Ferocious

IOU #6

by Leslie McAdam

When a scrawny, pink-haired ragamuffin tries to rob me at knifepoint, I respond the way any sensible person would and invite him to dinner—where he proceeds to threaten my entire ten-year plan simply by being his effervescent self. Much to my annoyance.

There’s no room in my life for a gorgeous criminal named Rowan. I need to check off the next item on my list: Find the right, respectable husband. I can’t be an accessory to a life of crime.

And yet, my perfect plan’s been a bust. Yes, I have millions of social media followers, a prestigious job, and an expensive car, but I’m realizing I want more from life. My casual hookups aren’t making me happy. I’m … lonely.

While Rowan’s a tattooed menace, he does something to my heart, and I can’t seem to stay away from him. Let’s not get started on how I like seeing my marks on him. Everywhere.

Rowan isn’t who I’m looking for, but it seems he’s not who we think he is, either. Which creates an entirely different set of problems with much, much higher stakes.

I’m in way too deep to get out. If I even want to.

Ferocious is a stand-alone contemporary M/M romance about Rowan, a rideshare-driving twink with a penchant for violence, and Charlie, a grumpy lawyer. It features first times, primal play, kidnapping and other crimes, and a philodendron that likes to ride in the car. HEA? Definitely.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Crime

426 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2025

About the author

Leslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two small children. Leslie's first published book, The Sun and the Moon, won a 2015 Watty, which is the world's largest online writing competition. She's gone on to receive additional literary awards and has been featured in multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan.com. Her books have been Top 100 Bestsellers on both Amazon and Apple Books. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men of your fantasies.

USA Today interview: http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/20...

Cosmopolitan: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love...

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

“I don’t understand why you pulled a knife on me.” Because I was desperate. I play it off, grinning. “I’m ferocious.”

TROPES:
🪴Grumpy/feisty
🪴Size difference
🪴Hurt/comfort

I’m having a hard time writing this review without spoiling all the plot points, so let’s all just assume this review is full of spoilers. Phew, I feel better now.

Scrap your plans, Charlie. Take me. I’m yours.

Ferocious was a slightly angsty, very dramatic, opposites attract romance.
The first half was exactly what I was expecting — a feral twink finds a grumpy Daddy and decides he wants to keep him.
The spice was a nice crescendo of heat, and I especially loved the primal play scene.

“I want you to hunt me down and fuck me.”

The problem for me was the over-the-top drama of the second half. So, imagine The Princess Diaries mixed with a bit of Pretty Woman, then make it gay.
The secret billionaire trope isn’t one I’m particularly drawn to and the way it was executed just felt weird and overly dramatic.
Add in some random kidnappings, inheritance feuds, and lots of side drama and I was kind of over it by the 70% mark.

There were also a lot of time skips that made the flow a bit clunky and jumpy.
While overall I guess I had fun with this installment, it was pretty disappointing compared to the emotional read that was Notorious.

“You’re going to be the death of me.”
“Or I’ll make you come alive.”

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Assault
- Child abuse (not sexual)
- Kidnapping
- Murder
- Illness & death of a parent
- Homophobia
- References to infidelity (not between MCs)
- References to suicide
- Virgin MC
- Top/bottom
- CNC/primal play
- Daddy/baby boy (no age play)
- Shower sex
- Intercrural
- Sexting
- Rimming
- 69
- Office sex

Reading update — Charlie is almost mugged by a tiny twink, proceeds to take him to dinner. Now that’s a meet-cute.

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: hurt/comfort, found family, size difference
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: primal play, CNC, daddy/boy
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: MMC who commits crimes, kidnapping, murder, homophobia, foster care and the neglect/child abuse/physical assault/bullying that Rowan encountered there, death of parent due to cancer, reference to past death of parent due to overdose, car theft, mugging, poverty
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: Charlie had a 5-year-long open relationship at the start of the book. He hooked up with Rowan while still with Tristan, but he ended things with Tristan after hooking up with Rowan. Neither of them were with anyone else after they got together.

3.25 stars

Rowan is 23. He was abandoned as a days old baby and raised in foster care. He's been abused and neglected and very alone his whole life. His most important possession is a 15-year-old plant that he's carried with him from foster home to foster home. He's living in poverty and working as a rideshare driver. He drives around with his plant Wilbur in the passenger seat. One day he takes a customer that's kind of sketchy and he gets mugged/carjacked. He walks 11 miles and then stumbles across some people on a beach and decides to mug one of them to get some money.

His mugging victim is Charlie. Charlie is 29. He's a grumpy lawyer who's dissatisfied with his life and in a 5-year open relationship with a guy who has refused to come out of the closet and doesn't want to commit. Charlie is much bigger than Rowan, and he manages to get the better of Rowan. Once he hears about why Rowan mugged him, Charlie decides Rowan is not a threat to his safety and needs taking care of. He takes Rowan out for dinner, takes him home to sleep because it's late, drives him to the police station to report his stolen car, and by the time that's done, they are acting on the sexual tension between them and making plans to meet up again. Charlie is a little resistant, but Rowan is persistent and flirts until he gets his way. Over the next couple of weeks, Charlie goes out of his way to do things for Rowan to help him get back on his feet and they both fall deeper for each other. They have this instalove connection where they both are possessive of each other and think the other person is theirs. Charlie has a caretaker complex when it comes to Rowan. And they develop a bit of a daddy/boy relationship. Then Rowan finds his family unexpectedly and ends up being rich and the challenges they face change because of that.

I'm a fan of fluffy feel good romance novels. I like humor and possessiveness. I've read a lot by this author and I like the emotional connections between the mmcs that she writes. In this book, there was a lot of warm moments, touching caretaking, fierce possessiveness, and humor. There was a lot that was enjoyable about this story to me. I loved Rowan, his character was great, he was consistently the same person with every layer of the onion that was peeled back as we learned more about him. Rowan was lovable and I empathized with him as the underdog.

But I didn't like Charlie, his character just seemed inconsistent and unlikeable at times. It was sweet that he took care of Rowan but there was a lot of stuff about him that just didn't fit well. Like:
- Early on, when Charlie was feeling vulnerable he reached out to Tristan first. Tristan brushed him off / didn't give him what he needed, so he called Rowan after that. I didn't like that Rowan was Charlie's second choice at comfort.
- I didn't like the scene where Charlie on page 187 told Rowan that marriage was off the table for them. He didn't want to be married. I get that he was realizing something about himself and was rejecting a heteronormative, but it was kind of out of nowhere for him to rebel against marriage when he had wanted a secure long-term relationship for so long. I don't find it likeable when one character imposes their will on another and makes a unilateral decision that they force on the other person. There are some things that should be discussed within a relationship and there should be some openness to compromise if you love your person. It wasn't a deal breaker for Rowan, but it was incredibly insensitive to thrust that on him knowing that all Rowan has ever wanted was family because of how he grew up in foster care. It's like he picked the one thing that would be hurtful to Rowan. Later on Charlie expressed that he might compromise on marriage when circumstances kind of forced that idea on them, but even then I didn't feel good about Charlie's attitude.
- Charlie says he's not happy in his job and then continues to work in his job, just changing it down to 4 days instead of 5. It just seemed like he wasn't serious about pursuing his dreams, and that was just another thing against him in my mind.
- I hated how Charlie held off so long on introducing Rowan to his family and Mom. He said that he wanted to make sure that Rowan and him were the real deal, that they were a serious relationship first. However, he had been telling Rowan he loved him, that they were exclusive, they were a forever deal for weeks before he introduced Rowan to his mom. Was Charlie this much of an a****** that he was lying to Rowan about how serious they were? Or was this just a plot gap that the author created unintentionally? I think it was the latter.

Also, some things just came out of nowhere, you had to suspend disbelief... Other things seemed like stupid decisions. Like:
- Rowan and Charlie deciding to play out a CNC scene outside of the house Rowan's dad set him up with, with security cameras around. Yes they said they would try to avoid the ones they knew about, but OMG if they are wrong about the cameras, Rowan's dad is going to get a traumatizing eyeful on the security cameras if he has alerts set up and he doesn't deserve that. Also the security staff might shoot Charlie on sight if they saw and thought Charlie was SAing Rowan. Dumb.
- The fact that Rowan went from poverty struck orphan to billionaire. It's a creative choice, but it's not a plot / trope that I enjoy because it's so far fetched.
- The whole idea of the multi-generational St Thomas family Trust that has been in place for generations is unbelievable. It's set up means that the oldest child comes into control of the money when they turn 25 or when they marry at a younger age. The fact that a 25-year-old or younger child can oust their parents from power and money by marrying is kind of crazy because the child could be very irresponsible. I wouldn't trust them with the entirety of the family's billions. This would be a strong motivator for people in this family to not have children until they're almost dying.
- Rowan's idea of starting an A-Team to do illegal s*** to get vengeance on bad people is not in his best interests. I know Onley James wrote a whole series about this kind of thing, but I don't think Rowan and his motley crew are sophisticated enough to get away with it. A billionaire going around murdering people (or even just punishing them or threatening them) makes the billionaire vulnerable to someone finding out and outing them publicly and they have a strong motivation to blackmail Rowan or get Rowan put behind bars. The blackmailer could get money from the media or partner with someone in the St Thomas family that wants power and money. It's not practical, it's not safe, Rowan is going to be doing risky behavior that puts his happily ever after in danger. I wish Rowan had a more healthy ambition.


Some notable moments:

"“That pot is cool,” I say, my voice bubbly and light. Things do seem better in the morning. Especially when I’m with my boyfriend. “It looks handmade.” Charlie gives me a fond smile. “That’s because it is.” “Do you know the artist?” I ask. “Me.” He seems to be bracing himself for judgment. I knew it. How perfect is it that Charlie not only gave me a home, he made one for Wilbur?"

"“And I guess I’m feeling rather irrelevant.” “Why?” Rowan’s tone is one of genuine astonishment, which makes me feel better. I tap my steering wheel. “Because you won’t need me anymore. Now that you have … everything.” More silence, which I’m not sure how to interpret. Then Rowan says fiercely, “You listen, Charlie, and you listen well. I found you, and I’m not giving you up. I wouldn’t trade you for all this stuff from my new family.”"

"He hops out of bed, absolutely perky after being fucked within an inch of his life. “I want to give you presents.” “Are these early Christmas presents or to make up for the fact that you still haven’t returned my suede jacket?” Rowan blinks up at me all faux innocent. “What suede jacket?” “You know exactly which one.”"


*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.

[caffeinated.crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the record: I LOVED this book. I LOVE this series. I LOVE this author.

FEROCIOUS was amazing. It delivered, as I expected, a killer story & a brilliant romance. I was entertained in a big way and oddly emotional over a plant.

This can absolutely be read as a standalone. I haven't read any of this series in order, and I loved them all anyway. I even still have one left, LOL.

Rowan is a ride share driver, and his life is chaos. Like a cute Tasmanian devil. He's weird and sweet underneath. He's been alone a long time. The story kicks off when his car is stolen.

On paper, Charlie has everything he wants. But the guy is miserable and lonely. Like, heartbreakingly lonely. Kind of like Rowan.

These two, once in orbit with each other, go all in, 100% express train to Obsessedville. It works for them. This feral need to cling to each other.

Rowan and Charlie are lovely. I loved their story. Everything about it. I loved everything about this book. And there's primal play, too! It's done really well and fit these two wild boys perfectly. The Daddy/baby boy of the whole thing was great. You know I love a daddy book, so I was excited and nervous. But like the primal play, these nicknames oddly fit for them. Deep down, Charlie is a bit of a daddy, and Rowan is so 💕baby boy💕 it hurts. So, while not a traditional Daddy story, I say it fits. Kind of. I liked it for them.

FEROCIOUS comes out on the 11th of this month. I can't recommend it enough. Charlie and Rowan, forever!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowan Jones is a menace. He’s a demon. He’s a baby boy. He’s a princeling. And he’s not a very good mugger. That poor, sweet boy has had such a tough life. Abandoned at birth, moved from foster home to foster home. Abused, neglected, he’s ferocious and I love that about him. He’s also the best plant dad in the whole wide world. I love that pink haired, cartoon tattooed, little minx.

When life gives Rowan lemons, he pulls out his switchblade and cuts them into tiny pieces so he can rub the juice in your cuts.

His choice of mugging victim is probably not the best, because Charlie Cooper is much bigger than him and has martial art skills. What a great character Charlie is! He immediately recognises the vulnerability in Rowan (I know, I know he doesn’t see himself as vulnerable) and caretaker Charlie comes out. I love how he takes Rowan under his wing.

Sweet baby boy needed someone to love him and to believe in him. Daddy Charlie needed exactly the same. His ten year plan needed an adjustment. They are a match made in heaven. Just to be clear, there is no daddy role play, it’s a joke between them - and I laughed at their antics.

The way the story goes was nothing like I expected. It took me completely by surprise.

It’s another beautifully written book by Leslie McAdam. A well thought out, well paced plot, perfectly developed characters, a plot twist to change the direction, great supporting characters. And that book cover - it’s champion.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5+ stars
A pint-sized, pink-haired menace and a grumpy, lonely lawyer have a not-so-meet-cute with a bit of criminal activity, followed by a not-really-a-date situation. These two are quickly interested and get under each other‘s skin. Rowan had just had a really bad day and he made some impulsive and poor choices. Charlie isn’t quite sure what to think, but he’s empathetic and generally a nice guy underneath his broody exterior. And their meeting and one night together set off a chain of events that neither saw coming.

Rowan is absolutely not in Charlie‘s ten-year plan or the idea of a perfect, professional, tall, successful husband. But Rowan has to project his ferocious energy because he’s been surviving his whole life with no support. And somehow Charlie can see that. They’re definitely an unlikely match, but not an unlikable one. I actually liked them together and how they challenged and made each other feel alive. They both had been lonely, but also kind of stuck in their own lives.

I loved how these two could really see each other and would open up and be vulnerable. And the trust that they show each other from the beginning is maybe ill-advised, but it just helps cement their connection quickly. I loved how Rowan just shook up Charlie’s life and made him take an even closer look at why he was feeling kind of lost and apathetic. And even though Rowan isn’t the perfect man that he’s always thought he needed, Charlie didn’t fight the pull to him very much. And I loved that Charlie gave Rowan a sense of safety, security, protection, care, and possessiveness. And he accepted Rowan when he was at his lowest and had nothing to give but the physical release and his own heart.

These two are wildly passionate, kind of obsessed, and were both just so starved for real personal attention and love. These guys balance each other nicely and seemed to come into each other’s lives at just the right time. Surprises make things more complicated, and together they navigate unexpected changes and at least have somebody by their side.

This is about a lovable lost boy menace finding a new life with a lonely, grumpy lawyer finding not what he thought he wanted, but everything he needed.

It brings back cameos from this series. I have enjoyed this whole series and am sad to see it end. But I am intrigued by what is coming next.

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[Melissa Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the IOU series and is billed as a standalone. Let me assure you that it can be completely enjoyed that way. I've only read a couple of books earlier in the series and, while I'm sure some details would have had more meaning, I never felt lost or like I was missing something. And let me tell you, I definitely enjoyed this book.

If I tried to describe the plot to you, I'd fail because I probably focus on all the wrong things. Which is to say, a lot happens in this book. At about 57% I had to come to terms with the fact that the midpoint was sort of where I expected the ending to be (not in length, but in events). So the remainder of the ride was a very pleasant surprise. Now, don't think that means that it all came out of left field, because it didn't. While parts may be eyebrow raising, each aspect fit perfectly.

Rowan. Oh, Rowan. I love him. He's such a sassy man with a don't-mess-with-me vibe that hides a soft and pretty sweet center. His backstory is tragic and his complicated emotions made me teary-eyed in more than one place. I'm thrilled with how he grew into himself and wrangled the book to his desires.

Charlie was also completely delightful. I love a thoughtful man who thinks he's a jerk but is really just a cinnamon roll of a human. I would happily read an entire series just about him and Rowan, to be honest with you. And his interactions with characters that I know have their own books have made me determined to go back and read the whole series.

The cast of side and background characters in this book really made it special. Without spoilers, there are a handful who have an endeavor that I would love to read more about. Just saying.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to Rowan and Charlie’s story since we met them in the previous book and they did not disappoint! This story was even better than what I imagined for them. Everything is about to change for Rowan. He hasn’t had the best life. An orphan who never knew his parents and never had a real home, it’s been rough being on his own. Barely scraping by, things take a bad turn when his car is stolen right from under him. He’s had a pretty bad night and a bit of crazed desperation, he thinks mugging a guy much bigger than him is his best bet. Yet, he never expects for Charlie to turn around and offer to buy him dinner. It’s just the beginning of what becomes a chaotic and yet super sweet relationship between them. Meanwhile, Charlie is nearing the end of his ten year plan. A plan he thought would make him not just successful but happy. But happiness is not that easy. Yet, how can a menace like a pink haired Rowan who just held him at knife point, suddenly become the key to being happy? Nothing about their meeting should promise them love and a happy ending. But together they just work. They bring out the best in one another and become what the other has been searching for all along in life partner. I loved their banter and playfulness as they navigate this new sweet thing between them. And with plenty of more surprises in this story, together they can face it all. Loved this story! Definitely a favorite of mine in this series. I loved how different these two were yet they were exactly what the other needed. The love and connection between them was so clear and sweet. A great story all around!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… I think I fell in love with a feisty, pink-haired twink. And, yes, I will be sleeping with one eye opening expecting retribution for calling him that. This is book 6 of the IOU series; however, it can be read as a stand-alone and be entirely enjoyable.

I adore Rowan & Charlie. They are amazing characters. Their meeting — humorous; their chemistry — fire. Although there is a lot of action in this story, I never felt it was rushed. I never felt the story bog down in exposition despite how much happened in this story and how much back story there was. I did figure out who the BBEG was the moment events fell into place, but it was still a wild ride. So much fun.

I did get this for free as an ARC from GRR for my honest review. I enjoyed it so much that I’m planning on reading this series from the beginning.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very fun and slightly wild and over-the-top at times. The story felt fast paced and well balanced.
Rowan and Charlie were great together, and their "meet-cute" was a fun one! I loved Rowan's brattiness, but also that despite his history he was willing to be vulnerable with Charlie, and let him in. Charlie had been doing what he thought would make him happy, but Rowan blew into his life and completely changed how he saw his future and his life. I loved how vicious and wild Rowan could be, and I also loved Charlie's protectiveness, possessiveness and his caretaking. I really enjoyed the banter between Charlie and Rowan and they had some really funny back and forths.

I really enjoyed their journey to their happily ever after. It was nice to see Rowan being a part of a family(or two).

If you'd like to read about a law-abiding lawyer, and a plant dad ride share driver with a bratty side get their HEA - and have some fun getting to that-, then this is the book for you. You will be thoroughly entertained by Rowan and Charlie.

[Sharing The Book Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such an intriguing read, the twists the turns the characters..it all made for a wonderful read!

I adored Rowan and his grump Charlie!

[Dee Your TBR Wrecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dee’s Grade: A+

Rowan was the unhinged sweet twink that I needed in my life today. I love how he enters Charlie’s life and makes him question everything with his go getter spirit and can do attitude. You will love this one and you can absolutely read it as a standalone.

[Edga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, it had plenty of mystery and drama going on. This is Charlie and Rowan's story. I really liked these two for each other, they were great characters and had lots of chemistry right from their calamitous start. Despite this, the guys prove perfect for one another, and an unlikely relationship between them begins. Charlie becomes Rowan's 'Daddy' and Rowan, his 'Baby Boy.' They don't have what I would call a traditional Dom/sub relationship, Rowan is far too feral and ferocious for that, however, they do fall very much in love. There is some angst, some humour, and plenty of shenanigans. A well written story, entertaining and worth a read.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferocious is by far my favorite book of the entire series and that's saying something because this series is one that I anticipate and look forward to as each book is released and so far each one has been amazing! To break it down; Ferocious is fun, passionate, loving, caring, basically all the emotions, simply put it just made me smile and made my heart grow five times bigger. 🥰 It’s a book that shouldn't be missed.

Charlie Cooper is the last of his friends, colleagues, family, to still be single and he feels lonely. Yes, he dates, so he's not lonely-lonely, but he doesn’t have that special someone. And time is running out, at least not according to his ten year plan. Charlie is a rule follower, a stick in the mud, sort of a grumpy Gus, he doesn’t deviate from much of anything which makes Rowan Jones a colorful and wonderful surprise in Charlie's cloudy life.

Rowan is a vibrant, pink ball of energy that is ferocious, precocious, but also a complete ball of fun and I couldn't have loved him more. He lit up my heart and made me smile through the entire book. 🩷 He mentally keeps a vengeance list, which is adorable. 😏 His constant need to call Charlie "daddy" even though Charlie vehemently tells him not to. He's hilarious. 😂 I totally want to be besties with Rowan, that's all there is to it. Rowan hasn't had the easiest life growing up, but he hasn't let that dampen his spirit. His bright pink hair, his colorful personality, and outlandish ways are extremely likable, especially for a stoic grump like Charlie. While their meet-cute, or theft-cute, is a story for the ages, it's truly the rest of their story that shines as their chemistry is undeniable and their connection begins from that first feisty encounter.

I adored Rowan's opposite personality for Charlie, especially when it offsets the rigidity of his structured life, and even more so when it shows how Charlie feels morose about his set rules and ten year plan. When Charlie was twenty he created a list, basically a timeline to achieve certain goals, and while he's checked off most of them he's still very unhappy. Meeting Rowan is the first exciting thing to happen to him in years and it still takes him a bit to release his structured and rigid ways and just enjoy it. While Rowan is my favorite...everything, it's really witnessing Charlie blossom while in the presence of Rowan that was a lot of fun. Rowan has this wonderful effect on those around him and that's why he's my favorite baby boy 😘. I also loved how Charlie grumbled about not being Rowan's "daddy", yet also secretly loved it by providing for and taking care of Rowan. Totally adorable. 😍

Charlie is a grumpy lawyer with a big heart and Rowan is a vibrant menace with a big heart. At the end of the day both men may look different, have come from different backgrounds, but they are both wonderful, big-hearted people who truly do want the best for those who need a helping hand. They fall for each other hard and it has to do with those big hearts. 🩷 

I loved this book so much, I want to restart it and read it again and again and again.😍

[Ashley | adhdandread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ferocious by Leslie McAdam
IOU Series #6
Length: 424 pages
Source: Gay Romance Reviews eARC
Publication date: April 13, 2025

4 ⭐️
4 🌶️

What to expect:
⚖️ Opposites attract
🪴 Banter … a lot of it
⚖️ Small age gap
🪴 Size difference
⚖️ Nicknames
🪴 Primal play
⚖️ Insta-lust/insta-love
🪴 Found family and given family

Summary
What’s the saying? “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” That’s the perfect description for the premise of Ferocious.

Charlie Cooper has a 10-year goal list, and one of the only boxes not yet ticked off is to find a respectable husband. It’s the perfect plan … other than that Charlie is lonely as all his friends and family are pairing off around him, and there’s not a single prospect in sight.

Enter Rowan Jones, full-time ride-share driver and possibly part-time criminal. He’s a tattooed, pink-haired, mouthy, beautiful little menace, and from the moment he tries to rob Charlie at knifepoint, Charlie is obsessed. Good thing Rowan is just as enamored of the handsome, protective, outgoing lawyer. While they seem to be an unexpected match, what are they going to do when Rowan’s life makes a complete 180 just as they’re getting to know each other?

My Thoughts
First things first, I love this series. I’ve read them all and have been waiting for Charlie and Rowan since the tiny glimpse we got of them in a previous book (I won’t spoil which one). I was not disappointed! Even though on paper, they look like oil and water, Charlie and his menace are more like PB&J.

I like that even though it goes against his whole 10-year plan, Charlie accepts pretty easily that the plan has got to go to make room for Rowan. He’s supportive and understanding, two things Rowan really isn’t used to in life. I also like that Rowan is able to get Charlie not only to loosen up but also be courageous enough to admit his well-planned life isn’t exactly what he wants.

Although Ferocious deals with some heavy topics, it doesn’t feel as angsty as some of the other books in the series. That has to do with, I think, how feisty, high-spirited, and genuine Rowan is, especially considering his life experience. He’s jaded but not completely done with people, and he is so much fun to watch take over Charlie’s entire life.

Similar “just suspend reality and enjoy the chaos” vibes:
📕 Lily Mayne’s Goliaths of Wrestling series (monster romance)
📗 Onley James’ Necessary Evils series
📘 The Park Avenue Princes series by Andi Jaxon and J.R. Gray

Final Thoughts
I love this series, so yes, I recommend Ferocious. Easy peasy. CWs to be aware of: CNC, crime/violence, attempted crime/violence, drinking alcohol, recreational drug use (marijuana), discussion of foster system, foster neglect, homophobia, poverty, illness and death of a parent (cancer), unsheltered/unhoused individuals, discussion of infidelity and suicide.
— A

Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews and Leslie McAdam for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews regularly available on BlueSky, StoryGraph, Goodreads, BookBub, and Fable.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowan and Charlie were an unconventional couple with a wild meet-cute, but that only made me more interested in seeing where their journey was headed. Charlie was the kind of guy who had a stable job, a detailed 10 year plan, and a deep unhappiness with the direction of his life. Rowan's chaotic arrival threw everything out of order, but that was exactly the shake-up Charlie needed to stop merely existing and go back to living his fullest life. Rowan was lively, fierce, and bratty, a man who went after what he wanted, flirted unabashedly, and wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty when the situation called for it. I was effortlessly entertained by Rowan and Charlie's banter, and for a couple of guys who'd barely met they had sparks of genuine chemistry right away. As the two of them got to know each other better, I was delighted to see that their first day's compatibility didn't fade. If anything, Charlie and Rowan felt more perfect for each other the more they opened up to each other, and that translated into hot as heck bedroom chemistry. I did not expect buttoned-up Charlie to get so heated with Rowan, but his possessive energy was an excellent complement to Rowan's desire to be roughed up and owned. The two of them felt rock-solid in their relationship fairly early into the book, which allowed the latter half of their story to focus on some big upheavals in Rowan and Charlie's lives. If I'm being honest, I'm not sure how I feel about the evolution of Rowan's storyline in particular. His journey was definitely interesting and full of surprises, but it was such a 180 flip from where he started that I'm still wrapping my head around it. I have to admire Charlie for not letting any external pressures change his love for Rowan -- it takes a strong connection to stay true when everything is flipped on its head and I never had any doubts about the security of their relationship. In the end, Charlie and Rowan ended up living a very different life than I expected, but one that still felt happy and true to their personalities and life goals.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[DeniReadsMostlyMM · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.

Ferocious is an addictive read. I loved every second of it. This is a grumpy/sunshine, age-gap romance that is all about what it means to be happy, and what a HEA looks like for individual people.

Rowan and Charlie are total opposites that have the most interesting and memorable meet cute that I have read in a while. Charlie is tall and well put together. He has RBF, but not quite. Rowan is short and small, with colorful hair and tattoos. Charlie is a self-proclaimed a$$hole, but he is incredibly loyal, protective, listens well, and has a heart of gold. He cares deeply about the people he cares about, and keeps everyone else at bay. Charlie is taken aback by how drawn he is to Rowan when they meet. Their pairing doesn’t fit his ten-year plan or list, but it also makes more sense than anything ever has before.

Rowan is bada$$. He’s feisty and puts up a hardcore front, but gah does the guy just want to belong to someone. He’s had a hard life, but hasn’t let it get him so far down that he can’t get back up again. Rowan is unapologetically unconventional and I love that about him. I love how quickly he clings to Charlie. I love how he manifests his destiny. Rowan is scrappy and fierce. He gets off on violence, but it’s usually for good reasons. He is definitely someone that deserves every scrap of happiness that comes his way. I’m so happy that he and Charlie found one another.

Rowan and Charlie are it for one another. Their connection is top tier. Their chemistry is next level. They fit and work as a couple, even if it seems like they shouldn’t on paper. They are so right for one another, it’s wild. Lots of things go down in this book that will keep you on your toes. It’s a fabulous read with fantastic writing. Don’t even get me started on the spice. Phew! Ok, now go grab a copy and read this gem of a book! May you enjoy it and the HEA that is very fitting for Rowan and Charlie.

Side note: I’m so happy to see things come together for Rowan and his goals. Also, I’m very much looking forward to Tristan and Xavier’s story…and any others that McAdam writes.

[Bluemoonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

{"You came."

"You called."}

From the moment Rowan - the pink-haired, knife-wielding, don't-call-him-a-twink-Twink - got hoodwinked picking up a ride share customer, I was hooked.

Charlie is the grumpiest Grumpy Gus to ever grump, and Rowan is an absolute chaos goblin. The two of them shouldn't work but together they are pure magic. Their chemistry is fire, their banter is whip-smart and hilarious, and they are absolutely incapable of being anything but authentic with each other. Their protective walls are demolished almost instantly as they dive heart first into the kind of insta-love I crave.

What starts as a hilariously unhinged meet-cute (and it IS rather adorable, even if it starts with Rowan holding Charlie up at knifepoint) quickly spirals into something so much more tender, spicy and heartfelt. But despite the laughs and the chaos - and there are plenty of both - this book holds real emotional depth. Charlie's loneliness, Rowan's unknown lineage and hidden layers, and the slow unraveling of who they are behind the facade is all done with so much care that you'll fall in love with these men, too.

This is the kind of book you devour in one sitting and then immediately send to all of your friends that read M/M romance. However, make sure to read the author's note at the beginning of the book and heed the content warnings. Just because you'll be giggling through the chaos doesn't mean the author shies away from intense themes.

I absolutely adored this book and I never wanted it to end. If you like your romance a little feral, a lot queer, and absolutely packed with humor, this is an absolute must read.

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]

[Alyssa Reads and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferocious is a grumpy sunshine queer romance. With a creative meet cute, Leslie McAdam’s engaging characters have readers rooting for them every step of the way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Rowan is having a terrible day. His ride share client stole his car, along with his phone, wallet, and Wilbur, his philodendron. So when he spots Charlie, he attempts to mug him. Things don’t go as planned, and soon the hot, older, type A attorney is buying Rowan dinner instead of calling the police. For his part, Charlie is intrigued by the pink-haired menace, and can’t stop thinking about him. Soon he’s listening to Rowan share about his childhood in the foster care system and his search for his biological family. But Charlie has a plan, and Rowan’s not it…is he?

On the surface, this story is an angsty plot, but the romance is actually sweet. It’s really just the pair getting to know each other, and then supporting each other through life changes. While Rowan is billed as a menace, he’s a sunshiny sweetheart who quickly burrows into Charlie’s heart. For his part, Charlie and his structured plans are immediately upended by Rowan. And, it takes a great author to get readers invested in the wellbeing of a plant.

Ferocious is the fifth book in this series, but is easily read as a standalone. While characters from earlier books appear, a new reader will have no trouble diving into the story.

Ferocious is a delightful queer romance. Rowan and Charlie are a fun grumpy sunshine pairing, and bring out the best in each other. I always adore a low angst romance, and I had a great time watching these two find their HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: opposites attract, hurt / comfort, size difference

Ferocious was a highly entertaining and sweet read with a ferocious chaos gremlin and his ‘not-your-goddamned-Daddy’ Daddy!

I loved the dynamic between Rowan and Charlie, and they certainly offered a wild ride of a story. It started with a very memorable meet-cute, and they instantly shared an interesting and intense connection. They both fell hard and fast, even if it took them some time to acknowledge that, and I really enjoyed how they both turned each other’s lives and plans upside down.

Charlie could be prickly, but he was so sweet with Rowan and felt very protective of him. I loved his possessiveness and that he called Rowan baby boy while firmly denying being his Daddy. It was a lot of fun to see them push each others buttons and how easily they fit together. Rowan seemed feisty and menacing at first, but deep inside he was lonely and just wanted to belong to someone.

Their loneliness made my heart ache and some of Rowan’s history was difficult to read about. I loved to see Charlie take care of him and give him a sense of stability and safety for the first time ever. They ended up being perfect for each other, even if Rowan was pretty much the opposite of what Charlie thought he wanted in a partner. Their dynamic was almost addictive and the primal play was the icing on the cake.

Ferocious was a great read that I could barely put down, and I completely adored Rowan and Charlie! There were some outside drama and suspension, and the plot took some turns that had me genuinely surprised. It got emotional at times, but was mostly a sweet and spicy read with low angst. Their story was overall a lot of fun and Leslie McAdam kept me entertained and invested all the way through.

-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw the promo for this, everything I read made me want to read it more. I was desperate for it and so glad when I finally got to read!

The romance definitely lived up to the promo, I was super into it and absolutely adored the first half, which is where Charlie and Rowan meet and get to know each other. Those two are so well-suited and have serious chemistry. I loved both characters, especially Rowan, and really felt for him.

The second half reveals a sudden twist in the plot, and I wasn't a massive fan initially. Seemed to lose where it was going and floundered for a few percent, before locking in to more of an action plot. This was okay, and I managed to get into it again, but the climax was resolved too easily and felt a bit rushed. So unfortunately it's not the full five stars the first half was. I also don't really think it belongs in the series. I haven't read all of them, but the ones I have read are sweet and low angst. Ferocious feels like a real departure from that, it's much darker and has action and mortal peril, so I think it would make more sense as a spinoff.

Overall I definitely enjoyed the book, and I'm interested in the characters and future books with the side characters. I really loved the dynamic and the Daddy/ not your Daddy stuff. It really worked for me, and I would love to read more Rowan and Charlie content, I've got so much time for them.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
Characters that are the epitome of opposites attract, Rowan and Charlie couldn't be more different in life experience, current circumstances and personality but, unexpectedly, they fit together perfectly.
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Their story is highly entertaining but with a hurt/comfort aspect that tugs in your heart for Rowan. He's been in foster care since birth and is desperate to find his family. He's been self sufficient for many years but not always in a legal way, which just happens to be how he and Charlie meet. Not necessarily a meet cute but it totally fits for them.
They are not in a Daddy/Baby Boy relationship but that's what they end up calling each other and it's just another endearing aspect of them. Rowan is helping Charlie to see that he doesn't have to stick to his ten year plan if he's not happy, whilst Charlie has taken on a protective, caring side that Rowan has never had before.
I absolutely loved this story and how things work out for the two men. I would be very interested in seeing how things turn out regarding Rowan's family links and that side of things, and I'm hoping for more from at least a couple of men who had a moment of their own in this book!
Highly recommended and I'm looking forward to seeing what the author brings us next.
**Be sure to read the trigger warnings for anything that may not be for you in this book**
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

I don't often read the author notes before I start a story, but I was drawn to this one and especially intrigued by this passage:

"In the author’s note in Notorious, I wrote that the IOU series is intended to feature generally nice people getting their HEAs in an atmosphere of relatively low homophobia.

My editor highlighted the phrase “generally nice people” and commented something along the lines of, ahem, what about Rowan?

Okay. Yeah. Him. Here’s the thing: While he’s feisty—fine, he’s violent and hostile—I truly believe that Rowan is as “generally nice” as Cam or Noah or Jules. He’s just not nice in a socially acceptable way. It’s an I will seek revenge on anyone who hurts you or me way. So, does that mean he’s not generally nice? Up to you. I think he is, but you’re free to reach a different conclusion."


I have to say that I absolutely love Rowan and to me he's definitely generally nice, but he's been placed in situations where he has to choose fight or flight... and he's definitely not a flyer... which I absolutely adore!

This book is an opposites attract, age gap, size difference story that just made me smile, giggle and root for Rowan - the banter, the nicknames, the steam, the trust and the communication were all on point and made for great reading! Yes, the vibe is a little different from the other IOU books, but for me it was in the best way possible...

[Mary Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I loved this book. I haven't read any other books in this series but I don't think I needed too. It was such an amazing story and got me hooked from the beginning.

Rowan is a shareride driver and he's had a hard life. He travels with his plant who he is attached too. He has been searching for his birth parents since he was young. He loves chaos and has done his share of crime. He can't help it. When his car gets stolen one night, he has no choice but to figure out his next move and when he does, it doesn't go like he planned.

Charlie lives his life by a 10 year plan that he made. He is a lawyer but he really doesn't like his job. He would rather be doing other things. When Charlie is getting mugged he can't help but decide that he is going to help his mugger. He doesn't expect Rowan to be like he is.

When Rowan & Charlie are together and getting to know each other, it becomes more of an obsession for them both. These two have a lot to learn but also the more they get to know each other, the more things start to change between them.

This isn't your normal daddy/baby boy story but it does seem to fit both of them. Charlie in a way is daddy like and Rowan is a true baby boy. Rowan life changes when something big happens and Charlie is there for it all. These two are perfect for each other.

#I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

- series
- grumpy/sunshine

This is part of a series, but I read it as a standalone having not read anything else in the series. I'm a sucker for Grumpy/Sunshine stories and I enjoyed this for the most part. Rowan (in Charlie's own words) is a menace. He's a pink-haired, tattooed force of nature with nothing to his name at the start other than a plant named Wilbur and his ride share car. When both get stolen, he meets Charlie and there's an instant connection between them.

I very much liked the relationship between the two, they both balance each other out and bring out hidden desires in the other. Rowan shakes up Charlie's life in the best way, bringing him to life in a way he'd been missing. Charlie provides Rowan the stability and support he never had in life up to this point. Rowan's life changes in a completely unexpected way around halfway through the book, and I was there for that too. I loved his relationship with his father and was sad when it ended, as I really liked his Dad.

I love that Rowan wants to use his good fortune to help others and didn't let it all go to his head. The rest of his new family other than his aunt and partner are truly terrible people and I'd have liked them to get some comeuppance, not gonna lie. I very much enjoyed this and would be keen to see Xavier get his story too.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Deanna Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying that if you are not one who typically reads the author’s note at the beginning of a book, take the time to read this one. You won’t be disappointed.

Ferocious is the sixth book in Leslie McAdams’s IOU series and follows Rowan and Charlie on their journey to their happily ever after. Much like the rest of the books in this series, I took my time with this one. I knew I’d want to savor it and really immerse myself.

I’ve seen Rowan and Charlie’s meeting referred to as a meet-cut, and that is so accurate! Because the logical thing to do when a pink-haired twink tries to mug you at knifepoint is to take him to dinner. And don’t get me started on the names Charlie has for Rowan!

This book had me snort-laughing and crying, and feeling all of the feels I’ve become used to feeling when reading this series.

Some of the names Charlie has for Rowan:
Feral guttersnipe
Pint-sized terror
Urchin
Little menace
Little gremlin
Devil with an angel face

Favorite quotes:
“So you’re just gonna Donald Duck it?” (The way I snort-laughed at this one.)

“Aww, this is where we met!”
“Fond memories of the scene of the crime?”
“Absolutely.”

“Take your hand off my boyfriend before I chop it off.”

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixth in series (IOU), but can be read as a standalone. Opposites attract. Size difference. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

Unafraid of violence, Rowan is a survivor with no family and barely getting by, he has few friends and a special plant that he totes with him wherever he goes. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, he picks a sexy but grumpy lawyer to mug and instead manifests the “Daddy” of his dreams when Charlie takes him to dinner and helps him get back on his feet. Charlie certainly doesn’t expect the strong attraction to Rowan who doesn’t fit in his life plan and makes him question what he really wants out of life as he becomes overwhelmingly possessive of the fiery man.

These two were such an entertaining couple, drawn to each other, communicating honestly right from the start (with a ton of fun nicknames for each other as well) and not willing to abandon the immediate feelings they have for each other. The banter, the steam and the growing trust between them check all the boxes for a great love story, I only wish we could see them further into the future to see how things were in their HEA. This story has an unexpected twist or two, supportive secondary characters (cameos from others in the series), and a real whirlwind romance that kept me smiling.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 4 out of 5]

so where to start..... btw got a potential spoiler or two coming

Rowan has had a rough life. Left at a police station with a note of his name only, gone through many foster and group homes. He should be a real grump, but despite being a bit edgy, hes actually not. That previlage goes to Charlie.... he seems to have everything he thought he ever wanted. The Job, the man, the organised life, but as those around him settle down with the loves of their lives, he feels lonely and unsettled.

A chance meeting with a pink haired menace, that tries to mug him brings a spark back into Charlies life. Rowan finally met the person to choose him, to be his stability and rock, giving him everything he wanted, hebonly had to wait 23 years.

This story has an element of WTF, when we find out who Rowans family is. The audasity of non blood married into the Family and expecting a massive handout, but being annoyed that Blood is given priority, as per "old money" traditions, is funny, esp when they announce what they want the money for..... I think that this part of the storyline was a little unbelieveable, esp when "Security" are aware of things like GPS trackers and dont seem to do anything about it!?

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

There's just something about this series and Leslie McAdam's narrative tone and style that makes me positively gleeful! I was super into how ott this story was plotwise, which i found entertaining to no end! Most importantly, I loved how the chemistry between Charlie and Rowan had me giggling and dancing inside! There's was a hilarious beginning, and then it got all scrumptious and sweet and i just loved every moment of their romance!

Ok yes it was a pretty extravagant twist, but heya foster kids (and pretty much anyone who's bummed out by their family) dream of safety, stability and being loved for who they are, and i really loved how extra Ferocious was in delivering that!

Other than the MEGA cringey/ewww "Daddy" dialogue, i had a really great time with this! Over the years I've collected the whole series but i haven't actually gotten around to binging the earlier installments and i honestly can't wait to! Loved what i've read of IOU so far and i'm just really happy that Leslie McAdam romances make my heart warm and fluttery and i can't imagine a better reading experience than that!

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I started reading this series out of order, but Ferocious can definitely be read as a standalone. I've since gone back to book #1 and will likely read all the others as well.

These guys are as different as night and day. Charlie wears suits. Rowan has tattoos, pink hair, and lots of piercings. Charlie’s a Daddy who doesn’t know he’s a Daddy, and Rowan’s a twink who swears he’s not a twink. Even so, everybody seems to be happy for both of them. Nobody acts like Rowan is different or not good enough for Charlie. He’s welcomed with open arms, even when they learn how he and Charlie met.

There’s a lot more to the story, but I have to stop here or I’m telling serious spoilers, but I will say this… you have to suspend belief for this book.

A really good book by an author I'd never read before.

Full review can be found at -

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Goodness! I absolutely adore Rowan and Charlie. Two men who literally couldn’t be more different yet together they just work. Charlie is a gay grumpy successful lawyer from a loving family who worries about letting those around him down more than he worries about his own happiness. Rowan is a total mess. He’s a small in stature gay man with pink hair and lots of tattoos. He grew up in the system, having been left a baby by unknown parents. Rowan has had to fight his entire life and has very little to show for it. Yet he has an overall happy go lucky outlook on life. His only desire is be loved and feel like he belongs. These two meet under crazy circumstances - Rowan attempting to mug Charlie at knife point. Yet they end up going to dinner and Charlie giving Rowan a place a sleep for the night.

From here their story takes us on a journey full of twists, turns, surprises, heartbreak, romance and so much more. In my humble opinion this is one of the best storylines in the series to date. (FYI - the stories can all be read as standalones). Kudos Ms. McAdam for an outstanding read. One this reader highly recommends.

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars