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Spoonful
Life hasn’t been kind to Jaylin West. Severe dyslexia has made learning difficult—has made everything difficult. Sick of struggling, he signs himself up for a sugar baby website in order to pay for college and ends up with Brent Kingston. Brent is a cruel sugar daddy who is happy to remind Jaylin how stupid he is, crossing boundary after boundary, but Jaylin is in too deep to say no.
When Jaylin meets Hirohito Miyazaki, a handsome lawyer who offers Jaylin a helping hand, Jaylin figures it’s too good to be true. He definitely doesn’t deserve Hiro’s thoughtful gifts or him working to help Jaylin get education accommodations, but he finds he doesn’t want to turn Hiro away either.
No one has ever helped Jaylin like Hiro, never fought for him like Hiro, especially not for free. But Jaylin knows everyone has a motive. Hiro can’t genuinely like Jaylin… can he?
Spoonful has a 2 dove rating for an abusive sugar daddy/sugar baby relationship (no daddy kink), closed-door relations with an antagonist, whump, hurt/comfort, a dyslexic MC, and an HEA.
Spoonful was previously published as Bad Daddy
When Jaylin meets Hirohito Miyazaki, a handsome lawyer who offers Jaylin a helping hand, Jaylin figures it’s too good to be true. He definitely doesn’t deserve Hiro’s thoughtful gifts or him working to help Jaylin get education accommodations, but he finds he doesn’t want to turn Hiro away either.
No one has ever helped Jaylin like Hiro, never fought for him like Hiro, especially not for free. But Jaylin knows everyone has a motive. Hiro can’t genuinely like Jaylin… can he?
Spoonful has a 2 dove rating for an abusive sugar daddy/sugar baby relationship (no daddy kink), closed-door relations with an antagonist, whump, hurt/comfort, a dyslexic MC, and an HEA.
Spoonful was previously published as Bad Daddy
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2025
About the author
D. Dove
45 books188 followersWriter of spicy MM(+M) stories on a 6 Dove Scale. (iykyk)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 7, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of getting to see this story unfold on Dove’s Patreon (highly recommend btw) and it was just an absolute joy. Highly angsty but Jaylin and Hiro were so wonderfully soft and sweet together. Definitely a dial down from what you can usually expect from Dove but no less fantastic. The abuse Jaylin suffers is kept subtle and not overly egregious and more focus was put on Jaylins growth and Hiro being a strong support for him to lean on. No taboo here just a sweet story of love and growth and strength that I think everyone should give a shot
January 7, 2026
I really wanted to like this
D. Dove has quickly gone from an autobuy author for me to an author I don't know if I can trust haha. I either love their books, even the really taboo ones, or I question what led me to this moment because good Lord was I so bored.
I know this is a heavy hurt comfort story but Jaylin is spinless, I'm not sorry. There's not knowing how to advocate for yourself, and then there's being a doormat people wipe their muddy boots on. It was really hard for me to feel any sympathy for him because it was just outrageous. I'm glad he found his footing, I'm glad he found his happily ever after but for me it was a little too late. I'm sure there are a lot of people who can see themselves in Jaylin, But as an extroverted take no nonsense girly, this kind of character just didn't work for me.
Now onto my biggest complaint with this book. I understand why the scenes with Jaylin and his sugar daddy were not on page. They were pretty non-con and this is a two on the D. Dove scale. I get that. What I don't understand is this book was pretty long and there is only one, let me say that again for the people in the back, one smut scene. And it wasn't even good!! Was this book advertised as low heat and I just missed it? Because I've said it before and I'll say it again, the reason why I personally hate low heat books is because they never advertise themselves as such. And when they do, it's gross purity bullsh¡t. Again, if it was advertised somewhere and I miss it, that's all me but I don't think I did.
I think had this book been a lot shorter, and I do mean a lot shorter, a lot of the issues wouldn't have been as glaring for me and I think I would have been more forgiving. This should have been a novella, or an email. We didn't need a novel because this entire book was about Jaylin growing a spine and finding a support network and child, when I tell you it took so long for this baby to get there. So long! I didn't even get to swim over Hiro which also feels like a crime. I want to give this book one star because I hated that much but it's very diverse which I liked so I'll begrudgingly give it two.
D. Dove has quickly gone from an autobuy author for me to an author I don't know if I can trust haha. I either love their books, even the really taboo ones, or I question what led me to this moment because good Lord was I so bored.
I know this is a heavy hurt comfort story but Jaylin is spinless, I'm not sorry. There's not knowing how to advocate for yourself, and then there's being a doormat people wipe their muddy boots on. It was really hard for me to feel any sympathy for him because it was just outrageous. I'm glad he found his footing, I'm glad he found his happily ever after but for me it was a little too late. I'm sure there are a lot of people who can see themselves in Jaylin, But as an extroverted take no nonsense girly, this kind of character just didn't work for me.
Now onto my biggest complaint with this book. I understand why the scenes with Jaylin and his sugar daddy were not on page. They were pretty non-con and this is a two on the D. Dove scale. I get that. What I don't understand is this book was pretty long and there is only one, let me say that again for the people in the back, one smut scene. And it wasn't even good!! Was this book advertised as low heat and I just missed it? Because I've said it before and I'll say it again, the reason why I personally hate low heat books is because they never advertise themselves as such. And when they do, it's gross purity bullsh¡t. Again, if it was advertised somewhere and I miss it, that's all me but I don't think I did.
I think had this book been a lot shorter, and I do mean a lot shorter, a lot of the issues wouldn't have been as glaring for me and I think I would have been more forgiving. This should have been a novella, or an email. We didn't need a novel because this entire book was about Jaylin growing a spine and finding a support network and child, when I tell you it took so long for this baby to get there. So long! I didn't even get to swim over Hiro which also feels like a crime. I want to give this book one star because I hated that much but it's very diverse which I liked so I'll begrudgingly give it two.
June 15, 2025
3.75 stars. This was so great! It was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and I am very glad it didn't disappoint in general. The plot delivered exactly what the blurb and tags mentioned, which is always a good thing.
The story is about Jaylin, a college student struggling with his courses. It isn't the only reason he's not doing well though, having an arrangement out of necessity with a man that pays his tuition. His life changes when he meets Hiro, an important lawyer that is willing to help him out at collegue. Soon, things start to spiral when Jaylin's sugar daddy demands more from Jaylin and he feels suffocated. Jaylin wants to get out from that relationship, and maybe Hiro will become more than just a helping hand.
I absolutely loved the hurt/comfort element, I believe it was the highlight of the book. This author usually does very well at writting whump, so I never doubt in their ability to convey the feeling of hopelessness. It makes the reader empathize with the main character and want to accompany him through his journey.
Speaking about his journey, I also really enjoyed how Jaylin was able to get more agency and experience things he never thought of before. It's always endearing to see this type of character finally get what they deserve. The relationship doesn't fall behind, because it's just as adorable and exactly the comfort both the story and MC needed.
Another thing is that, while it has a simple premise, it does well in showing Jaylin's struggles, not only with the situation he is forced into but it also does a good commentary on how people that don't fit within the system are left behind to fend for themselves. I cannot 100% say if it did a realistic portrayal of a dyslexic person since I am not one myself nor I am very familiar with this condition, but I believe the author wanted to do a good job and succeeded at what it wanted to tell.
There is only one thing I would've wanted to go differently, and that is the third part of the book. The tension from the possible danger kept increasing so I thought something big would happen, but I felt like the resolution about the main issue was solved pretty quickly and very simplistic. I wish something more thrilling happened instead, because I feel like it could've been better.
The overall result was still satisfying though. I really liked to follow Jaylin through his pov and see his reaction to the things happening in his life. Perhaps Hiro wasn't as well developed, but I honestly didn't mind much because hard earned HEAs are some of my favorite types of endings, and I believe this was heartwarming.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: third person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
The story is about Jaylin, a college student struggling with his courses. It isn't the only reason he's not doing well though, having an arrangement out of necessity with a man that pays his tuition. His life changes when he meets Hiro, an important lawyer that is willing to help him out at collegue. Soon, things start to spiral when Jaylin's sugar daddy demands more from Jaylin and he feels suffocated. Jaylin wants to get out from that relationship, and maybe Hiro will become more than just a helping hand.
I absolutely loved the hurt/comfort element, I believe it was the highlight of the book. This author usually does very well at writting whump, so I never doubt in their ability to convey the feeling of hopelessness. It makes the reader empathize with the main character and want to accompany him through his journey.
Speaking about his journey, I also really enjoyed how Jaylin was able to get more agency and experience things he never thought of before. It's always endearing to see this type of character finally get what they deserve. The relationship doesn't fall behind, because it's just as adorable and exactly the comfort both the story and MC needed.
Another thing is that, while it has a simple premise, it does well in showing Jaylin's struggles, not only with the situation he is forced into but it also does a good commentary on how people that don't fit within the system are left behind to fend for themselves. I cannot 100% say if it did a realistic portrayal of a dyslexic person since I am not one myself nor I am very familiar with this condition, but I believe the author wanted to do a good job and succeeded at what it wanted to tell.
There is only one thing I would've wanted to go differently, and that is the third part of the book. The tension from the possible danger kept increasing so I thought something big would happen, but I felt like the resolution about the main issue was solved pretty quickly and very simplistic. I wish something more thrilling happened instead, because I feel like it could've been better.
The overall result was still satisfying though. I really liked to follow Jaylin through his pov and see his reaction to the things happening in his life. Perhaps Hiro wasn't as well developed, but I honestly didn't mind much because hard earned HEAs are some of my favorite types of endings, and I believe this was heartwarming.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: third person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
August 14, 2025
I didn’t realize when I first sat down to read this that it had previously been published as Bad Daddy by Riley Rivers. I had read it, and enjoyed it… and like all books, remember nothing of it. This has been reworked, so I supposed a re-read of sorts would not be a bad idea.
I did actually remember far more of the book than I thought I had, once I got to reading it.
Aside from name & race swapping, a silk pillowcase and Hiro finding out who the sugar daddy is, I don’t know that anything else was reworked.
I found the pacing in Bad Daddy to be an issue, with Daniel & Haru only interacting 2x in the first 1/3 of the book, and in this, by 1/3, Jaylin & Hiro had had only 2 interactions.
I did think Haru not finding out the sugar daddy was his nemesis Clint lead to a more HFN than HEA ending, but even though Jaylin reveals to Hiro that his ex-sugar daddy was Brent, I still think it’s a HFN… you can just expect to ghost Brent and it just be dropped, especially he continues to date the somewhat celeb lawyer Hiro and go into law.
I do appreciate that this time around, the blurb had the sb/SD relationship listed as abusive, because Bad Daddy was marketed as a sb/SD book, so I was dearly disappointed when it wasn’t.
But yeah, end of the day, if I’m told something is new & improved, and it doesn’t really feel new or improved, it’s gonna be a little underwhelming for me.
I did actually remember far more of the book than I thought I had, once I got to reading it.
Aside from name & race swapping, a silk pillowcase and Hiro finding out who the sugar daddy is, I don’t know that anything else was reworked.
I found the pacing in Bad Daddy to be an issue, with Daniel & Haru only interacting 2x in the first 1/3 of the book, and in this, by 1/3, Jaylin & Hiro had had only 2 interactions.
I did think Haru not finding out the sugar daddy was his nemesis Clint lead to a more HFN than HEA ending, but even though Jaylin reveals to Hiro that his ex-sugar daddy was Brent, I still think it’s a HFN… you can just expect to ghost Brent and it just be dropped, especially he continues to date the somewhat celeb lawyer Hiro and go into law.
I do appreciate that this time around, the blurb had the sb/SD relationship listed as abusive, because Bad Daddy was marketed as a sb/SD book, so I was dearly disappointed when it wasn’t.
But yeah, end of the day, if I’m told something is new & improved, and it doesn’t really feel new or improved, it’s gonna be a little underwhelming for me.
June 17, 2025
I ride at dawn for Jaylin
I absolutely love this author but goodness, I always feel so hard for their characters and I haven’t cried this much after reading the first few chapters and throughout a book, possibly ever. Personally I haven’t struggled like Jaylin, but I hear so many real stories about people going through what he did pre-Hiro. The complete representation and community had me in my feels and the slow burn was just icing on the cake. I only want this to be longer just to read the sweet, cavity inducing moments with Hiro and Jaylin.
I absolutely love this author but goodness, I always feel so hard for their characters and I haven’t cried this much after reading the first few chapters and throughout a book, possibly ever. Personally I haven’t struggled like Jaylin, but I hear so many real stories about people going through what he did pre-Hiro. The complete representation and community had me in my feels and the slow burn was just icing on the cake. I only want this to be longer just to read the sweet, cavity inducing moments with Hiro and Jaylin.
June 16, 2025
Just as cute and heart-warming as every D. Dove book. Not as hot because there weren't as many hot scenes as in other books, but I loved their relationship and how caring Hiro was.
I would have liked the antagonist to do another appearance at the end to see Hiro confront him. To tell him Jaylin is with him now. That's why it is 4✨️
I love D. Dove
I would have liked the antagonist to do another appearance at the end to see Hiro confront him. To tell him Jaylin is with him now. That's why it is 4✨️
I love D. Dove
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
So sweet but also unexpectedly hot 🔥 As per D Dove usual…this was perfection 💜
June 13, 2025
Goddamn. I quite genuinely enjoy everything D Dove writes. This book was fucking sad.
June 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Would have loved issues to be a little more challenging to resolve.
July 23, 2025
was a good read, but it was a little short on substance not much depth but regardless is definitely worth the read.
September 15, 2025
i’m sorry but if you make me cry more than once you’re a 5 star i don’t make the rules
fuck i love hiro and jaylin
fuck i love hiro and jaylin
March 21, 2026
this was so fucking good. my heart hurts.
August 6, 2025
4.5 stars. Jaylin is my precious baby and I will fight to protect him with all of my being. Hiro was absolutely perfect for him and I loved how he loved him. This was so fucking good and that ending had me cheesing at my kindle like an idiot. Loved it!
August 23, 2025
In this book, Jaylin is a college student barely getting by. He has to spend so much time studying, he has no time for a job or social life or anything. He can't make ends meet, so he sets himself up into a sugar daddy/sugar baby situation, which ends up being extremely abusive. But, he can't get out, because the sugar daddy is paying for his school and rent.
Then he meets Hiro, a lawyer that comes in to help him out with his business law class. Hiro realizes three things pretty quickly: 1. Jaylin is brilliant; 2. Jaylin has dyslexia and has never been diagnosed; and 3. Jaylin is with an abuser.
The biggest hurt was every time Jaylin's phone went off with Brent's "special ringtone". We only see from Jaylin's POV, but it's fairly obvious Hiro can feel the same despair that Jaylin does every time they hear that ringtone. I thought D Dove did a great job writing the emotional dread both MCs must have felt in those situations.
I think this book could have used a bit more. In the end, I would have liked
For the warnings: everything is from the villain. Hiro is an absolute green flag sweetheart.
Then he meets Hiro, a lawyer that comes in to help him out with his business law class. Hiro realizes three things pretty quickly: 1. Jaylin is brilliant; 2. Jaylin has dyslexia and has never been diagnosed; and 3. Jaylin is with an abuser.
The biggest hurt was every time Jaylin's phone went off with Brent's "special ringtone". We only see from Jaylin's POV, but it's fairly obvious Hiro can feel the same despair that Jaylin does every time they hear that ringtone. I thought D Dove did a great job writing the emotional dread both MCs must have felt in those situations.
I think this book could have used a bit more. In the end, I would have liked
For the warnings: everything is from the villain. Hiro is an absolute green flag sweetheart.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews