"Jeremiah," by Jayce Ellis
Contemporary Multicultural Interracial MM Romance
1 Smooch ~ Cozy
2 Smooches ~ Warm
3 Smooches ~ Simmering
4 Smooches ~ Red-Hot
5 Smooches ~ Scalding
Book Blurb
Jeremiah Stewart’s sexuality is no one’s business. Not that he’s hiding it. When—if—he finds the right one, he’ll absolutely introduce him to Mom. But a late-night brush with a sexy stranger in too much lip gloss has him rethinking nearly everything…
To Collin Galloway, direction is a four-letter word. Sure, he hates his job, he hates living with his parents and he really hates watching everyone move on without him. But he doesn’t know what he wants to do, long-term, and he won’t figure it out by thirsting over Jeremiah, the superhot, superintense paramedic who is suddenly everywhere Collin looks.
When Jeremiah’s faced with losing all he’s worked so hard to build, he reluctantly accepts Collin’s help. They’re both determined to stay professional…which works about as well as either would imagine. But Collin only does closets with clothes, and Jeremiah has to decide if he’s finally found the one worth bringing home to Mom.
My Review
I was so excited to stumble across this read on the #AOCSpotlight thread a few weeks ago. Not only is it a fantastic story in my own personal favorite genre—contemporary MM romance—but it also features a Black lead written by a Black American author. I’m a firm believer that the best way to get more diversity in the publishing world is to bring visibility to the brilliant BIPOC authors out there already telling their stories. Yes, I think white authors should strive to bring diversity into their own writing as well, but who better to tell the stories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color than BIPOC authors themselves? And one of the first steps toward ending racism is to accept, appreciate, and understand differences in culture. As readers, we can start doing exactly that by reading words written by and about those very cultures. It’s definitely something I plan to do on a much more regular basis.
And, let me tell you, Jayce Ellis’s Jeremiah was one helluva wonderful, upbeat, and enlightening read. Jeremiah himself is intense, sexy, and one of the most authentic Black male characters I’ve encountered in far too long. (Just another reason I plan to take active steps to read words written by BIPOC authors, not just about BIPOC characters.) It was so refreshing to see a genuine depiction of a Black man without any white-washing (purposeful or not) and void of any stereotypes (again, purposeful or not). Instead, Jeremiah is a relatable, lovable character who respects and loves his family and friends, has a strong work ethic and moral value system, and knows how to truly be there for a person, no matter how that might look from moment to moment.
The running theme of Jeremiah giving Collin “what [he] need[s]” was so heart-wrenchingly beautiful that it brought a literal happy sigh to my lips every time one of those moments came up. He is this perfect combination of sweet, sexy, and in complete control that’ll just leave you breathless. I definitely felt some subtle Dominant/submissive vibes between Jer-Bear (frickin’ adorable nickname from his fam that I just can’t even with) and Collin. It was handled so beautifully. Jeremiah never pushed Collin’s boundaries, and he was always so careful to be sure Collin was taken care of and content.
I honestly can’t recommend this book enough. To anyone who loves words, but especially anyone who loves love. Because Jeremiah and Collin and their journey toward love gave me all the happiest of sighs. Plus, there is some seriously positive LGBTQ+ rep in this book. Something I adore. Yes, there’s some homophobia that results in a bit of violence and some pretty hurtful and widespread ramifications, but it’s handled respectfully and realistically by the author. It isn’t a plot device wedged into the story without purpose, and it doesn’t dictate how the story itself flows. None of the LGBTQ+ characters allow their gender or sexuality to change who they are or how they live their lives—beyond a few small and specific points I won’t mention for spoiler reasons—but even those are character rather than plot driven, so it feels organic and anything but “in your face.” Everything is addressed with care and I commend Ms. Ellis for the clear effort she put into making this story heartfelt and genuine.
Jayce Ellis’s High Rise Series Playlist!
Check out playlist shared by Ms. Ellis that she uses when writing her sexy High Rise boys! 💕🎧
"Oui" by Jeremih
“Lights Down Low” by MAX (feat. gnash)
"Tru" by Lloyd
“Poetic Justice” by Kendrick Lamar (feat. Drake)
“Paradise” by Bazzi
“Whataya Want From Me” by Adam Lambert
"I'm Ready" by Tevin Campbell
"Never Forget You" by Zara Larsson & MNEK
“Want You to Want Me” by Jason Derulo
“One Thing Right “ by Marshmello & Kane Brown
"Give It 2 You" by Robin Thicke
“Bedrock” by Young Money (feat. Lloyd)
"Hold Each Other" by A Great Big World (feat. Futuristic)
“Hold You (Hold Yuh)” by Gyptian
“In Love With You” by Erykah Badu (feat. Stephen Marley)
“Play” by Big Freedia (feat. Goldiie)
“Thinkin Bout You” by Ciara
“Cool” by Jonas Brothers
“What Ifs” Kane Brown (feat. Lauren Alaina)
“These Are The Times” by Dru Hill
“Can’t Let Go” by Mariah Carey
"Motivation" by Normani
"Don't Ya" by Brett Eldredge
“Exactly How I Feel” by Lizzo (feat. Gucci Mane)
“Lay Your Head On My (Pillow)” by Tony! Toni! Toné!
“Austin” by Blake Shelton
“Two Occasions” by The Deele
“Before I Let Go (Homecoming Live Bonus Track)” by Beyoncé
"Mad Season" by Matchbox Twenty
“Yearning for Your Love” by The Gap Band
“I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross
“Never Knew Love Like This Before” by Stephanie Mills
“Just Give Me A Reason” by P!nk (feat. Nate Ruess)
“4 In The Morning” by Gwen Stefani
“Go Crazy” by Chris Brown & Young Thug
“Breathe” by Faith Hill
Jayce Ellis
She/Her
Jayce Ellis started writing as a child (just ask the poor sixth-graders forced to listen to her hand-written cozy mystery), then made the tragic mistake of letting the real world interfere for the next two decades. When she finally returned to her first love (her husband and two turtles, Chompers and Desi, remain locked in an eternal battle for second), she’d transitioned from mystery to romance, and there she’s found her true passion.
Jayce writes about people a bit like her, Black and queer and striving to find the good in a world fixated on the bad. She prefers her angst low and her characters hot—a term encompassing all shapes, sizes, and complexions.
There may be a hint of irony in Jayce’s day job as a family law attorney, but she soothes herself in worlds where people communicate and find a way to work things out and reach a real and true HEA, even if there’s rarely a neat, tidy little bow wrapping everything else up. Because really, where’s the fun in that?
Connect with Jayce below!
So, what are you waiting for? Jeremiah is available for your immediate reading pleasure! Get your copy today!! 📖
