Waking Up Filthy

Love Unexpected #5

by R. Cayden

Why in the hell is there a naked, tattooed man in my bed?

I’m a closeted tennis pro, and I’m certainly not accustomed to waking up with strange men.
Never mind that Gabriel is a notoriously flirty rock star and, according to the marriage certificate we find in our Vegas hotel room, my new husband.
Last night is a drunken blur, but there’s no doubt in my mind what needs to happen this morning.
Annulment. ASAP.
Gabriel might be annoyingly charming and hot, but he’d spell disaster for my life and career.
Then the photos surface, the ones where we’re making out at the chapel.
A fake relationship might be our only way through the media frenzy, which means playing nice with the man who makes me want to scream and swoon at the same time.
The long-haired rocker who makes me laugh when I least expect, who swears that his songs aren’t sad, and who I definitely don’t want to kiss.
Except for maybe one more time. Just to get it out of our systems…

Waking Up Filthy is a steamy and sweet M/M romance about two guys who try hard but just can’t resist each other. It features dirty talk, sunrise serenades, and a touch of angst. The fifth book in Love Unexpected, Waking Up Filthy can be ready as a standalone or as part of the series. Enjoy!

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Friends To Lovers

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2023

About the author

R. Cayden writes steamy M/M romance and sweet, easy reads.

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Thanks for reading!

Reviews

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 - 3⭐

I haven't read other books in the series, because they have pretty low ratings, and this one features a tennis player and a rock star, which always turns out interesting, so I gave it a shot.


🟨 Fake husband trope

🟥 Both MCs, Spencer, the closeted tennis player and Gabriel, the bisexual rock star , were likeable characters

🟪 The book was about 50-80 pages too long , it dragged on and on, especially the last 100 pages were boring , the story lost its momentum and wasn't that exciting anymore

🟦 This was definitely a very grown-up story, just two adult men who were famous and very busy, trying to make it work between them

🌶️ There's a lot of spice here, but somehow it wasn't working for me , maybe the first two times they were together, but not after that

🟩 There are a lot of characters here from previous books, but you won't be missing anything if you read this book alone

The story started out pretty great, I really loved Spencer and felt for him being so devoted to sport with almost no chance of being happy in his private life.

His homophobic father played a really important part in his life, but I feel like the conflict itself wasn't developed enough, there should be at least some confrontation between Spencer and his dad, when Spencer came out.


🟧 I think this story lacked fire, that's what it felt like.
The intimate moments between Spencer and Gabriel started out great, but soon weren't necessarily how two men, who are so hot for each other, talk and act, at least in my opinion. It was more like how women talk and act.

For me this was a so-so story, greatly lacking passion and excitement.

Maybe it was meant to just show us the life of two adult men and a normal, everyday relationship, which is fine, it's just not something I'd necessarily pick to read 300 pages about.

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for a long time. Somehow it got missed when I read the other books in this series. I guess I didn’t read it because I’m not usually a fan of rock star romances. This is the exception to that. I really enjoyed my time with Spencer and Gabriel. The story kept me entertained and the sex was hot. I also liked how things turned out between Spencer and his homophobic father.

[Ziezie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 stars

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waking up in Vegas with few memories of your night is common, I understand... waking up next to a stranger, also fairly common... but waking up married to that stranger after living in a celibate closet for years, well that's one for the books... or at least an R. Cayden book called Waking Up Filthy...

I love these two characters - opposites in so many ways, but sharing similar life experiences of having to devote themselves mind, body and soul to their work as a top tennis player and rock idol... and the chemistry is off the charts! This book is a roller coaster pf PR fake marriage, growing actual feelings, bi-coastal separation, angst and friendship.

It's a well written and engaging read with a ton of steam, the paparazzi on the couples heels, some horrible homophobia and a well deserved HEA. I loved the ending!!!

This book is the 5th in the Love Unexpected series but can easily be read as standalone.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am quite glad to be done with this series. This one was so boring. It's an improbable romance between a closeted tennis player and a rock star past his prime who wake up married in Vegas, as one does. It was just very cliche, not one original thought was had. The writing was fine, it was easy to read and the pace was good, but I did not connect to anyone this book and I found myself not caring about them at all. Even the spice felt bland and manufactured, I skimmed most of it. Happy to put this behind me.

[RedsBookReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I absolutely adored this book. I loved how Spencer and Gabriel slowly started to feel more for each other as they got to know each other and I loved the way their relationship developed.

