Hostile

Ah, here I am. Still riding a high about how amazing this story was. Rhett is grumpy, broody, hot, smart, an artist. Grayson is sunshine, lightness, smart, a jock, an artist soul but he’s trying to do what’s expected of him. These two are perfection together and I just love how their relationship develops. Grayson has been pining for years on Rhett and one day he decides to try his luck, as expected Rhett doesn’t trust Grayson and they start hanging out and slowly but surely something blooms between them. There’s a reason why Rhett is so guarded but Grayson with his bright personality tears down Rhett’s walls and these two are just everything and more.Second book I read by Nicole and second book that leaves me with the highest grin on my face and the warmest heart on my chest. I just love the way Nicole writes. Love is love!

Well I binged this baby! I just could not put it down. I truly loved this book and I’m typically not one for high school romances. I felt like even though Rhett and Grayson were young (18), they had such a deep profound connection that transcended their age. They understood each other on a level no other person in their lives ever had. I think they both felt seen. The grumpy/sunshine aspect was hilarious at times. I loved that dynamic!This was probably the first book I’ve read that focused on the person who was adopted, rather than the adopter. I struggled to read thru my tears at times. Rhett was such a moving and heartbreaking character. He had so much to offer and believed he had no value. While on the surface it made sense he’d feel that way, the people who’d come into his life knew the moment they met him that he was truly special. His experience had left an indelible mark on him. By finally finding that person who saw beyond all of that with no judgement or pity, he was able to see more as well.The horrors of foster care shouldn’t ever be taken lightly or overlooked. The system is broken and most kids don’t find salvation in these homes. There is no easy fix and I appreciated how Nicole highlighted the good and the bad. I never felt like she was preaching or passing judgement. She presented it in a way that helped the reader understand and love Rhett while also getting insight into what these kids have to deal with and how often they are overlooked.Grayson was every bit a puppy dog a character could be and I loved him for it. I loved him so much. He was so open and straightforward with Rhett. And man once he got his shot, he took it! I found him to be so interesting considering his parents wanted nothing to do with him. He was neglected but was bursting with love and affection. He was the absolute sweetest. The fact that he wanted to honor his let grandfather was so noble. He became such a safe place for Rhett.

It has some teen angst in it but not a ton and I LOVE how much Grayson is all in on pursuing Rhett. Rhett’s hard earned love is so sweet for Grayson. Definetely recommend this book.

This is a good story. The only part I would like to see shortened is the pain and uncertainty before Grayson leaves for college. More character development for Fletcher. And more of their time together with their newly adopted boys… it’s such a heavy book, it would have been good to read/live through when they found Ben & Andrew and made the decision to extend their family.

Up until a couple of years ago, I'd never read a MM romance and honestly wasn't sure that I ever would, but now it's one of my top genres. This author writes some of the best MM love stories, and I'm adding Hostile to my list of favorites.Grayson seems to have it all. Rich, popular, star athlete. His future is all planned out for him, but it's not the future that he wants. Rhett's life was never easy, but he now has a loving family and a future that he could have never dreamed of. He's still uncertain though. He doesn't trust, he doesn't let people in, he's hostile. When Grayson bulldozes his way into Rhett's life, they're both taken aback by their connection, but their lives are headed in two separate directions. Can they be friends? Could they ever be more?This is a beautifully told coming of age story about two young men who question who they are and what they want. It's about finding yourself and making your way in this world when there are so many uncertainties along the way. It's a true love story, and not just romantic love, but the love of family and friends too. This story is a journey of discovery and acceptance, and it's a beautiful ride. I absolutely loved these characters, their vulnerability and their determination. Their story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and brought me both smiles and tears.If you're a fan of MM romance, then I highly recommend this one. If you're new to MM romance, even if you're unsure about the genre, I encourage you to give this book (this author) a try. Nicole Dykes really does write some of the most well-told MM stories that I've read, and any of her books would be a great introduction to MM romance if it's new to you.

Well, you've only gone and done it again. Actually no, that's not accurate...you've EXCELLED yourself because this book is so perfect I could just burst into tears simply over the fact that I cannot cope with how flawless Grayson and Rhett's story is.When I saw this book was going to encompass every single thing I love, M/M, Highschool, brooding artist and star quarterback, Grumpy and Sunshine, GAH 😍 I preordered so hard Amazon didn't even see me coming.This whole story goes way beyond the realms of two boys having a meet cute and the rest is history. Oh no, this story has so much depth and raw beauty to it. It spans over 3 Highschool years where Grayson watches Rhett from afar, wishing to know and understand the broken boy who has captured all of his attention. The way that Grayson looks at him, it's as if he never wants to look at anything else in the world because Rhett is that beautiful and captivating.The push and pull between these two is pure fire. Grayson is the epitome of sunshine, with his goofball humor, cheeky grin and playful ways. But behind all of this is a boy who's bound to conform to a way of life that stifles who he really is, and the consequences these boys face as a result of this made my heart hurt! 😩 And Rhett...well it just doesn't feel right to call this beautiful broken boy grumpy, although he totally is but he is just so much more than that, he's confused and lost, not understanding himself or the skin he's in and just trying to keep everything at arms length because he has this perception of himself that he doesn't deserve love or anything nice.Their chemisty was off the charts and Grayson's persistence and humor gave us all the gift of seeing Rhett flourish and find comfort within himself. I love everything about these two, how opposite they are, but how they actually have so much in common too, the banter between them, their playfulness, the way Grayson would suggest something and Rhett would just say "no" 😂🤦🏼‍♀️ and the love they share? So pure and perfect.Their journey into love is going to have you riding some serious highs and lows. I laughed, swooned and also cried in equal measures. Their difficult life situations make for a hard but worthwhile fight and if you're thinking it looks like things may not work out the way we want, just remember that these two are destined and tied to each other. 🥰

I thought this was going to be another Jock story where a guy is hiding his sexuality from his teammates. Thankfully it was so much more.Two 18 year old students attend a prestigious High School, one from a privileged background the other having come through a life in the foster care system. Neither have received the love they needed in their young lives.One has parents who leave him to his own devices as long as he attends the College they chose for him. He also has to study the subjects they want him to graduate in.The other is studying Art and wants to be a Tattoo Artist like his adoptive father. He plans on an apprenticeship as soon as High School finishes.So, not much in common interests between them or is there? Well, if One guy has his way he’ll find something.Loved this story, not much angst, just lots of loving support from ones chosen family and close friends. And at least one strong guy who won’t give up.Terrific Epilogue too ♥️❤️♥️❤️.

Nicole has created two deeply emotive characters who's pain is an addictive journey that you must experience. Their agony, their struggle is what holds you captive as desperate for the next word as you are your next breath.Rhett is broken, traumatised by his childhood neglect and his horrific experience whilst in the system. No matter how lucky he was to be adopted by a couple who want to do nothing short of love him and hi e him the world Rhett feels undeserving. His walls are impenetrable and he pushes everyone away, solid kn his Knowledge he is undeserving of kindness and love.Grayson is the picture perfect rich joke, a shiny new car, amazing stats, surrounded by friends and girls throwing themselves at him. When in reality Grayson is alone, isolated even when in a crowed, his heart is weighed down by his constant need to hide who he really is, what he really desires from his life and his desperate need to love the object of his desire.I loved their journey from their first official conversation where Graysons stalker tendencies are aired, to how his beaming smile chips away at Rhetts walls and shows him his worth. Their connection is deep, deeper then either of them believed possible at the beginning. I loved how they were able to bare their truths free of judgement, how they could shatter into tint pieces infant of one another safe in the knowledge they other would build them back up.Rhett and Grasyons love is hard one but it was more definitely worth fighting for. The path of true love never runs smoothly but these two can work through anything because the centre of all this they share one heart and one soul

Well I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve felt anger, sadness and hope. This book as gripped me from start to finish. Possibly the most authentic M/M romance I’ve read, and I’ve read many hundreds. It captured the perfect essence of all the many themes and stories within the whole story. It read so true to life, capturing exactly how for many, life still is. The characters were fabulous and the book wouldn’t of worked as well with 95% of them. It was gritty, hard and dark at times, extremely emotional and so funny. I honestly thing I felt every emotion known to man. I can’t compliment the author enough, or thank her enough for bringing this book to us. Without a doubt I would recommend you read this book 1 million percent or you will you will miss a truly wonderful heartfelt real story

4.5I loved this, was a really cute read. I wanted to squeeze Rhett. I loved Graysons humour, he deserved so much happiness, they both did! Loved them together and how they found themselves in each other.One thing I love about Nicole’s books is they aren’t packed with tons of drama, you get just enough! Really enjoyable read, im definitely going back to read Rhys and Blair’s story because I loved them in this!