Learned Behaviors

“Two single dads meet at the office, where it's hate at first sight in this new series from acclaimed author Jayce Ellis.”
Received an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved his M/M romance with 2 Black men learning how to love each other.

I especially appreciated that there were bi and pan Black men on the page and there was no biphobia to go along with it.
I loved the queer representation overall in the book tbh.

I especially loved that you got to really see and process JaQuan & Matt's mutual malice to attraction to love story and that you got to see the relationships they had with their children and how they really differed,
Both men had to do some emotional work to be at a place to truly love and be accepted by each other.

There were some bits I did not enjoy as much, which is really personal preference rather than story/plot issues, BUT overall it was a very good story and I would recommend it.

I think what I like best about this book though is not the romance, though that is fine. I love the other relationships that Ellis' builds throughout the story. There are two other gentlemen who are on the LGBTQ+ spectrum and no one sleeps with each other, they become friends. They come together to have fun and to ask for advice.

Then there are the relationships built within families in Learned Behaviors, instead of making people abhor each other they end up listening to each other.

Of course Ellis also writes a fine romance for Jaq and Matt. Two very similar men who took a slightly different route in regards to family, but not in work ethic. Put two type A personalities together and steam is sure to happen. Hot, intelligent, and can apologize? Ellis has created dream men and we get to watch them fall in love in Learned Behaviors.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.