perceive it in that way due to being autistic. His autism was undiagnosed. His parents were, ugh! They didn’t like the results, and therefore he wasn’t diagnosed with it.
Sawyer, thinking he would never have his best friend romantically slept around, but it never changed how he felt for Preston. A new member of the gym who is also working with Preston sparks a possessiveness in Preston that always made me smile.
𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 “𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥” 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐳. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐳 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥. 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐨���𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐞. 𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞. 𝐇𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.
“𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞,” 𝐈 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐤. “𝐇𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
I adored them. 🥹 Preston was just so precious with all of his clinginess, and Sawyer with the way he was a caretaker. Preston didn’t understand things in a way others would, so he was all in his head a lot. I just wanted to hug him until he understood. He was so proud of himself when he ordered food for Sawyer. He was so precious.
𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧����𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐮𝐧𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫.
𝐈 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭.
They were the perfect match.
𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞.
I just loved how Sawyer was always there for Preston. Even though his pining. When Preston finally understood that he was also in love with Sawyer, it made me smile so big. I was so proud when Preston stood up to his parents. More so his father. This was and probably always will be my favorite Linden Bell book.
Sawyer and Preston started out as roommates when they were younger to best friends and eventually to lovers. Sawyer has been pining after Preston for years. The codependency was super heavy and I LOVED It. Preston was so touchy-feely that I think a part of him always felt something for Sawyer. He didn’t understand social cues, and he didn’t perceive it in that way due to being autistic. His autism was undiagnosed. His parents were, ugh! They didn’t like the results, and therefore he wasn’t diagnosed with it.
Sawyer, thinking he would never have his best friend romantically slept around, but it never changed how he felt for Preston. A new member of the gym who is also working with Preston sparks a possessiveness in Preston that always made me smile.
𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 “𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥” 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐳. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐳 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥. 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐨���𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐞. 𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞. 𝐇𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.
“𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞,” 𝐈 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐤. “𝐇𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
I adored them. 🥹 Preston was just so precious with all of his clinginess, and Sawyer with the way he was a caretaker. Preston didn’t understand things in a way others would, so he was all in his head a lot. I just wanted to hug him until he understood. He was so proud of himself when he ordered food for Sawyer. He was so precious.
𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧����𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐮𝐧𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫.
𝐈 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭.
They were the perfect match.
𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞.
I just loved how Sawyer was always there for Preston. Even though his pining. When Preston finally understood that he was also in love with Sawyer, it made me smile so big. I was so proud when Preston stood up to his parents. More so his father. This was and probably always will be my favorite Linden Bell book.
March 5, 2024
I was very excited to receive an ARC for this next instalment of the Mars Fitness series. I really enjoyed the first and I had high hopes for the next.
I will start off by saying that although I am not a big fan of MC being in relationships while working things out with another MC the way this was written it did not bother me they way I thought it would. Really the only thing I kept thinking was when is this guy going to go away.
That said, I would be interested if we got a book with Fitz as one of the MCs and I also can't wait to see what we get for Logan(?)
I liked Sawyer's character in Ripped and was looking forward to more from him. His character was a little different than what I was expecting from the little we did see of him in Ripped and in Sebastian but that was not necessarily a negative. He ended up being more athletic than I originally thought. I would have maybe liked a little more background on him to get a sense of his deeper personality, I did find that his POV was more centered around his feelings for Preston and Fitz and maybe less about him as an actual person.
Preston was personal favourite between the two MCs. I loved when we got his POV as he was just so cute and clueless it really made me feel for him. I was rooting for him the entire time. I am the furthest thing from an expert on Autism and Neodivergent personalities but I did like that it did not seem to me that it was written to have him change his personality significantly to better fit in to the other MCs life. He did make changes throughout but it was more through growth for himself and wanting to improve his life independently.
I really loved the two together and the childhood best friend trope is always a winner in my book. It was not overly angsty and there was quite a bit of fluff but it was exactly perfect for what I needed to read at the time.
All and all I really love it when I can find a series that isn't too heavy where I can look forward to many instalments and know without a doubt I will enjoy each addition. I can't wait until the next book and have already added to my wishlist!
I will start off by saying that although I am not a big fan of MC being in relationships while working things out with another MC the way this was written it did not bother me they way I thought it would. Really the only thing I kept thinking was when is this guy going to go away.
