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The Intimacy of #1
The Intimacy of Skin
Crew Hayes
Pain. After ten years of secrets, that was the only thing that kept me sane. Men had been paying to slap me around for eight years and I refused to let that change.
Until I met a client with fiery amber eyes and gentle hands. That night tore me apart, burned me up inside, and reminded me that pain was what I wanted. What I craved. What I deserved.
It was only supposed to be one night. If I'd known I was going to be working for him thanks to my best friend's meddling, I never would've let him touch me.
No matter how much I want him, I know I can't have him. Even if I crave his touch. Even if I crave his warmth.
I don't do soft.
Price Iverson
My demons left me lonely and stagnant. Not only did I hate my job, but I'd given up on my dream and fell into some not-so-savory habits.
On the days the shadows closed in on me and the itching just beneath my skin got to be too much, I'd pay for the human connection I craved.
Crew was beautiful and he was sad. Something about his tattered soul spoke to mine. When given the opportunity to know him outside of our one-night connection, I couldn't help jumping at it.
I could see the demons behind his icy blue eyes. I could tell he was drowning. I wanted to know everything about him and build something more with him. I'd do almost anything to learn what's haunting him.
But I don't do rough. And I don't think he wants to either.
The Intimacy of Skin is an MM hurt/comfort featuring the perfect fire and ice pairing. This book contains heavy themes that could potentially be triggering. A detailed list of trigger warnings is included in the Content and Trigger Warnings section.
Pain. After ten years of secrets, that was the only thing that kept me sane. Men had been paying to slap me around for eight years and I refused to let that change.
Until I met a client with fiery amber eyes and gentle hands. That night tore me apart, burned me up inside, and reminded me that pain was what I wanted. What I craved. What I deserved.
It was only supposed to be one night. If I'd known I was going to be working for him thanks to my best friend's meddling, I never would've let him touch me.
No matter how much I want him, I know I can't have him. Even if I crave his touch. Even if I crave his warmth.
I don't do soft.
Price Iverson
My demons left me lonely and stagnant. Not only did I hate my job, but I'd given up on my dream and fell into some not-so-savory habits.
On the days the shadows closed in on me and the itching just beneath my skin got to be too much, I'd pay for the human connection I craved.
Crew was beautiful and he was sad. Something about his tattered soul spoke to mine. When given the opportunity to know him outside of our one-night connection, I couldn't help jumping at it.
I could see the demons behind his icy blue eyes. I could tell he was drowning. I wanted to know everything about him and build something more with him. I'd do almost anything to learn what's haunting him.
But I don't do rough. And I don't think he wants to either.
The Intimacy of Skin is an MM hurt/comfort featuring the perfect fire and ice pairing. This book contains heavy themes that could potentially be triggering. A detailed list of trigger warnings is included in the Content and Trigger Warnings section.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
About the author
C.W. Scott
6 books93 followersC.W. Scott has spent his entire life in the depths of the Deep South, dreaming that one day, he’d write hundreds of happy stories to counteract the bad ones. Starting as a poet, he eventually found his passion writing MM romance novels that maintain a lyrical and poetic essence in their style. Much like his poetry, his writing includes dark, difficult themes and brings them to life with a heartwarming, hard-fought HEA. Don’t ever ask him to cook or solve a math problem, though. He has one skill, and one skill alone. It’s in everyone’s best interests that no one pushes for a second.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
August 11, 2025
5 ⭐️
🩵 Sex Worker/Chef
🧡 Found family
🩵 Hurt/Comfort
🧡 Touch Aversion to Snuggles
🩵 Broken Boys Healing Together
🧡 Mental Health Rep
🖤 No breakup
🩶 No OM drama (one character is a sex worker but they both stop anything with other people while working/being together)
🤍 Strict Roles
I like that Crew and Price are names that are the same exact level of weird. I can’t explain it, they just are.
This was the closest a book had come to scratching my Tal Bauer itch. It was poetic, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and beautiful. The pacing of the relationship felt natural from start to finish and it was the perfect amazing of push-pull with the relationship and external angst that the couple works through together.
And PRAISE JESUS for characters that realize they want to be with each other past their “expiration date” and actually f*cking tell the other person like an adult! Amen for communication! If Crew can find a way to do it, so can all these other fictional characters that I yell at through my kindle for being dummies!
In a world where people are romanticizing abuse in books or writing scenes with minors in graphic detail, this was handled with care. It’s not fair to avoid writing difficult things because that’s not true to life, but it’s not easy. I thought Crew’s history of being abused as a child was handled delicately and the letters we get to read were a way to show us what happened to him as gently as possible. It wasn’t graphic but it was clear. We were able to feel the pain he went through this way without an author going into unnecessary detail of certain acts.
I LOVE the scene of Crew searching for a therapist. We normally just hear a character say they’ll get therapy or hear in the epilogue they went but I like seeing the initiative and that it was challenging for him. Normally it feels like ticking a box in a book when the characters have been through so much and the author needs to add something to allude to them getting help but it feels passive. This is as intentional and I liked it.
Also, thank you C.W. Scott for writing such a beautifully tragic depiction of self harm. This scene is as almost word for word some of exact experiences and I was shocked at the way you captured that on page and grateful for the way you wrote Price supporting Crew.
Lastly, my one critique. I won’t lie, I do think the language got a tad bit too flowery for me at some points. Mostly when it was the same descriptors that had been used in previous chapters. That’s mostly my personal preference. I like more dialogue and interaction over internal monologue, but a lot of the internal reflection was necessary for the this story, and we do know from the authors blurb that he’s a poet, so I knew to expect that.
🩵 Sex Worker/Chef
🧡 Found family
🩵 Hurt/Comfort
🧡 Touch Aversion to Snuggles
🩵 Broken Boys Healing Together
🧡 Mental Health Rep
🖤 No breakup
🩶 No OM drama (one character is a sex worker but they both stop anything with other people while working/being together)
🤍 Strict Roles
I like that Crew and Price are names that are the same exact level of weird. I can’t explain it, they just are.
This was the closest a book had come to scratching my Tal Bauer itch. It was poetic, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and beautiful. The pacing of the relationship felt natural from start to finish and it was the perfect amazing of push-pull with the relationship and external angst that the couple works through together.
And PRAISE JESUS for characters that realize they want to be with each other past their “expiration date” and actually f*cking tell the other person like an adult! Amen for communication! If Crew can find a way to do it, so can all these other fictional characters that I yell at through my kindle for being dummies!
In a world where people are romanticizing abuse in books or writing scenes with minors in graphic detail, this was handled with care. It’s not fair to avoid writing difficult things because that’s not true to life, but it’s not easy. I thought Crew’s history of being abused as a child was handled delicately and the letters we get to read were a way to show us what happened to him as gently as possible. It wasn’t graphic but it was clear. We were able to feel the pain he went through this way without an author going into unnecessary detail of certain acts.
I LOVE the scene of Crew searching for a therapist. We normally just hear a character say they’ll get therapy or hear in the epilogue they went but I like seeing the initiative and that it was challenging for him. Normally it feels like ticking a box in a book when the characters have been through so much and the author needs to add something to allude to them getting help but it feels passive. This is as intentional and I liked it.
Also, thank you C.W. Scott for writing such a beautifully tragic depiction of self harm. This scene is as almost word for word some of exact experiences and I was shocked at the way you captured that on page and grateful for the way you wrote Price supporting Crew.
Lastly, my one critique. I won’t lie, I do think the language got a tad bit too flowery for me at some points. Mostly when it was the same descriptors that had been used in previous chapters. That’s mostly my personal preference. I like more dialogue and interaction over internal monologue, but a lot of the internal reflection was necessary for the this story, and we do know from the authors blurb that he’s a poet, so I knew to expect that.
August 8, 2025
So here’s the thing, I don’t have words, but I’ll try to find some.
C.W. Scott’s portrayal of trauma and anxiety hit me like a ton of bricks. It was moving and poignant and frankly, heartbreaking at times.
Crew had my heart from the first few pages. He was so beautifully broken. Watching him learn to accept love was gutwrenching and sweet. I oscillated between giggling and kicking my feet and being the literal embodiment of this 🥺 emoji.
I didn’t expect to relate so hard to Price, but I did. His desire to make things better for Crew, to get him to accept love and gentleness touched my soul. His backstory (so similar to my own) affected me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I’ve seen people talk about “silent disco” (iykyk) and while I definitely love that phrasing, I relate much harder to the way Price’s anxiety manifested.
I cheered for these two so hard and fell in love with them both. They felt so nuanced and multifaceted with backstories that felt real and well represented in how they acted, both with each other and with the world around them.
I can’t wait to read more from this author. His poetic, lyrical prose was beautiful but never overdone, and I know he’ll be a one click author for me from now until the end of time. This book is a must read.
C.W. Scott’s portrayal of trauma and anxiety hit me like a ton of bricks. It was moving and poignant and frankly, heartbreaking at times.
Crew had my heart from the first few pages. He was so beautifully broken. Watching him learn to accept love was gutwrenching and sweet. I oscillated between giggling and kicking my feet and being the literal embodiment of this 🥺 emoji.
I didn’t expect to relate so hard to Price, but I did. His desire to make things better for Crew, to get him to accept love and gentleness touched my soul. His backstory (so similar to my own) affected me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I’ve seen people talk about “silent disco” (iykyk) and while I definitely love that phrasing, I relate much harder to the way Price’s anxiety manifested.
I cheered for these two so hard and fell in love with them both. They felt so nuanced and multifaceted with backstories that felt real and well represented in how they acted, both with each other and with the world around them.
I can’t wait to read more from this author. His poetic, lyrical prose was beautiful but never overdone, and I know he’ll be a one click author for me from now until the end of time. This book is a must read.
March 8, 2026
The intimacy of skin
C.W. Scott
Crew & Price
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Strangers to lovers
S@x worker/ restaurant manager
Opposites
Broken Boys
Self harm
Abuse & Trauma
Healing
Found Family
Wow, this was such an incredible but challenging book to read.
These two sweet broken boys have been through so much.
Especially Crew, oh my heart. He has suffered through so much.
These two meet unexpectedly and just have a pull towards each other.
This is an absolute slow burn. Rightfully so. They need time to heal and be vulnerable and trust eachother.
The intimacy between them was everything. Price is incredible.
“Price and I were meant to be. The fire to my ice. The gentle to my rough. The everything to my nothing.”
What a journey this book was. So raw, real and gritty.
This was so emotional. I'm so glad Crew got some healing and closure. Price too.
“Fuck your soft hands, your gentle voice, your praise, and your gorgeous damn face. Fuck you for ever showing me what kindness felt like.”
Ughh my heart this was fantastic. What a beautiful story. So glad they got their hea.
C.W. Scott
Crew & Price
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Strangers to lovers
S@x worker/ restaurant manager
Opposites
Broken Boys
Self harm
Abuse & Trauma
Healing
Found Family
Wow, this was such an incredible but challenging book to read.
These two sweet broken boys have been through so much.
Especially Crew, oh my heart. He has suffered through so much.
These two meet unexpectedly and just have a pull towards each other.
This is an absolute slow burn. Rightfully so. They need time to heal and be vulnerable and trust eachother.
The intimacy between them was everything. Price is incredible.
“Price and I were meant to be. The fire to my ice. The gentle to my rough. The everything to my nothing.”
What a journey this book was. So raw, real and gritty.
This was so emotional. I'm so glad Crew got some healing and closure. Price too.
“Fuck your soft hands, your gentle voice, your praise, and your gorgeous damn face. Fuck you for ever showing me what kindness felt like.”
Ughh my heart this was fantastic. What a beautiful story. So glad they got their hea.
January 18, 2026
3.5-4⭐️
Crew and Price were too cute together, their healing journey was heartwarming.
Emotional read, but at times the book lost me. The first half seemed more engaging, but I pushed through sometimes skimming parts that seemed to drag on. The book finished with 2 epilogues to enable the author to include side characters in the HEA.
Crew and Price were too cute together, their healing journey was heartwarming.
Emotional read, but at times the book lost me. The first half seemed more engaging, but I pushed through sometimes skimming parts that seemed to drag on. The book finished with 2 epilogues to enable the author to include side characters in the HEA.
August 23, 2025
⭐️
4.5 stars rounded up!
⭐️
Despite this taking me so long to finish, I overall very much loved it. This new author had a very strong first showing.
I truly don't know why I had so many starts and stops while reading this, it was actually a wonderful book with a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story of love and happiness, but I didn't feel like taking a full star off for it.
I think I just loved most of this too much, so I only am giving it .5 stars off for the slowness and rounding up instead of down.
I think it was just hard at first, to deal with Crew not wanting to give into the gentleness and love that Price was offering him. Not only the angst of it all, and Crew being so suicidal and in such pain and wanting to hurt himself all the time, but being unable to accept even a nice sexual experience.
It is absolutely realistic that Crew takes so long to come out of such a deep hole, and I appreciated this story and the writing so much to take its time with Crew, that he didn't just get over his trauma and pain like *that*
But at the same time as a reader I guess it was just hard to read for awhile. Hard to get such a push and pull - mostly push - from Crew for such a long time. A completely understandable thing for Crew to do for awhile, with where he was mentally and emotionally, but that doesn't change how like...for every little step forward, there were like....2 giant steps back and that was hard to read at times.
BUT like I said, it was so good and well written that I ultimately didn't feel the need to take off more than .5 stars.
Because I understood Crew even as it could be frustrating to read, especially for the love story between him and Price.
Price was wonderful, a Prince Charming as Crew called him. He wasn't perfect, he had his own problems like severe anxiety that would lead to its own form of self harm. But he was so wonderful to Crew and so soft and gentle and loving with him. That fact that Crew was so scared to let go and let himself have something good for himself, but Price was so patient and kind and wonderful with him that eventually Crew could let go bit by bit and trust him, ultimately was HUGE.
This is ultimately a big huge hurt/comfort story. They're both hurt in different ways and in different degrees but they both bring such comfort and love to each other.
By the end of this I was smiling so big, because of where they were compared to where they started. I absolutely felt the love between them and the "I love you's" were SO earned and them getting their HEA after a LOT of hard work (in much needed therapy for both thANK YOU) was beyond beautiful and I was beyond elated at their wonderful HEA.
They also had wonderful chemistry. Price was a wonderful lover and he took care of Crew as well as teach him patience and how that can lead to such wonderful, passionate love making. He treated Crew like a King and was so cautious, understanding, loving, passionate all in one.
Like no wonder Willow, Crew's best friend, was so happy when Crew and Price started seeing each other. Price was everything you want in a partner. Willow got to see her best friend finally be happy and treated amazingly by a man instead of hurt over and over like his clients did when he was a sex worker.
And don't worry, Crew stops sex work pretty much after their first sexual encounter. He *might* have done more in the days leading up to their second run-in but we never hear about any of it if so. Price offers Crew a (non-existent at the time) job at the restaurant he works at and Willow is there and wants so much more for Crew, and Crew feels bad and guilty about worrying her, so he takes the job.
He and Price also strike up a "deal" that Crew won't do sex work and Price won't go looking for sex workers to be with for a 6 month period, and they start up a sexual relationship - that of course becomes more - pretty soon into that 6 month period and never look back.
So ultimately I loved this and I highly recommend it.
Of course, don't ignore the CW/TWs at the beginning of the book. Crew suffers CSA but it's never very detailed at all. It gives you just enough to get the gist of it.
I also can't wait for more from this author. I wouldn't mind a story for Tobi, to see him find love, and Callum as well, I loved both of their characters, so I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled for if this author writes their love stories as well.
Until then! ❤️
Despite this taking me so long to finish, I overall very much loved it. This new author had a very strong first showing.
I truly don't know why I had so many starts and stops while reading this, it was actually a wonderful book with a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story of love and happiness, but I didn't feel like taking a full star off for it.
I think I just loved most of this too much, so I only am giving it .5 stars off for the slowness and rounding up instead of down.
I think it was just hard at first, to deal with Crew not wanting to give into the gentleness and love that Price was offering him. Not only the angst of it all, and Crew being so suicidal and in such pain and wanting to hurt himself all the time, but being unable to accept even a nice sexual experience.
It is absolutely realistic that Crew takes so long to come out of such a deep hole, and I appreciated this story and the writing so much to take its time with Crew, that he didn't just get over his trauma and pain like *that*
But at the same time as a reader I guess it was just hard to read for awhile. Hard to get such a push and pull - mostly push - from Crew for such a long time. A completely understandable thing for Crew to do for awhile, with where he was mentally and emotionally, but that doesn't change how like...for every little step forward, there were like....2 giant steps back and that was hard to read at times.
BUT like I said, it was so good and well written that I ultimately didn't feel the need to take off more than .5 stars.
Because I understood Crew even as it could be frustrating to read, especially for the love story between him and Price.
Price was wonderful, a Prince Charming as Crew called him. He wasn't perfect, he had his own problems like severe anxiety that would lead to its own form of self harm. But he was so wonderful to Crew and so soft and gentle and loving with him. That fact that Crew was so scared to let go and let himself have something good for himself, but Price was so patient and kind and wonderful with him that eventually Crew could let go bit by bit and trust him, ultimately was HUGE.
This is ultimately a big huge hurt/comfort story. They're both hurt in different ways and in different degrees but they both bring such comfort and love to each other.
By the end of this I was smiling so big, because of where they were compared to where they started. I absolutely felt the love between them and the "I love you's" were SO earned and them getting their HEA after a LOT of hard work (in much needed therapy for both thANK YOU) was beyond beautiful and I was beyond elated at their wonderful HEA.
They also had wonderful chemistry. Price was a wonderful lover and he took care of Crew as well as teach him patience and how that can lead to such wonderful, passionate love making. He treated Crew like a King and was so cautious, understanding, loving, passionate all in one.
Like no wonder Willow, Crew's best friend, was so happy when Crew and Price started seeing each other. Price was everything you want in a partner. Willow got to see her best friend finally be happy and treated amazingly by a man instead of hurt over and over like his clients did when he was a sex worker.
And don't worry, Crew stops sex work pretty much after their first sexual encounter. He *might* have done more in the days leading up to their second run-in but we never hear about any of it if so. Price offers Crew a (non-existent at the time) job at the restaurant he works at and Willow is there and wants so much more for Crew, and Crew feels bad and guilty about worrying her, so he takes the job.
He and Price also strike up a "deal" that Crew won't do sex work and Price won't go looking for sex workers to be with for a 6 month period, and they start up a sexual relationship - that of course becomes more - pretty soon into that 6 month period and never look back.
So ultimately I loved this and I highly recommend it.
Of course, don't ignore the CW/TWs at the beginning of the book. Crew suffers CSA but it's never very detailed at all. It gives you just enough to get the gist of it.
I also can't wait for more from this author. I wouldn't mind a story for Tobi, to see him find love, and Callum as well, I loved both of their characters, so I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled for if this author writes their love stories as well.
Until then! ❤️
July 28, 2025
6 ⭐
3🌶️
Please check your triggers prior to reading: The author provides a detailed list with statistics at the front of the book. There are heavy topics discussed throughout
Prince Charming and Pretty Boy were wholesome, raw and passionate. Magnificent. I wish I could forget them only to read them again for the first time. I laughed and I cried. I felt every single emotion possible while reading this beauty. This is the most lyrical, poet romance I've ever read. It was so hauntingly beautiful and raw. The passion - Price gave me goosebumps every time he showed Crew what tender love could be and look like. He truly is Prince Charming. Watching Crew come out of his shell and let his sass out had be laughing and crying. I couldn't help but fall in love with the author and the characters he created.
The tender love, and care for the mental health of these characters was outstanding. The way he explained silent panic attacks as silent discos had be reeling. I've never thought of them that way and it is 100% accurate.
Chapter Sixteen had me sobbing. The way Crew described glaciers (I don't want to say too much, but when you read you'll understand)
This book has taken the top spot of 2025 for me. It's been two days since I finished them and I'm still obsessed. This was a stunning debut and I cannot wait to see what comes next from CW Scott.
WHAT TO EXPECT
🩵Cook x Sex Worker
🧡Mental Health Rep
🩵Trauma Rep
🧡Southern Pretty Boy x Big City Prince Charming
🩵FWB to Lovers
🧡Fire and Ice Pairing
🩵Forced Proximity
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
3🌶️
Please check your triggers prior to reading: The author provides a detailed list with statistics at the front of the book. There are heavy topics discussed throughout
Prince Charming and Pretty Boy were wholesome, raw and passionate. Magnificent. I wish I could forget them only to read them again for the first time. I laughed and I cried. I felt every single emotion possible while reading this beauty. This is the most lyrical, poet romance I've ever read. It was so hauntingly beautiful and raw. The passion - Price gave me goosebumps every time he showed Crew what tender love could be and look like. He truly is Prince Charming. Watching Crew come out of his shell and let his sass out had be laughing and crying. I couldn't help but fall in love with the author and the characters he created.
The tender love, and care for the mental health of these characters was outstanding. The way he explained silent panic attacks as silent discos had be reeling. I've never thought of them that way and it is 100% accurate.
Chapter Sixteen had me sobbing. The way Crew described glaciers (I don't want to say too much, but when you read you'll understand)
This book has taken the top spot of 2025 for me. It's been two days since I finished them and I'm still obsessed. This was a stunning debut and I cannot wait to see what comes next from CW Scott.
WHAT TO EXPECT
🩵Cook x Sex Worker
🧡Mental Health Rep
🩵Trauma Rep
🧡Southern Pretty Boy x Big City Prince Charming
🩵FWB to Lovers
🧡Fire and Ice Pairing
🩵Forced Proximity
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
August 7, 2026
“I took the punch of wind in the form of human hands, soaking myself in my own blood, understanding it would be the only warmth I’d deserved.”
I was devastated for Crew from the jump, trying to understand what could lead someone to openly seek out such awful treatment in his career as a sex worker.
Crew falling apart simply because Price is gentle, was incredibly special. When we finally learn about Crew's past, it makes so much sense why he struggles to accept kindness. He is a beautifully well developed character who absolutely deserved the softness he was given.
I did find Price's journey slightly lacking in depth compared to Crew's. We know he has severe anxiety and coping tendencies, like scratching until he bleeds, but that exploration took a backseat to Crew's trauma.
Overall, this is a solid debut. The author clearly handles this sensitive subject matter with care, and despite the heavy themes, the push and pull in this isn't too angsty.
I'm excited to see what happens with Tobi and Callum next. I have a feeling Tobi has a lot going on in his head that he isn't letting out.
I was devastated for Crew from the jump, trying to understand what could lead someone to openly seek out such awful treatment in his career as a sex worker.
Crew falling apart simply because Price is gentle, was incredibly special. When we finally learn about Crew's past, it makes so much sense why he struggles to accept kindness. He is a beautifully well developed character who absolutely deserved the softness he was given.
I did find Price's journey slightly lacking in depth compared to Crew's. We know he has severe anxiety and coping tendencies, like scratching until he bleeds, but that exploration took a backseat to Crew's trauma.
Overall, this is a solid debut. The author clearly handles this sensitive subject matter with care, and despite the heavy themes, the push and pull in this isn't too angsty.
I'm excited to see what happens with Tobi and Callum next. I have a feeling Tobi has a lot going on in his head that he isn't letting out.
August 8, 2026
What in the ever-loving beautiful hell was this 🤯
“When Price looked at me, it didn’t feel like he was simply looking.
It was as if he was absorbing my icy soul, forcing smoke to billow around us as the glaciers inside of me screamed for his warmth.”
Honestly, I don't have much to say. I have a ton of highlights and absolutely zero notes.
This is such a sad book. So much pain, two people so completely broken that sometimes it was almost unbearable to watch. But God, how beautiful was it still. Watching Price approach Crew with so much gentleness and patience while struggling so badly himself was heartbreaking 💔 but it was also incredibly powerful and healing ❤️🩹
These two felt inevitable, soulmate-kind from the very beginning, fire and ice, Emo Prince Charming 🤭 and Pretty Boy 🖤
“He isn’t my boyfriend. He’s my fucking catalyst. He’s the inevitable, not my death, and that scares the ever-loving shit out of me.”
An absolutely devastating, deeply healing journey. Perfect epilogues, and honestly, I won’t change anything. Everything in this book just worked.
Won’t be wasting more space, an easy five stars. I love when a book makes it this simple.
Also, Pilly the pillow 🥹
“When Price looked at me, it didn’t feel like he was simply looking.
It was as if he was absorbing my icy soul, forcing smoke to billow around us as the glaciers inside of me screamed for his warmth.”
Honestly, I don't have much to say. I have a ton of highlights and absolutely zero notes.
This is such a sad book. So much pain, two people so completely broken that sometimes it was almost unbearable to watch. But God, how beautiful was it still. Watching Price approach Crew with so much gentleness and patience while struggling so badly himself was heartbreaking 💔 but it was also incredibly powerful and healing ❤️🩹
These two felt inevitable, soulmate-kind from the very beginning, fire and ice, Emo Prince Charming 🤭 and Pretty Boy 🖤
“He isn’t my boyfriend. He’s my fucking catalyst. He’s the inevitable, not my death, and that scares the ever-loving shit out of me.”
An absolutely devastating, deeply healing journey. Perfect epilogues, and honestly, I won’t change anything. Everything in this book just worked.
Won’t be wasting more space, an easy five stars. I love when a book makes it this simple.
Also, Pilly the pillow 🥹
August 4, 2025
Rating this book almost feels like an injustice to both the author and the story, because how do you rate a book so beautifully written that it feels more like an experience than a story?.This book was pure poetry.I highlighted countless sentences because they felt like they spoke directly to my soul. The term 'Silent Disco' resonated with me so much & its a term I'll carry with me thanks to C.W Scott.Another wonderful Debut author...wow we readers are so lucky.
Crew and Price are two broken, beautiful souls who were lucky to find each other in this cruel world. Price’s gentleness is everything Crew needed and deserved. Their connection was raw,deeply emotional and i shed tears.
The portrayal of mental health in this book was handled with so much care and authenticity. I strongly encourage checking trigger warnings because there are some tough themes,but the author approaches the heavy themes with sensitivity and grace.
This is a story that will make you feel! Unforgettable and beautifully written.
Crew and Price are two broken, beautiful souls who were lucky to find each other in this cruel world. Price’s gentleness is everything Crew needed and deserved. Their connection was raw,deeply emotional and i shed tears.
The portrayal of mental health in this book was handled with so much care and authenticity. I strongly encourage checking trigger warnings because there are some tough themes,but the author approaches the heavy themes with sensitivity and grace.
This is a story that will make you feel! Unforgettable and beautifully written.
July 30, 2025
6 STARS; ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE READ.
A breathtaking, emotional whirlwind.
The Intimacy of Skin is a story that grabbed my heart and refused to let go. It’s tender, honest, and emotionally rich—a romance that doesn’t shy away from the raw parts of healing, trauma, or love. I finished it days ago and still can’t stop thinking about it.
CW Scott’s writing is nothing short of lyrical. The prose flows with poetic beauty, balancing humor and heartbreak in equal measure. It’s rare to find a debut this refined and emotionally intelligent. From laugh-out-loud banter to tear-streaked vulnerability, every moment felt intensely personal and real.
Price absolutely is Prince Charming in every sense: patient, passionate, and full of quiet strength. His love for Crew radiates from every page. And Crew? Watching him gradually drop his guard, show his sassiness, and start to actually believe he deserves love? It was magical. Their chemistry was electric, but it’s the emotional intimacy that left me breathless.
What really stood out to me was the portrayal of mental health—thoughtful, respectful, and deeply resonant. One metaphor, describing silent panic attacks as "silent discos," hit me so hard I had to pause. It was such a clever, accurate way to articulate something so invisible.
This book is easily a new favorite and will end up in my top reads of the year I am sure of it. C.W. Scott is one to be watched and I cant wait to read everything else he publishes.
A breathtaking, emotional whirlwind.
The Intimacy of Skin is a story that grabbed my heart and refused to let go. It’s tender, honest, and emotionally rich—a romance that doesn’t shy away from the raw parts of healing, trauma, or love. I finished it days ago and still can’t stop thinking about it.
CW Scott’s writing is nothing short of lyrical. The prose flows with poetic beauty, balancing humor and heartbreak in equal measure. It’s rare to find a debut this refined and emotionally intelligent. From laugh-out-loud banter to tear-streaked vulnerability, every moment felt intensely personal and real.
Price absolutely is Prince Charming in every sense: patient, passionate, and full of quiet strength. His love for Crew radiates from every page. And Crew? Watching him gradually drop his guard, show his sassiness, and start to actually believe he deserves love? It was magical. Their chemistry was electric, but it’s the emotional intimacy that left me breathless.
What really stood out to me was the portrayal of mental health—thoughtful, respectful, and deeply resonant. One metaphor, describing silent panic attacks as "silent discos," hit me so hard I had to pause. It was such a clever, accurate way to articulate something so invisible.
This book is easily a new favorite and will end up in my top reads of the year I am sure of it. C.W. Scott is one to be watched and I cant wait to read everything else he publishes.
September 2, 2025
I ended up skimming through the last few chapters and the epilogue. For me, it got a bit too cheesy and honestly felt more cringe than emotional. The story definitely has potential, and I can see why others might enjoy it, but it just wasn’t for me.
August 27, 2025
This has to be a debut novel. It definitely reads like one.
Just some random thoughts I had while trying to get through the first few chapters:
• Extremely wordy,
• Odd overuse of fire and ice imagery - I mean, just let the ‘glacier’ and ‘arctic’ comparisons go already, geez! Crew has cold, blue eyes - I get it! I do understand imagery and metaphor. You ain’t gotta knock me over the head with it 14 times before I understand,
• Convoluted motivations for Crews’ behavior - I gave up the ghost when Crew was declaring loudly to Price in a public place that he preferred men 20+ years older with beer bellies and cigarette smoke auras who liked to beat him up. He says he loves it and mentions “big, fat cocks” many a time. A+ for vulgarity. This guy is supposed to be 23 and gorgeous? Yet he’s been engaging in aggressive and degrading sex work for 8 years?
Ok then.
This was SO unbelievably overwritten that it was almost impossible to slog through. This author tried very hard to be overly poetic and descriptive in every scene and, man, it makes for lots of wordy words to get through.
I skimmed through to the end because I’m an adult and can make my own decisions and, alas, things don’t improve, I’m sorry to say. This one is a bit of a lost cause, IMO.
I just can’t go back and commit to making it through - this is trauma porn. It’s not good and needs a thorough, patient editor.
Just some random thoughts I had while trying to get through the first few chapters:
• Extremely wordy,
• Odd overuse of fire and ice imagery - I mean, just let the ‘glacier’ and ‘arctic’ comparisons go already, geez! Crew has cold, blue eyes - I get it! I do understand imagery and metaphor. You ain’t gotta knock me over the head with it 14 times before I understand,
• Convoluted motivations for Crews’ behavior - I gave up the ghost when Crew was declaring loudly to Price in a public place that he preferred men 20+ years older with beer bellies and cigarette smoke auras who liked to beat him up. He says he loves it and mentions “big, fat cocks” many a time. A+ for vulgarity. This guy is supposed to be 23 and gorgeous? Yet he’s been engaging in aggressive and degrading sex work for 8 years?
Ok then.
This was SO unbelievably overwritten that it was almost impossible to slog through. This author tried very hard to be overly poetic and descriptive in every scene and, man, it makes for lots of wordy words to get through.
I skimmed through to the end because I’m an adult and can make my own decisions and, alas, things don’t improve, I’m sorry to say. This one is a bit of a lost cause, IMO.
I just can’t go back and commit to making it through - this is trauma porn. It’s not good and needs a thorough, patient editor.
January 29, 2026
Oh. My. God.
I have no words, but I'll try.
It's heavy, emotional, and deeply uncomfortable in places, but in a way that feels so damn honest.
Crew is carrying so much pain around in his body and his head, and reading his POV genuinely hurt. Not in a shock value way, but in a quiet, sinking way that stays with you.
Price was exactly what this story needed. Gentle, patient, and steady without ever trying to “fix” Crew. He just shows up. Over and over and over again. And sometimes that’s harder to accept than cruelty. Especially for Crew.
What really got me was how intimate this book feels without relying on sex.
Touch matters. Being seen matters.
Small moments felt huge, and every bit of progress felt earned.
This is a very slow, very intimate story where touch and consent mean everything.
Healing isn’t pretty or fast, and the book never pretends that it is.
Definitely check content warnings. But if you’re in the mood for something raw, emotional, and quietly devastating, this one is so worth it.
I have no words, but I'll try.
It's heavy, emotional, and deeply uncomfortable in places, but in a way that feels so damn honest.
Crew is carrying so much pain around in his body and his head, and reading his POV genuinely hurt. Not in a shock value way, but in a quiet, sinking way that stays with you.
Price was exactly what this story needed. Gentle, patient, and steady without ever trying to “fix” Crew. He just shows up. Over and over and over again. And sometimes that’s harder to accept than cruelty. Especially for Crew.
What really got me was how intimate this book feels without relying on sex.
Touch matters. Being seen matters.
Small moments felt huge, and every bit of progress felt earned.
This is a very slow, very intimate story where touch and consent mean everything.
Healing isn’t pretty or fast, and the book never pretends that it is.
Definitely check content warnings. But if you’re in the mood for something raw, emotional, and quietly devastating, this one is so worth it.
August 3, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Spice🌶️🌶️.5
I don’t even know where to begin, because this book wrecked me. From the very first page, The Intimacy of Skin slid beneath my skin, buried itself in my chest, and made a home there.
It’s not just a story—it’s poetry. Every sentence felt like it was breathing, aching, bleeding with emotion. I cried. No, sobbed. Real, chest-heaving, can’t-catch-my-breath sobs. And just when I thought I’d run out of tears, they started again 😭😭😭
Crew and Price… oh god. These two. Their love story is something so painfully raw, so intimately beautiful, I honestly don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
They are both so convinced they don’t deserve love, don’t deserve softness, and yet watching them give it to each other anyway was one of the most moving things I’ve ever read. 💕
It’s like they kept trying to push each other away to protect themselves—but all it did was prove how deeply they were meant for one another. Their love doesn’t just heal—it carves, reshapes, and remakes them. And watching that happen broke me in half in the best possible way.
The writing is simply breathtaking. It’s lyrical, visceral, and beautifully brutal. There were moments that felt like a knife under my skin and others that were so tender, I had to close the book just to feel for a moment longer. I highlighted passages like I was underlining scripture, because that’s what this felt like—sacred.
I went into this book expecting angst, and yes, I got it—but I didn’t expect to come out feeling reborn. I didn’t expect the way Crew’s sharp edges and Price’s gentle hands would find a rhythm that felt like survival. And love. And something too big for words.
This book made me feel. Deeply. Brutally. Honestly. And I’m so grateful for it. I don’t think I’ll ever be the same.
**I WAS GRATEFUL AND LUCKY TO RECEIVE AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK**
Ps: CW SCOTT had the audacity to offer to let me yell at them, which I fully took them up on because I couldn’t cry anymore—and respectfully they needed to know I will never be the same 😭😭😭
Spice🌶️🌶️.5
I don’t even know where to begin, because this book wrecked me. From the very first page, The Intimacy of Skin slid beneath my skin, buried itself in my chest, and made a home there.
It’s not just a story—it’s poetry. Every sentence felt like it was breathing, aching, bleeding with emotion. I cried. No, sobbed. Real, chest-heaving, can’t-catch-my-breath sobs. And just when I thought I’d run out of tears, they started again 😭😭😭
Crew and Price… oh god. These two. Their love story is something so painfully raw, so intimately beautiful, I honestly don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
They are both so convinced they don’t deserve love, don’t deserve softness, and yet watching them give it to each other anyway was one of the most moving things I’ve ever read. 💕
It’s like they kept trying to push each other away to protect themselves—but all it did was prove how deeply they were meant for one another. Their love doesn’t just heal—it carves, reshapes, and remakes them. And watching that happen broke me in half in the best possible way.
The writing is simply breathtaking. It’s lyrical, visceral, and beautifully brutal. There were moments that felt like a knife under my skin and others that were so tender, I had to close the book just to feel for a moment longer. I highlighted passages like I was underlining scripture, because that’s what this felt like—sacred.
I went into this book expecting angst, and yes, I got it—but I didn’t expect to come out feeling reborn. I didn’t expect the way Crew’s sharp edges and Price’s gentle hands would find a rhythm that felt like survival. And love. And something too big for words.
This book made me feel. Deeply. Brutally. Honestly. And I’m so grateful for it. I don’t think I’ll ever be the same.
**I WAS GRATEFUL AND LUCKY TO RECEIVE AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK**
Ps: CW SCOTT had the audacity to offer to let me yell at them, which I fully took them up on because I couldn’t cry anymore—and respectfully they needed to know I will never be the same 😭😭😭
August 8, 2025
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve been in a reading slump for a few weeks now and I’m so glad one of my book friends suggested The Intimacy of Skin.
I cannot believe this was a debut novel! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The character development was outstanding! I was hooked from the beginning and the more I read, the more I really grew to know Crew and Price and was rooting for love to prevail.
No one deserved a better love story and HEA than Crew and Price after the trauma that both survived.
*Please read the content warnings before you dive in.
I’ve been in a reading slump for a few weeks now and I’m so glad one of my book friends suggested The Intimacy of Skin.
I cannot believe this was a debut novel! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The character development was outstanding! I was hooked from the beginning and the more I read, the more I really grew to know Crew and Price and was rooting for love to prevail.
No one deserved a better love story and HEA than Crew and Price after the trauma that both survived.
*Please read the content warnings before you dive in.
August 8, 2025
Beautifully told
First of all, I want to extend a sincere thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this. It is phenomenal. For a debut, I am astounded. This book is so well written, so profound, that I am just in awe. I have so many highlights that I just adore. Crew and Price. Pretty Boy and Prince Charming. Ice and fire. Loved it! 😍
First of all, I want to extend a sincere thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this. It is phenomenal. For a debut, I am astounded. This book is so well written, so profound, that I am just in awe. I have so many highlights that I just adore. Crew and Price. Pretty Boy and Prince Charming. Ice and fire. Loved it! 😍
March 5, 2026
So much internal dialogue. I skimmed a lot. A LOT. I liked both main characters but I didn’t like allllll the words in their heads.
July 25, 2025
The Intimacy of Skin by C. W. Scott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is about two very troubled souls who are somehow drawn to one another. Both Price and Crew have dark pasts that are full of secrets. Pasts that include self-harming and shame. Secrets that have never been shared with anyone else. Even though they’re like fire and ice, there’s a kindred sadness that pulls them towards each other. Price is drawn to Crew in a way that he doesn’t understand, but he desperately wants to get to know him. And Crew can’t help the pull he feels. There’s a gentleness about Price that Crew has never known…that he has never allowed himself to know. He’s always felt undeserving of kindness and love. With time and unlimited patience, Crew begins to trust Price, and he learns to accept a “softer” love.
An MM hurt/comfort book that is a slow burn and a well deserved HEA.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is about two very troubled souls who are somehow drawn to one another. Both Price and Crew have dark pasts that are full of secrets. Pasts that include self-harming and shame. Secrets that have never been shared with anyone else. Even though they’re like fire and ice, there’s a kindred sadness that pulls them towards each other. Price is drawn to Crew in a way that he doesn’t understand, but he desperately wants to get to know him. And Crew can’t help the pull he feels. There’s a gentleness about Price that Crew has never known…that he has never allowed himself to know. He’s always felt undeserving of kindness and love. With time and unlimited patience, Crew begins to trust Price, and he learns to accept a “softer” love.
An MM hurt/comfort book that is a slow burn and a well deserved HEA.
January 10, 2026
I totally understand why so many people are over the moon about this story.
For one, the poetic way of writing is something we don't see often in our genre and it definitely enhanced the story for me. There is a metaphore about panic attacks I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Although I was a big fan of the writing style I do think there was an overuse of the fire and ice descriptions.
What truly moved was how raw and honest the story is about battling inner demons and life long believes. it gave it so much emotional weight and made me reflect on my own personal life.
If this wasn't a debut I would've rated it 3 stars just because of the pacing dragging after the 60% mark and the ending being a bit too sweet for the rawness of the rest of the story.
The book offers a powerful and realistic look at how mental health shapes our everyday lives, and that impact is what ultimately made it a meaningful read for me.
For one, the poetic way of writing is something we don't see often in our genre and it definitely enhanced the story for me. There is a metaphore about panic attacks I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Although I was a big fan of the writing style I do think there was an overuse of the fire and ice descriptions.
What truly moved was how raw and honest the story is about battling inner demons and life long believes. it gave it so much emotional weight and made me reflect on my own personal life.
If this wasn't a debut I would've rated it 3 stars just because of the pacing dragging after the 60% mark and the ending being a bit too sweet for the rawness of the rest of the story.
The book offers a powerful and realistic look at how mental health shapes our everyday lives, and that impact is what ultimately made it a meaningful read for me.
March 25, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This is a long book about Price and Crew and their difficult road to be together and move forward in life. They both have significant issues related to childhood and abuse that come out over the course of the story.
I didn’t care for the style of this book. While I do like descriptive writing, this particular style wasn’t for me and it made the book excessively long and difficult to get to the actual story. There are so many analogies and awkward descriptions that took away rather than added to the story for me.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This is a long book about Price and Crew and their difficult road to be together and move forward in life. They both have significant issues related to childhood and abuse that come out over the course of the story.
I didn’t care for the style of this book. While I do like descriptive writing, this particular style wasn’t for me and it made the book excessively long and difficult to get to the actual story. There are so many analogies and awkward descriptions that took away rather than added to the story for me.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
September 28, 2025
Intense but really good
August 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️✨ (2.5 Stars)
This was my first time reading this author’s work, and unfortunately, I think this one just wasn’t for me. I can definitely see the potential in the story and the characters, but I struggled to connect with the way the story was delivered and with the pacing.
Crew’s story is incredibly traumatic, and it’s clear just how deeply his past has affected him. He shuts everyone out and turns to self-harm and prostitution as a way to escape and disassociate from his reality. He continues to punish himself rather than allowing anyone to help him, which made his story difficult to read at times.
Price is also dealing with the lasting effects of his own trauma, which has resulted in him having severe anxiety and harming himself through intense scratching. The two cross paths when Price hires Crew for the night, and their relationship begins from there.
For me, these two felt like they were primarily bonded through their shared trauma. They both clearly needed a lot of support and healing, but instead they leaned into each other and their friends-with-benefits arrangement to deal with their pain. This led to a lot of push and pull, questionable decisions, and both of them reacting from places of hurt and trauma. I did appreciate that they were eventually able to work through everything and find their way to their HEA, but it was definitely a difficult road getting there.
The biggest hurdle for me was the dialogue. I think the author was going for something more poetic and emotionally impactful at times, but unfortunately, it just didn’t land for me. Some of the dialogue felt a little unnatural and didn’t always feel true to the characters. I also found myself feeling like I was being told about the emotional connection between Crew and Price rather than actually experiencing it through the storytelling. That may very well be a personal preference on my part, but it made it difficult for me to fully connect with their relationship.
I also felt like the story started to drag as it went on. With the relationship being the primary focus throughout, there wasn’t much of a side plot to break things up, and some of the push-and-pull between them began to feel repetitive for me.
Overall, this one just didn’t quite work for me. I can absolutely see the potential in both the story and the characters, and I think there are readers who will connect with their journey much more than I did. Unfortunately, something was missing for me that kept me from fully investing in Crew and Price or their relationship.
Tropes/Elements:
Friends with benefits
Hurt/comfort
Trauma bonding
Childhood trauma
Mental health struggles
Self-harm
Sex work/prostitution
Angst
Damaged characters
Push & pull relationship
HEA
This was my first time reading this author’s work, and unfortunately, I think this one just wasn’t for me. I can definitely see the potential in the story and the characters, but I struggled to connect with the way the story was delivered and with the pacing.
Crew’s story is incredibly traumatic, and it’s clear just how deeply his past has affected him. He shuts everyone out and turns to self-harm and prostitution as a way to escape and disassociate from his reality. He continues to punish himself rather than allowing anyone to help him, which made his story difficult to read at times.
Price is also dealing with the lasting effects of his own trauma, which has resulted in him having severe anxiety and harming himself through intense scratching. The two cross paths when Price hires Crew for the night, and their relationship begins from there.
For me, these two felt like they were primarily bonded through their shared trauma. They both clearly needed a lot of support and healing, but instead they leaned into each other and their friends-with-benefits arrangement to deal with their pain. This led to a lot of push and pull, questionable decisions, and both of them reacting from places of hurt and trauma. I did appreciate that they were eventually able to work through everything and find their way to their HEA, but it was definitely a difficult road getting there.
The biggest hurdle for me was the dialogue. I think the author was going for something more poetic and emotionally impactful at times, but unfortunately, it just didn’t land for me. Some of the dialogue felt a little unnatural and didn’t always feel true to the characters. I also found myself feeling like I was being told about the emotional connection between Crew and Price rather than actually experiencing it through the storytelling. That may very well be a personal preference on my part, but it made it difficult for me to fully connect with their relationship.
I also felt like the story started to drag as it went on. With the relationship being the primary focus throughout, there wasn’t much of a side plot to break things up, and some of the push-and-pull between them began to feel repetitive for me.
Overall, this one just didn’t quite work for me. I can absolutely see the potential in both the story and the characters, and I think there are readers who will connect with their journey much more than I did. Unfortunately, something was missing for me that kept me from fully investing in Crew and Price or their relationship.
Tropes/Elements:
Friends with benefits
Hurt/comfort
Trauma bonding
Childhood trauma
Mental health struggles
Self-harm
Sex work/prostitution
Angst
Damaged characters
Push & pull relationship
HEA
August 6, 2025
What an incredible debut by author C.W. Scott! The Intimacy of Skin is raw, poetic, vulnerable, and heartbreakingly beautiful. Price and Crew are everything, and they complement each other perfectly. Their story is one that is going to be with me forever.
Both Crew and Price are beautiful, broken souls fighting with unseen demons in their minds. They both punish themselves, albeit in different ways and for different reasons. But, together, they help each other ease the pain and suffering. They support each other and encourage healing, which was so beautiful to see throughout their story.
C.W. Scott has a magical way with words. I found myself highlighting moment after moment right from page one. There is so much within these pages that resonated with me, and so much that I am going to take with me and hold close to my heart and soul. Silent discos, Crew’s letter, the haunting, achingly beautiful poetry related to glaciers, flames and amber eyes, and more. A big healing moment for Crew (keeping it vague here to remain spoiler free) and the wonderful description surrounding the moment that put us right there with the characters: “The wind began to howl, the crickets started to chirp, and the fireflies lit up the world in front of us. Both nature and I cradled Crew in that moment.” Seeing them both come alive and fight to accept love and gentleness. And too many other moments to list here.
Please, grab some tissues and settle in for this one. I have a feeling you will love it.
Thank you to author C.W. Scott for writing Price and Crew’s story and sharing it with us. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next.
A huge thank you, as well, for the ARC opportunity!
Both Crew and Price are beautiful, broken souls fighting with unseen demons in their minds. They both punish themselves, albeit in different ways and for different reasons. But, together, they help each other ease the pain and suffering. They support each other and encourage healing, which was so beautiful to see throughout their story.
C.W. Scott has a magical way with words. I found myself highlighting moment after moment right from page one. There is so much within these pages that resonated with me, and so much that I am going to take with me and hold close to my heart and soul. Silent discos, Crew’s letter, the haunting, achingly beautiful poetry related to glaciers, flames and amber eyes, and more. A big healing moment for Crew (keeping it vague here to remain spoiler free) and the wonderful description surrounding the moment that put us right there with the characters: “The wind began to howl, the crickets started to chirp, and the fireflies lit up the world in front of us. Both nature and I cradled Crew in that moment.” Seeing them both come alive and fight to accept love and gentleness. And too many other moments to list here.
Please, grab some tissues and settle in for this one. I have a feeling you will love it.
Thank you to author C.W. Scott for writing Price and Crew’s story and sharing it with us. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next.
A huge thank you, as well, for the ARC opportunity!
July 29, 2025
This was such a heartbreakingly beautiful written story. It broke my heart, but at the same time it healed me as the story goes.
Crew and Price have had a rough past that is still hunting and hurting them; they are trying their best to somehow deal with it in their own ways.
The first encounter between these two shook their world upsidedown as they felt things that were impossible for each other.
Crew’s journey is tough to read but necessary to understand the way he thinks about himself and the destructive methods he uses to placate the demons in his mind.
Price’s constant battles with his anxiety is presented so raw and vulnerable to know-how all of that affects him and invades his mind everyday.
The way from the beginning Price was so gentle, understanding, and patient with every single thing Crew was going through was wonderful. Making him learn how to read some of Crew’s behavior and giving space when needed, even if it was hard for Price to do, but never making him give up.
Crew slowly learning how to overcome those thoughts of how broken he is and that he doesn’t deserve any good thing was such a brave step in his healing journey. He also becomes a great source of comfort to Price, which is just what he desperately needed.
Overall, this was written in such a beautiful, poetic way that it makes you feel everything the characters are experiencing. Immersing you in how complex their journey was and still is, but leading to a fitting HEA for them!!
Crew and Price have had a rough past that is still hunting and hurting them; they are trying their best to somehow deal with it in their own ways.
The first encounter between these two shook their world upsidedown as they felt things that were impossible for each other.
Crew’s journey is tough to read but necessary to understand the way he thinks about himself and the destructive methods he uses to placate the demons in his mind.
Price’s constant battles with his anxiety is presented so raw and vulnerable to know-how all of that affects him and invades his mind everyday.
The way from the beginning Price was so gentle, understanding, and patient with every single thing Crew was going through was wonderful. Making him learn how to read some of Crew’s behavior and giving space when needed, even if it was hard for Price to do, but never making him give up.
Crew slowly learning how to overcome those thoughts of how broken he is and that he doesn’t deserve any good thing was such a brave step in his healing journey. He also becomes a great source of comfort to Price, which is just what he desperately needed.
Overall, this was written in such a beautiful, poetic way that it makes you feel everything the characters are experiencing. Immersing you in how complex their journey was and still is, but leading to a fitting HEA for them!!
July 29, 2026
43% TOD…
I’m sure it appeals to some, but something like 92-95% inner dialogue bores me to tears and is always inevitably repetitive. I pushed out the last 20% to see if it would change once the same problems, concepts, issues, etc both boys were dealing with were played out, but it’s just more inner turmoil. I can see this going to the end with maybe new thoughts but nevertheless it’s constantly them not talking.
I’m sure it appeals to some, but something like 92-95% inner dialogue bores me to tears and is always inevitably repetitive. I pushed out the last 20% to see if it would change once the same problems, concepts, issues, etc both boys were dealing with were played out, but it’s just more inner turmoil. I can see this going to the end with maybe new thoughts but nevertheless it’s constantly them not talking.
July 29, 2026
such a great read
Omg crew poor kid with all his demons meeting price was his blessing price so was his Prince Charming saving him in every way possible loved it all crew deserved every piece of love price gave him
Omg crew poor kid with all his demons meeting price was his blessing price so was his Prince Charming saving him in every way possible loved it all crew deserved every piece of love price gave him
September 3, 2025
Wow!! This is a fabulous story. Full review to come
Did Not Finish
July 4, 2026DNF @ 37% - I'm not really getting into this.
August 26, 2025
2.5 - this had a lot of potential and while very emotional and angsty, it was far too wordy and redundant. I also found certain parts cheesy and too convenient. The letters at the end really threw me off.
September 6, 2025
I was really surprised to see that this book was only 324 pages because it felt like it would never end. And then I was hit with a double epilogue! I enjoyed the first half of the book, but then it just went downhill for me. It seemed like the writing tried so hard to sound poetic, but it ended up just being really wordy and redundant. I truly felt like sometimes I kept reading the same pages, paragraphs, and even full chapters at times. I also felt like the story just got very cheesy and too much of like a “fairy tale ending” to match the entire first like 80% of the story (ie: the restaurant and Willow’s help with it, the three rent boy boyfriends, etc). I’m not really a skimmer, and I totally skimmed the two epilogues. I don’t know… overall, I just felt disconnected from the characters and thus had a hard time staying invested in the story because it was just too repetitive. Oh! And the fire and ice metaphor was kinda being beaten over our heads…
I’m sorry! I’m not trying to be mean :(
3 stars
2.5ish chili peppers
Check TWs & CWs
- Crew (smex worker) and Price (chef)
- hurt x comfort
- broken boys
- strangers to FWB to lovers
- mental health rep
- “pretty boy” and “Prince Charming”
I’m sorry! I’m not trying to be mean :(
3 stars
2.5ish chili peppers
Check TWs & CWs
- Crew (smex worker) and Price (chef)
- hurt x comfort
- broken boys
- strangers to FWB to lovers
- mental health rep
- “pretty boy” and “Prince Charming”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews