Just Like This

Just Like This by Cole McCade Albin Academy #2 Opposites attract…sometimes… When sparks are ignited negatively it often means something positive soon might transpire and so it happened for Rian Falwell and Damon Louis. One man is artistic and the other a jock. Both have back stories that have formed them and come into their relationship with chips, of a sort, on their shoulders. Both also have a deep desire to help the boys at the academy and in so doing, while working together, forge a bond strong enough to see them to a HEA that brings them both a whole lot of just what they both have always wanted. What I liked: * Rian: ethereal with a core of steel, soft hearted but firm, wears a smile for a mask, artistic dablber – I really liked him and the growth he showed in the book. * Damon: conflicted, looking for his roots, closed off, wary, strong, warm, complicated – I liked him and was glad he was able to open up. * Chris: young, good, helper, kind, caring, great potential – so glad his situation worked out eventually. * Wondering about Walden – assistant principal. I am guessing he might get his own HEA, too. * The premises for the story and its location – a boy’s school has potential for romance among staff and students but not between the two…probably. * The emphasis on the students and what was best rather than on the rules alone * The mention of how adoption and not knowing one’s roots can impact a person even though they may grow up in a loving supportive family. * That there was a HEA for Rian and Damon What I didn’t like: * At times I felt the characters were stereotypical/predictable, but I liked them anyway. * Knowing that bullying and exploitation takes place even though I wish it did not. Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more by this author? I think so Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Adores for the ARC – This is my honest review. 3-4 Stars

I loved this; the audiobook was fantastic! Just Like This was a wonderful story. I'm not normally a huge fan of enemies-to-lovers stories but I loved this one. It also has an opposites attract vibe going on which I liked. While I enjoyed reading this book, I have to say that the audiobook made it even better. Unless he narrates under another name, I've never listened to an audiobook performed by Tim Todd until Just Like This. There was something very compelling about his voice and it really made an impact on me. The story itself was very engaging. I was impressed with the depth of caring that Rian and Damon showed for one of their students and the lengths they went to, to help him. Cole McCade did a great job of keeping us guessing about what was going on by using breadcrumbs and not revealing, until the end, what was going on with Chris. I did not see it coming at all! The epilogue, set a few years in the future, was perfect. Epilogues are often my favorite part of a book and that was the case with this one. Not that I didn't love the main story, because I did, but the epilogue just made me feel all kinds of wonderful and made my eyes leak happy tears. I don't know if there will be more books in this series but if there are, I will be reading them. A review copy of the ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and a review copy of the audiobook direct from the publisher, but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book. ***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

Stunning! The characters in Cole McCade’s Albin Academy series are intricate and thoroughly developed; and these are some of the most interesting relationships I’ve ever read. Hurt/Comfort on an entirely different level, the romances are heartbreakingly beautiful and completely satisfying. This is only the second book I’ve read by Cole McCade, and I’ve got to say this author writes some smoking hot romantic scenes! Like literally, almost too hot to read. Plus, I did the audio version, and Tim Todd gives an absolutely scintillating performance. There’s an interesting mystery in Just Like This and we get to know even more of the staff and students of Albin Academy. Cole McCade has created a fascinating community and I’m anxiously awaiting the next episode!