Again, I have to thank NetGalley for a copy of this book. No doubt an entertaining love story of two people reuniting after many years.

Building Up to Love is my first J.V. Spencer story and I really enjoyed it. It’s a second chance romance with some legal/thriller aspects. Logan is a defense attorney who runs a growing legal practice in Boston. The search for a new place to live has him crossing paths with his college love, Jared. Seeing Jared again brings old feelings right back to the surface but he broke up with Jared in a spectacular, hurtful fashion and Jared rightfully doesn’t trust his intentions. When Logan takes on the defense of a mob associate, he becomes the target of mob retaliation. This endangers his life and impacts his chances to convince Jared to give him another chance.
I enjoyed the action and legal drama that was a backdrop to the story. Some events were a little over the top, but that’s typical of stories involving mob crimes, so I didn’t mind it. I also enjoyed the secondary characters that are part of Jared’s life, especially his brother Gage. I found Logan and Jared to be likable. Logan knows he screwed up badly with Jared, but he acknowledges his flaws and has changed. Jared understandably questions Logan’s intentions and doesn’t want to rush into things. His hesitation is understandable and justified. He has a growing design business that needs his attention but when Logan’s life is threatened he can’t help but get drawn back into his life.

Anything with the mob involved is going to be totally crazy. Danger around every corner. But what struck me was the way in which we always find ourselves judging what is not understood. J.V. brought to light, how society, as a whole is sometimes so prejudiced over what they don't understand, instead of respecting someone choice and educating themselves. I couldn't put this story down. I also loved the nail gun scene.

This is not your typical M/M Romance. Author J. V. Speyer takes us on a very detailed adventure that reads more like a well written work of fiction than a pulp romance. It's a pretty wild ride!

I really liked that Speyer gives us a personal look at the lives (and work) of Jared and Logan and isn't afraid to delve in to the deep feeling behind their difficult history. It gave a nice, balanced reality to the craziness of the story. Their feelings and romance feels real too. As do the interactions with their friends and families that just want what they think is best for them.

This is the perfect book for those that want a little more out of their romances.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good book that I did enjoy but I really did not like how Jared forgave Logan so easily for what he did. He had been traumatized by how Logan had treated him and then jumps so quickly into another relationship with him. It felt too rushed. The writing in this book was very good and I liked seeing it from both characters' perspectives.

Jared is a dedicated building contractor who cares for his workers and wants to do a good job. He is shocked to hear his ex is in town knows he never wants to see him again after all the hurtful things he said to him when they broke up. Logan regrets how he acted all those years ago but can’t work out how to convince Jared to give him a second chance. Their paths cross unexpectedly and they find it difficult to escape the pull of attraction that still exists. Life gets complicated when the case that Logan is working on spills into his personal life. Enjoyable. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Love story between bisexual Jared and lawyer Logan who previously had a relationship in college but Logan broke Jared's heart because he was against bisexuals in the worst way and it was not a good break up. Now, ten years later they are accidentally reunited and Jared is not surprisingly afraid of getting involved again because he does not want to get hurt by Logan. Again. Logan is a lawyer for mobsters and is being chased by them and in danger...the story is actually somewhat complicated but I did like it. Jared and Logan get involved again and it is very sweet and slow and Logan's life is in danger. The complexities of the mob story area little much but I liked the book in general. Logan and Jared are sweet and so are the other characters. Thanks to NG for the ARC.

Jared is busy with booming contracting work. His fiancee has just left him and that was the final nail in the coffin on his love life. College boyfriend, Logan, slides back into his life when their paths cross and this brings back painful memories.

When Logan and Jared were together, Logan was biphobic and cruel about the way Jared lived his life. The barbs and criticism have stuck with Jared as the years passed and eroded his trust in potential partners.

The thing is, Logan has changed. He's a defense lawyer, working his ass off and he no longer sees bisexuality as a problem.

When Logan takes on a RICO case...he becomes the target of a Mob attack. Through a twist of fate, Jared seems to be the one who is constantly stepping in to save Logan. Their feelings are still lurking below the surface and the more time they spend together, the more complex things become.

While this book wasn't my favorite, I will gladly say it was well-written. The plot was complex but I felt as though it would have felt more realistic had the book been a lot longer. Jared's hurt at the beginning of the novel was tangible but I struggled with how quickly he overcame that simply to end up back in bed with Logan. He spent years being traumatized by someone being biphobic, then seemed to move past it as soon as he saw his old partner. It was a bit confusing and I was a bit uncomfortable with the bisexual representation.

While Logan and Jared's relationship was challenging, the bond between brothers Jared and Gage was charming and sweet.

This author has a lot of books and I'm sure if you're a fan of her writing you will enjoy this title!