Losers Part One by Harley Laroux

I think I’ve decided reverse harem isn’t my jam. I can still appreciate that this was a good book, though. The dynamics between the characters were interesting and unique, with obvious pairings that still came together through the FMC. Personally, I can really only root for the main character to end up with one person. That’s just me. 

That being said, I’m absolutely feral for Manson. Sweet merciful Jesus. It doesn’t help that I relate to him on a deep, personal level. Reading the trigger warnings was like getting the cliff notes for my own suicide note, so I was nervous about reading this book. But seeing Manson’s struggle with his father was more cathartic than triggering. 

Lucas was a very very close second, but he was just a little too… sad boy for me. Manson has his issues, but he still wants more. Wants Jessica. Lucas is too focused on how terrible everything is, and that’s hard not to do when you’re recovering from intense trauma, but at the same time, I just couldn’t get past how down on himself he was in some parts. Mason’s inner hatred was triggered by the external factor of his father but Lucas didn’t need to be triggered, he’s living in the trauma still. 

Vincent was cute and sweet but didn’t leave much of an impression on me. He was mostly just Jason’s boyfriend in my mind. 

Jason did nothing wrong and it’s not a reflection of his character, but I couldn’t get past his name because of my own trauma. I don’t typically read books with MMC’s with that name, but I had already bought both books, so I stuck it out as best I could. 

There wasn’t a whole lot of in depth, genuine plot, which is fine because this was obviously more of a character driven story than event driven. The main driving factor pushing into book two is obviously the stuff with Manson’s dad and the inner workings of their group and the attachment to Jessica and whether she’ll stay. While it’s not the most compelling thing to drive into book two, it’s good enough for me to I’m still interested in reading their story and seeing how it all concludes.