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Manhandled #4
The Influencer
If you’re looking for a classic case of opposites attract—look no further.
There’s Pretty. Flamboyant. Extra. Some even say ridiculous. I’m a tour dancer for the biggest pop star in the world with an exploding social media platform and a constant need for attention. I’ve got photographers banging down my door to take my picture, hot men blowing up my DMs to collaborate, and more thirsty fans to please every day.
And then there’s Quiet. Reserved. Shy. Repressed. He’s the hot tattoo artist who pierced my septum. What he sees in me is an escape from his miserable relationship. But if he wants to ruin his life by paying me for certain “favors,” hey—I’ll take the money and the good time. Look, I’m a part-time sex worker about to leave for a year-long tour, and he’s on the rebound. It’s not like we're boyfriend material. Asher and I are only a temporary situation. Okay… maybe an addiction.
The last thing I can afford is for some guy like Asher Haas to make me question my lifestyle, as in—would I rather be ogled by thousands, or truly seen by him?
The Influencer is a full length standalone MM romance. The fourth and final installment of The Manhandled Series features strangers to lovers, open communication in the form of constant banter, heartfelt swoons, and as always, scorching heat. (18+)
There’s Pretty. Flamboyant. Extra. Some even say ridiculous. I’m a tour dancer for the biggest pop star in the world with an exploding social media platform and a constant need for attention. I’ve got photographers banging down my door to take my picture, hot men blowing up my DMs to collaborate, and more thirsty fans to please every day.
And then there’s Quiet. Reserved. Shy. Repressed. He’s the hot tattoo artist who pierced my septum. What he sees in me is an escape from his miserable relationship. But if he wants to ruin his life by paying me for certain “favors,” hey—I’ll take the money and the good time. Look, I’m a part-time sex worker about to leave for a year-long tour, and he’s on the rebound. It’s not like we're boyfriend material. Asher and I are only a temporary situation. Okay… maybe an addiction.
The last thing I can afford is for some guy like Asher Haas to make me question my lifestyle, as in—would I rather be ogled by thousands, or truly seen by him?
The Influencer is a full length standalone MM romance. The fourth and final installment of The Manhandled Series features strangers to lovers, open communication in the form of constant banter, heartfelt swoons, and as always, scorching heat. (18+)
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2024
72 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
August Jones
19 books336 followersAugust Jones (She/They) is an author of queer romance and a voracious reader of smut. She resides in Texas with her family, pets, and books. However, she reads mostly on her phone because she’s cheap, it has a built in backlight, and it’s almost always in her hand.
If you ever discover her real name, don’t tell her, just read the books she’s published (you’ll like them) and thank her later with a rating or review. Mwah!
Books: KU, Paperback, & Audio
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If you ever discover her real name, don’t tell her, just read the books she’s published (you’ll like them) and thank her later with a rating or review. Mwah!
Books: KU, Paperback, & Audio
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
April 1, 2024
5 *kept me reading way past bed time - good* stars!
🎵Theme song - Hate Me Too by From Ashes to New🎵
5/5⭐ 5/5🌶️ 3/5🤣 2/5😱
Having DNF'd The Handler, I was apprehensive to read this, but something about this pairing - the influencer (but actually just a glorified OF star) with a straight guy made me take a look. This absolutely might just be a case of "right book at the right time", but boy was it ever!
Jade Sloane is one of the dancers on Gideon's team, he is also an Instagram influencer but mainly he is an OF 🌽star. He is the perfect amount of bratty, extra and femme, beautiful and free (obviously, on the outside). He is a commitment-phobe and a c🍆ck slut, and he has never ever been in love, as he doesn't allow himself to ever catch feelings at the debilitating fear of being rejected, unwanted and unaccepted.
Asher is Adam's (from The Baller) twin brother, and is in quite a shit show of a relationship. Now, I often dislike how the women in M/M romances get portrayed as shrill hateful bitches on wheels, almost to force the reader to dislike everyone with a 🐈on principle. But boy, was it absolutely deserved here. Olivia, Ash's girlfriend of about 2 years, has found God a couple of months into her relationship with Asher, and effectively cut him off of intimacy with her for 18 months and counting. This was one part of the story that i felt was a stretch on the realism scale, because who in the history of ever will stay with a person (when they are young and unburdened by debt, children or obligations) for over a year and a half when they are denied any and all kind of sex? That is abuse, not in the least psychological. I seldomly root for violence, but shit, was i hoping someone would clock her in her stupid face during one of the times Asher tries to break up with her.
Asher soldiers through, finds some pretty amazing albeit self-destructing methods of dealing with his c🙀nt of a girlfriend, until he meets Jade, who is everything Ash has been not having in his life. Sex on a stick, a man, free and unweighted by morals or religious nonsense, and has no qualms about monetizing any of it for his own financial gain. Both of them were so loveable in their own way. Here is a list of elements that make this an absolute 5 star read:
🤳there is a perfect balance of dialogue and inner turmoil
🤳the MC's are mature albeit young
🤳Brat falls first
🤳the story has relatively little angst throughout, although the premise is that they have a limited time to be together so the relationship has an expiration date
🤳they accept each other as both are from the start and manage to grow while being together
🤳the spice is explosive. Imo, this is one of the best written spicy M/M's i have read so far - and i have read a lot of them 🥵
🤳The side characters don't detract from the main relationship and are only there to support some of the plot turns.
⚠️Content (sort of) warning: due to the nature of Jade's work, there is a lot of sex with other people but where i normally don't like that particular trope, it didn't bother me here somehow.
Also, in essence, Asher cheats on his estranged bitch of a girlfriend for half the book, so just mind that, it absolutely doesn't invoke pity for her or negativity towards him. ⚠️
One minor point: the characters and couples from previous books in this series are just as unlikeable as i thought them to be before. I also discovered that i will not be reading Adam's book because he seems to be a douchebag, i already knew i hated Gideon from the first book, and the throuple is just not my jam.
Nonetheless, i highly highly recommend this hot and sweet M/M romance.
🎵Theme song - Hate Me Too by From Ashes to New🎵
5/5⭐ 5/5🌶️ 3/5🤣 2/5😱
Having DNF'd The Handler, I was apprehensive to read this, but something about this pairing - the influencer (but actually just a glorified OF star) with a straight guy made me take a look. This absolutely might just be a case of "right book at the right time", but boy was it ever!
Jade Sloane is one of the dancers on Gideon's team, he is also an Instagram influencer but mainly he is an OF 🌽star. He is the perfect amount of bratty, extra and femme, beautiful and free (obviously, on the outside). He is a commitment-phobe and a c🍆ck slut, and he has never ever been in love, as he doesn't allow himself to ever catch feelings at the debilitating fear of being rejected, unwanted and unaccepted.
Asher is Adam's (from The Baller) twin brother, and is in quite a shit show of a relationship. Now, I often dislike how the women in M/M romances get portrayed as shrill hateful bitches on wheels, almost to force the reader to dislike everyone with a 🐈on principle. But boy, was it absolutely deserved here. Olivia, Ash's girlfriend of about 2 years, has found God a couple of months into her relationship with Asher, and effectively cut him off of intimacy with her for 18 months and counting. This was one part of the story that i felt was a stretch on the realism scale, because who in the history of ever will stay with a person (when they are young and unburdened by debt, children or obligations) for over a year and a half when they are denied any and all kind of sex? That is abuse, not in the least psychological. I seldomly root for violence, but shit, was i hoping someone would clock her in her stupid face during one of the times Asher tries to break up with her.
Asher soldiers through, finds some pretty amazing albeit self-destructing methods of dealing with his c🙀nt of a girlfriend, until he meets Jade, who is everything Ash has been not having in his life. Sex on a stick, a man, free and unweighted by morals or religious nonsense, and has no qualms about monetizing any of it for his own financial gain. Both of them were so loveable in their own way. Here is a list of elements that make this an absolute 5 star read:
🤳there is a perfect balance of dialogue and inner turmoil
🤳the MC's are mature albeit young
🤳Brat falls first
🤳the story has relatively little angst throughout, although the premise is that they have a limited time to be together so the relationship has an expiration date
🤳they accept each other as both are from the start and manage to grow while being together
🤳the spice is explosive. Imo, this is one of the best written spicy M/M's i have read so far - and i have read a lot of them 🥵
🤳The side characters don't detract from the main relationship and are only there to support some of the plot turns.
⚠️Content (sort of) warning: due to the nature of Jade's work, there is a lot of sex with other people but where i normally don't like that particular trope, it didn't bother me here somehow.
Also, in essence, Asher cheats on his estranged bitch of a girlfriend for half the book, so just mind that, it absolutely doesn't invoke pity for her or negativity towards him. ⚠️
One minor point: the characters and couples from previous books in this series are just as unlikeable as i thought them to be before. I also discovered that i will not be reading Adam's book because he seems to be a douchebag, i already knew i hated Gideon from the first book, and the throuple is just not my jam.
Nonetheless, i highly highly recommend this hot and sweet M/M romance.
July 8, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐
"He was a coping mechanism who ended up being my favorite person."
The first time I picked up this book, I dnf-ed it because I went in blind and didn't know there was cheating in it. It's not between the mcs but between one mc and his girlfriend, it was enough to make me uncomfortable. I don't know why I picked it up again but I'm so so glad I gave it another chance.
I love Asher and Jade's story so much because it's so beautiful and raw and so so real. These are 2 individuals with a lot of issues and trauma and it was really interesting to see them grow and find their way to each other wholeheartedly in the end. I finished it a couple minutes ago and I already wish I could read it for the first time again.
It was a bit frustrating to see them constantly battle against their own feelings for each other but the ending ultimately made up for it all imo. It was such a a good read.
I'm docking off half a star only cause of the cheating thing but I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come♡
"He was a coping mechanism who ended up being my favorite person."
The first time I picked up this book, I dnf-ed it because I went in blind and didn't know there was cheating in it. It's not between the mcs but between one mc and his girlfriend, it was enough to make me uncomfortable. I don't know why I picked it up again but I'm so so glad I gave it another chance.
I love Asher and Jade's story so much because it's so beautiful and raw and so so real. These are 2 individuals with a lot of issues and trauma and it was really interesting to see them grow and find their way to each other wholeheartedly in the end. I finished it a couple minutes ago and I already wish I could read it for the first time again.
It was a bit frustrating to see them constantly battle against their own feelings for each other but the ending ultimately made up for it all imo. It was such a a good read.
I'm docking off half a star only cause of the cheating thing but I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come♡
August 15, 2024
i love how complex these two characters were, and they really fucking grew on me…..bc tbh i did not exactly like them in the beginning of the book….they were kinda rude to each other and i didn’t understand what they saw in each other. also the “withholding sex” plot line made me uncomfortable and i didn’t like the way that was discussed. but, putting that aside, the more i read, the more i learned about jade and asher, the more i loved them. plus i finished the book and it wasn’t even a chore!!! yay!! take that slump!!💪🤣 i was worried about that a bit bc the one august jones book i’ve read, the heir’s disgrace, the author lost the plot at the end of the book and meandered like crazy and it drove me nuts, but none of that here!! i was invested all the way to the end. anyway, i’m also in a review slump so this is all i can manage😭 here’s a fave quote tho to make up for it:
“He makes me feel like a gift, Adam. Like buried treasure.”🥺🥺🥺
“He makes me feel like a gift, Adam. Like buried treasure.”🥺🥺🥺
October 15, 2025
This book. My god.
It didn’t follow a single rule in my personal book of love stories — and I still ended up completely wrecked and worshipping at its altar.
When it started, I wasn’t even sure I’d like it.
A sex worker MC who doesn’t quit the job for love?
A love interest who gets hard watching him work?
A boyfriend with a girlfriend ( regardless that she is despicable) when they meet?
By all my usual standards, this should have been a disaster. But somehow, it wasn’t. It was everything I thought I’d hate — and I loved it anyway. This book is wrong in all the right ways, filthy in the softest ways, and so emotionally layered it messed with my head and made me love it all the more.
I thought I knew what kind of love stories I enjoyed. Turns out, I had no idea — because The Influencer gave me something entirely different and made me twist my own boundaries to understand it.
Jade. My Jadey baby.
He’s the kind of character who walks into your head, sits down, and never leaves.
He’s messy, magnetic, pouty, needy, sarcastic, heartbroken, horny — and somehow, through every version of him, utterly lovable. Watching him on page is like watching someone shimmer — dazzling one second, breaking the next. Jade is everything your mother warned you about and everything your heart secretly craves. He’s a sex worker, a performer, a beautiful disaster who thrives on being wanted — not just seen, wanted. He’s loud, messy, magnetic, and heartbreakingly human. There’s something about the way he goes between sassy and soft, between come fuck me and please don’t leave me, that’s utterly addictive.
And then there’s Asher — my complicated, steady, hot-as-sin tattoo artist, a man covered in pain and metal, with thirteen piercings on his cock and a heart that has no idea what to do with love. He’s not jealous of Jade’s work. That’s the thing. He watches Jade perform, hears him moan for others, and instead of rage, it makes him hard. It’s a mix of awe and desire and something primal — like he’s turned on by Jade’s power, his confidence, his fire. It bothered Jade and confused me at first. But that’s what this book does: it takes what should feel wrong and tells you to deal with it .
The first time they meet, is when Asher is giving Jade his septum ring piercing, sparks flying, eyes lingering too long. From there, their connection only deepens — part lust, part curiosity, and slowly, terrifyingly, love.
Their relationship is chaos dressed as passion. Sex that feels like confession. Love that feels like war.
And that love?
“Do you believe me when I tell you I love you?”
“Yes.”
“Do you think you deserve it?”
“No.”
“Well, you do.”
Jade repeatedly confesses his love to Asher and it broke my heart when he didn’t hear it back.
And then comes the moment that broke me: when Jade gets uninvited from Asher’s brother’s bachelor party after Asher leaves to process his feelings by spending the night at his brother’s house. Meddling friends are the cause and Asher is not aware even , It’s cruel, humiliating, and painfully familiar for anyone who’s ever been told they’re “too much.” Jade’s spiral that night — crying, breaking — is one of the most honest depictions of rejection I’ve read. And when Asher finds out , furious at his brother:
“I’ve been living with Jade for more than three months. In that time, he’s told me he loves me at least twice a day, every single day. And I haven’t said it back.”
It’s devastating because he’s not confessing to Adam — he’s confessing to himself.
He’s finally admitting that his fear and caution have become cruelty, that in trying not to hurt Jade, he’s done exactly that.
And the line —
“He makes me feel like a gift, Adam. Like buried treasure.”
He’s not talking about lust or fun or attraction anymore — he’s talking about being seen and valued in a way that rebuilt him.
Then that admission:
“He gave me everything—his body, his time, his whole heart, and I gave him nothing.”
That’s the final crack in the wall.
It’s so satisfying that he doesn’t just say he loves Jade — he acts on it. He stands up to Adam. He refuses the party. He draws a boundary for the first time that prioritizes his own heart.
The way he tells his brother:
“Thank you for last night, fuck you for today.”
— it’s raw and beautiful and exactly what Jade needed him to do all along: choose him.
From that point on, it’s redemption — messy, heartfelt, earned. Asher goes back, confesses:
“I absolutely am in love with you. No fucking question.”
This story didn’t need redemption arcs or moral lessons — it just gave me two men trying to love each other the only way they knew how: fiercely, imperfectly, and without apology. Asher doesn’t want to change Jade. He wants to know him — every sharp and shining part.
By the end, I was wrecked — in the best way.
We’re on a vacation with friends, soft light, laughter, and Asher pulls out a small box. Not a ring — a septum piercing. A diamond one. And when Jade’s eyes fill with tears and he gasps, “You tricked me!”, I cried too.
Because it’s not just a proposal — it’s a full-circle moment. The thing that brought them together now symbolizes forever.
“Jadey baby, will you let me raise Belinda ( their pet) with you, do your spreadsheets, carry your bags, and pick your best pictures for the rest of my life?”
Tell me that’s not the most perfectly unhinged, tender thing ever.
The Influencer didn’t play by any of my love story rules — and I adored it more for that. It’s hot, messy, strangely moral, and completely its own thing.
It made me relearn what intimacy can look like when there’s trust, respect, and a healthy dose of filth.
Asher and Jade are not clean-cut lovers. They’re a storm. But they’re solid where it counts — in the truth of their connection.
I didn’t just love them. I believed them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Hot. Emotional. Unfiltered.
A love story that bleeds, glitters, and never once apologizes for being real.
It didn’t follow a single rule in my personal book of love stories — and I still ended up completely wrecked and worshipping at its altar.
When it started, I wasn’t even sure I’d like it.
A sex worker MC who doesn’t quit the job for love?
A love interest who gets hard watching him work?
A boyfriend with a girlfriend ( regardless that she is despicable) when they meet?
By all my usual standards, this should have been a disaster. But somehow, it wasn’t. It was everything I thought I’d hate — and I loved it anyway. This book is wrong in all the right ways, filthy in the softest ways, and so emotionally layered it messed with my head and made me love it all the more.
I thought I knew what kind of love stories I enjoyed. Turns out, I had no idea — because The Influencer gave me something entirely different and made me twist my own boundaries to understand it.
Jade. My Jadey baby.
He’s the kind of character who walks into your head, sits down, and never leaves.
He’s messy, magnetic, pouty, needy, sarcastic, heartbroken, horny — and somehow, through every version of him, utterly lovable. Watching him on page is like watching someone shimmer — dazzling one second, breaking the next. Jade is everything your mother warned you about and everything your heart secretly craves. He’s a sex worker, a performer, a beautiful disaster who thrives on being wanted — not just seen, wanted. He’s loud, messy, magnetic, and heartbreakingly human. There’s something about the way he goes between sassy and soft, between come fuck me and please don’t leave me, that’s utterly addictive.
And then there’s Asher — my complicated, steady, hot-as-sin tattoo artist, a man covered in pain and metal, with thirteen piercings on his cock and a heart that has no idea what to do with love. He’s not jealous of Jade’s work. That’s the thing. He watches Jade perform, hears him moan for others, and instead of rage, it makes him hard. It’s a mix of awe and desire and something primal — like he’s turned on by Jade’s power, his confidence, his fire. It bothered Jade and confused me at first. But that’s what this book does: it takes what should feel wrong and tells you to deal with it .
The first time they meet, is when Asher is giving Jade his septum ring piercing, sparks flying, eyes lingering too long. From there, their connection only deepens — part lust, part curiosity, and slowly, terrifyingly, love.
Their relationship is chaos dressed as passion. Sex that feels like confession. Love that feels like war.
And that love?
“Do you believe me when I tell you I love you?”
“Yes.”
“Do you think you deserve it?”
“No.”
“Well, you do.”
Jade repeatedly confesses his love to Asher and it broke my heart when he didn’t hear it back.
And then comes the moment that broke me: when Jade gets uninvited from Asher’s brother’s bachelor party after Asher leaves to process his feelings by spending the night at his brother’s house. Meddling friends are the cause and Asher is not aware even , It’s cruel, humiliating, and painfully familiar for anyone who’s ever been told they’re “too much.” Jade’s spiral that night — crying, breaking — is one of the most honest depictions of rejection I’ve read. And when Asher finds out , furious at his brother:
“I’ve been living with Jade for more than three months. In that time, he’s told me he loves me at least twice a day, every single day. And I haven’t said it back.”
It’s devastating because he’s not confessing to Adam — he’s confessing to himself.
He’s finally admitting that his fear and caution have become cruelty, that in trying not to hurt Jade, he’s done exactly that.
And the line —
“He makes me feel like a gift, Adam. Like buried treasure.”
He’s not talking about lust or fun or attraction anymore — he’s talking about being seen and valued in a way that rebuilt him.
Then that admission:
“He gave me everything—his body, his time, his whole heart, and I gave him nothing.”
That’s the final crack in the wall.
It’s so satisfying that he doesn’t just say he loves Jade — he acts on it. He stands up to Adam. He refuses the party. He draws a boundary for the first time that prioritizes his own heart.
The way he tells his brother:
“Thank you for last night, fuck you for today.”
— it’s raw and beautiful and exactly what Jade needed him to do all along: choose him.
From that point on, it’s redemption — messy, heartfelt, earned. Asher goes back, confesses:
“I absolutely am in love with you. No fucking question.”
This story didn’t need redemption arcs or moral lessons — it just gave me two men trying to love each other the only way they knew how: fiercely, imperfectly, and without apology. Asher doesn’t want to change Jade. He wants to know him — every sharp and shining part.
By the end, I was wrecked — in the best way.
We’re on a vacation with friends, soft light, laughter, and Asher pulls out a small box. Not a ring — a septum piercing. A diamond one. And when Jade’s eyes fill with tears and he gasps, “You tricked me!”, I cried too.
Because it’s not just a proposal — it’s a full-circle moment. The thing that brought them together now symbolizes forever.
“Jadey baby, will you let me raise Belinda ( their pet) with you, do your spreadsheets, carry your bags, and pick your best pictures for the rest of my life?”
Tell me that’s not the most perfectly unhinged, tender thing ever.
The Influencer didn’t play by any of my love story rules — and I adored it more for that. It’s hot, messy, strangely moral, and completely its own thing.
It made me relearn what intimacy can look like when there’s trust, respect, and a healthy dose of filth.
Asher and Jade are not clean-cut lovers. They’re a storm. But they’re solid where it counts — in the truth of their connection.
I didn’t just love them. I believed them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Hot. Emotional. Unfiltered.
A love story that bleeds, glitters, and never once apologizes for being real.
August 9, 2025
Ended up loving this because it felt like opposites day. Wdym the younger MC who talked a big game about not wanting strings and continued fucking other people (for his job) is the one that falls in love first and is the one who's heated that the other MC is NOT jealous and in fact would love to watch it happen 💀
The jokes really write themselves. I had a very 'duh' expectation of how this would go. 28 year old MC hooking up with a guy for the first time. 23 year old MC with an Only Fans who is hostile to the idea of someone even catching a HINT of feelings for him.
Warns off the older one sooo many times. Puts so many failsafes in place to ensure the OTHER guy doesn't catch feels.
Only to then end up being the one to catch them AND blurt a declaration during sex. And the other doesn't say it back?
💀💀💀💀💀💀
Nah, I had so much so much secondhand embarrassment for Jade.
Doesn't help matters that immediately after, Asher makes him talk about it. Then asks to watch a video of Jade fucking someone else and gets hard over it.
Now Mr. Better Don't Catch Feelings For Me is hurt that Asher took this to heart and now not only exhibits ZERO jealousy over Jade being with someone else, he's also massively turned on by it.
Literally watches it while he cuddles Jade and gets hard.
Now Jade is so hurt he wants to cry.
My good man, you SAID you wanted none of him beyond his dick? Told him you hoped he's not dumping his girlfriend out of a misplaced hope that he'd get to be with you?
Now look at you. Wanting to stop your side hustle that makes you tens of thousands of dollars per month in income. Asking him to move in with you. Wanting him to stay at yours even though you'll be gone for a year. Wanting to stop fucking other men entirely.
And the man is all- nah, I told you I wouldn't cage you. I'd never ask you to change for me. I'd actually like to watch you get fucked by this particular guy if you don't mind.
Now there you are, egg on your face, love in your heart, throat so choked up by emotion you're struggling to find a way to say YOU do mind, you just want it to be you two, you want him to love you as much as you do him.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Life comes at you FAST.
Then he's accusing Asher of trying to FARM him out to other men, but babes, that's your job???
Which he's said again and again he doesn't want to /can't stop and now that's changed and that's great but he can't really be mad that someone else is hesitant to make that decision FOR him?!
And Asher won't even ask because he's just come out of a relationship where his ex resented him for the time they had sex because she said he made her compromise her morals and her relationship with God.
He's definitely right not to jump at the opportunity to ask another partner to do something they've said again and again they don't want to do.
Plus, the idea(of Jade fucking other men) makes him really hard😂😂😂😂
And Jade's leaving for a year anyway so it's not like a relationship is in the cards for them.
Gah. I love impossible situations.
Surprisingly, this ended up being the sweetest one in this series.
I adore how they ended up resolving things. I love that I was surprised by the path the story took. It's not so often lately that a book surprises me so I love this for me.
I LOVE that they both ended up getting exactly what they wanted, just not in the ways they thought they would.
I love how Jade finally (FINALLY) got his love declaration, too. Took him months 😂Asher is actually a secret sadist because WUT?!
I really liked how the ome MC being a sex worker thing was handled, because it wasn't one MC asking the other to quit or the other realizing he didn't want to do it anymore because he's in love (both of which wouldn't be surprising)
But my absolute favorite bit was that Jade got to experience the jealous 'unreasonable' side of Asher which he'd been craving for a while.
Never seen someone so eager to be asked to give up something 😂
Hell, even I was in the background going all 'AWWWWWW, he got asked to give up something for the sake of the relationship, just like he's always wanted' 🥰🥰🥰🥰(yes, I know what that sounds like)
Love that for them.
Oh, and I HATED Gideon and Adam in this.
No surprise with Gideon because I never read his book so he's always been a background character in this series as far as I'm concerned.
But Adam!? Smh. He of all people to deny his brother a chance for an epic toxic codependent romance of his own?
FOR SHAME!
Oh, loved the epilogue, too. The idea of Asher begrudgingly going around the friend group asking everyone who sucked whom /was sucked of by whom at the solstice thing because Jade wanted to know 😂😂😂😂😂that nosy little shit.
***consequently, what's the ETA on a novella for that. Because why are ALL the former MCs in this series indulging in a little lite gangbang and it's happening off page? I need to know.
For science.
The jokes really write themselves. I had a very 'duh' expectation of how this would go. 28 year old MC hooking up with a guy for the first time. 23 year old MC with an Only Fans who is hostile to the idea of someone even catching a HINT of feelings for him.
Warns off the older one sooo many times. Puts so many failsafes in place to ensure the OTHER guy doesn't catch feels.
Only to then end up being the one to catch them AND blurt a declaration during sex. And the other doesn't say it back?
💀💀💀💀💀💀
Nah, I had so much so much secondhand embarrassment for Jade.
Doesn't help matters that immediately after, Asher makes him talk about it. Then asks to watch a video of Jade fucking someone else and gets hard over it.
Now Mr. Better Don't Catch Feelings For Me is hurt that Asher took this to heart and now not only exhibits ZERO jealousy over Jade being with someone else, he's also massively turned on by it.
Literally watches it while he cuddles Jade and gets hard.
Now Jade is so hurt he wants to cry.
My good man, you SAID you wanted none of him beyond his dick? Told him you hoped he's not dumping his girlfriend out of a misplaced hope that he'd get to be with you?
Now look at you. Wanting to stop your side hustle that makes you tens of thousands of dollars per month in income. Asking him to move in with you. Wanting him to stay at yours even though you'll be gone for a year. Wanting to stop fucking other men entirely.
And the man is all- nah, I told you I wouldn't cage you. I'd never ask you to change for me. I'd actually like to watch you get fucked by this particular guy if you don't mind.
Now there you are, egg on your face, love in your heart, throat so choked up by emotion you're struggling to find a way to say YOU do mind, you just want it to be you two, you want him to love you as much as you do him.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Life comes at you FAST.
Then he's accusing Asher of trying to FARM him out to other men, but babes, that's your job???
Which he's said again and again he doesn't want to /can't stop and now that's changed and that's great but he can't really be mad that someone else is hesitant to make that decision FOR him?!
And Asher won't even ask because he's just come out of a relationship where his ex resented him for the time they had sex because she said he made her compromise her morals and her relationship with God.
He's definitely right not to jump at the opportunity to ask another partner to do something they've said again and again they don't want to do.
Plus, the idea(of Jade fucking other men) makes him really hard😂😂😂😂
And Jade's leaving for a year anyway so it's not like a relationship is in the cards for them.
Gah. I love impossible situations.
Surprisingly, this ended up being the sweetest one in this series.
I adore how they ended up resolving things. I love that I was surprised by the path the story took. It's not so often lately that a book surprises me so I love this for me.
I LOVE that they both ended up getting exactly what they wanted, just not in the ways they thought they would.
I love how Jade finally (FINALLY) got his love declaration, too. Took him months 😂Asher is actually a secret sadist because WUT?!
I really liked how the ome MC being a sex worker thing was handled, because it wasn't one MC asking the other to quit or the other realizing he didn't want to do it anymore because he's in love (both of which wouldn't be surprising)
But my absolute favorite bit was that Jade got to experience the jealous 'unreasonable' side of Asher which he'd been craving for a while.
Never seen someone so eager to be asked to give up something 😂
Hell, even I was in the background going all 'AWWWWWW, he got asked to give up something for the sake of the relationship, just like he's always wanted' 🥰🥰🥰🥰(yes, I know what that sounds like)
Love that for them.
Oh, and I HATED Gideon and Adam in this.
No surprise with Gideon because I never read his book so he's always been a background character in this series as far as I'm concerned.
But Adam!? Smh. He of all people to deny his brother a chance for an epic toxic codependent romance of his own?
FOR SHAME!
Oh, loved the epilogue, too. The idea of Asher begrudgingly going around the friend group asking everyone who sucked whom /was sucked of by whom at the solstice thing because Jade wanted to know 😂😂😂😂😂that nosy little shit.
***consequently, what's the ETA on a novella for that. Because why are ALL the former MCs in this series indulging in a little lite gangbang and it's happening off page? I need to know.
For science.
February 16, 2024
An incredible end to a very special series, August knocked it out of the park with this one! Asher and Jade are fantastic characters. They’re layered and imperfect in ways that make them perfectly human. Asher Haas is the twin brother of Adam from book two, The Baller, and he feels overshadowed by his twin. Though Asher is a talented tattoo artist, he recognizes neither his own success nor the clouds we know lurk over Adam’s seemingly perfect life. Feeling lonely and abandoned by Adam, Ash has trapped himself in a cycle of toxicity with his abusive girlfriend. He is firmly in a downward spiral, and then he has a chance meeting with Jade Sloane.
Jade is a dancer in the tour of Gideon York(!!), mega pop star and a client of Asher’s. Jade accompanies Gideon to a tattoo appointment and Asher is immediately captivated by him in ways he doesn’t fully understand. If you thought Gideon was a brat, wait until you get a load of Jade! The dancer/camboy/influencer is loud, catty, and here for a good time. As he and Ash repeatedly collide, they become further entwined in a tumultuous situationship. The bumbling, brazen way Asher pursues this sex kitten stole my heart from the first scene!
It’s August Jones, so you know the spice is fire and frequent. Asher, though curious, has never been with a man, and he’s jumped right in the deep end with the passionate Jade. These men have severe internal struggles, and have built high walls. They don’t climb one another’s walls, they claw them down, and it makes for a thrill ride of a read! The path their developing feelings take is unexpected and painful in all the loveliest ways, and the catharsis of their HEA is all the better for being so hard won. I’ve loved this series and I’m sad to see it end, but this is a perfect send-off (with plenty of cameos)! This book does contain cheating - not between MCs - and has comprehensive CWs if you need them.
*I received an advanced reader copy from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving my review*
Jade is a dancer in the tour of Gideon York(!!), mega pop star and a client of Asher’s. Jade accompanies Gideon to a tattoo appointment and Asher is immediately captivated by him in ways he doesn’t fully understand. If you thought Gideon was a brat, wait until you get a load of Jade! The dancer/camboy/influencer is loud, catty, and here for a good time. As he and Ash repeatedly collide, they become further entwined in a tumultuous situationship. The bumbling, brazen way Asher pursues this sex kitten stole my heart from the first scene!
It’s August Jones, so you know the spice is fire and frequent. Asher, though curious, has never been with a man, and he’s jumped right in the deep end with the passionate Jade. These men have severe internal struggles, and have built high walls. They don’t climb one another’s walls, they claw them down, and it makes for a thrill ride of a read! The path their developing feelings take is unexpected and painful in all the loveliest ways, and the catharsis of their HEA is all the better for being so hard won. I’ve loved this series and I’m sad to see it end, but this is a perfect send-off (with plenty of cameos)! This book does contain cheating - not between MCs - and has comprehensive CWs if you need them.
*I received an advanced reader copy from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving my review*
March 11, 2024
I don’t know how to rate this…
The author is a really good writer which kept me reading until the end.
The book could have been 100 pages shorter - there is an obscene amount of internal dialogue.
The lovers in this book are so cruel to one another it was hard to read.
Asher’s constant pushing Jade to continue making OF content even though Jude keeps making it clear he doesn’t want to hook up with other men was really horrible. The bringing money up came off as manipulative. Then we are told his history in which he suffered financial insecurity as a homeless teen and he was raped…
Plus Asher holding back any profession of love after Jude’s many I love you’s was unrealistic and awful.
I felt like the author hated these two MC’s.
I give the book 2+ stars - I’m unsure why.
The author is a really good writer which kept me reading until the end.
The book could have been 100 pages shorter - there is an obscene amount of internal dialogue.
The lovers in this book are so cruel to one another it was hard to read.
Asher’s constant pushing Jade to continue making OF content even though Jude keeps making it clear he doesn’t want to hook up with other men was really horrible. The bringing money up came off as manipulative. Then we are told his history in which he suffered financial insecurity as a homeless teen and he was raped…
Plus Asher holding back any profession of love after Jude’s many I love you’s was unrealistic and awful.
I felt like the author hated these two MC’s.
I give the book 2+ stars - I’m unsure why.
February 20, 2024
Absolutely loved this one too. This might be my favorite out of the series but then again Adam and Sawyer really played to my toxic heart in The Baller. Let's call it a tie.
I could not stop reading this book. And here's why:
Asher - Adams tattoo artist twin and lonely man caught up in a toxic relationship with his girlfriend Olivia, feels the pressure to get married from Liv - She's even with holding sex from him until then.
Ash has fallen into a state of numbness and feels dead on the inside. Especially since he feels like Sawyer took his pace with his twin brother.
Ash meets the succesful sexy Dancer/cam boy Jade, and his interest is peeked, when he does a septum piercing on him. This was one funny scene, Jade is beyond vain but in the best way and his inner and outer dialog is pretty funny. He's such a drama queen! 💅🏼
These two are opposites attract - disaster to happen material. Their interactions are just so entertaining and the banter and teasing is just smart and sassy. Looooove it! I seriously giggled so much though out this book.
Their spontaneous meet ups and negotiation for having sex was equally as entertaining and while Asher seems confused about everything and most of the relationships in his life, nothing seems to fase him when it comes to Jade - he just puts himself in Jades way to get some of his attention. Willing to pay him for a touch, a suck and a kiss.
And the otherwise cocksure Jade, keeps talking himself out of liking Ash until he can't deny the feelings he develops. He comes crashing down with a love fever that hurts his bones and his heart. Poor Jade 🙃
Jades OF is a big topic of conversation in this story but not for reasons you might think.
Ash is so turned on by Jades body and seeing him with other men that it becomes Jade who is struggling with the collaborations and doing content for his OF. He just wants to be with Ash. Ash who makes him see stars.
But knowing Jade is going on tour with Gideon for a year, Ash tries just to have fun and let Jade live his life. It was almost devastating to read about how he's withholding his feelings from Jade - it’s just temporary, right?
I loved how the "I don't have time for a relationship" Jade falls first and falls so hard that he is ready to change everything for Ash. An is the one who can't stocmach being touched by another man, while Ash seems ok with it. It’s so frustrating to Jade
- You know that feeling when you need the one you're in love with to show some signs of possessiveness just so you feel loved? Yeah, that feeling - but the other person is just having fun. Ouch 😣 I felt Jades heart in those moments of seeking some signs from Ash that the love is mutual.
The way August writes catching feelings *swoon* It feels like a steady slope of falling in to the abyss but always very passionate - just like I have raved about in the other 3 books in this series. It's just phenomenal! I cannot rave enough about this series!
There is so much going on in this book, you will be entertained and held hostage by the story and writing. And I can't possibly get to all of it in this review... So go read it yourself!
Tropes:
Opposites attract
Strangers to Lovers
Camboy / Influencer
Tattoo artist Extreme Piercings
Sex work Cheating (to be together)
Gay Awakening
Meant to Be
Size difference
Feelings? What feelings?
Nipple kink
Role Play kink
Ps
Superman - well theres one of their roll play scenes that I giggled though - so wonderful - I am demanding some art work from his scene 😘
ARC review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I could not stop reading this book. And here's why:
Asher - Adams tattoo artist twin and lonely man caught up in a toxic relationship with his girlfriend Olivia, feels the pressure to get married from Liv - She's even with holding sex from him until then.
Ash has fallen into a state of numbness and feels dead on the inside. Especially since he feels like Sawyer took his pace with his twin brother.
Ash meets the succesful sexy Dancer/cam boy Jade, and his interest is peeked, when he does a septum piercing on him. This was one funny scene, Jade is beyond vain but in the best way and his inner and outer dialog is pretty funny. He's such a drama queen! 💅🏼
These two are opposites attract - disaster to happen material. Their interactions are just so entertaining and the banter and teasing is just smart and sassy. Looooove it! I seriously giggled so much though out this book.
Their spontaneous meet ups and negotiation for having sex was equally as entertaining and while Asher seems confused about everything and most of the relationships in his life, nothing seems to fase him when it comes to Jade - he just puts himself in Jades way to get some of his attention. Willing to pay him for a touch, a suck and a kiss.
And the otherwise cocksure Jade, keeps talking himself out of liking Ash until he can't deny the feelings he develops. He comes crashing down with a love fever that hurts his bones and his heart. Poor Jade 🙃
Jades OF is a big topic of conversation in this story but not for reasons you might think.
Ash is so turned on by Jades body and seeing him with other men that it becomes Jade who is struggling with the collaborations and doing content for his OF. He just wants to be with Ash. Ash who makes him see stars.
But knowing Jade is going on tour with Gideon for a year, Ash tries just to have fun and let Jade live his life. It was almost devastating to read about how he's withholding his feelings from Jade - it’s just temporary, right?
I loved how the "I don't have time for a relationship" Jade falls first and falls so hard that he is ready to change everything for Ash. An is the one who can't stocmach being touched by another man, while Ash seems ok with it. It’s so frustrating to Jade
- You know that feeling when you need the one you're in love with to show some signs of possessiveness just so you feel loved? Yeah, that feeling - but the other person is just having fun. Ouch 😣 I felt Jades heart in those moments of seeking some signs from Ash that the love is mutual.
The way August writes catching feelings *swoon* It feels like a steady slope of falling in to the abyss but always very passionate - just like I have raved about in the other 3 books in this series. It's just phenomenal! I cannot rave enough about this series!
There is so much going on in this book, you will be entertained and held hostage by the story and writing. And I can't possibly get to all of it in this review... So go read it yourself!
Tropes:
Opposites attract
Strangers to Lovers
Camboy / Influencer
Tattoo artist Extreme Piercings
Sex work Cheating (to be together)
Gay Awakening
Meant to Be
Size difference
Feelings? What feelings?
Nipple kink
Role Play kink
Ps
Superman - well theres one of their roll play scenes that I giggled though - so wonderful - I am demanding some art work from his scene 😘
ARC review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 7, 2024
My absolute favourite of the series.
This one made me laugh so much and I'm a sucker for a bit of genuinely funny humourous banter.
I love how you don't see this going how it's going to go from the beginning, in fact it's quite the opposite. And I will leave it at that.
I'll miss these characters so much
This one made me laugh so much and I'm a sucker for a bit of genuinely funny humourous banter.
I love how you don't see this going how it's going to go from the beginning, in fact it's quite the opposite. And I will leave it at that.
I'll miss these characters so much
February 26, 2024
The Influencer is the fourth and final book in August Jones’s Manhandled series. Although it can be read as a complete standalone, it features cameos from characters from the first three books. The Influencer is a MM strangers to lovers romance between a camboy/influencer and a tattoo artist. As always, please review the content/trigger warnings for this book and always take care of yourself while reading. Here’s what you can expect from Asher and Jade:
- First person dual point of view
- Guaranteed happily ever after
- Heartfelt swoon with open communication in the form of banter
- Opposites attract, a size difference, and “meant to be vibes”
- Scorching heat including nipple kink, role play kink, voyeurism, and extreme piercings
- A bi-awakening
- Cheating to be together
Synopsis: Asher Haas is miserable. His current relationship is nothing short of a disaster, him and his twin brother constantly fail to see eye to eye, and to cope with his life he punishes his body in the gym and has a slight porn addiction. He’s the complete opposite of dancer, influencer, and camboy Jade Sloane. When Asher pierces Jade’s septum one day, what should’ve been a one-time, chance encounter sets into motion a complicated entanglement. Asher’s looking to escape from the hell his home life has become, and Jade doesn’t do attachments or repeats. In fact, he’s leaving for a year-long dance tour sooner rather than later. Neither man considers himself boyfriend material, and with the odds stacked against them, can their lifestyles really coexist or are they destined to crash and burn?
It’s always hard to say goodbye to a series, especially one as unique, emotional, and scorching hot as The Manhandled Series. Every single book in this series has been a game changer and I was so excited to see what the incredibly talented August Jones would bless us with for the finale. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. I didn’t want to put this book down and at the same time, I didn’t want it to end. August has given us fresh characters and different dynamics in each story, and Jade and Asher were no exception. We actually got to meet Asher in the second book in the series, The Baller, which is his twin brother’s epic story. The Asher we see in The Influencer was so different than the one we see from his brother, Adam’s, perspective in The Baller. I definitely love this Asher more! He was a character I found myself connecting to at many points throughout the book. Although he’s one of the most successful tattoo artists in Los Angeles, he’s tamped his emotions down so far it almost feels like he’s dead inside. Honestly, him and Jade are the poster boys for the “opposites attract” trope, and they couldn’t be further apart. It was fascinating to watch their encounters morph throughout the course of the story and handle their feelings in different ways. And my goodness, Jade. I loved him so much. He was obsessed with the attention he gets from fans and documenting his life online. Although this might not be the most healthy quality, when he talks to us about his need for attention and validation, I also think it’s something a lot of readers will be able to connect with. Although he comes off as aloof and cold at times, there’s a sweet, loveable man under that hard outer shell and I loved getting glimpses of him throughout the book. He was so open and honest about his feelings, and I loved the dialogues between him and Asher. They just felt so raw and real, which is definitely trademark August Jones. I was obsessed with the two of them and their pursuit for a happily ever after. And can we take a minute to drool over the spice in this book? Once again, every encounter deepened the connection between these two characters and progressed the plotline. I think you’ll find you’ve never encountered anything like Asher’s piercings before, even though Jax’s in The Handler were quite impressive. And I thought the role play kink was something that worked for these two and I thoroughly enjoyed, and I know it will continue to be a favourite of theirs in the future!
It’s sad to say goodbye, but I already know August has something else amazing for us in the works! If you haven’t read this series, and you’re looking for something outside the box to make you feel all the feels while also melting your Kindle, please consider checking out The Manhandled Series. The Influencer is the cherry on top of this series, and I think it’s a must-read for fans of raw, gritty, emotional romance.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- First person dual point of view
- Guaranteed happily ever after
- Heartfelt swoon with open communication in the form of banter
- Opposites attract, a size difference, and “meant to be vibes”
- Scorching heat including nipple kink, role play kink, voyeurism, and extreme piercings
- A bi-awakening
- Cheating to be together
Synopsis: Asher Haas is miserable. His current relationship is nothing short of a disaster, him and his twin brother constantly fail to see eye to eye, and to cope with his life he punishes his body in the gym and has a slight porn addiction. He’s the complete opposite of dancer, influencer, and camboy Jade Sloane. When Asher pierces Jade’s septum one day, what should’ve been a one-time, chance encounter sets into motion a complicated entanglement. Asher’s looking to escape from the hell his home life has become, and Jade doesn’t do attachments or repeats. In fact, he’s leaving for a year-long dance tour sooner rather than later. Neither man considers himself boyfriend material, and with the odds stacked against them, can their lifestyles really coexist or are they destined to crash and burn?
It’s such a huge mistake, there’s no spreadsheet in the world that would be able to calculate the damage this thing I have for Jade Sloane is going to do to me.
It’s always hard to say goodbye to a series, especially one as unique, emotional, and scorching hot as The Manhandled Series. Every single book in this series has been a game changer and I was so excited to see what the incredibly talented August Jones would bless us with for the finale. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. I didn’t want to put this book down and at the same time, I didn’t want it to end. August has given us fresh characters and different dynamics in each story, and Jade and Asher were no exception. We actually got to meet Asher in the second book in the series, The Baller, which is his twin brother’s epic story. The Asher we see in The Influencer was so different than the one we see from his brother, Adam’s, perspective in The Baller. I definitely love this Asher more! He was a character I found myself connecting to at many points throughout the book. Although he’s one of the most successful tattoo artists in Los Angeles, he’s tamped his emotions down so far it almost feels like he’s dead inside. Honestly, him and Jade are the poster boys for the “opposites attract” trope, and they couldn’t be further apart. It was fascinating to watch their encounters morph throughout the course of the story and handle their feelings in different ways. And my goodness, Jade. I loved him so much. He was obsessed with the attention he gets from fans and documenting his life online. Although this might not be the most healthy quality, when he talks to us about his need for attention and validation, I also think it’s something a lot of readers will be able to connect with. Although he comes off as aloof and cold at times, there’s a sweet, loveable man under that hard outer shell and I loved getting glimpses of him throughout the book. He was so open and honest about his feelings, and I loved the dialogues between him and Asher. They just felt so raw and real, which is definitely trademark August Jones. I was obsessed with the two of them and their pursuit for a happily ever after. And can we take a minute to drool over the spice in this book? Once again, every encounter deepened the connection between these two characters and progressed the plotline. I think you’ll find you’ve never encountered anything like Asher’s piercings before, even though Jax’s in The Handler were quite impressive. And I thought the role play kink was something that worked for these two and I thoroughly enjoyed, and I know it will continue to be a favourite of theirs in the future!
It’s sad to say goodbye, but I already know August has something else amazing for us in the works! If you haven’t read this series, and you’re looking for something outside the box to make you feel all the feels while also melting your Kindle, please consider checking out The Manhandled Series. The Influencer is the cherry on top of this series, and I think it’s a must-read for fans of raw, gritty, emotional romance.
“That’s it,” he urges me on. “Oh, fuck yeah, Jadey baby. You got me. You fucking got me.”
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2024
Skipped book 3 because I'm not a fan of MMM or any people that are more than two in a relationship.
Book 4 was fantastic. It had the same level of love, great writing and angst you'd come to expect from this amazing author.
This was still a bit on the lighter side in terms of capturing my soul the way books 1&2 did.
Book 4 was fantastic. It had the same level of love, great writing and angst you'd come to expect from this amazing author.
This was still a bit on the lighter side in terms of capturing my soul the way books 1&2 did.
February 7, 2024
August Jones just keeps getting better and better. I love how each book in this series was so unique and yet they are also perfectly aligned with one another. Asher and Jade have intense chemistry and are well-suited, even though it takes them some time to figure that out. The way their scars align with what they need to heal is really beautifully handled.
We get some cameos from the earlier books, and one thing I love is that even though the previous characters have found love and happy endings, they're still imperfect and while they're the heroes in their stories, they're not the heroes in this one.
One of my favorite things about August is how they make you feel, how even after you've finished reading the characters linger in your mind. I'm sad the series is ended, and let's not kid ourselves, I will reread this. But for now, I'm looking forward to what else August has coming for us.
We get some cameos from the earlier books, and one thing I love is that even though the previous characters have found love and happy endings, they're still imperfect and while they're the heroes in their stories, they're not the heroes in this one.
One of my favorite things about August is how they make you feel, how even after you've finished reading the characters linger in your mind. I'm sad the series is ended, and let's not kid ourselves, I will reread this. But for now, I'm looking forward to what else August has coming for us.
June 16, 2025
Screaming. Crying. All the emotions.
I avoided this for so long because I knew I was going to love it and it completely wrecked me. Pretty much everyone sucked at one point or another but in a really real, really raw kind of way. Life is messy and so are people. Ugh. The smut was divine. The emotions were intense. The angst was completely justified while still being frustrating. The epilogue was beautiful though with all the Manhandled boys together for Thanksgiving saying what they were thankful for 😭😭😭
I avoided this for so long because I knew I was going to love it and it completely wrecked me. Pretty much everyone sucked at one point or another but in a really real, really raw kind of way. Life is messy and so are people. Ugh. The smut was divine. The emotions were intense. The angst was completely justified while still being frustrating. The epilogue was beautiful though with all the Manhandled boys together for Thanksgiving saying what they were thankful for 😭😭😭
March 6, 2024
4.5 stars. The best book in The Manhandled Series. A rich story with complex imperfect characters all grappling with themes of love, acceptance, and finding their own happiness. Top tier spice too 🥵🔥
July 27, 2024
The Influencer is book four in the Manhandled series
This is your vibe if you like:
Opposites attract
Bi-awakening
Cheating
Tattooists
Kink positive
I was hoping that we would get an Asher book! I’m always here for a tattooist but Asher had the makings of being very intriguing and he didn’t disappoint me at all!
Asher and Jade couldn’t be more different, from their personalities to their lifestyles. But sometimes those differences make you perfectly matched. This story didnt go at all how I thought it would, it really actually was better.
The growth for both characters and how they find their ending is probably not just of my fave things. There is more depth in this story than just a cam boy and a tattooist. Plus we get appearances from our previous book characters!
This is your vibe if you like:
Opposites attract
Bi-awakening
Cheating
Tattooists
Kink positive
I was hoping that we would get an Asher book! I’m always here for a tattooist but Asher had the makings of being very intriguing and he didn’t disappoint me at all!
Asher and Jade couldn’t be more different, from their personalities to their lifestyles. But sometimes those differences make you perfectly matched. This story didnt go at all how I thought it would, it really actually was better.
The growth for both characters and how they find their ending is probably not just of my fave things. There is more depth in this story than just a cam boy and a tattooist. Plus we get appearances from our previous book characters!
March 8, 2024
What a way to end this series! The entire thing was 🔥🔥🔥 I absolutely Loved each book in The Manhandled Series, but Jade & Asher quickly became my favorites. I was really hoping that Asher would get a story and August Jones delivered.
With Jade's bratty, tell it like it is, flamboyant personality and Asher's hot shyness, they were definitely opposites attract but perfect for each other. Giving each other everything that they needed while unsure if they deserved.
“ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ. ɢᴏᴅ, ɪ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ. ɪᴛ ʜᴜʀᴛꜱ.”
I really enjoyed how the author included all of the characters from the previous three books into The Influencer. Weaving them into the story while giving us insight into their futures.
I definitely recommend reading Books 1-4 in order. They will not disappoint. I can promise you that! 🩶
With Jade's bratty, tell it like it is, flamboyant personality and Asher's hot shyness, they were definitely opposites attract but perfect for each other. Giving each other everything that they needed while unsure if they deserved.
“ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ. ɢᴏᴅ, ɪ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ. ɪᴛ ʜᴜʀᴛꜱ.”
I really enjoyed how the author included all of the characters from the previous three books into The Influencer. Weaving them into the story while giving us insight into their futures.
I definitely recommend reading Books 1-4 in order. They will not disappoint. I can promise you that! 🩶
March 4, 2024
This was fantastic
This whole series was great
Phenomenal writing
Such character growth and depth
Sweet and spicy
Fantastic series
This whole series was great
Phenomenal writing
Such character growth and depth
Sweet and spicy
Fantastic series
July 16, 2024
Legit sad this series is over
October 27, 2025
Rating 5⭐️
Emotion 3🥹
Spice 4🌶️
I actually read this series in reverse, and I’m so glad I did. If I’d started with The Handler, I doubt I would have continued and what a shame that would’ve been. (While I didn’t love The Handler, this was a me thing and was more to do with the amount of MF intimate scenes in the story.)
The Influencer was outstanding, easily the best in the series. I didn’t expect to feel as deeply as I did. I didn’t expect to cry my eyes out or be so affected by it. It was a deeply emotional read and hit me right in the feels.
Asher and Jade’s story was beautifully written. They faced so many struggles… self-doubt, uncertainty about their future, and whether their worlds could truly fit together… but they more than deserved their HEA.
The cheating trope didn’t bother me here. Normally, I’m not a fan, but wow… Olivia was a class-A bitch, and I felt zero sympathy for her.
I also didn’t mind Jade’s OnlyFans or the fact that he slept with other men while with Asher. Asher didn’t have an issue with it, and neither did I.
I’ve read almost all of August’s books now, and without a doubt, they just keep getting better and better.. but this one might just be my favorite.
I’d absolutely recommend this book.
Emotion 3🥹
Spice 4🌶️
I actually read this series in reverse, and I’m so glad I did. If I’d started with The Handler, I doubt I would have continued and what a shame that would’ve been. (While I didn’t love The Handler, this was a me thing and was more to do with the amount of MF intimate scenes in the story.)
The Influencer was outstanding, easily the best in the series. I didn’t expect to feel as deeply as I did. I didn’t expect to cry my eyes out or be so affected by it. It was a deeply emotional read and hit me right in the feels.
Asher and Jade’s story was beautifully written. They faced so many struggles… self-doubt, uncertainty about their future, and whether their worlds could truly fit together… but they more than deserved their HEA.
The cheating trope didn’t bother me here. Normally, I’m not a fan, but wow… Olivia was a class-A bitch, and I felt zero sympathy for her.
I also didn’t mind Jade’s OnlyFans or the fact that he slept with other men while with Asher. Asher didn’t have an issue with it, and neither did I.
I’ve read almost all of August’s books now, and without a doubt, they just keep getting better and better.. but this one might just be my favorite.
I’d absolutely recommend this book.
December 27, 2024
asher + jade
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
standalone | 4th & final book in Manhandled series | MM | erot!ca | OF camboy & dancer | tattoo artist | bi-awakening | cheating to be together | opposites attract | n!pple play | HEA
And the favorite couple in the Manhandled series goes to......ASHER HAAS AND JADE SLOANE. Omg omg omg to say that I am obsessed with Asher and Jade would be a gross understatement. And I am officially adding Olivia to my fictional purge list🖕🏼
Asher, twin brother to Adam who we met in book 2, The Baller, is a successful tattoo artist with his own shop and a penchant for needles near his🍆(#13 will stick with me forever). Jade is the sassy camboy and backup dancer to Gideon who we met in book 1, The Handler. These opposites attract after Asher pierces Jade's septum and the ONE thing they have in common? They both hate feelings! Jade's POV chapters had me cackling because his denial about his feelings for Asher are hilarious, but near the end they went from funny and sarcastic to heart breaking and angst. Asher - poor baby Asher - lives in the shadow of his twin brother, Adam, and has always let others fight his battles for him. But no more. Jade woke Asher TF up and the character arc from Asher is THE BEST IN THE SERIES. Hands down. The man went from a basement dwelling, overweight gamer and a shadow to his famous twin to a man with boundaries, confidence, and LOVE.
I will forever recommend this book and this series. August Jones is officially my favorite author of 2024 and I will forever shout it from the rooftops to anyone that will listen. MM girlies - read this series. Read this book. Fall in love with Jade and Asher and get ready for an epic ending to a series. Getting to see all the couples together in the end? My freakin' Christmas present - that's what that was! I'm sad that it's over, but hopefully the shelf trophy paperbacks ordered from Amazon will have me doing a re-read asap because I'll never get enough of this series or these couples. Goddamn what a RIDE!
My IG edit
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
standalone | 4th & final book in Manhandled series | MM | erot!ca | OF camboy & dancer | tattoo artist | bi-awakening | cheating to be together | opposites attract | n!pple play | HEA
And the favorite couple in the Manhandled series goes to......ASHER HAAS AND JADE SLOANE. Omg omg omg to say that I am obsessed with Asher and Jade would be a gross understatement. And I am officially adding Olivia to my fictional purge list🖕🏼
Asher, twin brother to Adam who we met in book 2, The Baller, is a successful tattoo artist with his own shop and a penchant for needles near his🍆(#13 will stick with me forever). Jade is the sassy camboy and backup dancer to Gideon who we met in book 1, The Handler. These opposites attract after Asher pierces Jade's septum and the ONE thing they have in common? They both hate feelings! Jade's POV chapters had me cackling because his denial about his feelings for Asher are hilarious, but near the end they went from funny and sarcastic to heart breaking and angst. Asher - poor baby Asher - lives in the shadow of his twin brother, Adam, and has always let others fight his battles for him. But no more. Jade woke Asher TF up and the character arc from Asher is THE BEST IN THE SERIES. Hands down. The man went from a basement dwelling, overweight gamer and a shadow to his famous twin to a man with boundaries, confidence, and LOVE.
I will forever recommend this book and this series. August Jones is officially my favorite author of 2024 and I will forever shout it from the rooftops to anyone that will listen. MM girlies - read this series. Read this book. Fall in love with Jade and Asher and get ready for an epic ending to a series. Getting to see all the couples together in the end? My freakin' Christmas present - that's what that was! I'm sad that it's over, but hopefully the shelf trophy paperbacks ordered from Amazon will have me doing a re-read asap because I'll never get enough of this series or these couples. Goddamn what a RIDE!
My IG edit
March 9, 2024
The Influencer by August Jones is book 4 and the last instalment in the Manhandled series.
This book left me with so many conflicting emotions, but in the best possible way. I was blown away to see how August went above and beyond with The Influencer. From the first chapters it was obvious that this book would be special and that it would end the series with a bang.
Jade and Asher are the sweetest couple in the series. I loved that we had moments with them that were tender and filled with sweetness, and others where they were intense and insatiable. The connection between them was unique and fascinating. I particularly liked August's treatment of Jade's work as a sex worker. It was refreshing to see a positive and accepting outlook on the profession. Jade was unique and so unapologetically himself. He surprised me so much and is the very definition of not judging a book by its cover. His vulnerability was beautiful and endearing. And Asher I could relate to him on so many levels. I loved that through his character arc we were able to tackle violence against men, because yes it's something that exists and isn't talked about enough.
Their relationship was perfectly imperfect. Just like every character in the series. This is what I love most about August Jones' writing.
As in all August's books, the steam was there and it burned hot. It got really creative too!
The two epilogues were perfection itself. Between the solstice weekend and the final moment that brought together all the characters in the series, this was without a doubt the best finale I've ever read. Epic is the word.
So yes, I have conflicting emotions, because this series was a masterpiece that completely consumed me, and now that it's over, we have to turn the page and leave these characters behind. It’s bittersweet and at the same time I'm so ready for what August has in store for us next.
This book left me with so many conflicting emotions, but in the best possible way. I was blown away to see how August went above and beyond with The Influencer. From the first chapters it was obvious that this book would be special and that it would end the series with a bang.
Jade and Asher are the sweetest couple in the series. I loved that we had moments with them that were tender and filled with sweetness, and others where they were intense and insatiable. The connection between them was unique and fascinating. I particularly liked August's treatment of Jade's work as a sex worker. It was refreshing to see a positive and accepting outlook on the profession. Jade was unique and so unapologetically himself. He surprised me so much and is the very definition of not judging a book by its cover. His vulnerability was beautiful and endearing. And Asher I could relate to him on so many levels. I loved that through his character arc we were able to tackle violence against men, because yes it's something that exists and isn't talked about enough.
Their relationship was perfectly imperfect. Just like every character in the series. This is what I love most about August Jones' writing.
As in all August's books, the steam was there and it burned hot. It got really creative too!
The two epilogues were perfection itself. Between the solstice weekend and the final moment that brought together all the characters in the series, this was without a doubt the best finale I've ever read. Epic is the word.
So yes, I have conflicting emotions, because this series was a masterpiece that completely consumed me, and now that it's over, we have to turn the page and leave these characters behind. It’s bittersweet and at the same time I'm so ready for what August has in store for us next.
June 4, 2024
never ask a man his salary, a woman her age, or me what happened in the last third of this book
June 25, 2024
i loved them ofc but it will take me a while to forgive adam and gideon.
June 25, 2024
Never a fan of sharing and open relationship, it takes all the feelings away from the main couple
March 12, 2024
Holy hotness.. this book is fire. Asher and Jade are phenomenal, layered characters I absolutely fell in love with and their chemistry is off the charts hot. What starts off as an unexpected pull with some curiosity thrown in for the two slowly evolves into so much more. The story is beautifully paced, parsing out all the challenges and internal struggles, navigating the couple to their HEA. I loved seeing all the characters from the previous books and Those epilogues were amazing and completely satisfying, I will definitely be doing a re-read of this fantastic series. If you’re looking for an opposites attract romance with depth and spectacular spice I highly recommend checking this one out.
Expect:
* Opposites attract
* Strangers to Lovers
* Camboy / Influencer
* Tattoo artist
* Piercings
* Sex work
* Cheating (not between MCs)
* Sexual Awakening
* Meant to Be
* Size difference
* Nipple kink Role Play kink
Detailed content warnings have been provided by the author
Expect:
* Opposites attract
* Strangers to Lovers
* Camboy / Influencer
* Tattoo artist
* Piercings
* Sex work
* Cheating (not between MCs)
* Sexual Awakening
* Meant to Be
* Size difference
* Nipple kink Role Play kink
Detailed content warnings have been provided by the author
February 29, 2024
There could not be a better ending to this amazing series. I loved every delicious dirty second of The Manhandled Series. These men have my heart and soul and that epilogue was everything!! Jadey baby, I fell in love with you so quickly. 😍 Asher, you poor broken man. You deserve all the love and happiness even though I wanted to kick you when you hurt my Jadey baby. I think I wanted to kick your brother, Adam, even more. The way he tried to "handle" you and my sweet Jadey baby.😡
5 of my favorite things from this book
1. Jadey baby ❤❤❤❤❤
2. The piercings 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
3. The emotions 😭😭😭😭😭
4. Nipple kink 😋😋😋😋😋
5. THE EPILOGUE 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
August knows how to write all the big feelings. It was intense in the best possible way. I loved how complex both of their feelings were. I loved how obsessed they both were with each other. Their chemistry was palpable and I couldn't get enough.
5 of my favorite things from this book
1. Jadey baby ❤❤❤❤❤
2. The piercings 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
3. The emotions 😭😭😭😭😭
4. Nipple kink 😋😋😋😋😋
5. THE EPILOGUE 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
August knows how to write all the big feelings. It was intense in the best possible way. I loved how complex both of their feelings were. I loved how obsessed they both were with each other. Their chemistry was palpable and I couldn't get enough.
February 28, 2024
My first from August Jones
Asher has been in a toxic relationship with Olivia for the past two years even his twin Adam knows she’s wrong for him . I really felt for Asher as Olivia was such a horrible person but he was stuck and it didn’t help the way she gas lighted him every time he tried to break things off . Then he met Jade a cam boy and something clicked between them Asher identified as straight but he’d always been curious and his attraction to Jade was palpable. Asher was so broken he wouldn’t let Jade in and it took a lot of heart to hearts , truths and a lot of upset before they got their HEA.
Asher has been in a toxic relationship with Olivia for the past two years even his twin Adam knows she’s wrong for him . I really felt for Asher as Olivia was such a horrible person but he was stuck and it didn’t help the way she gas lighted him every time he tried to break things off . Then he met Jade a cam boy and something clicked between them Asher identified as straight but he’d always been curious and his attraction to Jade was palpable. Asher was so broken he wouldn’t let Jade in and it took a lot of heart to hearts , truths and a lot of upset before they got their HEA.
February 20, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tears: 😭😭
I am beginning to believe that August can do no wrong. She has cemented herself as an auto-read author for me. Every single book in the manhandled series has been a 5 star read and The Influencer was no exception. Asher & Jade may have ousted Gideon & Jax as my favorite August Jones couple too. I'm absolutely in LOVE with Jade and will protect him at all cost. No doubt this book is one of my favorite reads for February, but wouldn't be surprised if it tops the list at the end of the year. No notes- it was pure perfection.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tears: 😭😭
I am beginning to believe that August can do no wrong. She has cemented herself as an auto-read author for me. Every single book in the manhandled series has been a 5 star read and The Influencer was no exception. Asher & Jade may have ousted Gideon & Jax as my favorite August Jones couple too. I'm absolutely in LOVE with Jade and will protect him at all cost. No doubt this book is one of my favorite reads for February, but wouldn't be surprised if it tops the list at the end of the year. No notes- it was pure perfection.
February 21, 2024
I am so sad to see the end of The Manhandled Series by August Jones. The Influencer is the fourth and final book of the series. Jade and Asher’s love story did not disappoint.
Talk about opposites attracting these two could not be more different. Asher is repressed, reserved, and a bit self destructive…. cue the body modification. Jade is EXTRA, unapologetic, and way out of the closet.
Jade is definitely one of my favourite characters of the entire series. Several times during this book I wanted to punch someone on his behalf…. Gideon York you in particular. Jade should be protected at all costs, he has definitely been through enough.
There were points in this book where Asher definitely didn’t deserve Jade’s beautiful spirit, but I am happy to report that in the end he won me over and redeemed himself. Growth is hard and humans are flawed I appreciate that we get to see these characters in all their messy glory.
I loved that we got to check-in with some of my favourite characters from the rest of the series, and I can’t wait to see future updates on their adventures…. especially the Winter Solstice Weekend.
The Influencer is a full length standalone MM romance. The fourth and final installment of the Manhandled Series features strangers to lovers, open communication in the form of constant banter, heartfelt swoons, and as always, scorching heat. (18+)
Tropes include:
📸 Opposites Attract
📸 Bi-Awakening
📸 Size Difference
📸 Strangers to Lovers
📸 Extreme Piercings
📸 N!pplė K!ņk
📸 Sex work
📸 Cheating to be together
📸 Feelings? What feelings?
Talk about opposites attracting these two could not be more different. Asher is repressed, reserved, and a bit self destructive…. cue the body modification. Jade is EXTRA, unapologetic, and way out of the closet.
Jade is definitely one of my favourite characters of the entire series. Several times during this book I wanted to punch someone on his behalf…. Gideon York you in particular. Jade should be protected at all costs, he has definitely been through enough.
There were points in this book where Asher definitely didn’t deserve Jade’s beautiful spirit, but I am happy to report that in the end he won me over and redeemed himself. Growth is hard and humans are flawed I appreciate that we get to see these characters in all their messy glory.
I loved that we got to check-in with some of my favourite characters from the rest of the series, and I can’t wait to see future updates on their adventures…. especially the Winter Solstice Weekend.
The Influencer is a full length standalone MM romance. The fourth and final installment of the Manhandled Series features strangers to lovers, open communication in the form of constant banter, heartfelt swoons, and as always, scorching heat. (18+)
Tropes include:
📸 Opposites Attract
📸 Bi-Awakening
📸 Size Difference
📸 Strangers to Lovers
📸 Extreme Piercings
📸 N!pplė K!ņk
📸 Sex work
📸 Cheating to be together
📸 Feelings? What feelings?
February 25, 2025
4,8⭐️ rounded up
This book was surprisingly good. And surprisingly serious. It didn’t shy away from depth and their relationship development felt real and was awesome. I absolutely loved Asher’s character growth and the gradual reveal of Jade’s character and what shaped him the way he is.
I haven’t read other books in this series and I don’t plan to. But I really enjoyed this book.
This book was surprisingly good. And surprisingly serious. It didn’t shy away from depth and their relationship development felt real and was awesome. I absolutely loved Asher’s character growth and the gradual reveal of Jade’s character and what shaped him the way he is.
I haven’t read other books in this series and I don’t plan to. But I really enjoyed this book.
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