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Entspricht 246 Romanseiten.

Tate ist überrascht, als sein ehemals bester Freund Nix versucht, wieder mit ihm Kontakt aufzunehmen. Früher waren die beiden absolut unzertrennlich… bis zu jenem schicksalhaften Tag vor dreizehn Jahren. Jetzt steht so einiges zwischen ihnen, aber die Anziehung, die sie schon damals miteinander verbunden hat, ist immer noch unverändert stark. Tate beschließt, Nix eine Chance auf Wiedergutmachung zu geben, und ein gemeinsamer Kink entpuppt sich als Möglichkeit, endlich alle Missverständnisse der Vergangenheit auszuräumen – denn manchmal können Fesseln auch befreien. Aber reicht ein Fundament aus kunstvoll geschnürten Seilen tatsächlich für eine gemeinsame Zukunft?

Band 3 der "Tattoos & Temptation"-Reihe. Buch ist in sich abgeschlossen.

246 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2020

274 people are currently reading
364 people want to read

About the author

Mia Monroe

64 books727 followers

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5 stars
541 (41%)
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482 (37%)
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224 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
Profile Image for Bex.
166 reviews7 followers
October 23, 2020
Well.

The shibari scenes were stunning in their description, but the relationship was, I don't know, over-earnest? Unbelievable? Unsafe? Patronising? Reconnecting with someone after 13 years and letting them tie you up almost immediately? Nah.

This was troubling too, on pretty much the 4th time they met up:

Nix is basically a bit of a dick and makes everything about him, and Tate seems so starved for attention he's willing to overlook it. Did not feel the love on this one.

Oh and it's absolutely not a standalone. I read the first in the series a while ago and loved it, but still have no idea about who half the characters were or how they all connected.
Profile Image for Monikat.
1,686 reviews40 followers
August 25, 2024
I enjoyed this. A low angst, feel good sexy, romantic story.

Shibari Art 🔓✅

Extremely interesting erotic, zen moments described.

*GAH!!!! You had me at Nessun Dorma!!!
Profile Image for Courtney Bassett.
807 reviews196 followers
September 10, 2020
I’ve read a few books that purportedly featured shibari that only had one or two lackluster scenes. Not so with this one! It’s a big part of the story and there are scenes scattered throughout the book. I loved that it was instrumental to helping build trust and break down walls in their communication. (Not to mention the scenes are extremely hot. Just saying.)

The relationship itself had some ups and downs, which honestly seemed fairly realistic, but they kept trying hard to communicate and get over any obstacles that arose.

I enjoyed this enough that I’ll be going back to read prior books in the series.
Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,410 reviews22 followers
September 13, 2020
Free Me is my favourite from the Tattoos and Temptation series so far. It is just so sensual and romantic and I completely fell in love with Tate and Nix. It is more than just a solid second chance, former friends to lovers story. The connection between Tate and Nix was so deep, and the use of Shibari between them to build trust was so beautiful and sensual. I loved how it was such a big part of the story and of their lives, and the intricate description of the scenes were written so well. I was completely drawn into them and it was easy to see how it made Tate feel so free. Their relationship felt natural and genuine, and although there are obstacles and insecurities, they communicate well and really have faith in each other. It's such a beautiful story!
Profile Image for moonydew.
932 reviews23 followers
June 22, 2023
5 stars…
Fucking hell. The end had me tearing up a bit. I loooove friends to lovers but in a different way than this was. This was far closer to second chance and didn’t have as much angst as I love from my friends to lovers but this was still amazing and very kinky!

Shibari! How exciting that was and although I did miss the daddy kink the slight exhibitionism and bondage was very enjoyable.

I unfortunately don’t enjoy reading poly stuff so I’m going to have to skip the next one although it sounds really good and I’m very sad since they dynamic looks amazing so I’ll be moving to book 5 in the series after this most likely.

3/5 on spice. 2/5 on kink. 2/5 on tears. I’m so happy Tate had a happy new year and Nix figured his sexuality out.
Profile Image for Leelah&#x1f341;♋️ Orion.
1,459 reviews55 followers
October 6, 2020
Blue

Tate got his story! This was a love of two friends, friends who find each other and realize the love never ended. I loved all of the ropes loved them. The writing was good, the smexy was hawt and the side characters were amazing! I won’t be reading the next book because hello I’m a jealous girl, but I can’t wait for the book after.
Profile Image for Emily Souza.
138 reviews
September 16, 2020
Mia Monroe is getting a little kinky and I am HERE.FOR.IT. Shibari and cock cages and some hot as hell edging...yes please. This book is smokin' hot. And it is full of these sinfully beautiful shibari scenes that I didn't ever want to end. The descriptions used and imagery that Mia created are absolutely stunning. Even if I wasn't obsessed with Nix and Tate's relationship, this book would be 5 stars just for that.

But alas, I am completely obsessed with them. It took them 13 years to get back to each other and to be open and honest, but once they are there, the blossoming of their relationship is beautiful. They are open and they talk and they trust each other to be truthful and honest. They have such a pure, loving relationship, and it was an absolute pleasure to witness them coming together.

The little sneak peaks of what we are going to see with Gen, Cairo, and Luca in the next book have me excited for more to come from Mia Monroe!
Profile Image for Kathreadsall.
486 reviews17 followers
September 28, 2020
Another fabulous entry into the Tattoos and Temptation series by Mia Monroe!

Tate and Nix are so cute together, from their chemistry to just hanging out with each other. I was worried that this couple would be too similar to the first, since it's another best friends to lovers, but I was pleasantly surprised. A lot of the focus of this book is them becoming best friends again, and their specific kink of Shibari (rope play).

This couple had plenty of steamy moments, and the rope play was so well described and passionate I loved it. It was great fun to check in with the other couples from the series, and get hints at what couples will be explored next (YES to a poly romance on the way!).

As always, this is a soul mates for life, love you forever romance, so make sure that's your desire before picking up this series. On a negative note, I wasn't sure if Nix's friend was a stereotype or not, but his character and Nixon's whole ideology fell a bit flat for me at times. Still, this was another fun, steamy, quick m/m read.

This is quickly becoming my favorite contemporary m/m romance series! Can't wait to read the next book!

Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ellen.
781 reviews
October 9, 2020
I liked books 1 and 2 (even though there were some pretty deep conversations about feelings that didn't seem realistic to me), and this book took an even deeper dive with those type of conversations.

They're best friends, then don't see each other for 13 (!) years, then forgive and forget and move on like nothing has happened, but then start a emotional and physical relationship? Yeah, no. The shibari stuff was interesting - haven't read anything about that before - and I finished the book, but I ended up skipping through some pages of their conversations because it basically just sounded like blah, blah, blah and I found it boring and unfeasible that 2 young guys who aren't therapists would have intense heart-to-heart discussions like that.
Profile Image for Tina J.
1,346 reviews173 followers
October 11, 2020
Great installment in the series, I did not want to put it down! Low angst, almost too mature & nearly void of any conflict. But the main (and secondary characters) are quite enjoyable.

Nix has always thought of himself as straight but there's something about his best friend,Tate, that has always tested that theory.
Best friends from birth, they thought nothing could tear them apart until one fateful day when they were 18.
Now, thirteen years later, they meet again but will it ever be the same? Are they willing to put aside past hurts to learn to trust again?
Book 3 in the series. Best enjoyed if read in chronological order but would be able to stand on its own fairly well.

Looking forward to reading Cairo's story!
Profile Image for D.
1,116 reviews11 followers
November 20, 2021
What a wonderful romance. Tate and Nix haven't seen each other in more than a decade since they had a falling out when they were 18. They used to be best friends, and when Nix reached out to reconnect, the chemistry is there instantly.

It's wonderful to watch them grow close again. The story is low in angst but emotional and examines the careful, considerate building of a relationship.

This is the first book I ever read that contained shibari, so that was interesting.

Overall you can expect the same vibes as from other Mia Monroe books. It drags a little in places, but other than that it's absolutely wonderful.
Profile Image for Kate.
191 reviews53 followers
September 19, 2020
“Are you interested in being tied up?”

Tate’s reaction startles me as he visibly shivers in front of me, his breath releasing in a puff. “Whew.” He laughs shyly. “I guess I am.”




You know, there's something so beautiful about Shibari and whenever I get a story that includes rope play it's almost always a guaranteed good time. There's something so beautiful about the knot work that has always caught my attention.



Free Me definitely did just that! This is another fabulous outing in Mia Monroe's Tattoos and Temptation series, the third in fact, but it can be read as a standalone and not lose a thing! It's the quiet ones that usually surprise you, and let me tell you Tate's story definitely surprised me in the best possible way! You do get to see our faves from previous stories in the series and my love for them all just grows with every new word I read.

“We used to spend every waking moment together, lots of sleeping ones, too.”

“Oh?” Gen asks. “Spill the tea, darling.” He winks.

Nix chuckles. “We were kids, Gen. We had sleepovers.”

“Oh, right. Yawn.”

I shake my head. “Always about sex with you.”

“Sex is life, boo.”

“Amen,” Cairo says. “Preach, Sister Gen.”




When you have friends like this - and I have a couple so I know what it's like - everything is soooooo much more fun!

You've probably noticed that I have a fondness for Best Friends to Lovers - not even just the regular old Friends to Lovers but I mean like this is my BFF whom I happen to fall in love with is quickly becoming my jam. Tate and Nix have that, but they also have a Second Chance (kind of) happening and that's something that was beautiful to see. Not everyone gets to keep their bestie when they come out, especially not if there was some reciprocated attraction in the moment and a freak out from the bestie later. Heck, a lot of the time you don't even get to keep your family. Nix and Tate were inseparable as kids but that coming out moment at eighteen was what broke them apart. To watch them come back together and learn that their feelings for each other have grown so much despite time and distance? These two were meant to be and it's definitely true that it's better late than never. But also - Good things come to those who wait.

Nix and Tate are fire baby! Some of the scenes are just off the charts how hot they are, I have a feeling this is going to be on my all time favourites list for rereads.

Here are some of my...


Favourite Lines -

“It’s a gay rite of passage,” Gen says, smiling. “We know the best places to eat, to party, and to shop. We are icons of everything tasteful.”

“Mm, I’ve seen some pretty sketch gays in my day,” Cairo adds, shooting a disdainful look at nothing. “Some ratchet boys out there.”

“I didn’t say it was inherent good taste,” Gen explains. “I said it was a rite of passage. When you learn the ways of the masters you transcend basic-bitch level.”






“How do I know if you’re right for me? Is there like a quiz on Buzzfeed or something? ‘How to Find the Right Shibari Artist For You.’”






“Can I have like ten more minutes before you undo me?”

You could stay like this forever if I had my way.





“I’ve never been able to decide if I like the ropes more or the marks they leave.”






“Because I like my pastries the same way I like my men-sweet and tempting.”

I bite my lip to prevent laughing while Jude has to cough to cover his laughter.

“Oh.” Greyden’s face flickers with understanding. “I like my pastries the same way I like men, too.”

Jerica looks up confused.

“All of them,” he continues.








“Then please, for the love of all gay things, touch me.”






“So, the phone?” Pauly asks. “A love interest?”

“Kind of. What gave me away?”

“Because the only things that produce a look like the one I saw on your face are love interests and double cheeseburgers. Maybe chocolate cake.”






I decided it didn’t matter if I was gay or bi or pan or anything else. What mattered is that I was happy.







This series just keeps getting better! Hurry up an read this one so that you can wait for the next installment with me so I won't be alone in my impatience!



This one ticked all the boxes for me and left me with warm, happy feelings. So take my advice -

Run, don't walk, RUN and one-click this baby today! You won't regret it!

Profile Image for ML.
1,640 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2020
A Hot and intense second chance at love

This book hit my feelings hard.
Second chances are sometimes the best ones.
One of my fave lines is: “labels are bs , love is everything”. And it really is...

Nix and Tate were childhood best friends until they weren’t. 13 years later, Nix makes amends with Tate and it turns into the best decision of his life. Tate gave Nix that second chance and it turned into everything he ever wanted.

This book is super hot, super emotional and very kinky in parts. Shibari is such a cool art form. I’m glad Nix shared that with Tate.

I read this book so fast and now I want an immediate reread which is rare. Loved it. It’s my favorite of the series so far. ♥️♥️
Profile Image for Wendy Moore.
1,332 reviews11 followers
September 19, 2020
Sweet, feel good, 2nd chance romance. Tate and Nix are a great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Aki.
1,045 reviews
November 25, 2020
Der Fokus war zu sehr auf rope play und die Unterhaltungen teilweise sehr wie so Therapiegespräche....
Profile Image for Any Length.
2,212 reviews7 followers
December 17, 2024
The book came highly recommended and had shibari in it. I wanted a book with shibari. I didn't find the shibari descriptions very helpful. The sex scenes did not inspire me and the endless talk between the two guys was too agreeable, too conciliatory for second chances, too sounding like all the dialog came out of one mouth (and a female one at that) It just felt like one woman talking and the other one just reflecting the same thing back. When they did sound like men the extend of their verbiage was "oh, yeah, fuck that's hot" on repeat.
I'm sorry, this book did not scratch my itch nor did it tick any of my boxes. And half the time I felt bored.
Profile Image for Ines.
256 reviews
November 2, 2020
While I kinda enjoyed the first two books and the beginning of this one, it felt as if the author was not only trying to preach inclusiveness with way unrealistic therapeutic-seeming conversations but was also going down a list of kinks which she ticks of one by one for every book.
I had to stop with this book when Nix and Tate, who barely reconnected, start a rope-scene together which requires an amount of trust which is not believable they have at this point of the story.
Profile Image for SunshineGirl79.
480 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2020
Climaxed too early with the MC getting together & then dragged on a bit. The realization of self-identity by the one MC was a bit rushed & unrealistic. The rest of the series is better.
Profile Image for Abigail Beckwith.
1,720 reviews
June 2, 2024
old post reposted


Again, who needs to stick to the already-downloaded books I have on my kindle or the ever-growing pile(s) of books on my TBR shelves when you can just like binge-read a new author and her first series? Here’s to Mia Monroe’s “Tattoos and Temptations” series. The third book is titled "Free Me."
["Only his ropes can unravel the past.

I never thought I’d see him again, but when my former best friend shows up ready to make amends, it becomes clear just how tied to the past I am. He disappeared when I needed him the most, leaving me to navigate my truth alone. Now he’s back.

Nixon’s art leaves me vulnerable, defenseless, and I like it. Bound by desire and past hurts, giving him complete control might be exactly what I need to set me free.
What neither of us expected? The ropes free him too…"]

Like the first solo book of hers that I read (#TheJerkNextDoor) (as well as this whole series so far, though I just didn't mention it), there were some scenes/sections of dialogue that were just...overly flowery and overtly focused on their feelings for each other that were a little hyper-realistic (yes, even for the genre--yes, even for me); however, I'm starting to think that's just maybe Mia's style.



I also agree with a few of the negative comments on GoodReads that it was a little sudden. Not necessarily the forgiveness thing or the rope thing. I think the romance thing. Or at least the sexy-times thing. Spoilers: I didn't know Shibari could be non-sexual (it makes sense that it is, but all of the books I read are sexualizing it so), and Nix spent so long during their first session saying that its not sexual for him; and then all of a sudden, during their second session, it's like arousal city. That part was fast for me, no gonna lie.



Okay, no more negative comments. Moving onto the positive ones... I am a fucking suuuuuucccccckkkkker for best-friends to lovers romance stories, especially ones where they're bests friends since birth. And this one didn't disappoint. At. All.



Contradicting my first negative comment, I really enjoyed how they talked things out. When things got difficult and emotions were going everywhere, these two were adults about it. Instead of having a screaming fight, they took time to calm down separately before talking their concerns out and finding a mutual solution. That's maturity. Not hot or steamy, but sometimes, a healthy relationship isn't always sexy.



Trigger Warnings: homophobia, queer-phobia, internalized-homophobia, etc



Very, very excited to binge-read this series. [“Welcome to Miami.”]



#dateme #marryme #fixme #freeme #catchme #temptme #twistme #tattoosandtemptation #tattoosandtemptationseries #miamonroe #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,991 reviews93 followers
November 2, 2020
Tate siempre ha buscado una relacion estable, no le gustan las relaciones de una noche, pero por alguna razon no consigue a su pareja y esto lo entristece, y ahora mucho mas que su Jefe y Briar tienen pareja y se ven tan dulce juntos. Pero todo cambia cuando reaparece en su vida el hombre que siempre amo y que fue su mejor amigo desde su nacimiento, Nixon, aunque tambien fue el hombre que le rompio el corazon.
Nixon esta en un momento de su vida que quiere volver a reconectar con su mejor amigo Tate, quiere encontrar la estabilidad y la amistad que echo a perder hace tantos anos por su inmadurez, pero cuando lo comienza a tratar de nuevo, se da cuenta que no solo lo quiere como amigo sino como algo mas. Podra aceptar que no es tan hetero como pensaba? Que ha estado enamorado de su mejor amigo y quiere tener una relacion con el?
Al final todo es una aceptacion, Nixon tiene que aceptarse como el y lo que siente, y Tate tiene que aceptar que Nixon no va a huir y que va a intentar hablar lo que siente.

Como todos los libros de esta serie hasta ahora, es muy dulce y romantico, una relacion que comienza como buenos amigos que se separan por la inmadurez de uno, pero que dana al otro en un nivel de confianza muy profundo. Los personajes se hacen querer, quieres agarrar a Nixon y zarandearlo para que entienda, y quieres agarar a Tate y abrazarlo por lo profundo que siente la traicion. Totalmente un libro que vale la pena leer.
Los otros personajes aparecen en momentos oportunos, siendo graciosos y apoyando a cada uno en como se sienten con la relacion. Los padres, sin embargo, no era lo que me esperaba, pense que podrian ser un poco mas comprensibles, pero era parte de la trama y no quedo mal.
Al final, el libro es todo lo que esperas y eso ayuda a hacerlo tan entretenido.
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,563 reviews104 followers
October 5, 2020
Free Me was a new experience for me. I've read kink books, but I've never read a shibari book before. (rope play/rope art - don't worry I had to google it too). It was a very sensual read. Mia Monroes descriptive writing from the scene setup to the emotions going through each MC at the moment was amazing. I could almost feel exactly how exhilarating the experience was for them.

These characters were loveable and made you root for them. Long lost " straight " best friend you've loved for 13 years returns and says he misses you. I mean talk about heart eyes. Tate was always this unassuming quieter type in the previous books. He didn't really stand out, not like Gen or Casper. I was surprised what that man was hiding under that innocent exterior. The answer is a filthy little minx.

Nix was very kind from the moment we meet him. He comes bearing an apology with no expectations of being forgiven. He just knows it has to be said. It's obvious that he has grown as a person since Tate's memories of him. He comes off as very mature in a way. Throughout everything he was constantly reassuring that Tate was comfortable, that he was alright.

There was some parent drama and some mild "gay" freakout, but other than that their relationship bloomed. It came from knowing someone intimately from years of having a strong bond. Maybe they weren't ready for it as teens, but as grown men who can work out their feelings they stood a chance at something great.

As usual I loved seeing all the guys out together at Velvet. It was fun catching up with past couples, especially Casper and Saint. And it's always great when an author sets the stage for the next couple , well throuple in this case.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,553 reviews48 followers
September 28, 2020
This has been a brilliant series so far with a little variety between books to keep readers coming back for more.
Free Me is a wonderful best friends to lovers romance with a second chance element after an argument caused Nix and Tate to lose touch for thirteen years which left Tate heartbroken. Nix unexpectedly turns up at the bakery Tate works at, wanting forgiveness and his best friend back in his life. It's wonderful for both men that they reconnect. You can really sense how much they mean to each other, even just as friends. However, when Nix's hobby of shibari comes to light, that puts a whole different spin on things, especially when he offers to tie Tate up. The tension, attraction and feelings that emerge and grow really unites their bond, even as Nix struggles to make sense of everything. It's such a sweet read as Nix and Tate share something truly special that clearly takes a lot of trust, is crazy hot with Tate's reactions and allows them to explore their relationship in a whole new way.
I adore the group of men that have become such friends since book one. The staff from the bakery and the tattoo shop blend together perfectly with an array of character types but all of whom are loyal, supportive and a lot of fun when they get together for after work drinks.
A great addition to the series and a recommended read. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book with the teases that we've had in this one on what's coming up.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Hernandez.
1,415 reviews19 followers
October 2, 2020
I enjoyed this sweet, second-chance romance, but something kept me from fully connecting to the main characters. Looking back, I think what had me feeling off was the way Nixon talked about Shibari. Everything he said felt so clinical and formal, in a setting that I normally would associate with intimacy. I can see how his formality could be considered respectful and romantic, but it wasn't hitting the right notes for me. Aside from that, I thought the rest of the story was nicely written. Unraveling the events that led up to Tate and Nixon's big fight was intriguing, and seeing the tentative way they rekindled their friendship was adorable. I was absolutely not expecting lace and ropes to make their appearance so early on, but they added such a lovely and unique twist to the story. I've never gotten such an in-depth look at Shibari, and it was fascinating to see multiple scenes play out from start to finish. The pacing of the romance felt a little fast for me, but taking into account the fact that these two practically grew up together, it makes sense that their feelings for each other were already deep and serious. Nothing about Nixon's sexuality crisis or the drama with their parents was particularly surprising, but I am glad that throughout it all Nixon and Tate talked to each other about what they were feeling--that's a sign of a relationship with an excellent foundation.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions. 
Profile Image for Amy Stauffer.
823 reviews39 followers
September 16, 2020
4.5 Steamy Stars

This is the third book in the Tattoo and Temptation series, and it’s Tate’s turn for the lead character. He’s more than ready to find romance, but he’s just not been successful at finding a good guy, let alone a date. After receiving some advice from Cairo, it becomes his mantra. Cue his past walking in his workplace. I imagined you could hear a pin drop when Nic told Tate hello.

Nix and Tate go way back. As far back as infancy, but their friendship didn’t survive their teen years, and it’s been a regret and forgotten pain for them both. This is there story, their path to forgiveness and maybe more. It’s not an easy road, but they found something to help rebuild their trust in each other; shabari. Shabari is fairly new to me, and I felt like it was handled respectfully, and beautifully, in this story. They never imagined where it would lead them, but they must decide if it’s where they really want to go.

I’ve enjoyed this series. I’m typically more of a contemporary romance reader, but after falling in love with the first book, and all of these lovely characters, I knew I had to read their stories as well. I’m really glad I did. Mia Monroe’s writing is consistent throughout each book, and it’s easy to get lost in the pages.

***Although I voluntarily received this free book from the author, my review represents my own thoughts and perspective of the book.***
Profile Image for AshPenny37 .
1,039 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2020
Free Me is the super sweet romance between Tate and Nix, two men who were inseparable as children before an incident left them separated for thirteen years. It's the third book in the Tattoos and Temptations series and, although it does work as a standalone, it's a great series so I'd recommend reading the books in order.

The premise isn't a new one. There are some classic tropes here - (former) friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, etc, but the quality of the writing is brilliant. Tate and Nix feel so real: their hopes, fears, passions and desires come across so clearly. I love the way in which they reconnect and learn to trust in each other again through shibari/rope play. That dynamic of taking/giving up control works perfectly for these two men...it's sensual and beautiful and honest. It's not all plain sailing of course - true love never is, but that foundation of trust and communication is key to seeing Tate and Nix through the challenges they face.

It's nice to see the couples from the previous installments getting a little page time, as well as the other characters who work in Saint's bakery or Jude's tattoo studio. There are some pretty big hints at who's next in line for romance, but it's left me wondering how they're going to reach their HEA. I genuinely think the Tattoos and Temptations series is getting better and better, so I can't wait to find out. 5*

An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
524 reviews
December 30, 2021
Performance: 5 Stars
Story: 4 Stars

I didn't think I was a fan of shibari in romance novels, but that was before I experienced it in this book. Wowza, stunning, earbuds-melting hot (the whole book is very steamy too), and worthy of a few rating stars in and of itself.

This second chance romance pairs Tate and his former best friend Nixon, who broke Tate's heart - and shattered his trust in people - years ago after a poorly handled kiss and coming out obliterated their friendship. Back in town wanting to rekindle that tight bond, Nix ends up rekindling a whole lot more that he's always felt for Tate but couldn't admit as a confused teenager and is only now fully realizing himself.

I thought Tate's initial forgiveness of Nix happens a bit too quickly, considering how scarring Nix's teenage rejection of him was, though I appreciated how Nix puts in some soul-searching effort and ultimately proves himself worthy in the end. I enjoyed the prominent role the secondary character friends and coworkers from the previous books play here, too, though this story works as a standalone.

Narrator Kale Williams always delivers, and his skilled performance here - with an array of distinct character voices, and conveying pitch perfect emotions - made listening to this story a pleasure. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Karina Veronica .
72 reviews
September 17, 2020
Fascinating


my emotions are all over the place after this read. what a beautiful, sensual, yet adorable ride it was. my heart feels so full after reading Tate and Nix get their happy ending! childhood best friends that were separated due to an incident, I was hesitant to trust Nix at first with our precious Tate’s heart. yet as the story continued and more of Nix was unraveled, I understood why Tate had loved him for so many years. the shibari, OH THE SHIBARI, what an amazing plot device it was. I find the art of shibari fascinating already, and seeing the use of it becoming this raw, intimate aspect of the evolution of Nix and Tate’s relationship was a revelation. through the ropes, they were able to let down the walls they securely built around their hearts and just FEEL. they were able to just be themselves and feel all those pesky emotions that we all tend to try to lock up inside. although there were a few miscommunications, and it wasn’t an instant happy ending, it felt realer to me that way. also, it wouldn’t be the Tattoos and Temptation series without the amazing cast of characters. I love seeing how book by book, the friendships and bonds between all of the boys strengthen. through Tate’s transformation, he’s become more comfortable with in his skin and therefore letting in more of the loving people surrounding him - it made me so happy!
Profile Image for Kate.
2,657 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ve read books that feature shibari in them but they’ve been more of a demonstration at a K*nk Club so it was just a scene but man this was hot. I loved that Tate and Nix found their way back to each other after a falling out when they were 18 years old. It’s a thing of beauty to read each scene, they’re so descriptive that you can definitely picture each twist and knot of the rope. Tate had to learn to completely trust Nix after their falling out and that he won’t leave again and Nix has a lot of internal sh*t to get through. I loved how fiercely Tate’s dad and mum defended Tate when it counted most, when they were telling both their parents that they’re in a loving committed relationship and are living together. Nix and Tate are completely perfect for each other and I liked that they had a few teething issues but after a few moments of messing up and trying to give each other space and that they came together to talk and work out what they both want, instead of running from it like they did at 18 years old. I love how both Saint and Jude offer such awesome advice and that each of the different friends offer their nuggets of wisdom to help when needed. I’m looking forward to reading Gen, Cairo & Luca’s story as it should be interesting. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
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585 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2022
The more I read this series, the more I truly, truly love it. 

Tate and Nix were a joy to read about. The openness and vulnerability that they both trust the other with was breathtaking. Despite their shared history - both good and bad - they choose to be vulnerable with each other, and to move forward. 

Again, a huge aspect of their relationship features open and honest communication. Even when they falter, they fall right back into the routine of healthy communication. (This is honestly my favourite thing about this series - the absolute open and honest communication between partners.) 

This openness - even during a few setbacks - is especially important as they both explore their relationship with Shibari. This aspect of their relationship really intrigued me. I've never seen Shibari done in person, but what I have seen is breathtakingly beautiful. Reading about how it made both Tate and Nix feel - from their alternate perspectives - was eye-opening. Shibari is something that truly adds a beautiful, open, and trusting element to their relationship. 

Three books into this series, and I'm more hooked than ever. I knew this was going to be something I would enjoy from the beginning. Now, I can't imagine reading anything else until I finish this series. I cannot wait to see what awaits me in the next part. 
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