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Big Boys Small Spaces #2
Cut to the Feeling
For Bryce Derrickson, rejection is nothing new. He’s used to Broadway casting directors seeing his size and assuming he can’t be a graceful dancer. But getting dumped with no notice is a special kind of burn. At least his sweet dog Bobo still loves him.
As if being left without warning isn’t bad enough, Bryce’s ex sublets their apartment without telling him, leaving him without a place to live. When his new ‘roommate’ turns out to be a stuffy, elbow-patches-on-blazer, permanent-frown-on-face professor, Bryce is furious. No way will he give up his bohemian pad without a fight.
Years ago, Emerson Grant was on the fast track to being a preeminent scholar in his field, but his lack of people skills has kept him stuck at a commuter school in a cornfield. Landing a guest lecturing spot at a prestigious New York institution could be the jet fuel his career needs to finally take off. That is, if the man and dog blatantly squatting in his sublet don’t drive him bananas first.
Sharing a one-bedroom apartment with a stranger is a New York rite of passage. Sharing it with a stranger you might be falling for is something else entirely.
As if being left without warning isn’t bad enough, Bryce’s ex sublets their apartment without telling him, leaving him without a place to live. When his new ‘roommate’ turns out to be a stuffy, elbow-patches-on-blazer, permanent-frown-on-face professor, Bryce is furious. No way will he give up his bohemian pad without a fight.
Years ago, Emerson Grant was on the fast track to being a preeminent scholar in his field, but his lack of people skills has kept him stuck at a commuter school in a cornfield. Landing a guest lecturing spot at a prestigious New York institution could be the jet fuel his career needs to finally take off. That is, if the man and dog blatantly squatting in his sublet don’t drive him bananas first.
Sharing a one-bedroom apartment with a stranger is a New York rite of passage. Sharing it with a stranger you might be falling for is something else entirely.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
64 people are currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Wardell
12 books914 followersI write steamy queer romance and romantic comedies. My goal is to make you laugh and turn you on. Often at the same time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
February 19, 2026
~3.5~
The first half, with the meet-cute, Big Misunderstanding, and reluctant roommates situation, was so, so good.
I love "imperfect" MCs, so Bryce being a lil chubby was a bonus. I prefer men with some meat on their bones. Plus, Bryce was adorable with his pep talks and audition insights. Emerson certainly appreciated Bryce's advice and his (very) generous assets.
The real star of the show, however, was Bobo, Bryce's 120 pound pup, who stole every single scene. Honorable mention goes to Camilla the parrot who screamed at Bryce to fuck off every time she saw him. Girl was not having it.
And let's not forget Carly Rae Jepsen, Bryce's queen. I've never paid any attention to her music, but I watched "Party for One," and both the song and video are fabulous. I can so see Bryce dancing to the music in his underpants!
I was sure this would be a 4 plus star book, but once the MCs got together, the narrative floundered a bit. Mostly, things just moved too quickly. The awkwardness of living together right when you start dating wasn't really addressed.
Bryce's financial situation (how do you survive anywhere, much less NYC, when you have 35 bucks to your name?) was also brushed aside.
Still, the positives far outweigh the negatives, so I'm rounding up.
The first half, with the meet-cute, Big Misunderstanding, and reluctant roommates situation, was so, so good.
I love "imperfect" MCs, so Bryce being a lil chubby was a bonus. I prefer men with some meat on their bones. Plus, Bryce was adorable with his pep talks and audition insights. Emerson certainly appreciated Bryce's advice and his (very) generous assets.
The real star of the show, however, was Bobo, Bryce's 120 pound pup, who stole every single scene. Honorable mention goes to Camilla the parrot who screamed at Bryce to fuck off every time she saw him. Girl was not having it.
And let's not forget Carly Rae Jepsen, Bryce's queen. I've never paid any attention to her music, but I watched "Party for One," and both the song and video are fabulous. I can so see Bryce dancing to the music in his underpants!
I was sure this would be a 4 plus star book, but once the MCs got together, the narrative floundered a bit. Mostly, things just moved too quickly. The awkwardness of living together right when you start dating wasn't really addressed.
Bryce's financial situation (how do you survive anywhere, much less NYC, when you have 35 bucks to your name?) was also brushed aside.
Still, the positives far outweigh the negatives, so I'm rounding up.
October 27, 2025
This is labelled by the authors as a rom-com.
And it totally fits the bill.
It is funny and light-hearted (with a touch on weightier themes), cute and sweet, with an adorable dog and a plot that should not be taken too seriously.
I liked both, Bryce and Emerson, and it was fun watching them getting to know each other and falling in love, even if the time frame seems a teeny short.
One thing I liked most is the ‘classical vs pop music' discussion and how both men learn that each of those have their value. Another one was the comparison between auditioning in the theatre world and lecturing at university.
And then there is a very memorable scene that happens on the staircase to the 6th floor apartment. The authors must have had a ball writing this one!
I was all pretty happy until the later stages of the book when the (inevitable) short-lived fall-out between the two men happens. Tbh, the reasons for this are rather weak – everything could have been sorted in one little heart-felt conversation instead. Not sure the drama was really that necessary.
All in all an enjoyable light read with a great amount of smiles, laughs and chuckles.
And it totally fits the bill.
It is funny and light-hearted (with a touch on weightier themes), cute and sweet, with an adorable dog and a plot that should not be taken too seriously.
I liked both, Bryce and Emerson, and it was fun watching them getting to know each other and falling in love, even if the time frame seems a teeny short.
One thing I liked most is the ‘classical vs pop music' discussion and how both men learn that each of those have their value. Another one was the comparison between auditioning in the theatre world and lecturing at university.
And then there is a very memorable scene that happens on the staircase to the 6th floor apartment. The authors must have had a ball writing this one!
I was all pretty happy until the later stages of the book when the (inevitable) short-lived fall-out between the two men happens. Tbh, the reasons for this are rather weak – everything could have been sorted in one little heart-felt conversation instead. Not sure the drama was really that necessary.
All in all an enjoyable light read with a great amount of smiles, laughs and chuckles.
September 27, 2025
What a delightful piece of work!
You’ll find two adorable, likable guys, and a giant dog who steals the show.
Bryce is a skilled dancer. His size isn’t regular for this kind of work, and he’s been rejected more than once.
Not only for work, but also in his love life. He had boyfriends, but he never seemed to be enough for a guy to stay. The last one just left a note that he was done. The jerk found someone else for his apartment.
Waw Bryce and his adorable giant dog need to leave.
Emerson Grant’s career needs a boost, he’s a music professor with a hearing aid. He hopes to find this boost with this new job. A new start, a new job, in a new place, and a new place to live. But dang, there’s still a guy living there, with a dog! Both have to leave right away!
Ehm, easier said than done!
Imagine, two guys and a big dog living in a tiny apartment. They are opposites but man do they fit!
Read for yourself how this develops. I found it so very enjoyable, it’s funny, endearing, the characters are sweet, and deserve a grand hea! There are some great side characters! The writing was smooth and flawless. The decision to combine both their writing skills is a good choice.
I received an arc
You’ll find two adorable, likable guys, and a giant dog who steals the show.
Bryce is a skilled dancer. His size isn’t regular for this kind of work, and he’s been rejected more than once.
Not only for work, but also in his love life. He had boyfriends, but he never seemed to be enough for a guy to stay. The last one just left a note that he was done. The jerk found someone else for his apartment.
Waw Bryce and his adorable giant dog need to leave.
Emerson Grant’s career needs a boost, he’s a music professor with a hearing aid. He hopes to find this boost with this new job. A new start, a new job, in a new place, and a new place to live. But dang, there’s still a guy living there, with a dog! Both have to leave right away!
Ehm, easier said than done!
Imagine, two guys and a big dog living in a tiny apartment. They are opposites but man do they fit!
Read for yourself how this develops. I found it so very enjoyable, it’s funny, endearing, the characters are sweet, and deserve a grand hea! There are some great side characters! The writing was smooth and flawless. The decision to combine both their writing skills is a good choice.
I received an arc
September 14, 2025
Another hit from MA Wardell and AJ Truman that delivered all the cozy + spicy, dual POV, plus sized, forced proximity M/M love in New York City that I didn't know I needed.
I loved the grumpy x sunshine, professor x dancer pairing of Emmerson and Bryce who find themselves sharing the same small apartment with Bryce's large pet dog. While they were complete opposites, they quickly becomes friends, bonding over music (Bryce loves Carly Rae Jepson and that was too adorable!) and of course they catch feelings.
