Things I Wished We Said by Jacey Davis

Riot and his family are everything to Koa, and he would choose to live with Riot every day of their lives even though Riot has no idea that Koa is in love with him. Strong together as they raise a bevy of kids, Riot can't imagine a life without Koa, and thank goodness he doesn't have to.


From the blurb:

Sometimes when I think back, I wonder how I got here. How did the sad, scared thirteen-year-old boy forced to move across the country to live with an aunt he barely knew end up married to his best friend and raising seven kids together?

Sure, the marriage is for the benefits, and the kids are Riot’s siblings, but still. It’s a life I never imagined, but one I wouldn’t change for the world.

Except for one thing.

I love Riot a little more than a best friend should. Or a lot more. Sometimes I imagine what his lips feel like pressed up against mine, or how it would feel if he calls me husband and truly means it.

It’s a secret I kept for years, terrified that if Riot found out, it would ruin everything. Because having him in my life in any way I could get him is better than no Riot at all.

Lately, it’s been harder to keep my feelings to myself. And when one secret is revealed, all the others start to unravel.

All I could do at this point is be honest and hope I don’t lose my best friend in the process.

Things I Wished We Said is a standalone slow-burn, best friends-to-lovers contemporary MM romance. Expect tons of family dynamics, pining, an oblivious MC, and so many cuddles and head kisses.

Please check the front of the book for a complete list of trigger warnings.


SNik's review:

Standalone. Aroace representation. Childhood best friends. Marriage of convenience. Slow/low burn. Found family. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV. Heed content warnings. 

Friends since they were kids, Koa and Riot have survived, bonded and cared for each other for years. They married to take care of all of Riot’s siblings together and work hard to keep their family together and safe, but Koa has been in love with Riot the whole time and Riot has no clue. 

This story is about family, choosing it, sacrificing for it, and loving it. Koa’s commitment to Riot and his family from a young age is admirable and his love for Riot heartbreaking, as Riot has no clue. However, Riot does know how deeply he needs and has needed Koa over the years, and as the story progresses he comes to realize that Koa is his soulmate in all ways. The family dynamics feel realistic and their daily lives are hard but worth it, and there is no doubt that Koa and Riot's love for the family and each other is boundless. A really sweet story.


Things I Wished We Said is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription