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A Little Bit
Warren
I’m Warren James Baker II. Son of Senator Darlene Jean Baker. Grandson of Senator Warren James Baker Sr.
My future’s already decided. Marry a nice girl from a good, southern family, then run for Senate. All while keeping the undesirable parts of me hidden, even from myself.
I’ve always fulfilled my role.
Until I meet Eli.
I want to ignore him, but it’s impossible. He tempts me, wrecks me, and heals me when all I deserve is to hurt.
It was only supposed to be for a little bit.
But now, I’m not sure if I can let him go.Eli
I told myself I wouldn’t come to this town.
But when an opportunity presents itself, all it takes is Mom’s insistence to make me go. After all, it’s the least I can do for her after what happened.
I expect the pretentiousness disguised as gentility. I expect the haunting memories that aren’t quite mine. What I don’t expect is to be captivated by an uptight rich boy who loves to profess how straight he is.
Lines get blurred. Promises get broken. And even though it was only supposed to be for a little bit, I can’t seem to make myself stop.***A Little Bit is a hurt/comfort, star-crossed lovers, opposites attract MM romance with a fast burn and high angst. Please read the CW as there are issues and situations that may make some readers uncomfortable.
I’m Warren James Baker II. Son of Senator Darlene Jean Baker. Grandson of Senator Warren James Baker Sr.
My future’s already decided. Marry a nice girl from a good, southern family, then run for Senate. All while keeping the undesirable parts of me hidden, even from myself.
I’ve always fulfilled my role.
Until I meet Eli.
I want to ignore him, but it’s impossible. He tempts me, wrecks me, and heals me when all I deserve is to hurt.
It was only supposed to be for a little bit.
But now, I’m not sure if I can let him go.Eli
I told myself I wouldn’t come to this town.
But when an opportunity presents itself, all it takes is Mom’s insistence to make me go. After all, it’s the least I can do for her after what happened.
I expect the pretentiousness disguised as gentility. I expect the haunting memories that aren’t quite mine. What I don’t expect is to be captivated by an uptight rich boy who loves to profess how straight he is.
Lines get blurred. Promises get broken. And even though it was only supposed to be for a little bit, I can’t seem to make myself stop.***A Little Bit is a hurt/comfort, star-crossed lovers, opposites attract MM romance with a fast burn and high angst. Please read the CW as there are issues and situations that may make some readers uncomfortable.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2024
194 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
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August 26, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
I laughed, I fell in love, I cried, I lost it—and I would do it all again.....
🩷✨️“I love you, sailor.” His eyes move between mine. “I can’t believe I thought I’d only be able to have you for a little bit.”🩷✨️
From the very first page, this book pulled me completely into its world, with characters so alive and real that I immediately cared about every choice they made and every emotion they felt. The fast-burn trope, which I usually approach with caution because for those who really know me, it isn’t a surprise that I LIVEEEEE for slow burn, worked flawlessly here, and it felt like it was made for this story. Eli is going to the party just to enjoy himself, to get laid, and to let off steam sets the stage for a connection that’s instant but not superficial. When Warren ( our sailor I'm feral for this nickname)enters the picture, it’s magnetic. He’s close to figuring himself out, but he’s still in denial about his sexuality, and the tension between them is palpable from the very first interaction. Eli jerking Warren off at that party and the way it completely unsettles him highlights the perfect Warren of attraction, denial, and emotional stakes that make the fast-burn trope in this story not just believable, but necessary.
Warren's struggle is deeply compelling. His closeted reality, the pressure of his parents’ high-society expectations, and the constant internal fight to deny his own desires make every scene he shares with Eli layered and intense(🫦❤️🔥). Despite trying to avoid Eli, he just can’t stay away, and the way he follows him everywhere, obsessed and desperate for attention, is heartbreaking and deeply mesmerizing. Eli (myyyyyy MANNNN ) on the other hand, is fully aware of the risks in pursuing a closeted man with such restrictive parents, but he can’t fight his attraction or desire. Their confusion, longing, and undeniable chemistry create moments that are genuinely electric, with each hookup building on the previous one instead of losing intensity, which is something I rarely experience in books. It was delicious, every single time, and the chemistry between them burned hotter than most MM romances I’ve read.
Eli’s character stole my heart immediately. Young but far from immature, he’s messy in ways that are understandable and heartfelt. His grief over his sister’s death is devastating and handled so beautifully that it breaks your heart in a reaaaaal, authentic way. The voicemails he leaves, the anger and frustration when she doesn’t answer, make you feel the depth of his loss and longing in every word.
Warren ???? is more complicated, carrying trauma from his parents and a lifetime of restrictions and pain, and while some of his choices—lying, avoiding Eli, or rejecting him at times—were frustrating, they were always justified and made him oh-so vulnerable.
SOOOOO I loved both characters fully, even if Eli held a slightly bigger piece of my heart. The author made them lovable, flawed, and completely believable.
The writing in this book is exceptional. The author understands how to write men who feel like MEN—young, yes, but never immature or behaving in ways that would make me roll my fucking eyes.
The final 25% of the book, where the twist and drama unfold, was absolutely devastating. I had to put my phone down at points, needing a moment to breathe, because the pain, shock, and heartbreak were real. This wasn’t just emotional manipulation—it was carefully constructed, perfectly executed, and made all the buildup worth it. The resolution wasn’t rushed. The characters took time to separate, reflect, understand, and finally reunite in a way that was mindful, emotionally satisfying, and completely earned.I found that each decision, response, and word is grounded in truth, making the emotional punches land even harder.
I also NEEEEED to highlight the female characters, because they elevated the story in ways that mattered deeply to me. Warren’s sister is heartbreaking, closed off, and struggling in her own ways, and I loved her sooooooooo much that I wish she had her own story (she's my fav ). Eli's best friend was iconic, funny, and supportive, and her presence added levity and authenticity to the book. Female characters who feel real, impactful, and emotionally complex are a rare joy in MM romance, and this book nailed it.NAILED IT.
There are small parts I didn’t love as much, like when Eli hooked up with another character to try to get Warren out of his system, or when Warren received a BJ from his ex gf. While I didn’t enjoy those moments, they never bothered me enough to take away from the story. They made sense in context, and the emotional and sexual tension between Eli and Warren remained the core of the story.
The only reason this book didn’t earn a full five stars for me is that I wanted to cry even more hahahahahaha I surely sobbed through moments of grief and heartbreak, but I longed to be completely wrecked by the story, to drown in my own tears, and while the book came close, it didn’t quite reach that peak of emotional devastation I sometimes crave. That is the only small thing holding it back from perfection. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, and Charlotte (Elis’ sis) POV?! I did not see that coming at all—my heart 💔 it was so unbelievably sad, and yet, SO, SO necessary. SO NECESSARY!!!MADE ME CRY LIKE A BABYYYYYY.
Overall, this book was messy, emotional, heartbreaking, sexy, funny, and completely addictive. The characters, chemistry, emotional stakes, trauma, and writing all combined to create a story I will remember and recommend forever. Every detail, from the heartbreak to the humor, from the sexual tension to the thoughtful resolution, worked together flawlessly, and I loved every second of it.
I laughed, I fell in love, I cried, I lost it—and I would do it all again.....
🩷✨️“I love you, sailor.” His eyes move between mine. “I can’t believe I thought I’d only be able to have you for a little bit.”🩷✨️
From the very first page, this book pulled me completely into its world, with characters so alive and real that I immediately cared about every choice they made and every emotion they felt. The fast-burn trope, which I usually approach with caution because for those who really know me, it isn’t a surprise that I LIVEEEEE for slow burn, worked flawlessly here, and it felt like it was made for this story. Eli is going to the party just to enjoy himself, to get laid, and to let off steam sets the stage for a connection that’s instant but not superficial. When Warren ( our sailor I'm feral for this nickname)enters the picture, it’s magnetic. He’s close to figuring himself out, but he’s still in denial about his sexuality, and the tension between them is palpable from the very first interaction. Eli jerking Warren off at that party and the way it completely unsettles him highlights the perfect Warren of attraction, denial, and emotional stakes that make the fast-burn trope in this story not just believable, but necessary.
Warren's struggle is deeply compelling. His closeted reality, the pressure of his parents’ high-society expectations, and the constant internal fight to deny his own desires make every scene he shares with Eli layered and intense(🫦❤️🔥). Despite trying to avoid Eli, he just can’t stay away, and the way he follows him everywhere, obsessed and desperate for attention, is heartbreaking and deeply mesmerizing. Eli (myyyyyy MANNNN ) on the other hand, is fully aware of the risks in pursuing a closeted man with such restrictive parents, but he can’t fight his attraction or desire. Their confusion, longing, and undeniable chemistry create moments that are genuinely electric, with each hookup building on the previous one instead of losing intensity, which is something I rarely experience in books. It was delicious, every single time, and the chemistry between them burned hotter than most MM romances I’ve read.
Eli’s character stole my heart immediately. Young but far from immature, he’s messy in ways that are understandable and heartfelt. His grief over his sister’s death is devastating and handled so beautifully that it breaks your heart in a reaaaaal, authentic way. The voicemails he leaves, the anger and frustration when she doesn’t answer, make you feel the depth of his loss and longing in every word.
Warren ???? is more complicated, carrying trauma from his parents and a lifetime of restrictions and pain, and while some of his choices—lying, avoiding Eli, or rejecting him at times—were frustrating, they were always justified and made him oh-so vulnerable.
SOOOOO I loved both characters fully, even if Eli held a slightly bigger piece of my heart. The author made them lovable, flawed, and completely believable.
The writing in this book is exceptional. The author understands how to write men who feel like MEN—young, yes, but never immature or behaving in ways that would make me roll my fucking eyes.
The final 25% of the book, where the twist and drama unfold, was absolutely devastating. I had to put my phone down at points, needing a moment to breathe, because the pain, shock, and heartbreak were real. This wasn’t just emotional manipulation—it was carefully constructed, perfectly executed, and made all the buildup worth it. The resolution wasn’t rushed. The characters took time to separate, reflect, understand, and finally reunite in a way that was mindful, emotionally satisfying, and completely earned.I found that each decision, response, and word is grounded in truth, making the emotional punches land even harder.
I also NEEEEED to highlight the female characters, because they elevated the story in ways that mattered deeply to me. Warren’s sister is heartbreaking, closed off, and struggling in her own ways, and I loved her sooooooooo much that I wish she had her own story (she's my fav ). Eli's best friend was iconic, funny, and supportive, and her presence added levity and authenticity to the book. Female characters who feel real, impactful, and emotionally complex are a rare joy in MM romance, and this book nailed it.NAILED IT.
There are small parts I didn’t love as much, like when Eli hooked up with another character to try to get Warren out of his system, or when Warren received a BJ from his ex gf. While I didn’t enjoy those moments, they never bothered me enough to take away from the story. They made sense in context, and the emotional and sexual tension between Eli and Warren remained the core of the story.
The only reason this book didn’t earn a full five stars for me is that I wanted to cry even more hahahahahaha I surely sobbed through moments of grief and heartbreak, but I longed to be completely wrecked by the story, to drown in my own tears, and while the book came close, it didn’t quite reach that peak of emotional devastation I sometimes crave. That is the only small thing holding it back from perfection. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, and Charlotte (Elis’ sis) POV?! I did not see that coming at all—my heart 💔 it was so unbelievably sad, and yet, SO, SO necessary. SO NECESSARY!!!MADE ME CRY LIKE A BABYYYYYY.
Overall, this book was messy, emotional, heartbreaking, sexy, funny, and completely addictive. The characters, chemistry, emotional stakes, trauma, and writing all combined to create a story I will remember and recommend forever. Every detail, from the heartbreak to the humor, from the sexual tension to the thoughtful resolution, worked together flawlessly, and I loved every second of it.
Read
November 14, 2024Self note: Wanted to read this so bad but the first chapter one of the MCs hooks up with someone else literally right after he hooks up with the other MC and well into the book he plans on hooking up with the OM again. Ughhh
December 24, 2024
This was so good! The author deftly handles a lot of big issues in this book, so please read the CW/TW.
Both Warren and Eli have some significant issues as well as some big secrets that come out during the telling of their story. These boys have gone through so much - it's so wonderful that they come across one another at a party and hookup. Instead of remaining a one-and-done, this begins their tumultuous relationship and through this, they are able to heal. The art, the Spanish moss, the nickname Sailor - nnngh- LOVE! Also, I love the title "A Little Bit" and how it came up in the book a few times. I love both of the MCs equally, but Warren especially must be protected at all costs. The smut was freakin FIRE and this is when their shields start to drop...and they allow feelings in. I just melted. There were some emotional parts in the book that made me tear up. However, I did want a bit more emotional development in the romantic aspect of the MC's relationship.
Both Warren and Eli have some significant issues as well as some big secrets that come out during the telling of their story. These boys have gone through so much - it's so wonderful that they come across one another at a party and hookup. Instead of remaining a one-and-done, this begins their tumultuous relationship and through this, they are able to heal. The art, the Spanish moss, the nickname Sailor - nnngh- LOVE! Also, I love the title "A Little Bit" and how it came up in the book a few times. I love both of the MCs equally, but Warren especially must be protected at all costs. The smut was freakin FIRE and this is when their shields start to drop...and they allow feelings in. I just melted. There were some emotional parts in the book that made me tear up. However, I did want a bit more emotional development in the romantic aspect of the MC's relationship.
November 24, 2024
"I can't believe I thought I'd only be able to have you for a little bit."
🖤 Loved Warren (Sailor) and Eli. The love, the pain, the trauma, the understanding, and the forgiveness. So real and so beautiful.
....
"Baby? I called him baby? Why don't I just ask him to fucking move in and have my babies?"
"You're wet for me, sailor. Should I taste it? Anything that comes out of that beautiful cock has to be amazing."
"It was just so easy to listen to him. It quieted me, blanketing me of my loud wounds -- the ones that scream at me all day -- with a serenity I've never felt."
"Are you going to come in your pants, sailor? I want you to fucking soak your boxers like a good boy."
"This is... this doesn't seem like something I want for a little bit anymore."
"Can I have you?"
"You had me from the moment you set your eyes on me. I'll never be for anyone but you."
....
⚠️possible spoilers below in tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Broken boys
Opposites attract
Feminization of body parts
First times
Ass virgin
Flip fucking
Light stalking
Hands free 💦
Dry humping
💦 in pants
No kissing rule
Good boy
TWs:
Self harm
Death of a sibling
Mentions of suicide
Mentions of addiction
Abusive grandparent and parent
Third act breakup
Grief
Intoxication
Homophobia
🖤 Loved Warren (Sailor) and Eli. The love, the pain, the trauma, the understanding, and the forgiveness. So real and so beautiful.
....
"Baby? I called him baby? Why don't I just ask him to fucking move in and have my babies?"
"You're wet for me, sailor. Should I taste it? Anything that comes out of that beautiful cock has to be amazing."
"It was just so easy to listen to him. It quieted me, blanketing me of my loud wounds -- the ones that scream at me all day -- with a serenity I've never felt."
"Are you going to come in your pants, sailor? I want you to fucking soak your boxers like a good boy."
"This is... this doesn't seem like something I want for a little bit anymore."
"Can I have you?"
"You had me from the moment you set your eyes on me. I'll never be for anyone but you."
....
⚠️possible spoilers below in tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Broken boys
Opposites attract
Feminization of body parts
First times
Ass virgin
Flip fucking
Light stalking
Hands free 💦
Dry humping
💦 in pants
No kissing rule
Good boy
TWs:
Self harm
Death of a sibling
Mentions of suicide
Mentions of addiction
Abusive grandparent and parent
Third act breakup
Grief
Intoxication
Homophobia
December 5, 2024
Ughhh I love a hurt, comfort story and this one was a goddamn doozy 😭 Warren was so heartbreaking, a sweet, beautiful soul that didn’t deserve that haggard family he had (except his amazing sister SJ 😍) I just wanted to give him a big old hug and tell him everything would be alright 🥹
Eli was such a special character with a filthy fucking mouth 🤯 seriously the dirty talk was spectacular 🥵 He really was exactly what Warren needed. Both men had such sad stories but that just made for a hard won happy ending that they both deserved 🥺
Eli was such a special character with a filthy fucking mouth 🤯 seriously the dirty talk was spectacular 🥵 He really was exactly what Warren needed. Both men had such sad stories but that just made for a hard won happy ending that they both deserved 🥺
November 19, 2024
4**** stars
Weeeell, this is awkward. I really, and I mean really, liked this book. The story, the characters, the steam, the writing. I appreciated that the unaddressed barebacking was mentioned in the CWs as “unsafe sex practices” and I even have to give the author credit for totally misleading me with the secret one of the MCs kept so I absolutely did not see the plot twist coming. Loved that!
Still, somehow I had a funky feeling about this book and I can’t for the life of me put my finger on the why. Hence the rating.
He whispers now, a harsh ragged sound. “It’s not a relationship. We’ll use each other. Give in. Just for a little bit. […]
“Just for a little bit?”
“A little bit.”
Weeeell, this is awkward. I really, and I mean really, liked this book. The story, the characters, the steam, the writing. I appreciated that the unaddressed barebacking was mentioned in the CWs as “unsafe sex practices” and I even have to give the author credit for totally misleading me with the secret one of the MCs kept so I absolutely did not see the plot twist coming. Loved that!
Still, somehow I had a funky feeling about this book and I can’t for the life of me put my finger on the why. Hence the rating.
November 16, 2024
"It feels like he can see every one of my thoughts. The ones from last night. The ones I write in my notebook. The ones from the past. He’s peeling back every single layer I erect with that stupid smirk."
You can't beat a good opposites attract romance with shades of dark, lots of angst and all the spice, and A Little Bit by new-to-me author L. Waltree delivers it in spades!
This is Warren and Eli's story and they couldn't be more different if they tried. But they both have secrets too, and when their worlds collide you know there's going to be a huge fall-out....
What To Expect:
🖤MM college romance
🖤Opposites attract
🖤Secrets
🖤Past trauma
🖤Loss and grief
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤All the angst
🖤All the steam
🖤First times
🖤HEA
Loved everything about it!
4.5 stars
You can't beat a good opposites attract romance with shades of dark, lots of angst and all the spice, and A Little Bit by new-to-me author L. Waltree delivers it in spades!
This is Warren and Eli's story and they couldn't be more different if they tried. But they both have secrets too, and when their worlds collide you know there's going to be a huge fall-out....
What To Expect:
🖤MM college romance
🖤Opposites attract
🖤Secrets
🖤Past trauma
🖤Loss and grief
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤All the angst
🖤All the steam
🖤First times
🖤HEA
Loved everything about it!
4.5 stars
dnf
March 15, 2025It’s a dnf party yayyy ANOTHER ONE ! dnf @ 16%
April 23, 2025
“Can I have you?” he asks, bringing his thumb up to rub my bottom lip. My legs quake underneath me, threatening to give out and send me to my knees where I belong. Serving him. Worshiping him.
“You had me from the moment you set your eyes on me. I’ll never be for anyone but you,” I whisper hoarsely back."
It's a well written book with a main character whose anxiety you'll feel throughout most of the story and the love connection that's really well described, at least for my taste.
4 - 4.25⭐ for me, absolutely. For a new author, this book is better than most I've read lately.
🟣 Southern college, wealthy community
🟢 Son of a senator / an art student, middle class
🔵 Opposites attract / one is a preppy blonde, other is emo with tattoos
🟡 A bit of a size difference
🟣 Both 23 years old
🟠 I don't like the cover, Eli is hotter, that's definitely not Eli
❗ Talk of suicide, death of a sibling, drug addiction, depression, self harm, physical harm, emotional manipulation
🌶️ Smut is good, descriptive; first times; passionate, hot; a lot of rimming, "“Please eat me, baby,” I whisper, capturing his lips in a gentle kiss, softly sucking on his tongue before pulling away."; some oral, some frotting, penetrative; both vers
I think this is about the only book that jumps days and weeks and it never bothered me. Usually it does. I'm usually irritated by it and feel like I'm missing out, but it was well done in this book.
Warren's story is told in a very authentic, believable way. He's the son of a southern senator, from a family that's manipulative, traditional, harsh and doesn't want him to be a human, basically. He can't cry, can show emotion or preferences and most definitely can't be gay. He's deep, deep in the closet with his self harming making sure he's staying there.
Eli changes all that when he transfers to this prestigious Astorville college because of his artistic talent. He's a hot emo guy who's an artist and openly gay, so when he sees Warren at a party, he wants to hook up, but that hooking up gets complicated pretty soon.
"Another inexplicable sensation runs through me. I want to kiss him. I don’t kiss anyone. Not recently. But right now, the urge is overwhelming. To heal him with my tongue. Suck out all of his poison for him. He stands completely frozen. Waiting. I lean closer, until our lips are barely a breath apart, almost touching. A ghost of a whisper escapes me, “You’re so broken on the inside, aren’t you?”"
I liked the intensity of the story, but in a very soothing, emotional way. Warren and Eli just kept coming back to each other with both of them smashing their walls down and letting each other in.
They both hook up with other people in the beginning, but it's understandable, since their lives aren't intertwined yet, they're not together, they've just met and they both have no intention of prolonging anything between them, so there's no cheating, absolutely not.
"What I feel… it’s otherworldly. And I just know, deep in my gut, that I’ll never get this with another person."
Warren's story infuriated me, it's sad and tragic, but he does get out of his family's grip and gets his freedom.
What bothered me a bit is not having this freedom explained a bit more on-page.
The author decides to put in a lengthier sex scene at 90% instead of talking more about Warren and Eli after the final conflict in the story. I thought that was a bad choice.
The epilogue also didn't give me quite what I wanted, since it talks about them already 6 months into the relationship, so we miss out on Warren's living his life as an out gay man on his campus for the first time, he basically almost destroyed his family's reputation and turned his life completely around, he also had a boyfriend suddenly, so that would've been fantastic to read about.
Other than that I really liked this book. It's well written and Warren and Eli's time together just did it for me. I liked them a lot as a couple.
“Something brought us together, and it’ll take something… I don’t even know… mind-bending to break us apart again.”
“You had me from the moment you set your eyes on me. I’ll never be for anyone but you,” I whisper hoarsely back."
It's a well written book with a main character whose anxiety you'll feel throughout most of the story and the love connection that's really well described, at least for my taste.
4 - 4.25⭐ for me, absolutely. For a new author, this book is better than most I've read lately.
🟣 Southern college, wealthy community
🟢 Son of a senator / an art student, middle class
🔵 Opposites attract / one is a preppy blonde, other is emo with tattoos
🟡 A bit of a size difference
🟣 Both 23 years old
🟠 I don't like the cover, Eli is hotter, that's definitely not Eli
❗ Talk of suicide, death of a sibling, drug addiction, depression, self harm, physical harm, emotional manipulation
🌶️ Smut is good, descriptive; first times; passionate, hot; a lot of rimming, "“Please eat me, baby,” I whisper, capturing his lips in a gentle kiss, softly sucking on his tongue before pulling away."; some oral, some frotting, penetrative; both vers
I think this is about the only book that jumps days and weeks and it never bothered me. Usually it does. I'm usually irritated by it and feel like I'm missing out, but it was well done in this book.
Warren's story is told in a very authentic, believable way. He's the son of a southern senator, from a family that's manipulative, traditional, harsh and doesn't want him to be a human, basically. He can't cry, can show emotion or preferences and most definitely can't be gay. He's deep, deep in the closet with his self harming making sure he's staying there.
Eli changes all that when he transfers to this prestigious Astorville college because of his artistic talent. He's a hot emo guy who's an artist and openly gay, so when he sees Warren at a party, he wants to hook up, but that hooking up gets complicated pretty soon.
"Another inexplicable sensation runs through me. I want to kiss him. I don’t kiss anyone. Not recently. But right now, the urge is overwhelming. To heal him with my tongue. Suck out all of his poison for him. He stands completely frozen. Waiting. I lean closer, until our lips are barely a breath apart, almost touching. A ghost of a whisper escapes me, “You’re so broken on the inside, aren’t you?”"