There's also fantastic hearing loss rep (Emmerson lost hearing in one ear after a car accident and wears a hearing aid) and grief over the loss of a loved one rep (Emmerson's sister). The audio narration was excellent and this was just a feel-good entertaining read. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Chip Pons or Timothy Janovsky.
Steam level: open door and spicy
I loved the grumpy x sunshine, professor x dancer pairing of Emmerson and Bryce who find themselves sharing the same small apartment with Bryce's large pet dog. While they were complete opposites, they quickly becomes friends, bonding over music (Bryce loves Carly Rae Jepson and that was too adorable!) and of course they catch feelings.
There's also fantastic hearing loss rep (Emmerson lost hearing in one ear after a car accident and wears a hearing aid) and grief over the loss of a loved one rep (Emmerson's sister). The audio narration was excellent and this was just a feel-good entertaining read. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Chip Pons or Timothy Janovsky.
Steam level: open door and spicy
February 27, 2026
As someone who considers Call Me Maybe one of the top 10 pop songs of all time it was a breath of fresh air to see Ms. Carly Rae get the recognition she deserves.
Despite Bryce’s life being, objectively speaking, a dumpster fire, he was an absolute ray of sunshine. His positivity sometimes bordered on delusion but I was here for it. When Emerson shows up to Bryce’s apartment because Bryce’s ex sublet it out from under him they become reluctant roommates. I assumed Emerson was going to be the grump to offset Bryce’s sunshine but he wasn’t grumpy or unkind. Just reserved and incredibly sweet. I loved that he saw how special Bryce was from the start.
I’m generally pretty easy to please when it comes to humor in books. I’m a cheap laugh but this was my type of humor. Millennial cringe. Fantastic vocabulary choices too; highfalutin, milieus (is that the proper use of a semicolon? It feels right) Loved everything about these authors style.
I have to point out that Bryce had a weird obsession with Emerson’s armpit. It came up several times. Once kinda threw me but I kept going, twice I was like “ok we really like armpits” , third time during a spicy scene “WHAT IS HAPPENING.”
Just a feel good, low angst MM romance that’s love for New York City made me nostalgic for a city I have only visited once.
Despite Bryce’s life being, objectively speaking, a dumpster fire, he was an absolute ray of sunshine. His positivity sometimes bordered on delusion but I was here for it. When Emerson shows up to Bryce’s apartment because Bryce’s ex sublet it out from under him they become reluctant roommates. I assumed Emerson was going to be the grump to offset Bryce’s sunshine but he wasn’t grumpy or unkind. Just reserved and incredibly sweet. I loved that he saw how special Bryce was from the start.
I’m generally pretty easy to please when it comes to humor in books. I’m a cheap laugh but this was my type of humor. Millennial cringe. Fantastic vocabulary choices too; highfalutin, milieus (is that the proper use of a semicolon? It feels right) Loved everything about these authors style.
I have to point out that Bryce had a weird obsession with Emerson’s armpit. It came up several times. Once kinda threw me but I kept going, twice I was like “ok we really like armpits” , third time during a spicy scene “WHAT IS HAPPENING.”
Just a feel good, low angst MM romance that’s love for New York City made me nostalgic for a city I have only visited once.
Did not finish
November 14, 2025DNF @ 10% (11/15)
I can’t suspend my disbelief that one of the MMCs is living in NYC and didn’t get his name on the apartment lease while dating his boyfriend for two years and living with him in said apt. Be so for real omg.
I can’t suspend my disbelief that one of the MMCs is living in NYC and didn’t get his name on the apartment lease while dating his boyfriend for two years and living with him in said apt. Be so for real omg.
November 17, 2025
Cut to the Feeling is the next book in the Big Boys Small Spaces series by MA Wardell and AJ Truman. Bryce is going through a very recent and unexpected breakup while Emerson is focused on his career and does not want a relationship at all. When the two are thrown together and forced to play nice, they discover there’s more to what they both thought of each other. I really liked this story, some of my favorite things were these two getting to know each other and comparing pop music vs classical. The pop culture references (specifically Kelly Clarkson because she’s my queen) were funny and Bobo! How can you not fall in love with adorable Bobo?! This is very much an opposites attract, body positivity, emotional and spicy read. These two know how to write some great spice, that staircase y’all, iykyk…I immediately DM’d Matt after I read that! This is not high angst but some emotions dealing with grief which I thought they were handled quite well. Overall, this was such a fun and cute story, I loved that this showed first impressions aren’t always right and we can discover so much more about ourselves if we are open to it.
October 2, 2025
4.5⭐️
Just as adorable as the first book, and now I have to go rewatch all the movies referenced in it!
Bryce and Emerson have quite the beginning. Bryce is unceremoniously dumped by letter and his home rented to someone else without notice. To cheer himself up and forget about his ex, he decides to get a ‘hookup’, but it turns out to be Emerson.
Emerson doesn’t take long to fall for the charms of, well… Bobo. But once he loves the dog, the love for the owner soon follows.
It’s funny, endearing, and so entertaining. They clash in more than one way, and they become for each other what they’ve always lacked: The support of someone who will stay.
Loved it 🥰
Just as adorable as the first book, and now I have to go rewatch all the movies referenced in it!
Bryce and Emerson have quite the beginning. Bryce is unceremoniously dumped by letter and his home rented to someone else without notice. To cheer himself up and forget about his ex, he decides to get a ‘hookup’, but it turns out to be Emerson.
Emerson doesn’t take long to fall for the charms of, well… Bobo. But once he loves the dog, the love for the owner soon follows.
It’s funny, endearing, and so entertaining. They clash in more than one way, and they become for each other what they’ve always lacked: The support of someone who will stay.
Loved it 🥰
September 30, 2025
Authors: AJ Truman & MA Wardell
Narrators: Kevin Earlywine & Greg Bordeaux
Kevin & Greg were brought on to bring this book to life and wow do they do a spectacular job at it. Kevin brings the quirky fun of Bryce to a whole new level by just hitting the lines the perfect way. Greg brings the more serious Emerson in a way that only he seems to be able to manage in his work. Together these two play off of each other where you wonder how is their first work together? They just make an already fun read, magical. I hope to see them paired in future work together.
AJ & MA have paired up once again with this opposite stranger share one small NYC apartment with a large dog. Recently dumped Bryce thinks the man at his door is a hook up, nope it’s the man now subletting his apartment unbeknownst to him. Emerson is in NYC to be a guest professor and sublets an apartment, who happens to already have two big personality tenants. These two stick a friendship but when things heat, neither is prepared. Both men have been hurt or let down in their past making it hard to trust or allow others in.
What works so great about this story is that I honestly didn’t know which author wrote who. It has that right amount of humor and heat to keep you enthralled and rooting for these men to work it out. A fun quirky read of two men who appear to be opposite and yet play off each other in perfect harmony. With cameos from Data & Marsh (Marshmallow Mountain) you cannot help but smile at how far they have come in their relationship.
I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Narrators: Kevin Earlywine & Greg Bordeaux
Kevin & Greg were brought on to bring this book to life and wow do they do a spectacular job at it. Kevin brings the quirky fun of Bryce to a whole new level by just hitting the lines the perfect way. Greg brings the more serious Emerson in a way that only he seems to be able to manage in his work. Together these two play off of each other where you wonder how is their first work together? They just make an already fun read, magical. I hope to see them paired in future work together.
AJ & MA have paired up once again with this opposite stranger share one small NYC apartment with a large dog. Recently dumped Bryce thinks the man at his door is a hook up, nope it’s the man now subletting his apartment unbeknownst to him. Emerson is in NYC to be a guest professor and sublets an apartment, who happens to already have two big personality tenants. These two stick a friendship but when things heat, neither is prepared. Both men have been hurt or let down in their past making it hard to trust or allow others in.
What works so great about this story is that I honestly didn’t know which author wrote who. It has that right amount of humor and heat to keep you enthralled and rooting for these men to work it out. A fun quirky read of two men who appear to be opposite and yet play off each other in perfect harmony. With cameos from Data & Marsh (Marshmallow Mountain) you cannot help but smile at how far they have come in their relationship.
I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Did not finish
February 27, 2026DNF at 11%.
Not a fan of the immediate "I'm going to sleep with a stranger" the day his boyfriend leaves him.
