Adam's Reviews > Interborough

4.25 stars!


At the end of Sunset Park, Raymond and David’s relationship still needed a lot of work. It’s not uncommon for Santino Hassell’s books to end short of a strong HEA, but in this case I wondered whether David and Raymond would be able to make it in the long run.

So I was stoked when I found out that they’d be getting a second book that would give them their happy ending!

For most of ‘Interborough’, David and Raymond are hot messes. They constantly fight and argue. David is needy and whiny. Raymond is oblivious and has a short fuse. It’s clear that the honeymoon phase is over, but neither knows what to do to get them to a point where they’re secure in their relationship.



However, even though the MCs are on rough ground for the majority of the book, this isn’t a case where the fighting make you think that the characters should just call it quits. Because despite everything, it’s clear that they still love each other deeply, and that they can work things out.

Also, David and Raymond still bring the heat. The sexual chemistry from their first book carries over, and it is smoking hot. No matter how angry they are, they just can’t keep their hands off each other.



I would say this book is really about David and Raymond learning to communicate. They’re already madly in love and have the passion to back it up, but what they don’t do is talk to each other and hash things out without resorting to anger. It’s a long process, but the character growth was noticeable.

And they learn to compromise. To be happy with someone, you sometimes to have to give things up and make sacrifices. I really liked how realistically the author portrayed Raymond and David’s issues, and how they went about fixing their relationship.

All of the ups and downs were worth it, because once they do finally get their act together and communicate with each other, the outcome was brilliant. David and Raymond get their happy ever after, and it was exactly the sweet and sexy ending that I was hoping for!

Also, I really liked the secondary characters. The Queens crew provided some much-needed comedy. And I loved catching up with Michael and Nunzio, and seeing how David and Raymond looked to those two as a goal for their own relationship.

The epilogue. I really don’t want to give anything away, but it was definitely the cherry on top. I was all smiles throughout it!

‘Interborough’ is a great continuation to Raymond and David’s story. It takes lots of work for the two to get there, but their HEA was worth it. I can’t wait to see where the author takes this series next!