I liked the intensity of the story, but in a very soothing, emotional way. Warren and Eli just kept coming back to each other with both of them smashing their walls down and letting each other in.
They both hook up with other people in the beginning, but it's understandable, since their lives aren't intertwined yet, they're not together, they've just met and they both have no intention of prolonging anything between them, so there's no cheating, absolutely not.
"What I feel… it’s otherworldly. And I just know, deep in my gut, that I’ll never get this with another person."
Warren's story infuriated me, it's sad and tragic, but he does get out of his family's grip and gets his freedom.
What bothered me a bit is not having this freedom explained a bit more on-page.
The author decides to put in a lengthier sex scene at 90% instead of talking more about Warren and Eli after the final conflict in the story. I thought that was a bad choice.
The epilogue also didn't give me quite what I wanted, since it talks about them already 6 months into the relationship, so we miss out on Warren's living his life as an out gay man on his campus for the first time, he basically almost destroyed his family's reputation and turned his life completely around, he also had a boyfriend suddenly, so that would've been fantastic to read about.
Other than that I really liked this book. It's well written and Warren and Eli's time together just did it for me. I liked them a lot as a couple.
“Something brought us together, and it’ll take something… I don’t even know… mind-bending to break us apart again.”
November 15, 2024
11/15 ~ 2.5 stars rounded up… every time i thought about it, it just didn’t hit. spice was hot still but nothing else really worked for me, the twist also wasn’t my favorite. it breaks my heart to say that.
11/1 first review ~ this was good!
a couple of the time jumps from one chapter to the other confused me, also the jump from “we can’t be together” to “i love you” gave me whiplash but overall, i did enjoy this book. the spice was HAWT & the dirty talk.. i ate it up.
the ending for me felt a bit rushed, i would have liked this to maybe be longer that way we got to see more of the actual relationship build and then into the drama at the end. to me it felt like the smut was the only “relationship building” within the book.
that’s just my thought but OVERALL i ate this up. the feminization was delightful. 😋
11/1 first review ~ this was good!
a couple of the time jumps from one chapter to the other confused me, also the jump from “we can’t be together” to “i love you” gave me whiplash but overall, i did enjoy this book. the spice was HAWT & the dirty talk.. i ate it up.
the ending for me felt a bit rushed, i would have liked this to maybe be longer that way we got to see more of the actual relationship build and then into the drama at the end. to me it felt like the smut was the only “relationship building” within the book.
that’s just my thought but OVERALL i ate this up. the feminization was delightful. 😋
November 2, 2024
WARREN + ELI!!!
i have been anticipating this arc for MONTHS! i was so excited to be approved for an arc, and then was immensely annoyed by the lack of reading time i had! so i sat down tonight and finished it as fast as i could.
as it has been mentioned…this book is fuck hot lmao. like eli’s mouth? WHEW. unprepared. it is absolutely a fast burn with these two. they ignite and don’t stop the whole way through, so some pieces could potentially leave you feeling like “wait but he just said..”. this is your friendly reminder, it’s meant to be that way!
i was soo conflicted the whole time on how i should feel. my heart was torn for many different reasons and i felt attached to these characters very quickly. also - a moment for SJ??? i’m thrilled we will get more of her story.
overall, this is a solid 4 star read. i enjoyed myself and could not stop reading once i got going. i highly recommend giving this one a read - especially if smut, hurt/comfort, and cute moments are your thing. i just love an oscar the grouch x closeted MC moment 😌
thanks so much to l. waltree & nisha at nisha’s books & coffee for the arc. this is my honest review!
i have been anticipating this arc for MONTHS! i was so excited to be approved for an arc, and then was immensely annoyed by the lack of reading time i had! so i sat down tonight and finished it as fast as i could.
as it has been mentioned…this book is fuck hot lmao. like eli’s mouth? WHEW. unprepared. it is absolutely a fast burn with these two. they ignite and don’t stop the whole way through, so some pieces could potentially leave you feeling like “wait but he just said..”. this is your friendly reminder, it’s meant to be that way!
i was soo conflicted the whole time on how i should feel. my heart was torn for many different reasons and i felt attached to these characters very quickly. also - a moment for SJ??? i’m thrilled we will get more of her story.
overall, this is a solid 4 star read. i enjoyed myself and could not stop reading once i got going. i highly recommend giving this one a read - especially if smut, hurt/comfort, and cute moments are your thing. i just love an oscar the grouch x closeted MC moment 😌
thanks so much to l. waltree & nisha at nisha’s books & coffee for the arc. this is my honest review!
November 13, 2024
Eli and Warren both come with some deep secrets they’re keeping from each other and the world. Yet these two completely opposite characters can’t help the intense attraction that seduces them to give in just a little bit.
The author does a stellar job of revealing the twists in the story, the heat, hurt comfort and healing intertwined quite well overall.
There are quite a few sensitive subjects handled so do read the content warnings that the author has provided.
The author does a stellar job of revealing the twists in the story, the heat, hurt comfort and healing intertwined quite well overall.
There are quite a few sensitive subjects handled so do read the content warnings that the author has provided.
December 23, 2024
I definitely felt like this started off very strong for me...then it lost me along the away. It felt like a few time jumps between chapters took me out of the story ever so often which makes me feel like I might need to reread. I love hurt/comfort and this was just that in all the perfect ways. Although I didn't love this as much as I thought I would, I definitely would read more from this author.
3.75/4 ⭐
3.75/4 ⭐
December 21, 2024
adored everything about this
oh eli + warren, my heart hurts for these babies but i will never stop thinking of them!! This story was beyond beautiful and heartbreaking but in the best possible ways. i took my time reading this, became highlight obsessed bc the writing was just lovely, i really really really enjoyed everything about this hurt-comfort romance.
elielieli, the love of my mf life. what an mc. i adored everything about him, the charisma just dripped off of him, instantly loved him just from the first few sentences and he continued to pull me in throughout the entire book. he was cheeky, loveable, so secure in his sexuality but also internally hurting and hiding from something. he was also hilarious!! i just loved him, like pls be my best friend??? the journey he embarked on to realising he was in love with warren totally made me swoon, i love when the guy who vows never to love or doesn’t kiss totally falls for it all and falls HARD. that’s eli and it was beautiful to read.
my beautiful angel baby warren, i felt absolutely everything this character felt. l waltree has a way of writing that made it feel so personal to you! it was deep, it was heartbreaking, it was raw and emotional and i couldn’t stop feeling for him and everything he was going through. from the beginning, you don’t fully know the extent of warrens pain, just dealing with what he’s dealing with is hard enough but then when you get to the full extent of the story, this poor boy has been holding onto so much. i loved this mc with my whole heart, i usually always have a favourite mc but i will not pick with these two.
warren was everything, i loved his timid but beautiful nature, the way he thought about life and plants and his low key stalking tendencies which he couldn’t understand -he really wanted to fight these new feelings towards eli but boy did eli strut in and eff up all the control warren and his family had firmly set in place. we love to see it.
i also will not hesitate to mention - the spice and the dirty talk made me die and go to heaven. istg. the use of key phrases will never fail to ruin me and i will be on my knees for the things sir eli said. king. goat. an absolute god. warren had no chance let’s be so real rn.
SJ, a moment for the sister of the year. now i won’t lie, when it got to the end i was like wait!!!! what about SJ! where’s her conclusion? then i read the authors note and realise she’s getting her own book and i am thrilllled. SJ was chaotic, wild and free BUT she’s hiding something, something that she’s using her beautiful care free persona to hide and i so want to know what it is.
this beautiful story was seriously everything and i am so glad i finally got to read it, the way i connected with this story, it’s up there as one of my fav reads this year. obsessed and won’t ever stop heheh
oh eli + warren, my heart hurts for these babies but i will never stop thinking of them!! This story was beyond beautiful and heartbreaking but in the best possible ways. i took my time reading this, became highlight obsessed bc the writing was just lovely, i really really really enjoyed everything about this hurt-comfort romance.
elielieli, the love of my mf life. what an mc. i adored everything about him, the charisma just dripped off of him, instantly loved him just from the first few sentences and he continued to pull me in throughout the entire book. he was cheeky, loveable, so secure in his sexuality but also internally hurting and hiding from something. he was also hilarious!! i just loved him, like pls be my best friend??? the journey he embarked on to realising he was in love with warren totally made me swoon, i love when the guy who vows never to love or doesn’t kiss totally falls for it all and falls HARD. that’s eli and it was beautiful to read.
my beautiful angel baby warren, i felt absolutely everything this character felt. l waltree has a way of writing that made it feel so personal to you! it was deep, it was heartbreaking, it was raw and emotional and i couldn’t stop feeling for him and everything he was going through. from the beginning, you don’t fully know the extent of warrens pain, just dealing with what he’s dealing with is hard enough but then when you get to the full extent of the story, this poor boy has been holding onto so much. i loved this mc with my whole heart, i usually always have a favourite mc but i will not pick with these two.
warren was everything, i loved his timid but beautiful nature, the way he thought about life and plants and his low key stalking tendencies which he couldn’t understand -he really wanted to fight these new feelings towards eli but boy did eli strut in and eff up all the control warren and his family had firmly set in place. we love to see it.
i also will not hesitate to mention - the spice and the dirty talk made me die and go to heaven. istg. the use of key phrases will never fail to ruin me and i will be on my knees for the things sir eli said. king. goat. an absolute god. warren had no chance let’s be so real rn.
SJ, a moment for the sister of the year. now i won’t lie, when it got to the end i was like wait!!!! what about SJ! where’s her conclusion? then i read the authors note and realise she’s getting her own book and i am thrilllled. SJ was chaotic, wild and free BUT she’s hiding something, something that she’s using her beautiful care free persona to hide and i so want to know what it is.
this beautiful story was seriously everything and i am so glad i finally got to read it, the way i connected with this story, it’s up there as one of my fav reads this year. obsessed and won’t ever stop heheh
January 6, 2026
5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
funny story about this book. i was randomly sent an arc of it before it came out from some newsletter i was subscribed to, and while the blurb sounded really good, i just never got around to reading it. then i read safe a few months ago and fell absolutely in love, and still didn’t jump right into reading this. lowkey kicking myself for both now.
ugh, this was so good. eli and warren were adorable together. i just wanna wrap warren in the biggest blanket and keep him safe from the world. i love how eli was able to break down his walls and love him.
the spice was also IN. SANE. l. waltree truly never misses when it comes to the bedroom. the chemistry is off the charts.
now i’m extra sat for declan’s book to come. please inject all future books directly into my veins, thank you.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
funny story about this book. i was randomly sent an arc of it before it came out from some newsletter i was subscribed to, and while the blurb sounded really good, i just never got around to reading it. then i read safe a few months ago and fell absolutely in love, and still didn’t jump right into reading this. lowkey kicking myself for both now.
ugh, this was so good. eli and warren were adorable together. i just wanna wrap warren in the biggest blanket and keep him safe from the world. i love how eli was able to break down his walls and love him.
the spice was also IN. SANE. l. waltree truly never misses when it comes to the bedroom. the chemistry is off the charts.
now i’m extra sat for declan’s book to come. please inject all future books directly into my veins, thank you.
November 13, 2024
3.8⭐️
Spice~🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was good, very well written and plot centred.
A little bit is a story about two boys, going through different emotional pain. Eli had lost his sister and he’s still grieving her. Although it’s been years, he still hasn’t moved on from the pain of her loss and that has him spiralling sometimes.
Warren is a closeted gay guy, son of a senator whose mother has a tight leash on him and has moulded him to be the straight perfect son. Warren had so much pain in this book. He was hurting so much and it was extreme.
I liked how Eli’s character was introduced to us in the first chapter and the way he and Warren met. The introduction to them was brilliant and the push and pull was nice.
I did like this book to a point, but for reasons that are unexplainable even to myself, I couldn’t connect with these characters. After the first few chapters, I became detached from the book and the characters and I honestly couldn’t empathise with either of them, pain or hurt. I knew they were both hurting differently but I couldn’t empathise with that, and that made the experience less enjoyable for me.
If I am honest with myself, I know this was a really good story, writing was beautiful, the premise of the story was good but I think I was expecting too much. Or perhaps I was sat for more angst. I wanted more angst, I wanted more than just them sneaking around to fuck. I wanted to see them being intimate without being sexual. Maybe just laying together and getting to know things about each other. Cuddling? Emotional moments that wasn’t cantered around sex? Sneaking out on dates in a different town? I wanted Romance alongside the denial and push and pull. I wanted more angst.
Yes they had chemistry from the beginning of the book their chemistry was obvious, but aside from their sexual tension there was nothing else about them as a couple that was interesting. We didn’t get to see any other interesting factor about them together aside them secretly meeting to fuck, and the push and pull. I knew they mentioned they were in love at some point but I kept wondering, how can they be in love when the only thing they actually know about each other is what turns the other person on and what ignites their orgasm.
Does Warren know if Eli likes coffee or tea? How does Eli like his coffee? What’s their favourite colour? Favourite game? Favourite place to be? Favourite thing to do aside painting or researching plants. What’s their favourite thing about each other? Little things like that were missing for me which might’ve contributed to why I was detached from the book because I wasn’t really convinced they were in love. But it was obvious they had the hots for each other.
I know this is probably a me problem though, because if I take all that out, I know that this was a really good book.
*I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
Spice~🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was good, very well written and plot centred.
A little bit is a story about two boys, going through different emotional pain. Eli had lost his sister and he’s still grieving her. Although it’s been years, he still hasn’t moved on from the pain of her loss and that has him spiralling sometimes.
Warren is a closeted gay guy, son of a senator whose mother has a tight leash on him and has moulded him to be the straight perfect son. Warren had so much pain in this book. He was hurting so much and it was extreme.
I liked how Eli’s character was introduced to us in the first chapter and the way he and Warren met. The introduction to them was brilliant and the push and pull was nice.
I did like this book to a point, but for reasons that are unexplainable even to myself, I couldn’t connect with these characters. After the first few chapters, I became detached from the book and the characters and I honestly couldn’t empathise with either of them, pain or hurt. I knew they were both hurting differently but I couldn’t empathise with that, and that made the experience less enjoyable for me.
If I am honest with myself, I know this was a really good story, writing was beautiful, the premise of the story was good but I think I was expecting too much. Or perhaps I was sat for more angst. I wanted more angst, I wanted more than just them sneaking around to fuck. I wanted to see them being intimate without being sexual. Maybe just laying together and getting to know things about each other. Cuddling? Emotional moments that wasn’t cantered around sex? Sneaking out on dates in a different town? I wanted Romance alongside the denial and push and pull. I wanted more angst.
Yes they had chemistry from the beginning of the book their chemistry was obvious, but aside from their sexual tension there was nothing else about them as a couple that was interesting. We didn’t get to see any other interesting factor about them together aside them secretly meeting to fuck, and the push and pull. I knew they mentioned they were in love at some point but I kept wondering, how can they be in love when the only thing they actually know about each other is what turns the other person on and what ignites their orgasm.
Does Warren know if Eli likes coffee or tea? How does Eli like his coffee? What’s their favourite colour? Favourite game? Favourite place to be? Favourite thing to do aside painting or researching plants. What’s their favourite thing about each other? Little things like that were missing for me which might’ve contributed to why I was detached from the book because I wasn’t really convinced they were in love. But it was obvious they had the hots for each other.
I know this is probably a me problem though, because if I take all that out, I know that this was a really good book.
*I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2024
This was such an incredibly sweet and emotional hurt/comfort romance, which had me tearing up multiple times, but I was swooning more than I was crying, so while my heart had multiple ups and downs during this read, I still ended the book with a big smile on my lips.
Warren, son of Senator Darlene Jean Baker, rich, seemingly entitled and so far in the closet that he's about to reach Narnia. It's usually the type that takes me a while to warm up to, especially when they say the "I'm straight" line while doing an absolutely not straight thing. But.. Warren stole my heart right away. It was clear from the start that he's a troubled guy, his wounds are deep and he's not that great at hiding them. I also really liked his stalker tendencies. Don't judge.
