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Soho Knights #3
Stolen Dream
At just eighteen, Paolo and Max meet at a conversion therapy camp. Abandoned by their families. left to endure literal hell on earth, their love is forbidden. Their secret romance grows and as they make plans to escape, they are brutally torn apart.
They both spend the next twelve years building lives in different worlds. Paolo in the vibrant heart of Soho, London, surrounded by his found family, and Max thriving as a successful criminal lawyer in the bustling streets of New York. Both of them believing they’ve lost the love of their life forever.
Max finds himself in London after defending a mobster, which leads to an offer he literally can’t refuse. Needing thinking time before his fate is sealed, he unexpectedly crosses paths with Paolo again. The spark between them reignites, yet their reunion is fraught with challenges, and even the magical backdrop of the holidays may not be enough for them to get their second chance at love. With Paolo's sister at risk of suffering the same fate they endured, the stakes are even higher.
Stolen Dream is a tale of resilience, forbidden love, and the fight for a future that embraces who they truly are. Will they save Paolo's sister in time, and can they find a way to be together, against all odds? Join them on this emotional journey of hope and redemption, where stolen dreams may just lead to a love worth fighting for.
They both spend the next twelve years building lives in different worlds. Paolo in the vibrant heart of Soho, London, surrounded by his found family, and Max thriving as a successful criminal lawyer in the bustling streets of New York. Both of them believing they’ve lost the love of their life forever.
Max finds himself in London after defending a mobster, which leads to an offer he literally can’t refuse. Needing thinking time before his fate is sealed, he unexpectedly crosses paths with Paolo again. The spark between them reignites, yet their reunion is fraught with challenges, and even the magical backdrop of the holidays may not be enough for them to get their second chance at love. With Paolo's sister at risk of suffering the same fate they endured, the stakes are even higher.
Stolen Dream is a tale of resilience, forbidden love, and the fight for a future that embraces who they truly are. Will they save Paolo's sister in time, and can they find a way to be together, against all odds? Join them on this emotional journey of hope and redemption, where stolen dreams may just lead to a love worth fighting for.
- GenresM M Romance
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2025
7 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 3, 2025
I really liked this book very much, but I admit that the beginning of this book was difficult, even though the author doesn't get too much into what Paolo and Max go through, still it was hard to read about the kind of place they were taken to.
The story takes us years after Max and Paolo got away from that awful conversion therapy camp in the USA. But, because the world is very small, they end up meeting again long after that terrible time of their lives. The only good memory they kept from that time spent in hell when they were teenagers was their love, a love that they haven't been able to forget.
I loved the first time they met in London, how they recognised each other and their hearts went wild. I understood why Paolo ran away, the confusion and pain were there, but they eventually met again (thanks to their friends and their advice) and their love flourished once again.
There was some suspense included and even a side mafia plot that made the book even more interesting. It meant Paolo and Max had some more obstacles in their lives to overcome and I liked this bit so much.
This book was very well written, their relationship had an amazing development and the MCs were amazing. I enjoyed how they got to know each other again, and how they fought to be together. It's a beautiful novel about love, resilience and being true to yourself.
I can't wait to read the next one in the series. This author knows how to make you feel with his words.
PS: Us Spaniards are not all crazy religious people!
PS2: Also, "arroz con pollo" is one of the best meals in the world!!!
The story takes us years after Max and Paolo got away from that awful conversion therapy camp in the USA. But, because the world is very small, they end up meeting again long after that terrible time of their lives. The only good memory they kept from that time spent in hell when they were teenagers was their love, a love that they haven't been able to forget.
I loved the first time they met in London, how they recognised each other and their hearts went wild. I understood why Paolo ran away, the confusion and pain were there, but they eventually met again (thanks to their friends and their advice) and their love flourished once again.
There was some suspense included and even a side mafia plot that made the book even more interesting. It meant Paolo and Max had some more obstacles in their lives to overcome and I liked this bit so much.
This book was very well written, their relationship had an amazing development and the MCs were amazing. I enjoyed how they got to know each other again, and how they fought to be together. It's a beautiful novel about love, resilience and being true to yourself.
I can't wait to read the next one in the series. This author knows how to make you feel with his words.
PS: Us Spaniards are not all crazy religious people!
PS2: Also, "arroz con pollo" is one of the best meals in the world!!!
August 22, 2025
Stolen Dreams (Soho Knights 3)
By Oliver Takely
Published by author, 2025
4 stars
Although this entire series is unabashedly romantic fantasy, the author clearly feels connected to these books as expressing the experience of real gay men in real lives. It’s an endearing quality in Takely’s writing, and I totally sympathize with him. This book in particular, which focuses in on the story of Paolo Rojas, takes the reader to a dark place that is part of the reality for some young LGBTQ+ people, even today.
Among the five young men who live together in a massive Soho flat (owned by Gregory, who has made millions on a gay fitness app), Paolo has always been the mystery man. Even thought they all went through university together, these men have respected the privacy of each other’s pasts. Takely explores those stories in this series.
A successful masseur in a luxury spa in London, Paolo has never told his brothers about being forced into a conversion therapy camp when he was just eighteen. There he met a young American boy, Max Brady, also forced into the camp by his parents. The author begins with a harrowing description of their life in the camp—which is also the birth of their love story. Twelve years later, fate (or coincidence) brings them together.
Max is a successful lawyer in New York City, having cut himself off from his family entirely, and made his way through university and law school. A highly-publicized success lands him in an awkward professional situation, and he decides to accompany some of his close New York friends to London to visit mutual acquaintances. This opens the door to Takely’s latest story.
The most important aspect of all of these books is the unwavering support and love these five British men (and their American friends) show for each other. There is no judgment, no criticism, only affection and protection. Although he is universally agreed to be the most beautiful and fit of his flatmates, Paolo seems to be asexual to his brothers. His story is finally explained, even as his entire world is turned upside down.
There’s a great deal of family trauma here, a reminder that it is not only my generation who suffered to be ourselves in a hostile world. Takely makes sure that each of his brothers is a distinctive personality, all of them demonstrating different strengths and different damages.
Takely’s writing can be slightly helter-skelter at times, but the richness of his characters draw you back again and again. These are the friends we all wish we had.
The next book focuses, at last!, on Gregory, the nerdy millionaire who made a home for his accepting crew of college friends. I can’t wait!
By Oliver Takely
Published by author, 2025
4 stars
Although this entire series is unabashedly romantic fantasy, the author clearly feels connected to these books as expressing the experience of real gay men in real lives. It’s an endearing quality in Takely’s writing, and I totally sympathize with him. This book in particular, which focuses in on the story of Paolo Rojas, takes the reader to a dark place that is part of the reality for some young LGBTQ+ people, even today.
Among the five young men who live together in a massive Soho flat (owned by Gregory, who has made millions on a gay fitness app), Paolo has always been the mystery man. Even thought they all went through university together, these men have respected the privacy of each other’s pasts. Takely explores those stories in this series.
A successful masseur in a luxury spa in London, Paolo has never told his brothers about being forced into a conversion therapy camp when he was just eighteen. There he met a young American boy, Max Brady, also forced into the camp by his parents. The author begins with a harrowing description of their life in the camp—which is also the birth of their love story. Twelve years later, fate (or coincidence) brings them together.
Max is a successful lawyer in New York City, having cut himself off from his family entirely, and made his way through university and law school. A highly-publicized success lands him in an awkward professional situation, and he decides to accompany some of his close New York friends to London to visit mutual acquaintances. This opens the door to Takely’s latest story.
The most important aspect of all of these books is the unwavering support and love these five British men (and their American friends) show for each other. There is no judgment, no criticism, only affection and protection. Although he is universally agreed to be the most beautiful and fit of his flatmates, Paolo seems to be asexual to his brothers. His story is finally explained, even as his entire world is turned upside down.
There’s a great deal of family trauma here, a reminder that it is not only my generation who suffered to be ourselves in a hostile world. Takely makes sure that each of his brothers is a distinctive personality, all of them demonstrating different strengths and different damages.
Takely’s writing can be slightly helter-skelter at times, but the richness of his characters draw you back again and again. These are the friends we all wish we had.
The next book focuses, at last!, on Gregory, the nerdy millionaire who made a home for his accepting crew of college friends. I can’t wait!
March 11, 2025
When Paolo and Max met twelve years ago in the conversion camp, it was more of a nightmare than a dream. Finding and holding each other together in that place, they built a dream of their own to escape and be together, only to have that dream shattered and be torn apart. Twelve years later, through a complicated and unexpected twist of fate, they find each other in the same place again in London. Drawn back together by a love that never left either of them, they must navigate living in different countries, family obligations, jobs that may not transfer well, underworld connections and a ghost from the past if they want to be together. On the plus side, each has a found family to support them and each other as Max and Paolo search for a way to solve their hurdles and be together at last.
The full story of the conversion camp is revealed slowly throughout the book, the physical and emotional trauma to their minds and bodies, hidden for so long, finally seeing the light of day through the caring and support of their friends, as a new threat is revealed.
The supporting cast of characters in both Paolo’s and Max’s found families are unique men in complicated relationships that at times cross lines within the found families. World building in the conversion camp and then in London flesh out the background as the story progresses, there is a mystery to solve, and a closure to be reached.
The book is intense in places, humorous and/or emotional in others, but the reader is drawn in and pulled along as Max and Paolo rediscover each other, face their past, and work toward their future together. Both characters are realistic and definitely relatable, easy to empathize with the feelings and residuals left on their lives that they have held onto for the last twelve years. It is an engaging read, one which is easy to get into if you can get past the first part at the camp, but if that is triggering for you, you could skip the prologue and begin at chapter 1 (realizing there will be hints about the camp revealed throughout the book, especially in chapter 19 on the plane. That chapter could be skimmed if triggering.). The book is worth the read, if only for a glimpse into what some family members may be willing to do in the name of religion over family, something I hope will not become more prevalent again as the political climate in the US changes in 2025 and maybe beyond. I sincerely hope that will not be a possibility. This story lets the resilience of the human spirit win for these two men.
The full story of the conversion camp is revealed slowly throughout the book, the physical and emotional trauma to their minds and bodies, hidden for so long, finally seeing the light of day through the caring and support of their friends, as a new threat is revealed.
The supporting cast of characters in both Paolo’s and Max’s found families are unique men in complicated relationships that at times cross lines within the found families. World building in the conversion camp and then in London flesh out the background as the story progresses, there is a mystery to solve, and a closure to be reached.
The book is intense in places, humorous and/or emotional in others, but the reader is drawn in and pulled along as Max and Paolo rediscover each other, face their past, and work toward their future together. Both characters are realistic and definitely relatable, easy to empathize with the feelings and residuals left on their lives that they have held onto for the last twelve years. It is an engaging read, one which is easy to get into if you can get past the first part at the camp, but if that is triggering for you, you could skip the prologue and begin at chapter 1 (realizing there will be hints about the camp revealed throughout the book, especially in chapter 19 on the plane. That chapter could be skimmed if triggering.). The book is worth the read, if only for a glimpse into what some family members may be willing to do in the name of religion over family, something I hope will not become more prevalent again as the political climate in the US changes in 2025 and maybe beyond. I sincerely hope that will not be a possibility. This story lets the resilience of the human spirit win for these two men.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
This is an intense story that discusses conversion therapy, an abusive practice intended to make a homosexual person heterosexual. The protagonists, Max and Paolo, meet in a conversion therapy camp run by the creepy, sadistic Father Moretti. I quickly clocked Father Moretti as a self-righteous, closeted homosexual. As the story progresses, he's revealed to be even worse than I initially thought.
The concept is compelling, the storytelling is engaging, and the author creates characters the reader cares about. The story contains several wonderful "Oh, my heart!" moments and intense surprises.
My reasons for giving the story four stars rather than five are subjective rather than objective. I would have liked more non-sexual interaction between Max and Paolo. While the author made it clear that there was a strong emotional bond between them rather than a strictly sexual attraction, I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the non-steamy side of their relationship.
While I understand Paolo's obsession with his physique, his discussions about diet and exercise were a little overwhelming for someone who struggles with body image and an eating disorder.
I recommend Stolen Dream for readers who like an intense contemporary romance that tackles real-world issues and don't mind when things get dark. Because of adult themes and explicit sexual content, the book is not suitable for readers younger than eighteen.
The concept is compelling, the storytelling is engaging, and the author creates characters the reader cares about. The story contains several wonderful "Oh, my heart!" moments and intense surprises.
My reasons for giving the story four stars rather than five are subjective rather than objective. I would have liked more non-sexual interaction between Max and Paolo. While the author made it clear that there was a strong emotional bond between them rather than a strictly sexual attraction, I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the non-steamy side of their relationship.
While I understand Paolo's obsession with his physique, his discussions about diet and exercise were a little overwhelming for someone who struggles with body image and an eating disorder.
I recommend Stolen Dream for readers who like an intense contemporary romance that tackles real-world issues and don't mind when things get dark. Because of adult themes and explicit sexual content, the book is not suitable for readers younger than eighteen.
February 13, 2025
Stolen Dream is a powerful tale of forbidden love, resilience, and second chances.
At eighteen, Paolo and Max meet under the worst circumstances—trapped in a conversion therapy camp, abandoned by their families, and forced to endure unimaginable cruelty. Their love becomes their secret rebellion, but just as they plan to escape, they are ripped apart, believing they’ve lost each other forever.
Twelve years later, Paolo has built a new life in Soho, London, surrounded by his found family, while Max thrives as a high-powered criminal lawyer in New York. Worlds apart, yet neither has forgotten the love they once shared.
When a dangerous case forces Max to seek refuge in London, fate intervenes, and their paths cross again. The spark between them still burns, but the ghosts of their past—and the reality of their present—stand in their way. And when Paolo’s sister is threatened with the same fate they once suffered, the stakes become even higher.
This book was absolutely wonderful. Max and Paolo fit together perfectly, their chemistry undeniable. The emotional depth, the tension, and the journey of healing and hope had me hooked. I highly recommend Stolen Dream and the entire series—I can’t wait for the next book!
Stolen Dream is a gripping, emotional journey of hope, redemption, and the courage to reclaim what was stolen.
At eighteen, Paolo and Max meet under the worst circumstances—trapped in a conversion therapy camp, abandoned by their families, and forced to endure unimaginable cruelty. Their love becomes their secret rebellion, but just as they plan to escape, they are ripped apart, believing they’ve lost each other forever.
Twelve years later, Paolo has built a new life in Soho, London, surrounded by his found family, while Max thrives as a high-powered criminal lawyer in New York. Worlds apart, yet neither has forgotten the love they once shared.
When a dangerous case forces Max to seek refuge in London, fate intervenes, and their paths cross again. The spark between them still burns, but the ghosts of their past—and the reality of their present—stand in their way. And when Paolo’s sister is threatened with the same fate they once suffered, the stakes become even higher.
This book was absolutely wonderful. Max and Paolo fit together perfectly, their chemistry undeniable. The emotional depth, the tension, and the journey of healing and hope had me hooked. I highly recommend Stolen Dream and the entire series—I can’t wait for the next book!
Stolen Dream is a gripping, emotional journey of hope, redemption, and the courage to reclaim what was stolen.
December 26, 2025
This was an incredible second-chance romance—tender, painful, and ultimately healing. What begins with heartbreak and bittersweet memories blooms into something fragile but hopeful when Paolo and Max are reunited in the most unexpected way.
There’s no certainty that it will work. Both men are still carrying the weight of their past—gruesome, traumatic years that shaped them in very different ways. Paolo is a gentle, anxious soul, still learning how to sit with his feelings and the aftershocks of what he endured. Max, on the other hand, has survived by burying it all—thriving on the surface while refusing to speak about the pain underneath. But the moment they see each other again, everything they’ve suppressed rises to the surface.
What I loved most is how this story honors healing as a process, not a destination. Their love isn’t perfect or easy, but it’s honest. And the ending—seeing their friends rally around them as chosen family—was deeply moving. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves love, safety, and a chance to close the door on the past without walking through it alone.
And let me just say—Gregory Salinas and Tim Paige absolutely ATE on the audio. Holy Toledo! Their performances added so much depth and emotion to an already powerful story. Huge thank you to @bluenoseaudio for the ALC!
There’s no certainty that it will work. Both men are still carrying the weight of their past—gruesome, traumatic years that shaped them in very different ways. Paolo is a gentle, anxious soul, still learning how to sit with his feelings and the aftershocks of what he endured. Max, on the other hand, has survived by burying it all—thriving on the surface while refusing to speak about the pain underneath. But the moment they see each other again, everything they’ve suppressed rises to the surface.
What I loved most is how this story honors healing as a process, not a destination. Their love isn’t perfect or easy, but it’s honest. And the ending—seeing their friends rally around them as chosen family—was deeply moving. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves love, safety, and a chance to close the door on the past without walking through it alone.
And let me just say—Gregory Salinas and Tim Paige absolutely ATE on the audio. Holy Toledo! Their performances added so much depth and emotion to an already powerful story. Huge thank you to @bluenoseaudio for the ALC!
September 23, 2025
Third in series (Soho Knights), can be read as a standalone but might be better if read in order. Second chance. Slow burn. Found family. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Having met and lost his first and only love at a conversion therapy camp twelve years ago, the last thing Paolo expects is to see Max again. Max has never forgotten Paolo, and now he unexpectedly has a second chance but how can they make it work when they live thousands of miles apart in different countries.
Paolo and Max have a terrible shared history that had a brief bit of light in that they fell in love, and now they are trying to navigate the possibility of love again. Their shared and separate found families are mostly supportive which is important, although I wish there was more time spent with Max and Paolo learning about each other again as they are currently versus the short time they spent together when they were younger. Overall, I am still enjoying this series and the men that come together and are determined to stay together.
Having met and lost his first and only love at a conversion therapy camp twelve years ago, the last thing Paolo expects is to see Max again. Max has never forgotten Paolo, and now he unexpectedly has a second chance but how can they make it work when they live thousands of miles apart in different countries.
Paolo and Max have a terrible shared history that had a brief bit of light in that they fell in love, and now they are trying to navigate the possibility of love again. Their shared and separate found families are mostly supportive which is important, although I wish there was more time spent with Max and Paolo learning about each other again as they are currently versus the short time they spent together when they were younger. Overall, I am still enjoying this series and the men that come together and are determined to stay together.
February 27, 2025
Paolo met Max at a gay conversion camp, a place they were sent to for their own good. Max played the game the leaders wanted and said the right things so his treatment wasn’t as harsh as Paolo’s. Paolo was starved to make him pliable and the first person who was nice to him gave him a sandwich and a life giving connection. Cruelly mistreated, the young men clung to each other until they were ripped apart. There was no goodness here.
A lot of characters to keep track of. Both men have their own tight circle of friends who all figure prominently in this book. Each man in the group is working on, (or towards) their HEA.
Oddly enough the author presented a harrowing experience with a bit of joy for Paolo and Max. The love they felt for each other was still palpable twelve years later.
I thought that the authors warning to not read the prologue to avoid graphic details was useful.
I received an arc of this book.
A lot of characters to keep track of. Both men have their own tight circle of friends who all figure prominently in this book. Each man in the group is working on, (or towards) their HEA.
Oddly enough the author presented a harrowing experience with a bit of joy for Paolo and Max. The love they felt for each other was still palpable twelve years later.
I thought that the authors warning to not read the prologue to avoid graphic details was useful.
I received an arc of this book.
December 24, 2025
Paolo and Max’s story pulled me in and never let go.
Their meeting at such a cruel and isolating conversion therapy camp instantly set the tone for a deeply emotional and meaningful journey. The way their forbidden love grows in a place designed to erase who they are made their connection feel even more intense and real. When they’re torn apart, the pain feels earned and devastating, not just for shock value.
I loved how the story follows them years later, living completely different lives both still haunted by what they lost. Their reunion in London was everything I hoped for full of chemistry, tension, and unresolved emotion.
The story is put together really well, balancing romance, suspense, found family, and hope without ever feeling rushed. Every obstacle mattered, and every emotional moment hit hard.
The narrators brought so much depth and authenticity to Paolo and Max, making every feeling feel even more raw and real.
Their meeting at such a cruel and isolating conversion therapy camp instantly set the tone for a deeply emotional and meaningful journey. The way their forbidden love grows in a place designed to erase who they are made their connection feel even more intense and real. When they’re torn apart, the pain feels earned and devastating, not just for shock value.
I loved how the story follows them years later, living completely different lives both still haunted by what they lost. Their reunion in London was everything I hoped for full of chemistry, tension, and unresolved emotion.
The story is put together really well, balancing romance, suspense, found family, and hope without ever feeling rushed. Every obstacle mattered, and every emotional moment hit hard.
The narrators brought so much depth and authenticity to Paolo and Max, making every feeling feel even more raw and real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
Rarely am I speechless and moved beyond words when finishing a book but this one shook me. I loved this beautifully written love story about never giving up on yourself or your first love. Paolo and Max meet in a conversion camp (and ok that was hard to read as nothing positive there excerpt their meeting) and start a secret romance. Life separates them and each builds their own lives when suddenly the crazy circle of life brings their paths back together. They have the chance to rebuild their love and relationship. This book is proof that true love must be fought for and we must fight for who we want cause life is hard. Beautifully written with characters that have depth and emotion and have the courage to fight, healing a difficulty life to find their HEA. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
March 9, 2025
It is so sad to read the lengths families will go to to not accept who their members genuinely are. My heart went out to both Max and Paolo having to endure time in a conversion camp. That is where they met and what they each survived as they fell for one another - not easy given where they were. But unfortunately they were not able to get away from it together, though they both got away and were able to build successful lives. They waited 12 years to come across one another again and although there was joy at the reunion, they still had challenges to deal with on their way to their HEA. However this time they also each had a strong found family/friend network to support and encourage them. The author did a good job of helping us to read about a love strong and resilient that was able to endure.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2025
Duet narration - Tim Paige & Gregory Salinas
Fabulous narration.
3rd person POV
MM Romance
Second chance romance
Found family
*check content warnings*
Book #3 SoHo Knights series
Works as a standalone.
Max is a 30 yr old lawyer in the United States. He’s built up his life and friend group since he escaped the conversion camp 12 years ago. He’s still hung up on the guy he got torn away from at the camp.
Paolo is living in Europe with friends finally being mostly away from his parents but staying close to support his younger sister. He never got over Max and running into him at a friend group outing was never something he expected.
These two reconnect over the course of a few weeks. They share a traumatic shared experience and are finally getting their second chance.
Overall, this was an emotional roller coaster story that had me smiling in the end.
Fabulous narration.
3rd person POV
MM Romance
Second chance romance
Found family
*check content warnings*
Book #3 SoHo Knights series
Works as a standalone.
Max is a 30 yr old lawyer in the United States. He’s built up his life and friend group since he escaped the conversion camp 12 years ago. He’s still hung up on the guy he got torn away from at the camp.
Paolo is living in Europe with friends finally being mostly away from his parents but staying close to support his younger sister. He never got over Max and running into him at a friend group outing was never something he expected.
These two reconnect over the course of a few weeks. They share a traumatic shared experience and are finally getting their second chance.
Overall, this was an emotional roller coaster story that had me smiling in the end.
December 21, 2025
Stolen Dreams
By Oliver Takely
Performed in Duet by Tim Paige & Gregory Salinas
Book 3 of the SoHo Nights series. Can be read as a stand alone.
Very strong start with this story. It can be triggering so please read the content warning list.
How can love of any kind be wrong? That is always my question.
When Max and Paolo meet, their chemistry is like glue. It’s what is what will always keep them together. And I love that for them. His one and his only.
Thank you to BlueNose Audio for the ALC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first read from this author. Nicely adapted story. Love. Found family. One virgin MMC. IMHO there should have been more to the story that may have been left out on purpose.
There must be more. And I’m looking forward to what that may be
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration:🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
By Oliver Takely
Performed in Duet by Tim Paige & Gregory Salinas
Book 3 of the SoHo Nights series. Can be read as a stand alone.
Very strong start with this story. It can be triggering so please read the content warning list.
How can love of any kind be wrong? That is always my question.
When Max and Paolo meet, their chemistry is like glue. It’s what is what will always keep them together. And I love that for them. His one and his only.
Thank you to BlueNose Audio for the ALC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first read from this author. Nicely adapted story. Love. Found family. One virgin MMC. IMHO there should have been more to the story that may have been left out on purpose.
There must be more. And I’m looking forward to what that may be
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration:🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
March 20, 2025
The Sono Knights series is absolutely incredible! What Paola and Max went through is truly heart-wrenching, and you can see how it left a lasting impact on them. Their reunion after so many years is a real treasure, and it’s written so beautifully!
The suspense had me on the edge of my seat—I couldn't put it down! The friendships among the group are so uplifting, and the camaraderie they share is just fantastic. It’s amazing how both Paola and Max have such supportive friends who are willing to do anything for their love.
I love how each character is developed so well; the main characters are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Congratulations, Oliver! This series is truly the best, and your writing really draws the reader into the world of each character.
The suspense had me on the edge of my seat—I couldn't put it down! The friendships among the group are so uplifting, and the camaraderie they share is just fantastic. It’s amazing how both Paola and Max have such supportive friends who are willing to do anything for their love.
I love how each character is developed so well; the main characters are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Congratulations, Oliver! This series is truly the best, and your writing really draws the reader into the world of each character.
March 29, 2025
Paolo and Max have the opposite of a meet cute! They meet when they are sent to a conversion therapy camp after coming out to their parents. Somehow they are able to form a bond and find love, even under the watchful eye of Father Moretti and his staff. But when they are discovered they are separated with no way of reconnecting. After about ten years they are reunited after their friends get engaged. I did like that they were able to find their way back to each other even there were missteps taken. This book does a good job balancing sweetness and light with darkness. I liked knowing the villians payed for their crimes without the grisly details. I do enjoy the supporting characters and I plan to go back to the start to catch up since I came in mid series.
March 6, 2025
Paolo and Max first met as teenagers at a cruel gay conversion camp, where Max played along with the leaders to avoid harsh treatment, while Paolo was starved and mistreated. They clung to each other for solace until they were forcibly separated. Years later, fate brings them together again in London, where their old feelings resurface. Though Paolo initially runs away in fear and confusion, with the support of friends, they reunite and rebuild their love. The story also includes a suspenseful side plot involving the mafia, adding more challenges for them to overcome. Beautifully written, the novel explores love, resilience, and the journey of staying true to oneself.
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June 26, 2025DNF—I think this was written too fast. It felt more tell than show; it was clunky, unpolished. I am pretty sure it was not edited, and not just not proofread, but no copy or line editing. For example, the author is British, and the American characters used British words rather than American—like, “mum” and “arse.” That’s just lazy writing right there. I liked the characters, and I felt for their situation, but I just couldn’t deal with the writing. Too bad too because I really liked the first book. Second one was pretty good too. This one could have been, but I think the author was trying to do that rapid release thing and skipped on the editing.
March 5, 2025
After having met and suffered through conversion therapy together, Max and Paolo never saw each other again until a chance meeting through mutual friends. They found they still had a connection despite the traumas that they had suffered. I was very worried that the mob boss was going to force Max to be his lawyer, but through a family plot twist, this fortunately didn't happen. A lovely HEA, including Paolo's sister. It's completely reprehensible that conversion "therapy" can still exist legally, as it still does in the country I live in (Netherlands).
March 5, 2025
I love this series and it was so great to see what was behind Paolo's monastic lifestyle in the previous books. I thought Takely did a good job of dealing with the flashback scenes to what happened to Paolo and his lost love Max in a way that disturbing but not salacious and sensationalized.
When Paolo and Max get over their initial shock and fear, they seem to go right from A-Z in a second - I don't want to spoil anything. I would have liked a little more of them dealing with the newness of being together again. They've both been pining for so long for their lost love.
When Paolo and Max get over their initial shock and fear, they seem to go right from A-Z in a second - I don't want to spoil anything. I would have liked a little more of them dealing with the newness of being together again. They've both been pining for so long for their lost love.
February 24, 2025
This was heartbreaking while also being lovely. First I have to commend the author for not pulling punches with the conversion camp. These places are awful and yet still happening. I did love the beauty from darkness aspecr of falling in love in a hell like that. I love that both guys have these beautiful found families. I thoroughly enjoy seeing that. This is the third in the series and I genuinely loved each book and can't wait for the next.
March 3, 2025
The Soho Knights is quickly becoming one of my favorites series, and book 3 does not disappoint. Max and Paolo have been through hell and back, and while they have amazing found family, something has always been missing for both. They wanted each other so deeply, but more importantly, they needed one another, not because they went through an awful trauma, but because they were the other half of each other's heart.
March 5, 2025
OMG! This book was so well written. What these two main characters went through as young men was horrific. It was really good to see a Mob boss doing something that although not legal, made the world a better place. It's a really great book with great characters, some of who we have met in the first two books of this series and the storyline is exceptional. I loved it. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 12, 2025
Max and Paulo met at a conversion camp when they were both 18 and then separated, not to meet again for 12 years. Yet both never forgot their first love and the camp left emotional and mental scars. Both want each other but have so many fears and adjustments. You feel so sorry for their pain and emotional turmoil though happy they got their second chance. It leaves you angry at the idea of a conversion camp and at their parents. I received a copy of this and this was my voluntary opinion.
March 12, 2025
4.5/5 stars! Wow! This book was so beautiful, but not for the weak of heart. It was challenging to make it through the portions on what Paolo and Max survive at the conversion camp. Thankfully, the story quickly moves on to a time jump past that. This is a reunion-based story of healing. After running into each other, their story is beautiful and haunting and a story of growth and resilience. I loved it.
March 13, 2025
This was my first Oliver Takely book and I really enjoyed it. Max and Paolo went through something truly awful as teenagers and as much as they tried to hold onto each other during it, they were forced apart. Years later they meet again through mutual friends and realise the connection they shared still exists. It was an emotional rollercoaster but I loved watching them get their HEA. I also really loved the found family aspect to this book.
July 9, 2025
Max and Paolo met at a conversion-therapy camp where Max fed Paolo when he refused to recant his gayness. Years passed, with them both pining for each other, and then Sebastian brought his New York staff to London. Max and Paolo reconnected, as they were meant for each other. By the end of the book, they had both moved to New York, since Paolo could be a men's masseur anywhere, and they became an engaged couple.
February 16, 2025
This is Paolo and Max's story and what a story it is, Max and Leo met when they were 18 and after a month in a knowing each other they were ripped apart. 12 years later they are reunited by strange circumstances through mutual friends and thus begins their time to start again and rekindle their friendship and then love.
I highly recommend this series and highly recommend Oliver Takely.
I highly recommend this series and highly recommend Oliver Takely.
February 18, 2025
Narrative: 📕📘📗📓📒
Angst: Tenative
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Humor: 😆😆🤣
Heart: 💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Moderate
This has been the best installment yet. So much of a deeper dive and we get to see some more of the Jason issues. A bit to quick with the wrap up at the end but it appears to come with the seeds being planted for two more books. Gregory and Jason have some explaining to do....
Angst: Tenative
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Humor: 😆😆🤣
Heart: 💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Moderate
This has been the best installment yet. So much of a deeper dive and we get to see some more of the Jason issues. A bit to quick with the wrap up at the end but it appears to come with the seeds being planted for two more books. Gregory and Jason have some explaining to do....
March 4, 2025
This is another great addition to the Soho Knights series, this is Paolo and Max’s story and it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, the story starts of hard but as we read it takes us from darkness to light and is a story full of hope, courage and redemption as they face all the obstacles in the way of them getting their Hea. Great read and can’t wait until book four.
March 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This covers some topics that are tough to read about but should be discussed as they still happen. The overall book is how two people were meant to be together and find their way back together. Emotional and some suspense along with sweet romance, laughs and spice. Great read.
This covers some topics that are tough to read about but should be discussed as they still happen. The overall book is how two people were meant to be together and find their way back together. Emotional and some suspense along with sweet romance, laughs and spice. Great read.
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