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Mayfly
I just died and went to hell, because only the devil could write a narrative this utterly fu*ked,
Curren
Some say London is the greatest city in the world. But I was born hating this place, and as soon as I got out of juvie, I started running and never looked back.
Fifteen years later, I'm in bed with the Romanian mafia - and they need me more than I need them.
I don't care what the job is, and I don't care if I come out the other side.
But I guess that's what makes me so good. It's easy to win when you aren't afraid to die.
Jude
Not all homecomings are welcome, but when you work for the King, you go where you're told.
Having MI6 Agent in front of your name doesn't make me a good man, though, no matter how desperately I want it to be true. Because it's hard not to be scum with a father like mine, and a mother complacent in your abuse.
She never fought for me, but I fought for him - the shattered boy on the other side of that broken fence who desperately needed to be saved.
It's why I do what I do.
It's why I pretend I'm a hero.
But this job has forced me back to London, and being confronted with the memory of how he walked away might be the thing that finally breaks me.
MAYFLY is an 18+ dark male/male bi-awakening novella about two men who survived harrowing youths.
This book deals with heavy themes, and contains scenes that some readers may find triggering.
Curren
Some say London is the greatest city in the world. But I was born hating this place, and as soon as I got out of juvie, I started running and never looked back.
Fifteen years later, I'm in bed with the Romanian mafia - and they need me more than I need them.
I don't care what the job is, and I don't care if I come out the other side.
But I guess that's what makes me so good. It's easy to win when you aren't afraid to die.
Jude
Not all homecomings are welcome, but when you work for the King, you go where you're told.
Having MI6 Agent in front of your name doesn't make me a good man, though, no matter how desperately I want it to be true. Because it's hard not to be scum with a father like mine, and a mother complacent in your abuse.
She never fought for me, but I fought for him - the shattered boy on the other side of that broken fence who desperately needed to be saved.
It's why I do what I do.
It's why I pretend I'm a hero.
But this job has forced me back to London, and being confronted with the memory of how he walked away might be the thing that finally breaks me.
MAYFLY is an 18+ dark male/male bi-awakening novella about two men who survived harrowing youths.
This book deals with heavy themes, and contains scenes that some readers may find triggering.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
43 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 29, 2025
I don’t know what this was or wtf I was thinking when I decided to read it
Read
July 1, 2025Stopped after reading a few pages... we start out with Curren taking a random girls virginity.
He seems swell 😬
He seems swell 😬
May 27, 2025
This book got me out of a slump, but it may of put me back in one… So worth it!
I wasn’t hurt when I lost him all those years ago. I was heartbroken.
Oh my goodness this book was something! I am UNWELL …
Something I eat up is broken boys entwined together through their trauma .. but TWO broken boys .. oshhhh!
They guys finding each other after 17 years being apart and slotted straight back into place like they did when they were younger!
Jude is the protector on a somewhat lighter path & Curren loves to kill people and lives life on the edge one step away from death.
They loved each other, in their own twisted ways and would do anything to protect each other. They loved each other to much to know it was toxic but would never give each other up!
I loved this book, it was so dam good and am totally holding out for some extra chapters or SOMETHING because that was not enough!
We aren’t normal. We’re fucked up kindred spirits made for each other.
“Mayfly’s live their entire life in one day.”
I wasn’t hurt when I lost him all those years ago. I was heartbroken.
Oh my goodness this book was something! I am UNWELL …
Something I eat up is broken boys entwined together through their trauma .. but TWO broken boys .. oshhhh!
They guys finding each other after 17 years being apart and slotted straight back into place like they did when they were younger!
Jude is the protector on a somewhat lighter path & Curren loves to kill people and lives life on the edge one step away from death.
They loved each other, in their own twisted ways and would do anything to protect each other. They loved each other to much to know it was toxic but would never give each other up!
I loved this book, it was so dam good and am totally holding out for some extra chapters or SOMETHING because that was not enough!
We aren’t normal. We’re fucked up kindred spirits made for each other.
“Mayfly’s live their entire life in one day.”
June 8, 2025
Thank you JJ Asher for this ARC!
If you love dark romance with knife and gun play and degradation then this book is for you! It is a short story but it has you hooked from the beginning.
Both of Jude’s and Cullen’s backgrounds are messed up. Both meet when they were younger both with abusive dads (in different ways), even ended up in juvie together. But years went by before they saw each other again.
When Jude walks into the bar and sees Cullen their chemistry is instant. And their connection is so insane that they don’t want to even be apart. They are both jealous and possessive that they don’t want to let each other go.
This dark romance novella is a must read!
If you love dark romance with knife and gun play and degradation then this book is for you! It is a short story but it has you hooked from the beginning.
Both of Jude’s and Cullen’s backgrounds are messed up. Both meet when they were younger both with abusive dads (in different ways), even ended up in juvie together. But years went by before they saw each other again.
When Jude walks into the bar and sees Cullen their chemistry is instant. And their connection is so insane that they don’t want to even be apart. They are both jealous and possessive that they don’t want to let each other go.
This dark romance novella is a must read!
May 31, 2025
The only thing wrong with this book.... is that I NEED MORE 🤣 I'm kidding. I mean I definitely would love some more with Curren & Jude but this book was perfection. It was also perfectly kinked up, with some very devious and beautifully messed up and broken boys 😈. I mean that spice was to die for, and right up my alley 🥵🔥. I had to actually take breaks and fan myself. Woof 🥴.
This is my second book by JJ Asher, and it definitely won't be my last. I was so here for every minute of Jude and Curren's collision back to one another 💯. What an absolutely spectacular train wreck, in the best of ways 😈. I loved how both men fought their inner demons through each other so they could ultimately be free together.
All in all I can't put into words how much I absolutely fell heads over heels for these two and I seriously pray we get more about them 🫶. I'll take it however I can get it 😏💗.
This is my second book by JJ Asher, and it definitely won't be my last. I was so here for every minute of Jude and Curren's collision back to one another 💯. What an absolutely spectacular train wreck, in the best of ways 😈. I loved how both men fought their inner demons through each other so they could ultimately be free together.
All in all I can't put into words how much I absolutely fell heads over heels for these two and I seriously pray we get more about them 🫶. I'll take it however I can get it 😏💗.
May 26, 2025
"mayfly's live their entire life in one day"
im sobbing,truly! this is the most beautifully written story wrapped in darkness and depravity i think ive read ever. truly a story so beautiful it brought me to tears,i ended the story in tears.
jude,curren.. they have remained engrained in my brain from beginning their story and i don't think i will EVER forget these boys,although my first of J's stories,not the last for sure,J writes queer stories in such a beautiful way,jude & curren caught me from the beginning,their story of two broken boys finally accepting each other,as a whole,becoming one categorically is my favourite thing about this story,a hitman x secret agent is a brand new dynamic to me but i can't lie,it was such an immersive read,from beginning to end i was hooked,i finished it in one sitting,i made notes,i highlighted,i squealed and squeaked so many times,i laughed,i cried J almost got me with her twist part way through, i was playing along & i was SO MAD but then i was like OHHHHH NEVER MIND HEHE X MY BAD X
truly an MM story that although has violence engrained in their story,it is a story of love,undying love for one and another. willing to go to the end of the earth for the other person. willing to die for the other person. kind of love & THAT is beautiful. not only was this story the perfect length,it was paced perfectly,it was fast paced in all the right places,we got brief intermissions in their story in the beginning and then it dived straight in & as far as novella's go of a queer realtionship,best i have ever read. literally.
this is coming from someone who reads almost exclusively novellas & queer stories and this is up there in my top reads of all time. J did a wonderful job in every single aspect,the fact i finished this the same day i got it doesn't suprise me at all,i was hooked from the beginning & it is the best way to start my week,urgh its just so good. let's rate?
characters? ♾️⭐️ jude & curren are some of the most beautifully complex characters i have ever read about,hearing their stories tore me in two,they are truly so utterly deserving of the HEA. truly. J wrote them in such a way neither was a villian,neither was a hero,you loved them both,no matter what bad things they did,you could never make me hate either of them. ever.
plot? ♾️⭐️ i have been on the hunt for the best plot heavy novella for a very long time and i think i can say with confidence,i have found it in this story. the plot is complex,the plot is the forefront even with all the spice encased in the story, the plot shares a painful look into jude & curren and is vital for their character development,it adds it perfectly. the story although heartbreaking. it is all worth it,i promise!
spice? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ uber spicy,in all the best ways. the spice is a critical part of the story and adds the depraved,darker element too,power struggles,pet names,switches (yes😏) it is truly some of the best written spice i have read in a dark romance book. we got the details,we got the power dynamic between both characters and as the spice went on,it evolved,it grew with the characters,it fits what you would expect an MM realtionship too be. raw,primal need. is all i need to say. & good boy count? good puppy count? PERFECT
overall? ♾️⭐️ J was nervous about releasing the arcs for this & i can categorically say,she has no reason to be,in any capacity,her story is a work of art,approached with the perfect level of sensitivity and understanding of MM relationships. she has educated herself on the realtionship & all the while managed to encapsulate such a beautiful woven story into it all,despite the heartbreak you feel for these boys! i would read this story 1000x over and never get tired of them,of J's writing,of the storyline & it is already on my re-read list. easily one of my top queer reads of the year & an easy infinity star rating from me🧡
im sobbing,truly! this is the most beautifully written story wrapped in darkness and depravity i think ive read ever. truly a story so beautiful it brought me to tears,i ended the story in tears.
jude,curren.. they have remained engrained in my brain from beginning their story and i don't think i will EVER forget these boys,although my first of J's stories,not the last for sure,J writes queer stories in such a beautiful way,jude & curren caught me from the beginning,their story of two broken boys finally accepting each other,as a whole,becoming one categorically is my favourite thing about this story,a hitman x secret agent is a brand new dynamic to me but i can't lie,it was such an immersive read,from beginning to end i was hooked,i finished it in one sitting,i made notes,i highlighted,i squealed and squeaked so many times,i laughed,i cried J almost got me with her twist part way through, i was playing along & i was SO MAD but then i was like OHHHHH NEVER MIND HEHE X MY BAD X
truly an MM story that although has violence engrained in their story,it is a story of love,undying love for one and another. willing to go to the end of the earth for the other person. willing to die for the other person. kind of love & THAT is beautiful. not only was this story the perfect length,it was paced perfectly,it was fast paced in all the right places,we got brief intermissions in their story in the beginning and then it dived straight in & as far as novella's go of a queer realtionship,best i have ever read. literally.
this is coming from someone who reads almost exclusively novellas & queer stories and this is up there in my top reads of all time. J did a wonderful job in every single aspect,the fact i finished this the same day i got it doesn't suprise me at all,i was hooked from the beginning & it is the best way to start my week,urgh its just so good. let's rate?
characters? ♾️⭐️ jude & curren are some of the most beautifully complex characters i have ever read about,hearing their stories tore me in two,they are truly so utterly deserving of the HEA. truly. J wrote them in such a way neither was a villian,neither was a hero,you loved them both,no matter what bad things they did,you could never make me hate either of them. ever.
plot? ♾️⭐️ i have been on the hunt for the best plot heavy novella for a very long time and i think i can say with confidence,i have found it in this story. the plot is complex,the plot is the forefront even with all the spice encased in the story, the plot shares a painful look into jude & curren and is vital for their character development,it adds it perfectly. the story although heartbreaking. it is all worth it,i promise!
spice? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ uber spicy,in all the best ways. the spice is a critical part of the story and adds the depraved,darker element too,power struggles,pet names,switches (yes😏) it is truly some of the best written spice i have read in a dark romance book. we got the details,we got the power dynamic between both characters and as the spice went on,it evolved,it grew with the characters,it fits what you would expect an MM realtionship too be. raw,primal need. is all i need to say. & good boy count? good puppy count? PERFECT
overall? ♾️⭐️ J was nervous about releasing the arcs for this & i can categorically say,she has no reason to be,in any capacity,her story is a work of art,approached with the perfect level of sensitivity and understanding of MM relationships. she has educated herself on the realtionship & all the while managed to encapsulate such a beautiful woven story into it all,despite the heartbreak you feel for these boys! i would read this story 1000x over and never get tired of them,of J's writing,of the storyline & it is already on my re-read list. easily one of my top queer reads of the year & an easy infinity star rating from me🧡
May 28, 2025
But this book… holy hell😮💨
Let’s start off by saying i have added a few new k!nks to my reading list! This novella is the best read for a fast paced, second chance, MM and steamy book. When i tell you i was gobsmacked by what i was reading (kicking my feet, giggling the whole way through).
@jj_asher_writes i could kiss you because i loved these men so much, but i also hate you because what do you mean it’s a standalone and you can’t give me 8 more books?
Jude and Curren were meant for each other. Both of them being trauma bonded is heart wrenching but the way they work through it together is hot 🥵
Let’s start off by saying i have added a few new k!nks to my reading list! This novella is the best read for a fast paced, second chance, MM and steamy book. When i tell you i was gobsmacked by what i was reading (kicking my feet, giggling the whole way through).
@jj_asher_writes i could kiss you because i loved these men so much, but i also hate you because what do you mean it’s a standalone and you can’t give me 8 more books?
Jude and Curren were meant for each other. Both of them being trauma bonded is heart wrenching but the way they work through it together is hot 🥵
June 12, 2025
"𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙛𝙡𝙮'𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮."
JJ Asher has brought us another book about two broken men. Curren and Jude were childhood friends and came from a dark but very different past. Their pasts are what shaped them to be who they were in this book and I loved them both!!
JJ packs a whole lot in this short novella, and I still wanted more of Curren and Jude. The little twist there at the end had me shocked and the spice was spicing! It’s so worth the read if you are looking for a novella on the darker side with quite a bit of spice!! And then if you still want more of JJ’s writing you should check out the British Invasion Series!!
JJ Asher has brought us another book about two broken men. Curren and Jude were childhood friends and came from a dark but very different past. Their pasts are what shaped them to be who they were in this book and I loved them both!!
JJ packs a whole lot in this short novella, and I still wanted more of Curren and Jude. The little twist there at the end had me shocked and the spice was spicing! It’s so worth the read if you are looking for a novella on the darker side with quite a bit of spice!! And then if you still want more of JJ’s writing you should check out the British Invasion Series!!
May 31, 2025
I absolutely loved this little novella!
MM Romance
There are some triggers so please check them!
I loved this book and I have already been begging JJ for more!
It’s a nice quick read and so much happens it such a few pages but my god! And the spice ohhhh she sure knows how we like it 🤭😉
Definitely one to be added to your TBR!
Curren and Jude are just
😚👌
Chefs kiss!
MM Romance
There are some triggers so please check them!
I loved this book and I have already been begging JJ for more!
It’s a nice quick read and so much happens it such a few pages but my god! And the spice ohhhh she sure knows how we like it 🤭😉
Definitely one to be added to your TBR!
Curren and Jude are just
😚👌
Chefs kiss!
June 7, 2025
JJ does it again! The emotions this book went through, I just love broken boys that learn to heal each other.
Curren is a hitman and Jude a MI6 agent, both with tragic pasts and childhood friends. They meet as adults after 17 years. They spend the night together reconnecting. Both are called away for jobs the next day.
There are some twists and turns that you don't see coming.
Curren is a hitman and Jude a MI6 agent, both with tragic pasts and childhood friends. They meet as adults after 17 years. They spend the night together reconnecting. Both are called away for jobs the next day.
There are some twists and turns that you don't see coming.
June 10, 2025
I really loved this book! I absolutely loved Jude and Curren's story and how well they worked together even if it was a little toxic. I loved their shared back story and how it evolved in present day! I really loved this story and the twist at the end. I definitely recommend this novella
May 27, 2025
I was not prepared for this novella! It’s full of action, depravity, two broken boys and a lot of kink. It’s amazing that JJ Asher has been able to put so much in such a short book.
These men has bonded through trauma as boys, lost each other, fought to find a way through, to finally stumble across each other again as adults.
Interesting twist and turns that keeps you on the edge right to the end.
These men has bonded through trauma as boys, lost each other, fought to find a way through, to finally stumble across each other again as adults.
Interesting twist and turns that keeps you on the edge right to the end.
May 31, 2025
“At least I know how to shut you up. If you annoy me too much, I’ll just fuck you dumb and we both win.”
We all win! This novella is so freaking good. I want it to be longer. Curren & Jude are perfect together. I loved their story.
They had passion and chemistry for days!! The spicy scenes were hot as hell. They brought out all the violence they had inside and it was intense and emotional and perfect for them.
This was such a good book. I enjoyed the heck out of it.
We all win! This novella is so freaking good. I want it to be longer. Curren & Jude are perfect together. I loved their story.
They had passion and chemistry for days!! The spicy scenes were hot as hell. They brought out all the violence they had inside and it was intense and emotional and perfect for them.
This was such a good book. I enjoyed the heck out of it.
June 8, 2025
Devoured this book in just a couple of hours! I need more of Curren and Jude like ASAP! I’m a sucker for a plot twist and when I tell you chapters 16-19 had me on edge because I just knew something was going to happen & then boom! 🤯 🫢 yeahh I was glued to my kindle until the end! This was my first read by JJ Asher but it definitely won’t be my last!
June 10, 2025
Well, let's start with holy hell you are not prepared for what all unfolds. Two men bound by trauma in their youth, both do what they must do to survive. Curren lives on the dark path one step away from death to feel alive. Jude takes the somewhat lighter path yet still bears those demons. After seventeen years, their paths cross once more finally, and neither is prepared for it. This is not what you call an atypical or healthy romance, but it is meant for them to flourish. Their shared trauma makes them unstoppable together. Even in anger, they love one another. They were made to protect and kill for the other. Without the other, neither can go on now that they have each other once more.
June 2, 2025
Deep breath - because I think anyone would need to take a deep breath after reading this novella.
This is dark, deprived, primal, blood play, and contains a lot of tough kink stuff that most readers wouldn't expect. (Note at the beginning there is one FM scene, the rest is MM- please make sure to read TW list.)
Jude and Curren were neighbors as kids and both suffered greatly under an abusive parent/care giver. But somehow they were the only comfort to each other they had. At some stage Jude is taken away and Curren ends up in juvie. Fast forward 10 years and Curren has become a ruthless hitman involved with the Romanian Mafia. Jude meanwhile has become somewhat of a "hitman" for MI6.
Both end up in the same pub when they are sent to do a job in London, a town they avoided since their abusive childhood.
When they end up in Jude's hotel room their latent attraction meets with the sickness of how they were abused as youngsters and it all enmeshes into them having a very dark and twisted kind of "switch" sex - each of the struggling to be a kind of Dom, while at times relenting to take on the role of the sub. Add blood play, beating each other, watersports, biting, rape play, restraining, breath play, and a whole load of other, not for the faint of heart, practices.
Next morning both Jude and Curren turn up at their respective jobs only to be confronted with - well yeah - don't want to give all the story away - some deadly threat. More seriously dark scenes follow.
The scenes are seriously hot, and brutal in ways I have only encountered a few times thus far, and even goes beyond my experience. And I have read a lot of M/M. The novella is fast moving and I would say has a HFN kind of outcome.
It is definitely not your run of the mill sweet HEA story. Both Jude and Curren work through their very sexually abusive history by staging some of the things they experienced as kids by handing over the power to each other - someone they trust to trun the memory around. It's a kind of victims reclaiming their power situation.
The story felt empowering, but I also felt like I really, really needed to shower for a couple of days.
This is dark, deprived, primal, blood play, and contains a lot of tough kink stuff that most readers wouldn't expect. (Note at the beginning there is one FM scene, the rest is MM- please make sure to read TW list.)
Jude and Curren were neighbors as kids and both suffered greatly under an abusive parent/care giver. But somehow they were the only comfort to each other they had. At some stage Jude is taken away and Curren ends up in juvie. Fast forward 10 years and Curren has become a ruthless hitman involved with the Romanian Mafia. Jude meanwhile has become somewhat of a "hitman" for MI6.
Both end up in the same pub when they are sent to do a job in London, a town they avoided since their abusive childhood.
When they end up in Jude's hotel room their latent attraction meets with the sickness of how they were abused as youngsters and it all enmeshes into them having a very dark and twisted kind of "switch" sex - each of the struggling to be a kind of Dom, while at times relenting to take on the role of the sub. Add blood play, beating each other, watersports, biting, rape play, restraining, breath play, and a whole load of other, not for the faint of heart, practices.
Next morning both Jude and Curren turn up at their respective jobs only to be confronted with - well yeah - don't want to give all the story away - some deadly threat. More seriously dark scenes follow.
The scenes are seriously hot, and brutal in ways I have only encountered a few times thus far, and even goes beyond my experience. And I have read a lot of M/M. The novella is fast moving and I would say has a HFN kind of outcome.
It is definitely not your run of the mill sweet HEA story. Both Jude and Curren work through their very sexually abusive history by staging some of the things they experienced as kids by handing over the power to each other - someone they trust to trun the memory around. It's a kind of victims reclaiming their power situation.
The story felt empowering, but I also felt like I really, really needed to shower for a couple of days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
One of the things that really draws me to Asher’s writing is the characters that they write. They usually are dark and have endured immense darkness in their lives, but when they find each other, they realize that the other person is the little bit of light that brings them back to life. That is exactly what we have in Mayfly. Both of these men were broken when they were young. They started life on a similar path, before breaking off on to very different yet still very similar paths. When they find each other again they are still so broken, but being together is the glue that keeps them together. These characters are so beautifully written that they will invade your soul and burrow in so deep that you will never be able to remove them. This is a novella and significantly shorter than the other books I have read by Asher, but it doesn’t make it any less powerful. This book was so fast paced and I feel like I was at the end much sooner than I thought. It was so well written and I feel it will stick with me.
These two characters make the book. They are so well written. They are beautifully tragic and broken. You want to shed tears for the lives they have lead and smile for what they find in each other. One of them is a hitman and one of them a special agent. It would seem cut and dry which one is good and which is not so good. But that is one of the beautiful things. Neither is a hero and neither is the bad guy. We see that from the very beginning. The way that their story starts together, splits, and eventually comes back together shows how each is what the other needs in their life.
From the books that I have read by this author, I have come to expect this level of emotional response. I wasn’t sure with this book because it was a much shorter length than the others I have read, but it lived up to what I have come to expect from Asher. The spice was fiery and intense and matched the chemistry that these characters have with each other. This was well worth the read but beware that it may cling to your soul.
These two characters make the book. They are so well written. They are beautifully tragic and broken. You want to shed tears for the lives they have lead and smile for what they find in each other. One of them is a hitman and one of them a special agent. It would seem cut and dry which one is good and which is not so good. But that is one of the beautiful things. Neither is a hero and neither is the bad guy. We see that from the very beginning. The way that their story starts together, splits, and eventually comes back together shows how each is what the other needs in their life.
From the books that I have read by this author, I have come to expect this level of emotional response. I wasn’t sure with this book because it was a much shorter length than the others I have read, but it lived up to what I have come to expect from Asher. The spice was fiery and intense and matched the chemistry that these characters have with each other. This was well worth the read but beware that it may cling to your soul.
June 9, 2025
This novella scratched an itch I didn’t even know I had, y’all! It’s a story of two broken men who find each other again after 20 years apart, living their own separate lives. One a hit man for hire (Curren) The other an M16 agent (Jude). Both of them have only ever slept with women, which makes their reconnection a spicy one once they accept the fact that it’s only ever been each other. Even as teenagers, going through everything they went through, together & separately, they knew that they needed each other. They both went through a great deal of trauma that broke them both in many different ways. But the way they help each other deal with the trauma was some of the hottest spice I’ve ever read, yes, but I also found myself emotional at the same time. It was woven beautifully with them trying to help each other deal with the lasting effects of their abuse. They realize that they are the only ones that can do that for each other, and they desperately want to be each other’s hero, protector, and lover.
The twist at the end though?! The way I gasped the gasp I gusped!! Lmao I absolutely DID NOT see that happening! It was one of the most unexpected twists I think I’ve read in a long time! When I say one of them was about to catch these hands…that’s how strongly I was feeling at that moment. IYKYK! Anyway, I loved everything minute of Jude ( who. Has my entire heart, btw) & Curren’s story. It was short but hot, & most importantly in my opinion, impactful. JJ Asher writes these broken boys so wonderfully, that I will never pass up an MM romance from her. Dark, contemporary, it doesn’t matter. I will be reading them all! If you love quick, dark, spicy, MM romance, then Mayfly is DEFINITELY for you! But PLEASE CHECK THE TWs! This story deals with extremely heavy themes and some scenes that some people may find triggering/ disturbing.
The twist at the end though?! The way I gasped the gasp I gusped!! Lmao I absolutely DID NOT see that happening! It was one of the most unexpected twists I think I’ve read in a long time! When I say one of them was about to catch these hands…that’s how strongly I was feeling at that moment. IYKYK! Anyway, I loved everything minute of Jude ( who. Has my entire heart, btw) & Curren’s story. It was short but hot, & most importantly in my opinion, impactful. JJ Asher writes these broken boys so wonderfully, that I will never pass up an MM romance from her. Dark, contemporary, it doesn’t matter. I will be reading them all! If you love quick, dark, spicy, MM romance, then Mayfly is DEFINITELY for you! But PLEASE CHECK THE TWs! This story deals with extremely heavy themes and some scenes that some people may find triggering/ disturbing.
June 4, 2025
Wow what a great quick read!!
📚Book = Standalone, Short story 160 pages
💕Burn = Fast,
🎭OW/OM Drama = No,
🐺 Alpha Men = Absolutely,
🔥Heat/spice = 7/10,
😬Angst = Low,
🍆🌮 MM/FF = Yes, MM,
🔹POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Contemporary Romance,
🔹Tropes = MM✨Hitman & Secret Agent✨Childhood Friends✨Broken Boys to Broken Men✨Bi-Awakening ✨Soulmates✨Dirty Talk✨
‼️Check TW’s before reading‼️
Fantastic story with lots and lots of spice!! Broken men meet again after 17 years and wow does the heat rise!! Not a ton of story as its too quick a read to get to much into the characters, however I did get sucked into their lust and need for each other and you certain get snippets of horrific backstories both men had growing up to understand how it’s messed with their minds! I loved the twist at the end, one I didn’t see coming!
Hot quick read, I would have loved to have gotten to know the men further with a full length novel!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Curren & Jude were neighbours growing up, both living horrific lives within their respective homes, later spending a small amount of time at juvie together before Curren ran away.
Curren Campbell is now a hitman for Romanian mafia
Jude Clarke is a secret agent for Mi6
Both land back in home territory for their respective jobs, when a chance meeting at a local bar pushing them together again.
Sparks fly between them but not all is as it seems and a key player is playing both sides!!
📚Book = Standalone, Short story 160 pages
💕Burn = Fast,
🎭OW/OM Drama = No,
🐺 Alpha Men = Absolutely,
🔥Heat/spice = 7/10,
😬Angst = Low,
🍆🌮 MM/FF = Yes, MM,
🔹POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Contemporary Romance,
🔹Tropes = MM✨Hitman & Secret Agent✨Childhood Friends✨Broken Boys to Broken Men✨Bi-Awakening ✨Soulmates✨Dirty Talk✨
‼️Check TW’s before reading‼️
Fantastic story with lots and lots of spice!! Broken men meet again after 17 years and wow does the heat rise!! Not a ton of story as its too quick a read to get to much into the characters, however I did get sucked into their lust and need for each other and you certain get snippets of horrific backstories both men had growing up to understand how it’s messed with their minds! I loved the twist at the end, one I didn’t see coming!
Hot quick read, I would have loved to have gotten to know the men further with a full length novel!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Curren & Jude were neighbours growing up, both living horrific lives within their respective homes, later spending a small amount of time at juvie together before Curren ran away.
Curren Campbell is now a hitman for Romanian mafia
Jude Clarke is a secret agent for Mi6
Both land back in home territory for their respective jobs, when a chance meeting at a local bar pushing them together again.
Sparks fly between them but not all is as it seems and a key player is playing both sides!!
June 11, 2025
Mayfly - ARC REVIEW
“You own me as well,” I tell him. “You always have. I’ll do anything to keep you safe. Anything.”
5 ⭐
4 🌶️
Tropes:
Bi-awakening
Childhood friends
Hitman x Secret agent
Power dynamics
Praise & Deg
🔪 and 🔫 play
Dacryphilia
This is J.J's first stand alone and it did not disappoint. This Novella absolutely can hold its own against any of her larger pieces of work.
Jude and Curren are two of the most damaged characters I've ever encountered.
Both have suffered some absolutely unimaginable things from young ages at the hands of those who should've loved and protected them.
They had each other's backs when they were young and when things started to go sideways for both of them but it's been almost 2 decades since they last saw each other, last spoke even.
So what will happen when they're face to face again. Adult robots striped bare of all emotions?
These two don't need saving - not really - they're their own savours but the pairing and what they can achieve together is something to behold.
Their backstories whilst heartbreaking are so deep and story enriching.
I also loved the mystery element to this book. It had me riveted the whole time.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO READ RESPONSIBLY
“You own me as well,” I tell him. “You always have. I’ll do anything to keep you safe. Anything.”
5 ⭐
4 🌶️
Tropes:
Bi-awakening
Childhood friends
Hitman x Secret agent
Power dynamics
Praise & Deg
🔪 and 🔫 play
Dacryphilia
This is J.J's first stand alone and it did not disappoint. This Novella absolutely can hold its own against any of her larger pieces of work.
Jude and Curren are two of the most damaged characters I've ever encountered.
Both have suffered some absolutely unimaginable things from young ages at the hands of those who should've loved and protected them.
They had each other's backs when they were young and when things started to go sideways for both of them but it's been almost 2 decades since they last saw each other, last spoke even.
So what will happen when they're face to face again. Adult robots striped bare of all emotions?
These two don't need saving - not really - they're their own savours but the pairing and what they can achieve together is something to behold.
Their backstories whilst heartbreaking are so deep and story enriching.
I also loved the mystery element to this book. It had me riveted the whole time.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO READ RESPONSIBLY
June 11, 2025
Thank the goddess I got to read this book!! Curran And Judes story was absolutely breathtaking! I'll add more when I can collectively get my thoughts together and put it in the right words.(6/9/25)
(6/10/25) Well I have found my words 😂! I love how Jude trusted Curran and vice versa that's what stood out to me. Plus some of there masochistic almost sadistic play. I know they needed it and with that you need an insane amount of trust. I know this review is going to sound kind of crazy to some but that's what stood out the most in the book. They both had trauma that they were trying to heal and they somehow managed to find it in each other. That person that could just understand you without words yet through actions it spoke volumes. I also love the banter between Marius and Curran. This was an amazing book and I am so glad I got to Arc read for it. JJ Asher did an amazing job at making the book flow together so beautifully. I love MM books they are my favorite and Mayfly is now my absolute favorite.
As silly as it sounds this is my favorite quote!😂😍
“Guess you’ll have to wait and find out.” Lifting my chin, Curren kisses me softly.
“Can you scoot over a bit?
“Can you lift me?”
“Are your arms broken?”
“No, but—“
“Then do it your damn self,” he says bluntly as he stands.
(6/10/25) Well I have found my words 😂! I love how Jude trusted Curran and vice versa that's what stood out to me. Plus some of there masochistic almost sadistic play. I know they needed it and with that you need an insane amount of trust. I know this review is going to sound kind of crazy to some but that's what stood out the most in the book. They both had trauma that they were trying to heal and they somehow managed to find it in each other. That person that could just understand you without words yet through actions it spoke volumes. I also love the banter between Marius and Curran. This was an amazing book and I am so glad I got to Arc read for it. JJ Asher did an amazing job at making the book flow together so beautifully. I love MM books they are my favorite and Mayfly is now my absolute favorite.
As silly as it sounds this is my favorite quote!😂😍
“Guess you’ll have to wait and find out.” Lifting my chin, Curren kisses me softly.
“Can you scoot over a bit?
“Can you lift me?”
“Are your arms broken?”
“No, but—“
“Then do it your damn self,” he says bluntly as he stands.
June 1, 2025
I dove straight into Mayfly blind aside from knowing the tropes and I was taken aback when it ended so quickly. I completely missed that it was a novella and while so much stuff was jam-packed into Jude and Curren’s story, I’m still waiting for more.
Both of their life experiences are devastating and just making it to the point in time when Mayfly begins is commendable. It was clear to see that both Jude and Curren were merely existing up until the point of reuniting, which was pulling at my heartstrings. I found myself holding my breath during the moment of their reunion because I really didn’t know how things were going to go.
I really enjoyed their dynamic and the way they each provide something vital for the other to feel whole. A lot of Jude and Curren’s emotional healing was wrapped up in their physical interactions. These spicy encounters are dark and depraved and violent. While they were not to my fancy (no shaming), they perfectly reflected what Jude and Curren needed to both show their affection for each other but also to begin healing from their pasts. It did feel as though it was more spice than plot, but I definitely did not see that twist in the plot coming, which was a delightful surprise!
Both of their life experiences are devastating and just making it to the point in time when Mayfly begins is commendable. It was clear to see that both Jude and Curren were merely existing up until the point of reuniting, which was pulling at my heartstrings. I found myself holding my breath during the moment of their reunion because I really didn’t know how things were going to go.
I really enjoyed their dynamic and the way they each provide something vital for the other to feel whole. A lot of Jude and Curren’s emotional healing was wrapped up in their physical interactions. These spicy encounters are dark and depraved and violent. While they were not to my fancy (no shaming), they perfectly reflected what Jude and Curren needed to both show their affection for each other but also to begin healing from their pasts. It did feel as though it was more spice than plot, but I definitely did not see that twist in the plot coming, which was a delightful surprise!
June 16, 2025
Mayflower
JJ Asher
Jude & Curren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Healing trauma
Childhood friends
Trauma bonding
First love
Soul mates
Hurt / Comfort
Obsessive / Possessive
Serious kinks
Wow
This was so intense
“You belong to me. You’ve never been anyone else’s.”
“I’m serious, Jude. I’m never gonna let you out of my sight. I might even get you an ankle monitor. Have Property of Curren Campbell engraved on it and everything.”
These two were intense from the get-go.
Childhood friends, severely traumatic pasts, wanting to help/save each other. Feeling possessive and protective of each other.
“You better not have someone.” “And what if I do?” “Then you’ll call them and let them know you aren’t coming home,” I tell him, and he mewls like a fucking animal.”
Also very clearly in love with each other.
“I thought about you every day.” “Me too.” “So why don't you show me how much you missed me?”
The last but scared me for a second lol through me for a loop lol
Thankful it worked out
Really short, really intense, I'm so glad they found each other again. I'd love to read a book or Epilog of them in the future
Great book
JJ Asher
Jude & Curren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Healing trauma
Childhood friends
Trauma bonding
First love
Soul mates
Hurt / Comfort
Obsessive / Possessive
Serious kinks
Wow
This was so intense
“You belong to me. You’ve never been anyone else’s.”
“I’m serious, Jude. I’m never gonna let you out of my sight. I might even get you an ankle monitor. Have Property of Curren Campbell engraved on it and everything.”
These two were intense from the get-go.
Childhood friends, severely traumatic pasts, wanting to help/save each other. Feeling possessive and protective of each other.
“You better not have someone.” “And what if I do?” “Then you’ll call them and let them know you aren’t coming home,” I tell him, and he mewls like a fucking animal.”
Also very clearly in love with each other.
“I thought about you every day.” “Me too.” “So why don't you show me how much you missed me?”
The last but scared me for a second lol through me for a loop lol
Thankful it worked out
Really short, really intense, I'm so glad they found each other again. I'd love to read a book or Epilog of them in the future
Great book
June 9, 2025
Mayfly is a mm contemporary novella.
Check your trigger warnings!
Jj Asher has went and done it again I have loved every book of hers that I have had the privilege of reading so far. There are some twists and turns in mayfly that you don’t see coming. I love the way jj dives into the characters background’s and explains why they are the way they are.
When you go into mayfly be prepared to not put it down until you are finished. Them finding each other after 17 years is just something else all toghther. They love each other in their own ways. I really hope there’s more coming🩵
Quote “so much of me wants to hate him right now, but just being beside him makes me feel more alive than I have in years.”
Check your trigger warnings!
Jj Asher has went and done it again I have loved every book of hers that I have had the privilege of reading so far. There are some twists and turns in mayfly that you don’t see coming. I love the way jj dives into the characters background’s and explains why they are the way they are.
When you go into mayfly be prepared to not put it down until you are finished. Them finding each other after 17 years is just something else all toghther. They love each other in their own ways. I really hope there’s more coming🩵
Quote “so much of me wants to hate him right now, but just being beside him makes me feel more alive than I have in years.”
June 10, 2025
This book follows two childhood friends who bonded through trauma. Their connection is so strong that after 17 years they reunite and it feels as if no time has passed. I love it when two broken people come together and help each other heal 💛 😭
I usually don’t read novellas because I feel like I don’t get enough time with the characters to connect with them for me to care for their story, but let me tell you from the very first moment I met Curren and Jude I was HOOKED!!
I love how possessive and obsessed they both are with each other. It’s such a quick read that by the end you want more. This is an mm erotic novella that had some of the spiciest most unhinged scenes I have read in a while 🥵 🥵 definitely check the trigger warnings!!
I usually don’t read novellas because I feel like I don’t get enough time with the characters to connect with them for me to care for their story, but let me tell you from the very first moment I met Curren and Jude I was HOOKED!!
I love how possessive and obsessed they both are with each other. It’s such a quick read that by the end you want more. This is an mm erotic novella that had some of the spiciest most unhinged scenes I have read in a while 🥵 🥵 definitely check the trigger warnings!!
June 6, 2025
This book was a gut punch in the best way. The relationship between Jude and Curren is born from shared trauma, and you can feel every raw, obsessive thread pulling them together. It's intense, it's consuming—and you get caught in it right alongside them.
There’s something about broken boys trying to heal and protect each other that always wrecks me. Their childhoods were brutal, and reading what they endured genuinely hurt. But it’s written with such emotional weight that you can’t look away.
Their bond? Toxic, yes. But it's also fierce and all-consuming. They're the only safe place either of them has ever known, and they cling to that with a possessiveness that’s as heartbreaking as it is compelling.
I could honestly read so much more about these two—I need to know how their story plays out, how their lives turn out. They’ve burrowed into my chest and taken up permanent residence.
There’s something about broken boys trying to heal and protect each other that always wrecks me. Their childhoods were brutal, and reading what they endured genuinely hurt. But it’s written with such emotional weight that you can’t look away.
Their bond? Toxic, yes. But it's also fierce and all-consuming. They're the only safe place either of them has ever known, and they cling to that with a possessiveness that’s as heartbreaking as it is compelling.
I could honestly read so much more about these two—I need to know how their story plays out, how their lives turn out. They’ve burrowed into my chest and taken up permanent residence.
June 5, 2025
Ooof!
There was so much packed into this compact novella, the storyline was captivating! The characters were loveable. The amount of detail, and emotion jammed packed into each character, each chapter was impressive!
"I wanted to die when they came and took you.”
And I’ve wanted to die every day since.
A passion that was all consuming, a toxic play for dominance, some of the most bat-shit spice I have read, that hat had me going "shit, am I into this?" Turns out, Yes I am.
“Look at you. You’re hard as a f*cking rock. You masochistic little b*tch.” I whimper, and it’s pitiful. I’m ashamed, but even more turned on. 🔥
I devoured this book like no tomorrow! If you like em' fiesta and like a little extra pain with your pleasure, this ones for you
The chemistry was unrivalled.
The plot was plotting!
The petnames!
And the ending! Literally had me screaming!
The plot twist, was twisting!
There was so much packed into this compact novella, the storyline was captivating! The characters were loveable. The amount of detail, and emotion jammed packed into each character, each chapter was impressive!
"I wanted to die when they came and took you.”
And I’ve wanted to die every day since.
A passion that was all consuming, a toxic play for dominance, some of the most bat-shit spice I have read, that hat had me going "shit, am I into this?" Turns out, Yes I am.
“Look at you. You’re hard as a f*cking rock. You masochistic little b*tch.” I whimper, and it’s pitiful. I’m ashamed, but even more turned on. 🔥
I devoured this book like no tomorrow! If you like em' fiesta and like a little extra pain with your pleasure, this ones for you
The chemistry was unrivalled.
The plot was plotting!
The petnames!
And the ending! Literally had me screaming!
The plot twist, was twisting!
June 3, 2025
What a completely unhinged novella in the best possible way!
I swear I had my mouth hanging open this whole book 🥵🥵.
Not only did this book have some of the best spicy scenes I’ve read in a while, it also had some great twists in it.
Two broken boys who shared unimaginable trauma all grown up trying to still conquer those demons, when they meet up again it’s like no time has changed and they are instantly connected again but in a much dirtier and intense way!
Jude and Curren understood each other’s crazy toxic personalities and embraced it! I absolutely loved this! ❤️
I swear I had my mouth hanging open this whole book 🥵🥵.
Not only did this book have some of the best spicy scenes I’ve read in a while, it also had some great twists in it.
Two broken boys who shared unimaginable trauma all grown up trying to still conquer those demons, when they meet up again it’s like no time has changed and they are instantly connected again but in a much dirtier and intense way!
Jude and Curren understood each other’s crazy toxic personalities and embraced it! I absolutely loved this! ❤️
June 10, 2025
Oh this was so good and fun. I love the hitmanXMI6 vibes. The instant second chance type connection. The dark but hot spicy scenes. This one definitely isnt one to bring to grandma unless grandma knows whats up with dark romance. This one was so good. The emotions with the trauma, who they became, what they needed, finding each other again to fill those needs and the empty space. I loved this book.
June 11, 2025
This novella is short but powerful.
Curren and Jude knew each other when they were younger. They even did a stint in juvie. Now, 15 years later, they meet again. Will the past keep them apart?
Listen, this book is very fast-paced, but oh, so good. It's got all the kinks you didn't know you needed. These boys know how to bring it.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Be a good reader and download it. 😉
Curren and Jude knew each other when they were younger. They even did a stint in juvie. Now, 15 years later, they meet again. Will the past keep them apart?
Listen, this book is very fast-paced, but oh, so good. It's got all the kinks you didn't know you needed. These boys know how to bring it.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Be a good reader and download it. 😉
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