And Eli... He started out as this uncaring "I don't give a fudge" kind of guy, but he felt everything so deeply. He got the whole mysterious tall, dark and handsome vibe going on, and he's also very much broken, and he tries so hard to keep Warren at arm's length but I think he also really liked Warren's stalker tendencies.
Both boys are utterly obsessed, and their "little bit" is far from healthy with the things they're both struggling with on the inside, and the secrets they're keeping from each other. Secrets that will eventually explode in their faces and break their already broken hearts. It was an intense and angsty (and steamy) ride, but it's a ride I'll gladly take again.
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Star-crossed Lovers
❥ Hurt/Comfort
❥ Broken Boys
❥ Fast-ish Burn
❥ Opposites Attract
❥ High Angst
❥ Steamy
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
Warren, son of Senator Darlene Jean Baker, rich, seemingly entitled and so far in the closet that he's about to reach Narnia. It's usually the type that takes me a while to warm up to, especially when they say the "I'm straight" line while doing an absolutely not straight thing. But.. Warren stole my heart right away. It was clear from the start that he's a troubled guy, his wounds are deep and he's not that great at hiding them. I also really liked his stalker tendencies. Don't judge.
And Eli... He started out as this uncaring "I don't give a fudge" kind of guy, but he felt everything so deeply. He got the whole mysterious tall, dark and handsome vibe going on, and he's also very much broken, and he tries so hard to keep Warren at arm's length but I think he also really liked Warren's stalker tendencies.
Both boys are utterly obsessed, and their "little bit" is far from healthy with the things they're both struggling with on the inside, and the secrets they're keeping from each other. Secrets that will eventually explode in their faces and break their already broken hearts. It was an intense and angsty (and steamy) ride, but it's a ride I'll gladly take again.
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Star-crossed Lovers
❥ Hurt/Comfort
❥ Broken Boys
❥ Fast-ish Burn
❥ Opposites Attract
❥ High Angst
❥ Steamy
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
December 23, 2024
4.5✨
This was such a good take on the forbidden and repressed tropes. The trauma that both of these guys have been through is immense and it seems like their souls just call to each other for healing.
They go back and forth and spend a good amount of time in the “will they, won’t they” dance, but it’s all so good. I usually don’t like the iffy dynamic but it really worked here with their backgrounds.
I loved that we got Charlottes POV. It felt necessary and such a good way to get the info across without a bunch of conjecture and such.
Warren (Sailor) and Eli are just perfect. The repressed/straight/pretty boy and the rebellious/artist/bad boy couple is always going to win in my book 🥹
There is a twist (idk if it’s a twist but it feels twisty) and it rocks the whole book.
Love them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!
This was such a good take on the forbidden and repressed tropes. The trauma that both of these guys have been through is immense and it seems like their souls just call to each other for healing.
They go back and forth and spend a good amount of time in the “will they, won’t they” dance, but it’s all so good. I usually don’t like the iffy dynamic but it really worked here with their backgrounds.
I loved that we got Charlottes POV. It felt necessary and such a good way to get the info across without a bunch of conjecture and such.
Warren (Sailor) and Eli are just perfect. The repressed/straight/pretty boy and the rebellious/artist/bad boy couple is always going to win in my book 🥹
There is a twist (idk if it’s a twist but it feels twisty) and it rocks the whole book.
Love them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!
December 14, 2024
It was good, okay? I liked it. But i have no idea why for the love of god i wouldn't stop comparing it to GoF. Like Eli and Warren were so NikoBran coded, it seemed like a NikoBran fanfic. Please don't come at me for this but that's the main reason for me not giving this book 4 stars
October 31, 2024
Oh my heart! It's been a while since I felt so emotional reading a book and A little bit broke my heart and then fixed it in the best way.
I adored both main characters and that doesn't happen very often. Warren is the most precious broken boy ever. Behind his fake smiles, preppy looks and cool demeanor, he crumbles under pressure to be someone he is not just to satisfy his family. Episodes in which the man falls apart brough me to tears. Eli on the other hand, has a very sassy attitude and is out and proud. However, the young man struggles with a broken heart from losing a loved one and decided to barricade his heart from feelings in order to protect himself. The two meet and their lives change forever.
The beginning felt quite rushed, as a reader I felt like I was thrown into a scene immediatelly and had to realise what's going on. The overall pacing felt nice, there were a few time-skips (a week or a couple) but they felt natural. I found the writing style great, easy to read and there were quite a few lovely-written places that had me aww-ing.
/There will be mild spoilers below/
I think one of my favorite things was that even though Warren is rich and Eli is not, it wasn't the main "issue", something that was brought up a lot or constantly reminded (as often seen in books). The story focused on two broken men, their secrets and how desire grew into love. Also, important to note that love doesn't fix people or their mental health and this book did a great job at portraying that.
I wish that there were more past chapters, a bit more on Eli's and his parents relationship. Also, the ending (before the epilogue) felt a bit rushed, messy, could have given us a bit more of Warren family's reaction (even if it's simply for the dramatic effect!). Absolutely adored the epilogue though: the way Warren supports Eli's art career had me melting).
A little bit brought out some feelings in me that haven't been felt for quite a while. I was close to (and in) tears quite a few times while reading. The story touched my heart, broke it and then mended it back. Great read, looking forward to SJ's book!
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC!
I adored both main characters and that doesn't happen very often. Warren is the most precious broken boy ever. Behind his fake smiles, preppy looks and cool demeanor, he crumbles under pressure to be someone he is not just to satisfy his family. Episodes in which the man falls apart brough me to tears. Eli on the other hand, has a very sassy attitude and is out and proud. However, the young man struggles with a broken heart from losing a loved one and decided to barricade his heart from feelings in order to protect himself. The two meet and their lives change forever.
The beginning felt quite rushed, as a reader I felt like I was thrown into a scene immediatelly and had to realise what's going on. The overall pacing felt nice, there were a few time-skips (a week or a couple) but they felt natural. I found the writing style great, easy to read and there were quite a few lovely-written places that had me aww-ing.
/There will be mild spoilers below/
I think one of my favorite things was that even though Warren is rich and Eli is not, it wasn't the main "issue", something that was brought up a lot or constantly reminded (as often seen in books). The story focused on two broken men, their secrets and how desire grew into love. Also, important to note that love doesn't fix people or their mental health and this book did a great job at portraying that.
I wish that there were more past chapters, a bit more on Eli's and his parents relationship. Also, the ending (before the epilogue) felt a bit rushed, messy, could have given us a bit more of Warren family's reaction (even if it's simply for the dramatic effect!). Absolutely adored the epilogue though: the way Warren supports Eli's art career had me melting).
A little bit brought out some feelings in me that haven't been felt for quite a while. I was close to (and in) tears quite a few times while reading. The story touched my heart, broke it and then mended it back. Great read, looking forward to SJ's book!
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC!
November 24, 2024
“You had me from the moment you set your eyes on me. I’ll never be for anyone but you.”
A wonderful first read for this fairly new and new-to-me author.
Pretty soon into this, I got sucked into it. These two had great chemistry from the jump and I couldn't get enough of this and them as the story went on.
This certainly angsty, so get ready for that. But it's not as bad as I thought it would be, to be honest. I mean, it's still heavy and deals with very serious, heavy subjects, so heed the CW and TW's at the back of the book, but still with all of it, it didn't get as bad as I was worried it might.
Warren is the senator's son, and they're clearly in a pretty deeply red souther state - although we're never told outright which one it exactly is - and his mother (and grandfather before her) are clearly conservative republicans, although we aren't told that either. Or they very well could be centrist democrats would pretend to be more liberal than they are, idk. But it feels more like they're republicans because of his mother talking about the conservative voters in the state they have to appease.
Warren's grandfather and patriarch rules the family with an iron fist, for sure. He is publicly and privately homophobic, and expects the "legacy" of their family name to live on through Warren. Especially since he's also deeply misogynistic and only "let" Warren's mother become a Senator because he didn't have a son, only a daughter.
So Warren, who is definitely gay and doesn't want to be a Senator, is everything they don't want, and they try everything they can to keep as their puppet, to control and emotionally manipulate him (and in the cases of Grandpappy, physically abuse him) into toeing the line.
It's taken a toll on Warren for many years. Now at 23, and starting law school, he should be really getting started in life, but instead he's drowning. Not only in being closeted, but something else too. Something we learn about later on in the story that I won't spoil, but is definitely something anyone with a conscience would have a hard time coping with.
In comes Eli, who is the complete opposite of the made up, preppy good boy image Warren has been made to put out into the world. Eli has his own demons, and that manifest in him being a 'one and done' kinda guy with anyone he sleeps with. No feelings, no entanglements - oh and no kissing.
These are two broken boys who weren't looking for the love of their life, but found each other anyway.
At first, Warren is resistant to them starting anything, as he's still pretty deep in the closet, but of course he can't resist Eli for long.
Eli plays cool, but he's also just as obsessed. Although at least he doesn't resort to some light stalking lol. Which, yeah, Warren does some stalking around campus of Eli, so be aware of that.
Good thing Eli kinda totally likes it and finds it comforting and is just as obsessed with Warren or this would be another story entirely.
They give in and start having sex, but promise each other it'll just be for "a little bit" as they can't have a real, forever kind of relationship. Everything is seemingly stacked against them. But of course not only can they not stay away from each other, but they fall head over heels for each other.
There's just some...fairly big obstacles in their way. Honestly, it seems insurmountable, but more details come out that make it...better. And honestly these boys are too in love to really let the other go, even with everything seemingly in their way.
I loved these two so much and was so glad they were able to work it out and get their happy ending. Or at least HFN. It was a very strong HFN, just with some things with Warren's family left open ended...and it only being six months later in the epilogue, with them having barely been officially dating for that long.
I did really like SJ, Warren's sister, but her story of course won't be MM so I won't be reading it. BUT I cannot wait for more from this author in the future, and hope to see more MM in the future too, because this one was SO good and so promising of more to come from this lovely author.
Can't wait for more! 😍
November 10, 2024
~ ranting: 4 ☆
~ spice: 3 🌶
arc review
This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed Eli and Warren dynamic throughout the book, even though it felt a bit rushed sometimes and the constant use of the nickname sugar annoyed me. But watching them grow as a couple, fighting their own demons, especially Warren while dealing with his strict family and his path to becoming the next senator, was captivating and I couldn't stop reading.
Warren was such a cinammon roll, his sweet and innocent nature contrasted nicely with Eli's easygoing and extroverted personality. If you're a fan of the series Young Royals like I am, I highly recommend this!
My chest constricts. “I am only yours, Eli. Always,” I say, leaning forward to take him into my mouth, but his hand darts forward, grabbing my jaw and lifting my gaze to his.
“I mean it, Warren. You’re mine now. I won’t give you up for anything. No one and nothing can keep you from me. Not your family. Not mine. Do you understand that?”
~ spice: 3 🌶
arc review
This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed Eli and Warren dynamic throughout the book, even though it felt a bit rushed sometimes and the constant use of the nickname sugar annoyed me. But watching them grow as a couple, fighting their own demons, especially Warren while dealing with his strict family and his path to becoming the next senator, was captivating and I couldn't stop reading.
Warren was such a cinammon roll, his sweet and innocent nature contrasted nicely with Eli's easygoing and extroverted personality. If you're a fan of the series Young Royals like I am, I highly recommend this!
My chest constricts. “I am only yours, Eli. Always,” I say, leaning forward to take him into my mouth, but his hand darts forward, grabbing my jaw and lifting my gaze to his.
“I mean it, Warren. You’re mine now. I won’t give you up for anything. No one and nothing can keep you from me. Not your family. Not mine. Do you understand that?”
December 23, 2024
"A Little Bit" is one of those books that hooks you from the very first chapter. With an easy-to-read and engaging style, this story pulls you into the intense connection between Warren and Eli, two protagonists with explosive chemistry that leaps off the page.
It’s a fast burn, where the attraction between them is undeniable, and no matter how hard they try to resist, the tension is so real that they just can’t stay apart. Their relationship grows while they both face their own demons and internal battles.
Warren and Eli are total opposites, but at the same time, exactly what each of them needs. With spicy scenes that will make you melt 🥵 and touching hurt/comfort moments, the book strikes a perfect balance between passion and tenderness. There are chapters that hit you right in the heart and moments that make you ache in the best way, leaving you fully immersed in the story. 🥰
This is the first book I’ve read by L. Waltree, and it’s been an amazing surprise. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a passionate and emotional romance!
It’s a fast burn, where the attraction between them is undeniable, and no matter how hard they try to resist, the tension is so real that they just can’t stay apart. Their relationship grows while they both face their own demons and internal battles.
Warren and Eli are total opposites, but at the same time, exactly what each of them needs. With spicy scenes that will make you melt 🥵 and touching hurt/comfort moments, the book strikes a perfect balance between passion and tenderness. There are chapters that hit you right in the heart and moments that make you ache in the best way, leaving you fully immersed in the story. 🥰
This is the first book I’ve read by L. Waltree, and it’s been an amazing surprise. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a passionate and emotional romance!
November 10, 2024
4.8 ⭐️
3.5 🌶
I am still reeling a bit from this one. I think the timing of reading this during the election while living in a red state wasn't lost on me. I am a cis white bisexual woman in a hetero passing relationship. I grew up in conservatism, and the weight absolutely crushed me. I also know it ruined my best friend's relationship with their parents. Moral of the story, love your kids for whomever they become and whoever they love. Back to the book, sorry...
Warren grew up with an unbearable weight with his family's political affiliation and "traditional family values," and that changed the way he viewed himself and the world. I absolutely loved his growth throughout the book and his ability to allow himself to love and feel loved back. Yay therapy 💙
Secretly sweet Eli, his story also contains the weight of unbearable grief, just a different form. I am glad these two were finally able to communicate their pain and their love. It was 100% worth the journey to get there.
Definitely read trigger warnings for this one before you go into it.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
3.5 🌶
I am still reeling a bit from this one. I think the timing of reading this during the election while living in a red state wasn't lost on me. I am a cis white bisexual woman in a hetero passing relationship. I grew up in conservatism, and the weight absolutely crushed me. I also know it ruined my best friend's relationship with their parents. Moral of the story, love your kids for whomever they become and whoever they love. Back to the book, sorry...
Warren grew up with an unbearable weight with his family's political affiliation and "traditional family values," and that changed the way he viewed himself and the world. I absolutely loved his growth throughout the book and his ability to allow himself to love and feel loved back. Yay therapy 💙
Secretly sweet Eli, his story also contains the weight of unbearable grief, just a different form. I am glad these two were finally able to communicate their pain and their love. It was 100% worth the journey to get there.
Definitely read trigger warnings for this one before you go into it.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
November 15, 2024
A solid read, with some teary moments and some very hard (no pun intended) to read moments. It's a rare thing that I like both MCs, but I did in this book. They were both fleshed out enough that I could understand what made them tick and they were hot together.
I am mildly curious about how Warren's family will get what they deserve but not sure I can read an mf book to find out. Will have to see how I feel when the time comes.
I am mildly curious about how Warren's family will get what they deserve but not sure I can read an mf book to find out. Will have to see how I feel when the time comes.
November 11, 2024
5+ ⭐️ This book blew me away, and a great read from an author I hadn't read anything from prior. In this contemporary romance, we follow Eli and Warren when they both attend the same college in an old-fashion conservative town. They meet at a party, and after, neither of the them can get the other one off their mind (for better or worse). Both dealing with darker memories, they realise they have more in common than they thought, and maybe how the two of them can overcome some of their demons together, at least until some darker secrets submerge to the surface as the story progress.
“This is… this doesn’t seem like something I want for a little bit anymore,” he says quietly. 🖤
Since I hadn't read anything from L. Waltree prior to this book, I didn't have any expectations, and to say I had an amazing time is an understatement! I fell in love with this story and it's characters. The mystery was exciting, and I wanted to know what had happend. The characthers had depth, and the sidecharacthers, such as Warrens sister and Elis dorm-friend, added so much good banter and some comic relief that was much needed from time to time (hence some very dark themes presented throughout the story). The villains of the story was also very well written, and they felt real. These were people you could clearly see a pircture of in your mind, and go "Yeah, I know that grusome human being".
