Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Loathed: Lagan

SERIES: The Foster Brothers (Book 3)

AUTHOR: Nora Phoenix

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 353 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 16, 2022

BLURB:

When mutual hate turns into something else entirely…

Lagan absolutely despises his law professor, Killian Evans. He’s an arrogant, snobby know-it-all who looks down on anyone who’s not up to his standards.

If only he wasn’t so damn hot.
If only he didn’t make Lagan want an entirely different lesson from him…

Killian absolutely despises his student, Lagan Foster. He’s a lazy, flying-by-the seat-of-his-pants C+ student who barely can be bothered to pay attention in class.

If only he wasn’t so damn hot.
If only Killian didn’t want to teach him an entirely different lesson…

Loathed: Lagan is a steamy enemies to lovers MM romance that has insta hate mixed with a solid dose of insta lust, an age gap, found family, and two men who discover they’re much more alike than they thought. It is the third book in The Foster Brothers series, a contemporary MM romance series about four men who chose to be brothers that can be read as stand alones.

REVIEW:

I am so blessed to have been with Nora Phoenix since the beginning. Her stories have always captivate and entrance me. And this one just shined with how good it really was!

Lagan has no idea how he pissed his law professor, Killian Evans, off but it is obvious to everyone in his class that Professor Evan’s can’t stand him and calls him out all the time for anything he can. Lagan is the first one to admit he’s not in this to be Valedictorian of his class or anything close. He already has a full-time job as a highly sought after paralegal in one of the top Law firms in Seattle. And he would be a shoo-in for a job there when he graduates…if that was what he wanted. But Lagan’s “goal in becoming a lawyer is not to work for a fancy law firm. I want to offer legal assistance to those who can’t afford good lawyers. Maybe become a public defender or take on clients who need expertise but don’t have the money.” And he is already doing that volunteering at the legal aid clinic. Killian knows he rides Lagan and it’s now obvious everyone on the class realizes it too. But he just can’t get passed that night nine years ago no matter how hard he tries. The one that a much younger Lagan embarrassed him so badly! What’s worse is that it seems the man doesn’t even seem to recognize him or remember that night at Club Pride. When Lagan shows his real abilities in a class project he was very passionate about Killian knows he has to think differently about him. And when a series of events lead to them experiencing their passionate first kiss…well things have taken a definite turn. But when a devastated Lagan receives an obviously stressful call Killian can’t help but reach out and help the younger man out. But can either man move forward past loathing the other?

All of the Foster Brothers have been through so much since they were young boys looking out for each other. But with Jaren and Hadley finding their Happily Ever After with rich, gorgeous men that are perfect for them it just leaves Lagan feeling more raw and a bigger burden to his brothers and their mates. Being the youngest he has always felt like they were always waiting for him to catch up. But now, with them all being financially secure and flush, he sees an ever increasing gap between all of them and him. He’s tired of being beholden and a burden, no matter how upset they all get when he says things like that to them.

I get why Lagan would up turning to Killian in his biggest time of need. Things were so hard and he just needed someone to take over and let his mind settle. Plus he didn’t want to interrupt his brothers when they were away on vacation with their mates or off on business. But…I can totally see where, when they figured out what trauma  had forced him back to Chicago, they were not only miffed at him for not turning to them but deeply hurt he felt he couldn’t reach out.

I love that the boys still get together every Friday night for family dinner night. And, even though it’s a time to be just the four of them and catch up, I really love that every other week they bring their significant others with them. This gave a chance for the men to get to know the brothers and their loves. I really liked how Sebastian and Killian hit it off. I know the four brothers all loved each other but the closeness of Lagan and Hadley was very significant and their men needed to be supportive of them and their mate. It didn’t hurt that both Sebastian and Killian were both quite wealthy on their own.

I can’t wait for Nordin’s story next however, I am extremely reluctant too. Because I fear we will then be done with their stories and will be leaving the Foster Brother’s universe and I have fallen hard for these four found brothers that have rose above all odds to be who they have become. All from the support and love of each other. Don’t get me wrong…I love Reid, Sebastian and Killian. They gave unconditionally the love and support that their love-of-their lives needed. But Jaren, Hadley, Lagan and Nordin just did it for me. Yes, I can’t wait to hear Nordin’s story (we got some glimpses this time into the real Nordin) but I fear his story is just going to gut me. He has always been the strong one and leader/protector for his younger brothers for so many years but whose’s strong for him?

As you can probably tell, I’m simply in love with this series and this book shown bright and strong. Nora Phoenix is a master in her craft and this book definitely showcased that. Huge thumbs up for me! 👍 If I could have give more hearts I would have…it’s that gripping and good 💕💕💕💕💕

Note: it says in the blurb that each book can be read as a standalone, and they could, however, to get the full back story and understand each of  the Foster Brothers relationship with each other, I highly suggest you read each book in order to get the full effect of this amazing series. (Just my personal opinion 😘)

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

Amazon