Also not a fan of multiple other things.
Not a fan of the immediate "I'm going to sleep with a stranger" the day his boyfriend leaves him.
Also not a fan of multiple other things.
September 20, 2025
Arc review
Bryce Derrickson comes home to from walking his dog ‘Bobo’ to find his boyfriend Anthony has left a note saying he has a job in Australia and is leaving him and the apartment. Bryce is left devastated, but he still has Bobo.
Emerson Grant has left his home in Indiana to pursue a tenure at New York University. Heading to the apartment he has subletted from Anthony he finds someone already living there.
There is a little animosity to start with. To make ends meet Bryce works at the Met. He is given complimentary tickets. Emerson is excited when he finds out, taking Bryce with him. After a night at the opera, feelings take a turn, and poor Bobo is banished to the sofa, alone. Leaving Bryce and Emerson to have a night neither expected. They have both lost people who they loved in their life and feel worried about trusting and loving someone new. A conversation is needed on both parts. Can they communicate well enough to not let love slip through their fingers?
MA Wardell and AJ Truman write the most swoon worthy, joyful books together. This is the second in their Big Boys Small Spaces series. They both make you want their characters to love fiercely, and for them to fall in love. The writing is beautiful and flows so well.
Bryce is hilarious with his love of Miss Carly Rae, and uses her songs as metaphors in every day situations.
Emerson has never heard about Miss Jepsen, as he loves classical music, but the more he loves Bryce the more he starts to like her music.
I adore these characters so much. But lets be honest it is Bobo who stole my heart.
Bryce Derrickson comes home to from walking his dog ‘Bobo’ to find his boyfriend Anthony has left a note saying he has a job in Australia and is leaving him and the apartment. Bryce is left devastated, but he still has Bobo.
Emerson Grant has left his home in Indiana to pursue a tenure at New York University. Heading to the apartment he has subletted from Anthony he finds someone already living there.
There is a little animosity to start with. To make ends meet Bryce works at the Met. He is given complimentary tickets. Emerson is excited when he finds out, taking Bryce with him. After a night at the opera, feelings take a turn, and poor Bobo is banished to the sofa, alone. Leaving Bryce and Emerson to have a night neither expected. They have both lost people who they loved in their life and feel worried about trusting and loving someone new. A conversation is needed on both parts. Can they communicate well enough to not let love slip through their fingers?
MA Wardell and AJ Truman write the most swoon worthy, joyful books together. This is the second in their Big Boys Small Spaces series. They both make you want their characters to love fiercely, and for them to fall in love. The writing is beautiful and flows so well.
Bryce is hilarious with his love of Miss Carly Rae, and uses her songs as metaphors in every day situations.
Emerson has never heard about Miss Jepsen, as he loves classical music, but the more he loves Bryce the more he starts to like her music.
I adore these characters so much. But lets be honest it is Bobo who stole my heart.
October 13, 2025
A Big-Hearted Delight That Will Leave You Smiling ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cut to the Feeling by AJ Truman and MA Wardell was exactly what I needed—sweet, funny, and full of heart. I absolutely loved this book.
From the hilarious (and genius) meet-cute to the well-earned HEA, I was fully invested in Bryce, Emerson, and of course… Bobo. Yes, Bobo the dog is absolutely a main character in my book. I’m a sucker for a lovable pup, and Bobo steals every scene he’s in. But so do Bryce and Emerson in their own way—both flawed, both real, both incredibly lovable.
The chemistry between these two men was sincere and slow-building, and their connection felt earned. Their banter was quick and witty, the emotional beats landed beautifully, and the dialogue was so natural I could hear it. The story never leans too far into drama for drama’s sake—it stays grounded in real, relatable conflict: heartbreak, career insecurities, long distance, grief, and finding love when you least expect it.
Truman and Wardell make a phenomenal team, and this second entry in the Big Boys, Small Spaces series absolutely delivers. I loved Marshmallow Mountain, but this one might be even better. The NYC setting, the tight one-bedroom proximity, the classic opposites-attract tension—it all works, and it works beautifully.
Also, thank you to the authors for writing about bigger guys with tenderness and joy. It matters. These characters feel authentic, complex, and worthy of love—not in spite of their size, but with their full humanity intact.
The supporting cast is great, but let’s be real: no one is competing with Bobo for MVP. Still, each character serves the story well and helps our leads move forward.
In the middle of the chaos of life, Cut to the Feeling felt like a warm hug. Joyful, sexy, and heartfelt—this book left me smiling long after I turned the last page. I can’t wait for book three.
Cut to the Feeling by AJ Truman and MA Wardell was exactly what I needed—sweet, funny, and full of heart. I absolutely loved this book.
From the hilarious (and genius) meet-cute to the well-earned HEA, I was fully invested in Bryce, Emerson, and of course… Bobo. Yes, Bobo the dog is absolutely a main character in my book. I’m a sucker for a lovable pup, and Bobo steals every scene he’s in. But so do Bryce and Emerson in their own way—both flawed, both real, both incredibly lovable.
The chemistry between these two men was sincere and slow-building, and their connection felt earned. Their banter was quick and witty, the emotional beats landed beautifully, and the dialogue was so natural I could hear it. The story never leans too far into drama for drama’s sake—it stays grounded in real, relatable conflict: heartbreak, career insecurities, long distance, grief, and finding love when you least expect it.
Truman and Wardell make a phenomenal team, and this second entry in the Big Boys, Small Spaces series absolutely delivers. I loved Marshmallow Mountain, but this one might be even better. The NYC setting, the tight one-bedroom proximity, the classic opposites-attract tension—it all works, and it works beautifully.
Also, thank you to the authors for writing about bigger guys with tenderness and joy. It matters. These characters feel authentic, complex, and worthy of love—not in spite of their size, but with their full humanity intact.
The supporting cast is great, but let’s be real: no one is competing with Bobo for MVP. Still, each character serves the story well and helps our leads move forward.
In the middle of the chaos of life, Cut to the Feeling felt like a warm hug. Joyful, sexy, and heartfelt—this book left me smiling long after I turned the last page. I can’t wait for book three.
October 5, 2025
⭐4.5
Este era el libro que necesitaba, fue ligero de leer, la relación de Bryce y Emmerson me encanto, como todo empezó un poco mal pero eso no impidió que se fueran conociendo, siento que Bryce llegó a la vida de Emmerson en el mejor momento, ¿como lo ayudó con sus clases? Dios, es que me encantaron los dos juntos y en cómo a pesar de todo querían salir adelante en cada una de sus carreras… aunque debo de admitir que la estrella de todo este libro es Bobo! ese perro adorable que solo quería que saliera de las páginas de este libro para abrazarlo. Y si, eso fue lo que se sintió leer este libro lleno de una representación tan bonita, un abrazo al corazón y con esto dejó escrito que me leeré otros libros de estos autores porque me encanto su forma de escribir en conjunto, no me quiero imaginar sus libros en solitario.
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This was the book I needed. It was easy to read, and I loved Bryce and Emmerson's relationship. It started off a little rocky, but that didn't stop them from getting to know each other. I feel like Bryce came into Emmerson's life at the best possible moment. How did he help him with his classes? God, I loved them together and how, despite everything, they wanted to succeed in their respective careers... although I must admit that the star of this book is Bobo! That adorable dog that I just wanted to him to jump out of the pages of this book so I could hug him. And yes, that's how it felt to read this book, a hug to the heart filled with such beautiful representation. With this, I've decided that I'll read other books by these authors because I loved their writing style together and I can't imagine what their books would be like on their own.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
Este era el libro que necesitaba, fue ligero de leer, la relación de Bryce y Emmerson me encanto, como todo empezó un poco mal pero eso no impidió que se fueran conociendo, siento que Bryce llegó a la vida de Emmerson en el mejor momento, ¿como lo ayudó con sus clases? Dios, es que me encantaron los dos juntos y en cómo a pesar de todo querían salir adelante en cada una de sus carreras… aunque debo de admitir que la estrella de todo este libro es Bobo! ese perro adorable que solo quería que saliera de las páginas de este libro para abrazarlo. Y si, eso fue lo que se sintió leer este libro lleno de una representación tan bonita, un abrazo al corazón y con esto dejó escrito que me leeré otros libros de estos autores porque me encanto su forma de escribir en conjunto, no me quiero imaginar sus libros en solitario.
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This was the book I needed. It was easy to read, and I loved Bryce and Emmerson's relationship. It started off a little rocky, but that didn't stop them from getting to know each other. I feel like Bryce came into Emmerson's life at the best possible moment. How did he help him with his classes? God, I loved them together and how, despite everything, they wanted to succeed in their respective careers... although I must admit that the star of this book is Bobo! That adorable dog that I just wanted to him to jump out of the pages of this book so I could hug him. And yes, that's how it felt to read this book, a hug to the heart filled with such beautiful representation. With this, I've decided that I'll read other books by these authors because I loved their writing style together and I can't imagine what their books would be like on their own.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
October 4, 2025
4.5 stars
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is the second book in the Big Boys, Small Spaces series by A.J. Truman and M.A. Wardell and I am absolutely smitten! Bryce and Emerson find themselves unexpected roommates when Bryce’s very recent ex sublets his apartment to Emerson. Bryce has a buoyant personality and a love of pop music - especially Carly Rae Jepsen - and Emerson has a deep seated love and appreciation for classical music.
This is a low angst story, but there is a little bit of tension at the beginning as the MCs figure out how to cohabitate. The more time they spend together, however, the more they help one another in their respective lives and grow closer. A night at the opera sets off sparks and things take a turn for Bryce and Emerson. Their first kiss at the 50% mark is everything! Emerson and Bryce’s connection is palpable. It’s hard not to root for these two! It’s endearing how Emerson lets himself get close to someone again (he’s had some trauma in his past) and how Bryce’s lets himself have a good man (he’s not had healthy examples of relationships before). The MCs fit well together and their HEA is well earned and incredibly sweet.
I love the Marsh and Data cameos. I was excited to see Preeti again, and Portia is a delight. Horton and his parrot are definitely interesting. It goes without saying that Bobo (Bryce’s dog) steals every scene. Als, New York City is the perfect backdrop for this contemporary romance.
I’m excited to see what else Truman and Wardell bring to the series!
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is the second book in the Big Boys, Small Spaces series by A.J. Truman and M.A. Wardell and I am absolutely smitten! Bryce and Emerson find themselves unexpected roommates when Bryce’s very recent ex sublets his apartment to Emerson. Bryce has a buoyant personality and a love of pop music - especially Carly Rae Jepsen - and Emerson has a deep seated love and appreciation for classical music.
This is a low angst story, but there is a little bit of tension at the beginning as the MCs figure out how to cohabitate. The more time they spend together, however, the more they help one another in their respective lives and grow closer. A night at the opera sets off sparks and things take a turn for Bryce and Emerson. Their first kiss at the 50% mark is everything! Emerson and Bryce’s connection is palpable. It’s hard not to root for these two! It’s endearing how Emerson lets himself get close to someone again (he’s had some trauma in his past) and how Bryce’s lets himself have a good man (he’s not had healthy examples of relationships before). The MCs fit well together and their HEA is well earned and incredibly sweet.
I love the Marsh and Data cameos. I was excited to see Preeti again, and Portia is a delight. Horton and his parrot are definitely interesting. It goes without saying that Bobo (Bryce’s dog) steals every scene. Als, New York City is the perfect backdrop for this contemporary romance.
I’m excited to see what else Truman and Wardell bring to the series!
September 30, 2025
I listened to this, so my review is in two parts..
Firstly, the story - I loved both characters - Truman and Wardell always write beautiful characters who have the best chemistry together. I like that all their stories are more realistic - there are messy and uncomfortable moments and not everything is painted as perfect and easy all the time. Emerson was my favourite, potentially because I can relate more to his job, but I really did love Bryce and his almost eternal sunshine. However, like for many others… Bobo stole my heart completely, who doesn’t love a pet side character?
Now I’m not a huge fan of dual narration, I do prefer a solo narrator but that’s just me. I am a huge fan of Greg Boudreaux who I felt emulated Emerson to perfection. Now I was surprised by Kevin Earlywine who narrates Bryce - although it took me a while to warm to his intonation, I did feel he matched Bryce’s personality quite well.
So overall, a really good listen - a solid 4.5* from me.
Firstly, the story - I loved both characters - Truman and Wardell always write beautiful characters who have the best chemistry together. I like that all their stories are more realistic - there are messy and uncomfortable moments and not everything is painted as perfect and easy all the time. Emerson was my favourite, potentially because I can relate more to his job, but I really did love Bryce and his almost eternal sunshine. However, like for many others… Bobo stole my heart completely, who doesn’t love a pet side character?
Now I’m not a huge fan of dual narration, I do prefer a solo narrator but that’s just me. I am a huge fan of Greg Boudreaux who I felt emulated Emerson to perfection. Now I was surprised by Kevin Earlywine who narrates Bryce - although it took me a while to warm to his intonation, I did feel he matched Bryce’s personality quite well.
So overall, a really good listen - a solid 4.5* from me.
September 20, 2025
Oh this was so cute and wholesome! Admittedly I had not read book 1 yet (and book 2 does spoiler a little bit of book 1 so I suggest not doing what I did and read them in order!) however I really enjoyed Bryce and Emerson’s story!
I loved all the pop references, the classical music references and information and I LOVED Bobo! Any boom with a cute AF dog? SOLD
Both Bryce and Emerson have similar thoughts and feelings on relationships and insecurities about them but both of them work together to overcome these things
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the spicy scenes and the not so perfect aspects of them. AJ Truman and MA Wardell both know how to write realistic spicy scenes and show that they can be fun and not too serious and I was fanning myself and also grinning from ear to ear!
Now I gotta go read book 1 😂
I loved all the pop references, the classical music references and information and I LOVED Bobo! Any boom with a cute AF dog? SOLD
Both Bryce and Emerson have similar thoughts and feelings on relationships and insecurities about them but both of them work together to overcome these things
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the spicy scenes and the not so perfect aspects of them. AJ Truman and MA Wardell both know how to write realistic spicy scenes and show that they can be fun and not too serious and I was fanning myself and also grinning from ear to ear!
Now I gotta go read book 1 😂
October 13, 2025
Bryce finds himself in a peculiar situation. His boyfriend Anthony has up and left for the other side of the world and has sublet their shared NYC apartment to Emerson.
It’s such an awkward but cute meet cute. The two strike up a friendship after some initial missteps that lead to love. Bryce is a struggling dancer who’s outgoing and spirited and loves Carly Rae Jepsen. Emerson is a button up, introverted music professor who loves classical music. Yet, these opposites definitely attract.
The third MC is named Bobo, Bryce’s lovable dog who plays an important role in their love story. Another character is the city of NY. This book captures the essence of the city.
This book is sweet and has MCs that you cheer on. They communicate effectively and there is no third act break up.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrators did a great job, especially Greg Boudreaux.
It’s such an awkward but cute meet cute. The two strike up a friendship after some initial missteps that lead to love. Bryce is a struggling dancer who’s outgoing and spirited and loves Carly Rae Jepsen. Emerson is a button up, introverted music professor who loves classical music. Yet, these opposites definitely attract.
The third MC is named Bobo, Bryce’s lovable dog who plays an important role in their love story. Another character is the city of NY. This book captures the essence of the city.
This book is sweet and has MCs that you cheer on. They communicate effectively and there is no third act break up.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrators did a great job, especially Greg Boudreaux.
September 21, 2025
This was a great follow up story after Marshmallow Mountain!
What happens when your boyfriend leaves and breaks up with via letter? Oh, and the best part, he sublet the apartment you share without telling you? You get a broken hearted Bryce and a very confused Emerson. But, through the powers of Bobo and some Carly Rae Jepsen, these 2 learn to work together to co-habitate. After spending more time together, Bryce and Emerson end up falling hard and fast! Bryce is the sunshine to Emerson's slight grumpiness.
I can't wait to see what comes next! Another hit for Matt and AJ!
What happens when your boyfriend leaves and breaks up with via letter? Oh, and the best part, he sublet the apartment you share without telling you? You get a broken hearted Bryce and a very confused Emerson. But, through the powers of Bobo and some Carly Rae Jepsen, these 2 learn to work together to co-habitate. After spending more time together, Bryce and Emerson end up falling hard and fast! Bryce is the sunshine to Emerson's slight grumpiness.
I can't wait to see what comes next! Another hit for Matt and AJ!
January 11, 2026
Pleased to discover the second book in this series was already out having just finished book 1. Enjoyed this as much as the first, but for different reasons. This story didn’t have the big laughs that I got in the first book, but it was a sweeter romance. Less spice, more sweetness.