Overall, A Little Bit, was a fantastic read and a story I'm keeping with me for a long time to come. And I'm very excited to read more from L. Waltree in the future, and hopefully more MM stories, as I was very much enjoying this story. If you love enemies to lovers, opposite attracts, hurt/comfort and mysteries, this is a must read for you! PS: I can never look at spanish moss again without shredding a tear (IYKYK).
A huge thank you to the authour who was kind enough to give me an ARC of this new favorite! <3
“This is… this doesn’t seem like something I want for a little bit anymore,” he says quietly. 🖤
Since I hadn't read anything from L. Waltree prior to this book, I didn't have any expectations, and to say I had an amazing time is an understatement! I fell in love with this story and it's characters. The mystery was exciting, and I wanted to know what had happend. The characthers had depth, and the sidecharacthers, such as Warrens sister and Elis dorm-friend, added so much good banter and some comic relief that was much needed from time to time (hence some very dark themes presented throughout the story). The villains of the story was also very well written, and they felt real. These were people you could clearly see a pircture of in your mind, and go "Yeah, I know that grusome human being".
Overall, A Little Bit, was a fantastic read and a story I'm keeping with me for a long time to come. And I'm very excited to read more from L. Waltree in the future, and hopefully more MM stories, as I was very much enjoying this story. If you love enemies to lovers, opposite attracts, hurt/comfort and mysteries, this is a must read for you! PS: I can never look at spanish moss again without shredding a tear (IYKYK).
A huge thank you to the authour who was kind enough to give me an ARC of this new favorite! <3
November 17, 2024
Warren Baker has his life planned out for him. He’s the son of a very important southern senator and the grandson of one as well. He knows he’ll have to marry a nice southern girl and become a senator himself. He’s resigned himself to that life… until he meets Eli. Eli comes into his life like a bat out of hell and flips the entire thing on its head. Warren is faced with so much self loathing and internalized homophobia because of the unrealistic and homophobic actions of his family. Can Eli change that for him?
WOOF. I saw this book everywhere and figured I’d needed to read it because it sounded exactly like something I would like. My heart ached for Warren, as a bisexual woman who lives in the south. I fell in love with both of the MCs and absolutely loved how different they were from each other. In my brain, Warren was Cooper Koch, but blond and blue eyes and Eli was Jake Bass. And let me tell you, it really worked. Now, there is a twist in this book and it’s something, to me that was trigger worthy enough to be listed in the content warnings. Yes, it would have given away a plot point, but I do think it would be helpful, as someone who has lost someone that particular way. It’s very hard to reconcile those feelings to even want to be in the same room as that person. I have a hard time believing Eli would have been able to get over that if it were real life. Maybe it’s just me. I still enjoyed the book very much, but would have preferred that warning. However, the book was very good! And the spice was spicy, like exceptionally so.
The more I thought about it, the more upset I am about no warning so minus one star.
WOOF. I saw this book everywhere and figured I’d needed to read it because it sounded exactly like something I would like. My heart ached for Warren, as a bisexual woman who lives in the south. I fell in love with both of the MCs and absolutely loved how different they were from each other. In my brain, Warren was Cooper Koch, but blond and blue eyes and Eli was Jake Bass. And let me tell you, it really worked. Now, there is a twist in this book and it’s something, to me that was trigger worthy enough to be listed in the content warnings. Yes, it would have given away a plot point, but I do think it would be helpful, as someone who has lost someone that particular way. It’s very hard to reconcile those feelings to even want to be in the same room as that person. I have a hard time believing Eli would have been able to get over that if it were real life. Maybe it’s just me. I still enjoyed the book very much, but would have preferred that warning. However, the book was very good! And the spice was spicy, like exceptionally so.
The more I thought about it, the more upset I am about no warning so minus one star.
November 2, 2024
“You’re something bright and colorful in my dull life.”
I had no idea what to expect when I started this book but I was pleasantly surprised!
Eli & Warren are drawn together from the first time they see each other. But the two of them are complete opposites. Eli is unapologetically himself meanwhile Warren is hiding who he is and pretending to be the perfect senators son. When the two of them give into their attraction it is HOTTTT 🔥
I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt like the conflict/twist was resolved & characters moved on way faster than what is realistic. But overall this is a great book if you’re looking for a hurt/comfort book with good spice!
I had no idea what to expect when I started this book but I was pleasantly surprised!
Eli & Warren are drawn together from the first time they see each other. But the two of them are complete opposites. Eli is unapologetically himself meanwhile Warren is hiding who he is and pretending to be the perfect senators son. When the two of them give into their attraction it is HOTTTT 🔥
I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt like the conflict/twist was resolved & characters moved on way faster than what is realistic. But overall this is a great book if you’re looking for a hurt/comfort book with good spice!
December 7, 2024
This is a tough one for me to write because I want to tell you all I loved it. For the first 25% of the book I was thinking I stumbled onto something special: it’s hot; the characters are compelling, the setting has a vibe, the dialogue is snappy….
Then it just kind of fizzles. I’m not sure what happens. There’s no major let down. There are still some hot moments. Let’s be real, the sexy scenes in this book are 🔥. I’m a sucker for dirty talk and one of the MCs is spilling filth left and right 🥵. So, it’s not that. The characters just flatten out somehow. I’m not sure why.
The book centers on Warren, the 3rd in a long line of conservative southern politicians. He’s gay and has some serious internalized homophobia from his homophobic family. And Eli, a bisexual bad boy who’s at the fancy school on scholarship. There’s a backstory with his sister that unfolds slowly over time. She used to go to that school too and something happened, you just don’t know what, but it was hard on the family.
Eli and Warren meet and it’s 🧨 There’s the forbidden element with Warren’s family and the question of will they find out or not…and all that’s exciting. Then…🥱😴🥱 They start hooking up regularly and everything kind of flatlines.
The edgy dialogue that made it so fun in the beginning dies out and you’re just kind of getting through the rest of it.
Don’t get me wrong. Overall, this was a good read. I would def recommend if you’re into steamy college stories. I was just a little disappointed that what I liked so much in the beginning didn’t really get sustained all the way through. Except the hot sex. That was always on point.
CWs
Self-Harm and Sucide Attempt
Depression
Addiction and Substance use
Dub Con
Unsafe sex (no discussion)
Homophobia and homophobic
Slurs
Death of a loved one/grief
Mild stalking
Politics
Mistreatment of female characters
Tropes
Opposites Attract
Coming out
Hurt/comfort
Specs
Gay/Bi MCs
Vers
cum play
feminization
dirty talk
flip fucking
snowballing
rimming
Then it just kind of fizzles. I’m not sure what happens. There’s no major let down. There are still some hot moments. Let’s be real, the sexy scenes in this book are 🔥. I’m a sucker for dirty talk and one of the MCs is spilling filth left and right 🥵. So, it’s not that. The characters just flatten out somehow. I’m not sure why.
The book centers on Warren, the 3rd in a long line of conservative southern politicians. He’s gay and has some serious internalized homophobia from his homophobic family. And Eli, a bisexual bad boy who’s at the fancy school on scholarship. There’s a backstory with his sister that unfolds slowly over time. She used to go to that school too and something happened, you just don’t know what, but it was hard on the family.
Eli and Warren meet and it’s 🧨 There’s the forbidden element with Warren’s family and the question of will they find out or not…and all that’s exciting. Then…🥱😴🥱 They start hooking up regularly and everything kind of flatlines.
The edgy dialogue that made it so fun in the beginning dies out and you’re just kind of getting through the rest of it.
Don’t get me wrong. Overall, this was a good read. I would def recommend if you’re into steamy college stories. I was just a little disappointed that what I liked so much in the beginning didn’t really get sustained all the way through. Except the hot sex. That was always on point.
CWs
Self-Harm and Sucide Attempt
Depression
Addiction and Substance use
Dub Con
Unsafe sex (no discussion)
Homophobia and homophobic
Slurs
Death of a loved one/grief
Mild stalking
Politics
Mistreatment of female characters
Tropes
Opposites Attract
Coming out
Hurt/comfort
Specs
Gay/Bi MCs
Vers
cum play
feminization
dirty talk
flip fucking
snowballing
rimming
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