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I had a feeling when I learned what Riley and Lexi's story would be about, that if done well it would end up being my favorite DC Stars book to date. It was exactly what I wanted it to be and even more!
Lexi has been a fiesty Ms. Independent since we first met her, and quieter, slightly nerdy Riley always intrigued me. It was clear he was interested in her early in the series and their journey from friends to best friends and lovers via the forced proximity of her helping him rehab after losing his leg in a car accident was emotional and so well done. The disability rep in this book was handled very delicately but honestly, and you could tell the care and time Chelsea put into researching what she didn't know, talking to people with experience, and having a loved one who has a prosthetic leg like Riley. The grief he goes through when his entire life changes and he can't play hockey, and doesn't know who he is anymore is something I related to (in a much less intensely traumatic way) as a disabled person who can't work anymore. His mental health is discussed, we see therapy on page, and he also finds safety and strength in expressing himself to Lexi throughout.
As for Lexi, she has always done everything herself and generally doesn't go back for seconds after a hookup, so when they do get together and eventually start up their friends with benefits situation, we see her grapple with past hurt and giving in to what she really wants. There's also a really sweet caretaking scene with the microtrope that always gets me: the person who swears they are fine on their own is forced to accept help and see how their love interest truly cares for them.
The spicy scenes between them are great, with a bit of kink and plenty of conversations about the reality of sex with a prosthetic leg, especially a new one. They're also fun, as the two get to know each other more and indulge in one another. And we are always here for a dude with "slutty little glasses".
Though I truly think Chelsea's writing gets better and better with each book, and I look forward to what's been teased for the last three books, this book felt special and I believe it'll always be a favorite for me.
Lexi has been a fiesty Ms. Independent since we first met her, and quieter, slightly nerdy Riley always intrigued me. It was clear he was interested in her early in the series and their journey from friends to best friends and lovers via the forced proximity of her helping him rehab after losing his leg in a car accident was emotional and so well done. The disability rep in this book was handled very delicately but honestly, and you could tell the care and time Chelsea put into researching what she didn't know, talking to people with experience, and having a loved one who has a prosthetic leg like Riley. The grief he goes through when his entire life changes and he can't play hockey, and doesn't know who he is anymore is something I related to (in a much less intensely traumatic way) as a disabled person who can't work anymore. His mental health is discussed, we see therapy on page, and he also finds safety and strength in expressing himself to Lexi throughout.
As for Lexi, she has always done everything herself and generally doesn't go back for seconds after a hookup, so when they do get together and eventually start up their friends with benefits situation, we see her grapple with past hurt and giving in to what she really wants. There's also a really sweet caretaking scene with the microtrope that always gets me: the person who swears they are fine on their own is forced to accept help and see how their love interest truly cares for them.
The spicy scenes between them are great, with a bit of kink and plenty of conversations about the reality of sex with a prosthetic leg, especially a new one. They're also fun, as the two get to know each other more and indulge in one another. And we are always here for a dude with "slutty little glasses".
Though I truly think Chelsea's writing gets better and better with each book, and I look forward to what's been teased for the last three books, this book felt special and I believe it'll always be a favorite for me.