For Your Time

For Your Love #1

by Crea Reitan

The best time to find yourself is before you hit rock bottom.

My mom died when I was ten, taking my happy family life with her. And since my dad’s only useful enough to drain a bottle, I’ve learned to live with nothing, except the love and generosity of my best friends.

My relationship with twins Damon and Declan has always been close. Too close according to what society has deemed appropriate between guy friends. But that’s never stopped our hugging and cuddling—in public or private. My best friends know I didn’t receive affection from home, so they never let me go without it.

But at twenty-two, the guilt of taking handouts from my friends catches up with me. Filled with self-loathing, I decide it’s time to make a change.

Determined to pay my own way, I accept a strange proposition from my former professor. Suddenly, I find myself with a sugar daddy, and a whole lot of questions I’m not sure how to process.

The twins have always known they were gay—just like I’ve known I was straight. But now, I wonder if the love and affection I’ve always craved was for something else entirely.

***

This is a LGBT+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, College, Contemporary, LGBT, BDSM, Queer

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2023

About the author

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Reviews

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School] · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m never, ever going to leave you. You’re mine. Always mine. I will love you until my last breath.”

Warning for a long review, I had a lot of thoughts about this book and was conflicted on how it I should rate it.

We have Simon (22), who was neglected by his father when his mother died as a child. He was shown barely any love or care, forgotten until his best friend's mother found him and took him in. He has been deprived of affection and love, so he takes it when his best friends, twins Damon and Declan, provide it. Their relationship is more than friends, more than brothers, but not quite lovers. They kiss, cuddle, hold one another, but it’s loving but not sexual. Since his father abandoned him, Simon has depended on his best friend’s family to provide him with housing and food and cover his university tuition. However, he wants to be able to stand on his own and not take from them. He wants to also be equal to them and fully rely on his best friends.

Quinlan (38) has been obsessed with Simon from the moment he walked into his classroom. However, he has always watched him from afar and kept his desires to himself. He wants him but also sees that the twins always flank Simon and does not dare make a move because he does not know if Simon is gay or bi.

Once the course ends, he’s ready to forget his obsession and move on, but just when he thinks he won’t see Simon again, Quin sees him at a gay bar. He takes the chance to approach him in the dark. After getting a taste of him, he can’t leave Simon alone and devises a plan to keep him temporarily while getting a chance to sexually be with him - A Sugar baby and Sugar daddy arrangement.

Okay. This story had so many things I enjoyed but also many things that left me scratching my head a little.

The good.

I love when characters are touch starved, needy and crave affection. Simon due to his past was a little sponge who needed physical touch. The twins gave him that and Quin. I loved seeing how different he was with his best friends vs Quin. I also loved that Quin picked up on his needs and gave him all that needed. The hand holding, the petting, sitting on each other’s lap, running fingers through the hair, the closeness….all of it, just loved it.

I loved how comfortable Simon was with Quin both emotionally and physically. He let himself go with him. Simon craves pain at times and needs physical confirmation of their connection. The sex between them can get rough and often leads to Simon going into subspace.

Simon is asexual. He learns that he’s not into sex for sex but the connection it brings. He doesn’t get hard all the time and doesn’t come but needs that connection with Quin. He thought he was broken or that there was something missing, especially when he compared himself to his best friends who were all about hookups, dicks, and just very sexual. Quin shows him that he might be asexual and it takes him a while to learn and understand himself but it allows him to finally realize that there’s nothing wrong with him.

However, being demi isn’t what I think of myself. I’m sure I’m just somewhere in the gray asexual range. Somewhere that I can get aroused under a very specific set of circumstances, otherwise I have no interest at all.

To share that intimate moment with them. Or just to satisfy them. The asexual person doesn’t get the same thing out of it as the other, but that doesn’t mean they’re not getting something out of it.

“I think it goes back to intimacy. You’ve already told me you like being touched. Patted. Hugged and cuddled. This is a more intimate version of that, no? You want to feel the connection and I don’t put pressure on you that you need to be involved in a way you’re not comfortable with.”

Since I learned Simon is asexual, I’ve let him initiate almost all of our sexual encounters. The only time I really bring it to him is when he needs to get out of his head after school. Even then, it’s cock warming as opposed to sex.

I also liked how Quin is so understanding of his sexuality and friendship. At times I think too understanding of the friendship because the twins did need to back off a bit.

“You don’t need to constantly give me sexual attention to keep me loving you, baby. I’m so deeply in love that I’ll never claw my way out.”

“There’s a big difference between me and them. They’re threatened by my presence in your life while I accept and support your close friendship.”

“I’m not going to provide for them, but I’ll never, ever ask you to cease your friendship. They’ll be a part of everything. Our wedding. Our vows. Our kids’ lives. We’ll even make sure there’s a bedroom for the three of you to have sleepovers.”

I also adored Vulcan, Quinn’s best friend. He’s a beast of a man and all things fabulous. I want him to get his HEA. He’s often judged and ridiculed for appearance but has so much love to give. I need his book.

The odd.

I was baffled by the relationship Simon had with the twins. It takes so much of the story up that it distracts from his relationship with Quin. At times, their connection and chemistry are way more intense and romantic than with Quin. I understand his need for their closeness, I get it but there needs to be a line drawn once Simon found a partner.

This is not a poly story, but the Twins are possessive of Simon; they want to own him completely and not let him go. They truly do love him in all ways possible, just no sex. They get physical as well - kisses on the lips, cuddles, sleep intertwined together, grinding on each other in clubs…. he’s the twins’ whole world.

However, once the twins find out about his relationship with Quin their touches become more sexual, at least by one twin. He dry humps, uses Simon to get off and knowing that Simon was uncomfortable with it was a bit hard to read. I guess since Simon did not outright say he was asexual to his best friends they could not have known but still. The twins do cause Simon major heartache and hurt him. I'm curious to see how their relationship will addressed in the next books.

“It has nothing to do with you and whether you’re ‘good enough’ or whatever your problem is, Declan. I don’t feel sexual attraction, like, ever. Arousal isn’t really a thing in my body. I don’t work that way. Feel better now?”

There were scenes between the twins and Simon that made me wonder if the story initially started with the twins as the love interest before the author made a last-minute change, and relegated the twins as just the best friends.

Finally, we have a bit of a gay for you trope here depending on how you look at it. Simon is adamant he's not gay and still finds women pretty and does not look at men, Quin is the exception. However, the author does address this in the author's note - fluidity of sexuality and how Simon is not 100% sure of his sexuality, he's just learning who he is.

Overall I really enjoy this author’s writing. It’s addictive, and this book had many things I enjoyed - age gap, power imbalance, needy affection-starved MC, ace rep, intense chemistry, steamy sex scenes BUT I could not get over the fact it felt like Simon was in two romantic relationships at some points, that he was being pulled in two directions.