That said, I would be interested if we got a book with Fitz as one of the MCs and I also can't wait to see what we get for Logan(?)
I liked Sawyer's character in Ripped and was looking forward to more from him. His character was a little different than what I was expecting from the little we did see of him in Ripped and in Sebastian but that was not necessarily a negative. He ended up being more athletic than I originally thought. I would have maybe liked a little more background on him to get a sense of his deeper personality, I did find that his POV was more centered around his feelings for Preston and Fitz and maybe less about him as an actual person.
Preston was personal favourite between the two MCs. I loved when we got his POV as he was just so cute and clueless it really made me feel for him. I was rooting for him the entire time. I am the furthest thing from an expert on Autism and Neodivergent personalities but I did like that it did not seem to me that it was written to have him change his personality significantly to better fit in to the other MCs life. He did make changes throughout but it was more through growth for himself and wanting to improve his life independently.
I really loved the two together and the childhood best friend trope is always a winner in my book. It was not overly angsty and there was quite a bit of fluff but it was exactly perfect for what I needed to read at the time.
All and all I really love it when I can find a series that isn't too heavy where I can look forward to many instalments and know without a doubt I will enjoy each addition. I can't wait until the next book and have already added to my wishlist!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2024
This has been my favorite book of Linden's so far! The writing was fantastic and believable, the characters were realistic and well developed, and I loved the pacing!
This story starts us off where these two men first meet, and from there we're reading both characters perspectives throughout the events that are occuring during present time. I really enjoyed the way Preston and Sawyer's relationship was handled, they had a very special and unique bond, that neither man was ashamed of.
I could personally relate to Preston's character in quite a few ways. I absolutely adore his character and I empathized with him. He wasn't sure what exactly he was feeling, he just knew how he was feeling wasn't good. Some might say that Preston just needed to give Sawyer space, but the bond they had wasn't like that. They might have not realized or acknowledged that there was more to their relationship than just friendship, but they definitely had those strong feelings for most of the story.
The way Sawyer prioritized Preston was so endearing, and the way he made sure Preston was taking care of himself, and giving him reminders of the things he ends up forgetting. The moment that spurred Preston into pursuing Sawyer was such an emotional scene. It really could've gone either way, but I'm glad that things turned out. I enjoyed how their romantic relationship evolved from that point on.
Being able to read about the personal growth that Preston's character went through was so uplifting to read about. He didn't want his fear to hold him back anymore, he wanted to take care of Sawyer like how Sawyer's been taking care of him. He wants to stand up to his dad, pursue his academia, and be in a relationship with his best friend. I love that his character grew and developed over the course of the story, it was written beautifully.
Overall a really fantastic friends to lovers story! This has very low angst in it, there is quite a bit of steam but not an excessive amount. The ending was my favorite part, it was so sweet and beautiful!
This story starts us off where these two men first meet, and from there we're reading both characters perspectives throughout the events that are occuring during present time. I really enjoyed the way Preston and Sawyer's relationship was handled, they had a very special and unique bond, that neither man was ashamed of.
I could personally relate to Preston's character in quite a few ways. I absolutely adore his character and I empathized with him. He wasn't sure what exactly he was feeling, he just knew how he was feeling wasn't good. Some might say that Preston just needed to give Sawyer space, but the bond they had wasn't like that. They might have not realized or acknowledged that there was more to their relationship than just friendship, but they definitely had those strong feelings for most of the story.
The way Sawyer prioritized Preston was so endearing, and the way he made sure Preston was taking care of himself, and giving him reminders of the things he ends up forgetting. The moment that spurred Preston into pursuing Sawyer was such an emotional scene. It really could've gone either way, but I'm glad that things turned out. I enjoyed how their romantic relationship evolved from that point on.
Being able to read about the personal growth that Preston's character went through was so uplifting to read about. He didn't want his fear to hold him back anymore, he wanted to take care of Sawyer like how Sawyer's been taking care of him. He wants to stand up to his dad, pursue his academia, and be in a relationship with his best friend. I love that his character grew and developed over the course of the story, it was written beautifully.
Overall a really fantastic friends to lovers story! This has very low angst in it, there is quite a bit of steam but not an excessive amount. The ending was my favorite part, it was so sweet and beautiful!
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