Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.

“It’s as if I’ve been hit by a lightning bolt, except not hurt, but energised. The only person who’s ever made me feel I’m enough is myself. Now I have you. I don’t dread the future because we can have one together. You’re mine. I’m yours.”

I read the second book first (because why not), and I ended up absolutely falling in love with Theo from this book while reading it, and knew I had to go back and read book 1 after. I’m very glad I did. This is only my third Barbara book, but she is easily one of my favorite authors. Her writing skills are up there with the very best of them. The snarky british banter gives me all the joy, the spice is great, and the romance is freaking fantastic.

“Hello.” Theo glanced from side to side, then up and down. “I’m frantically looking for danger so you can save me again. Oh look. A meteorite.”

Col was great too, but Theo stole the show for me. Yes, he speaks just about every thought that falls into his head, but I was very pleased to see that the ‘rambling mess’ bit wasn’t his entire personality. He was a fleshed out and lovely MC, who also happened to be (sometimes unintentionally) hilarious and beyond snarky. Characters like that can feel a bit OTT sometimes, but to me he was charming and sweet.

“I’ve never had a boyfriend before,” he blurted. Shit! Why did my throat choose that moment to open up? “Why not?” “A million reasons. Well, no. Slight exaggeration but several hundred thousand.” Theo frowned. “You actually want me to tell you why not? Because once I get started, I’ll keep going and going and then you won’t want to be my boyfriend either.”

It truly doesn’t matter how similar or different her MCs are. They’re written in a way that makes their friendships and connections utterly believable. They just make sense together. Even when this author is writing about objectively horrible things (there’s a real possibility of tears being shed), you’ll probably read it with a smile on your face, mostly. At least to me, the books are joyous. Every time I’ve read something by Barbara, I’m blown away by how she isn’t a massive name in the genre, because she certainly deserves it. She also repeatedly hits that sweet spot with enough plot and action to keep my interest outside of the actual romance. Very highly recommend this series. Absolute *chefs kiss* perfection.

He spotted Theo bounding his way, a broad smile on his face. While Col was watching, Theo did one of those little jumps in the air, tried to click his heels and fell over. He dusted himself down, tried again, and when he managed the click, he flung his arms in the air in delight.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Virgin MC
Rambling MC
Aristocratic drama
Strangers to lovers
Past trauma
Meddlesome ex boyfriend
Hurt/comfort
First times

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC cheated on by side character
(not detailed)
Explicit sexual content
Neglectful parents
Verbal abuse (family members)
Estranged family
Medical emergency
Injured MC
Violent attack by ex boyfriend
Mentions of past child abuse
(MC and side character)
Death of a sibling (past, some details)
Racism (side characters)

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 21 and 25

The older I grew, the more I wanted them to forget I existed. I used to hide under the bed in my attic room and put my fingers in my ears so I couldn’t hear Dominic crying.

“In a different world, what would you like to be?” “Ah. Don’t laugh.” Col caught hold of Theo’s chin and lifted his head so they were facing each other. “I would never tread on someone’s dreams.”

“[…] Undo my zip.” Theo widened his eyes. “Your cock is pulling that down all on its own! I’m so impressed. What other tricks can it do? Sit up and beg? Fetch the ball?”