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The Mclean Tales #1
Little Did We Know
The Mclean Tales #1 | BDSM | Friendship | Found Family | Humor | Origin Story
At Mclean House, everyone knows about the eight founding members. If you need help with anything in the community, you send them a message or approach them at the house. Lucas is the kind Daddy Dom with patience for days, Macklin the funny switch who sure knows how to switch sides as well, and Greer is the primal Master with a huge heart and a devil on his shoulder. Colt has that devil on his shoulder too, actually. Lucian, another Master, is into high protocol and creative punishments. Penelope loves to host events and runs a tight ship. Last but definitely not least, the men who came up with the idea to start a community. River and Reese are the scary, sadistic twin brothers—until you get to know them and see the sweethearts under the ink, of course.
The eight founders find their happily ever afters in the Game Series, but this book isn’t about that. It’s about what happened before. The story very few know so far. How they met, how they became friends, and how they started exploring together.
So let’s go back to the beginning. It’s a cold night in Baltimore, and Lucas is about to catch the scowl of someone at an event where he feels completely out of place.
At Mclean House, everyone knows about the eight founding members. If you need help with anything in the community, you send them a message or approach them at the house. Lucas is the kind Daddy Dom with patience for days, Macklin the funny switch who sure knows how to switch sides as well, and Greer is the primal Master with a huge heart and a devil on his shoulder. Colt has that devil on his shoulder too, actually. Lucian, another Master, is into high protocol and creative punishments. Penelope loves to host events and runs a tight ship. Last but definitely not least, the men who came up with the idea to start a community. River and Reese are the scary, sadistic twin brothers—until you get to know them and see the sweethearts under the ink, of course.
The eight founders find their happily ever afters in the Game Series, but this book isn’t about that. It’s about what happened before. The story very few know so far. How they met, how they became friends, and how they started exploring together.
So let’s go back to the beginning. It’s a cold night in Baltimore, and Lucas is about to catch the scowl of someone at an event where he feels completely out of place.
129 pages, ebook
Published July 11, 2025
53 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
97 books4,083 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
June 27, 2025
Cute way of giving the background for how the founding members of McLean House met.
It's funny, insanely sexy and gets really down and dirty into the early encounters between some of these men, who have built up such an incredible kink community alongside fellow founder Penny.
It's also amusing to see the use of social media in its early days as a vehicle for them all becoming friends and keeping in touch.
I'm not saying anything about who's getting it on with who else but lordy be, you'll need a fan or a cold shower to get over their escapades.
I'm really looking forward to discovering more behind the scenes stuff from the founding members and those early days of setting up the community.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's funny, insanely sexy and gets really down and dirty into the early encounters between some of these men, who have built up such an incredible kink community alongside fellow founder Penny.
It's also amusing to see the use of social media in its early days as a vehicle for them all becoming friends and keeping in touch.
I'm not saying anything about who's getting it on with who else but lordy be, you'll need a fan or a cold shower to get over their escapades.
I'm really looking forward to discovering more behind the scenes stuff from the founding members and those early days of setting up the community.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2025
Fluffy little backstory and insight into how the characters from The Game series met. It was sweet and I liked reading about the Mclean House origins. Might reread the actual series soon even though I still feel complicated about it.
July 5, 2025
Lucas, River and Reese, Greer, Lucian, Colt, Penelope, and Macklin.
This is the read I didn’t know I needed! My goodness, this author is so good.
We meet the eight founders of House McLean, where it all started, how they met, became friends, and began their community.
Believe me, it was perfection!
Applause!
This is the read I didn’t know I needed! My goodness, this author is so good.
We meet the eight founders of House McLean, where it all started, how they met, became friends, and began their community.
Believe me, it was perfection!
Applause!
September 20, 2025
Technically, this isn’t part of the Game series, but since it revolves around the founding members of Mclean House, that’s just semantics. I loved seeing how the original eight met for the first time and how the idea/project of the community came together, some things I expected/knew from the Game series while others were a complete surprise (like ). In the main series, the bond between the founders is taken for granted and they’re all pretty settled in their ways, it was fun to see how they were when they were moving the first (or second and third, in some cases) step in the BDSM scene, and how it all started and developed between them.
June 27, 2025
This was just delightful. A cool breeze on a hot day. These are people we already know and love, and to see their beginnings was just lovely.
Like a lot of Mclean fans, I am always clamoring for more from every single character. And while River and Reese are my favs, I have soft spots for all of them. So getting to see the evolution was stunning. Cara is an author who just gets us. I am so happy that these characters just keep talking to her and she keeps sharing them with us.
There’s definite steam in this one, but it wasn’t the major dynamic for me, no matter how yummy it was. Seeing how they all grew to like, love and respect one another was what did it for me. I will read every single one of these that comes out and keep coming back for more.
Like a lot of Mclean fans, I am always clamoring for more from every single character. And while River and Reese are my favs, I have soft spots for all of them. So getting to see the evolution was stunning. Cara is an author who just gets us. I am so happy that these characters just keep talking to her and she keeps sharing them with us.
There’s definite steam in this one, but it wasn’t the major dynamic for me, no matter how yummy it was. Seeing how they all grew to like, love and respect one another was what did it for me. I will read every single one of these that comes out and keep coming back for more.
June 30, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
A Game series prequel that is a fun bonus for series fans and can easily be an entry point for newbies, although I suspect the payoff is greater for readers who already know these characters and their connections. Dee has a very simple, if not banal, writing style, which works well for Littles in their regression mindsets but flattens out every other character. Pretty much every thought that flits through these dudes' heads ends up on page, and they're not exactly deep thinkers ("steak is good!" "I like butts!" -- I paraphrase, but barely). Yet Dee also writes friendships well -- however two-dimensional these dudes may be, there is a sincerity about their platonic and sexual connections -- and articulates kink dynamics with the confidence of someone versed in these communities. The steam is, as usual with Dee, delish; and really, isn't that what we're all here for in the end?
Note that while the Game series has a lot of different constellations, all with their own HEAs, this prequel is not really a romance at all, as none of the characters are yet in the configurations they end up in the series proper. This is more about establishing friend relationships than romantic ones.
A quick, hot read that will satisfy Game series devotees.
I got an ARC from the author via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
A Game series prequel that is a fun bonus for series fans and can easily be an entry point for newbies, although I suspect the payoff is greater for readers who already know these characters and their connections. Dee has a very simple, if not banal, writing style, which works well for Littles in their regression mindsets but flattens out every other character. Pretty much every thought that flits through these dudes' heads ends up on page, and they're not exactly deep thinkers ("steak is good!" "I like butts!" -- I paraphrase, but barely). Yet Dee also writes friendships well -- however two-dimensional these dudes may be, there is a sincerity about their platonic and sexual connections -- and articulates kink dynamics with the confidence of someone versed in these communities. The steam is, as usual with Dee, delish; and really, isn't that what we're all here for in the end?
Note that while the Game series has a lot of different constellations, all with their own HEAs, this prequel is not really a romance at all, as none of the characters are yet in the configurations they end up in the series proper. This is more about establishing friend relationships than romantic ones.
A quick, hot read that will satisfy Game series devotees.
I got an ARC from the author via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2025
Mclean community is very important to me. You will never hear any complaints from me about these Toppy Tops, period.
June 29, 2025
As someone who has read every single Cara Dee book, I can confidently say that Little Did We Know is one of her most rewarding reads, not just because it’s brilliantly written (as always), but because it finally gives us the origin story i've long craved.
Going back to the very beginning of the Mclean House crew felt like coming home. Seeing Lucas, Greer, Lucian, Macklin, Penelope, Colt, River, and Reese as they’re just beginning to orbit each other? Absolutely priceless. Cara balances humor, heat, and heart with such precision, it’s no surprise, but still somehow always impressive.
The found family theme is one of the emotional backbones of the Game Series, and this book shows how that bond was built. Watching these complex individuals grow into each other, test boundaries and show up anyway? It hit me hard in all the best ways. There were scenes that made me laugh out loud and others that made me sit back and just feel.
For a long time fan myself this book is full of quiet nods, inside jokes, and layered character dynamics that only deepen the love I already have for these characters. Knowing where they end up makes this beginning all the more special. It’s messy, it’s sweet, it’s chaotic and it’s pure Cara Dee magic.
If you’re new to her books, Little Did We Know is a fantastic starting point. And if you’ve loved these characters for years like I have, this is an emotional gift you didn’t know you needed until it was in your hands.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review :)
Going back to the very beginning of the Mclean House crew felt like coming home. Seeing Lucas, Greer, Lucian, Macklin, Penelope, Colt, River, and Reese as they’re just beginning to orbit each other? Absolutely priceless. Cara balances humor, heat, and heart with such precision, it’s no surprise, but still somehow always impressive.
The found family theme is one of the emotional backbones of the Game Series, and this book shows how that bond was built. Watching these complex individuals grow into each other, test boundaries and show up anyway? It hit me hard in all the best ways. There were scenes that made me laugh out loud and others that made me sit back and just feel.
For a long time fan myself this book is full of quiet nods, inside jokes, and layered character dynamics that only deepen the love I already have for these characters. Knowing where they end up makes this beginning all the more special. It’s messy, it’s sweet, it’s chaotic and it’s pure Cara Dee magic.
If you’re new to her books, Little Did We Know is a fantastic starting point. And if you’ve loved these characters for years like I have, this is an emotional gift you didn’t know you needed until it was in your hands.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review :)
November 17, 2025
House McClean/McClean House origin story.
This was a fun and fast read. The Game origin story with the Twins, Greer, Lucas and Lucian…. Then Penelope, Ivy, Mack and Colt… SO hot too! Damn 😳🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Makes me want to reread The Game series from book 1.
This was a fun and fast read. The Game origin story with the Twins, Greer, Lucas and Lucian…. Then Penelope, Ivy, Mack and Colt… SO hot too! Damn 😳🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Makes me want to reread The Game series from book 1.
July 14, 2025
This latest addition to the Cara Dee Game Series is a total gem. An unexpected and delightful glimpse into the early days of the characters we’ve all come to love. It reaches back before their main stories unfold, and if you’ve already met the gang, you’ll find yourself grinning at the familiar energy and subtle foreshadowing sprinkled throughout.
The chemistry between the twins, Lucas and Lucian, in this book is electric. I didn’t expect them to click so quickly, but the banter, the camaraderie, and the teasing all made for a super entertaining read.
One thing is for sure: this book made me rethink skipping Colt and Lucas' original story. I started the series from book two (no regrets!), but after seeing these two in action here. Lucas being all dramatic and Colt just oozing that southern charm, I might finally reconsider where it all began.
If you’re new to the Game Series, this honestly is the perfect time to dive in. You can start with this one first and then transition into the others, following the emotional ride.
The story is fun, nostalgic, and full of heart, which makes Cara Dee books so addictive.
The chemistry between the twins, Lucas and Lucian, in this book is electric. I didn’t expect them to click so quickly, but the banter, the camaraderie, and the teasing all made for a super entertaining read.
One thing is for sure: this book made me rethink skipping Colt and Lucas' original story. I started the series from book two (no regrets!), but after seeing these two in action here. Lucas being all dramatic and Colt just oozing that southern charm, I might finally reconsider where it all began.
If you’re new to the Game Series, this honestly is the perfect time to dive in. You can start with this one first and then transition into the others, following the emotional ride.
The story is fun, nostalgic, and full of heart, which makes Cara Dee books so addictive.
September 17, 2025
The Game series was my first series by this author, and I loved it! If you're not familiar with The Game series yet, I recommend starting with Little Did We Know, because it describes how the protagonists of the McLean House met and how it all began. It's a perfect introduction to the series. And for me, it's the perfect book to experience the beginnings of the community.
There's Lucas, who meets Reese and River in a club and then spends a night with the twins. You also meet the rest of the eight founding members here, and I really enjoyed the story. There are interesting verbal exchanges, hot scenes, and passion.
I already knew the characters, and here they are much younger, but that's exactly what I loved about it. The protagonists are well described here: who has which preferences, who is Dom, who is Sub, who is Switch? You get a great introduction and a good feel for the protagonists.
As always, the writing style is wonderful, and I found this book entertaining. And now I really want to read the Game series again.
There's Lucas, who meets Reese and River in a club and then spends a night with the twins. You also meet the rest of the eight founding members here, and I really enjoyed the story. There are interesting verbal exchanges, hot scenes, and passion.
I already knew the characters, and here they are much younger, but that's exactly what I loved about it. The protagonists are well described here: who has which preferences, who is Dom, who is Sub, who is Switch? You get a great introduction and a good feel for the protagonists.
As always, the writing style is wonderful, and I found this book entertaining. And now I really want to read the Game series again.
June 29, 2025
**I'm a member of Cara Dee's ARC team and received an early copy through BookSprout.**
Cara Dee revisits the characters from The Game series as they are just getting to know one another with book one of The McLean Tales, Little Did We Know. Each of the founding members of McLean House has a perspective in this novella built of interconnected vignettes. Readers get insight into how the members met and came to build the community we love from The Game.
While this is the start of a new series, I would argue that it has more impact if a reader is already familiar with The Game series.
This series centering young Founders is absolutely what I've been wanting. I love getting the glimpses into the past and the pure spice of these characters coming together as friends and as a community.
Definitely a must read for anyone who fell in love with McLean House.
Cara Dee revisits the characters from The Game series as they are just getting to know one another with book one of The McLean Tales, Little Did We Know. Each of the founding members of McLean House has a perspective in this novella built of interconnected vignettes. Readers get insight into how the members met and came to build the community we love from The Game.
While this is the start of a new series, I would argue that it has more impact if a reader is already familiar with The Game series.
This series centering young Founders is absolutely what I've been wanting. I love getting the glimpses into the past and the pure spice of these characters coming together as friends and as a community.
Definitely a must read for anyone who fell in love with McLean House.
July 7, 2025
The Game Series is one of my forever comfort series one that I reread multiple times a year and to finally get a glimpse into how it all came to be was just so wonderful and really brings into perspective just how close these founders were to start up such a wonderful community when they couldn’t find their own places in others.
I have to say the moment between Greer and Reese when they first met really warmed my heart and just made me fall in love with these characters more.
I am so looking forward to what comes next with this series!
I have to say the moment between Greer and Reese when they first met really warmed my heart and just made me fall in love with these characters more.
I am so looking forward to what comes next with this series!
July 14, 2025
5 ✨
So fun!!! The Game series will always hold a special place in my heart, and it was awesome to see all the characters that I already love meeting each other and forming such strong bonds. And all the foreshadowing was very fun also, seeing hints of the future they’ll have together and separately. Andddd I’m always a slut for River and Reese content, so I can’t help but love that. Thank you Cara Dee!!!
So fun!!! The Game series will always hold a special place in my heart, and it was awesome to see all the characters that I already love meeting each other and forming such strong bonds. And all the foreshadowing was very fun also, seeing hints of the future they’ll have together and separately. Andddd I’m always a slut for River and Reese content, so I can’t help but love that. Thank you Cara Dee!!!
July 7, 2025
Little Did We Know is part of The Game series world.
This is your vibe if you like
The Game Series
BDSM
Spice with a side of banter
This featured my fave founders and how they met! It was exactly what I wanted..no I needed this. We need more of these stories and I can’t wait for the next one!
This is your vibe if you like
The Game Series
BDSM
Spice with a side of banter
This featured my fave founders and how they met! It was exactly what I wanted..no I needed this. We need more of these stories and I can’t wait for the next one!
November 2, 2025
Cara Dee is finally giving us readers a peek behind the curtain to learn how these hot, sweet, sassy, and hilarious founders came to be before they created what *some* of us now know as House McClean 😈
If you’re obsessed with The Game Series and the universe like I am, then RUN, don’t walk, to grab this addition!
If you’re obsessed with The Game Series and the universe like I am, then RUN, don’t walk, to grab this addition!
July 4, 2025
Exactly what I expected it to be. Fun little outtakes of the founders meeting each other. Works as a prequel before you read the Game Series but it would be better enjoyed after you’ve read the books and met the characters. I loved seeing a younger version of River and Reese.
July 30, 2025
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed! I absolutely love the Game Series, so to get a look at how it all started was exciting. I can not wait to see what is next with this crew!
June 30, 2025
Do I want to re read the Game serie again? YES !
Do I love the founders even more now ? YES !!
I can’t wait for the next book.
