Summary

Alex Larsen

Remy Duval was my high school crush and secret first kiss, but he’s also so much more. A painter, a tattoo artist, my best friend Bailey’s older brother…and Bailey’s sworn enemy. It was easier to keep my distance the past two years, but now that Bailey and I are attending Franklin University with him, I’m only drawn to Remy more. I should be loyal to my best friend, focus on classes and swim team, but the more I see Remy around campus, the harder it becomes to stay away.

Remy Duval

My brother hates me, but that’s no surprise. I’ll take the fall for ruining our family if it means doing the right thing. But as soon as my brother and his best friend show up on campus, I know I’m in trouble. Alex is all grown up, and I can’t help wanting him, especially when he’s in those tiny swim briefs that emphasize everything.

One kiss leads to more, and before we know it, we’re tumbling into secret, no-strings-attached hookups. But who knew Alex would understand me in ways few others have? And I think, just maybe, I understand him too.

I keep telling myself it’s temporary. Alex doesn’t want to disappoint his best friend, and after what my parents went through, I’m not looking to settle down. Making waves is nothing new, but the further I fall, the more I drag Alex in the deep end with me.

Review

This was my least favorite of the Franklin U series books, which is a huge bummer because I had REALLY been looking forward to Remy’s book!!

I WANTED to like this book so much, and the overall premise is great and the bones are there, it just… wasn’t very well executed. I love a best friend’s brother/brother’s best friend romance, and there was so much potential there with Alex and his long-standing crush on his brother’s hot, tattoo-artist older brother.

The pacing was all over the place, often stuttering and jerking along ahead of itself it ways that didn’t really make sense. The writing was just SO overdramatic, and much of the dialogue that was supposed to (I think) sound romantic was just sappy (and not in the good way). I liked the story itself, and the chemistry between Alex and Remy was there, I just wish this book had maybe had a little more time to proof and bake before being served up.

This is the seventh book in the Franklin U series. The FUKings books are all stand-alones set in the same universe and each written by a different author. As the blurb in the front matter says, “You don’t need to read the other to enjoy this one (though you should, because they’re awesome).” Can confirm 10/10 are awesome.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.