There's a HFN/cliffhanger ending for the MCs which will continue in the next book (Which I believe will be Delcan's)

Despite my issues, I think it’s a good story that many will enjoy it.

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

This was interesting. I didn’t hate it, but didn’t love it. I loved loved Quin and Simon together. Quin was so patient and always there for Simon. He understood Simon’s friendship with the twins and didn’t doubt him for a second. He also helped Simon figure himself out. The ace rep was so good. It hurt seeing Simon think he was broken because he didn’t feel any sexual attraction. But thankfully Quin helps him figure out that he is ace. And he treats Simon so much better than the stupid ass toxic twins.

The part I didn’t love was the twin’s friendship with Simon. It was a lot, a lot of toxic co-dependency. Like it was baffling. I hated Declan and Damon a lot, more Delcan. There was a part where Simon got dry humped by the twins??? Like hello! Boundaries where? What made it weirder was that they knew he was in a relationship with Quin. And they still dry humped him AND kissed him with tongue. Like why would you do that. They pissed me off, if I was Quin I would have sucker punched them multiple times until they were black and blue.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this portrayal of an Ace character! Simon being so confused and still figuring things out by the end of the book felt so real and relatable to me. I love how Quin just totally accepted Simon and encouraged him to figure out what he liked and why.

I'm already totally obsessed with Vulcan too. I loved the glimpses we got of him in Project FU (he's one of Nolan's dads) and I honestly can't wait to get to his story.

Declan and Damon were interesting characters. I actually really liked the codependency between them and Simon - until they turned into absolute arseholes! The sad thing is that they genuinely love Simon, they just can't get out of their own way.

I liked how the book ended with the whole situation still up in the air, but with Simon and Quin having their individual HEA. I'm looking forward to Declan and Damon's individual books and seeing how the six of them become something more.

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HRCYED2: Bigger Queer Alphabet

[Nile Princess · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 70%. What this author does really well is write power exchange relationships, where the sub is needy, in an almost child-like way without being a little, and the Dom is (to me) Daddy like, without being a Daddy. Had she just stuck with the main couple and the ace aspect, I would have enjoyed this book. The relationship with the twins is exhausting. I don't see the point of it, nor do I believe that any of them really think their behavior is 'normal' and harmless. The whole situation just felt ridiculous and for shock value only.

First, for someone who so hated being dependent on the twins and their finances, Simon made no real attempt to find a way to take care of himself. He didn't want to do this or that and, sighhhh, they always found his bills and paid them. He could only avoid that by getting a PO Box. Sighhh. So do that then! It was lame. All the relationship with the twins did was break up the momentum of the storyline with Simon and Quinn. It was like reading three books at once, Simon and the twins, Simon and Quinn, Quinn and Vulcan (Simon's 6'9 muscular friend who loved colorful clothing and things, and to wear skirts)...why? Yet another character that just felt like the author was checking a box, and that I had zero interest in. Everything just felt super repetitive and, after reading numerous reviews that said the ending brought no resolution, I decided to quit while I was ahead. 2 stars. And no, I have no interest in reading the twins' books.

[Mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts as an absolute blast to read, it’s tactile and intense in the best way (think almost PNR vibes) with the cracks and angst still resting below the surface. The author does a great job of establishing the unconventional(and perhaps originating in traumatic response) relationships that are the drivers in the story - Simon and the codependent relationship with the twin best friends, Damon and Declan and the fixation turning to deeper feelings between Simon and Quinlan.
Then the author peels back layers delving deeper into these complex characters, making me start examining and questioning these dynamics.
It felt like a very interesting reading experience, it wasn’t an expected relationship plot even in the sense of a connected series where characters ebb and flow from each others storylines. The supporting characters are not just that but an integral part of the story. Because of the way it unfolds you are discovering these dynamics almost with the characters themselves and there is a lot I loved and appreciated in this story and a lot that when discussed through first person narratives left me with more questions than answers, which I am hoping will be answered when we get other POVs in the future books.
I really enjoyed reading this story, it was so much more emotional than I expected and Simon’s journey of self discovery and growth was just resilient and resonating and beautiful and his relationship with Quinlan was so hot and so supportive. I do hope there is more healing for him in future books, I would love to see that for him.
Without sharing any spoilers I will say that I didn’t realise that while the romantic relationship does culminate in an HFN there is still a ways to go in the coming books. I am absolutely going to be reading those!

Expect:
* Forbidden: Teacher/Student adjacent
* Sugar baby/daddy dynamic
* Age gap
* Sexual awakening
* Ace spectrum rep
* Hurt comfort
* Kink exploration
* HNF (between MCs)
* Cliffhanger for the overall plot
* Obsessive MC
* Codependent relationships
* Subspace

There is are details of CWs provided by the author for the book.

Here are things that stood out in the story for me:

***detailed spoilers ahead***

* I enjoyed how the author leveraged Simon’s emerging self awareness and self understanding specially around his sexuality and identifying as asexual as a navigation within the story of Insta lust and then a consensual transactional sexual contact and then much more around the boundaries with the twins
* It felt like an authentic relatable depiction of the confusing isolation and curiosity when you are not sexually or romantically like others around you
* I also enjoyed how the author shows fluidity in all core threads of a relationship- love, sex, safety, intimacy, communication, roles etc. - we see this play out for Simon and the Twins and we ofcourse see this develop in self awareness for Simon and his relationship for Quin
* There is a exclusionary aspect for his codependency with the twins who share their fears from the start of Simon leaving them which is what kicks off the concerns about their relationship when your are reading
* There is also a very understandable path of least resistance that works for Simon because he does crave the touch and care and intimacy of his friendship seven when he remarks in the sexual response of his best friend and his lack of
* I personally didn’t enjoy the fact that even though this intimacy was offered as platonic until a point by the author it’s made murky with sexual interest on the twins side, it also compounded the discomfort for me when it turned out later that Declan was always in love with Simon, this felt unnecessary bordering on tropey imho. Story which was so emotionally deep.
* There is also a fixing aspect outside of sexuality with regards to all of the trauma Simon has to deal with that Quinlan brings into his dynamic with Simon, albeit it’s new and he is feeling his way in but he says it’s all normal and nothing is wrong which is problematic for me personally because if you’re questioning the core values of a relationship another persons external validation shouldn’t just fix it and move on.
* Simon also recognises how a lot of it is unresolved trauma and he quips how he needs to look into therapy and even Quinlan makes several remakes towards that end so I hope to see that addressed or shut down in some way in future instalments.
* I hope a lot of this will be answered in further books but this was a tough book for me to rate because it’s classified as a romance but it’s so much more so I’m going to rate it on how interesting it was and how well written which it absolutely was.

[m · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was initially very intrigued in this series because of the codependent relationship between two twins and their straight bff and how all that would get messed up when the straight bff enters into a relationship with a man.

I loved loved loved Simon and Quin! Professor/former student in a Sugar Daddy/Baby arrangement plus an asexual awakening which was really interesting and gently handled! 😍😍😍 They we’re so sweet and I loved how Quin was so careful with Simon during sex and how much aftercare factored in.

The toxic codependency was a lot though. I really disliked the twins for much of this book especially when they pushed Simon’s boundaries and didn’t check in to see if he was okay. Even more when we learn that Declan’s been in love with him for years (and probably Damon too tbh) but they would grind on him and kiss him on the mouth. It was kind of uncomfy to read at times. I have received an arc of book 2 so I’m diving straight into that - I’m curious to see if the boys can be redeemed!

[Tam Cole]

I have seen so many recommendations for this book that I had to read it. I am, after all, a sucker for tortured souls dealing with life on the ACE spectrum. I figured why not, how bad could it be?

It's. Bad.

First, what I liked. The relationship between Simon and Quin was beautiful. It started off shaky, but Quin was so patient with his sugar baby, and it was a pleasure to see Simon learn to accept himself for exactly who he is.

Next, what I didn't like. The rest. For all their talk about how "natural" their friendship was, I think they all knew it was abnormal. If it wasn't, Simon wouldn't have kept such big secrets and neither would the twins. Speaking of the twins...Damon and Declan were manipulative, borderline abusive a-holes. They knew that nothing about their affections was purely platonic, and it feels like they took advantage of Simon who was severely touch starved after a traumatic past and truly saw their behavior as bff-like. Even if I wanted to cut them some slack, any and all benefit of the doubt flew out the window when they amped it up AFTER learning about Simon's relationship with Quin.

To be honest, if this book was about a young female as emotionally challenged by a traumatic past as Simon was, I think more people would view the twins as the obsessive and emotionally abusive jerks they are. It isn't more acceptable to me because they are all males.

Although I am interested in seeing what becomes of the healthy relationship in this book, I'm unsure if I'll read the next one.

[Dana | Rainbow Romance Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know how to feel about this book.

On the one hand, I loved the toxic codependency between Simon and the twins. Lemme tell you, I EAT THAT SHIT UP. I was, however, disappointed that they didn’t become a throuple, as I feel like that dynamic would have been so much better than the relationship that we did get.

I liked Quin, and the way that he was so patient and supportive of Simon. I felt like the beginning of their relationship was a bit predatory, but it definitely improved as the book went on. I didn’t really feel any chemistry with him and Simon though, whereas there was chemistry with the twins.

I liked the ace representation in this book - it’s rare to read a book with a main character who is (almost) completely asexual, as most are usually demi, so I found that interesting, and I liked Simon’s journey towards self discovery and acceptance of his sexuality.

I did feel like the writing was very repetitive, as if I was constantly reading the same inner monologues from the characters, which made the pacing drag. The spice didn’t really work for me either, as it was also very repetitive. There also wasn’t much of a plot, and the ending was very unsatisfying for me.

Overall, this was an okay read, and I’m kinda intrigued to read the twins books, but it fell a bit flat for me in some areas.

[XxnightxowlxX74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Struggled…

3.5⭐️’s…

Their bond was inappropriate to the world but was just right for Simon, Declan and Damon. There was trauma in Simons past but even before that his friendship with the twins was everything.

I liked the story of the twins and Simon. The drama and angst brought once Simon started a relationship with Quinlan was heartbreaking.

I felt overwhelmed by all the dynamics, trying to stay in the story while being “educated” was difficult. The descriptions were long and it took me out of the plot of this book.

I hated that the twins were being labeled as the villains when in truth they just loved Simon and were broken by his choice. They wanted to be everything to Simon but he felt like a burden to them. They were confused about his ability to be with Quinlan and not them. Which I was angry a little bit for them. I felt Simon should have been more truthful to the twins. He broke them all first.

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit in all the right places. There is a part of the rainbow umbrella that I feel isn't touched on enough and that's the A, there may be more out there but this is one of the first I've seen myself where one of the main characters falls into that category and I'm so pleased with how it came out.

Simon lives with twins, Declan and Damon. To the outside world, they have an odd relationship, they are very touchy feely and while both twins are gay, Simon is adamant that he is straight. Any attraction he has felt in the past has always been for women.

Then there is Quinlan aka Professor Stommar, he's definitely gay and has no issues with people knowing that fact. One night at the gay club where the twins and Simon go to so the twins can get off, Simon finally caves and decides he wants to know what it's like and that's where Quinlan comes in.

Quin gives Simon an offer, one he considers and doesn't refuse and it opens a whole new world for Simon that he never knew about because he's been keeping his feelings and emotions locked down, even with the twins. The twins definitely got on my bad side in the book, they were extremely jealous of Simon for not spending time with them, and honestly, they deserved what happens in the end.

I really enjoyed the journey that Simon went through with Quin as he learnt more about himself and his preferences. I love the way that Quin took his time with Simon and always let him take the lead.

Really hope there is more to this story cause I need to know what happens next.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure when I fell in love with him, but the feeling is consuming.

🌟 Star Rating - 4/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 2/5

What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Hurt/Comfort
🖤 Teacher/Student
❤️ Ace Rep
🖤 Sugar Daddy/Baby
❤️ HFN/Cliffhanger

I’m so deeply in love that I’ll never claw my way out

𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘

This book had a very different writing style to what I am used to and there was a lot to love! It was my first sugar baby/daddy book and whilst the concept didn't tickle my fancy, the trope was so well written! Simon was a very deep complex character, one dependent on his twin best friends to the point it is deemed inappropriate by outsiders but is completely normal to them. Poor Simon has been through so much in his life he needed someone outside of the twins to be his rock, and Quin is absolutely perfect for that. Their situation is so unique and different and I really loved how Simon was able to find the personal growth he needed and Quin standing beside him completely showing love and support. An overall great read and I can't wait to read the next book!

[Any Length · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book held me till the end, but I had trouble understanding the various relationships and how they all worked together. The jealousy of the twins especially. The open kisses. It only made sense with getting the "bonus" bits in the end to see where it may lead. But even then I think book one will only make full sense when one has read the whole series.

[Ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you can suspend your disbelief, this book will work for you. That includes suspending disbelief about how people behave, how people interrelate, what is acceptable in friendships etc. But I am used to romances, both m/m and m/f, mmm...mmmmm....exploring this sort of thing, as well as all the other things.

What really caused problems for me that one of the main characters is a professor (I think lecturer?) at a university, yet he teaches "shop". I had real trouble with this. I always thought "shop" was things like metalwork and carpentry, taught at high school in Australia, and perhaps middle school/high school in the US. And the undergrads seem to be able to include "shop" subjects as part of their degree in this book.

I thought otherwise, it was schools of fine arts that taught sculpture that would have working with wood and metal as part of that. Yet in this story it seems to be ?woodwork/cabinet making? elevated furniture? Then later in the book there is some mumbling about a university setting up trade schools (?to teach wood trades/metal trades) on its campuses. I did poke about on the internet, but it looked like in the US, "shop" is still considered a middle school/high school thing.

I am displeased that the author seemed to engage in this lazy bit of weirdness about the MC's job which pulled up the reader unnecessarily. An author can, of course, do whatever they like in their stories, but they have to set things up properly, or else it will mess with the reader. The author could have easily adjusted things to have the setup be absolutely fine.

So the book is daft, but I'm going to try the next one.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon’s life has been filled with tragedy and trauma from an early age. If not for his best friends, Declan and Declan, Simon’s life would have had no light. His love for twins who who wrapped him in their love and affection is deep, as theirs is for him in return.

When the good-looking professor, Quinlan Stommer, asks Simon to do something so personal and so *gasp* scandalous, Simon finds himself intrigued, but having to hide from Declan and Damon.

This book! The idea of it had me jumping to read, but then I started reading. And I was not disappointed. The connection to the characters, their emotions and struggles - not only are they easily identifiable to anyone who has been alive for a minute, but they are just so real. There was so much packed into this book, and let me tell you, I was not expecting the ending we got. I’m so glad that there’s more on the horizon because I have to know how things work out!

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow. Think this is now my favorite book the author has written that I’ve read. Love all the characters then stuff happens and I started to hate some characters. Lots of character growth for our main man Simon. You get to see a relationship that’s not “normal “ out in the world. Simon and his twins are very touchy-feely but not in a sexual way. They do everything together. They have been doing this since they were 10 when they took Simon in. You will just have to read this book to find out what happened to Simon. Then Simon enters a relationship with Quin. I love their relationship. I love Simon so much. He learns a lot about himself with the help of Quin. Things happen between Simon and his twins. Read the book to find out all about Simon.

[Tash · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Not sure how I feel about this.
Obviously the twins relationship with Simon was just not healthy and the way they were treating him after his relationship came to light was just gross.

I think if this series was going to end with them in a poly relationship I would’ve been a bit more open to it but it was just toxic 🤷🏻‍♀️

Will continue to read because I’m curious about what the twins are going to do relationship wise

[Daniele Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crea Reitan is quickly becoming one of my top favorite authors

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...

Simon from For Your Time is asexual!

[Viki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Funny how the book started as expectations-not-always-bad four stars and slowly came down to... two? Yeah, let's go with two though I feel really bad - for the book AND myself for reading it.

-----Half-way through the book, I thought:

Well, this is quite the predicament. It's not that I don't know how I feel or why but it all feels so... complicated. So let me just try to untangle my thoughts here. I liked a lot of parts but I want to add a lot * after this so... It's probably not going to be short.

To set the mood, let me begin by saying I am actually now on something of a Reitan kick. I read one of her books and it was so great I didn't even mark it here on GR. Hashtag sarcasm. It was okay. A week ago (?) I found a different book and it ticked so many boxes I was hungry for more and that's when I discovered I never even marked the book so I can't even be sure I read it properly. Sigh. I don't like to link authors and their work. A book, usually, is a separate thing and just because I like something doesn't mean I will like something else. There are very few authors when I allow my emotions and tolerance to extend, when I allow my trust to not dislike something believing there is a bigger plan. (Un)fortunately, this is kinda happening with Reitan. I skipped a book but mostly, I've been coming down her on her work and I am more tolerant than usual (I feel more subjective than usual).

I've read/listened to 5 of her Puck's Sake and I have read that one Amazing book Confessions or what's the whole name of it. Now I have come here and oh boy, it's like everything I liked about some of her books but also not completely that great?

(Some spoilers may be included from here on.)

The main "problem" - point of contention is the central relationship, the one between Q and S. This is tagged as romance so that is how I judge their relationship and there are times I am not a fan. I think that might be the problem here - if this was like him getting an experience and money, if this was an experiment they both wanted to perform, if he wasn't so much older, if S wasn't asexual... like, there are several elements other people might find "problematic" and I wouldn't myself but having them all at the same time? No.

The nature of the relationship/their connection is actually something I definitely find appealing. In an unexpected plot twist, I find myself comparing this book to a very special work - as in I wrote a book with a similar trope *gasp* where, to point out the similarities, a rich gay paid a self-proclaimed straight guy for sex, because he became obsessed with him and the other guy needed money, badly. The differences are mostly superficial so let's ignore them but one thing I can't get over is the rich guy's attitude to the one who is more "vulnerable".

When I tried to make an arrangement of this nature not just okay but romantic, I went for serious focus on the other person's needs and wishes. To compensate for the fact he wouldn't be in such a situation of his own volition. Cooking, cuddling, conversation is also very important between Simon and Q but in my book, anything without clothes was made to please... I don't even remember my own character's name, lol... let me... Charlie is getting pleasure. It's super hard to maintain the straight label (I tried to okay, don't judge, he is not considered bi by the end or even truly gay for you, it's a thing as you can see by this book) but I try and focusing on him enjoying the sexual parts is super important to me. So you can probably tell what was my reaction when their (S and Q) first encounter(s) in this book was the obsessed older (former professor) absolutely throat-fu**ing the hell out of the asexual young guy's mouth. Simon did not get sexual enjoyment out of it. He would not seek this experience again on his own but he needs money so he agrees to do it and more. You see the difference?

Maybe if Simon enjoyed it, I would like it more. Maybe if it wasn't about money but Simon was like, I am feeling broken and want help exploring my own... interests. Maybe and maybe it could feel less like Q is taking advantage of the situation. As me writing that book demonstrates, I enjoy that weird combination that could be achieved by making one guy asexual and the other older and kind and experienced to guide him through some sexual cuddling. I really would enjoy that. But as it is? I... am not there. Yet?

I also incorporated some mental aspects to balance out the gay person's sexual ones. Charlie falls in love (so I do consider him bi/gay-romantic or what's the word) so he wants his partner to be happy in bed and that drives his reciprocation. This book is going with BDSM. Because it's not complicated enough, the reason Simon might enjoy getting said pounding is because he is secretly a sub and can reach subspace if abused and the fact I keep thinking of it as abuse and being hurt means I am not sold on their relationship. The guy also knows he's not doing what's best for him but "he can't stop". That's what folks these days call a red flag.

The twins are LIT. Is that what my generation should use? Simon's relationship with the twins is my favourite part and they have money which makes the whole arrangement even flimsier, in my mind. Simon goes for this because he feels like a burden taking money from his family/friends. And obviously getting paid for this service is making him feel all grown-up and independent. I am sorry to say this reason seems absolutely absurd. I was not happy with... 5th book? The "homeless" guy who got "taken" by the rich hockey dude? I was super okay and happy with how their relationship was and turned out but the poor guy's way of thinking about money drove me up the walls. I didn't get it and Simon is another version of this - he knows he's running out of money, he wants to find work to earn some, he is smart enough and has enough information to seek work at the university... but oh no, the jobs he looks at are so boring and he actually wants to focus on studying. The whole setp-up feels fake and artificial, and if I accept it as is then Simon seems like an idiot and someone who is whining about a problem and instead of doing the actual adult thing - the American thing and working crazy hours for peanuts he decides he is not actually that committed if he can get 4k for a guy groping and doing things to him.

*takes a deep breath*

Can you see why I am conflicted?

The asexual label also complicated Simon as a character. I already read Adak's story (ha! I remember his name) and I couldn't identify with his story and it actually makes this one quite a WTH moment because Adak's issue was about how much people expect sex and how he doesn't want to because he is Asexual and no one gets it and don't expect sex and respect and the anger and the ned for boundaries was strong. And now there's exactly the opposite situation here. I guess it's nice she can write both versions but also, WTH? Simon is not better. His *shrug* at anything Q does to him is not what Adak's story was about and his one, like a single memory of him actually achieving orgasm making him label himself gray-sexual... I can't understand why he feels so broken about it, it always felt like an advantage, not being concerned about what seem stupid to me but while I don't need to understand Simon, his conflict and confusion over his asexuality makes him even more vulnerable. He was traumatized and maybe even broken (because of his parents) and then the twins and their parents put him back together and plucked all the holes. The holes are there but Simon is surrounded by the twins so much the trauma usually doesn't penetrate. Enter Q and his bank account and obsession.

I am currently somewhere over the middle of the book and these are my impressions that boil down to: if you want to cheer for Q and S being together, you have a few things to address first.

----After Finishing

What a MESS. What a dumpster fire of emotions. I felt like I had to actually start a new book at midnight just so I don't go to sleep with this absolute idiocy in my brain. I think I spoilered things enough so let's not disect the plot but I will say this and it may not be a spoiler or it may be but it's mostly like prediction/expectation which would not be so uncertain if the book had been more clear or maybe it's purposefully vague but here goes: I've never seen someone make such a mess of polyamory. There, I said it. I would go as far as to say a lot of poly books are happy enough to coast on smut or they, you know, want to have a X number of people together. This book? It really wants to take its time if it ever gets there and it's honestly the worst. The emotional trauma and upheaval for everyone involved is melting my brain. Simon, the precious idot, replaced twins with pain I mean kinky sex that allows him to access his suppressed emotion because who needs therapy when you have a new boyfriend?? I am just so disappointed with choices of everyone involved - I could accept this relationship spanning such a ridiculous number of pages if it was slow burn. Instead, we have ROASTING cause you're in hell, just where this relationship is right now.

And I made the "mistake" of reading the blurbs for the other books so it seems this slow barebcoue of our emotions should continue for at least two more books. Good grief. Not me! Nuh, nuh. I am going to see if and when things improve and then decide if I want to give these idiots a chance.

Can't recommend, you have to be a masochist to enjoy this, sorry, I am being emotional two stars.

[Reemz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️
2 🌶️

Not a fan. I truly felt like I was reading two completely different books in one. First, we have Simon and the twins, and then we have Simon and Quin.

I might be in the minority, but I found it so hard to care about Simon and Quin’s relationship. I was somewhat invested in the first like 40% but then it just got so repetitive and boring. I spent the whole book only looking forward to scenes with Simon and the twins only for the book to end in a cliffhanger.

Also, it might just be me (I’ve come to the conclusion that it 100% is after reading other reviews) but it was genuinely so difficult to get through the sex scenes. I don’t know what it was about them but they just rubbed me the wrong way.

Finally, I’m not a fan of how the author doubled down on Simon and the twins’ toxic friendship. She claims that people who did not like their relationship are part of the problem. But no, the problem is that you wrote an extremely toxic friendship. It has nothing to do with them showering together, or sleeping together, or cuddling, or even kissing. It’s the fact that they have so much control over Simon. It’s the fact that even if/when they push his boundaries he’s too afraid to say anything in case they “won’t want him anymore“ or they “won’t love him anymore”. Them going through his phone, Simon having to save Quin‘s name under an alias, him having to shred his trash so they won’t find out his secrets because they find out everything. None of that is okay. It’s not about it being an appropriate or inappropriate friendship, it’s literally about the fact that he has absolutely no privacy. Even when he blatantly asks for boundaries, the twins make it clear that they won’t give him any. So please tell me how on earth anyone who clearly sees the problem with this friendship is “a part of the problem”. I hate when authors double down on obvious issues that they may have overlooked. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s even better to own up to them and make changes to do better.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abandoned and neglected by his father after his mother died, Simon finds his family in twins Damon and Declan (and their parents). Growing up with them they were always close. Closer than normal for best friends. They do everything together.

As the twins have money to spend they take to paying for Simon, even when he doesn’t want them to. So Simon decides it time for a change and find work to pay his own way. But the ‘job’ he ends up with isn’t what he expected. He ends up with his very own sugar daddy. One he keeps hidden from the twins because he doesn’t know how to explain what he does for money and why he’s with a man when they always thought he was straight. I get Simons will to be independent from his friends even when they make it hard for him to do so. He doesn’t want to freeload, he wants to carry his own weight.

As the story progresses the relationship between Simon and Quin blossoms into so much more than sugar baby/sugar daddy. Quin accepts Simon as he is and teaches Simon about himself and his sexuality. Bringing him clarity into his person without any shame. This part of the story is so beautiful. Quin is such an amazing character who knows exactly what Simon needs.

The relationship between Simon and the twins declines as he pulls toward and grows more with Quin. As he keeps his relationship a secret, a rift forms between the three friends. This part of the story broke me because what they had was so beautiful. I hope we find the twins redemption in their own books because I really didn’t like where they’re ended up. I just need these three friends to find their way back to each other.

And I feel Vulcan deserves a special mention. What an amazing, beautiful and colorful character, who should definitely end up with his own book because he deserves his own HEA!!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Val MM · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'd definitely put this in my "hate-reading" category because as angry as I was and as much as I disliked this book, I continued to read the rest of the series. I was waiting for the terrible characters to be redeemed and they NEVER were, throughout the entire series. Specifically, I'm talking bout the twins who are by far the worst "best friends" and are terrible to Simon and his partner.

I know the author would tear this review apart under the guise of "all friendships and relationships are unique and it is not up to society to define what they should look like!" However, that is not what this was. The twins are clearly in love with Simon so the whole argument that the touched him, kissed him, licked him, undressed him, bathed him, humped him, groped him, etc., because they were all just very close was a lie! They did all of those things because they wanted sexual gratification from it. They wanted to turn Simon on and sleep with him.

When they learn Simon is in a relationship and in love with Quinn, the twins decide to double down on the kissing and humping because if he's gay, maybe they can get him to be with them instead! They never consider once, he is not interested in them that way. They then break down and lose their minds because they can't have him how they want him.

It was toxic and gross to read and I was so happy when Simon finally left. He eventually forgives them, gives in to their nonsense, and forces his boyfriend to endure it... so the only likable character becomes Quinn... but that is for another review.

[Nxsqxxk · Rating 3 out of 5]

well, está todo muy complicado 😐. terminó en un cliffhanger y no, porque era obvio que eso iba a pasar.

en un principio me daba un poco de rechazo Quinn, por lo desesperado qje estaba por estar con Simon, pero he grew on me. bastante más con todo lo que l3s dijo a los gemelos molestos.

sigo pensando que Simon tiene que ir a terapia, pero no parece que esté en un lugar mental para aceptarlo y creo qje nunca lo va a hacer porque ahora esta con Quinn y lo puede usar como stress relief cuando necesita. y Quinn no de lo va a negar. Aunque también está mucho más plantado en la tierra y puede ver que Simon puede llegar a necesitarlo.

___________

Taking a breath, my throat still burns with the raw feeling of having his fat cock shoved down it. Over and over and over. The way he falls apart over me when he does it is almost invigorating. There’s a strange sense of accomplishment. I did that. My body didn’t respond exactly. But I wasn’t empty. I felt warm. That might have been because it felt good to know that I had the ability to make someone come undone.
we are going down the road to explaining and not showing

But you can see a very distinct difference in how we’re running our love lives, right?” “How’s that?” I ask warily. “You got what you wanted. I’m still looking. And I’m fucking forty!” It’s the first time I’ve heard the frustration and defeat in his voice. “Vulcan, you’re amazing. You are. Please don’t—" “I know. I know. I’ll find my guy, blah, blah, blah. As bitter as I am, I’m not stopping looking. I’m fucking lonely and I want my man. I have to believe he’s out there. But we’ve already talked about me. Let’s get back to your student.”
ya lo estoy emparejando con los gemelos

This is the kind of release I crave in the place of a physical sexual release. I need to let go of the pressure. The guilt and torment inside me. The confusion and the constant feeling that I’m going to find myself alone and unwanted again.
este chico necesita terapia, por diosssss. no entiendo cómo los padres de los gemelos no lo llevaron a terapia desde chico después de haber pasado por una situación traumatica tan fuerte, en cambio, dejaron que la relación de los chicos se volviera cada vez más posesiva y codependiente, al punto que simón no puede estar más de una hora solo sin entrar en una crisis. está tan fucked up in so many ways. me da igual la relación cercana qje tienen, el problema es que nace de un lugar muy poco sano, que obviamente al ser niños no tenían idea y los padres lo dejaron ser.

He wraps his arms around my neck and uses his grip to bring his feet off the ground and wrap his legs around my waist. “Take me to bed. I need—” “No dick tonight,” I say and am amused to find him pouting. I laugh. “You don’t even like it.” He huffs. “Don’t be stingy. I want to—” “No,” I murmur against his mouth as I bring him to my bedroom. “No dick. No crying. No subspace. I want you completely present with me tonight. All night. While I spoil the fuck out of you.”

It’s going to be a very interesting evening watching Vulcan watch how the twins remain wrapped around my boyfriend all night. I’m actually looking forward to the commentary later.
AAAAAAA QUE DESSESPERACION LPM. PONELE MAS VOLUNTAD. LITERAL ES EL ENCUENTRO QUE MAS ESPERABA ENTRE LOS TWINS Y VULCAN Y NO ME LO MUESTRA, NO ME DA NADA PARA COMER, NADA. DIRECTAMENTE PASA A OTRO DIA

I know you still monitor my account.” That’s news to me and I look at the twins. They don’t pay attention to me, though. Instead, they stare at Simon. Why do they watch his account? What kind of oppressive relationship is this? Did I miss something here? Yes, I always knew that they were a little overbearing and suffocating (by a little, I mean ridiculously obsessive about it) but I had no idea that they were controlling his money flow.

“Look, I don’t give a fuck if you don’t like me. I really, truly don’t. But I’m done playing a neutral party. I’ve tried to support your bullshit and give you the benefit of the doubt that you’re just afraid to lose him, but you better get your heads out of your asses because you’re really close to doing so.” “You can’t take him from us,” Declan growls. “You’re so blinded by your own anger and jealousy that you can’t see what’s happening right in front of you,” I yell as I come closer and slam my hands on the island. “You’re toxic assholes. You’re causing him so much fucking stress that he’s ready to collapse. It won’t be me taking him from you. It’s going to be Simon walking away. You’re pushing him beyond what he can handle.” There’s a moment where they don’t speak. “He won’t leave,” Damon says. I laugh, shaking my head as anger surges through me like a hot iron burning into my skin. “For as many good things as he used to say about you, I think he’s wrong about your intelligence because you’re being really fucking stupid right now.” “You came here to tell us we’re stupid,” Declan says, fists clenching. “Fuck’s sake.” I have to force myself to breathe because all I can see right now is red. My blood is pumping so loudly in my ears that it almost sounds like a drumbeat. “No. I came here to try to convince you to grow the fuck up. Stop acting like children throwing temper tantrums because you’re not getting your way. When that man walks out of this house and doesn’t return, you’ll only have yourselves to blame. Is that really what you want?”

But these same gestures, touches, and sentiments coming from Quin are an entirely new world. It makes me catch my breath. Makes my chest warm and tears constantly fill my eyes. To be loved and wanted by someone like this is just… unbelievable. How can he want me like that? Me? I have so much unresolved mental trauma originating from the death of my mother that I literally buried with her and never looked at that’s now coming out and waving all sorts of flags. Why does he want me?
Que dolor que no se crea worthy del amor de Quinn a estas alturas de su relación

[TipsyMermaid GR · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is mediocre at best.
There is no resolution!
I wish I would have DNFd this.
Three of the main characters are still in a big fight and aren't speaking to each other at the end of the book, and then there's a 5 years later epilogue, and all of a sudden they're living together and getting married?! And now there are six people in the relationship, and all six people are getting married, including the 4 main characters of this book, who are these other two people?! It's written like there's a book in between this book and the five years later epilogue that we should have read to be able to know what is happening in this epilogue. It's very frustrating.
I'm not sure what happened in between, but we'll never know unless there's a bonus scene somewhere.
Ugh. If I could give this zero stars I would.

[Kirstin C · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't like anything about this book and only made it through because it was an audiobook I could listen to while doing mundane chores.

The storyline seriously sucks and I just don't get how any of this even works out. How does Simon not even know how to pick out his own clothes? WTF? The twins relationship is seriously unhealthy.

Anyways, the twins suck. Simon needs serious therapy. Quin is fine. The only character I really like is Vulcan, who really needs some self esteem.

Hard to like a book when you can't stand the characters. I know that this is a series that leads to a 6 way polyamorous situation, but I just can't seem to get past this book, let alone the shit show that would lead to that.

[Dinoh (Akari) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, wow, I don't know where to start with this book. I liked the story, what I didn't like was how the author presented certain aspects of it. At the beginning of the book the author explains how the friendship between one of the MCs and his twin friends is so close and how it is natural for them. That it doesn't matter that others see it as something inappropriate due to that naturalness. That for the three of them is not inappropriate. But I have to say, I am a fervent believer that everyone has the right to feel how they feel, to express it, without being censored or judged for it, but also that you have to call things by their name. And in this case, this relationship was not a close friendship. It was a love triangle where one of them didn't know it was because he was too oblivious to notice, maybe because of his sexual identity that he hadn't discovered yet, maybe because he lived in denial, for fear of losing the two most important people in his world, until he met his Professor. And it feels like Declan and Damon were taking advantage of that vulnerability in Simon's, masking it in with words like connection and wanting to take care of him. And the only reason the twins didn't cross more lines was because they thought Simon was straight. That did not prevent them from bathing him naked (yes, bathing him, complete, as if he were a baby), sleeping with Simon in the same bed snugling him (and grinding too against him in the morning while suppossedly they were still asleep), dancing grinding against him, kissing him on the mouth, etc. Something that intensified when they found out that he had started a sexual relationship with the Professor that turned emotional too, even knowing that they might make him feel uncomfortable.

Now Simon. He didn't know that he could be asexual, until Quin (the Professor) pointed it out, but he also realized that he never wanted to confide his doubts to the twins, and since they were so close, it makes you wonder why he couldn't trust? And I think it's because he knew that if he did it, more boundaries would be crossed. Deep down, he knew or was beginning to realize that his friendship, while "natural" for them, was quite inappropriate. He was happy letting his friends have their way with him, because of his need to feel wanted and his longing to feel human touch. In this part I see him as a doormat. The twins managed him as they wanted, they controlled him as they wanted, I mean, they even controlled his bank account...come on, the excuse of "it's because we don't want you to run out of money" is poor. If you knew he was short of money, you just transferred money to his account and that's it. You didn't need to go through all the phone apps for that.

And let's not even start with the part where the contract contains the "exclusivity" that should exist between the Sugar Daddy and the Sugar Baby. For me, a sexual act is not just penetration. That another person was kissing you, tongue and all, that was caressing you or rubbing their private parts against you to get off, while your boyfriend/sugar daddy or whatever was at home sleeping alone... And that you were uncomfortable thinking about what they did to you but you didn't stop them? Why were you uncomfortable if it was supposedly natural, or if you were supposedly not cheating on the other? Is that exclusivity? For me it is crossing the limits. And then go and tell your boyfriend what was happening, and that he didn't feel jealous, or uncomfortable or annoyed, in what world is it real? As much as he accepted that the friendship between Simon and the twins was special, everything has a limit...

And OMG... the way Declan and Damon started to treat Simon when they discovered the relationship between him and Quin... The passive-agressive remarks, the jealousy, the possessiveness... Yeah they wanted to take care of him but they didn't wanted him to be happy.

And yes, it is a book, it is fiction. But it's not science fiction. It is a story that somehow must reflect something of reality, and this "friendship" and how everyone acts around it is not REAL. It is not NORMAL, and it is not NATURAL. And it bothers me that the author wants us to believe that it does. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE toxic or codependent stories, I love stories with a taboo touch. But don't you want me to believe that this is NORMAL and NATURAL or APPROPRIATE. It's not okay to want to naturalize or normalize toxic or codependent relationships. Call them what they are. And also, therapy people. Apparently nor the parents of the twins nor the professor thought they needed therapy?

And let's not even talk about the open ending? Something the author should have said at the beggining is that it ends with a cliffhanger. Yes, Simon ends up with Quin, but now we have to wait for the twin's books to see how the story finishes.

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

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again something different from one of my favourite authors.
It has triggers, so I do advise reading them before opening. Because once you open you won’t put it down!

Simon just makes you want to cuddle and protect him, he also wants to make you want to take him away from a relationship that really isn’t doing him any favours! His relationship with his best friends (twins Declan and Damon) in my opinion was suffocating! They come across as controlling and possessive! They might have been friends forever, and their parents took Simon in when he lost his mother and his father just stopped caring! But that didn’t give them the right to take over his life! Simon had gotten so much love from his parents as a child, and when that got taken away, he was left open and vulnerable, and I think the twins at first were doing it from a good place, but as they grew older I think they hoped Simon would announce he was gay. And maybe the twins thought he would be theirs!!

But Simon only hooks up with girls, and even then it’s more as a function than a need 🤷🏻‍♀️ And even a one night stand with a guy doesn’t really excite him! But the twins are furious! (Were they hoping to be his first gay experience?)

Quinlan is a teacher with a huge crush! Meeting Simon in his class last semester had a huge impact on him, but fraternising with a student is a big NO! He wouldn’t put his career on the line, but there was something about Simon that pushed all of Quin’s buttons. So when an opportunity arises, Quin is there to fill out a fantasy! But before he can ask Simon out on a date…. The twins descend and take him away!!!

Simon might like the attention and the love Declan and Damon give him, but he’s not happy with taking money from them (even though they constantly offer and sneak him money) and so when a debt comes in, Simon is going to pay it off himself….. the answer….

What comes next is an emotional rollercoaster of a ride. As an outsider you can see where this is going. But reading it makes you experience this ride. And let me tell you I did not put the book down. It pulls at your heartstrings, it will make you want to throw your kindle at the wall, and it has me throwing my hands up several times shouting “why would you do that?” 🥹

Can Simon explore his newfound sexuality (apparently he’s only gay for Quin!) without losing his two best friend? (Who are vile in some instances!) Will there be a time when Quin will have Simon all to himself? Or will he have to constantly vie for his lovers attention?

I did like the way Quin supported and cared for Simon. He gave him the tools to make his own decisions, their relationship although rocky at first, gathered strength.
Is it a HEA (happy ever after)? I don’t know. I know it’s a HFN (happy for now)

I’m hoping the next book in this trilogy has a few snippets of Simon and Quinlan. I’m not ready to let them go ❤️‍🩹

Do I want a HEA for the twins? 🤔

Oh…. And Vulcan! Yes that’s his real name (best friend to Quinlan) is absolutely adorable, I want a HEA for him, I’d love him as a friend, he sounds like the coolest guy alive 💜he brought laughter and tears to this book. He was a great addition to the characters.

It’s another really well thought out and beautifully written book. The author is stretching her wings with different genres, and it’s another one that’s going to be a favourite of mine.

🦋

[OneBookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time diving into LGTB+ story and I have to say I really did enjoy this story. I have read books with M/M relationships before, however, this is my first book with a gay monogamous relationship, without it being a part of a poly or reverse harem setting. I will admit I was slightly reluctant starting this book since I am more into romance stories that have a female lead- see m/f, rh or a poly relationship with a female in the mix. If you have read Retain’s most recent works, they seem to be writing more m/m focused stories that have not fully clicked with me. Whilst being in the rh or poly genre, there has been little focus on the FMCs and it usually made me question why they were included in the story in the first place.

But I digress, while I’m trying to explain my reluctance to read this book, I have moved away from the point that this was a lovely story about Quinn and Simon that I enjoyed from start to finish and let out an audible gasp when I reached the end of the book. I adored our leading men and was desperate- like the rest of the characters, to wrap Simon up in bubble wrap to make sure he never has to get upset ever again. ‘For Your Time’ was not only about two people falling in love, but also discovering who they are. For Quinn this was establishing what he wants out of life, what he’s into in the bedroom and how he’s going to win Simon’s heart. For Simon it was so much more complex and my heart hurt just reading some chapters. All his life Simon just thought he was broken, but with the unwavering support from Quinn, Simon goes on a journey finding out he was never broken and he’s not alone. It was so lovely reading about his self discovery and I think Reitan approached the subject of sexuality and LGBT+ in an amazing way. I loved that Reitan wrote about the community in a light that showed its okay to be who you are and you’re not alone, no matter how you look, who you love and how you feel.

Another reason I was reluctant to read this story is not necessarily a bad one, I’ve always found Reitan’s writing style to lead me to completely submerge myself fin her stories and not come back for air until it's finished. With the fact that I unfortunately have a life outside of reading meant I just knew I couldn’t start this book until I knew there would be no consequences to reading it non stop, even if it took me all day and night. ‘For Your Time’ was no different. I completely fell for this book and could not put this down. The ending was unexpected I will say, however, it just makes me desperate for the next book so I can see how a certain set of twins will redeem themselves and will everyone in this universe. With Damon’s story coming up next I am expecting a lot of angst and hopefully his own HEA.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sugar daddy/sugar baby, professor/student, age gap romance - none of which are my normal go to sub-genres. I really don’t know if I liked this or not. There were definitely parts that I hated, but I think I liked the relationship between the main characters Quin and Simon. It didn’t seem to have much depth beyond the sexual, sensual, tactile elements. The author skips over scenes where we might get an insight into Quin and Simon getting to know each other better in other ways, including as friends. They go away for a few days, but we don’t get any information about what they do while they’re away. It’s quite a frustrating thing in the book that we’re teased about something, and then it’s skipped over in a sentence. I wanted to see more of their life together and more of how they grew closer on different levels.

Simon learns about and explores his asexuality. He does seem to enjoy sex from an emotional point of view, but not a sexual way. He gets an emotional release. He also thrives on touch. Quin on the other hand is very sexual and is sexually attracted to Simon. It’s an interesting dynamic, and definitely a bit different compared to most other MM romances I’ve read.

What I am most torn about is Simon’s relationship with his best ‘friends’, the twins Damon and Declan. The relationship between the three friends is given almost as much page space as that between Simon and Quin. It’s a relationship that made me feel very uncomfortable. The twins are weird, possessive, coercive and abusive towards Simon. Yes, there are friendships that don’t conform to societal norms, but this was beyond that and felt like Simon was being abused under the guise of a quirky friendship. He’s not their friend, he’s their possession and their human (sex) toy. They touch him constantly whether he likes it or not, they monitor his bank accounts and phone, they won’t let him pay for things. The twins’ petulant behaviour towards Quin is childish and symptomatic of this strange, toxic and unhealthy relationship they have with Simon. I just wanted Quin to open Simon’s eyes to what was going on. It was frustrating that this man who wanted to help, enlighten and protect his ‘baby’ was so laid back about the twin basically sexually assaulting the man he loves. (I don’t think I’ve ever been quite so angry at two fictional characters before!)

The book ends without a HEA (or even a HFN really), so I’m going to read the next book in the series, I’m curious as to whether the twins can be redeemed. I also adored Quin’s friend Vulcan and I see he’s (eventually) getting a book as part of this series. I need him to get a HEA.

[Crista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really different book. It’s not your normal romance story. The MC Simon has past trauma and his best friends got him through it. As a result they are very overt affectionate to the point where the relationship seems inappropriate. Simon ends up in a sexual contract with his old professor Quinn as a way of earning money, and through this journey he learns a lot about himself and his sexuality and his friendship with the twins, discovering things about himself with Quinn helping him. The problem happens when the twins find out about Quinn. Simon needs all of them in his life but the twins can’t handle Quinn being around, which bring more stress on Simon. Damon seems more open to working things out than Declan but Declan is in love with Simon. I didn’t like how once they found out the twins started crossing all kinds of friendship lines.

Quinn’s bestie Vulcan is a great character. The annoying thing that I found with this book is as you get further into it certain events get skipped which really should be delved into. When it all gets too much for Simon Quinn invites Vulcan and the twins over for dinner, What happened? The next chapter is something totally different. And when they find out about each other Quinn leaves and the next day comes back for breakfast, but what happened? How did the night go? How did the morning go? When Quinn finally looses it and confronts the twins their mother is there and the indication is that she knew something all along, what happens next? Does the mum give them a talking to? Important things get skipped over as the book goes along.

I honestly thought the book was going to end with Simon committing suicide, I’m glad it didn’t end that way. It ends with Simon making a decision but can he live with it? Things are not exactly resolved by the end of the book. There is a few sequels, stories from each of the twins point of view. The twins are portrayed as selfish and toxic to Simon once he starts getting his own life and are cruel whether intentional or not. I’m not particularly interested in reading a sequel of their story, but if there was a sequel to Simon and Quinn I would be down with that. The author did a good job at portraying different LGBTQI experiences and developing your understanding of that world along the way.