A must read and then a re read of the whole serie again ! ❤️
Do I love the founders even more now ? YES !!
I can’t wait for the next book.
A must read and then a re read of the whole serie again ! ❤️
August 30, 2025
The book we have all been waiting for! Okay, maybe it was just me waiting for a little bit of the history of McLean House and the founders. I absolutely loved getting a glimpse into their past.
Having read The Game Series from the same author, there were tons of inside jokes, easter eggs, and plot hooks that made me laugh out loud. I do think this book is read best after having read The Game Series, however, since the events in this book take place before those in The Game Series, I think it might also be fun to read it chronologically and just go back to this book again after you have read the whole Game Series (not finished yet).
I had to get used to the way the story was told, through different POV. It sometimes felt more like snapshots/scenes than a whole story, and I just wish there had been more. But I'm always greedy when it comes to Cara's story and I will always want more. If you don't know the founders of McLean House yet, this book will introduce them to you. If you already know them, you will get to know them better, learn about the early days of new friendships, hot stuff, and more. A book I will probably return to a lot and I can't wait for more stories in this series!
Having read The Game Series from the same author, there were tons of inside jokes, easter eggs, and plot hooks that made me laugh out loud. I do think this book is read best after having read The Game Series, however, since the events in this book take place before those in The Game Series, I think it might also be fun to read it chronologically and just go back to this book again after you have read the whole Game Series (not finished yet).
I had to get used to the way the story was told, through different POV. It sometimes felt more like snapshots/scenes than a whole story, and I just wish there had been more. But I'm always greedy when it comes to Cara's story and I will always want more. If you don't know the founders of McLean House yet, this book will introduce them to you. If you already know them, you will get to know them better, learn about the early days of new friendships, hot stuff, and more. A book I will probably return to a lot and I can't wait for more stories in this series!
July 8, 2025
Little Did We Know is absolute perfection. I wasn’t sure what to think of an origin story to a series, but WOW. I never should have doubted the genius of Cara Dee.
This author knows how to dig into the feelings. There truly aren’t enough words to describe the way this story unfolded. It was a perfect tease of what’s to come, adding a depth to the background that underlined the strong friendships between the Founders.
In fact, it was more than just highlighting the start of this amazing community. It showcased everything from the beginning of the kink journeys for some to the way these characters connect.
It brought a special touch to stories we’ve already read. I immediately binge read every single book in the Game Series afterward. And then onto the Renegade series again because I cannot let go of these characters and needed more Reese, River, and Shay.
I fell in love with everyone again. That is what makes this so exceptional. I didn’t think I could love these characters more, and yet the author somehow made it possible. My heart was full and it took me on a whole new journey through words again.
Not to mention it is HOT.
Scorching scenes, incredible depth, and a friendship that makes me wish these characters were real just so I can talk to them. The author has the unique ability to write a world so complex, so detailed, that it’s like I can walk right into the pages. Now if only I didn’t have to leave…
5+ stars for an absolutely addictive addition to this series and to the world Cara Dee created. I sincerely hope there will be more!
This author knows how to dig into the feelings. There truly aren’t enough words to describe the way this story unfolded. It was a perfect tease of what’s to come, adding a depth to the background that underlined the strong friendships between the Founders.
In fact, it was more than just highlighting the start of this amazing community. It showcased everything from the beginning of the kink journeys for some to the way these characters connect.
It brought a special touch to stories we’ve already read. I immediately binge read every single book in the Game Series afterward. And then onto the Renegade series again because I cannot let go of these characters and needed more Reese, River, and Shay.
I fell in love with everyone again. That is what makes this so exceptional. I didn’t think I could love these characters more, and yet the author somehow made it possible. My heart was full and it took me on a whole new journey through words again.
Not to mention it is HOT.
Scorching scenes, incredible depth, and a friendship that makes me wish these characters were real just so I can talk to them. The author has the unique ability to write a world so complex, so detailed, that it’s like I can walk right into the pages. Now if only I didn’t have to leave…
5+ stars for an absolutely addictive addition to this series and to the world Cara Dee created. I sincerely hope there will be more!
July 15, 2025
Oh my gosh guys, I couldn't put this down. I don't know if you should read it at the beginning as a starter book, in some ways I really think you should wait until you get to the point where she actually published it, because there's something fun about going back and seeing these guys after you have all of that knowledge. It really does meet expectations though!
I love seeing these guys meeting for the first time, and I constantly like seeing these little snippets of their personalities coming out that just kind of build on what's already there. River and Reese make significant appearances. The guys all end up being friends on Facebook. You can see their views on how they want their community to be run in comparison to some of the communities that they are less impressed by.
This definitely brings the spice, let's just say there's some interesting things going on between my favorite Tenley and a certain Shepherd. 🔥 🔥 🔥
(See that little clip about Shey finding a certain video cache during their move. If you know, you know. )
We've also got early Luke, being the glue of the entire community, and the introduction of Colt Carter, to the McLean family. (We do need an answer, though, what is Greer's favorite color crayon?)
But if you want to know these guys 10 years ago when they were founding this community, and kind of making these tenuous connections, this book is amazing and really, in general, indulgent fun related to the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love seeing these guys meeting for the first time, and I constantly like seeing these little snippets of their personalities coming out that just kind of build on what's already there. River and Reese make significant appearances. The guys all end up being friends on Facebook. You can see their views on how they want their community to be run in comparison to some of the communities that they are less impressed by.
This definitely brings the spice, let's just say there's some interesting things going on between my favorite Tenley and a certain Shepherd. 🔥 🔥 🔥
(See that little clip about Shey finding a certain video cache during their move. If you know, you know. )
We've also got early Luke, being the glue of the entire community, and the introduction of Colt Carter, to the McLean family. (We do need an answer, though, what is Greer's favorite color crayon?)
But if you want to know these guys 10 years ago when they were founding this community, and kind of making these tenuous connections, this book is amazing and really, in general, indulgent fun related to the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2025
"Little did we know" is a prequel to the "game series" and it tells us the story of how the founders of House Mclean met.
This book was a dream come true. I adore this series with all my heart and comfort reread it all the time. The characters feel like friends. When I read their stories I wish I was part of their amazing group. In this book we find out how it all started and it was brilliant. Honestly, words are not enough to describe how much joy this book gave me. I was smiling the whole time I was reading it.
It was so much fun seeing the characters I love being young and trying to figure out themselves. Their first impressions of each other were so entertaining. I loved the friendship between Lucian and Penelope, the chemistry between River and Greer, the way Reese helped Greer. Macklin will always be my favorite and I enjoyed the banter between him and Greer so so much. I wanted to hug 21 year old Macklin, he was already going through so much.
Lucas stole the show for me. I always liked him but now I absolutely adore him. I want to reread the first two books because I need more Lucas.
If you are a fan of the series you need to read this book, trust me, you're going to love every word. And if you haven't started the series yet I highly recommend it. I promise you'll get hooked and discover a new favorite.
This book was a dream come true. I adore this series with all my heart and comfort reread it all the time. The characters feel like friends. When I read their stories I wish I was part of their amazing group. In this book we find out how it all started and it was brilliant. Honestly, words are not enough to describe how much joy this book gave me. I was smiling the whole time I was reading it.
It was so much fun seeing the characters I love being young and trying to figure out themselves. Their first impressions of each other were so entertaining. I loved the friendship between Lucian and Penelope, the chemistry between River and Greer, the way Reese helped Greer. Macklin will always be my favorite and I enjoyed the banter between him and Greer so so much. I wanted to hug 21 year old Macklin, he was already going through so much.
Lucas stole the show for me. I always liked him but now I absolutely adore him. I want to reread the first two books because I need more Lucas.
If you are a fan of the series you need to read this book, trust me, you're going to love every word. And if you haven't started the series yet I highly recommend it. I promise you'll get hooked and discover a new favorite.
June 29, 2025
After a dozen books in the primary Game series (and so many delicious cameos across probably a dozen more books set in the same world), I hope Dee isn't surprised by how quickly her dedicated readers snap up this novella that reveals how the Mclean House founders first meet. Like all adult friendships, the interpersonal connections that bind these eight unique characters together aren't planned and aren't simple--but these also definitely include some fun (and sexy) surprises. While some bits of these histories have been teased before, plenty more surprises exist in these pages to make this an entertaining and engrossing read. Dee's expertise in characterization shines through in how she deftly writes familiar personas at younger ages, showing the subtle differences that time and experience can bring while also keeping each founder true to who we've fallen in love with at their core. This style of narrative doesn't follow the traditional romance arc expected in this genre, but this is a story that highlights the bonds of friendship first (even friends who sometimes get naked together), proving that a solid found family can result in a different sort of highly satisfying happily ever after.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
July 13, 2025
I read all the books in the Game Series a while ago, but the characters all came back as they were added one by one in this book. It was interesting to find out how the whole thing started with the Tenley brothers and Lucas, then just snowballed from there. I hadn’t remembered Penelope nor Ivy, but each of the guys had vague memories come to mind from other books. I was a bit confused at times about which character was “speaking” in the One on One Online sections, but did figure it out with a bit of effort.
I think this is a great introduction to the characters as a reader gets into the series, and it gives you a feel for each character, their kink, and which ones are Doms or subs. I think I need to go back to reread the series with this new background information to enrich the series as a whole. I would recommend this short book to anyone just starting out to read the series, and maybe make a character list with the information gleaned here as a base to build up more as characters appear and develop in the other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think this is a great introduction to the characters as a reader gets into the series, and it gives you a feel for each character, their kink, and which ones are Doms or subs. I think I need to go back to reread the series with this new background information to enrich the series as a whole. I would recommend this short book to anyone just starting out to read the series, and maybe make a character list with the information gleaned here as a base to build up more as characters appear and develop in the other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2025
4.5 Stars - This book is perfect for anyone interested in reading The Game series and especially if you’ve already read it. It is the backstory of how the community came about.
This contains all the juicy details about how the founding members met, starting with the twins, River and Reese, and branching out from there. It shows how they were all seeking something they had thus far been unable to find in the current kink community. In seeking a small group of like minded friends, the idea Reese and River had was able to take shape.
I loved the layout of this and the way each person was brought in and added to each other’s and the group chats. Having read most of the books in the main series, this made me want to run back to all of those books again.
This doesn’t get too deep into each relationship, but it gives enough for you to realize the depth of their friendship and how they each played a fundamental role in bringing Mclean House to life. Definitely recommend catching up with these guys.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
June 29, 2025
This is the book I never knew I needed.
As a long time fan of The Game series I’ve followed the lives of these characters and their kink palace with eager glee.
I’ve lapped up the little mentions of their beginnings as we’ve peeled back the layers of these characters.
But now, here it is.
How it happened.
Laid out.
In all its glory.
Not gonna lie. When the first spicy time happened it almost felt wrong to watch. But I got over that pretty quickly and enjoyment ensued for the duration.
I loved this. The characters are younger, some curious, unsure, still finding their way. Some a bit more solid in their efforts to who they want to be. To know their growth and where they would end up over time was very cool.
And to see how Maclean House helped shaped them was a delight.
And that last page…*chefs kiss* for the joke that ties everything back to where they are now. So so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a long time fan of The Game series I’ve followed the lives of these characters and their kink palace with eager glee.
I’ve lapped up the little mentions of their beginnings as we’ve peeled back the layers of these characters.
But now, here it is.
How it happened.
Laid out.
In all its glory.
Not gonna lie. When the first spicy time happened it almost felt wrong to watch. But I got over that pretty quickly and enjoyment ensued for the duration.
I loved this. The characters are younger, some curious, unsure, still finding their way. Some a bit more solid in their efforts to who they want to be. To know their growth and where they would end up over time was very cool.
And to see how Maclean House helped shaped them was a delight.
And that last page…*chefs kiss* for the joke that ties everything back to where they are now. So so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2025
If you're a fan of The Game series by this author, this novella is an absolute must read. I never rate a book 5 stars on the first read, but I'm making an exception for this story because if you're reading it, you already love the series. Which means you're going to love this tale of how the Founders all met and started the community. It's perfection.
We start the series with Lucas meeting the Tenleys first. A little steam commences. We then add on a founder at a time, with funny little anecdotes and a steamy scene or two thrown in. There isn't romance because we know there hasn't ever been any romance between the founders (except Lucas and Colt, but that's different). But there is definitely kinky, filthy fun.
What always makes Cara's books shine is how real the characters feel, and how genuine the emotions are. These things are still very much present, even with the lack of romance. The book spans over a couple years I think which I usually hate, but it makes sense here because they didn't all meet and decide to form this community within a small window of time.
I loved seeing these characters a little younger, with slightly bigger glimpses into events in their lives that we know happened. How they felt trying to navigate the kink scene before deciding to found the House. Like Lucas working for his dad, and how his friends reacted to his relationship to Colt. Greer being in the military and then deciding to buy his farm. The twins planning for their "retirement" and buying the house. Lucian coming off as a stuck up snob outside of kink to Penelope. And many other glimpses. I ate it up!
If you love The Game Series, absolutely read this book. It'll feel like a (steamy) warm hug!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We start the series with Lucas meeting the Tenleys first. A little steam commences. We then add on a founder at a time, with funny little anecdotes and a steamy scene or two thrown in. There isn't romance because we know there hasn't ever been any romance between the founders (except Lucas and Colt, but that's different). But there is definitely kinky, filthy fun.
What always makes Cara's books shine is how real the characters feel, and how genuine the emotions are. These things are still very much present, even with the lack of romance. The book spans over a couple years I think which I usually hate, but it makes sense here because they didn't all meet and decide to form this community within a small window of time.
I loved seeing these characters a little younger, with slightly bigger glimpses into events in their lives that we know happened. How they felt trying to navigate the kink scene before deciding to found the House. Like Lucas working for his dad, and how his friends reacted to his relationship to Colt. Greer being in the military and then deciding to buy his farm. The twins planning for their "retirement" and buying the house. Lucian coming off as a stuck up snob outside of kink to Penelope. And many other glimpses. I ate it up!
If you love The Game Series, absolutely read this book. It'll feel like a (steamy) warm hug!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2025
This book is filled with glimpses of the Founders of Mclean House as they met. Set about 20 years ago, these younger versions of Cara Dee's wonderful MCs meeting each other is such a fun way to learn their backstories.
The Founders come together to start working on what will end up being the focal location for the 15 books that follow. A look at their younger selves is such a treat for fans. We are able to learn who they were and see how that must have led to who they've become. We also see them a little more emotionally vulnerable. It gives their future bond as friends a deeper meaning and is such a skillful bit of writing.
Each MC expresses their hopes for a future romance they find in The Game. But it's also loaded with fun Easter eggs for each Founder's later story. I hope this is the first of many looks back at the wide cast of characters. It's the perfect book for fans but also a great way to get to know all 8 of them at once. A great peek into of one of my favorite worlds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Founders come together to start working on what will end up being the focal location for the 15 books that follow. A look at their younger selves is such a treat for fans. We are able to learn who they were and see how that must have led to who they've become. We also see them a little more emotionally vulnerable. It gives their future bond as friends a deeper meaning and is such a skillful bit of writing.
Each MC expresses their hopes for a future romance they find in The Game. But it's also loaded with fun Easter eggs for each Founder's later story. I hope this is the first of many looks back at the wide cast of characters. It's the perfect book for fans but also a great way to get to know all 8 of them at once. A great peek into of one of my favorite worlds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2025
“Little did we know” as the title of this book works both for the main eight characters as well as for us the readers. We knew the founders of our beloved McLean House but we only knew a bit about their backgrounds. In this book Cara Dee gives us the beginning of the club and a lot more about the history of these characters. If you are already a fan then you probably are already reading this book and if you are new to Cara Dee’s work then this is a perfect place to start.
I will warn you that once you start reading her books then you will be missing some sleep as you stay awake reading more and more. I love learning more about the history of these people and how and why they started their club. There have been some details in previous books because Ms Dee is great at linking her series together, but this is the book that I have longed for mostly due to all those hints that she has dropped! I was not disappointed and I doubt you will be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will warn you that once you start reading her books then you will be missing some sleep as you stay awake reading more and more. I love learning more about the history of these people and how and why they started their club. There have been some details in previous books because Ms Dee is great at linking her series together, but this is the book that I have longed for mostly due to all those hints that she has dropped! I was not disappointed and I doubt you will be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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