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My Dark Jock #6
Kept By My Teammate
My Dark Jock part six, coming soon.
A Toxic M/M Straight To Gay BDSM Short
A Toxic M/M Straight To Gay BDSM Short
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
25 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Arden Long
12 books192 followersHi! I'm Arden, a small scruffy person living in the UK. Most days I can be found at my laptop with a mug of hot chocolate (almond milk) and a bag of snacks (savory) writing absolutely filthy M/M smut (just the dirtiest).
I love writing dark and dangerous guys, fun banter, confused himbos, and mindblowingly raunchy kinks.
Join my Newsletter for an exclusive spicy M/M short, and keep up to date with news and releases: subscribepage.io/ArdenLongMailingList
I love writing dark and dangerous guys, fun banter, confused himbos, and mindblowingly raunchy kinks.
Join my Newsletter for an exclusive spicy M/M short, and keep up to date with news and releases: subscribepage.io/ArdenLongMailingList
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 22, 2025
I really liked this — flaws and all. What started as a kinky college hookup story turned into something much deeper. Watching how it began and how it ended, the growth in both Malcom and North was delicious 🤤. Their character development felt real and well-paced, and by the end, I was fully invested.
Yes, there’s a *lot* of kinky sex — and if that’s what you’re here for, it absolutely delivers — but there’s so much more than that. The series is packed with emotional moments, specially North bulldozing Mal’s walls, complicated family dynamics( Mal father can go sit on a cactus), vulnerability, and some truly tender aftercare moments (this was a bit worrisome in the beginning but Mal change that pretty quickly). And the jealousy? Juicy as hell. It added tension in all the right ways and made the emotional stakes even higher.
What I appreciated most was how the intimacy evolved. The kink wasn’t just about power play or heat (though it *was* hot); it became a way for Malcom and North to connect, communicate, and build trust. Their relationship was messy, intense, and unexpectedly full of heart.
ps: and just to be clear, while there’s more then kinky sex, there’s LOADS and LOADS of kinky delicious sex 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
WE TAKE our time cleaning each other. I rub the suds in slow lazy circles over his back and chest, washing away the sweat and dried cum. There are dark marks on his hips, five on each side in the shape of my fingers where I gripped him too hard, and I rub them gently.
We kiss, and in my post-sex glow, I wonder why I was ever afraid of this? Kissing? It’s perfect. The way our wet lips slip against each other, the catch of a tooth, hard against the softness. The way his tongue swipes over mine, licking into me. The feel of his breath mingling with my own before I breathe it in. It feels almost as good as fucking him into the floor.
This feels so close. I know I just fucked him five ways from Sunday, but this feels far more intimate.
And I never would have let myself experience this if North hadn’t come barreling into my life, demanding things I thought I couldn’t give him, and opening me up in ways I’ve always been closed. And I’m so fucking glad he did.
Yes, there’s a *lot* of kinky sex — and if that’s what you’re here for, it absolutely delivers — but there’s so much more than that. The series is packed with emotional moments, specially North bulldozing Mal’s walls, complicated family dynamics( Mal father can go sit on a cactus), vulnerability, and some truly tender aftercare moments (this was a bit worrisome in the beginning but Mal change that pretty quickly). And the jealousy? Juicy as hell. It added tension in all the right ways and made the emotional stakes even higher.
What I appreciated most was how the intimacy evolved. The kink wasn’t just about power play or heat (though it *was* hot); it became a way for Malcom and North to connect, communicate, and build trust. Their relationship was messy, intense, and unexpectedly full of heart.
ps: and just to be clear, while there’s more then kinky sex, there’s LOADS and LOADS of kinky delicious sex 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
WE TAKE our time cleaning each other. I rub the suds in slow lazy circles over his back and chest, washing away the sweat and dried cum. There are dark marks on his hips, five on each side in the shape of my fingers where I gripped him too hard, and I rub them gently.
We kiss, and in my post-sex glow, I wonder why I was ever afraid of this? Kissing? It’s perfect. The way our wet lips slip against each other, the catch of a tooth, hard against the softness. The way his tongue swipes over mine, licking into me. The feel of his breath mingling with my own before I breathe it in. It feels almost as good as fucking him into the floor.
This feels so close. I know I just fucked him five ways from Sunday, but this feels far more intimate.
And I never would have let myself experience this if North hadn’t come barreling into my life, demanding things I thought I couldn’t give him, and opening me up in ways I’ve always been closed. And I’m so fucking glad he did.
November 21, 2024
“Look at you,” Mal growls into my ear. “You’re my slut.”
This series is kind of fucking amazing
This series is kind of fucking amazing
July 23, 2024
Excellent.
As expected.
RTC
As expected.
RTC
July 6, 2024
Ahora que todos los secretos de Malcom están al descubierto, y North y él por fin son "novios", el padre de Malcom aparece para dañar todo lo bueno que ha creado en la ciudad. Pero North aceptará que Malcom sea tratado así por su padre? Podrá Malcom superar el miedo que le tiene a su propio padre y enfrentarse a él?
Ya estamos en el último capitulo de esta serie, y como esperaba, es mas romance y drama que sexo (aunque sigue teniendo sus escenas eróticas bien hot), pero por fin podemos conocer la extensión del control de que tiene el padre de Malcom sobre él y todo lo que es capaz de hacer solo para mantenerlo. Sin embargo, también vemos a un North mucho mas maduro y seguro de si mismo, que es capaz de hacer cualquier cosa para defender a su "novio".
Un final muy feliz para una serie con un comienzo tan dudoso.
Me gusto bastante, así que seguro mas adelante lea otras cosas de este autor.
Ya estamos en el último capitulo de esta serie, y como esperaba, es mas romance y drama que sexo (aunque sigue teniendo sus escenas eróticas bien hot), pero por fin podemos conocer la extensión del control de que tiene el padre de Malcom sobre él y todo lo que es capaz de hacer solo para mantenerlo. Sin embargo, también vemos a un North mucho mas maduro y seguro de si mismo, que es capaz de hacer cualquier cosa para defender a su "novio".
Un final muy feliz para una serie con un comienzo tan dudoso.
Me gusto bastante, así que seguro mas adelante lea otras cosas de este autor.
July 9, 2024
Ok this ending was cute. Good for them
4.5 stars overall.
4.5 stars overall.
May 21, 2024
What a perfect ending to the most amazing series. I've loved this since book 1 and loved seeing how both the relationship and the characters both grow.
Mal will forever be my fav - I'm a sucker for a bad boy ha - but seeing the change in him at the end of book 5 and through this one was just *chefs kiss*.
Book review - It's finally official, Mal has given in to himself and he & North are now official. A couple, boyfriends and I squealed when I finally read it. Plus he's actually happy. His guard is (almost all) gone, he has his man, is in love so obviously something has to go wrong. Enter Mal's dad - absolute arsehole and needed a slap from the first page he was introduced.
Not giving away spoilers but his dad makes his life difficult, North goes all alpha for his man and things get a little off track!
The series as a whole is an absolute kink-fest and I absolutely LOVE it!!! Can't beat a bit of dom/sub every now and then and this ticks every box I have (plus a few I didn't know I had 😂).
P.S. this is not a standalone, the previous 5 need to be read (they're short reads) but trust me, you'll thank me for recommending this to you!!
I received an ARC of this book direct from the author and this is my honest review
Mal will forever be my fav - I'm a sucker for a bad boy ha - but seeing the change in him at the end of book 5 and through this one was just *chefs kiss*.
Book review - It's finally official, Mal has given in to himself and he & North are now official. A couple, boyfriends and I squealed when I finally read it. Plus he's actually happy. His guard is (almost all) gone, he has his man, is in love so obviously something has to go wrong. Enter Mal's dad - absolute arsehole and needed a slap from the first page he was introduced.
Not giving away spoilers but his dad makes his life difficult, North goes all alpha for his man and things get a little off track!
The series as a whole is an absolute kink-fest and I absolutely LOVE it!!! Can't beat a bit of dom/sub every now and then and this ticks every box I have (plus a few I didn't know I had 😂).
P.S. this is not a standalone, the previous 5 need to be read (they're short reads) but trust me, you'll thank me for recommending this to you!!
I received an ARC of this book direct from the author and this is my honest review
![Profile Image for Lb [worlds longest slump] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1757735729i%2F106122777._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 24, 2024
4.25⭐️ overall!
I’m gonna be sort of annoying and review all six parts of this book in one single review. This miniseries (?) I suppose is essentially just one book split into six parts. Each book is about an hour to 2 hours reading time so altogether a decently meaty story. Anyway! Moral of the story is I absolutely loved and devoured it 👏🏼👏🏼❤️🔥
The whole premise is that this is a college sports (low on the sports tbh lmao) bi-awakening MM BDSM… romance. I hesitate to call it a romance because it is very clearly marketed as erotica (which it is) but there are romance aspects later on. I’m gonna say the first three books are essentially just erotica and then the final three really come through with some great romance, character development and a little bit more plot. Even though I picked this up specifically for the erotica aspect I actually really enjoyed the last three for the addition of the romance and plot. The added depth was a very welcome addition and gave the story considerably more substance. It’s nothing groundbreaking or revolutionary but it was still incredibly enjoyable and multiple scenes had me giggling and kicking my feet, which I wasn’t expecting.
Mal and North are 🥵🥰😂 all the things. North is a v cute sunshiney golden retriever type while Mal is obviously my kryptonite which is sad boi who uses snark as a defensive mechanism and just needs to be loved. And HOOOOO BOY they really dial that one up here by making him a truly delicious Dom also. 10/10 would recommend.
It was basically everything that I wanted in BDSM erotica. I felt like the BDSM aspect was done really really well. They handle consent perfectly even if it could’ve done with a bit of boundary checking in the beginning. I also felt like a lot of the scenes included were a bit more creative than your standard BDSM depiction (possibly cause I read more romance than straight erotica generally). This had a lot of kinks that I really enjoyed too. It’s got praise, a little bit of light degradation and a bit of light humiliation, denial and lots of power play. The Dom/sub relationship was done in a way that I found more realistic than some other BDSM depictions too. It’s not super hard on the honourifics and lifestyle aspect etc.
Overall I just felt like it was a really fun time, super, super sexy, super, super spicy 🥵 and also a healthy dose of funny, cute and sweet towards the end.
I’m gonna be sort of annoying and review all six parts of this book in one single review. This miniseries (?) I suppose is essentially just one book split into six parts. Each book is about an hour to 2 hours reading time so altogether a decently meaty story. Anyway! Moral of the story is I absolutely loved and devoured it 👏🏼👏🏼❤️🔥
The whole premise is that this is a college sports (low on the sports tbh lmao) bi-awakening MM BDSM… romance. I hesitate to call it a romance because it is very clearly marketed as erotica (which it is) but there are romance aspects later on. I’m gonna say the first three books are essentially just erotica and then the final three really come through with some great romance, character development and a little bit more plot. Even though I picked this up specifically for the erotica aspect I actually really enjoyed the last three for the addition of the romance and plot. The added depth was a very welcome addition and gave the story considerably more substance. It’s nothing groundbreaking or revolutionary but it was still incredibly enjoyable and multiple scenes had me giggling and kicking my feet, which I wasn’t expecting.
Mal and North are 🥵🥰😂 all the things. North is a v cute sunshiney golden retriever type while Mal is obviously my kryptonite which is sad boi who uses snark as a defensive mechanism and just needs to be loved. And HOOOOO BOY they really dial that one up here by making him a truly delicious Dom also. 10/10 would recommend.
It was basically everything that I wanted in BDSM erotica. I felt like the BDSM aspect was done really really well. They handle consent perfectly even if it could’ve done with a bit of boundary checking in the beginning. I also felt like a lot of the scenes included were a bit more creative than your standard BDSM depiction (possibly cause I read more romance than straight erotica generally). This had a lot of kinks that I really enjoyed too. It’s got praise, a little bit of light degradation and a bit of light humiliation, denial and lots of power play. The Dom/sub relationship was done in a way that I found more realistic than some other BDSM depictions too. It’s not super hard on the honourifics and lifestyle aspect etc.
Overall I just felt like it was a really fun time, super, super sexy, super, super spicy 🥵 and also a healthy dose of funny, cute and sweet towards the end.
May 25, 2024
I’ve been patiently (so not patiently) waiting for the 6th and final instalment of @ardenlong_author ‘My Dark Jock’ series and ‘Kept by my Teammate’ is finally here. Was it everything I hoped it would be? YES!
If I’m honest when I started the first book, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. This series is bdsm and kink heavy, and that’s not my usual wheelhouse. However, I easily became invested in North and Mal’s story. The writing and character development had me hooked.
This book brings their story to a close and Arden definitely saved the best for last. Everything was tied up nicely (including North 😉) and the characters got their hard fought HEA.
There were moments of stress and moments where I wanted to jump through the pages and throw some punches around. There is obviously some very spicy content, but there’s also sweetness and care between the two MCs that had me swooning. I read it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down.
This isn’t a standalone, it’s part 6 of a complete story so prior reading is definitely needed. They are short though, so it’s easy to read through them.
I’ve really loved this series, more than I expected to. I’d highly recommend giving it a go.
Read if you like
Grumpy/sunshine
Jock/Dark Jock
BDSM and kink play (consensual)
Found Family
Possible triggers
On page violence
Childhood trauma
Verbal and Physical abuse by a family member
If I’m honest when I started the first book, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. This series is bdsm and kink heavy, and that’s not my usual wheelhouse. However, I easily became invested in North and Mal’s story. The writing and character development had me hooked.
This book brings their story to a close and Arden definitely saved the best for last. Everything was tied up nicely (including North 😉) and the characters got their hard fought HEA.
There were moments of stress and moments where I wanted to jump through the pages and throw some punches around. There is obviously some very spicy content, but there’s also sweetness and care between the two MCs that had me swooning. I read it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down.
This isn’t a standalone, it’s part 6 of a complete story so prior reading is definitely needed. They are short though, so it’s easy to read through them.
I’ve really loved this series, more than I expected to. I’d highly recommend giving it a go.
Read if you like
Grumpy/sunshine
Jock/Dark Jock
BDSM and kink play (consensual)
Found Family
Possible triggers
On page violence
Childhood trauma
Verbal and Physical abuse by a family member
May 28, 2024
What a fantastic way to end of this series. I have been waiting for this final book and for Mal and North to find their HEA.
The journey they both took, especially Mal was wonderful. I loved seeing them both come into their own, expand their horizons, feelings and emotions.
This book had a lot more of the feels than the other, but absolutely did not lack any of their trademark spice. These two are hot together and I loved how much they understood each other.
They have their sweet moments, and the bond they share is unshakable. We were hit with a bit of angst and worry towards then end, but I loved how these two were able to overcome it.
A great ending to a fun short story series.
4.5⭐️
This is book 6 of Mal and North’s story, My Dark Jock series and MUST be read in order.
MM
Teammates
College Sports romance
BDSM
Short Stories
The journey they both took, especially Mal was wonderful. I loved seeing them both come into their own, expand their horizons, feelings and emotions.
This book had a lot more of the feels than the other, but absolutely did not lack any of their trademark spice. These two are hot together and I loved how much they understood each other.
They have their sweet moments, and the bond they share is unshakable. We were hit with a bit of angst and worry towards then end, but I loved how these two were able to overcome it.
A great ending to a fun short story series.
4.5⭐️
This is book 6 of Mal and North’s story, My Dark Jock series and MUST be read in order.
MM
Teammates
College Sports romance
BDSM
Short Stories
June 6, 2024
I hate to say goodbye, but this was a fantastic ending for Mal and North!
As intensely hot as the rest of the series, this final installment also provided satisfying closure to the plot line. Mal’s character development has been top notch and I adore him and North together.
I’m always amazed by how much depth and characterization Arden packs into these smutty little stories. For anyone looking for BDSM, awakening, grumpy x sunshine, and hurt/comfort in bite size installments, this series is a must read!
As intensely hot as the rest of the series, this final installment also provided satisfying closure to the plot line. Mal’s character development has been top notch and I adore him and North together.
I’m always amazed by how much depth and characterization Arden packs into these smutty little stories. For anyone looking for BDSM, awakening, grumpy x sunshine, and hurt/comfort in bite size installments, this series is a must read!
August 17, 2025
i miss these two already :(
May 25, 2024
I’m big sad that novella series is over. I love North and Mal!!
June 4, 2024
Loved this series!
I wasn't sure I would like the way these stories were written in small novella like formats but I didn't even care once I started reading it. I tore through one book after another so it ended up feeling like a whole length story in the end.This series was so freaking good!!! I love both these characters and their whole story together from start to finish. They were well fleshed out characters with a story that some might say was heavy on the spice but I thought it was perfect. I will reread this series in the future guaranteed. Awesome work by Arden Long!❤️
I wasn't sure I would like the way these stories were written in small novella like formats but I didn't even care once I started reading it. I tore through one book after another so it ended up feeling like a whole length story in the end.This series was so freaking good!!! I love both these characters and their whole story together from start to finish. They were well fleshed out characters with a story that some might say was heavy on the spice but I thought it was perfect. I will reread this series in the future guaranteed. Awesome work by Arden Long!❤️
January 26, 2025
Thank you TikTok, she was worth it🥹
"I want you to know that you belong to me, constantly. Every second of every day, you're mine."💛
"I want you to know that you belong to me, constantly. Every second of every day, you're mine."💛
May 26, 2024
And this concludes the horny on main football series.
I freaking knew that Malcom's abusive creep of a dad was going to find their "play" room so I was braced for impact.
I freaking knew that Malcom's abusive creep of a dad was going to find their "play" room so I was braced for impact.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
How do I start this?
I guess I'll frame it this way: I hate american football!
But only Arden Long can make me feel like I've loved it all my life.
DEAR GOD, I'M SO EMO RIGHT NOW.
I've been torturing myself by not reading this part because I was rereading the previous once and because I didn't want it to end.
But that's it.
That's the end. I can't believe this...
Arden Long just ownes my heart, and my soul and they're just my type of author (I love having this feeling as if a book was written specifically for me).
They are so good at so many things!
Like characters. I love these boys with all my being. They're so alive, and real, and relatable, and funny, and heartbroken. Your heart can't help but to root and break and cry for them.
Chemistry. There's so much chemistry between them! I just want to scream POWER COUPLE. I love their teasing, all of the jokes, the smiles, the glances, their protectiveness of each other — everything. I love everything about and between them.
Humor. Gets me every time. Even in this final part which is on a more serious side.
Writing. No scenes are out of place. No stupid, meaningless inner dialogs. Every thought and every action, and every feeling is important and interesting. Everything feels natural, and I constantly feel like I'm inside of the book creeping on these poor guys instead of just reading the words.
Foreshadowing. Becky was telling something about Mel's father being shady, and even though her story was quite ridiculous he turned out to be a scam in the end!
It was kinda obvious the guys on the team knew about North and Mel and it's great to know it's exactly like this!
Even an asshole Paul playing a small but important part of a bad guy at the end!
Somehow I feel like even this one was on purpose: NORTH Park Counseling and Therapy.
I love that Arden uses all of their toys to play the plot of the book just right.
Climax that makes you do breathing exercises because your heart can't take it anymore! I mean, I barely survived How to train your human omega, what else did I expect? So much action and suspense. You just don't have a single second to breathe. I was so scared for the boys. SO SCARED. Writing this good is a crime! I specifically love and hate these parts where Arden makes you worried and also makes you wait. For example, when North left the car and he was casually rambling about food in his head BUT YOU KNOW. You just know something bad is going to happen, and you want to find out as soon as possible BUT ARDEN MAKES YOU WAIT ON PURPOSE. UGH. I love it, but I hate it, but I love it...
My head is kinda all over the place right now but I'll try to pinpoint everything I love about this part:
We found out why Mel loves control so much.
I loved seeing another part of him, vulnerable and scared (poor guy 😭).
I love, love, love how both of our guys helped each other to become more brave and open. North found a new part of himself and also he faced the fact that not everyone's gonna love and accept you and that's okay. He understood that if your loved ones don't accept you, they don't deserve you.
And Mel... He's grown so much... And all thanks to that cute golden retriever. Mel has come such a long way! Him standing up for himself because North was in danger made me so proud. And I loved how he realized he had blamed North the same way his own father used to blame him. I was afraid he would chicken out and go with his father but Mel didn't let me down!
I loved all the tiny changes in his behavior. Like him carrying North to his own bedroom (this scene is so intimate by the way).
I love how Mel is trying to change his mindset for North:
"I don’t think I can even call it a “‘fuck’,” what he just did to me. It was so languid and soft and filled with . . . meaning, that I still need to wrap my head around it. I want to savor the feeling."
"I wake up with North naked and wrapped around me. I don’t move, but it’s not because I’m scared—I stopped being scared of North’s affection some time ago—it’s because I’m happy. Yeah, weird. But I want to stay here like this for as long as possible. Even though I’m half-naked myself and the patches of dry cum and lube feel tight on my skin. Even though a small part of my brain is telling me I need to get up and have a shower, go for a run, eat. Not to waste a second of the day. I tell it to take a hike and pull North in tighter."
LET ME CRY A SEC: "I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t acted like a total psycho and jerked off on the football field that night. If he hadn’t seen me and taken that video. Would we still have ended up together? Or would he still be just an untouchable fantasy that I furiously masturbate to? Back then, the thought of him being in my world was so impossible, and yet here he is. Here we are." 😭😭😭
"But now he’s fucked with North—my beautiful, chaotic, dazzling, puppy dog, ball-of-sunshine boyfriend. And no one, no one, fucks with North but me."
MY BEAUTIFUL, CHAOTIC, DAZZLING, PUPPY DOG, BALL-OF-SUNSHINE BOYFRIEND 😭😭😭
I'M SO ALIVE: "But all those other times I was alone, and I’m not anymore.
I picture North standing next to me, with his shoulders back and his chin high. I recall North telling me he loves me, over and over again, reminding me that I am fucking worthy of it. Because North is smart and strong and fucking wonderful, and he wouldn’t love me if I didn’t deserve it."💔💔💔❤️❤️❤️
He carries EpiPens everywhere. And he bought them matching bathrobes!😭😭😭
Let's talk about the golden retriever. He's the best. I love his kind-hearted character so much! He's like my son at this point. Obviously he's a sub for Mel but he was always there for Mel when Mel needed him most. North was so protective, and caring and ready to do anything and everything to help Mel (even to bury a corpse lmao).
"You just told me what he did to you, Mal. I’m not letting you go on your own.”
"If he wants to get to Mal he’s going to have to go through me first."
North's love language is top-tier 👌: "There’s a slam from the hallway as the front door bangs open, cutting him off mid rant, and we both turn towards the noise.
North—panting, red faced, and wind swept—appears in the kitchen doorway. His forehead is shiny with sweat, and there’s a glint in his wild blue eyes that tells me he’s ready to fight."
"Mal needs me. He needs me right now, more than he ever has before. Mal has been through so much shit in his life, because of this man, and I’m just standing here letting his abuser terrify him. I’ve never seen him like this before. His eyes are wide and glazed.
It stops here. I’m not going to let him get hurt anymore."
At one point he didn't even care he could go to jail. North had never seemed aggressive but for Mel he did what he did — that's how much he loves him!
I was surprised too, Malcolm: “You know, out of the two of us I’m really surprised it was you that got arrested for assault. I didn’t see that one coming.”
I LIVE FOR THE WAY THEY ENDLESSLY CARED FOR EACH OTHER. MUTUAL PINING WHO? I ONLY KNOW MUTUAL CARING.
Some readers died (me): “You’re never this calm with me.”
“Because I’m safe with you.” 🥺🥺🥺
That's what we call character growth: “You’re never going to touch me again.”
(and I'm so happy North made Mel go to therapy).
Thank god their teammates are supportive! North and Mel deserve all the support in the world.
I loved how the asshole was portraited. A true narcissist! He doesn't even understand what exactly he did wrong. These people don't care about other people's feelings and feel like they're always right. I'm so happy everything turned out okay. He deserves so much worse but considering the circumstances it was the best outcome we could've hoped for.
The sex... damn, it has been hot in every part but I think in this one it's the hottest. Fingering in the car, the rimming, the deepthroating... And the scene in front of the mirror? Delicious 😋
I love everything about this story. This is my new Roman Empire! I swear Arden Long has too much power over me. My only complaint is that North never saw Mel's snow globes collection (I'm just kidding).
I hope we'll see Mel bonding with North's family in future short bonuses. God knows he needs a found family!
P.S. ALSO I'M SO HAPPY THERE'S GONNA BE A PAPERBACK. I NEED THIS BABY IN MY HANDS. I NEED IT IN MY COLLECTION ❤️🙏
I guess I'll frame it this way: I hate american football!
But only Arden Long can make me feel like I've loved it all my life.
DEAR GOD, I'M SO EMO RIGHT NOW.
I've been torturing myself by not reading this part because I was rereading the previous once and because I didn't want it to end.
But that's it.
That's the end. I can't believe this...
Arden Long just ownes my heart, and my soul and they're just my type of author (I love having this feeling as if a book was written specifically for me).
They are so good at so many things!
Like characters. I love these boys with all my being. They're so alive, and real, and relatable, and funny, and heartbroken. Your heart can't help but to root and break and cry for them.
Chemistry. There's so much chemistry between them! I just want to scream POWER COUPLE. I love their teasing, all of the jokes, the smiles, the glances, their protectiveness of each other — everything. I love everything about and between them.
Humor. Gets me every time. Even in this final part which is on a more serious side.
Writing. No scenes are out of place. No stupid, meaningless inner dialogs. Every thought and every action, and every feeling is important and interesting. Everything feels natural, and I constantly feel like I'm inside of the book creeping on these poor guys instead of just reading the words.
Foreshadowing. Becky was telling something about Mel's father being shady, and even though her story was quite ridiculous he turned out to be a scam in the end!
It was kinda obvious the guys on the team knew about North and Mel and it's great to know it's exactly like this!
Even an asshole Paul playing a small but important part of a bad guy at the end!
Somehow I feel like even this one was on purpose: NORTH Park Counseling and Therapy.
I love that Arden uses all of their toys to play the plot of the book just right.
Climax that makes you do breathing exercises because your heart can't take it anymore! I mean, I barely survived How to train your human omega, what else did I expect? So much action and suspense. You just don't have a single second to breathe. I was so scared for the boys. SO SCARED. Writing this good is a crime! I specifically love and hate these parts where Arden makes you worried and also makes you wait. For example, when North left the car and he was casually rambling about food in his head BUT YOU KNOW. You just know something bad is going to happen, and you want to find out as soon as possible BUT ARDEN MAKES YOU WAIT ON PURPOSE. UGH. I love it, but I hate it, but I love it...
My head is kinda all over the place right now but I'll try to pinpoint everything I love about this part:
We found out why Mel loves control so much.
I loved seeing another part of him, vulnerable and scared (poor guy 😭).
I love, love, love how both of our guys helped each other to become more brave and open. North found a new part of himself and also he faced the fact that not everyone's gonna love and accept you and that's okay. He understood that if your loved ones don't accept you, they don't deserve you.
And Mel... He's grown so much... And all thanks to that cute golden retriever. Mel has come such a long way! Him standing up for himself because North was in danger made me so proud. And I loved how he realized he had blamed North the same way his own father used to blame him. I was afraid he would chicken out and go with his father but Mel didn't let me down!
I loved all the tiny changes in his behavior. Like him carrying North to his own bedroom (this scene is so intimate by the way).
I love how Mel is trying to change his mindset for North:
"I don’t think I can even call it a “‘fuck’,” what he just did to me. It was so languid and soft and filled with . . . meaning, that I still need to wrap my head around it. I want to savor the feeling."
"I wake up with North naked and wrapped around me. I don’t move, but it’s not because I’m scared—I stopped being scared of North’s affection some time ago—it’s because I’m happy. Yeah, weird. But I want to stay here like this for as long as possible. Even though I’m half-naked myself and the patches of dry cum and lube feel tight on my skin. Even though a small part of my brain is telling me I need to get up and have a shower, go for a run, eat. Not to waste a second of the day. I tell it to take a hike and pull North in tighter."
LET ME CRY A SEC: "I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t acted like a total psycho and jerked off on the football field that night. If he hadn’t seen me and taken that video. Would we still have ended up together? Or would he still be just an untouchable fantasy that I furiously masturbate to? Back then, the thought of him being in my world was so impossible, and yet here he is. Here we are." 😭😭😭
"But now he’s fucked with North—my beautiful, chaotic, dazzling, puppy dog, ball-of-sunshine boyfriend. And no one, no one, fucks with North but me."
MY BEAUTIFUL, CHAOTIC, DAZZLING, PUPPY DOG, BALL-OF-SUNSHINE BOYFRIEND 😭😭😭
I'M SO ALIVE: "But all those other times I was alone, and I’m not anymore.
I picture North standing next to me, with his shoulders back and his chin high. I recall North telling me he loves me, over and over again, reminding me that I am fucking worthy of it. Because North is smart and strong and fucking wonderful, and he wouldn’t love me if I didn’t deserve it."💔💔💔❤️❤️❤️
He carries EpiPens everywhere. And he bought them matching bathrobes!😭😭😭
Let's talk about the golden retriever. He's the best. I love his kind-hearted character so much! He's like my son at this point. Obviously he's a sub for Mel but he was always there for Mel when Mel needed him most. North was so protective, and caring and ready to do anything and everything to help Mel (even to bury a corpse lmao).
"You just told me what he did to you, Mal. I’m not letting you go on your own.”
"If he wants to get to Mal he’s going to have to go through me first."
North's love language is top-tier 👌: "There’s a slam from the hallway as the front door bangs open, cutting him off mid rant, and we both turn towards the noise.
North—panting, red faced, and wind swept—appears in the kitchen doorway. His forehead is shiny with sweat, and there’s a glint in his wild blue eyes that tells me he’s ready to fight."
"Mal needs me. He needs me right now, more than he ever has before. Mal has been through so much shit in his life, because of this man, and I’m just standing here letting his abuser terrify him. I’ve never seen him like this before. His eyes are wide and glazed.
It stops here. I’m not going to let him get hurt anymore."
At one point he didn't even care he could go to jail. North had never seemed aggressive but for Mel he did what he did — that's how much he loves him!
I was surprised too, Malcolm: “You know, out of the two of us I’m really surprised it was you that got arrested for assault. I didn’t see that one coming.”
I LIVE FOR THE WAY THEY ENDLESSLY CARED FOR EACH OTHER. MUTUAL PINING WHO? I ONLY KNOW MUTUAL CARING.
Some readers died (me): “You’re never this calm with me.”
“Because I’m safe with you.” 🥺🥺🥺
That's what we call character growth: “You’re never going to touch me again.”
(and I'm so happy North made Mel go to therapy).
Thank god their teammates are supportive! North and Mel deserve all the support in the world.
I loved how the asshole was portraited. A true narcissist! He doesn't even understand what exactly he did wrong. These people don't care about other people's feelings and feel like they're always right. I'm so happy everything turned out okay. He deserves so much worse but considering the circumstances it was the best outcome we could've hoped for.
The sex... damn, it has been hot in every part but I think in this one it's the hottest. Fingering in the car, the rimming, the deepthroating... And the scene in front of the mirror? Delicious 😋
I love everything about this story. This is my new Roman Empire! I swear Arden Long has too much power over me. My only complaint is that North never saw Mel's snow globes collection (I'm just kidding).
I hope we'll see Mel bonding with North's family in future short bonuses. God knows he needs a found family!
P.S. ALSO I'M SO HAPPY THERE'S GONNA BE A PAPERBACK. I NEED THIS BABY IN MY HANDS. I NEED IT IN MY COLLECTION ❤️🙏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
TW - abusive parent (verbal, emotional, manipulation, past physical), alcohol consumption, vomit (mentioned), narcissistic parent, homophobic parent, bribery, physical violence (broken nose, blood, subsequently being arrested), corrupt business practices (sc, bribery, blackmail, tax evasion), blackmail,
CW - public play, collaring, biting, restraints (incl gags, cock cage, rope, spreader bar), masochism, sensory deprivation (blindfolds), toys, financial Dom, orgasm denial, M/s, free use, breath play, degradation, forced orgasms, spanking
Tropes - hurt x comfort, sports, erotica, grumpy x sunshine, obsessed, possessive, jealous
Representation - queer rep, gay rep, coming out
These 6 shorts have been like little treats for me I’ve sprinkled through the month of July and I have thoroughly enjoyed North (MMC) and Mal’s (MMC) story. By this instalment, they have come such a long way and there has been good character growth between them.
I liked their romance but the smut??? Hot. Very hot. I was sad to see there story end but now I’ll be adding Arden Long’s alien omegaverse books under Arden Fox to my tbr 🤝🏾
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
TW - abusive parent (verbal, emotional, manipulation, past physical), alcohol consumption, vomit (mentioned), narcissistic parent, homophobic parent, bribery, physical violence (broken nose, blood, subsequently being arrested), corrupt business practices (sc, bribery, blackmail, tax evasion), blackmail,
CW - public play, collaring, biting, restraints (incl gags, cock cage, rope, spreader bar), masochism, sensory deprivation (blindfolds), toys, financial Dom, orgasm denial, M/s, free use, breath play, degradation, forced orgasms, spanking
Tropes - hurt x comfort, sports, erotica, grumpy x sunshine, obsessed, possessive, jealous
Representation - queer rep, gay rep, coming out
These 6 shorts have been like little treats for me I’ve sprinkled through the month of July and I have thoroughly enjoyed North (MMC) and Mal’s (MMC) story. By this instalment, they have come such a long way and there has been good character growth between them.
I liked their romance but the smut??? Hot. Very hot. I was sad to see there story end but now I’ll be adding Arden Long’s alien omegaverse books under Arden Fox to my tbr 🤝🏾
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
May 20, 2024
Kept by my teammate
This is NOT a standalone
Well what a journey it been, and I have loved every minute of it.
BDSM is not for everyone, and let’s face it, it is not a easy troupe/ genre to write - that is not the case for this series of books…
Yes this is hot and steamy and detailed and seductive BUT it is so much more than just that. It’s beautiful, heartfelt, intense and believe it or not …. thoughtful!
Mal is struggling through a tough family dynamic and this brings out his more vulnerable side, unknowingly to Mal, North will stand to protect his man showing his fierce loyalty and just how far he will go to protect what’s his.
The “I love you” didn’t change integral parts of their relationship but it did show Mal that North truly did believe in him and their relationship.
It’s such a beautiful journey and I’m very honoured to have been a part of it.
A fantastic ending to an intense series
This is NOT a standalone
Well what a journey it been, and I have loved every minute of it.
BDSM is not for everyone, and let’s face it, it is not a easy troupe/ genre to write - that is not the case for this series of books…
Yes this is hot and steamy and detailed and seductive BUT it is so much more than just that. It’s beautiful, heartfelt, intense and believe it or not …. thoughtful!
Mal is struggling through a tough family dynamic and this brings out his more vulnerable side, unknowingly to Mal, North will stand to protect his man showing his fierce loyalty and just how far he will go to protect what’s his.
The “I love you” didn’t change integral parts of their relationship but it did show Mal that North truly did believe in him and their relationship.
It’s such a beautiful journey and I’m very honoured to have been a part of it.
A fantastic ending to an intense series
December 14, 2025
It’s fine. The story here took quite the turn, or so it felt because the story heavily focused only on the intimacy. This father storyline could’ve been far more impactful had we had time to really dive into it to really feel and explore this emotional arc.
Because the series is literally all sex with sprinkles of growth here and there, it really pulled me out of what it had the power to provide. And that SUCKS because it was something easily set up from book 1. But this installment just kind of feels out of left field. The characters feel so different… But there is still a lot of sex.
I don’t know. I’m disappointed. I feel like it had potential to be great, but maybe I just expected more & that’s on me.
Because the series is literally all sex with sprinkles of growth here and there, it really pulled me out of what it had the power to provide. And that SUCKS because it was something easily set up from book 1. But this installment just kind of feels out of left field. The characters feel so different… But there is still a lot of sex.
I don’t know. I’m disappointed. I feel like it had potential to be great, but maybe I just expected more & that’s on me.
June 17, 2024
DNF
Un vero peccato, avevo cominciato questa serie di short stories a febbraio e ricordo che i primi tre volumi mi avevano incatenato alle pagine, ma dopo mesi di attesa quest'ultimo capitolo mi stava annoiando davvero tanto perché non ci sono più scontri tra i protagonisti, tensione, la chimica che ho avvertito nei primi (che mantengono vivo il mio interesse) ma è solo un pretesto per mostrare il cattivone psicopatico esterno (il padre di Mal) che arriva per mettere squilibrio nella relazione fra i due. Nemmeno le scene di sesso mi hanno spinta a continuare a leggerlo, semmai mi hanno convinta ad abbandonarlo.
Un vero peccato, avevo cominciato questa serie di short stories a febbraio e ricordo che i primi tre volumi mi avevano incatenato alle pagine, ma dopo mesi di attesa quest'ultimo capitolo mi stava annoiando davvero tanto perché non ci sono più scontri tra i protagonisti, tensione, la chimica che ho avvertito nei primi (che mantengono vivo il mio interesse) ma è solo un pretesto per mostrare il cattivone psicopatico esterno (il padre di Mal) che arriva per mettere squilibrio nella relazione fra i due. Nemmeno le scene di sesso mi hanno spinta a continuare a leggerlo, semmai mi hanno convinta ad abbandonarlo.
May 24, 2024
4.5/5. This was such a great ending to this series! I love Mal and North so much. I loved being let into Mal's inner thoughts and demons a little more and seeing him open up to North. I love North's protective streak toward Mal's dad, too. The ending was sweet and totally needed. I'm always surprised at how sweet and cute this series is. I'm really sad it's over to be honest. I need more Mal and North in my life! 4/5 spice levels.
Notes: abusive parent, protective MC, teammates, bdsm, golden retriever MC, grumpy/sunshine
Notes: abusive parent, protective MC, teammates, bdsm, golden retriever MC, grumpy/sunshine
July 31, 2025
3.25 Lots of drama with a shity ass father and a happy ending wrapped up in a very fast paced way. I was sad about Mal and how his dad treated him, not caring about him and not respecting his sexuality and the fact he has a boyfriend. North really tried everything to save the love of his life and he even got to go to jail for him. Love them together. North has his bi awakening but in the end he was the one to teach Mal what love is and how much it can change oneself. In the end I’m happy they got to enjoy life in their kinky ass basement with no drama around.
May 25, 2024
Things come to a head
With Mal’s father lording over him and telling him he’s not pleased Mal feels like the little boy he once bullied again but North is having none of it . When his father tries to bribe North he totally loses it and it plays right into Patrick’s hands but he didn’t figure on Mal standing up to him because he hurt North and no one hurts North but Mal .
Great conclusion to the series .
With Mal’s father lording over him and telling him he’s not pleased Mal feels like the little boy he once bullied again but North is having none of it . When his father tries to bribe North he totally loses it and it plays right into Patrick’s hands but he didn’t figure on Mal standing up to him because he hurt North and no one hurts North but Mal .
Great conclusion to the series .
May 25, 2024
I've loved these two characters immediately from the 1st book and throughout the series! Their characters just kept building as well as their relationship. The story is great, the spice is amazeballs!
Mal is a wonderfully complicated giant teddy bear, who loves his North to distraction...or focus in his case.
North is just an adorable golden retriever...but with bite (if you threaten his Mal)
A great sunny Saturday ☀️ read!
Mal is a wonderfully complicated giant teddy bear, who loves his North to distraction...or focus in his case.
North is just an adorable golden retriever...but with bite (if you threaten his Mal)
A great sunny Saturday ☀️ read!
July 26, 2024
I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this book series as much as I did! Sure, the plot isn’t super complex and there are some plot holes here and there, but the character development really hooked me. I loved getting to know the characters and following their story. And I have to say, the sex and bdsm scenes are really well-written too️🔥
Overall, I found it to be quite a fun read, despite some shortcomings.
Overall, I found it to be quite a fun read, despite some shortcomings.
December 29, 2024
Review for the whole series.
One thing you have to know that this is EROTICA so if you're searching for a series with plot, this book ain't it..
You also need to suspend belief on some things because how is a college student such an efficient, pro Dom? And how do they have so much sex and they're both athletes? Isn't that a big no-no in pro sports? Lol
Anywhoooo
This series is VERY reminiscent of Kora Knight's Upending Tad, with a few differences here and there.
I LOVE Upending Tad but I like this one so it's a win win.
Lite kink D/S, bi-awakening, secret relationship, teammates .. it's saucy and cheesy and hot as hell.
One thing you have to know that this is EROTICA so if you're searching for a series with plot, this book ain't it..
You also need to suspend belief on some things because how is a college student such an efficient, pro Dom? And how do they have so much sex and they're both athletes? Isn't that a big no-no in pro sports? Lol
Anywhoooo
This series is VERY reminiscent of Kora Knight's Upending Tad, with a few differences here and there.
I LOVE Upending Tad but I like this one so it's a win win.
Lite kink D/S, bi-awakening, secret relationship, teammates .. it's saucy and cheesy and hot as hell.
May 17, 2024
This is the final instalment of this series, they couldn’t be more different and more compatible. Their relationship is finally official, Malcolm is finally North’s boyfriend but they don’t have the time to enjoy anything that Mal’s father stumbles in town.
As always it was hot and intense, but also endearing. I loved seeing the evolution of their relationship all this time 🥰
For me the end was just right, just beautiful, I’m sad and excited at the same time. But one thing is sure I will reread this series all other again 🩷
I received an ARC from the author, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
As always it was hot and intense, but also endearing. I loved seeing the evolution of their relationship all this time 🥰
For me the end was just right, just beautiful, I’m sad and excited at the same time. But one thing is sure I will reread this series all other again 🩷
I received an ARC from the author, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
August 13, 2024
What a series
I seen this recommended on a book group and thought would give it a go I loved it! All 6 books were great and I loved the MCs relationship. I hated the Paul character and I'm glad the Becki girl was nice enough to realise he wasn't interested and left him to it. I'm so glad the dad got his comeuppance. What a cute and spicy read! Highly recommend
I seen this recommended on a book group and thought would give it a go I loved it! All 6 books were great and I loved the MCs relationship. I hated the Paul character and I'm glad the Becki girl was nice enough to realise he wasn't interested and left him to it. I'm so glad the dad got his comeuppance. What a cute and spicy read! Highly recommend
November 20, 2024
North + Malcolm
-dark mm romance
-teammates to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-heavy bdsm/kink
-secret toxic relationship
hot damn. this whole series is kinky & intriguing! no slow burn at all BUTTT the tension & getting to any kind of resolution thru this development is soooo hornyyy!! & i am into it!!!
-dark mm romance
-teammates to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-heavy bdsm/kink
-secret toxic relationship
hot damn. this whole series is kinky & intriguing! no slow burn at all BUTTT the tension & getting to any kind of resolution thru this development is soooo hornyyy!! & i am into it!!!
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