It was great seeing some of the couples from other books appear as well. Such a great series and I really enjoyed it

[Silkeeeeeereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

Nice read with interesting characters. A tad bit too much sex for me. I tend to skim them when there are so many. Love sex, but just not so much it takes you out of the story and away from the characters’ emotions. JMHO

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I like that it’s all on me,” he says. “Every point, every return, every match. Win or lose, it’s all on my shoulders. And there’s always another point to win.”
“Sounds intense.” “Like going solo without a backing band?”
“Maybe we’re both brave.”
Spencer holds my eye. “You’ve been out of the closet since the beginning of your career. Just the thought of walking back through that crowd on the sidewalk with everyone knowing I’m gay makes me nauseous.”
I’m surprised by the shift in conversation, but glad he’s opening up to me more about this. “It’s not bravery,” I tell him. “I just am who I am.”
“And you’re not afraid to let the world know it. No matter who you are, that requires some backbone.” — Spencer (in response to the question what tennis) and Gabriel

Warnings: Homophobia

As the two main characters Gabriel Drako and Spencer Wilchins have a dynamic well suited to the 'ooops woke up married (who are you?)' trope. There is clearly something there. There is a foundation that they wanted to build something on, even if they were shitfaced. It isn't just physical chemistry. It's seemingly more grounded than that. They are friends. They have similar personalities and focuses. Both have successful careers Gabriel as a rock guitarist (and singer/songwriter) and Spencer as a high-ranking tennis player. The book starts with Spencer waking up in a hotel room in Las Vegas looking at an only just waking up Gabriel. Neither of them remembers the night before, the only reason they know they are married at all is the marriage certificate on the dresser. When photos of their drunken marriage are made public, their PR teams have to come up with a solution to save both their career and reputations. The solution they arrive at is to fake marriage for a year and then divorce amicably. The plot is them trying to make a fake marriage work for a year, essentially fake dating. It's all easy until emotion and sex get involved. Then it becomes a question of what to do.

I liked Gabriel and Spencer individually. I found their actions to be well-suited to the histories/personalities they were given. 31-year-old Gabriel is gun-shy because of his heartbreaks. When we are eventually told about those previous relationships, Amos, Aurora and Zel, it creates a suitable amount of emotion. I appreciate the differences it the relationships themselves too. They vary and suit the points he would have been living at each point. Spencer is 30, he has abstained from sex for his image reluctant to engage in gay sex for fear of jeopardising his career. To be honest, a very real fear in sports circles. He has done very little in the way of fun his entire life, he has lived and breathed tennis under the tutelage of his hockey legend father Douglas Wilchins. The night in Vegas is done for his agent's bachelor's party and is not an idea of fun for him. Spencer is wholly dedicated to his career until his marriage to Gabriel. Giving Spencer control of the pace, direction and limits when they are in bed is a perfect choice for me. Spencer is largely inexperienced and has been restraining himself from indulging his wants for years. Spencer legitimately enjoys sex, it is fun and draws laughter from him with ease. It is a joy to see him discover himself and see what he's deprived himself of for years. There is a quote that I like from Gabriel about Spencer's passion “It’s just that you’re so damn hot, Spencer. Not just your tennis body. All of you. I thought you were uptight at first, and you are, but it’s because you’ve got a tiger in you. I don’t know how you keep passion like that buried away.”

The supporting cast is lovely and diverse. Douglas Wilchins, Spencer's father, is a homophobe. Most of the homophobia he expresses is by ghosting his son. Ignoring phone calls, letters and knocks on the door. There is open statements made in public but not to Spencer's face. As a homophobic parent, I liked his presentation. The biggest surprise was Alyssa, poly dominatrix, Alyssa. I love her she is Spencer's ex (though that was also fake), his best friend and his PR manager. She knows all his secrets and knows how to play her cards well. Her happy ending just gave me great joy. Everett is a great inclusion. It is more a 'we're in the same circle' than a 'we are friends' connection. He is largely included to show growth for Spencer. Fox is Gabriel's record manager and maybe friend, I found him to be insightful and charming. "Being near my husband always makes me feel better. But you two always find your own way to do things.” I have one personal hang-up with the name fox and that is tied to his name. I used to work with a Fox and this fox was strikingly close to him. I want to read his book, Owen is totally my kind of guy too. A long way from his rocker husband he works in a museum (*goals*).

Some quotes and comments:
• One of my first thoughts reading this, on the first page was R. Cayden has a gift for physical description. When they have Spencer describing Gabriel upon first waking up it is so blissfully visual.
• Best trope use in this, connecting suite doors and enough trust that neither of them wants to lock the door.
• My instinct is to chase him, flirt to get him to unwind. But I need to be guarding myself, too.
If I were young again, and if I thought I was falling in love with Spencer, this is exactly when I would lose my cool and pour my heart out.
If this were a fling, we’d be parting ways.
Instead, I try to settle in for something different, a platonic commitment. — This is a story about growth and learning. I like this as a view of exactly how skittish and out of his depth Gabriel is in this situation. It is also just a beautifully phrased section that captures Gabriel's thoughts well (this thought patterns don't always align with his speech).
• “The #NeverGabriels are rude. Should I have smacked him with the wedding dildo?”
Spencer scoffs. “It wasn’t big enough.” — I refuse to provide context for this. I include it only to ensure that I don't forget that this exists. (Gabriel and Spencer)
• I really like the nickname Gabriel starts using for Spencer quite early on, Hubby. It is factual but it comes across as sweet not patronising as it might have.
Gabriel’s presence has turned my life upside down, but it feels easier to navigate it all when he’s close.
• The motorbike date is one of the cutest things. Spencer finds the bike to be something of an aphrodisiac (even if neither of them act). The proximity it gives him to Gabriel, the effect the engine has on him. I mean I appreciate it. There is something amusing about Gabriel teasing him about looking hot together on a bike and yeah no lie.
• The design of the houses reflect them in the best way. Something Gabriel comments on about Spencer's. But the travelling home set-up equally suits Gabriel, with his inability to connect to the people around him and his environment.
• I'm wondering if we just met the main character of the next book, Evo Sunshine, though it could be a tone change, Evo is a 20-year-old pop star. I'm wondering if he ends up with Zel. That would be a big age gap. It would be a redemption arc for Zel. Zel will likely get a book either way.
• This isn’t just an impulsive desire to give my heart away. This is a desire that’s been growing for weeks, tempered by time, and it feels harder to bury it.
Maybe I should just let him break my heart.
The thought hits me out of nowhere, so strong it practically stuns me. — This is from a man who has had three big loves in his life and three devastating heartbreaks. Though what he feels for Spencer seemingly makes them pale in comparison. (Gabriel)
• And his voice cast spells. I don’t know how else to describe it. It’s like gravel and honey or the sweet purr of the motorcycle engine. It doesn’t make any fucking sense. I have no clue how he makes it sound so damn gorgeous when he’s practically screaming his lyrics, but somehow, he does. And I hear that voice in my head every day when we text. — There is a truth to this. I've listened to metal and the heavier sides of rock on and off for years there is true appeal in the way some male vocals. Enchanting in their own ways, especially if you look towards Northern Europe and languages you don't understand. It becomes about the voice as an instrument. (Spencer)
• I’ve decided not to tell him that I’m falling for him and that I maybe want more, at least not yet. But my soul has found another way to declare the truth, singing it loud and clear. — This is how we know he is an artist. Your art will always express your emotions, helping you to process. Even when you aren't always aware of it. (Gabriel)
• “Tennis is pure athleticism. One on one. Precision, strength, endurance. It’s high drama, man.”
My eyes end up stuck on my husband, too, while we talk.
“And Spencer looks damn good playing it,” I add.
Reggie barks out a laugh. “It looks good on Everett. No lie there.”
I lean closer to him. “I’m still learning how to shit talk like a jock,” I tell Reggie. “But I’ll get it on the record now that I also think my guy is the best.” — This right after “Welcome to the tennis husband club, man.". Reggie is Everett's husband and becomes Gabriel's ally. THeir whole first meeting and indeed the whole tennis husband thing amuses me. (Gabriel and Reggie)
• Spencer and Gabriel's respective reactions to the emotionally charged (not entirely positive emotions) confessions are interesting to me. They are also perfect. There is a beautiful mix of pain and hope involved.
• “I feel invincible on the court. I’m a confident, successful grown man. But a part of me is still scared to disappoint my father.” I take his chin, drawing his gaze up to mine.
“He’s the disappointment. Never forget that.” — I adore Gabriel's constant defence of Spencer even from the very start, even before their emotions get truly involved. Or is it the condemnation of the homophone only right for the bi who is done with the bigotry? Either way, I like it. (Spencer and Garbiel)
• My life today looks nothing like it did when I last saw my father. But in some ways, that barely matters. The man lives behind a brick wall from me. Even at our closest, he’s always been distant. Cold and hard. — I like this moment of reflection. It is one of the times Spencer realises that he has to let go. That his father was not a father really that he never had Spencer's best interests at heart. (Spencer)
• “How did your meeting with Marco go?” I ask. “It’s been a couple of days since your lunch together. Do you think you’re going to represent him?”
Alyssa glances at her nails. “He’s been tied up, actually.”
“Oh.” I frown. “That’s a shame that he canceled on you.”
“No. He didn’t cancel on me.” Alyssa looks up with a slight smile. “And he’s been tied up. His husband, too.”
It takes me a second, but Gabriel starts chuckling right away. “Sounds like Marco.”
What she’s saying clicks. “Hold on. You tied up your client?”
“Oh, absolutely not,” she says quickly, lifting her vodka cocktail again. “He shared with me as a matter of PR that he and his husband are poly, kinky, and not incredibly discreet about it. Things got heated after that, and I won’t be representing him after all.” — This made me laugh louder than I probably should have. Marco, Domingo and Alyssa in this fantastic poly relationship something I didn't know I needed. Her knowing that she found what she wants in a partner but she cannot represent that. This was a great way to leave off with her, I needed her happy. (Spencer, Alyssa and Gabriel)
• Lyrics are used fairly frequently throughout the book, as is normal for a book with a musician MC. But most importantly perhaps the last set, when Gabriel proposes for the second time to Spencer. They are stunning. The follow-up lines are great.
• I'm living for the post-epilogue scene. I could have been happy not knowing what happened on their wedding night but finding out is so, so much better. The final line "I can’t wait to get to know this guy." (Gabriel) is a perfect way to finish the book. That quote became the title for my amazon review.