Audiobook narration by Greg Boudreaux and Kevin Earlywine. Both decent narrators who did justice to the characters.
Audiobook narration by Greg Boudreaux and Kevin Earlywine. Both decent narrators who did justice to the characters.
January 19, 2026
This book was absolutely adorable!
I fell in love with Bryce right away and could find more than one area in which I was able to relate to him. And the way Emerson opens up throughout this book and falls in love with both Bryce and Bobo was swoonworthy.
I do hate the name Bobo for a pet and I cringe every time I see it. It reminds me of a clown and I hate clowns.
Other than that, this was a quick read and super enjoyable!
I fell in love with Bryce right away and could find more than one area in which I was able to relate to him. And the way Emerson opens up throughout this book and falls in love with both Bryce and Bobo was swoonworthy.
I do hate the name Bobo for a pet and I cringe every time I see it. It reminds me of a clown and I hate clowns.
Other than that, this was a quick read and super enjoyable!
September 15, 2025
Another amazing book!! these authors are such a perfect duo to write books together! you can not tell wich author wrote what part! it's soo seamlessly! loved it!! it is more of a slow burn so keep that in mind.
March 9, 2026
This book is pure joy!
Emerson and Bryce are so adorable!
Their first time together is so joyful and filled with laughter, it was the sweetest🥹
I love their obsessed with Carly Ray Jepson and I also love Emersons love got Bobo!!!
Such a cute book and I want more of them!!!
Emerson and Bryce are so adorable!
Their first time together is so joyful and filled with laughter, it was the sweetest🥹
I love their obsessed with Carly Ray Jepson and I also love Emersons love got Bobo!!!
Such a cute book and I want more of them!!!
October 1, 2025
- forced proximity
- grumpy/sunshine
- Size representation
This is the second in the Big Boys Small Spaces series. I loved the first and had high hopes for this one and I wasn't disappointed at all. Even though there are 2 MCs, I'd argue that there are 3 because the dog is surely worthy of that status, I loved Bobo. I adored Bryce and Emerson too, Bryce is pure sunshine in human form with his love of Carly Rae Jepsen and dancing - probably in that order. He hasn't had it all that easy with his career seemingly going nowhere, not for the lack of trying - his boyfriend moving away suddenly and having his home let out from underneath him, and I loved that he always sees the positive in everything.
I liked Emerson too, he's the complete opposite of Bryce as a career academic with his love of classical music, and these two couldn't be more opposite. But it's a delight to see them come together gradually and see Emerson blossom into his new job and life in New York thanks to Bryce, and in return Bryce gets the stability he so has been looking for. It's a privilege to get to witness these two fall in love in New York, this is funny, warm, and a real treat. Bring on more in this series as I'm here for it.
- grumpy/sunshine
- Size representation
This is the second in the Big Boys Small Spaces series. I loved the first and had high hopes for this one and I wasn't disappointed at all. Even though there are 2 MCs, I'd argue that there are 3 because the dog is surely worthy of that status, I loved Bobo. I adored Bryce and Emerson too, Bryce is pure sunshine in human form with his love of Carly Rae Jepsen and dancing - probably in that order. He hasn't had it all that easy with his career seemingly going nowhere, not for the lack of trying - his boyfriend moving away suddenly and having his home let out from underneath him, and I loved that he always sees the positive in everything.
I liked Emerson too, he's the complete opposite of Bryce as a career academic with his love of classical music, and these two couldn't be more opposite. But it's a delight to see them come together gradually and see Emerson blossom into his new job and life in New York thanks to Bryce, and in return Bryce gets the stability he so has been looking for. It's a privilege to get to witness these two fall in love in New York, this is funny, warm, and a real treat. Bring on more in this series as I'm here for it.
January 22, 2026
Cute, but not amazing. It got me to listen to Carly Rae Jepsen though!
November 30, 2025
“Cut to the Feeling” by M.A. Wardell and A.J. Truman is the second book in the “Big Boys Small Spaces” series, and honestly, it’s exactly what my heart needed right now. The story follows Bryce Derrickson, a Broadway hopeful who’s used to rejection but still gets blindsided when his boyfriend dumps him and sublets their apartment out from under him. Enter Emerson Grant, the uptight, elbow-patch-wearing professor who just wants to teach in peace, not deal with Bryce and his adorable dog Bobo taking over his sublet. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming forced-proximity rom-com that turns chaos into chemistry and frustration into full-blown attraction.
This book was just so cute and sweet. It felt like a warm hug after a long, hard week. Bryce is hilarious, dramatic in the best way, and his banter with Emerson had me laughing out loud. Emerson, on the other hand, is all grumpy academic energy, but beneath that serious exterior he’s a total sweetheart. And HOT, omg, lol! The spice is absolutely worth the slow burn, written beautifully and placed perfectly in the story. There are some silly moments and dialogue, but that’s part of its charm. It balances humor with genuine emotion, and Bobo the dog truly steals every scene he’s in. “Cut to the Feeling” was a joyful, cozy escape from reality and the perfect comfort read to brighten a dark day.
This book was just so cute and sweet. It felt like a warm hug after a long, hard week. Bryce is hilarious, dramatic in the best way, and his banter with Emerson had me laughing out loud. Emerson, on the other hand, is all grumpy academic energy, but beneath that serious exterior he’s a total sweetheart. And HOT, omg, lol! The spice is absolutely worth the slow burn, written beautifully and placed perfectly in the story. There are some silly moments and dialogue, but that’s part of its charm. It balances humor with genuine emotion, and Bobo the dog truly steals every scene he’s in. “Cut to the Feeling” was a joyful, cozy escape from reality and the perfect comfort read to brighten a dark day.
September 28, 2025
Cut to the Feeling by A. J. Truman and M. A. Wardell is the second book in their Big Boys Small Spaces series. It is the story of 2 men who have high hopes for their futures but always seem to get shot down until they find each other in an interesting situation that leads them to help each other get what they want and, in the process, fall in love. Bryce Derrickson is living in New York City hoping to get his break as a choreographer and dancer on Broadway. He has had many auditions and several call backs but they haven’t panned out. To make ends meet he also sells subscriptions to the Met so at least he has a little money. He also has an addiction to Carly Rae Jepson songs. He lives with his boyfriend of 2 years, Anthony, and their Burmese Mountain Dog Bobo (who his as big as a pony) in the Bigby Apartments where his friends Data and Marsh live and he likes many of the other residents. But then he comes home and finds a note from Anthony telling him that he has left for a job in another country and their relationship run was over. Of course, he’s devastated and decides to get a hook up. But Emerson Grant shows up and an interesting conversation happens until he realizes he’s not who he thought he was. Emerson grew up on a farm in Indiana and was a professor of music at a small college there but has gotten a chance to work at New York University, one of the most prestigious schools, for a semester teaching Beats and Requiems: A History of Western Music, thanks to his friend Sheena, who is head of the department. He is also hard of hearing in one ear due to an accident and wears a hearing aid. He has sublet Bryce’s apartment and Bryce’s name is not on the lease so he tells him he and Bobo have to leave. But it’s not that easy to find a place to live in his price range in New York City. So Emerson gives him a few days to look and he sleeps on the couch. The next day is his first day of teaching and he has always struggled to connect with people as he’s not good at small talk or making others comfortable, plus he’s nervous because he knows how big a chance this is, and it doesn’t go well. When he gets home Bryce is dancing to Carly Rae and gets him to dance too. When his second day doesn’t go any better he talks to Bryce and tells him there is a tenured music position open and he tells him it’s like an audition and gives him 4 tips for standing out. So he works on his lecture with them in mind and for a break takes Bobo, who he is coming to like, on a walk where they go by an Italian restaurant and the owner comes out and gives both of them meatballs and tells him how Bryce saved his business which starts to change his opinion of him. Meanwhile Bryce keeps going on auditions and not getting any parts and is starting to lose hope. But Emerson’s class is a hit and when he gets home, he tells Bryce not to give up. Emerson has gotten free tickets to the opera at the Met and gives them to Emerson who convinces him to go and they have a wonderful time with Bryce finding it very emotional and really liking it and Emerson kisses him. On their way back to their apartment there are some very funny antics trying to get to the 6th floor that leads to a very hot love scene. But things go sour in the morning and it takes a while for both of them to see where they went wrong and to apologize because they both are falling for each other. Emerson feels a connection with Bryce that he hasn’t had with anyone else and realizes he’s his rare gem and needs to show him how he feels. Bryce’s past with, starting with his father and then all the men who left him has him scared that Emerson will do the same, but then he realizes that he is a good man and none of the others were. They have a great reunion scene and realize they want this time to be different and to talk and communicate more which leads to a very tender love scene. Bryce again helps him with his interview for the tenured position and he gets a call from his friend Preeti about a real job. Luckily things turn out for both of them, with a little long distance romance in the way, but they know they love each other and everything works out. I really enjoyed this story. Bryce is usually very upbeat and loves dancing and his obsession with Carly Rae Jepson but his luck with men has not been good. Emerson has also had some hard things happen to him but he is kind and caring and it doesn’t take long for him to see Bryce’s true qualities. He is happy for his help and falls for him quickly but Bryce has to get over his worries that he will leave him and that takes a while but once he does, he knows Emerson is the one for him. Bobo is ever present in almost every scene and there is a funny parrot, Camille, who adds some humor. Their friends also help them to see they belong together and are just what they need. Plus, I was very impressed with the authors’ knowledge of classical music and dance. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about men who are both seeking the jobs they want in NYC, didn’t realize they would be sharing an apartment there, help each other achieve their dreams, and have a big dog and lots of friends helping them.
November 22, 2025
Honestly, I had very little sympathy for Bryce considering how it seemed like he was just bumming off his ex. Yeah, Anthony was an incredible asshole by breaking up then subletting the apartment without taking Bryce beforehand, but at the same time, Bryce being entirely dependent on Anthony's money and still choosing to try and get dancing gigs rather than literally any other consistent job was super irresponsible.
I'm not sure I understood why Emerson suddenly got stage fright in front of his class when he supposedly had been a professor for a bit now. I guess having more people maybe a bit daunting, but I find it hard to believe that he would be caught off guard by the students asking questions and him not being able to hear/read their lips. Like, how did that not happen back in Indiana?
I can't help but feel a little misled by the blurb. We're told that Emerson is a "stuffy, elbow-patches-on-blazer, permanent-frown-on-face professor" but he was literally nothing but receptive and kind to Bryce after their first meeting. Yeah, he asked Bryce to leave, but then he changed his mind and decided to let Bryce stay without even needing to be convinced since he just reconsidered it out of nowhere. Yeah, he originally didn't like pop music, but he still indulged Bryce and ended up dancing to Carly Rae Jepsen (who gets glazed a bit too much on the story imo) the literal first time Bryce asked him to. He opens up about his fears after his second bad day at work and takes Bryce's advice about auditioning... A real "stuffy, permant-frown" guy would be more stuck up and take much more convincing to try new things and consider new perspectives.
I really started not liking Bryce after he and Emerson had sex then Bryce decided to leave the morning after. Like wtf was Emerson supposed to think when he woke up and saw that Bryce left for brunch with a friend? Emerson was justified in his assumption that Bryce only wanted a hookup considering how he acted. Bryce was being a little bitch by acting hurt that Emerson pointed that out and was overly offended when he thought that Emerson was calling him a slut (which Bryce perceived on his own). Sidenote, I wasn't a fan of Bryce just expo dumping his parents' history to us via an internal monologue. Felt very lazy when we could've learned about it via conversations with his friend/Emerson or had his trauma displayed more clearly first through his actions.
I disliked Bryce even more when Emerson was the guy to initiate reconnecting after Bryce was the who basically started their awkward avoidance thing. Way to own up to his mistakes 😒. Like wtf was the point of him having two separate revelations that Emerson was a "good person" when he just continually kept things the same between them? This peaked particularly the dinner Emerson organized for them where Bryce somehow acts like Emerson was the one who needed to break the ice (and has the audacity to try and downplay him leaving Emerson that morning)
Wtf was about that beard fucking? That just seemed weird.
And while Bryce and Emerson were a decent match for each other, I think I needed a bit more from the story before they said their "I love you's". Felt a bit quick, especially considering how Bryce had just gotten out of a relationship and Emerson hadn't been with anyone in a long time.
Why was Emerson's interview done off screen? For something his character was supposed to be anxious about, it felt like him going through it should've been the climax of his narrative arc aka going from the nervous, anxious wreck he was at the start to being calm, collected enough to show he was worth the position. Why didn't we see him put the things he learned from Bryce to good use in the final boss of his career (at the time)? I mean, it's not like the story does a good job of showing us Emerson's problems with anxiety since all of them literally go away after the he talks to Bryce, but still would've liked to have had the illusion that he needed to work hard versus just having a chapter start taking us Emerson got the job.
The last 20% of the book dealing with Bryce needing to move to LA felt underdeveloped considering how quickly it came and left. He leaves, then the next chapter is Emerson three weeks later, being perfectly fine with the distance, then the next chapter is Bryce coming back. We needed to either see one or both of them struggling with the distance OR have the characters explicitly address the tradeoff they made and how it was wrong/worth. Without seeing distress or suffering from either of them on page, the separation just felt pointless and was just extra padding.
TL;DR: Generally not a fan of the writing. Bryce was emotionally immature and annoying while Emerson didn't really feel like a cohesive character given how quickly he changed his position/learned to overcome his problems after one conversation. The individual character arcs weren't great because they weren't developed enough and nothing was ever satisfying because we never saw the MCs actually need to work hard to achieve their dreams or suffer the consequences of their supposed sacrifice. 2.5 stars rounded down.
I'm not sure I understood why Emerson suddenly got stage fright in front of his class when he supposedly had been a professor for a bit now. I guess having more people maybe a bit daunting, but I find it hard to believe that he would be caught off guard by the students asking questions and him not being able to hear/read their lips. Like, how did that not happen back in Indiana?
I can't help but feel a little misled by the blurb. We're told that Emerson is a "stuffy, elbow-patches-on-blazer, permanent-frown-on-face professor" but he was literally nothing but receptive and kind to Bryce after their first meeting. Yeah, he asked Bryce to leave, but then he changed his mind and decided to let Bryce stay without even needing to be convinced since he just reconsidered it out of nowhere. Yeah, he originally didn't like pop music, but he still indulged Bryce and ended up dancing to Carly Rae Jepsen (who gets glazed a bit too much on the story imo) the literal first time Bryce asked him to. He opens up about his fears after his second bad day at work and takes Bryce's advice about auditioning... A real "stuffy, permant-frown" guy would be more stuck up and take much more convincing to try new things and consider new perspectives.
I really started not liking Bryce after he and Emerson had sex then Bryce decided to leave the morning after. Like wtf was Emerson supposed to think when he woke up and saw that Bryce left for brunch with a friend? Emerson was justified in his assumption that Bryce only wanted a hookup considering how he acted. Bryce was being a little bitch by acting hurt that Emerson pointed that out and was overly offended when he thought that Emerson was calling him a slut (which Bryce perceived on his own). Sidenote, I wasn't a fan of Bryce just expo dumping his parents' history to us via an internal monologue. Felt very lazy when we could've learned about it via conversations with his friend/Emerson or had his trauma displayed more clearly first through his actions.
I disliked Bryce even more when Emerson was the guy to initiate reconnecting after Bryce was the who basically started their awkward avoidance thing. Way to own up to his mistakes 😒. Like wtf was the point of him having two separate revelations that Emerson was a "good person" when he just continually kept things the same between them? This peaked particularly the dinner Emerson organized for them where Bryce somehow acts like Emerson was the one who needed to break the ice (and has the audacity to try and downplay him leaving Emerson that morning)
Wtf was about that beard fucking? That just seemed weird.
And while Bryce and Emerson were a decent match for each other, I think I needed a bit more from the story before they said their "I love you's". Felt a bit quick, especially considering how Bryce had just gotten out of a relationship and Emerson hadn't been with anyone in a long time.
Why was Emerson's interview done off screen? For something his character was supposed to be anxious about, it felt like him going through it should've been the climax of his narrative arc aka going from the nervous, anxious wreck he was at the start to being calm, collected enough to show he was worth the position. Why didn't we see him put the things he learned from Bryce to good use in the final boss of his career (at the time)? I mean, it's not like the story does a good job of showing us Emerson's problems with anxiety since all of them literally go away after the he talks to Bryce, but still would've liked to have had the illusion that he needed to work hard versus just having a chapter start taking us Emerson got the job.
The last 20% of the book dealing with Bryce needing to move to LA felt underdeveloped considering how quickly it came and left. He leaves, then the next chapter is Emerson three weeks later, being perfectly fine with the distance, then the next chapter is Bryce coming back. We needed to either see one or both of them struggling with the distance OR have the characters explicitly address the tradeoff they made and how it was wrong/worth. Without seeing distress or suffering from either of them on page, the separation just felt pointless and was just extra padding.
TL;DR: Generally not a fan of the writing. Bryce was emotionally immature and annoying while Emerson didn't really feel like a cohesive character given how quickly he changed his position/learned to overcome his problems after one conversation. The individual character arcs weren't great because they weren't developed enough and nothing was ever satisfying because we never saw the MCs actually need to work hard to achieve their dreams or suffer the consequences of their supposed sacrifice. 2.5 stars rounded down.
October 8, 2025
Cut to the Feeling by A.J. Truman and M.A. Wardell
Big Boys, Small Spaces #2
Length: 251 pages
Source: GRR Tours eARC
Publication date: September 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐
3 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
🕺🏼 MM rom-com
🐾 Low angst
🎼 Opposites attract
🐾 Reluctant roommates
🕺🏼 Forced proximity
🐾 Disability rep (HoH)
🎼 Diverse body representation
🐾 Stairwell spice (it’s hoooooot)
🕺🏼 The World’s Biggest Carly Rae Jepsen Fan (™)
🐾 A giant matchmaking dog
AUTHOR BLURB
For Bryce Derrickson, rejection is nothing new. He’s used to Broadway casting directors seeing his size and assuming he can’t be a graceful dancer. But getting dumped with no notice is a special kind of burn. At least his sweet dog Bobo still loves him.
As if being left without warning isn’t bad enough, Bryce’s ex sublets their apartment without telling him, leaving him without a place to live. When his new ‘roommate’ turns out to be a stuffy, elbow-patches-on-blazer, permanent-frown-on-face professor, Bryce is furious. No way will he give up his bohemian pad without a fight.
Years ago, Emerson Grant was on the fast track to being a preeminent scholar in his field, but his lack of people skills has kept him stuck at a commuter school in a cornfield. Landing a guest-lecturing spot at a prestigious New York institution could be the jet fuel his career needs to finally take off. That is, if the man and dog blatantly squatting in his sublet don’t drive him bananas first.
Sharing a one-bedroom apartment with a stranger is a New York rite of passage. Sharing it with a stranger you might be falling for is something else entirely.
MY THOUGHTS
I love A.J. and Matt writing together. The first book in this series, Marshmallow Mountain, was a solid start, but this book just absolutely takes off! The banter is extremely well-written. It’s flirty, but also funny, but also clever and helps to advance the story in such a seamless way. The entire interaction in the stairwell (iykyk) had me cackling—CACKLING. It was real and honest and still so sexy and fun.
For me (a woman), this book feels like the epitome of what I truly love in a book of this genre: queer joy. While there are serious conversations and situations in the book, it remains low angst. The MCs are not put through a ton of pain and suffering to be together, and it is incredibly satisfying to see them get a partner that they each deserve: supportive, loving, considerate. Bryce and Emerson give off this overwhelming sense of balance, and that’s a theme for them throughout the book. They are most definitely the yin to one another’s yang, and it’s just so lovely to watch that play out. So much of what comes out of this book has to do with both honoring the 'real you' and not making yourself small or dull for someone else. Be yourself, because there's someone out there who wants you exactly the way you are. You just have to find them, and that might happen in the most unassuming, Nora-Ephron way imaginable.
BOTTOM LINE
Yes. So much yes. Cut to The Feeling is a lot of things: funny, romantic, steamy, cute. As long as A.J. and Matt want to write this series, I’ll be here for it.
— A
CONTENT WARNINGS
Explicit sexual content, mention of car accident and death, mention of sibling death
Thanks to GRR Tours, A.J. Truman, and M.A. Wardell for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, Amazon, and Goodreads.
Big Boys, Small Spaces #2
Length: 251 pages
Source: GRR Tours eARC
Publication date: September 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐
3 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
🕺🏼 MM rom-com
🐾 Low angst
🎼 Opposites attract
🐾 Reluctant roommates
🕺🏼 Forced proximity
🐾 Disability rep (HoH)
🎼 Diverse body representation
🐾 Stairwell spice (it’s hoooooot)
🕺🏼 The World’s Biggest Carly Rae Jepsen Fan (™)
🐾 A giant matchmaking dog
AUTHOR BLURB
For Bryce Derrickson, rejection is nothing new. He’s used to Broadway casting directors seeing his size and assuming he can’t be a graceful dancer. But getting dumped with no notice is a special kind of burn. At least his sweet dog Bobo still loves him.
As if being left without warning isn’t bad enough, Bryce’s ex sublets their apartment without telling him, leaving him without a place to live. When his new ‘roommate’ turns out to be a stuffy, elbow-patches-on-blazer, permanent-frown-on-face professor, Bryce is furious. No way will he give up his bohemian pad without a fight.
Years ago, Emerson Grant was on the fast track to being a preeminent scholar in his field, but his lack of people skills has kept him stuck at a commuter school in a cornfield. Landing a guest-lecturing spot at a prestigious New York institution could be the jet fuel his career needs to finally take off. That is, if the man and dog blatantly squatting in his sublet don’t drive him bananas first.
Sharing a one-bedroom apartment with a stranger is a New York rite of passage. Sharing it with a stranger you might be falling for is something else entirely.
MY THOUGHTS
I love A.J. and Matt writing together. The first book in this series, Marshmallow Mountain, was a solid start, but this book just absolutely takes off! The banter is extremely well-written. It’s flirty, but also funny, but also clever and helps to advance the story in such a seamless way. The entire interaction in the stairwell (iykyk) had me cackling—CACKLING. It was real and honest and still so sexy and fun.
For me (a woman), this book feels like the epitome of what I truly love in a book of this genre: queer joy. While there are serious conversations and situations in the book, it remains low angst. The MCs are not put through a ton of pain and suffering to be together, and it is incredibly satisfying to see them get a partner that they each deserve: supportive, loving, considerate. Bryce and Emerson give off this overwhelming sense of balance, and that’s a theme for them throughout the book. They are most definitely the yin to one another’s yang, and it’s just so lovely to watch that play out. So much of what comes out of this book has to do with both honoring the 'real you' and not making yourself small or dull for someone else. Be yourself, because there's someone out there who wants you exactly the way you are. You just have to find them, and that might happen in the most unassuming, Nora-Ephron way imaginable.
BOTTOM LINE
Yes. So much yes. Cut to The Feeling is a lot of things: funny, romantic, steamy, cute. As long as A.J. and Matt want to write this series, I’ll be here for it.
— A
CONTENT WARNINGS
Explicit sexual content, mention of car accident and death, mention of sibling death
Thanks to GRR Tours, A.J. Truman, and M.A. Wardell for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, Amazon, and Goodreads.
December 23, 2025
This was a relatively low angst romcom with a surprising amount of character growth. Bryce and Emerson meet each other when they are each at tipping points in their life. The story shows them each grow professionally and tackle some of their personal and relationship insecurities.
Bryce is a skilled dancer who is larger than the average. He has been struggling for years to get his chance at a successful career. The story starts w his current live-in boyfriend leaving suddenly and subletting the apt out from under him. This leaves Bryce realizing that everyone he cares about leaves him and he’s left feeling distrustful and wary of love.
Emerson is the new temporary professor of music at the University of New York. His is hard of hearing after a tragic accident and struggles to make friends. This job is a huge opportunity for him and he has a chance at a permanent position. Emerson has suffered loss in his life and has shut himself off to avoid further pain.
The story is of them getting closer and figuring out how to work through their respective fears and trust each other and themselves. Their love and respect feels earned and true and the bumps along the way, while a bit frustrating, do bring them closer together. They felt like real people to me and not just stereotypes or cliches. ❤️
Spoilers: ‼️‼️‼️
- strangers to friends to lovers
- mutual respect
- opposites attract - extroverted sunshine dancer and more reserved nerdy hot farm boy turned professor who is also hard of hearing
- third act breakup at around 70%. They are apart for about two weeks as they each freak out (after a hot night together) and come to terms with their feelings for each other
- another separation at 90% for 3 months, but they stay together. This makes sense in the context of their growth and story. They each achieve professional success but Bryce needs to be in LA for 3 months.
- communication. - the break up could have been avoided if they actually spoken to each other.
- no OM. Bryce attempts a ONS the night he meets Emerson, but nothing happens that night or afterward. They only want each other. Bryce had been w his boyfriend for two years and Emerson had one relationship in college.
- lots of Carly Rae Jepson references and some cool comparisons to classical music.
- loved how Bryce and would use analogies from auditioning to help Emerson with his teaching when he’s struggling
- incredibly lovable dog, Bobo
- spice - this is open door, hot and sweet. It’s always more fun when the characters can laugh together
- unforgettable night at the opera; amazing staircase scene🔥😂. Hot and funny
- Dual POV; HEA 8 months later. Renewed lease, together, both professionally successful
While the breakup and separation make sense for their character growth it did kind of put a damper on the story. I wanted more time with them happy and together without having to be apart. 🤷🏻♀️
Overall, though, a very sweet thoughtful story with extremely likable characters.
Bryce is a skilled dancer who is larger than the average. He has been struggling for years to get his chance at a successful career. The story starts w his current live-in boyfriend leaving suddenly and subletting the apt out from under him. This leaves Bryce realizing that everyone he cares about leaves him and he’s left feeling distrustful and wary of love.
Emerson is the new temporary professor of music at the University of New York. His is hard of hearing after a tragic accident and struggles to make friends. This job is a huge opportunity for him and he has a chance at a permanent position. Emerson has suffered loss in his life and has shut himself off to avoid further pain.
The story is of them getting closer and figuring out how to work through their respective fears and trust each other and themselves. Their love and respect feels earned and true and the bumps along the way, while a bit frustrating, do bring them closer together. They felt like real people to me and not just stereotypes or cliches. ❤️
Spoilers: ‼️‼️‼️
- strangers to friends to lovers
- mutual respect
- opposites attract - extroverted sunshine dancer and more reserved nerdy hot farm boy turned professor who is also hard of hearing
- third act breakup at around 70%. They are apart for about two weeks as they each freak out (after a hot night together) and come to terms with their feelings for each other
- another separation at 90% for 3 months, but they stay together. This makes sense in the context of their growth and story. They each achieve professional success but Bryce needs to be in LA for 3 months.
- communication. - the break up could have been avoided if they actually spoken to each other.
- no OM. Bryce attempts a ONS the night he meets Emerson, but nothing happens that night or afterward. They only want each other. Bryce had been w his boyfriend for two years and Emerson had one relationship in college.
- lots of Carly Rae Jepson references and some cool comparisons to classical music.
- loved how Bryce and would use analogies from auditioning to help Emerson with his teaching when he’s struggling
- incredibly lovable dog, Bobo
- spice - this is open door, hot and sweet. It’s always more fun when the characters can laugh together
- unforgettable night at the opera; amazing staircase scene🔥😂. Hot and funny
- Dual POV; HEA 8 months later. Renewed lease, together, both professionally successful
While the breakup and separation make sense for their character growth it did kind of put a damper on the story. I wanted more time with them happy and together without having to be apart. 🤷🏻♀️
Overall, though, a very sweet thoughtful story with extremely likable characters.
November 3, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me which is a shame because I loved the first book. Some of the writing is confusing or didn’t make sense and the math wasn’t mathing. It needed more editing. Overall, I never really felt their connection and found both characters fairly boring. My favorite things were that Emerson wears a hearing aid and Bobo, the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Notes
bryce is a dancer and fat; emerson wears a hearing aid and is hard of hearing in his right ear, has a beard and glasses; both gay
classical music and professor vs professional dancer and Carly Rae Jepson
bryce listens to carly rae Jepson to cheer himself up. i’m the opposite and like listening to sad music when im sad
bryce keeps informing the reader about what gay men are like
you can’t just instantly evict someone whose been living in the apartment for 2 years even if his name isn’t on the lease, and a real estate attorney/grindr hookup whose dealt with these cases should know this (maybe he was just making a joke telling him he’s evicted with no further clarification, but it comes off as shitty when he could have quickly told him his rights. seems like bad/convenient writing)
a professor guest lecturing a course would also not be able to afford a nyc apartment (maybe he’s diving into his savings or i guess i need to suspend my disbelief?)
lost hearing in his right ear after car accident and needs people to look at him to understand them
emerson listens to classical music
the dog is adorable
how has emerson realized what navigating nyc is like for him if it’s his first morning in nyc
nice a rich british woman who lives in nyc doesn’t know what black face is
her dad’s properties are also all child free. that’s illegal unless they’re 55+ communities which they’re not
bryce says last few days and then says 2 days ago; his audition was mentioned to be the day after emerson moved in but then it’s actually 2+ days later; ugh the timeline doesn’t make sense either
why’s he asking if a girl in her late teens is emerson’s gf
lube, condom, open him up, bryce bottoms, PrEP discussion, 3 spicy scenes, maybe emerson will bottom in the future
bryce had a lot of temporary boyfriends, emerson’s last bf was almost 20 years ago in college, typical divorced parent relationship and homophobic dad in bryce’s past
using his stove for action figure displays was a choice
i forgot who preeti is and there’s no reminder
not wanting to be close to anyone because his sister died in a car crash kind of came out of no where
first good guy bryce dated
better once they become a couple at 75-80%
guest lecturer into tenured professor position, failing dancer gets offered a part on a tv show from a friend, bryce’s friend also gets a role in a different show after someone sprains her ankle, yay another book where everyone is successful by the end /s, maybe i’ve been reading too many romances
3 months in LA to film which luckily doesn’t break them up and is over in like a chapter which felt kind of rushed but also I was ready for this book to be over, 8 month timeskip in epilogue
wanted more chemistry between them
Data and Marsh appear and I’m sure Horton (and his parrot) will be the MC of the third book
Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me which is a shame because I loved the first book. Some of the writing is confusing or didn’t make sense and the math wasn’t mathing. It needed more editing. Overall, I never really felt their connection and found both characters fairly boring. My favorite things were that Emerson wears a hearing aid and Bobo, the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Notes
bryce is a dancer and fat; emerson wears a hearing aid and is hard of hearing in his right ear, has a beard and glasses; both gay
classical music and professor vs professional dancer and Carly Rae Jepson
bryce listens to carly rae Jepson to cheer himself up. i’m the opposite and like listening to sad music when im sad
bryce keeps informing the reader about what gay men are like
you can’t just instantly evict someone whose been living in the apartment for 2 years even if his name isn’t on the lease, and a real estate attorney/grindr hookup whose dealt with these cases should know this (maybe he was just making a joke telling him he’s evicted with no further clarification, but it comes off as shitty when he could have quickly told him his rights. seems like bad/convenient writing)
a professor guest lecturing a course would also not be able to afford a nyc apartment (maybe he’s diving into his savings or i guess i need to suspend my disbelief?)
lost hearing in his right ear after car accident and needs people to look at him to understand them
emerson listens to classical music
the dog is adorable
how has emerson realized what navigating nyc is like for him if it’s his first morning in nyc
nice a rich british woman who lives in nyc doesn’t know what black face is
her dad’s properties are also all child free. that’s illegal unless they’re 55+ communities which they’re not
bryce says last few days and then says 2 days ago; his audition was mentioned to be the day after emerson moved in but then it’s actually 2+ days later; ugh the timeline doesn’t make sense either
why’s he asking if a girl in her late teens is emerson’s gf
lube, condom, open him up, bryce bottoms, PrEP discussion, 3 spicy scenes, maybe emerson will bottom in the future
bryce had a lot of temporary boyfriends, emerson’s last bf was almost 20 years ago in college, typical divorced parent relationship and homophobic dad in bryce’s past
using his stove for action figure displays was a choice
i forgot who preeti is and there’s no reminder
not wanting to be close to anyone because his sister died in a car crash kind of came out of no where
first good guy bryce dated
better once they become a couple at 75-80%
guest lecturer into tenured professor position, failing dancer gets offered a part on a tv show from a friend, bryce’s friend also gets a role in a different show after someone sprains her ankle, yay another book where everyone is successful by the end /s, maybe i’ve been reading too many romances
3 months in LA to film which luckily doesn’t break them up and is over in like a chapter which felt kind of rushed but also I was ready for this book to be over, 8 month timeskip in epilogue
wanted more chemistry between them
Data and Marsh appear and I’m sure Horton (and his parrot) will be the MC of the third book
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