Little Pleasures

Paddle Creek Daddies #3

by H.J. Welch

One jaded Daddy. One brand new boy. A fake relationship that becomes all too real.

XANDER

It’s bad enough I have to move back to Paddle Creek with my awful stepmom, but now my half-brother’s best friend has decided he has to look after me—even pretending to be my new boyfriend for a family wedding to keep my stepmother off my back. What Ruben doesn’t know is that I’ve been in love with him for as long as I can remember and spending so much time with him is torture. Until it isn’t. I can’t believe that he’s interested in me and even wants to be my Daddy, unlocking something in me I never knew was there. But when my stepmom goes too far, can I rely on Ruben to be there for me seeing as no one else in my life ever has?

RUBEN

When my life-long best friend asks me to keep an eye on his half-brother, of course I agree. Except he’s a young man now, not a kid, and he’s tugging at every single one of my Daddy heartstrings. Xander has just moved back into town and between finishing his degree, part-time work, and hellish stepmother, he’s stressing himself into knots. It’s a long time since a boy interested me, but I just want to protect Xander from the whole world. No matter the cost.

Little Pleasures is a steamy, standalone MM romance. It’s the third book in the Paddle Creek College series, where it’s always the quiet ones who get up to the best kind of trouble. This book features a Daddy introducing a boy to his inner little, the most loyal doggy best friend, a lot of dinosaurs, a heart-stopping rescue, and a guaranteed HEA with absolutely no cliffhanger. Age play but no ABDL.

Genres: M M Romance, College, Romance, Friends To Lovers

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2023

About the author

HJ Welch is a British author of contemporary American MM small town series and books in multi authored shared universes, including the international number one bestselling Homecoming Hearts. She lives just outside of London with her husband and three balls of fluff that occasionally pretend to be cats.

She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.

When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.

She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.

Reviews

[Sarah Baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roar-Some😂😂😂😂😂

I absolutely adored Little Pleasures and my heart ached for Xander. HJ Welch is such a fabulous writer. Little Pleasures had me laughing, feeling pure anger towards Xander's piece of work father and vile stepmother, feeling pure joy at the appearance of Clayton the raccoon, feeling near to tears at the ending (swoon) and then to top it all off, I nearly squealed when I realised who is in the next book!!!!

So many thanks to HJ Welch for my ARC of this awesome book.

[Love Is All Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
“Gioie da Little” è il terzo volume della serie “I Daddy di Paddle Creek” di HJWelch e come immaginerete il kink Daddy/Little è centrale nella dinamica tra Xander e Ruben.
Xander è un giovane ragazzo che non ha ancora trovato il suo posto nel mondo. Non conosce ancora il suo Little interiore e non ha mai saputo di aver bisogno di un Daddy che si prendesse cura di lui e della sua cagnolina Sunny. Il ritorno nella casa di famiglia a Paddle Creek sconvolge i suoi piani e dover convivere con la matrigna diventa sempre più difficile. Quando Ruben arriva in suo soccorso tutta la sua vita viene capovolta e non sarà facile per lui abituarsi alla presenza di un Daddy la cui priorità sembra essere proprio Xander.
Continua sul nostro blog!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xander, Ruben's best friend's little brother, brings out the Daddy in Ruben. Between college, working and a bad home life, Xander is exhausted and both are fighting their attraction to each other unaware of the other's feelings. Now they are pretending to date and Ruben offered to be Xander's Daddy, Both guys are so loving and tender with each other. This book has to be one of the sweetest books about a Daddy and a Little I have ever read. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Kathreadsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet daddy/little m/m romance!

This romance features a daddy and his little, so if that's not your thing you probably won't like this book.

But if you enjoy that dynamic, this is a sweet, brothers-best-friend to lover romance! I love how much they supported each other, especially since Xander had such horrible parents.

This is a super adorable romance, and another great addition to this series!

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xander and Ruben ❤️
3.5 stars ⭐️

✅Best friend's brother
✅Age Gap
✅Daddy Cuddles

This was so super sweet! Xander and Ruben make the perfect Daddy/Boy combination, Ruben was a very protective and loving Daddy to Xander. This had a total hurt/comfort vibe and ended up being an endearing read, there was no sass or mischief .....just a sweet and nervous boy in need of nurturing, comfort and love ❤️ I would recommend this read, especially for series fans.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[nic✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

HJ Welch has always written amazing work and that hasn’t changed.

My heart aches for this sweet little Xander, he has to deal with so much and Ruben is just the Daddy for the job. I loved seeing their love come together and overcome the challenges they faced.

[Daniela Tirrito (Tivvys_books_world) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

https://www.letturesalepepe.com/recen...

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Pleasures is the third book in the Paddle Creek College series by HJ Welch. This book is about Ruben and Xander. Xander has to move back in with his father and stepmother because his residence didn’t allow his sweet girl, his dog Sunny. Ruben has been his older brother's best friend for 2 decades.

I loved their story so much. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.

[Sophie Reads Stories · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Pleasures is the third book in the Paddle Creek College Series and the second of the series I read. I also read and really liked it.

It tells the story of Xander, a student who has to move back to living with his uninvolved, there-but-absent father and his truly god-awful stepmother from hell while finishing college. Helping him move back are his older stepbrother Joe and Joe's best friend Ruben, the brother's best hot friend, whom Xander's had a crush on since forever and hasn't seen in years.

When Ruben meets Xander again, he's instantly smitten, and the way Xander is treated by his stepmom brings out his inner Daddy; he wants to take care of and comfort Xander in all aspects of his life. But it's his best friend's brother, and he doesn't want to ruin a friendship, but he can't keep himself away from Xander.

Xander's life is a mess, between school, working full time, and having the literal evil stepmom from the movies, and he doesn't think Ruben is interested in him in that way—why would he be?

But one homophobic comment from said stepmom gives Ruben the chance to pretend to date Xander, allows the two men to slowly get to know each other, and gives Ruben the opportunity to start taking care of Xander in the way that his inner Daddy demands.

Their relationship was so sweet and caring, and I loved the way Ruben introduced Xander to his Little side and allowed him to explore it. It was a different take on Little Play for me, and I enjoyed it.

The only issue I had was that Ruben had a medical condition that, while being managed, is still a major thing that affects relationships, and he told Xander just before the two had penetrative sex for the first time, and both are very horny and high on lust. It felt a bit disingenuous, considering the two had had other forms of sex before and because of how caring Ruben was towards Xander in all other aspects. I really appreciated the representation; I don't think I've read a MC with this condition in a romance novel before, but I felt that they should have spoken about this before engaging in sexual activities. The way Xander was written, he would have reacted in the same caring and loving way he always does.

I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next installment.

[Crystal Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xander and Ruben were so cute, and I really liked their HEA. I have recently been reading HJ Welch and do enjoy the writing and storytelling they bring to their books. I have learned I enjoy their characters and the chemistry and the love they inflict on the pages. You'll get brothers best friend pining, friends to lovers, age gap, with a Daddy/boy or Big/little dynamic.

I loved Ruben from the jump, he's so sweet and easy going and down to earth. A sexy mechanic, cinnamon roll Daddy. And Xander is a little bit more reserved, unsure and seemingly shy but he's smart, caring and really just wants someone to love him in his entirety. His relationship with his parents is not great, his stepmother especially (omg she is awful) and he has anxiety which his sweet little fluff ball pooch, Sunny, helps with on the daily. They find comfort in each other and manage to find a balance when it comes to their relationship and their relationship dynamic. It's always one of my favorites when Daddy kink is involved but I am still learning to enjoy the little part. It is not always my favorite BUT it was done well here and was easy for me to picture.

I will say that I thought the beginning was good and the ending was great, but the middle was a bit rushed. I felt like we didn't get to see the important moments where they were getting know each other again. There were some but for me just not enough, though it didn't really take aways from the story. I loved how Ruben just knew what his boy needed and took care of him so perfectly. And I loved how Xander fully embraced Ruben as his Daddy and that his sub space helped heal him in ways he truly needed. Helped him grow. Helped him feel like he's enough and loved and that it's okay to take a break and be young and alive. Was really sweet. And Ruben was just wonderful through it all, so supportive and no matter what his first priority was Xander.

I will continue to read this series as I have really liked it so far. These are lower in angst and shorter reads which is always nice. And again, characters are always great!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by Gay Romance Reviews.

My fair rating: 3.5

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Xander was in a real fix and there really wasn't anything he could do about it. I appreciated that he had a wonderful brother and a fantastic little sister to give him support, but it seemed nothing could stop the mental torture and anguish his step-mother was determined to put him through.

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about Xander even such a long time after reading the book. He started off discouraged and distraught, his love of dinosaurs and basic sweetness came through, and he was at home with Ruben, but I just didn't connect with him. I saw him, but I didn't feel him.

Ruben was much the same for me. He was a good Daddy for Xander. I absolutely appreciated how he introduced his desires and their possible dynamic to Xander; that was probably the thing that made me like him more than anything else. Adding in how protective of him he was toward Xander's step-mother and Ruben really fit the role of the protector Daddy with a caring streak a mile and a half wide. But there were little things that just didn't sit right with me. His many, many assurances to Xander, and to himself, that he was just doing a favor for Xander's brother did nothing to endear me to him.

Speaking to the introduction of the HIV+ thing... I'm of two minds and one is slightly more dominant. Part of me feels a bit icky about it because there's spicy time without external protection and Ruben bringing it up was a minor announcement with a question of understanding, both of which were acknowledged by Xander with understanding and acceptance, and then the issue was dropped. No explanation beyond that at all. I'm not 100% sure I liked that.

However, and this is a big however, I feel that it was complete in its sparseness. It was addressed adequately for understanding and consent and it wasn't made to be a giant elephant in the room. The way it was done was simple and I can see it as removing the stigma of the disease when the reality of it now in a modern, western society with all the new medications and treatments is that it doesn't have to be the slow, awful killer that would have those affected be like the lepers before them.

So overall I think the story was sweet. It wasn't my favorite by this author at all, but it was a nice read.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Spoiler at the end**
Little Pleasures gives us a wonderful hurt/comfort romance between Xander and his brother's best friend, Ruben. Xander has had to move in with his father and evil stepmother, something he never wanted to do but needs must when he can't afford anything else. He'll do anything as long as he's got his dog, Sunny, but he never imagined that Ruben would be the person to bring support and happiness to his life.
Ruben sees how beautiful Xander has grown to become since he left for college. He's determined to keep away but can't stand by while Xander puts so much pressure on himself as well as his stepmother's strong dismissal and disapproval weighing him down. From that moment, it becomes a little bit like an instalove romance as he brings Xander to his home to take care of him, the way a Daddy would with his boy, ensuring he rests, eats well and has time for fun, not just work and college. Xander takes to that world so easily, it's like he was always meant to be there but only with Ruben. They work so well together as a couple. There is, of course, the worry about the brother/best friend not approving, but there is no denying the easy connection they share.
The drama comes in the form of Felicia, Xander's stepmother. A woman who only thinks of herself, is very conservative in her thinking and has no place for Xander in her home or her sister's upcoming wedding, especially not with a male date! Ruben is more than confident when it comes to standing up for and protecting Xander and makes for a lovely ending for the two.
A really heartwarming romance and it's so good to be back in Paddle Creek. We got to meet up with Gabe, Marty and Seth who are, as always adorable and friendly to the shy Xander.
**Spoiler**
One part that didn't work for me was that Ruben reveals a medical condition just before the two men have sex, even though they have already done other things previous to this. To me, that just doesn't work, even if it is undetectable. In such an important relationship that they have and how much Ruben thinks of Xander, I would want this to be brought up as soon as things get serious.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review

[Stephanie Bonsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kindly gifted copy of this book by the author and the story was easy to follow as a stand a lone as I haven't read the other books in the series. (I now need to do this!).

Xander moved away from his family to study at college, but when his landlord tells him that his dog and best friend Sunny wasn't welcome, he has to move back home. Home is a loose description though, as everything he owned has been cleared by his homophobic step mother and his room is now a guest bedroom. His step mother is so self centered that she charges him rent and also makes him help out with organising her sisters wedding. Xander always had a crush on his older brothers best friend Ruben, so is really happy when he bumps into him again. Ruben is a Daddy at heart and when he sees how Xander is struggling with college, work, his step mother and the wedding, he feels an overwhelming urge to look after him in any way he can. He offers Xander a room in his home, to use as respite from his stepmother. He also steps in and offers to be his fake boyfriend for the wedding, something that Felicia isn't at all happy with. As the fake relationship becomes real, the only worry is what Joe will think of it all.

After the temporary loss of Sunny and some hilarious happenings at the wedding, Xander moves in with Ruben and their true relationship begins.

I really enjoyed this book and the way that Xander and Ruben got along, as they were meant for each other. Felicia is the step mother everyone dislikes and it was great that the boys and Xanders siblings got the last laugh. I also enjoyed the supporting characters such as Joe and his girlfriend, Xanders younger sister and the friends he made at college as well as the beautiful Sunny. I don't usually read Daddy/boy books as they aren't really my thing, but this one only really touched on the lifestyle which was enough for me to enjoy reading it. A good story, worth reading.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 25, Xander has moved home while he finishes his last semester of college, just so he can keep his dog with him. Home is not a pleasant place to be with his horrible stepmother, but he will stick it out and stay under her radar as much as possible to keep Sunny. He has a younger sister who is cool, an older half-brother Joe, who is no longer at home, a dad always busy with something else, and his brother’s best friend, Rueben, who volunteers to keep an eye on him for Joe. In Xander’s eyes, seeing Reuben occasionally is awesome since he has had a crush on him since his teens. Reuben has always liked Xander and is concerned by the way he is treated at home, so keeping an eye on him is not a problem. The more time Rueben spends with Zander, the more convinced he is that Xander is a little in need of a Daddy, and luckily Rueben is a Daddy without a boy. As Zander blooms and becomes more confident with Reuben taking more control and providing the stability he needs, a more emotional attachment is growing on both sides, still in a more “ friends” way, but heating up. How to break the growing bond to brother Joe is the main block to moving forward into a full Daddy/little relationship, but the ground is laid when Rueben will be Xander’s plus one to an upcoming family wedding.
Lovable characters, a sweet dog who gets so much love from Xander instead of his family, a young man coming out of his shell to find he has value and can have friends, a wicked stepmother, and lots of dinosaurs to warm a boys heart make for an entertaining read with some drama and a well-deserved put down from an unlikely source. Not a long read. 4.5 stars.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart!!! 😊🥰🤗

Dang it Helen you can't keep doing this to my heart! 😉 The two men in this book fit perfectly together! Ruben is Xander's brothers, Joe, best friend and Xander has always had a big crush on Ruben. Ruben hasn't seen Xander since he was younger and now he's grown into an adult who is so beautiful. Ruben recognizes all the stress and anxiety in Xander and trying to find a way to help he discusses age play with him. They are in their DD/lb relationship for a little bit when they get the idea to pretend to be a couple to irritate Xander's evil stepmother. After getting the ok from Joe they go on their wedding date. After the rejection and scene that the stepmother made I was hoping that that was the last we would see of her but she's definitely evil and hasn't made her last appearance. Worrying about how Joe will react to him dating his very beloved little brother Ruben summons the courage to tell him that they are not pretend and are real and he has very deep feelings for Xander. Enter the evil stepmother with her schemes. The last 3rd of this book is definitely a roller coaster ride. This is an excellent Daddy book that includes age play, without abdl.

"He’s my home, my anchor, my port in a storm." 😊🥰

I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddle Creek is quickly becoming one of my favorite story-verses, and Xander and Ruben's story was another fantastic addition! With a protective, sweet Daddy, the most dino-rific baby boy, and their sweet dog, it was impossible not to fall in love right away, but every step of their love journey somehow exceeded the last. Xander's stepmom left a lot to be desired, but where she was determined to fulfill Cinderella levels of wicked stepmom, Xander's siblings were wonderfully supportive. I was effortlessly engaged in the storyline, and both Ruben and Xander were so sweet about their love that I knew nothing could get in the way of their connection. I love how interconnected Xander and Ruben's journey ended up being with the earlier books in the series, and in general enjoyed the way their romance progressed. From a romance perspective, this story was 100% feel-good comfort read, but wicked stepmom did show her colors in one final burst of evilness before Xander finally got free of her. Thankfully Daddy Ruben was there to rush to the rescue, and once Xander finally escaped, everything was smooth sailing to the ending.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[els✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

- an MM romance! daddy k!nk, age play, age gap, brothers best friend, fake dating!
- so hyped that this one is age play
- god the step mother is a witch
- i love that this series has an animal theme as well
- i hate how much Xander is hurting :( i just wanna
- i hate Lally as a nickname, why can’t it be Ally?!
- that wedding was insane like how can so many people be awful
- she’s gotten rid of Sunny hasn’t she, i am going to fuck shit up if this has happened
- that third act conflict made me want to vom OH MY GOD
- Brig is the best little sister EVER
- so glad it only lasted a couple of pages cos damn 😂
- i love that it was Xander who said i love you first!! it’s always fun when the sub takes control of a situation
- kinda sad they didn’t follow the tradition of adopting a cat at the end but we can’t have everything
- there aren’t as many sex scenes as the two previous books! they’re still very good tho
- also not as many little scenes as i would of liked but the daddy k!nk is on point
- ah i really loved this!! it was super cosy and cute with a GREAT plot!!

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of saddest, happiest sweetest stories I've read. Xander, is putting himself through college. His landlord decided to play hardball concerning his furbaby, Sunny. So, Xander decides to transfer schools and move back home sacrificing his emotional peace of mind enduring his Dad and step mother, Felicia to keep Sunny. First person he meets is his brother, Joe's best friend Ruben who happens to be his secret crush. Little did he know that Ruben has secret thoughts and feelings about him too. Joe, Ruben and Xander have a happy history growing up. Xander has 6 months, one semester to go before he graduates. The family and friends go through many changes, secrets, new friendships, emotional hishs and emotional lows, terror, homophobia awakenings, self actualizations and acceptance. Excellent story. Xander, Ruben, Joe and Zoe and baby sister Bri are absolutely delightful characters. Well done! Nice cover art! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I expected with a HJ Welch book, Little Pleasures is absolutely adorable.

Xander has a crush on his older half-brother's best friend, Ruben, and for the first time, Ruben notices him back. Ruben takes it upon himself to help Xander when his home situation with his step-mom becomes difficult. Seeing Xander struggle brings out Ruben's daddy side and it was so cute and caring!

Most of the book is light and fluffy though there are moments of prejudice and Xander's step-mom creates some drama, yet each time the main characters communicate and are supported by some great secondary characters.

The throuple from the first book are in this one, though it can be read as a standalone, it was lovely to see them. The next main characters have mostly been introduced and I'm so excited for their book!

On the whole, a sweet, entertaining read.

[Claire Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Pleasures is book three in this mm series but can be read as a standalone. however its best enjoyed in order.
A brothers best friend/ Daddy and Little, Age Gap Romance that gives you all the feels.
This was another great and emotional read
Xander and Reuben are the most sweetest couple and Reuben couldn't be a better match for Xander.
I felt so bad for Xander. He has no one apart from his rescued dog and his brother and his brothers best friend that he's loved forever without him knowing.
When he's forced to move back to his home town and Reuben starts to help him and see him more than his best friends little brother its the most adorable thing. Reuben has also b been hurt before and has to learn to trust but the two together was a match made in heaven.
The book is steamy, adorable, the sweetest thing and I love how they heal each other. Perfect t.

[Sarah Thornburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Little Pleasures' is a sweet age-gap novel that deals with some serious issues. HJ Welch has done a fantastic job writing these issues so they are organic and aren't thrown in just for a plot device. I love the way she handled Xander going into his little space and gave him a separate identity for that space. Some age-play novels I've read don't draw that line; sometimes, it's jarring to read. But HJ has handled this transition well, and it made for a smooth read. I was excited when she included characters from previous novels. It's always fun to see the character growth from outside the bubble of a previous novel. I would have liked to see Ruben and Xander interact with each other's friend circles a little more, but otherwise, this was a fun novel to read.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xander and Ruben story was sweet, emotional, with an adorable pet, funny moments, but also some heartache from disdainful family.
They are cute together and I adored how protective Ruben is, the way he loves Xander and makes everything for his boy happiness.
I adored the sister and how supportive and helpful she is when Xander is in distress, as well as the brother and girlfriend which are good allies and adorable together.
I liked seeing old friends and their role in our characters wellbeing, as well as the new friendships connection.
Totally hated the stepmother and her bigoted family, but the father didn't help matters at all by ignoring him and not being supportive of his son.
I enjoyed the read and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.

[rosdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Pleasures is a beautifully sweet, age-gap daddy story. The characters were perfectly written. I could feel Xander’s emotions, and Ruben’s too. It was beautiful to see Xander discover his little, and with Ruben’s love and support, realize how special he truly is.

I do love a bit of drama in a story and Felicia was a witch with a capital B. She was just nasty, and I loved it. It makes the story feel real. There are nasty people in the world, and it is satisfying when their nastiness doesn’t prevent someone from finding true happiness.

Ruben and Xander have a wonderful relationship and they get steamy. The Daddy/little aspect is perfectly portrayed, without being overdone. This is a magnificent read.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something neat about stories where one H starts out keeping an eye on their eventual love interest for a friend and finds that instead of doing a favor the favor has also been done for them. Xander was the little brother secretly crushing on his step brother's bestie. He assumes the feelings can't be mutual when in fact they are. Now that they are grown and know that they have feelings for one another ,it allows Reuben and Xander to start a relationship that is real, not just be wedding buddies. Xander's stepmother is a pill but it is good to see her get exposed. And it was also good for them to come together as adults and find their HEA. This was sweet, except for the stepmother.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Lacombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adore Xander. 💜 I honestly don’t think I could have survived with a father and an evil, conniving stepmother like he had for all his life.

I loved that he was supported by his older half brother Joe and younger half sister Brig all this time. Rueben, Joe’s best friend who Xander has been attracted to for years, steps up to the plate and saves Xander. He loves him and gives him a life he truly deserves.

A really amazing love story by HJ Welch. There are so many twists and turns, unexpected moments and sweet and sexy times.
Paddle Creek series is becoming one of my favorites. ❤️

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Paddle Creek, I have read book 1, Heaven Sent, but not book 2, Yes Sir. Gabe, Seth and Marty (book 1) pop up here, but don't recall whether Jackson and Benedict (book 2) do. Regardless, they can be read as stand alones, however I do recommend book 1!

While Xander had lusted over Ruben for what seemed liked forever, I LOVED the fact that Ruben could see Xander was a little at heart and that Xander needed a daddy. I loved the speed that this particular Daddy/little relationship moves: slowly! Usually, these move very fast, but Ruben was very tuned into Xander and his little very quickly, however Xander was not. And I loved the way it was introduced to Xander.

Ruben liked the young man Xander had become, after following him and Xander's brother around as a kid. But Ruben could see him struggling, not least because of the wicked step mother situation! She was a b!tch to Xander, and Joe, Ruben's best friend, but does get somewhat of a come-uppence, due to her own daughter! Loved Brig and how she stood up to her mum, especially after what she does to Xander and Sunny, the dog he loves more than anything. *No puppies were harmed in the book!*

I think need to wrap up (I'm sure I said that in Heaven Sent too!) or I will rant and rave and spoil things.

so,

5 roar-some stars!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Zander. I ache to imagine how alone he must have felt in his life growing up. And I love Ruben for stepping up to take care of him, but more so for loving him. I enjoyed seeing this side of a daddy romance, that was on the sweet side only. They both fulfill the need that each other had, and I was happy that Zander’s half siblings were supportive and accepting of their relationship.

One thing I would have liked was for Ruben to go in a bit more detail about his medical condition, the circumstances.

I totally Enjoyed the story. Awesome read. I look forward to the next book in this amazing series.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xander and Ruben are as well matched a pair of leads as you could want, with Xander being incredibly open and willing to try out a daddy-boy relationship, and Ruben providing him the support he so desperately needs in his life.

Xander is weighed down by many obstacles; his schooling, his job and having to move back home with a disinterested father and almost-evil stepmother, and Ruben helps calm his anxieties.

Overall a super quick and enjoyable read

Spoiler***

The only thing that turned me off was right before Xander and Ruben are about to have penetrative sex, Ruben offhandedly mentions a medical issue that should have been discussed in advance.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xander is a young man under a lot of stress. He is struggling to finish his degree and circumstances have forced him to move back into the home of his evil stepmother. The only upside is he gets to see Ruben, his brother's best friend and he man he has had a crush on for years. Ruben is a Daddy at heart that has been longing for a boy of his own to take care of. He sees the sign of a little in Xander and gently coaxes him out. I did enjoy reading Ruben explain the concept of what a little is and how it could benefit Xander and that there was a clear line between Xander's little and his adult self.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man, poor Xander. He has to move back home and live with his wicked step-mother, and she totally fits that title. She does terrible things. Xander just tries to get along, but it's basically killing him to do it.

Luckily, Reuben, his brother's friend, is there to step in and help protect Xander. He's a Daddy, and Xander triggers all his Daddy instincts, but he isn't sure that he can take Xander for his boy, because best friend's brother and all.

Xander and Reuben are so sweet together. I really, really hate Xander's evil step-mother. I want horrible things to happen to her, and all the good things to and to X & R.