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Soho Knights #4
Convenient Rivals
In the heart of London, where privilege and ambition collide, Gregory and Oscar's tumultuous past threatens to resurface in unexpected ways. Once childhood friends, their relationship took a dark turn when Oscar became Gregory's high school bully. Now successful in their own right, their paths continue to intertwine due to the dysfunctional bond between their mothers. While Oscar seeks to atone for his past, Gregory remains trapped in a cycle of hurt and betrayal.
After being abandoned by his family when they discovered he was gay, Gregory yearns for their acceptance, but only on their terms. As he struggles to support his financially reckless brother, entangled with the mob, the stability of his Soho home with his chosen family of true brothers hangs by a thread. With desperation setting in, a glimmer of hope emerges when Oscar proposes a marriage of convenience, which could solve both of their problems.
Oscar’s mother has her own agenda, threatening to upend everything he believes about love and loyalty. Can the reserved tech genius and the charming former athlete put aside their painful history to forge a new beginning? As the tension between them sizzles and threatens to ignite into something undeniably passionate, they must confront their pasts and decide how much they are willing to sacrifice. In a world of titles and privilege, family ties threaten to strangle the love which is building between them. Will they find the courage to defy their legacies for a chance at happiness, even if it means risking everything they’ve ever known?
After being abandoned by his family when they discovered he was gay, Gregory yearns for their acceptance, but only on their terms. As he struggles to support his financially reckless brother, entangled with the mob, the stability of his Soho home with his chosen family of true brothers hangs by a thread. With desperation setting in, a glimmer of hope emerges when Oscar proposes a marriage of convenience, which could solve both of their problems.
Oscar’s mother has her own agenda, threatening to upend everything he believes about love and loyalty. Can the reserved tech genius and the charming former athlete put aside their painful history to forge a new beginning? As the tension between them sizzles and threatens to ignite into something undeniably passionate, they must confront their pasts and decide how much they are willing to sacrifice. In a world of titles and privilege, family ties threaten to strangle the love which is building between them. Will they find the courage to defy their legacies for a chance at happiness, even if it means risking everything they’ve ever known?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
8 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 16, 2025
To be honest, it is pretty off putting watching these two grown men conform to the confines of family dictation. One dates men his mother chooses and the other financially supports the family that threw him away 🤔
Not a good look on either of these self made men.
Gregory is pretty robotic, I honestly don't like him. He's pretty dumb for a smart man. They are both hard to read and don't know what they want and yet are set on playing the martyrs 🙄
So... 70%in and we still don't know how they feel and Oscar is still contemplating another man (Daniel) in whatever capacity 🤔
This author has a very busy mind.
I wanted to like this more but it missed a few marks for me by not sufficiently showing the actual falling in love. The kinky sex was over played making it feel heartless
Problems felt like they were created just to take up space. It feels like the book needed editing.
I love the concept and brotherly love and the world created, but it needed less scenes and more feelings.
Not a good look on either of these self made men.
Gregory is pretty robotic, I honestly don't like him. He's pretty dumb for a smart man. They are both hard to read and don't know what they want and yet are set on playing the martyrs 🙄
So... 70%in and we still don't know how they feel and Oscar is still contemplating another man (Daniel) in whatever capacity 🤔
This author has a very busy mind.
I wanted to like this more but it missed a few marks for me by not sufficiently showing the actual falling in love. The kinky sex was over played making it feel heartless
Problems felt like they were created just to take up space. It feels like the book needed editing.
I love the concept and brotherly love and the world created, but it needed less scenes and more feelings.
September 21, 2025
Like I said in my last review, I haven't read this series in order and this was the last book that I had left to read. I've loved it just as much as I loved the others.
I was very curious about Gregory from the beginning. He always seemed very reserved and not very talkative, although it was obvious he cared deeply for his friends. In this book I got to know Gregory better, who was not as introverted as I initially thought.
Gregory and Oscar had known each other their whole lives. They both came from rich families and were best friends until High School and Oscar joined the group who bullied Gregory. They both had so much in common, starting with despicable families. Although I must say Gregory's won the award for worst family ever. His family disowned him when he came out as they saw being gay as something awful. Like I said, a heinous family with detestable parents.
I don't usually like stories where one of the MC was a bully to the other in the past, but here the story was so well written and everything was explained clearly in a way that I couldn't dislike Oscar, also he tried hard to make it up to Gregory for it. He had apologised many times over the years, but he finally found a way to redeem himself by faking a relationship with his former friend.
This was a very emotional story, but I couldn't help laughing a few times. I loved how the author pictured both families, their prejudices and the behaviour of the upper class. It was also shown how money wasn't the key to happiness and how much falsehood went around those aristocratic families.
Gregory and Oscar were amazing together. Gregory had always been in love with his friend and Oscar had also had feelings for Gregory since they were young. It was great to see how they became closer and finally got through their past to start something new. It's true it was very frustrating to see Gregory giving in to his parents's money demands, so I applauded Oscar for making him see he didn't have to do it.
I loved this book and was happy to see Gregory get his HEA. I've loved this whole series so much and I can't wait to carry on reading whatever this author brings next.
I was very curious about Gregory from the beginning. He always seemed very reserved and not very talkative, although it was obvious he cared deeply for his friends. In this book I got to know Gregory better, who was not as introverted as I initially thought.
Gregory and Oscar had known each other their whole lives. They both came from rich families and were best friends until High School and Oscar joined the group who bullied Gregory. They both had so much in common, starting with despicable families. Although I must say Gregory's won the award for worst family ever. His family disowned him when he came out as they saw being gay as something awful. Like I said, a heinous family with detestable parents.
I don't usually like stories where one of the MC was a bully to the other in the past, but here the story was so well written and everything was explained clearly in a way that I couldn't dislike Oscar, also he tried hard to make it up to Gregory for it. He had apologised many times over the years, but he finally found a way to redeem himself by faking a relationship with his former friend.
This was a very emotional story, but I couldn't help laughing a few times. I loved how the author pictured both families, their prejudices and the behaviour of the upper class. It was also shown how money wasn't the key to happiness and how much falsehood went around those aristocratic families.
Gregory and Oscar were amazing together. Gregory had always been in love with his friend and Oscar had also had feelings for Gregory since they were young. It was great to see how they became closer and finally got through their past to start something new. It's true it was very frustrating to see Gregory giving in to his parents's money demands, so I applauded Oscar for making him see he didn't have to do it.
I loved this book and was happy to see Gregory get his HEA. I've loved this whole series so much and I can't wait to carry on reading whatever this author brings next.
August 25, 2025
Convenient Rivals (Soho Knights 4)
By Oliver Takely
Published by the author, 2025
4 stars
Oliver Takely loves his romance tropes, but he also embraces his genre as a sort of paean to the universal experience of gay men. However fanciful the situation and however high-powered the characters’ sex lives, Takely takes these stories personally. It’s rather endearing overall.
As in the other Soho Knights books, one of the inhabitants of the huge Soho duplex flat finds true love—usually the hard way. This time, it falls to Gregory Balfour, the unsocial nerd millionaire who bought the flat and made it home for his band of brothers.
Gregory (whose surname, I’m pretty sure, was never mentioned until this book) is profoundly nerdy, and not at all the jocky gym-rat his brothers tend to be. We finally learn the full story of his life, which has hitherto only been hinted at. The son of a high-society family, Gregory was basically thrown out by his parents when he came out. Only after he made all his money, and his father lost all of his, did his parents reclaim him. That’s not really a spoiler, because the family issues get very complicated.
The outside twist is Oscar Montgomery, son of another posh London family, who was Gregory’s best friend in childhood—but now seen by Gregory as anathema. The unpacking of that story is poignant in a way gay men only can understand. Even as all the moving parts of the Soho brotherhood shift toward change, Gregory’s story becomes the centerpiece and we all come to really understand how deeply Gregory needs his found family, and how much they love him.
Oscar has his own family issues, but let those be an ongoing surprise and one of the pleasures of discovering this 4th chapter in the Soho Knights saga.
By Oliver Takely
Published by the author, 2025
4 stars
Oliver Takely loves his romance tropes, but he also embraces his genre as a sort of paean to the universal experience of gay men. However fanciful the situation and however high-powered the characters’ sex lives, Takely takes these stories personally. It’s rather endearing overall.
As in the other Soho Knights books, one of the inhabitants of the huge Soho duplex flat finds true love—usually the hard way. This time, it falls to Gregory Balfour, the unsocial nerd millionaire who bought the flat and made it home for his band of brothers.
Gregory (whose surname, I’m pretty sure, was never mentioned until this book) is profoundly nerdy, and not at all the jocky gym-rat his brothers tend to be. We finally learn the full story of his life, which has hitherto only been hinted at. The son of a high-society family, Gregory was basically thrown out by his parents when he came out. Only after he made all his money, and his father lost all of his, did his parents reclaim him. That’s not really a spoiler, because the family issues get very complicated.
The outside twist is Oscar Montgomery, son of another posh London family, who was Gregory’s best friend in childhood—but now seen by Gregory as anathema. The unpacking of that story is poignant in a way gay men only can understand. Even as all the moving parts of the Soho brotherhood shift toward change, Gregory’s story becomes the centerpiece and we all come to really understand how deeply Gregory needs his found family, and how much they love him.
Oscar has his own family issues, but let those be an ongoing surprise and one of the pleasures of discovering this 4th chapter in the Soho Knights saga.
May 4, 2025
This series just gets better and better, it makes me sad that almost off of the Soho Knights are off the market. I am not usually one for enemies to lovers and especially not bully romance but this has some additional layers that have the story and entirely different feel.
Gregory we've met throughout this series, he is the owner of the home that all of our favorite guys have lived at one time or another. It was truly a home for the lost and broken, this series is the definition of found family. Gregory shows us that you cannot judge a man by his nerdy t shirts and why appearance. He can be a beast in the boardroom and the bedroom. But no one fits his criteria for the long term until an unwelcome blast the past renters his orbit.
Oscar is silver spoons with charm oozing out of him but while the world sees him as Mr. Montgomery, he's just Oscar. He has made mistakes, namely in secondary school abandoning and borderline tormenting Gregory to quell his own burgeoning sexuality. But he's out and proud and has atoned for his sins but Gregory does not see it that way. But one day the line line of hate and love cracks and it opens the floodgates. Not only do these men have chemistry but it's explosive and it feeds the desires they've never been able to fully trust.
This story was hot and full of unexpected twists and turns. We also had some insight to another storyline that has been bubbling under the surface. Oliver Takley has built a wonderful world in the Soho Knights and while I sad for it to end, I cannot wait for the spin-off because I believe we have met several new book boyfriends and I need to become well aquatinted with them!
Gregory we've met throughout this series, he is the owner of the home that all of our favorite guys have lived at one time or another. It was truly a home for the lost and broken, this series is the definition of found family. Gregory shows us that you cannot judge a man by his nerdy t shirts and why appearance. He can be a beast in the boardroom and the bedroom. But no one fits his criteria for the long term until an unwelcome blast the past renters his orbit.
Oscar is silver spoons with charm oozing out of him but while the world sees him as Mr. Montgomery, he's just Oscar. He has made mistakes, namely in secondary school abandoning and borderline tormenting Gregory to quell his own burgeoning sexuality. But he's out and proud and has atoned for his sins but Gregory does not see it that way. But one day the line line of hate and love cracks and it opens the floodgates. Not only do these men have chemistry but it's explosive and it feeds the desires they've never been able to fully trust.
This story was hot and full of unexpected twists and turns. We also had some insight to another storyline that has been bubbling under the surface. Oliver Takley has built a wonderful world in the Soho Knights and while I sad for it to end, I cannot wait for the spin-off because I believe we have met several new book boyfriends and I need to become well aquatinted with them!
May 14, 2025
MY OPINION: I liked this book a lot. I read the first one but didn’t get a chance to read the other two, but they don’t need to be read together or even in order; other than the few cameos the characters have, there isn’t any overlap. This is a pretty classic enemies-to-lovers situation. The hate turns into passion at some point, and that’s the start of a very slippery slope for these two because they both like the chemistry between them very much. The spicy bits are fantastic; there is a nice mix of spice and story. There are some humorous bits as well.
This was a story that burned hot and built slow, with a fairly complex backstory of families that are terrible to their sons. The two MCs have a history from when they were children, but they reconnected in each other's lives because of the social circles their mothers are in. They are like angry dogs circling and biting each other, but it ends up being more than either of them can handle when that spark ignites.
There are a lot of players in the book, making for a rich background of some wonderful people, and the two MCs have their struggles that their ‘family’ helps them through. You get a great feel for the lives they lead, including the people who love them and the places they live.
This is simply a wonderful story. There is a little bit of family drama, some burning hot spice scenes, and a whole lot of story about two men falling for each other, no matter how hard they try to keep it from happening.
Pick it up if you are looking for a good book about good men, figuring it out.
This was a story that burned hot and built slow, with a fairly complex backstory of families that are terrible to their sons. The two MCs have a history from when they were children, but they reconnected in each other's lives because of the social circles their mothers are in. They are like angry dogs circling and biting each other, but it ends up being more than either of them can handle when that spark ignites.
There are a lot of players in the book, making for a rich background of some wonderful people, and the two MCs have their struggles that their ‘family’ helps them through. You get a great feel for the lives they lead, including the people who love them and the places they live.
This is simply a wonderful story. There is a little bit of family drama, some burning hot spice scenes, and a whole lot of story about two men falling for each other, no matter how hard they try to keep it from happening.
Pick it up if you are looking for a good book about good men, figuring it out.
May 17, 2025
This series just keeps getting better. Convenient Rivals finally gives us Gregory’s story—reserved, loyal, and quietly powerful—and it doesn’t disappoint. While I’m not usually a fan of bully or enemies-to-lovers tropes, this one adds emotional complexity that completely changes the feel.
Gregory and Oscar were childhood best friends before Oscar, grappling with his sexuality, hurt Gregory to fit in. Now, years later, their dynamic is explosive—full of unresolved tension, crackling chemistry, and real emotional stakes. Gregory’s resistance and Oscar’s regret make for a compelling push-pull, and when things ignite, they really ignite.
This isn’t just about second chances—it’s about identity, forgiveness, and love growing out of messy beginnings. The found family theme remains strong, with the original Soho Knights still very present in the background, but this time, meddling (and awful) mothers take center stage. Gregory’s family, in particular, was infuriating, and I wish they’d faced more consequences.
The emotional layers and heat are balanced beautifully, though I do wish Gregory’s strained relationship with his family was explored more deeply. Still, this book delivers on all fronts—heart, heat, and a satisfying arc for a long-mysterious character.
Takely continues to build a world full of flawed, lovable men you can’t help but root for. I’m sad to see this series nearing its end, but beyond excited for the spin-off. We’ve definitely met some future book boyfriends, and I’m ready to fall for them too.
Gregory and Oscar were childhood best friends before Oscar, grappling with his sexuality, hurt Gregory to fit in. Now, years later, their dynamic is explosive—full of unresolved tension, crackling chemistry, and real emotional stakes. Gregory’s resistance and Oscar’s regret make for a compelling push-pull, and when things ignite, they really ignite.
This isn’t just about second chances—it’s about identity, forgiveness, and love growing out of messy beginnings. The found family theme remains strong, with the original Soho Knights still very present in the background, but this time, meddling (and awful) mothers take center stage. Gregory’s family, in particular, was infuriating, and I wish they’d faced more consequences.
The emotional layers and heat are balanced beautifully, though I do wish Gregory’s strained relationship with his family was explored more deeply. Still, this book delivers on all fronts—heart, heat, and a satisfying arc for a long-mysterious character.
Takely continues to build a world full of flawed, lovable men you can’t help but root for. I’m sad to see this series nearing its end, but beyond excited for the spin-off. We’ve definitely met some future book boyfriends, and I’m ready to fall for them too.
May 7, 2025
Finally, we get to know the enigmatic Gregory
You know what they say about it's always the quiet ones? It's definitely the quiet one here! Gregory has been a mystery until now, unassuming but fiercely loyal to his four best friends, but his hidden depths call to Oscar like a siren and there's no resisting each other.
As with the other books, the five friends are at the heart of the story and I love their found family dynamic. The partners are there for support in the background this time, while Gregory's and Oscar's mothers take centre stage in all their meddling awfulness. Gregory's family were absolutely despicable and didn't get their just desserts at all, which really pissed me off.
I'm not keen on enemies to lovers when it's because of bullying, but this is almost bully-lite as Oscar was on the fringes of the bad crowd, hiding in plain sight. What made it worse, though, is that he and Gregory were childhood best friends until then.
The physical attraction and sexual compatibility were off the charts and the pages sizzled when they were together. Their story was one of inconvenience rather than convenience, really, and they did make it more difficult for themselves throughout, but it all came right in the end and I was so happy for them.
After what we learned this time, I can't believe we'll have to wait four months for Jason's story. That's just so mean!
You know what they say about it's always the quiet ones? It's definitely the quiet one here! Gregory has been a mystery until now, unassuming but fiercely loyal to his four best friends, but his hidden depths call to Oscar like a siren and there's no resisting each other.
As with the other books, the five friends are at the heart of the story and I love their found family dynamic. The partners are there for support in the background this time, while Gregory's and Oscar's mothers take centre stage in all their meddling awfulness. Gregory's family were absolutely despicable and didn't get their just desserts at all, which really pissed me off.
I'm not keen on enemies to lovers when it's because of bullying, but this is almost bully-lite as Oscar was on the fringes of the bad crowd, hiding in plain sight. What made it worse, though, is that he and Gregory were childhood best friends until then.
The physical attraction and sexual compatibility were off the charts and the pages sizzled when they were together. Their story was one of inconvenience rather than convenience, really, and they did make it more difficult for themselves throughout, but it all came right in the end and I was so happy for them.
After what we learned this time, I can't believe we'll have to wait four months for Jason's story. That's just so mean!
May 7, 2025
KC's boys, the pink pound, relaxation room, cats & gays, treacle, spanking bench, cufflinks, Dom Top, Capt Bowtie
Our favorite Soho gang is back. It's Gregory's turn at love. Because their mothers are good friends, Gregory and his hated school bully, Oscar, run into each other more often than Gregory cares to. Gregory owns a wildly successful fitness app. Oscar has an equally successful financial equity firm. Booted from his own family for being gay, Gregory has his best friends as his true brothers. At one time or another, the five roommates lived in the Soho flat that Gregory owns. He and his brothers have had difficult pasts with their family. Gregory guaranteed them they would always have a place to live, creating a huge safety net. Needless to say, we get to see the whole gang again, including Jason. Yay!
I love this series, each book is as fantastic as the previous ones. The roommates have their unique personalities, strengths, and foibles that all mesh to form an enviable close-knit family. It's best if you've read the books in order. The group dynamics will make more sense.
I'm happy I read this book; the storyline is compelling. I ardently recommend this.
Our favorite Soho gang is back. It's Gregory's turn at love. Because their mothers are good friends, Gregory and his hated school bully, Oscar, run into each other more often than Gregory cares to. Gregory owns a wildly successful fitness app. Oscar has an equally successful financial equity firm. Booted from his own family for being gay, Gregory has his best friends as his true brothers. At one time or another, the five roommates lived in the Soho flat that Gregory owns. He and his brothers have had difficult pasts with their family. Gregory guaranteed them they would always have a place to live, creating a huge safety net. Needless to say, we get to see the whole gang again, including Jason. Yay!
I love this series, each book is as fantastic as the previous ones. The roommates have their unique personalities, strengths, and foibles that all mesh to form an enviable close-knit family. It's best if you've read the books in order. The group dynamics will make more sense.
I'm happy I read this book; the storyline is compelling. I ardently recommend this.
September 27, 2025
Fourth in series (Soho Knights), can be read as a standalone but might be better if read in order. Former bully. Size difference. Found family. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Gregory overcame being disowned by his family and became a successful tech entrepreneur, and he has his own found family he keeps close while unfortunately still bailing out his troublesome family. Oscar regrets bullying Gregory in their youth, they grew up in the same social circles, and now he has a chance to help the man he secretly wishes would wreck him on a nightly basis.
I appreciated that Gregory doesn’t let his attraction immediately dictate his forgiveness of Oscar, but they did have a friendship of sorts when they were younger and somehow they match each other in the bedroom department really well. The Soho Knights are just as protective and loyal as always, but the family drama was a lot for two independent men that are almost thirty years old. Overall, this was a fun read, with well-meaning main and secondary characters, some spice, and of course the closeness of true friendships.
Gregory overcame being disowned by his family and became a successful tech entrepreneur, and he has his own found family he keeps close while unfortunately still bailing out his troublesome family. Oscar regrets bullying Gregory in their youth, they grew up in the same social circles, and now he has a chance to help the man he secretly wishes would wreck him on a nightly basis.
I appreciated that Gregory doesn’t let his attraction immediately dictate his forgiveness of Oscar, but they did have a friendship of sorts when they were younger and somehow they match each other in the bedroom department really well. The Soho Knights are just as protective and loyal as always, but the family drama was a lot for two independent men that are almost thirty years old. Overall, this was a fun read, with well-meaning main and secondary characters, some spice, and of course the closeness of true friendships.
May 13, 2025
This flew by too fast. My only consolation is that there will be one more book in the series, and a clear and obvious spinoff if I am not mistaken.
This is a take on the enemies-to-lovers storyline, except Gregory is only one with enmity. Oscar has apologized to him several times, and appears to really enjoy Gregory's disgruntled presence. To me it could have lasted longer, even after the first few sex scenes when Gregory dominates Oscar. Why waste such good frustration by having it resolve so soon?
This series deals with many dysfunctional and abusive family relationships, and this book is no exception. The families in question are ridiculous upper class characters, but it's okay - they contrast with their sons and we can't wait for them to get their comeuppance. I'm still a little mystified why Gregory tolerates his family, and that is one area where I think his POV is the weakest. Although Oscar explains it to some extent.
This is a take on the enemies-to-lovers storyline, except Gregory is only one with enmity. Oscar has apologized to him several times, and appears to really enjoy Gregory's disgruntled presence. To me it could have lasted longer, even after the first few sex scenes when Gregory dominates Oscar. Why waste such good frustration by having it resolve so soon?
This series deals with many dysfunctional and abusive family relationships, and this book is no exception. The families in question are ridiculous upper class characters, but it's okay - they contrast with their sons and we can't wait for them to get their comeuppance. I'm still a little mystified why Gregory tolerates his family, and that is one area where I think his POV is the weakest. Although Oscar explains it to some extent.
May 11, 2025
I was not sure what I thought about this book from the blurb. I am not usually a fan of bully storylines, but the pain and heartbreak that Gregory has lived through drew me in quickly. Gregory and Oscar were childhood friends, but that all changed in high school when Oscar become Gregory's bully. Fortunately they both went onto good lives, but their worlds kept interacting due to their toxic mother's relationship. My heart hurt for Gregory they way he was abandoned from his family for being gay and then the way he was treated by Oscar broke my heart. Ironic that due to circumstances Oscar proposes a marriage of convenience as a way for both of them to deal with life's issues. I am not sure I would have agreed but it did make for a great read. Expect lots of pain and hurt coupled with hope, romance, and spice. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
May 12, 2025
Delicious! I liked this book but I liked most of the characters old and newly introduced. I'd love to hear their stories. Gregory, was rejected by his family when he came out. He pulled himself up and made a success of his business and his life. Oscar, is accepted by his parents, but his Mother is a bit much. When they were younger, Oscar was insecure and stupid and made a mistake that carries on to the current day and Gregory, never forgot. They often cross paths socially and the fireworks can be seen miles away. There are a family crisis in both men's lives, that requires conversations, committment, sacrifices and owning their truths. Good story, great friends I like Gregory and Oscar professionally and as friends, I am not impressed by their relationship with their family. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2025
Gregory and Oscar, once childhood friends turned high school enemies, are forced back into each other's lives through their mothers' toxic connection. Oscar seeks redemption for his bullying past, while Gregory, still grappling with the trauma of family rejection over his sexuality, is burdened by his brother's mob entanglements and financial ruin. As both men face personal crises, Oscar proposes a marriage of convenience that could offer them mutual salvation. But with family pressure, unresolved pain, and simmering romantic tension between them, they must confront their history and decide if love can truly overcome legacy, loyalty, and betrayal.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series
May 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book, the history and dynamic between Gregory and Oscar was deep but old. The dynamics of their preferences in a relationship were easily navigated.
You could tell Oscar cared deeply about Gregory early on and that grew throughout the book.
I liked how the characters seemed to understand each other and how they both face or process problems and issues. The drama in the book mainly circled through Gregory’s family, and I am glad his relationship ended with them that way.
The book was entertaining although the end seemed rushed as in the author was trying to fit in a lot of information potentially for the next book in the series and then in the epilogue it was all very quickly brushed over when mentioned.
I look forward to reading more from this author
You could tell Oscar cared deeply about Gregory early on and that grew throughout the book.
I liked how the characters seemed to understand each other and how they both face or process problems and issues. The drama in the book mainly circled through Gregory’s family, and I am glad his relationship ended with them that way.
The book was entertaining although the end seemed rushed as in the author was trying to fit in a lot of information potentially for the next book in the series and then in the epilogue it was all very quickly brushed over when mentioned.
I look forward to reading more from this author
April 29, 2025
Convenient Rivals (Soho Knights #4) is wonderfully written, just like the previous installments in this series. Gregory embodies a stoic demeanor, yet he also possesses a profound sense of compassion. On the other hand, Oscar plays the role of an old-school bully. Their connection is truly remarkable.
The storyline revolves around a family member who may not deserve the help being offered. With Oscar, Gregory’s presence is incredibly strong, and it’s great to see how well they complement each other. Additionally, witnessing the flatmates together is a joy; their camaraderie is delightful to read.
The storyline revolves around a family member who may not deserve the help being offered. With Oscar, Gregory’s presence is incredibly strong, and it’s great to see how well they complement each other. Additionally, witnessing the flatmates together is a joy; their camaraderie is delightful to read.
May 11, 2025
Thanks to the Goodreads Giveaway program for this ARC.
I giggled and sighed my way through it, even though there were definitely some sobering moments.
Gregory's brother needs to grow up and his family needs to figure out who really deserves to be supported.
Intensive therapy should be in all of their futures.
Bullying is an ongoing problem, leaving such traumatic memories and devastating impacts on a person's soul and psyche.
When your parents can't be counted on to be there for you, it's twice as hard.
Oscar comes to the rescue and pulls Gregory out of family and financial crises.
There is a sweet HEA for our heroes.
Second chances and chosen families are the best!
I giggled and sighed my way through it, even though there were definitely some sobering moments.
Gregory's brother needs to grow up and his family needs to figure out who really deserves to be supported.
Intensive therapy should be in all of their futures.
Bullying is an ongoing problem, leaving such traumatic memories and devastating impacts on a person's soul and psyche.
When your parents can't be counted on to be there for you, it's twice as hard.
Oscar comes to the rescue and pulls Gregory out of family and financial crises.
There is a sweet HEA for our heroes.
Second chances and chosen families are the best!
April 22, 2025
I have enjoyed each book in the series, and this is no different. I love how each relationship has a different dynamic. I really enjoyed Gregory being a Dom Top. That was an interesting dynamic, especially for the nerd character. I hated his family and genuinely could not understand why he kept going back. I really enjoyed seeing inside Gregory's head after seeing him as mostly stoic before. We knew he loved hard because of the flat but seeing that love in his own mind was wonderful. I am very eager for Jason's book after that interesting revelation though! I need it now.
May 9, 2025
In this book of the series, it's all about Gregory. Having started a successful App he has been able to help his found family. He is hit on by his childhood semi-bully Oscar and shows him nerdy Gregory would be the Dom in Big Man Oscar's life. When they make an arrangement of convenience, things are going to heat up. It's steamy and Oscar is pushing all the way for more. Gregory can't get over his childhood grudge and makes Oscar grovel until these enemies become lovers. I received a copy of this through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.
May 9, 2025
Oh wow! Gregory's story turned out to be very different than I might have expected. Oscar had been a bit of a nuisance previously but once he appeared in this story he endeared himself. This is a story where you truly understand that found family is far more preferable to birth family. It's very well written as are the rest of this series of books and I really enjoyed it! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 19, 2025
An excellent bully romance where the Gregory, who was bullied as a young man by Oscar meet again as adults and are finally able to talk things out after more struggle. Gregory does not let Oscar off the hook easily and I liked that. There is a great contrast in this story between blood family and found family and I was pulling all the way for these two to figure out how to deal with the awful first and cling to the welcoming, supportive, loving second type.
August 6, 2025
I didn’t finish it, I just hate spineless heroes.
Gregory’s parents disowned him at 18, he built a business with his own two hands, and then agreed to let them back into his life once he was rich?
And even fund them?
And then the debt falls on him as if that’s even possible without his consent?
Just no.
I like it when heroes tell the people who hurt them to go to hell.
Anyone who breaks and lets people walk all over them is just annoying.
Gregory’s parents disowned him at 18, he built a business with his own two hands, and then agreed to let them back into his life once he was rich?
And even fund them?
And then the debt falls on him as if that’s even possible without his consent?
Just no.
I like it when heroes tell the people who hurt them to go to hell.
Anyone who breaks and lets people walk all over them is just annoying.
May 11, 2025
Narrative: 📕📘📗📓
Angst: Moderate
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Humor: 😆😆
Heart: 💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Moderate
I love how interconnected the storyline in this series are getting. You can read this installment as a standalone but I wouldn't. And I can wait for the final book about Jason, there has been a broad crumb about his past dropped in every book so far.
Angst: Moderate
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Humor: 😆😆
Heart: 💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Moderate
I love how interconnected the storyline in this series are getting. You can read this installment as a standalone but I wouldn't. And I can wait for the final book about Jason, there has been a broad crumb about his past dropped in every book so far.
May 11, 2025
Such a fantastic series and this was literally the icing on the cake! A brilliant found family really helps you feel part of their lives. So much chemistry between the MC's in this one, hot, hot, hot! Loved it! Seriously read them all they are just so good!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
May 14, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Soho Knights series by Oliver Takely. This is one of those "everyone is trying their best" kind of books. It was enjoyable but at times it felt too real life. I liked my romance reads to have a bit of escapism to them. The intimacy scenes were super spicy. There are strong enemies to lovers dynamics.
May 19, 2025
Both long to forget the bullying that happened when they were kids, but they’re caught in a spiral that refuses to release them. As you follow them down the rabbit hole, you’ll witness their struggle to forgive—not just others, but themselves—and their journey to build a family that accepts them for who they are, and who they choose to become.
July 10, 2025
Oscar may have been Gregory's high school bully, but they are adults now. It takes Oscar a good portion of the book to convince Gregory that they were meant to be together, but after about half the book is finished, they begin a physical relationship that grows into quite a bit more, and, by the end of the book they are married and have moved out of the communal house Gregory had been living in.
April 20, 2025
Wow another great Brotherhood book. This time it is quiet Gregory's (or is he) turn, with an old bully from school Oscar. I loved watching this relationship grow and to add the twists and turns of their families. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend the Soho Knights series.
May 1, 2025
Convenient Rivals is the fourth book in the Soho Knights series and can be read as a standalone. This is a hurt/comfort read about Oscar and Gregory. I loved the storyline and all the wonderful characters.
May 9, 2025
This is book four in the Soho Knights series and we finally learn more about Gregory as we get his and Oliver’s story which was emotional at times and full of twists and turns but the thing that stood out for me was the importance of found family. Looking forward to Jason’s story next.
May 11, 2025
This series just gets better and better. I'm a very big fan of these books. Gregory and Oscars' story was amazing. I love enemies to lovers stories. I don't want this series to end but I can't wait for Jason's story I've been looking forward to that one for so long.
Thanks to GRR for the ARC.
Thanks to GRR for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews