What do you think?
Rate this book
Connor
Dark Romance. Brother's Best Friend. Surprise Pregnancy.
I should’ve known one night with Connor fucking McIntyre would cost me everything.
A steamy, angsty dark romance featuring the kind of toxic love that leads to accidental pregnancy, shattered trust, and the kind of second chance that doesn’t come easy. A relationship that breaks you down… And builds you into something stronger.
Summer Blake has spent her whole life loving Connor McIntyre—her brother’s best friend, the boy everyone warned her about. He was chaos wrapped in leather and smoke, a walking mistake she promised herself she’d never make. But one reckless night changed everything.
Now she’s pregnant, alone, and trying to rebuild her life in a town that never lets you outrun your past.
Cut off from his privileged world, Connor is spiraling fast, and doesn’t even know she’s carrying his child. With old wounds still bleeding and new ones opening, neither of them is ready for what’s coming.
Now, Summer and Connor have to decide if what’s left between them is worth saving—or if it’s just another beautiful disaster waiting to happen.
I should’ve known one night with Connor fucking McIntyre would cost me everything.
A steamy, angsty dark romance featuring the kind of toxic love that leads to accidental pregnancy, shattered trust, and the kind of second chance that doesn’t come easy. A relationship that breaks you down… And builds you into something stronger.
Summer Blake has spent her whole life loving Connor McIntyre—her brother’s best friend, the boy everyone warned her about. He was chaos wrapped in leather and smoke, a walking mistake she promised herself she’d never make. But one reckless night changed everything.
Now she’s pregnant, alone, and trying to rebuild her life in a town that never lets you outrun your past.
Cut off from his privileged world, Connor is spiraling fast, and doesn’t even know she’s carrying his child. With old wounds still bleeding and new ones opening, neither of them is ready for what’s coming.
Now, Summer and Connor have to decide if what’s left between them is worth saving—or if it’s just another beautiful disaster waiting to happen.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
10 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 26, 2025
I'm not sure what I was expecting reading this, and this was a first from this author. I went in not knowing anything and hadn't read the previous book.
The mmc is a man whore, from what I understand he was never faithful to her. They had a casual relationship but she was in love with him. She had to hear all about his exploits from others because their relationship was a secret. We're supposed to feel sorry for him because his life is so hard with his daddy issues. And of course it's always been her and he's always thinking about her while fucking others and loathes himself after. Give me a break.
I wasn't convinced by the end that he was going to stay faithful to her. Not enough time had lapsed to give me impression that he had changed. Anything could change to set him off and he'd go back to whoring and drinking. He needed AA and therapy.
******************************************
"Why the fuck would I be with anyone else when you’re the one on my mind?" His words hit—sharp and jagged, cutting deep. “Because you’ve done it before,” I whispered, swallowing the painful lump in my throat. Connor’s expression slackened, and remorse filled in the gaps while I took a step back.
******************************************
"Do you know how much I hate it?" I murmured, dragging him through my wetness, coating him. "The fact that every time I’m with you, I’m wondering about who you were with before? And whether you thought about me… if it was transactional, or if those women gave you something I couldn’t."
The mmc is a man whore, from what I understand he was never faithful to her. They had a casual relationship but she was in love with him. She had to hear all about his exploits from others because their relationship was a secret. We're supposed to feel sorry for him because his life is so hard with his daddy issues. And of course it's always been her and he's always thinking about her while fucking others and loathes himself after. Give me a break.
I wasn't convinced by the end that he was going to stay faithful to her. Not enough time had lapsed to give me impression that he had changed. Anything could change to set him off and he'd go back to whoring and drinking. He needed AA and therapy.
******************************************
"Why the fuck would I be with anyone else when you’re the one on my mind?" His words hit—sharp and jagged, cutting deep. “Because you’ve done it before,” I whispered, swallowing the painful lump in my throat. Connor’s expression slackened, and remorse filled in the gaps while I took a step back.
******************************************
"Do you know how much I hate it?" I murmured, dragging him through my wetness, coating him. "The fact that every time I’m with you, I’m wondering about who you were with before? And whether you thought about me… if it was transactional, or if those women gave you something I couldn’t."
June 24, 2025
Let me tell you something—I knew better. I knew Connor McIntyre was all leather, lighters, and late-night mistakes just waiting to happen. He’s the guy your mama warns you about while your heart’s already halfway in his back pocket. He’s chaos in the form of a smirk, smoke-scented temptation, and God help me, I never stopped loving him—even when I told myself I had.
Reading Connor by Cleo Noir felt like someone opened up a vein and poured out all the heartbreak I never fully healed from. It’s raw. It’s messy. It’s that kind of dark romance that doesn’t wrap things up with a bow—it slaps you with consequences and then dares you to hope.
Summer? She's my spirit animal. Fierce even when broken, choosing herself even while her heart still echoes Connor’s name. Watching her navigate small-town judgment, single pregnancy, and the ghost of what she once had with him? Gut-wrenching. I cried with her. I rooted for her. I whispered, “don’t you dare take him back” right before flipping the page hoping she would.
And Connor... Jesus. That man is infuriating, magnetic, and wounded in ways he doesn’t even understand. He’s not some reformed playboy in a tailored redemption arc. No, he’s raw steel—still sharp, still dangerous—but damn if he doesn’t bleed for Summer. His fall is as brutal as it is necessary, and watching him claw his way back from the wreckage of his own pride and privilege? Whew. I felt every second of it.
This isn’t about perfect love. This is about earned love.
It’s about two people breaking apart and learning how to bleed back together. It’s about the kind of forgiveness that requires scars, not blind eyes. And yes, it’s about that baby—the unspoken bond that changes everything and raises the stakes from “maybe” to everything to lose.
So yeah… it’s angsty. It’s full of aching silences, sharp memories, and a second chance that shouldn’t work… but damn it, it does.
If you’ve ever loved someone who broke you—and still secretly hoped they’d be the one to put you back together—Connor will wreck you in the most beautiful way.
Five stars. And a baby blanket I didn’t expect to cry over.
Reading Connor by Cleo Noir felt like someone opened up a vein and poured out all the heartbreak I never fully healed from. It’s raw. It’s messy. It’s that kind of dark romance that doesn’t wrap things up with a bow—it slaps you with consequences and then dares you to hope.
Summer? She's my spirit animal. Fierce even when broken, choosing herself even while her heart still echoes Connor’s name. Watching her navigate small-town judgment, single pregnancy, and the ghost of what she once had with him? Gut-wrenching. I cried with her. I rooted for her. I whispered, “don’t you dare take him back” right before flipping the page hoping she would.
And Connor... Jesus. That man is infuriating, magnetic, and wounded in ways he doesn’t even understand. He’s not some reformed playboy in a tailored redemption arc. No, he’s raw steel—still sharp, still dangerous—but damn if he doesn’t bleed for Summer. His fall is as brutal as it is necessary, and watching him claw his way back from the wreckage of his own pride and privilege? Whew. I felt every second of it.
This isn’t about perfect love. This is about earned love.
It’s about two people breaking apart and learning how to bleed back together. It’s about the kind of forgiveness that requires scars, not blind eyes. And yes, it’s about that baby—the unspoken bond that changes everything and raises the stakes from “maybe” to everything to lose.
So yeah… it’s angsty. It’s full of aching silences, sharp memories, and a second chance that shouldn’t work… but damn it, it does.
If you’ve ever loved someone who broke you—and still secretly hoped they’d be the one to put you back together—Connor will wreck you in the most beautiful way.
Five stars. And a baby blanket I didn’t expect to cry over.
June 25, 2025
It's an absolute mess when you fall for someone completely selfish.
Summer has been in love with her brother's best friend Connor for almost her entire life. Then a year ago, they began a "situation" (a fling nor affair is the right word, defintely not a relationship since it's purely physical and the idiot had the audacity to keep her a secret while bouncing from bed to bed).
So, she leaves for college and the last night they have together he doesn't as much leave her with a goodbye handshake.
We see that Connor is going through some major stuff himself and as self-destructive as he is, he can't seem to shake Summer from his mind.
And when things can't get any more complicated, Summer finds out she's pregnant. And she's not sure if she can tell him, let alone her overprotective brother Vic.
There is so much angst in this book that I found myself tearing up a lot. You want to root for Connor, but it's hard. But then you kind of want to give him a chance, especially when you find out that he's just as broken.
This was a fantastic book. I love when a book gives me all the emotions because you know that's the sign of a good writer. I definitely recommend if you're into angst with some spice.
(note: although this book is [I think] a standalone, I recommend reading the first book, North because the MMC and FMC are in this and they talk about something that we only find out in the first book. And stay tuned for the third book because it's Vic's story *excitement!*)
Summer has been in love with her brother's best friend Connor for almost her entire life. Then a year ago, they began a "situation" (a fling nor affair is the right word, defintely not a relationship since it's purely physical and the idiot had the audacity to keep her a secret while bouncing from bed to bed).
So, she leaves for college and the last night they have together he doesn't as much leave her with a goodbye handshake.
We see that Connor is going through some major stuff himself and as self-destructive as he is, he can't seem to shake Summer from his mind.
And when things can't get any more complicated, Summer finds out she's pregnant. And she's not sure if she can tell him, let alone her overprotective brother Vic.
There is so much angst in this book that I found myself tearing up a lot. You want to root for Connor, but it's hard. But then you kind of want to give him a chance, especially when you find out that he's just as broken.
This was a fantastic book. I love when a book gives me all the emotions because you know that's the sign of a good writer. I definitely recommend if you're into angst with some spice.
(note: although this book is [I think] a standalone, I recommend reading the first book, North because the MMC and FMC are in this and they talk about something that we only find out in the first book. And stay tuned for the third book because it's Vic's story *excitement!*)
July 3, 2025
I went back and forth on whether to give it two stars or three stars. Overall I thought the story was pretty good. But there was many inconsistencies. When the book started out in summer showed up at his door she stated that he was in Gray sweatpants but as soon as they made it to the bedroom and we're going to be intimate she said she heard the zipper looked over her shoulder and his jeans were on the floor. Then when he picks up the first woman in the bar she was a redhead but then the next morning she was a blonde. When he picked up the two women at the bar he stated that the apartment only had a mattress on the floor no bed frame then turned around and said during sex that the frame was slamming against the wall. When summer first discovered his hoodie in her box she said that it no longer smelled like him only laundry detergent. Several chapters later she's talking about the hoodie smelled like whiskey and his cologne. Also I take issues with a woman that has so little self respect that she's going to continue to mess with a man who clearly doesn't care enough about her to stop sleeping with anything that walks.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2025
Dark, brother's best friend romance
Part of the Total Sinners series. A dark, brother's best friend forbidden romance, with great dynamics, drama, secrets, angst, spice and plenty of twists. A stand-alone book, though we first met Connor and Summer in "North".
Summer has been in love with Conner for most of her life, but he's her brother Vic's best friend and she's been warned to stay away from him. After a year of hiding a relationship with him though she's leaving for college and visits him one last time, and ends up leaving with more than just memories.
Connor has never been exactly faithful to her, and she knows it, but after she leaves he finds he can't get her out of his mind. With his life going downhill Conner has to rethink his life but there are things that Summer is now keeping from him (and her brother) that will change his life dramatically.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Part of the Total Sinners series. A dark, brother's best friend forbidden romance, with great dynamics, drama, secrets, angst, spice and plenty of twists. A stand-alone book, though we first met Connor and Summer in "North".
Summer has been in love with Conner for most of her life, but he's her brother Vic's best friend and she's been warned to stay away from him. After a year of hiding a relationship with him though she's leaving for college and visits him one last time, and ends up leaving with more than just memories.
Connor has never been exactly faithful to her, and she knows it, but after she leaves he finds he can't get her out of his mind. With his life going downhill Conner has to rethink his life but there are things that Summer is now keeping from him (and her brother) that will change his life dramatically.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2025
I’m not normally a big fan of angst, but I thought this book was good. The angst never descended into wangst, for one thing. Connor was a very, very complicated and compelling character and I enjoyed seeing past his different layers of walls. He is the shining star of the book.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Connor and Summer
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Heat- 3.5/5. Open door, explicit.
Series? N
Safety? NO. Both main characters have the bow-chicka-wow-wow with other people. They’re not exactly together, but not exactly not, either.
Triggers- abuse, violence, language, alcohol abuse.
Tropes- Relationship-Shy, Situationship, Surprise Pregnancy, New Adult, Brother’s Best Friend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Connor and Summer
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Heat- 3.5/5. Open door, explicit.
Series? N
Safety? NO. Both main characters have the bow-chicka-wow-wow with other people. They’re not exactly together, but not exactly not, either.
Triggers- abuse, violence, language, alcohol abuse.
Tropes- Relationship-Shy, Situationship, Surprise Pregnancy, New Adult, Brother’s Best Friend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2025
Connor’s best friend’s sister Summer leaves and moves away to college. They’ve been together for a year but they had one last intimate moment before Summer left. Connor keeps running away from everything - life, Summer, his family. It’s the only thing he knows what to do. When Summer leaves Connor breaks down and completely falls apart as he should’ve fought for her. He drinks, stays with women and fights.
Two months later, Summer finds out that she is pregnant with Connor’s child. Cause he’s such an idiot he can’t hide the fact that he’s going to be a father.
Will things change between them?
Two months later, Summer finds out that she is pregnant with Connor’s child. Cause he’s such an idiot he can’t hide the fact that he’s going to be a father.
Will things change between them?
June 8, 2025
SPICE: 3🌶 | RATING: 3⭐️
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
We were stuck on the tarmac the whole time, folks, and I kept waiting for liftoff that never really came.
Summer has always been in love with her brother’s best friend, Connor. Connor? Full of “this can never go anywhere." He’s got demons at home.
Summer had some solid growth, but Connor’s arc barely budged. I needed so much more. The spark was there, but the follow-through felt more like a flicker than a flame.🔥
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
We were stuck on the tarmac the whole time, folks, and I kept waiting for liftoff that never really came.
Summer has always been in love with her brother’s best friend, Connor. Connor? Full of “this can never go anywhere." He’s got demons at home.
Summer had some solid growth, but Connor’s arc barely budged. I needed so much more. The spark was there, but the follow-through felt more like a flicker than a flame.🔥
June 14, 2025
Connor and Summer shouldn’t want to be together since he is her brother’s best friend but as they say the heart what it wants. In this case though, Summer wants more than Connor does. So when she leaves for college, he completely comes apart when he realizes all he thinks about is Summer and he should’ve fought for her. She is more important to him than he realizes and it’s too late. Drinking, woman, fighting won’t bring her back. When she realizes she’s pregnant will things change between them? I can tell you that this is a good story and many will be able to relate to the storyline. Enjoy
June 25, 2025
A story about growing up in a violent home that leaves the main character broken and scarred by growing up in a violent family where many things happened that actually messed you up mentally. But finding the one doesn't come without a struggle because of his past and he has to come to terms with that. Enough drama, processing events from the past and how do you fit that into the present and trying to leave the wrong, bad behind you.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2025
Ever been on a plane which is circling but takes forever to land? Unfortunately, this book was said plane. Should they? Shouldn't they? Seriously figure it out and move the story forward. Connor is the best friend of Summer's brother. I get the guilt and angst but not for almost the entire book. When Summer leaves for school, Connor spirals. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2025
I really enjoyed the length the writer went through to point out DV, and still have a dark side to the MMC. Connor was everything you would want and need. Summer was a strong female who held her ground among the difficulties of her circumstances. She didn’t faulted or become overly whinny. She held her head high and took her consequences. When these two came together it was total bliss. I really liked this book.
July 4, 2025
Avoidance of Responsibility
Right from the start, Connor and Summer had chemistry so intense that it could not be contained. However, his instinct to run tore them apart and fixing it was an easy task. It was an emotional story that was deeply gut-wrenching at times. I could not put it down despite Connors' inappropriate decisions. However, i would have liked an epilogue to see how it all ended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Right from the start, Connor and Summer had chemistry so intense that it could not be contained. However, his instinct to run tore them apart and fixing it was an easy task. It was an emotional story that was deeply gut-wrenching at times. I could not put it down despite Connors' inappropriate decisions. However, i would have liked an epilogue to see how it all ended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2025
This book had an interesting plot that went a few unexpected directions for me. Connor is a broken man who has experienced a violent dysfunctional family . Summer is his forbidden sunshine. This book revolves around their relationship, the good, bad and ugly.
This Booksprout ARC has unexpected storylines.
This Booksprout ARC has unexpected storylines.
July 6, 2025
Summer spends one last night with Connor that changes everything. A darker romance read with plenty of angst, cheating/not cheating, family drama, trust issues and second chances with her brother’s best friend. I wasn't sure if I wanted to like or punch both MCs at times, but felt they were somewhat redeemed by the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2025
i started this immediately after book one and felt like i flew threw it. even though i know what an ass he is going into it after book one, i hated how callous and cruel he is to summer. though you could see that need in him and they are sexy together. i just wish you saw more of those hidden sweet and flirty moments like you glimpsed in book one
June 20, 2025
The Mistake
One time, that’s all it took for everything to change. Connor and Summer. When their whole world spins out of control will they spin with it or find their center. Find what they’ve always needed.
One time, that’s all it took for everything to change. Connor and Summer. When their whole world spins out of control will they spin with it or find their center. Find what they’ve always needed.
June 24, 2025
This is the second book in the Total Sinners series. It’s a brother’s best friend, forbidden romance. Summer and Connor’s emotional story grabbed my attention right away. It’s addictive and intense. Lots of drama in this entertaining, accidental pregnancy story.
June 24, 2025
This was a fast-paced steamy dark romance read. Conner is dark and delicious. This book took my heart stomped on it and then put it back together with scars showing. The story grabbed me and wouldn't let me go.
Told in 1st person dual POV.
Can't wait for the next book in this series!
Told in 1st person dual POV.
Can't wait for the next book in this series!
June 26, 2025
Summer & Connor - Complicated Romance
This was an interesting read. The couple that both think the worst and expect the worst. Both wanting and both afraid.
I loved this novella and recommend reading “North” first before moving on to Connor.
This was an interesting read. The couple that both think the worst and expect the worst. Both wanting and both afraid.
I loved this novella and recommend reading “North” first before moving on to Connor.
June 24, 2025
It's safe to say that Summer and Connor's relationship is explosive and doomed from the start. I enjoyed the push and pull as it felt like a "relationship" most can relate to having at some point, even if it was not to the extreme as Summer and Connor.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews