What do you think?
Rate this book
Doormen of the Upper East Side
The Liar's Reckoning
The lies we tell ourselves are the worst lies of all.
Silas Doorman at Hanover Gardens on the Upper East Side
Senator Graham Lather is the client I can’t shake. The bane of my existence. My opposite in every way. He’s my soulmate.
He came into my bed the way most men do, but he wouldn’t go away like the rest. When he infiltrates every corner of my life, resisting him is futile. Pushing him away only draws us closer until our chemistry can no longer be denied. I think maybe we’re meant to be. Loving him is easy, written in the stars. My worst mistake.
Nothing about living in Manhattan is simple, and when you trust the city to keep your secrets, you risk what you can’t afford to lose. When you get tangled up with a family like the Lawthers, you might as well kiss your privacy, your sanity, your heart goodbye.
Silas Doorman at Hanover Gardens on the Upper East Side
Senator Graham Lather is the client I can’t shake. The bane of my existence. My opposite in every way. He’s my soulmate.
He came into my bed the way most men do, but he wouldn’t go away like the rest. When he infiltrates every corner of my life, resisting him is futile. Pushing him away only draws us closer until our chemistry can no longer be denied. I think maybe we’re meant to be. Loving him is easy, written in the stars. My worst mistake.
Nothing about living in Manhattan is simple, and when you trust the city to keep your secrets, you risk what you can’t afford to lose. When you get tangled up with a family like the Lawthers, you might as well kiss your privacy, your sanity, your heart goodbye.
618 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2025
79 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
August Jones
14 books314 followersAugust Jones (She/They) is an author of queer romance and a voracious reader of smut. She resides in Texas with her family, pets, and books. However, she reads mostly on her phone because she’s cheap, it has a built in backlight, and it’s almost always in her hand.
If you ever discover her real name, don’t tell her, just read the books she’s published (you’ll like them) and thank her later with a rating or review. Mwah!
Books: KU, Paperback, & Audio
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Threads
If you ever discover her real name, don’t tell her, just read the books she’s published (you’ll like them) and thank her later with a rating or review. Mwah!
Books: KU, Paperback, & Audio
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Threads
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 7, 2025
2⭐️
I’ve been super excited for this ever since Sinner’s Sanctuary. I wanted to know how Silas story ended. So I started this, and after the first three chapters, I skipped the Part One of the story and jumped straight to part two. Because Part One was literally 42 chapters of the basics of Silas and Graham getting together falling in love and the breakup. I honestly wasn’t interested in all that. I knew they were in love. I knew why their situationship ended. I was more curious about how they got back together which was why I jumped to Part Two. And after it ended, I peddled back to Part 1, to finish it.
I love Silas, I love him so much and I just think he deserved a better lover, a better love story. He deserved more than a conservative republican who bends to the whims of his father despite being a grown adult because he’s too much of a coward to speak for himself and oh, because he fears losing the luxurious life he has. (This is literally a man with a law degree, not like he was stupid or anything.) A closeted politician who is implementing laws that threatens Silas livelihood and the queer community. A man who let his family drag the man he claimed to love through the mud, ruined his life, all because “Catholic values,” and I cannot ruin my family’s legacy.
Yeah, Graham got his act together, good. But I don’t know, a lot was still lacking for me. We spent the first half of the book with Silas being Graham’s dirty secret. It was nice seeing how they fell in love and all but Silas was a kept secret, and then Avery and Marianne ruined them. (I still don’t like Marianne and I wished she got offed.)
Anyway, we spent chapter 43-67 on the conflict that split them apart. A lot of back and forth. Silas still being a dirty secret. Graham too chicken to go against his father, implementing Republican laws that threatens the queer community, outwardly supporting the bigoted views of his family, while secretly getting dicked down by Silas. I had no empathy for Graham whatsoever. All he was to me was a grown man, who made himself a doormat for his family. And we spent the better 50% of this book on this unresolved conflict of Graham not wanting out of the closet because he doesn’t want to ruin his family name and his political career and Silas grasping at straws.
Then eventually 90% through, there’s a headway, Graham pulling his head out of his ass and growing some spine. One of the things I hated was how the Author tried to fault Silas for not fighting for Graham, for not fighting to have Graham in this life when that video was leaked. I hated that scene and the discussion, because what was Silas to do when his life was being ruined and the man involved was busy denying him and choosing his family over him?
By the time, Graham decides he wants Silas and doesn’t want to hide him. That he wants out of the closet, we are 99% into the book. So they go out together, the news breaks out, they’re grant an exclusive interview, and then what? Epilogue.
Despite my dislike for Graham, I still would’ve preferred to see them actually being together in public. I would’ve loved if at least 20% of the book was dedicated to the better part of their relationship. Of Graham taking pride in being seen in public instead of that time we spent on background story and the unresolved conflict that kept dragging on.
Does Graham deserve a happy ending? Nope.
Did his father deserve any redemption? Nope. Because yeah, the Author showed us that Graham and his father reconciled but he is still a republican at the end of the day and with the state of the world right now, that doesn’t sit right with me.
Lastly, Silas deserved a better lover. He deserved a better love story.
I’ve been super excited for this ever since Sinner’s Sanctuary. I wanted to know how Silas story ended. So I started this, and after the first three chapters, I skipped the Part One of the story and jumped straight to part two. Because Part One was literally 42 chapters of the basics of Silas and Graham getting together falling in love and the breakup. I honestly wasn’t interested in all that. I knew they were in love. I knew why their situationship ended. I was more curious about how they got back together which was why I jumped to Part Two. And after it ended, I peddled back to Part 1, to finish it.
I love Silas, I love him so much and I just think he deserved a better lover, a better love story. He deserved more than a conservative republican who bends to the whims of his father despite being a grown adult because he’s too much of a coward to speak for himself and oh, because he fears losing the luxurious life he has. (This is literally a man with a law degree, not like he was stupid or anything.) A closeted politician who is implementing laws that threatens Silas livelihood and the queer community. A man who let his family drag the man he claimed to love through the mud, ruined his life, all because “Catholic values,” and I cannot ruin my family’s legacy.
Yeah, Graham got his act together, good. But I don’t know, a lot was still lacking for me. We spent the first half of the book with Silas being Graham’s dirty secret. It was nice seeing how they fell in love and all but Silas was a kept secret, and then Avery and Marianne ruined them. (I still don’t like Marianne and I wished she got offed.)
Anyway, we spent chapter 43-67 on the conflict that split them apart. A lot of back and forth. Silas still being a dirty secret. Graham too chicken to go against his father, implementing Republican laws that threatens the queer community, outwardly supporting the bigoted views of his family, while secretly getting dicked down by Silas. I had no empathy for Graham whatsoever. All he was to me was a grown man, who made himself a doormat for his family. And we spent the better 50% of this book on this unresolved conflict of Graham not wanting out of the closet because he doesn’t want to ruin his family name and his political career and Silas grasping at straws.
Then eventually 90% through, there’s a headway, Graham pulling his head out of his ass and growing some spine. One of the things I hated was how the Author tried to fault Silas for not fighting for Graham, for not fighting to have Graham in this life when that video was leaked. I hated that scene and the discussion, because what was Silas to do when his life was being ruined and the man involved was busy denying him and choosing his family over him?
By the time, Graham decides he wants Silas and doesn’t want to hide him. That he wants out of the closet, we are 99% into the book. So they go out together, the news breaks out, they’re grant an exclusive interview, and then what? Epilogue.
Despite my dislike for Graham, I still would’ve preferred to see them actually being together in public. I would’ve loved if at least 20% of the book was dedicated to the better part of their relationship. Of Graham taking pride in being seen in public instead of that time we spent on background story and the unresolved conflict that kept dragging on.
Does Graham deserve a happy ending? Nope.
Did his father deserve any redemption? Nope. Because yeah, the Author showed us that Graham and his father reconciled but he is still a republican at the end of the day and with the state of the world right now, that doesn’t sit right with me.
Lastly, Silas deserved a better lover. He deserved a better love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
With the current political climate this was a rough read and I will say undoubtedly that this one was not for me. I honestly enjoyed the beginning of this book where Silas met Graham but as their relationship continued I was put off. I did not ever like Graham whereas I liked Silas in the beginning. I found it hard to relate to either character in a meaningful way. Honestly this was one book that I did not want to end in a HEA. I do not think the redemption was believable or enough honestly. Graham did not deserve his HEA. Grahams dad deserved no redemption either. I know not every book is for everyone and this one was a miss for me. The writing was good and the storytelling was well done which is why it gets 3 stars.
dnf
March 14, 2025I tried to give this a go but I just couldn’t get interested in either of characters. I think the author is hit and miss. Loved their other series. But this isn’t for me.
April 12, 2025
4.5 stars!
March 19, 2025
⭐️
4.5 stars rounded up!
⭐️
I can say right off the bat - by the end Silas stops escorting. For more details about it, you can look under the spoiler tag here:
But, I knew going into this that Silas would be a sex worker and that Graham would know about it would accept it, so I myself could get past it for the most part. Also with hope that he'd stop by the end.
I don't really like that he was kind of .
Anyway, while he did continue it for a long while, we did start to get, early on, that Silas barely felt anything during it and had to really up his acting skills and it was just a job by the end. I wish we hadn't gotten as I was really tired of hearing of sex with others with them by this point. It was a bit too late in the book for my liking.
As for Graham, he only ever has sex with Avery, his beard at first who kind of ends up liking him anyway and they try for a baby as well. It's very forced for Graham though as he's very gay. But once something happens, they stop having any sex somewhat early on and Graham only has sex with Silas from then on.
SO yeah, onto the actual story now that I've gotten all that out of the way.
As much as all that bothered me? I still loved this and I couldn't put it down. I was literally up until 5:30AM reading this because I couldn't put it down.
This stories goes into detail about how they met, how they fell in love and their first time being together, to being broken up and into their second chance.
These two had great, amazing chemistry and I loved them together. Truly while sex with others keeps happening so late into this, Silas and Graham truly only want each other. They become absolutely obsessed with each other and absolutely head over heels in love with each other.
The main problem, though? The family Graham has and his upbringing. His family is Catholic, very conservative and as such he's grown up very closeted. He's also a Republican. But almost like...he's that because its expected of him.
Also? He's pretty ignorant of a lot of things, as rich white cis male who has grown up in a conservative family would be. Even though he's been through law school and all, he's still a bit ignorant to things.
This book is fairly big on the politics, given that Graham is a US Senator, so be prepared for it to come up. But when it gets to the nitty gritty of it all, in Graham's heart of hearts, he doesn't agree with a lot of Republican stances on many issues. Some things he needed to research more, truly.
So while in real life I'd hate Graham from the outside, in a fictional story where we get to see so much of who he is and how he's not truly a Republican at heart, it's easy to like him so much.
Although! During the angst and trials these two go through I wanted so smack him up the head several times! It's understandable, what he was going through, but man the author kept his idiocy going for a LONG as time. I thought at LEAST after the time jump he'd be close to changed but he still stubbornly holding to his view on how things went down for a while there.
It was annoying and frustrating and i was getting sick of it. I wanted his character development and transformation to happen sooner! Like this is an over 600 page book, and present day happens for about 40ish% of it, that's plenty of time to get him to start to change for the better, but i felt like it didn't *truly* start happening until the last third or so, maybe a bit less. Then all the sudden he was ready. Also Silas was rightfully in his pain for awhile there and being nasty to Graham as Graham deserved, but then he started giving in to things way too easily. I wanted to him to hold out for Graham showing he'd really change. Frustrated me that he didn't wait for that entirely.
That's my reason for .5 stars off of this. I was tempted to even give this just 4 stars, but I did truly l love so much of this story and these two. I couldn't help but love them.
Truly in real life, would these two have a HEA? Probably not. Or maybe worse would go down.
But also another reason for my .5 stars off...why was Graham always so "broke"?? Even after Avery's lavish lifestyle was no longer need to be paid for, Graham kept saying he was broke and couldn't afford shit...but he was a US Senator?? Shouldn't he have been making hand over fist? They ALL make millions in real life. A Republican Senator certainly would with how greedy they are. Not that Graham was, just that he allowed himself to be a puppet to his father and others for a long time.
Anyway my point was that I didn't really buy that he was always fairly broke or barely had any money. It rang a bit false to me.
But anyway, aside from all that, Silas and Graham were great together. And I absolutely loved how when they were starting their second chance that they started to get to know each other even better, and a lot of the things they didn't talk about before, they did this time, as not talking about it kind of, in a way, led to their downfall before.
Their communication really changed for the better as they were rebuilding their relationship the second time.
The sex was, of course, amazing and well done, as this author has been doing for the past three books in this series.
This was pretty much on par in quality to the first three. That being said? This is technically my least favorite. Not saying much, as I still loved it, but still...there's a bit to be bothered with in this one that I wasn't in the first three. Like yes in the first three they'd have sex with others for quite a bit, but pretty much once strong, real feelings came into play and they got more serious, all that would stop. You knew by the end that they'd never have sex with anyone but each other.
This one was a bit...less with that. Not that these two ever wanted anyone else, I truly don't think that is so, and I don't think they'd ever have sex with anyone else...when no money is involved. But just knowing that they'd be okay with Silas going back to escorting if need be bothered me a bit. I know it'd just be a job for him, but...it's still having sex with others, sorry.
Thankfully the epilogue makes clear that Silas didn't have to go back to escorting but I'd just rather have had a definitive "I never want to be with anyone but you" convo 🤷♀️
(Also can I just say that idk Silas' ex knew he was escorting but Silas never outright told him he was having sex with others in the job? (Some escorting doesn't involve sex) That made me raise my eyebrows. Like, no wonder he and his ex didn't work but that felt a bit like Silas was cheating ngl. Ben should have known the full truth)
Anyway, this is definitely worth a read, it was still almost up to par with the other books. But if you can't get past what I've detailed in this review, then yeah, best to skip it. At least we were warned for it, I was grateful for it as I knew what I was getting going into this.
For all the angst these two go through, their HEA at the end was wonderful, though. It seemed almost impossible at one point for them to get it, but get it they did.
Sad to see this series end, but happy to know we might get spin-offs of sorts...or at the very least, shorts that involve seeing our favorite couples again.
Until the next!
My Ratings for the Doormen of the Upper East Side Series:
🌕 The Heir's Disgrace: 5 stars (my review)
🌕 The Muse's Undoing: 5 stars (my review)
🌕 The Sinner's Sanctuary: 5 stars (my review)
🌕 The Liar's Reckoning: 4.5 stars
I can say right off the bat - by the end Silas stops escorting. For more details about it, you can look under the spoiler tag here:
But, I knew going into this that Silas would be a sex worker and that Graham would know about it would accept it, so I myself could get past it for the most part. Also with hope that he'd stop by the end.
I don't really like that he was kind of .
Anyway, while he did continue it for a long while, we did start to get, early on, that Silas barely felt anything during it and had to really up his acting skills and it was just a job by the end. I wish we hadn't gotten as I was really tired of hearing of sex with others with them by this point. It was a bit too late in the book for my liking.
As for Graham, he only ever has sex with Avery, his beard at first who kind of ends up liking him anyway and they try for a baby as well. It's very forced for Graham though as he's very gay. But once something happens, they stop having any sex somewhat early on and Graham only has sex with Silas from then on.
SO yeah, onto the actual story now that I've gotten all that out of the way.
As much as all that bothered me? I still loved this and I couldn't put it down. I was literally up until 5:30AM reading this because I couldn't put it down.
This stories goes into detail about how they met, how they fell in love and their first time being together, to being broken up and into their second chance.
These two had great, amazing chemistry and I loved them together. Truly while sex with others keeps happening so late into this, Silas and Graham truly only want each other. They become absolutely obsessed with each other and absolutely head over heels in love with each other.
The main problem, though? The family Graham has and his upbringing. His family is Catholic, very conservative and as such he's grown up very closeted. He's also a Republican. But almost like...he's that because its expected of him.
Also? He's pretty ignorant of a lot of things, as rich white cis male who has grown up in a conservative family would be. Even though he's been through law school and all, he's still a bit ignorant to things.
This book is fairly big on the politics, given that Graham is a US Senator, so be prepared for it to come up. But when it gets to the nitty gritty of it all, in Graham's heart of hearts, he doesn't agree with a lot of Republican stances on many issues. Some things he needed to research more, truly.
So while in real life I'd hate Graham from the outside, in a fictional story where we get to see so much of who he is and how he's not truly a Republican at heart, it's easy to like him so much.
Although! During the angst and trials these two go through I wanted so smack him up the head several times! It's understandable, what he was going through, but man the author kept his idiocy going for a LONG as time. I thought at LEAST after the time jump he'd be close to changed but he still stubbornly holding to his view on how things went down for a while there.
It was annoying and frustrating and i was getting sick of it. I wanted his character development and transformation to happen sooner! Like this is an over 600 page book, and present day happens for about 40ish% of it, that's plenty of time to get him to start to change for the better, but i felt like it didn't *truly* start happening until the last third or so, maybe a bit less. Then all the sudden he was ready. Also Silas was rightfully in his pain for awhile there and being nasty to Graham as Graham deserved, but then he started giving in to things way too easily. I wanted to him to hold out for Graham showing he'd really change. Frustrated me that he didn't wait for that entirely.
That's my reason for .5 stars off of this. I was tempted to even give this just 4 stars, but I did truly l love so much of this story and these two. I couldn't help but love them.
Truly in real life, would these two have a HEA? Probably not. Or maybe worse would go down.
But also another reason for my .5 stars off...why was Graham always so "broke"?? Even after Avery's lavish lifestyle was no longer need to be paid for, Graham kept saying he was broke and couldn't afford shit...but he was a US Senator?? Shouldn't he have been making hand over fist? They ALL make millions in real life. A Republican Senator certainly would with how greedy they are. Not that Graham was, just that he allowed himself to be a puppet to his father and others for a long time.
Anyway my point was that I didn't really buy that he was always fairly broke or barely had any money. It rang a bit false to me.
But anyway, aside from all that, Silas and Graham were great together. And I absolutely loved how when they were starting their second chance that they started to get to know each other even better, and a lot of the things they didn't talk about before, they did this time, as not talking about it kind of, in a way, led to their downfall before.
Their communication really changed for the better as they were rebuilding their relationship the second time.
The sex was, of course, amazing and well done, as this author has been doing for the past three books in this series.
This was pretty much on par in quality to the first three. That being said? This is technically my least favorite. Not saying much, as I still loved it, but still...there's a bit to be bothered with in this one that I wasn't in the first three. Like yes in the first three they'd have sex with others for quite a bit, but pretty much once strong, real feelings came into play and they got more serious, all that would stop. You knew by the end that they'd never have sex with anyone but each other.
This one was a bit...less with that. Not that these two ever wanted anyone else, I truly don't think that is so, and I don't think they'd ever have sex with anyone else...when no money is involved. But just knowing that they'd be okay with Silas going back to escorting if need be bothered me a bit. I know it'd just be a job for him, but...it's still having sex with others, sorry.
Thankfully the epilogue makes clear that Silas didn't have to go back to escorting but I'd just rather have had a definitive "I never want to be with anyone but you" convo 🤷♀️
(Also can I just say that idk Silas' ex knew he was escorting but Silas never outright told him he was having sex with others in the job? (Some escorting doesn't involve sex) That made me raise my eyebrows. Like, no wonder he and his ex didn't work but that felt a bit like Silas was cheating ngl. Ben should have known the full truth)
Anyway, this is definitely worth a read, it was still almost up to par with the other books. But if you can't get past what I've detailed in this review, then yeah, best to skip it. At least we were warned for it, I was grateful for it as I knew what I was getting going into this.
For all the angst these two go through, their HEA at the end was wonderful, though. It seemed almost impossible at one point for them to get it, but get it they did.
Sad to see this series end, but happy to know we might get spin-offs of sorts...or at the very least, shorts that involve seeing our favorite couples again.
Until the next!
My Ratings for the Doormen of the Upper East Side Series:
🌕 The Heir's Disgrace: 5 stars (my review)
🌕 The Muse's Undoing: 5 stars (my review)
🌕 The Sinner's Sanctuary: 5 stars (my review)
🌕 The Liar's Reckoning: 4.5 stars
March 9, 2025
God I loved Graham and Silas’s relationship, every single aspect of it in whatever phase they found themselves in. No one quite writes the honesty of difficult relationships between complex men with the rawness, bravery and magnetic force that August Jones does and I am quite addicted to it.
Don’t even get me started on their chemistry and the spice which is plentiful and absolutely a white hot inferno and takes quite a few diversions outside of vanilla. These two are literal fire!! 🔥
The emotional language of the book is sultry and abundant and poetic and absolutely hooks you into the world the author is navigating you through.
These are not men without faults and when they meet in the prearranged way they do it kicks off something for both of them that pulls them out of the grey half numb world they have been living in, making them hold each other tight, reel each other back in, forcing confessions and helplessly growing into an all consuming love that wants to defy reality and the clock that’s sort of ticking down.
When the other shoe drops the crack in the floor is deep and long.. devastating. An untenable choice made leading to the harshest of realities with really no resolution to be seen. It’s one crisis after another forcing more and more distance between the lovers but the need remains unabated. The sheer hurt and loss in part two was gut wrenching. The complexity and nuance of issues and emotions this story chooses to tackle is expansive and the way it finds it’s way to that so very special ending will be indelibly etched into my mind for a long while
Highly recommend checking out this book and series, truly a spectacular study in the emotions, nuances and journeys of complicated relationships with singeing spice defining eroticism.
Expect:
* Virgin MC
* Politician x Sex worker
* Sexual awakening being reaffirmed
* Secret relationship
* No kissing rule that’s meant to be broken
* Forbidden in so many ways
* Overtones of religious trauma for one MC
* Longing
* Pining
* Grief and loss
* Love to hate to love
* Betrayal
Don’t even get me started on their chemistry and the spice which is plentiful and absolutely a white hot inferno and takes quite a few diversions outside of vanilla. These two are literal fire!! 🔥
The emotional language of the book is sultry and abundant and poetic and absolutely hooks you into the world the author is navigating you through.
These are not men without faults and when they meet in the prearranged way they do it kicks off something for both of them that pulls them out of the grey half numb world they have been living in, making them hold each other tight, reel each other back in, forcing confessions and helplessly growing into an all consuming love that wants to defy reality and the clock that’s sort of ticking down.
When the other shoe drops the crack in the floor is deep and long.. devastating. An untenable choice made leading to the harshest of realities with really no resolution to be seen. It’s one crisis after another forcing more and more distance between the lovers but the need remains unabated. The sheer hurt and loss in part two was gut wrenching. The complexity and nuance of issues and emotions this story chooses to tackle is expansive and the way it finds it’s way to that so very special ending will be indelibly etched into my mind for a long while
Highly recommend checking out this book and series, truly a spectacular study in the emotions, nuances and journeys of complicated relationships with singeing spice defining eroticism.
Expect:
* Virgin MC
* Politician x Sex worker
* Sexual awakening being reaffirmed
* Secret relationship
* No kissing rule that’s meant to be broken
* Forbidden in so many ways
* Overtones of religious trauma for one MC
* Longing
* Pining
* Grief and loss
* Love to hate to love
* Betrayal
March 13, 2025
Silas • Graham…♾️.
….
“Something inside me always senses him. Finds him. My life will forever collide with his.”
….
There’s no other like August. The raw honesty of each of her characters. I have read everything written by this author and let me tell you - each and single one is next level complex but so vulnerably human.
I have read The Liar’s Reckoning two weeks ago and I still can’t form full sentences that will give away how I felt like while reading this particular book. It ripped out some parts of me and ran away with them. The funny thing is, I don’t want these parts back. I want for this book to have them as I want this book to stay with me forever. Silas and Graham became so dear to me.
From the very beginning, we know of Silas and Graham. In book one we get bits and tiny pieces. We get next puzzle pieces in book two and then a fallout in book three. The 4th tale gave us everything. If I could I would underline the word everything a thousand times. I always try to not have any expectations going into books because I always want them to be written where an authors heart drives them too. Let me tell you, August toke me to unexpected places. We didn’t start from the middle or learn from “tell” how they became. We become with them from page one.
I will not summarize the plot for you or describe who the characters are, there is so many wonderful reviews that do just that.
What I want to share with you is how with written words an author made me feel absolute: their secrets, their expectations, their burdens, their hope, their dilemmas, their needs, their vulnerability, their flaws, their goodness, their trying, their forever collided love.
And that ending. I should be owned a truck of tissues.
So wherever we are going next, I am following along. Blind. Thank you for another exceptional story for keepsake.
Best regards, Your forever stan.
….
Please be kindly advised that this book deals with strong politics and might be triggering. But this story wouldn’t be the same without these aspects.
….
Bring Me The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
.
James Arthur - Naked
.
Vancouver Sleep Clinic - Killing Me To Love You
….
“I zone in on a small mole on his right cheekbone, a beauty mark…” // “I have a feeling a man like Silas knows exactly what I need.” // “That’s way more than even you can afford, Lawther.” // “…but I’ve got feelings. As much as I might try to stuff them into some dark cavity inside me and pretend they don’t exist, they surge up from time to time.” // “That was chemistry, pure and simple, and I’m hyper-fixated on the memory.” // “…looking for someone to hold onto.” // “Because I hate myself enough without watching someone hate me back.” // “You were the only person I wanted to see…” // “This is how I know I’ll never get over him.” // “We’re changing. Together. Becoming something new that belongs only to us.” // “You know what else is simple? Us.” // “I shake my head, dizzy with his scent, drowning in a thousand memories. I want him. As much as I ever did. More than I want anything. I know I can’t have him, but it doesn’t stop how much wanting there is. This close to him, it consumes me.” // “So much I crave another one.” // “The ghost of the love we once shared flickers like a faint shimmer in my chest.” // “I wish I could have loved you better…. But I’ll always love you the best I can.” // “…his hand moves, finding mine and holding it.” // “We fought. He won.” // “Bold words.” // “…how the fuck am I ever gonna make it work with someone else I probably won’t love half as much?” // “I want to be good enough for you, too.” // “Such an infinite surprise.” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
….
“Something inside me always senses him. Finds him. My life will forever collide with his.”
….
There’s no other like August. The raw honesty of each of her characters. I have read everything written by this author and let me tell you - each and single one is next level complex but so vulnerably human.
I have read The Liar’s Reckoning two weeks ago and I still can’t form full sentences that will give away how I felt like while reading this particular book. It ripped out some parts of me and ran away with them. The funny thing is, I don’t want these parts back. I want for this book to have them as I want this book to stay with me forever. Silas and Graham became so dear to me.
From the very beginning, we know of Silas and Graham. In book one we get bits and tiny pieces. We get next puzzle pieces in book two and then a fallout in book three. The 4th tale gave us everything. If I could I would underline the word everything a thousand times. I always try to not have any expectations going into books because I always want them to be written where an authors heart drives them too. Let me tell you, August toke me to unexpected places. We didn’t start from the middle or learn from “tell” how they became. We become with them from page one.
I will not summarize the plot for you or describe who the characters are, there is so many wonderful reviews that do just that.
What I want to share with you is how with written words an author made me feel absolute: their secrets, their expectations, their burdens, their hope, their dilemmas, their needs, their vulnerability, their flaws, their goodness, their trying, their forever collided love.
And that ending. I should be owned a truck of tissues.
So wherever we are going next, I am following along. Blind. Thank you for another exceptional story for keepsake.
Best regards, Your forever stan.
….
Please be kindly advised that this book deals with strong politics and might be triggering. But this story wouldn’t be the same without these aspects.
….
Bring Me The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
.
James Arthur - Naked
.
Vancouver Sleep Clinic - Killing Me To Love You
….
“I zone in on a small mole on his right cheekbone, a beauty mark…” // “I have a feeling a man like Silas knows exactly what I need.” // “That’s way more than even you can afford, Lawther.” // “…but I’ve got feelings. As much as I might try to stuff them into some dark cavity inside me and pretend they don’t exist, they surge up from time to time.” // “That was chemistry, pure and simple, and I’m hyper-fixated on the memory.” // “…looking for someone to hold onto.” // “Because I hate myself enough without watching someone hate me back.” // “You were the only person I wanted to see…” // “This is how I know I’ll never get over him.” // “We’re changing. Together. Becoming something new that belongs only to us.” // “You know what else is simple? Us.” // “I shake my head, dizzy with his scent, drowning in a thousand memories. I want him. As much as I ever did. More than I want anything. I know I can’t have him, but it doesn’t stop how much wanting there is. This close to him, it consumes me.” // “So much I crave another one.” // “The ghost of the love we once shared flickers like a faint shimmer in my chest.” // “I wish I could have loved you better…. But I’ll always love you the best I can.” // “…his hand moves, finding mine and holding it.” // “We fought. He won.” // “Bold words.” // “…how the fuck am I ever gonna make it work with someone else I probably won’t love half as much?” // “I want to be good enough for you, too.” // “Such an infinite surprise.” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
March 15, 2025
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face : August Jones is my hero for always writing the hard stuff. A republican senator in this political climate? Most authors would never, but August Jones said “hold my fucking beer” and she did the damn thing. I’m in awe of this story and it’s absolutely up there with Heir’s Disgrace as my favorite of the series [don’t make me choose!!]. One night. One 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐝 night. That’s all it takes to have conservative politician, Graham Lawther, handing over not only his virginity but also his heart, to doorman and sex worker, Silas Manning. These two are HOTTTT, they are angstyyyy, and they are so incredibly broken. The toxic codependency, the “I shouldn’t want you but I do,” the “I should hate you,” all of it is so damn addicting. If you like broken boys, this story delivers x10000. These two are the definition of soul mates and I was cheering for them from page one. And let’s not forget the spice. Pls. This story is straight up filthy in all of the best ways. Degradation? ✔️ Kinky? ✔️ Sneaking around? ✔️ You get the point. Just read the damn thing. What an epic finale story. 👏
what you can expect :
• mm
• 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 politician + sex worker
• virgin
• “puppy”
• 🐔 cage
my ratings : 9/10 + 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📖 // advanced reader copy
what you can expect :
• mm
• 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 politician + sex worker
• virgin
• “puppy”
• 🐔 cage
my ratings : 9/10 + 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📖 // advanced reader copy
March 14, 2025
I have absolutely loved this series, but my god, The Liar's Reckoning BLEW ME AWAY. Like, I'm not even in this universe anymore.
We've seen little snippets of Graham and Silas throughout the series so I'd been really looking forward to reading their story. And holy sh** I thought I was prepared for them, spoiler alert, I was NOT.
The book starts right at the beginning of their journey, on the eve of Graham's wedding to Avery. Graham's always known he was gay, and as a last hurrah before entering into a marriage of convenience, he hires a male escort and meets Silas.
And when fate brings them back together when Graham and Avery move into the building that Silas is working as a doorman, they can't deny that the chemistry they had that first night was a one off. It's not an easy journey, even in the early days. These men are flawed, complex and so precious.
Reading their POV of the fallout from book 3 was so devastating. Their pain radiated through the pages, and my heart literally broke for them.
The most spectacular part for me was Part 2...the book deals with some incredibly hard and sensitive political topics, especially in the current climate, but it's done with such sensitivity. It is emotive, and thought provoking, while not losing the focus of Graham and Silas trying to find their way back to each other. It is one of the hardest fought for, and deserving HEA, I think I've ever read. The way they learn from each other, and challenge each other, especially when they screw up, makes for some of the best character development I've seen.
Also, that epilogue had no right to make me cry as much as it did!
I'm going to miss this series so much, The Liar's Reckoning is going to stay with me for a very long time.
We've seen little snippets of Graham and Silas throughout the series so I'd been really looking forward to reading their story. And holy sh** I thought I was prepared for them, spoiler alert, I was NOT.
The book starts right at the beginning of their journey, on the eve of Graham's wedding to Avery. Graham's always known he was gay, and as a last hurrah before entering into a marriage of convenience, he hires a male escort and meets Silas.
And when fate brings them back together when Graham and Avery move into the building that Silas is working as a doorman, they can't deny that the chemistry they had that first night was a one off. It's not an easy journey, even in the early days. These men are flawed, complex and so precious.
Reading their POV of the fallout from book 3 was so devastating. Their pain radiated through the pages, and my heart literally broke for them.
The most spectacular part for me was Part 2...the book deals with some incredibly hard and sensitive political topics, especially in the current climate, but it's done with such sensitivity. It is emotive, and thought provoking, while not losing the focus of Graham and Silas trying to find their way back to each other. It is one of the hardest fought for, and deserving HEA, I think I've ever read. The way they learn from each other, and challenge each other, especially when they screw up, makes for some of the best character development I've seen.
Also, that epilogue had no right to make me cry as much as it did!
I'm going to miss this series so much, The Liar's Reckoning is going to stay with me for a very long time.
March 14, 2025
The most openly gay doorman/escort/personal trainer in NYC and the most closeted Republican senator… the chemistry before they even kiss is intense but afterwards it’s damn near explosive! 🧨🥵💥
Graham hires Silas for one night of exploring his real desires before he gets married and pretends to be the perfect Republican senator. Months after their unforgettable night Silas keeps popping up everywhere in Graham’s life.. almost like he’s meant to be there.
This book had me SOBBING. Graham is so lost. He’s a product of his upbringing and desperate for acceptance especially when he has a secret that could estrange him from his very religious and political family that he loves. He’s so deeply in the closet that he’s in no way prepared for Silas.
Silas loves with his whole heart. He’s a caretaker and a giver. He’s so patient and forgiving. He accepts what Graham can give and doesn’t expect more. Still he’s not a pushover and he has his limits. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a romance where things blow up so spectacularly and the pain afterwards is truly bone-deep.
Definitely read the trigger warnings as there are a lot of heavy topics, but August handles them with care and the ending is fully satisfying.
It probably could be read as a standalone but I’ve loved seeing teasers of this pair in the other books and the waiting made for such a beautiful ending to the series. I almost can’t believe it’s over 🥰😭🥹
Graham hires Silas for one night of exploring his real desires before he gets married and pretends to be the perfect Republican senator. Months after their unforgettable night Silas keeps popping up everywhere in Graham’s life.. almost like he’s meant to be there.
This book had me SOBBING. Graham is so lost. He’s a product of his upbringing and desperate for acceptance especially when he has a secret that could estrange him from his very religious and political family that he loves. He’s so deeply in the closet that he’s in no way prepared for Silas.
Silas loves with his whole heart. He’s a caretaker and a giver. He’s so patient and forgiving. He accepts what Graham can give and doesn’t expect more. Still he’s not a pushover and he has his limits. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a romance where things blow up so spectacularly and the pain afterwards is truly bone-deep.
Definitely read the trigger warnings as there are a lot of heavy topics, but August handles them with care and the ending is fully satisfying.
It probably could be read as a standalone but I’ve loved seeing teasers of this pair in the other books and the waiting made for such a beautiful ending to the series. I almost can’t believe it’s over 🥰😭🥹
March 11, 2025
" I don't want to like him. He's a republican and a liar. His entire life is a lie."
The Liars Reckoning by August Jones.
Every time I read a book by August Jones, I find myself saying the same thing, how much I loved it, how breathtakingly beautiful it was, and every time, it’s the absolute truth. With each book, each word, each character, she pulls you in so completely, making you live and breathe inside the world she’s created. A world filled with angst, heartbreak, longing, and uncertainty, but, in the end, love. She doesn’t just tell a story; she rips you open, makes you feel everything her characters feel, and then, somehow, she stitches you back together again.
This series was captivating from the very first book. And from that very first book, we catch fleeting glimpses of Silas and Graham. In the second, another glimpse. In the third, we begin to see just how dire their situation is. We think we know them, think we understand their story based on these brief moments, but then, we reach the final book. And suddenly, everything we thought we knew unravels. The phrase “there are three sides to every story” has never felt more true. Piece by piece, the puzzle comes together, and what it reveals is devastating.
From the very first page, you are consumed by Silas and Graham’s impossible, breathtaking story. You feel it all—their beginning, their chemistry, the kind that ignites once in a lifetime. You feel their hope. Their fear. Their love, the love that brings both heartbreak and betrayal. And yet, through all the pain, there is something beautiful: the knowledge that their love is strong enough to survive it all. I read the final pages with tears in my eyes, grateful that, in the end, love wins.
Graham, a Catholic, a Republican senator, a man who spent his life following a path he never dared to question. He played by the rules, kept his head down, did what was expected. And then, on the night before his wedding, in one moment of reckless honesty, he hires an escort, a man, to experience, just once, what it would be like to live in his truth before locking himself into a lie. And that man is Silas.
Silas, vibrant, charismatic, impossible to forget. A man who deserved more than stolen moments and secret glances. But the universe had its own plans, ensuring their paths would cross again and again, making it impossible for either of them to walk away.
My heart shattered for Silas. Strong, resilient, and betrayed in the worst way imaginable. The man he loved with everything he had turned his back on him, leaving him to pick up the pieces alone. And yet, he did pick them up. He stood tall, even when he felt small. And when Graham came back into his life, he made sure Graham proved himself worthy of a second chance.
This book is one that will stay with me forever. It made me feel, every single emotion, every ounce of pain, every flicker of hope. I broke with them, I cried with them, I fell in love with them, and I felt their devastation. But more than anything, I felt their love. A love so powerful it was impossible to ignore.
This is, without question, one of my favorite reads of the year. If I could, I would hug Graham and Silas and tell them how proud I am of them. Because they fought for this. And they won. They deserved their happily ever after.
And I will gladly return to their story, time and time again.
The Liars Reckoning by August Jones.
Every time I read a book by August Jones, I find myself saying the same thing, how much I loved it, how breathtakingly beautiful it was, and every time, it’s the absolute truth. With each book, each word, each character, she pulls you in so completely, making you live and breathe inside the world she’s created. A world filled with angst, heartbreak, longing, and uncertainty, but, in the end, love. She doesn’t just tell a story; she rips you open, makes you feel everything her characters feel, and then, somehow, she stitches you back together again.
This series was captivating from the very first book. And from that very first book, we catch fleeting glimpses of Silas and Graham. In the second, another glimpse. In the third, we begin to see just how dire their situation is. We think we know them, think we understand their story based on these brief moments, but then, we reach the final book. And suddenly, everything we thought we knew unravels. The phrase “there are three sides to every story” has never felt more true. Piece by piece, the puzzle comes together, and what it reveals is devastating.
From the very first page, you are consumed by Silas and Graham’s impossible, breathtaking story. You feel it all—their beginning, their chemistry, the kind that ignites once in a lifetime. You feel their hope. Their fear. Their love, the love that brings both heartbreak and betrayal. And yet, through all the pain, there is something beautiful: the knowledge that their love is strong enough to survive it all. I read the final pages with tears in my eyes, grateful that, in the end, love wins.
Graham, a Catholic, a Republican senator, a man who spent his life following a path he never dared to question. He played by the rules, kept his head down, did what was expected. And then, on the night before his wedding, in one moment of reckless honesty, he hires an escort, a man, to experience, just once, what it would be like to live in his truth before locking himself into a lie. And that man is Silas.
Silas, vibrant, charismatic, impossible to forget. A man who deserved more than stolen moments and secret glances. But the universe had its own plans, ensuring their paths would cross again and again, making it impossible for either of them to walk away.
My heart shattered for Silas. Strong, resilient, and betrayed in the worst way imaginable. The man he loved with everything he had turned his back on him, leaving him to pick up the pieces alone. And yet, he did pick them up. He stood tall, even when he felt small. And when Graham came back into his life, he made sure Graham proved himself worthy of a second chance.
This book is one that will stay with me forever. It made me feel, every single emotion, every ounce of pain, every flicker of hope. I broke with them, I cried with them, I fell in love with them, and I felt their devastation. But more than anything, I felt their love. A love so powerful it was impossible to ignore.
This is, without question, one of my favorite reads of the year. If I could, I would hug Graham and Silas and tell them how proud I am of them. Because they fought for this. And they won. They deserved their happily ever after.
And I will gladly return to their story, time and time again.
July 27, 2025
NOPE! Giving this 2 stars because I did really enjoy the beginning of this book. If it wasn’t for book club I would have DNF’d at about 25-30%
Graham is republican and they would have some of the hottest sex, then he would hurry to run home to his wife who knew he was gay? Nope!
I loved Silas and I wish he got a different story! I hated that he was just the dirty little secret this entire (yes, entire) book!
In today’s political climate, this was just hard to read and touched on many political points that are really hurting people right now and how Graham supported them because daddy said so.
This book could have been 200 pages shorter, I skimmed about that much and didn’t miss anything in the story.
Grahams redemption wasn’t enough for me!!!
Oh and we literally get one chapter of them together and happy… THE EPILOGUE 🙄
Graham is republican and they would have some of the hottest sex, then he would hurry to run home to his wife who knew he was gay? Nope!
I loved Silas and I wish he got a different story! I hated that he was just the dirty little secret this entire (yes, entire) book!
In today’s political climate, this was just hard to read and touched on many political points that are really hurting people right now and how Graham supported them because daddy said so.
This book could have been 200 pages shorter, I skimmed about that much and didn’t miss anything in the story.
Grahams redemption wasn’t enough for me!!!
Oh and we literally get one chapter of them together and happy… THE EPILOGUE 🙄
July 12, 2025
I have read & loved almost everything August Jones has written so I was beyond excited for the series finale even though I was sad to see it end. With that being said, it took me a long time to work up to reading Silas’s book because I knew it would be angsty and that’s not my jam. The angst wasn’t what had me stopping at 25% though. By the 1/4 mark there was already so much f*cked up stuff happening, I just couldn’t stomach it. I can typically count on August for the steamiest steam that ever steamed but I just didn’t feel their connection in any way, including the bedroom. Unfortunately this wasn’t for me but I absolutely recommend anything else by August!
April 20, 2025
3.75
Loved the premise but holy angst.
Loved the writing but it felt like it dragged at places.
Loved the premise but holy angst.
Loved the writing but it felt like it dragged at places.
dropped
May 11, 2025I started it, then put it down in favor of another read and I just don’t think I’m going to pick this up again. So, DNF for now.
March 2, 2025
silas + graham
Thank you to August Jones and The Author Agency for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! Forever grateful for the opportunity🫶🏼
standalone | 4th & final book in The Doormen of Upper East Side series | New York City | MM | erotica | Part One & Part Two | doorman / personal trainer / sex worker x US senator | strangers to lovers to hate to love | opposites attract | grumpy x sunshine | forbidden love | "teach me" | k!nks galore | star-crossed lovers/soulmates | second chance | betrayal | political scandals | redemption | HEA
⚠️This book won't be for everyone. Silas and Graham's story explores some seriously complex emotional and societal challenges. It contains ample trigger warnings and deals with high stakes political themes making it a potentially difficult read for some. Do not go into this book blind. Check the trigger warnings!⚠️
This is a thought provoking story of two complete opposites - Silas Manning and Graham Lawther.
Silas grew up in Queens and works multiple jobs to support his ailing mother. He's a grump and can come off as an asshole most of the time. He's also a recluse that tends to prefer solitude over socializing. He's best friends with Christian (The Sinner's Sanctuary), but hides his true self from everyone but his mom and her twin sister - his aunt - who still reside in Queens.
Graham was born to a Catholic family conglomerate and is considered a rich, Daddy's boy. He's more sunshine-y than those you'd find on Capitol Hill and lives to put his family first and make Daddy proud. But Graham has a secret. After meeting Silas at The Plaza Hotel these two embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and forbidden love.
The first part of the story will bring you through Graham and Silas's origins from their push/pull dynamic, star crossed lover chemistry, teach me moments, and all the kinks. What would an August Jones book be without high heat, right? The flames burn HOT with these two. The second part of the story HURTS. Betrayal, political scandals, and self discovery are ever present and I'm not going to sugar coat it - you will be wrecked. The reckoning in this story could very well bring you to your knees as you work your way through the pivotal moments that challenge Graham and Silas' connection. But this is The Liar's Reckoning. A lot of realization and confrontation of emotions and choices needs to happen. There are difficult truths, important decisions to make, and terms to come to for past actions made by both Silas and Graham. That takes a lot of time and heartbreak. You won't see a happy ending for them separately or together and you may even question your ability to get to "The End". But, I can promise you that if you stick with it and trust August to deliver....the hard fought happily ever after Silas and Graham bring is nothing short of extraordinary. This is truly one of the best redemption stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
This is the end of the series and I cannot give this - and every DUES book in this series - less than 5 stars. The world building, writing, spice, banter, and life lessons packed into these characters and their HEAs was something to experience. And I am so glad I took a chance on August Jones. A true gem in this space and the queen of MM erotica with hard hitting stories. Here's to continuing to support whatever comes next on her publication list!
other topics and potential spoilers:
Thank you to August Jones and The Author Agency for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! Forever grateful for the opportunity🫶🏼
standalone | 4th & final book in The Doormen of Upper East Side series | New York City | MM | erotica | Part One & Part Two | doorman / personal trainer / sex worker x US senator | strangers to lovers to hate to love | opposites attract | grumpy x sunshine | forbidden love | "teach me" | k!nks galore | star-crossed lovers/soulmates | second chance | betrayal | political scandals | redemption | HEA
⚠️This book won't be for everyone. Silas and Graham's story explores some seriously complex emotional and societal challenges. It contains ample trigger warnings and deals with high stakes political themes making it a potentially difficult read for some. Do not go into this book blind. Check the trigger warnings!⚠️
This is a thought provoking story of two complete opposites - Silas Manning and Graham Lawther.
Silas grew up in Queens and works multiple jobs to support his ailing mother. He's a grump and can come off as an asshole most of the time. He's also a recluse that tends to prefer solitude over socializing. He's best friends with Christian (The Sinner's Sanctuary), but hides his true self from everyone but his mom and her twin sister - his aunt - who still reside in Queens.
Graham was born to a Catholic family conglomerate and is considered a rich, Daddy's boy. He's more sunshine-y than those you'd find on Capitol Hill and lives to put his family first and make Daddy proud. But Graham has a secret. After meeting Silas at The Plaza Hotel these two embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and forbidden love.
The first part of the story will bring you through Graham and Silas's origins from their push/pull dynamic, star crossed lover chemistry, teach me moments, and all the kinks. What would an August Jones book be without high heat, right? The flames burn HOT with these two. The second part of the story HURTS. Betrayal, political scandals, and self discovery are ever present and I'm not going to sugar coat it - you will be wrecked. The reckoning in this story could very well bring you to your knees as you work your way through the pivotal moments that challenge Graham and Silas' connection. But this is The Liar's Reckoning. A lot of realization and confrontation of emotions and choices needs to happen. There are difficult truths, important decisions to make, and terms to come to for past actions made by both Silas and Graham. That takes a lot of time and heartbreak. You won't see a happy ending for them separately or together and you may even question your ability to get to "The End". But, I can promise you that if you stick with it and trust August to deliver....the hard fought happily ever after Silas and Graham bring is nothing short of extraordinary. This is truly one of the best redemption stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
This is the end of the series and I cannot give this - and every DUES book in this series - less than 5 stars. The world building, writing, spice, banter, and life lessons packed into these characters and their HEAs was something to experience. And I am so glad I took a chance on August Jones. A true gem in this space and the queen of MM erotica with hard hitting stories. Here's to continuing to support whatever comes next on her publication list!
other topics and potential spoilers:
March 23, 2025
DNF. Got about 80% of the way through. Wanted to throw the book out the window I was so angry with graham. And I was like I don’t think there’s anything he could do to be better but I knew somehow in the last 20% he would somehow magically be forgiven and I was like oh no this is the most toxic human on the planet. And Silas is way too kind and is giving this graham way too much leniency. Frickin gives him an inch and Graham goes miles and steamrolls over everything and yet he’s not the one who’s lost anything and so is in a position of power. Made me so angry so I couldn’t finish the book.
I needed the reckoning to happen faster. LOL
I needed the reckoning to happen faster. LOL
March 21, 2025
I think I can stop reading now, because I already read my 2025 favorite. No need reading further, because nothing is gonna top this one. It's a masterpiece. This series is the best I ever read and the final book has me reeling for days now. I just can't get these boys out of my head. August Jones is a master in creating beautiful erotic stories which fantastic characters who eventually find their soulmates but the way towards happiness is a very hard fought one. As readers, we will cry, swoon and scream at them and we are equally happy when they finally reache their well earned HEA.
This story in particular broke me at some point. I felt the same despair and heartbreak as the characters did but August put me back together again.
So this book is about Silas and Graham of who we already saw snippets of in the previous books. We already knew what was gonna happen, but August really surprised us here. Graham was not the hated republican senator I thought he would be. No, on the contrary, he was an innocent and almost childlike soul. The contradiction in his persona brought so many layers to his character development and it was very well done. Silas is a great character too. He loves Graham so deeply he just can't stop it. Not even after everything that happened. The betrayal, the loneliness, I really wanted to hug him this whole time.
Silas and Graham meet the night before Graham has to marry a woman to keep up all the appearances. He is a closeted gay, still a virgin, but before he gives his life away, he wants to experience gay sex once. He hires Silas, who is a sexworker and they have instant chemistry. And when they keep running into each other, they can't stay away after a while. But it has to be in secret, because nobody can know who Graham truly is, not his conservative family, not his fellow republican senators, not his voters. So when it all blows up in their faces, Silas ends up being sacrificed. And he swears to never forgive Graham.
Leave it to August to write a closeted gay republican senator in this political era. You have to be a brave American to do that. And it is done so well. The heartbreak they feel, the despair, the insolubility of their situation, we feel it all very deeply. The writing is so emotional and the character development soooo good. And let's not forget the spice people. These two really go for it, they are insatiable. When they are together they just never sleep, are constantly hard around each other and can't keep their hands off each other. I have never read a couple so addicted as Silas and Graham are. And August writs spice like no other, sometimes with so much emotions in the act itself, it really is part of the story and it just never bores me. The spice always had a purpose, but let's just say there is a lot of purpose.
If you haven't picked up this series yet, please do. You will not regret it. In the meantime, I will wait impatiently for the next project August has in store for us.
This story in particular broke me at some point. I felt the same despair and heartbreak as the characters did but August put me back together again.
So this book is about Silas and Graham of who we already saw snippets of in the previous books. We already knew what was gonna happen, but August really surprised us here. Graham was not the hated republican senator I thought he would be. No, on the contrary, he was an innocent and almost childlike soul. The contradiction in his persona brought so many layers to his character development and it was very well done. Silas is a great character too. He loves Graham so deeply he just can't stop it. Not even after everything that happened. The betrayal, the loneliness, I really wanted to hug him this whole time.
Silas and Graham meet the night before Graham has to marry a woman to keep up all the appearances. He is a closeted gay, still a virgin, but before he gives his life away, he wants to experience gay sex once. He hires Silas, who is a sexworker and they have instant chemistry. And when they keep running into each other, they can't stay away after a while. But it has to be in secret, because nobody can know who Graham truly is, not his conservative family, not his fellow republican senators, not his voters. So when it all blows up in their faces, Silas ends up being sacrificed. And he swears to never forgive Graham.
Leave it to August to write a closeted gay republican senator in this political era. You have to be a brave American to do that. And it is done so well. The heartbreak they feel, the despair, the insolubility of their situation, we feel it all very deeply. The writing is so emotional and the character development soooo good. And let's not forget the spice people. These two really go for it, they are insatiable. When they are together they just never sleep, are constantly hard around each other and can't keep their hands off each other. I have never read a couple so addicted as Silas and Graham are. And August writs spice like no other, sometimes with so much emotions in the act itself, it really is part of the story and it just never bores me. The spice always had a purpose, but let's just say there is a lot of purpose.
If you haven't picked up this series yet, please do. You will not regret it. In the meantime, I will wait impatiently for the next project August has in store for us.
March 11, 2025
This story had its grip on me from page one!
In order to support his sick mother, Silas Manning works as a doorman, a personal trainer, and an escort. It’s in the escort role that he meets Graham Lawther, a deeply closeted Republican senatorial candidate from a prominent Catholic family, when Graham purchases Silas’ services on the eve of his unconventional wedding. After a night of explosive chemistry, neither man expects to see the other again, but the universe has other plans for them.
I have been desperate for this story, and it does not disappoint! If you’ve read the prior books in the series, you’re familiar with the scandal Graham and Silas become embroiled in. Now we get to see the beginning of their relationship, in all its messy glory, as well as their perspectives during the eventual fallout and what comes after.
I always say August Jones writes the most unique stories and this tops the list. Her characters never say or do exactly what I expect them to, and I love it so much; it’s like getting to know real people. Graham is also not the character I expected to be sympathetic to, but I adore him. He’s so precious and so lost, and I’m a sucker for a fictional man who’s just trying to do his best.
Given Graham’s job, there are politics involved in the plot, and I applaud August for her deft and nuanced handling of the topic. Rarely has a journey to HEA been more hard fought, but it’s so worth it. The ways in which Graham and Silas work together, and the ways in which they screw up, led to incredible character growth and a riveting, often painful, love story. This author also always delivers on the heat, and the intensity of this relationship has it dialed to eleven!
If you’re interested in raw stories featuring complex characters and top-tier spice, the Doormen are for you! This is the fourth and final book in the series, and while each entry could be read as a standalone, I feel they’re best enjoyed in order. Check CWs as needed.
*I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review*
In order to support his sick mother, Silas Manning works as a doorman, a personal trainer, and an escort. It’s in the escort role that he meets Graham Lawther, a deeply closeted Republican senatorial candidate from a prominent Catholic family, when Graham purchases Silas’ services on the eve of his unconventional wedding. After a night of explosive chemistry, neither man expects to see the other again, but the universe has other plans for them.
I have been desperate for this story, and it does not disappoint! If you’ve read the prior books in the series, you’re familiar with the scandal Graham and Silas become embroiled in. Now we get to see the beginning of their relationship, in all its messy glory, as well as their perspectives during the eventual fallout and what comes after.
I always say August Jones writes the most unique stories and this tops the list. Her characters never say or do exactly what I expect them to, and I love it so much; it’s like getting to know real people. Graham is also not the character I expected to be sympathetic to, but I adore him. He’s so precious and so lost, and I’m a sucker for a fictional man who’s just trying to do his best.
Given Graham’s job, there are politics involved in the plot, and I applaud August for her deft and nuanced handling of the topic. Rarely has a journey to HEA been more hard fought, but it’s so worth it. The ways in which Graham and Silas work together, and the ways in which they screw up, led to incredible character growth and a riveting, often painful, love story. This author also always delivers on the heat, and the intensity of this relationship has it dialed to eleven!
If you’re interested in raw stories featuring complex characters and top-tier spice, the Doormen are for you! This is the fourth and final book in the series, and while each entry could be read as a standalone, I feel they’re best enjoyed in order. Check CWs as needed.
*I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review*
March 24, 2025
First let’s give credit to August for writing the HARD stuff. Writing about politics in our current situation is not easy.
Second - this book is not what I expected at all. Graham is not who I expected a republican senator to be. Def not a MAGA if that is where your mind is going.
Part 1- loved. It was perfect. Some sensitive subjects so read the TWs. I loved the relationship between these two. They knew exactly who each other was and went in knowing exactly what they were getting into. No expectations. Getting to know each other, supporting each other l,iving in the bubble it was great.
Part 2 - I imagine this is how all new senators are like. Coming into DC fresh, new blood, naive. Thinking you know where you stand on issues and will do your best for your voters just to be so influenced by the party’s beliefs that you lost track of your own voice. With Graham’s upbringing and all the pressure of his family and political party. Scared of rejection and left with nothing, he let go of the most important man in his life. Punishing himself wasn’t good enough and yet he couldn’t stay away. This whole part 2 was rough to read. A lot of back and forth before we get to the redemption. However, the political aspect was done with care.
Spice- very high spice. Maybe the spiciest book I ever read. It was a lot. Part 1 was perfect. However, I wish there was less spice in part 2 because it interfered with the story. Tbh I had to skip a few sex scenes to get to them talking because I wanna know how the story developed. Some of the spice could have been cut to give the story a polished finish. I wish we get to see more of what happened on page post coming out because so much was emphasized on that vs it being told in the background. Actually because of so much spice, I kinda lost some of the plot details. Had to remind myself where we are. I wanted to see more of them as an out couple.
Still a good finish to a series.
Series rating
Sinner
Muse
Heir
Liar
Second - this book is not what I expected at all. Graham is not who I expected a republican senator to be. Def not a MAGA if that is where your mind is going.
Part 1- loved. It was perfect. Some sensitive subjects so read the TWs. I loved the relationship between these two. They knew exactly who each other was and went in knowing exactly what they were getting into. No expectations. Getting to know each other, supporting each other l,iving in the bubble it was great.
Part 2 - I imagine this is how all new senators are like. Coming into DC fresh, new blood, naive. Thinking you know where you stand on issues and will do your best for your voters just to be so influenced by the party’s beliefs that you lost track of your own voice. With Graham’s upbringing and all the pressure of his family and political party. Scared of rejection and left with nothing, he let go of the most important man in his life. Punishing himself wasn’t good enough and yet he couldn’t stay away. This whole part 2 was rough to read. A lot of back and forth before we get to the redemption. However, the political aspect was done with care.
Spice- very high spice. Maybe the spiciest book I ever read. It was a lot. Part 1 was perfect. However, I wish there was less spice in part 2 because it interfered with the story. Tbh I had to skip a few sex scenes to get to them talking because I wanna know how the story developed. Some of the spice could have been cut to give the story a polished finish. I wish we get to see more of what happened on page post coming out because so much was emphasized on that vs it being told in the background. Actually because of so much spice, I kinda lost some of the plot details. Had to remind myself where we are. I wanted to see more of them as an out couple.
Still a good finish to a series.
Series rating
Sinner
Muse
Heir
Liar
March 24, 2025
Rating: 4
Steam: 5
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: erotic romance, MM
Tropes / tags: client / escort, secret relationship, second chance
The Liar's Reckoning was an engaging and emotional read, with flawed characters and a lot of intrigue!
Silas and Graham's story was a complex one, and their chances of a HEA seemed impossible at times. August Jones is great at writing these kinds of stories and characters, and I was captured right from the start. What was meant to be a single transaction between Silas and Graham, quickly turned into so much more than they ever could have expected.
I have to admit that I wasn't too sure about what to make of Graham at first, but after getting to know him and seeing how lost he was, it was a little easier to understand him. He wasn't always a likeable character though, having to hide parts of himself and trying to live up to his family's expectations, living and telling lies. There were plenty of tension and angst in the first part of the story, and I was kind of waiting for things to blow up, and they certainly did.
These two truly loved each other, and their love had to endure a lot before they could be together for real. Silas' feelings and longing while they were a part were heartbreaking, but his heart wanted Graham, even when it hurt. I really liked Silas' character, he was so strong and resilient, and he made sure Graham grovelled sufficiently before giving him a second chance. They had a ton of chemistry right away, and I loved the degradation and chastity kinks and the layers they added to their dynamic and story.
The Liar's Reckoning was a beautifully told story, and a frustrating read at times, but it was definitely worth it in the end. Both Silas and Graham were complex and flawed characters, and their story was raw and honest, full of twists, betrayal and love. I found it easy to be pulled into their world, and I truly enjoyed these star-crossed lovers and their second chance!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 5
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: erotic romance, MM
Tropes / tags: client / escort, secret relationship, second chance
The Liar's Reckoning was an engaging and emotional read, with flawed characters and a lot of intrigue!
Silas and Graham's story was a complex one, and their chances of a HEA seemed impossible at times. August Jones is great at writing these kinds of stories and characters, and I was captured right from the start. What was meant to be a single transaction between Silas and Graham, quickly turned into so much more than they ever could have expected.
I have to admit that I wasn't too sure about what to make of Graham at first, but after getting to know him and seeing how lost he was, it was a little easier to understand him. He wasn't always a likeable character though, having to hide parts of himself and trying to live up to his family's expectations, living and telling lies. There were plenty of tension and angst in the first part of the story, and I was kind of waiting for things to blow up, and they certainly did.
These two truly loved each other, and their love had to endure a lot before they could be together for real. Silas' feelings and longing while they were a part were heartbreaking, but his heart wanted Graham, even when it hurt. I really liked Silas' character, he was so strong and resilient, and he made sure Graham grovelled sufficiently before giving him a second chance. They had a ton of chemistry right away, and I loved the degradation and chastity kinks and the layers they added to their dynamic and story.
The Liar's Reckoning was a beautifully told story, and a frustrating read at times, but it was definitely worth it in the end. Both Silas and Graham were complex and flawed characters, and their story was raw and honest, full of twists, betrayal and love. I found it easy to be pulled into their world, and I truly enjoyed these star-crossed lovers and their second chance!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 23, 2025
I'm struggling to find the words this was just soooo spectacular I'll never stop thinking about it.
I've been really excited for Graham and Silas since the previous book and this was the most devastating yet.
I absolutely hated Graham for most of this book, but still found myself hurting for him because he's not a bad person but the character development in this is probably the best I've ever read. I can't compare this author's writing to anything else, it is absolutely unmatched. Along with her ability to gently and tastefully tackle all the delicate issues like mental health and politics all wrapped up in the most painfully complex romance - I will never not LOVE this author.
Also, I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I either skim or skip epilogues because they usually bore me. I couldn't have skipped this epilogue if my life depended on it and it made me cry with a certain gesture from our Mr Hayes, amongst other things. Sorry to be spoilery.
As always, I'll be patiently waiting for anything and everything else written by August Jones.
I've been really excited for Graham and Silas since the previous book and this was the most devastating yet.
I absolutely hated Graham for most of this book, but still found myself hurting for him because he's not a bad person but the character development in this is probably the best I've ever read. I can't compare this author's writing to anything else, it is absolutely unmatched. Along with her ability to gently and tastefully tackle all the delicate issues like mental health and politics all wrapped up in the most painfully complex romance - I will never not LOVE this author.
Also, I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I either skim or skip epilogues because they usually bore me. I couldn't have skipped this epilogue if my life depended on it and it made me cry with a certain gesture from our Mr Hayes, amongst other things. Sorry to be spoilery.
As always, I'll be patiently waiting for anything and everything else written by August Jones.
March 16, 2025
Wow. What a story!
First off, I have to say that the author was transparent about how difficult this book was to write. It’s the 4th book in a series, and this relationship apparently was built up in the first books. Thus, when the American political climate went to hell in a hand basket, the planned story became a landmine. But I can confidently say, the author struck an excellent balance in not compromising the closeted gay Republican Senator, Graham, having an affair with a gay escort, Silas.
First Graham, because he is FASCINATING. The background character development, which let you see how his upbringing, familial relationships, and general niavete shaped how he was in the world. Very privileged, sheltered, and selfish. He didn’t even realize how sheltered and selfish he was until he met Silas. I had loads of empathy for this guy. Silas called him puppy, and it was an apt nickname in so many ways.
Silas was a bit of a jerk. But, idk - it worked? He had no problem telling it like it is, holding a mirror up to Graham and asking him tough questions to consider how political actions and decisions had big impacts he couldn’t even see - because he was the opposite of worldly. And Silas knew too much of the world. And he really got f’ed over. I’m surprised that he even considered staying with Graham.
This is a book that I went to sleep thinking about and woke up thinking about. It’s been a while since that’s happened.
So - mind the content warnings and be prepared for lots of explicit scenes, but the emotion and angst were top notch.
First off, I have to say that the author was transparent about how difficult this book was to write. It’s the 4th book in a series, and this relationship apparently was built up in the first books. Thus, when the American political climate went to hell in a hand basket, the planned story became a landmine. But I can confidently say, the author struck an excellent balance in not compromising the closeted gay Republican Senator, Graham, having an affair with a gay escort, Silas.
First Graham, because he is FASCINATING. The background character development, which let you see how his upbringing, familial relationships, and general niavete shaped how he was in the world. Very privileged, sheltered, and selfish. He didn’t even realize how sheltered and selfish he was until he met Silas. I had loads of empathy for this guy. Silas called him puppy, and it was an apt nickname in so many ways.
Silas was a bit of a jerk. But, idk - it worked? He had no problem telling it like it is, holding a mirror up to Graham and asking him tough questions to consider how political actions and decisions had big impacts he couldn’t even see - because he was the opposite of worldly. And Silas knew too much of the world. And he really got f’ed over. I’m surprised that he even considered staying with Graham.
This is a book that I went to sleep thinking about and woke up thinking about. It’s been a while since that’s happened.
So - mind the content warnings and be prepared for lots of explicit scenes, but the emotion and angst were top notch.
March 9, 2025
I have loved every book in the Doormen series, but I was confident that I'd walk away with Drew and Ollie as my favorite characters. I'm not wrong often, but Silas and Graham have cemented their spots.
I knew going in that I was in for a wild ride with a Republican Senator starring in the final book of the series and falling in love with a sex worker. In no scenario are these two right for each other on paper, but the way that Graham and Silas love 🥹, there's no doubt that they belong together.
This was a lengthy, emotional read with love to hate to love and as with any book I love dearly, it hurt my heart so much. When you don't see any way to an HEA, trust August Jones to do what she does best. Please check your triggers before going in. It goes without saying that the spice is SO spicy.🥵
I knew going in that I was in for a wild ride with a Republican Senator starring in the final book of the series and falling in love with a sex worker. In no scenario are these two right for each other on paper, but the way that Graham and Silas love 🥹, there's no doubt that they belong together.
This was a lengthy, emotional read with love to hate to love and as with any book I love dearly, it hurt my heart so much. When you don't see any way to an HEA, trust August Jones to do what she does best. Please check your triggers before going in. It goes without saying that the spice is SO spicy.🥵
March 17, 2025
I swear to God the rollercoaster ride I went through while reading this book was intense with all capitals! Oh my! I was worried there for a while but yeah, this book delivered so perfectly! I truly truly loved Silas's friends and Graham's dad to the moon and back! This series is a must read!
March 20, 2025
I’m so disappointed for Silas. He deserved so much more than what he got in this book. For everything that he went through, the author makes him feel he didn’t fight hard enough for Graham? Really? And I feel no one got what they deserved for putting Silas through what they did! And Graham? I could understand his family story and upbringing, but come on! I mean what did he really do for Silas besides the obvious at the VERY end of the book to really deserve redemption and forgiveness?
November 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5 no le doy 5 estrellas nada mas xq se me hizo muy larga la separacion💔 y el final medio meh siento q terminó muy abruptamente y realmente se mereciam los dos un BUEN epilogo y mucho amor entre ellos
Read
March 16, 2025Not really sure how I feel about this one. Not enough monogamy for me and not enough groveling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
Listen, if you ignore the huge fucking fact that one of the main characters is a hypocritical piece of shit the entire book, I guess you could call this enjoyable. With our current political climate, I will never feel any sympathy for a piece of shit politician. Silas didn't deserve any of this and should've told Graham to fuck off at the beginning.
I tolerated the storyline until Graham decided he'd give his wife a baby. After that, I skipped to part 2. I came here and read a few spoilers and decided it wasn't worth my time to read part one. I read part 2, skipping over the sex scenes because nothing about them being together made any sense.
Graham "redeems" himself 98% of the way through, and honestly, it wasn't enough. The plot point of his relationship with his father ended up being a non-issue and made me even madder.
Anyways, I'm mad this is the story Graham got. And I'm mad at how it turned out. 😅 otherwise, the writing was good, and I enjoyed the other books in this series.
I tolerated the storyline until Graham decided he'd give his wife a baby. After that, I skipped to part 2. I came here and read a few spoilers and decided it wasn't worth my time to read part one. I read part 2, skipping over the sex scenes because nothing about them being together made any sense.
Graham "redeems" himself 98% of the way through, and honestly, it wasn't enough. The plot point of his relationship with his father ended up being a non-issue and made me even madder.
Anyways, I'm mad this is the story Graham got. And I'm mad at how it turned out. 😅 otherwise, the writing was good, and I enjoyed the other books in this series.
March 25, 2025
graham doesn’t deserve silas. silas literally lost everything he went through hell and graham got everything he wanted how is that fair? yea they got back together happy ending and blah blah blah yea whatever but did that mf even grovel? no.
we didn’t even get to see them publicly together wtf?
silas deserves better than this.
we didn’t even get to see them publicly together wtf?
silas deserves better than this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews