The Awakening

Mutual Desire #1

by Insyndia Strike

He was supposed to be off-limits. But some temptations refuse to be ignored.

When Damien gets roped into helping his best friend with an important work project, the last thing he expects is to collide—literally—with Russian billionaire Alexander Nabokov. Cold, magnetic, and devastatingly handsome, Nabokov is the kind of man Damien knows better than to get involved with—especially when Damien already has someone waiting at home.

But Nabokov isn’t used to hearing “no.” And what begins as sharp-tongued banter quickly spirals into a dangerous game of seduction. A game that threatens not only Damien’s heart, but his best friend's future.

As the lines between desire and reason blur, Damien must face the one truth he’s terrified to resisting Nabokov might be impossible.

A slow-burn, forbidden attraction romance filled with tension, emotional depth, and undeniable chemistry.

Genres: M M Romance

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2025

Reviews

[Kolombina]

Damien has all the personality of a wet rag and decision-making on the same level. He lets himself be exploited by his friend, who expects him to jump to do his bidding whenever he calls and absolutely doesn't respect his free time, personal life and career choices. And he falls for the first arrogant superrich prick he comes across. He absolutely doesn't deserve his boyfriend, whom he supposedly loves and mourns how little time they spend together, yet he doesn't even know when Craig has free day and plan accordingly to spend it with him, and doesn't bother to tell him he actually wants sex with other man while sleeping with him.

And I absolutely hate the heroes who are all: no, no, I can't, I love my BF! stop torture me and leave me alone! And all the while meaning yes yes I want you but I shouldn't pls persuade me or force me to sleep with you because I don't have balls to make this decision myself and want to feel like I have no choice! And then they are so disappointed when they are actually taken for their word and left alone :D

Actually, when I think about it, it's usually heroines who behave in this manner :D

Waste of my time, didn't finish. And to split this melodrama for teens into 2 books? Why, oh why? The longer story the more chance for Damien's cluelessness to shine... and that's not a good thing.

[Patricia Chinweokwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

dear Insyndia- striker thank you so much for this amazing book I enjoyed every minute of it truly to burn with one desire and keep mute about it the greatest injustice can do to oneself I felt for Damien that feeling when you're trying so hard to keep it together and not show how much it hurts, while the constant breakdowns are literally killing you inside. it's like you're screaming for help but no one can hear you such an attraction is very hard to resist and you don't know your hurting yourself and your love one but partners really has to do more in relationships I felt Craig is not doing enough inasmuch as I fault Damien for falling into Alexander web he Craig should take some blame cos it's only Damien that fighting to keep the relationship I feel he didn't love Damien enough constant pushing him away and nonchalant attitude towards Damien is something not many people can survive with so he bond to fall into that Frey and pierce gaze from Alexander Looking towards to reading the book 2
your fan Patricia ❤️

[Annee Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one I almost DNFd but it started to get interesting a few pages later. I didn’t love it but didn’t hate it. I have no issue with the cheating trope, but the manipulation just felt icky to me. Kinda felt like a predatory situation but between consenting adults. Mostly. Damien also needs to grow a pair. Like, a huge pair.

Pretty repetitive and wnds on an unnecessary cliffhanger. I would rather have everything in one book. Not sure if I’ll read the second which I also believe ends on a cliffhanger. It reaalllly isn’t that deep.


*Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc*

[Big Sho ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The instant connection between Nabokov and Damien was electric! It’s been a while I read MM romance and I enjoyed this one. The story grabbed my interest from the beginning, the back and forth between Damien and Nabokov was so intense, kept me guessing. Will they, won’t they? Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who loves MM romance, I really enjoyed it and was upset when it ended, didn’t know there was a book 2. I can’t wait to see how the story ends. P.S Craig annoyed me a couple of times and had me rooting for the other guy lol.

[JANELLE · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is book one, and does end in a cliffhanger. I didn't enjoy it enough to continue on with the second book.

The characters are hard to like - Damien isn't a strong character, he's too wishy-washy and annoying. Alexander isn't much better - too demanding and authoritative. I'd rather have read about the two other character friends that were flirting around with hooking up.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

[Yasmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished it in less than three days—honestly, it’s a gem! My only regret is that book 1 ended way too quickly, and now I’m squirming with impatience for the next part.

If you enjoy tension and find yourself tearing your hair out over indecisive characters, this read is for you 😌

I really love this kind of story.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually like reading books in 3rd person pov, but this was written brilliantly. I loved the slow burn and the tension between Damien and Alex😫🤌🏻. Def got some angst in there and I can’t wait to read the second book.


5⭐️

[Esmee · Rating 3 out of 5]

jeetje wat een drama op het einde. . ik snapte hem niet... hij ging vreemd... en hij smeekte zijn bf... hij was er echt kapot van... terwijl het al eventjes niet zo explosief als met Alexander was... je kreeg serieus whiplashes van hem.. heel apart. en dit had ik 1 boek gekund

[Kadiatou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayant lus mutual désir sur wattpad, ce livre m'avait énormément manquée ,le fait de re-découvrir les personnages de Damien et de Nabokov mon redonner une nouvelle idée d'eux. Le style de l’autrice est fluide et immersif,on rentre facilement dans l'histoire.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can t really say that i enjoyed the cheating part, bit it had heat and the right amount of angst. I recomand it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phylicia Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this so much! Waiting patiently for book 2.

[alberte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t condone cheating but I must admit I did enjoy this book.
In a few words: it was an interesting book from a psychological point of view.
Cannot wait for the second part of this story!

[thunderlightning · Rating 1 out of 5]

Since when do we condemn cheating 🤨 It’s actually a good book too bad the author wasted it on this topic.

DNF 50%

[SRNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of your work for years now, thank you for making this book. Keep shining, keep writing great books, and thank you AGAINNN