Luke

Unexpected #4

by Cora Rose

They say love comes from the most unexpected places; I found mine hiding in my bushes from the cops.

My life before Luke was a carefully structured routine. It was predictable and organized, just the way I like it. Some would call it boring, but I call it smart self-preservation, and if there’s one thing that could threaten to bring it all crashing down, it’s Luke van Beek.
He swept into my world like a tropical cyclone, all hot and chaotic, and tore down my safeguards.

Now I can’t seem to rid myself of this charming, larger-than-life, ridiculous man. He’s invaded my personal space, my mind, and my bed.

He’s tempting me in ways I haven’t been tempted before and I’m going to have to teach him a lesson about what happens to naughty boys when they misbehave.

But can my last remaining boundary, the wall I’ve built around my heart, withstand the man who lives to break all the rules? Either way, it seems, my life after Luke will never be the same.

Luke is a funny and steamy M/M romance that features a transgender main character and a grumpy/sunshine trope.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Transgender, LGBT, Queer, Audiobook

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2022

About the author

Cora Rose loves any kind of romance and consumes way too many books each year. She currently lives in the U.S. and spends her days daydreaming about the characters inside her head.

You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com

Reviews

[Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp · Rating 2 out of 5]

|| 1.5 stars ||

Oh. I really did not like this. At all.

It was over-the-top, ridiculous and annoying.

These characters were honestly all very weird.
And I know that many of the characters in the rest of this series have had their oddities as well, but in this case, instead of finding it charming, it really got on my nerves.
I genuinely did not care about Luke or Elliot. Their personalities seemed inauthentic and their interactions felt forced.

The romance was hardly a romance at all. It’s insta-lust and some odd sort of obsession that didn’t make any kind of sense.
There is far too much sex between these two, and their strange power dynamic also completely threw my off.

I found this to be quite a dreadful and boring reading experience. I’m most definitely disappointed.


'Unexpected' series:
1. Whit - 3.0 stars
2. Sem - 3.5 stars
3. Emery - 4.5 stars
4. Luke - 1.5 stars

[Marci · Rating 4 out of 5]

my favorite book & couple in the series 1000% 🥰💘🥰💘 lots of well written vulnerability, insecurities & growth displayed here with some scorching steam too, of course. 🔥🔥🔥 the third act conflict was not great and a little inorganic to the story but I didn’t mind too much.🤷🏼‍♀️ and lol Elliott’s sisters were hilarious I could read a whole book about the shenanigans they get into😌 ugh Luke & Elliott are so perfect together, will be sitting here with a goofy smile on my face forever I guess!!!!!

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*** stars



Mhm… I didn’t love it - to sum it up.

Of course I was intrigued by this book first bc it’s by Cora Rose and I adore her books and second bc I haven’t read one with trans rep before. But in comparison to the books that came before in the series I couldn’t quite connect to neither Luke nor Elliot and tbh the plot around their love story bored me. I wasn’t into it.

It was somewhat entertaining and ofc OTT ridiculous in total CR fashion and I have no problems to go with the flow in these books. I loved the banter between both MCs and with the other characters as well as seeing my fav couples around again.

But Luke somehow felt like a mix or rather cheap copy of Caleb and Sem to me and Elliot was unapproachable and somehow not likable. I can understand where he was coming from and why he was so closed off but understanding him didn’t make it easier for me to like him.

I also haven’t felt the chemistry between the two, so it was pretty hard for me to see why Luke was on to Elliot like a predator he couldn’t shake. I just don’t get it.

But what I liked and totally appreciated was that Luke took no shit from others running their mouths over Elliot being trans.



About the trans rep itself I can’t say anything (if it was authentic or well done) because I don’t know much about it to begin with so I shouldn’t comment on it anyway.


***********
Soooo, quick note to finish up: I was about to only give this a rating of 3.0 but I round it up to 3.5 because I really adored what came after the 80% mark and the ending. ♡


***********
Unexpected Series

Book 1 - Whit - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Sem - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 3 - Emery - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Luke - 3.5 stars
Book 5 - Lex - dnf
Book 6 - Colin - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 7 - Diablo
Book 8 - Ben - 3.0 stars

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love how Luke was a chaotic blend of Caleb and Sem, but Emery is still my absolute favourite 😍

[Mariam, · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love cora, but holy mother of god, her third act conflict SUCKS.

But hell, Luke is my climate change and my polar ice caps are melting. This can’t be good.

Was this over the top? yes 💜
Was this annoying as hell? me wanting to slap all the woman in Elliot's life 😁
Was this just... absolutely ridiculous? a hundred and ten% and I don't have one complaint about it other than the fact that UNSURPRISING YET UTTERLY FRUSTRATING Third Act Conflict.

Cora would seriously be perfect if she would just NOT. WRITE. BREAK-UP. SCENES.

Me: Almost there.
Elliot: Great.
Me: Don’t sound too excited.
I snort and run a hand across my mouth. He’s such a grump.
My grump.

I know people would be creeped out over Luke's personality and first of all;
→ he's Sem's brothers y'all.
and second, I dunno, his POSITION just reminded me of Eddie Munson (🤧) and how i felt like nobuddy gave him a chance, and just like nobuddy gave Luke a chance until Elliot came in (though Eli didn't really have a choice 😏😉) with all of his grumpy glory.

“Crazy, huh?” Luke says, leaning into me slightly.
“Yes, the more I learn about humanity, the less I understand.”

Same Eli. Same.

Also, is it just me but I seriously think it's a shame this book isn't titled Elliot. I adore Luke and how he didn't give up on Eli but Elliot just went thru so much, I wanna give him a cheek kiss.

“I want to stay and walk through this life with you. Only you

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke has the biggest unrelenting heart that slowly melts the icy Elliot in a hilariously sweet grumpy/sunshine romance. Luke is a lighthearted romance due to the optimistically charismatic Luke who is utterly smitten by the irritable Elliot after a chance encounter at the local coffee shop.

What happens next consists of Luke working his way into Elliot's life due to his sincere fascination with the grumpy doctor, who is caught off guard at how Luke has turned his entire world upside down due to his persistent inability to comprehend the word "no."

Luke continues in the footsteps of its predecessors by being such an entertaining read that I couldn't help but laugh at the absurd situations while smiling at the cute moments between Luke and Elliot.

Overall Luke is a great story about opposites attracting and forcing each other outside their comfort zone. Elliot is a grumpy grump, but Luke is unbothered and actually enjoys the challenge, thus their relationship is full of surprises.

[Crystal (Crystalreads2) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behold! Luke is an addicting and fun read. When the author announced she released the book early, I jumped up and down, giddy like a school girl. I have grown to love this series. The bonus is I am happy to see more books representing transgender people.

I love a wonderful grump/ sunshine. These two are that and more.

Luke meets Eliot in the most peculiar is instantly drawn to him and invades Eliot’s life. I loved it! I couldn’t stop laughing.

While Luke is the fun-loving larger then life guy, Eliot is the grumpy, standoffish, and keeps everyone at arm's length guy. But for a good reason., guy. These two are so much fun together.

As much as I laughed in this book, there are some parts I didn’t get teary-eyed just because it’s emotional. My god, the chemistry is off the charts. Honestly, I didn’t expect them to be so hot. And happy I was proved wrong.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3.5~

Positives:

> Luke (he's just sooo likeable, like a squishy teddy bear with a heart of gold and muscles of steel)

> Strong trans representation (Elliot is a well-rounded character)

> No major drama toward the end

> Kink (spanking, strap-on action, bossy Eli)

> Eli's sisters (supportive but infuriating in that "we mean well" way)

> HEA

Negatives:

> Elliot: complex, yes, but not easy to like (uptight, stubborn, treats Luke like crap initially) and a terrible doctor, seemingly too wrapped up in his own life to care about his patients

> Lex, a new secondary character, getting all kinds of page time toward the end (I'm assuming he's going to be a MC at some point, but his presence in this book felt random)

> Unnecessary drama with Eli's ex (which, in a roundabout way, causes a rift between the MCs)

[haletostilinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐︎ 3.25 Stars Unfortunately Rounded Down ⭐︎

While I wanted to adore this like I have the other books in this series, there were just too many frustrating or bothersome elements in this book for me to give it a higher rating.

The Good:

✦ I adored Luke, he was ultimately so sweet and lovable. Yeah he had a few, ahem...stalker tendencies like his brother near the beginning, but he was not nearly as bad and after the beginning he really mellowed out and became the most subdued of the title characters so far in this series.

✦ This was my first romance book where a trans character is a main character, and I can't speak like I know if it did it amazingly or not, as a cis person, but from my probably limited understanding of trans issues, I felt this book handled it well. Elliot - who I'll get to in a minute - while frustrating, was very well rounded and well done. Him being trans was obviously a big part of his life and a part of the story, but it didn't overtake the story either, and it wasn't all there was to Elliot's character, which I appreciated.

✦ There were strong moments of connection between Luke and Elliot that I liked, and while I had problems with their relationship - mainly because of Elliot - I also didn't dislike them either. If Elliot hadn't been so frustrating, and so closed off, I think I really could have loved these two like I have the other couples in this series.

✦ I adored Elliot's sister's, and they were the right amount of hilarious, plus over involved in their brother's love life that comes from a deeper place of caring for him, and wanting him to have the best. These three were a highlight of the book.

✦ There was still, despite the misses, the structure of the story and the writing that felt quintessentially Cora Rose, and her writing style, which I personally adore, saved this from being a total failure, which in other hands I think it would have been, unfortunately.

Now, for the Not So Good:

✦ Yes, I'm going to start this immediately with Elliot. While there were elements done well with his character, and a lot of his motivations for his actions I could objectively understand....despite knowing all that, he still frustrated the fuck out of me, and a lot of times, mainly near the end, he was getting on my last nerve.

I think my biggest problem with him came near the end. He pushes Luke away a LOT in this book - another frustrating aspect of Elliot - and near the end it's finally basically like enough is enough for Luke, but this is after Elliot's biggest pushing away of Luke.

It starts with Luke standing up to for Elliot in the hotel bar, where Elliot's asshole ex is, trying play with Luke's mind and also being transphobic AF. Luke headbutt's the bastard, and Elliot comes into this part just in time to see it.

While violence isn't okay and blah blah blah, the fucker had it coming to him. But Elliot doesn't treat Luke well, at all. He's mean and short with Luke. It comes to the point where even Luke, who is a fan of Elliot's surliness and dominant behavior, telling him "not to speak to him like that"

This is after Elliot has already said crappy shit like "I don't want you here. I don't need you here."

Luke honestly takes a lot from Elliot - nothing that bad before this, mind you - like being pushed away at every turn, short answers, Elliot being resistant at every turn, but his words in this scene, to me, just go too far. Elliot was close to being on my shit list at this point.

And I know what he went through with his ex. The clear emotional and verbal abuse he took from him. I get that, I really do. But it's never okay to take out your trauma on someone else, especially someone like Luke who has been nothing but sweet, wonderful and supportive to him. He even says, after Elliot says the above, that he thinks Elliot is perfect. But that doesn't seem to register with him. Luke doesn't deserve any of this.

But then, after he talks to his shitty ex - and even has gleeful thoughts about the damage to his stupid face done by Luke - he goes up to their hotel room, and gets irrationally angry at Luke, again, and gets on his case instead, idk, talking to him about "violence is wrong, boo, but...also I totally get it and I was kinda happy seeing that fucker laid on his ass...but also violence is wrong *angry face*"

But nah, he lays into Luke instead and even calls what he did "barbaric" and then proceeds to say stuff like about how they're nothing to each other, it's just sex, that Luke "can't have him, he just can't" and so on and so forth. I mean there's no other way to be clearer what you think of their relationship, Elliot.

And then after all that Luke is like "mmkay gotcha" and starts to pack to leave and then Elliot is all like "wait why you leaving??" LIKE?? I'm SORRY? You just belittled your whole relationship together, said stuff like "you can't have me" and "we're nothing" and "it's just sex" and then get upset when Luke gets with the program and leaves?

And mind you, Elliot never says "lets just take some space" or "lets break up" explicitly. But Luke makes it very clear on his end that he's giving Elliot space, and on second thought, he needs space too, because clearly he got things wrong.

And then after all that Elliot proceeds to mope for 2 weeks and barely text Luke, kind of expect Luke to do all the work. He does text him very briefly twice, for which Luke responds, but then all Elliot replies with is "Good." THat's it. That's IT.

Like I'm sorry, what exactly was Elliot expecting? Did he think he could be all like "this is nothing, it's just sex" to Luke and then they'd still be in each other's lives like they're friends? Or still together? Like what? He was the one who pulled away, who got on Luke's case and also belittled their relationship, and then he expect Luke to do all the work? And he gets all upset and like "well it's a two-way street, he could text or call me wah wah wahhhh" and it's like biSH??

No, it's not a two-way street when you pushed the other away - and presumably needed space to figure things out? Why aren't taking that time to figure things out, Elliot?? Why you just moping about and wanting Luke to come to you??? When Luke has done like...95% of the work in their relationship already?? - and also barely give anything via text. Luke's reaction and behavior is completely in line with what happens.

"“Like hell he is,” Kate mutters, but we all just sit in silence, mulling it over. Because it’s the truth. Luke could have reached out just as easily as I could have, but neither of us is making the first move."

LUKE DOESn'T NEED TO MAKE THE FIRST MOVE, yOU DUNCE! I mean seriously. Elliot is just shoving responsibility and the consequences of his actions onto Luke and I'm not here for it.

✦ Also also, Elliot gets taken by his sisters to Sem's place to see if Luke is there, and they stalk him in turn - which lol, turn about is fair play lol - but then they see a woman there (who happens to be Luke's sister in law) but Elliot, instead of maybe getting out and talking to Luke when Luke sees him - because of course he eventually does - Elliot tells them to drive away. He could have cleared that up and also maybe been the one to come to Luke instead of Luke coming to him, but of course that didn't happen! That'd be too much initiative for Elliot. Ugh.

Also when (Luke, of course) shows up on Elliot's doorstep (although tbf Elliot was reaching out to him many times after news of Luke possibly being hurt on his job got out. He wasn't, but Elliot didn't know for sure), Luke forgives Elliot way too easily, I felt. It was like he was already forgiven, basically, and idk, I just think Elliot should have groveled a little more. I hate when characters do stupid shit and act a mess and then don't really have to face consequences for their actions. Like fully owning up to their stupidity. Elliot at least apologizes, but whatever *hmph*

✦ On a lesser scale, the first 30% of this or so was a little slow going for me on the relationship front. Elliot was so reserved that I wasn't really getting attraction or feelings from him towards Luke, even though we were told he did. It took too long for Elliot to warm up and let go a little and start to really feel things for Luke - or well, for me to feel like Elliot felt things for Luke.

Elliot was compared to Whit in this a few times, and I have to say that while yes, Whit is similar, he never acted quite as idiotic as Elliot and also he and Caleb, to me, had chemistry right off the bat.

✦ I'm also not sure exactly what Luke saw in Elliot for a good portion of this, tbh - like that first 30% of this. Elliot was surly, cold and rude and even ran over Luke's foot with his car (!!) and he was very resistant to Luke at first, and didn't exactly display any interesting or charming traits - sorry, Elliot - so I dunno why Luke was so very attached to Elliot at first. As Elliot loosened up over time, sure, but not at first.

✦ I dunno why the D/s thing was introduced in this when it was barely played into. We saw some of it, of Elliot being the dominant, but it wasn't play into that much. Actually, there wasn't as much as sex as I would have liked in this book, tbh. I felt like the previous 3 had more. What we did get was good, but I felt like this moved away from sex scenes that we could have had that the previous three did not shy away from.

Overall I just had too many problems with this book to give it a higher rating, which is unfortunate as I love this author. I think Elliot as a character just got in his own way, and in the way of their relationship, too many times, and he wasn't surly and closed off in a very enjoyable way most of the time, which really brought down the enjoyment of this book for me.

I do hope we can get back to Cora Rose goodness in the next book about Lex, a character we're introduced to in this book.

As it is, this one just didn't live up to this author's usual talent, unfortunately. Oh well, onto the next! (Which hopefully goes better than this one🤞)

My Ratings for the Unexpected series:

✨ Whit: 4.25 stars (my review)
✨ Sem: 4.25 stars (my review)
✨ Emery: 4.5 stars (my review)
✨ Luke: 3.25 stars

[Maisha Farzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dunno why y'all are complaining about Eli. I loved him. Luke was funny and charming. But Eli felt lot more real and related. His character had depth. However, opinions differ from person to person. So, it's fine I guess. I loved the romance as usual. It was totally ridiculous, unbelievable and over the top in every single way possible. Yet it never had me annoyed. I enjoyed every single second pf reading this book. Cora Rose's humor was perfect as usual. I laughed out loud several times. The banter was cute. Luke and Eli had good chemistry. Most of all, I am happy that she has decided to continue with the series and writing more books than it was initially planned.

I would gladly rate "Luke" 5 stars if it wasn't for the break up scene. It was poorly written. Eli's reasons were justified. But I didn't like how everything played out. The 'conflict' part was very very weak and underwhelming. I loved the triple epilogue though. Pun intended...lol.

[Kate V · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this.

I don’t even know what this was.

Elliot can go f*ck himself. What a douche bag.

For fear of a rant…I’m just going to say this was a hard no for me. The end.

[kaye taz · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook

My apologies to Sem and Maggie. It’s nothing personal, but you’ve been dethroned.

Ahh, Luke and Eli! Kicking myself for not reading this sooner. Cora Rose and I have sort of a weird relationship where she adds random unnecessary relationship angst and I get mad and ghost her for a few months.

But truly every aspect of this book was perfection. Luke is a van Beek through and through, so there was obviously lots of delicious mild stalking and forced proximity and just absolutely relentless pursuit of a very unwilling party.

Also this book is a perfect example of why I adore the grumpy/sunshine trope. The difference of their POVs was so funny. The way Elliot acted like having a crush was the end of the world, meanwhile Luke thought having a crush was the best thing that had ever happened to him. Just loved their little push and pull. And the way Eli just slowly but surely warmed up to the relationship he was basically being forced into.

The spice? Sheesh. I love when dynamics do a complete 180 in the bedroom. Elliot being this secret kinky dom and Luke being naturally submissive with a penchant for being called a good boy was so hot and I was here for it.

For once, I didn’t hate the relationship angst and actually really loved the character development we saw from it. Plus all those scenes with Lex? Please—I am so ready for his book.

This is also the first book I’ve read with trans representation, and while I can’t speak for that community, I really adored the way it was portrayed and felt it was done super well, and just so beautiful. Shout out to the van Beek family for continuing to be so open-minded and supportive, and just always loving without conditions.

There’s no way this book can be beat, but I am excited to continue the series.

Bookstagram | Booktok

[Moon ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored Eli! Honestly, he was a character who was relatable to me on a very personal level. All the grumpy, annoyed energy, scared of having fun and terrified of needing someone? Let's just say that sounds remotely (whom am i kidding, right?) relatable. Also if you any of you have read the Sons of the Fallen series, Eli is just like my sweetheart Daman.
Luke was the perfect balance for Eli. With just the right amount of daring, love, laughter, adventure and warmth in him, he balanced out the rough edges of Eli. Also I looooove the character arch Eli goes through. Please, that guy needed a reality check from the cosmos themselves. Part of the reason this book is a 4 stars is because of the way it ended. Absolutely adorable. Though...
Another reason this book is only 4 stars and not 5, is because of the unnecessary argument in the third half of the book. I love Cora Rose's writing style, but the argument in the third half of the novel and it somehow getting resolved is becoming mundane and annoying. I hope that gets some revision in the next books written by her.

P.s. I haven't ever read anything which has trans rep in it, which isn't an autobiography, and then too, their mention is fleeting. But I felt like Cora Rose did a pretty great job about it. She was sensitive about representing the community, showcasing the need to get accepted, but didn't make it the crux of Eli's personality. Various things together made up Eli, being a trans-man, being one of those things and I, for one, was pretty thrilled with the rep and the sensitivity.

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought we would have to wait until the end of august for Luke's story, but Cora surprised us with an early release and I had to pause everything! I swear we’re so spoiled by them.

First of Cora started by saying that this story is Whit 2.0, and I thought that is perfectly fine with me. Luke is an adorably insane golden retriever and Elliot, a grumpy black cat, and they couldn’t be perfect for each other. Luke is a toned-down version of Sem (Sem, while I adore him, legit scares me too). I love how everyone from the first three books, especially Emery and August. I feel an intense urge to re-read, but I have other books to read first before treating myself to their story again.

I also love how there is transgender representation. I think this is the second book with a main transgender character I read. Luke is able to bring out Eliot from his shell and show that he deserves to be loved and adored! I also loved how submissive Luke is - I did not see that coming so that was a pleasant surprise. The romance was so sweet and the sex so hot! Also so hilarious - I couldn’t help smiling at Luke’s antics and poor Elliot who has deal with them. I honestly can not wait for more works by Cora Rose, such a delightful writer. While I will say Sem and Emery are both at the top for me I enjoyed Luke a lot as well. Overall it was a fun and sexy read and can not recommend this series enough.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I’ve never grinned so much in my life. My face hurts. I’ll have to scowl extra hard tomorrow to make up for it."

These books just make me so happy. I'm not sure how Rose keeps writing these adorable romances with similar relationship dynamics without making them feel redundant, but she does and it's wonderful. These books are like crack to someone whose love language is touch, and I can't get enough. Luke and Elliott are so precious. And the amount of acceptance in these books always touches my heart. Between Luke's family and Elliott's sisters, there was just so much support for these two, and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait for the next one. Also, Rose writes the best epilogues.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

LUUUUUKE 😭 oh my gods this was perfection. I'm obsessed with Luke and Elliot

thank you @indieauthorcreative and Cora for an arc!!! 🖤

[L Ann]

DNF @55%

No one is as surprised as I am, especially considering how much I enjoyed the beginning. I'm bored and Elliot is getting on my nerves. Maybe I'll finish this later but for right now I'm done.

[D.L. Howe · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

BR with my girl Cass!

I’m not sure … it could totally be a me thing, but … I didn’t feel a connection until about 84%.

Yeah, it’s sweet and funny. I adore Luke and how he just bulldozes into Elliot’s life. I especially love Eli because I’ve always been a fan of the grumps. When Luke compared him to Oscar the Grouch I knew Eli was it for me. I especially enjoyed his reluctant neediness for touch.

But it felt skin deep, I didn’t conceive the growth or progression of their relationship. Eli went from annoyed to jacking him off to an evolution of sex as he grew comfortable with what he was willing to share.

I have no issues with Eli needing to feel comfortable and/or safe, in fact that felt real and I applaud Cora for writing the most respectful trans book I’ve read.

All I felt from Eli was annoyance and all I felt from Luke was obsession. That was it until the last 16%. I wanted what they felt then in the rest of the book or at least a progression. I’m a emotionally charged reader, I need the emotions to appreciate the sex and their evolving relationship.

And while I wanted the domination that was offered in Eli, I didn’t buy it. I bought Luke being a brat but Eli didn’t have the preeminence to actually boss him around. There wasn’t a single moment where I believed Eli was in charge.

I freaking adored Amanda and Eli’s sisters, they were like the Van Beek clan 2.0. I’d love to see those two families come together and then see how miserable that makes both Eli and Whit.

Luke’s mom is the best of all, like she’s everyone’s mom as soon as they meet her. The world needs more parents like this.

Overall I think this one tackled a lot without the knowledge to carry it out. Research is key. While we are reading fiction and some things can veer toward unimaginable, some things do need to be believable.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite part of the weekend - BR with Debbie

As with Sem and Whit - all the stars... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

OMG - I could not wait for this one!!!! Luke was such a hoot in the previous books but I did not know what to expect really with this one. But did Cora Rose deliver!!! I swear I just laughed though the first half of this book. The banter people... It just killed me. They are so funny together.

Sometimes I find grumpy:sunshine a bit much but this was done so well. I didn't really get bored with the grumpy because Cora Rose put just enough subtle smirking and fun in there to know Eli wasn't all dour. Well, not entirely. And the references to if he was related to Whit? 🤣

Luke meets Eli in the coffee line and calls him out for cutting the line. Then, he just never goes away. He decides he likes Eli and that's just the end of it. He stalks him to his house and kind of never leaves. Eli is transgender (no that's not a spoiler) and I always get a little nervous with how this is treated in fiction because it can be so good or just cringe. This falls on the good side. We don't really get much on the way of history but Eli has amazing and hilarious sisters and a solid group around him. He's had some trauma from a past relationship and the fallout from this is heartbreaking.

And Luke? So easy going. One of the things I adore, simply adore about this series is the boys in this family are all just so accepting of their feelings, even if they are new, different and unexpected. They just go with the flow. I wanna cuddle my roommate, I cuddle. I wanna stalk a twink, I stalk, I wanna just chill with this guy even though I'm not gay and he makes my dick hard? All good. It just makes my heart happy.

This story of Luke and Eli discovering each other was just a joy, hilarious and unexpectedly sweet. The sex was 🥵🔥. Really 🔥. I wasn't sure how this one would pan out for me but as it says in the preface, strap in, leave your disbelief at the door and enjoy the ride.

[Drusilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

While walking down a road and smiling, because you're thinking of a book, then certainly it must be a book by Cora Rose. Her books always give me such a wonderfully warm feeling, like being snuggled up in a warm blanket and sipping tea on a rainy day.
Her characters are so lovely. And Luke is so heartwarmingly wonderful that I'm at a loss for words. I read this way too fast, as usual, so I'll have to savor it again in a few weeks.
Also in the fourth book Cora Rose managed to surprise me. No two books are the same, even if the family ties are a bit repetitive, but somehow I've come to expect that there will be injuries because the boys explode something or have "accidents" with their trucks.
Luke and Elliott are again an unusual couple, but so perfect for each other. For me a unique story, nothing I have read before.
It is a very funny read:

I sit up and rub my hands together. “Oh, fuck. I love boundaries.”
Elliot stares at me. “Why don’t I believe that?”
“I love trespassing,” I add with a smirk. “Can’t do that without boundaries.”

a bit grumpy:

I hate interacting with people. Networking? Who needs it? I could live in a cabin in the woods for the rest of my days and be utterly happy. I’d make friends with the bears and have food air-dropped nearby.

and so emotional:

“Don’t ever leave me again,” I whisper. “I know I was wrong and that I pushed you away, but always come back. Please. I need you. Be patient with me.”

[Jess Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke's book was everything I was hoping for!!

Cora Rose never fails to make me feel all the things with her books. First with Whit, then Sem and even with Emery through his chaos.

Even though we had met Elliot in Emery we really didn't get a grasp of who he was, so I was a bit shocked that Luke was destined to be with someone crankier than Whit. For such a happy go lucky guy he fell for someone who was not only emotionally closed off but who had a perpetual stick up his bum. The way that Luke went about winning over Eli was at times funny and completely over the top, but I was entirely here for it. Sometimes I want the instalove with the over exaggerated emotions because you know what? They make me happy.

If I had one complaint about this book it was that I would have liked to see more of Luke's emotions and feelings after Colorado. Since this book was meant to be fun it was not enough of a problem to make me lower my rating. Just something I would have liked.

To put it plainly, I loved this book and all the other books that Cora Rose has written in this world. This entire family reminds me a lot of my family with their overbearing ways and the way that they can get you to talk even when you don't want to. I will always be here to hype up the books that make me happy and Luke made me happy.

[Cyndi (hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can take one lesson away from a book by Cora Rose, it's that persistence pays off. And these van Beek men have the art of persistence dialed in and mastered. I nearly died when Luke was lying in Elliott's bushes, avoiding the cops. That boy didn't want to go to jail, but he wasn't about to leave either. I swear I'm obsessed with everything this author writes. It's so obvious that she's having a good time. Every time one of these books drops out of nowhere, I wipe my schedule clean, kick back and get read for a crazy ride.

I loved how grumpy Elliott was. From start to finish, that scowl held steady. The only thing better was his inner monologue, which gave away how hard he fought to maintain that frown around Luke. Because seriously, how can you not smile around Luke? He was so genuine. So curious. So heart-on-his-sleeve. So down-to-whatever-but-imma-fall-asleep-afterwards. The fact that he had blood running down his face, but refused to leave the coffee shop without his white chocolate mocha with whipped cream and sprinkles pretty much sums him up.

Elliott's sisters were fantastic and so endearing. I loved their brand of overstepping and fierce protectiveness and would brunch with them any day of the week. I also loved seeing all of the characters from previous books again, especially Caleb and Whit. Their dynamic still cracks me up and getting them and all of the other characters in even the smallest of doses made me want to go back and reread all of their books again. They're just SO FUN. Even when the story is on the heavier side, the humor and outlandish characters balance it out. And Lex's story is next! I can't even imagine how that's going to go, but I am so there for it.

Being that Elliott was a trans man, I was so glad to see that the author enlisted sensitivity readers. I think it's important to try and get things as close to "right" as possible, rather than write a story based on assumptions, google searches or porn. And even though getting it "right" is subjective and personal, I have mad respect for an author who is potentially writing outside of their own experience and is sensitive to and cognizant of the holes in their knowledge base and the need to include own voices. It made me like this author even more.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I'm going to round this up. This was maybe like a 3.75 for me.

I love Luke. Actually I love all the van Beek boys. Sigh. Anyway, most of this book was enjoyable for me. I liked seeing Lex popping in here and there. Loved Elliot's sisters.

That being said, Elliot seriously irritated the hell out of me around the middle of the book. The way he handled the whole discussion with Luke at the hotel pissed me off. You like him, stop being dumb.

Luckily, the ending was better after Elliot stopped being so stubborn.

[Mir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not even a disgusting baby epilogue can make me rate this less than five stars.

Like all the other books, I read this in hours and forgot to do anything else.

I loved Luke and I loved Elliot and this story was handled with grace and a shit ton of humour like all the other stories. I even cried a bit at the scene with Luke’s parents so that’s 4/4 for making me cry with this series.

I just adore the slightly OTT ridiculousness that this author writes. I love how Luke randomly meets Elliot one day and literally barnacles himself to him. Elliot is the perfect amount of grumpy and him and Luke falling in love was, as expected, delightful and so fucking fun!

Can not wait for the next book as usual!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! Maybe narrowly beating out Sem as my favorite of the series… I’m still undecided.

This book was genuinely funny. There’s something so good about the starchy lead + the wild lead as they bounce off one another, I found myself continuously highlighting the book.

When Luke bullies Elliot into giving him his number:
Elliot sighs, his shoulders slumping even farther. “If I give this to you, you will not be texting me at all hours. I have boundaries.”
I sit up and rub my hands together. “Oh, fuck. I love boundaries.”
Elliot stares at me. “Why don’t I believe that?”
“I love trespassing,” I add with a smirk. “Can’t do that without boundaries.”

When Elliot’s sisters are coming over to encroach on their alone time:
”Fine. We better order in then,” I mutter.
I am never getting laid ever again.
I will die miserable and horny for him.
“Nah. No need. They’re bringing food—something called a chartreuse board, whatever the fuck that is. Maybe it’s all yellowish green foods? And Jane’s bringing Prosecco and says I need to try it with pomegranate juice. Dunno, man. Sounds like I’m going to have the shits tomorrow.”

When Luke’s explaining that he’s sticking with Elliot:
”Oh, Eli. I’m going to teach you so much. Let me see, how do I put this in terms you’ll understand? … I’ve grown on you like a cyst. A benign cyst filled with joy and excitement and sexy times.”
“That’s a revolting analogy. And you need to clean yourself up.”

Basically, this book was FUN. SWEET. SEXY. ROMANTIC. I’m obsessed.

Elliot is the prim and proper doctor who proclaims he hates people and is done with friends and love. Luke is the wild hillbilly-type who he meets at Starbucks (while Luke is bleeding profusely from a head wound) and then runs over with his Tesla (just his foot, don’t worry). Luke stalks him, Elliot tries to resist… it is futile.

Seeing them come together in every way was just wonderful. Elliot comes out of his shell as he realizes he is worthy of friendship and kindness and love. There was a wonderful moment where Luke defends him from his sisters loving teases, saying he can be fun and Eli’s smiles make him feel like he won the lottery, and I melted.

Luke provides the uncomplicated and non-judgmental love that Eli is scared to crave, after he was rejected by his parents when he came out at trans and after the abusive mocking and derision from his last partner.

THIS WAS JUST WONDERFUL.

TW for transphobia

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's getting 4 stars because one of the MC is trans and the rep is amazing so yeah, extra star. And I'm adding another because they're a true vers couple, and that gets extra stars in my book (especially considering non cisnormative intimacy). So it should be 2 stars because the plot is ridiculous (actually, what plot?), Elliot needs to chill but, my dude, do I understand him so well. And Luke is just a sweet relentless mf. But everything is ott as expected and at times I got a bit bored. I wanted more of them sorting out their luuuurve, but well oh well.

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read on 4th May/25

I'll bump down the rating to 3.5⭐ this time around.

Even though Luke didn't really get a fantastic story, just a mediocre copypasta, I still like him and I think he had the most potential of all the van Beek guys.

I had no marked highlights in this book. I just wasn't drawn in, because they were both idiots since the very start.


I still have to read Lex, yet another installment I didn't particularly like.

___________________________________

Original review on 17th Aug/22

I'm giving this book 4⭐.

Trans books are a little out of my comfort zone, but this one is quite well written.

🟡 Blue collar / doctor
🟢 Gay / trans
🔵 Stalking again
🟣 I like the cover
🌶️ Sex is descriptive; penetrative, some oral, pegging

Luke is a blue collar worker, he's big, buff, a simple guy and just adorable. He's got that teddy bear thing going on, he's just all emotion and open for anything.
Luke doesn't have relationships, works hard, lives practically in his van, loves his friends and family.

And falls hard for Elliot.

Elliot lost his parents 15 years ago, when he came out as trans and they wanted nothing to do with him anymore. He also has 3 sisters that went along with him when he left home and they religiously support him and follow him everywhere.
He's a doctor, drives a Tesla and has his own practice. He's closed off, doesn't have friends, doesn't do relationships, lives a solitary life. He's been hurt badly by an ex, who made fun of him for being trans and a dominant in the bedroom.
Elliot hasn't had bottom surgery.

Luke is instantly drawn to Elliot and starts following him around. But he's not a serial stalker like Sem, he's more like a man whose interest was really, really piqued. And he's harmless, not like Sem who's a psycho, so a bit different.

It's crazy and in the real world he'd immediately get a restraining order, but he is sort of a himbo and he just latched on to Elliot.

Luke wants to be Elliot's friend, he's constantly visiting him at home, he's practically sleeping there with Elliot every night; he wants to just hang out and bring Elliot out of his shell.

It's a bit silly, because I didn't buy into this whole idea of Luke being so damn interested, he just had to follow Elliot home, I think the author just recycled Sem a little bit and made Luke completely unthreatening and I'll say that I did expect a bit of a different love story for him. Definitely not as OTT.

Elliot is resisting all the way, but soon they cuddle and wake up together, they start feeling comfortable around each other, Elliot begins to open up and trust Luke, allows himself to like Luke and even though there's another third act break up here (it's in every book), they do get together after that work trip and start building true intimacy.

Luke is so far my favourite main character in the series, he's a sweet himbo and I really liked him.

[Simona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Omg Elliott is sooo bad!

[xxBooksILovexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just devoured this book! I can’t get over Cora’s writing. There is something so special about her characters. This is the ultimate grumpy/sunshine story. Luke is amazing and so full of life. Elliott is quiet & reserved. The electricity that develops between was so real & emotional. I never wanted it to end. Do yourself a favor & read this book!!

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good. yes, over the top, but i love it so what can i do?
the only little thing that bothered me is that i expected luke to be crazy like sem and while he is crazy, he’s tamer i guess.
everything else is completely approved but i won’t go into details because i’m hangover and this is the best my brain can do atm.
i’m so EXCITED for the next book.