Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Charlie’s got a problem—well, two if you count his helpful and overly enthusiastic protector, Austin—but being painfully shy is the biggest one since most Daddies seem to feel being able to communicate is an important part of asking someone out. Who knew? But when panicking is his default response, most alphas don’t wait around long enough to see the naughty omega that’s hiding just under the surface.

Ansel’s got a problem. He has no idea how to be a Daddy or how to get to know the painfully shy cutie who’s dramatically adorable when it comes to boo-boos. Unfortunately, wide eyes and a firm belief about which crayons are best aren’t enough to build a relationship…or let Ansel know if the sweet sub considers him Daddy material.

When a new Daddy and a shy little meet, it will take patience and a nosy protector to help a sweet sub find the confidence to come out of his shell.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2023

121 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Innes

139 books1,191 followers
M.A. Innes writes kinky and curious things like age play, puppy play, sweet guys in lingerie, cute boys in search of a Daddy and more.

When M.A. Innes wants to write a little more mainstream, she writes under the name: Shaw Montgomery

Do you want to get sneak peeks at upcoming books? Personal updates? A chance at freebies and more?
Click here to join M.A. Innes Newsletter!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
146 (50%)
4 stars
83 (28%)
3 stars
49 (16%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Rainbow Reads and Reviews.
248 reviews9 followers
July 18, 2023
Brave is the second book in the Love and Secrets series and I think the 7th or 8th set in the author's omegaverse.

The first book in this series, Bashful, is literally my all time favorite age play book. I've probably read it 50 times or more. I loved Gideon and Jarrett's story. I was one of the many that asked for Charlie's story and Brave is that book.

Unfortunately, this book isn't as beloved as Bashful and here's why.

First, Charlie's little persona isn't kink. It's written more as Dissociative identity disorder. Charlie is rarely in an adult mindset and even when he's a "sub" in a scene, his thoughts are childlike in nature. His little-ness is his actual personality and it's not just a kink. Even when he and Ansel were on "big" dates, he struggled to stay adult and almost always regressed while they were talking thru the adult side of their power exchange. On the first read thru of the book, it was cute, but there was something that caught my attention. During the second read thru, I realized it felt off because Charlie was little 80-85% of the book.

Second, while Austin has always been an over the top character, his antics in this book became tiresome. The entire premise of the series is that they've opened a secret club and everyone is vetted in multiple ways. Ansel is supposedly one of his lawyers. He is someone that Austin has had more than one interaction with and should know and trust. However, he acts as if Ansel is a stranger off the street and cannot be trusted. Ansel spent most of the book worrying about what Austin would do or think about their scenes and interactions. Yes, he was a new Daddy, but he wasn't new to the scene. Yet, most of his internal dialogue was questioning his interactions with Charlie. Their relationship was based on a power exchange and he should have felt comfortable dominating Charlie.

Now, I will admit that I loved several of their scenes. The fort scene was precious and I could just imagine a huge man entering a small space for his little. It was adorable. I also loved the marker scene. It's something that I've never come across and I loved the entire activity. I do wish we had something other than 2 sp*nking scenes, but I know that I'm in the minority in regard to sp*nking. One scene would have been enough for me.

My last gripe, if you will, is the thanking of the "top tier" patreon members. It's just ick to me.
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,937 reviews45 followers
July 16, 2023
Charlie is painfully shy and panic is his default response to any situation most Daddies don't stay around long enough to get to know him and realise he is a naughty omega below the surface. He also has a helpful and overly protective person in fellow omega Austin. Alpha Dom Ansel has no idea how to be a Daddy or how to get to know the painfully shy cutie who is dramatically adorable when it comes to boo-boos. Wide eyes and a firm belief in which crayons are best are not enough to build a relationship or let Anssel know that Carlie is interested in him. When a new Daddy and a shy little meet, it will take patience and a nosy protector to help a sweet sub find the confidence to come out of his shell.

This was a totally adorable story that entranced me from the start to the finish. I loved Charlie and just wanted to hug him and maybe sit down and colour some pictures with him. I loved the way that Ansel tried really hard to understand what he could and couldn't do and also when to push a few of those limits. I felt as if we also saw a softer side to Austin who whilst being fierce in his protection of Charlie was also very caring and like a big brother answering all his questions. Ansel was so caring and gentle with Charlie which also made him a Daddy and definitely not a pure Dom. Easy to read, feel and understand you couldn't resist being invested in the two men and their relationship. Thia is a MM story with mature content with a BDSM-like DDLB relationship and set in the Omegaverse.
Profile Image for rebecca.
631 reviews21 followers
August 15, 2023
Guess I can’t complain (too much) because this was pretty nice.

The kinks were fun, especially because the age play wasn’t the only kink and not at all the main one. Sure, it was a relatively big part of it, but little Charlie had some wicked fun with other things too. That I really enjoyed.

As with the first book of this series the alpha/omega trope was really not the focus of the plot. Now I’m staring to think that BDSM and omegaverse don’t go well together. There is just no right balance between those two very dominant tropes.

Charlie and Ansel were a fun pair though. I especially enjoyed the shy but wickedly kinky Charlie. But with (almost) all of M.A. Innes characters I felt like Charlie got all the attention and fun character trades and Ansel was just secondary and a bit basic.

Another thing that didn’t get the right amount of attention was the background story of Charlie. In the beginning of the book, I was sure that this would be a big reason for why Charlie was the way he was. The book did eventually give an explanation for where Charlie came form but I gotta say, it wasn’t satisfying at all. As I said, it felt like that part of the story was almost forgotten by the author.

Now that I’ve said what I wanted to say I wanna be nice again and point out that I still enjoyed this book, even with its faults.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,664 reviews
July 15, 2023
This book takes us back to the omegaverse introduced in the Romance & Revolutions series. We revisit beloved characters, and meet a gentle giant of a dom who might just be a daddy, and a shy little who is also a naughty submissive. In a world where omega rights are preached over whatever inner desires and feelings omegas might have, the chance to find a match like this is rare. Thank goodness, Ansel and Charlie have the help - and, of course, the interference - of Austin, the wealthy omega who pretty much runs the world.
I adore these characters and their story, and I like how Charlie's past and his connection to Austin are revealed. There is a special love between these dramatic omegas.
I appreciate Ansel's patience, not only with helping Charlie to open up and overcome the worst of his shyness, but also with Charlie's admiration for and lack of secrets from Austin. I like Charlie's drama and the way he makes Ansel smile. I love everything about this romance.
I feel that Ansel has always been meant to be a daddy, and Charlie has always been brave. Austin is still scary and unpredictable, but his heart is even bigger than we've seen in previous books. I definitely want to see more from this world.
Profile Image for Ζωή Παππά.
Author 3 books29 followers
July 13, 2023
"Brave" is part of the" romance and revolutions" world but can be read as a standalone. There are some comeos that I loved and Austin was as always his amazing self.
The story is set in an omegaverse universe and we follow alpha Ansel and omega Charlie and the two of them have a Daddy/boy dynamic.
I really really enjoyed this book! First of all I found Charlie's backstory very interesting. When we are first introduced to him he is painfully shy and has trouble just talking to Ansel. We soon find out that something happened to him when he was young but we only get hints. We later learn the rest of the story and I'm curious to see if it's going to play a part in future books set in this world.
Ansel and Charlie were wonderful together. They really complimented each other and had fantastic chemistry.
The scene with the markers was my favorite. I don't think I've read anything like it before.
I had a really fun time reading "Brave".
Profile Image for Chloe.
206 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2023
Finally!

I’ve been waiting for this book since the fist one came out and it was worth the wait! We all love Austin and his drama but he fights for everyone he loves and it was great reading why he was so overprotective of Charlie. With his background, I’m so glad Charlie had Austin as his advocate and made it clear once he was comfortable, Ansel is his person and just a few things are for them. Ansel was so aware of Charlie and just made sure he was comfortable every step of the way even when he was confused himself. Such a great book!
Profile Image for Marta.
365 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2023
Charlie and Ansel are great!
This is a wonderful addition to the series. Both MC are very relatable and work well together. We have meddling friends, incredible forts, and kisses, lots and lots of kisses.
M.A. Innes is always a sure bet, and this story is lovely. The chance to get a few glimpses of very missed characters is welcome as always.
This books flows from the first to the last word flawlessly.
177 reviews
July 15, 2023
Sweet, hot, steamy funny shenangians

All of MA Innes omegaverse/ABO books are just flat out amazing. Steamy enough to make you sweat? Check ✅ Sweet enough to make your dentists wince? Also check ✅ Funny enough to make you spit out your wine? Check check checked ✅ The adorableness combined with the shenangians, as well as the spicy fun is the ultimate combination. Now excuse me while I go re-read all of these and patiently wait for more
Profile Image for FHR.
1,081 reviews13 followers
July 18, 2023
Intrigued by the littles Angel us captivated by one in particular, Charlie.
Charlie is a shy little who can ba a bit naughty too, is in need of a little bit of protecting and prodding in order to find his perfect Daddy.
In patient, endearing, new to being a Daddy, Ansel he finds that and more.

This was a fun read, with the appearance of much loved previous characters, humour, cute moments between the main characters and a sweet ending.
1,496 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this story. This was so cute and sweet. These two were so cute together and I absolutely loved getting to see the the other characters from this world. This is Charlie’s and Ansel’s story but they needed a lot of help from Austin. I did not want to put this down and I hope that we get a lot more stories from this world.
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,685 reviews51 followers
July 13, 2023
Brave is the second book in the second book in the Love and Secrets series by M.A. Innes. This is the story of Ansel and Charlie. Ansel is a first time Daddy and Charlie a very shy Little, who has a very naughty side hidden behind his shy surface. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
623 reviews11 followers
July 16, 2023
Charlie is such a sweetie as a little that no Dom knows how to treat him.
When Ansel sees him in the play room he is drawn to him
Austin has to explain exactly what Charlie is like and what he wants from a Daddy/Dom.
Ansel and Charlie are perfect and so much fun together when Charlie lets his naughty sub side out.
Highly recommend
Profile Image for Emily.
105 reviews
July 17, 2023
WONDERFUL

I always enjoy M.A Innes work but this was particularly wonderful! I fell in love with the world and characters she’s created in this series and Charlie is definitely a new favourite. I can’t wait to read more and a reread of the entire series is definitely in my future.
750 reviews3 followers
July 29, 2023
Love to be back in this world

How exciting to find this book!
To find a story about the world that MA Innes had created and the men who founded the club. I hope we get to read a lot more in the future.
Such a great book for Ansel and Charlie.
And always a one click author for me.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,895 reviews
July 22, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book, I loved the mixture of sweetly shy and wonderfully naughty from Charlie and the psychic powers of Daddy Ansel. This book was a hug and steamy happily combined in a comforting read, Austin is there with his brand of nuttiness making this a re-read for me.
Profile Image for Kristina.
365 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2024
So much fun

Charlie and Ansel's book is superb 👌. I love this book. It's fun, funny, and hot. I love how hard Ansel worked to get Charlie to trust him. I love all the fun shenanigans and Austin drama! I totally recommend this book! 💜
243 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2023
So good

I loved getting to see Austin's protective nature if full swing as well as watch Charlie find his Daddy and be fully welcomed into his new found family.
1,118 reviews
July 17, 2023
Enjoyable

I enjoyed Ansel and Charlie’s story. It’s sweet, low angst, alpha/omega fun, and very on-brand for M.A. Innes. It was fun catching up with Austin and the gang!
Profile Image for Chris.
231 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2023
Too cute

I highly recommend this story. All the characters are wonderful Andi wish they were part of my group of friends.
Profile Image for Angela.
35 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2023
wonderful

As usual M.A. Innes brings to life an amazing story of laughter and love, that brings joy to the heart. Long may she ever reign.
Profile Image for Angelique Jurd.
Author 43 books288 followers
July 24, 2023
A lovely winter evening read with a sweet little and a new Daddy. Just what a lazy Sunday bundled up in the sun calls for.
Profile Image for America.
703 reviews2 followers
Read
October 3, 2023
DNF 30% I'm sad, because I loved the first installment, but this one fell flat
Profile Image for Cheryl_cajun .
1,213 reviews29 followers
July 20, 2023
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review.  Out of pan and into the fire, is insanity contagious!?! Austin is clearly a corrupting influence, only Ansel wssnt the only one to be wammied.  Looking for his own special someone leads the big Dom to an area that is not in his wheel house but one look at the big eyed cute just does him in. Charlie maybe shy but he is a naughty bunny after changing Ansel phones sounds. Utterly cavity endangering because charlie is just sweet even when he is trying for naughty.
Profile Image for Assh.
934 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2025
3.5⭐
Ansel et Charlie
Alpha et Omega
Daddy et boy

Austin, Tanner, Dakota, Jacob (omegas)
Jarret, Silas, Russ (alpha)

Un peu long. Ça traîne beaucoup.
J'ai galéré à le finir mais j'adore les personnages principaux et secondaires.


📖
Charlie a un problème – enfin, deux si l'on compte son protecteur serviable et trop enthousiaste, Austin – mais être terriblement timide est le plus gros problème, car la plupart des papas semblent penser que pouvoir communiquer est un élément important lorsqu'on invite quelqu'un à sortir. Qui savait? Mais lorsque la panique est sa réponse par défaut, la plupart des alphas n'attendent pas assez longtemps pour voir le vilain oméga qui se cache juste sous la surface.
Ansel a un problème. Il n'a aucune idée de comment être papa ou comment faire la connaissance de la mignonne douloureusement timide qui est dramatiquement adorable quand il s'agit de bobos. Malheureusement, des yeux écarquillés et une ferme conviction sur les crayons de couleur qui conviennent le mieux ne suffisent pas pour construire une relation… ou pour faire savoir à Ansel si le doux soumis le considère comme un papa.
Lorsqu'un nouveau papa et un petit timide se rencontrent, il faudra de la patience et un protecteur curieux pour aider un gentil soumis à trouver la confiance nécessaire pour sortir de sa coquille.
📕


🖋
« Charlie est très timide et a quelques questions à te poser. Je vais donc les poser à sa place. » Austin avait l'air d'une joyeuse fée marraine. « Tout d'abord, nous devons nous assurer que tu n'es pas mal à l'aise avec sa timidité ? »

La question m'a semblé survoler beaucoup d'informations que j'avais besoin de connaître, mais j'ai fait de mon mieux pour y répondre. « Non, ça ne me dérange pas qu'il soit calme et qu'il préfère jouer ici. Je pense que je ne serais mal à l'aise que si je le rendais si nerveux qu'il ne pourrait jamais se détendre en ma présence. »

Mais s'il pouvait parler à Austin, alors il pouvait sûrement me parler, n'est-ce pas ?

Un léger hochement de tête signifiait qu'il approuvait ma réponse et je sentis le nœud coulant autour de mon cou se desserrer. « C'est un soumis très bavard quand il n'est pas petit et quand il est le plus adulte, mais il peut lui falloir un certain temps pour s'ouvrir. »

« C'est tout à fait raisonnable. Je me suis bien amusée à colorier avec lui et à regarder la télé. » Je ne savais pas si c'était l'honnêteté dans ma voix ou quelque chose dans les réactions de Charlie que je ne pouvais pas voir, mais Austin s'est détendu.

« Je parie qu'il s'est bien amusé à faire ça aujourd'hui. » Austin n'avait pas vraiment posé de question mais Charlie hocha la tête, ce qui me fit me sentir mille fois mieux. « Mais une chose que tu dois savoir, c'est que Charlie ne se sent pas très bien quand il est surpris... surtout quand il est stressé et surpris. »

Austin s'arrêta, jeta un coup d'œil à Charlie et essaya visiblement de décider quelque chose. C'était un aspect de l'oméga dramatique que je n'avais jamais vu auparavant et c'était fascinant à observer à bien des égards.
🖋
Profile Image for Showarst.
1,115 reviews
July 19, 2023
A very shy omega sub and a new Daddy Dom alpha begin a relationship in this sweet new story from M.A. Innes. I have not read any of the other books in this series so I was unfamiliar with Austin or some of the other characters. I was still able to enjoy and understand Charlie and Ansel’s book. The omegaverse seems like a very minor portion of the story, and actually can be overlooked if that is not your thing.

Charlie was very shy and his backstory was sad. I was happy to see Ansel appreciate all parts of him (sweet little and naughty sub). The muscle worship was pretty hot and I would have liked to have seen more of that. I love the idea of ‘people’ markers that Charlie could use to color in Ansel’s tattoos. Pretty cool. I was a little confused by the epilogue, but it could be because I hadn’t read the other books. I would have preferred to see more of Ansel and Charlie in the epilogue.

A great addition to M.A. Innes’ omegaverse. I will have to go back and read some of the other books too.

I received an ARC for my honest opinion
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.