Cover Image: Leo Loves Aries

Leo Loves Aries

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Member Reviews

I love Anyta Sundays books in this series. They are all so much fun and I literally giggled to myself several times when reading this.

Theo and Jamie were absolutely adorable together. I loved how oblivious Theo was and how patient Jamie was with Theo.

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Sadly, I wasn't big fan of the book. There was just something about the writing that didn't sit well with me.

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Theo: *thinks about Jamie 24/7, gets a hard on when Jamie sucks peanut butter off his fingers, goes out of his way to spend time and banter with Jamie, thinks about Jamie while he's entertaining himself in the shower, etc.*
Also Theo: we're the bestest of bros.

I didn't know what to expect going into this but it was actually a lot of fun.

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I...have mixed feelings about this one. This is a really cute story about a misunderstanding between two guys. The relationship between the leads, Theo and Jamie, is adorable, and I loved it. But! There were definitely issues:
1 - it took about 15% of the book for everyone but Theo to see Jamie is totally crushing on him. It took Theo to 50%. I had to stop reading several times to keep my sanity.
2 - I get that Theo hasn't been attracted to a man before, but is there a reason bisexuality isn't ever mentioned?
3 - the characters were fairly underdeveloped, not so badly the story is unreadable, but enough that I never really connected with anyone.

All that said, it is still a cute story, and a quick read, so it's definitely a fun one.

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There definitely was a frustrating section of this. I like a good slow burn it was just the miscommunication of Theo's obliviousness felt like it went on for so long in this. When the two eventually start a friends with benefits thing it really kicked off for me. Before that, however, I was already in love with the characters. All of them. I love Theo's sister Leone. It was so great seeing the way Anyta Sunday depicted a blind character in this. I loved Theo's friends and Jamie's friend Sean. Al of the family moments we get to see are great as well. The world of this story felt very full in a good way. I really loved where it all ended. It felt right. Enjoyed this a lot. Glad that I finally finished reading it.

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I really liked this book! I've previously read Anyta Sunday's work and this did not disappoint.

Slowburn romances are my absolute weakness.

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I was a nice read. I did like the writing more than the plot as it had a really good flow.
Overall the story was also good. It took me a time to get into the book, but once I did, I was easily able to get through it.

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This is a solid read. What I did like about it was that it was not a coming out story. In fact, this idea of people having different sexualities was a normal concept and was not taboo. I liked the openness between the two main characters and they were both equally likable. I think my biggest issue was that I could not get into the story. I took me nearly four months to complete because I wasn't drawn into the plot. There was not plot. At the same time I did enjoy it because I would only read a little at a time and it seemed like I was with the characters, as if they were my friends. I knew what was going to happen and ended up skim reading the last quarter of the book. Overall, it was an average read, it just bothered me that it took so long to read.

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Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars. I really don't have much to say; this is a cute, but fairly typical romance.

It would be nice if just one romance novel could use the word "bisexual". Let my soul rest, for the love of god. It's one thing to have characters who haven't identified themselves yet, or characters who don't really use labels. But in romance like this? The lack of even mentioning bisexuality is a trend, and it's a problem.

I don’t know. It was really cute, but it had this feeling at points of being... you know, written by someone who found the entire concept of writing a romance between two guys really hot. And that’s fine. But it is definitely not comfortable for me. And I can't imagine it being a comfortable read as a queer guy.

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Very quick and cute read. It's something that I'd pick up when I didn't want think much.

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Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday is a lovely new adult romance. Theo Wallace usually laughs at the horoscopes his mom sends. Still hung up on his ex-girlfriend and practically friendless, this one begs him to reconsider. Because a friendship that stuck, that thrived. Well, that would be a reason to leave past pains behind and look to the Bright Future. When his sister Leone challenges him to find her the perfect date for a spring wedding, Theo uses it as a chance to make new friends. Theo’s ex economics tutor and newest roommate Mr. Jamie Cooper seems to be a possible and convenient match. Real convenient. Like written in the stars, convenient. All he has to do is make sure this Jamie is good enough. Could really be The One for her, and the friend for him.

Leo Loves Aries might catch readers by surprise, just like it catches one of the main characters. I loved Theo's journey of self discovery, and the cluelessness he has about the world around him. He is just so good hearted and blind to some aspects of those around him that he constantly made me smile. He is not stupid, far from it, but just does not see everything he should. I know so many people like that, which made the character feel even more real to me. I loved that friendship is so important to the story, and that Leone is such a smart, capable, and strong character. She often sees things he cannot, even is she is blind. Meanwhile, Jamie is a nice balance between them, smart and aware. I loved the developing friendship that happens between all the major players, and how the dynamics between them grew and changed through out the book. I just loved the read, and will be looking for more from the author.

Leo Loves Aries is a new adult romance and coming of age story that had me smiling as I read. I just enjoyed the characters and the read that much. While some readers might not enjoy the story simply because it is a same sex romance, I found the characters and the journey to be charming and enjoyable.

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4 Stars

Theo and his sister, Leone, have been looking for a new roommate, but it's not going well. They can't find anyone that they feel they'll be compatible with, until a chance conversation with Theo's former Econ tutor, Jamie. The Stars all seem to align perfectly when Jamie agrees to move in with them.


This was a cute story. Theo is so oblivious to what is happening between him and Jamie, but I loved that naïveté and sort of innocence he had about him. He was very immature, but in a sweetly annoying way. I absolutely adored the banter between Theo and Jamie, they were hilarious together.

The chemistry and sexual tension between Theo and Jamie was off the charts, and while the story is a slow burn and only had a little bit of spice, what was there was sweet and passionate. You could practically see the hearts flying above Theo and Jamie's heads.

This was a sweet and well-written story. I loved both Jamie and Theo and I absolutely adored the care they showed for Theo's sister, Leone, who is legally blind. They made life easier for her while not taking away her independence or making her feel handicapped in any way. This story was loaded with some amazing secondary characters, including Sean, Jamie's best-friend and Leone, as well as both sets of parents, Jamie's and Theo's.

Now, Sam and Derek, Theo and his sister, Leone's exes, like what the ever loving f@@k?! How callous were these two to break-up with them for one another and then keep rubbing their relationship in their faces, especially Sam!! I wanted to throttle her!! I mean who invites their exes to their wedding?!?! Ugh!!

All in all, this was an enjoyable and great story I'd definitely recommend!!

*copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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I liked the premise, and the story is decent, but the pace was simply too slow for me, or I would have rated this higher. I didn't feel like anything was pulling me into or through the story, and instead that I had to push myself through it, even though it wasn't boring.

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This is a cute new adult romance. Theo and Leone are a twin brother and sister pair living together and attending college. Both were in relationships with people who dumped them for each other. Now, both are trying to find someone for the other to date. Theo is used to dating women, but when he tries to set his sister up with Jamie, he and Jamie have instant sparks. Theo and Leone have a quirky mom who calls them with their astrology info. The conversations between all the characters are light and fun. I liked the quotes Theo wrote everywhere and the chapter break quotes. If you're looking for something upbeat, Leo Loves Aries is sure to brighten your day. I had a good time reading it.

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4 Stars!

***I received a free copy from the Publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.***

Leo Loves Aries is the story of Theo and Leone - a brother and sister (twins) whose signs are Leo. They both have broken up with their past lovers, because their ex-lovers fell in love with someone else - each other!

And... 1 year later, Theo and Leone are being invited to attend their exes wedding! ... it sucks, but the Twins are determined to find dates to take to this wedding and, once and for all, get over their past relationships!

Add to it their horoscope crazy mother's help, with her annual horoscope and daily advice for her Leos, and the task is hard.

“All I’m saying, Theo, is if you think a Virgo is good, you’ll be blown away if you meet an Aries."

But then a new rommate comes into their lifes - Jamie - caring, funny, smart Jamie ... whose sign is a Aries.

Jamie seems the perfect date to take to the wedding!
Guess Leone is set! Only Theo's date left to find... at least that's what Theo thinks! ... But the stars just might have other things planned...

Will Theo and Leone get dates to their exes wedding? Will they be able to get over their past breakups?! Is Jamie the Aries for any of these Leos?

Read the book to find out ;)

***********************
I really enjoyed this book!

It was clear to me where the story was going but that didn't take the FUN out of it!

I really Loved Jamie and Theo was such a cheeky, smartass, sarcastic, funny guy... I loved how much they teased and competed against each other. :)

This book had lots of things I like in my reads like: friendship, family love, jealousy and Love, sweet Love.

I loved how Theo was so clueless about all that was going on around him ^_^ ... I absolutely Loved seeing the couples forming and their Feelings growing from Friendship to Love.

So, If you're looking for a fun, light, friends-to-lovers gay romance this is the book to read!

See Full Review in: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2059795416

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I really liked the dynamic between Theo and Jamie, and loved that you could see them building a strong friendship as the basis for their relationship. Which made the fact that Theo didn't want to acknowledge their budding romance a little easier to understand. I found the quotes at the beginning of each chapter a little confusing at first, though they are explained a ways into the book. Not sure if they really added much to the story, though.

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A lighthearted, fun, but ultimately unrealistic romance. College students Theo and his blind twin sister, Leone, are looking for two things: a roommate with whom to share their rental house, and new romantic interests. The twins have both suffered painful breakups, made worse by the fact that Theo's ex-girlfriend and Leone's ex-boyfriend are getting married -- to each other. They make a pact with each other that they will attend the wedding, accompanied by new lovers, whom they have yet to find. When Theo convinces his former economics tutor, Jamie, to be their new roommate, he thinks he has found the perfect match for his sister. However, Leone may not be the twin that catches Jamie's eye. While the central characters are adequately well-rounded, the few supporting characters are two-dimensional and sometimes function as simple plot devices. However, I was happy the author introduced one character as demisexual, which not only served to represent an obscure orientation but also provided a possible rational for the straight-guy-falls-for-a-dude story-line. Recommended for those looking for light entertainment.

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Theo....boy this kid.....

I discovered this author by way of True Colors. I loved the writing, I loved the story, I loved the character's. So, I am slowly working my way through her library. In Leo loves Aries, you have a story told from Theo's point of view only. One thing I would have loved more than anything would have been some insights into Jamie's mind because, well, you know that would have been some heartfelt, angsty kinda stuff.

Theo and Jamie come together as friends first, then...more. Of course, Jamie thinks its going one way, Theo another. Because while Jamie appears to be sure than Theo is gay, Theo assumes Jamie is straight. So, while they think this, they develop feelings for each other. Jamie fully ready to admit it, and Theo needing a mighty slap in the face.

I loved the banter between these two as they built their friendship on true friendship and then love. It was truly a beautiful story.

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**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

I love reading Anyta Sunday's books, in particular those in the Enemies to Lovers series and this one was no different.

Leo Loves Aries is a sweet, light hearted, easy to read M/M romance. The main plot revolves around Theo and his twin sister Leone who have been rather unlucky in love. Both are currently living together and are trying (and failing) to get over the fact their now ex girl and boyfriend Sam and Derek decided they would be better of with each other rather than Theo or Leone. And to rub salt in the wound they have received an invitation to the wedding of said ex's. Despite this the twins decide to set the task of finding each other a date for the wedding to prove that they have in fact moved on.

Theo and Leone's (or my Leo's as she refers to them) mum Crystal Wallace is a modern day Mystic Meg who is obsessed with horoscopes, informs them someone new (an Aries) will enter their lives.
Enter Mr Jamie Cooper the infuriating yet charming tutor and new roommate who seems is perfect for leone. Or at least Theo thinks so. Despite getting off on the wrong foot, the two boys become fast friends and it isn't long before it starts to turn into something more even if it does take a clueless Theo a lifetime to figure out his feelings.

There were several things I liked about this book:
-The fact that the main characters were likeable and easy to relate to. Even if at times I wanted to smother Theo for not realising sooner that he obviously has feelings for Jamie.

-The secondary characters were very likeable also. I loved Theo/Leone's mother with all her kooky horoscopes, Sean the best friend of Jamie who wasn't quite as stupid as he seemed and the adorable badminton playing gay couple in Kyle and Ben.

-I liked that it was a slow burner romance, even if at times I found myself infuriated and wanting to flick to the end of the book to find out exactly what happened between Theo and Jamie

-Also I enjoyed that it was a light hearted, humorous and easy read romance. I read the book in one sitting and was able to easily get lost in the story.

However the only issue I have with this book is that there is no reference to the main character as being Bisexual and found this a bit annoying as there is such a problem with bi erasure within society and it almost seems like writers are afraid to use this word.

All in all I really enjoyed the book and have been a long time fan of Anyta Sunday's work. I look forward to the next instalment of this series whether it be a sequel or stand alone book.

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I wish there were a way I could go back in time and read Leo Loves Aries for the first time again, so I can experience all the excitable tension, laughter, and amusement I did when I read this for the very first time. Anyta Sunday’s Leo Loves Aries is a light-hearted and touchingly sweet novel that, within half a dozen chapters, quickly became a favourite.

Leo Loves Aries is not your typical LGBT contemporary novel: the hilarity far surpasses any other m/m contemporary I have ever read, and even days after I finished reading the novel, I still have a smile on my face any time I think of it. As it was my first Anyta Sunday novel, I can say for sure it definitely will not be my last – I’m steadily making my way through her bibliography and have since read rock, True Colors, and the short story Leo Tops Aries .

What sets Leo Loves Aries apart from other contemporaries – at least for me – is the protagonist Theo, the ‘Leo.’ Despite being the most obtuse person to ever grace a page, Theo is quirky, humorous, and immediately loveable. His inner dialogue is both comical and sympathetic, and his banter is decidedly witty and highly entertaining. I adored the relationship he has with his sister Leone, who is blind, and the care he takes to ensure she is safe at all times.

Jamie, the love interest and the 'Aries', practically stole my heart the second he appeared on the page. While Theo is attempting to set Jamie up with Leone, he and Jamie form an intense friendship … that Jamie views as flirting and emotional foreplay before they eventually start dating. Too bad Theo is the most dense person in the entire world and doesn’t understand this. He believes his budding feelings for Jamie are platonic, but the reader can see past that. The romance building between Jamie and Theo is a delicious slow-burn, a constant ‘will-they-won’t-they‘ that has you on the edge of your seat, desperately wanting to smack the upside of Theo’s head for being so slow in understanding his feelings.

While the story-line is quite simple in its entirety – Theo and Leone are trying to find dates to their exes’ wedding (both Leone and Theo’s exes decided to start dating each other) – this doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the novel or the reading experience; if anything, it enhances it, as the plot really focuses on the heady, slow-developing romance between Jamie and Theo. It’s electric, natural and undeniable, and as much as I wanted the two to get together, I never wanted the banter and flirting to end.

Leo Loves Aries is also incredibly diverse, aside from the gay main characters. Theo’s sister, Leone, is blind and I believe she is a great representation: Leone is headstrong, self-reliant, and very caring. After the love interests, she’s my favourite character. One of the background characters, Ben, is demisexual and even gives the proper definition of what demisexuality means, which I highly appreciated. MILD SPOILERS: Despite these great inclusions of diversity, I did have a little issue with the way Theo’s sexuality was explored … as in, it wasn’t really. At the beginning of the novel, Theo is a straight man who is still recovering from the shock of his breakup; slowly, as he and Jamie become closer, he enters into a friends-with-benefits situation with Jamie and, well, that’s it. He very quickly accepts the fact that he is sleeping with a man, and the entirety of the revelation that he is attracted to a man is distilled with a shrug and a “sex doesn’t define me attitude.” Now, while I think Theo’s positive attitude surrounding sex is fantastic, and one I wish society strives to have too, it was a little irking to read his “coming-out”, if you will, constrained into one page, and then just shrugged off. I had assumed Theo would eventually realise he is bi, but instead it is more of a “gay for you” vibe. I’m not saying there’s anything necessarily wrong with this as I think Sunday’s intent was to showcase how versatile sexuality is; I just would have liked more bi representation, I guess. As someone who is bi, refusing to acknowledge Theo’s dual attraction gave me the feeling that being bi is somehow wrong, especially when Theo continually made reference to the fact that he is definitely not attracted to men, just Jamie. I have since read two more of Sunday’s novels which feature bi characters, so I know she’s okay with this, but I don’t understand exactly what she is going for in Leo Loves Aries.

The slight erasure of bisexuality is my only complaint of the novel, and everything else is simply wonderful. The writing is phenomenal, particularly the ways in which Sunday wrote the dynamic between Jamie and Theo. It’s so hard not to root for these guys to be together, especially when Theo doesn’t see the double entendre in Jamie’s words, or his own for that matter. This book definitely had the potential to be riddled with cliches/tropes – I mean, horoscopes? Siblings finding dates for each other? Discovering you like the guy you chose for you sister? Roommate romance? – but it was pulled off with finesse, and that is certainly attributed to Sunday’s skill at writing. I finished this novel feeling really, really happy and wanting to read more sweet and fluffy books like Leo Loves Aries .

Leo Loves Aries is a touchingly beautiful novel that will leave the reader with a giant grin on their face the moment the book is over. Anyta Sunday is a fantastic author, and one I will be keeping an eye out for. In September this year, the second book in the Signs Of Love series Scorpio Hates Virgo, will be released. No word on the protagonists yet, but here’s hoping we see a little bit of Theo and Jamie!

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