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Troubled
Uprooted from the only home he’s ever known, loner Wesley Binks moves across the country to finish his senior year of high school and live with his estranged father—and his extended family. But when he meets his stepbrother, golden boy Leo Richards, an unexpected connection develops. As the two become more acquainted, Wesley will discover that beneath the picturesque façade is someone as troubled as him.
- GenresQueerM M RomanceGayLGBT
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2024
20 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Harry Applebottom
76 books55 followersHarry Applebottom is a hopeful romantic and a gay erotic romance author here to unabashedly satiate and titillate your inner carnal desires with lots of steam, heart, and love. Harry's works range from short stories and novellas to full-length novels of various subgenres, where every ending ends with a happy one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 22, 2025
This one was a record, because in under 30 hours I went from start to finish.
“Yeah. I don’t want my first time to be someone I end up resenting. I want my first time to be with someone I trust, someone I know I can count on, someone who will show up and be there day or night.” He caressed Leo’s jaw. “You’re it.”
Sadly, this didn’t really work for me. The insta was just too insta — they’d known each other for less than two days, and Leo had already kissed Wes, broken up with his obnoxious girlfriend, had sex, and promised eternal love.
I honestly can’t believe this is the same author as Down the Hall, which had such intensity and depth — both of which were missing here.
The humour felt juvenile, and the “super evil girlfriend” trope was... meh, basic. The characters were sweet but bland, even during the sex scenes. They had some cute moments, and those “first times” were sweet but also a bit weird?
And then this absolutely creeped me out. It looks convenient enough, but— practising his gag reflex like this?! 😳
“Over the years, he had become flexible with the intent of sucking his own cock, and he had become a professional at it. Pursing his lips, he pleasured himself with his own mouth.”
And just a few more examples of the… creative vocabulary:
Dome (head of the dick, I guess?)
Backdoor
Anal lips
Slide in my chute
It ends with a HFN, which fits their age, but still leaves too much openness for my taste.
“Yeah. I don’t want my first time to be someone I end up resenting. I want my first time to be with someone I trust, someone I know I can count on, someone who will show up and be there day or night.” He caressed Leo’s jaw. “You’re it.”
Sadly, this didn’t really work for me. The insta was just too insta — they’d known each other for less than two days, and Leo had already kissed Wes, broken up with his obnoxious girlfriend, had sex, and promised eternal love.
I honestly can’t believe this is the same author as Down the Hall, which had such intensity and depth — both of which were missing here.
The humour felt juvenile, and the “super evil girlfriend” trope was... meh, basic. The characters were sweet but bland, even during the sex scenes. They had some cute moments, and those “first times” were sweet but also a bit weird?
And then this absolutely creeped me out. It looks convenient enough, but— practising his gag reflex like this?! 😳
“Over the years, he had become flexible with the intent of sucking his own cock, and he had become a professional at it. Pursing his lips, he pleasured himself with his own mouth.”
And just a few more examples of the… creative vocabulary:
Dome (head of the dick, I guess?)
Backdoor
Anal lips
Slide in my chute
It ends with a HFN, which fits their age, but still leaves too much openness for my taste.
February 9, 2024
I thought this book would be your typical taboo romance story between stepbrothers, whose story would be shallow and pure sex, but not this one.
This book was deep and emotional. Both the main characters were different, but somehow they shared similarities.
Wesley's life wasn't an easy one. His parents weren't a happy couple; his father left him because he couldn't bear to be with his wife any longer, and that left Wesley in his mother's care. His mother didn't give a sh*t about him, so Wesley grew up without knowing the warmth of a family. He resented his father for leaving him behind with his mother, so when his father asked him to move him with his father and his family, Wesley felt reluctant.
His father's new wife was a kind woman who treated him like her own son, and his stepbrother, Leo, was accepting him with open arms as well.
Leo has a girlfriend named Catherine, who is an entitled, spoiled bish. When Leo asked Wesley to go shopping with him and Cat, she looked at Wesley with disdain and talked sh*t about him, so he had enough, plus Leo was still trying to make an excuse for her actions by saying that Cat had been through a lot. Thank God for Wesley, who had the backbone to put Leo in his place.
When Cat said that Leo was her boyfriend when they were in third grade, Leo accepted his fate, and the rest is history. They have been in an on-and-off relationship for nine years. Leo was a much better man to have an evil girlfriend like Cat, and I think Leo always accepted defeat, made excuses about Cat's behavior because he didn't want to rock the boat, and made a huge wave with Cat, but when Cat belittled Wesley when three of them were shopping together, and even after Wesley went home without them, she was still doing it, finally Leo sees Cat for who she really is: a narcissistic, spoiled, self-absorbed bish. He was breaking things off with her for good.
Leo looked like a golden child who had everything, but somehow he was lonely, and his friends seemed fake with an ulterior motive behind them. When he got to know Wesley, his eyes were wide open, finally seeking what he desired most. To be a writer, just like his deceased father, who was Wesley's favorite author.
Both of them haven't said ILU, but they felt a deep emotional connection starting to bloom, and it was just the beginning of their relationship.
This book was deep and emotional. Both the main characters were different, but somehow they shared similarities.
Wesley's life wasn't an easy one. His parents weren't a happy couple; his father left him because he couldn't bear to be with his wife any longer, and that left Wesley in his mother's care. His mother didn't give a sh*t about him, so Wesley grew up without knowing the warmth of a family. He resented his father for leaving him behind with his mother, so when his father asked him to move him with his father and his family, Wesley felt reluctant.
His father's new wife was a kind woman who treated him like her own son, and his stepbrother, Leo, was accepting him with open arms as well.
Leo has a girlfriend named Catherine, who is an entitled, spoiled bish. When Leo asked Wesley to go shopping with him and Cat, she looked at Wesley with disdain and talked sh*t about him, so he had enough, plus Leo was still trying to make an excuse for her actions by saying that Cat had been through a lot. Thank God for Wesley, who had the backbone to put Leo in his place.
When Cat said that Leo was her boyfriend when they were in third grade, Leo accepted his fate, and the rest is history. They have been in an on-and-off relationship for nine years. Leo was a much better man to have an evil girlfriend like Cat, and I think Leo always accepted defeat, made excuses about Cat's behavior because he didn't want to rock the boat, and made a huge wave with Cat, but when Cat belittled Wesley when three of them were shopping together, and even after Wesley went home without them, she was still doing it, finally Leo sees Cat for who she really is: a narcissistic, spoiled, self-absorbed bish. He was breaking things off with her for good.
Leo looked like a golden child who had everything, but somehow he was lonely, and his friends seemed fake with an ulterior motive behind them. When he got to know Wesley, his eyes were wide open, finally seeking what he desired most. To be a writer, just like his deceased father, who was Wesley's favorite author.
Both of them haven't said ILU, but they felt a deep emotional connection starting to bloom, and it was just the beginning of their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2024
A taboo romance - step siblings (young love)
Wesley goes to love with his father who abandoned him years before, and now has a new family and step-son. Cue angels singing for the supposed beauty that is Leo of the dirty blonde locks and in Wesley’s words ‘fine as fuck’.
And we can all guess where things went from there. Throw in an obnoxious cling on called Cat for some ugh factor and you’ve got a potential love triangle.
It’s quite insta-lovey and not in the familial way … with Wesley settling in surprisingly quickly despite his initial (and very fleeting) resentment. The book takes place over a pretty short period with much ‘bonding’ between Wesley and Leo.
Some development of these two’s relationship and some dialogue that was a little less stilted and organic would tighten this story up significantly. The ending was really rushed and really took away from the story.
I do tend to struggle with scenes where the character is imagining themselves with the other love interest - I tend to skim as I know they aren’t real, though to some extent this could work for some with this book given the ages of the characters and their life experiences.
Thanks to book sirens for introducing me to this author’s debut.
Wesley goes to love with his father who abandoned him years before, and now has a new family and step-son. Cue angels singing for the supposed beauty that is Leo of the dirty blonde locks and in Wesley’s words ‘fine as fuck’.
And we can all guess where things went from there. Throw in an obnoxious cling on called Cat for some ugh factor and you’ve got a potential love triangle.
It’s quite insta-lovey and not in the familial way … with Wesley settling in surprisingly quickly despite his initial (and very fleeting) resentment. The book takes place over a pretty short period with much ‘bonding’ between Wesley and Leo.
Some development of these two’s relationship and some dialogue that was a little less stilted and organic would tighten this story up significantly. The ending was really rushed and really took away from the story.
I do tend to struggle with scenes where the character is imagining themselves with the other love interest - I tend to skim as I know they aren’t real, though to some extent this could work for some with this book given the ages of the characters and their life experiences.
Thanks to book sirens for introducing me to this author’s debut.
February 8, 2024
Troubled: An erotic stepbrothers romance
Harry Applebottom
⭐️: 5/10 🌶️: 3/5 😭: -/5 🤣: -/5
Tropes:
💜 Stepbrothers
💜Insta Connection
💜 Sexual awakening
“Nothing compared to the intimacy of holding another’s hand.”
(ESP) Me sorprendió para bien el desarrollo de los personajes siendo una novela. Tienen mucha historia de la cual quisiera saber más.
Ahora el título nos promete un stepbrothers y en ningún momento se hacen un planteo al respecto. Si a eso le sumamos que cualquier cosa que sea instantánea (conexión, amor, lujuria, etc) no es algo que disfrute de leer es entendible que no haya sido el libro para mi aunque esté bien escrito.
(ENG) Being a novella I was surprised by the character development. They have a lot of history that I would like to know more about.
Now the title promises us a stepbrothers romance and at no point do they make a pitch about it. Add to that anything that is instant (connection, love, lust, etc) is not something I enjoy reading and it's understandable that it wasn't the book for me even though it is well written.
Harry Applebottom
⭐️: 5/10 🌶️: 3/5 😭: -/5 🤣: -/5
Tropes:
💜 Stepbrothers
💜Insta Connection
💜 Sexual awakening
“Nothing compared to the intimacy of holding another’s hand.”
(ESP) Me sorprendió para bien el desarrollo de los personajes siendo una novela. Tienen mucha historia de la cual quisiera saber más.
Ahora el título nos promete un stepbrothers y en ningún momento se hacen un planteo al respecto. Si a eso le sumamos que cualquier cosa que sea instantánea (conexión, amor, lujuria, etc) no es algo que disfrute de leer es entendible que no haya sido el libro para mi aunque esté bien escrito.
(ENG) Being a novella I was surprised by the character development. They have a lot of history that I would like to know more about.
Now the title promises us a stepbrothers romance and at no point do they make a pitch about it. Add to that anything that is instant (connection, love, lust, etc) is not something I enjoy reading and it's understandable that it wasn't the book for me even though it is well written.
February 9, 2024
DNF: 11%
The descriptive writing wasn’t for me, a lot of it was uncomfortable and jarring such as:
-meeting his stepmother for the first time and saying she looks good because she has ‘meat on her bones’
-a weird turn of phrase about how ‘judging by her size, she’s the same height as him’ when they’re standing right next to each other
-a bad word choice of his father groping his own neck when the author was probably going for a self-conscious gesture
But it really was the description of the step-brother having ‘sprawling lips’ that did it for me and I put down the book.
I received an ARC from Booksirens for an honest review.
The descriptive writing wasn’t for me, a lot of it was uncomfortable and jarring such as:
-meeting his stepmother for the first time and saying she looks good because she has ‘meat on her bones’
-a weird turn of phrase about how ‘judging by her size, she’s the same height as him’ when they’re standing right next to each other
-a bad word choice of his father groping his own neck when the author was probably going for a self-conscious gesture
But it really was the description of the step-brother having ‘sprawling lips’ that did it for me and I put down the book.
I received an ARC from Booksirens for an honest review.
February 6, 2024
SUCH A SATISFYING (“TABOO”) ROMANTIC EROTICA OR EROTIC ROMANCE (HOWEVER WHICH WAY YOU WANNA HAVE IT)
I could not be happier to have picked this ARC from Booksprout to read and review, because it was a joy through and through! Quality stories—especially in the erotica genre—are so rare that when I do luck out and find one, I consider it the most wonderful blessing! It not only spares me from a stressful reading experience, but also from having to feel bad about rating and reviewing (I want nothing more than to give top ratings all the time, but I can’t lie about my opinions in reviews, no matter how much passive-aggressive bully culture in our present-day society pressures and guilt-trips readers into it; reviews are not just for the authors after all, but more for the readers). (Sorry, had to get that out of my system.)
For me, two things are essential to a great book: well-rounded characters and superb execution (in short: excellent storytelling), and this definitely had both! (It didn’t hurt that the cover is really pretty too, by the way—which I’ll admit is a huge influence on whether I decide to pick up a book or not). Despite the short length, we get rich characterisation and significant character development; not once anywhere in the story did I feel that the pace rushed or slacked off; everything that happened is of substance, no aimless dawdling or stravaiging about on pointless tangents. The narrative and descriptions were on point, vivid and exciting yet not under nor overdone (though I did spot a few technical redundancies here and there, they weren’t so bad as to detract from the story flow nor disrupt reader engagement). It’s very character-orientated (my kind of stories): relatable and full of heart. Truly, Wesley and Leo are so sweet and likeable! They may be flawed as they're so young, but they’re intelligent where it matters and they bring out the best in each other in the best way possible; all of their thought processes and actions felt so easy and organic, never forced or contrived just to needlessly bloat or lengthen the plot. I absolutely enjoyed that there are both internal and external conflicts but they’re not the usual ones you’d expect to find in a typical “step-brothers forbidden love” trope, and the way the main antagonist was handled was just… mmmm, *chef’s kiss* (this is probably one of my most favourite things about this book)! Needless to say, the writing style was brilliant – totally my cup of tea.
All in all, my level of happiness and satisfaction as a reader were consistently maintained throughout the story, and that’s actually the biggest factor that affects whatever rating I give: if nothing pulled me out of that immersion bubble from (cover/)start to finish, then the book definitely earned my 5 stars and more. (Of course, having an ample amount of tastefully-written spicy sex scenes alone—and by “ample”, I mean a lot, lol—is already worth a bazillion stars by me. And oh yes, this has that too *brow waggle*; definitely kept me beyond happy, haha.)
I did spot some typos and grammatical errors (I never actively seek these out, they just stand out to my dyslexic brain somehow); but again, the extent was not grievous, considering mine is an ARC (or advance reader copy) after all, and it was plain to see overall that much careful thought and effort was put into making the writing as polished or “reader-friendly” as possible (a courtesy I’m always grateful for; it’s so hard to appreciate and care about a story when it’s not only rife with errors but the presentation is also lazy and slipshod – which speaks volumes about how much the author cared about it themselves). I don’t deck stars for a few honest mistakes here and there, unless it’s so egregious that it makes the story hard to understand, thus making for an onerous reading experience; that wasn’t the case here, so yeah: still 5 stars because I simply loved this to bits!
(Disclaimer: I put the word taboo in quotes as a trigger warning for those who are sensitive about pseudo-incest, but I’m not one of those who believes it is, obviously.)
I could not be happier to have picked this ARC from Booksprout to read and review, because it was a joy through and through! Quality stories—especially in the erotica genre—are so rare that when I do luck out and find one, I consider it the most wonderful blessing! It not only spares me from a stressful reading experience, but also from having to feel bad about rating and reviewing (I want nothing more than to give top ratings all the time, but I can’t lie about my opinions in reviews, no matter how much passive-aggressive bully culture in our present-day society pressures and guilt-trips readers into it; reviews are not just for the authors after all, but more for the readers). (Sorry, had to get that out of my system.)
For me, two things are essential to a great book: well-rounded characters and superb execution (in short: excellent storytelling), and this definitely had both! (It didn’t hurt that the cover is really pretty too, by the way—which I’ll admit is a huge influence on whether I decide to pick up a book or not). Despite the short length, we get rich characterisation and significant character development; not once anywhere in the story did I feel that the pace rushed or slacked off; everything that happened is of substance, no aimless dawdling or stravaiging about on pointless tangents. The narrative and descriptions were on point, vivid and exciting yet not under nor overdone (though I did spot a few technical redundancies here and there, they weren’t so bad as to detract from the story flow nor disrupt reader engagement). It’s very character-orientated (my kind of stories): relatable and full of heart. Truly, Wesley and Leo are so sweet and likeable! They may be flawed as they're so young, but they’re intelligent where it matters and they bring out the best in each other in the best way possible; all of their thought processes and actions felt so easy and organic, never forced or contrived just to needlessly bloat or lengthen the plot. I absolutely enjoyed that there are both internal and external conflicts but they’re not the usual ones you’d expect to find in a typical “step-brothers forbidden love” trope, and the way the main antagonist was handled was just… mmmm, *chef’s kiss* (this is probably one of my most favourite things about this book)! Needless to say, the writing style was brilliant – totally my cup of tea.
All in all, my level of happiness and satisfaction as a reader were consistently maintained throughout the story, and that’s actually the biggest factor that affects whatever rating I give: if nothing pulled me out of that immersion bubble from (cover/)start to finish, then the book definitely earned my 5 stars and more. (Of course, having an ample amount of tastefully-written spicy sex scenes alone—and by “ample”, I mean a lot, lol—is already worth a bazillion stars by me. And oh yes, this has that too *brow waggle*; definitely kept me beyond happy, haha.)
I did spot some typos and grammatical errors (I never actively seek these out, they just stand out to my dyslexic brain somehow); but again, the extent was not grievous, considering mine is an ARC (or advance reader copy) after all, and it was plain to see overall that much careful thought and effort was put into making the writing as polished or “reader-friendly” as possible (a courtesy I’m always grateful for; it’s so hard to appreciate and care about a story when it’s not only rife with errors but the presentation is also lazy and slipshod – which speaks volumes about how much the author cared about it themselves). I don’t deck stars for a few honest mistakes here and there, unless it’s so egregious that it makes the story hard to understand, thus making for an onerous reading experience; that wasn’t the case here, so yeah: still 5 stars because I simply loved this to bits!
(Disclaimer: I put the word taboo in quotes as a trigger warning for those who are sensitive about pseudo-incest, but I’m not one of those who believes it is, obviously.)
February 8, 2024
Wesley and Leo’s Story . . .
Wesley Binks is not having an easy life, but he has a great deal of insight which might see him through his difficulties. His mother ships him off in his senior high school year to live with his father, stepmother, and stepbrother. His father Albert had ignored him for 9 years, so this was not a joyous reunion. Wes starts to wonder if he really fits in anywhere. His stepbrother, Leo Richards, seen as the “golden boy”, seems on the surface to be everything Wes is not. But it doesn’t take long for them to find a surprise connection with each other. Both have been trying to fit in, even if they are presenting a false image of themselves. Can their troubles actually be a catalyst to bring them a better understanding of things? Will Leo dump that nasty insulting girlfriend of his? Is there any chance for them to find their own happiness along the way?
This author always does a great job with the characters. The reader gets to really know them and they matter to us. And there are some fun scenes for the reader to enjoy, so don’t miss this one!
Wesley Binks is not having an easy life, but he has a great deal of insight which might see him through his difficulties. His mother ships him off in his senior high school year to live with his father, stepmother, and stepbrother. His father Albert had ignored him for 9 years, so this was not a joyous reunion. Wes starts to wonder if he really fits in anywhere. His stepbrother, Leo Richards, seen as the “golden boy”, seems on the surface to be everything Wes is not. But it doesn’t take long for them to find a surprise connection with each other. Both have been trying to fit in, even if they are presenting a false image of themselves. Can their troubles actually be a catalyst to bring them a better understanding of things? Will Leo dump that nasty insulting girlfriend of his? Is there any chance for them to find their own happiness along the way?
This author always does a great job with the characters. The reader gets to really know them and they matter to us. And there are some fun scenes for the reader to enjoy, so don’t miss this one!
February 8, 2024
Hot hot hot
Wesley was moving to live with his father as his mother didn’t want him. And although his dad had not made an effort in nine years, after a small chat, they decided to give our relationship a try, and his wife was just lovely to him made him feel at home and feel as his dad took him upstairs to see his bedroom. He knocked on the door and the most beautiful man answered. It was Leo who was his stepbrother. But that didn’t stop him wanting him that was until he heard he was straight with a girlfriend.
The more that Leo and Wes spend together the more it became clear that these two Gelled.
I don’t want to give too much away, but when Leo and Wes do come together, I will tell you right now. The passion is off the charts. These two are perfect for one another. And I’m really glad that they could talk about things. It wasn’t something they fell into they talked about everything
a really great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wesley was moving to live with his father as his mother didn’t want him. And although his dad had not made an effort in nine years, after a small chat, they decided to give our relationship a try, and his wife was just lovely to him made him feel at home and feel as his dad took him upstairs to see his bedroom. He knocked on the door and the most beautiful man answered. It was Leo who was his stepbrother. But that didn’t stop him wanting him that was until he heard he was straight with a girlfriend.
The more that Leo and Wes spend together the more it became clear that these two Gelled.
I don’t want to give too much away, but when Leo and Wes do come together, I will tell you right now. The passion is off the charts. These two are perfect for one another. And I’m really glad that they could talk about things. It wasn’t something they fell into they talked about everything
a really great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2024
I'm not sure why this story is called "Troubled" because while both young men have some emotional issues related to their parents and/or past traumas it didn't seem like either of them is particularly struggling extensively with those issues and both are written to be quite mentally and emotionally healthy overall. I actually thought that Wesley handled his resentments and slights with excessive grace (he should have gotten more time to be angry over his abandonment, IMO), but he was a likeable character and I loved that he didn't hold grudges. Now, this book literally happens over the course of 2 days and that seems weird to me as the reader, because despite my love of insta-everything in romance and erotica, I didn't see WHY this relationship happened so quickly and appears to have the power to last years. I would have liked more content and development of the story, but what's on the page is good, and I enjoyed the reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2024
“I’m sorry you have to carry around that weight, but you don’t have to follow the blueprint of a life someone else has mapped out for you. You’re your own person. Only you get to decide what and who you are. No one else is going to live your life for you. I know this may not mean anything to you since I don’t know you all that well, but you seem like a great guy. You deserve to pursue and forge your own happiness. Whatever that may look like.”
I really enjoyed this book. I loved both Leo and Wesley. Both had their insecurities and issues, but they connected and found that they had more in common then they thought. Leo picking out clothes for Wesley was my favorite scene- and what it lead to of course. This story happened over a short period of time, but you felt like they got to know each other.
“And I want to come to know you, Leo Richards, in all meanings of the word.”
4 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I loved both Leo and Wesley. Both had their insecurities and issues, but they connected and found that they had more in common then they thought. Leo picking out clothes for Wesley was my favorite scene- and what it lead to of course. This story happened over a short period of time, but you felt like they got to know each other.
“And I want to come to know you, Leo Richards, in all meanings of the word.”
4 stars
April 8, 2024
I admit I have read most of Harry Applebottom's MM romance novels, and I have always thought he was a good writer. But after reading Troubled, I changed my mind, and now I think he is brilliant. In this book, there has been a significant improvement in the quality of his writing. Troubled is undoubtedly his best book yet, full of perfectly conveyed emotions. The story of Wesley and Leo is captivating and engaging. Both boys are very different in terms of character, background, family situation, and what is expected of them (or not expected at all). For anyone who loves emotional and realistic MM romance with a spicy touch, this book is a must-read, with the perfect expression of feelings, situations, and dialogue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2025
Wesley Binks, 18, is gay. He lived in a trailer park with his mom—until she kicked him out.
Wesley has been estranged from his father for the past nine years. His manipulative alcoholic mother kept the two apart.
Leo Richards, 18, is the stepbrother Wesley’s never met. An excellent student, Leo is also a standout in athletics.
Big size difference: Wesley is 5’6” and skinny; Leo is 6’1” and muscular.
They both love the books of L.G. Weston.
Immediate attraction.
Self-esteem issues from Wesley.
Good emotional work, especially with their first kiss.
Lots of cuteness—and hotness.
The Male Gaze writing is welcome. Most of the action is done quite well, including Wesley’s special talent.
Steamy, but unrealistic and unsatisfying.
Very insta which (mostly, actually) works. (Hello, high schoolers.) But writing Gay For You, especially a gay man doing so…is a profound and tasteless disappointment.
There are so many opportunities to show that Leo is gay and the author…just…doesn’t.
Even after finishing this book, it’s unclear which of them is “troubled.” Going with Leo, though, because he’s in Da Nile.
Wesley has been estranged from his father for the past nine years. His manipulative alcoholic mother kept the two apart.
Leo Richards, 18, is the stepbrother Wesley’s never met. An excellent student, Leo is also a standout in athletics.
Big size difference: Wesley is 5’6” and skinny; Leo is 6’1” and muscular.
They both love the books of L.G. Weston.
Immediate attraction.
Self-esteem issues from Wesley.
Good emotional work, especially with their first kiss.
Lots of cuteness—and hotness.
The Male Gaze writing is welcome. Most of the action is done quite well, including Wesley’s special talent.
Steamy, but unrealistic and unsatisfying.
Very insta which (mostly, actually) works. (Hello, high schoolers.) But writing Gay For You, especially a gay man doing so…is a profound and tasteless disappointment.
There are so many opportunities to show that Leo is gay and the author…just…doesn’t.
Even after finishing this book, it’s unclear which of them is “troubled.” Going with Leo, though, because he’s in Da Nile.
February 6, 2024
This is a fairly short book as most of these are, but there seemed to me to be more plot with this one. The blurb sets it up well, and the book does a lot more character development and background of both boys, giving the reader (at least this one) the feeling that you really have a good idea of who both boys are, before getting to the steamier scenes. Golden boy Leo is not so golden, and Wesley is a lot more savvy and realistic, but also optimistic with reminding Leo it is his life so his choices should matter. I like the messages in this book, and would love to read more about these two, what would come next for them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2024
STEPBROTHER TABOO! 😈
This was a steamy, sweet and erotic taboo novella that absolutely catches the reader’s attention from the first chapter up and till the last open ended chapter!
I loved how they got to know each other and how comfortable they were in their own skins literally in front of each other.
I hated the girlfriend’s attitude towards Wesley and how Leo’s eyes opened to what was in front of him and how he has been manipulated and used by people….
The premise was on point and the storyline a page turner.
I hope we will get more from these characters in their college life perhaps away from home?….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a steamy, sweet and erotic taboo novella that absolutely catches the reader’s attention from the first chapter up and till the last open ended chapter!
I loved how they got to know each other and how comfortable they were in their own skins literally in front of each other.
I hated the girlfriend’s attitude towards Wesley and how Leo’s eyes opened to what was in front of him and how he has been manipulated and used by people….
The premise was on point and the storyline a page turner.
I hope we will get more from these characters in their college life perhaps away from home?….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2024
Another awesome taboo story by Harry Applebottom. I can’t get enough of the spicy stories he has written! This one was just so full of that anticipation heat!!!! I’m hoping there’s part 2 for this one!!!! 5 stars!!!
The story focuses on Wesley, who was sent to live with his estranged father who has a family of his own. That included a stepbrother named Leo. After the move, Wesley was invited to tag along with Leo and his girlfriend (the popular cheerleader) on an outing to the mall so he could buy some clothes for school. While the girlfriend was at a ladies department, Leo would go with Wesley to a men’s store and help shop for clothes. Something happened. I’m just going to stop right there and have you pick up the book and find out how it began and all that!
The story focuses on Wesley, who was sent to live with his estranged father who has a family of his own. That included a stepbrother named Leo. After the move, Wesley was invited to tag along with Leo and his girlfriend (the popular cheerleader) on an outing to the mall so he could buy some clothes for school. While the girlfriend was at a ladies department, Leo would go with Wesley to a men’s store and help shop for clothes. Something happened. I’m just going to stop right there and have you pick up the book and find out how it began and all that!
January 29, 2024
Oh my goodness I love this story. There are so many tender and sweet moments. I want more, it was way too short for me. I couldn't put it down.
Leo and Wesley have only known each other for a few days but from the moment they set eyes on each other there is an instant chemistry.
They come from different worlds and yet there are so many similarities that they can't help but be drawn together. They are both lonely and troubled for different reasons.
This is a slow burn to a hot sizzling YES MM Romance.
This is a New To Me Author and I look forward to reading more of their works.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leo and Wesley have only known each other for a few days but from the moment they set eyes on each other there is an instant chemistry.
They come from different worlds and yet there are so many similarities that they can't help but be drawn together. They are both lonely and troubled for different reasons.
This is a slow burn to a hot sizzling YES MM Romance.
This is a New To Me Author and I look forward to reading more of their works.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2024
"Troubled" is a steamy and quite sweet novella. I really enjoyed this book, the characters are well written. They have a connection right from the start. They quickly go from getting to know each other to much more and when they do it's hot. Even though this book left me wanting to know more about these characters future, I did not feel cheated with the story I did get. This was my first book by this author but I won't be my last.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2024
Intriguing read as this has starts off, with a young man heading over to his dad’s new family. Liked that you get the backstory to both of these main characters as they both have some baggage that they need to work through, but they find comfort and kindred spirits within each other right away. I enjoyed how each seem to be supporting the other unconditionally and have an open an honest relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2024
This was a great book. Wes and Leo just met but both are drawn to each other. Wes and Leo are step-brothers but they have a deep emotional connection and chemistry. These two fall hard and fast other and they get an HFN-ish ending; I do hope that we get another book for these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2024
Wesley hasn't seen his Dad for 9 years and now he's living with him, his stepmother and his stepbrother, Leo. Wes and Leo instantly hit it off and soon a gay Wes finds out Leo is not so straight. A spicy and sexy novella with two barely adult stepbrothers involved and exploring. I received a copy of this book through Booksprout and this is my voluntary opinion.
February 8, 2024
Westley (Wes) moves in with his father, stepmother and stepbrother Leo.
Wes and Leo bond instantly have a connection and then Wes finds out Leo has a girlfriend.
such a good read spicey in all the right places.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wes and Leo bond instantly have a connection and then Wes finds out Leo has a girlfriend.
such a good read spicey in all the right places.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2024
I have given this 5* as this is the first story by Harry that i have thoroughly enjoyed. Great main characters Wesley and Leo who were likeable and though the story was a bit too short for me it still had plenty of steam and taboo eroticism that we expect from Harry that kept me hooked until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2024
This was a quick sweet with heat read. I have loved everything I have read from this author but this is my new favorite. This one just seemed to have a little something more, maybe because I just loved the MCs so much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2024
I loved this book. It was sweet, emotional, and sexy all at the same time. I just wish it was longer so we could learn how they grow together as a couple and face the hardships that have yet to come.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2024
I feel this was a very quick story with an insta love feel. That being said, I absolutely adored both Leo and Wes, their very quick relationship was so flippin’ cute.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Wesley and Leo come from different backgrounds but each experience doubts about themselves. I like that they find love and companionship with each other.
February 5, 2024
This is the first story I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed it, the two MCs Wesley and Leo were both nice guys the story is set in a very short period of time and it would be nice to know what happens further down the line but it was a good read.
February 17, 2024
Insta Love
A quick MM stepbrother Bi-awakening read with spice , when Wesley goes to live with his Dad he meets his stepbrother Leo and it’s insta lust but he has a gf so he must be straight .
A quick MM stepbrother Bi-awakening read with spice , when Wesley goes to live with his Dad he meets his stepbrother Leo and it’s insta lust but he has a gf so he must be straight .
February 22, 2024
Troubled by Harry Applebottom
First for this author and I like his writing style as well as the plot and the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First for this author and I like his writing style as well as the plot and the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 29, 2024
Wonderful story. I absolutely love Leo and Wesley and their ability to feel so much for each other so quickly. I really hope to find out what happens next in this wonderful love story. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm romance stories with a happily ever after.
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