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Undue Arrogance #3
His Cocky Prince
For decades, Brendan Lau has swept the Hollywood scene as an openly gay actor starring in romantic films—but now, at fifty-one, he's losing out on roles to younger actors. And when he's passed over as the hero in a period film and instead cast as the father, it's less his reputation and more his pride that can't take the insult. But when he confronts the younger actor who stole his part, he walks in on Cillian Tell struggling to fend off the director's unwanted advances.
For twenty-nine-year-old Cillian, Brendan is the reason he fell in love with acting. But the real Brendan is nothing like his debonair heroes or the charming image he presents on the red carpet; he's arrogant, domineering, grumpy, and entirely set in his obstinate ways.
Cillian can't lose his first role in a major feature film. Brendan can't stand the idea of working with a sleazy director. Yet when Cillian begs him to silence, Brendan agrees to keep his secrets. But somehow Brendan's role as Cillian's guardian turns into something else.
But what happens when Cillian starts to fall for the heart beneath the grouch?
And what happens when Brendan discovers Cillian's royal lineage?
For twenty-nine-year-old Cillian, Brendan is the reason he fell in love with acting. But the real Brendan is nothing like his debonair heroes or the charming image he presents on the red carpet; he's arrogant, domineering, grumpy, and entirely set in his obstinate ways.
Cillian can't lose his first role in a major feature film. Brendan can't stand the idea of working with a sleazy director. Yet when Cillian begs him to silence, Brendan agrees to keep his secrets. But somehow Brendan's role as Cillian's guardian turns into something else.
But what happens when Cillian starts to fall for the heart beneath the grouch?
And what happens when Brendan discovers Cillian's royal lineage?
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 25, 2021
116 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Cole McCade
65 books1,532 followersSlender. Angry. (Part) Asian.
Yeah, that about sums me up.
Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.
Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.
That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.
There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.
But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.
...or you can poke me via:
* Email: blackmagic@blackmagicblues.com
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/
And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Yeah, that about sums me up.
Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.
Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.
That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.
There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.
But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.
...or you can poke me via:
* Email: blackmagic@blackmagicblues.com
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/
And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
April 21, 2025
3,6 stars
Too tired to make this more comprehensive, so I’m going to bullet point the heck out of this…
What I liked about this:
.) the scenario of the incognito prince is always fun, although it wasn’t really a huge plot addition here.
.) age gap: Cole McCade definitely loves the trope. (Think Over and Over Again!) 22 years is quite a difference, and while there is talk about it, it’s not really an issue for Brendan and Cillian.
.) I do love me an arrogant, icy, ‘superior’ guy with a huge personal presence who eventually falls under the spells of 'true love'.
.) Cillian has a lot of issues, stemming mainly from his upbringing and shame about his sexual desires, and he is very insecure as a result. But when it counts, he stands up for himself and is very proactive.
.) I LOVE how Cillian and Brendan ‘work their way up’ to try out the kink Cillian craves. This journey is described gently and sensitively, with hick-ups along the way.
The kink is extreme, but – before you run off in horror – what we get to see here, can be more 'labelled' as rough sex. Nothing to worry about (if you're usually ok with that kind of thing), and in case you’re unsure, read the very extensive and detailed trigger warnings at the beginning.
.) True to Cole McCade's trademark writing, the emotions and feelings for both men are intense. The sex scenes left me breathless, the pining and UST are delicious.
What wasn’t on the likes list:
.) At times Cillian comes across as ‘too helpless’ for a 29-year-old (and yes, that’s taking into account that he’s had a sheltered upbringing).
.) I would have liked to see Brendan’s impenetrable icy emotional walls crumble a little sooner, or see deeper cracks in it, The revelation how he feels about Cillian comes very very late.
.) The grand gesture: I know the author puts it in very deliberately, but it made me cringe for both men. It is, thb, ‘shudder-worthy” Everything about it feels totally wrong to me.
Saying that, all in all, I enjoyed this. And it was ok to suspend belief for some things.
My most favourite part in this book is decidedly how Cillian and Brendan discuss Cillian’s kink wishes and how they go about fulfilling them without hurting either man. Very well developed and beautifully explored.
Too tired to make this more comprehensive, so I’m going to bullet point the heck out of this…
What I liked about this:
.) the scenario of the incognito prince is always fun, although it wasn’t really a huge plot addition here.
.) age gap: Cole McCade definitely loves the trope. (Think Over and Over Again!) 22 years is quite a difference, and while there is talk about it, it’s not really an issue for Brendan and Cillian.
.) I do love me an arrogant, icy, ‘superior’ guy with a huge personal presence who eventually falls under the spells of 'true love'.
.) Cillian has a lot of issues, stemming mainly from his upbringing and shame about his sexual desires, and he is very insecure as a result. But when it counts, he stands up for himself and is very proactive.
.) I LOVE how Cillian and Brendan ‘work their way up’ to try out the kink Cillian craves. This journey is described gently and sensitively, with hick-ups along the way.
The kink is extreme, but – before you run off in horror – what we get to see here, can be more 'labelled' as rough sex. Nothing to worry about (if you're usually ok with that kind of thing), and in case you’re unsure, read the very extensive and detailed trigger warnings at the beginning.
.) True to Cole McCade's trademark writing, the emotions and feelings for both men are intense. The sex scenes left me breathless, the pining and UST are delicious.
What wasn’t on the likes list:
.) At times Cillian comes across as ‘too helpless’ for a 29-year-old (and yes, that’s taking into account that he’s had a sheltered upbringing).
.) I would have liked to see Brendan’s impenetrable icy emotional walls crumble a little sooner, or see deeper cracks in it, The revelation how he feels about Cillian comes very very late.
.) The grand gesture: I know the author puts it in very deliberately, but it made me cringe for both men. It is, thb, ‘shudder-worthy” Everything about it feels totally wrong to me.
Saying that, all in all, I enjoyed this. And it was ok to suspend belief for some things.
My most favourite part in this book is decidedly how Cillian and Brendan discuss Cillian’s kink wishes and how they go about fulfilling them without hurting either man. Very well developed and beautifully explored.
September 1, 2023
Cillian esta en Los Angeles para filmar su primer papel protagonico importante de su carrera, pero apenas llegando se encuentra con que el director lo amenaza haciendole insinuaciones sexuales, y si no es gracias a otro de los actores, Brendan, es posible que haya sido mas que amenazas. Pero ahora se encuentra entre la espada y la pared, o denuncia al hombre y se cancela la pelicula, o se calla y se aguanta cualquier arrebato del director. Ademas, se encuentra luchando con encontrar la forma de actuar su personaje, y con la atraccion hacia Brendan. Sera capaz de luchar contra todo y salir victorioso? Y si tenemos en cuenta que guarda un par de secretos que no quiere que se descubran porque pueden poner el peligro toda su carrera, como hara Cillian para sobrevivir en este Hollywood?
Este libro tambien es un romance sencillo, mucho mas cliche que los anteriores, donde los protas se ven atraidos entre si desde el principio, y el mayor (Brendan) intenta proteger al mas joven (Cillian) haciendo pasar por su novio (de mentira). Por supuesto, tenemos el drama con el director de la pelicula, Oliver Newcomb, de quien sabemos por el libro anterior que sus padres desheredaron por haber violado a una joven menor de edad, el drama de los gustos "extraños", en cuanto al sexo, de Cillian, y ademas el secreto de su origen. Pero con Brendan, tambien tenemos su drama interno de no querer enamorarse, el de la diferencia de edad, y el de protector. Asi que el autor nos muestra un panorama casi tradicional, pero con buenos personajes.
La trama no tiene giros inesperados, no tiene grandes dramones, ni grandes escenas eroticas, pero es un libro que se puede leer con tranquilidad para pasar el rato y entretenerse.
Por supuesto, leere otros libros de este autor mas adelante, de este genero u otro.
Este libro tambien es un romance sencillo, mucho mas cliche que los anteriores, donde los protas se ven atraidos entre si desde el principio, y el mayor (Brendan) intenta proteger al mas joven (Cillian) haciendo pasar por su novio (de mentira). Por supuesto, tenemos el drama con el director de la pelicula, Oliver Newcomb, de quien sabemos por el libro anterior que sus padres desheredaron por haber violado a una joven menor de edad, el drama de los gustos "extraños", en cuanto al sexo, de Cillian, y ademas el secreto de su origen. Pero con Brendan, tambien tenemos su drama interno de no querer enamorarse, el de la diferencia de edad, y el de protector. Asi que el autor nos muestra un panorama casi tradicional, pero con buenos personajes.
La trama no tiene giros inesperados, no tiene grandes dramones, ni grandes escenas eroticas, pero es un libro que se puede leer con tranquilidad para pasar el rato y entretenerse.
Por supuesto, leere otros libros de este autor mas adelante, de este genero u otro.
dnf
September 11, 2021Nope. I can’t do it
November 9, 2021
3.75-4 stars
Well I devoured this book in a day and I couldn't be happier.
From the characters to the plot, to the sexual kinks and everything in between.
Brendan, who is 51, and has been a Hollywood super star is now acting as the father of the heroine and he's not really happy about that. he's grumpy and uppity and has a holier than though persona. I ate that sh!t up.
Enter Cillian Tell, the new face on the scene, the hero in the movie. he's kina helpless an sheltered and very green. He was cute... if a bit too helpless at times.
Brendan and Cillian meet under no-so-savory circumstances. After that, Brendan kind of takes Cillian under his wing... both professionally and sexually. Because Cillian has needs and he doesn't trust a lot of people to experiment with. Brendan has no experience with said kinks but researches and tries for Cillian, which I LOVED.
The development of their relationship is organic and natural. I loved their intimacy and their discussions. I also loved their sexual encounters from beginning to end. We can see how consent and trust can go a long way.
And then we get to find out who Cillian really is! And Brendan's reaction to it! That was a great part of the book for me.
add this to the trademark beautiful writing of Cole McCade... His words are just so pretty.
I did have a couple of niggles:
- the grand gesture...
- Brendan taking a bit too much time to fall under Cillian's charms.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well I devoured this book in a day and I couldn't be happier.
From the characters to the plot, to the sexual kinks and everything in between.
Brendan, who is 51, and has been a Hollywood super star is now acting as the father of the heroine and he's not really happy about that. he's grumpy and uppity and has a holier than though persona. I ate that sh!t up.
Enter Cillian Tell, the new face on the scene, the hero in the movie. he's kina helpless an sheltered and very green. He was cute... if a bit too helpless at times.
Brendan and Cillian meet under no-so-savory circumstances. After that, Brendan kind of takes Cillian under his wing... both professionally and sexually. Because Cillian has needs and he doesn't trust a lot of people to experiment with. Brendan has no experience with said kinks but researches and tries for Cillian, which I LOVED.
The development of their relationship is organic and natural. I loved their intimacy and their discussions. I also loved their sexual encounters from beginning to end. We can see how consent and trust can go a long way.
And then we get to find out who Cillian really is! And Brendan's reaction to it! That was a great part of the book for me.
add this to the trademark beautiful writing of Cole McCade... His words are just so pretty.
I did have a couple of niggles:
- the grand gesture...
- Brendan taking a bit too much time to fall under Cillian's charms.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2023
I am a hard sell on any sort of noncon or dubcon so I was wary about going into this book. But it’s Cole McCade so I tried it. And while it’s easily my least favorite in this series, I still ended up falling for these characters.
As with his other books, McCade’s characters and writing were top notch. Brendan and Cillian were both so guarded in their own ways, and it was so cute to see them warm to each other. This was fake dating perfection with all the usual “is this real, I like this too much” angst. Once again, I am a sucker for a grump showing his soft side so Brendan won my heart, especially within the context of his journey as an older, gay, Asian actor. The chemistry between Brendan and Cillian was some of McCade’s best, so palpable and tender and just plain hot. At times the prose leaned a little flowery but idk McCade always finds a way to ground me in the emotions of the characters while maintaining beautiful writing. The dialogue and humor in this book were on point too, particularly during the interactions between Brendan and his agent Drake.
The noncon elements were pretty sparse, which was fine by me but could be a letdown for people who were really intrigued by that premise. While the kink and negotiation were objectively well written and handled with care, I’m just not into it at all so I couldn’t fully get down with it. That didn’t hinder my enjoyment, though, and I knew what I was getting into so I couldn’t knock the book for that.
The last like 10-15% of this book was what made this a 4 star read. All the grand gesture moments didn’t really make me feel anything and just made the ending drag. Sort of a letdown from all the great buildup so it left me underwhelmed.
Still an overall great read tho, and McCade hasn’t missed for me yet. He’s definitely become an all time fave author for me
As with his other books, McCade’s characters and writing were top notch. Brendan and Cillian were both so guarded in their own ways, and it was so cute to see them warm to each other. This was fake dating perfection with all the usual “is this real, I like this too much” angst. Once again, I am a sucker for a grump showing his soft side so Brendan won my heart, especially within the context of his journey as an older, gay, Asian actor. The chemistry between Brendan and Cillian was some of McCade’s best, so palpable and tender and just plain hot. At times the prose leaned a little flowery but idk McCade always finds a way to ground me in the emotions of the characters while maintaining beautiful writing. The dialogue and humor in this book were on point too, particularly during the interactions between Brendan and his agent Drake.
The noncon elements were pretty sparse, which was fine by me but could be a letdown for people who were really intrigued by that premise. While the kink and negotiation were objectively well written and handled with care, I’m just not into it at all so I couldn’t fully get down with it. That didn’t hinder my enjoyment, though, and I knew what I was getting into so I couldn’t knock the book for that.
The last like 10-15% of this book was what made this a 4 star read. All the grand gesture moments didn’t really make me feel anything and just made the ending drag. Sort of a letdown from all the great buildup so it left me underwhelmed.
Still an overall great read tho, and McCade hasn’t missed for me yet. He’s definitely become an all time fave author for me
May 21, 2022
Oh wow, I started reading this last night and I couldn’t put it down, I tried but after a few minutes I’d get up and continue reading 😂 , I wanted to see how it would end because I had my own ending already and I wasn’t disappointed with how Cade ended it. I’m a hopeless romantic 😊. My goodness I would have loved to see more of Oliver being held accountable for all his dirty deeds ( it felt as though his punishment was an afterthought in the book). All in all it was a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2023
“I’ve…felt sheltered for so long, and then…coming out into the wide world, feeling like I know nothing, I just… I feel unsafe all the time. And I’d love to just… feel safe around someone. Safe with him. Safe enough that I could trust him with anything, to do anything…and it would never be something I don’t want, because he…because he…”
He swallowed. The lines weren’t really lines anymore; just fuzzy black dots that didn’t make sense.
“…because he’d want to protect me,” he finished. “That’s what I want. To feel safe, even when I’m the most afraid.”
I wanted to love this, but I just ended up liking it which is a shame considering how much I loved His Cocky Valet. The weird thing about it is that the book had so many good things going for it, not least including tropes such as grumpy/sunshine, age gap, friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, fake boyfriend.
The characters are beautifully drawn and I loved both Cillian, a sunny, up and coming actor who is trying to break free from his sheltered existence as a prince of a tiny, obscure island, and Brendan, a brooding and aging heartthrob, who is having a hard time accepting that he is no longer lead actor material. They meet on the set of a movie where Cillian is cast as the star while Brendan is a supporting actor. Brendan steps in to protect Cillian from a predatory producer and also helps him shine in his role. The writing is lyrical and evocative.
So where did things fall short? The pacing was too slow and the story dragged on. While I appreciated the filmmaking descriptions and the artsy feel of the story, I felt that they sometimes created a sense of distance from the developing romance. Although the rape roleplay kink was interesting, especially the reason why Cillian craved it, it was not as full on as I expected it to be. Only one scene really explored it in depth.
He swallowed. The lines weren’t really lines anymore; just fuzzy black dots that didn’t make sense.
“…because he’d want to protect me,” he finished. “That’s what I want. To feel safe, even when I’m the most afraid.”
I wanted to love this, but I just ended up liking it which is a shame considering how much I loved His Cocky Valet. The weird thing about it is that the book had so many good things going for it, not least including tropes such as grumpy/sunshine, age gap, friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, fake boyfriend.
The characters are beautifully drawn and I loved both Cillian, a sunny, up and coming actor who is trying to break free from his sheltered existence as a prince of a tiny, obscure island, and Brendan, a brooding and aging heartthrob, who is having a hard time accepting that he is no longer lead actor material. They meet on the set of a movie where Cillian is cast as the star while Brendan is a supporting actor. Brendan steps in to protect Cillian from a predatory producer and also helps him shine in his role. The writing is lyrical and evocative.
So where did things fall short? The pacing was too slow and the story dragged on. While I appreciated the filmmaking descriptions and the artsy feel of the story, I felt that they sometimes created a sense of distance from the developing romance. Although the rape roleplay kink was interesting, especially the reason why Cillian craved it, it was not as full on as I expected it to be. Only one scene really explored it in depth.
May 30, 2024
Love the Asian MC rep, particularly because he's not depicted as feminine but rather as being intimidating!
I adore Brendan Lau! I would have loved to see more diva Brendan Lau. I understand that Cillian had a lot of things to deal with, but I would have liked to see more of Brendan and his (non-existent) relationships with his costars.
In general, I would have loved to see more filming. It felt like they were in the beginning stages of figuring out their characters and suddenly they were already done filming. I would have also liked to see details such as public reception of the movie on release etc.
Also, the entire part with the 'grand gesture' felt a bit too artificial and OTT (but I'm also vocal in my dislike for very public grand gestures).
I adore Brendan Lau! I would have loved to see more diva Brendan Lau. I understand that Cillian had a lot of things to deal with, but I would have liked to see more of Brendan and his (non-existent) relationships with his costars.
In general, I would have loved to see more filming. It felt like they were in the beginning stages of figuring out their characters and suddenly they were already done filming. I would have also liked to see details such as public reception of the movie on release etc.
Also, the entire part with the 'grand gesture' felt a bit too artificial and OTT (but I'm also vocal in my dislike for very public grand gestures).
September 19, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was steadily paced with a good amount of steam, fleshed out relatable characters and a good dose of angst. The noncon kink is not a favorite but the author wrote it in such a way that was just beautiful and emotional and didn't feel like noncon at all. I liked the dynamics between Cillian and Brendan both in and out of bed as well as an age gap that only added to the book's appeal to me.
The movie making world was well written and well researched. The book delved into everyday life of actors on movie set and what it takes to survive in Hollywood. It was not all glamour and glitter. The ending was sweet and set to rights all the wrongs. Brendan's grumpy nature softened with Cillian's touch of wonder. Highly recommend it.
The movie making world was well written and well researched. The book delved into everyday life of actors on movie set and what it takes to survive in Hollywood. It was not all glamour and glitter. The ending was sweet and set to rights all the wrongs. Brendan's grumpy nature softened with Cillian's touch of wonder. Highly recommend it.
October 12, 2021
Frozen hearts can melt.
And rape play isn’t all that.
Movie star romance.
And rape play isn’t all that.
Movie star romance.
September 16, 2021
I wanted to talk firstly. about the author's afterwards. I have been a fan of this author's since I read Cocky Valet. I did read that book to see what his take on the whole Cockygate situation was, but I wasn't expecting to love the writing so much. I moved on to Over and Over Again which is still one of my favorite MM books. Cole's lyrical style suits me and makes me feel things. That is hard to do with my cold, dead heart.
Cole also spoke on non-con roleplay which was helpful because I was looking for a reason or catalyst as to why the younger MC, Cillian, was into that particular fantasy. I did snap-to while I was reading the story and remembered that there doesn't have to be a terrible event in someone's life in order to have that fantasy or any fantasy for that matter. That being said I appreciated that the character had that kink BEFORE an event happened and an event actually created issues with him being able to be in "a scene" (I am not sure if that's the correct term for what was happening though) where he couldn't do that without reliving the event. The kink is not the center of the story but it's important to show how it can be safe and ok if the partners trust each other and they are doing it for healthy reasons (be it to take back their power or just because they enjoy it.)
As far as the plot goes, I really enjoyed it. I was a big fan of the older, grumpy MC, Brendan, because he was a very matter of fact type of person who was unapologetic yet for the most part not a mean person. There was a self-awareness that was so attractive and he did not care for bullshit and didn't like uncertainty in his life. He would get to the bottom of a problem asap so it didn't blow up into a major ordeal except where his own heart was concerned, at least.) Now, I think he was content with who he was until Cillian came along and made him want more and then he was vulnerable and shut down. In short, he was human and wasn't perfect. (I feel that deep in my bones, being very content with my boring little life because I have already had my exciting life. Now homebody suits me.)
Cillian was a joy. He was a sheltered 29 yo prince from a very remote island. It wasn't as glamorous of a position as you might think but he still felt trapped by duties. He was so vibrant and kind and he was the perfect partner for Brendan to shake up his world.
It was so nice to read another Cole McCade story because although I adore Criminal Intentions, I am pretty far behind because it's so intense and violent and I am not ready to go back yet after 2020. I will though because I think it's brilliant and Seong-Jae and Malcolm are one of my favorite couples. Cole writes such well-developed characters and intricate storylines that I was amazed he was able to get them out so quickly and they were as amazing as they were. (He touched on that in his afterward as well.)
In summary, I liked this story a great deal and would definitely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cole also spoke on non-con roleplay which was helpful because I was looking for a reason or catalyst as to why the younger MC, Cillian, was into that particular fantasy. I did snap-to while I was reading the story and remembered that there doesn't have to be a terrible event in someone's life in order to have that fantasy or any fantasy for that matter. That being said I appreciated that the character had that kink BEFORE an event happened and an event actually created issues with him being able to be in "a scene" (I am not sure if that's the correct term for what was happening though) where he couldn't do that without reliving the event. The kink is not the center of the story but it's important to show how it can be safe and ok if the partners trust each other and they are doing it for healthy reasons (be it to take back their power or just because they enjoy it.)
As far as the plot goes, I really enjoyed it. I was a big fan of the older, grumpy MC, Brendan, because he was a very matter of fact type of person who was unapologetic yet for the most part not a mean person. There was a self-awareness that was so attractive and he did not care for bullshit and didn't like uncertainty in his life. He would get to the bottom of a problem asap so it didn't blow up into a major ordeal except where his own heart was concerned, at least.) Now, I think he was content with who he was until Cillian came along and made him want more and then he was vulnerable and shut down. In short, he was human and wasn't perfect. (I feel that deep in my bones, being very content with my boring little life because I have already had my exciting life. Now homebody suits me.)
Cillian was a joy. He was a sheltered 29 yo prince from a very remote island. It wasn't as glamorous of a position as you might think but he still felt trapped by duties. He was so vibrant and kind and he was the perfect partner for Brendan to shake up his world.
It was so nice to read another Cole McCade story because although I adore Criminal Intentions, I am pretty far behind because it's so intense and violent and I am not ready to go back yet after 2020. I will though because I think it's brilliant and Seong-Jae and Malcolm are one of my favorite couples. Cole writes such well-developed characters and intricate storylines that I was amazed he was able to get them out so quickly and they were as amazing as they were. (He touched on that in his afterward as well.)
In summary, I liked this story a great deal and would definitely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2021
Loved the next book in this series.
MM, Age Gap, Celebrity
TW: Rape Fantasy (light), Attempted Sexual Assault
4.5/5
MM, Age Gap, Celebrity
TW: Rape Fantasy (light), Attempted Sexual Assault
4.5/5
September 6, 2021
Intense with great tension
Wow, that was intense. It’s got a bit of a slow burn I didn’t expect given the content warning but there’s great sexual tension that kept me flipping pages. Great, unique concept and excellent writing as always. I both wanted it to never end but also know how it ended. :)
I will say though the Grand Gesture kind of made me cringe a little, but I think that says more about my personality than the book itself. And maybe there were a few typos and maybe ellipses were used a lot, but eh. None of that detracted from my overall enjoyment.
Wow, that was intense. It’s got a bit of a slow burn I didn’t expect given the content warning but there’s great sexual tension that kept me flipping pages. Great, unique concept and excellent writing as always. I both wanted it to never end but also know how it ended. :)
I will say though the Grand Gesture kind of made me cringe a little, but I think that says more about my personality than the book itself. And maybe there were a few typos and maybe ellipses were used a lot, but eh. None of that detracted from my overall enjoyment.
September 11, 2021
I have read all of these. This one's my favorite, specifically for the dynamic between Cillian and Brendan, two very different men in the same industry, on the same set. The interior arcs are very strong, the exterior ones great and then tense and then terrible and so on. The bad guy is awful, the side characters are varied and terrific. I don't even mind how improbable some parts are, it was too fun and too good to care.
CW: on-page threat of sexual assault.
My favorite quote:
“What makes you think I’m even attracted to you?!”
Brendan only rolled his head to the side, watching Cillian with a deadpan, knowing stare, dark brows lofting.
Cillian narrowed his eyes. “… oh, you are such a dick.”
CW: on-page threat of sexual assault.
My favorite quote:
“What makes you think I’m even attracted to you?!”
Brendan only rolled his head to the side, watching Cillian with a deadpan, knowing stare, dark brows lofting.
Cillian narrowed his eyes. “… oh, you are such a dick.”
August 18, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. It was very different from the previous books in the series, with its traditional rom-com style that I didn't expect from this author and yet absolutely ate up, mixed in with the serious discussions and important representations that are characteristic of their writing. I wanted to see Oliver get what he deserved since the previous book and I'm glad that the issue was dealt with sensitively while still giving us all we wanted. The author's note tore me up and after that, I'm just really excited to see what more Cole McCade has in store for us.
July 17, 2022
Again I listened to this book. A solid 3.5 stars… I don’t think I would have gotten through reading as I did listening… Joel did ok, and the content was a little tough at times. But I was entertained. 🤷🏻
January 24, 2024
4.75 stars
I loved it, but maybe it should've been His Cocky Former Leading Man? Yeah, a little too unwieldy, even though Brendan was more the cocky one than Cillian was. I love this author and how he cares for his readers.
I loved it, but maybe it should've been His Cocky Former Leading Man? Yeah, a little too unwieldy, even though Brendan was more the cocky one than Cillian was. I love this author and how he cares for his readers.
July 14, 2024
Like the previous books, it's sweet and something quick for in between.
September 6, 2021
3.5 - 4 stars
Enjoyed this a lot up until 84% Mark then it got a bit cliche and cheesy which I didn't think was in keeping with the rest of the book.
I was not always convinced of Brendan's feelings.
Book one is the standout for me in this series.
Enjoyed this a lot up until 84% Mark then it got a bit cliche and cheesy which I didn't think was in keeping with the rest of the book.
I was not always convinced of Brendan's feelings.
Book one is the standout for me in this series.
October 9, 2022
He shouldn’t be feeling so raw right now, like Brendan was slipping his fingers inside to caress the inner chambers of Cillian’s heart.
This might be a weird descriptor, considering some of the content, but I found this book to be so wholesome. Genuinely a delight to read. Even though it involves some tropes and some kinks that I'm not really the biggest fan of, it was just so fun, and so sweet, and the relationship was completely swoon-worthy in the end. This is a Hollywood/celebrity romance between an older, classic Chinese actor known for his romance hero roles, and a young upcoming little-known talent hoping to do well on his first big movie.
The tropes are immaculate. One of them is a grump, the other one is... not really sunshine, but their personalities definitely clash and that was so fun to read. There's fake dating, there's an age gap, there's secret identity, and there is some kinky stuff, but very slowly and gently introduced. The book also deals with Hollywood predators in a meaningful way. I absolutely adored Brendan and how protective he was of Cillian from the very beginning, even when it was marked with his grumpiness and bad attitude. Protective love interests are good for my soul. They had such great banter together and all their interactions were constantly making me smile. The secret prince thing wasn't woven in perfectly, and honestly, I could have done without it, but it didn't impede my enjoyment of the story at all. I loved the scenes on set, Cillian's friendship with Sophie, and Brandon's antagonistic friendship with his agent, which had me genuinely laughing out loud a couple times. And the romance was just so heartfelt and intense, and really swept me off my feet. Cole McCade, of course, writes super beautifully, and unlike in some of his other books, I didn't feel overwhelmed or choked out by flowery prose. The writing was a lot, but never too much; just beautiful enough for the characters and the situation. The ending did lose me a little bit because but otherwise, I was just inundated with good feelings.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Joel Leslie, who remains one of my favourite narrators. He did great voices for all of the characters, but especially Brendan, who was supposed to have this classic Mid-Atlantic accent. I adored Leslie's voice for him. I think this might actually end up being my favourite book in the series? I'm glad to have ended it with such a winner.
Content warnings:
December 30, 2021
✅great characters
✅Cute story idea
✅Great telling of the story
✅Hot and sweet romance scenes
✅Overall enjoyment
I loved the growth of a mature character like Brendan. Someone who is so set in his ways because of how life turned out and while it is never explicitly explained why it is he is the way he is, it becomes implied and through that I feel like I understood him more.
I liked Cillians character enough and while his story was a little less believable, I still enjoyed it. I enjoyed his reasons for why he is pursuing his career and I love him standing up against someone who assaulted him. I love the way the author talks very forwardly about sexual assault and the predator and how easy it is for people in power to get away with crimes.
I especially love McCade's romance scenes. The way they are written sets a tone. I found myself being dragged at his pace. Faster and faster and then slow so slow I wanted to scream. It's incredible and I can't wait to read more of his work.
✅Cute story idea
✅Great telling of the story
✅Hot and sweet romance scenes
✅Overall enjoyment
I loved the growth of a mature character like Brendan. Someone who is so set in his ways because of how life turned out and while it is never explicitly explained why it is he is the way he is, it becomes implied and through that I feel like I understood him more.
I liked Cillians character enough and while his story was a little less believable, I still enjoyed it. I enjoyed his reasons for why he is pursuing his career and I love him standing up against someone who assaulted him. I love the way the author talks very forwardly about sexual assault and the predator and how easy it is for people in power to get away with crimes.
I especially love McCade's romance scenes. The way they are written sets a tone. I found myself being dragged at his pace. Faster and faster and then slow so slow I wanted to scream. It's incredible and I can't wait to read more of his work.
September 9, 2021
I really enjoyed the first half of the book but then I don't know what happened and whether it was me or the book but I was not as impressed by the second half, especially the big "forgiveness / declaration of love " scene at the end.
September 27, 2021
While His Cocky Prince is the third book in the Undue Arrogance series, it can be read as a standalone. I thought I had read the 2 previous books, but after finishing this one I realized I have not read His Cocky Cellist, which I will be rectifying in the next couple of weeks!
His Cocky Prince was an entertaining, somewhat intense, slow burn love story. Definitely take heed of the Trigger Warnings at the start of the book- Cole McCade lays them out in great detail. Although there were a couple that I thought might make me a little uneasy, I found, for me, they weren't actually as bad as I thought they'd be.
Cillian and Brendan's relationship may have started out as a way for Cillian to feel safer on the set of their new movie, but it slowly developed into something very special. I enjoyed the back and forth between these 2 and seeing their feelings for each other change and grow. Their story was very compelling and I appreciated the care Cole McCade took in telling it.
His Cocky Prince was an entertaining, somewhat intense, slow burn love story. Definitely take heed of the Trigger Warnings at the start of the book- Cole McCade lays them out in great detail. Although there were a couple that I thought might make me a little uneasy, I found, for me, they weren't actually as bad as I thought they'd be.
Cillian and Brendan's relationship may have started out as a way for Cillian to feel safer on the set of their new movie, but it slowly developed into something very special. I enjoyed the back and forth between these 2 and seeing their feelings for each other change and grow. Their story was very compelling and I appreciated the care Cole McCade took in telling it.
September 6, 2021
"That's what I want. To feel safe when I'm the most afraid."
THIS BOOK. I finished it last night and am still internally screaming, so bear with me.
This book follows Brendan Lau, a 51-year-old Asian actor in Hollywood who has clawed his way through the systemic racism of the industry ("Asian Waiter #4 is the best role you'll get") to become the "King of Romance." In public, he's cool, calm, collected. Aloof. In private, he's snarky, arrogant, insufferable...and so accustomed to being alone that his closest (only) friend is his agent.
And then he gets cast in a supporting role in a romance movie, with the lead being played by a 29-year-old up-and-coming Cillian Tell.
On the first day of filming, Brendan, determined to walk away from the film if they won't cast him in the leading role, heads straight for Cillian's dressing room, determined to give this young upstart a piece of his mind -- and walks in on the film's director trying to force Cillian into sex.
Brendan's plans get thrown on their head, and he immediately decides to stay with the film to protect Cillian from the director while they're on set together and offer support. As the director's rude behavior escalates, Brendan declares that he and Cillian are dating, to further shield him. Thus begins a charade of them practicing lines together at night and going out in public for enough photo shoots to appease the paparazzi. Since the press are watching so closely, Brendan agrees to..."satisfy" Cillian's sexual needs too, after Cillian confesses to a kink that most wouldn't understand.
But is it still a fake relationship when your fake boyfriend takes you on fake dates and is more careful and caring than all your previous, Grindr-facilitated hookups? Brendan and Cillian have agreed that their fake relationship will have a real end once the movie is complete and Cillian no longer needs protection from the director. But what happens when feelings grow along the way?
There was so much that I adored about this book, including Asian rep, an unflinching condemnation of Hollywood's culture that covers up sexual assault, and a delicate, beautiful exploration of the nuances of consensual non-consent kink -- and how widely different it is from actual attempted rape. Cole always takes such care in how he writes, and it really shines in this story. I loved everything about it, and that is no exaggeration. I think this might actually be one of my favorite Cole McCade books ever!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
THIS BOOK. I finished it last night and am still internally screaming, so bear with me.
This book follows Brendan Lau, a 51-year-old Asian actor in Hollywood who has clawed his way through the systemic racism of the industry ("Asian Waiter #4 is the best role you'll get") to become the "King of Romance." In public, he's cool, calm, collected. Aloof. In private, he's snarky, arrogant, insufferable...and so accustomed to being alone that his closest (only) friend is his agent.
And then he gets cast in a supporting role in a romance movie, with the lead being played by a 29-year-old up-and-coming Cillian Tell.
On the first day of filming, Brendan, determined to walk away from the film if they won't cast him in the leading role, heads straight for Cillian's dressing room, determined to give this young upstart a piece of his mind -- and walks in on the film's director trying to force Cillian into sex.
Brendan's plans get thrown on their head, and he immediately decides to stay with the film to protect Cillian from the director while they're on set together and offer support. As the director's rude behavior escalates, Brendan declares that he and Cillian are dating, to further shield him. Thus begins a charade of them practicing lines together at night and going out in public for enough photo shoots to appease the paparazzi. Since the press are watching so closely, Brendan agrees to..."satisfy" Cillian's sexual needs too, after Cillian confesses to a kink that most wouldn't understand.
But is it still a fake relationship when your fake boyfriend takes you on fake dates and is more careful and caring than all your previous, Grindr-facilitated hookups? Brendan and Cillian have agreed that their fake relationship will have a real end once the movie is complete and Cillian no longer needs protection from the director. But what happens when feelings grow along the way?
There was so much that I adored about this book, including Asian rep, an unflinching condemnation of Hollywood's culture that covers up sexual assault, and a delicate, beautiful exploration of the nuances of consensual non-consent kink -- and how widely different it is from actual attempted rape. Cole always takes such care in how he writes, and it really shines in this story. I loved everything about it, and that is no exaggeration. I think this might actually be one of my favorite Cole McCade books ever!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2021
This is how you do it
First thank you for the TW. I’m starting to see more Authors do it, but it was your books that I saw it in first and I appreciate it. This kink isn’t my kind of kink but because you gave me a warning I had options. Options not to read, options to skip those scenes or even options to read it. I chose the latter and read through it because I was mentally prepared. And honestly for me and I can only speak for myself it wasn’t as bad as my imagination made it out to be. Or maybe because I’m in that world I felt safe because you handed me the power. And in handing me that power I felt safe enough to read. Others may not understand what I’m saying but Im sure you do.
This book I loved these two together and as Sophie so adapt wrote that was exactly what this book was. Two lonely men hurt from the past, finding their forever in each other. It took them a while to get there but they did an boy was it a beautiful journey to watch.
The writing was amazing. This author has a way of describing feelings that make you really feel what that character is feeling. As a POC I love that you included some of the our speech. Let me tell you I was sucked in because of it. The smexy was omg hawt, and the side characters… let hope we see Drake get his HEA.
Your afterword was as alway perfect and appreciative. And I really hope we get to hear about the black girl who took AP classes and goes to college. I can tell you it does really happen. Im a testament to it. Im sure you know the stats on how amazingly educated black women are, and use that as support against your Naysayers.
First thank you for the TW. I’m starting to see more Authors do it, but it was your books that I saw it in first and I appreciate it. This kink isn’t my kind of kink but because you gave me a warning I had options. Options not to read, options to skip those scenes or even options to read it. I chose the latter and read through it because I was mentally prepared. And honestly for me and I can only speak for myself it wasn’t as bad as my imagination made it out to be. Or maybe because I’m in that world I felt safe because you handed me the power. And in handing me that power I felt safe enough to read. Others may not understand what I’m saying but Im sure you do.
This book I loved these two together and as Sophie so adapt wrote that was exactly what this book was. Two lonely men hurt from the past, finding their forever in each other. It took them a while to get there but they did an boy was it a beautiful journey to watch.
The writing was amazing. This author has a way of describing feelings that make you really feel what that character is feeling. As a POC I love that you included some of the our speech. Let me tell you I was sucked in because of it. The smexy was omg hawt, and the side characters… let hope we see Drake get his HEA.
Your afterword was as alway perfect and appreciative. And I really hope we get to hear about the black girl who took AP classes and goes to college. I can tell you it does really happen. Im a testament to it. Im sure you know the stats on how amazingly educated black women are, and use that as support against your Naysayers.
September 14, 2021
It feels really weird for me to read a Cole McCade book and say I didn’t love it. His Cocky Prince does have some of the trademark signs I expect from a Cole book; some lovely descriptive passages, an exploration of feelings. I just don’t think I really liked either Brendan or Cillian.
Cillian did come across as very immature for a man of 29 who has acted before. The age difference doesn’t bother me but I couldn’t warm to Brendan. I don’t really know why.
Without giving away spoilers, although I’m sure it’s in the blurb, the two characters are in a film together; Brendan is the experienced veteran and Cillian is the newcomer. The plot takes the characters to a castle on an island. The descriptions of the castle and the island made me think that we had done back a millennia.
The ending made my eyes roll because it was too fake.
The author words at the end had me on the edge of my seat. I’m always going to be team Cole. Does he write fast? Absolutely yes, the man is a machine, I have never, ever doubted his skills.
Cillian did come across as very immature for a man of 29 who has acted before. The age difference doesn’t bother me but I couldn’t warm to Brendan. I don’t really know why.
Without giving away spoilers, although I’m sure it’s in the blurb, the two characters are in a film together; Brendan is the experienced veteran and Cillian is the newcomer. The plot takes the characters to a castle on an island. The descriptions of the castle and the island made me think that we had done back a millennia.
The ending made my eyes roll because it was too fake.
The author words at the end had me on the edge of my seat. I’m always going to be team Cole. Does he write fast? Absolutely yes, the man is a machine, I have never, ever doubted his skills.
November 1, 2021
unstoppable force (my love for Cole McCade and his writing) meets immovable object (my hatred for grand gestures and secondhand embarrasment)
August 13, 2025
3.75 stars
Basics
Author: US (he/him)
Genre: MM contemporary romance
Setting: Hollywood movie set
Themes: acceptance, bravery, love
Vibes: protective, sweet & spicy
Characters
❤️🔥 Brendan Lau (51yo) - established romance lead, cast as the dad in the movie, stoic curmudgeon heartthrob
🐶 Cillian Tell (29yo) up-and-coming actor, cast as ml in romance movie, kinky soft sweetheart
Quotes
"Please pardon me,” he snarled through his teeth, and turned away. “I think I’m about to go commit a murder.”
Pros
+ I was going to reread His Cocky Valet for the zillionth time and saw #3 in the series out and here I am with this FINE FUCKING FEAST from Cole McCade 🤌
+ romance tropes: age gap (22y), grumpy x sunshine, fake dating, hurt/comfort, secret identity
+ BDSM elements: safe word, cnc roleplay kink, humiliation kink
+ I freaking love McCade's writing style 🔥
Neutral
/ I usually never read celebrity/actor romances but this is COLE MCCADE
/ I don't love it when people ship real people, but it wasn't a problem for the characters so 🤷♀️
Cons
- characters "whisper/mutter to themselves" too much
- I don't love grand public gestures and this had 2 😬🙈
- once they get together it is SO SAPPY all the tension is gone 🫠😭
TW
attemped SA, flashbacks/distress after an attempted assault, emotional abuse (by antagonist), cnc roleplay with safe words, r*pe (implied, by antagonist in the past)
Basics
Author: US (he/him)
Genre: MM contemporary romance
Setting: Hollywood movie set
Themes: acceptance, bravery, love
Vibes: protective, sweet & spicy
Characters
❤️🔥 Brendan Lau (51yo) - established romance lead, cast as the dad in the movie, stoic curmudgeon heartthrob
🐶 Cillian Tell (29yo) up-and-coming actor, cast as ml in romance movie, kinky soft sweetheart
Quotes
"Please pardon me,” he snarled through his teeth, and turned away. “I think I’m about to go commit a murder.”
Pros
+ I was going to reread His Cocky Valet for the zillionth time and saw #3 in the series out and here I am with this FINE FUCKING FEAST from Cole McCade 🤌
+ romance tropes: age gap (22y), grumpy x sunshine, fake dating, hurt/comfort, secret identity
+ BDSM elements: safe word, cnc roleplay kink, humiliation kink
+ I freaking love McCade's writing style 🔥
Neutral
/ I usually never read celebrity/actor romances but this is COLE MCCADE
/ I don't love it when people ship real people, but it wasn't a problem for the characters so 🤷♀️
Cons
- characters "whisper/mutter to themselves" too much
- I don't love grand public gestures and this had 2 😬🙈
- once they get together it is SO SAPPY all the tension is gone 🫠😭
TW
attemped SA, flashbacks/distress after an attempted assault, emotional abuse (by antagonist), cnc roleplay with safe words, r*pe (implied, by antagonist in the past)
November 2, 2021
Wow a first time author for me but certainly not the last!
A prince of a small forgotten kingdom with a secret kink in the bedroom and a grouchy prince of romance movie star who’s paths were destined to cross!
Brendan Lau has always been the inspiration for Cillian Tell to persue his acting career.
Now the prince of romance will be a supporting character with Cillian- his wildest dream come true!
Cillians hero has clay feet! He discovers Brendan is nothing but a grumbling grouchy asshole who does not let people in ever but somehow he helps Cillian with protection where the sleazy director is concerned by posing as his boyfriend……
They have a perilous journey ahead with lots of self discovery to their friendship and realise trust and forgiveness is the basis for any relationship fake or not!
A pretend relationship that starts feeling too real will it become a reality?
Will Brendan be enough to satisfy the special kink Cellian has in the bedroom?
Will he trust himself to open up to Cellian and stop running?
Cole McCade gives us a deeper look into the scars emotional and sexual abuse can leave on unsuspecting victims in the movie industry…….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A prince of a small forgotten kingdom with a secret kink in the bedroom and a grouchy prince of romance movie star who’s paths were destined to cross!
Brendan Lau has always been the inspiration for Cillian Tell to persue his acting career.
Now the prince of romance will be a supporting character with Cillian- his wildest dream come true!
Cillians hero has clay feet! He discovers Brendan is nothing but a grumbling grouchy asshole who does not let people in ever but somehow he helps Cillian with protection where the sleazy director is concerned by posing as his boyfriend……
They have a perilous journey ahead with lots of self discovery to their friendship and realise trust and forgiveness is the basis for any relationship fake or not!
A pretend relationship that starts feeling too real will it become a reality?
Will Brendan be enough to satisfy the special kink Cellian has in the bedroom?
Will he trust himself to open up to Cellian and stop running?
Cole McCade gives us a deeper look into the scars emotional and sexual abuse can leave on unsuspecting victims in the movie industry…….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2021
WOW. I have read some of the other books in this series but this one just got to me. I loved reading about these two actors caught up making a film, evading a predator while still having to be around him and working through the ins and outs of having a relationship. Cole McCade has just gotten better throughout this series at balancing the different elements of a story and as much as I loved the other books in this series I think this is far and away the best yet. I felt so much for these characters and what they are going through and I had such a strong book hangover after I finished reading. I want to know more about them, I miss them, I realize that they are gay but I want to be friends. Silly really and I know that this is fiction but the were lovely characters to read about. Even the side characters are terrific. Dare I say that even the villain came across as a real person, abet a horrible one. I can’t wait to read more stories from this marvelous series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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