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Miami Nights and Club Lights #1
Dirty Martini
Rhys
My life hasn’t turned out the way I wanted it to.
Because of one stupid stunt by a kid I used to care about, I’m now slinging cocktails in a Miami club instead of getting my degree. In a split second, Everest Hill ruined my future, and I’m too jaded to ever move past it.
Only Elton—my best friend and his brother—connects us, but thankfully, Everest has made himself irrelevant in the last four years.
Until now.
When Elton heads off on a summer European adventure, I’m forced to babysit his little brother through his first semester in college, but I’d rather eat shattered glass than be a shoulder for him to lean on.
All the things I used to admire about Everest are tainted. He’s nothing more than a nuisance, a reminder that I’m going nowhere with my life, and when he starts to push my buttons? I prove that I can bite back.
We become trapped in a twisted game of loathing, always trying to one-up the other, never satisfied until one of us is crowned the winner.
But when I start to see the vulnerabilities that lie underneath his skin, the truth behind the facade, I can’t help but cave to the side of me I thought I buried.
Because Everest is not only mine to hate—
He’s mine to keep.
Dirty Martini is dual-pov, enemies-to-lovers, best friend’s brother romance. With possessive hate, lurking grudges, and passionate feels, Dirty Martini will leave you panting for more.
This is the first in a series of interconnected standalones featuring the workers of club XO as they try to find their HEAs. Please use the ‘look inside’ feature to see if this book is right for you.
My life hasn’t turned out the way I wanted it to.
Because of one stupid stunt by a kid I used to care about, I’m now slinging cocktails in a Miami club instead of getting my degree. In a split second, Everest Hill ruined my future, and I’m too jaded to ever move past it.
Only Elton—my best friend and his brother—connects us, but thankfully, Everest has made himself irrelevant in the last four years.
Until now.
When Elton heads off on a summer European adventure, I’m forced to babysit his little brother through his first semester in college, but I’d rather eat shattered glass than be a shoulder for him to lean on.
All the things I used to admire about Everest are tainted. He’s nothing more than a nuisance, a reminder that I’m going nowhere with my life, and when he starts to push my buttons? I prove that I can bite back.
We become trapped in a twisted game of loathing, always trying to one-up the other, never satisfied until one of us is crowned the winner.
But when I start to see the vulnerabilities that lie underneath his skin, the truth behind the facade, I can’t help but cave to the side of me I thought I buried.
Because Everest is not only mine to hate—
He’s mine to keep.
Dirty Martini is dual-pov, enemies-to-lovers, best friend’s brother romance. With possessive hate, lurking grudges, and passionate feels, Dirty Martini will leave you panting for more.
This is the first in a series of interconnected standalones featuring the workers of club XO as they try to find their HEAs. Please use the ‘look inside’ feature to see if this book is right for you.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2024
296 people are currently reading
2668 people want to read
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December 6, 2024
6 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
“He taps his temple with his free hand. ‘It’s just you in there. Too much, if you ask me.’”
Okay, well this is awkward. How am I going to choose a favorite between this and Whiskey Sour? (Yes, I read Whiskey Sour first because I’m silly.) Elton and Knox were perfect but Rhys and Everest are everything. I love all my babies so much.
I had my issues with Everest for a large portion of this book. He’s very selfish and oblivious, and honestly part of me still feels like he doesn’t 100% deserve Rhys, who is honestly the most perfect boyfriend in the world. The way that man loved Everest even despite everything was beautiful. Honestly though, by the end I’d forgiven Everest and was really just rooting for them.
The spice was hot as usual for Addison Beck’s books. I love how they’re never repetitive. Each couple has their own things that just work for them and it’s always so hot. Loved Everest’s hidden exhibition kink. Loved the way Rhys explored Everest’s body as he came to terms with his sexuality. It was all just amazing.
Also what is it about hurricane/bad storm scenes in books that just D O. I T. for me? Exiled and Where There’s a Will anyone? The hurricane chapters were everything. Getting caught in storms is becoming a favorite microtrope of mine.
I’ve said this before and I’ll never stop saying it—there is just something about Addison Beck’s writing that is so comforting to me. Her characters and plots just always drag me into their embrace and make me feel warm and safe. I will stan this author until my dying breath.
I need Skylar and Cassius’s story. Like yesterday. I need my precious, sweet angel boy to have a boyfriend who treats him like the king he is. Please and thank you.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
“He taps his temple with his free hand. ‘It’s just you in there. Too much, if you ask me.’”
Okay, well this is awkward. How am I going to choose a favorite between this and Whiskey Sour? (Yes, I read Whiskey Sour first because I’m silly.) Elton and Knox were perfect but Rhys and Everest are everything. I love all my babies so much.
I had my issues with Everest for a large portion of this book. He’s very selfish and oblivious, and honestly part of me still feels like he doesn’t 100% deserve Rhys, who is honestly the most perfect boyfriend in the world. The way that man loved Everest even despite everything was beautiful. Honestly though, by the end I’d forgiven Everest and was really just rooting for them.
The spice was hot as usual for Addison Beck’s books. I love how they’re never repetitive. Each couple has their own things that just work for them and it’s always so hot. Loved Everest’s hidden exhibition kink. Loved the way Rhys explored Everest’s body as he came to terms with his sexuality. It was all just amazing.
Also what is it about hurricane/bad storm scenes in books that just D O. I T. for me? Exiled and Where There’s a Will anyone? The hurricane chapters were everything. Getting caught in storms is becoming a favorite microtrope of mine.
I’ve said this before and I’ll never stop saying it—there is just something about Addison Beck’s writing that is so comforting to me. Her characters and plots just always drag me into their embrace and make me feel warm and safe. I will stan this author until my dying breath.
I need Skylar and Cassius’s story. Like yesterday. I need my precious, sweet angel boy to have a boyfriend who treats him like the king he is. Please and thank you.
May 6, 2025
Rhys + Everest 🖤
Enemies to lovers | Brother's best friend
Amazing enemies to lovers. Knock down drag out hatred to pure swoon worthy love ❤️
....
"He looks at me with nothing but lustful disgust because he hates how much he wants me. Because he loathes himself for what he's about to do, but he can't control it anymore. We both know this is wrong, and we're willingly falling into madness." 🔥
"I'm so in love with him. Not just the way he makes me feel, but the person he is. Loyal, strong, calm in the storm, but passionate in the breeze. He took my freakout and brought me back, took my fears and soothed them, and took my deepest insecurities and made me feel like they were never there to begin with." 🥺
"Please, whatever god is listening, tell me I did not just come on Everest's face while his brother watched." 😂
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in tropes and triggers list
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Brothers best friend
Best friends little brother
Gay for you
Sexual awakening
Hate sex
OTT/JP
Versatile roles
Voyeurism
Exhibitionism
Forced proximity
TWs:
Panic attacks
Self hatred
Negative self talk
Violence
Enemies to lovers | Brother's best friend
Amazing enemies to lovers. Knock down drag out hatred to pure swoon worthy love ❤️
....
"He looks at me with nothing but lustful disgust because he hates how much he wants me. Because he loathes himself for what he's about to do, but he can't control it anymore. We both know this is wrong, and we're willingly falling into madness." 🔥
"I'm so in love with him. Not just the way he makes me feel, but the person he is. Loyal, strong, calm in the storm, but passionate in the breeze. He took my freakout and brought me back, took my fears and soothed them, and took my deepest insecurities and made me feel like they were never there to begin with." 🥺
"Please, whatever god is listening, tell me I did not just come on Everest's face while his brother watched." 😂
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in tropes and triggers list
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Brothers best friend
Best friends little brother
Gay for you
Sexual awakening
Hate sex
OTT/JP
Versatile roles
Voyeurism
Exhibitionism
Forced proximity
TWs:
Panic attacks
Self hatred
Negative self talk
Violence
Read
July 22, 2025edit 07/25: rating removed
4.25**** stars
Man. So far I really love this author’s stories. Intense af. Hot af. And eventually sweet af. Exactly what I crave in my romances.
I mean, that conflict between them was HUGE!! After the first third of the book I had no idea how they would be able to move on from that. But hell, if I didn’t love that they managed it.
Can’t wait for this series to continue. I want all the side characters’ stories stat.
*************
Miami Nights and Club Lights Series
Book 1 - Dirty Martini - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Whiskey Sour - release 12/24
4.25**** stars
Man. So far I really love this author’s stories. Intense af. Hot af. And eventually sweet af. Exactly what I crave in my romances.
None of the shit between us mattered anymore. The only thing that mattered was getting him away from someone who doesn’t belong to him. Someone who belongs to me.
Maybe my hatred has taken on a possessive streak that’s both unwarranted and unwanted.
I mean, that conflict between them was HUGE!! After the first third of the book I had no idea how they would be able to move on from that. But hell, if I didn’t love that they managed it.
Can’t wait for this series to continue. I want all the side characters’ stories stat.
*************
Miami Nights and Club Lights Series
Book 1 - Dirty Martini - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Whiskey Sour - release 12/24
September 18, 2024
Tropes: enemies to lovers, Brothers best friend, Forced proximity
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: toys, hate sex
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: drug use, OM drama
3.5 stars
Rhys is 23 and he's a bartender. His best friend is Elton. Elton's little brother Everest is 19. 4 years ago, Rhys was valedictorian and had a scholarship to college and dreams of becoming an engineer. But he interrupted a drug deal that Everest was conducting with his dealer Knox and Rhys got caught with the drugs by the cops. Rhys lost everything, his high school wouldn't let him graduate and he had to get his GED instead, and his scholarship was revoked. He's hated Everest ever since. Everest never apologized. Rhys didn't tell Elton what happened.
In the present, Everest is in his first year of college and Elton is out of town for a few months and he asks Rhys to look out for his brother. Everest is also their new roommate. This forces them to interact and the animosity between them boils over into a war of words and actions. It culminates in them admitting their attraction to each other and them being possessive over each other. Rhys had never been with a man before but he's gone for Everest. What started out as hate f****** turns into a committed relationship. But then they have the struggle of coming out to Elton.
This was a decent story. It was smutty fun, it was a steamy and possessive ride. It was a little over the top and kind of gives you whiplash with how quickly they went from hating each other to being so mushy over each other. It was a bit superficial.
One thing I just really did not like was that Everest was so defensive of Knox, calling him his best friend, having a prolonged f*** buddy relationship with Knox. Call me close-minded, but Knox was a bad f****** influence. Knox was older and trying to fuck Everest when Everest was 14 years old, and Knox was selling drugs to Everest when he was 14 years old. Knox selling drugs is what took a wrecking ball to Rhys' life (Knox and Everest were both to blame). The fact that Everest kept defending him and went on to have such a close relationship with him is such a betrayal and it's so sketchy. You can't convince me Knox is a good person, and Rhys had to just accept Knox's permanent place in their life as Everest best friend even after they got together? No thanks.
Some notable moments:
"That’s all I’ve been able to focus on. I swear, fucking Everest. Yeah, let’s fuck Everest. Wait, what? No. Absolutely not. I slap the intrusive thought out of my head."
"“This isn’t fair.” “It doesn’t have to be,” he says, working the hem of my shirt up. “Get naked. Now.” “Why?” I ask breathlessly, but I’m already lifting my arms over my head so he can slip off my shirt. “Because I’m going to fucking ruin you tonight,” he tells me as he pulls me by my throat and shoves me onto the bed."
Skylar shipping them was funny. "“He’s mine,” I grunt, crossing my arms over my chest, daring either of them to say something. Britt’s eyes widen, but it’s Skylar’s reaction that almost has the entire bar turning in our direction. “Yes!” he screams. Grabbing onto my shoulders, he tries to force me to jump with him. “Bless possessive hotties and their bisexual curiosity!”"
*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*: 4/5
Kinks: toys, hate sex
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: drug use, OM drama
3.5 stars
Rhys is 23 and he's a bartender. His best friend is Elton. Elton's little brother Everest is 19. 4 years ago, Rhys was valedictorian and had a scholarship to college and dreams of becoming an engineer. But he interrupted a drug deal that Everest was conducting with his dealer Knox and Rhys got caught with the drugs by the cops. Rhys lost everything, his high school wouldn't let him graduate and he had to get his GED instead, and his scholarship was revoked. He's hated Everest ever since. Everest never apologized. Rhys didn't tell Elton what happened.
In the present, Everest is in his first year of college and Elton is out of town for a few months and he asks Rhys to look out for his brother. Everest is also their new roommate. This forces them to interact and the animosity between them boils over into a war of words and actions. It culminates in them admitting their attraction to each other and them being possessive over each other. Rhys had never been with a man before but he's gone for Everest. What started out as hate f****** turns into a committed relationship. But then they have the struggle of coming out to Elton.
This was a decent story. It was smutty fun, it was a steamy and possessive ride. It was a little over the top and kind of gives you whiplash with how quickly they went from hating each other to being so mushy over each other. It was a bit superficial.
One thing I just really did not like was that Everest was so defensive of Knox, calling him his best friend, having a prolonged f*** buddy relationship with Knox. Call me close-minded, but Knox was a bad f****** influence. Knox was older and trying to fuck Everest when Everest was 14 years old, and Knox was selling drugs to Everest when he was 14 years old. Knox selling drugs is what took a wrecking ball to Rhys' life (Knox and Everest were both to blame). The fact that Everest kept defending him and went on to have such a close relationship with him is such a betrayal and it's so sketchy. You can't convince me Knox is a good person, and Rhys had to just accept Knox's permanent place in their life as Everest best friend even after they got together? No thanks.
Some notable moments:
"That’s all I’ve been able to focus on. I swear, fucking Everest. Yeah, let’s fuck Everest. Wait, what? No. Absolutely not. I slap the intrusive thought out of my head."
"“This isn’t fair.” “It doesn’t have to be,” he says, working the hem of my shirt up. “Get naked. Now.” “Why?” I ask breathlessly, but I’m already lifting my arms over my head so he can slip off my shirt. “Because I’m going to fucking ruin you tonight,” he tells me as he pulls me by my throat and shoves me onto the bed."
Skylar shipping them was funny. "“He’s mine,” I grunt, crossing my arms over my chest, daring either of them to say something. Britt’s eyes widen, but it’s Skylar’s reaction that almost has the entire bar turning in our direction. “Yes!” he screams. Grabbing onto my shoulders, he tries to force me to jump with him. “Bless possessive hotties and their bisexual curiosity!”"
*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.
September 30, 2024
HO-LY HELL that was INTENSE ❤️🔥
Intense tension and (hate-)fucking, intense and delicious possessiveness and jealousy, intense love. ‘Mine’ as a trope really does it for me for some reason and this book is FULL of that 🥵
‘You’re mine to torture, mine to hate, mine to fuck.’ 🔥
This was such a well done enemies to lovers, where they legit LOATHE each other for quite some time and end up falling so completely and irrevocably in love, it took my breath away. (Rhys hating Everest that much because of something he did when he was a scared 14 y/o was a little ott though I thought 🤷♀️)
I liked both MCs; they were all hard shells and chip on their shoulders but had so much vulnerability underneath it all.
There were so many great side characters, whose stories I now NEED. Cassius and Skylar? Butch and maybe Davis? And of course next books pairing, which I didn’t expect to happen but am absolutely feral for.
I thought the conflicts with the brother and also with Rhys’ college ambitions were resolved a little too quickly and easily but other than that, this was a great, quick read! 4⭐️
Tw:
Panic attacks
Drug/alcohol use
Vomiting
Violence
Self hate talk
Intense tension and (hate-)fucking, intense and delicious possessiveness and jealousy, intense love. ‘Mine’ as a trope really does it for me for some reason and this book is FULL of that 🥵
‘You’re mine to torture, mine to hate, mine to fuck.’ 🔥
This was such a well done enemies to lovers, where they legit LOATHE each other for quite some time and end up falling so completely and irrevocably in love, it took my breath away. (Rhys hating Everest that much because of something he did when he was a scared 14 y/o was a little ott though I thought 🤷♀️)
I liked both MCs; they were all hard shells and chip on their shoulders but had so much vulnerability underneath it all.
There were so many great side characters, whose stories I now NEED. Cassius and Skylar? Butch and maybe Davis? And of course next books pairing, which I didn’t expect to happen but am absolutely feral for.
I thought the conflicts with the brother and also with Rhys’ college ambitions were resolved a little too quickly and easily but other than that, this was a great, quick read! 4⭐️
Tw:
Panic attacks
Drug/alcohol use
Vomiting
Violence
Self hate talk
November 7, 2024
DNF @53% Alright, so, I thought with time I could get back to this and hopefully tolerate Everest and finish it. But if I’m being honest I really don’t need to force myself to finish this just because so many other people like this.
I stand on the opinion that this would’ve a made better story as Friends to lovers MM romance with codependency. Rhys had more chemistry with his best friend than he ever did with Everest.
I love Addison Beck’s books but this was a miss for me. I hate when characters do things, fuck up and there are little to no consequences for their actions. It didn’t even help that Everest was fucking around with the guy that aided him in ruining Rhys’s life. You’re not going to convince me that in all those fours years he was remorseful for his actions because if he were, he would have no business fucking around with that guy and still using drugs. The same thing that caused Rhys his future, his life, all because he wanted to do the right thing for his Bestfriend’s brother.
I love me a good enemies to lovers, but the reasoning behind this is a no no. Made me feel like this was saying. “Oh you know, you could go ahead and fuck up someone’s life and there would be no consequences because you were a fourteen year old teenager when it happened. Don’t worry when you’re 18, you can just offer him your ass and everything will be fine.” Nope. Nope. No. Nah.
Everest was one privileged motherfucker and up until 53% of this book all he did was whine and victimize himself. It made no bleeping sense. And also the sudden possessiveness from Rhys over Everest made no sense. Perhaps I would’ve been convinced a little that they had chemistry if this progressed in a way where we get to see them slowly fall in love with each other, Romance and we see Rhys getting to know Everest in depth. But that wasn’t the case. The lust and sex came from no where and it made no fucking sense. Sex/lust is not going to fix a fuck up that ruined someone else’s life.
Nope.
Yeah so that’s it.
I stand on the opinion that this would’ve a made better story as Friends to lovers MM romance with codependency. Rhys had more chemistry with his best friend than he ever did with Everest.
I love Addison Beck’s books but this was a miss for me. I hate when characters do things, fuck up and there are little to no consequences for their actions. It didn’t even help that Everest was fucking around with the guy that aided him in ruining Rhys’s life. You’re not going to convince me that in all those fours years he was remorseful for his actions because if he were, he would have no business fucking around with that guy and still using drugs. The same thing that caused Rhys his future, his life, all because he wanted to do the right thing for his Bestfriend’s brother.
I love me a good enemies to lovers, but the reasoning behind this is a no no. Made me feel like this was saying. “Oh you know, you could go ahead and fuck up someone’s life and there would be no consequences because you were a fourteen year old teenager when it happened. Don’t worry when you’re 18, you can just offer him your ass and everything will be fine.” Nope. Nope. No. Nah.
Everest was one privileged motherfucker and up until 53% of this book all he did was whine and victimize himself. It made no bleeping sense. And also the sudden possessiveness from Rhys over Everest made no sense. Perhaps I would’ve been convinced a little that they had chemistry if this progressed in a way where we get to see them slowly fall in love with each other, Romance and we see Rhys getting to know Everest in depth. But that wasn’t the case. The lust and sex came from no where and it made no fucking sense. Sex/lust is not going to fix a fuck up that ruined someone else’s life.
Nope.
Yeah so that’s it.
September 30, 2024
✅ Possessive. Loved how Rhys was all MINE, touch him and die.
✅ Brother's Best Friend. Loved the dynamic but Elton was a dick when he found out.
✅ Enemies to Lovers. Always a favourite trope. Loved the animosity between them.
❌ Rhys's attitude. I'm sorry but everything that happened to Rhys was down to his own choices, not Everest's.
❌ Everest's attitude. He came across as either a kicked puppy or sex obsessed. The way he just wants to immediately give up when he faces the smallest issue was so annoying!!
I actually spent most of this book thinking that the American education system is so fucking weird 😂 How do you get expelled and not graduate when you've already done all the work? I have no clue how American schools work except what I've seen on TV etc. but to me if you already know you're the valedictorian (wtf is that even?!?) then surely you've done the work to graduate? It confused me so much. Like sure, lose your scholarship, but how do you lose what you've already achieved? Also it wasn't clear what legal consequences Rhys faced, but it seemed minimal so I'm confused how his whole life was considered ruined and why he was even expelled. There are other schools? Student loans? It just bothered me that this was the big conflict because to me it made no sense.
✅ Brother's Best Friend. Loved the dynamic but Elton was a dick when he found out.
✅ Enemies to Lovers. Always a favourite trope. Loved the animosity between them.
❌ Rhys's attitude. I'm sorry but everything that happened to Rhys was down to his own choices, not Everest's.
❌ Everest's attitude. He came across as either a kicked puppy or sex obsessed. The way he just wants to immediately give up when he faces the smallest issue was so annoying!!
I actually spent most of this book thinking that the American education system is so fucking weird 😂 How do you get expelled and not graduate when you've already done all the work? I have no clue how American schools work except what I've seen on TV etc. but to me if you already know you're the valedictorian (wtf is that even?!?) then surely you've done the work to graduate? It confused me so much. Like sure, lose your scholarship, but how do you lose what you've already achieved? Also it wasn't clear what legal consequences Rhys faced, but it seemed minimal so I'm confused how his whole life was considered ruined and why he was even expelled. There are other schools? Student loans? It just bothered me that this was the big conflict because to me it made no sense.
March 24, 2025
Everest is not only mine to hate —
He’s mine to keep.
4.75 ☆
I devoured this book.
If you're looking for nail-biting angst and toxic back and forth, look no further, because Rhys and Everest delivered in spades. They've known each other since they were kids. And they had a 'falling out' (if you will) with life-altering repercussions, when Rhys was 18 and Everest only 14.
4 years went by, with no contact, before they were thrust back into each other's lives. The journey from friends-hate-forgiveness-love was messy. But it was also heart-warming and so worth it in the end!💗
Last, but certainly not least. Elton. ELTON, the man that you are!! Elton is Rhys' best friend and Everest's older brother. And I love him to pieces!! Ah😩, my heart broke for him so much during this book.💔 He was the sweetest guy, the bestest best friend and the most amazing ♥ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ♥. I loved Rhys and Everest so much. But Elton totally stole the show and my heart❤️ I can't wait to read his book!!✨
Tropes/What to expect:
🍸MM
🍸Childhood-Friends
🍸Best-Friends-Brother
🍸Hate-To-Love
🍸🥵❤️🔥🥵
🍸Angsty/Toxic
🍸College
🍸Bi-Awakening/Only For You
🍸Roommates
🍸Dual Pov
He’s mine to keep.
4.75 ☆
I devoured this book.
If you're looking for nail-biting angst and toxic back and forth, look no further, because Rhys and Everest delivered in spades. They've known each other since they were kids. And they had a 'falling out' (if you will) with life-altering repercussions, when Rhys was 18 and Everest only 14.
4 years went by, with no contact, before they were thrust back into each other's lives. The journey from friends-hate-forgiveness-love was messy. But it was also heart-warming and so worth it in the end!💗
Last, but certainly not least. Elton. ELTON, the man that you are!! Elton is Rhys' best friend and Everest's older brother. And I love him to pieces!! Ah😩, my heart broke for him so much during this book.💔 He was the sweetest guy, the bestest best friend and the most amazing ♥ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ♥. I loved Rhys and Everest so much. But Elton totally stole the show and my heart❤️ I can't wait to read his book!!✨
Tropes/What to expect:
🍸MM
🍸Childhood-Friends
🍸Best-Friends-Brother
🍸Hate-To-Love
🍸🥵❤️🔥🥵
🍸Angsty/Toxic
🍸College
🍸Bi-Awakening/Only For You
🍸Roommates
🍸Dual Pov
November 10, 2024
*reread Nov 2024 *
This was my first book from Addison & it definitely won't be my last. I'm pretty sure I've read this book in 1 and a half days I couldn't put it down. I love the pacing and I really like Addison's writing style. Right away from the beginning I fell in love with Everest & Rhys. Rhys was my favorite with his broody self but Everest took the show. This book was equal parts spice and gave me all the feels as well. It took me on a fun little ride & I absolutely enjoyed each second of it. The spice in this book was HOT ASF 🔥😮💨
We have a filthy MMC on our hands in this book and the moment we go from enemies to lovers were just DELICIOUS. 🥵😉
Add this to your TBR if you like >>>
🌴Enemies to Lovers
💕Hate S3x
🌴Best Friend's Brother
💕Mental Health Rep
🌴Forced Proximity
💕Dirty Talk & lots of praise
This was my first book from Addison & it definitely won't be my last. I'm pretty sure I've read this book in 1 and a half days I couldn't put it down. I love the pacing and I really like Addison's writing style. Right away from the beginning I fell in love with Everest & Rhys. Rhys was my favorite with his broody self but Everest took the show. This book was equal parts spice and gave me all the feels as well. It took me on a fun little ride & I absolutely enjoyed each second of it. The spice in this book was HOT ASF 🔥😮💨
We have a filthy MMC on our hands in this book and the moment we go from enemies to lovers were just DELICIOUS. 🥵😉
Add this to your TBR if you like >>>
🌴Enemies to Lovers
💕Hate S3x
🌴Best Friend's Brother
💕Mental Health Rep
🌴Forced Proximity
💕Dirty Talk & lots of praise
December 9, 2024
Reread December 9, 2024
I enjoyed this so much, again
I reread it to freshen up on the characters while getting into book two.
I'm glad I did, this was fire.🔥
✨✨✨✨✨🪄✨✨✨✨✨✨
This book has a tried and tested formula that just works for me. Even if they sometimes act like high school kids or are cruel monsters. Even when hard drama hits. It is what it is. I just enjoy it a lot.
Enemies to lovers. This trope almost never fails me
Let the pettiness rain down on me.
I'm loving this so much I'm savoring it 🥷⚡
Hate f@(kery at it's best.
Then it gets so filthy, sexy, dirty, intimate.
This felt almost like two books. The first part was BRUTAL and after the tipping point it got lovey dovey cute✨😍✨
At the end it was all a little anticlimactic, I think I was expecting...more. All that angst for a while and then it was just...over?
That felt a little rushed. But, I loved the journey, loved the book, loved Rhys and Ev. I'm really excited about the next book...yaaay Elton🤩
*Rheverest😁😊😂
* Skylar is the best side character. I can't wait for his book!
*To re-read
*Favorites
I enjoyed this so much, again
I reread it to freshen up on the characters while getting into book two.
I'm glad I did, this was fire.🔥
✨✨✨✨✨🪄✨✨✨✨✨✨
This book has a tried and tested formula that just works for me. Even if they sometimes act like high school kids or are cruel monsters. Even when hard drama hits. It is what it is. I just enjoy it a lot.
Enemies to lovers. This trope almost never fails me
Let the pettiness rain down on me.
I'm loving this so much I'm savoring it 🥷⚡
Hate f@(kery at it's best.
Then it gets so filthy, sexy, dirty, intimate.
This felt almost like two books. The first part was BRUTAL and after the tipping point it got lovey dovey cute✨😍✨
At the end it was all a little anticlimactic, I think I was expecting...more. All that angst for a while and then it was just...over?
That felt a little rushed. But, I loved the journey, loved the book, loved Rhys and Ev. I'm really excited about the next book...yaaay Elton🤩
*Rheverest😁😊😂
* Skylar is the best side character. I can't wait for his book!
*To re-read
*Favorites
April 15, 2025
4⭐️
брудний мартіні не мій улюблений коктейль, але мені точно прийшлася до смаку пристрасна суміш різа та ева 🤤
обожнюю гарно прописаний троп «від ненависті до кохання», коли в цій ненависті є реальна основа і зрозуміла мотивація.
різ - холодний, розумний хлопець, який мріє проектувати американські гірки.
еверест - невпевнений в собі пиріжечок, який червоніє від компліментів. я так рада, що він знайшов партнера, який навчив його обирати і любити себе 🥹
у висновку, розібравшись з ненавистю через події в минулому, з них вийшла така мила і комфортна пара. і так само мені було комфортно провести з ними час. авторка дуже легко подає історію і плюс смачно пише спайсі сцени. а секс з ненависті.. аарр обожнюю 😮💨
брудний мартіні не мій улюблений коктейль, але мені точно прийшлася до смаку пристрасна суміш різа та ева 🤤
обожнюю гарно прописаний троп «від ненависті до кохання», коли в цій ненависті є реальна основа і зрозуміла мотивація.
різ - холодний, розумний хлопець, який мріє проектувати американські гірки.
еверест - невпевнений в собі пиріжечок, який червоніє від компліментів. я так рада, що він знайшов партнера, який навчив його обирати і любити себе 🥹
у висновку, розібравшись з ненавистю через події в минулому, з них вийшла така мила і комфортна пара. і так само мені було комфортно провести з ними час. авторка дуже легко подає історію і плюс смачно пише спайсі сцени. а секс з ненависті.. аарр обожнюю 😮💨
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Read
July 20, 2025AUTHORS BEHAVING BADLY
RATING REMOVED
On this segment of authors behaving badly we have Maddison Devlin aka Addison Beck causing harm to the LGBTQ+ community with a HEA described as “beautiful” when it’s murder suicide and giving a pedophile a HEA. Absolutely fucking NOT okay. If you want more info please read this Reddit post about her most recent book.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBo...
ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW
———————————————————————————
MM Romance
Enemies to Lovers
4 Stars ⭐️
🎵Narrated by Oscar Reyes and Logan Adare🎵 Both new to me narrators and I need more of Oscar asap! It took me a bit to warm up to Logan but I got there and he could do Oscar’s voice really well so it almost sounded like a duet at times.
I loved this and ate this shit up. I was starting to think popular mm books were just not for me after feeling so underwhelmed by the majority of them in the past couple years but this one hooked me from the start. This was a true enemies to lovers as what Everest did, despite his age, was pretty damn unforgivable and it ruined not only Rhys’ future but destroyed Everest due to the guilt. I did think the transition from enemies to fucking was a bit abrupt but I enjoyed their dynamic so much that I just didn’t care.
This is one of those books that the audio was so hot that it made me unable to put the book down but had I read it I don’t know if I would have liked it as much so I’ll be waiting for the rest of the series to drop on Audible before continuing with it.
RATING REMOVED
On this segment of authors behaving badly we have Maddison Devlin aka Addison Beck causing harm to the LGBTQ+ community with a HEA described as “beautiful” when it’s murder suicide and giving a pedophile a HEA. Absolutely fucking NOT okay. If you want more info please read this Reddit post about her most recent book.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBo...
ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW
———————————————————————————
MM Romance
Enemies to Lovers
4 Stars ⭐️
🎵Narrated by Oscar Reyes and Logan Adare🎵 Both new to me narrators and I need more of Oscar asap! It took me a bit to warm up to Logan but I got there and he could do Oscar’s voice really well so it almost sounded like a duet at times.
I loved this and ate this shit up. I was starting to think popular mm books were just not for me after feeling so underwhelmed by the majority of them in the past couple years but this one hooked me from the start. This was a true enemies to lovers as what Everest did, despite his age, was pretty damn unforgivable and it ruined not only Rhys’ future but destroyed Everest due to the guilt. I did think the transition from enemies to fucking was a bit abrupt but I enjoyed their dynamic so much that I just didn’t care.
This is one of those books that the audio was so hot that it made me unable to put the book down but had I read it I don’t know if I would have liked it as much so I’ll be waiting for the rest of the series to drop on Audible before continuing with it.
October 22, 2024
DAMN ..... IM KINDA JEALOUS , MY MEN ARE JUST PERFECT.
![Profile Image for ash[hearts]angst.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1765847299i%2F164504656._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 10, 2025
"𝙃𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙜𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙚. 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚. 𝙒𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚'𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨."
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
CHILDHOOD FRIENDS>> ENEMIES>> LOVERS, LIKE C'MON GIMME GIMME!
Following a moment at the end of his senior year, Rhys ends up taking the fall for Everest. Instead of making things right, Everest runs away, leaving Rhys to pick up the pieces. This event changes the trajectory of Rhys' future, and takes everything away from him.
Rhys' is our sassy man, who still holds on to the anger and resentment that he feels towards Everest (rightfully so) and he is shocked to find out that his best friend, Everests older brother, has tasked him with watching out for his little brother while he is gone. Rhys used to be a nice guy, always looking out for his friends, and by extension, Everest. That one moment changes Rhys, and hardens his shell completely, leaving only a crack for his best friend Elton.
Everest is our anxious and sassy lil' thing. While the events of that night didn't affect him on the same level, the toll that it took on his mental health and the relationship he had with his older brother is monumental. Everest suffers from anxiety and has panic attacks, mostly because he still harbors so much guilt, not only for Rhys, but for ignoring his brother trying to fix their relationship.
What starts out as a game of who can piss off who more, eventually that final strings snap, and these two literally end up fucking around and finding out. While there is a slight age gap (4 years) I actually think it works for them and what each other needs in their own personal journey.
I love how Everest brings out the fun and smiles from Rhys. After seemingly giving up and resigning himself to never getting what he truly wants out of life, Rhys gets a push and nudge from Everest to take chances on himself.
Rhys does an excellent job of getting Everest out of his own head, and helps him to better understand himself and his emotions. I find this so endearing, and it really redeemed Rhys in my eyes. I understand he went through a crazy and horrible time, but man, he could be so cruel with his words. Everest definitely softens him up.
I loved the premise of their story, even tho I HATED how both of them treated Elton (still do) but that must just be a me thing.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
CHILDHOOD FRIENDS>> ENEMIES>> LOVERS, LIKE C'MON GIMME GIMME!
Following a moment at the end of his senior year, Rhys ends up taking the fall for Everest. Instead of making things right, Everest runs away, leaving Rhys to pick up the pieces. This event changes the trajectory of Rhys' future, and takes everything away from him.
Rhys' is our sassy man, who still holds on to the anger and resentment that he feels towards Everest (rightfully so) and he is shocked to find out that his best friend, Everests older brother, has tasked him with watching out for his little brother while he is gone. Rhys used to be a nice guy, always looking out for his friends, and by extension, Everest. That one moment changes Rhys, and hardens his shell completely, leaving only a crack for his best friend Elton.
Everest is our anxious and sassy lil' thing. While the events of that night didn't affect him on the same level, the toll that it took on his mental health and the relationship he had with his older brother is monumental. Everest suffers from anxiety and has panic attacks, mostly because he still harbors so much guilt, not only for Rhys, but for ignoring his brother trying to fix their relationship.
What starts out as a game of who can piss off who more, eventually that final strings snap, and these two literally end up fucking around and finding out. While there is a slight age gap (4 years) I actually think it works for them and what each other needs in their own personal journey.
I love how Everest brings out the fun and smiles from Rhys. After seemingly giving up and resigning himself to never getting what he truly wants out of life, Rhys gets a push and nudge from Everest to take chances on himself.
Rhys does an excellent job of getting Everest out of his own head, and helps him to better understand himself and his emotions. I find this so endearing, and it really redeemed Rhys in my eyes. I understand he went through a crazy and horrible time, but man, he could be so cruel with his words. Everest definitely softens him up.
I loved the premise of their story, even tho I HATED how both of them treated Elton (still do) but that must just be a me thing.
September 16, 2024
5+ ⭐️ I didn’t want this to end! Dirty Martini by Addison Beck was such a fun and spicy ride - We are following Rhys and Everest one summer when they are forced to live under the same roof after not speaking for many years. The tension is high, higher then the Miami heat where the story takes place, since the two is not exactly the best of friends.
«I doubt he’ll even talk to me, but will he be cruel? Will he try to make my life miserable? Don’t I deserve that?» 💔
I thought it was a very good, well-written and cute story. It had some heartbreaking moments, my gut turning, but it was also beautiful, warm and funny - overall a great MM romance!
AND!! I’m so frikin excited for the next one in this series - those two(!!!!) - I will die! Hopefully we’ll get more books besides that one, cus there was some other side characters as well that I need to read about!
I recommend this one for the MM-romance lovers out there that enjoy enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, SPICE, and just having an entertaining time!
A huge thank you to Addison Beck for giving me an ARC of this book 🖤
«I doubt he’ll even talk to me, but will he be cruel? Will he try to make my life miserable? Don’t I deserve that?» 💔
I thought it was a very good, well-written and cute story. It had some heartbreaking moments, my gut turning, but it was also beautiful, warm and funny - overall a great MM romance!
AND!! I’m so frikin excited for the next one in this series - those two(!!!!) - I will die! Hopefully we’ll get more books besides that one, cus there was some other side characters as well that I need to read about!
I recommend this one for the MM-romance lovers out there that enjoy enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, SPICE, and just having an entertaining time!
A huge thank you to Addison Beck for giving me an ARC of this book 🖤
January 21, 2025
This was probably fine. It’s a tough gig to follow on from a true 5 star read. Unfortunately for this book I read it in my Captive Prince hangover and it felt superficial and bland in comparison. Best to just ignore this review.
December 30, 2024
I was borderline feral in the way I consumed this book. It was utter perfection and I loved every moment of it.
January 6, 2025
3⭐
I'm having a hard time forgiving Everest. This is very hypocritical of me, given that I enjoyed and had no issues with a story about a character falling in love with his wife's killer.
The circumstances surrounding the characters becoming enemies were legit, and most of my three-star ratings were for that. It's hard to find good enemy-themed contemporary romance books these days.
What kept me interested was the need to know if Rhys was able to go back to school.
I believe this book would have been way better if Everest had taken responsibility and helped fix Rhys's current situation before the whole attraction/romantic shenanigans. It would have at least put me in a more forgiving mood.
If there was any romantic chemistry between these two, I couldn't find it.🤷♀️
I'm having a hard time forgiving Everest. This is very hypocritical of me, given that I enjoyed and had no issues with a story about a character falling in love with his wife's killer.
The circumstances surrounding the characters becoming enemies were legit, and most of my three-star ratings were for that. It's hard to find good enemy-themed contemporary romance books these days.
What kept me interested was the need to know if Rhys was able to go back to school.
I believe this book would have been way better if Everest had taken responsibility and helped fix Rhys's current situation before the whole attraction/romantic shenanigans. It would have at least put me in a more forgiving mood.
If there was any romantic chemistry between these two, I couldn't find it.🤷♀️
September 7, 2024
umm that was amazing. that was addicting. i need more.
that smut was literally some of the best i’ve ever read, the dirty mouths on those boys. 🥵
the possessiveness & jealousy had me by the THROAT, i tell ya.
i’m a sucker for best friends brother(especially with enemies to lovers) & that delivered. i was highly highly anticipating this book and it didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
i’m going to be thinking about this book for the rest of my life, thank you addison beck <3
that smut was literally some of the best i’ve ever read, the dirty mouths on those boys. 🥵
the possessiveness & jealousy had me by the THROAT, i tell ya.
i’m a sucker for best friends brother(especially with enemies to lovers) & that delivered. i was highly highly anticipating this book and it didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
i’m going to be thinking about this book for the rest of my life, thank you addison beck <3
September 1, 2024
WELP
What a FUN sexy cute story.
The angst …the hate… the heat 😏 I loved these two together so much. Rhys - I sympathised with him so hard. Boy got done so dirty but hell E sure made up for it by the end 🥺🩷 I just love a story of hate to love and trust being built back and ate this up.
The spice was spicing and I loved just how Rhys went in head first with no real panic which was refreshing.
All I’m gonna say is … book 2 cannot come quick enough 🤠🤭
What a FUN sexy cute story.
The angst …the hate… the heat 😏 I loved these two together so much. Rhys - I sympathised with him so hard. Boy got done so dirty but hell E sure made up for it by the end 🥺🩷 I just love a story of hate to love and trust being built back and ate this up.
The spice was spicing and I loved just how Rhys went in head first with no real panic which was refreshing.
All I’m gonna say is … book 2 cannot come quick enough 🤠🤭
dnf
September 18, 2024i can’t get over how fecking dumb you’d have to be to pocket a bag of (someone else’s) drugs while the cops are actively busting up a party
September 26, 2024
OBSESSED!!!!!
The dirty talk, the hate, the hate fucks!!!!
Communication! The sweetness! The side characters!
Rhys is my new obsession!
The dirty talk, the hate, the hate fucks!!!!
Communication! The sweetness! The side characters!
Rhys is my new obsession!
October 3, 2024
Very intense. Very hot. Not quite perfect.
This is one of the books where you can’t stop reading in the middle of a chapter - it’s very intense, especially in the beginning. It’s the story of Rhys, a smart student from the wrong side of the tracks, who’s about to be the first in his family to go to college. And Ev (short for Everest), the younger brother of Rhys’ best friend Elton, who unintentionally ruins those plans.
Jumping 4 years forward, Rhys lives with Elton while “golden boy/retriever” Elton goes to college, and Rhys works at a bar called XO. All is well until Elton embarks on a longer stay in Europe, and Ev moves in.
It’s the classic enemies to lovers - Rhys hates Ev for everything he lost, and Ev is ridden by guilt for his actions. As these things tend to go, the intense hate turns into equally intense passion, and boy oh boy do they burn for each other.
After finally admitting their feelings for each other, it fizzles out a bit (not the steam, but the storyline), but I still had a great time reading it.
And I’m definitely picking up the follow-up about Elton and Knox 🔥
This is one of the books where you can’t stop reading in the middle of a chapter - it’s very intense, especially in the beginning. It’s the story of Rhys, a smart student from the wrong side of the tracks, who’s about to be the first in his family to go to college. And Ev (short for Everest), the younger brother of Rhys’ best friend Elton, who unintentionally ruins those plans.
Jumping 4 years forward, Rhys lives with Elton while “golden boy/retriever” Elton goes to college, and Rhys works at a bar called XO. All is well until Elton embarks on a longer stay in Europe, and Ev moves in.
It’s the classic enemies to lovers - Rhys hates Ev for everything he lost, and Ev is ridden by guilt for his actions. As these things tend to go, the intense hate turns into equally intense passion, and boy oh boy do they burn for each other.
After finally admitting their feelings for each other, it fizzles out a bit (not the steam, but the storyline), but I still had a great time reading it.
And I’m definitely picking up the follow-up about Elton and Knox 🔥
![Profile Image for melancholy_reader [hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1749135172i%2F159391289._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 5, 2025
Yayyy a 5 stars read to start this (hopefully) not shitty 2025 🥳🥳
• enemies to lovers
• brothers best friend
• queer awakening
• forced proximity
• hot hate sex
Can’t put into words how much I liked this book!
I’m new at this series and as soon as I finished this one I ran to read Whiskey Sour because I’m officially addicted to these hot dudes at the XO club 🤯🔥
A scorching hot enemies to lovers and I’m sold.
Here I found Rhys's motives to hate Everest quite reasonable, usually the reasons for hating each other with this trope are ridiculous, instead I have to say it makes sense if we leave out the fact that Everest was 14 when it all happened —- so a scared and immature kid —- but that's okay, I don't want to think too much about it lol
Great vibes, great sex, great introduction to a fluffy, enjoyable series (there is little to no angst here). Recommend!
Side note: Am I the only one who is so fucking intrigued about David? Is it only me or there is actually A LOT of tension between him and Butch? 🤔 I want their book!!
• enemies to lovers
• brothers best friend
• queer awakening
• forced proximity
• hot hate sex
Can’t put into words how much I liked this book!
I’m new at this series and as soon as I finished this one I ran to read Whiskey Sour because I’m officially addicted to these hot dudes at the XO club 🤯🔥
A scorching hot enemies to lovers and I’m sold.
Here I found Rhys's motives to hate Everest quite reasonable, usually the reasons for hating each other with this trope are ridiculous, instead I have to say it makes sense if we leave out the fact that Everest was 14 when it all happened —- so a scared and immature kid —- but that's okay, I don't want to think too much about it lol
Great vibes, great sex, great introduction to a fluffy, enjoyable series (there is little to no angst here). Recommend!
Side note: Am I the only one who is so fucking intrigued about David? Is it only me or there is actually A LOT of tension between him and Butch? 🤔 I want their book!!
October 5, 2024
I liked this fine overall, but I didn't love it. It was intense at the beginning, but then things tapered off and I lost interest. In several ways, it felt like boxes being ticked off an enemies to lovers trope checklist. I don't feel like nitpicking the things that bothered me, and I don't want to be unfair, but enough things didn't work for me that I can't do more than 3* for this one. I'm glad so many people seemed to enjoy it though! I'll definitely check out the next book, especially if it turns out to be Elton and Knox like I expect 😎
December 12, 2024
book one in the miami nights and club lights series
i read this second after loving whiskey sour
enemies to lovers
best friend's little brother
secret relationship
slight hate sex
panic attacks
loved it can't wait for
book 3
i read this second after loving whiskey sour
enemies to lovers
best friend's little brother
secret relationship
slight hate sex
panic attacks
loved it can't wait for
book 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2024
“You take up all the space,” he whispers, rubbing his nose against mine. “All the air.”
Dirty Martini is book 1 in the Miami Nights and Club Lights series by Addison Beck. The books are a series of interconnected standalones featuring the workers of club XO as they search for their HEAs. This is Rhys and Everest's story.
What To Expect:
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM college romance
❥ Bi-awakening
❥ Best friend's brother
❥ Enemies to lovers
❥ Found family
❥ Possessive MC
❥ Forced proximity
❥ Room-mates
❥ Steamy first times
❥ HEA
Loved all the relationships and side characters, my fave trope (enemies to lovers) and lots of spicy moments.
Can't wait to read book 2 Whiskey Sour!
Dirty Martini is book 1 in the Miami Nights and Club Lights series by Addison Beck. The books are a series of interconnected standalones featuring the workers of club XO as they search for their HEAs. This is Rhys and Everest's story.
What To Expect:
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM college romance
❥ Bi-awakening
❥ Best friend's brother
❥ Enemies to lovers
❥ Found family
❥ Possessive MC
❥ Forced proximity
❥ Room-mates
❥ Steamy first times
❥ HEA
Loved all the relationships and side characters, my fave trope (enemies to lovers) and lots of spicy moments.
Can't wait to read book 2 Whiskey Sour!
August 5, 2025
i really enjoyed this book! One thing that stood out to me was how believable the distance between the two MCs was. Like, I totally got why MC1 hated MC2, and their animosity towards each other was so well executed by the author. It gave me so many feels! Felt the dislike, anxiety, fear and doubt radiating off the pages!
As the story progressed, I loved how the author took us on a journey from strong dislike to understanding to friendship to romance. It felt real and not rushed for the most part. And can I just say, the sex scenes were fun and hot. The intimate moments where they got to know each other better were heartfelt and cute. I also appreciated how MC1's possessiveness and MC2's brattiness were balanced with other traits that made them seem more human. And Elton was a great addition as a secondary character!
However, there were a couple of things that didn't quite work for me. The hate-to-lust progression gave me whiplash - it felt a bit rushed, but this might be me since I'm not really used to this trope. And mayhaps some problems were resolved way too easily and quickly, which was a bit disappointing.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of the genre. The author showed skill in creating a believable and engaging story. :)
As the story progressed, I loved how the author took us on a journey from strong dislike to understanding to friendship to romance. It felt real and not rushed for the most part. And can I just say, the sex scenes were fun and hot. The intimate moments where they got to know each other better were heartfelt and cute. I also appreciated how MC1's possessiveness and MC2's brattiness were balanced with other traits that made them seem more human. And Elton was a great addition as a secondary character!
However, there were a couple of things that didn't quite work for me. The hate-to-lust progression gave me whiplash - it felt a bit rushed, but this might be me since I'm not really used to this trope. And mayhaps some problems were resolved way too easily and quickly, which was a bit disappointing.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of the genre. The author showed skill in creating a believable and engaging story. :)
May 4, 2025
Я напевно готова читати всі книги цієї авторки😻 вміє ж так гарно написати, і передати всі почуття
Те що мені дуже сподобалось це троп «від ненависті до кохання» тут він просто неймовірний 😻 написаний такий що аж дух перехоплює
Ненависть аж іскрить між ними🔥 як же гаряче було
Я вже така ну коли нарешті вони хоча б поцілуються😆
Хлопці дуже класні, Різ те як він змінився, перетворився на такого солодкого ведмедика😻 я не могла ним натішитись
Еверест щось мені моментами нагадував Брендона (хоча я не читала про нього і Ніколая книгу) але якийсь вайб походий був між ними😉
як він мило червонів і соромився😻 ну таке сонечко, хотілось його обняти і не відпускати
Дуже класні між ними стосунки зʼявились❤️
А ще я шось зразу зрозуміла що наступна книга буде про Нокса і я вже навіть догадалась з ким😄 тому біжу читати наступну🤝🏿
Те що мені дуже сподобалось це троп «від ненависті до кохання» тут він просто неймовірний 😻 написаний такий що аж дух перехоплює
Ненависть аж іскрить між ними🔥 як же гаряче було
Я вже така ну коли нарешті вони хоча б поцілуються😆
Хлопці дуже класні, Різ те як він змінився, перетворився на такого солодкого ведмедика😻 я не могла ним натішитись
Еверест щось мені моментами нагадував Брендона (хоча я не читала про нього і Ніколая книгу) але якийсь вайб походий був між ними😉
як він мило червонів і соромився😻 ну таке сонечко, хотілось його обняти і не відпускати
Дуже класні між ними стосунки зʼявились❤️
А ще я шось зразу зрозуміла що наступна книга буде про Нокса і я вже навіть догадалась з ким😄 тому біжу читати наступну🤝🏿
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February 23, 2025This plot is just not for me
I tried…. Until 37% but I really don’t like Everest… he is an ass who ruined someone’s life, I just don’t even want them to be together so I think the whole book is gonna be a hassle for me.
I must be too involved because the ennemie to lover is full of discomfort for me and hate, Rhys discovering him masturbating and then being like “oh maybe” was like super cringe.
I would have prefer Everest as the villain and book 2 being about his redemption than this. He is 19 in the story and act like a 19 years old… I just wanna slap the hell out of him for being a brat…
I don’t feel any connection between them, and I probably don’t even want to feel it so I prefer stopping the book now.
I tried…. Until 37% but I really don’t like Everest… he is an ass who ruined someone’s life, I just don’t even want them to be together so I think the whole book is gonna be a hassle for me.
I must be too involved because the ennemie to lover is full of discomfort for me and hate, Rhys discovering him masturbating and then being like “oh maybe” was like super cringe.
I would have prefer Everest as the villain and book 2 being about his redemption than this. He is 19 in the story and act like a 19 years old… I just wanna slap the hell out of him for being a brat…
I don’t feel any connection between them, and I probably don’t even want to feel it so I prefer stopping the book now.
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