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Jericho's Boys #3
Barbarian
Nico Michaels pretends to be carefree, avoiding anything serious, especially relationships; his chaotic past has taught him that love only complicates things. He’s content with one-night stands and his close-knit group of friends, including his roommate, Malachi Mizrahi.
Neurodivergent and gender-fluid, Malachi wakes up each morning with a whole new personality, but one thing remains his love for Nico. They clicked perfectly from day one, sharing a love of everything from anime to nature documentaries. They even share a bed. Platonically, of course.
One night, the lines blur when they share a kiss, but before things can go further, a desperate call from one of Mal’s dance students throws them into a missing person’s case that leaves them with more questions than answers. To complicate matters, Mal reveals he’s been quietly orchestrating Nico’s whole life without him even noticing. Nico is shaken to his core, his perception of their relationship shattered.
As they navigate the perilous world of a vicious Chinese triad, their bond deepens, and Nico begins to see that Malachi is not only the perfect friend, but the perfect man to fulfill all his needs. Together, they must face their past and survive their present if they want any chance of a happy ending in their future.
Barbarian is a friends-to-lovers, dark romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features a masochistic vigilante with ADHD and a video game addiction and his sadistic and controlling best friend who worships the ground he walks on. As with any Onley book, you’ll find dark humor, steamy sexy times, and gratuitous violence, but only against people who totally deserve it. This is book 3 in the Jericho’s Boys series. Each book follows a different couple.
Neurodivergent and gender-fluid, Malachi wakes up each morning with a whole new personality, but one thing remains his love for Nico. They clicked perfectly from day one, sharing a love of everything from anime to nature documentaries. They even share a bed. Platonically, of course.
One night, the lines blur when they share a kiss, but before things can go further, a desperate call from one of Mal’s dance students throws them into a missing person’s case that leaves them with more questions than answers. To complicate matters, Mal reveals he’s been quietly orchestrating Nico’s whole life without him even noticing. Nico is shaken to his core, his perception of their relationship shattered.
As they navigate the perilous world of a vicious Chinese triad, their bond deepens, and Nico begins to see that Malachi is not only the perfect friend, but the perfect man to fulfill all his needs. Together, they must face their past and survive their present if they want any chance of a happy ending in their future.
Barbarian is a friends-to-lovers, dark romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features a masochistic vigilante with ADHD and a video game addiction and his sadistic and controlling best friend who worships the ground he walks on. As with any Onley book, you’ll find dark humor, steamy sexy times, and gratuitous violence, but only against people who totally deserve it. This is book 3 in the Jericho’s Boys series. Each book follows a different couple.
506 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2025
390 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Onley James
42 books3,794 followersOnley James lives in North Carolina with her daughter, her daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and a menagerie of animals, both good and evil. James splits her time between writing m/m romance and mainlining dangerous levels of caffeine and attempting to maintain her ever-slipping sanity.
When not at her desk you can find her whining about how much writing she has to do while avoiding said writing by binge-watching unhealthy amounts of television and doom scrolling on social media. She loves true crime documentaries, anti-heroes, and writing kinky, snarky books about morally gray men who fall in love with other men.
Stay up to date: www.onleyjames.com/newsletter
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Onley...
Want more: linktr.ee/OnleyJames
When not at her desk you can find her whining about how much writing she has to do while avoiding said writing by binge-watching unhealthy amounts of television and doom scrolling on social media. She loves true crime documentaries, anti-heroes, and writing kinky, snarky books about morally gray men who fall in love with other men.
Stay up to date: www.onleyjames.com/newsletter
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Onley...
Want more: linktr.ee/OnleyJames
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
February 2, 2025
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I’m really not sure how to rate this or what to even say. There was some stuff I enjoyed, but I had a huge issue with it as well.
I love codependent friends and boyfriends, and I thought that was done well and felt believable, if not unhealthy at times. Mortal peril also happened, which is always a plus, but couldn’t make up for everything else.
Now, where the book lost me is Mal’s supposed genderfluidity. I’ll add this quote for context:
Now, I have no issues with a character being genderfluid. I was very much looking forward to that aspect of the story and Mal’s character. The problem is that it was essentially never mentioned again after this quote (on page 8 of 459). I wrongly assumed that how Mal felt when waking up at different times in the book would be a theme, so that we could explore his gender, etc. Apart from doing his makeup once, it’s not brought up. There’s no one way to be genderfluid or queer, of course, but the word ‘pronoun’ isn’t even in the book once. I would’ve expected at least a conversation about what pronouns Mal prefers (only he/him is used).
However, Mal’s ‘changing personality’ is mentioned several times in the book. I wouldn’t normally have a problem with this either (especially not in a book by this author who often writes about personality disorders), but I’m unsure if this is supposed to be his genderfluidity? Because if so, I’m afraid it massively missed the mark and is mixing up mental illness with genderfluid, which is obviously a huge problem.
I’m definitely no gender expert, but I feel okay saying that being genderfluid isn’t about changing personality from ‘moment to moment’. It’s about your identity and how you feel and/or present your gender. You’re still you. You haven’t picked up an entirely new personality.
Saying Mal is genderfluid feels misleading at best and grossly wrong at worst. I’ll remind peeps of Mal explaining:
That sounds to me like the exact opposite of a changing personality.
There’s also some pretty intense and rough sex scenes, including degradation, which admittedly isn’t my favorite, which also impacted my enjoyment.
Ugh, I don’t even know. Maybe I’m just wrong? Like I said, there’s no wrong or correct way to feel about gender or sexuality, but it just felt… off.
I haven’t even touched on how little I cared about the actual plot. It all revolves around the MCs trying to save side characters I couldn’t care less about, because we don’t know them. Mal’s whole ‘thing’ is not caring about a single person other than Nico, yet you’re telling me the book is all about trying to save a random student’s mother? I’m not buying it for a second. It's like Mal's entire character is 'out of character', somehow.
Edit: the blurb says Mal is genderfluid, and yet the book is marketed as MM romance.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Obsession
Neurodivergent MCs
Best friends to lovers
Possessive & protective
Codependency
Soulmates
Degradation
Dancer MC
Praise kink
Rough sex
Snowballing
Cum play
Spanking (domestic discipline)
Edging
Power exchange (Dom/sub)
Figging
Facials
Genderfluid MC
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of past imprisonment
Explicit sexual content
Graphic violence
Details of dead body
Off-page murder
Spitting in mouth
Degradation
Face-fucking
Manipulation between MCs
Rough sex
Spanking (domestic discipline)
Hand-collaring
Brief mention of past abuse of MC as a child (physical, emotional, sexual — no details)
Past neglect of MC
Prescription drug use
MC’s mom physically abused (past, few details)
MC beaten and injured (on page)
MC high on painkillers (on page)
Brief mentions of recreational drug use (past)
Breath play (choking on dong)
Alcohol consumption
Mention of SC killing pregnant woman (past)
Mention of SC being abused and raped (coerced, over time, off page)
MC stabbed on page
Restraints during punishment/sex
Face-slapping during sex
Borderline ableist representation (conflating ND and genderfluidity with mental illness)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: It’s mentioned that Nico has attempted hooking up with other men during their 1 year of friendship since they met (before a relationship), but he never went through with it. Nothing on page, no details.
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Dark-ish romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: (maybe) 26 and unknown (Mal is older)
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: For 3 months before going wide
Pages: 459
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I’m really not sure how to rate this or what to even say. There was some stuff I enjoyed, but I had a huge issue with it as well.
I love codependent friends and boyfriends, and I thought that was done well and felt believable, if not unhealthy at times. Mortal peril also happened, which is always a plus, but couldn’t make up for everything else.
Now, where the book lost me is Mal’s supposed genderfluidity. I’ll add this quote for context:
“Because my foundation never changes. Who I am at my core is inflexible. My intellect, my beliefs, my view of the world as a whole. But everything else changes based on who I am when I wake up in the morning. All my other parts are interchangeable.” Nico’s brows knitted together. “What kind of other parts?” Mal shrugged. “My hair, my clothes, my gender, my accent, my sexuality… Whenever I wake up, I’m never really sure who I’ll find in the mirror looking back. Most people find that…off-putting.”
Now, I have no issues with a character being genderfluid. I was very much looking forward to that aspect of the story and Mal’s character. The problem is that it was essentially never mentioned again after this quote (on page 8 of 459). I wrongly assumed that how Mal felt when waking up at different times in the book would be a theme, so that we could explore his gender, etc. Apart from doing his makeup once, it’s not brought up. There’s no one way to be genderfluid or queer, of course, but the word ‘pronoun’ isn’t even in the book once. I would’ve expected at least a conversation about what pronouns Mal prefers (only he/him is used).
However, Mal’s ‘changing personality’ is mentioned several times in the book. I wouldn’t normally have a problem with this either (especially not in a book by this author who often writes about personality disorders), but I’m unsure if this is supposed to be his genderfluidity? Because if so, I’m afraid it massively missed the mark and is mixing up mental illness with genderfluid, which is obviously a huge problem.
Mal said his personality shifted daily, but Nico felt like it shifted moment to moment, confusing the fuck out of him. Who was the real Mal? Were all of them him? What was it like living in his head?
“Is—Is this just some personality thing you’re trying on for the night? If it is, tell me now. You know I don’t care.”
Had he always sounded like that? Was it a byproduct of whatever personality Mal had slipped on that morning?
His sensory issues had often made it hard to tolerate other children and his ever fluctuating personality made people uneasy.
I’m definitely no gender expert, but I feel okay saying that being genderfluid isn’t about changing personality from ‘moment to moment’. It’s about your identity and how you feel and/or present your gender. You’re still you. You haven’t picked up an entirely new personality.
Saying Mal is genderfluid feels misleading at best and grossly wrong at worst. I’ll remind peeps of Mal explaining:
“Because my foundation never changes. Who I am at my core is inflexible. My intellect, my beliefs, my view of the world as a whole. […]”
That sounds to me like the exact opposite of a changing personality.
There’s also some pretty intense and rough sex scenes, including degradation, which admittedly isn’t my favorite, which also impacted my enjoyment.
Ugh, I don’t even know. Maybe I’m just wrong? Like I said, there’s no wrong or correct way to feel about gender or sexuality, but it just felt… off.
I haven’t even touched on how little I cared about the actual plot. It all revolves around the MCs trying to save side characters I couldn’t care less about, because we don’t know them. Mal’s whole ‘thing’ is not caring about a single person other than Nico, yet you’re telling me the book is all about trying to save a random student’s mother? I’m not buying it for a second. It's like Mal's entire character is 'out of character', somehow.
Edit: the blurb says Mal is genderfluid, and yet the book is marketed as MM romance.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Obsession
Neurodivergent MCs
Best friends to lovers
Possessive & protective
Codependency
Soulmates
Degradation
Dancer MC
Praise kink
Rough sex
Snowballing
Cum play
Spanking (domestic discipline)
Edging
Power exchange (Dom/sub)
Figging
Facials
Genderfluid MC
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of past imprisonment
Explicit sexual content
Graphic violence
Details of dead body
Off-page murder
Spitting in mouth
Degradation
Face-fucking
Manipulation between MCs
Rough sex
Spanking (domestic discipline)
Hand-collaring
Brief mention of past abuse of MC as a child (physical, emotional, sexual — no details)
Past neglect of MC
Prescription drug use
MC’s mom physically abused (past, few details)
MC beaten and injured (on page)
MC high on painkillers (on page)
Brief mentions of recreational drug use (past)
Breath play (choking on dong)
Alcohol consumption
Mention of SC killing pregnant woman (past)
Mention of SC being abused and raped (coerced, over time, off page)
MC stabbed on page
Restraints during punishment/sex
Face-slapping during sex
Borderline ableist representation (conflating ND and genderfluidity with mental illness)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: It’s mentioned that Nico has attempted hooking up with other men during their 1 year of friendship since they met (before a relationship), but he never went through with it. Nothing on page, no details.
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Dark-ish romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: (maybe) 26 and unknown (Mal is older)
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: For 3 months before going wide
Pages: 459
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
February 16, 2025
3.5
Definitely a mixed bag.
The first half of this book was like a chore to get through. There was so much description of pointless information that really bogged the story down and left me extremely bored and confused as to why the story wasn't moving along at all.
There was also much more world building than we usually get in an Onley James book where locations have always been extremely vague and I think this hindered the book rather than added to it. We all know by now that the city the Mulvaney's live in is never named, so suddenly having an onslaught of districts and wards was a little jarring?
I was very close to DNFing this book, but I actually really liked the relationship between Mal and Nico and them finally getting together was what kept me reading.
The second half of the book was so much better. The pacing really picked up, every scene was moving the plot along to it's conclusion and the characters weren't going round in their circle of denial anymore. I also loved the cameos and the Freckles appreciation...
There were also some genuinely funny, laugh out loud moments with Mal and Nico, and I really enjoyed the domestic discipline relationship that they developed.
I do wish the sex scenes hadn't dragged on though - some felt like they lasted for multiple chapters and they honestly bored me. It felt like this book was struggling to find the balance between the romance plot and the crime solving plot and both ended up being spread too thin for too long. It felt like one plot aspect really needed to take the forefront and have the other in a more reduced role, which probably would have helped with how bloated the story was with useless information and the pacing issues.
Definitely not my favourite from Onley James, but I am still looking forward to finally getting a story for Seven because he's my favourite of Jericho's boys.
Definitely a mixed bag.
The first half of this book was like a chore to get through. There was so much description of pointless information that really bogged the story down and left me extremely bored and confused as to why the story wasn't moving along at all.
There was also much more world building than we usually get in an Onley James book where locations have always been extremely vague and I think this hindered the book rather than added to it. We all know by now that the city the Mulvaney's live in is never named, so suddenly having an onslaught of districts and wards was a little jarring?
I was very close to DNFing this book, but I actually really liked the relationship between Mal and Nico and them finally getting together was what kept me reading.
The second half of the book was so much better. The pacing really picked up, every scene was moving the plot along to it's conclusion and the characters weren't going round in their circle of denial anymore. I also loved the cameos and the Freckles appreciation...
There were also some genuinely funny, laugh out loud moments with Mal and Nico, and I really enjoyed the domestic discipline relationship that they developed.
I do wish the sex scenes hadn't dragged on though - some felt like they lasted for multiple chapters and they honestly bored me. It felt like this book was struggling to find the balance between the romance plot and the crime solving plot and both ended up being spread too thin for too long. It felt like one plot aspect really needed to take the forefront and have the other in a more reduced role, which probably would have helped with how bloated the story was with useless information and the pacing issues.
Definitely not my favourite from Onley James, but I am still looking forward to finally getting a story for Seven because he's my favourite of Jericho's boys.
January 28, 2025
I do not say this lightly because Onley James has been an auto buy author of mine for YEARS, but this was….. honestly it doesn’t feel like the same author.
There were legit issues with the content - disconnects & poor “rep” that I simply cannot explain - and I have thoughts, but I want to ruminate before I get them out there.
To summarize; the blurb tells us Mal is gender fluid. Which is great! however while reading this is not so much referenced, mentioned, there is no gender fluidity and the only pronouns are he/him WHICH AGAIN IS GREAt! Gender is a deeply personal thing and being genderfluid isn’t my lived experience so I won’t say much else on that… BUT the only time any “change” in Mal is noted is when he “wakes up never knowing who he will be that day” specifically in relation to his brand of neuro-spiciness. This conflation between gender identity, mental illness, and neurodivergence is something I wasn’t expecting from this author and it was… ick? so while I, again, cannot speak to living as a gender fluid person, I can speak on ableism, and the danger of connecting mental illness and ANYTHING AT ALL as it pertains to gender identity and / sexual orientation - and that’s how I interpreted this book. I mean there’s also the fact this is marketed as an MM romance when the blurb AND ONLY THE BLURB very clearly states Mal is genderfluid…
I am being passive, less assertive, in this review I think bc I have been a reader of Onley’s for years - YEARS - and I am loathe to be accusatory out of pure bias. If this had been any other author, one I wasn’t inclined to give a benefit of a doubt, it’d be more cut throat probably… so while it hurts to leave the stars low I am, and leaving this little note to conscious bias here bc transparency is a thing I appreciate.
Closing this now before I second guess everything I just said for no reason at all.
There were legit issues with the content - disconnects & poor “rep” that I simply cannot explain - and I have thoughts, but I want to ruminate before I get them out there.
To summarize; the blurb tells us Mal is gender fluid. Which is great! however while reading this is not so much referenced, mentioned, there is no gender fluidity and the only pronouns are he/him WHICH AGAIN IS GREAt! Gender is a deeply personal thing and being genderfluid isn’t my lived experience so I won’t say much else on that… BUT the only time any “change” in Mal is noted is when he “wakes up never knowing who he will be that day” specifically in relation to his brand of neuro-spiciness. This conflation between gender identity, mental illness, and neurodivergence is something I wasn’t expecting from this author and it was… ick? so while I, again, cannot speak to living as a gender fluid person, I can speak on ableism, and the danger of connecting mental illness and ANYTHING AT ALL as it pertains to gender identity and / sexual orientation - and that’s how I interpreted this book. I mean there’s also the fact this is marketed as an MM romance when the blurb AND ONLY THE BLURB very clearly states Mal is genderfluid…
I am being passive, less assertive, in this review I think bc I have been a reader of Onley’s for years - YEARS - and I am loathe to be accusatory out of pure bias. If this had been any other author, one I wasn’t inclined to give a benefit of a doubt, it’d be more cut throat probably… so while it hurts to leave the stars low I am, and leaving this little note to conscious bias here bc transparency is a thing I appreciate.
Closing this now before I second guess everything I just said for no reason at all.
January 25, 2025
5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: ebook
I knew since Rogue that Mal and Nico were going to be everything but I wasn’t prepared for exactly how everything they would be.
This book gives Necessary Evils meets Disciplinary Action vibes. Super dark and action-y, but also super kinky.
I think this is the first time I’ve read Onley James do a best friends to lovers trope, and she nailed it. The way that Mal immediately clocked Nico as his husband and silently cock-blocked him for over a year was amazing. While they basically spent the entire time as a married couple anyway.
Loved the background story of this book too, very mysterious and fun. Plus we got so many Mulvaney moments, and lots of Felix and Jericho too.
The spice was insane. I’ve never read anything about domestic discipline before but their dynamic was so fun. And their overall chemistry was off the charts since the last book. Absolutely obsessed with them together.
Okay, bring on Seven and Enzo immediately!
*I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: ebook
I knew since Rogue that Mal and Nico were going to be everything but I wasn’t prepared for exactly how everything they would be.
This book gives Necessary Evils meets Disciplinary Action vibes. Super dark and action-y, but also super kinky.
I think this is the first time I’ve read Onley James do a best friends to lovers trope, and she nailed it. The way that Mal immediately clocked Nico as his husband and silently cock-blocked him for over a year was amazing. While they basically spent the entire time as a married couple anyway.
Loved the background story of this book too, very mysterious and fun. Plus we got so many Mulvaney moments, and lots of Felix and Jericho too.
The spice was insane. I’ve never read anything about domestic discipline before but their dynamic was so fun. And their overall chemistry was off the charts since the last book. Absolutely obsessed with them together.
Okay, bring on Seven and Enzo immediately!
*I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
January 16, 2025
I was really excited for this book for a lot of reasons and while I for the most part enjoyed it, I do feel as if there were some missteps.
Let’s start with what I liked. It was a nice change of pace to have Mal and Nico already have an established relationship/dynamic. This is different to the other two books in this series, and most of the couples in the Necessary Evils series who met during the story and developed a relationship throughout. I think it made this book more entertaining. However, I wish we got to see more of that rather than just be continuously told all the things Mal and Nico did together (watching anime, clubbing, and so on).
One thing that frustrated me the most about this book is that I feel like the main story’s conflict was focused on for the majority of the book and this wouldn’t have bothered me except it wasn’t even something that truly had to do with Nico or Mal. Take Unhinged, where the story’s main conflict actually had to do with one/both of the main characters. The same goes for many of the other books as well specifically in this series and the Necessary Evils series as Ever, Shiloh, Lucas, Jericho, Zane, Mac, and then Archer and Aiden all were directly related to the main issues in their respective books. This is actually something that bothered me in Avi and Felix’s book in the NE series because like this book, the entire main conflict truly had nothing to do with Felix or Avi. Further, a result of focusing on a conflict surrounding other people not truly tied to the main characters is that it felt like Mal and Nico’s issues were put on the back burner. An example of this is Nico’s issues with his mother were barely addressed and not even dealt with.
Something else that sort of frustrated me was that with this story being centered on an issue about another person or rather two people, we only saw each of them briefly at the beginning of the story, and the other at the end but also very briefly. We didn’t even see the resolution that we supposedly cared enough about to spend a whole book trying to achieve.
This is rated so high for me (and trust me it is high for me) because I laughed, I love the friend group, I loved how bratty and whiny Nico was and when the others would purposefully antagonize him to get a rise out of him. The smut felt off to me it felt like it was trying to mimic Asa and Zane’s dynamic but in a different way and it just didn’t hit for me the same so I found myself wanting to skip the smut scenes.
Honestly, after reading this I’m more interested in Frankie and Enzo’s brother.
Let’s start with what I liked. It was a nice change of pace to have Mal and Nico already have an established relationship/dynamic. This is different to the other two books in this series, and most of the couples in the Necessary Evils series who met during the story and developed a relationship throughout. I think it made this book more entertaining. However, I wish we got to see more of that rather than just be continuously told all the things Mal and Nico did together (watching anime, clubbing, and so on).
One thing that frustrated me the most about this book is that I feel like the main story’s conflict was focused on for the majority of the book and this wouldn’t have bothered me except it wasn’t even something that truly had to do with Nico or Mal. Take Unhinged, where the story’s main conflict actually had to do with one/both of the main characters. The same goes for many of the other books as well specifically in this series and the Necessary Evils series as Ever, Shiloh, Lucas, Jericho, Zane, Mac, and then Archer and Aiden all were directly related to the main issues in their respective books. This is actually something that bothered me in Avi and Felix’s book in the NE series because like this book, the entire main conflict truly had nothing to do with Felix or Avi. Further, a result of focusing on a conflict surrounding other people not truly tied to the main characters is that it felt like Mal and Nico’s issues were put on the back burner. An example of this is Nico’s issues with his mother were barely addressed and not even dealt with.
Something else that sort of frustrated me was that with this story being centered on an issue about another person or rather two people, we only saw each of them briefly at the beginning of the story, and the other at the end but also very briefly. We didn’t even see the resolution that we supposedly cared enough about to spend a whole book trying to achieve.
This is rated so high for me (and trust me it is high for me) because I laughed, I love the friend group, I loved how bratty and whiny Nico was and when the others would purposefully antagonize him to get a rise out of him. The smut felt off to me it felt like it was trying to mimic Asa and Zane’s dynamic but in a different way and it just didn’t hit for me the same so I found myself wanting to skip the smut scenes.
Honestly, after reading this I’m more interested in Frankie and Enzo’s brother.
Read
February 7, 2025Time of death: 70%
I feel like by this point I should have a concept of who each of them are and honestly that just isn't happening here. I would like a little less time spent fucking and a little more time focused on who they are and how the relationship develops. I really love codependent besties to lovers, so I realistically should have been eating this shit up, but ultimately, I was just really bored and I just can't make myself give a fuck about them.
I also shouldn't be finding out a character is gender fluid from the blurb. The way that shit was delved into was strange, to say the least. If you want a lot of fucking and you are invested in these 2 from previous books then you probably will love it but I AM OUT.
I feel like by this point I should have a concept of who each of them are and honestly that just isn't happening here. I would like a little less time spent fucking and a little more time focused on who they are and how the relationship develops. I really love codependent besties to lovers, so I realistically should have been eating this shit up, but ultimately, I was just really bored and I just can't make myself give a fuck about them.
I also shouldn't be finding out a character is gender fluid from the blurb. The way that shit was delved into was strange, to say the least. If you want a lot of fucking and you are invested in these 2 from previous books then you probably will love it but I AM OUT.
August 23, 2025
I really had an issue keeping who was who and what they did. Not sure why...was not really a fan of the work despite loving the other two books.
May 6, 2025
4.5 stars
January 22, 2025
I’ll say it again, Onley James is the only one who can make me like insta-love. And psychopaths! This series is one of my favourites and each book keeps proving why.
Mal and Nico are the ultimate idiots in love. Everyone knows they’re a couple, except them! They were so cute and hilarious. I loved their relationship, both in their daily life and in bed. They’re so kinky! Codependency, praise kink, domestic discipline, spanking and more…this book delivered it all and I was living for it. I TRULY LOVED IT! I’m now a proud Fidget and Bunny stan. I love them, your honor.
We also got some cameos from the Mulvaneys (Freckles!!), Jericho and of course, Jericho’s boys. It made me so excited for Seven and Enzo’s brat/Daddy story. I already know it’s going to be amazing!
What to expect:
🫚 Best friends-to-Lovers
🕹️ Praise kink & Domestic discipline
🫚 Idiots in love
🕹️ Codependency
🫚 Soulmates
Mal and Nico are the ultimate idiots in love. Everyone knows they’re a couple, except them! They were so cute and hilarious. I loved their relationship, both in their daily life and in bed. They’re so kinky! Codependency, praise kink, domestic discipline, spanking and more…this book delivered it all and I was living for it. I TRULY LOVED IT! I’m now a proud Fidget and Bunny stan. I love them, your honor.
We also got some cameos from the Mulvaneys (Freckles!!), Jericho and of course, Jericho’s boys. It made me so excited for Seven and Enzo’s brat/Daddy story. I already know it’s going to be amazing!
What to expect:
🫚 Best friends-to-Lovers
🕹️ Praise kink & Domestic discipline
🫚 Idiots in love
🕹️ Codependency
🫚 Soulmates
August 16, 2025
This book was everything I needed: codependent besties, clueless pining, and just the right mix of humour and spice. Nico and Mal are besties with benefits—but the only benefit is basically being boyfriends in denial. Nico has no idea he’s been in a relationship for over a year, or that Mal has been controlling his every move like a Dom in disguise. The way they navigate their past traumas and fears while being utterly adorable, sexy, and sweet, had me hooked. Their banter? Perfection.
Both characters are neurodivergent, which I personally love to see. Nico's ADHD was portrayed well, however, Mal’s neurodivergence was mentioned a lot, but felt more like being told about it than actually shown. I wish his erratic personality traits had shone through more organically, although his sensory difficulties were incorporated well.
The found family vibe was strong as always. The group text chats with Jericho’s boys & the Mulvaneys were hilarious and full of sharp banter and their signature brand of dark, twisted camaraderie. The crime subplot with the triad added a nice layer of intrigue too, even if it wandered off a bit in the middle before making a dramatic comeback at the end. It definitely didn't feel as front and centre as in the other books, with more focus being on Nico and Mal as a couple.
As always, Onley James nailed the balance between serious moments and humour, with plenty of steamy scenes to keep things spicy. If I had one complaint, it’d be the pacing—it could’ve used a tighter edit, but honestly, it didn’t detract much from my overall enjoyment.
This is a great read if you love chaotic characters, codependent besties with a dominant/submissive dynamic, mafia vibes, and murderous found families.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Both characters are neurodivergent, which I personally love to see. Nico's ADHD was portrayed well, however, Mal’s neurodivergence was mentioned a lot, but felt more like being told about it than actually shown. I wish his erratic personality traits had shone through more organically, although his sensory difficulties were incorporated well.
The found family vibe was strong as always. The group text chats with Jericho’s boys & the Mulvaneys were hilarious and full of sharp banter and their signature brand of dark, twisted camaraderie. The crime subplot with the triad added a nice layer of intrigue too, even if it wandered off a bit in the middle before making a dramatic comeback at the end. It definitely didn't feel as front and centre as in the other books, with more focus being on Nico and Mal as a couple.
As always, Onley James nailed the balance between serious moments and humour, with plenty of steamy scenes to keep things spicy. If I had one complaint, it’d be the pacing—it could’ve used a tighter edit, but honestly, it didn’t detract much from my overall enjoyment.
This is a great read if you love chaotic characters, codependent besties with a dominant/submissive dynamic, mafia vibes, and murderous found families.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 4, 2026
Tropes: codependency, touch starved, friends to lovers, found family
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: domestic discipline, spanking, MC who likes to be used and praised, Dom/sub
Angst: medium
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past CSA of MC, SA and sexual harrassment of minor characters, past child abuse and neglect of MC, physical assault, MC with ADHD
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: neither of them have been with anyone else since they met, but Nico talks a lot about hooking up and tries to hook up with other guys, but fails to be able to carry through.
3.5 stars
Nico is a college student with ADHD. Mal is a wee bit older, and he works as a dance instructor. They both work occasionally with the Mulvaneys, and are part of Jericho's crew. They met about a year ago. And they were immediately attracted to each other, but they had so much in common, and Nico is afraid of relationships... So they agreed to just be friends. Since then they've become BFFs and our codependent and live in each other's pockets. It's an open secret among their friend group, that Mal is obsessed and in love with Nico, but Nico doesn't know. Ever since they met, Mal has subtly then making Nico's decisions for him. And he's been interfering in Nico's attempts to hook up with guys. Nico is super horny because of his dry spell, and Nico and Mal like to snuggle, so one snuggle leads to them hooking up. They're both clearly in love, but Nico is afraid of relationships because of the relationships he saw his mother go through, she was neglectful, selfish as she pursued relationships that kept failing, and Nico got assaulted by her men that she kept bringing around.
So it obstacle to them being together, is Nico doesn't really want to risk failing in a relationship, he doesn't think he can be a good boyfriend. There's also a mystery where the mother of one of Mal's dance students goes missing. She's involved with the triad. And they have to investigate, trying to reunite the daughter with the mother safely.
I liked some things about this book. I'm weak for codependent touch starved best friends, so I liked that element. There were a bunch of funny moments with the friend group chats. The supporting characters are nice if you've read this author's other books, and I've read a number of them.
There were some things I didn't like.
- I didn't like the way the author wrote Nico and Mal meeting for the first time. What the heck were the circumstances that led to that? Do you have to have read a previous book to have the background of how they met? It was a really stupid decision of the author to write it the way that she did, because you just see them meeting with no context of how that meeting happened. There's a reference to Mal coming out of jail, but it's only mentioned once and there's no other explanations of why he was in jail. I know the books are interconnected, but you should include all critical information for the couple within the pages of their own book, even if you're repeating some content that has been mentioned in past books.
- I thought that the snuggly codependent touch starved emotional connection between the mmc's kind of got left behind once the characters started having sex. It's like the author threw them deep into kinky sex and focused too much on the sex, and not enough on the love in my opinion. I'm not reading this book for dark kinky erotica, I'm reading it for the romance.
- I find it hard to read this author's works these days, because every single one of them seems to touch on CSA. And I know I've read about the author working through traumas she saw in the medical field by writing about them, so I'm sympathetic. But it's just hard for me to ever pick up one of her books knowing I'm going to be walloped emotionally by having to deal with heartbreaking assaults. So I've just stopped reading her books pretty much. This one was also disappointing in that Nico's mom and abusers were never brought to justice.
Some notable moments:
They literally just met, and Mal wants to marry him "By the time his gaze crawled back up to Nico’s face, the boy had a knowing smirk on that pretty heart-shaped mouth. Mal had been caught. The younger boy cocked a brow. “Are you checking me out?” “Just looking,” Mal said, hoping he sounded nonchalant and not like he was mentally picking flowers for their future wedding."
Relatable "Nico and Mal had a staring contest as they battled to see who would explain the situation. The problem with two neurodivergent friends was, sometimes, it was impossible to find someone willing to do the talking."
"Nico I’m bored. Send noods. Hot ones. Mal smirked, pacing around the small studio as he opened up Google, finding a picture of a steaming plate of spaghetti. He took a screenshot then sent it. Nico’s response was almost immediate. Nico Yes. That’s so fucking sexy. I want it in me right now. Mal You have the strangest way of telling me you’re hungry. Nico Now send me a pic of your dick."
*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.
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: domestic discipline, spanking, MC who likes to be used and praised, Dom/sub
Angst: medium
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past CSA of MC, SA and sexual harrassment of minor characters, past child abuse and neglect of MC, physical assault, MC with ADHD
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: neither of them have been with anyone else since they met, but Nico talks a lot about hooking up and tries to hook up with other guys, but fails to be able to carry through.
3.5 stars
Nico is a college student with ADHD. Mal is a wee bit older, and he works as a dance instructor. They both work occasionally with the Mulvaneys, and are part of Jericho's crew. They met about a year ago. And they were immediately attracted to each other, but they had so much in common, and Nico is afraid of relationships... So they agreed to just be friends. Since then they've become BFFs and our codependent and live in each other's pockets. It's an open secret among their friend group, that Mal is obsessed and in love with Nico, but Nico doesn't know. Ever since they met, Mal has subtly then making Nico's decisions for him. And he's been interfering in Nico's attempts to hook up with guys. Nico is super horny because of his dry spell, and Nico and Mal like to snuggle, so one snuggle leads to them hooking up. They're both clearly in love, but Nico is afraid of relationships because of the relationships he saw his mother go through, she was neglectful, selfish as she pursued relationships that kept failing, and Nico got assaulted by her men that she kept bringing around.
So it obstacle to them being together, is Nico doesn't really want to risk failing in a relationship, he doesn't think he can be a good boyfriend. There's also a mystery where the mother of one of Mal's dance students goes missing. She's involved with the triad. And they have to investigate, trying to reunite the daughter with the mother safely.
I liked some things about this book. I'm weak for codependent touch starved best friends, so I liked that element. There were a bunch of funny moments with the friend group chats. The supporting characters are nice if you've read this author's other books, and I've read a number of them.
There were some things I didn't like.
- I didn't like the way the author wrote Nico and Mal meeting for the first time. What the heck were the circumstances that led to that? Do you have to have read a previous book to have the background of how they met? It was a really stupid decision of the author to write it the way that she did, because you just see them meeting with no context of how that meeting happened. There's a reference to Mal coming out of jail, but it's only mentioned once and there's no other explanations of why he was in jail. I know the books are interconnected, but you should include all critical information for the couple within the pages of their own book, even if you're repeating some content that has been mentioned in past books.
- I thought that the snuggly codependent touch starved emotional connection between the mmc's kind of got left behind once the characters started having sex. It's like the author threw them deep into kinky sex and focused too much on the sex, and not enough on the love in my opinion. I'm not reading this book for dark kinky erotica, I'm reading it for the romance.
- I find it hard to read this author's works these days, because every single one of them seems to touch on CSA. And I know I've read about the author working through traumas she saw in the medical field by writing about them, so I'm sympathetic. But it's just hard for me to ever pick up one of her books knowing I'm going to be walloped emotionally by having to deal with heartbreaking assaults. So I've just stopped reading her books pretty much. This one was also disappointing in that Nico's mom and abusers were never brought to justice.
Some notable moments:
They literally just met, and Mal wants to marry him "By the time his gaze crawled back up to Nico’s face, the boy had a knowing smirk on that pretty heart-shaped mouth. Mal had been caught. The younger boy cocked a brow. “Are you checking me out?” “Just looking,” Mal said, hoping he sounded nonchalant and not like he was mentally picking flowers for their future wedding."
Relatable "Nico and Mal had a staring contest as they battled to see who would explain the situation. The problem with two neurodivergent friends was, sometimes, it was impossible to find someone willing to do the talking."
"Nico I’m bored. Send noods. Hot ones. Mal smirked, pacing around the small studio as he opened up Google, finding a picture of a steaming plate of spaghetti. He took a screenshot then sent it. Nico’s response was almost immediate. Nico Yes. That’s so fucking sexy. I want it in me right now. Mal You have the strangest way of telling me you’re hungry. Nico Now send me a pic of your dick."
*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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
It might shock you to know that people really do sometimes meet someone and think, “That one. Yup. That one is mine. I’m going to marry this person one day.” (I did, for the record. It lasted eighteen years).
However, it probably doesn’t come as a shocker to know that some people can talk themselves into believing all sorts of delusions, including that of course they haven’t been dating their best friend since they first met! They sleep in the same bed because cuddles are nice and it’s easier to stay warm. Yeah. Take that.
As always, when it feels like things might be slowing down just a tad around town, something nasty hits the fan. This time it’s the Chinese Triad making moves around the neighborhoods and doing business in ways the boys (and the Mulvaneys) just can’t condone, like kidnapping children to extort women for goods or services. Since the child the Triad attempted to kidnap is one of Mal’s dance students, the case becomes Nico and Mal’s responsibility. Neither one of them feels ready for the responsibility, but they know what it feels like to have no one care about you, and they won’t let this girl or her mother slip through the cracks.
Onley James never disappoints. Her books hit every time. I have a conviction inside of me that the Jericho’s Boys books are pointedly different from the Necessary Evils books not only because we were introduced to these characters as Jericho’s “wards” and as minors but because this story is far more focused on the angst, trauma, and emotional development of the main couples than the many major and interconnected plot lines that lasted throughout the NE series. We’re far more invested in these boys finding their HEA than their vigilantism, even though we have fun watching them deal out punishment to the bad guys while falling in love as much as we did with couples like Jericho and Atticus. For all of this and more, Barbarian deserves 5 stars.
🩶 What to Expect 🩶
🍒 Adorable pet names
💣 Gender-fluid dance instructor MC
🍒 Is he an adorable alien or an evil sex demon?
💣 It’s possible to share a bed without having sex, right?
🍒 Looks like an angel but is really a devil
💣 Ass-obsessed
🍒 “He’s going to be my husband someday”
💣 Is it co-dependency or curated dependence?
🍒 Rough sex (like that’s unexpected, lol)
💣 Insightful art criticism
🍒 Unfiltered group chats
💣 Search: What’s the difference between a sadist and a psychopath?
🍒 ADHD rep
💣 Autism rep
🍒 That would be the pain meds talking
💣 Honestly, who doesn’t Thomas know?
🍒 Adoration of breakfast foods
💣 Degradation & praise kink
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: 5 Star Review/Book Series/Dark Romance/Found Family/LGBTQ Fiction/LGBTQ Romance/Spice Level 3/Vigilante Justice
However, it probably doesn’t come as a shocker to know that some people can talk themselves into believing all sorts of delusions, including that of course they haven’t been dating their best friend since they first met! They sleep in the same bed because cuddles are nice and it’s easier to stay warm. Yeah. Take that.
As always, when it feels like things might be slowing down just a tad around town, something nasty hits the fan. This time it’s the Chinese Triad making moves around the neighborhoods and doing business in ways the boys (and the Mulvaneys) just can’t condone, like kidnapping children to extort women for goods or services. Since the child the Triad attempted to kidnap is one of Mal’s dance students, the case becomes Nico and Mal’s responsibility. Neither one of them feels ready for the responsibility, but they know what it feels like to have no one care about you, and they won’t let this girl or her mother slip through the cracks.
Onley James never disappoints. Her books hit every time. I have a conviction inside of me that the Jericho’s Boys books are pointedly different from the Necessary Evils books not only because we were introduced to these characters as Jericho’s “wards” and as minors but because this story is far more focused on the angst, trauma, and emotional development of the main couples than the many major and interconnected plot lines that lasted throughout the NE series. We’re far more invested in these boys finding their HEA than their vigilantism, even though we have fun watching them deal out punishment to the bad guys while falling in love as much as we did with couples like Jericho and Atticus. For all of this and more, Barbarian deserves 5 stars.
🩶 What to Expect 🩶
🍒 Adorable pet names
💣 Gender-fluid dance instructor MC
🍒 Is he an adorable alien or an evil sex demon?
💣 It’s possible to share a bed without having sex, right?
🍒 Looks like an angel but is really a devil
💣 Ass-obsessed
🍒 “He’s going to be my husband someday”
💣 Is it co-dependency or curated dependence?
🍒 Rough sex (like that’s unexpected, lol)
💣 Insightful art criticism
🍒 Unfiltered group chats
💣 Search: What’s the difference between a sadist and a psychopath?
🍒 ADHD rep
💣 Autism rep
🍒 That would be the pain meds talking
💣 Honestly, who doesn’t Thomas know?
🍒 Adoration of breakfast foods
💣 Degradation & praise kink
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: 5 Star Review/Book Series/Dark Romance/Found Family/LGBTQ Fiction/LGBTQ Romance/Spice Level 3/Vigilante Justice
January 29, 2025
It took me longer than I thought to get through it because even though I liked it, I like Mal and Nico, and I think the story is engaging and interesting, I'm not in a contemporary crime fighter mood. Which is on me, I should have gone for a fantasy to fit my current mood. But that is the curse of being a mood reader, a great book won't hit as well as it could've if you don't read it at the right mood. And with all that, I liked it a lot anyway
January 24, 2025
Nico and Mal have been besties for a year, doing what all besties do (according to Nico) - sharing a bed, cuddling, talking all day, trusting each other implicitly, spending all their time together, and thinking they’d die without each other… definitely just friends. Until Nico has an aha moment (a year later than literally every single person in his life) thanks to a shared kiss (because friends can do that too) and realizes he’s actually in love with Mal, they’re basically in a relationship, and Mal owns him mind body and soul. Cue the emotional breakdown - it’s Nico, what did we expect?
And in the middle of all this, Mal’s student Casey is attacked by the triad, embroiling the whole crew and Mulvaneys in a dramatic mystery that involved Thomas pulling some strings (he’s friends with the head of the triad…hot). A lot of Freckles and Jericho content … even hotter 🥵 and someone ends up stabbed …not so hot.
Through it all, Mal and Nico figure out their relationship’s sexual dynamic. Obviously hot. And kinky. Turns out Nico is a total sub and Mal is really into domestic discipline. All with the foundation of their friendship makes it actually adorable. These two are for real soulmates 🥹
And in the middle of all this, Mal’s student Casey is attacked by the triad, embroiling the whole crew and Mulvaneys in a dramatic mystery that involved Thomas pulling some strings (he’s friends with the head of the triad…hot). A lot of Freckles and Jericho content … even hotter 🥵 and someone ends up stabbed …not so hot.
Through it all, Mal and Nico figure out their relationship’s sexual dynamic. Obviously hot. And kinky. Turns out Nico is a total sub and Mal is really into domestic discipline. All with the foundation of their friendship makes it actually adorable. These two are for real soulmates 🥹
April 16, 2025
DNF’d at 35%
Honestly, I just couldn’t imagine having to deal with 500 pages of Nico being annoying as fuck I’m sorry 😭
Honestly, I just couldn’t imagine having to deal with 500 pages of Nico being annoying as fuck I’m sorry 😭
April 29, 2025
Sadly, this book was underwhelming. I had high expectations (always do with Onley), but this is my least favorite, and lowest rated, book of Onley’s to date. I never thought I’d actually dislike the majority of one of her books, but here we are. There were parts I liked, and I’m happy Nico and Mal are officially together and happy, but, overall, the book was not on par with Onley’s other stories or content quality.
This book is over 400 pages! So I expected there to be an intricately developed plot with loads of character growth. Instead, we get a simple and boring mystery with hella-awkward smut. After almost a year between this book and the last, I could have really used a little refresher on Mal’s background and how he came to have the job he does. And how they have enough money for things, especially Mal since he pays for everything. I know Nico’s mom sends him money, but then she stops, but, somehow, they end up in a new place of their own?? I don’t have time to reread the previous book to remind myself. It’s very easy to add in snippet reminders (and is typically done) in series books that connect so heavily. Nico doesn’t get much of a description either, but his is a little better as the book plays out. My point is, even though I’ve read all the books in this series, starting with Necessary Evils (read most of those twice), I was still feeling like I was missing something, and that made it difficult to connect to the characters from the very beginning. It felt like I was expected to already KNOW who the MCs were and all about them from the beginning. Onley gave my memory too much credit, lol.
Speaking of connecting: How do you just flippantly write a character that magically wakes up feeling like anyone depending on the day? We’re told that Mal can wake up feeling like he’s a different person, sexuality, and/or gender, even with a different accent. However, the only thing shown to this statement is that he wears some flowy pants one day and makeup occasionally. Writing such a short sentence or two but then not developing/explaining/showing, is lazy, and just makes for a hard-to-understand character. On top of all that, he’s neurodivergent, but the type is not specified and he seems to go in and out of how he’s described, which isn’t a realistic portrayal. Why include these character traits at all if it doesn’t define Mal throughout the book? Because, spoiler alert, it doesn’t. All it did was lead me to think Mal needs professional help with his mental health…and I don’t think that was the intent. I have more thoughts on this, but I’m just gonna…
The smut between Mal and Nico is very awkward. I’m not sure if it’s because they’re younger or what, but I found myself feeling uncomfortable reading those scenes. To be fair, I also don’t prefer BDSM tropes. The spanking is fun (hello, Misha Horne 😮💨), but much past that and I don’t find it hot or sexy. Not to mention, the way Mal is described in the beginning doesn’t fit how he acts. There’s just a disconnect with the telling versus the showing in this book. I didn’t feel love or affection between them. And I’ve just realized while writing this, that there aren’t really many full-on sex scenes, and yet the book is over half smut 🤔 Maybe that’s my problem. There’s too much “scene-ing” and not enough intimacy. Based on the teaser of Seven and Enzo’s book, it’s gonna be more BDSM, but hopefully better emotional connection 🤞🏼 However, I really hate “contract” and “time-limit” tropes, so... This spin-off series just may not be for me sadly.
Another disappointment for me is Nico’s mom. There is literally no reason to have had those scenes included, because there’s no resolution or even discussion between Mal and Nico to help him through his feelings about her. His call with her reveals some huge issues that simply come and go, not to be mentioned again. That was a missed opportunity to show growth for Nico as well as between him and Mal as an official couple. Where’s the heart that I’m so used to in Onley’s writing? We see it briefly in the laundry scene and again with Jericho and Freckles calling them their kids and defending Nico when he gets hurt, but that’s it.
The plot, or lack thereof, was boring and basic. There’s nothing intriguing or exciting about it. There’s no drama and/or action. There are holes galore. I cannot believe this is the same author who gave us the Necessary Evils and The Watch series. Where was the tightly woven mystery and red herrings? Where was the personal connection that keeps the reader invested? Where was the torture and murder of all those deserving that brings satisfaction and closure?? After 400+ pages, we don’t even get to SEE the resolution play out, or Casey and her mom reunited. We’re just TOLD. And I think that right there is the underlying problem for the entire book. At one point, Nico says something about just wanting to get back to killing bad guys…same, boo, same 🙄😩😤
As far as the writing quality goes, it’s technically very good. There are just a few errors. The editor needs to help with hyphen use (I’ve mentioned this before). And there’s at least one glaring continuity issue, but that’s about it. We’re all human, and I can say at the very least, Onley always delivers on a technically well-written book.
My review is pretty negative, but there are things I liked. I enjoyed seeing Jericho and Freckles more, as well as the fun group chat texts with the other “boys.” I also liked seeing Levi and Shiloh more (I really enjoyed their book). The interactions with Ever were also hilarious. And there were some fun one-liners and funny moments that Onley is great at. Basically, I liked everything except the main couple’s dynamic and the “plot” 😆😬😅
I’ve heard Onley’s been going through some things. I hope she’s doing better, and that this was just a fluke and result of the struggles that she’s been having. I’ve seen posts by her saying she’s been rewriting whole chapters after reading feedback on her Patreon. I hope she can ignore the noise and write as she used to, because her books were stellar before Patreon (and before she really grew that platform to where it is today). Now, it seems to be causing a lot of stress that’s impacting her writing. I’m hella excited for the next book in The Watch series, so here’s hoping 🤞🏼
For the record, I love Onley’s writing style and stories, and know what she’s capable of, which is why this review is so dang long. I love books and respect the authors that share their talent, so I want to explain my thoughts rather than just rant. My reviews, firstly and lastly, are meant for ME to keep track of the books I read. If they help others decide if they want to read or not, I’m happy to help, but it’s not my main goal. I like to be able to look back and recall what I liked/disliked and why in case I want to reread a book or series. I read so much that details become jumbled, and this is my way of “remembering.”
This book is over 400 pages! So I expected there to be an intricately developed plot with loads of character growth. Instead, we get a simple and boring mystery with hella-awkward smut. After almost a year between this book and the last, I could have really used a little refresher on Mal’s background and how he came to have the job he does. And how they have enough money for things, especially Mal since he pays for everything. I know Nico’s mom sends him money, but then she stops, but, somehow, they end up in a new place of their own?? I don’t have time to reread the previous book to remind myself. It’s very easy to add in snippet reminders (and is typically done) in series books that connect so heavily. Nico doesn’t get much of a description either, but his is a little better as the book plays out. My point is, even though I’ve read all the books in this series, starting with Necessary Evils (read most of those twice), I was still feeling like I was missing something, and that made it difficult to connect to the characters from the very beginning. It felt like I was expected to already KNOW who the MCs were and all about them from the beginning. Onley gave my memory too much credit, lol.
Speaking of connecting: How do you just flippantly write a character that magically wakes up feeling like anyone depending on the day? We’re told that Mal can wake up feeling like he’s a different person, sexuality, and/or gender, even with a different accent. However, the only thing shown to this statement is that he wears some flowy pants one day and makeup occasionally. Writing such a short sentence or two but then not developing/explaining/showing, is lazy, and just makes for a hard-to-understand character. On top of all that, he’s neurodivergent, but the type is not specified and he seems to go in and out of how he’s described, which isn’t a realistic portrayal. Why include these character traits at all if it doesn’t define Mal throughout the book? Because, spoiler alert, it doesn’t. All it did was lead me to think Mal needs professional help with his mental health…and I don’t think that was the intent. I have more thoughts on this, but I’m just gonna…
The smut between Mal and Nico is very awkward. I’m not sure if it’s because they’re younger or what, but I found myself feeling uncomfortable reading those scenes. To be fair, I also don’t prefer BDSM tropes. The spanking is fun (hello, Misha Horne 😮💨), but much past that and I don’t find it hot or sexy. Not to mention, the way Mal is described in the beginning doesn’t fit how he acts. There’s just a disconnect with the telling versus the showing in this book. I didn’t feel love or affection between them. And I’ve just realized while writing this, that there aren’t really many full-on sex scenes, and yet the book is over half smut 🤔 Maybe that’s my problem. There’s too much “scene-ing” and not enough intimacy. Based on the teaser of Seven and Enzo’s book, it’s gonna be more BDSM, but hopefully better emotional connection 🤞🏼 However, I really hate “contract” and “time-limit” tropes, so... This spin-off series just may not be for me sadly.
Another disappointment for me is Nico’s mom. There is literally no reason to have had those scenes included, because there’s no resolution or even discussion between Mal and Nico to help him through his feelings about her. His call with her reveals some huge issues that simply come and go, not to be mentioned again. That was a missed opportunity to show growth for Nico as well as between him and Mal as an official couple. Where’s the heart that I’m so used to in Onley’s writing? We see it briefly in the laundry scene and again with Jericho and Freckles calling them their kids and defending Nico when he gets hurt, but that’s it.
The plot, or lack thereof, was boring and basic. There’s nothing intriguing or exciting about it. There’s no drama and/or action. There are holes galore. I cannot believe this is the same author who gave us the Necessary Evils and The Watch series. Where was the tightly woven mystery and red herrings? Where was the personal connection that keeps the reader invested? Where was the torture and murder of all those deserving that brings satisfaction and closure?? After 400+ pages, we don’t even get to SEE the resolution play out, or Casey and her mom reunited. We’re just TOLD. And I think that right there is the underlying problem for the entire book. At one point, Nico says something about just wanting to get back to killing bad guys…same, boo, same 🙄😩😤
As far as the writing quality goes, it’s technically very good. There are just a few errors. The editor needs to help with hyphen use (I’ve mentioned this before). And there’s at least one glaring continuity issue, but that’s about it. We’re all human, and I can say at the very least, Onley always delivers on a technically well-written book.
My review is pretty negative, but there are things I liked. I enjoyed seeing Jericho and Freckles more, as well as the fun group chat texts with the other “boys.” I also liked seeing Levi and Shiloh more (I really enjoyed their book). The interactions with Ever were also hilarious. And there were some fun one-liners and funny moments that Onley is great at. Basically, I liked everything except the main couple’s dynamic and the “plot” 😆😬😅
I’ve heard Onley’s been going through some things. I hope she’s doing better, and that this was just a fluke and result of the struggles that she’s been having. I’ve seen posts by her saying she’s been rewriting whole chapters after reading feedback on her Patreon. I hope she can ignore the noise and write as she used to, because her books were stellar before Patreon (and before she really grew that platform to where it is today). Now, it seems to be causing a lot of stress that’s impacting her writing. I’m hella excited for the next book in The Watch series, so here’s hoping 🤞🏼
For the record, I love Onley’s writing style and stories, and know what she’s capable of, which is why this review is so dang long. I love books and respect the authors that share their talent, so I want to explain my thoughts rather than just rant. My reviews, firstly and lastly, are meant for ME to keep track of the books I read. If they help others decide if they want to read or not, I’m happy to help, but it’s not my main goal. I like to be able to look back and recall what I liked/disliked and why in case I want to reread a book or series. I read so much that details become jumbled, and this is my way of “remembering.”
Read
January 29, 2025Rating: -
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: dark romance, MM
Tropes / tags: friends to lovers, kink, found family
I honestly have no idea how to rate this one so... I guess I just won't?
I usually love Onley James' stories and I'd been looking forward to more of Jericho's boys for quite a while, but sadly this one just felt off to me. Other reviewers have written about it better than I probably will (see BookSafety's review for example), but I expected so much more than what I got from Mal's character. Mal was described as being genderfluid, while also waking up with a new personality every day - but this was never actually shown in the story. It was such a shame, as I was very curious about how the changes of his identity, sexuality and personality would be portrayed, and how he and Nico would navigate that in their relationship, but they barely even discussed it. It didn't sit right with me, especially as the description of Mal as genderfluid felt very misleading.
I was on the verge of abandoning this one, but I stayed for the moments of found family and the usual unhinged characters - which is a guarantee when it comes to this author. It was, as always, a pleasure seeing some of the Mulvaney's again, and I also adored how Jericho finally - although somewhat reluctantly - had accepted that he's "the dad" to his collection of strays. The easy banter and familiarity was on point, and I can't help but being curious about whatever is going on between Seven and his lawyer Daddy.
So... To do some kind of summary; Barbarian was a pretty underwhelming read for me, which honestly pains me to say. There were a lot of contradictions, both when it came to the characters and the plot, and it was a little all over the place at times. I don't know - it just didn't feel like an Onley James book to me.
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: dark romance, MM
Tropes / tags: friends to lovers, kink, found family
I honestly have no idea how to rate this one so... I guess I just won't?
I usually love Onley James' stories and I'd been looking forward to more of Jericho's boys for quite a while, but sadly this one just felt off to me. Other reviewers have written about it better than I probably will (see BookSafety's review for example), but I expected so much more than what I got from Mal's character. Mal was described as being genderfluid, while also waking up with a new personality every day - but this was never actually shown in the story. It was such a shame, as I was very curious about how the changes of his identity, sexuality and personality would be portrayed, and how he and Nico would navigate that in their relationship, but they barely even discussed it. It didn't sit right with me, especially as the description of Mal as genderfluid felt very misleading.
I was on the verge of abandoning this one, but I stayed for the moments of found family and the usual unhinged characters - which is a guarantee when it comes to this author. It was, as always, a pleasure seeing some of the Mulvaney's again, and I also adored how Jericho finally - although somewhat reluctantly - had accepted that he's "the dad" to his collection of strays. The easy banter and familiarity was on point, and I can't help but being curious about whatever is going on between Seven and his lawyer Daddy.
So... To do some kind of summary; Barbarian was a pretty underwhelming read for me, which honestly pains me to say. There were a lot of contradictions, both when it came to the characters and the plot, and it was a little all over the place at times. I don't know - it just didn't feel like an Onley James book to me.
August 31, 2025
Barbarian is actually the first book I’ve read from the Jericho’s Boys series. Since I’ve already gone through the Necessary Evils books, I wasn’t confused at all, but now I definitely want to go back and read the first two in this spin-off!
Mal and Nico were so good together_hot, spicy, and full of amazing chemistry. Their dynamic kept me hooked the whole time. I also loved seeing more hints of Jericho and Atticus’s relationship (Moonstruck is still my favorite!).
It felt great to step back into this world again, and I honestly don’t know why I put it off for so long. That mistake will be fixed soon because I’m grabbing the rest of the series next!🩷
Mal and Nico were so good together_hot, spicy, and full of amazing chemistry. Their dynamic kept me hooked the whole time. I also loved seeing more hints of Jericho and Atticus’s relationship (Moonstruck is still my favorite!).
It felt great to step back into this world again, and I honestly don’t know why I put it off for so long. That mistake will be fixed soon because I’m grabbing the rest of the series next!🩷
January 21, 2025
Jan 2025
Kindle edition
Read for a group challenge week 2. I was looking forward to Mal's story, since he was such a fun character in Rogue. I liked that the brother's stayed together. Had a sort of similar vibe to Avi and Asa without crossing lines. Strong on the BDSM and hinting that Seven's story is more of the same. Mostly sex and punishment with Jericho and Freckles in the background for support and their own office sex. Secondary to that is the hunt for a girl's missing mother and getting involved with the Chinese triad. I liked Frankie, I hope he makes a reappearance in the future, he seems like such a fun and laid back character, also dealing with the trauma of his brother's set ups. Best bit was the peek into what Freckles and Jericho were up to with the pillow princess tee and his threat to marry Kendra. Long book was long.
Kindle edition
Read for a group challenge week 2. I was looking forward to Mal's story, since he was such a fun character in Rogue. I liked that the brother's stayed together. Had a sort of similar vibe to Avi and Asa without crossing lines. Strong on the BDSM and hinting that Seven's story is more of the same. Mostly sex and punishment with Jericho and Freckles in the background for support and their own office sex. Secondary to that is the hunt for a girl's missing mother and getting involved with the Chinese triad. I liked Frankie, I hope he makes a reappearance in the future, he seems like such a fun and laid back character, also dealing with the trauma of his brother's set ups. Best bit was the peek into what Freckles and Jericho were up to with the pillow princess tee and his threat to marry Kendra. Long book was long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2025
Jakie to było słabe - aż nie chciało mi się wierzyć, że książka ta wyszła spod ręki Onley James. Wiem, że w jej historiach sceny łóżkowe i insta-wszystko są standardem, ale tu była to już pewna przesada. Praktycznie zero fabuły, zero rozwoju relacji i bardzo dziwne przedstawienie Mala.
Nawet nie wiem, czy chcę czytać dalsze tomy tej serii.
Nawet nie wiem, czy chcę czytać dalsze tomy tej serii.
May 24, 2025
The story line kinda got lost under Mal and Nico and I’m not mad about it. These two had me all the feels in chapter one.
November 27, 2025
3.5/5
January 18, 2026
I love all of Jericho’s boys but I had a hard time being invested in these two and the plot
October 30, 2025
As always, Onley does it again. I think what I loved most about this books was that it was mostly plot towards the characters’ development, not so much mystery/action plot, that was honestly more secondary.
This time we got to see a true relationship develop. Even though Nico and Malachi have been best friends for a year, living together, sharing a room and a bed, doing everything together 24/7, Nico refuses to give into taking it physical and trying for an actual romantic relationship because of his childhood trauma, and his mom basically drilling into his head that relationships ruin everything.
Malachi knew Nico was THE ONE since DAY ONE, he just decided to go about it by making himself indispensable in Nico’s life and basically taking over without him noticing.
I’m love with seeing them take their relationship to the next level and also exploring a DD dynamic, which I think was perfect with someone like Nico with severe ADHD and also anxiety. It was beautiful to see. Additionally, the heat level was 100/100 HOT! 🥵
The mystery plot was still interesting but very much not the center of the story like in other books -and I’m perfectly okay with that because this book wasn’t about that-
You guys are also IN for a treat with all the Jericho and Freckles, and even Felix moments *swoons* LOVED!
Cannot wait for Ranger to come out! Seven and Enzo will be pure FIRE!
This time we got to see a true relationship develop. Even though Nico and Malachi have been best friends for a year, living together, sharing a room and a bed, doing everything together 24/7, Nico refuses to give into taking it physical and trying for an actual romantic relationship because of his childhood trauma, and his mom basically drilling into his head that relationships ruin everything.
Malachi knew Nico was THE ONE since DAY ONE, he just decided to go about it by making himself indispensable in Nico’s life and basically taking over without him noticing.
I’m love with seeing them take their relationship to the next level and also exploring a DD dynamic, which I think was perfect with someone like Nico with severe ADHD and also anxiety. It was beautiful to see. Additionally, the heat level was 100/100 HOT! 🥵
The mystery plot was still interesting but very much not the center of the story like in other books -and I’m perfectly okay with that because this book wasn’t about that-
You guys are also IN for a treat with all the Jericho and Freckles, and even Felix moments *swoons* LOVED!
Cannot wait for Ranger to come out! Seven and Enzo will be pure FIRE!
July 13, 2025
Rating⭐️: 4.25/5
Spice🌶️: 3.5/5
Memorable Moment(s):
“It changes nothing. You’re mine. You’ve always been mine. You’ll always be mine.”
“There was only before Mal and after Mal. One was infinitely better than the other.”
Tropes:
•MM Dark Humor
•Best Friends to Lovers
•Co-Dependency
•Neurodivergent MC
•Possessive MCs
•Only One Bed
•Touch him & 💀
•Found Family
Mulvaney Cameos
⚠️Check TWs⚠️
Spice🌶️: 3.5/5
Memorable Moment(s):
“It changes nothing. You’re mine. You’ve always been mine. You’ll always be mine.”
“There was only before Mal and after Mal. One was infinitely better than the other.”
Tropes:
•MM Dark Humor
•Best Friends to Lovers
•Co-Dependency
•Neurodivergent MC
•Possessive MCs
•Only One Bed
•Touch him & 💀
•Found Family
Mulvaney Cameos
⚠️Check TWs⚠️
July 9, 2025
1.5 ⭐
this was a miserable slog.
it's far too long. to be quite honest and transparent I started skim reading the sex scenes because I swear some kept going on and on and on for what felt like to be multiple chapters.
like I get it, Nico and Mal are cute but I feel like overall there is an emerging pattern especially noticeable with the Jericho's Boys where there is just copious amounts of sex acting like padding for the novels. THIS BOOK IS OVER 500 PAGES - it doesn't need padding.
i just really wanted for the plot to move a little bit more and not feel so weighed down by all of the filler sex - AND THAT'S AN INSANE THING TO SAY when you're reading a romance book.
And don't even get me started on the gender-fluid aspect of Mal because it might as well not exist, very little of it gets explored on page and only ever gets addressed in offhanded comments in combination with mental illness or neurodivergence - all three of those things should not be conflated into one. massive ick
I really hope Ranger is better.
this was a miserable slog.
it's far too long. to be quite honest and transparent I started skim reading the sex scenes because I swear some kept going on and on and on for what felt like to be multiple chapters.
like I get it, Nico and Mal are cute but I feel like overall there is an emerging pattern especially noticeable with the Jericho's Boys where there is just copious amounts of sex acting like padding for the novels. THIS BOOK IS OVER 500 PAGES - it doesn't need padding.
i just really wanted for the plot to move a little bit more and not feel so weighed down by all of the filler sex - AND THAT'S AN INSANE THING TO SAY when you're reading a romance book.
And don't even get me started on the gender-fluid aspect of Mal because it might as well not exist, very little of it gets explored on page and only ever gets addressed in offhanded comments in combination with mental illness or neurodivergence - all three of those things should not be conflated into one. massive ick
I really hope Ranger is better.
August 10, 2025
i’m glad i listened to the audiobooks of this series because i think if i was actually reading it, i wouldn’t have liked it as much 🤷🏻♀️
February 20, 2025
Me encantan los pequeños atisbos de domesticidad que vemos de Atticus y Jericho en cada uno de estos libros.
Y me encanta como se ha presentado el personaje de Frankie, ya quiero saber con quien va a ser su ship.
Ahora centrándonos en Mal y Nico… la primera mitad del libro estaba convencidisima de que le iba a poner un 4, pero conforme avanzaba se me ha ido haciendo cada vez más pescado y repetitivo. Así que aunque ambos me gustan mucho y me gusta su dinámica, no puedo ponerle mas de un 3.
Además me hubiera gustado más profundización en la psique de Malachi, es un personaje que me llama mucho la atención y aún asi es mucho más interesante verle desde un POV externo que desde el suyo propio.
La trama de fondo ha estado muy bien y el momento en el que Nico se da cuenta de que Jericho le ve como un hijo ha sido súper bonito. La incorporación de los Conti me parece que va a ser muy interesante a la larga.
Así que, por supuesto, seguiremos leyendo.
La dinámica entre Enzo y Seven pinta muy bien para el siguiente libro, aunque reconozco que el daddy kink no es lo mío así que no se si me gustará mucho. Pero la verdad es que estoy deseando leerlo a ver qué tal.
Y me encanta como se ha presentado el personaje de Frankie, ya quiero saber con quien va a ser su ship.
Ahora centrándonos en Mal y Nico… la primera mitad del libro estaba convencidisima de que le iba a poner un 4, pero conforme avanzaba se me ha ido haciendo cada vez más pescado y repetitivo. Así que aunque ambos me gustan mucho y me gusta su dinámica, no puedo ponerle mas de un 3.
Además me hubiera gustado más profundización en la psique de Malachi, es un personaje que me llama mucho la atención y aún asi es mucho más interesante verle desde un POV externo que desde el suyo propio.
La trama de fondo ha estado muy bien y el momento en el que Nico se da cuenta de que Jericho le ve como un hijo ha sido súper bonito. La incorporación de los Conti me parece que va a ser muy interesante a la larga.
Así que, por supuesto, seguiremos leyendo.
La dinámica entre Enzo y Seven pinta muy bien para el siguiente libro, aunque reconozco que el daddy kink no es lo mío así que no se si me gustará mucho. Pero la verdad es que estoy deseando leerlo a ver qué tal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
I loved the original Mulvaney series, but so far, this spin-off about Jericho’s boys isn’t hitting the same. One thing I don’t get is their ages—are they supposed to be in their twenties? They’re all in school and constantly referred to as “boys,” but they’re also legally adults, right?
Since this is the third book in this series and the tenth-plus book in the overall universe, I really wish there had been some kind of character reintroduction or even a family tree to help place everyone. I struggled to remember who Mal was and why he’d been in prison, which of Jericho’s boys was Nico, or why Calliope and Lola were living together on a farm.
Nico’s approach to relationships and his coping mechanisms frustrated me. Mal deserved more. Their relationship felt too rushed—they were already in love and living together when the book started. I would’ve loved to see more of their early days, adjusting to each other.
Overall, this book was just okay. I didn’t care for the plot—it felt way too long—but the main couple was cute enough. Nothing special. Onley James has written better books.
Since this is the third book in this series and the tenth-plus book in the overall universe, I really wish there had been some kind of character reintroduction or even a family tree to help place everyone. I struggled to remember who Mal was and why he’d been in prison, which of Jericho’s boys was Nico, or why Calliope and Lola were living together on a farm.
Nico’s approach to relationships and his coping mechanisms frustrated me. Mal deserved more. Their relationship felt too rushed—they were already in love and living together when the book started. I would’ve loved to see more of their early days, adjusting to each other.
Overall, this book was just okay. I didn’t care for the plot—it felt way too long—but the main couple was cute enough. Nothing special. Onley James has written better books.
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