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Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
You’ve heard of 40 Year-Old Virgin. I now present to you: 250 Year-Old Virgin.
When they were alone at home, he would jump onto his tiptoes, wrap his arms around Alexei’s neck, and insist on being carried around the house.
I love Johann with all my heart. It’s the first book I ever read in the series way back, and it’s still my favorite after multiple rereads, and now after listening to the audiobook.
Johann is touch starved, and pretty much everything-else-starved as well, after living for over two centuries as the companion of another (controlling) vampire. He’s the type that stops and looks at the flowers, the stars, the falling snow. He thinks humans are the nicest, and that his friends are the bestest. His love language is every type of love language, twice a day. He and Alexei are pretty disgustingly cute, but I can’t get enough of it. Johann wears cozy, fuzzy, brightly colored clothes that don’t match in the slightest, just because they’re so nice and comfy.
Jay’s tongue darted out, wetting his lips. “You want to, um, show me sex stuff?” Alexei let out a long, slow breath. “Yes. I would very much like to show you sex stuff, if you like.”
I swear his entire character is like a drug to me. So heckin’ cute, I can’t stand it. Alexei is a pretty cold and badass former mobster, but he becomes a puddle of goo at Johann’s feet.
“Jaybird, what have I told you about arriving fashionably late?” “That I’m terrible at it because I’m too eager for everything all the time.” “Exactly,” Soren said, but he gave Jay a kiss on the cheek anyway, which was unexpected and extra nice.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Vampire/human
Fated mates
Cinnamon roll vampire
Petite MC
Virgin MC
Size difference
Lonely MC
Grumpy/sunshine
Former mobster
Praise kink
Touch starved MC
Codependency
Pillow princess
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Blood consumption
Graphic violence
Bad guy side character decapitated (on page)
Trauma from past manipulation and controlling ‘partnership’
Alcohol consumption (four units)
Brief mention of parent death (past, off page)
MC being turned into a vampire against his will (past)
MC killed and turned into a vampire (not by other MC)
Brief mentions of child abandonment
Emotional manipulation by parent (past)
Explicit sexual content
Past abuse (parent)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 35 and 250 (turned at 19)
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 263
There was a little guy at the counter, dressed in a truly hideous sweatshirt, and he was waving at Alexei with surprising gusto.
“But you always smell so sweet. Like one of our vanilla cupcakes. Are you sure you haven’t been baking?” Alexei had never heard such a blatant fucking pickup line in his life. Or so one would think. But that was the thing. The incredible, mind-melting frustration of it all. It wasn’t a pickup line. Jay had said it and then just… skipped away, unbothered and completely unembarrassed by his words. And, to be fair, Alexei had also once overheard Jay compliment his fucking cash register for opening “so smoothly and quietly.” He also greeted every canine guest in the café like visiting royalty, waving and beaming and handing out dog treats like Oprah giving away a free car.
But Jay didn’t seem too impressed with money or prestige, as far as Alexei could tell. He’d seen, just the other day, a suited customer trying to show off his Rolex, and Jay had countered with his own glow-in-the-dark waterproof number, of which he was apparently incredibly proud.
Double entendres and coded messages weren’t quite his things. So he went with saying exactly what he was thinking. “I want to try mouth stuff with you.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
You’ve heard of 40 Year-Old Virgin. I now present to you: 250 Year-Old Virgin.
When they were alone at home, he would jump onto his tiptoes, wrap his arms around Alexei’s neck, and insist on being carried around the house.
I love Johann with all my heart. It’s the first book I ever read in the series way back, and it’s still my favorite after multiple rereads, and now after listening to the audiobook.
Johann is touch starved, and pretty much everything-else-starved as well, after living for over two centuries as the companion of another (controlling) vampire. He’s the type that stops and looks at the flowers, the stars, the falling snow. He thinks humans are the nicest, and that his friends are the bestest. His love language is every type of love language, twice a day. He and Alexei are pretty disgustingly cute, but I can’t get enough of it. Johann wears cozy, fuzzy, brightly colored clothes that don’t match in the slightest, just because they’re so nice and comfy.
Jay’s tongue darted out, wetting his lips. “You want to, um, show me sex stuff?” Alexei let out a long, slow breath. “Yes. I would very much like to show you sex stuff, if you like.”
I swear his entire character is like a drug to me. So heckin’ cute, I can’t stand it. Alexei is a pretty cold and badass former mobster, but he becomes a puddle of goo at Johann’s feet.
“Jaybird, what have I told you about arriving fashionably late?” “That I’m terrible at it because I’m too eager for everything all the time.” “Exactly,” Soren said, but he gave Jay a kiss on the cheek anyway, which was unexpected and extra nice.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Vampire/human
Fated mates
Cinnamon roll vampire
Petite MC
Virgin MC
Size difference
Lonely MC
Grumpy/sunshine
Former mobster
Praise kink
Touch starved MC
Codependency
Pillow princess
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Blood consumption
Graphic violence
Bad guy side character decapitated (on page)
Trauma from past manipulation and controlling ‘partnership’
Alcohol consumption (four units)
Brief mention of parent death (past, off page)
MC being turned into a vampire against his will (past)
MC killed and turned into a vampire (not by other MC)
Brief mentions of child abandonment
Emotional manipulation by parent (past)
Explicit sexual content
Past abuse (parent)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 35 and 250 (turned at 19)
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 263
There was a little guy at the counter, dressed in a truly hideous sweatshirt, and he was waving at Alexei with surprising gusto.
“But you always smell so sweet. Like one of our vanilla cupcakes. Are you sure you haven’t been baking?” Alexei had never heard such a blatant fucking pickup line in his life. Or so one would think. But that was the thing. The incredible, mind-melting frustration of it all. It wasn’t a pickup line. Jay had said it and then just… skipped away, unbothered and completely unembarrassed by his words. And, to be fair, Alexei had also once overheard Jay compliment his fucking cash register for opening “so smoothly and quietly.” He also greeted every canine guest in the café like visiting royalty, waving and beaming and handing out dog treats like Oprah giving away a free car.
But Jay didn’t seem too impressed with money or prestige, as far as Alexei could tell. He’d seen, just the other day, a suited customer trying to show off his Rolex, and Jay had countered with his own glow-in-the-dark waterproof number, of which he was apparently incredibly proud.
Double entendres and coded messages weren’t quite his things. So he went with saying exactly what he was thinking. “I want to try mouth stuff with you.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
[…] being numb hurts less, not caring was a kind of mercy, and not wanting anything, not even time, was a release from pain.
This book is really special. Not particularly happy, but it has a happy ending, and there are good moments. I always have this feeling of melancholy throughout when I read or listen to it. It’s about Josh feeling so sad and lost that he thinks there’s no way through, but then (very slowly) realizing that life isn’t all cruel, and that he can still experience happiness. I think the thing I love the most is that Josh isn’t ‘healed’ by love (or a magic dick), but Mark’s friendship and offer of safety and having his basic human needs met gives him the opportunity to just… take a breath and heal in more ways than one. Of course a sweet romance starts between the two, but the author hasn’t downplayed Josh’s struggles by having him get instantly better after meeting his love interest.
"That's the way I want you. Like I would crawl over hot coals to get to you. Like nothing would ever stop me from being with you—not if you wanted it too."
Josh is also very young. He’s only 18 (Mark is 24), but he has had to grow up fast. He’s morose, prickly and defensive, but when he lets his guard down and feels a bit better, you can see glimpses of how young he is, which I actually thought was really beautiful.
Mark is also a really well developed character. He grew up in a hyper-masculine house with a bunch of brothers and a dad who threw around homophobic remarks without care, which affected him very deeply. He went straight into the military (or navy, I can’t remember lol) and hides his sexuality. I enjoyed how he genuinly wanted to help Josh, and didn’t immediately sexualize him. He isn’t blind to Josh being attractive, but he wants to help him get better mentally and physically first and foremost.
Josh knew all about being homeless now, and he'd reached the conclusion that home was as much a human necessity as water or food. It didn't matter what it was, how small, or how humble, but it had to be yours. Because when you didn't have home, something thirsty inside you shriveled up and died a little more every day. The tether that connected you to earth wore a little more thin. Josh had only been homeless for three months this time, but he couldn't imagine how people did it for years. It was like a slow poisoning of the soul.
Like I mentioned, it’s not a very happy book and it deals with some heavy themes, but I think it was all really well done. Would definitely recommend.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Age gap
Slow burn
Mental health rep
Small town
Homeless MC
Ex military MC
Closeted MC
Therapy
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Grief
Suicidal ideation
Hospitalization
Depression
Homophobia
Homelessness
Explicit sexual content
Underage drinking
Profound hypothermia
Accidental suicide attempt
Food insecurity
Financial problems and insecurity
MC planning to commit suicide (does not)
Medical emergency (stroke, side character)
Death of a wild animal (on page)
Nightmares (possible PTSD symptoms)
Mentions of active combat (past, detailed)
Mentions of gun violence and death (past, off page, detailed)
Brief mentions of grooming and underage sex (past, off page)
Mentions of the death of a parent (past, detailed)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Mark had a semi-regular hookup who wants a relationship. Mark doesn’t. They kiss twice on page, but nothing more, and not after things escalate with Josh.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 18 and 24
You don't wanna be homeless in fucking Vermont in the winter, dude." The warning stirred the ideas that were gaining hold in Josh's brain. October. Fall leaves in New England. Summer's sweet good-bye. The earth going into hibernation. And then? Winter. Snow. An image of a thick blanket of snow in the woods came to him, maybe next to a lake. That would be a good place. He could curl up in a snowbank and . . . let go. It wouldn't hurt much probably. And it was a beautiful image—tragic and peaceful with the muffled fall of snow covering him like a blanket. It felt right.
[…] being numb hurts less, not caring was a kind of mercy, and not wanting anything, not even time, was a release from pain.
This book is really special. Not particularly happy, but it has a happy ending, and there are good moments. I always have this feeling of melancholy throughout when I read or listen to it. It’s about Josh feeling so sad and lost that he thinks there’s no way through, but then (very slowly) realizing that life isn’t all cruel, and that he can still experience happiness. I think the thing I love the most is that Josh isn’t ‘healed’ by love (or a magic dick), but Mark’s friendship and offer of safety and having his basic human needs met gives him the opportunity to just… take a breath and heal in more ways than one. Of course a sweet romance starts between the two, but the author hasn’t downplayed Josh’s struggles by having him get instantly better after meeting his love interest.
"That's the way I want you. Like I would crawl over hot coals to get to you. Like nothing would ever stop me from being with you—not if you wanted it too."
Josh is also very young. He’s only 18 (Mark is 24), but he has had to grow up fast. He’s morose, prickly and defensive, but when he lets his guard down and feels a bit better, you can see glimpses of how young he is, which I actually thought was really beautiful.
Mark is also a really well developed character. He grew up in a hyper-masculine house with a bunch of brothers and a dad who threw around homophobic remarks without care, which affected him very deeply. He went straight into the military (or navy, I can’t remember lol) and hides his sexuality. I enjoyed how he genuinly wanted to help Josh, and didn’t immediately sexualize him. He isn’t blind to Josh being attractive, but he wants to help him get better mentally and physically first and foremost.
Josh knew all about being homeless now, and he'd reached the conclusion that home was as much a human necessity as water or food. It didn't matter what it was, how small, or how humble, but it had to be yours. Because when you didn't have home, something thirsty inside you shriveled up and died a little more every day. The tether that connected you to earth wore a little more thin. Josh had only been homeless for three months this time, but he couldn't imagine how people did it for years. It was like a slow poisoning of the soul.
Like I mentioned, it’s not a very happy book and it deals with some heavy themes, but I think it was all really well done. Would definitely recommend.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Age gap
Slow burn
Mental health rep
Small town
Homeless MC
Ex military MC
Closeted MC
Therapy
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Grief
Suicidal ideation
Hospitalization
Depression
Homophobia
Homelessness
Explicit sexual content
Underage drinking
Profound hypothermia
Accidental suicide attempt
Food insecurity
Financial problems and insecurity
MC planning to commit suicide (does not)
Medical emergency (stroke, side character)
Death of a wild animal (on page)
Nightmares (possible PTSD symptoms)
Mentions of active combat (past, detailed)
Mentions of gun violence and death (past, off page, detailed)
Brief mentions of grooming and underage sex (past, off page)
Mentions of the death of a parent (past, detailed)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Mark had a semi-regular hookup who wants a relationship. Mark doesn’t. They kiss twice on page, but nothing more, and not after things escalate with Josh.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 18 and 24
You don't wanna be homeless in fucking Vermont in the winter, dude." The warning stirred the ideas that were gaining hold in Josh's brain. October. Fall leaves in New England. Summer's sweet good-bye. The earth going into hibernation. And then? Winter. Snow. An image of a thick blanket of snow in the woods came to him, maybe next to a lake. That would be a good place. He could curl up in a snowbank and . . . let go. It wouldn't hurt much probably. And it was a beautiful image—tragic and peaceful with the muffled fall of snow covering him like a blanket. It felt right.
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“You told me to claim you, so I did.” Nate’s eyes opened wide. “You claimed me? You arrogant lizard, I'm not a piece of lost luggage. You can't claim me.”
This book is super entertaining and cute at times, but also very superficial and mega light on the romance. I love dragon shifters so would take a lot for me to actually dislike it. The concept is unique and there’s a bunch of side characters I want to know more about, which is rare for me. I just wish the romance felt more genuine, as it feels like a convenience thing that happens to turn into feelings and compatibility. I for sure still recommend it, especially the audio which Michael Ferraiuolo nailed, just don’t expect an epic romance lol.
A dragon with dark eyes and hair spoke up. Maybe Onyx. “You are the omega that Alistair had congress with?” Congress. Jesus. Nate swallowed a nervous and completely inappropriate giggle.
3.8 stars
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Mpreg
Dragon shifter/human
Hookup to lovers
Omegaverse
Heat/knotting/slick
Size difference
Age gap
Bonded mates
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Heat/knot/slick
Birthing eggs on page
MC falsely believes he is experiencing a miscarriage
Accidental pregnancy
Injury sustained during birth (bleeding is stopped)
Impact play (spanking)
Unconventional pre-hatching custody dispute
House fire
MC and unborn children attacked and threatened (not injured)
Injured side character (burns)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Paranormal shifter romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified and ‘nearly 900’
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 242
Happy ending: Yes
Lying, glistening wet, on his bed was an egg. A beautiful, amethyst-colored egg. The same color of the alpha’s “no, my eyes aren't purple, they're blue” eyes.
“After the laying you just went through, you should barely feel this.” “That’s what doctors say before they do something that’s going to hurt,” Nate said in an accusatory tone. “I’m not a doctor.” “That makes it worse.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“You told me to claim you, so I did.” Nate’s eyes opened wide. “You claimed me? You arrogant lizard, I'm not a piece of lost luggage. You can't claim me.”
This book is super entertaining and cute at times, but also very superficial and mega light on the romance. I love dragon shifters so would take a lot for me to actually dislike it. The concept is unique and there’s a bunch of side characters I want to know more about, which is rare for me. I just wish the romance felt more genuine, as it feels like a convenience thing that happens to turn into feelings and compatibility. I for sure still recommend it, especially the audio which Michael Ferraiuolo nailed, just don’t expect an epic romance lol.
A dragon with dark eyes and hair spoke up. Maybe Onyx. “You are the omega that Alistair had congress with?” Congress. Jesus. Nate swallowed a nervous and completely inappropriate giggle.
3.8 stars
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Mpreg
Dragon shifter/human
Hookup to lovers
Omegaverse
Heat/knotting/slick
Size difference
Age gap
Bonded mates
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Heat/knot/slick
Birthing eggs on page
MC falsely believes he is experiencing a miscarriage
Accidental pregnancy
Injury sustained during birth (bleeding is stopped)
Impact play (spanking)
Unconventional pre-hatching custody dispute
House fire
MC and unborn children attacked and threatened (not injured)
Injured side character (burns)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Paranormal shifter romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified and ‘nearly 900’
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 242
Happy ending: Yes
Lying, glistening wet, on his bed was an egg. A beautiful, amethyst-colored egg. The same color of the alpha’s “no, my eyes aren't purple, they're blue” eyes.
“After the laying you just went through, you should barely feel this.” “That’s what doctors say before they do something that’s going to hurt,” Nate said in an accusatory tone. “I’m not a doctor.” “That makes it worse.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Speaking of eyes, his were gorgeous; wide and chocolate brown, like they were stuck in puppy dog mode and it was adorable.
No one does fluff quite like Jayda Marx, that’s for sure. This definitely isn’t her fluffiest, but it will still make your teeth ache. Actually my second time reading it, because sometimes you just need something easy and sweet (even tho she throws in some action and external angst in this one).
Gage and Tyson are pretty adorable together, although my mind seriously struggles with picturing an adorable bow tie-wearing-virgin twink called Tyson. Sorry to all the Tysons in the world, but no. That’s a thug-on-the-street-corner-with-face-tattoos name.
“Oh my god, you got laid, didn’t you?” “What? No! Anyway, I wouldn’t tell you if I had.” “Yes, you would. You’d probably call me right afterwards to gloat.”
Name bashing aside, I kinda love this one, annoying miscommunication and all (it’s not actually that bad, just very obviously just there to make it interesting).
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Size difference
Age gap
Silver fox
Police officer
Twink/bear
Nervous rambler
Bow ties
Lacy lingerie
Hands-free O
Miscommunication
Virgin MC
Mostly fluff
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Underage drinking (20yo, one drink)
Unsafe sex
Health code violations (food)
Break-in (MC not home at the time)
Car crash - severely injured MC
Hospitalization and surgery
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Not really (one MC believes they do. Quickly resolved).
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 20 and 39
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 276
“Have it your way,” he whispered. “So, Tyson, some of the guys from the force go out on Saturday nights for drinks. I was wondering if you’d like to join me this weekend.” “Oh!” Tyson looked at Chris with wide eyes, then turned his gaze to me and back to Chris. “I can’t.” “It’s okay, Tyson,” I said with an edge to my voice, “I’m sure Officer Thompson wasn’t trying to push you.” I glared daggers at my partner before taking a sip of my coffee. “It’s not that,” Tyson explained. “I mean I literally can’t. I’m… I’m only twenty.” I gasped and coffee went down the wrong way.
Geez, the guy sucks my dick one time and I turn into a mush-fest.
Plus, the doctor did say no physical exertion outside of physical therapy for six weeks. But we were in week seven, and I was beyond ready to exert myself. Being around my sexy, loving, helpful Gage without being able to touch or be touched by him was about to make me exert myself in my pants.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Speaking of eyes, his were gorgeous; wide and chocolate brown, like they were stuck in puppy dog mode and it was adorable.
No one does fluff quite like Jayda Marx, that’s for sure. This definitely isn’t her fluffiest, but it will still make your teeth ache. Actually my second time reading it, because sometimes you just need something easy and sweet (even tho she throws in some action and external angst in this one).
Gage and Tyson are pretty adorable together, although my mind seriously struggles with picturing an adorable bow tie-wearing-virgin twink called Tyson. Sorry to all the Tysons in the world, but no. That’s a thug-on-the-street-corner-with-face-tattoos name.
“Oh my god, you got laid, didn’t you?” “What? No! Anyway, I wouldn’t tell you if I had.” “Yes, you would. You’d probably call me right afterwards to gloat.”
Name bashing aside, I kinda love this one, annoying miscommunication and all (it’s not actually that bad, just very obviously just there to make it interesting).
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Size difference
Age gap
Silver fox
Police officer
Twink/bear
Nervous rambler
Bow ties
Lacy lingerie
Hands-free O
Miscommunication
Virgin MC
Mostly fluff
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Underage drinking (20yo, one drink)
Unsafe sex
Health code violations (food)
Break-in (MC not home at the time)
Car crash - severely injured MC
Hospitalization and surgery
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Not really (one MC believes they do. Quickly resolved).
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 20 and 39
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 276
“Have it your way,” he whispered. “So, Tyson, some of the guys from the force go out on Saturday nights for drinks. I was wondering if you’d like to join me this weekend.” “Oh!” Tyson looked at Chris with wide eyes, then turned his gaze to me and back to Chris. “I can’t.” “It’s okay, Tyson,” I said with an edge to my voice, “I’m sure Officer Thompson wasn’t trying to push you.” I glared daggers at my partner before taking a sip of my coffee. “It’s not that,” Tyson explained. “I mean I literally can’t. I’m… I’m only twenty.” I gasped and coffee went down the wrong way.
Geez, the guy sucks my dick one time and I turn into a mush-fest.
Plus, the doctor did say no physical exertion outside of physical therapy for six weeks. But we were in week seven, and I was beyond ready to exert myself. Being around my sexy, loving, helpful Gage without being able to touch or be touched by him was about to make me exert myself in my pants.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
[updated info after reread] Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Sorry in advance for the long-ass review and excessive amount of quotes. I told myself it would be short and sweet, so of course it all went to shit.
Joe unzips his coveralls, shimmying out of the top and letting it pool around his waist. Oh. His arms are shocking.
This was my third time reading or listening to this book, and I had sort of forgotten how much I enjoy it. This is one of those series I listen to repeatedly for comfort, but for some reason got stuck listening to book 2-4 over and over. The first one is just as good, if not better than the rest of them. There’s some really good character development, with one of the MCs finally daring to find and be himself. There’s just the right amount of action for me, and I love the balance this author manages to find between romance and external fuckery every time. And as always, you can expect top tier smut.
“Who you calling Mr. Portelli?” My throat goes dry. He really looks like a mobster when he’s irritated. Fuck, that’s sexy.
Speaking of smut. There’s humiliation kink in this one, which I will freely admit normally isn’t my jam at all. Name-calling for example can often make me uncomfortable. In this one though, there’s somehow a lot of love behind it all (and minimal name-calling, lol). It’s not extreme in any fashion, but one of the MCs gets extra hot when he feels embarassed. There’s a lot of lovely aftercare whenever they’ve had a ‘scene’, and they both need it. The MC doing the humiliating needs to be reassured that what he’s doing and saying is really wanted, and that the other MC knows he doesn’t mean it/it isn’t mean-spirited. It all feels very loving and light hearted. That was a very long way to say, this has humiliation kink and I actually enjoyed it (with these MCs specifically. Still not really my jam generally, and that’s alright).
“Ducking his chin, he rubs his forehead. “Fuck, that is so embarrassing.” I know he’s telling the truth because he’s beginning to tent his pants. I do love this little kink of his.
Brushing a knuckle under his chin, I direct him to look at me. “And even if you don’t need much in the way of aftercare, I do. If you could just let me know, for my own peace of mind, that I didn’t go too far and I’m not actually a terrible person, I would appreciate it.”
One of my favorite parts of the entire thing is how Joe, the badass ex mobster, also needs comfort and care sometimes. He’s a refreshingly vulnerable character in a trope that often suffers heavily from alpha bullshit and toxic masculinity, which is actually a topic that is heavily touched on in the book itself. It’s all done really well imo.
“You could retire early. Live a life of luxury.” I pause, looking over at Joe. “Is that really what you think of me? That I would simply luxuriate in my wealth?” “Well, somebody should. If you’re gonna hoard all this coin, at least spend some of it for fuck’s sake.”
Highly recommend this book, and the rest of the series is lovely as well.
“Psst, billionaire,” Joe says, crooking his finger at me. I lean in, nervous. “Calling anyone ‘the help’ is dehumanizing and marks you as an out-of-touch one-percenter who deserves to be eaten.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Backwards baseball cap
Mafia themes
Billionaire boss
Italian MC
Closeted MC
Aftercare
Docking
Mild exhibitionism
(Briefly) enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Docking
Praise
Edging
Breath play
Cockwarming
Mild D/s dynamic
Hair-removal
Multiple O’s and overstimulation
Mild electro play
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Homophobic parent
Gun violence
On-page murder (by MC, bad guys)
Explicit sexual content
Humiliation kink
Brief mention of the 9/11 terrorist attacks
Toxic masculinity
Classist comments
Mention of death of family member (past)
On-page death of family members (bad guys)
Explicit sexual content
Spanking
Edging
Breath play
Mild degredation (bitch, slut)
Graphic violence
Attempted kidnapping of MC
Photographed having sex against will/knowledge (pictures released)
Brief mentions of cheating parents
Mild electro play
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 35 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 310
Happy ending: Yes
These men and I cling to the alpha mindset because we’re fighting against the same deep feelings of disconnection and powerlessness, despite belonging to the most powerful demographic of modern society. But I wasn’t ready for that level of self-awareness, so I kept scrolling. After making a sizable donation to a women’s shelter, I still couldn’t sleep, […]
I call my security detail because people take the whole eat the rich thing far too seriously for my comfort.
Man, wealthy people are a trip and a half.
Sorry in advance for the long-ass review and excessive amount of quotes. I told myself it would be short and sweet, so of course it all went to shit.
Joe unzips his coveralls, shimmying out of the top and letting it pool around his waist. Oh. His arms are shocking.
This was my third time reading or listening to this book, and I had sort of forgotten how much I enjoy it. This is one of those series I listen to repeatedly for comfort, but for some reason got stuck listening to book 2-4 over and over. The first one is just as good, if not better than the rest of them. There’s some really good character development, with one of the MCs finally daring to find and be himself. There’s just the right amount of action for me, and I love the balance this author manages to find between romance and external fuckery every time. And as always, you can expect top tier smut.
“Who you calling Mr. Portelli?” My throat goes dry. He really looks like a mobster when he’s irritated. Fuck, that’s sexy.
Speaking of smut. There’s humiliation kink in this one, which I will freely admit normally isn’t my jam at all. Name-calling for example can often make me uncomfortable. In this one though, there’s somehow a lot of love behind it all (and minimal name-calling, lol). It’s not extreme in any fashion, but one of the MCs gets extra hot when he feels embarassed. There’s a lot of lovely aftercare whenever they’ve had a ‘scene’, and they both need it. The MC doing the humiliating needs to be reassured that what he’s doing and saying is really wanted, and that the other MC knows he doesn’t mean it/it isn’t mean-spirited. It all feels very loving and light hearted. That was a very long way to say, this has humiliation kink and I actually enjoyed it (with these MCs specifically. Still not really my jam generally, and that’s alright).
“Ducking his chin, he rubs his forehead. “Fuck, that is so embarrassing.” I know he’s telling the truth because he’s beginning to tent his pants. I do love this little kink of his.
Brushing a knuckle under his chin, I direct him to look at me. “And even if you don’t need much in the way of aftercare, I do. If you could just let me know, for my own peace of mind, that I didn’t go too far and I’m not actually a terrible person, I would appreciate it.”
One of my favorite parts of the entire thing is how Joe, the badass ex mobster, also needs comfort and care sometimes. He’s a refreshingly vulnerable character in a trope that often suffers heavily from alpha bullshit and toxic masculinity, which is actually a topic that is heavily touched on in the book itself. It’s all done really well imo.
“You could retire early. Live a life of luxury.” I pause, looking over at Joe. “Is that really what you think of me? That I would simply luxuriate in my wealth?” “Well, somebody should. If you’re gonna hoard all this coin, at least spend some of it for fuck’s sake.”
Highly recommend this book, and the rest of the series is lovely as well.
“Psst, billionaire,” Joe says, crooking his finger at me. I lean in, nervous. “Calling anyone ‘the help’ is dehumanizing and marks you as an out-of-touch one-percenter who deserves to be eaten.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Backwards baseball cap
Mafia themes
Billionaire boss
Italian MC
Closeted MC
Aftercare
Docking
Mild exhibitionism
(Briefly) enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Docking
Praise
Edging
Breath play
Cockwarming
Mild D/s dynamic
Hair-removal
Multiple O’s and overstimulation
Mild electro play
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Homophobic parent
Gun violence
On-page murder (by MC, bad guys)
Explicit sexual content
Humiliation kink
Brief mention of the 9/11 terrorist attacks
Toxic masculinity
Classist comments
Mention of death of family member (past)
On-page death of family members (bad guys)
Explicit sexual content
Spanking
Edging
Breath play
Mild degredation (bitch, slut)
Graphic violence
Attempted kidnapping of MC
Photographed having sex against will/knowledge (pictures released)
Brief mentions of cheating parents
Mild electro play
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 35 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 310
Happy ending: Yes
These men and I cling to the alpha mindset because we’re fighting against the same deep feelings of disconnection and powerlessness, despite belonging to the most powerful demographic of modern society. But I wasn’t ready for that level of self-awareness, so I kept scrolling. After making a sizable donation to a women’s shelter, I still couldn’t sleep, […]
I call my security detail because people take the whole eat the rich thing far too seriously for my comfort.
Man, wealthy people are a trip and a half.
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Saint breaks from the kiss. “You taste exactly how I imagined,” he growls. “Like sarcasm and poor choices?” “Like a mistake I’m making ten years too late.”
This book is such an easy and entertaining reread, and I think that was my third read/listen. Iris and Saint are very cute together, and I love that they used to be rivals and sort of enemies, but without actual hatred or anything like that. They just butted heads in boot camp while secretly crushing on each other. They end up on the same black ops/militia team, and hilarity (and hotness) ensues.
Iris is 100% OTT as a character, but he’s so sweet and kind as well that it doesn’t bother me. Even his frequent talk about sleeping with almost anything and anyone didn’t really bother me, lol. That’s just Iris. He enjoys people, but he always wanted that one person who could deal with his job and be there for him at the end of the day when he got home. He finally finds that in Saint, even though it’s hard to believe they could ever be right for each other, lol. Sometimes opposites really do attract. Saint is exactly that. The goodest boy. A loyal sweetheart who deserves all the good things.
“Race you home?” I say to Saint. “Last one home bottoms tonight.” “Deal.”
There’s plenty of plot and action, and a lovely romance. Can definitely recommend if that’s your jam.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Mental health rep
Military black ops
Rivals to lovers
Found family
Romantic suspense
Playboy MC
Flip-fucking
DP with toys
Opposites attract
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Graphic violence
On-page killing
Severely injured MC
Gunshot wounds
Gun violence
PTSD
Death of a military team (off page)
Anxiety attack
Body image issues
Hospitalization
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: Not specified.
Pages: 284
“We’re going home!” “Home is code word for sex, right?” Ricky asks. “Please. I am a gentleman. I never kiss and tell.” Iris turns but then quickly looks over his shoulder. “But I do fuck and blurt. Yes, that was code word.”
I didn’t think it was possible to love someone as much as I crave forever with you.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Saint breaks from the kiss. “You taste exactly how I imagined,” he growls. “Like sarcasm and poor choices?” “Like a mistake I’m making ten years too late.”
This book is such an easy and entertaining reread, and I think that was my third read/listen. Iris and Saint are very cute together, and I love that they used to be rivals and sort of enemies, but without actual hatred or anything like that. They just butted heads in boot camp while secretly crushing on each other. They end up on the same black ops/militia team, and hilarity (and hotness) ensues.
Iris is 100% OTT as a character, but he’s so sweet and kind as well that it doesn’t bother me. Even his frequent talk about sleeping with almost anything and anyone didn’t really bother me, lol. That’s just Iris. He enjoys people, but he always wanted that one person who could deal with his job and be there for him at the end of the day when he got home. He finally finds that in Saint, even though it’s hard to believe they could ever be right for each other, lol. Sometimes opposites really do attract. Saint is exactly that. The goodest boy. A loyal sweetheart who deserves all the good things.
“Race you home?” I say to Saint. “Last one home bottoms tonight.” “Deal.”
There’s plenty of plot and action, and a lovely romance. Can definitely recommend if that’s your jam.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Mental health rep
Military black ops
Rivals to lovers
Found family
Romantic suspense
Playboy MC
Flip-fucking
DP with toys
Opposites attract
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Graphic violence
On-page killing
Severely injured MC
Gunshot wounds
Gun violence
PTSD
Death of a military team (off page)
Anxiety attack
Body image issues
Hospitalization
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: Not specified.
Pages: 284
“We’re going home!” “Home is code word for sex, right?” Ricky asks. “Please. I am a gentleman. I never kiss and tell.” Iris turns but then quickly looks over his shoulder. “But I do fuck and blurt. Yes, that was code word.”
I didn’t think it was possible to love someone as much as I crave forever with you.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I wanted to return to him whole, even though I knew he would have taken me in pieces.
I think that was my fourth time reading or listening to this book, which is a good indicator of how I feel about it. It’s a beautiful story. It’s also funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming. Riley is exactly what Harper needed. Maybe not the best timing in his life, but there’s no doubt in my mind that they work as a couple, and the hilariously sweet epilogue proves it.
There’s a few heavy themes in this, and although the abuse and violence is off page, there’s enough details and emotional turmoil to make you feel it. The author handles the topic well, and I appreciate her for not shying away from the long-term effects on Harper’s mental health.
Riley’s disability is also handled really well. It’s such an uplifting story in spite of all the doom and gloom, and how Riley handles being blind (with as much confidence and humor he does everything else) really elevates the book for me. That’s not to say it’s all smooth sailing or easy in any way, but it really balances out the story and the characters.
Head lowered, it almost looks like he’s… looking at his cock. He’s supposed to be mixing up the icing for the cinnamon rolls. When he turns around, I’m greeted with a proud smile and… an icing covered-cockhead. Pinching my eyes closed, I press my fingertips into them, telling myself not to smile. “I think I might need some help with this after all,” he says, gravely. His mother needs a medal. I swear.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Disability rep
Blind MC
Strangers to friends to lovers
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
Bisexual awakening
Slow burn
Boss/employee
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Domestic abuse (physical, some details)
Domestic abuse (sexual, few details)
Explicit sexual content
Injured MC
Physical assault (off page, present, detailed injuries)
Manipulation (not between MCs)
Brief mention of parent death (off page, past
Brief mention of child abandonment (off page, past)
Ableism
Brief mentions of assumed cheating (not between MCs)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Riley has a girlfriend at the start of the book. Their relationship ends before the MCs meet.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Vers, no switching on page
Main characters’ age: 27 and 32
Series: Interconnected series, standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 246
If I had an ounce of his tenacity, I’d have had a much different life instead of always settling for whatever I get because the thought of speaking up for myself is physically uncomfortable.
How old are you?” “Thirty-two. How old are you?” “Twenty-seven.” “Twenty-seven? Whoa, you’ve got to be the oldest twenty-seven-year-old I’ve ever met.”
Maybe that’s what I really needed all along, someone kind and alone just like me because together, we’re not alone.
“So…prostate stimulation? That’s…that’s really a thing? Like…what does it feel like?” Trying to describe a prostate orgasm to your straight boss-slash-patient should not be among anyone’s job experiences.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
I wanted to return to him whole, even though I knew he would have taken me in pieces.
I think that was my fourth time reading or listening to this book, which is a good indicator of how I feel about it. It’s a beautiful story. It’s also funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming. Riley is exactly what Harper needed. Maybe not the best timing in his life, but there’s no doubt in my mind that they work as a couple, and the hilariously sweet epilogue proves it.
There’s a few heavy themes in this, and although the abuse and violence is off page, there’s enough details and emotional turmoil to make you feel it. The author handles the topic well, and I appreciate her for not shying away from the long-term effects on Harper’s mental health.
Riley’s disability is also handled really well. It’s such an uplifting story in spite of all the doom and gloom, and how Riley handles being blind (with as much confidence and humor he does everything else) really elevates the book for me. That’s not to say it’s all smooth sailing or easy in any way, but it really balances out the story and the characters.
Head lowered, it almost looks like he’s… looking at his cock. He’s supposed to be mixing up the icing for the cinnamon rolls. When he turns around, I’m greeted with a proud smile and… an icing covered-cockhead. Pinching my eyes closed, I press my fingertips into them, telling myself not to smile. “I think I might need some help with this after all,” he says, gravely. His mother needs a medal. I swear.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Disability rep
Blind MC
Strangers to friends to lovers
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
Bisexual awakening
Slow burn
Boss/employee
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Domestic abuse (physical, some details)
Domestic abuse (sexual, few details)
Explicit sexual content
Injured MC
Physical assault (off page, present, detailed injuries)
Manipulation (not between MCs)
Brief mention of parent death (off page, past
Brief mention of child abandonment (off page, past)
Ableism
Brief mentions of assumed cheating (not between MCs)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Riley has a girlfriend at the start of the book. Their relationship ends before the MCs meet.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Vers, no switching on page
Main characters’ age: 27 and 32
Series: Interconnected series, standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 246
If I had an ounce of his tenacity, I’d have had a much different life instead of always settling for whatever I get because the thought of speaking up for myself is physically uncomfortable.
How old are you?” “Thirty-two. How old are you?” “Twenty-seven.” “Twenty-seven? Whoa, you’ve got to be the oldest twenty-seven-year-old I’ve ever met.”
Maybe that’s what I really needed all along, someone kind and alone just like me because together, we’re not alone.
“So…prostate stimulation? That’s…that’s really a thing? Like…what does it feel like?” Trying to describe a prostate orgasm to your straight boss-slash-patient should not be among anyone’s job experiences.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
Eight years later, he was still having wet dreams about a man he’d met once, for less than twenty-four hours.
This book is just a very easy and entertaining read. Both MCs are very likable, and I love the action bits. It’s definitely romantic suspense, which is my kryptonite. If there’s suspense in a book, chances are I’m gonna love it. The book is also *sort of* second chance, as they met for the first time 8 years ago, but they were never together in the past, so I see it more as a ‘second chance at first love’ situation.
There were countries whose governments were exterminating their own people in acts of attempted genocide, yet at home people killed each other for what? Being black? Changing their gender? Falling in love?
There’s not a whole lot of depth going on here, as the focus is on the case the MCs solve together and a whole lot of action (let’s be honest, one of the action sequences lasts way longer than necessary). BUT, I feel like the book did what it set out to do. It’s a quick read, entertaining, quite hot when they get it on, and there’s a couple or funny moments in there as well. I do wish there was a bit more focus on the romance, as most of the relationship seems based on an understanding of mutual attraction and pining. Would love to see it in action in present day more as well.
Definitely recommend if this sounds like your speed.
“Okay. Serve up that tea, girl.” When Fox stared at Peter, the guy was stroking his beard again, looking absolutely completely unrelated to the drag queen sounds that had just come out of his mouth.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Size difference
FBI agent
CIA hacker
Pining
Romantic suspense
Second chance
Sexual awakening
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Explosions
Fire
Graphic violence
Gun violence
PTSD
Flashbacks
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, MM
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Eight years later, he was still having wet dreams about a man he’d met once, for less than twenty-four hours.
This book is just a very easy and entertaining read. Both MCs are very likable, and I love the action bits. It’s definitely romantic suspense, which is my kryptonite. If there’s suspense in a book, chances are I’m gonna love it. The book is also *sort of* second chance, as they met for the first time 8 years ago, but they were never together in the past, so I see it more as a ‘second chance at first love’ situation.
There were countries whose governments were exterminating their own people in acts of attempted genocide, yet at home people killed each other for what? Being black? Changing their gender? Falling in love?
There’s not a whole lot of depth going on here, as the focus is on the case the MCs solve together and a whole lot of action (let’s be honest, one of the action sequences lasts way longer than necessary). BUT, I feel like the book did what it set out to do. It’s a quick read, entertaining, quite hot when they get it on, and there’s a couple or funny moments in there as well. I do wish there was a bit more focus on the romance, as most of the relationship seems based on an understanding of mutual attraction and pining. Would love to see it in action in present day more as well.
Definitely recommend if this sounds like your speed.
“Okay. Serve up that tea, girl.” When Fox stared at Peter, the guy was stroking his beard again, looking absolutely completely unrelated to the drag queen sounds that had just come out of his mouth.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Size difference
FBI agent
CIA hacker
Pining
Romantic suspense
Second chance
Sexual awakening
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Explosions
Fire
Graphic violence
Gun violence
PTSD
Flashbacks
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, MM
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“Nothing wrong with someone younger or older bringing a different perspective to a person’s life. A new energy. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Finding people who make our lives better? Friends, lovers, whatever. People who wake us the fuck up.”
I really like this book a lot. Theres something about it that makes me come back to it somewhat regularly. I think it’s the character called Rafa. He’s isolated and lonely, hiding who he is. His father is the president and supports policies taking away the rights of gay people. You just feel for him so dang much throughout the whole book. People overlook him, see him as the boring one. The rule-follower. Even the ugly one, because his siblings are hotter. Something about the entire situation results in me having a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes through most of it, even though it’s a reread/listen. I think it would be a 5 star without a doubt if only the other MC wasn’t one of the ones who also commented on Rafa not being very beautiful. He is, and Shane (?) realizes it eventually, but he felt quite shallow and judgemental for a 39 year old professional bodyguard. He’s not a bad character, but Rafa steals the show.
There’s a second book in this duet, but I have until this point (and probably will continue) pretending that book doesn’t exist, and that they got their very HEA in this one. It was a rough road even ending on a HFN, so I’m not chancing more fuckery.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
President’s son
Secret service agent
Age gap
Size difference
Closeted MC
Romantic suspense
First times
Virgin MC
Slow (emotional) burn
Closeted MC
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Bigotry
Homophobic family and policy
Gun violence
MC feeling isolated and lonely
Side character shot off page (graphic injury)
Grief (past loss of parents, house fire)
Severely injured SC (gunshot wound, hospitalized)
MCs stuck in collapsed cave
Discussions of the death of children (side character’s child)
Mentions of severely ill child (SC’s)
MC shot (on page)
MC abducted
Bad guys killed by MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC1 has a fake girlfriend for large parts of the book (they’re best friends). MC2s first chapter starts right after a hookup with his sometimes FWB. They don’t sleep together again after that, but MC2 is briefly kissed by FWB after sleeping with Rafa. Later the MCs are separated for 6 months after breaking up without contact. Neither dates or sleeps with anyone else during this time.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 21 and 39
Series: Duet, book 1
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 287
Happy ending: Yes
“You always said you’d never found someone you wanted to wake up to every day. That’s how you’d know he was the one. Are you wondering how Rafael Castillo looks with bed head?” “Don’t be ridiculous. I barely know him.” His curls would be all over the place, falling over his forehead…
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“Nothing wrong with someone younger or older bringing a different perspective to a person’s life. A new energy. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Finding people who make our lives better? Friends, lovers, whatever. People who wake us the fuck up.”
I really like this book a lot. Theres something about it that makes me come back to it somewhat regularly. I think it’s the character called Rafa. He’s isolated and lonely, hiding who he is. His father is the president and supports policies taking away the rights of gay people. You just feel for him so dang much throughout the whole book. People overlook him, see him as the boring one. The rule-follower. Even the ugly one, because his siblings are hotter. Something about the entire situation results in me having a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes through most of it, even though it’s a reread/listen. I think it would be a 5 star without a doubt if only the other MC wasn’t one of the ones who also commented on Rafa not being very beautiful. He is, and Shane (?) realizes it eventually, but he felt quite shallow and judgemental for a 39 year old professional bodyguard. He’s not a bad character, but Rafa steals the show.
There’s a second book in this duet, but I have until this point (and probably will continue) pretending that book doesn’t exist, and that they got their very HEA in this one. It was a rough road even ending on a HFN, so I’m not chancing more fuckery.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
President’s son
Secret service agent
Age gap
Size difference
Closeted MC
Romantic suspense
First times
Virgin MC
Slow (emotional) burn
Closeted MC
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Bigotry
Homophobic family and policy
Gun violence
MC feeling isolated and lonely
Side character shot off page (graphic injury)
Grief (past loss of parents, house fire)
Severely injured SC (gunshot wound, hospitalized)
MCs stuck in collapsed cave
Discussions of the death of children (side character’s child)
Mentions of severely ill child (SC’s)
MC shot (on page)
MC abducted
Bad guys killed by MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC1 has a fake girlfriend for large parts of the book (they’re best friends). MC2s first chapter starts right after a hookup with his sometimes FWB. They don’t sleep together again after that, but MC2 is briefly kissed by FWB after sleeping with Rafa. Later the MCs are separated for 6 months after breaking up without contact. Neither dates or sleeps with anyone else during this time.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 21 and 39
Series: Duet, book 1
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 287
Happy ending: Yes
“You always said you’d never found someone you wanted to wake up to every day. That’s how you’d know he was the one. Are you wondering how Rafael Castillo looks with bed head?” “Don’t be ridiculous. I barely know him.” His curls would be all over the place, falling over his forehead…
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
He thought giving me advice was a smart option before I had coffee. It was an interesting life choice.
I’ve been trying to think of a way to explain why I like this book so much, but it isn’t easy. This is my third re-listen. I don’t want to talk badly about it, but it doesn’t have an *amazing* plot or anything, and the romance, even though absolutely sweet and fun, happens really fast. I think it’s Croy, the POV main character, who makes me love this one so much. He is really fun, but in the driest way possible. He seems cold and calculating, and when he smiles people think there’s something wrong with him, lol.
“And you can’t change your mind.” “I can,” I assured him. “But I won’t, and that’s the difference.” “I broke you,” he quipped. “No. I think you made me.”
He’s very straightforward but will also absolutely lie to your face if he feels like it. He’s just interesting to me. I’ve added a bunch of highlights to this review in hopes that will better show the vibe of the book than I can.
Because logically, if someone made you feel free and weightless and happy and content and like you could say anything at all to them, then leaving was completely counterintuitive.
Oh, and the plot *is* actually good as well, by the way. Perfect if you love some suspense and action with your romance. I also really like that the gruff and badass FBI agent is a total needy bottom for his clean cut GQ-model looking man. They have a delicious dynamic that gives definite Dom/sub vibes.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
FBI agent
Fixer/bodyguard
Undercover mission
Quiet and ‘cold’ MC
Mild D/s dynamic
Ex cop
Romantic suspense
Possessiveness
Former playboy
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Gun violence
Explicit sexual content
Insomnia
Mentions of being disowned by family (homophobia, past)
Vague mentions of statutory rape/underage sex work (no MC involved)
Brief mention of death by fire (off page, past)
Brief mention of drug addiction (side character)
Gunshot wound
Violence
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No drama, but Dallas especially used to get around, and they run into a few of them. Croy is possessive but not jealous.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles. Both willing to switch but neither wants to.
Main characters’ age: 32 and not specified.
Pages: 324
Her tone was flat, stilted, and downright cold. Okay. That reaction usually didn’t manifest until people were around me for a few days.
Do you know how much some women pay to get, and keep, their hair that color? Has anyone ever told you, you look like a GQ model?” The sigh, if I’d allowed it to escape, would have been eloquent.
“Did you hear me?” he grumbled. “Not at all, no,” I confessed.
I crossed my arms, studying him. “So tell me, Digby,” I began, drawing out his name, snide because I could be, and because it would irritate the hell out of him, […].
“Your color’s off,” I said before he could open his mouth. “You should eat something.” My tether was short, and getting shorter by the minute. He scowled at me. “I’m fine,” he grumbled just as his stomach growled. I arched an eyebrow at him. “You’re a real smartass, you know that?” “So I’ve been told once or twice.” “I bet,” he muttered,
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
He thought giving me advice was a smart option before I had coffee. It was an interesting life choice.
I’ve been trying to think of a way to explain why I like this book so much, but it isn’t easy. This is my third re-listen. I don’t want to talk badly about it, but it doesn’t have an *amazing* plot or anything, and the romance, even though absolutely sweet and fun, happens really fast. I think it’s Croy, the POV main character, who makes me love this one so much. He is really fun, but in the driest way possible. He seems cold and calculating, and when he smiles people think there’s something wrong with him, lol.
“And you can’t change your mind.” “I can,” I assured him. “But I won’t, and that’s the difference.” “I broke you,” he quipped. “No. I think you made me.”
He’s very straightforward but will also absolutely lie to your face if he feels like it. He’s just interesting to me. I’ve added a bunch of highlights to this review in hopes that will better show the vibe of the book than I can.
Because logically, if someone made you feel free and weightless and happy and content and like you could say anything at all to them, then leaving was completely counterintuitive.
Oh, and the plot *is* actually good as well, by the way. Perfect if you love some suspense and action with your romance. I also really like that the gruff and badass FBI agent is a total needy bottom for his clean cut GQ-model looking man. They have a delicious dynamic that gives definite Dom/sub vibes.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
FBI agent
Fixer/bodyguard
Undercover mission
Quiet and ‘cold’ MC
Mild D/s dynamic
Ex cop
Romantic suspense
Possessiveness
Former playboy
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Gun violence
Explicit sexual content
Insomnia
Mentions of being disowned by family (homophobia, past)
Vague mentions of statutory rape/underage sex work (no MC involved)
Brief mention of death by fire (off page, past)
Brief mention of drug addiction (side character)
Gunshot wound
Violence
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No drama, but Dallas especially used to get around, and they run into a few of them. Croy is possessive but not jealous.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles. Both willing to switch but neither wants to.
Main characters’ age: 32 and not specified.
Pages: 324
Her tone was flat, stilted, and downright cold. Okay. That reaction usually didn’t manifest until people were around me for a few days.
Do you know how much some women pay to get, and keep, their hair that color? Has anyone ever told you, you look like a GQ model?” The sigh, if I’d allowed it to escape, would have been eloquent.
“Did you hear me?” he grumbled. “Not at all, no,” I confessed.
I crossed my arms, studying him. “So tell me, Digby,” I began, drawing out his name, snide because I could be, and because it would irritate the hell out of him, […].
“Your color’s off,” I said before he could open his mouth. “You should eat something.” My tether was short, and getting shorter by the minute. He scowled at me. “I’m fine,” he grumbled just as his stomach growled. I arched an eyebrow at him. “You’re a real smartass, you know that?” “So I’ve been told once or twice.” “I bet,” he muttered,
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr