What do you think?
Rate this book
Guarded Hearts #1
Wishes for August
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2024
93 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
March 27, 2024
DNF @80%
*There are spoilers in this review I’m not hiding but I honestly don’t care if anyone is bothered by it because the spoiler made the book suck
*
*
*
This was a solid debut until they brought in a pregnant ex in the last quarter. What a miserable and cheap plot device. God. I’m actually kinda mad because I liked this book even with its new author flaws. But the pregnant ex ruined the whole thing. Blergh. 😖😖😖
ETA: I finished and it got even worse. Ugh.
*There are spoilers in this review I’m not hiding but I honestly don’t care if anyone is bothered by it because the spoiler made the book suck
*
*
*
This was a solid debut until they brought in a pregnant ex in the last quarter. What a miserable and cheap plot device. God. I’m actually kinda mad because I liked this book even with its new author flaws. But the pregnant ex ruined the whole thing. Blergh. 😖😖😖
ETA: I finished and it got even worse. Ugh.
January 13, 2026
2 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
days safe from a surprise pregnancy trope: 0
august is a little man-child and doesn’t deserve caleb. the sex scenes were good though.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
days safe from a surprise pregnancy trope: 0
august is a little man-child and doesn’t deserve caleb. the sex scenes were good though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
🖤 Boss / employee
☀️ Reverse grumpy / sunshine
🖤 Hurt / comfort
☀️ Friends with benefit
Wishes for August is C.S. Autumn’s debut novel and she did NOT disappoint 😍
We meet August, riddled with childhood trauma and abandonment issues, living the single life in London and working in a marketing company.
Then comes in Caleb, the new managing director at August’s company, and there is instant lust between them. Caleb is all smiles, positivity and good energy.
While August is against commitment and doesn't want anything past a night together, Caleb is determined to get August to settle down.
I really loved the fact that the usual grumpy boss x sunshine employee is reversed here. Caleb has a sunny personality, always smiling while August is the dominant and anti-social one.
This is a solid debut novel and I'm so proud that I got to read it before release. I’m sure there will be many more books to come and I can’t wait for Branson’s story 🤩.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
✧˖°Instagram°˖✧
☀️ Reverse grumpy / sunshine
🖤 Hurt / comfort
☀️ Friends with benefit
Wishes for August is C.S. Autumn’s debut novel and she did NOT disappoint 😍
We meet August, riddled with childhood trauma and abandonment issues, living the single life in London and working in a marketing company.
Then comes in Caleb, the new managing director at August’s company, and there is instant lust between them. Caleb is all smiles, positivity and good energy.
While August is against commitment and doesn't want anything past a night together, Caleb is determined to get August to settle down.
Well, hello there sexy, wouldn’t you look good on my d*ck?
I really loved the fact that the usual grumpy boss x sunshine employee is reversed here. Caleb has a sunny personality, always smiling while August is the dominant and anti-social one.
This is a solid debut novel and I'm so proud that I got to read it before release. I’m sure there will be many more books to come and I can’t wait for Branson’s story 🤩.
“You look good on your knees, Boss Man,” he smirked, fire burning in his eyes.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
✧˖°Instagram°˖✧
March 16, 2024
Wishes for August is the debut novel for C.S. Autumn and this book did not disappoint!
Imagine going into an office romance book thinking you are getting the classic dominant grumpy boss and golden retriever energy employee. Well that is NOT the case for this book and I loved it. Caleb is mister sunshine and boss to August who is guarded and not a fan of people but oh goodness is he dominant and knows how to show it.
Throughout the book we see August battle accepting love because of trauma from his childhood. Then all Caleb wants to do is love August and their transition from coworkers to lovers was the perfect levels of spice and sweetness.
Trust me when I tell you that C.S. Autumn knows how to write spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I don’t want to give too much away but this book kept me on my toes and I devoured it in less than two days.
Can’t wait to see who comes next *fingers crossed for Branson*
Make sure you read it as soon as it comes out then drop into my DMs and tell me what you loved most.
Imagine going into an office romance book thinking you are getting the classic dominant grumpy boss and golden retriever energy employee. Well that is NOT the case for this book and I loved it. Caleb is mister sunshine and boss to August who is guarded and not a fan of people but oh goodness is he dominant and knows how to show it.
Throughout the book we see August battle accepting love because of trauma from his childhood. Then all Caleb wants to do is love August and their transition from coworkers to lovers was the perfect levels of spice and sweetness.
Trust me when I tell you that C.S. Autumn knows how to write spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I don’t want to give too much away but this book kept me on my toes and I devoured it in less than two days.
Can’t wait to see who comes next *fingers crossed for Branson*
Make sure you read it as soon as it comes out then drop into my DMs and tell me what you loved most.
April 6, 2024
3,5 ⭐️ not rounded up.
The book wasn’t bad. I quite enjoyed reading it.
But. But.
Writing style felt a bit blunt, sentences short. Some things were overexplained, some - glossed over.
Also I felt like some things were told not shown and overall I’d like more depth, more developed characters and smoother relationship development.
The book wasn’t bad. I quite enjoyed reading it.
But. But.
Writing style felt a bit blunt, sentences short. Some things were overexplained, some - glossed over.
Also I felt like some things were told not shown and overall I’d like more depth, more developed characters and smoother relationship development.
March 18, 2024
[I received an ARC for an honest review.]
Rating: 4 stars (8/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: boss x employee, office romance, FWB, abandonment issues, parental abandonment, BDSM exploration, hurt/comfort
Review:
Oh boy, this was a wild ride! I love me a good angsty story with broken characters, and August certainly checks those boxes. After his father left them when he was 8, and his mother retreated into herself until she died a number of years later, August has seen that the pure love his parents had was not enough to keep people together, and that to love was to have your heart broken, so he vows to never let himself be as destroyed as his mother was. That all goes well until someone worms their way past his defenses. Enter Caleb, August's new boss, and someone who likes to submit and drives August absolutely wild 😏
This story bounced back and forth between desperately horny and frustratingly obtuse, and I really felt for Caleb being dragged back and forth emotionally at August's indecision. August has major trust issues, and he really struggles to open up about himself, and the two eventually find themselves in a FWB situation which is slowly eating away at Caleb. Things were going really peachy at around the 60% mark, and I was getting so suspicious of what was going to happen, until BOOM. Everything falls apart, in a way I was not expecting at all.
Even though I hated that they went through the turmoil they did, I also ate up the angst, and it fed me real good. I loved where these two ended up in life, and the double epilogue was really sweet as well. I really loved getting to see Declan have a relationship with August, and I just loved that something good came out of that whole messed up situation. I also appreciate that some things about August's life are left unanswered, as I think it is important that we acknowledge that not everything turns out, and sometimes you get left in this muddy grey area. You should definitely read this book if you love reading hurt/comfort, some BDSM exploration, office romance, and abandonment issues from absent parents. Happy release day to this great story~
Rating: 4 stars (8/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: boss x employee, office romance, FWB, abandonment issues, parental abandonment, BDSM exploration, hurt/comfort
Review:
Oh boy, this was a wild ride! I love me a good angsty story with broken characters, and August certainly checks those boxes. After his father left them when he was 8, and his mother retreated into herself until she died a number of years later, August has seen that the pure love his parents had was not enough to keep people together, and that to love was to have your heart broken, so he vows to never let himself be as destroyed as his mother was. That all goes well until someone worms their way past his defenses. Enter Caleb, August's new boss, and someone who likes to submit and drives August absolutely wild 😏
This story bounced back and forth between desperately horny and frustratingly obtuse, and I really felt for Caleb being dragged back and forth emotionally at August's indecision. August has major trust issues, and he really struggles to open up about himself, and the two eventually find themselves in a FWB situation which is slowly eating away at Caleb. Things were going really peachy at around the 60% mark, and I was getting so suspicious of what was going to happen, until BOOM. Everything falls apart, in a way I was not expecting at all.
Even though I hated that they went through the turmoil they did, I also ate up the angst, and it fed me real good. I loved where these two ended up in life, and the double epilogue was really sweet as well. I really loved getting to see Declan have a relationship with August, and I just loved that something good came out of that whole messed up situation. I also appreciate that some things about August's life are left unanswered, as I think it is important that we acknowledge that not everything turns out, and sometimes you get left in this muddy grey area. You should definitely read this book if you love reading hurt/comfort, some BDSM exploration, office romance, and abandonment issues from absent parents. Happy release day to this great story~
May 20, 2024
I couldn’t get enough of this book! This book is sweet and super spicy.
August is so beautifully broken. He’s a bit grumpy and very introverted. Then he meets Caleb who is sunshine personified. He’s always so happy and has a smile that lights up a room. The moment his eyes lock onto Augusts, everything disappears. That quiet man is going to be his.
August has a lot of trauma from his past which causes him to never be able to trust someone emotionally. He never gives anyone the chance to break down his walls. He doesn’t believe he deserves to be loved and doesn’t believe he’s capable of loving someone else the way they deserve. Then he meet Caleb and everything he thought he wanted starts to crumble.
Caleb sets his sights on August from the very first look. Things between Caleb and August get spicy right off the bat. They’re not supposed to be anything more than fun, but that changes for both of them pretty quickly. Caleb has to really work to get through Augusts walls and get him to see himself as Caleb sees him.
Together Caleb and August are the perfect fit. Caleb helps August learn how to piece his broken soul back together and show him his worth. August learns how to love Caleb with his entire being and start to see himself the way Caleb does.
I absolutely loved Augusts best friend and their relationship, he’s what kept August afloat over the years. I can’t wait for his book!!
August is so beautifully broken. He’s a bit grumpy and very introverted. Then he meets Caleb who is sunshine personified. He’s always so happy and has a smile that lights up a room. The moment his eyes lock onto Augusts, everything disappears. That quiet man is going to be his.
August has a lot of trauma from his past which causes him to never be able to trust someone emotionally. He never gives anyone the chance to break down his walls. He doesn’t believe he deserves to be loved and doesn’t believe he’s capable of loving someone else the way they deserve. Then he meet Caleb and everything he thought he wanted starts to crumble.
Caleb sets his sights on August from the very first look. Things between Caleb and August get spicy right off the bat. They’re not supposed to be anything more than fun, but that changes for both of them pretty quickly. Caleb has to really work to get through Augusts walls and get him to see himself as Caleb sees him.
Together Caleb and August are the perfect fit. Caleb helps August learn how to piece his broken soul back together and show him his worth. August learns how to love Caleb with his entire being and start to see himself the way Caleb does.
I absolutely loved Augusts best friend and their relationship, he’s what kept August afloat over the years. I can’t wait for his book!!
April 2, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This is the debut book from author C.S. Autumn and it’s easy to get caught up in August’s life from the start. He’s devastated as a young boy when his father leaves and severs contact. His life is further complicated as his mother is unable to care for him and August grows up mostly taking care of himself. His childhood has affected every area of his life and his best friend is the only one he has. August thinks he doesn’t want love and a relationship, but he’s basing that from his childhood and August has never gotten any resolution to all he endured as a child.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This is the debut book from author C.S. Autumn and it’s easy to get caught up in August’s life from the start. He’s devastated as a young boy when his father leaves and severs contact. His life is further complicated as his mother is unable to care for him and August grows up mostly taking care of himself. His childhood has affected every area of his life and his best friend is the only one he has. August thinks he doesn’t want love and a relationship, but he’s basing that from his childhood and August has never gotten any resolution to all he endured as a child.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
December 3, 2024
August West believed in love, right up until the moment his father walked out on him and his mom, when he was eight, shattering their lives. From that day on, his mom detached herself from him, and he started to feel unloved and unwanted, he swore that he would never put himself in that position to fall in love. He was a one and done kind of guy.
Caleb Winters has his life all sorted and planned out. He has taken over as managing director in his dream job in marketing. He wants marriage, kids and happy ever afters. He has also been recently dumped by his girlfriend of two years.
On the first day in his new job Caleb sees August and is immediately attracted to him. August feels the same. They hook up and thinking it is a one time only deal August goes along with it. Caleb wants more and agrees for a friends with benefits arrangement, he will take what he can get. He waits until August realises that he is falling in love with him.
This is C. S Autumn’s debut novel and it is such an incredible read. The character development and description made me want to give August the biggest hug. He needed lots of care and love. I love the way Caleb was there for him, and let him come to his own conclusions. This hurt/comfort relatively low angst book, does have a development near the end, but the issues are soon rectified.
I am hoping Branson gets his story too.
“August West was my everything he was my heart, he was my home, and I would do everything in my power to show him just how much he meant to me”.
Caleb Winters has his life all sorted and planned out. He has taken over as managing director in his dream job in marketing. He wants marriage, kids and happy ever afters. He has also been recently dumped by his girlfriend of two years.
On the first day in his new job Caleb sees August and is immediately attracted to him. August feels the same. They hook up and thinking it is a one time only deal August goes along with it. Caleb wants more and agrees for a friends with benefits arrangement, he will take what he can get. He waits until August realises that he is falling in love with him.
This is C. S Autumn’s debut novel and it is such an incredible read. The character development and description made me want to give August the biggest hug. He needed lots of care and love. I love the way Caleb was there for him, and let him come to his own conclusions. This hurt/comfort relatively low angst book, does have a development near the end, but the issues are soon rectified.
I am hoping Branson gets his story too.
“August West was my everything he was my heart, he was my home, and I would do everything in my power to show him just how much he meant to me”.
March 11, 2024
Wow, what a debut! If this is only the first book by C.S. Autumn, then we are in for some amazing stories to come, I’m sure.
August is very alone in the world, beside his best friend he has had no one by his side since his father left him and his mother when he was 8 years old. Him leaving had his mother checking out on August, the fact she is now gone doesn’t make much of a difference.
Caleb is happiness personified, he just took over the company for which August works and he is attracted to the man from the start.
Where August set the rule for himself to never fall in love, to never even give the option of a relationship one thought, Caleb is the relationship man. But if August can’t offer him anything more than a friends with benefits situation then he will take what he can get.
The hurt, abandonment and loss in August were gut wrenching. He felt it so deeply and it just broke my heart. His entire life is the reason why he won’t commit, his heart has been too broken by the past. But Caleb never fails to show up for him, showing him that life and love can be different.
Overall, a well written book, the writing flows and the drama and angst levels are perfect. Their HEA is so beautiful, it took some work but they got their well deserved happiness!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August is very alone in the world, beside his best friend he has had no one by his side since his father left him and his mother when he was 8 years old. Him leaving had his mother checking out on August, the fact she is now gone doesn’t make much of a difference.
Caleb is happiness personified, he just took over the company for which August works and he is attracted to the man from the start.
Where August set the rule for himself to never fall in love, to never even give the option of a relationship one thought, Caleb is the relationship man. But if August can’t offer him anything more than a friends with benefits situation then he will take what he can get.
“If Caleb ever asked me again to tell him my favourite memory, it would be this moment. The moment in which his hand in mine, gave me the bravery I hadn't had before. The bravery I needed to accept what he was so willingly offering me.”
The hurt, abandonment and loss in August were gut wrenching. He felt it so deeply and it just broke my heart. His entire life is the reason why he won’t commit, his heart has been too broken by the past. But Caleb never fails to show up for him, showing him that life and love can be different.
Overall, a well written book, the writing flows and the drama and angst levels are perfect. Their HEA is so beautiful, it took some work but they got their well deserved happiness!
"You were always meant to be mine, you know that right?" Caleb said and I opened my eyes to meet his. His green eyes sparkled. "Is that so?" | asked, reaching up to run my finger over his pretty pink lips. "Yep "And why is that? "Because I wished for you. I wished for you, August and you came true."
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 13, 2024
What an amazing debut! Let down and abandoned by those who were meant to love him unconditionally, August was left to raise himself alone. As an adult, he had one close friend, and had no intentions of letting anyone in. He liked to drink, party, hookup, and keep everyone at a distance, until he came across Caleb.
Caleb had his entire life planned out. His parents were amazing, he got along well with his sister, school went well, he had good friends, great ambitions. He had the house, the dog, the girlfriend. He planned to raise a family, start his life… Things don’t always go according to plan, and shortly before starting a new job, he and his girlfriend parted ways.
The first day at his new job he spots August, and instantly feels a connection. The two couldn’t be more different. Polar opposites in every way. Caleb is sunshine, where August is a cloudy day. Caleb sees hope, where August is already expecting the worst.
Their attraction is undeniable, and they both give in to that. August, however, never hooks up twice. Caleb is persistent, however, and he genuinely cares about August. Slowly August lets down his walls, and thinks maybe he can make an exception for Caleb.
Challenges are thrown their way, and it is most definitely not an easy road for August and Caleb. August doesn’t believe he is worthy of being loved. If his parents couldn’t stick around, why would anyone else? He doesn’t believe that he can make Caleb happy. Caleb sees the good in August though, and he believes in him like no one else ever has. Despite the struggles and the hardships, they do manage to find their way.
Absolutely loved August and Caleb together!!
Caleb had his entire life planned out. His parents were amazing, he got along well with his sister, school went well, he had good friends, great ambitions. He had the house, the dog, the girlfriend. He planned to raise a family, start his life… Things don’t always go according to plan, and shortly before starting a new job, he and his girlfriend parted ways.
The first day at his new job he spots August, and instantly feels a connection. The two couldn’t be more different. Polar opposites in every way. Caleb is sunshine, where August is a cloudy day. Caleb sees hope, where August is already expecting the worst.
Their attraction is undeniable, and they both give in to that. August, however, never hooks up twice. Caleb is persistent, however, and he genuinely cares about August. Slowly August lets down his walls, and thinks maybe he can make an exception for Caleb.
Challenges are thrown their way, and it is most definitely not an easy road for August and Caleb. August doesn’t believe he is worthy of being loved. If his parents couldn’t stick around, why would anyone else? He doesn’t believe that he can make Caleb happy. Caleb sees the good in August though, and he believes in him like no one else ever has. Despite the struggles and the hardships, they do manage to find their way.
Absolutely loved August and Caleb together!!
March 20, 2024
Amazing debut, boss/employee high steam story
I absolutely loved this, it is my favourite trope boss/employee, and this was so well written. August has lots of layers, but he doesn't let people see them. He is commanding in full control and uses this control to protect himself, never allowing people to get close. He has such a fortress keeping people out that he also struggles to let people in. He has a playful side and can't resist using his sexy smirk to get what he wants. And he wants his new boss, Caleb. Caleb has been hurt but is ready to move on and when he meets beautiful brown eyes across the boardroom he knows he is in for. This isn't an easy relationship and takes time before August will admit he wants and needs more. This is one hot steamy book, with lots of intimate scenes along with some mild bdsm. However, just as everything is going so well there is a bump in the story and it's full on devastation and heartbreak for everyone. Caleb is such a special person, he is so patient and understanding even when August has pushed him so far. The epilogue jumps give a happy ending on top of more happy endings and as a romance reader I was left content and glowing with happiness for this special couple. Hard to believe this is a debut novel, I can't wait for more from this author.
I absolutely loved this, it is my favourite trope boss/employee, and this was so well written. August has lots of layers, but he doesn't let people see them. He is commanding in full control and uses this control to protect himself, never allowing people to get close. He has such a fortress keeping people out that he also struggles to let people in. He has a playful side and can't resist using his sexy smirk to get what he wants. And he wants his new boss, Caleb. Caleb has been hurt but is ready to move on and when he meets beautiful brown eyes across the boardroom he knows he is in for. This isn't an easy relationship and takes time before August will admit he wants and needs more. This is one hot steamy book, with lots of intimate scenes along with some mild bdsm. However, just as everything is going so well there is a bump in the story and it's full on devastation and heartbreak for everyone. Caleb is such a special person, he is so patient and understanding even when August has pushed him so far. The epilogue jumps give a happy ending on top of more happy endings and as a romance reader I was left content and glowing with happiness for this special couple. Hard to believe this is a debut novel, I can't wait for more from this author.
March 10, 2024
I was blown away by this debut book by C.S. Autumn. Wishes for August is a workplace mm romance that is a true Grump/Sunshine pairing.
August had a tough childhood and has severe abandonment issues, so he never has had a relationship or even dated. He has no interest in finding love or his happily ever after.
Caleb is pure sunshine, always smiling, loves his family, his job and even the he dog his ex got and left with him when she left him. When he meets August he knows exactly what he wants
Caleb wants a relationship with August but August doesn’t do relationships, but proposes a friends with benefits situation, until one or both? catches more.
With a few surprising third act twists, you might wonder if these two will ever get their HEA.
The side characters of Branson, August’s lifetime best friend and Noel, client and friend of Caleb ( these two maybe) along with Caleb family just swooping up August (Lottie, meme queen) I want more of them.
I loved the TWO epilogues and SO WORTH IT.
The level of spice with August’s dirty talk was so tantalizing. And Caleb willing and wanting to surrender that control to August was on point for their public relationship, with Caleb being August’s boss.
I loved both August and Caleb, and I highly recommend the book.
August had a tough childhood and has severe abandonment issues, so he never has had a relationship or even dated. He has no interest in finding love or his happily ever after.
Caleb is pure sunshine, always smiling, loves his family, his job and even the he dog his ex got and left with him when she left him. When he meets August he knows exactly what he wants
Caleb wants a relationship with August but August doesn’t do relationships, but proposes a friends with benefits situation, until one or both? catches more.
With a few surprising third act twists, you might wonder if these two will ever get their HEA.
The side characters of Branson, August’s lifetime best friend and Noel, client and friend of Caleb ( these two maybe) along with Caleb family just swooping up August (Lottie, meme queen) I want more of them.
I loved the TWO epilogues and SO WORTH IT.
The level of spice with August’s dirty talk was so tantalizing. And Caleb willing and wanting to surrender that control to August was on point for their public relationship, with Caleb being August’s boss.
I loved both August and Caleb, and I highly recommend the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2024
My heart broke for little August, how neglected he was and starved for love. The prologue broke me and drew me in.
Read this book for the spice, but also for the HEA of grump employee and sunshine boss.
Their weird attraction to each other leads to a friends with benefit kind of situation, until one of them catches feelings and asks for more (always), then just as it seems like the two can get their crap together, BAM third act break-up. Thankfully they finally get their act together and gain the greatest HEA with two epilogues, it’s so heartwarming and sweet, it’s so worth it.
P.s. Why do I feel like there should be a book 2 with Branson and Noel as a couple?
P.P.S. The spice was so good. So even if you don’t care for grump x sunshine, forbidden romance, friends with benefit situation, just read this for the spice, you won’t regret it!
Read this book for the spice, but also for the HEA of grump employee and sunshine boss.
Their weird attraction to each other leads to a friends with benefit kind of situation, until one of them catches feelings and asks for more (always), then just as it seems like the two can get their crap together, BAM third act break-up. Thankfully they finally get their act together and gain the greatest HEA with two epilogues, it’s so heartwarming and sweet, it’s so worth it.
P.s. Why do I feel like there should be a book 2 with Branson and Noel as a couple?
P.P.S. The spice was so good. So even if you don’t care for grump x sunshine, forbidden romance, friends with benefit situation, just read this for the spice, you won’t regret it!
March 10, 2024
ARC Review!!!
"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒚 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒃. 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒚𝒔."
- MM
- Boss x Employee
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Hurt x Comfort
- Friends with benefits
- Dirty talk
This is c.s.autumn debut book and it did not disappoint!
August has had a lot of family trauma in his past that has resulted in him swearing off falling in love and keeping people far away that could end up hurting him apart from a very select few. Caleb is the new boss and is moving on from some big changes to his life recently.
Caleb was honestly the cutest cinnamon roll MMC who constantly had such a happy outlook on life and just wanted to help and be there for August. August had me wishing I could just give him a hug and tell him that everything will be okay!
This is a great book for anyone wanting MM romance that’s angsty, emotional and spicy all rolled into one! Cannot wait to see where this series goes next…
*cough* Please be Branson *cough* 👀
"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒚 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒃. 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒚𝒔."
- MM
- Boss x Employee
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Hurt x Comfort
- Friends with benefits
- Dirty talk
This is c.s.autumn debut book and it did not disappoint!
August has had a lot of family trauma in his past that has resulted in him swearing off falling in love and keeping people far away that could end up hurting him apart from a very select few. Caleb is the new boss and is moving on from some big changes to his life recently.
Caleb was honestly the cutest cinnamon roll MMC who constantly had such a happy outlook on life and just wanted to help and be there for August. August had me wishing I could just give him a hug and tell him that everything will be okay!
This is a great book for anyone wanting MM romance that’s angsty, emotional and spicy all rolled into one! Cannot wait to see where this series goes next…
*cough* Please be Branson *cough* 👀
March 14, 2024
August has sworn off love. Past neglect has him refusing to do anything more than one night stands. That is until he meets Caleb, his new boss. Caleb is a sunshiney cinnamon roll of a man who constantly sees the good in life! When he meets August, he's all Caleb can think about.
They have a HOTT AF office scene with ALL of the dirty talk! But once it's over, August walks away. Completely lost, Caleb tries to stay away, but they are just too drawn to each other. They agree on a friends with benefits deal. But it doesn't take long for them to form strong feelings for each other.
There is a third act break up due to a very stubborn August. But once he realizes that he loves Caleb, they get their HEA!
This is a great debut book! Im excited to read more fro. C.S. Autumn!!
** I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review
They have a HOTT AF office scene with ALL of the dirty talk! But once it's over, August walks away. Completely lost, Caleb tries to stay away, but they are just too drawn to each other. They agree on a friends with benefits deal. But it doesn't take long for them to form strong feelings for each other.
There is a third act break up due to a very stubborn August. But once he realizes that he loves Caleb, they get their HEA!
This is a great debut book! Im excited to read more fro. C.S. Autumn!!
** I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review
March 16, 2024
Thank you to CS autumn for a copy of this book.
This style was a little outside of my norm, as it wasn’t so much “angst” but I loved it all the same. This was CS’s debut novel and it was great.
Caleb is the boss man. While August is his employee. They find themselves in a bit of a predicament that can only end in disaster.
The trauma of life that August has experienced and the wholesomeness that is Caleb just melded so well to create this book.
I’ll definitely checkout more.
What you’ll find:
- mm romance dynamic
- pan sexual and gay characters
- content warnings in the back of the book may be considered spoilers
- office romance
- playboy a bit with August
This style was a little outside of my norm, as it wasn’t so much “angst” but I loved it all the same. This was CS’s debut novel and it was great.
Caleb is the boss man. While August is his employee. They find themselves in a bit of a predicament that can only end in disaster.
The trauma of life that August has experienced and the wholesomeness that is Caleb just melded so well to create this book.
I’ll definitely checkout more.
What you’ll find:
- mm romance dynamic
- pan sexual and gay characters
- content warnings in the back of the book may be considered spoilers
- office romance
- playboy a bit with August
July 2, 2025
this was super adorable!
i actually had a fun time with this but the owd was a bit annoying and old ngl.
quotes:
“I love you August. I’m going to love you enough to fill all those years you felt unloved. And I'll never let you feel that way again. I’ll be your future. I can’t do anything about your past, but I will be your today and your tomorrow.”
‘I knew I would do anything to prove to him that he could have that-love, laughter, a family-and that it would all be worth the risk of putting his heart on the line. I'd prove it to him.’
‘August had a grip on me-physically and emotionally-and I wanted to soak him up until my heart and body were completely full of him.’
i actually had a fun time with this but the owd was a bit annoying and old ngl.
quotes:
“I love you August. I’m going to love you enough to fill all those years you felt unloved. And I'll never let you feel that way again. I’ll be your future. I can’t do anything about your past, but I will be your today and your tomorrow.”
‘I knew I would do anything to prove to him that he could have that-love, laughter, a family-and that it would all be worth the risk of putting his heart on the line. I'd prove it to him.’
‘August had a grip on me-physically and emotionally-and I wanted to soak him up until my heart and body were completely full of him.’
March 17, 2024
August was abandoned by his father and emotionally dumped by his mom. When Caleb becomes his boss, there is a strong attachment and August becomes a Dom to Caleb. August is emotionally stunted and broken but it leads to super hot times especially when the guys try to suppress their desire. Your heart hurts for August and Caleb is so patient, loving and accepting as he helps him heal. August is very controlling sexually and the pages sizzled with it, I will be reading more from C.S. Autumn. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
June 24, 2024
I was forgot to review the book. Totally my fault for my health issues.
I like the writing, the characters are solids.
Its a good debut book, i see a lot of potencial in this writer. I look forward to reading more.
August , due his past, don´t do relationships, until meets his new boss, Caleb. There is a dom/sub dynamic between the two, but not in the way you are thinking. Their relationship starts off casually, being physical, because August doesn't want more, but Caleb is a romantic and knows how to win his heart.
I like the writing, the characters are solids.
Its a good debut book, i see a lot of potencial in this writer. I look forward to reading more.
August , due his past, don´t do relationships, until meets his new boss, Caleb. There is a dom/sub dynamic between the two, but not in the way you are thinking. Their relationship starts off casually, being physical, because August doesn't want more, but Caleb is a romantic and knows how to win his heart.
March 18, 2024
A fantastic debut! I couldn’t have loved this book more.
I just wanted to hug August from the very start and Caleb is just perfect, sunshine personified and willing to fight for love. Their relationship isn’t without its bumps in the road but together they grow and seize their HEA.
August has spent most of his life feeling unloved and unwanted, as an adult he has put up so many walls to protect himself from the possibility of anyone leaving him. He doesn’t believe in love having seen the damage it can do when it goes wrong but he didn’t factor in Caleb and his relentless need to love and protect August, even from himself.
Caleb has everything planned out, he’s worked hard to get his dream career now he just wants someone to share his life with, he wants it all kids and the white picket fence included. From the first day he met August he was drawn to him, August isn’t ready to give his heart up but Caleb will take what he can get and wait for August to offer more.
Expect a hot employee/boss, opposites attract, friends with benefits to so much more relationship. Some angst along the way as August learns what love is really about and the happiest of HEA’s.
I loved CS Autumn’s writing style, for me there was a perfect amount of angst and the character growth that came from the angst was real and well written. There wasn’t drama for dramas sake, it absolutely fit with the characters and where they were personally. We were introduced to some great side characters and I can’t wait to see where they take us next. Definitely an author to look out for in the future. 🖤
I just wanted to hug August from the very start and Caleb is just perfect, sunshine personified and willing to fight for love. Their relationship isn’t without its bumps in the road but together they grow and seize their HEA.
August has spent most of his life feeling unloved and unwanted, as an adult he has put up so many walls to protect himself from the possibility of anyone leaving him. He doesn’t believe in love having seen the damage it can do when it goes wrong but he didn’t factor in Caleb and his relentless need to love and protect August, even from himself.
Caleb has everything planned out, he’s worked hard to get his dream career now he just wants someone to share his life with, he wants it all kids and the white picket fence included. From the first day he met August he was drawn to him, August isn’t ready to give his heart up but Caleb will take what he can get and wait for August to offer more.
Expect a hot employee/boss, opposites attract, friends with benefits to so much more relationship. Some angst along the way as August learns what love is really about and the happiest of HEA’s.
I loved CS Autumn’s writing style, for me there was a perfect amount of angst and the character growth that came from the angst was real and well written. There wasn’t drama for dramas sake, it absolutely fit with the characters and where they were personally. We were introduced to some great side characters and I can’t wait to see where they take us next. Definitely an author to look out for in the future. 🖤
March 16, 2024
Office romance
Grumpy-Sunshine
Hurt-comfort
Light kinks
These two touched my heart. These types of plot and tropes can be written in many ways, what made the difference to me in this one was the way it is written which really made me believe in their love, the little details, the right words said at the right time, the heart both of these characters showed. A really good debut.
Grumpy-Sunshine
Hurt-comfort
Light kinks
These two touched my heart. These types of plot and tropes can be written in many ways, what made the difference to me in this one was the way it is written which really made me believe in their love, the little details, the right words said at the right time, the heart both of these characters showed. A really good debut.
March 19, 2024
wishes and dreams
August is super guarded. Caleb is a ray of sunshine from the start. He sets his sights on August. The courtship has a lot of push and pull. The HEA was hard won but so worth it.
August is super guarded. Caleb is a ray of sunshine from the start. He sets his sights on August. The courtship has a lot of push and pull. The HEA was hard won but so worth it.
March 17, 2024
✨ Alpha read ✨
Get ready for the sweetest ride with two of the cutest cuties I’ve ever read 🫶
MVP = 🐶🐶🐶🤭🤭🤭
Get ready for the sweetest ride with two of the cutest cuties I’ve ever read 🫶
MVP = 🐶🐶🐶🤭🤭🤭
April 17, 2024
Wishes for August was such a wholesome book that was packed full of filth 🤌🏻 I love my MM angsty, dirty and sweet and CS Autumn delivered in all areas. 🫶🏻
My sweet August, plagued with childhood trauma filled with wishes that never came true. With the belief that everyone will eventually leave him, August is against all forms of relationships and love. He’s antisocial, anti smiles and anti emotions. A true dominant in every aspect of his life.
Enter Caleb, the complete opposite to August in every way. A total golden retriever who’s permanently smiling. A relationship breakdown and a new job means a new start and as the boss, Caleb is determined to get to know all his employees, especially the moody man with the brown eyes that he can’t help but be drawn towards.
Ugh, even writing this review I feel all giddy, I love them so much, the things they overcame. The praise AND degradation hit SO HARD. Watching August dominate Caleb was everything. Everytime I read the words “dirty boy” I was a puddle. It was filthy and delicious.
Congratulations on your first ever release cs!
Super proud of you and I’m dying for book 2! Hopefully Noel?? 👀
My sweet August, plagued with childhood trauma filled with wishes that never came true. With the belief that everyone will eventually leave him, August is against all forms of relationships and love. He’s antisocial, anti smiles and anti emotions. A true dominant in every aspect of his life.
Enter Caleb, the complete opposite to August in every way. A total golden retriever who’s permanently smiling. A relationship breakdown and a new job means a new start and as the boss, Caleb is determined to get to know all his employees, especially the moody man with the brown eyes that he can’t help but be drawn towards.
Ugh, even writing this review I feel all giddy, I love them so much, the things they overcame. The praise AND degradation hit SO HARD. Watching August dominate Caleb was everything. Everytime I read the words “dirty boy” I was a puddle. It was filthy and delicious.
Congratulations on your first ever release cs!
Super proud of you and I’m dying for book 2! Hopefully Noel?? 👀
November 8, 2024
August's journey in 'Wishes for August' is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with broken character. Raised in a broken home, he carries the weight of his past, vowing never to let himself be as shattered as his mother. Enter Caleb, his enigmatic boss, who challenges August's defences and ignites a passionate yet tumultuous connection.
The story navigates the complexities of trust, love, and vulnerability as August grapples with his inner demons. Their journey unfolds as a FWB dynamic, leading to unexpected twists and turns.
I found myself drawn into the angst of the characters, rooting for their eventual resolution. The unresolved questions about August's past left room for me to make my own assumption and a great HEA.
For fans of hurt/comfort, office romance, and complex character dynamics, 'Wishes for August' offers a great debut with a promising lead-in to the next book.
The story navigates the complexities of trust, love, and vulnerability as August grapples with his inner demons. Their journey unfolds as a FWB dynamic, leading to unexpected twists and turns.
I found myself drawn into the angst of the characters, rooting for their eventual resolution. The unresolved questions about August's past left room for me to make my own assumption and a great HEA.
For fans of hurt/comfort, office romance, and complex character dynamics, 'Wishes for August' offers a great debut with a promising lead-in to the next book.
March 24, 2024
August and Caleb ❤️
3 Stars ⭐️
✅Grumpy/sunshine
✅Boss/Employee
✅Hurt/Comfort
This was a perfect debut up until it wasn't, without spoiling let's just say something happens toward the latter part of this book that completely throws the whole vibe of this story in the gutter. I just could not look past this turn of events. It pains me to think that this very easily could have been a 5 star read but I ended up at a generous 3. I'm bitterly let down tbh, the story was fantastic to start and I loved the characters but the twist had me shaking my head.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
3 Stars ⭐️
✅Grumpy/sunshine
✅Boss/Employee
✅Hurt/Comfort
This was a perfect debut up until it wasn't, without spoiling let's just say something happens toward the latter part of this book that completely throws the whole vibe of this story in the gutter. I just could not look past this turn of events. It pains me to think that this very easily could have been a 5 star read but I ended up at a generous 3. I'm bitterly let down tbh, the story was fantastic to start and I loved the characters but the twist had me shaking my head.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
March 23, 2024
I am so overwhelmed with feelings about this book. I finished it a week ago and trying to vocalise how stunning this book was is so hard.
August has had a hard upbringing, and to read it and feel it was very close to home for me. The neglect and feelings of “not being good enough” were so visceral, I’m sure even if you didn’t share similar experiences, you would ache for this man. Because of having seen love fall apart and feeling that love be taken from him as a child, August grows up swearing to never let himself fall for somebody. He’s anti-social and introverted, but still needs that affection and touch. He gets his satisfaction from casual hook-ups, and goes home to his bestest friend, the only person he is close to.
The company he works for gets a new director of August’s department, and this is where we meet Caleb. The sunshine and light and goodness. The bright beaming smiles, the genuine care and interest in how your day has been, the heart that is open and ready to let you in despite having just come from a bad relationship. Caleb is pure, unconditional acceptance, and you feel that come through the pages and seep into you.
These two start things off with a very dirty start, a very naughty, kinky, filthy start. And it’s incredible. They are just so perfectly suited for each other sexually, I refuse to believe anybody else could ever fit better together than these two.
They are so different, in so many ways. Where August appears cold and distant, Caleb is personable and outgoing. Where Caleb is self aware and assured, August is self sabotaging and lacks compassion for himself. Where August is young and dismissive of love or long term relationships, Caleb is older and looking for a future for himself and a person to be his wholeheartedly.
The story follows them trying to navigate their work life while also trying to figure out how they want their lives to go. There are hurdles thrown in, and the maturity that these are handled with is so authentic, it really brings the writing of this book up a level.
Yes this book is spicy as GOTDANG, but it’s such an important story for so many kinds of people to read. I feel you can relate so well to the characters, you can understand so much of their feelings and thought processes, and you experience their story on such a deep level that afterwards, you feel like your best friends have just opened up about their past and you have no question that they 100% are being honest with you.
This book was such a gorgeous debut. C.S Autumn really impressed me with how they tackled hard topics, and made some controversial choices, but how those choices felt so natural and refreshing to see in a novel. They did not cater to what a consumer may demand, they did not take the easy way out, they did not do the “popular” thing. Conversations were had by these characters, and the people in their lives, that I felt were necessary and needed, and they may not have been the most “desirable” in terms of commercial acceptance, but they were genuine and authentic to the characters.
This book hits on some hard topics, and there is angst there, but it doesn’t drown you in it. It is done tastefully and respectfully to the characters, and I think that’s what I enjoyed most about this story. You could tell the characters wrote this story. The characters told this story and said what needed to be said, and felt what needed to be felt, and it was so beautiful.
I know this review hasn’t really given you much to go on, but if you are looking for a deep connection, a hard fought HEA, spicy as all heck spice, characters that develop and grow and shine, a story that is sweet and endearing and hard at times, a book that represents what “love” truly is for so many of us, then this book is for you.
I am beyond excited to see what C.S Autumn writes next, because this debut was of such high quality for me, that I have no doubt we have amazing things to see from this author in the future.
August has had a hard upbringing, and to read it and feel it was very close to home for me. The neglect and feelings of “not being good enough” were so visceral, I’m sure even if you didn’t share similar experiences, you would ache for this man. Because of having seen love fall apart and feeling that love be taken from him as a child, August grows up swearing to never let himself fall for somebody. He’s anti-social and introverted, but still needs that affection and touch. He gets his satisfaction from casual hook-ups, and goes home to his bestest friend, the only person he is close to.
The company he works for gets a new director of August’s department, and this is where we meet Caleb. The sunshine and light and goodness. The bright beaming smiles, the genuine care and interest in how your day has been, the heart that is open and ready to let you in despite having just come from a bad relationship. Caleb is pure, unconditional acceptance, and you feel that come through the pages and seep into you.
These two start things off with a very dirty start, a very naughty, kinky, filthy start. And it’s incredible. They are just so perfectly suited for each other sexually, I refuse to believe anybody else could ever fit better together than these two.
They are so different, in so many ways. Where August appears cold and distant, Caleb is personable and outgoing. Where Caleb is self aware and assured, August is self sabotaging and lacks compassion for himself. Where August is young and dismissive of love or long term relationships, Caleb is older and looking for a future for himself and a person to be his wholeheartedly.
The story follows them trying to navigate their work life while also trying to figure out how they want their lives to go. There are hurdles thrown in, and the maturity that these are handled with is so authentic, it really brings the writing of this book up a level.
Yes this book is spicy as GOTDANG, but it’s such an important story for so many kinds of people to read. I feel you can relate so well to the characters, you can understand so much of their feelings and thought processes, and you experience their story on such a deep level that afterwards, you feel like your best friends have just opened up about their past and you have no question that they 100% are being honest with you.
This book was such a gorgeous debut. C.S Autumn really impressed me with how they tackled hard topics, and made some controversial choices, but how those choices felt so natural and refreshing to see in a novel. They did not cater to what a consumer may demand, they did not take the easy way out, they did not do the “popular” thing. Conversations were had by these characters, and the people in their lives, that I felt were necessary and needed, and they may not have been the most “desirable” in terms of commercial acceptance, but they were genuine and authentic to the characters.
This book hits on some hard topics, and there is angst there, but it doesn’t drown you in it. It is done tastefully and respectfully to the characters, and I think that’s what I enjoyed most about this story. You could tell the characters wrote this story. The characters told this story and said what needed to be said, and felt what needed to be felt, and it was so beautiful.
I know this review hasn’t really given you much to go on, but if you are looking for a deep connection, a hard fought HEA, spicy as all heck spice, characters that develop and grow and shine, a story that is sweet and endearing and hard at times, a book that represents what “love” truly is for so many of us, then this book is for you.
I am beyond excited to see what C.S Autumn writes next, because this debut was of such high quality for me, that I have no doubt we have amazing things to see from this author in the future.
April 29, 2024
Abandonment issues is one of my favourite themes, so on paper, this sounded great.
However, the execution wasn’t so good - it could have used a lot more editing - at all levels.
Proofreading, to begin with. The comma situation was pretty dire - not sayin’ you need to be able to use commas correctly, but please find someone who is to do a quick edit for you in future, yeah? Constant errors distract me from the story. There were also plenty of typos - mostly around punctuation.
Then, the writing style. Dialogue felt awkward, stilted, unrealistic. People don’t talk like that.
Characters. The main thing that stood out to me was that with the whole book centred around August’s issues; Caleb had no issues of his own. Not a single one. (Apart from his relationship with August.) Even his break-up was no big deal by the time the story started. If he was also a main character, there should have been something to explore - new job, house/dog he didn’t want, new experiences around sex, honestly, anything to give him a bit more depth and make the book about him as well.
Plot. Everything felt really heavy-handed; there was nothing subtle about it. August was really open about his issues, and that felt out of character and generally unrealistic. As for the Major Drama…
Sex.
And then the deep, deep issues.
The thing I liked best was that Branson’s upcoming love interest was never shoved in our faces. Yeah, we all know who it is, we’re not stupid. I appreciate that it was left to inference, and for that alone, maybe I will read it!
However, the execution wasn’t so good - it could have used a lot more editing - at all levels.
Proofreading, to begin with. The comma situation was pretty dire - not sayin’ you need to be able to use commas correctly, but please find someone who is to do a quick edit for you in future, yeah? Constant errors distract me from the story. There were also plenty of typos - mostly around punctuation.
Then, the writing style. Dialogue felt awkward, stilted, unrealistic. People don’t talk like that.
Characters. The main thing that stood out to me was that with the whole book centred around August’s issues; Caleb had no issues of his own. Not a single one. (Apart from his relationship with August.) Even his break-up was no big deal by the time the story started. If he was also a main character, there should have been something to explore - new job, house/dog he didn’t want, new experiences around sex, honestly, anything to give him a bit more depth and make the book about him as well.
Plot. Everything felt really heavy-handed; there was nothing subtle about it. August was really open about his issues, and that felt out of character and generally unrealistic. As for the Major Drama…
Sex.
And then the deep, deep issues.
The thing I liked best was that Branson’s upcoming love interest was never shoved in our faces. Yeah, we all know who it is, we’re not stupid. I appreciate that it was left to inference, and for that alone, maybe I will read it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews