Shutter Bug

Not Suitable For Work #2

by Vari Scott

What’s the difference between learning from your past and being trapped by it?

Mason
You’d have thought that becoming a billionaire by twenty four would have been the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
That would have been right, until the moment I needed help from Bowie Grant.
He’s prickly, he’s surly, and he’s adamant that he’s not the man I need. Problem is, Bowie is the only man I’ve ever wanted.
But he’s wary, recovering from a broken heart, scared of being hurt again…until suddenly he’s not.

Bowie
One brief encounter for a magazine shoot and suddenly he’s everywhere. My gym. My bar. My head.
Then Mason says something I never thought he’d say: I’m attracted to you.
The only problem? He’s straight. And I’ve been there, done that, got the broken heart to prove it.
But something about this naive, inexperienced new coverboy has me wanting to protect him. When really, I’m the one who needs protecting.
My ground rules seem to be forgotten from the second Mason’s lips are on mine. More fool me — history likes to repeat itself.


Shutter Bug is a steamy MM romance and the second book in the Not Suitable For Work series by Vari Scott. These stories are interconnected standalones and for the best experience should be read in order, but it's not a requirement. All books feature a guaranteed HEA. Refer to front matter for trigger warnings.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Billionaire Romance, Friends To Lovers, LGBT, Queer

453 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2024

About the author

Vari Scott is a British author of indecently decent romance. When she's not writing spicy stories with dirty talking men and sassy ladies, while her two pugs snooze under her table, she is reading them instead.

Reviews

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

- grumpy photographer
- sunshine billionaire
- age gap (6 years)
- queer awakening
- friends with bennies

To say that Bowie is a bit bitter over his ex boyfriend of eight years cheating on him and leaving him for his ex girlfriend, would be an understatement. Nine months later he should be mostly over it, but his ex’s infidelity still colors his opinions on future relationships—especially when he finds himself drawn to Mason, the younger self made billionaire Bowie has the opportunity of photographing for Forbes magazine.

Mason is not at all the stereotypical one percenter Bowie assumes him to be. He’s infinitely kind, overly enthusiastic, but clumsy and shy, and the pull between them is irresistible—even though Bowie is forever unwilling to admit that. & as Mason explores his sexuality with Bowie, feelings grow between them but Bowie keeps letting the past get in the way.

Things may work out for these two in the end and I was happy for them, but I wanted to strangle Bowie so many freaking times while reading this. He was forever jerking Mason around and never really apologized for it—especially after that big blow up/misunderstanding with Cara, and truly needed to have gone to therapy because holy trust issues Batman.

[♡Gabi♡ [life & work is chaotic hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

definitely, felt like shaking bowie a few times and telling him to get a grip throughout this story bc mason is perfect for him, would do anything for him, and fell so freaking hard even though this was just supposed to be a fwb situation and most of all I wanted him to not let his past burns and fears stop him from falling in love with the best thing to happen to him since his piece of shit ex, but he finally got it together so that’s all that matters and they both lived hea. 🥰

can’t wait for wyatt’s book next!

[Holly]

DNF’d at 29%

I tried. I really tried. I wanted to like this book because the premise was really cool I just couldn’t. There were so many words. And weirdly a lot of unnecessary cussing which like is fine but it was just unnecessary. I may pick this up again and try at a later date because it very much could’ve just been a me thing but idk probably not if I’m honest.

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason and Bowie are a wonderful couple. They are very different from one another and meet in such a random way, but their connection is instantaneous. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Bowie and Mason go on quite a journey together and that includes many ups and downs. They prove to one another their loyalty by remaining true to one another.

Overall Shutter Bug is an enjoyable story that I could not get enough of and look forward to seeing more from characters in this world.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[lakshmi · Rating 2 out of 5]

just fyi this is my personal opinion and this book could work for you if it’s your type. This is just going to be a dump of my thoughts <3

I’m pretty sure this is one of the MM romances that sorta borders on problematic. There were scenes that were kind of unusual for me?

- there was a scene where Mason was talking about their dick sizes? Comparing them saying well Bowie is bigger but Mason is thicker, so it evens out. 🤠

- “Am I allowed to call another man beautiful?”
I huff a laugh, awkwardly tugging at the hem of my suit jacket. “Not if you expect to get lucky tonight.”

this was a bit weird for me too. I’ve read so many books where the mmc calls his love beautiful and it’s sweet. So I don’t get this dialogue.

- and I wasn’t a huge fan pacing and miscommunication that took place over the course of this book. When Bowie said he wasn’t interested in being Mason’s experiment partner, I was like okay great : communication. And then he threw a jealous fit when Mason was dancing with other men? It was a little unsettling but tolerable. Like I said I like jealousy so I moved past it.

- I completely sympathize with Bowie’s broken heart and difficulty in trusting someone after he’s been cheated on but the way he basically pushed and threw Mason without even talking to him after he thought Mason was cheating felt unfair to me. It annoyed me even more when he didn’t even apologize to Mason, they just went directly to iloveyous.

- so no. Not for me

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And now I’m starting to wonder if it’s not so much a guy thing but a Bowie thing, and that thought terrifies me. Because if he found out that’s what this is, would he still be willing to do this with me? He’d said no feelings, but I’m not so sure I can keep that promise."

Shutter Bug is a steamy MM romance and the second book in the Not Suitable For Work series by new-to-me author Vari Scott. The books are interconnected standalones and for the best experience should be read in order, as some of the characters cross-over between the books. That said, I hadn't read book 1 Grease Monkey, which is a MF romance, beforehand and it didn't spoil my enjoyment of Shutter Bug.

This is Mason and Bowie's story.

What to Expect:

❣️sexual awakening
❣️first times
❣️all the steam
❣️age gap
❣️friends with benefits
❣️"teach me"
❣️billionaire MC
❣️grumpy/sunshine vibes
❣️HEA

Loved it!

4 stars ⭐

[Juli Bauer Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first MM romance and I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not, but I loved it. Mason is such a lovable MMC and you want to be his bff. It was so fun getting to know the second brother in this series and I loved the scenes where all three brothers were together. I loved Grease Monkey just a tad more because I adored their love story, but the 🌶️ scenes were GOOD in Shutterbug and it felt like there were a few more than the last book. Can’t wait for book 3!

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: f*** buddies to lovers, misunderstandings, grumpy/sunshine
Feels: 2/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: minor praise, toys
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: n/a
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: Yes, Bowie's ex of 8 years cheated on him for a long time
Other person drama: they kiss once, and Bowie turns Mason down. After that they both go to a gay bar separately. Mason kisses and makes out with two guys at the bar. Bowie comes across him and drags him away out of jealousy. After that, they agreed to be exclusive while they are hooking up. Mason's ex-girlfriend causes some drama, but Mason is not interested in her at all.

3.5 stars

Mason is a 24-year-old billionaire. He struck it rich with his tech company. He is going to be on the cover of Forbes magazine's top 30 under 30, and he's being photographed by Bowie. He's awkward and nervous and a very humble guy. He's only ever had one girlfriend who he broke up with a few months ago.

Bowie is 30 years old, gay, a professional photographer, and he broke up with his ex of 8 years 9 months ago. His ex had been cheating on him for a long time with his ex-girlfriend, and he leaves Bowie to get back together with her. It crushes Bowie. His ex had been hiding him their whole relationship and it was emotionally in psychologically draining on him.

Bowie and Mason are attracted to each other when they meet. Mason has never been attracted to a guy before, he gives off demisexual vibes, he's attracted to Bowie but he isn't really attracted to random men or women. Mason wants to start something with Bowie, but Bowie rejects him, and then gets jealous and decides that Mason has to do his sexual experimentation with Bowie, because Bowie will treat him well and won't use him for his money. They start hooking up, agreeing not to do feelings, but Mason very quickly falls in love. But will Bowie let them change their dynamic? And Mason's ex-girlfriend is going to show up and cause some drama.

This book was pretty good. I liked the chemistry between Mason and Bowie and I liked how possessive Bowie got of Mason, and how Bowie was reluctantly attracted to Mason. I like seeing that mental struggle and being unable to resist. The side characters roasting Mason and Bowie at times was funny.

I didn't like that Bowie's ex was brought up so much. I hate it when one MC is punishing the other MC for s*** that their ex did. It's not fair to put that on a new relationship, and it's not romantic to see the inner thoughts of a character being so focused on their ex. I felt like Bowie was so caught up in his own s*** that he wasn't really deserving of the sweetie that Mason was. Mason was scared too, anxious and dealing with a lot, but he was not an a******. Bowie kept making Mason suffer because of what Bowie's ex did and that's hard to tolerate.

Also, minor complaint but Mason's twin sister Maddie was really using him in my view. Yeah she loves him, but I would have liked to see her not using him for material things so much. They needed to have balance in their relationship where she was giving of herself at times and not just taking and taking.


Some notable moments:

"“Go away,” I grumble, giving up and digging my face into my pillow instead. “Oh shit, it went that bad?” I ignore her, pushing my face farther into the feathery softness, hoping the black dots behind my eyes mean I’m finally suffocating myself."

"“I can’t watch you with other men. I can’t imagine you being with other men.” “But you said…” “I know what I said, and I take it back. You want to see if you like kissing guys; you kiss me. You want to see what it would be like for a guy to have his lips wrapped around your cock; you fuck my throat until I gag...”"


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[abby :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

we're probably gonna go with a 3.75... i think

authors really need to start paying the people on instagram who make edits for their books because i saw an arc review of this book and the edit was so good that i waited for this. i've never read anything or heard of this author before this but i looked at the descriptions for her other book and i wanna read it, also wyatt's book is giving forbidden romance which i adore so i'll be on the look out!!

that being said this book was longgggg, too long. i was really into the first 40%, i thought the progression was good and the jealousy scenes were AMAZING. then they got together ... ish, and things were okay, the third act was not my favorite. i was already kinda bored but then cara came back into the story and i was over it. that whole element was so annoying and not entertaining. bowie and mason could have used that time to actually develop into a couple because they needed more of that. mason was really cute and bowie was so headstrong, we needed to see more of them developing together.

this was pretty good overall but those last parts just pissed me off. also maddie, mason's sister, was low key so invasive. some of the things she said to mason regarding his relationship was crazy, i would never speak to my brother about some of that stuff. (the piercing shit was actually so weird)

[Stephanie Hubenak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down my favorite MM romance of all time. I just can't get over much I loved Bowie and Mason. They were absolute perfection and I couldn't get enough of them.

I was so intrigued by Bowie when reading Teddy's story (Grease Monkey) and was SO excited when I learned that his book was next. It was worth the wait my friends. I loved that Bowie knew who he was and apologized to no one about it. And while Mason and Bowie started off rocky, it was truly mesmerizing to watch them fall for each other.

And when the spice hit? Just go get you a fan and get ready. I was basically sweating at how hot they were. The story, the men, the spice...it was all the perfect combination. I will protect them at all costs.

And one of my favorite things about this series is you get a little bit of everything. It's just...perfect.

[This_mum_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even when you think you’re at your worst, I can always capture you at your best”

Tropes
Billionaire
Grumpy/Sunshine
MM romance
Teach me

Vari absolutely smashed it out the park yet again with this book. This is book 2 in the Not Suitable For Work Series and I was so happy to be back with the Grant brothers 💙💙💙

This is my favourite MM romance I’ve ever read and the characters were SO relatable and likeable. I love love grumpy broody Bowie but what I loved about this book was the refreshing twist on the billionaire trope. Mason is a billionaire but he is cute, he is sweet, he is not the typically workplace demanding billionaire. He’s vulnerable, modest, he doesn’t flaunt his money around. He appreciates where he came from and he deserves his success

Both boys have had issues in the past they have had to work through and their story is just so wonderful to read. The side characters, the two best girl friends of Mason and Bowie made me laugh so much. I LOVED Gemma and Maddie. I also loved when we got to see Teddy and Ana again from Grease Monkey, which is the first book in the series and one of my top books of last year. Another point to note is this book is SPICY I would say it’s one of the spiciest books I’ve read in about a year 🥵 You’ve done an amazing job with this book @variscottwrites and it was a joy to read. The writing style is so effortless and you are consumed by the story

To say I am BUZZING for Wyatt Grants book now would be an understatement. It’s going to be pilot and an ice skating forbidden age gap romance and it can’t come quick enough as I can’t wait to get back into this world

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bowie knew he was in trouble as soon as he laid eyes on Mason. I loved this romance and seeing the genuine connection between them. I loved the build up as well as seeing them go from friends with benefits to lovers.
Both are very likable characters. Mason is an adorable character. The definition of a golden retriever. I love that his sexuality wasn’t a big internal struggle. He just kind of rolled with it. He followed his heart (and his d... 😏) and realized that he wanted to be with Bowie.
Bowie is a more complex character. I definitely understood his doubts in the beginning. He didn’t want to be anyone’s experiment, again. He’s been burned in the past, and he certainly doesn't want a repeat. But it’s a good thing Mason doesn’t give up that easily…
It was really fun to see them wanting each other and holding off their feelings while all that sexual tension just got stronger.
The secondary characters were amazing. So supportive and so much fun. Especially their siblings.
I just love the Grant boys and I can’t wait for Wyatt’s story.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DEVOURED this in one go today. I couldnt put it down. Mason & Bowie were sensational!
*full review to come*

‘PS Even when youre at your worst, I can always capture you at your best.’

Shutter Bug is the second book in the Not suitable for work series from @Vari Scott. I loved Teddy from Grease Monkey so so much but now its his brothers, Bowies, turn. This is MM, strangers to lovers, Billionaire, Bi awakening and I. Ate. It. Up. It consumed me for a full day, I gave up adulting & life and sat with this book morning to night refusing to put it down. Zero regrets.

Mason is our nervous, fumbling new billionaire that arrives for a Forbes cover photoshoot and Meets Bowie, the grump and has his world turned upside down. Unsure of his feelings he speaks to his, very confident in her skin, sister. I adored her - she made me howl with laughter!

This had me biting my knuckles and squealing like a school girl with a crush. This has all the spice scenes we all want & crave but it was so much more than that. The emotions that are portrayed 🥹 the connection Bowie and Mason share, the fear, the trust. Nothing felt rushed. This was stunning. The twist hurt, Oh boy but that ending was everything I wanted.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

• MM romance
• Billionaire MMC
• Golden retriever MMC
• Strangers to lovers
• Friends with benefits
• “Teach me”
• Sexual awakening

I had the absolute pleasure of alpha reading Shutter Bug and being able to witness Vari's creation of these characters and their world was nothing short of incredible.

What stood out to me most was the seamless balance between relatable, lovable main characters and the equally integral supporting cast (ahem Gemma and Maddie). Each character, whether in the spotlight or on the sidelines, played their role without overshadowing one another (except when Gemma is being Gemma 😂). The way Vari wrote the relationship dynamics makes you feel like you're part of their inner circle.

Bowie, a 30 y/o freelance photographer, spent the past almost decade, working in the Amazon alongside his partner. He’s now back in the concrete jungle, navigating life post-breakup, dealing with how his ex-partners infidelity with an ex-girlfriend is casting a shadow on how he approaches relationships in the future.

Then there's Mason, the 24-year-old self-made billionaire who defies every stereotype you’d associate with wealth. Mason is like a lovable golden retriever, he’s enthusiastic, clumsy and tends to ramble when nervous which is particularly evident when he finds himself in front of Bowie Grant's camera for his Forbes 30 under 30 shoot.

The dynamic between them is electric, especially as Mason explores his sexuality, seeking guidance from Bowie in a way that goes against the rules Bowie put in place for himself with future partners. We also get sweet and tender moments between these two that are truly heartwarming.

Mason and Bowie are characters that will stay with me and this story is one I know I will reread! Vari you absolutely knocked this one out of the park! I'm so proud of you and to see how your writing has evolved is amazing!

[Val]

dnf @ %91

i honestly can not and will not finish this book. this is one of those romance books where i start to root for couple to not end together. even if i read this much i will not force myself to read the rest.

*spoiler*

i hate bowie. my goddddd hate him with all i have. i get that your ex was a fucking demon but it does not give you right to treat mason that way. you are just your ex but still gay. mason learns that he is going to be a father from YOU AND all you do is hate fuck him and kick him out? he is explaining his side and all you do is laugh? AND you don’t even apologize when you learn mason was lied by his ex and still act like you are a victim of mason “being like your ex?” FUCK YOU. my god go back to amazon, it’s been a long since i’ve been this mad at a main character.

*end of spoilers*

don’t even wanna read a romance for a while need to touch some grass to calm down.

[Rombookfanlove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story. Spicy spice too but just.. aahhhh oh sweet, sweet Mason - I’m in love 😍 and Bowie’s grumpy, confident self in contrast to Mason’s nervous, sweet, nerdy self was just a great combo.

I don’t read a ton of M/M romance, so my review is from a non-connoisseur but I just absolutely loved this story of Mason’s awakening and Bowie’s healing.

There were a lot of great moments but I was biting my lip and internally squealing at Bowie showing up in the club - ahh that was so good.

I loved Mason’s openness and curiosity while also being pretty shy and nervous. Bowie’s history made it hard for him to open up so when he just can’t help himself, it makes it all so much sweeter.

The angsty moment(s) didn’t hit me as hard in this as the other two books but overall it was still emotional.

Out of the three books, this one was hardest for me to put down! Loved it.

I have definitely found a new author for me as I really loved all 3 books. Clear, unique characters, good emotional spectrum from hot to humour to sadness. Excellent. Definitely recommend this book and the whole series. They can be read out of order (I read book 3 first) but do agree with the blurb recommendation that they are best in order. Enjoy!!

5/5 ⭐️

[Tasha_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart is so bloody happy! I cried both happy and sad tears. Bowie deserved the world even if he was a bit grumpy and bitter. And Mason, I have no words. He is everything! But together these two are absolutely perfect. The love, care, attention and trust between them was amazing. And their chemistry 👌.
I absolutely adore this series and the family that surrounds them all.
You've absolutely smashed it Vari ❤️

[Theodore]

DNF @ 7%

One, NFTs are gross and having Mason become a billionaire off them was an immediate turn off.

Two, Bowie is just an asshole for no reason to Mason. I get that he's mad about his ex getting engaged, but like Jesus, could he be any less professional?

Not really willing to see this one through.

[Katherine Grossfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn’t love two fictional men more

Both of these guys are struggling with separate demons/issues and they come together in such a real and beautiful way. Of course there’s some detailed love going on but it doesn’t take away from such a good story. Highly recommend you fall in love with Bowie and Mason like I did.

[Denay Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars, barely
😥 I just want a GOOD book I can’t put down that hurts and gives my butterflies. This book slump is killing me.

[my.reading_record · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, Bowie and Mason are brilliant. I loved grumpy Bowie, I loved golden retriever Mason. I loved their tension, their steamy teaching moments, their heartwarming tender moments, their vulnerable moments and their swoony moments. Bowie might have all the experience but Mason has all the enthusiasm and is eager to please. I have so much love for them.

The story, like their relationship, is fast paced. It had me laughing, Mason and his research, shouting at my kindle, their ex partners are the worst and totally engrossed, I wanted to ignore everything and just read. The characters are excellent, new ones and Bowie’s brother Teddy and the rest of the family from Grease Monkey.

An easily awarded 5 stars and I recommend to everyone looking for a great strangers to lovers, friends with benefits MM romance.

[Calleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

mason + bowie
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

the gist: NYC • MM • billionaire • strangers to lovers • photographer x NFT CEO • Forbes 30 under 30 photoshoot • football history • Amazon/Jungle/Nat Geo • cheating ex • gym encounter • pierced (labret) MMC • gay club • "teach me" • sexual awakening • golden retriever • friends with benefits • text banter • 💀💀💀 • Hasselblad camera • NYE Peninsula hotel stay • deceit/betrayal • HEA • epilogue!

Well, never again. My stupid little heart has learned its lesson in the old cliché of the gay guy falling for the straight guy who only wanted to suck his first dick to satisfy a curiosity.

“Still can’t go there,” he repeats.
“Why not?” He huffs a laugh, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Because I’ve been with the straight guy who thought he liked dudes before, and all it left me with was a broken heart and pity stares. Even if I’d love to be the one to help you in your self-discovery…”.

Creating my NFTs, starting my company, buying my apartment building… I knew in my gut that I was making a good decision. But having Bowie in my life, as more than what we are right now, feels the exact same.

Bowie’s it for me, and I’ll spend the rest of my life traveling the world with my photog guy, falling deeper and deeper in love with him.

>>First off, I LOVED the supporting characters almost as much as I loved Mason and Bowie. Gemma and Bowie's banter was hilarious and I loved Gemma's no bullshit attitude towards Bowie and her ability to call him out on his self-sabotage/pessimist tendencies. Bowie is soooo jaded and Gemma just kept picking him up and pushing him to be better - the ultimate best friend! And Mason and Maddie? The best twin duo in fiction history. I couldn't get enough of these two. Maddie is absolutely hilarious and she calls Mason out the same way Gemma does for Bowie. And the families? They were perfect. Mason's parents were welcoming and understanding of Bowie *chef's kiss*. And when they went home to Bowie's parents' house?? I was DYING laughing at the balloon 🎈🎈🎈 scene. Bowie, his brothers, Dad, and Mom gave me all the laughs and happy feelings. And Cara....girl BYE. Ugh, she was a mess. This was a such a great read and I can't wait for Wyatt and Pippa's book!

Mason Jury + Bowie Grant ♾️

Thank you, Vari! PS Loved your "Scottish-isms"

[Courtney Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book blindly, meaning I didn't read the blurb or the reviews. I generally like to do that because I enjoy being surprised and to read things without expectations. It helps me enjoy a book more. So, I didn't know this was, in essence, a billionaire romance, which I'm not always a fan of. BUT, Mason, said billionaire, has newly acquired his wealth, so he's incredibly down-to-earth, honest, and sweet. I found myself rooting for him the entire book.

Bowie... Honestly, I had a hard time liking him at first. He really has to grow on you, but because of what he'd gone through, and Mason's sweetness, it keeps you reading. While I completely empathized with Bowie, he could be cruel at times, not in the dark romance sense, but with that cold indifference to protect his heart, which had been shattered.

Mason is bi-curious and has a bi-awakening with Bowie in the form of exploration and 'friends with benefits,' which I'm always a huge fan of. Of course, feelings emerge, as they're prone to doing. While Bowie resists them, Mason embraces them.

Things I loved:

1. Bi-awakening and Mason completely embracing his new-found sexuality.

2. A growly and possessive Bowie.

3. Grumpy/sunshine, with a hint of golden retriever from Mason.

4. While Bowie was rough around the edges, he was always careful with Mason... in body, but not so much in the heart.

5. Mason's generosity, not only in gift-giving, but with his whole heart, which was exactly what Bowie needed.

Things I would've liked to have seen differently:

1. Maddie and Mason are twins. Maddie is the overbearing comedic relief, but I would've like to have seen them be sweet to each other periodically since they're so close and she had a strong presence in the book.

2. I would've enjoyed more intimate scenes between Mason and Bowie. They were FIRE together, while there were some soft moments, I think a little more intimacy on Bowie's part would've helped a bit with his character being more likable.

3. Bowie needed to apologize more, especially at the end.

4. Cara wasn't needed. I know she was a good test for Bowie's resolve, but honestly, I think it would've been better had Mason and Bowie faced their issues head on, especially since Mason was so bold and honest.

None of the above things changed my view of the overall book.

This is a fun and relatively light read, and Mason and Bowie are VERY hot together.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book before it came out in the suggested part of Kindle and was really excited to read it but forgot to write it down to come back to once it released so I forgot about it. I stumbled upon it again almost a month after its release lol
this book was something extremely new to me i’ve never read a MM romance before but I really loved this one.
The only thing I struggled with was imagining what the characters looked like because there is no art of the characters at all i even looked at the authors insta to try to find something but nothing.
So for majority of the book I imagined Bowie as like an emo Roderick from diary of a whimpy kid type of guy just more chic and expensive looking.
Mason unfortunately remained faceless because i couldn’t come up with anything.

Though once i got past that i really enjoyed this book, initially i did put it off because it was just soooo long. But i powered through it and was glad i did. This book is unfortunately 95% smut because the whole premise is “gay awakening “ (i think) so while it was understandable it was just a little too much sex for me personally.

I really did love seeing the characters together though and the scenes we did get outside of the bedroom were so clumpy and sweet. I was genuinely giggling through most of their dialogue. It was great.

My ONE and only issue with this book as a whole was I felt like Bowie did not grovel enough at all. He spent the entire book just picking a straws trying to find a way to compare mason to calvin and he literally jumped on the first chance he got to believe he was like him. He essentially had sex with mason knowing he was angry and going to end things because of it, said he was worse than his ex and kicked him out all in the same breath no further explanation or response. I was so upset for mason because he spent the whole book trying to prove himself.
Only for Mason to take Bowie back the second the truth comes out, I needed MORE especially since this isn’t the first instance this happens.
I just need more grovel and more angst, I felt like Bowie needed to beg for Mason for a bit not the other way around.
Especially since Bowie spends about 75% of the book treating Mason how Calvin treated him.

Besides that though this was a good book. if I had about 15 less sex chapter 50% more angst, it would have been amazing.

[Ashley Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book omg! This is my first book by this author and it did not disappoint. Bowie and Mason are everything!

Now this isn’t the typical billionaire romance because I’ll be honest that’s not my favorite trope. Usually it’s a slightly older, grumpy, douche of a billionaire that meets their golden retriever/sunshine partner. However in Shutter Bug we get Mason, a young (24), rambling, golden retriever/sunshine type billionaire and Bowie, a slightly older (30), grumpy photographer (he’s very successful as well but no billionaire).
These two meet when Mason is doing the 30 under 30 shoot for a magazine and Bowie is the photographer.

Bowie is grumpy and jaded because of a bad breakup but deep down he has a very sweet side. Mason was so sweet, and embraced his newfound sexuality, he even went as far as to go to a gay bar to see if he was attracted to men or if it was just Bowie. That’s when things get really interesting as Bowie happens to be there hoping he may be able to stop thinking about Mason if he can find someone else BUT he sees Mason dancing with two men and gets crazy jealous, even though there’s nothing between them at the time.

Bowie and Mason start as a friends with benefits type thing, under the rouse of protecting Mason from being taken advantage of. They agree only sex, no feelings but they catch feelings and only Mason seems to be able to own it, as Bowie is still hung up on being hurt by his ex. These two had some amazing chemistry. I also really loved the side characters, both MCs had a great support group and I really loved that.

There were a lot of times I wanted to punch Bowie in the throat for the way he jerked Mason around, hot and cold, afraid of his feelings. And the whole mess with Cara towards the end, he was a straight up douche and that’s the only thing I had an issue with, Bowie should have had to freaking grovel on his hands and knees to have Mason back.

I’ve read strictly MM for over a year now but I kinda want to go back and read Teddy’s story and Wyatt’s when it comes out. I definitely recommend this book.

[VicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

📸 𝚂𝚑𝚞𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙱𝚞𝚐 📸
𝚋𝚢 @variscottwrites

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️

↓↓
Bowie has learned that his boyfriend of 8 years has been cheating on him the whole time and is now engaged.. to a woman. To say he was shocked is a complete understatement. He is left bitter, heartbroken and swears off all realtionships.... Until Mason breaks down his walls.

Mason became an overnight billionaire from NFT work, he was picked to be in the spread of Forbes and is set up to have his pictures taken. During the shoot he meets Bowie, his photographer. Bowie is bitter and angry with the world but seems to calm down once he realizes how awaked and out of his element Mason is. Mason finds himself attracted to Bowie, a man, for the first time and now he's questioning everything.

Watching Mason come to terms with who he is, is quite the journey with Bowie leading the charge of the "experience". Mason is nothing how Bowie was expecting him to be, he is kind, humble, awkward at times but loves deeply. Seeing Mason for how he really is Bowie slowly lets his walks down and begins to let Mason in.

There were times where I wanted to shake some sense into Bowie while reading at how hard headed he was being. These two definitely have to work for their happiness. While it may have been bumpy getting to their HEA, these two truly deserved all the happiness they found with each other.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
📸 MM romance
📸 Billionaire MMC
📸 Golden retriever MMC
📸 Strangers to lovers
📸 Friends with benefits
📸 Grumpy x Sunshine
📸 Sexual awakening

🏷️
#shutterbug #variscottauthor #mmromance #contemporaryromance #gayromance #gayforyouromance #billionaireromance #strangerstolovers #friendswithbenefits #grumpyxsunshine #passionauthorservices #booktropes #smutbooks #romancereader #arcreaders #bookboyfriendsdoitbetter #spicyromance #smutlovers #igreads #romancebooks #spicyromancebooks #ReadNow #momswhoread

[Tori Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the book starts with this sentence: “Everyone can suck a big bag of d*cks.” You know it’s going to be a good one…

The angst in this one. And all of the “teach me” moments… Whewwwwww!! Buckle up!!!!

You’ve got Bowie Grant, our boy Teddy’s brother Grease Monkey), who’s struggling after his ex cheated on him with his ex-girlfriend, to whom he’s now engaged to. So when this gorgeous, young billionaire comes in to be photographed for the cover of Forbes and their 30 under 30 edition, he’s extremely apprehensive because even though their sexual tension and chemistry is through the roof, Mason is straight, and Bowie isn’t about to go down that road again...

But when Bowie sees Mason out, exploring this new sexual side of himself, he gets irrationally jealous and decides that Mason can explore with Bowie… and only Bowie.

I mean, It’s just friends with benefits… right?

…

Oh, my sweet broken Bowie. His uncontrollable pull with Mason combined with his extremely high fear of getting hurt (so his constant pushing him away) makes this an angsty treat you can’t help but love! Not to mention, his first interaction with Seth and Gorgina SENT ME. I just wanted to bawl and wrap him up in my arms… Our sweet broken boy ❤️

And Mason. He’s so sure of himself, and knows that Bowie is who he wants, and this man GOES AFTER HIM. He’s confident enough in them for both of them, and I just love that because that’s not what I was expecting from this story, or from Mason. He refuses to allow any other outcome than he and Bowie as endgame and YES SIR! GO GET YOUR MAN!! 🥰

Gemma and Maddie, our two hilarious side characters, were such perfect additions. They added so much support, and plenty of humor, while still letting our boys shine!!

This was a beautiful story, Vari. I really couldn’t have loved it more.

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on the billionaire romance trope, as usually they are a bit standoffish, however in Shutter Bug Mason is 100% a precious golden retriever whereas Bowie is our grumpy, pessimistic, has been hurt before love interest. It definitely creates an interesting dynamic between the two.

Mason was absolutely amazing and I loved everything about him. Bowie….was rough. He was in a ‘relationship’ for 8 years with someone who was using him for his body and he didn’t see the red flags his ‘ex’ was throwing up the entire time. This has affected his personality and how he trusts people greatly. Bowie really should have gone to therapy when he got back from the Amazon.

Mason gives Bowie ALOT of chances. The blow up was the worst for me, because when everything cooled down and resolved Bowie didn’t apologize for how he treated Mason, and he treated him terribly. That really upset me.

The whole lead in to this blow up seemed convenient to me, as it came out of nowhere, and I so wanted Bowie to shut his mouth and listen to Mason’s side of the story. Anyway I’m done harping on Bowie. As you can tell, Mason is my favorite.

These two have AMAZING chemistry and Bowie has a filthy freaking mouth. My goodness, I do love the dirty talk when I’m reading and especially appreciate it when it’s GOOD.

This is the second in the series following Bowie and his brothers, Wyatt appears to be next. I won’t be reading books 1 or 3 but that’s only because they are MF and I only read MM. Vari Scott is a new to me author and writes very well, so give this a read. Even with my issues with Bowie I rated this 4 stars so what does that tell ya?!

I received an advanced copy from Passion Author Services in exchange for my honest review.

[Scandi Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! 🥹

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 3/5 spice

Mason, he’s a clumsy, nervous, naive newly billionaire at the age of 24.
After being picked out for a magazine cover he meets Bowie, the photographer and discovers for the first time in his life his attracted to a man. And he wants him, but Bowie’s been down this road before. He dated the straight guy, and now has the broken heart to show it. But Mason doesn’t give up, and when Bowie thinks about it he really doesn’t want anyone else to be the one to help Mason discover himself.

Ok, so this was my first ever MM romance, thank you for popping my 🍒 Vari, and for being oh so good to me!

I loved everything about Bowie and Masons story! I loved how Bowie was both so hurt and scared from his past and at the same time so protective of Mason. How Mason was so easily nervous, rambling and naive, but at the same time so strong and confident in him self and never once doubting that he wanted Bowie.

Both Mason and Bowie is so loveable I just want to wrap them up and keep them with me. But I guess it’s true what they say, you never forget your first..

Vari writes so well and she manages to make me feel with the characters the whole way through. So far Bowie is my favourite of the Grant brothers (don’t tell Teddy!), but I am really looking forward to Wyatt’s book

💚

💚 Sexual awakening
📸 Teaching/lessons
💚 Strangers to lovers
📸 Friends with benefits
💚 Billionaire
📸 Golden retriever

[Katkejt ☾. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bowie • Mason

….

“I’m yours as much as you’re mine. Always.”

….

As I already had the pleasure to witness this while reading Grease Monkey, Vari takes time to layer everything out in her stories and then we get a hit, bam. I think I appreciate this type of writing because it makes you be very present.

Shutter Bug is so heartfelt. The “teach me” was perfectly done, chef’s 💋. I thought I will love Bowie more but then Mason came in and I was done for, he’s such a lovable character, I like my book boys like that. Bowie had one strike too much for me, I wanted to chase him down *snickers* but together they gave me some unforgettable moments.

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A R I Z O N A - Cross My Mind

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Tom Walker - Just You and I

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“Two times in one day. Are you stalking me, Mr. Jury?” // “Even when you think you’re at your worst, I can always capture you at your best.” // “You’re not anyone.” // “He’d said no feelings, but I’m not so sure I can keep that promise.” // “I don’t need considerate, Bowie…” // “For all that is holy…” // “I need to see you.” // "Can you guide me?” // “So much for self-preservation.” // “Stop asking me if I’m sure, Bowie…” // “At least I’m brave enough to admit I’ve got them.” // “He hurt me… but you could destroy me.” // “He’s got nothing to do with us.” // “…the shutter goes off constantly, and I pray to all that is holy I got a good photo of this, of us, together.” // “I’m your bad influence, and you love it.” // “I want to give you nice memories of it…” …

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*I received an advance copy of this book via Passion Author Services and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

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