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Split Rock Ranch #3
Something Unprofessional
Ev Bailey is done dating his bosses. After the last disaster, he’s sworn off workplace romances for good. He has a new job in a new city and he’s not going to make the same mistakes again—he knows he’ll never find his perfect Daddy in the corner office. Which is why it’s so inconvenient that his new boss is hotter than sin . . . and an expert at pushing all his buttons.
Gabe Diaz didn’t want a PA, but he has to admit that things run more smoothly with Ev around. The boy is easy to work with and even easier on the eyes. Not that Gabe’s going to do anything about it. He’s too experienced to make that kind of mistake. Besides, he has certain tastes that would probably send his buttoned-up PA running. Anything beyond a professional relationship between them is off the table.
Then the hottest spot to play in town hosts a New Year’s Eve masquerade, and with masks firmly in place, anything could happen.
They’ll deal with the repercussions on Monday.
Something Unprofessional is a 60k MM age gap, boss/employee romance with a sassy Middle who’s in over his head, a Daddy who should be keeping his distance, secret identities, only one bed, and two men who are terrible at following the rules. It can be read as a stand-alone.
Gabe Diaz didn’t want a PA, but he has to admit that things run more smoothly with Ev around. The boy is easy to work with and even easier on the eyes. Not that Gabe’s going to do anything about it. He’s too experienced to make that kind of mistake. Besides, he has certain tastes that would probably send his buttoned-up PA running. Anything beyond a professional relationship between them is off the table.
Then the hottest spot to play in town hosts a New Year’s Eve masquerade, and with masks firmly in place, anything could happen.
They’ll deal with the repercussions on Monday.
Something Unprofessional is a 60k MM age gap, boss/employee romance with a sassy Middle who’s in over his head, a Daddy who should be keeping his distance, secret identities, only one bed, and two men who are terrible at following the rules. It can be read as a stand-alone.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2024
44 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Rory Maxwell
9 books72 followersRory Maxwell discovered romance novels on her mom’s bookshelf when she was probably too young to be reading them—the reward for being a nosy kid with great reading comprehension. The magic of a dial-up internet connection led her to the wonderful world of MM fanfiction a few years later and she fell in love with the genre. In 2019 she woke up with a plot bunny, opened a word doc, and started trying to figure out how this writing stuff worked.
Rory grew up outside of Washington, DC, moved away, and then came back for reasons she doesn’t fully understand. An artist and writer, she always has too many exciting ideas and not nearly enough free time. One day, she hopes to escape to the mountains and open an LGBTQIA+ friendly bed and breakfast where she can work from home and write as much as she wants. In the meantime, she splits her time between her day job and writing MM romance with heart, heat, and happy endings.
Get Updates: www.rorymaxwellwrites.com/newsletter....
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Rory grew up outside of Washington, DC, moved away, and then came back for reasons she doesn’t fully understand. An artist and writer, she always has too many exciting ideas and not nearly enough free time. One day, she hopes to escape to the mountains and open an LGBTQIA+ friendly bed and breakfast where she can work from home and write as much as she wants. In the meantime, she splits her time between her day job and writing MM romance with heart, heat, and happy endings.
Get Updates: www.rorymaxwellwrites.com/newsletter....
My website: www.rorymaxwellwrites.com/
Facebook Sneak Peeks: www.facebook.com/rory.maxwell.writes
More places I’m social: https://linktr.ee/rorymaxwellwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 31, 2024
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
• Your typical boss x employee romance, but make it kinky. •
Something Unprofessional was perfectly sweet and steamy. The characters were fun and felt real. This trope works for a reason, and the added kink was just the cherry on top.
I loved Ev, the sassy and bratty middle, the aggressive cuddler, the badboi aesthetic but softie insides. And Gabe just screamed Daddy in every possible way. If only we could all have our own Gabe. *dramatic sigh*
The plot was plain ridiculous, but I kind of enjoyed the fantasy of it. Yes, IRL they probably would’ve recognized each other right away, but the whole pretending that they didn’t was pretty fun.
The romance was smushy and fluffy, not at all surprising or revolutionary but a perfect comfort read for me, and I’m gonna have to dive into the other installments of this series ‘cause this was delightful.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Employee vs boss
- Age gap
- Daddy kink
- Light age play (daddy/middle) no ABDL
- Only one bed trope
- Secret identities
- Strict top/bottom
- Spanking
- Exhibitionism
- Public sex
- Office sex
- Coming untouched
• Your typical boss x employee romance, but make it kinky. •
Something Unprofessional was perfectly sweet and steamy. The characters were fun and felt real. This trope works for a reason, and the added kink was just the cherry on top.
I loved Ev, the sassy and bratty middle, the aggressive cuddler, the badboi aesthetic but softie insides. And Gabe just screamed Daddy in every possible way. If only we could all have our own Gabe. *dramatic sigh*
“Well, who is Daddy to deny his boy when he’s so very needy?”
The plot was plain ridiculous, but I kind of enjoyed the fantasy of it. Yes, IRL they probably would’ve recognized each other right away, but the whole pretending that they didn’t was pretty fun.
The romance was smushy and fluffy, not at all surprising or revolutionary but a perfect comfort read for me, and I’m gonna have to dive into the other installments of this series ‘cause this was delightful.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Employee vs boss
- Age gap
- Daddy kink
- Light age play (daddy/middle) no ABDL
- Only one bed trope
- Secret identities
- Strict top/bottom
- Spanking
- Exhibitionism
- Public sex
- Office sex
- Coming untouched
January 19, 2025
With some encouragement from a friend, I skipped past the "mistaken identity" nonsense and onto the real story. I enjoyed the rest of the book. I got to see what I wanted - Ev and Gabe navigating their boss-employee relationship alongside their attraction. So I will amend my original DNF review (below). While the first part of the book still gets a huge eye roll and maybe 1 star, I'll give the book as a whole 3 stars because I liked the last 60 percent.
********
DNF 29%
I’ve been enjoying this series, but I just can’t finish this one even though I do want to read Ev and Gabe’s story. The whole I don’t recognize my boss/employee is at the point of ridiculousness now my eyes hurt from rolling them so hard. On to the next.
********
DNF 29%
I’ve been enjoying this series, but I just can’t finish this one even though I do want to read Ev and Gabe’s story. The whole I don’t recognize my boss/employee is at the point of ridiculousness now my eyes hurt from rolling them so hard. On to the next.
May 23, 2024
- age gap
- boss x employee
- secret identity
- daddy kink
- only one bed
- light age play (middle)
Sweet and sassy Ev has a penchant for falling for and getting burned by his bosses, but with his new job and life in New York, he refuses to repeat old patterns.
Out with his roomie for New Years Eve at a local kink club, Ev hooks up with a masked stranger not knowing that the gorgeous man who rocked his world is his boss until the masks come off at midnight.
It isn’t until the pair meet at the club again that Gabe realizes who the boy he can’t stop thinking about is, and as the lines start blurring between business and pleasure, Gabe must tread carefully to keep Ev from running scared.
This was my first read involving middles, and I’m a fan! The chemistry between Ev and Gabe was absolutely fantastic, and I thought the pair were really perfect for each other. Gabe was such a caring Daddy (no matter if Ev was being big or middle), and I really loved how he always had Ev’s best interest in mind.
Their story is steamy and sweet, and I can’t wait for more of this series. Here’s hoping Owen gets his happily ever after next!
- boss x employee
- secret identity
- daddy kink
- only one bed
- light age play (middle)
Sweet and sassy Ev has a penchant for falling for and getting burned by his bosses, but with his new job and life in New York, he refuses to repeat old patterns.
Out with his roomie for New Years Eve at a local kink club, Ev hooks up with a masked stranger not knowing that the gorgeous man who rocked his world is his boss until the masks come off at midnight.
It isn’t until the pair meet at the club again that Gabe realizes who the boy he can’t stop thinking about is, and as the lines start blurring between business and pleasure, Gabe must tread carefully to keep Ev from running scared.
This was my first read involving middles, and I’m a fan! The chemistry between Ev and Gabe was absolutely fantastic, and I thought the pair were really perfect for each other. Gabe was such a caring Daddy (no matter if Ev was being big or middle), and I really loved how he always had Ev’s best interest in mind.
Their story is steamy and sweet, and I can’t wait for more of this series. Here’s hoping Owen gets his happily ever after next!
May 21, 2024
4.5 stars. So this is my first book with a middle and I think I’m in love!! I absolutely loved it and really want to read more books with middles (I may even be a tad jealous and wanting to experience being a middle myself)! I’m not a fan of books with littles so I wasn’t sure how I would be with this one but it was the perfect in between for me!
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoy their writing. I loved both characters and thought they were so perfect for each other. I totally understand where Ev was coming from with just wanting to let go of adult responsibilities for a while to recharge. Gabe was such a great Daddy to his boy. So caring and loving and knowing exactly what Ev needed. Their HEA was wonderful!
I did find it a smidge unbelievable that they believed the other didn’t realize they recognized each other after their second kink club interaction. Once I got past that I loved the story but it did take me out of the story a little bit.
If you are a fan of this author, Daddy/boy romances and want to read about a middle I highly recommend this story! I look forward to reading more by this author and may even go out of my comfort zone for Owen if he gets a story because he was such a cutie!!
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoy their writing. I loved both characters and thought they were so perfect for each other. I totally understand where Ev was coming from with just wanting to let go of adult responsibilities for a while to recharge. Gabe was such a great Daddy to his boy. So caring and loving and knowing exactly what Ev needed. Their HEA was wonderful!
I did find it a smidge unbelievable that they believed the other didn’t realize they recognized each other after their second kink club interaction. Once I got past that I loved the story but it did take me out of the story a little bit.
If you are a fan of this author, Daddy/boy romances and want to read about a middle I highly recommend this story! I look forward to reading more by this author and may even go out of my comfort zone for Owen if he gets a story because he was such a cutie!!
July 15, 2024
love
Loved these two together. They worked well. Loved reading about a middle. We don’t get much of those so I was happy to read about a middle getting his HEA. Love the video games and comfy pjs. Wish we would have gotten a little more of what that looks like but am happy for what we got. Gabe is a great daddy! Patient. My only bleh about this book was not really understanding how they could pretend they didn’t know the other person when they literally looked at each other. That was a little weird. Loved the smexy and loved the side characters
Loved these two together. They worked well. Loved reading about a middle. We don’t get much of those so I was happy to read about a middle getting his HEA. Love the video games and comfy pjs. Wish we would have gotten a little more of what that looks like but am happy for what we got. Gabe is a great daddy! Patient. My only bleh about this book was not really understanding how they could pretend they didn’t know the other person when they literally looked at each other. That was a little weird. Loved the smexy and loved the side characters
June 4, 2024
Ev & Gabe
Rating: 3.6 ⭐
- Boss/Employee
- Daddy/Middle
- Age Gap
- Secret Identities
- Only One Bed
- Exhibitionism
- Spanking
- Pierced and Tattooed MC
This is the third full book in the Split Rock Ranch Series and is kind of like a kinky romcom. It's a fun and steamy read following how this boss and employee get their HEA.
Ev has had bad luck with his prior relationships, I loathe to call those prior men Daddies so I won't. The book starts off with Ev getting revenge on his last partner who cheated on him and fired him from his job. It's diabolical and I loved every minute of it. Then it jumps to a few months later and he's at the New Year's Eve party having a steamy moment a mystery man, since they're wearing mask. They spend the night together until midnight when the mask come off and Ev freaks out when he realizes that he just slept with his new boss! Now what does he do because he promised himself that he would never get involved with another boss and he's not sure if Gabe recognized him. Ev is his fabulous self outside of the office but he is buttoned up and tamed down at work in his appearance.
Gabe can't stop thinking about his mystery man from the party, which is unlike him since he's more of a one and done kind of guy. His PA has been acting weird all week too but he's can't pinpoint what's wrong. One night one of his friends from the club calls to tell him that his boy is there. It doesn't take too long before he realizes that the mystery boy is his PA, Ev, but he plays along as if he doesn't know for a while. The pretending was fun and cute in this story.
The plot is silly and they definitely would've recognized each other or caught on that they both knew sooner. It's still entertaining though and Ev just makes you giggle and roll your eyes at him. Their romance is fluffy and sweet, making this a total comfort read. You get to watch Gabe Daddy the hell out of Ev until his boy realizes that he's different and will never hurt him like the others. They're cute together and Ev doesn't even realize that they've been together for like a month before someone clues him in, silly boy. There's great cameos from prior couples and an insight into the characters that will get books in this series in the future.
Content Warnings : Graphic sexual content between consenting adults; Contains light age play - No ABDL; Public Sex scene; Office Sex scene; Mentions of scenes occurring at the kink club
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
Ages: 24 & Other not given
Rating: 3.6 ⭐
- Boss/Employee
- Daddy/Middle
- Age Gap
- Secret Identities
- Only One Bed
- Exhibitionism
- Spanking
- Pierced and Tattooed MC
This is the third full book in the Split Rock Ranch Series and is kind of like a kinky romcom. It's a fun and steamy read following how this boss and employee get their HEA.
Ev has had bad luck with his prior relationships, I loathe to call those prior men Daddies so I won't. The book starts off with Ev getting revenge on his last partner who cheated on him and fired him from his job. It's diabolical and I loved every minute of it. Then it jumps to a few months later and he's at the New Year's Eve party having a steamy moment a mystery man, since they're wearing mask. They spend the night together until midnight when the mask come off and Ev freaks out when he realizes that he just slept with his new boss! Now what does he do because he promised himself that he would never get involved with another boss and he's not sure if Gabe recognized him. Ev is his fabulous self outside of the office but he is buttoned up and tamed down at work in his appearance.
Gabe can't stop thinking about his mystery man from the party, which is unlike him since he's more of a one and done kind of guy. His PA has been acting weird all week too but he's can't pinpoint what's wrong. One night one of his friends from the club calls to tell him that his boy is there. It doesn't take too long before he realizes that the mystery boy is his PA, Ev, but he plays along as if he doesn't know for a while. The pretending was fun and cute in this story.
The plot is silly and they definitely would've recognized each other or caught on that they both knew sooner. It's still entertaining though and Ev just makes you giggle and roll your eyes at him. Their romance is fluffy and sweet, making this a total comfort read. You get to watch Gabe Daddy the hell out of Ev until his boy realizes that he's different and will never hurt him like the others. They're cute together and Ev doesn't even realize that they've been together for like a month before someone clues him in, silly boy. There's great cameos from prior couples and an insight into the characters that will get books in this series in the future.
“Despite my best efforts, I fell in love with you, tiger. And I know being with your boss scares the shit out of you, so if you don’t want a relationship with me, that’s okay. I can figure out some other outlet for my feelings. Maybe I’ll take up golf.” Gabe tried not to cringe at that horrifying thought.
Content Warnings : Graphic sexual content between consenting adults; Contains light age play - No ABDL; Public Sex scene; Office Sex scene; Mentions of scenes occurring at the kink club
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
Ages: 24 & Other not given
June 3, 2024
Rating: 5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: boss / employee, secret identity, kink
I knew from the moment Ev appeared in Something Unforgettable that I'd adore him, and I wasn't wrong! I ended up devouring Something Unprofessional and I loved every moment with these two!
There were a lot of great tropes in this book and I loved how they played out, starting with a bit of secret identities in a kink club. It was entertaining to see Ev realise that the person hiding behind the mask and being all dreamy and Daddy with him was his boss. He tried to stay away from Gabe after that night, but considering that they worked together and had some amazing chemistry, it didn't take much for him to give in to temptation.
The connection between Ev and Gabe was fantastic and I loved how easy they fell into their Daddy / boy dynamic. Their dynamic felt very natural - Gabe was great with Ev and respected his reservations about relationships while still making sure he got what he needed. Ev was so cute, and it was sweet to see how easy he fell into his middle space and trusted Daddy Gabe to take care of things.
For being a workplace romance, it had very little angst, and close to no drama. After sorting out the whole secret identity thing, they communicated well and I loved how well Gabe could read his boy. Considering Ev's past, it was easy to understand why he was hesitant about starting something with Gabe, but with their connection and chemistry, the feelings between them seemed pretty inevitable.
Something Unprofessional was an excellent addition to the Split Rock Ranch series, and I really enjoyed the fun and easy chemistry between Ev and Gabe! It was an entertaining read with a great combo of sweet, steamy and kinky, and I can't wait until I get to read more from this author!
-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: boss / employee, secret identity, kink
I knew from the moment Ev appeared in Something Unforgettable that I'd adore him, and I wasn't wrong! I ended up devouring Something Unprofessional and I loved every moment with these two!
There were a lot of great tropes in this book and I loved how they played out, starting with a bit of secret identities in a kink club. It was entertaining to see Ev realise that the person hiding behind the mask and being all dreamy and Daddy with him was his boss. He tried to stay away from Gabe after that night, but considering that they worked together and had some amazing chemistry, it didn't take much for him to give in to temptation.
The connection between Ev and Gabe was fantastic and I loved how easy they fell into their Daddy / boy dynamic. Their dynamic felt very natural - Gabe was great with Ev and respected his reservations about relationships while still making sure he got what he needed. Ev was so cute, and it was sweet to see how easy he fell into his middle space and trusted Daddy Gabe to take care of things.
For being a workplace romance, it had very little angst, and close to no drama. After sorting out the whole secret identity thing, they communicated well and I loved how well Gabe could read his boy. Considering Ev's past, it was easy to understand why he was hesitant about starting something with Gabe, but with their connection and chemistry, the feelings between them seemed pretty inevitable.
Something Unprofessional was an excellent addition to the Split Rock Ranch series, and I really enjoyed the fun and easy chemistry between Ev and Gabe! It was an entertaining read with a great combo of sweet, steamy and kinky, and I can't wait until I get to read more from this author!
-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
April 28, 2025
Another hit
We met Finns best friend Ev in the previous installment, and if you are anything like me, I needed to hear his story! We also met his love interest, Gabe, Finns daddy Xavi friend and business partner, as well as daddy, who also seemed intriguing. With the events of the previous book, Ev moves to New York to work for Gabe. These two are fire from the masquerade party on. It's one of those books. These two are magnets to one another and just keep being brought back in. Gabe is the perfect daddy in allowing them to get to a stable place before going into a full putt relationship, which is exactly what his boy needed after being burned in the past by so called Daddies, who really only wanted to use Ev. This is a great addition to the series, which again introduces characters I hope Rory writes for in the future.
We met Finns best friend Ev in the previous installment, and if you are anything like me, I needed to hear his story! We also met his love interest, Gabe, Finns daddy Xavi friend and business partner, as well as daddy, who also seemed intriguing. With the events of the previous book, Ev moves to New York to work for Gabe. These two are fire from the masquerade party on. It's one of those books. These two are magnets to one another and just keep being brought back in. Gabe is the perfect daddy in allowing them to get to a stable place before going into a full putt relationship, which is exactly what his boy needed after being burned in the past by so called Daddies, who really only wanted to use Ev. This is a great addition to the series, which again introduces characters I hope Rory writes for in the future.
June 10, 2024
I was looking forward to this book however I did not enjoy it until maybe about 50 percent in. I liked Ev however Gabe I did not connect to his character and I felt like he was this separate being and I did not know how to think about him. I loved his relationship with Ev once they started being together and spending time together. Then I was happy with the relationship and how they progressed.
It felt odd at times and I do not know if it's because they were away from Split Rock. The plot about Ev being a piano prodigy was odd, and I did not connect with it at all. I did like how the crew from Split Rock came to join them and spend time with them which kept the found family aspect together. I loved Finny and Xavi so much and was happy to see them again. I liked Owen, he was a nice friend to have.
Some things I liked, some things I loved, and some things I didn't like or care for. It was an interesting read for me. I am still ready for the next book.
It felt odd at times and I do not know if it's because they were away from Split Rock. The plot about Ev being a piano prodigy was odd, and I did not connect with it at all. I did like how the crew from Split Rock came to join them and spend time with them which kept the found family aspect together. I loved Finny and Xavi so much and was happy to see them again. I liked Owen, he was a nice friend to have.
Some things I liked, some things I loved, and some things I didn't like or care for. It was an interesting read for me. I am still ready for the next book.
May 26, 2024
An office romance, yes, but this one is forever. Our heroes may think this is something fun and temporary but they are so wrong. Excellent friendships help in encouragement and, well, just being good friends. A journey of hesitancy in falling in love but fall they do and the story that is born from the love story is delightful. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
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June 6, 2024Thank you Rory for writing such a fun and sassy Middle! I love Ev's personality and his kink... what he needs from a Daddy and how he's both put together and such a mess... and Gabe is just the right person to meet Ev's needs.
This was a fairly low angst read with just the right amount of pining, some only one bed and of course a fair dollop of kink! It was also great to see cameos from some of the other Something pairings.
This was a fairly low angst read with just the right amount of pining, some only one bed and of course a fair dollop of kink! It was also great to see cameos from some of the other Something pairings.
June 8, 2024
He has had enough of work based relationships so he decides to get a new job. There is one big issue, his new boss is so hot and he would like to have a taste. He knows it will be hard to stay away from them. What is going to happen? Will he take that step? Will it end well? See how it will all go
January 20, 2026
Something Unprofessional by Rory Maxwell is the 5th book in her Split Rock Ranch series. It is a Daddy/Boy story about a Boy that had bad luck dating his bosses, decided never to do it again, and the Daddy Boss who won him over as they fell in love. Ev Bailey had somehow dated his boss several times and each time it ended badly, the last time with him losing his job. He made a decision then that he would never date his boss again. He was also hiding two other things. He was a musical prodigy who had been on TV in talent shows and then used by his parents and producers and left it all behind, and he was a Boy who would love to have a Daddy. He was in Chicago but a friend found him a job as a PA in NYC for DeCain PR and he was now working for Gabriel Diaz, one of the partners in the company. Gabe was not sure he needed a PA and his friend and other co-owner Xavier coerced him into hiring him, but he realized how much help he was in scheduling and doing other jobs for him. On New Year’s Eve both of them were at The Edge, a club, wearing masks and having a very hot scene that both were enjoying, especially when Ev called Gabe Daddy. At midnight they took off their masks and to Ev’s horror he saw that it was Gabe and he left as fast as he could. But Gabe did not realize his partner was Ev and he really wanted to see him again because he was a Daddy and Ev and pushed all his buttons. When Ev realized Gabe didn’t know it was him, he was very relieved as he was afraid he would lose his job again so things continued on. One of Gabe’s client’s was Kelsey Monroe, an up-and-coming singer. Her mother was a true stage mother and wanted Gabe to get her more recognition but it wasn’t the way Kelsey wanted it. She recognized Ev from his season on The Star 6 years ago where he came in second and his parents wanted him to continue but he was sick of everything that came with fame, stopped playing, left, and hadn’t talked to his parents since. But he and Kelsey struck up a friendship. Meanwhile Gabe was asking around if anyone knew who the boy was at New Year’s Eve and wasn’t having much luck. Ev texted with his friends from Split Rock who told him to tell Gabe but he was going to block him and of course, he didn’t. They were working late one night when Gabe texted him, spanked him, which he loved, and had a hot love scene in the office, but then Ev panicked and left. Gabe went to his apartment and talked to Owen, his best friend and roommate, and when Ev came home they had along talk and Ev told him about what happened with his other bosses. They decide to stay professional and that Ev can dress how he wants, including his fauxhawk, tattoos, and piercings. They go to LA for a party sponsored by the company to thank their clients where some unexpected things happen as well as having Remy Dalton, an A-list actor, look like he’s coming on to Ev. But Gabe squashes that quickly. Remy did get Kelsey and Ev to perform together at the party and it was taped, was sent out, and it went viral, much to Ev’s displeasure as it could get back to his parents. Both men were having trouble keeping apart as their attraction was growing so they decided that they would be professional at the office and Daddy and Boy in their other times with no romance. But that didn’t last long, especially when his friends kept surprising him on his birthday and Gabe knew he loved him and wasn’t going to give up without a fight. Ev had been staying with him most nights and with everything Gabe had done for him he knew he had to trust him which led to both of them saying I love you. I really enjoyed this story. Ev had been so hurt, both by his parents and by his previous bosses that he knew his heart couldn’t go through that again. This led to him being horrified when he saw that Gabe was his partner at the New Year’s Eve party because all he could think of was what had happened to him before. Gabe was intrigued by Ev from the beginning and as he saw the real person and Boy beneath his public persona, he couldn’t help but fall for him. It just took time for Ev to learn to trust that Gabe wasn’t like the others and for Gabe to know that he wanted Ev to be his Boy. The other Boys and Daddies played a big part in the story as they helped both of them figure out what they needed to do to be together. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like Daddy/Boy stories where the Boy has been burned before and the Daddy has to show him that they belonged together and to trust that things will work out as they fall in love.
June 8, 2024
This is such a great read. It's slow burn daddy/boy romance but it is so worth the read. The boy in this story is a middle but there is no age play.
Everett has had bad experiences with daddies and relationships. He made a promise to himself to never date a boss again. He goes to a New Years Eve party with a mask as everyone else. He ends up hooking up with a Daddy and when midnight comes around they are to take off their masks. Needless to say Ev doesn't have the chance to take his off but he does get to see the daddy's face and he couldn't believe it was his boss. He leaves without saying anything to him to take care of his roommate. When he realizes that Gabe doesn't know it was him, he doesn't say anything and will just pretend it didn't happen. That is until he runs into the same daddy on a different night.
Gabe isn't ready to settle down and he goes to the New Years Eve party to have some fun. He meets a cute boy and decides to have fun with him for the night. When the night ends without him being able to see what the boy looks like he is disappointed. He doesn't understand why his PA is acting all weird and won't look at him as it's so unlike Ev to do. When he goes to the club one night to try to find a boy to get his mind off the New Years boy, he is advised that the same boy is there. When he happens to find the boy, he soon realizes who the boy is and can't believe it's his PA, Everett.
Gabe & Ev have a lot to work through and it's mostly Ev. He is comparing Gabe to all his other ex's and bosses. He knows it's not right to do that but the way his past has gone, he doesn't know what to expect but bad things. Gabe is doing his best to make sure he doesn't treat Ev the way he used to get treated by other men, he refuses to call them daddies. These two battle emotions and come up with a deal. They now must work hard to keep what they have or lose it for good.
"Well, who is Daddy to deny his boy when he’s so very needy?"
"Despite my best efforts, I fell in love with you, tiger. And I know being with your boss scares the shit out of you, so if you don’t want a relationship with me, that’s okay. I can figure out some other outlet for my feelings. Maybe I’ll take up golf.” Gabe tried not to cringe at that horrifying thought.
I love how these two come together and figure things out. You can feel the connection with them throughout the story. The way they are able to express the emotions and overcome issues shows that they really want it to work.
Great job to the author on this amazing story. I will now have to go and read the other books that are part of this series as I haven't read them.
#I received an ARC from GRR (Gay Romance Reviews) and this is my honest review.
Everett has had bad experiences with daddies and relationships. He made a promise to himself to never date a boss again. He goes to a New Years Eve party with a mask as everyone else. He ends up hooking up with a Daddy and when midnight comes around they are to take off their masks. Needless to say Ev doesn't have the chance to take his off but he does get to see the daddy's face and he couldn't believe it was his boss. He leaves without saying anything to him to take care of his roommate. When he realizes that Gabe doesn't know it was him, he doesn't say anything and will just pretend it didn't happen. That is until he runs into the same daddy on a different night.
Gabe isn't ready to settle down and he goes to the New Years Eve party to have some fun. He meets a cute boy and decides to have fun with him for the night. When the night ends without him being able to see what the boy looks like he is disappointed. He doesn't understand why his PA is acting all weird and won't look at him as it's so unlike Ev to do. When he goes to the club one night to try to find a boy to get his mind off the New Years boy, he is advised that the same boy is there. When he happens to find the boy, he soon realizes who the boy is and can't believe it's his PA, Everett.
Gabe & Ev have a lot to work through and it's mostly Ev. He is comparing Gabe to all his other ex's and bosses. He knows it's not right to do that but the way his past has gone, he doesn't know what to expect but bad things. Gabe is doing his best to make sure he doesn't treat Ev the way he used to get treated by other men, he refuses to call them daddies. These two battle emotions and come up with a deal. They now must work hard to keep what they have or lose it for good.
"Well, who is Daddy to deny his boy when he’s so very needy?"
"Despite my best efforts, I fell in love with you, tiger. And I know being with your boss scares the shit out of you, so if you don’t want a relationship with me, that’s okay. I can figure out some other outlet for my feelings. Maybe I’ll take up golf.” Gabe tried not to cringe at that horrifying thought.
I love how these two come together and figure things out. You can feel the connection with them throughout the story. The way they are able to express the emotions and overcome issues shows that they really want it to work.
Great job to the author on this amazing story. I will now have to go and read the other books that are part of this series as I haven't read them.
#I received an ARC from GRR (Gay Romance Reviews) and this is my honest review.
May 27, 2024
If you have never read a book with a "middle" (age play regression to middle school age) before, this is a great place to start. Ev is a sweet sub that prefers video games and pizza when he regressed, but he's had Daddies in the past that weren't worthy of the title. What's worse, they were all his bosses. To protect himself from repeat mistakes, he has firmly place all men with any type of supervisory position over him at work in the off limits category. He's a good and caring person with a not-so-deeply buried mischievous side. He also carries innumerable emotional scars from the people in his past that were supposed to love him, but cruelly used him instead. He is slow to trust, but a hard worker and anxious to prove himself as a person that can succeed on his own. Ev's character is refreshingly unlike many other 'boy' characters because despite his many hurts, he is making a good life for himself all on his own. He doesn't need rescuing. He's not a twink in distress. He is very good at his job and has a strong support system. He is lonely, but not floundering.
Gabe is used to handling everything on his own. So much so, that he didn't even want a PA to begin with. But Ev is good at his job and makes the workflow so much smoother. He channels his protective Daddy tendencies into being an amazing PR representative for some of the country's top stars. He's strong, stubborn, and frequently lacks in the communication department. When fate throws the perfect boy his way - in the form of a masquerade New Year's Eve event at the location kink club, he decides he is willing to play the long game in order to win Ev's heart. But getting beyond Ev's past traumas and insecurities is no easy task.
This story holds so much character growth, not only with the MCs, but with several of the side characters as well. This creates the sense of a fully fleshed out world with people that have emotional and believable reactions and relationships. Not one person felt like a cardboard cutout or a place holder. It's one of the reasons Rory Maxwell's books are so enjoyable.
While this book is part of a series, it stands on its own as a solo story if you have not read the others. However, it is so fun and engaging you may find yourself scrambling to read about the rest of Ev and Gabe's friends.
*I received a free eARC of this book from the author. This review is entirely my own opinion and is given without compensation.*
Gabe is used to handling everything on his own. So much so, that he didn't even want a PA to begin with. But Ev is good at his job and makes the workflow so much smoother. He channels his protective Daddy tendencies into being an amazing PR representative for some of the country's top stars. He's strong, stubborn, and frequently lacks in the communication department. When fate throws the perfect boy his way - in the form of a masquerade New Year's Eve event at the location kink club, he decides he is willing to play the long game in order to win Ev's heart. But getting beyond Ev's past traumas and insecurities is no easy task.
This story holds so much character growth, not only with the MCs, but with several of the side characters as well. This creates the sense of a fully fleshed out world with people that have emotional and believable reactions and relationships. Not one person felt like a cardboard cutout or a place holder. It's one of the reasons Rory Maxwell's books are so enjoyable.
While this book is part of a series, it stands on its own as a solo story if you have not read the others. However, it is so fun and engaging you may find yourself scrambling to read about the rest of Ev and Gabe's friends.
*I received a free eARC of this book from the author. This review is entirely my own opinion and is given without compensation.*
May 23, 2024
I received this book as an ARC, having signed up for the author's ARC team based on the book premise alone. I wasn't familiar with the author or the Split Rock Ranch series so, of course, I had to go read the previous 4 books in the series. I'm so glad I did! I could have read this book without reading the others, but some of the details and nuance would have gone over my head.
(Note: It's part of the Split Rock Ranch series, though none of it happens on the ranch itself. But characters from previous books make appearances, so it's good to know who all the players are.)
On to the review!
From the first line of the prologue, you get a glimpse at Ev's middle side, and it is perfectly sassy, devious and playful. He has a complicated relationship history characterized by either being taken advantage of or making disastrous choices, and after his last Daddy turned out to be anything but, Ev has sworn that he is DONE looking for his Daddy at work. No more dating bosses. Which is all fine and good, until Gabe comes in the picture.
Gabe is smoking hot, dominant and pushes every single one of Ev's middle buttons. He's also Ev's new boss and completely off limits due to Ev's new rule. But, all it takes is one masquerade party on New Year's Eve and Ev is monumentally screwed. Literally and figuratively.
This book navigates a boy trying to hide his identity, a Daddy who absolutely shouldn't be wanting what he's wanting from his personal assistant, and two men who might just be perfect for each other. Ev is the perfect blend of independent sass and hopeful vulnerability, and Gabe's dominance is sweet and caring.
Rory Maxwell hit the nail on the head with this book - middles aren't represented much in this genre, and it's nice to see it done well. (Age play isn't my thing IRL, but I'll be honest. I can see the appeal of letting someone else take care of the mundane adulting details!)
(Note: It's part of the Split Rock Ranch series, though none of it happens on the ranch itself. But characters from previous books make appearances, so it's good to know who all the players are.)
On to the review!
From the first line of the prologue, you get a glimpse at Ev's middle side, and it is perfectly sassy, devious and playful. He has a complicated relationship history characterized by either being taken advantage of or making disastrous choices, and after his last Daddy turned out to be anything but, Ev has sworn that he is DONE looking for his Daddy at work. No more dating bosses. Which is all fine and good, until Gabe comes in the picture.
Gabe is smoking hot, dominant and pushes every single one of Ev's middle buttons. He's also Ev's new boss and completely off limits due to Ev's new rule. But, all it takes is one masquerade party on New Year's Eve and Ev is monumentally screwed. Literally and figuratively.
This book navigates a boy trying to hide his identity, a Daddy who absolutely shouldn't be wanting what he's wanting from his personal assistant, and two men who might just be perfect for each other. Ev is the perfect blend of independent sass and hopeful vulnerability, and Gabe's dominance is sweet and caring.
Rory Maxwell hit the nail on the head with this book - middles aren't represented much in this genre, and it's nice to see it done well. (Age play isn't my thing IRL, but I'll be honest. I can see the appeal of letting someone else take care of the mundane adulting details!)
June 5, 2024
This was an amazing read! With hurt comfort, sexiness, and a whole lot of love.
The course of the story was so well executed. It had a wonderful flow.
Everett/Ev had some awful experiences with partners/bosses/daddies.
He’s done with them. No more relationships with bosses.
Ev is part of a BDSM community and joins their New Year’s Eve masquerade.
He has the hottest encounter with a sexy Daddy who pounds him just how he wants to.
At twelve the masks will go off, 10 – 9 – 8… oh my freaking goodness, Ev’s Daddy is his boss.
Ev is shocked and is gone within a second.
Gabe can’t get the boy out of his head, their connection was perfect, but he didn’t get a chance to see the boy clearly, because he was gone.
Ev is completely different at work than at a club, completely, thank goodness because his boss didn’t recognize him. The man was perfect, come on, keep your distance, you can do it! As if!
“So, let’s take romance out of the equation. My proposal is a kink-only arrangement.”
Yes, Ev can do that, it’s just a kink and nothing more. Oh gosh, Ev wants more, so much more, but no! He has to be strong!
The story is from both pov and that was great, we get all the experience with all the feels, and there is a lot of it to enjoy. A sassy Middle and a kind sexy Daddy, a perfect combination.
As in all the stories of this series, it’s never superficial, there are deeper layers to the characters, and all are widely laid out, and downright wonderfully written!
There are hurtful experiences from the past and not only with relationships.
you will meet the guys again from the previous stories, and loved it!
Overall a more than enjoyable story, I read it in one sitting!
Can I have Max and Owen next ?
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
The course of the story was so well executed. It had a wonderful flow.
Everett/Ev had some awful experiences with partners/bosses/daddies.
He’s done with them. No more relationships with bosses.
Ev is part of a BDSM community and joins their New Year’s Eve masquerade.
He has the hottest encounter with a sexy Daddy who pounds him just how he wants to.
At twelve the masks will go off, 10 – 9 – 8… oh my freaking goodness, Ev’s Daddy is his boss.
Ev is shocked and is gone within a second.
Gabe can’t get the boy out of his head, their connection was perfect, but he didn’t get a chance to see the boy clearly, because he was gone.
Ev is completely different at work than at a club, completely, thank goodness because his boss didn’t recognize him. The man was perfect, come on, keep your distance, you can do it! As if!
“So, let’s take romance out of the equation. My proposal is a kink-only arrangement.”
Yes, Ev can do that, it’s just a kink and nothing more. Oh gosh, Ev wants more, so much more, but no! He has to be strong!
The story is from both pov and that was great, we get all the experience with all the feels, and there is a lot of it to enjoy. A sassy Middle and a kind sexy Daddy, a perfect combination.
As in all the stories of this series, it’s never superficial, there are deeper layers to the characters, and all are widely laid out, and downright wonderfully written!
There are hurtful experiences from the past and not only with relationships.
you will meet the guys again from the previous stories, and loved it!
Overall a more than enjoyable story, I read it in one sitting!
Can I have Max and Owen next ?
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
January 29, 2026
Something Unprofessional is the 5th book of Rory Maxwell's Split Rock Ranch series. It's also the 1st book not to be set at the ranch but in New York City. Now, while the author expresses these books can be read as stand alone, it really is preferable that they be read in order. This book is very closely connected to Book 4, Something Unforgettable.
In that book, the main protagonist's were Finn, a young man from Split Rock Ranch, and Xavier, a multimillionaire who owns a PR Firm in Hollywood. He is also the ex-husband of Nick, Ryan and Micah's (from Book 1: Something Undeniable and Book: 2 Something Unexpected) partner.
Yeah, a lot going on. Well in this book, the MMC's are Gabriel, Xavier's partner in the PR Firm who works and lives in NYC, and Ev, Finn's best friend from college. It was inevitable their paths would cross. That being said, Finn helped Ev get a job as Gabe's PA. Unfortunately Ev has a bad habit of dating his bosses and it ending badly.
So, he tries to not let his attraction distract him. Too bad he unknowingly had some New Years Eve spicy time at a Kink club with Gabe, where they were both masked. They both enjoyed their play time together and decide to remove theirs masks at midnight. By the time the new year rang in, and their masks off, to Ev's horror, he sees it's his boss Gabe!
From there, this book gives you plenty of awkward, kinky, spicy, sweet, and pretty memorable moments. Definitely different from prior books in the series. While I haven't read the entire series yet, out of the four I have read so far, Something Unprofessional is my favorite! Maybe I'm biased because I'm from NYC too lol.
That doesn't mean the Split Rock Ranch crew are entirely missing from this book, as they are Ev's much needed support system. Maybe that's why I enjoyed this book so much, it had a bit of everything from the Split Rock Ranch universe. Perhaps that's why I've become such a fan of this MM romance series!
In that book, the main protagonist's were Finn, a young man from Split Rock Ranch, and Xavier, a multimillionaire who owns a PR Firm in Hollywood. He is also the ex-husband of Nick, Ryan and Micah's (from Book 1: Something Undeniable and Book: 2 Something Unexpected) partner.
Yeah, a lot going on. Well in this book, the MMC's are Gabriel, Xavier's partner in the PR Firm who works and lives in NYC, and Ev, Finn's best friend from college. It was inevitable their paths would cross. That being said, Finn helped Ev get a job as Gabe's PA. Unfortunately Ev has a bad habit of dating his bosses and it ending badly.
So, he tries to not let his attraction distract him. Too bad he unknowingly had some New Years Eve spicy time at a Kink club with Gabe, where they were both masked. They both enjoyed their play time together and decide to remove theirs masks at midnight. By the time the new year rang in, and their masks off, to Ev's horror, he sees it's his boss Gabe!
From there, this book gives you plenty of awkward, kinky, spicy, sweet, and pretty memorable moments. Definitely different from prior books in the series. While I haven't read the entire series yet, out of the four I have read so far, Something Unprofessional is my favorite! Maybe I'm biased because I'm from NYC too lol.
That doesn't mean the Split Rock Ranch crew are entirely missing from this book, as they are Ev's much needed support system. Maybe that's why I enjoyed this book so much, it had a bit of everything from the Split Rock Ranch universe. Perhaps that's why I've become such a fan of this MM romance series!
January 30, 2026
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I was really looking forward to Ev’s story. He was such a big part of the previous Book the fierce protector of Finn. And I’ve got to say I enjoyed it. I thought he’d be a bit more sassy if I’m totally honest but there is a lot about Everett that we don’t know. he has a past that makes him absolutely perfect for the job of PA to Gabriel. Gabe is an entertainer manager and they work together really well but Ev likes to show his wild side when he goes to a club for New Year’s Eve. It’s a masked ball and he hooks up with the most amazing daddy figure who seems to know exactly what Ev is looking for but Ev is not looking for a relationship but he wouldn’t mind hooking up with this guy again so when the countdown starts they starter take their marks off but Ev is distracted because his best friend and roommate is in a right mess begging to leave but as he looks back to tell the guy he’s got to go, he sees that the guy he has hooked up with is his boss Gabriel. So what can he do?? Resign, move to another country or just face the music. He decides to face the music but is shocked when Gabe doesn’t comment about New Year’s Eve. He sees this as a little victory and promising himself that will never happen again.
And that’s so all I’m going to tell you there’s a lot going on, more than the kink or the passion which let me just tell you was off the charts hot for these two and as much as they fight it I did feel they made a really deep connection. But can Ev trust Gabe?? Or is this all just too much of a gamble??
I am so excited for the next Book in the series because it’s Izzy. I’m hoping there’s real fireworks in that one.
I was really looking forward to Ev’s story. He was such a big part of the previous Book the fierce protector of Finn. And I’ve got to say I enjoyed it. I thought he’d be a bit more sassy if I’m totally honest but there is a lot about Everett that we don’t know. he has a past that makes him absolutely perfect for the job of PA to Gabriel. Gabe is an entertainer manager and they work together really well but Ev likes to show his wild side when he goes to a club for New Year’s Eve. It’s a masked ball and he hooks up with the most amazing daddy figure who seems to know exactly what Ev is looking for but Ev is not looking for a relationship but he wouldn’t mind hooking up with this guy again so when the countdown starts they starter take their marks off but Ev is distracted because his best friend and roommate is in a right mess begging to leave but as he looks back to tell the guy he’s got to go, he sees that the guy he has hooked up with is his boss Gabriel. So what can he do?? Resign, move to another country or just face the music. He decides to face the music but is shocked when Gabe doesn’t comment about New Year’s Eve. He sees this as a little victory and promising himself that will never happen again.
And that’s so all I’m going to tell you there’s a lot going on, more than the kink or the passion which let me just tell you was off the charts hot for these two and as much as they fight it I did feel they made a really deep connection. But can Ev trust Gabe?? Or is this all just too much of a gamble??
I am so excited for the next Book in the series because it’s Izzy. I’m hoping there’s real fireworks in that one.
January 24, 2026
Something Unprofessional is the fifth book in the Split Rock Ranch Series but it takes away from ranch and up to New York City. Something Unprofessional is the story between two interesting characters Ev and Gabe that were introduced in Something Unforgettable. While these characters were in a previous book this book can be read on its own. Gabe Diaz is a rich and successful, living in New York. He hires Ev Bailey as his personal assistant as a favor to his friend and business partner Xavier DeCain. Ev is best friends with Xavier’s boyfriend, Finn, and is trying to start over after losing his job and boyfriend.
Gabe and Ev have a good working relationship and never cross any professional boundaries, until a New Years Eve masquerade party at an exclusive club not knowing who they actually were. They realize they are perfect for each other except Ev swore to never get involved with a boss again and while Gabe likes to act like a Daddy, he doesn’t want a relationship.
The tension and attraction between Gabe and Ev practically jump off the pages of this book. Ev is such a well-written complex character. He initially comes off as a shallow, party boy but then as they story develops you learn there is so much more to Ev than he lets on. When he finally shows Gabe who he really is, the connection between the two is just amazing.
Something Unprofessional was a nice addition to this series. It gave additional depth and story into the PR business that Gabe and Xavier run and how important Finn and Ev’s friendship is. Rory Maxwell writes amazing characters that have a perfect balance of strong and vulnerable. Ev embodied this in every way and Gabe was perfect for him.
Gabe and Ev have a good working relationship and never cross any professional boundaries, until a New Years Eve masquerade party at an exclusive club not knowing who they actually were. They realize they are perfect for each other except Ev swore to never get involved with a boss again and while Gabe likes to act like a Daddy, he doesn’t want a relationship.
The tension and attraction between Gabe and Ev practically jump off the pages of this book. Ev is such a well-written complex character. He initially comes off as a shallow, party boy but then as they story develops you learn there is so much more to Ev than he lets on. When he finally shows Gabe who he really is, the connection between the two is just amazing.
Something Unprofessional was a nice addition to this series. It gave additional depth and story into the PR business that Gabe and Xavier run and how important Finn and Ev’s friendship is. Rory Maxwell writes amazing characters that have a perfect balance of strong and vulnerable. Ev embodied this in every way and Gabe was perfect for him.
June 6, 2024
This is book 5 of the Split Rock Ranch series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone. This is a new to me author and my first exposure to a middle. I loved this book. It was passionate and fun. This is the story of Ev Bailey and Gabe Diaz. After a series of horrible daddies and all ex bosses; Ev has given up on workplace romance. He is all business, all the time at work. He loves his job as a PA. Gabe is a daddy. He is also the boss who didn't really want a PA until Ev came into his life. They work well together and neither plan on anything upsetting that balance. Then the hottest spot to play in town hosts a New Year’s Eve masquerade, and with masks firmly in place, anything could happen. And it does. Ev is the first to realize that his hookup was accidentally with his boss. Expecting to be fired when he shows up for work on the following Monday, he realizes that Gabe didn't recognize him. Relieved, he can breathe again. But now he keeps thinking of his boss and that night. When Gabe finally catches up, they come up with a no feeling agreement. Just mutual pleasure as they enjoy the same kink. But the chemistry that is between them can't be contained. This is their story. I loved how kind and thoughtful they were to each other. The mutual respect shines through. The book is well written and easy to read. This is a sweet and steamy story that you are sure to enjoy.
I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2024
This was my first book by Rory Maxwell and it absolutely will not be my last. I am devouring their backlist now. I loved this book so much.
First, Ev and his friends are all funny, sweet, adorable, and just so good to each other! The book opens on Ev getting a bit of revenge on his ex-daddy/ex-boss and it was amazing. *Note to self, never anger Rory Maxwell because they have an imagination for revenge pranks like no other.
Ev has been through a lot and has been let down by the people who are supposed to put him first again and again. As much as he wants to find the daddy he needs, someone who will take care of him while also respecting and honoring him, he has had the worst luck ever. This brings him to an anonymous NYE hook-up that turns into everything he's ever wanted...until he learns who he just had sex with.
Gabe was amazing from the beginning. He's just an all around great guy. Ev's hang-ups were entirely his own and had nothing to do with Gabe personally (though they were reasonable and understandable). Gabe was so patient with him, proving again and again that he was the perfect daddy for Ev.
I really loved everything about this book, even if I wanted to smack both MCs upside the head a couple times for missing the obvious. The ending was great and I cannot wait for the next the book in the series. I loved all the side characters and I really hope we get stories for all the guys at the club too. I especially want to know more about Jack's dynamic with his husband et al.
First, Ev and his friends are all funny, sweet, adorable, and just so good to each other! The book opens on Ev getting a bit of revenge on his ex-daddy/ex-boss and it was amazing. *Note to self, never anger Rory Maxwell because they have an imagination for revenge pranks like no other.
Ev has been through a lot and has been let down by the people who are supposed to put him first again and again. As much as he wants to find the daddy he needs, someone who will take care of him while also respecting and honoring him, he has had the worst luck ever. This brings him to an anonymous NYE hook-up that turns into everything he's ever wanted...until he learns who he just had sex with.
Gabe was amazing from the beginning. He's just an all around great guy. Ev's hang-ups were entirely his own and had nothing to do with Gabe personally (though they were reasonable and understandable). Gabe was so patient with him, proving again and again that he was the perfect daddy for Ev.
I really loved everything about this book, even if I wanted to smack both MCs upside the head a couple times for missing the obvious. The ending was great and I cannot wait for the next the book in the series. I loved all the side characters and I really hope we get stories for all the guys at the club too. I especially want to know more about Jack's dynamic with his husband et al.
June 6, 2025
Yet another amazing book! I love how vulnerable Ev can be but how he also fights for what he wants. I love the way that Gabe supports Ev and tries his best to move at Eva’s pace because he knows how important that is for him. And I love that Gabe proves Ev wrong and shows him that he is not like all the other guys that Ev has been with. Gabe shows Ev time and again that he is going to protect him and support him in any and every way that he can. I also love the way that Ev is kind of like Finn in the sense that he wants to take care of the people around him like with Owen. I do wish that we would have gotten to know what happens between Owen and his ex boyfriend but I can totally understand why we don’t get to know if there is going to be a separate book for Owen. I also love the way that Gabe promises to deal with Ev’s parents if there is any further issues with them because he knows how much trauma they have caused for Ev in the past and he doesn’t want him to have to deal with that anymore. And I love that because of that Ev is able to play and creat music again because he knows that now it is truly for his pleasure and not something that he is being forced to do. I love that we get to see more of the other characters from the other books in the series. And the epilogue and bonus chapter of this book was fantastic and I so hope that the epilogue is setting up Owen’s own book because I would absolutely love that. I would also love to know more of the story about jack and grant! Overall, I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
SOMETHING UNPROFESSIONAL is the fifth book in the Split Rock Ranch series, but the first I have read. I don't feel as though I've missed anything by not reading the others, but I now want to!
Ev is determined not to fall for his boss again, not after the last time! Gabe is the boss who didn't want a PA, but is happy with how things work with Ev. When they both meet at a New Year's Eve party, neither of them recognises the other. Ev's work look is very different to how he goes out (which I loved!) This starts a story of not knowing, of knowing but not saying, of broken rules, of following the rules even though you don't want to, and so much fun!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end, even though I was a little dubious about the mistaken identity part. I mean, how could it not be obvious? How it was written, though, made it seem plausible, at least, and I loved every moment.
Ev's middle was wonderful, and I loved how Gabe followed Ev's rules, even when he didn't want to, and certainly didn't push for more than Ev was comfortable with.
I loved every moment in this one-sit read, and now have the rest of the series on my TBR list, so if that doesn't say something, I don't know what will. Definitely recommended by me. 4.5 rounded up.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 19, 2026
Ev is determined not to fall for his boss again, not after the last time! Gabe is the boss who didn't want a PA, but is happy with how things work with Ev. When they both meet at a New Year's Eve party, neither of them recognises the other. Ev's work look is very different to how he goes out (which I loved!) This starts a story of not knowing, of knowing but not saying, of broken rules, of following the rules even though you don't want to, and so much fun!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end, even though I was a little dubious about the mistaken identity part. I mean, how could it not be obvious? How it was written, though, made it seem plausible, at least, and I loved every moment.
Ev's middle was wonderful, and I loved how Gabe followed Ev's rules, even when he didn't want to, and certainly didn't push for more than Ev was comfortable with.
I loved every moment in this one-sit read, and now have the rest of the series on my TBR list, so if that doesn't say something, I don't know what will. Definitely recommended by me. 4.5 rounded up.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 19, 2026
January 21, 2026
Unexpectedly cute
My review
🌕🌕🌕🌘
This was so sad… it was like Cinderella, with only Ev knowing who he’s falling in love with, but not the other party. Well, not quite but almost. It’s just so sad… Ev knows who Gabe is, but he doesn’t fully share who he is, and it’s sad to see him wishing for someone and, at the same time, keeping himself from getting what he wants. Yes, it makes complete sense as to why he does it, and that’s why it’s so sad. It’s so sad to see something so great as Ev having been beat up so much, he doesn’t think he can give love a chance. And the “hiding” went on just the right amount of time. It allowed Ev to see Gabe without being afraid of the possible repercussions. Is hiding the right thing to do? No, but this is a book, and the author makes it work. The developing of the relationship is unconventional, but makes sense for these two. I’m not a fan of secret identity and reveals, but this worked out, because Ev wasn’t hiding just because, he had very solid, very valid reasons, and they figured things out quite well. I liked how things were worked out between them, it was great to see that their unconventional arrangement worked out, and they committed quite well. Even though the book has some of the usual tropes, some expected ones were not there (because they talk!) and that made this book way more enjoyable. I just felt really bad for all the hardships Ev had to go through, but the pink glitter revenge was priceless! Good book, now I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
My review
🌕🌕🌕🌘
This was so sad… it was like Cinderella, with only Ev knowing who he’s falling in love with, but not the other party. Well, not quite but almost. It’s just so sad… Ev knows who Gabe is, but he doesn’t fully share who he is, and it’s sad to see him wishing for someone and, at the same time, keeping himself from getting what he wants. Yes, it makes complete sense as to why he does it, and that’s why it’s so sad. It’s so sad to see something so great as Ev having been beat up so much, he doesn’t think he can give love a chance. And the “hiding” went on just the right amount of time. It allowed Ev to see Gabe without being afraid of the possible repercussions. Is hiding the right thing to do? No, but this is a book, and the author makes it work. The developing of the relationship is unconventional, but makes sense for these two. I’m not a fan of secret identity and reveals, but this worked out, because Ev wasn’t hiding just because, he had very solid, very valid reasons, and they figured things out quite well. I liked how things were worked out between them, it was great to see that their unconventional arrangement worked out, and they committed quite well. Even though the book has some of the usual tropes, some expected ones were not there (because they talk!) and that made this book way more enjoyable. I just felt really bad for all the hardships Ev had to go through, but the pink glitter revenge was priceless! Good book, now I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
June 5, 2024
Format: 📱 eBook 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a sweet and steamy, surprisingly emotional read, focusing around Everett, a sassy, bratty middle, and Gabriel, his Daddy boss. Now, I'm still new to this particular brand of kink, so won't lie that I didn't know anything about what a "middle" was, but that did not hinder my reading experience, and I honestly really enjoyed this book.
This is definitely a different take on the classic office romance, filled with delicious kink that I was here for. I was surprised when I started that this was a dual 3rd person POV, but it worked so well for the narrative.
Everett. Ev. Oh, this boy. There was so much more to him than the bratty middle that challenges Gabe, and my heart ached a few times for him. His story was beautiful to read about, and I'm glad he found the one he was meant to be with, even if the path to realisation was a bit rocky.
Gabriel. Gabe. This man deserves the Daddy moniker. He exudes the power, strength and authority, and seeing him tease Ev and fall for him? Ugh, so good.
I won't lie, the plot is a little bit out there in the sense that surely Gabe would have recognised Ev, but even then, I absolutely adored this read. Low drama, though plenty of angst, with some incredibly sweet moments. It's made me want to read the prior books in the series, and continue with the upcoming releases, too (I'm gunning for a Max/Owen story, tbh).
Thank you to GRR for the eARC opportunity.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a sweet and steamy, surprisingly emotional read, focusing around Everett, a sassy, bratty middle, and Gabriel, his Daddy boss. Now, I'm still new to this particular brand of kink, so won't lie that I didn't know anything about what a "middle" was, but that did not hinder my reading experience, and I honestly really enjoyed this book.
This is definitely a different take on the classic office romance, filled with delicious kink that I was here for. I was surprised when I started that this was a dual 3rd person POV, but it worked so well for the narrative.
Everett. Ev. Oh, this boy. There was so much more to him than the bratty middle that challenges Gabe, and my heart ached a few times for him. His story was beautiful to read about, and I'm glad he found the one he was meant to be with, even if the path to realisation was a bit rocky.
Gabriel. Gabe. This man deserves the Daddy moniker. He exudes the power, strength and authority, and seeing him tease Ev and fall for him? Ugh, so good.
I won't lie, the plot is a little bit out there in the sense that surely Gabe would have recognised Ev, but even then, I absolutely adored this read. Low drama, though plenty of angst, with some incredibly sweet moments. It's made me want to read the prior books in the series, and continue with the upcoming releases, too (I'm gunning for a Max/Owen story, tbh).
Thank you to GRR for the eARC opportunity.
June 9, 2024
After really bad previous experiences dating his bosses, Ev is shocked to find the fascinating Daddy he hooked up with at the club New Year’s Eve masquerade was none other than his current boss, Gabe. Ev immediately recognizes Gabe and quickly leaves, but Ev looks nothing like his normal PA self, so Gabe has no idea who he is — but he would like to. Because of said bad experiences, Ev has no intention of telling Gabe who he is, trying to keep the connection between them a secret. This works until they connect again at the club and the problems begin. Neither wants a relationship with feelings, but one based on kink only, what could possibly go wrong? Of course, several things, trying to keep everything on a kink level while ticking all the boxes on a possible relationship level with both personal and professional hiccups. The initial texting during a business meeting episode had me laughing out loud, picturing the antics both engaged in, as it was a perfect example of the chemistry and connection between the two that they were trying to deny. Loved both Gabe and Ev as well as Finny and Owen, Ev’s good friends. A very entertaining boss and employee to lovers romance that flowed effortlessly and kept me involved the entire time. I have read others in the series and look forward to the next one.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
June 10, 2024
Loved Ev from Something Unforgettable. Plus, you got glimpse of Gabe too in that book. So when I found out they were the next pairing, I knew I had to read this book, and I wasn't disappointed.
Let's start with Ev: Having been cheated on AND fired by his ex Dom, Ev made it perfectly clear that he was not going without some sort of revenge... and it was oh so good! Jobless and alone, his friend hooks up with a job working for Gabe (who is hot, single AND a Dom).
Fast forward to New Year's Eve, and a masquerade event at the local kink club is happening. Ev is having the night of his life, having met a Daddy Dom who is willing to give him everything for just one night. When midnight comes around, and masks are taken off... well, let's just say a lot is revealed that night.
Loved the angst, loved the drama, but I love the chemistry between these two that much more! From the sexy moments, to the laughter, to the comfort they give each other without even asking... these two became relationship goals without realizing it.
This is another great book to the series. I am surprised at who's next in the series, as I felt like this book was leading to another couple. I do hope to see that couple in another book in this series. Still can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC copy from GRR and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Let's start with Ev: Having been cheated on AND fired by his ex Dom, Ev made it perfectly clear that he was not going without some sort of revenge... and it was oh so good! Jobless and alone, his friend hooks up with a job working for Gabe (who is hot, single AND a Dom).
Fast forward to New Year's Eve, and a masquerade event at the local kink club is happening. Ev is having the night of his life, having met a Daddy Dom who is willing to give him everything for just one night. When midnight comes around, and masks are taken off... well, let's just say a lot is revealed that night.
Loved the angst, loved the drama, but I love the chemistry between these two that much more! From the sexy moments, to the laughter, to the comfort they give each other without even asking... these two became relationship goals without realizing it.
This is another great book to the series. I am surprised at who's next in the series, as I felt like this book was leading to another couple. I do hope to see that couple in another book in this series. Still can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC copy from GRR and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 11, 2024
I really love this series. I don’t think this truly fits in the Split Rock series exactly cause it completely takes place in a different setting but I’m down with it cause we got a lot of cameos from our previous characters.
Anyways, I loved the spice, I loved the care and affection shown, and I’m always down for no third act break up! Lol
This one felt like we fully jumped in with both feet without any real introduction to the characters. So while it’s listed as technically a standalone, which I guess it could be, I think I’d be super upset and annoyed with how this book progressed if I hadn’t read the previous books in the series. But I did read them, so it’s all good.
I loved Ev in Finn’s story so it was great seeing more from him. I was skeptical of Gabe from what we saw of him in the previous books but he was perfect in this one and just a fantastic Daddy throughout the whole story.
I’m not 100% sure why this isn’t a five stars for me but I think I would’ve just needed a bit more from our characters and in the spicy scenes just a bit more breathing room in them. I don’t love when it’s just getting good and then the author has them finish. Draw it out a bit, give me some more naughty language. I think with a bit more of that, and just a bit more depth it would’ve been an easy five stars for me.
Anyways, I loved the spice, I loved the care and affection shown, and I’m always down for no third act break up! Lol
This one felt like we fully jumped in with both feet without any real introduction to the characters. So while it’s listed as technically a standalone, which I guess it could be, I think I’d be super upset and annoyed with how this book progressed if I hadn’t read the previous books in the series. But I did read them, so it’s all good.
I loved Ev in Finn’s story so it was great seeing more from him. I was skeptical of Gabe from what we saw of him in the previous books but he was perfect in this one and just a fantastic Daddy throughout the whole story.
I’m not 100% sure why this isn’t a five stars for me but I think I would’ve just needed a bit more from our characters and in the spicy scenes just a bit more breathing room in them. I don’t love when it’s just getting good and then the author has them finish. Draw it out a bit, give me some more naughty language. I think with a bit more of that, and just a bit more depth it would’ve been an easy five stars for me.
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