Oxley

Van Doren

by Crea Reitan

His scream changed my life forever.

I clean up the streets of Anaheim from the hate one man left behind. On the surface, I work with the local authorities but in secret, I kill those who hurt others.

During a planned interception, we arrive on the scene too late and a man’s scream fills the streets. The moment I look upon his face, my entire life shifts to make him the center. Instead of going to a hospital, I bring him home.

Now I need to figure out how to nurse him back to health and hope he can accept my quirks so I can keep him.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

Genres: M M Romance, Audiobook, Romance, Crime, Novella, Dark, LGBT

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

About the author

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75 ⭐
A nice little short story in the Van Doren universe 🤩 Had a fun time with it! Loved the way Oxley took care of Huntley 💗

[Charlotte.s.library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahmmm... I don't know.

This is my first Van Doren book, and idk. It is the first time I'm on this side of the Creaverse and ngl I had higher expectations?!

Don't get me wrong, I liked Oxley and Huntley, and I loved Oxley as a character, but them together? They do sound good together and they seem to be a good pair but... can I see that too? Everything happens in a blur. From the way they meet and how until Huntley gets to meet the family... This story moved both slow and fast, and when I finished the book I felt confused. The first part is going slow, and I enjoyed the pace because it made sense for what was going on. I wish during that time we got to find out more about the characters, but it is what it is. Then all of a sudden the pace changed and we had a few things that happened and then the book was over.

I needed more of Ox and Huntley, the potential for these two to be amazing together was there. I felt like we didn't get enough of anything. Not enough information about them, not enough intimate moments ( and I'm not even talking about spice necessarily ), not enough time to see them fall in love. I will keep my fingers crossed that maybe this book will have more material added in the future because I just need more. And yes, I do need more short stories about them here and there, but I mean in this book, between the pages we can still have more.

I know that maybe for Oxley love looks a bit different, but I still would've loved to see him fall for Huntley and vice versa. I needed to feel that connection between them and I did but I didn't. It's like we were playing peekaboo with feelings.

Oxley is such an interesting character and I would've loved to spend more time with him. He sounds badazz and I wish we could've seen him in action more.

Huntley seems like a cutie bratty pie and I needed to have more of that. Who are you, baby? What makes you thick?

Idk how or where this falls into the Van Doren part of the universe since it was my first VD book, but maybe it makes sense for the book to be like this? Maybe. I don't know.

Overall I did like it ( even tho I wanted more ) and I will one day come back to this part of the universe, I'm also sure that for whoever read other VD book this will be a nice addition and they'll be happy to see the cameos.

As always, if there is something that I absolutely love in every Crea Reitan book is how she brings the real world into her stories. I don't love it because what's going on IRL is good, but because we acknowledge it. When we will read these books years from now, this will be the reminder to never forget. She has a talent to incorporate that into her stories and I'm here for it.

[The Naughty Booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been such a fun series to read, and Oxley and Huntley are no exception. Oxley didn't take long after saving Huntley to decide he wanted Huntley to call his own, and I'm glad Huntley had basically zero qualms about it.
Again, I love how Crea Reitan always has past characters pop up in the story.

[WhippedStitchReads (J.A.Y) SEMI-HIATUS · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating 2.5⭐
Audio Narration: 2.5⭐
Spice 👉❤️‍🩹🏳️‍🌈

ALC Review

I honeslty think this story had a lot more potential. We definitely could have expanded on the world building to solidify it. It's story takes place in a dystopian world, I would like to explore more on it. I'm aware the book could have been read as a standalone, but there are definitely missing components. I don't know why I also assumed Oxley was a robot...or at least a type of AI robot....nope just turns out it may be a representation of austism(?)

The narration was okay. It was the worst audio narration I have ever listened to but it wasn't all time amazing. I defintely would have preferred if the book was a Duet style, just to make the story a bit more intersting.

Mini Summary: The world is ultimate chaos; a dog-eat-dog world. Only you can fend for yourself. If anyone knew you were anything but straight, you were dead...on sight, or you just happen to be between crossfires and get shot in the leg.... Well that's what happens to Huntley. He thinks this is his end until a towering presence takes him and locks up in his prison. Or so Huntley thinks?

All Oxley hears is a shattering scream before he follows the sound, finding a fallen man on the ground bleeding out. And for some odd reason, Oxley couldn't just leave him. There was something so alluring about the man that Oxley has to keep him for himself.

I received the ALC from Podium Audio. This review is my true and honest thoughts

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This moved very fast and Honestly I loved it. I love the savior mentality this one had, and I love how accepting of who Oxley is Huntley was. These two were very fun to watch fall in love. I also love seeing after effects from previously read books. I love how interconnected they all are.

[Rukayya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was selected as an arc reader for this book, and as always Crea never disappoints with her book ugh I rated it 3.5 stars this was a fast burn with a really fast plot which is good for when you just want a quick and easy read.

[Veronica Nichter · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Book Club Pick*
I felt that this needed more of the backstory for it to be considered a standalone book. You were really given no information on the surrounding characters or events leading up to where this book began. The romance happened very quickly and the whole plot moved a bit too quickly to get into anything.

[Erica Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually a really good short read. These two were perfect together. The vibes you get from them is absolutely fire! They took everything with each other to the perfect level at the perfect speed.

The ALC for this was produced so good! The narrators did amazing and I don’t think I would change anything!!

[Josie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entire review @JoyfullyJay.com

Audio: 4⭐️

I feel this is the type of side-character standalone that fans of the series will love more than the uninitiated. I enjoy some short, insta-love goodness—from hot, to sweet, to filthy and any combo in between. Unfortunately, Oxley doesn’t give me that. To me, the relationship is one-note and lacks anything to make me care about the characters (well, Huntley). The plot doesn’t overcome my disinterest in the romance. The narrative is uneven and the messaging often didactic. . .

The book starts strong. You get a great sense of Oxley’s personality. He’s literal, particular, respectful, and observant. To the detriment of Huntley’s characterization, everything revolves around Oxley. He interacts with his team and baddies; there are family dynamics, anecdotes, and even musings on Van Doren genetics to cue the next set of books.

To me, Huntley is indistinguishable from dozens of claimed wounded birds. He might as well be a friendless orphan with the dearth of conversations to flesh him out beyond being independent and protective of Oxley. Although, I do learn he’s the type of person who won’t call his loved ones or roommates after he disappears for almost a week following a shooting in his neighborhood—though cognizant enough to chill with Oxley watching tv or using the reader and gaming device Oxley gives him. I know he’s the type of person who equates never walking again to being permanently homebound and unable to “do fun things.”

The story speed runs from a low-grade attraction to Oxley suddenly on his knees attempting to give himself a tonsillectomy. There’s no buildup. Moreover, the guy who says boundaries and consent are two of the biggest things missing in the world moments into his first POV decides they aren’t when *he* wants something. He chooses to forgo condoms because he doesn’t want Huntley to change his mind. Oxley expounding on his diligent boundaries and wanting people to respect them is supposed to portray how overwhelmed he is by Huntley, but I wasn’t buying it, despite how well Joshua Macrae’s narration sells it. To me, there isn’t enough emotional connection and the sex is so flavorless.

Huntley griping about ‘idiots pushing for gun reform that forces people to surrender their guns, leaving them defenseless’ is a wild talking point. Unless this is an AU Anaheim without the 2nd amendment, the closest we come are various red flag laws that specifically target violent multiple offenders or in some cases, people under preventative mental health watch.

I go with the flow when medical chicanery is involved if the story is engaging and/or injury severity is relatively consistent, but Oxley doesn’t balance its need for sex with its need for extensive caretaking. Huntley’s bullet wound is described as so serious that he may have a perpetual limp, may need reconstructive surgery, MAY LOSE HIS LEG, but he can have comfortable penetrative sex after five-ish days and be easy breezy right after?

Nick J. Russo and Joshua Macrae as narrators definitely increased my enjoyment. Russo is a consistent favorite, and Macrae’s voice for Oxley is pitch-perfect. However, most other character voices also have a slightly flat affect and needed a bit more differentiation. It’s hard to tell Oxley and Huntley apart at times, and this hinders emotional scenes. The deliberate pace and vocalizations that work for Oxley don’t work as well within the prose and dialogue. Russo is better at creating a great voice for Oxley, while simultaneously conveying variety in tone and pace. However, Macrae’s narration is entertaining and their combined efforts create a good audio experience.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story centers around Oxley, a vigilante whose mission is to cleanse the streets of Anaheim from the shadows of hatred left by a single man. The novel opens with a chilling moment—an anguished scream that shatters Oxley’s world and sets him on a journey that will change his life!

Oxley is not just a vigilante, he is a deeply flawed but great character grappling with his own moral compass. His motivations for cleaning up the streets stem not only from a desire for justice but also from a personal quest for acceptance and connection.

The moment when Oxley meets Huntley, had me in a grip(the man whose scream reverberates throughout the streets.) Instead of opting for the conventional route of taking him to a hospital, Oxley’s decision to bring Huntley home gave me vibes of protection and vulnerability.
The dynamics between the two characters evolve beautifully, shifting from a moment of crisis to an exploration of healing and intimacy.

I love this author’s work, she excels in writing relatable and layered characters. Huntley, initially a victim, is given the opportunity to emerge as a resilient force in his own right. Their relationship grows from a foundation of trauma to one of mutual support and understanding.
The quirks that Oxley worries may drive Huntley away add a lighthearted touch to the otherwise intense story, providing moments of levity that balanced the story. I love that we also get to see past characters and possible future characters and their stories. This world just keeps growing. 😃

The dialogue is sharp and often infused with humor, making the characters feel authentic and real. The author does an excellent job of creating a vivid setting in Anaheim, allowing me to visualize both the gritty realities of the streets and the intimate spaces Oxley and Huntley occupy.
The relationship between Oxley and Huntley is written with sensitivity and authenticity. There are no clichés or stereotypes here.

In conclusion, "Oxley (Van Doren)" is a captivating read that successfully melds action, romance, and deep emotion. Crea Reitan’s talent for character development and her approach to storytelling make this novel a standout in the LGBTQIA genre.

It’s a story of love blossoming in the midst of chaos, where healing is possible even when the odds seem insurmountable.

If you're looking for an engaging tale that challenges perceptions of love and morality, look no further than "Oxley (Van Doren)."

🦋

4.5🌟

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huntley’s neighborhood has only gotten more dangerous in the past year. The hate crimes have only increased and unfortunately for Huntley, he ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time. A gunshot later and he wakes up in a stranger’s home. And while he should be freaked out, the moment he spots Oxley he somehow feels…safe. Oxley and his team are assigned to Anaheim to make it safe again and the moment he hears Huntley’s scream, everything in his body rushes to save him. He takes him home and has his own doctor help him and in doing so it goes against everything Oxley would do. He never lets anyone in his home. He lives by certain rules for himself. And yet, he breaks it all for Huntley. And even though his ocd makes him itch to do certain things, he finds it a bit quieter with Huntley around. And it doesn’t take Oxley long to realize that Huntley is his. While Huntley knows he should be startled by everything, he still can’t help but feel safe and protected with Oxley. Deep down, he knows there is something between them and as he recovers with Oxley’s careful eye, he is more than willing to find out. Loved these two! I loved how Oxley felt like he could be exactly who he was with Huntley despite having grown up with outsiders telling him he was different and not normal. Huntley liked him just as he was and didn’t blink. And I loved that Huntley stood up for Oxley. I really loved the dynamic with these two. Their story was sweet and it was nice to get more of it after only catching small glimpses of them!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading

I always love returning to the Van Doren stories; there's just something about the perfect mix of romance and heat, with the suspense and action that you'd find when it comes to secret "fixer" families (yeah, it's the best way I can phrase it).

Oxley's instant infatuation with Huntley is what kept me reading, and I love that Reitan has connected things back to the wider Creaverse once more - throwbacks to Oren and Adak from FPS, as well as the obvious connections with the rest of the Van Doren books. What I really loved about this novella is that Oxley is so clearly neurospicy, but we don't get a label for his particular flavour - and it's worked beautifully into the plot to give reason as to why said label doesn't exist.

Huntley is such a sweetheart, and I love that he gives the space for Oxley to be his genuine self, not trying to make him into something he's not, all whilst trying to heal from his own health trauma. These two men are authentic and true - no masks, no hidden agendas, just allowing the emotions and the mood to grasp hold of them.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Van Doren book without a little bloodshed and revenge, and I absolutely loved how Oxley went about it. I also absolutely adored Nori, and I LOVED when Huntley stood up to Kairo (that's all I'll say - you'll just have to read it).

It's sweet, it's steamy, filled with action and some laugh out loud moments, and easily consumable in a single sitting. Absolutely loved returning to the Van Doren family, and can't wait to see where we end up next.

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[VicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙾𝚡𝚕𝚎𝚢

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️

↓↓
Oxley is a man of routine, he is one that needs to know every little thing and will follow directions down to every minute detail. That is, until one of his missions puts him in the path of Huntley, next thing Oxley knows, his life is thrown upside down, shaken up and he doesn't know left from right.

Huntley being the victim of a crime finds himself under the care of Oxley and is instantly intrigued by him. Small little interactions lead up to their explosive first time and as they say, the rest was history.

Oxley has these little "quirks" as he calls them and I honestly found them to be cute and endearing, it's what made him, him. Huntley never questioned them or wanted him to change, he saw Ox and accepted him for exactly who he was. I loved how there was this instant infatuation from both sides and the dynamic between them worked really well .

I love the whole Van Doren family and can't wait to get a book on all of them. This was fast paced and just the perfect read if your in the mood for some heartfelt feelings and spicy good times.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
💙 Age gap
💙 Hurt/ Comfort
💙 One bed
💙 Instant infatuation
💙 Neurospicy
💙 Protective MC

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Oxley has a high IQ, but he lacks social skills and the ability to communicate. And to be honest, he stopped trying. He has a perfectly structured life and is very disciplined.
He’s a matter-of-fact type but knows what he wants… Huntley. From the moment he heard him scream he knew he wanted him. ‘Mine’

Huntley was shot on the streets, when Oxley found him, he took him home instead of a hospital.
He doesn’t know why, but he just did. He’s completely gone for Huntley.

“Can I keep you?”

With the help of Oxley and a doctor, Huntley slowly recovers. The connection between Huntley and Oxley is getting more intense.
Oxley makes Anaheim safer; he tries to eliminate waste from his city. He and his team try to find Huntley’s shooter.

While it’s a dark read with morally grey characters, the story is mellow and quite intimate. It’s part of a series, and it shows. Throughout the story, the author explains the family tree, so you’ll know who is who.
Overall a captivating story where the characters end up together, but not in a final way. We will meet them again.

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[Jessie Coughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Captivating, Heart-Wrenching, and Unforgettable

Oxley completely consumed me from the first page. This story is breathtaking, masterful, and utterly immersive, pulling you into the raw, dangerous, and tender world of Oxley and Huntley. The moment their paths cross, the tension, emotion, and connection are immediate and electric — their bond feels intense, authentic, and impossible to forget.

I loved how Oxley and Huntley’s relationship allowed them to be completely themselves — no masks, no pretense, just raw emotion and trust. The dynamic between them is so powerful, so protective, and so deeply caring, it left me swooning and teary in equal measure. The story balances passion, danger, and vulnerability flawlessly, making every scene with them feel meaningful and unforgettable.

This isn’t just a romance — it’s a story about acceptance, healing, and finding the one person who sees you exactly as you are and loves you for it. Oxley is stunning, addictive, and phenomenally written. I can’t stop thinking about it. Truly a 5-star masterpiece. 💥❤️🖤

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oxley Van Doren…his life is ordered. He likes his routines, his savior (vigilante) ways, and his family. But now, because a gunshot, he has a man that takes first place in his heart and soul. Huntley, hurrying home, gets shot in the leg and is rescued by Oxley. When he wakes up in a strange place with a strange man taking care of him he just goes with it. Even though he doesn’t realize it yet, his heart and soul know he is home.

The Van Doren family dynamic was definitely at play here. Oxley struggles with defining his place. His disorders seemingly either stronger or weaker than the family around him. I think he is probably the most endearing person in the family.

Oxley and Huntley just gave me a sense of peace. Even though they were brought together by violence, that seemed to fade into the background. It was an insta knowing they were meant to be together.

A short, sweet love story accompanied by a bit of blood and vengeance.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[flynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oxley & Huntley
⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve only read Loren so my expectations were high since I remember Oxley so well from it. I was really looking forward to seeing some character progression, or, maybe more possessiveness? I don’t know I felt like Oxley could’ve been like a sociopath and we might’ve missed the mark on that.

Anyways.

I adored Oxley and Huntley together. I think that the two fit well—again, however, I feel like there could’ve been more. I felt like their chemistry wasn’t fully there. It was like this weird disconnect between the two that I couldn’t quite pinpoint.

Oxley quite literally takes Huntley from the scene of where he’s shot and brings him back home. From there we see him take care of Huntley, and on the side, work towards finding who shot him. That’s basically the plot.

**Don’t hate me ✋**
but I really like Kaido. I see so much potential in him and his partner, whenever that book comes out.


ARC for Honest Review

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the more unique Van Doren reads, having been a little more ‘isolated’ than the rest. Oxley is an antihero who is assigned Anaheim as his area to keep ‘safe’ from the fallout of hate leftover from events years prior. But on this last mission with his team, Oxley’s attention is drawn by the scream of Huntley when he’s injured, and he can’t help but go to him. Oxley giving up his peace and security to care for and develop a relationship with Huntley is a rare moment of vulnerability. Though injured, Huntley still seems to accept that Oxley means him no harm after his initial shock, and he quickly opens up to getting to know his new housemate and caregiver. The men really are a good fit. I enjoyed seeing more of the Van Doren family and can’t wait to see the world continue to expand. These two made for a surprisingly sweet and emotional story while also staying true to the Van Doren mission…

[Autumn L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oxley Van Doren has always been different from his siblings. He has a high IQ and no social skills. When he is out canvassing his location, he found Huntley. Huntley was shot so he decided to take care of him.

With every Van Doren member, they are protective and possessive of their partners. With that being said, I like how these two were protective and possessive of each other. What I like the most about Oxley character is that he decides to mix up his routine. So he can accommodate Huntley in his life. And that he wants to learn social cues and how others feel. With Huntley’s character this man is sweet and patient with Oxley. And that he could tell right away he did not want to leave Oxley side. Also, like how Huntley literally stood up too Oxley family. And that he doesn’t want nothing bad to ever happened to him. Also, like the fact that the story is an instant love.

Cannot wait to see who else falls for a Van Doren.

[Kaelea Babner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Podium for the ALC of Oxley! Nick J. Russo, Joshua Macrae did a wonderful job at bringing these characters to life! I hadn’t heard of these narrators prior to listening to this so I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed them!

This is a very fast paced, short read about Oxley and Huntley. I loved how protective they are of each other in such a short time. Oxley’s character was definitely interesting. I wish there was more of an understanding on that. The plot itself definitely sucks you in, it starts off fast paced from the very beginning!

I’m very interested in the family dynamic and work of Oxley’s family. I didn’t read the rest of the series since they are standalones that are interconnected, but these men are built different

Although I enjoyed this, I just felt like I was left waiting for more, like I wasn’t satisfied. If you love a short, fast paced MM romance then this one may be right up your alley!

[Ashley H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a moment but finished it up today. Id like to start out by say I received this ALC & am posting my honest review.

I rather enjoyed this. Every now and then you need a quick read that has a fast paced story even with insta love,
This follow Oxley & Huntley part of the Van Doren series. It is a stand alone.
Oxley is a quiet kept to himself fighting crime in the city he “runs” he is almost like a batman of the city but he has a team to help him. He comes across Huntley after he has been shot by (ewww disgusting) homophobic aholes in the city. Oxley takes Huntley back to his apartment and becomes basically in love with him. Taking care of him and helping him get back to full health. He is definitely possessive & we love a good disrespect him or touch him & 💀 trope

Obviously there is more to the story i dont wanna give to much away. But definitely cant go wrong with the audiobook Nick & Joshua did an amazing job.

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oxley
Van Doren Series
Crea Reitan

Huntley & Oxley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

Age gap
Hurt/ Comfort
One bed
Instant infatuation
Neurospicy
Protective MC

This was fantastic

Oxley meets Huntley rather uniquely. Saving him and bringing him home to care for him.

Oxley immediately felt a pull to Huntley.

While Huntley is recovering from his injury, Oxley and Him form an instant bond.

This is very unlike Oxley. His Neurospicy tendencies tend to keep him in his routine.

“My soul knows yours.”

Nothing really matters now aside from Huntley recovering and getting better.

These two were perfect for eachother. Fast Burn. Insta love. But it works for them. It feels right.

“I need this man. Something inside me just demands that he’s mine.”

So fun watching Huntley stand up to Kairo!

Oxley deserves to have someone stand up for him and care for him too.

It was lovely to see them fall in love.

This was a great book.

I'm glad for them both

So thankful for this arc.

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huntley doesn't exactly live in the safest neighbourhood, and since the end of a certain someone's awful father, it's gotten worse. Huntley doesn't realise the worst that could happen is literally around the corner, and Oxley happens to be close by when it happens. Though he doesn't exactly go the normal way about it, and instead brings the close proximity and only one bed trope to the forefront. One of the things I love about the story is that the characters get to be themselves; there weren't too many outside forces to mess with their equilibrium once their relationship got started. Apart from Kairo, but well, it's Kairo, and we already know he's a PITA.

It was a great read and a fantastic addition to the Van Doren series, as well as the rest of the Creaverse. Can't wait for the next one!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

MM
🌶️🌶️
Dark

Oxley is Daddy Jalon’s brother. He was on a job where a young man was shot. As soon as he hears his scream, he knows he is meant to be his. So he scoops him up and takes him home to protect and care for him. Huntley wakes up in a strange but comfortable bed and is in pain. Then he remembers what happened. He sees a man sitting at a desk but isn’t sure whether he is still in danger or what this man intends to do to him.

Oxley gets Dr Mark to come take care of Huntley’s bullet wound. Dr Mark soothes Huntley’s concerns about Oxley. Oxley helps Huntley recoop but can’t let him go. So he asks if he can keep him. And Huntley agrees.

There were only two spicy scenes. And one mild torture scene, I don’t even remember if there was anything explicitly described or not. Oxley is definitely on the spectrum.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars

Oxley is a standalone in Crea Reitan’s Van Doren series that takes place in the aftermath of Coach Stare Down, but reading that story is unnecessary before this one. However, I feel this is the type of side-character book that fans of the series will love more than the uninitiated. I enjoy some short, insta-love goodness—from hot, to sweet, to filthy and any combo in between. Unfortunately, Oxley doesn’t give me that. To me, the relationship is one-note and lacks anything to make me care about the characters (well, Huntley). The plot doesn’t overcome my disinterest in the romance. The narrative is uneven and the messaging often didactic.

Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read but wow you had me at Van Doren. These men should be illegal. Oxley is working to clean the crime up in Anaheim when he comes upon Huntley who has been a victim of a hate crime. He doesn't think twice when he takes him home and decides he is the only one who can take care of him. Oxley has a hard time articulating his words the way he wants and when his attraction to Hunter overtakes him, he is quick to act. He wants to keep him and call him his own. Huntley struggles with being looked after but soon he is falling in love with his protector. I loved the emotional aspects of the story and the reality of hate crimes and their effects. It was written beautifully and full of respect. Another great read. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Jen Wycech · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM romance
Insta love
Crime
Vigilante
Dual POV - 1st person

Dual narration - Nick J Russo & Joshua Macrae
Loved their voices. They preformed this emotional novella well.

A good quick MM romance. I found the characters likeable and their story was deep.

Huntley lives in a bad part of town with hate crimes on the rise. He gets injured from just wrong place wrong time. Oxley hears him and he rushes in to save him. Getting Huntley help and care. Oxley is instantly into Huntley. Oxley is also on the strange side of the spectrum, he has always been told he is weird but Huntley is all in giving Oxley acceptance and love.

These are some great characters. I enjoyed this fast paced MM romance. Looking forward to more in my future by this author.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

A neurospicy savior who doesn’t know why but has an urge to claim him?! Swoon, yes please! Oxley is everything I love about the van Doren’s, all a little different but completely themselves. I love his quirks and strict use of full names. I didn’t count how often he corrected Huntley when he said Ox but I know it was a lot.

And Huntley, just giving into the weird man that saved him without contest. I get it, would totally do that as well! And how he stood up to Kairo, now that was amazing and funny! Loved the little beast that came out.

I have a love for the van Doren’s, so perfectly morally grey with unconditional if not a bit of obsessive love for their partners.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love the Van Doren's! And I love that we see how things have played out from other series!

Huntley doesn’t live in the greatest area. And the hate crimes are getting worse. He finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. And this is where Oxley swoops in. He hears his screams and decides right then and there “Yup, this one is mine.” But that seemed to work, because there was an instant connection between the two. Huntley didn’t question anything.

Oxley has “quirks” that others sometimes have problems with. But I loved how Huntley accepted them with no issues whatsoever. I think they were perfect for one another. And I LOVED how Huntley stood up to Kairo. From how we’ve seen Kairo interact with other characters in the previous books, he so had it coming. BUT now I really want Kairo’s story, because I just know it’s gonna be good!

I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

[bookingcrazzyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any Van Doren book is a must read, especially after seeing a few snippets of Oxley in previous books.

Oxley is cleaning up the crime in Anaheim and when he stumbles upon Huntley one night, he is just automatically drawn to this man.

Oxley helps Huntley recover from his attack, while also trying to prove to the man that he is trustworthy.

I loved how this story flows and how these two were all in when they realized their feelings for each other.

Huntley accepted all of Oxley and vice versa. I LOVED when he stood up for Oxley and Oxley’s reaction to someone other than family doing that.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.