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Crazy Little Thing #1
Princes of the Universe
Eli
I’m bad at love. I’m bad at many things, but love is so far down the list that it would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. At twenty-eight years old, I’ve had my fair share of partners, and each hasn’t hesitated to tell me that I’m incapable of loving. I love my dog, though I guess that’s not the same thing. Every woman I’ve dated can’t be wrong, right? So I’ve given up on love and resigned myself to a solitary life.
Everything is going all right until he walks through the door at my office. He’s the one person who knows my deepest secret—I just knew everything would change.
Bryan
I didn’t think I’d ever see him again. It’s been ten years—and I’ve long ago given up all hope—though I never forgot about him. The last place I expected to find him was in the ad agency I’m considering for the launch of my bakery, yet here we are. I can’t lie and say I’m not excited at the prospect of working closely with him.
This feels like a second chance, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn his trust and find out what happened to him all those years ago.
Hopefully my heart survives in the process.
***
Princes of the Universe is a friends to lovers slow burn.
212 pages, ebook
First published June 19, 2019
About the author
Serene Franklin
5 books40 followersSerene Franklin lives in Halifax (Nova Scotia, not California), but has fallen in love with Chicago through research and writing. She has a political science degree, and--more importantly--an adorable and mildly irritating Goldendoodle called Tai.
Serene currently writes contemporary MM romance, but has plans to branch out into other subgenres.
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: serenity_darko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seren...
Serene currently writes contemporary MM romance, but has plans to branch out into other subgenres.
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: serenity_darko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seren...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 2, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I picked up this book for two major reasons. The first was the Queen reference in the title of the book and the series title, because I’m a huge Queen fan. But the second was because my impression of the blurb left me thinking I was getting a reunion romance. While this wasn’t exactly the case, the book, on the whole, worked.
I have to say that I really appreciated Eli and the way he was written. We got some excellently done representation in several areas that are usually overlooked or dismissed. Not only is he bi, though it takes him a while to figure it out, he’s also demisexual. Though Eli hadn’t ever heard the term before, I thought the author did an exceptional job showing Eli’s progression in a natural way, and did a fantastic job of showing his feelings changing over time. This spoke to me on several levels. On top of that, Eli has severe anxiety and is an introvert. As someone who is both, I’m often overly critical of the way these characters are portrayed. But Franklin’s portrayal of Eli is true to my own experiences with both anxiety and being an introvert. So I really loved seeing Eli grow and change throughout the story and come to accept himself.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I picked up this book for two major reasons. The first was the Queen reference in the title of the book and the series title, because I’m a huge Queen fan. But the second was because my impression of the blurb left me thinking I was getting a reunion romance. While this wasn’t exactly the case, the book, on the whole, worked.
I have to say that I really appreciated Eli and the way he was written. We got some excellently done representation in several areas that are usually overlooked or dismissed. Not only is he bi, though it takes him a while to figure it out, he’s also demisexual. Though Eli hadn’t ever heard the term before, I thought the author did an exceptional job showing Eli’s progression in a natural way, and did a fantastic job of showing his feelings changing over time. This spoke to me on several levels. On top of that, Eli has severe anxiety and is an introvert. As someone who is both, I’m often overly critical of the way these characters are portrayed. But Franklin’s portrayal of Eli is true to my own experiences with both anxiety and being an introvert. So I really loved seeing Eli grow and change throughout the story and come to accept himself.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
September 18, 2019
I'm going to be honest: finishing this book was almost certainly a mistake. I was so, so bored with the story. There was no real connection between the characters, I didn't understand the point to a lot of it (why, really, did the author feel driven to have the MCs meet the way they did if it wasn't going to be developed in any real way? even bakery plot point felt underdeveloped). The book didn't really get into anything and I found myself not caring. I think I only got as far as I did because I was involved in some real-life stuff, so I'd get through a chunk, forget I didn't care, get through another chunk, forget I didn't care again, with this cycling until I was so far into the book that I just decided to finish it because I was so close to the end.
I see that this is the first book in a series, and the second book sounds reasonable, but God, I didn't like this book at all. I don't know if I'll try it.
I see that this is the first book in a series, and the second book sounds reasonable, but God, I didn't like this book at all. I don't know if I'll try it.
June 20, 2019
The blurb had caught me since the first time I read it and curious me even more…
And when I started it, the story succeed captivated me since the very first page. The super slow pace was really something but for me its far from boring because I do really enjoying the ‘process’. Each page captivating me to immersed deeply into both the characters and the story. The writing also good, I can feel the emotional vibes the author trying to share through her words. The characters development is superb. The connection and interactions between the two main characters also good. Eli with his naïve side in him when it come to his changing feelings toward Bryan, his bluntness and anxiety problems meet with Bryan patience and caring are perfect combinations that made this book really hard to put down.
The smooth and very slow changing from strangers to friends then lovers are perfectly written. The sexual innuendos are strong but the way Bryan carefully hold himself and waiting patiently until Eli finally realize what he’d feels and want is what makes this book leave the deep impression in me.
Serene Franklin is a new author to me, and this is the first time I read her book. I probably will check on her other books in the future...
*ARC is kindly provided by LesCourt ARC Team in exchange of a fair, unbiased and honest review*
June 21, 2019
This was a very sweet, slow burn romance. Drama-free and zero angst which was refreshing, but it still managed to touch my heart deeply. The connection Eli and Bryan have felt so real.
June 14, 2019
This was a perfect demi-sexual GFY!
Eli and Bryan met 10 years ago when they both needed extra cash and signed up for a porn scene together. Now their lives have changed and they meet again and start up a friendship. It's perfect timing because Eli needs a friend, but Bryan wants anything he can get from Eli.
I really enjoyed the characters, including Mac, the roommate/best friend of Bryan. Eli had a ton of back story that was fleshed out at the end, but I would have liked a bit more of it earlier to get a better idea of what he'd been through.
I loved the friendship that started with Star Wars and continued with Prince, the sweet dog that Eli saved. All of the little details that were sprinkled throughout the story like foods that were made, little touches here and there, cute text messages all made the story flow well and added a layer of sweet for me.
I really enjoyed this fun, easy friends to lovers read.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
Eli and Bryan met 10 years ago when they both needed extra cash and signed up for a porn scene together. Now their lives have changed and they meet again and start up a friendship. It's perfect timing because Eli needs a friend, but Bryan wants anything he can get from Eli.
I really enjoyed the characters, including Mac, the roommate/best friend of Bryan. Eli had a ton of back story that was fleshed out at the end, but I would have liked a bit more of it earlier to get a better idea of what he'd been through.
I loved the friendship that started with Star Wars and continued with Prince, the sweet dog that Eli saved. All of the little details that were sprinkled throughout the story like foods that were made, little touches here and there, cute text messages all made the story flow well and added a layer of sweet for me.
I really enjoyed this fun, easy friends to lovers read.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
June 8, 2019
* I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
It is a GREAT story, not only a sweet, heart-warming love story but also a book about acceptance and friendship (and Star Wars)!
I fell head over heels in love with Eli and Bryan right from the start. They are lovable and so so cute together <3 It is really impossible not to love them.
The story is captivating , i couldn't stop reading. It was absolutely amazing to see Eli come out of his shell, make new friends and finally believe in himself. He was so anxious and awkward most of the time I wanted to just hug him and hide him from everything. Thankfully, Bryan happened!
Eli and Bryan are ADORABLE , they are one of the cutest couples I've read about. The fact that they spent MONTHS building their friendship and then trying not to ruin it by wanting more was both hilarious and endearing.
The book is fast paced and well written . The whole story is believable and heart-warming. There are some scorching hot sex scenes , but what is more (for the believable love story) the first 80% (more or less) is soooo full of emotions, making memories, spending time together and supporting each other.
I loved ALL characters here and I hope that book #2 will be about Mac and a pretty red-head from his dreams :D
It is a GREAT story, not only a sweet, heart-warming love story but also a book about acceptance and friendship (and Star Wars)!
I fell head over heels in love with Eli and Bryan right from the start. They are lovable and so so cute together <3 It is really impossible not to love them.
The story is captivating , i couldn't stop reading. It was absolutely amazing to see Eli come out of his shell, make new friends and finally believe in himself. He was so anxious and awkward most of the time I wanted to just hug him and hide him from everything. Thankfully, Bryan happened!
Eli and Bryan are ADORABLE , they are one of the cutest couples I've read about. The fact that they spent MONTHS building their friendship and then trying not to ruin it by wanting more was both hilarious and endearing.
The book is fast paced and well written . The whole story is believable and heart-warming. There are some scorching hot sex scenes , but what is more (for the believable love story) the first 80% (more or less) is soooo full of emotions, making memories, spending time together and supporting each other.
I loved ALL characters here and I hope that book #2 will be about Mac and a pretty red-head from his dreams :D
June 22, 2019
This story? This story is everything. Everything, I tells ya. A demisexual gentleman in distress and a gay hero who saves him from himself. A crazy loving dog. Star Wars. I love them. I want more Serene Franklin and I’m gonna go get some right now.
June 24, 2019
Eli and Bryan were adorable together. They had some history in the past that Eli would very much like to forget, but meeting each other again years later make Eli come to terms with it all. Eli has never really found a connection with anyone and tends to shy away from social situations. Bryan, for reasons he isn’t aware of in the beginning, makes Eli want to be social. They become great friends, and Bryan is falling head over heels for Eli. It took Eli some time to really realize that he is feeling more than friendship for Bryan and it was really sweet. I loved these guys together and it was just a really sweet story.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
June 19, 2019
I really enjoyed Bryan and Eli's story. It's a story about friendship and love and never giving up hope. Eli thought he would be alone forever until he unexpectedly runs into Bryan, the man who was witness to the most embarrassing moment of his life. But Bryan had been looking all over for Eli, and now that he found him he was never letting go.
June 24, 2022
Porn shoot meet-cute leads
to baking, demi/bi-ness,
Star Wars, awkward love.
to baking, demi/bi-ness,
Star Wars, awkward love.
June 20, 2019
sweet second chance book.. it was cute and fluffy.. no angst.. interesting and well written. plus i enjoyed that they were friends before lovers.. that is always a nice change of pace. good story.
July 14, 2019
I mistakenly thought this was a debut novel until I reached the end and found a link for another book by the same author.
This is a sweet slow burn story with no/low angst (depending on how you respond to a social anxious character).
Eli is social awkward. He's also demisexual, but didn't realise it. This is his journey of finding the right person.
Bryan is maybe a little too perfect (how I wish he'd been enthusiastic but awful at Karaoke).
All in all a sweet and gentle read.
ETA: a couple of things in the writing triggered my author brain.
There were multiple occasions of unintentional repeated words.
When talking about sexual health Eli used the word clean. Fine if Bryan had picked him up on it and explained why this word is not okay, but he didn't so I have to assume this is the author's word choice. Not cool.
There were moments where we were told something I wanted to see only to revert to something less important.
Oh, and don't ever do *that* in a professional kitchen. Health violations!
This is a sweet slow burn story with no/low angst (depending on how you respond to a social anxious character).
Eli is social awkward. He's also demisexual, but didn't realise it. This is his journey of finding the right person.
Bryan is maybe a little too perfect (how I wish he'd been enthusiastic but awful at Karaoke).
All in all a sweet and gentle read.
ETA: a couple of things in the writing triggered my author brain.
There were multiple occasions of unintentional repeated words.
When talking about sexual health Eli used the word clean. Fine if Bryan had picked him up on it and explained why this word is not okay, but he didn't so I have to assume this is the author's word choice. Not cool.
There were moments where we were told something I wanted to see only to revert to something less important.
Oh, and don't ever do *that* in a professional kitchen. Health violations!
June 12, 2019
DNF at 37 percent mark.
I got bored easily, the MCs had no chemistry.
Nice cover though.
I peeked at the epilogue, but even the epilogue didn't give me what I needed.
July 11, 2019
This was first book of This Author I've read and I was not aware of the writing style BUT God it was Incredibly Amazing And Happy that I've found This book.
Elijah,
My baby is a cute, awkward boy who has lost his mother when he was eighteen and then found Prince who somehow save his life too, and then did something that he was not proud of doing But met with Bryan. At the end of book His personality from chapter one changed Towards Bryan which was admirable.
Bryan
He's a damned good person, who always helped Elijah to control his anxiety and never pushed him out of his comfort zone and understands him clearly like a plain water which had big impact On Elijah and reason for Elijah to fall in love with him.
Though Elijah's confession caught me off too Like Bryan but finally they got together in the end and that was amazing to read.
His meeting with Elijah in the beginning was so mysterious for me and I was how they know each other however.... Their first meeting was a bit strange when I read their past meeting and I can understand Elijah's fear in the beginning of book.
To me Bryan was a great guy who represent how a person should act with the one who is socially awkward and have anxiety and Alone too, I love his care and fear for Elijah.
N
Demisexual person's feelings were explained very well Which is one of the reasons I became fan of this book, because for them feelings are more important than sex and that had happened with Elijah and I love his growth so much.
And the last the Mac is cool. And his birthday party scene of Elijah and Bryan was sooooo exciting to read. For me, It was like I was feeling the same as they are feeling, so powerful and that's when Elijah started to notice his Real feeling for Bryan.
*Good read and Very interested story. Definitely worth a second read.*
December 26, 2019
4 Stars
An enjoyable slow burn, friends to lovers and bi-awakening story between two guys who had a single encounter a decade ago- it was wonderful for one of them, horrible for the other. Reconnecting a decade later, they start a tentative friendship that evolves over the first 65% of the book. Their connection was believable and sweet.
An enjoyable slow burn, friends to lovers and bi-awakening story between two guys who had a single encounter a decade ago- it was wonderful for one of them, horrible for the other. Reconnecting a decade later, they start a tentative friendship that evolves over the first 65% of the book. Their connection was believable and sweet.
July 20, 2022
2.99... felt like several plots that were never fleshed out fully slapped together
June 23, 2019
This is a very sweet book. The characters are well developed throughout the story, and the writing style is smooth and flows nicely.
Eli is an introvert and quite awkward around people. He works for an advertising agency, but he has a secret from his past that he is deeply ashamed of. He is insecure about relationships due to the few relationships he has had, especially because of the feedback he has received from the women involved.
Bryan comes from a powerful and very wealthy family. However, he has always tried to be independent, at least since he lost a bet to his best friend, Mac, back in college. He found out that he could earn money quite easily from the outcome of this bet, and this was when he first met Eli.
When Bryan comes to Eli's place of business hoping for help with his business plans and advertising, Eli is terrified that Bryan is going to unveil his deepest secret, especially when Bryan requests Eli head the project over his more than qualified boss.
However, when Eli confronts Bryan, he finds that he has misjudged the man, and they begin not only working together, but also getting to know each other outside of work hours. This is a unique position for Eli, because he doesn't have many friends, and no male friends to speak of. But, Bryan is not put off by Eli's poor communication skills, and even finds him funny.
It's a real struggle for Bryan, because he has wanted Eli since they met all those years ago, but Eli is straight. But, he decides that their friendship is worth the price, and he is okay until one fateful evening. Eli a very blunt, so when he figures something out, or decides he wants something, he gets right to the point.
When their hard work pays off, Eli is forced to step out of his comfort zone to support his friend, but by the end of the story, Eli has faced several of his fears, and is enjoying life much more than he ever thought possible.
Overall, this is a very sweet story about an antisocial, awkward man who loves his pit named Prince, and a baker who shows him that he is worthy of love.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
Eli is an introvert and quite awkward around people. He works for an advertising agency, but he has a secret from his past that he is deeply ashamed of. He is insecure about relationships due to the few relationships he has had, especially because of the feedback he has received from the women involved.
Bryan comes from a powerful and very wealthy family. However, he has always tried to be independent, at least since he lost a bet to his best friend, Mac, back in college. He found out that he could earn money quite easily from the outcome of this bet, and this was when he first met Eli.
When Bryan comes to Eli's place of business hoping for help with his business plans and advertising, Eli is terrified that Bryan is going to unveil his deepest secret, especially when Bryan requests Eli head the project over his more than qualified boss.
However, when Eli confronts Bryan, he finds that he has misjudged the man, and they begin not only working together, but also getting to know each other outside of work hours. This is a unique position for Eli, because he doesn't have many friends, and no male friends to speak of. But, Bryan is not put off by Eli's poor communication skills, and even finds him funny.
It's a real struggle for Bryan, because he has wanted Eli since they met all those years ago, but Eli is straight. But, he decides that their friendship is worth the price, and he is okay until one fateful evening. Eli a very blunt, so when he figures something out, or decides he wants something, he gets right to the point.
When their hard work pays off, Eli is forced to step out of his comfort zone to support his friend, but by the end of the story, Eli has faced several of his fears, and is enjoying life much more than he ever thought possible.
Overall, this is a very sweet story about an antisocial, awkward man who loves his pit named Prince, and a baker who shows him that he is worthy of love.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
June 21, 2019
4.5/5 Stars
Princes of the Universe is the first book in the Crazy Little Thing series by Serene Franklin. This is the first book that I have read by Serene Franklin, and I enjoyed this book a lot more than that I thought I would because I usually prefer reading books that have fantasy and/or science-fiction parts to it. I am learning to appreciate more of the contemporary romance books as well. I thought this book was well-written and interesting. I really liked Eli and Bryan’s story and reading about their journey of finding love and happiness. The main thing that I really loved about this book is how much I could relate to Eli. I understood where he was coming from in his worries and concerns and so much more. Due to this, I found I really liked this story a lot more. I also thought Bryan was sweet, caring and patient, and I loved how he put Eli’s needs first. I thought the overall story was sweet, and I was able to read the story much faster than I thought I would at first. I also really liked all the other characters, and I hope that a few of them will get their own story.
I recommend this story, and I know that in the future I will be re-reading this book. Also, I plan on reading the next book that comes out in this series, and I plan on looking up her other books to see what else she has written.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Princes of the Universe is the first book in the Crazy Little Thing series by Serene Franklin. This is the first book that I have read by Serene Franklin, and I enjoyed this book a lot more than that I thought I would because I usually prefer reading books that have fantasy and/or science-fiction parts to it. I am learning to appreciate more of the contemporary romance books as well. I thought this book was well-written and interesting. I really liked Eli and Bryan’s story and reading about their journey of finding love and happiness. The main thing that I really loved about this book is how much I could relate to Eli. I understood where he was coming from in his worries and concerns and so much more. Due to this, I found I really liked this story a lot more. I also thought Bryan was sweet, caring and patient, and I loved how he put Eli’s needs first. I thought the overall story was sweet, and I was able to read the story much faster than I thought I would at first. I also really liked all the other characters, and I hope that a few of them will get their own story.
I recommend this story, and I know that in the future I will be re-reading this book. Also, I plan on reading the next book that comes out in this series, and I plan on looking up her other books to see what else she has written.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 20, 2019
Princes of the Universe is a beautiful second chance romance by Serene Franklin.
Ten years ago Eli did a porn scene with Bryan. Now they're doing business together and start becoming friends. This makes for an interesting relationship, as they are strangers with a past, then friends, then lovers.
Eli's backstory slowly develops, but it's one hell of a one. He's demisexual and bisexual, and has never been in love before. Thus, with Bryan, this is his first time ever connecting with someone and falling in love. This aspect is well written and is a wonderful illustration of demisexuality.
As for their relationship, I enjoy their ability to take things as they want to, with no rules. They make great friends, and we get many looks into their everyday interactions, which is highly enjoyable. The writing is slow, but never too slow for me. Instead of feeling weighted down by the details, the details all added up to paint a tender story. Watching them go from friends to more is just a precious treat.
Overall, Princes of the Universe is a sweet, fun read. Serene Franklin is great with the sexual innuendos, which I always enjoy. I highly suggest this heartwarming tale of friendship, acceptance, and love. Oh, and if you enjoy steamy scenes, this one definitely fits the bill.
Ten years ago Eli did a porn scene with Bryan. Now they're doing business together and start becoming friends. This makes for an interesting relationship, as they are strangers with a past, then friends, then lovers.
Eli's backstory slowly develops, but it's one hell of a one. He's demisexual and bisexual, and has never been in love before. Thus, with Bryan, this is his first time ever connecting with someone and falling in love. This aspect is well written and is a wonderful illustration of demisexuality.
As for their relationship, I enjoy their ability to take things as they want to, with no rules. They make great friends, and we get many looks into their everyday interactions, which is highly enjoyable. The writing is slow, but never too slow for me. Instead of feeling weighted down by the details, the details all added up to paint a tender story. Watching them go from friends to more is just a precious treat.
Overall, Princes of the Universe is a sweet, fun read. Serene Franklin is great with the sexual innuendos, which I always enjoy. I highly suggest this heartwarming tale of friendship, acceptance, and love. Oh, and if you enjoy steamy scenes, this one definitely fits the bill.
June 18, 2019
This is a great start to a new series and I love the characters. It is well written, sweet, funny, has an intriguing storyline and a slow buildup that I really like. Eli and Bryan have an interesting history together and when they meet ten years later Eli is terrified that Bryan will reveal his secret. Bryan is happy to see Eli again and willing to do anything possible to keep him in his life. They start out working together then become friends as Eli learns to trust Bryan. Their connection is great and I love how careful and patient Bryan is with Eli as he struggles to deal with his anxiety and a lack of social skills. I love how their relationship evolves over time and the secondary characters are amazing. Eli's dog Prince is a large part of the story and she has been his whole life for the last ten years. I wish that there was more background information about Eli at the beginning of the story and at times the pace was really slow but overall I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the next installment in this new and entertaining series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 20, 2019
You feel for Eli from the moment you meet him and you can sense how lonely he is, but he doesn't know how to do anything about it. It's like he's stuck in a rut, his dating history is disastrous and so he's pretty much stopped, and the only companionship he has is his dog. But you get a hint, although he claims he's straight, that an even from when he was eighteen has stuck with him long after it happened.
And when he meets Bryan, everything changes for him. They slowly build a friendship, which I loved how it was depicted in the book, and then feelings start to develop on Eli's side that leaves him confused and desperate not to jeopardize his friendship with Bryan. Bryan is an absolute sweetheart, giving Eli time and being a good friend to him because he wants any type of relationship with Eli.
The story is a solid one with a fully developed friendship before they move onto a relationship and Bryan is so patient with Eli. Both men are exactly who the other needs.
This is my first read from Serene Franklin and I loved it and absolutely recommend it!!
And when he meets Bryan, everything changes for him. They slowly build a friendship, which I loved how it was depicted in the book, and then feelings start to develop on Eli's side that leaves him confused and desperate not to jeopardize his friendship with Bryan. Bryan is an absolute sweetheart, giving Eli time and being a good friend to him because he wants any type of relationship with Eli.
The story is a solid one with a fully developed friendship before they move onto a relationship and Bryan is so patient with Eli. Both men are exactly who the other needs.
This is my first read from Serene Franklin and I loved it and absolutely recommend it!!
June 20, 2019
Such a great story. This was a really easy book to enjoy, nothing too heavy with some great characters and light on the angst.
Eli is someone I can relate to, anxious and nervous in new settings and with people so an unexpected friendship with Bryan throws him for a loop, especially considering how they first met a few years ago. Bryan is the strong alpha type and his surprise meeting with Eli brings him a lot of happiness, especially as a friendship develops.
It's fun to read how Eli deals with Bryan and the evolution of their relationship. His dog, Prince, is one of the stars of the show along with the great friends that each men have - Mac for Bryan and Eve for Eli. Their personalities shine through right along with the MC's. The story is sweet, funny and a slow burner. A wonderful romance that I recommend to anyone.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Eli is someone I can relate to, anxious and nervous in new settings and with people so an unexpected friendship with Bryan throws him for a loop, especially considering how they first met a few years ago. Bryan is the strong alpha type and his surprise meeting with Eli brings him a lot of happiness, especially as a friendship develops.
It's fun to read how Eli deals with Bryan and the evolution of their relationship. His dog, Prince, is one of the stars of the show along with the great friends that each men have - Mac for Bryan and Eve for Eli. Their personalities shine through right along with the MC's. The story is sweet, funny and a slow burner. A wonderful romance that I recommend to anyone.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 24, 2019
This is the first book in The Crazy Little Thing Series. A sweet book the writing was good. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters wonderful. I thought that this story was wonderful in someone finding who they are and finding someone to love as a bonus. But I think that it needs more detail and more energy or excitement to spike up the middle of the road flow of the story. Yes, it is a slow burn story which is fine and works great in this story, but it is too flat in the telling and needs more ups and downs. The characters were developed and thought out but again could use more detail. Eli and Bryan are the MC’s of this book. I did enjoy reading this book and although I think that it could’ve been better, I still can recommend it as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
June 19, 2019
It was a pleasure to read this heartwarming MM romance with an undertone of second chances & friends to lovers. The plot is well-written & interesting. The chemistry and interaction between the characters is wonderful, as they struggle with trust issues and acceptance as they continue to develop throughout the story-line. The secondary characters offer good support.
There is: two men (Elijah aka Eli & Bryan) come into contract with each other after ten years, a best friend/roommate (Mac), some twists, drama, secrets, shock, memories, opinions, paranoia, misunderstandings, apologies, verbal banter, attractions, assumptions, embarrassment, fantasies, dilemmas, caring friends, confusion, realization, confessions, love, steamy scenes & a satisfying epilogue
There is: two men (Elijah aka Eli & Bryan) come into contract with each other after ten years, a best friend/roommate (Mac), some twists, drama, secrets, shock, memories, opinions, paranoia, misunderstandings, apologies, verbal banter, attractions, assumptions, embarrassment, fantasies, dilemmas, caring friends, confusion, realization, confessions, love, steamy scenes & a satisfying epilogue
June 22, 2019
This was a very sweet and romantic book with just the right amount of sex! Eli is a timid man, very unsure of himself who needs love, just doesn’t realise it. Bryan is outgoing, ambitious and goes after what he wants, unfortunately though he wants a straight guy which he knows isn’t clever!
This book explores the relationship between Eli and Bryan and includes their funny and fabulous friends too and the most amazing dog named Prince. We see their friendship blossom and have to wait to see if Eli will finally discover what we all hope for, that it doesn’t matter if he’s gay or straight, it’s Bryan he’s destined to be with.
This book is just so lovely and I’d highly recommend it!
I was offered an arc of this book and happily leave my honest opinion.
This book explores the relationship between Eli and Bryan and includes their funny and fabulous friends too and the most amazing dog named Prince. We see their friendship blossom and have to wait to see if Eli will finally discover what we all hope for, that it doesn’t matter if he’s gay or straight, it’s Bryan he’s destined to be with.
This book is just so lovely and I’d highly recommend it!
I was offered an arc of this book and happily leave my honest opinion.
June 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, Eli and Bryan was so sweet together. This is a book of discovery on one side and a second chance on the other. Over the course of the book Eli grew in self confidence due to the support from Bryan. The progression of the friendship after a rocky start was natural, aided by the Star Wars movies.
The characters are well written with a wonderful depth to personality types, I really loved Eve and Mac as supportive secondary characters, but it was Prince Eli‘s dog who was the star. Serene Franklin’s style means this is a story that flows nicely and is a joy to read, I would recommend this to anyone who likes sweet, easy friends to lovers, GFY books.
The characters are well written with a wonderful depth to personality types, I really loved Eve and Mac as supportive secondary characters, but it was Prince Eli‘s dog who was the star. Serene Franklin’s style means this is a story that flows nicely and is a joy to read, I would recommend this to anyone who likes sweet, easy friends to lovers, GFY books.
June 17, 2019
Princes of the Universe by Serene Franklin is the first book in the Crazy Little Thing series. It is a contemporary, m/m slow burn romance with a second chance feel. Eli and Bryan are good characters and I loved watching the evolution of their relationship...it was pretty adorable. The story was sweet and had emotion, humor and a touch of heat after a nice long build up.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
June 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this slow burning, friends to lovers story. I loved having the opportunity to get to really know Eli and Bryan.
Seeing their evolution from friends to lovers was wonderful. There is so much depth to these characters that you really feel like you know them. The connection and chemistry they have jumps off the page.
The secondary characters, including Eli's dog Prince, were an added bonus. I'm looking forward to more in this new series!
Seeing their evolution from friends to lovers was wonderful. There is so much depth to these characters that you really feel like you know them. The connection and chemistry they have jumps off the page.
The secondary characters, including Eli's dog Prince, were an added bonus. I'm looking forward to more in this new series!
June 13, 2019
An enjoyable slow-burn romance with some shades of second chance thrown in. It had a great cast of characters who were likable and engaging. The storyline could have flowed better but it didn't impact my reading enjoyment too much, all in all an enjoyable series starter.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
June 23, 2019
Who wouldn't fall in love with Eli!! Even with his anxiety he's a guy I'd love to be friends with. I loved how his and Bryan's friendships just naturally progressed. Bryan just couldn't walk away, even if all he got was Eli's friendship. He's worth the heartache. And everything just clicked with Bryan for Eli. He could be himself, and because of that he found the person of his dreams.
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