I haven't read this author before that mean I haven't read any of the other in the Love Unexpected series. In theory, this should work as a continuation of the series or a standalone for one it was nice to see the publisher was correct and this does work remarkably well as a standalone. For those continuing in the series, some of the main characters from the other books are mentioned if not seen. Fox is a frequent character (his partner Owen not so much, Filthy Sweet); Everett and Reggie appear frequently (Filthy Bromance); Nico and Shadow are only mentioned (as friends of Gabriel's, Filthy Rock Stars) and Enzo and Damian don't appear, Filthy and the Beast). The model/ cover design on the first edition by Black Jazz Design represents Spencer and I find it to be a good representation. The dim lighting and pose with the bright green text certainly caught my attention.

Coming up with a rating for Waking Up Filthy is hard it's losing a rating for seriously problematic sex scenes from my perspective. Raw sex is something I personally am always uncomfortable with. Bareback is just something I cannot support in this even if he claims oh I'm clean. The 3🌟 review doesn't mean that I wouldn't read another entry. This would have been a 4🌟 if not for the lack of safe sex. I did enjoy this. For an author I've never read and a plot I ended up being quite ho-hum on before starting to read this is remarkably enjoyable. R. Cayden has a way with description a tone. Creating two different yet consist feeling for their MCs. It is a simple enough plot executed well and I recommend it if this is your kind of thing. Particularly fake dating and sports romance.

“Homophobes and bigots like Douglas Wilchins are not worth our time. We stand up to them when we need to, of course. But whenever possible, they’re best left in the past where they belong. Irrelevant.” — Gabriel

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

A representative gif:

[crabapple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure I was going to like this at first because the drunk Vegas wedding is nothing new, but Cayden didn’t fail — I like the writing and the characters of this series in general. Enough originality and character development to make the story stand out.

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: wake up married, fake relationship
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: homophobic dad, dealing with past heartbreak

Gabriel is a bi Rockstar. He's been in two bands which have broken up and now he's trying to get started as a solo artist. Spencer is a gay closeted tennis star who was one of the top tennis players in the world. He's the son of a retired NHL player who is extremely homophobic and he's a big part of why Spencer is closeted.

They meet in Las Vegas and wake up naked and married the next morning. Initially they think they can just annul/divorce quietly but the media has caught on to their quickie wedding and their reputations would suffer if they acknowledge it was a drunken marriage. They decide to fake that the relationship is real for a while and then divorce when it's less of a scandal. They spend time together on publicity dates and they are attracted to each other and they like each other. They decide to turn it into a real relationship.

I liked the way that these guys communicated. They were mature emotionally. They had full lives and responsibilities and were real people. They were solid as a couple. They had each other's backs and they chose each other. They had good chemistry.

One thing that annoyed me was that there was no reference to how they met and their circumstances of their marriage. Throughout the book it was killing me that we weren't getting any hints, any memories popping up. It felt like part of their connection was just missing. After the epilogue, the author wrote what happened leading up to the wedding "for the record" and I was relieved lol, it was like, finally!!!

Spencer hadn't been with a guy since he was like 17 or 18. He spent 13 years in the closet. He had fake relationships (at least one) with women, but he never says if he tried it on with a woman. It's kind of hard to understand how that worked for him for 13 years.

Gabriel's big thing is that while he has a reputation for the casual sex that he's had, he's had his heart broken. He's fallen in love three times. In a way, it's endearing that Gabriel is serious and loves hard, but the attention on his past loves is a little distracting from Gabriel and Spencer's love story. Then again, it's what made Spencer perfect for him, filling the holes and loving him back like he hasn't been before.

Some notable moments:

"He stares at me, hazel eyes wide. His lips are softly parted, showing the blunt, white edge of his teeth, and his breath is caught at the top of his inhale. “You’re falling in love with me,” he finally says, like he needs to hear the words again."

"It suddenly seems urgent that Spencer has sex. “You can’t spend your life not having sex. You’re too wonderful.” He laughs. “That’s not how it works.” I frown. “Now I’m going to keep thinking about how no one touches your penis, and it’s going to make me sad.”"

"“You’re always there for me,” I tell him. “Ever since I met you tonight.""


*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."

[Sandy Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy, moving, well-done waking up married rock star/sports star MM romance

What a refreshing surprise! After reading Waking Up Filthy, I’m going to read R. Cayden’s backlist, because I loved this book and how well the characters and their connection were developed. These two men are grownups who communicate instead of acting TSTL, and their chemistry is HOT. Plus I love both rock star and sports romances, so, the combo? Total winner. Please read the sales copy for a plot summary.

Spencer and Gabriel wake up married in Vegas, and that’s fun because they met the only night before, making for a WTF happened? morning after. They’re both high profile and need good publicity, so elect to stay married for the interim to manage both their reputations. Gabriel is the flirty, happy casual-hook-ups-only rock star, and Spencer is the newly outed, never dates at all, had a beard for a while tennis pro. Their goals and attitudes toward relationships are opposite, but together, they work. It’s magic.

Seeing them get to know and support each other—developing a beautiful and solid friendship while also not being able to resist each other—is a special treat, and the behind-the-scenes publicity planning by their teams felt authentic and interesting too. One could only hope to have PR managers as professional and caring as these two’s teams. There’s a strong conflict with Gabriel having totally given up on love after multiple heartbreaks early on, and Spencer waiting to find true love and hoping for that for his future. They know they want different things, and they know they should leave each other alone and focus on being professionals/friends, but…they’re just too great together! Ha ha. Both their personal and their sexual chemistry are too strong to resist. Gabriel’s experience/myriad hookups clash with Spencer’s monk-like existence of the past decade or so, and the feelings that stirs up here and there create some poignant heart-in-throat moments, and many feels.

Secondary characters are well developed and support the two MCs and their story. The music industry and tennis world have enough detail included to feel authentic to this lay-person. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

HEA, waking up married, rock star/tennis star celebrity MM romance. No cheating or emotional cheating or any others. Highly recommended.

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read an R. Cayden book. I don't know why that is either because this author tends to bring the heat and holy hell am I here for it. On top of that, Waking Up Filthy has a wake-up married plot line and I always get a kick out of that trope. I especially like when we actually get to experience the drunken wedding either while it's happening or in a sneak peek. It usually tends to be hilarious. I have to wonder though; do they really allow heavily intoxicated people to just get married in Vegas? It seems like the answer leans towards yes and I find that laughter inducing in romance books, yet slightly alarming IRL. Then again, there are plenty of things I love in romance books that would likely send me running for the hills if it happened to me. But I digress...

I really loved Gabriel and Spencer. Two polar opposites, both experiencing loneliness in their own unique way. Their drunken marriage is a PR nightmare. Spencer is at the top of his tennis game and about to compete in some tough tournaments. Gabriel is in the middle of launching his solo career as a rock star. Neither needs the negative media at this moment so the best decision to be made is to continue on with their sham of a marriage and part amicably after a year. This fake marriage of course has plenty of good PR opportunities thrown in to negate the bad press and it's during these moments that Gabriel and Spencer start to actually get to know one another.

It was sweet how Gabriel and Spencer started to rely on each other. The two became close friends, something Gabriel and Spencer were both short on. Soon their friendship blossomed into talking every day. With the insatiable flirt Gabriel is I didn't think it would take long for Spencer to crack. That rock star is charming AF. What did surprise me was how filthy Spencer could get with both his body AND his mouth. Man the dirty talk. It was some good stuff peeps. Angst wise this was lower level and there was only one real point in the book where I felt it. Thankfully it was swiftly cleared up with both Spencer and Gabriel quick to communicate. The ending brought everything full circle and I loved how it was such a Gabriel thing to do. Very spicy and entertaining read. 4.5 stars

[Sarah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read a few Waking Up Married novels, and this one is easily the best of them that I've read. It takes the familiar trope and makes it incredibly interesting with the combination of strangers to lovers and fake dating/marriage. It also does it in a way that makes sense, given Spencer and Gabriel's public images and careers.

Spencer is a closeted tennis pro, determined to make it to #1. Gabriel is a former rockstar about to embark on a solo career. They meet in Vegas and get married. The book opens there, the morning after, the two of them waking up in bed and finding the marriage certificate. Before they can fix the problem, it gets leaked and their PR teams decide to spin it as something real. They'll fake it for a year and have an amicable divorce, without either of their public images taking a hit.

Unfortunately, this means Spencer gets outed. Publicly. It causes him a lot of problems which provides an interesting look at some of the more toxic parts of sports culture typically glossed over by Sports Romance books (or at least the ones I've read). There's a lot of homophobia in this book - some under the surface and some more blatant, so if you're sensitive to it then please be cautious.

The relationship between Spencer and Gabriel takes place over a few months in this book and the development is so satisfying. They live on opposite coasts and watching the way they navigate getting to know one another and falling in love is beautiful. They made me smile a lot. The side characters were nicely developed and added so much to the story. It was great to get a glimpse at some of the other Love Unexpected characters and couples, but you don't have to have read their stories in order for the book to make sense.

And of course, its spicy because its R Cayden. The spice is well written and varied and melt your Kindle level at several points. It was also very melt your heart, especially as the book progressed.

I would highly recommend.

[Dinoh (Akari) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure I've read R. Cayden before, but if all his books are like this one, it's something I plan to rectify ASAP!

This story begins like any other Las Vegas story: two strangers who meet one night and wake up the next day married, with no recollection of how they came to be married. The difference? Both are, within their respective careers, extremely famous, and when news of their marriage breaks out, their plan to quietly get an annulment is blown up and they find themselves in the midst of a public relations nightmare. The solution, stay falsely married for a while and then separate amicably.

They are polar opposites. Completely opposite. Gabriel is a rockstar, and after being deeply hurt several times, he decided to embrace the benefits of fame and live life without strings attached, not caring much about the gender of the person he was with on his one stand nights. But he's now releasing a new solo album, and the last thing he needed was to find himself in the middle of a scandal that cast him as the bad boy who had tempted tennis's golden boy into sin.

Because Spencer is the "golden boy" of tennis, loved by fans, critics and respected for his achievements. He worked hard to be where he is, only focused on the sports. But Spencer, behind that facade, leads a lonely life, because from a young age he had to bury his sexuality in order to maintain his relationship with his father, a hard and cold man who only focused on his achievements, causing with his homophobia that Spencer denies himself.

Being outed like this caused a break in Spencer's relationship with his father, but at the same time, it gave him the freedom to start living his life, to explore, to surrender to the passion he found with Gabriel. . Because once they got to know each other, as they navigated the "fake" marriage following the plan their PR teams laid out for them, they realized they could support each other and trust that what they felt for each other was real. They had to face the public, the gossip, those who did not approve of this relationship, their own doubts, but they soon realized that together they could face anything life threw their way.

One thing I loved the most was the final "bonus", so fun and it gives the beggining of them!

I was giving an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Love Unexpected series by R. Cayden, but it can be read as a standalone with no difficulty, even when previous characters in the series show up. The story revolves around Gabriel and Spencer. Gabriel is a rock star seeking to relaunch his career. Gabriel is a professional tennis player ranked among the top eight in the world. Their story begins as an accident involving Las Vegas and too much drinking and rapidly evolves into a PR situation. Chemistry takes a while for these two, mainly because Spencer reacts rather badly to Gabriel. Things will get better eventually... even too quickly, given the resistance Gabriel put up at the beginning. However, this part is probably the better in the book: Gabriel and Spencer allow themselves to explore their attraction and finally fall in love. But I felt the story lost thrust towards the end, as Gabriel and Spencer become too sweet, even naive, and promises of eternal love and support arrive way too easily, not particularly well-timed with the narrative. It feels like the tension drops. The end corroborates this descending curve, and by then, I felt the story had lost interest. I guess the story is good, and the characters are interesting enough (at least, for the better part of the book), but the rhythm is a bit off.

I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest opinion.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

🤩ARC Review🤩

“I stroke my hands to his abs, enjoying his firm six-pack as he quivers against me. “Oh fuck,” I agree. “Forbidden husband sex.””

Waking Up Filthy, by R. Cayden, was fun, flirty, and steamy. Exactly what I needed! This is book 5 in the Love Unexpected series but can be read as a standalone.

Highlights:
⭐️rockstar/jock
⭐️accidental/“fake” marriage
⭐️opposites attract
⭐️humor
⭐️minimal angst
⭐️steamy

Gabriel and Spencer had so many flirty, swoony, steamy moments!!! I could not get enough of these two. They wake up married in Vegas after just meeting and somehow end up perfect for one another. Might seem unrealistic, but I could care less. I LOVED it! 🙌🏻

In addition to the hot sex, and trust me, there is plenty, these two were a comfort to one another when that was needed most in their lives. Spencer, with being outed, and Gabriel, with having difficulty releasing his first solo album, find solace in each other, and it was amazing!! ❤️❤️

Favorite quote:
“I part my lips and kiss him, and he closes his mouth over mine. Spencer kisses me back slowly, and warmth spreads from his touch. The emotions crashing through me clarify, giving way to something powerful and undeniable. Love. I’m so in love with this man.” 🫠🫠🫠

Looking for your next fun and sexy read?? This is it! ❤️❤️❤️

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer is surprised when he wakes up and finds a tattooed, but very gorgeous, man in bed with him. They have a hard time remembering what happened the night before, but as they nurse their hangovers they discover they are married. They decide a quiet annulment is the best recourse, but after the press finds out, their PR reps and lawyers decide they need to pretend to be happily married for a year, and then they can quietly divorce and go their separate ways. Gabriel proposes a one time hook-up to get it out of their systems, but they both figure out that one time is never enough. Real feelings develop and after things happen they end up in a real relationship on their way toward a HEA.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was cheeky and funny and very romantic. Spencer was all buttoned up and deep in the closet and all he needed was fun loving Gabriel to let loose and enjoy life. Gabriel was a little too foot loose and fancy-free and all he needs ws a stable, level-headed Spencer to keep him grounded and loved up. It was sweet and steamy. The MC’s were complete opposites but they really fit together and had amazing chemistry. The book was well-written and the MC’s were very likable and seemed genuine. I highly recommend this book.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer and Gabriel ❤️🔥❤️
5 Stars ⭐️

Hands down the best book of this series!
R. Cayden killed it with this story!

I loved these two seemingly polar opposites so drawn together..... but were they really opposites? No, they were two lonely and kindred spirits not looking for the other half of themselves until they found each other ❤️. What's a better way to find that out than to wake up married to a stranger not remembering the night before? This story was a beautiful somewhat slow burn love story with touches of a romantic comedy mostly because of Gabriel, he was such a freaking great character. He showed Spencer how to really live and to live happy while chasing your dreams. Spencer was equally great in a steady and forgiving sense, he truly was all that Gabriel was missing in his life. Simply put, these two were perfect for each other, the epilogue was everything but the events of the first night....EPIC!!! That ending bumped this book to 5 Stars and then some, reading that makes everything fall into the perfect place for the reader!

Side note: This dirty talking duo was sexy AF 🔥🔥🔥 This loving duo was sweet as sugar ❤️❤️❤️....They were the best of both worlds.

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

[Jenn ReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer and Gabriel are as different as different can get. They have absolutely nothing in common, aside from their sexuality, but even that isn’t really in common as Gabriel is open about himself and Spencer is so far in the closet that he needs a GPS to get out.

When the rockstar, Gabriel, and the tennis star, Spencer, wake up hungover, confused and in bed with one another, they don’t realize that they’re married until Spencer finds their marriage license in his bag. Spencer is all for annulling the marriage until the news breaks and their agents/PR people, etc. want them to stay together. Spencer is terrified and furious, he doesn’t want to come out. Especially with his former-NHL player father having made it clear that one’s preferences should be straight and that being different isn’t a good thing.

What was supposed to be a marriage of convenience and then an amicable split becomes a journey of self-discovery, falling in love, standing up for oneself and being ok with mistakes that aren’t really mistakes after all.


I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.

[Tammy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always fun to read about two completely opposite characters waking up married after a drunken night in Vegas! The way Gabriel just goes with the flow while Spencer is losing his mind over their unplanned nuptials was quite comical. When a quickie annulment attempt is kiboshed because of leaked photos, these two have no other choice but to make this sham of a marriage seem real...for the time being, at least. I loved the way Gabriel and Spencer were drawn to each other, even knowing that none of what they were doing was real. Their friendship grows as time passes as does their attraction. It was sweet the way they supported each other and became just what the other needed to feel complete. My favorite part of this book was at the end when certain unknown details are revealed. I laughed out loud at just how crazy Gabriel and Spencer's first meeting was! This was a great addition to an already wonderful series.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happened in Vegas turned out to be lucky for two successful men - one a tennis player, the other a rock star. They meet and they are drawn to one another. They banter, they drink together, they make out and they get married. Then they wake up and Spencer panics because although he is gay, he is not out. Still they can't just get a quickie annulment because people found out so they wind up having to stay together for a while. They live very different lives, but as they spend time together trying to work their way through having to stay married for a while they come to realize how good they can be for one another and that they can count on and support one another in ways each really needs. It was not what either expected but they got lucky in Vegas and in the end each was grateful for the love and support that he found with the other. Humorous, touching and sweet. I loved the epilogue - it was illuminating.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The waking-up married trope is, I will admit, one of my favorites. Highly implausible anywhere but the pages of a romance? Absolutely, but so much fun. Gabriel and Spencer’s version of this plot line has touches of humor, plenty of heat, and perhaps slightly more angst than you might expect, given the often light-hearted plot device that touches off their relationship, but it works for them, and makes, overall, for a rewarding read. A tennis star and a rock star who can’t risk bad publicity, and thus learn to care for each other for real as the marriage gets less and less fake– it’s hard not to like that setup, and it’s deftly managed as the story unfolds. I like the blend of chemistry (lots of it, very strong) and character development (also lots of it, very strong). Overall, an enjoyable read. 4.5 stars.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Orsolya Sántha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this. I'm so happy I stumbled upon it. So cute, so sexy. Spencer and Gabriel are polar opposites and they end up drunk and married in Vegas but they don't even remember each other the morning after. They remain husbands for publicity's sake and slowly get to know each other. I loved their story and was happy at the end and then! Man, I'm gonna spoil it so don't read on if you want the surprise I got





The author gave us the story of their night together in Vegas, how they met and ended up married and it was perfect!!! So much better this way after going through every realization of their relatoinship with them. Their connection on the night they met hits even more. Thanks for this wonderful surprise. It's the first book I read from this author but definitely not the last one.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My husband gives me the kind of look that only married people can give each other."

I loved this book. The premise called to me and I had to pick it up... and I couldn't put it down. It wastes no time and starts right on the morning of waking up with a stranger and I was hooked. Both men are famous- one a rock star and one a closeted tennis athlete. But Spencer and Gabriel were too drunk to remember their night together- or getting married. When photos of them together surface in the media, rather than get an annulment, they fake the relationship. I loved both men. They're opposites in personality but had great chemistry and attraction. I loved seeing them grow more comfortable with each other and fall in love. This was the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more. 5 stars.

[Kirstine Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily my favorite book of the Love Unexpected series. We even get to spend time with Fox from book one and Everett from book two again

Gabriel and Spencer are just so earnest and sweet once we get to know them, I couldn't help falling in love with both of them. We first meet the flirty musician and the prickly tennis player when they wake up to the most confusing day of their lives, but they quickly learn to work together to handle the fallout and are very supportive of each other almost from the start, despite being practically strangers.

Oh, and PS? The unexpected epilogue is wonderful.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Alison Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good sports romance and I love a good rock star romance so this was the perfect read for me! There was something so magical between Spencer and Gabriel. While they are not on the best of terms when the book begins, I loved seeing how their relationship progressed despite all the issues they have. I love the connection to the other books in the series, getting to see what is happening in their lives after their book ends, but this story does function as a standalone. I cannot stand Spencer's dad at any point in this book. It was rough seeing what he put Spencer and Gabriel through but it also brought these two closer together. The ending was magical and I love to see how their marriage finally became a real one!

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already loved this book, but the incredible epilogue solidified my five star rating. Gabrielle and Spencer were a rare pairing, from so very different worlds. However, they were both lonely and isolated. They fit together so beautifully. It has been a while since I really did not want a book to end. Each time I picked it up, I savored how the relationship deepened. I loved how they became more and more mature and treated each other respectfully and with a needed sense of humor. Angst was thankfully not at a high level here, and the story was rich and deep. I highly recommend it.

I’ve read and enjoyed the first book in the series, and I now look forward to going back and reading all the others. I love this author’s style.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer and Gabriel are stars, tennis and Rock stars. Spencer and Gabriel also woke up married in Vegas. Reading of how the closeted player and the flamboyant idol fall for each other is so steamy and hot, it can melt paint. The book shows how two men, experts in their fields, have to find the confidence to love and trust one another. I enjoyed the love, passion, humor and tenderness of these two and the return of several characters. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love sports, music, misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, poor decisions and lots of lawyers trying to salvage reputations while the paparazzi scurries around trying to get 'the next big droop' you're going yo love this!

The only fly in the ointment that isn't resolved at the end is the 'dad.' He probably won't ever be redeemable...we'll have to see. These two men are fantastic together and the ending will make you swoon.

Join me, if you haven't already, as I backtrack and read the rest of the books in this series. Housework can wait!

[Traci S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute and super hot, I loved Spencer and Gabriel’s story. I don’t always enjoy the “wake up married” trope, but this one was very well done. I loved this couple and how they do everything in reverse order, get married, fake a relationship for the press, then build a friendship, and finally fall in love. It’s a really well rounded story with humor, heart, crazy levels of steamy, a bit of angst, and Spencer and Gabriel are all kinds of charming. The epilogue is a work of art, it really took the book to another level.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.