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Bay Area Bros #1
Finance Bros
Ryan
Ever say something you regret? Like regret so hard you get the word REGRET tattooed on your arm? Same.
I accidentally told my stepbrother I was in love with him when we were fourteen. In my defense, strong cough syrup was involved, but to my great regret he hasn’t missed a chance to show me how disgusting I am ever since. He damn near ruined my life.
But I’m not a kid anymore, and the summer internship I scored at the best investment banking firm in San Francisco is my ticket to a perfect life. Everything is going to plan until he shows up.
Malcolm
My former stepbrother was supposed to fall off the face of the earth so I’d never have to look him in the eyes again, and honestly, I thought he had. The sight of him with his rock hard body in a great suit makes me feel things I’ve ignored for years. Things I’m not sure I’ll be able to avoid if I let him back into my life. And I wouldn’t except—I might need his help.
In addition to learning the ropes in finance, each intern gets a hundred bucks to turn into a pile of cash by the end of summer. Whoever makes the most wins a dream career with the firm. The only rule? There are no rules. When the rest of the interns pool their money for an advantage, I have to decide whether to go it alone and risk the job, or confront my complicated history with Ryan and work together. Good thing we both claim to be straight. Otherwise, this could get complicated.
Finance Bros is a hate to love MM stepbrother romance featuring pets, found family, a little angst, and lots of spice.
Ever say something you regret? Like regret so hard you get the word REGRET tattooed on your arm? Same.
I accidentally told my stepbrother I was in love with him when we were fourteen. In my defense, strong cough syrup was involved, but to my great regret he hasn’t missed a chance to show me how disgusting I am ever since. He damn near ruined my life.
But I’m not a kid anymore, and the summer internship I scored at the best investment banking firm in San Francisco is my ticket to a perfect life. Everything is going to plan until he shows up.
Malcolm
My former stepbrother was supposed to fall off the face of the earth so I’d never have to look him in the eyes again, and honestly, I thought he had. The sight of him with his rock hard body in a great suit makes me feel things I’ve ignored for years. Things I’m not sure I’ll be able to avoid if I let him back into my life. And I wouldn’t except—I might need his help.
In addition to learning the ropes in finance, each intern gets a hundred bucks to turn into a pile of cash by the end of summer. Whoever makes the most wins a dream career with the firm. The only rule? There are no rules. When the rest of the interns pool their money for an advantage, I have to decide whether to go it alone and risk the job, or confront my complicated history with Ryan and work together. Good thing we both claim to be straight. Otherwise, this could get complicated.
Finance Bros is a hate to love MM stepbrother romance featuring pets, found family, a little angst, and lots of spice.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
255 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
August Jones
14 books313 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
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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!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
August 22, 2025
I can sort of see the potential for this book, the idea was ok and the side plot with the challenge was interesting, but these guys, omg, every time they interacted they would have a huge rambling conversation about their feelings. Like every time. And I get communication is key and all that, but these dudes just talked and talked and talked about the same thing over and over, it was too much.
Malcom started the book been a huge homophone dick and then suddenly he changed his personality and was all for the gay love and sex, it certainly came out of the blue. On the other hand, Ryan forgave him too easily, he apparently bullied him for years and yet just one I’m sorry and almost all was good.
I just wished we could have gotten more Deacon, Calyx, Bailey and Miguel moments.
Malcom started the book been a huge homophone dick and then suddenly he changed his personality and was all for the gay love and sex, it certainly came out of the blue. On the other hand, Ryan forgave him too easily, he apparently bullied him for years and yet just one I’m sorry and almost all was good.
I just wished we could have gotten more Deacon, Calyx, Bailey and Miguel moments.
July 19, 2025
Dnf at 60%.
I see the vision. It has potential. It NEEDS an editor. I say that with love. The difference between a book with potential and a great book is the editing.
At 60%, I have no idea who these characters are. They flip flop constantly. Their voices are very similar.
Malcolm is a raging homophobe & overnight he just forgets all about that part of himself with no real explanation or on page character growth. He apparently bullied Ryan brutally. How? We have no idea, just we were told it happened. Maybe you learn in the last 40%.
I love the concept of them working together on the challenge. I like Bailey. The spice is a little clunky.
Ultimately, very little substance actually happens in the first half. A LOT of repeated inner monologues and conversations take up space.
If about 25% of this was edited out, I think it could be really great.
I see the vision. It has potential. It NEEDS an editor. I say that with love. The difference between a book with potential and a great book is the editing.
At 60%, I have no idea who these characters are. They flip flop constantly. Their voices are very similar.
Malcolm is a raging homophobe & overnight he just forgets all about that part of himself with no real explanation or on page character growth. He apparently bullied Ryan brutally. How? We have no idea, just we were told it happened. Maybe you learn in the last 40%.
I love the concept of them working together on the challenge. I like Bailey. The spice is a little clunky.
Ultimately, very little substance actually happens in the first half. A LOT of repeated inner monologues and conversations take up space.
If about 25% of this was edited out, I think it could be really great.
July 4, 2025
This book was weird I don’t even know how to describe it. First it was so needlessly long. 450 pages. Long detailed descriptions of everything. Way longer than needed.
More than that- the way the characters communicated (or didn’t communicate) was bizarre. They were the worlds worst communicaters. Never said what they meant. The conversations had such weird unnatural flow. They almost spoke kind of cryptically and refused to just be upfront with each other. It was so bizarre I don’t really know how to explain it.
The characters had the same inner voice and were hard to tell apart.
I actually found myself way more invested in the side characters (bailey calyx and miguel) and the side plot about the internship and the competition.
More than that- the way the characters communicated (or didn’t communicate) was bizarre. They were the worlds worst communicaters. Never said what they meant. The conversations had such weird unnatural flow. They almost spoke kind of cryptically and refused to just be upfront with each other. It was so bizarre I don’t really know how to explain it.
The characters had the same inner voice and were hard to tell apart.
I actually found myself way more invested in the side characters (bailey calyx and miguel) and the side plot about the internship and the competition.
June 15, 2025
This new series from this great author starts off with, overall, a hit for me.
Honestly it was a bit hard to get into at first, and Malcolm was a lot to take. He has a LOT of internalized homophobia that expresses itself outwardly...in many awful ways. The way he treated Ryan in the past was awful. And he still had some lingering "anger" at the start of this in the present with them as adults, so that didn't help with the liking him thing.
I was honestly worried I would end up hating his character, and that it would ruin this story for me.
THANKFULLY, while he was unlikable at first, he changed his tune as this went on, and explained a lot to help the reader understand why he is how he is, or how he was, and why he did what he did. Doesn't excuse it, was still an awful shithead, but it went a long way toward not only the reader forgiving him, but Ryan as well.
I also like that the this didn't brush over those 10 years of awful behavior just to keep it happy and easy between these two. Ryan, while he eventually forgives Malcolm, has trouble trusting him until near the end, for good reason.
Malcolm, for his part, became fairly vulnerable and sweet overall. He still had his hang ups here or there, or moments where he needed to get over himself and learn some stuff still, but overall he become a much more interesting, tolerable and definitely likable character.
Ryan was pretty great from the beginning. Because of what he was put through by Malcolm himself - so this was kind of a 'you broke it and only you can fix it' type of situation - he was fairly closed off and reserved for a lot of this, but he had a good heart underneath it all.
Malcolm came to the conclusion that he was fully gay, but Ryan was more of the...Malcolm was his one exception. Technically bisexual but we had a bit of gay-for-you going on there on Ryan's side, so I did tag that for this. Although was he attracted or not to his Gym friend Calax? Maybe, but he never fully went there so it was debatable if he was just objectively seeing how beautiful he was or was attracted. He was all about Malcolm either way. In the end, other men or women didn't matter to him anyway.
I felt for Ryan so much in this. Like he'd been so burned before but he was still, deep down, head over heels in love with Malcolm, and always had been. Just because he treated him poorly and bullied him in high school, that didn't make the feelings go away. He tried to put all his walls up, though. But when he let his feeling slip through, it was glorious. The way he blew Malcolm or ate out his ass or fucked him was intense (and so damn hot!) and he would get so lost in it, in Malcolm.
It's true that Malcolm became obsessed and clingy and all over Ryan, but for all of his reserved nature, at times Ryan really couldn't hide his obsession for Malcolm either. And when he let lose on his love for Malcolm it was great to see.
Outwardly he might be more reserved, but inwardly he's all about thoughts about how much he's absolutely gone for Malcolm.
Malcolm, once he gets over a lot of his shit and accepts his sexuality and love for Ryan, is just unhinged in the best way about his love for Ryan. He just doesn't give a fuck, he wants what he wants, and that's Ryan. And he can't get enough of him.
Once we got to this portion of the book, it really started to flow a lot better for me and really picked up, and I really started to love it from then on. These two were crazy about each other, and the chemistry and steam was off the charts good.
So still a star off for a bit of a rough beginning - it really will make you wonder what Ryan sees in Malcolm, truly, and how we're supposed to root for these two.
But I promise if you stick with it, it gets so much better and we start to see why these two are meant for each other, and the connections starts to really come through.
I definitely cannot wait for more from this series. Nathan and Miguel will definitely be interesting, but also I'm excited for Deacon and Calax as well. It was one tiny moment in the whole book, but it was clear they were meant to be each other's LI for that one moment, and I can't wait. Big, quiet shy guy who's sweet underneath it all and the beautiful model - or ex-model? - who seems sweet as well? I can't wait!
Until then! 😘
Honestly it was a bit hard to get into at first, and Malcolm was a lot to take. He has a LOT of internalized homophobia that expresses itself outwardly...in many awful ways. The way he treated Ryan in the past was awful. And he still had some lingering "anger" at the start of this in the present with them as adults, so that didn't help with the liking him thing.
I was honestly worried I would end up hating his character, and that it would ruin this story for me.
THANKFULLY, while he was unlikable at first, he changed his tune as this went on, and explained a lot to help the reader understand why he is how he is, or how he was, and why he did what he did. Doesn't excuse it, was still an awful shithead, but it went a long way toward not only the reader forgiving him, but Ryan as well.
I also like that the this didn't brush over those 10 years of awful behavior just to keep it happy and easy between these two. Ryan, while he eventually forgives Malcolm, has trouble trusting him until near the end, for good reason.
Malcolm, for his part, became fairly vulnerable and sweet overall. He still had his hang ups here or there, or moments where he needed to get over himself and learn some stuff still, but overall he become a much more interesting, tolerable and definitely likable character.
Ryan was pretty great from the beginning. Because of what he was put through by Malcolm himself - so this was kind of a 'you broke it and only you can fix it' type of situation - he was fairly closed off and reserved for a lot of this, but he had a good heart underneath it all.
Malcolm came to the conclusion that he was fully gay, but Ryan was more of the...Malcolm was his one exception. Technically bisexual but we had a bit of gay-for-you going on there on Ryan's side, so I did tag that for this. Although was he attracted or not to his Gym friend Calax? Maybe, but he never fully went there so it was debatable if he was just objectively seeing how beautiful he was or was attracted. He was all about Malcolm either way. In the end, other men or women didn't matter to him anyway.
I felt for Ryan so much in this. Like he'd been so burned before but he was still, deep down, head over heels in love with Malcolm, and always had been. Just because he treated him poorly and bullied him in high school, that didn't make the feelings go away. He tried to put all his walls up, though. But when he let his feeling slip through, it was glorious. The way he blew Malcolm or ate out his ass or fucked him was intense (and so damn hot!) and he would get so lost in it, in Malcolm.
It's true that Malcolm became obsessed and clingy and all over Ryan, but for all of his reserved nature, at times Ryan really couldn't hide his obsession for Malcolm either. And when he let lose on his love for Malcolm it was great to see.
Outwardly he might be more reserved, but inwardly he's all about thoughts about how much he's absolutely gone for Malcolm.
Malcolm, once he gets over a lot of his shit and accepts his sexuality and love for Ryan, is just unhinged in the best way about his love for Ryan. He just doesn't give a fuck, he wants what he wants, and that's Ryan. And he can't get enough of him.
Once we got to this portion of the book, it really started to flow a lot better for me and really picked up, and I really started to love it from then on. These two were crazy about each other, and the chemistry and steam was off the charts good.
So still a star off for a bit of a rough beginning - it really will make you wonder what Ryan sees in Malcolm, truly, and how we're supposed to root for these two.
But I promise if you stick with it, it gets so much better and we start to see why these two are meant for each other, and the connections starts to really come through.
I definitely cannot wait for more from this series. Nathan and Miguel will definitely be interesting, but also I'm excited for Deacon and Calax as well. It was one tiny moment in the whole book, but it was clear they were meant to be each other's LI for that one moment, and I can't wait. Big, quiet shy guy who's sweet underneath it all and the beautiful model - or ex-model? - who seems sweet as well? I can't wait!
Until then! 😘
July 13, 2025
Not quite a cookie cutter romance despite the stepbrother theme and the golden retriever-black cat dynamics (some bits reminded me a lot of Poetry on Ice but without the hockey). This author writes longer, meatier books than usual, with a real cast of friends, details and all and I really respect that, I like it (usually) and I am getting the next books in this series.
But there is something a bit off with this particular book. I like the characters, the setup but while I am not opposed to longer more complicated books I think the story here is too long, too meandering about the feelings past the point where they have committed so what are they doing have the same conversation again? And oh yeah maybe too much sex (just get straight to the point where they actually plan a future, that is what I am waiting for, I am not reading it for the sex, sorry). And weirdly, despite them supposedly being so different and Ryan being supposedly bad with people and making friends, I did not see that, I kept confusing their voices and it seemed to me the asocial one was Mal, not Ryan.
Still interesting.
But there is something a bit off with this particular book. I like the characters, the setup but while I am not opposed to longer more complicated books I think the story here is too long, too meandering about the feelings past the point where they have committed so what are they doing have the same conversation again? And oh yeah maybe too much sex (just get straight to the point where they actually plan a future, that is what I am waiting for, I am not reading it for the sex, sorry). And weirdly, despite them supposedly being so different and Ryan being supposedly bad with people and making friends, I did not see that, I kept confusing their voices and it seemed to me the asocial one was Mal, not Ryan.
Still interesting.
June 6, 2025
What a refreshing take on a stepbrothers romance!
This book had me hooked, not just because of the unique dynamic between the characters, but because the whole plot genuinely spoke to me.
Let’s start with the characters: Mal. Sweet, needy, hilarious Mal. I’ll admit, I needed a little time to warm up to him (internalized homophobia will do that), but once I did, he completely stole my heart. He had me laughing out loud more than once, and the fact that he turned out to be so affection-starved and touchy made him the perfect main character for me.
But don’t think that means I didn’t like Ryan. I got where he was coming from. After everything he’d been through, his emotional walls made sense. Sure, I think he could’ve handled a few things differently, but honestly, his choices felt real and logical from his perspective.
Now, about the push-and-pull between them... It didn’t fully convince me at first. But as the story went on? I felt my heart drop into my stomach every time they drifted apart. That’s when I knew I was all in. I cared about them deeply. I just wanted them to find their way back to each other.
And listen, I don’t usually focus much on the spice in my reviews, but this time? I have to mention it. The tension, the build-up, the chemistry between Mal and Ryan: top tier. Yes, maybe the balance between plot and spice could’ve been tweaked a little in the middle, but those scenes? Still living rent-free in my head.
Also: hello, side characters! There are so many I want to know more about, but I’ve got all my fingers crossed for a Calyx book. That character has a special place in my heart already.
Tropes:
Stepbrothers
Friends to haters to lovers
Needy mmc
Workplace
Found family
Spice:3.5/5
This book had me hooked, not just because of the unique dynamic between the characters, but because the whole plot genuinely spoke to me.
Let’s start with the characters: Mal. Sweet, needy, hilarious Mal. I’ll admit, I needed a little time to warm up to him (internalized homophobia will do that), but once I did, he completely stole my heart. He had me laughing out loud more than once, and the fact that he turned out to be so affection-starved and touchy made him the perfect main character for me.
But don’t think that means I didn’t like Ryan. I got where he was coming from. After everything he’d been through, his emotional walls made sense. Sure, I think he could’ve handled a few things differently, but honestly, his choices felt real and logical from his perspective.
Now, about the push-and-pull between them... It didn’t fully convince me at first. But as the story went on? I felt my heart drop into my stomach every time they drifted apart. That’s when I knew I was all in. I cared about them deeply. I just wanted them to find their way back to each other.
And listen, I don’t usually focus much on the spice in my reviews, but this time? I have to mention it. The tension, the build-up, the chemistry between Mal and Ryan: top tier. Yes, maybe the balance between plot and spice could’ve been tweaked a little in the middle, but those scenes? Still living rent-free in my head.
Also: hello, side characters! There are so many I want to know more about, but I’ve got all my fingers crossed for a Calyx book. That character has a special place in my heart already.
Tropes:
Stepbrothers
Friends to haters to lovers
Needy mmc
Workplace
Found family
Spice:3.5/5
August 14, 2025
Finance Bros is an entertaining former stepbrothers forced proximity romance. I couldn't get enough of Ryan and Malcolm's story. I love the premise of this story and how uniquely it sets up a lively competition between Ryan and Malcolm. Both are forced to face their past, residual feelings, and the confusion about what truly happened. The internship and friendly work competition compel them to acknowledge and reevaluate their relationship and whether they despise each other.
Overall, this story is filled with heart, humor, and passion between Ryan and Malcolm. Their internship competition was skillfully written, with their competitive natures shining through in each challenge, making it hilariously entertaining. I especially enjoyed watching Ryan and Malcolm slowly unravel their mutual attraction and lingering feelings—a perfect slow burn that kept me hooked.
I'm really excited for the next entry and cannot wait to see these characters again.
Overall, this story is filled with heart, humor, and passion between Ryan and Malcolm. Their internship competition was skillfully written, with their competitive natures shining through in each challenge, making it hilariously entertaining. I especially enjoyed watching Ryan and Malcolm slowly unravel their mutual attraction and lingering feelings—a perfect slow burn that kept me hooked.
I'm really excited for the next entry and cannot wait to see these characters again.
June 10, 2025
"He’s like a song that changed my life— a part of me crystalized in space and time. He’s a memory of me when I was happy, and I don’t want to let this chance to remember go. If it hurts, it hurts. It’s just for the summer. It’s closure."
Finance Bros was the first book I've read by August Jones and I loved it, so it won't be the last. Yes, it was a steamy and delicious step-brothers, enemies to lovers romance, but it also had a great storyline (reminded me a bit of Risky Business, the classic Tom Cruise movie from back in the 80's), some first class side characters and a really good ending.
What To Expect:
❣️MM romance
❣️Stepbrothers
❣️Best friends to enemies to lovers
❣️Second chances
❣️Found fanily
❣️Possessive MCs
❣️Forced proximity
❣️Opposites attract
❣️Steamy first times
❣️Bi and gay awakening
❣️HEA
Loved it! 4.5 stars
Finance Bros was the first book I've read by August Jones and I loved it, so it won't be the last. Yes, it was a steamy and delicious step-brothers, enemies to lovers romance, but it also had a great storyline (reminded me a bit of Risky Business, the classic Tom Cruise movie from back in the 80's), some first class side characters and a really good ending.
What To Expect:
❣️MM romance
❣️Stepbrothers
❣️Best friends to enemies to lovers
❣️Second chances
❣️Found fanily
❣️Possessive MCs
❣️Forced proximity
❣️Opposites attract
❣️Steamy first times
❣️Bi and gay awakening
❣️HEA
Loved it! 4.5 stars
June 10, 2025
Well, this was a roller coaster. However, not the "fuck yeah, this is awesome!!" roller coaster. No. This particular roller coaster was stuck, going around in the same little circle over and over and OVER again. It was fun the first few rounds. But needless to say, I got sick and tired pretty fast and was more than ready to get off the ride by the end.
June 6, 2025
Finance Bros is book one in the Bay Area Bros series. This hate to love MM stepbrother romance story is about Ryan and Malcolm.
Ryan and Mal became stepbrothers when they were kids, but they also ended up becoming best friends. They were each other’s favorite person, and they loved cuddling and sharing warm hugs. But when Ryan was fourteen and got the flu, he took a very strong cough syrup and revealed to Mal that he was in love with him. Unfortunately it ruined their relationship.
A decade later, Ryan and Mal are shocked to see each other when they both show up to a summer internship at an investment banking firm in San Francisco. We see them struggle because of their complicated past. Ryan definitely has trust issues when it comes to Mal, and I certainly couldn’t blame him for it. We learn Mal has his own insecurities and internalized homophobia. But things start to change when Ryan and Mal start working together on a project. These two had such amazing chemistry. And when they started hooking up, they were so incredibly hot together. I just ate up all the spice.
But can this be more than just a summer fling? Not only do they Ryan and Mal have to forgive and move on from all the hurt from their past, but both of them have women in their lives that they could potentially have a future with. I definitely couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen.
This story had a great group of side characters, including some adorable pets. There was work drama that kept things interesting. I couldn’t help but root for Ryan and Mal. I loved them together and their epilogue definitely made me happy.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Ryan and Mal became stepbrothers when they were kids, but they also ended up becoming best friends. They were each other’s favorite person, and they loved cuddling and sharing warm hugs. But when Ryan was fourteen and got the flu, he took a very strong cough syrup and revealed to Mal that he was in love with him. Unfortunately it ruined their relationship.
A decade later, Ryan and Mal are shocked to see each other when they both show up to a summer internship at an investment banking firm in San Francisco. We see them struggle because of their complicated past. Ryan definitely has trust issues when it comes to Mal, and I certainly couldn’t blame him for it. We learn Mal has his own insecurities and internalized homophobia. But things start to change when Ryan and Mal start working together on a project. These two had such amazing chemistry. And when they started hooking up, they were so incredibly hot together. I just ate up all the spice.
But can this be more than just a summer fling? Not only do they Ryan and Mal have to forgive and move on from all the hurt from their past, but both of them have women in their lives that they could potentially have a future with. I definitely couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen.
This story had a great group of side characters, including some adorable pets. There was work drama that kept things interesting. I couldn’t help but root for Ryan and Mal. I loved them together and their epilogue definitely made me happy.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
September 11, 2025
⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 3.5/5
Reading Finance Bros felt like coming home. It’s been a while since I picked up a book by August Jones, and diving back into her writing reminded me why I fell in love with her stories in the first place. Her style is sharp, emotional, and addictive — the kind that keeps you glued to the page while falling head over heels for her characters.
At first, I wasn’t sure I’d warm up to Malcolm or Ryan, but wow… they completely won me over. These two are messy in the most delicious way — full of tension, conflict, and raw emotions. I crave relationships that thrive on push and pull, and theirs delivered that in spades. Watching Malcolm’s explosive emotions and chaotic spirals slowly turn into moments of clarity and acceptance was an incredible journey. On the other side, Ryan’s struggle to break down his towering walls and finally learn to trust was equally gripping. Together, their arc was heartfelt, complicated, and oh-so satisfying.
And the spice? Absolutely scorching. 🔥 Their connection in the bedroom was undeniable — intense, passionate, and perfectly in sync. If outside they were messy, inside the bedroom they were pure compatibility. That contrast made every scene even more impactful.
The side characters brought so much vibrancy to the story, too. There were a lot of them, but each had a distinct presence that enriched the world. Bailey and Calyx, though, absolutely stole the show for me. The anticipation I already feel for Gym Bros (Calyx’s book) is unreal — I need it yesterday.
On top of everything, I loved the quirky and unexpected pet names — a small detail that added so much personality and fun. Honestly, this book was pure joy from beginning to end. It was the perfect cocktail of standout characters, emotional depth, and sizzling spice.
August Jones proves once again that she knows exactly how to deliver a romance that hits hard, entertains fully, and lingers long after the final page. 💖
June 6, 2025
3.5/5 stars 4.5/5 spice
It’s crazy how in the beginning neither character was my favourite because Mal was a straight up homophobic a-hole, and Ry was cold both in feelings and emotions. Once they finally give into each other their personalities completely change. Mal is in constant heat for Ry and becomes kind to those around him. He’s needy and comes to terms with his sexuality pretty quickly. Ry becomes friendly to everyone, and comes to the realisation that he wants Mal in life forever even though he caused him so much grief in the past. I came to like both characters in the end, although their hot and cold attitude towards each other could get tiresome at times.
Communication wasn’t their strongest suit but they worked on in the end. It was actually really cute how obsessed and clingy Mal was with Ry when he was the one who pushed him away when they were younger. They were pretty insatiable together.
There were some consistency issues in this concerning Mal’s sexual history. It’s unclear whether he was only with his girlfriend or if he slept around in high school and college.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and it was nice to the characters show growth.
- Ex stepbrothers
- Friends to enemies to lovers
- Workplace
- Double queer awakening
- Cute pets
- ADHD MMC
It’s crazy how in the beginning neither character was my favourite because Mal was a straight up homophobic a-hole, and Ry was cold both in feelings and emotions. Once they finally give into each other their personalities completely change. Mal is in constant heat for Ry and becomes kind to those around him. He’s needy and comes to terms with his sexuality pretty quickly. Ry becomes friendly to everyone, and comes to the realisation that he wants Mal in life forever even though he caused him so much grief in the past. I came to like both characters in the end, although their hot and cold attitude towards each other could get tiresome at times.
Communication wasn’t their strongest suit but they worked on in the end. It was actually really cute how obsessed and clingy Mal was with Ry when he was the one who pushed him away when they were younger. They were pretty insatiable together.
There were some consistency issues in this concerning Mal’s sexual history. It’s unclear whether he was only with his girlfriend or if he slept around in high school and college.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and it was nice to the characters show growth.
- Ex stepbrothers
- Friends to enemies to lovers
- Workplace
- Double queer awakening
- Cute pets
- ADHD MMC
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June 8, 2025
3.5 stars ☆
June 7, 2025
"He was my favorite place. My favorite person. He was the best and worst thing to ever happen to me"
Finance Bros by August Jones
Here we go, August has done it again! The start of a brand new masterpiece series, and I’m already obsessed. This marks my third series from August, and every single time, she leaves an emotional mark I didn’t even know I needed. Every book. Every story. Every character. And every hard earned HEA, they all hit you right in the heart.
There’s just something magical about August’s writing. She doesn’t just tell a story, she makes you feel it. You live and breathe alongside the characters, laugh with them, hurt with them, fall in love with them. Even though each book stands on its own, reading the whole series is like being wrapped in one big, beautifully messy emotional hug and I already know this one is going to be unforgettable.
From the moment I picked up this book, I could not put it down. Every night became a “just one more chapter” situation... until suddenly, it was over, and I was drowning in all the feels.
And the tropes?! Oh, August fed me WELL: Enemies to lovers, Friends to enemies to lovers, Stepbrother romance, Hate to love and Unrequited love.
So much tension, so much angst, so much chemistry, whether it’s on a bean bag or between the sheets. Their journey was raw, messy, painful at times... and yet so incredibly worth it. The ending? Pure perfection.
This is the kind of book that lingers long after you finish it. And if this is just the beginning of the series, I’m so ready for what’s coming next, but I can’t wait for more.
Finance Bros by August Jones
Here we go, August has done it again! The start of a brand new masterpiece series, and I’m already obsessed. This marks my third series from August, and every single time, she leaves an emotional mark I didn’t even know I needed. Every book. Every story. Every character. And every hard earned HEA, they all hit you right in the heart.
There’s just something magical about August’s writing. She doesn’t just tell a story, she makes you feel it. You live and breathe alongside the characters, laugh with them, hurt with them, fall in love with them. Even though each book stands on its own, reading the whole series is like being wrapped in one big, beautifully messy emotional hug and I already know this one is going to be unforgettable.
From the moment I picked up this book, I could not put it down. Every night became a “just one more chapter” situation... until suddenly, it was over, and I was drowning in all the feels.
And the tropes?! Oh, August fed me WELL: Enemies to lovers, Friends to enemies to lovers, Stepbrother romance, Hate to love and Unrequited love.
So much tension, so much angst, so much chemistry, whether it’s on a bean bag or between the sheets. Their journey was raw, messy, painful at times... and yet so incredibly worth it. The ending? Pure perfection.
This is the kind of book that lingers long after you finish it. And if this is just the beginning of the series, I’m so ready for what’s coming next, but I can’t wait for more.
July 8, 2025
Wow! I really enjoyed this book! My sweet Ryan and Malcolm, this 2 cuties have so many layered emotional histories and psychological depth. Also, their dinamic! the childhood trauma, the UST, the sexual exploration, it actually serves the narrative beyond the typical romance tropes. Ryan's so vulnerable and guarded with his feelings, while Mal is impulsive and yearning and both creat a compelling push-pull romance. I also liked how Mal's queer awakening is handled, very difficult to find a book that pulls that with raw honesty instead of feeling superficial and tropey. I know the finance backdrop was underexplored but tbh it didn't bother me at all, I think we had enough to give the story a setting. Also I'm a fan of the sexual scenes, and I don't mean spice, I found them psychologically charged, the vulnerability, the need for affirmation, the surrender.
There was some miscomunication, but i could get on board with that because of their backstory, because of their personalities, so it made their situation believable.
What i didn't like? maybe just not getting into Mal head sooner, I think I would've enjoyed him better if i knew what happened on his childhoops upfront.
“Fantasy and reality were two different things. I could want something—but if what I wanted was unacceptable, then it couldn’t become a reality.”
There was some miscomunication, but i could get on board with that because of their backstory, because of their personalities, so it made their situation believable.
What i didn't like? maybe just not getting into Mal head sooner, I think I would've enjoyed him better if i knew what happened on his childhoops upfront.
“Fantasy and reality were two different things. I could want something—but if what I wanted was unacceptable, then it couldn’t become a reality.”
June 8, 2025
A slow burn for sure, not a sexual slow burn (that part was fire), but an emotional slow burn. They both had their hang ups that needed clearing up. A great story, great mcs and side characters. I enjoyed it.
This is one of those books that you have to push through all the 'uncomfortable' first 25% of the book for the story to finally grab you in its clutches and hold you in its grip.
The lack of actual discussion is off putting. From hate to fooling around, Malcolm does a complete 360 and Ryan can't catch up. They aren't on the same page for a while and it feels a little clinical on surface level.
The mixed signals are crazy after they start having sex. All the negatives keep popping up. Again, Malcolm becomes something unforseen and unbelievable. I can understand why Ryan is skeptical about Malcolm's feelings.🤔
I wish Kaylin didn't pop up in their thoughts so often, it's a little (a lot) off putting, I suppose it's the constant reminder of where their relationship had been the last 10 years.
Low angst drama and HEA earned.
This is one of those books that you have to push through all the 'uncomfortable' first 25% of the book for the story to finally grab you in its clutches and hold you in its grip.
The lack of actual discussion is off putting. From hate to fooling around, Malcolm does a complete 360 and Ryan can't catch up. They aren't on the same page for a while and it feels a little clinical on surface level.
The mixed signals are crazy after they start having sex. All the negatives keep popping up. Again, Malcolm becomes something unforseen and unbelievable. I can understand why Ryan is skeptical about Malcolm's feelings.🤔
I wish Kaylin didn't pop up in their thoughts so often, it's a little (a lot) off putting, I suppose it's the constant reminder of where their relationship had been the last 10 years.
Low angst drama and HEA earned.
July 27, 2025
Very mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I loved it because it has a bit of everything I want in a book: good story, enough backstory, some angst that made sense, loving parents that behave like normal people who love their children and are not abusive for the sake of the story, forever love, and even careers in finance that (kind of) make sense in the real world (although that internship contest? Never ever happening for real in an investment company).
And then on the other hand so much I want to complain about: the inner homophobia, the obvious jock friends (that we see very little of and seem to have been forgotten completely by the end of the book, the whole parents got married, got divorced and got married again story. And the ease of becoming influencers in the finance space. That was ridiculous.
Anyway: I was very entertained while reading this book. And I loved how much they loved each other. I would have given it five stars if the homophobia wasn’t so prevalent.
And then on the other hand so much I want to complain about: the inner homophobia, the obvious jock friends (that we see very little of and seem to have been forgotten completely by the end of the book, the whole parents got married, got divorced and got married again story. And the ease of becoming influencers in the finance space. That was ridiculous.
Anyway: I was very entertained while reading this book. And I loved how much they loved each other. I would have given it five stars if the homophobia wasn’t so prevalent.
June 20, 2025
This was fine. Am I ecstatic over this book, no. It just fell flat for me. I usually love AJ's books but this went round in circles and it was just a lot of the same.
Sweet charters and great dynamic tho
Sweet charters and great dynamic tho
June 4, 2025
3.5 rounded to 4 for GR
The dynamic was gripping to begin with. Two men who used to be close friends and stepbrothers until they weren’t, and it went the total opposite way to a hate relationship.
There’s some definite internalized homophobia going on, some self-loathing and feelings of disgust projected inwardly and outwardly - so do be warned about that. I think it could be hard for some people to read. It is wrapped up in the whole angst and yearning of it all and I can imagine that people do sometimes feel this way, going through it like Malcom was. Ryan, subsequently, also then had a very internally tumultuous push-pull going on as well.
Their intensity with and for each other, whether it’s negative or positive feelings, just pulls you right into the story. Their attraction burning underneath is just hot!
I fell way into the book very easily at the start. However, in the latter half it dragged a bit for me, kind of rehashing things over and over and not seeming to move forward. A lot of it felt interrupted by the sex for me too - it was hot but started to get repetitive. I just wanted a bit more balance of the relationship stuff and figuring themselves out.
I absolutely lived for the moments where they break through their own doubts and insecurities to connect and go with what they’re really feeling, as confused as they were. The deep tenderness and love for each other, feeling truly two parts of a whole, was so sweet and heart aching.
There were some other little bits that were slightly off for me, Mal gave me whiplash sometimes in when he was and wasn’t ok with things but I suppose really it just fed into this feeling of confusion and desperation. So I guess it may be intentional but it did make things a bit hard to follow and I felt certain elements got lost.
The big talk they have at the end had me teary eyed.
Overall a good read that I could see others really enjoying. For me it just didn’t quite bump to a 4 where I’d be recommending the book, but I wouldn’t discourage anyone from it!
This is my first read from this author and I’m curious to read another and see what it’s like, I enjoyed the writing itself and the emotive aspects within it.
3.5/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
The dynamic was gripping to begin with. Two men who used to be close friends and stepbrothers until they weren’t, and it went the total opposite way to a hate relationship.
There’s some definite internalized homophobia going on, some self-loathing and feelings of disgust projected inwardly and outwardly - so do be warned about that. I think it could be hard for some people to read. It is wrapped up in the whole angst and yearning of it all and I can imagine that people do sometimes feel this way, going through it like Malcom was. Ryan, subsequently, also then had a very internally tumultuous push-pull going on as well.
Their intensity with and for each other, whether it’s negative or positive feelings, just pulls you right into the story. Their attraction burning underneath is just hot!
I fell way into the book very easily at the start. However, in the latter half it dragged a bit for me, kind of rehashing things over and over and not seeming to move forward. A lot of it felt interrupted by the sex for me too - it was hot but started to get repetitive. I just wanted a bit more balance of the relationship stuff and figuring themselves out.
I absolutely lived for the moments where they break through their own doubts and insecurities to connect and go with what they’re really feeling, as confused as they were. The deep tenderness and love for each other, feeling truly two parts of a whole, was so sweet and heart aching.
There were some other little bits that were slightly off for me, Mal gave me whiplash sometimes in when he was and wasn’t ok with things but I suppose really it just fed into this feeling of confusion and desperation. So I guess it may be intentional but it did make things a bit hard to follow and I felt certain elements got lost.
The big talk they have at the end had me teary eyed.
Overall a good read that I could see others really enjoying. For me it just didn’t quite bump to a 4 where I’d be recommending the book, but I wouldn’t discourage anyone from it!
This is my first read from this author and I’m curious to read another and see what it’s like, I enjoyed the writing itself and the emotive aspects within it.
3.5/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
June 12, 2025
read the kinks before you get into it? ;)
“I want to deserve you. I want to have the only key to everything you’ve kept locked inside. I want the chance to love all of you. Because I know I will.”
“I want to deserve you. I want to have the only key to everything you’ve kept locked inside. I want the chance to love all of you. Because I know I will.”
June 1, 2025
Finance Bros is the first book in August Jones’s new series, Bay Area Bros. Here’s what you can expect from Ryan and Malcolm:
💲 MM contemporary romance
💲 First person dual point of view
💲 Guaranteed happily ever after
💲 Stepbrother romance
💲 Found family
💲 Hate to love
💲 Adequate angst
💲 Pets
💲 Lots of spice
As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings and triggers may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
This is another amazing book by August Jones! If you’re new to her work (and I highly recommend getting acquainted with her books), this would be a great place to start. I felt that this book was a bit lighter than her past two series, and did have that romantic comedy element paired with her trademark angst and absolute page-melting spice. Stepbrother romances aren’t typically something I reach for, but she has a way of transforming classic tropes and themes and putting a refreshing twist on them.
This was such a cool concept for a book, featuring Ryan and Malcolm. They’re former stepbrothers who had an intense falling out as teenagers that changed the course of both their lives. They reunite at a prestigious financial internship in San Francisco for a summer they won’t ever forget. The character development in this story was incredible. I really didn’t like Malcolm at the beginning of the book, but I was wholly unprepared for him to transform from a cocky, preppy finance bro to a precious broken boy. I enjoyed the fact that he regularly attended therapy, and had been for years given his own complex upbringing. He definitely had golden retriever velcro dog vibes, and although codependency isn’t something that always works for me in books, it made complete sense given the character dynamic. Ryan is his opposite with the best black cat vibes. He has lots of tattoos and miles of walls around his heart. After what Malcolm put him through as a teenager, he isn’t anywhere near ready to trust him again but the pull they feel is indescribable and thick with sexual tension. He has such a soft spot for Malcolm, even if he knows he shouldn’t.
As I’ve come to expect with August’s books, the spice in this book was absolutely phenomenal. The hate, regret, and pure feelings poured into their connection were so palpable throughout the story. This book is super spicy, but each scene is critical to their relationship development. You can slowly see their bond growing and changing as each day of their internship passes. Don’t let the soft kinks in this book scare you. They add to the heat of the story and they’re explored in a way that makes complete sense for the characters. I also thoroughly enjoyed the side characters. In particular Bailey, Miguel, and Calyx are standouts and I hope we get to see them in future additions to the series! The epilogue of this book was just so sweet, and although it was perfect for Ryan and Malcolm, I wasn’t quite ready for their story to end. I had the best time reading this book!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from The Author Agency and am voluntarily leaving a review.
💲 MM contemporary romance
💲 First person dual point of view
💲 Guaranteed happily ever after
💲 Stepbrother romance
💲 Found family
💲 Hate to love
💲 Adequate angst
💲 Pets
💲 Lots of spice
As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings and triggers may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
This is another amazing book by August Jones! If you’re new to her work (and I highly recommend getting acquainted with her books), this would be a great place to start. I felt that this book was a bit lighter than her past two series, and did have that romantic comedy element paired with her trademark angst and absolute page-melting spice. Stepbrother romances aren’t typically something I reach for, but she has a way of transforming classic tropes and themes and putting a refreshing twist on them.
This was such a cool concept for a book, featuring Ryan and Malcolm. They’re former stepbrothers who had an intense falling out as teenagers that changed the course of both their lives. They reunite at a prestigious financial internship in San Francisco for a summer they won’t ever forget. The character development in this story was incredible. I really didn’t like Malcolm at the beginning of the book, but I was wholly unprepared for him to transform from a cocky, preppy finance bro to a precious broken boy. I enjoyed the fact that he regularly attended therapy, and had been for years given his own complex upbringing. He definitely had golden retriever velcro dog vibes, and although codependency isn’t something that always works for me in books, it made complete sense given the character dynamic. Ryan is his opposite with the best black cat vibes. He has lots of tattoos and miles of walls around his heart. After what Malcolm put him through as a teenager, he isn’t anywhere near ready to trust him again but the pull they feel is indescribable and thick with sexual tension. He has such a soft spot for Malcolm, even if he knows he shouldn’t.
As I’ve come to expect with August’s books, the spice in this book was absolutely phenomenal. The hate, regret, and pure feelings poured into their connection were so palpable throughout the story. This book is super spicy, but each scene is critical to their relationship development. You can slowly see their bond growing and changing as each day of their internship passes. Don’t let the soft kinks in this book scare you. They add to the heat of the story and they’re explored in a way that makes complete sense for the characters. I also thoroughly enjoyed the side characters. In particular Bailey, Miguel, and Calyx are standouts and I hope we get to see them in future additions to the series! The epilogue of this book was just so sweet, and although it was perfect for Ryan and Malcolm, I wasn’t quite ready for their story to end. I had the best time reading this book!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from The Author Agency and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2025
I have never read an August Jones book I didn’t love and this is no exception. Somehow she always tackles the emotional story behind the relationship plot with this stark honesty that just pulls me in and I am fully invested in these less than ideal but completely perfectly imperfect characters that end up staying with me long after I have reluctantly put the book down.
After the absolute emotional wringer that Liar’s Reckoning put me through I wasn’t sure if I trusted it when the author said it’s different and I was prepared to be devastated, you know to be on the safe side. But it is different and in honestly the best way. This story is sweeter, somehow almost bouncier even though it did make me cry a time or two.
Mal and Ryan (yes that name did make a lot of the book more fun to read thank you August Jones 😏) just burrowed deep into my heart. Mal with his almost crippling insecurity, tentatively trying to takes steps to find his way to himself but also like this ball of surging energy pushing him almost to stop hiding, take big risks for big rewards. Ryan, once burned still not healed but making efforts to building his life. Their drivers are so different from when they start to reconnect to where they end up, this journey was sublime and the author takes honestly brave steps to pull back the curtain to show you everything that broke the trust and then builds the trust. Ugh that devestation at 14 was painful but that redemption was insanely moving.
Also expect the signature banter and subtext and the dirty dirty talk and the melt your kindle high heat scorching hot chemistry that August brings to all her stories. I love how sex is such an intrinsic part of their journey and not just there!
expect:
- second chances
- Banter
- Building trust
- Found fanily
- Step brothers
- Lingerie
- Toys
- A little rough and k1nky
- Can’t keep my hands off you
- Possessive MCs
- Healing
- Forced proximity
- Opposites attract
- Sexual awakening
- The best pets
After the absolute emotional wringer that Liar’s Reckoning put me through I wasn’t sure if I trusted it when the author said it’s different and I was prepared to be devastated, you know to be on the safe side. But it is different and in honestly the best way. This story is sweeter, somehow almost bouncier even though it did make me cry a time or two.
Mal and Ryan (yes that name did make a lot of the book more fun to read thank you August Jones 😏) just burrowed deep into my heart. Mal with his almost crippling insecurity, tentatively trying to takes steps to find his way to himself but also like this ball of surging energy pushing him almost to stop hiding, take big risks for big rewards. Ryan, once burned still not healed but making efforts to building his life. Their drivers are so different from when they start to reconnect to where they end up, this journey was sublime and the author takes honestly brave steps to pull back the curtain to show you everything that broke the trust and then builds the trust. Ugh that devestation at 14 was painful but that redemption was insanely moving.
Also expect the signature banter and subtext and the dirty dirty talk and the melt your kindle high heat scorching hot chemistry that August brings to all her stories. I love how sex is such an intrinsic part of their journey and not just there!
expect:
- second chances
- Banter
- Building trust
- Found fanily
- Step brothers
- Lingerie
- Toys
- A little rough and k1nky
- Can’t keep my hands off you
- Possessive MCs
- Healing
- Forced proximity
- Opposites attract
- Sexual awakening
- The best pets
June 10, 2025
Oh my lordy. So, I pretty much always love August Jone's MM books. She said this was gonna be different, so I was nervous. However, there was absolutely zero reason for me to worry. It was absolutely incredible!! Definitely in my top 3 of her books!! Probably right behind Heir's Disgrace and then maybe tied with The Influencer for second place? I dk, point is....I freaking LOVED it! I literally was dreading the end, I didn't want it to ever be over. I guess I'd say it had more romcom vibes than her other 2 series did, and less angst (no third act breakup!!)...I am an angst lover, but it has just enough to make it amazing. She also writes side characters so freaking well...I loved them all.
Ryan was god awful at communicating, but it felt so real and Mal was the sweetest and most anxious mess...he reminded me a lot of me haha. I was cracking up a lot of times, also swooning, then stressing and then sweating ...because holy moly, August can write some spice. It was steaming hot!!!!! She is also just so, so good at writing characters. They feel so absolutely real, and you feel like you are experiencing the emotions right along side them. Oh, and her epilogue's are some of the best in the game. Seriously, she just wraps the characters futures up to absolute perfection.
I don't really have anything else to add. I just really vibe with her writing style. And this was another perfect 5 star book from her. I seriously cannot wait for the next book!!!
Ryan was god awful at communicating, but it felt so real and Mal was the sweetest and most anxious mess...he reminded me a lot of me haha. I was cracking up a lot of times, also swooning, then stressing and then sweating ...because holy moly, August can write some spice. It was steaming hot!!!!! She is also just so, so good at writing characters. They feel so absolutely real, and you feel like you are experiencing the emotions right along side them. Oh, and her epilogue's are some of the best in the game. Seriously, she just wraps the characters futures up to absolute perfection.
I don't really have anything else to add. I just really vibe with her writing style. And this was another perfect 5 star book from her. I seriously cannot wait for the next book!!!
May 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I love this take on step brothers/childhood best friends/ to enemies/ to strangers/ to coworkers/ to lovers. Malcolm and Ryan met when their parents got married but they were instant best friends. Because they were so young they didn't understand the depth of their friendship was actually love. Malcolm has a lot of internalized homophobia because of things from his childhood. Malcolm put those feelings aside to be with his GF he felt comfortable with for 10 years but when he asks her for a break and he is practically forced to do a group project with his ex step brother Ryan his feelings return and they are amazing together. They have to turn 100$ into a load of money for their internship project and they are forced to play nice. under their tough exterior they are soft and gooey on the inside and i love then both so much. I absolutely loved this book and i can't wait to buy the physical copy to add it to my bookshelf.
I love this take on step brothers/childhood best friends/ to enemies/ to strangers/ to coworkers/ to lovers. Malcolm and Ryan met when their parents got married but they were instant best friends. Because they were so young they didn't understand the depth of their friendship was actually love. Malcolm has a lot of internalized homophobia because of things from his childhood. Malcolm put those feelings aside to be with his GF he felt comfortable with for 10 years but when he asks her for a break and he is practically forced to do a group project with his ex step brother Ryan his feelings return and they are amazing together. They have to turn 100$ into a load of money for their internship project and they are forced to play nice. under their tough exterior they are soft and gooey on the inside and i love then both so much. I absolutely loved this book and i can't wait to buy the physical copy to add it to my bookshelf.
June 11, 2025
Step bros meets Finance. Who knew it could be this hot?
I never thought I'd be interested in a book about Finance but this was so well done, it kept me intrigued. I enjoyed reading about the internship and their competition. The outcome for the other team I did not see coming but it was hilarious.
Malcolm and Ryan, former stepbrothers turned "enemies" then strangers are thrown back together when they join Marks and Baker. A decade after he disastrously revealed to his stepbrother / best friend that he was in love with him, Ryan is forced to see Malcolm again after years of being bullied and tortured by him. What could possibly go wrong?
It would seem these straight guys aren't so straight after all. As is the norm with August's books, the spice delivered. 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Bailey and Calyx were hilarious side characters and I can't wait to see more from them. I wonder who book 2 will be about and where it will pick up? I look forward to finding out.
I never thought I'd be interested in a book about Finance but this was so well done, it kept me intrigued. I enjoyed reading about the internship and their competition. The outcome for the other team I did not see coming but it was hilarious.
Malcolm and Ryan, former stepbrothers turned "enemies" then strangers are thrown back together when they join Marks and Baker. A decade after he disastrously revealed to his stepbrother / best friend that he was in love with him, Ryan is forced to see Malcolm again after years of being bullied and tortured by him. What could possibly go wrong?
It would seem these straight guys aren't so straight after all. As is the norm with August's books, the spice delivered. 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Bailey and Calyx were hilarious side characters and I can't wait to see more from them. I wonder who book 2 will be about and where it will pick up? I look forward to finding out.
June 8, 2025
This was my first August Jones book and it will not be my last. I absolutely loved this finance world and the diverse characters. It was such a unique story. And oh so spicy.
There were a couple plot lines that I found to be not quite full circle. Like they tried to fit it all in, spent so much time addressing it and then didn’t bring it up again… I don’t know it was odd. Only reason it wasn’t 5 stars for me. I did love the writing and hoping to get more stories in this world!
I really appreciated how stepbrothers was done here. And then all one big happy family again.
The finance side of this was so fun to read. I love how they worked the project together and all the side characters that played their part. I’m hoping for more books with a few of them!
There were a couple plot lines that I found to be not quite full circle. Like they tried to fit it all in, spent so much time addressing it and then didn’t bring it up again… I don’t know it was odd. Only reason it wasn’t 5 stars for me. I did love the writing and hoping to get more stories in this world!
I really appreciated how stepbrothers was done here. And then all one big happy family again.
The finance side of this was so fun to read. I love how they worked the project together and all the side characters that played their part. I’m hoping for more books with a few of them!
July 9, 2025
“Holding him makes sense. […] His body might be different than it was when we were kids, but that heartbeat against mine feels exactly the same.”
This book is something else. I honestly don't know how to rate it. On one hand, the chemistry and tension between Ryan and Mal is incredible, but at the same time, communication between them was so cryptic and repetitive that it confused me more than once.
The plot had a lot of potential. It was a different and interesting take on the stepbrothers trope. The history and dynamic between the MMCs was really good, and it really could’ve elevated the entire story. I just can't get over the way they communicated. It wasn’t until I was about 54% through the book that I started to understand what both characters—especially Malcolm—were actually trying to say. And honestly, I don't know if it was just me.
“Are you trying to make me hate myself?”
His voice strains to get through his windpipe. “I just want inside your head.”
“You’re there, asshole. You’ve always been there.”
I liked Malcolm, but the way he suddenly became a completely different person from one day to the next felt a little wild. Don’t get me wrong I much preferred him after that shift, but it reminded me of when a TV show replaces a character with a new actor. I get that he was finally being his true self (which I loved), but I think the author could have shown more of that journey: the internal struggle, the gradual steps toward accepting himself. That would have made the change feel more organic. After all, Mal had spent years repressing who he really was, so it would’ve made sense to see him wrestle with that transformation.
“I never want to forget today. From the lowest of lows to the highest of highs on one of the prettiest days this city has ever seen, I’ve got Ryan’s smile.”
Malcolm’s childhood and backstory were heartbreaking, and the fact that he never talked to anyone about it made it even more painful. Sadly, it’s a painfully accurate reflection of what some people actually go through, all because of how judgmental and cruel society can be.
“And you’d known you were gay since…?”
“Since I was seven.”
“Mal,” she whispers.
“What?”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because…it wasn’t a big deal until I knew to be ashamed of it, and then once I was ashamed of it, why the fuck would I tell you?”
At first, I struggled to understand his personality and why he acted the way he did. His sudden shift felt overwhelming for me. Reading his thoughts and inner monologue, I often didn’t know what he was trying to express. But then, little by little, pieces of his story came together and things started to click. I know I’ll never relate to what he went through, but I came to understand him better. Eventually, I grew to love him and his needy, funny, horny, and genuinely lovable personality.
“Say it.”
“Fine,” I choke out as he leans back against me, pushing my bodily control to its outermost limits. I give him what he asked for. “You’re a fucking slut. Is that what you’re going for?”
“Just need someone to call me on it. I pick you.”
“I want this,” I tell him.
“Good. Now, tell me how much.”
I put him on his back. “You know how much.”
“You’re not even hard.”
“It’s not always about that, asshole.” I grab his face and kiss him again. “Sometimes it’s not a feeling in my pants, it’s a feeling in my chest.”
“Can you go ahead and take that warm, fuzzy feeling and get hard?”
Ryan was a much more straightforward character to understand. I could see how his past shaped him into the person he is and where his insecurities and pain came from. That said, I would’ve liked to actually witness the growth and change he supposedly went through during the book. It was mentioned a few times, but as a reader, I didn’t really see it happen on the page. Still, he was truly a man obsessed and I loved that! I understood why it was so hard for him to believe that Mal really loved him, and honestly, he seemed just as confused as I was. I appreciated that he acknowledged Mal’s sudden change and expressed doubts about it lasting. He was cautious with his heart, and that felt realistic and valid. I just love a man who knows exactly who he wants and refuses to settle for anything less.
“The way I crave the sight of him is fucking pathological. His face is etched into me far deeper than any tattoo I’ve suffered through.”
“He asked for a hug, and I gave him a fucking blow job. He gave me a peck, and I shoved my tongue down his throat. Well done, Ryan. Way to fucking go. Why not tell him you’re still fucking in love with him while you’re at it? I might as well have.”
I loved Ryan personality— the black cat, guarded on the outside, but underneath, he’s this sweet, shy man. His past with Malcolm was rough, but he still found it in himself to forgive, love, and eventually trust him again. I just liked him as a person. One thing I will say, though, is that even though I understood his trust issues, there were moments when it felt like he didn’t want to move forward. His conversations and the reasons he gave for holding back felt repetitive at times, like they were stuck in a loop and not really making progress.
“The fantasy of loving him was one thing, but the reality of it is unlike anything I could have imagined. It’s worse in some ways—admittedly. He’s needy and messy and moody as fuck, but in the ways it’s better—it’s exponential.”
“The problem with me is, I think I am still in love with him. I think, in fact, that I am so fucking in love with him, I can’t see straight. He’s a fucking mess, and I love it. I’m crazy about it.”
The chemistry and tension between these two was insanely good. The desire, the need, the pure desperation to be near each other—I could feel it melting off the pages. I truly liked them together. Despite all their struggles, they felt perfect for each other. I loved that, in the end, they got to live a happy, love filled life together. I just wish we’d gotten to see more of how they worked through their issues, how they healed and grew together. That part felt a bit skipped over, and I think it would have made the payoff even better.
“He’s like a song that changed my life—a part of me crystalized in space and time. He’s a memory of me when I was happy, and I don’t want to let this chance to remember go. If it hurts, it hurts. It’s just for the summer.”
“Let’s get home. I’ll let you be as weird as you want.”
“Yeah?” he asks with the starry eyed hope of a child who’s never had anything nice.
“Yeah, let’s go be freaks together.”
It was a good and interesting book. It was a really well-written story, and I loved the spice and the little moments between Ryan and Malcolm. I’m giving it 3.5 stars mainly because I was confused for a good part of it. Still, the side characters were all really great, and I’m excited to continue with the series!
“You probably already know you ground me,” he says. “You’re my history. My heartbeat. My first fucking love. My brother, my partner. My best friend. Somehow you get me—you always have, and I think it’s because you’ve got the best heart of anyone I’ve ever met. I want to deserve you. I want to have the only key to everything you’ve kept locked inside. I want the chance to love all of you. Because I know I will.”
Is this what it means to feel seen?
This book is something else. I honestly don't know how to rate it. On one hand, the chemistry and tension between Ryan and Mal is incredible, but at the same time, communication between them was so cryptic and repetitive that it confused me more than once.
The plot had a lot of potential. It was a different and interesting take on the stepbrothers trope. The history and dynamic between the MMCs was really good, and it really could’ve elevated the entire story. I just can't get over the way they communicated. It wasn’t until I was about 54% through the book that I started to understand what both characters—especially Malcolm—were actually trying to say. And honestly, I don't know if it was just me.
“Are you trying to make me hate myself?”
His voice strains to get through his windpipe. “I just want inside your head.”
“You’re there, asshole. You’ve always been there.”
I liked Malcolm, but the way he suddenly became a completely different person from one day to the next felt a little wild. Don’t get me wrong I much preferred him after that shift, but it reminded me of when a TV show replaces a character with a new actor. I get that he was finally being his true self (which I loved), but I think the author could have shown more of that journey: the internal struggle, the gradual steps toward accepting himself. That would have made the change feel more organic. After all, Mal had spent years repressing who he really was, so it would’ve made sense to see him wrestle with that transformation.
“I never want to forget today. From the lowest of lows to the highest of highs on one of the prettiest days this city has ever seen, I’ve got Ryan’s smile.”
Malcolm’s childhood and backstory were heartbreaking, and the fact that he never talked to anyone about it made it even more painful. Sadly, it’s a painfully accurate reflection of what some people actually go through, all because of how judgmental and cruel society can be.
“And you’d known you were gay since…?”
“Since I was seven.”
“Mal,” she whispers.
“What?”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because…it wasn’t a big deal until I knew to be ashamed of it, and then once I was ashamed of it, why the fuck would I tell you?”
At first, I struggled to understand his personality and why he acted the way he did. His sudden shift felt overwhelming for me. Reading his thoughts and inner monologue, I often didn’t know what he was trying to express. But then, little by little, pieces of his story came together and things started to click. I know I’ll never relate to what he went through, but I came to understand him better. Eventually, I grew to love him and his needy, funny, horny, and genuinely lovable personality.
“Say it.”
“Fine,” I choke out as he leans back against me, pushing my bodily control to its outermost limits. I give him what he asked for. “You’re a fucking slut. Is that what you’re going for?”
“Just need someone to call me on it. I pick you.”
“I want this,” I tell him.
“Good. Now, tell me how much.”
I put him on his back. “You know how much.”
“You’re not even hard.”
“It’s not always about that, asshole.” I grab his face and kiss him again. “Sometimes it’s not a feeling in my pants, it’s a feeling in my chest.”
“Can you go ahead and take that warm, fuzzy feeling and get hard?”
Ryan was a much more straightforward character to understand. I could see how his past shaped him into the person he is and where his insecurities and pain came from. That said, I would’ve liked to actually witness the growth and change he supposedly went through during the book. It was mentioned a few times, but as a reader, I didn’t really see it happen on the page. Still, he was truly a man obsessed and I loved that! I understood why it was so hard for him to believe that Mal really loved him, and honestly, he seemed just as confused as I was. I appreciated that he acknowledged Mal’s sudden change and expressed doubts about it lasting. He was cautious with his heart, and that felt realistic and valid. I just love a man who knows exactly who he wants and refuses to settle for anything less.
“The way I crave the sight of him is fucking pathological. His face is etched into me far deeper than any tattoo I’ve suffered through.”
“He asked for a hug, and I gave him a fucking blow job. He gave me a peck, and I shoved my tongue down his throat. Well done, Ryan. Way to fucking go. Why not tell him you’re still fucking in love with him while you’re at it? I might as well have.”
I loved Ryan personality— the black cat, guarded on the outside, but underneath, he’s this sweet, shy man. His past with Malcolm was rough, but he still found it in himself to forgive, love, and eventually trust him again. I just liked him as a person. One thing I will say, though, is that even though I understood his trust issues, there were moments when it felt like he didn’t want to move forward. His conversations and the reasons he gave for holding back felt repetitive at times, like they were stuck in a loop and not really making progress.
“The fantasy of loving him was one thing, but the reality of it is unlike anything I could have imagined. It’s worse in some ways—admittedly. He’s needy and messy and moody as fuck, but in the ways it’s better—it’s exponential.”
“The problem with me is, I think I am still in love with him. I think, in fact, that I am so fucking in love with him, I can’t see straight. He’s a fucking mess, and I love it. I’m crazy about it.”
The chemistry and tension between these two was insanely good. The desire, the need, the pure desperation to be near each other—I could feel it melting off the pages. I truly liked them together. Despite all their struggles, they felt perfect for each other. I loved that, in the end, they got to live a happy, love filled life together. I just wish we’d gotten to see more of how they worked through their issues, how they healed and grew together. That part felt a bit skipped over, and I think it would have made the payoff even better.
“He’s like a song that changed my life—a part of me crystalized in space and time. He’s a memory of me when I was happy, and I don’t want to let this chance to remember go. If it hurts, it hurts. It’s just for the summer.”
“Let’s get home. I’ll let you be as weird as you want.”
“Yeah?” he asks with the starry eyed hope of a child who’s never had anything nice.
“Yeah, let’s go be freaks together.”
It was a good and interesting book. It was a really well-written story, and I loved the spice and the little moments between Ryan and Malcolm. I’m giving it 3.5 stars mainly because I was confused for a good part of it. Still, the side characters were all really great, and I’m excited to continue with the series!
“You probably already know you ground me,” he says. “You’re my history. My heartbeat. My first fucking love. My brother, my partner. My best friend. Somehow you get me—you always have, and I think it’s because you’ve got the best heart of anyone I’ve ever met. I want to deserve you. I want to have the only key to everything you’ve kept locked inside. I want the chance to love all of you. Because I know I will.”
Is this what it means to feel seen?
November 6, 2025
Look, sometimes I was reading this book and it felt like a 5 star book. Other times it felt like I was reading a 3 star book. It was a weird dynamic and maybe it was more me than the book. I loved the large cast of eclectic characters and their contributions to the story seemed so real. Sometimes a large cast or colorful side characters seem to be there to just move the plot along in an obvious and annoying way. But the side characters felt vital, necessary, and I loved them all. Except Isla, she didn’t deserve such a good fit in the end. But maybe we’ll see her story later down the road and understand why she was an incompetent mentor and bitch and like her… but it’s hard to imagine from this vantage point.
I am looking forward to learning about Deacon the most. He gets the Coolest Roommate Award for sure.
But the three star read kings hot at the end when I realized I really wasn’t caring to read the next book. Calyx is great as a supportive friend but I’m just not interested in his love life 🤷🏻♀️
Regardless I love the authors writing style which felt refreshingly different than what I’ve been reading lately. 😁
I am looking forward to learning about Deacon the most. He gets the Coolest Roommate Award for sure.
But the three star read kings hot at the end when I realized I really wasn’t caring to read the next book. Calyx is great as a supportive friend but I’m just not interested in his love life 🤷🏻♀️
Regardless I love the authors writing style which felt refreshingly different than what I’ve been reading lately. 😁
September 14, 2025
Did I finish this book, or did this book finish me? @augustjonesbooks has done it *again* y’all and I am forever in love with August’s writing.
Ryan and Malcom were so on FIRE for each other like !!! I am shook!!!!! I did not expect Ryan to have such a dirty mouth and I loved it. Speaking of - Malcom’s journey from teen to adult was incredible and I loved his growth so much. Ryan being leery of Mal was well earned and their love story was too cuteeeeee and sweet but also hot and sexy and baby my favorite microtrope happened *twice* in this book???? Say friggen less babyyyyyy
I also loved our side characters and knowing what I know about Calyx now? Ugh he is everything to me. Bailey was fantastic and I loved Miguel too. What a testament to found family.
Anyway I loved them your honor and August always has me exploring books I may not have picked up on my own and I LOVE THAT FOR MEEEEE @augustjonesbooks you’re the best thank youuuuu.
Ryan and Malcom were so on FIRE for each other like !!! I am shook!!!!! I did not expect Ryan to have such a dirty mouth and I loved it. Speaking of - Malcom’s journey from teen to adult was incredible and I loved his growth so much. Ryan being leery of Mal was well earned and their love story was too cuteeeeee and sweet but also hot and sexy and baby my favorite microtrope happened *twice* in this book???? Say friggen less babyyyyyy
I also loved our side characters and knowing what I know about Calyx now? Ugh he is everything to me. Bailey was fantastic and I loved Miguel too. What a testament to found family.
Anyway I loved them your honor and August always has me exploring books I may not have picked up on my own and I LOVE THAT FOR MEEEEE @augustjonesbooks you’re the best thank youuuuu.
June 4, 2025
4.5⭐️
August Jones! This book!
This just felt so real. Such real emotions. Real reactions. Not clean. Not pretty. Messy and real and heartbreaking.
Ryan and Mal have had quite a journey. From stepbrothers to best friends to enemies to coworkers to lovers. After an incident in their youth pushes them apart, Mal's self-loathing has him bullying and tormenting Ryan. The pair then are separated for a few years before both ending up at the same internship. When circumstances throw them even closer together, Mal and Ryan are able to confront their past and accept the love that they share for each other.
Ryan's black cat energy and Mal's adorable golden retriever energy are a great dynamic. The supporting characters are funny and sweet.
The work that Mal puts in with his therapist is beautifully handled.
Loved this book!
August Jones! This book!
This just felt so real. Such real emotions. Real reactions. Not clean. Not pretty. Messy and real and heartbreaking.
Ryan and Mal have had quite a journey. From stepbrothers to best friends to enemies to coworkers to lovers. After an incident in their youth pushes them apart, Mal's self-loathing has him bullying and tormenting Ryan. The pair then are separated for a few years before both ending up at the same internship. When circumstances throw them even closer together, Mal and Ryan are able to confront their past and accept the love that they share for each other.
Ryan's black cat energy and Mal's adorable golden retriever energy are a great dynamic. The supporting characters are funny and sweet.
The work that Mal puts in with his therapist is beautifully handled.
Loved this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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