North has always assumed his teammate Malcolm hates him, but when they catch each other in comprising positions - everything changes. North is drawn into Mal's world of pleasure, possession, and the good type of pain. When North wants more than Mal can give him, he makes it his mission to crack his cold facade. All the while Mal tries his hardest to keep his emotions closed off and not let North see the real him. 

Mal and North are so dang cute together, the perfect grumpy/sunshine couple. Mal has his issues with his family which makes him cold and standoffish, but North's sunny, charming personality is his kryptonite. He's obsessed over North from afar but when he finally has his chance with him, Mal is still wary to let him in. North has a good simple life, but when Mal shows him exactly what he's been missing he knows he'll do anything to keep him and their relationship. He doesn't have to worry too much though because Mal is such a simp for North. North slowly works his way through all of Mal's walls and proves to Mal that he's worthy of love. While their chemistry is amazing, there are so many fun and sweet moments between them too. 

I read this as one long book, which actually worked really well given the length. Even though it's a set of erotica novellas it wasn't overpowered by the spice and there was some actual plot happening. I just really loved these characters, and the character art done by the author is so perfect! Looking forward to reading more by Arden Long. 

Read if you like: 
• BDSM erotica novellas                       
• grumpy/sunshine   
• sexual awakening   

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