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Rhys O'Connell doesn't intend to stay in Sodden Tewsbury. On the run from a dark past, the only way he feels safe is to keep moving. But when a violent attack leaves him injured, he's forced to accept help from the gorgeous ginger giant who runs the local tattoo shop—the same man Rhys has been secretly crushing on—and he soon finds himself falling further for Simon. But can Rhys trust Simon to accept the side of him that he has been forced to keep hidden—the part that loves colouring and soft toys, the part he barely understands himself?

Simon Johansen’s life is busy. Between running Viking Ink, his tattoo shop, and spending time with friends and family he doesn't have time to go looking for romance—and after his last relationship ended disastrously, he's not sure he wants to. But he can't help but be attracted to the shy, pretty boy who busks in the town square, and when a chance arises to take the lad under his wing, he doesn't hesitate. Rhys is everything Simon's ever wanted in a baby boy—but will he accept Simon as his Daddy?

With outside forces closing in and Rhys's past chasing him down, they'll have to fight for their happy ending.

This book is an MM Age Play/ Age Regression romance between consenting adults.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2023

207 people are currently reading
456 people want to read

About the author

Myf Wren

7 books73 followers
Myf Wren lives among the gum trees and kangaroos of rural Australia with her family, a Great Dane with the IQ of a potato, and a cat that is actively trying to kill her. Despite this, she still finds time to write MM romance novels where her boys are guaranteed a happy ending!

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5 stars
364 (39%)
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331 (35%)
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201 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,291 reviews686 followers
April 23, 2023
4**** stars


Aw man, I really do love me a tender Daddy/little romance every once in a while. 🫠 It was such a lovely story; with Simon, a big, tatted bear of a Daddy and Rhys, a sweet virgin boy as the main characters. Gawd they were perfect for each other.


“I was hoping you’d be sleeping with me […]”
“Okay. I didn’t want to sleep in my bed, but I didn’t want to be presumptuous. I have nightmares, and I don’t want to keep you awake.” […]
“That’s why I want you in my bed, baby bear. I can comfort you if they happen, and be close when you need me. I want you in my bed safe and snug with me.”


So soooo sweet!! 😭❤️
The plot of the story, besides the age-play and kink, and the characters themselves weren’t as much explored as I’d hoped, but overall I think the author did well with her debut here and I’m looking forward to more books in this series, esp. as I liked the side characters and prospects of future couples very much.



*** I’m looking at my kindle library right now to decide what to read next and realize the two books I downloaded already recently are Daddy kink as well. I was obv craving a romance like that. *lmaooo Let’s see if there’s smth else I could read next, tho.
Profile Image for Iman (hiatus).
726 reviews260 followers
April 24, 2023
Awhhh, that was cuteee!! I like how easy, cute and swoony this was to read despite having a dark-vibes cover.

They had a love at first sight moment, but their love development wasn’t insta. I looved that. I didn’t mind if it was insta too, but it’s amazing how they actually took their time to get to know each other. They keep telling themselves that they were being fast, but imo, they were doing perfectly fine. I was swooning over them in the first 40% already ahahah

This feels just like any other ageplay I’ve read with that amazing MCs, plot and story telling. I can’t believe this was a debut. The ageplay was portrayed well, especially with Rhys discovery. I love all of his little moments, so cute. Not just that, they also focus on the BDSM element and safe words within their kink which is perfect. Despite Rhys being a little, he’s also pretty assertive with his opinions and not scared to speak up for his Daddy. I haven’t read about Littles like him, and was blown away by him ❤️

“I want my Daddy to take me to bed and fuck me like he owns me, and then I want cuddles and hot chocolate.”

Although the climax was not told in much depth and felt a little rushed, this was still an impressive debut :)

Seeing ageplay is one of my go to tropes, this is one of the good ones and I’d rec this book any time :) I can’t wait to see what’s next. Mitch’s story, please? 👀❤️
Profile Image for Drusilla.
1,062 reviews423 followers
April 22, 2023
truly beautiful. amazing for a debut, interesting characters, well laid out storyline and exceptionally written.
I have a few tiny criticisms, but they're not enough to lower the rating, I think for it being a debut it doesn't have to be absolutely perfect to get a good rating.
The prologue had me crying and angry so I was immediately captivated and couldn't stop reading until Rhys was finally in Simon's care.

Gazing into his eyes, I did feel safe. I trusted him. It was crazy, and went against everything I had told myself since I left home, but I did. 🥰🥰🥰

Very loving and wonderfully romantic as the relationship of the two develops. I found it especially delightful to watch the first steps of Rhys as he accepts and allows his little side.

How was this man so nice? He didn’t even bat an eyelid when I forgot I was holding Ted. I was so used to being put down or teased for my love of stuffed toys and colouring books. 🦋🦋🦋

The sex was hot and for me well balanced to the rest of the story, so not too much and not too little. Extremely interesting the hints that Simon is vers. It is a shame that this was not addressed in more detail, I would have liked to read more about it.

“Oh yeah, baby. Sometimes Daddy is going to want his little bear to breed him good.” 🔥🔥🔥

I liked the accompanying characters Cal, Mouse and Doc. What went too far for me was addressing Simon's friends in Newcastle. This is probably meant to hint at the following parts of the series, but the fact that the additional characters don't play a role at all here, I personally found that to be going a bit too far. But that's just my unimportant opinion.

looking forward to more from this author 💞💞💞
Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .
939 reviews441 followers
April 21, 2023
Viking Ink is the first book in the Tewsbury Daddies series and the debut work of Myf Wren.

We have Rhys, who has suffered abuse and violence at the hands of his father, a police officer. He's constantly monitored and isolated from the rest of the world. When Rhys gets his chance, he takes what he can and runs away.

Simon is the owner of a tattoo shop and, after finding Rhys bruised and broken, takes him and provides him with a safe place to recover. Rhys calls out to his protective and Daddy instincts, but after being hurt by his last Little Simon is slightly apprehensive of starting a serious relationship, not to mention he's worried he might be taking advantage of the young boy.

My heart broke for poor Rhys. He really had such a horrid upbringing but at the same time is so bright and has such a warm heart. He still managed to find the good in life and did not let his father's hateful words and actions destroy him. Simon honestly was just lovely. He came into Rhys's life just in time, and their chemistry was great. He knew that despite Rhys being a Little to take things slowly and communicate since he is new to BDSM and everything sexual.

Their attraction was instant and they got together fast, but at the same time, their relationship did not feel rushed to me at all. I liked how they took their time easing into the dynamic and figuring out what worked best for them. Their relationship was so sweet and I loved reading all those moments where Simon was taking care of his boy.

I also loved the side characters that we met in this story! They're a great bunch, and the way they brought Rhys into their circle was sweet. He not only got the Daddy of his dreams but a new family. I'm curious about a few people and can't wait for their stories!

Overall I really enjoyed Viking Ink and can't wait for the next book.

TWs: Physical abuse, violence, homophobia, religious abuse, and age play/regression.
Profile Image for Brooke.
832 reviews560 followers
November 23, 2023
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

“No, baby, don’t close your eyes. I want you to look at me. I want to see the look on your face when Daddy makes you come.”


Hot & sweet age-play romance. The relationship is zero angst and pretty insta, but the plot does have some hurt/comfort elements and drama.
As much as I enjoyed Rhys and Simon’s story, I felt something was missing overall. Can’t quite put my finger on it.
Maybe it was the quick-moving plot, the too few age-play scenes, or maybe the writing style.

When I first saw that there was a book 2 following the same characters, I said to myself why?, but now that I reread it, I get it.
It felt a little incomplete, so hopefully I’ll get everything I was missing when I read Forever Ink.
Really hope the author included the switch scene that was teased, ‘cause it sounded hot af.

“Oh yeah, baby. Sometimes Daddy is going to want his little bear to breed him good.


Are you kidding me?? I melted. I’m a puddle. So hot.

Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Age-play and ABDL
- Insta-love
- Age gap
- Virgin MC
- Homophobia
- Parental abuse & past physical abuse
- On page physical assault
- Gentle giant MC
- MC with tattoos
- Size difference
- Spanking
- Rimming and frotting
- Strict top/bottom on page
Profile Image for BookSafety Reviews.
687 reviews1,045 followers
May 15, 2023
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.

I read this book a second time (in a short amount of time), and I’m pretty confident in saying it’s my favorite Daddy/little book. I adore books with this kink, as they usually contain a bunch of caregiving, cuddles and fluff. Reading these books is like draping yourself in a warm blanket. Or something. I’m no poet. But, my point is, this book is all the best parts of Daddy kink rolled into one book.

«Rhys gave a wide smile and skipped down the stairs. ‘Rhys, take them slow. We don’t need you with any more bruises.’ ‘Yes, Simon,’ Rhys called over his shoulder, not slowing in the slightest.»

I’m completely in love with both main characters. Rhys and Simon will give you all the warm and fuzzies. You shouldn’t let all the happy vibes distract from the serious topics raised in the book, though. Rhys didn’t have an easy life, and trauma is definitely a part of the book, but without overshadowing the lovestory, and without making it too dark.

It also has the cutest nickname origin-story ever (Baby Bear):
«[…] instead I’d pulled out the brown one my brother had bought me as a joke last Christmas. It had fluffy bear ears on the top and eyes on the front. I looked at what I had in my hands and muttered a curse, but before I could shove it back in the cubby hole, Rhys’s slender fingers snagged it from my hands. His eyes glittered with mirth, but also delight. ‘A bear beanie! Please can I wear it?’ His blue eyes were round with excitement and he was practically bouncing on his feet.»

Simon is also a highly relatable character, lol.
«I tried exercising once - worst fifteen minutes of my life […]»


Book safety! Spoilers ahead.


Tropes & tags
Profile Image for Janet (iamltr).
1,224 reviews85 followers
April 17, 2023
Not bad...

For a new to me writer, they got my attention with the blurb.

Spoilers ahead

First off, this is not a fluffy Daddy/boy story as it has some really dark things happening in it. Homophobic attacks and psychological issues resulting from that is shown through out the story. I mean the first chapter is Rhys' father destroying a laptop because he was looking at gay little porn.

In here we have Rhys, a young guy who runs away from his homophobic home life. He sings for spare cash in the park. He is homeless. Simon, the Daddy, gives him cash and wants to save him.

They eventually get together after something bad happens. I love age play and I thought it was done well here.

This one could have been edited a bit. It was not bad enough to make me stop reading, but it was obvious.
Profile Image for Em’sBookNook.
423 reviews52 followers
November 23, 2023
3.5 ⭐️

I thought this was a really good debut novel, I liked the writing style and I found that I didn’t want to put it down. I’ve never really read any Daddy/little books and age play books so there were points that were very out of my comfort zone but they felt well researched and thoughtfully written. I will say that I didn’t love Simon taking about himself in the third person 😂

So I think my main issue with this book is that I’m English and this was set in England but constantly used words and phrases that no English person uses. Pacifier instead of dummy, diaper instead of nappy. There were also a lot of farms and like the uk isn’t that big so it’s pretty rare you meet someone who’s from a farm…

Whilst I do accept there are still plenty of homophobic arseholes in the UK, that kind of extreme homophobia from religious groups, protesting lgbt books etc. is extremely rare here. Our religious nuts tend to lean towards being quietly hateful than publicly hateful where homophobia is concerned.

Another thing that bugged me was that Rhyes was just allowed to work as a receptionist at a GP surgery. No DBS check… no right to work check since he didn’t have any Id yet… just wouldn’t happen here. Especially when you’re dealing with medical records. Uk loves red tape.

Anyway, overall I did enjoy the book I just felt jarred out of it because it was trying to be set in England without sounding like it was set in England.
Profile Image for Peppa.
1,178 reviews97 followers
July 3, 2024

„Not only had I found my Daddy, but I’d found somewhere I belonged—at Viking Ink.“

I have to confess that I had a hard time getting into it, the first 30-40% I was sure I‘m going to drop it but I’m glad I didn’t.

As Simon and Rhys daddy/little dynamic was so delightful, so soft and sweet. I loved the tenderness they had for each other it was beautiful to read.
And the way Simon brought this kind of dynamic slowly and carefully closer to Rhys and helped him to discover the part of himself, was also done well.
I also have to say that I loved all the little moments here, they were so cute and just delightful written. Simon took such good care of Rhys when he regressed (He always took good care of him), but I loved they both worked out together in this dynamic. Simon was always so patient and lovely but if Rhys started to get bratty he definitely was able to show him that this wasn’t okay.

I do have to say that I was a bit bored at some parts and all the side characters weren’t really for me but all in all I’m glad I picked this book up and didn’t dropped it.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,349 reviews456 followers
dnf
April 27, 2023
DNF at 27%

Ugh, I'm just not feeling it. :(
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,851 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2023
That was a nice debut novel!
Escaping his abusive father Rhys runs off with just a few things, among them his guitar, his blanket, and his bear.
Living on the streets is hard and risky.

After finding Rhys badly harmed on the streets Simon takes him home with him. His inner Daddy has to take care of the bruised boy.

The story is about their Daddy boy dynamic. When Rhys embraced his little, felt safe, and trusted Simon, there was so much room to explore. And oh boy did they explore.
A sweet little who’s not afraid to tell what he wants, and a Dom Daddy who wants to give him everything, they were the best combination.
I loved how Rhys grow, with supportive people around him. While it’s a sweet read there are some nasty moments.
It was a well written story. Captivating, sexy, and endearing, with some wonderful secondary characters.
Overall a good debut novel.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,432 reviews33 followers
November 20, 2023
Loved Rhys and Simon!

Sweet and adorable with a touch of past trauma is the best description of this book. This is the debut novel for Myf Wren and it’s a beautiful story.

I utterly adored Rhys and Simon as a couple. Simon is the embodiment of a sweet Daddy who just wants to love and take care of his boy. Rhys is a traumatized young man in search of a Daddy he didn’t know he needed.

Seeing Rhys blossom as he discovered and embraced his little side was a treat. After what he went through, it was a relief for him to finally have a safe space where he could just be. Simon truly is the perfect Daddy bear for Rhys. Daddy may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the big tatted up ginger with a beard, but his every action proves just how much of a Daddy he is.

I know this matters to some, so I’ll tell you there is one instance of ABDL but that’s not a theme for this book. In fact, that instance was in response to a traumatic event and not a specific scene or playtime.

If you like your Daddy’s tatted and your littles sweet and adorable, then you should definitely give Viking Ink a read. I cannot wait to read more from this author and I hope a couple of the side characters get their own stories soon. *fingers crossed*
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,070 reviews517 followers
April 17, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


Viking Ink is the first book in the Tewsbury Daddies series. I picked this book because I had never really seen anything with this kind of age play before and I was curious. In the story, Simon is a Daddy and Rhys is a little. Like some other kinks, whether or not this dynamic extends beyond the bedroom is up to the people in this relationship. For Simon and Rhys, they sort of naturally gravitate towards a whole lifestyle Daddy/little relationship. Rhys enjoys and takes comfort in activities typically considered “childish,” like coloring, playing with Legos and stuffed animals, and often behaving like a child would (there is a scene where they discover Rhys is open to spankings when Rhys has an actual temper tantrum). Simon acts as the authority figure, dictating the schedule for the day and maintaining a routine. He also is mindful of Rhys’ physical needs, like nutrition and sleep. Simon enjoys being allowed to have this level of control over Rhys; eventually and with clear communication, they experiment with these roles in a sexual nature as well.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

2,111 reviews17 followers
April 10, 2023
As a debut novel, this author wrote like a pro. Rhys had run away from an abusive home and was beaten up on the streets. Simon, who runs a tattoo shop, finds him and takes him in triggered by his Daddy instincts. They both had been crushing on each other for months. Despite the violent (mostly off page) opening, this is a delightfully sweet novel about Littles and Daddies, innocence and passion, trust and angst but with darker notes of homophobia, religious zealotry, and abuse. I really enjoyed this first novel. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,871 reviews14 followers
April 18, 2023
Simon and Rhys ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️

✅Daddy Bear 🐻
✅Sweetness
✅Spice 🔥

Well Hello there, I didn't not see the goodness of this one coming! Especially for a debut novel. This has very much a hurt/comfort vibe with a darker theme, it's certainly not your typical Daddy/Boy fluff but it worked and it worked very well. The side characters in the book were also good and I'd most definitely be into reading another story with these characters featured. I'd recommend this read.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Profile Image for Madam Ra.
271 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2025
I’ve read the third book of this series a while back and loved it. As time went by I kinda forgot about it until now. First this is daddy/little dynamic and in my opinion it’s executed perfectly. Simon aka Daddy is the ultimate consent king. Every step of the way he guides Rhys. He helps his boy to discover what he wants or doesn’t want, what he likes and what are the had no’s. He is sweet attentive and considerate. Rhys bless him is so hurt from his abusive family that his heart longs and deserves love and affection. This story is sweet as cotton candy and written very very well.
Profile Image for Meg.
298 reviews6 followers
April 10, 2023
Thank you to Myf Wren and Gay Romance Reviews for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so good, and I want to read more books from this author. Simon and Rhys were just amazing, and I loved their relationship.

Content Warnings:
Past abuse
Homophobia
Consensual Age play
Non sexual diaper play
Attempted murder/drowning
Mention of religious cults.
Profile Image for RedsBookReads.
475 reviews20 followers
April 17, 2023
Amazing

This is such a good book that it’s hard to believe its the authors debut novel. This story had everything you could want and sets up nicely for the rest of the series.

I loved the way the relationship between Simon and Rhys unfolded and the fact that this book was dual POV really helped you understand each characters motivations and thoughts.

There is a clear setup for the next books in the series so I really hope we get more of these. There were some parts that felt a little glossed over and I would have liked more but these were few and far between and didn’t detract too much from the story as a whole.

I will definitely keep my eye out for more books from this author.
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,450 reviews
January 6, 2024
4.25 stars

This is my first time reading this author and I enjoyed the story and the flow of the book. Looking forward to reading more. I hope Doc gets a book!!!!
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,681 reviews51 followers
April 14, 2023
Viking Ink is the first book in the Tewsbury Daddies series by Myf Wren. This book is about Rhys and Simon. Rhys has run from his home and tries to stay under the radar so his father won't find him. Simon owns a tattooshop with his best friend. After his last relationship he thinks he doesn’t want one anymore but when Rhys needs help he doesn't think hesitate.......

This is the authors debut novel and I loved it. Rhys was so cute and Simon such a Daddy. Their story was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
Profile Image for The Secret Librarian.
694 reviews101 followers
September 1, 2025
Rating: 5
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 1st person
MM | Daddy kink | age play | hurt / comfort

This story had my heart melting - I have a soft spot for sweet Daddy / little stories with lots of hurt / comfort in them, and this one hit exactly right for me!

Rhys was such an adorable character and I loved seeing him finding safety and comfort in his Daddy Simon. There was so much sweetness and tenderness in their story and I loved to see Rhys starting to heal and thrive under Simon's care. I really liked the way their relationship developed, and while things moved pretty quickly between them, it never felt rushed.

It was a very cute and swoony story, that never felt too heavy despite the trauma and abuse that Rhys had experienced. Simon was amazing with him and I loved how the hurt / comfort was written here. I just thought it was incredible sweet how Rhys was welcomed and found his place in this small town, and there were also some great side characters that I hope to see more of in the future.

I really enjoyed this story and I definitely recommend giving it a chance if you like Daddy kink with age play and hurt / comfort!
Profile Image for Sophie Reads Stories.
287 reviews
April 18, 2023
Ok, how is it possible that this is a debut novel? It is such a good book, with great characters and character development! Funny, sweet, heartbreaking, comforting, detailed without becoming boring, and scary in places, with a very well-deserved HEA for all the main characters and an even better well-deserved ending for .

Viking Ink is not the first book I've read with age-play or Littles, but it is the first one I've read with age regression (to that extent) and abdl, and I wasn't sure if I would understand this particular kink. I should not have worried; Myf took such pains to explain (from the start) the things that Rhys was interested in exploring and that, to the older Simon, were actually part of his life, as well as using Simon's explanation of the kinks and lifestyle to Rhys to explain to the reader as well. The play and Little scenes were written very lovingly and sweetly, with just enough spice and heat. But if abdl is not something that you are comfortable with, or you don't like your characters to regress quite that much, this might be an issue for you.

Rhys's back story does contain some very heavy and possibly triggering aspects, so read the trigger warnings. I loved that, while Simon and Rhys definitely have elements of insta-lust/love, it was clear that Rhys was a beloved part of his small community/town, without him even realising it. I liked and appreciated that, while Simon was the knight coming to his rescue, the whole town actually really liked Rhys and wanted to help him, from the grumpy Doc to Officer Grumpy, as well as Simon's brother and fellow Little, Mitch.

I liked that this enlarged Rhys' circle of friends and support— and he wasn't relying solely on Simon to have all of his needs met. Plus, Rhys's job at Doc gave him the opportunity to get to know the gruff doctor better. I quite enjoyed their scences together.

I also loved how caring and nurturing Simon was towards the Little side of Rhys, while not being a total controlling asshole. He realised that Rhys needed to be able to push back and rebel within the safe space of their relationship, and the pride he felt in seeing Rhys grow more confident in himself and his sexuality was beautiful. I also loved the balance that Rhys was able to find between being a Little, but also taking care of Simon by cooking, etc.

The part where Rhys' past comes back into his life was

I loved the side characters of Mitch, Doc, and Officer Grumpy and the few glimpses of Cal (I'm a sucker for the single dad trope), and I can't wait to see which duo will get their next HEA.
Profile Image for Danielle Hendrikse.
313 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2024
"Viking Ink" emerges as a compelling exploration of trust, healing, and unconventional love. Centered around the lives of Rhys O'Connell and Simon Johansen, this MM Age Play romance delves deep into the dynamics of a relationship that transcends traditional boundaries, offering readers a heartfelt narrative set against the backdrop of Sodden Tewsbury.

Rhys, on the run and haunted by his past, finds himself in the small, yet comforting town of Sodden Tewsbury. An unexpected twist of fate leaves him vulnerable, only to be rescued by Simon, the owner of Viking Ink and the object of Rhys's quiet affection. As Rhys's world collides with Simon's, the story unfolds into a tender exploration of acceptance and the courage to reveal one's true self.

Simon Johansen, characterized by his nurturing demeanor and protective instincts, is portrayed with a depth that transcends the typical romantic hero. His willingness to embrace Rhys as his "baby boy" speaks volumes about the novel's thematic focus on acceptance and love's power to transcend societal norms. The age play element of their relationship, handled with sensitivity and understanding by the author, challenges conventional romantic tropes and invites readers to view love through a lens of empathy and open-mindedness.

The narrative is skillfully woven with tension arising from Rhys's past, adding an element of suspense and urgency that propels the story forward. This external conflict, paired with the internal struggles of both characters as they navigate their feelings and roles within their relationship, creates a multifaceted plot that is as engaging as it is emotionally resonant.

One of the book's strengths lies in its portrayal of community—the support of friends and the acceptance found within Sodden Tewsbury provide a warm, inviting backdrop to Simon and Rhys's story. This sense of belonging and acceptance underscores the novel's message about the importance of finding one's tribe and the healing power of love.

However, readers new to the Age Play genre may find themselves needing time to acclimate to its dynamics within a romantic relationship. The author does an admirable job of introducing these elements with care and respect, ensuring that the consensual nature of Simon and Rhys's relationship is always front and center.

"Viking Ink" is a poignant, beautifully told story of finding love and acceptance in unexpected places. It challenges preconceived notions about relationships while offering a moving narrative of healing and self-discovery. For those open to exploring the depths of human connection through the lens of Age Play, this novel is a tender, enlightening, and ultimately uplifting read.
Profile Image for Whitney.
660 reviews43 followers
April 7, 2025
2.5 stars; I'm not feeling generous

Listen, it's been a hot minute since I've read a Daddy/boy book and I guess I forgot there are things typical to these sort of stories, especially when they air on the fluffy side. I also don't remember them being this slow and boring.

This book does a lot of typical things for this genre. Both Rhy's and Simon are dancing around their rolls. Rhys is extremely shy and uncomfortable. They have an overly long conversation about consent and not wanting to move too fast (even though they're getting passed by molasses). All the typical Daddy/boy things of 2019 are here. A lot of people really enjoy those stories, I did too at one point. The thing is, books have evolved and while I'm not sure when's was published something about it feels very...dated.

The story is focusing on you being really into this specific dynamic instead of writing compelling characters or doing anything interesting. That was very common once upon a time, but most of us have since moved on. I'm not saying this is bad or that people don't still enjoy books like this. But I was bored most of the time and felt like this went on for way too long. Plus, there are way too many characters in this with EXTREMELY similar names. Callum and Cullen. Rez, Rhys, and Rue. None of these people are related mind you. This author is just terrible at naming people! There's even a character named Mitch! There's nothing objectively wrong with that, I just really hate the name Mitch.

I'm realizing I disliked this book a lot more than I thought. It was long, it was boring, the smut wasn't even good (it was more saccharin than hot, which is not good). As I always say, this book is for someone and if that's someone is you, great. As for me? This book showed up a few years too late. 2.5 stars but I'm rounding down because I can and these names had me heated.
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