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Falling in love was not something I had planned

Rex

Watching my club brothers find their forever men has got me wanting something more than the odd hook up.

Love isn’t on the cards for me though. How could it be when the example I had growing up was an abusive asshole.

I’ve always thought that I could never love someone the way that they deserve.

But then I meet him.

Sweet, funny, lonely Ian.

I don’t care if I can’t love, I’ll learn.

Because he deserves the world.

And I am going to be the only one who gives it to him.

Ian is mine.

Ian

I am so freaking lonely.

All my family are gone, I don’t have any friends, and working from home means I don’t even have work colleagues.

Being painfully shy does not invite friendships easily.

I miss hugs.

Having not been touched by another human being in so long I do something a little bit impulsive.

Getting a tattoo just so someone will touch me isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done, but it quickly proves to be the best thing when I meet Rex.

Rex gives me more than just a tattoo. Pretty soon I am drawn into his world of bikers, parties, and a family I would give anything to be a part of.

I want to stay here. With Rex.

Now I just need to hope the beautiful man might see me as something other than a friend.

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2024

31 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

Willow Thomas

21 books150 followers
Willow Thomas is a MM romance author who loves to write stories that will leave you smiling. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, go on walks through the British countryside, and spend time with her family.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for TJ.
240 reviews
January 1, 2025
“The brand belongs to me. As does anything, I put it on. Permanently.” - Rex

Warnings: Mentions of Past Domestic Violence & Parental Abuse

The Basics

Overall:
1st Person, Dual POV
3rd Act Break Up: No
Slow-burn: No?
HEA: Yes
MC sex without other MC(s): No
Spice: 1/5
Angst/Stress: 0/5
Fluff: 3/5
Structure/Format/Flow: 3/5
Overall: 2/5

Intimate Moments Include:


Main Character Information:
Rex: Tattoo Artist, Co-Owner of Tats The Way, Member of MC, ~6’2”, Brown hair & Green eyes
Ian: Customer Service Rep for a Sex Line, 5’8”, Previous foster kid, no family


My Notes:
- The series is starting to make me sad and let me down but now I’m too committed.
- Like book 2, very short, very very insta-love, good skeleton to the story and idea but not nearly developed enough for me.
- Rex and Booker talk about Rex being vers but then Rex tells Ian he’s a top and we never see or hear about Rex ever bottoming again.
- Fizz, if I’m not mistaken, was said to be 3 years older than Echo in #2 (so 30), but in Rex’s story Fizz says he’s 27.
- I do like how Rex is just so direct lol
- Ian being branded sounds like it’s a big deal but it’s not completely explained and I don’t remember anyone filling Ian in on the importance.
- I love you’s before even kissing is I think a limit to my insta love obsession.
- Just felt really rushed and underdeveloped and I’m sad but I will still read #4 when it comes out.


“Let’s just not deserve each other together, Rex.” - Ian


Milestone Moments:

Rex & Ian Meet:
Club Shook About Branding:
Rex Brings Ian to the MC:
I Love You’s:
First Kiss:
Immediate Sex Scene:


Quotes That Live Rent Free In My Head:


Side Characters:

Booker: Kenny’s stepson, Nicky’s boyfriend & step-brother, Tattoo artist, Member of MC (Book #1)
Fizz: Member of MC, Job unknown, twink-like, (Book #4, not yet out)
Joey: Echo’s fiance, Son of President of Lost Knights MC, College Student
Nicky: Kenny’s son, Booker’s boyfriend & step-brother, Tech wiz, Member of MC (Book #1)
Jet: Labor & Delivery Nurse (6’4”, former college Linebacker), Member of MC (Book #4, not yet out)
Kenny: Nicky’s bio dad, Booker’s stepdad. President of MC, Bisexual
Stella: Nicky’s step mom, Booker’s mom, and abs0lute trip, I love her, No sexuality label
Echo: Member of MC, Enforcer, enrolled in college (Book #2)
Profile Image for Carly Molinar.
162 reviews12 followers
December 30, 2024
All hail the Queen of short and sweet insta love!

How she packs LOL witty banter, lovable and layered characters, entertaining meet cutes, and a palpable world into perfect little packages is beyond me.

Do I wish I could read more? Yes. But I’m greedy and could read about the Fallen Gargoyles forever. Was Rex a perfect little dollop of smexy MC possessive goodness? Yes. Yes it was.

In this installment we see stoic Rex fall head over tattoo-gun for a lonely, touch starved, former foster kid. Shared trauma, falling at first sight, and a found family that routes for you always makes this an adorable novella to brighten your day.

You know what you’re getting with novellas and in my opinion Willow is the reigning champion. Five stars. Will think about this couple for a long time to come.
Profile Image for ❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ).
878 reviews100 followers
January 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
rounded up

This could've been such a good full length novel or Rex trying to slowly woo Ian while Ian thought they were just turning into really good friends.

But alas, it was a pretty decent read at less than 100 pages.

I loved how Rex immediately claimed him as his and wanted him to be safe and protected. And I loved how Ian was clueless to a lot that was going on. Ian's inner monologues about the tattoo had me giggling and the accidental speech to text messages actually had me laughing. ( big deal for me since humor/comedy is very hit or miss for me, most often a miss. )

Tho, i will admit the love declarations made me cringe. 🙈 I'm an unashamed insta-love enthusiast but the voicing of said love needs to be more believable and I don't think that's doable in these parameters.

I still enjoyed it! Higher rating for actually making me laugh and of course for having a possessive MC.

•Wacky SCs
•Insta-love on steroids
•Humor
•MC MC ( Motorcycle Club Main Character )
•Clueless touch starved MC with no filter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Molly Otto.
1,495 reviews32 followers
December 30, 2024
Was a fun and cute quick read, emphasis on quick. Was hoping for more from these guys! Their chemistry was on point, and I just wanted to see the relationship develop more. I will keep grabbing these as they release because they are fun light-hearted reads that show the good side of motorcycle clubs. The two were great for one another, and you could see instantly why they fit together. I'm glad to see Rex find the person who gets him and easily fits in with the rest of the Fallen Gargoyles MC.
Profile Image for audiobook_chaos.
2,048 reviews40 followers
December 30, 2024
Insta Love

Rex is lonely he wants to find his person just like Echo and Nicky did but he's scared of being his dad.
Ian has no one in his life but he's determined to change that starting by going to get a tattoo and when he sees Rex he's smitten.
Another quick read from the Fallen Gargoyle MC with the usual banter and Joey & Fizz sticking their oar in.
Profile Image for Leilani Noack.
526 reviews12 followers
December 30, 2024
No matter how short these books are they are still amazing. Well once again I need more of Rex and Ian but I love how they get their love at first sight story. I can’t wait for Jets and Fizz story. I love this series.
Profile Image for Abigail Beckwith.
1,698 reviews
January 1, 2025
Catching up my short-list TBRs with a book that just debuted. Here's Willow Thomas's "Rex." It's the third novel in her Fallen Gargoyles MC series.

["Falling in love was not something I had planned

Rex
Watching my club brothers find their forever men has got me wanting something more than the odd hook up.
Love isn’t on the cards for me though. How could it be when the example I had growing up was an abusive asshole.
I’ve always thought that I could never love someone the way that they deserve.
But then I meet him.
Sweet, funny, lonely Ian.
I don’t care if I can’t love, I’ll learn.
Because he deserves the world.
And I am going to be the only one who gives it to him.
Ian is mine.

Ian
I am so freaking lonely.
All my family are gone, I don’t have any friends, and working from home means I don’t even have work colleagues.
Being painfully shy does not invite friendships easily.
I miss hugs.
Having not been touched by another human being in so long I do something a little bit impulsive.
Getting a tattoo just so someone will touch me isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done, but it quickly proves to be the best thing when I meet Rex.
Rex gives me more than just a tattoo. Pretty soon I am drawn into his world of bikers, parties, and a family I would give anything to be a part of.
I want to stay here. With Rex.
Now I just need to hope the beautiful man might see me as something other than a friend."]

These two!!! D: I was giggling and happy-dancing soooo much just in the first two chapters! Their entire meet cute?!?!? I'm swooning and smiling over here like a crazy person. And Ian's entire Siri-blamed text chain to Rex!!!! God, he's adorable (and Rex thinks so as well).

These two literally laid eyes on each other and went "I'll keep that one, please." It's adorable and ridiculous and perfect.

"Maybe my default setting is caveman." Don't worry, Rex, Ian likes it.

Trigger Warnings: mentions of domestic violence and more.

#nicky #echo #rex #jet #fallengargoyles #fallengargoylesseries #knockedforsix #caughtoffguard #caughtoffguardseries #willowthomas #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Profile Image for Marion.
1,824 reviews
January 7, 2025
This is a new to me author and the first book that I have read in this series. I was able to enjoy it without having read the earlier books first. I will say that I absolutely loved this story. It is very well written and easy to read. This is the story of Ian and Rex. Ian is shy and quiet. He also works from home so his social interaction is very limited. Realizing that he is starved for human contact, he decides to get a tattoo. Someone has to touch you to do that , right. Rex is a tattooist and owner of the shop. He is lonely as all of his brothers are finding their special someone. He doesn't believe in love nor does he think he is worthy of being loved. Rex and Ian meet when Ian does a walk-in without an appointment. Rex is charmed by Ian. His unusual social quirks amuse Rex rather than push him away. Ian has never seen a more handsome man in his life. Rex arranges to see him again to check on his tattoo. Ian is desperately hoping that he and Rex can become friends. He desperately wants him in his life. Neither man thinks they are good enough for the other. This is their story. I loved the characters and how they interacted. Ian was a pleasure to read. I still laugh about his texting! This novella is well written and easy to read. Perfect for a quick afternoon escape. I look forward to the next book in this series.

I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for GreenwingReads.
339 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2024
This is the second to last story in the Fallen Gargoyles series, and this time, Rex gets his HEA. He's been a strong, quiet presence since the start of the series. But due to a difficult upbringing with a horrible father, he doesn't think he's capable of being a good partner to someone. When he meets Ian, he's willing to do whatever it takes to be the man for him.

Ian is a loner and looking for friends. On a whim, he decides going to get a tattoo is the way to meet people. Rex volunteers to do the honors and the two click instantly. Their romance is an OTT insta-love with promises and declarations coming the third time they see each other. But that's what you can expect with most stories this short. You can only do so much in 45 pages afterall.

I think I would have liked to see a longer, more fleshed out story for Rex, but one of the things I appreciate most about Willow's books is that they can be read quickly, like over a lunch break. I hate having to put down a story I'm invested in when real life intrudes, so I appreciate short stories like this when I just need a quick HEA fix.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
634 reviews10 followers
January 3, 2025
Third in the series and Rex wants what fellow bikers Booker and Echo has. Not having a happy childhood he doesn't know if will find love let alone fall in love. Ian was lonely, having no family of his own, he moved wanting to make friends, what he got was so much more.
Like the others in this series they are short, but they have a lot packed into them. I'm not the biggest fan of insta-love but in this case it was perfect for this couple. Ian was a bundle of joy, the spur of the moment tattoo, the excitement when he did anything with Rex. H. He was a loveable character and was perfect for Rex.
This book had me laughing out loud from page one starting with Booker, you got to read it to know and as for Ian's texts, I say no more, then you have the usual banter from the guys and you can see why Rex and Ian felt at home there, who would want a found family like these guys and a teaser of what is next to come, I really enjoy this series
1,278 reviews50 followers
December 31, 2024
story of Ian and Rex

This is an insta-love romance, featuring Rex and Ian, and is book three in the Fallen Gargoyles MC series.

Rex is part of the MC, a tattoo artist and someone who never thought he would find love. Ian is new to town, lonely and hoping to make friends so he decides to go get a tattoo.

When Rex and Ian lay eyes on each other it’s insta-love. This is a low angst, brilliantly witty story. Love how hard they fall for each other. I wish the book was longer.

I love this series and I’ll definitely reread it before the final book comes out in 2025.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 in series
MM MC romance
Short story low angst
Tattoo artist x Client
Grumpy x Sunshine
Both insta love
Size difference
Touch starved
Possessive
Witty writing
HEA
Profile Image for Alix .
1,239 reviews43 followers
December 31, 2024
3.5 - very cute insta - love story! I kinda love insta-love, so this was right up my alley :) Rex is a gruff tattoo artist who doesn't think he's capable of loving someone because of the negative example set by his dad. Ian is a very lovely, work from home adorable twink who has been touch starved. Since he doesn't really know anyone in town, he is also touch starved and decides to get a spur of the moment tattoo just to connect with someone. I just wanted to give him a hug, but luckily Rex is able to give him so much more! Rex ends up having all kinds of possessive feelings for Ian (and I am here for that) even before they first see each socially. I love the found family aspect - that always warms my heart. This is a cute, low angst story and hit the spot. I can't wait to read the others.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,620 reviews6 followers
January 8, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I enjoyed this low-angst, light hearted, steamy insta-love book and thought it was another good addition to the Fallen Gargoyles MC Series, but I do wish that this book was longer so we could get more build up in Ian and Rex’s relationship, as it moved at warp speed but I do know that Willow is known for writing shorter length stories. It’s like they saw each other and just knew they’d met their person.

I thought that their chemistry was off the charts. I had the misfortune of drinking at the start of this book and ended up spitting my water out a tiny bit when Booker was asking Rex for recommendations on what shape he should chose for Nicky’s Christmas present. I’m really looking forward to reading Jet & Fizz’s story next when it’s released in July. I’d recommend this novella, series, universe and author to everyone.

******I received a copy of this book because I’m a member of the authors Patreon. I happily reviewed this book and I would do so even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
1,107 reviews8 followers
January 6, 2025
4.5 stars!

This is book three of the Fallen Gargoyles series and, though super short, I loved it!

Rex, an MC member tattoo artist and Ian, a touch starved customer service rep for a phone smex chat line, were adorable. They each thought they didn’t deserve the other but ultimately decided to not deserve each other together. It was pure sweetness overload!!

There were a few pesky typos, nothing capable of distracting me from these guys though. No, my only complaint is that it was too short, I wasn’t near ready to let them go. It felt like they’d just gotten together and then it was over. I was already hoping Ms. Thomas would take pity on us and give us more from the Fallen Gargoyles but now, after reading the excerpt at the end, I’m also craving more from Squad Goals. For Rex and Ian though, 4.5 sweet, fluffy, angst free stars!
Profile Image for Sabrina.
1,465 reviews119 followers
December 30, 2024
I hate how these stories in this series are so short! These are so fun and adorable, and you can’t help but wish it was go on for just a bit longer. Rex and Ian are hit with love at first sight the moment they lock eyes. Rex has watched those in his found family fall in love recently and wishes that was in his future. But when Ian walks into his tattoo shop and ends up picking Rex’s brand for a tattoo? He knows he is in trouble. Ian has been alone for so long and moving to this new town feels like a fresh start. But making friends and meeting people is a bit harder than he realized. But when he walks past the tattoo shop, he decides to be spontaneous. And it works out perfectly for him when he sees Rex. Very cute and sweet short story.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
1,051 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2025
My least favorite (I'm not even going to bother reading the last one). Literally nothing happens. We barely know either of these MCs and we don't really go into too much detail after they get introduced either. After about a day or two Rex professes his love to the shock of Ian, who thought they were building a friendship at best. He throws all common sense out the window and has what might be his first sexual experience with Rex, whom he just met, basically. Not a lot of development of the characters or the plot left over from the other books. What happened to the guy stalking that lady in the first book? What about the Red Devil gang from the last book? We'll never know. More spelling mistakes too. Disappointed in this series that had a lot of potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Author 3 books39 followers
December 30, 2024
This was a very sweet, sexy, quick read. Ian has been alone for what feels like forever and longs for touch. Rex is surrounded by his friends finding love and feeling like it’s not on the cards for him. When they meet, it’s instant fireworks, with Ian choosing a tattoo with very special meaning to Rex.

The two of them were very sweet (even when their thoughts were decidedly adult) and I loved how quickly Rex’s found family accepted Ian and made sure he felt wanted for himself. The two of them together were a match made in heaven, especially with how much Ian enjoys being tattooed – I can only imagine how much fun they will have covering him in Rex’s work!
738 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2025
This story was such a delightful and quick read! The characters, Rex and Ian, were absolutely lovable, and their journey was both emotional and uplifting. Both thought they were unworthy of love due to their difficult upbringings, but it turned out they were perfect for each other.

The humor in the story had me laughing out loud, and the sweet moments left me smiling. It's a story that balances lighthearted fun with heartfelt emotions beautifully. Highly recommend it if you're looking for a feel-good romance!

I received this story to review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,482 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2025
I was avidly awaiting this book so I could do a back to back series read! I absolutely loved every book. This was another short read but packed full of emotion. Excellent characters who completely endeared themselves to me. I really felt for Ian who is so lonely and just wants some human touch and love. He psychs himself up to get a tattoo thinking this will help and meets Rex. Rex is so lonely due to being terrified of ending up like his dad!
A beautifully written storyline full of emotion and hope. Just love the Fallen Gargoyles.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,043 reviews5 followers
January 22, 2025
It's a quick read. So sweet. Two lonely men. It's the lighter side of motor cycle romance. Ian is totally adorkable. Rex has that brooding exterior, uncertain interior.
Willow Thomas has a wicked sense of humor and there's snark in the dialog. It's a lust/love at first sight, meet cute story. It's steamy and sweet. The club members are supportive secondaries and are a wonderful found family.
It's actually too quick, too short. But so much fun. There are a few more club members that will need stories. Lucky, lucky us.
I received an advance copy from the author and this is my review.
Profile Image for Melissa.
319 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2024
Willow is great at packing a little bit of plot, some insta-love, and characters you care about no matter how quick the read.

Rex and Ian are insta-obsessed yet pining low angst fun! The Fallen Gargoyles MC is found family goodness, and I devour these novellas SO FAST! These feel like a delicious dessert -- tasty, sweet, and making you go 'mmmmmm'.

My only complaint will ever be that I want MORE!!

*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
Profile Image for Julia Toth.
444 reviews8 followers
December 30, 2024
This was a fun, quick read. Very insta-love, but I enjoyed it. I really liked Rex and Ian, Ian was very funny and I laughed quite a lot considering the length of the novella. I loved Rex's possessiveness quite a lot and I loved all the accidental innuendos, too. The found family Rex has with the MC guys was also really good.

Sometimes you just need a fun insta-love story and this delivered that, although I wouldn't have minded if it would have been longer.
Profile Image for SJ.
2,424 reviews15 followers
December 31, 2024
a short romantic read

I really enjoyed this short read, Ian and Rex are just so incredibly cute. I liked the storyline, fell in love with the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the romance and steam. My only gripe is that the editing could have been a little better. For a short story there were a few grammar and wording issues that could have been rectified easily with a read through which is a real shame. Thankfully it did not detract from the story
2,157 reviews18 followers
December 31, 2024
This is a short novella- barely a taste of the Fallen Gargoyles series. Rex is a loner tattoo artist, a guy in the MC who thinks he's incapable of love. Until he tattoos Ian, a touch starved cutie who instantly has the hots for Rex. This could and should have been a lot longer as it was sparse on the details and I wanted more, lots more of their story. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for Lori Dunn.
897 reviews24 followers
January 4, 2025
Rushed

So much potential in these characters. The characters are wasted in this short story with no substance. This is book 3 in the Fallen Gargoyle MC club books. The potential for really great stories is there, but besides book one, which also locked, the last two were just rushed.

It's like "Hi, nice to meet you. I love you. Let's be boyfriends and have all the nookie"

Nothing in between. No substance

1.5/5 stars
425 reviews5 followers
January 5, 2025
Instalove

Rex and Ian both immediately fall for each other, yet don't believe they are deserving. I loved how Joey instantly accepted him into the fold. I think he needed that acceptance from someone other than Rex. Rex considered it a done deal.from the moment he tattooed Ian, but he still took some time to make sure Ian was comfortable. That was sweet of him. I would have liked a little more meat to the story, but it was cute.
Profile Image for abookwithacupoftea.
550 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2025
Very short, instalove, story between Ian, recently arrived to town, working from home and very lonely, and Rex, member of the Fallen Gargoyles MC, tattoo artist and starting to want love. Ian books a tattoo just to be touched by someone, but when he sees Rex, he falls in love. And Rex claims him.

This is a very short, quick read, cute but a bit too superficial.

I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

Profile Image for C. Gray.
1,571 reviews16 followers
January 13, 2025
I was hoping this was going to be better than it was. Hopefully book 4, Jet, will wrap this series up correctly. 🖤🔥📞🔥🖤

My favorite quote:

“I need you to tell me how to be the best boyfriend for Ian,” I blurt out.

Stella smiles at me. “I’m going to let you have your privacy and go dance with your man.” She takes a step away, but then pulls me in for a hug. “I’ve known you for over a decade, Rex. You have a huge heart and that man is going to be lucky for all the love you’ll give him.”
Profile Image for Tina.
261 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2025
Loved Rex and Ian's story, and it all starts with a tattoo dinosaur. Swoon worthy moments, as well as cute silly moments, this story tells the story of two lonely people who find their person in the most unexpected of places.

Looking for a short, sweet read, this is the story for you!

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Breanna.
260 reviews
January 8, 2025
Rex and Ian are a great couple. The novella had everything I love, from banter to low-angst to steamy scenes. I just needed more. I would have liked to have read more about Rex and gotten an in-depth look into their backgrounds. I love Willow's style of writing, so I always want more. But if a novella leaves you wanting more, you know they are doing something right.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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