Four Stars
Are you looking for an emotionally satisfying, sexy M/M new adult romance? OF COURSE YOU ARE. Annabeth Albert has given us another winner from her True Colors series!
OUT OF CHARACTER is a childhood friends to enemies to lovers novel; this trope-tastic book will rip your heart out, then put it back together even better than before. Following Jasper, everyone’s favorite bestie, but never anyone’s favorite boyfriend, and Milo, his former best friend and eternal screwup.
Milo needs Jasper’s help after he’s swindled out of valuable cards. Jasper still hasn’t forgiven Milo for ruining their childhood friendship, but they reach a shaky truce. Jasper will help Milo find the cards, Milo will fill in cosplay with Jasper’s troop at the hospital.
Drawing heavily on coming-of-age themes and self-acceptance. Jasper and Milo’s HEA is extremely hard-won. There are moments that will make you laugh out loud (Milo’s reaction to his cosplay costume comes to mind), cry, and turn the pages until late in the night.
While Jasper had an emotional journey in this book, Milo stole my heart. If you’re a fan of Tessa Bailey’s HEAT STROKE, you’ll fall in love with Milo. I know I did! I was prepared not to like him, but he stole my heart page after page. He’s a down on his luck former jock and has made some BIG mistakes. Life continually knocks him down, and he continually gets back up, each time a little wiser. By the time the book ends, you know he’s exactly who Jasper needs. I’ll think about his character for a long, long time to come.
I thought the middle of the book dragged just a touch. The emotional push and pull was angsty and delicious, but for a few chapters it felt like Jasper and Milo were having the same conversations over and over. Not long enough to truly impact my enjoyment, but I think it could have been tightened up a little bit.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was fabulous! I enjoyed the dual narrators, and both men brought the characters to life. Milo’s accent was especially delicious.
Overall, I absolutely adored this book. The romance is so satisfying and I actually fell in love with both main characters. The scenes with Milo’s family at the end? I am crying just thinking about them! I need 1000 more books in this series ASAP!
**I received a free copy of this audiobook in order to provide an honest review**
Romance Reader 