I read this initially when it was just a short novella in an anthology, but I still thoroughly enjoyed every page of the new full version, Ache. The additions make it such an impactful, emotional, and intense story. My poor heart. I became totally invested and enthralled in their story...the good, the bad, and the ugly.

These two have been best friends forever and Jordan has essentially been adopted into Gael's loving family. They have always been close. Jordan has been in love with his best friend for years. Gael has always presented as straight and is now engaged, but there are some unresolved issues and feelings under the surface.

Gael is protective, loving, and likes to be a caretaker. Jordan does not take for granted how blessed he is to have Gael and his family in his life so now that he is successful, he is generous, appreciative, and supportive. They have a strong bond, but it has been tested more lately.

A bachelor party in Vegas will bring everything out in the open. Secrets will be bared. Hurts exposed. Hearts opened. But what will come out of it?  Are their possibilities endless or will it finally end all their possibilities for good?  Are the risks worth the consequences?

This book is gutwrenching and intense. Oh my, the feels, the longing, the despair, the need, the want, and yes, the ACHE! Seriously, it just bleeds off the pages between these two with the soulful looks, the little touches, raw confessions, and undeniable bond and chemistry. And not only their soul-deep connection is powerful, but the expanded plotline packs some twists that I did not see coming. My heart almost could not take it. I might have been calling the author some not-nice names. And I could not turn the pages fast enough.

This is an angsty, dramatic, heartbreaking, longtime-best-friends-to-lovers, what-happens-in-Vegas-may-or-may-not-stay-in-Vegas, M/M love story. This author just pulls out all of the emotions and it had me glued to the story. The side characters, especially Gael's sweet family and Jordan's friend, Frankie add depth, love, and support. It made me so happy to spend time with one of my favorite couples too. I hope that we get to see Frankie find love as well.