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Bay Area Bros #2
Gym Bros
Calyx
If I could teach yoga and never have to walk a runway again, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But tell that to my manager-slash- part-time lover. Eager to get me back to work, but willing to be patient, he asks me to help his son recover from a torn hamstring. I accept the opportunity to use my brain and my body to help get an athlete back on his feet. Samuel Ray is exactly what I expect for an amateur MMA fighter. Big. Brutal. Broody. And definitely not my type.
Samuel
With my hamstring on the mend, I need to prevent future injuries that might end my career before it even starts. Yoga will improve my flexibility, but more importantly my balance, which is something my body and my life is sadly lacking. The opportunity to work one on one with an expert is perfect—almost as perfect as Calyx. My dad called him rare and special, and he wasn’t exaggerating. He’s the most physically perfect person I’ve ever seen. It’s his prickly personality I’m not so sure about.
My guard goes up around him, but I can’t get him out of my head. It takes no time at all for him to become the object of all my salacious fantasies. The challenge is getting him to give a guy like me a chance, but I’ve never backed down from a fight, and I always play to win.
Gym Bros is a high heat, forbidden, opposites attract MM romance intended for readers 18+. It is book two in the Bay Areas Bros series, but can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. HEA guaranteed.
If I could teach yoga and never have to walk a runway again, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But tell that to my manager-slash- part-time lover. Eager to get me back to work, but willing to be patient, he asks me to help his son recover from a torn hamstring. I accept the opportunity to use my brain and my body to help get an athlete back on his feet. Samuel Ray is exactly what I expect for an amateur MMA fighter. Big. Brutal. Broody. And definitely not my type.
Samuel
With my hamstring on the mend, I need to prevent future injuries that might end my career before it even starts. Yoga will improve my flexibility, but more importantly my balance, which is something my body and my life is sadly lacking. The opportunity to work one on one with an expert is perfect—almost as perfect as Calyx. My dad called him rare and special, and he wasn’t exaggerating. He’s the most physically perfect person I’ve ever seen. It’s his prickly personality I’m not so sure about.
My guard goes up around him, but I can’t get him out of my head. It takes no time at all for him to become the object of all my salacious fantasies. The challenge is getting him to give a guy like me a chance, but I’ve never backed down from a fight, and I always play to win.
Gym Bros is a high heat, forbidden, opposites attract MM romance intended for readers 18+. It is book two in the Bay Areas Bros series, but can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. HEA guaranteed.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
65 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
August Jones
14 books321 followersAugust Jones (She/They) is an author of queer romance and a voracious reader of smut. She resides in Texas with her family, pets, and books. However, she reads mostly on her phone because she’s cheap, it has a built in backlight, and it’s almost always in her hand.
If you ever discover her real name, don’t tell her, just read the books she’s published (you’ll like them) and thank her later with a rating or review. Mwah!
Books: KU, Paperback, & Audio
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If you ever discover her real name, don’t tell her, just read the books she’s published (you’ll like them) and thank her later with a rating or review. Mwah!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
November 13, 2025
WHAT IS THIS WARM, STUPID FEELING IN MY CHEST?! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
OH, FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE— I LIKE THEM. A LOTTTTTTTT A LOTTTTTT A LOTTTTTTTT ... I THINK I'M GOING CRAZZZZZZZY 😭🫶🫶🫶🫶❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥🫠🫠🫠🫠
OH, FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE— I LIKE THEM. A LOTTTTTTTT A LOTTTTTT A LOTTTTTTTT ... I THINK I'M GOING CRAZZZZZZZY 😭🫶🫶🫶🫶❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥🫠🫠🫠🫠
October 19, 2025
You know when two people shouldn’t work — when everything about them screams wrong, but every look, every breath between them whispers yes? That’s Calyx and Samuel.
Calyx is too beautiful for his own good — that kind of beauty that stops people mid-sentence and makes them forget he’s human. A model turned yoga instructor, he’s all calm precision on the outside, but inside he’s worn down, hollowed out by being admired instead of understood. His face carries that rare, unreal kind of beauty — soft enough to be feminine, sharp enough to be masculine — like he’s both and neither, something in between and beyond.
He’s only ever dated older men — probably because Calyx himself feels ancient. He’s twenty-something going on forty, rolling his eyes at the world, sipping quiet instead of chaos. Until Samuel crashes into his life — loud, young, brutally sincere — and for the first time, Calyx feels alive.
Samuel’s a barely 21 years old MMA fighter — all muscle and messy emotion — but he’s got the biggest heart. He doesn’t want Calyx because he’s beautiful; he wants him because he’s real. Because beneath the control and the distance, Samuel sees that soft, tired heart still begging to be touched gently.
How do they meet ?
Their worlds collide when Samuel’s dad (who happens to be Calyx’s manager and on and off sex partner) ask Calyx to help his son Samuel with yoga to recover from his injury. And what starts as a few stretches and deep breaths becomes a whole different kind of workout very, very quickly.
Samuel teases him into laughter, coaxes him into joy. There’s this moment — a cup of hot chocolate, a ride later — where you see it happen: Calyx giggling like a 16-year-old, reliving a teenagehood he never got to have.
That’s the beauty of this book — watching a man who thought he’d seen it all fall in love like it’s the first time.
And then comes the heartbreak. The truth comes out and— it wrecks. The secret, the betrayal, the past that tangles them in ways no one should have to untangle. But what August Jones does best is show that even the most painful truths don’t have to end love — they can remake it.
Their reunion? It’s heat, it’s heartbreak, it’s forgiveness. It’s the kind of scene that feels like exhaling after you’ve been holding your breath for chapters. When he says,
“It’s like there’s a you-shaped hole in my chest, and no one else is big enough or bright enough to fill it,”
you get it. It’s not just lust. It’s need. It’s home.
And the ending — four years later, still together, still choosing each other — felt so right. Not perfect, but earned.
⭐ 4.5 / 5
Steamy, tender, and emotional
Calyx is too beautiful for his own good — that kind of beauty that stops people mid-sentence and makes them forget he’s human. A model turned yoga instructor, he’s all calm precision on the outside, but inside he’s worn down, hollowed out by being admired instead of understood. His face carries that rare, unreal kind of beauty — soft enough to be feminine, sharp enough to be masculine — like he’s both and neither, something in between and beyond.
He’s only ever dated older men — probably because Calyx himself feels ancient. He’s twenty-something going on forty, rolling his eyes at the world, sipping quiet instead of chaos. Until Samuel crashes into his life — loud, young, brutally sincere — and for the first time, Calyx feels alive.
Samuel’s a barely 21 years old MMA fighter — all muscle and messy emotion — but he’s got the biggest heart. He doesn’t want Calyx because he’s beautiful; he wants him because he’s real. Because beneath the control and the distance, Samuel sees that soft, tired heart still begging to be touched gently.
How do they meet ?
Their worlds collide when Samuel’s dad (who happens to be Calyx’s manager and on and off sex partner) ask Calyx to help his son Samuel with yoga to recover from his injury. And what starts as a few stretches and deep breaths becomes a whole different kind of workout very, very quickly.
Samuel teases him into laughter, coaxes him into joy. There’s this moment — a cup of hot chocolate, a ride later — where you see it happen: Calyx giggling like a 16-year-old, reliving a teenagehood he never got to have.
That’s the beauty of this book — watching a man who thought he’d seen it all fall in love like it’s the first time.
And then comes the heartbreak. The truth comes out and— it wrecks. The secret, the betrayal, the past that tangles them in ways no one should have to untangle. But what August Jones does best is show that even the most painful truths don’t have to end love — they can remake it.
Their reunion? It’s heat, it’s heartbreak, it’s forgiveness. It’s the kind of scene that feels like exhaling after you’ve been holding your breath for chapters. When he says,
“It’s like there’s a you-shaped hole in my chest, and no one else is big enough or bright enough to fill it,”
you get it. It’s not just lust. It’s need. It’s home.
And the ending — four years later, still together, still choosing each other — felt so right. Not perfect, but earned.
⭐ 4.5 / 5
Steamy, tender, and emotional
September 13, 2025
Gym Bros is a fantastic opposites attract romance between an injured MMA fighter, Samuel and his model yoga instructor, Calyx. Samuel and Calyx have an obvious attraction to each other, but due to their own insecurities, they believe they are unworthy of one another. After a long period of push and pull, their insecurities are acknowledged and quickly forgotten as both fall deeply and quickly for each other. This makes for a sweet romance filled with growth, desire, and genuine emotion between Calyx and Samuel. I love seeing their affection grow, which is very endearing.
Of course, this romance encounters some bumps along the way, including a major secret that is very dangerous to their relationship. Watching them navigate this obstacle and find the strength to persevere shows their dedication and resilience for one another. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of black cat Calyx and sunshine personified Samuel. They have a fantastic story that I highly recommend.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Of course, this romance encounters some bumps along the way, including a major secret that is very dangerous to their relationship. Watching them navigate this obstacle and find the strength to persevere shows their dedication and resilience for one another. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of black cat Calyx and sunshine personified Samuel. They have a fantastic story that I highly recommend.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
September 21, 2025
This book can be read as a standalone 💕
Oh Samuel, the man that you are.. *sigh*
So, this was for sure some of these reads where I highlighted like every second page at some point 🙈
The tropes hooked me so hard, and I couldn't put this book down. Calyx is a model, a succesful influencer and he teaches yoga. Samuel is an MMA fighter, who got very hurt recently and needs to recover.
When Samuel's dad (who Calyx may or may not had an affair with 🫣) suggests to him to go and make yoga with Calyx, things get intense.
I love it when a man yearns, and Samuel was so gone for Calyx, I loved every second of it 🥵
This was the first book of this author for me, and it definitely will not be the last.
The writing was extraordinary good and I’m incredibly hyped for the next book in this series now 😍
Oh Samuel, the man that you are.. *sigh*
So, this was for sure some of these reads where I highlighted like every second page at some point 🙈
The tropes hooked me so hard, and I couldn't put this book down. Calyx is a model, a succesful influencer and he teaches yoga. Samuel is an MMA fighter, who got very hurt recently and needs to recover.
When Samuel's dad (who Calyx may or may not had an affair with 🫣) suggests to him to go and make yoga with Calyx, things get intense.
I love it when a man yearns, and Samuel was so gone for Calyx, I loved every second of it 🥵
This was the first book of this author for me, and it definitely will not be the last.
The writing was extraordinary good and I’m incredibly hyped for the next book in this series now 😍
October 5, 2025
Yes, after a slightly weak first installment in this series, just not quite as good as this author's works have usually been, we're back to form with this one. (Also, thank god there's way less Chat GPT references like idc if your husband uses it all the time I hate it and it was cringe every time the characters brought it up last book).
Calyx is Ryan from the first book's friend, a model verging on ex-model who got burn out from modeling and is figuring out if he even wants to continue his modeling career. In the meantime, he's teaching yoga a few days a week.
Calyx has always had casual sex, and one of the men he has casual sex with is Marcus, his manager. Marcus, like all of Calyx's lovers, is older, probably in his late 40's. He's a former model himself, and a fairly big, muscly guy.
After one encounter - I believe their last - Marcus asks Calyx if he'll help his son, Samuel, with yoga as he injured himself and needs to get some flexibility to get better and be better at his chosen path, MMA.
At first things don't go the best between Calyx and Samuel, mainly because Calyx himself is a bit depressed, and kind of accidentally, not on purpose, takes out his personal issues and mood out on Samuel.
Samuel is nothing liking his father, who isn't the worst but still kind of totally sucks. While he's not evil and not exactly an asshole, he works a lot and has been overall a fairly absent father to Samuel and his two older twin brothers. He also doesn't think much of Samuel going into MMA. He also cheats on Samuel's mother repeatedly, Calyx being one of those he cheated with.
Only Samuel doesn't know about Calyx and his father, and while he suspected in the past that his father cheats, Marcus lied and convinced him otherwise and Samuel doesn't know he cheats years later, even though he suspects.
Anyway, Samuel is nothing like that, and he's pretty sweet and kind, and perhaps a bit sensitive, but I get that. I myself can be pretty sensitive, and so I felt for Samuel so much in the moments Calyx unintentionally or not was rude to him and the one time he made him cry.
But I also love how Samuel didn't want to take that shit anymore and stood up for himself and told Calyx what was what.
And for Calyx's part, he worked on changing his attitude, and being nicer to Samuel. And with that, these two started to fall for each other.
Of course, there's attraction, especially on Samuel's side toward Calyx at first. Calyx is almost unnaturally beautiful, and Samuel certainly notices and wants. Calyx is attracted to Samuel, but he resists at first because he's Marcus' son, and it's so messed up and wrong.
But...well, of course, he can't stay away eventually, and of course the longer he goes without telling Samuel about Marcus, the more determined he seems to try to let that secret die - especially the more he falls for Samuel and doesn't want to lose him.
The sex between them? Oh man was it fucking 🔥 and I never ever got tired of them together. If their chemistry and connection wasn't so well done, I might have felt this had too much sex, but I was so in love with them together and couldn't get enough of them that I never felt that. It just felt like such a treat to get them together again.
I also loved how this emphasized that Samuel loved Calyx for Calyx, not just his looks. Of course he was wildly attracted to and complimented Calyx on his looks, but he saw him for more than just that, he did more for Calyx relationship wise than any man had ever done before.
And while Marcus is a non-issue in the way that Calyx is never going there again and he was never actually into Marcus beyond some convenient sex, he is an issue just by the fact that, well...he's Samuel's father and it is really fucked up that they've been with the same guy - and so soon after, too.
Like the last time Marcus and Calyx have sex is about 2 days before he meets Samuel, and he and Samuel kiss maybe...2 weeks after they meet? So yeah, crazy timeline there lol.
But really, once Calyx meets Sam and once they get past the initial stage and smooth things over, it's like full speed ahead and there is no other man for Calyx and Sam. The only reason Calyx even thinks of Marcus is an "oh fuck this is so awkward and I hope he doesn't mention me to Samuel and oh man should I tell Samuel about that or not?" It all ties to Samuel for him.
Of course it is appropriately dramatic as it should be once all is found out, but I was a bit surprised that .
But I was okay with that, because these two were just amazing together and so in love with each other and as fucked up as it all is, Calyx was never with Marcus again after he met Samuel, so it was all in the past before he even met Samuel, and I think that makes it easier for Samuel to eventually get past.
Definitely highly recommend this one.
Oh also before I forget - I remember in the first book I thought Calyx and Deacon would be LI's in this book and well...lol I was very wrong about that haha, and glad I was. Not there's no one else for Calyx but Samuel.
But it seems Deacon and Evan will be the couple together instead. Although at the end the author just says "Deacon's story" will be next so who knows if Evan will actually be his LI. Guess we just have to wait and see, and I can't wait! I want to know so much more about Deacon.
Until then! 😘
My Ratings for the Bay Area Bros Series:
🔆 Finance Bros: 4 stars ( my review)
🔆 Gym Bros: 5 stars
Calyx is Ryan from the first book's friend, a model verging on ex-model who got burn out from modeling and is figuring out if he even wants to continue his modeling career. In the meantime, he's teaching yoga a few days a week.
Calyx has always had casual sex, and one of the men he has casual sex with is Marcus, his manager. Marcus, like all of Calyx's lovers, is older, probably in his late 40's. He's a former model himself, and a fairly big, muscly guy.
After one encounter - I believe their last - Marcus asks Calyx if he'll help his son, Samuel, with yoga as he injured himself and needs to get some flexibility to get better and be better at his chosen path, MMA.
At first things don't go the best between Calyx and Samuel, mainly because Calyx himself is a bit depressed, and kind of accidentally, not on purpose, takes out his personal issues and mood out on Samuel.
Samuel is nothing liking his father, who isn't the worst but still kind of totally sucks. While he's not evil and not exactly an asshole, he works a lot and has been overall a fairly absent father to Samuel and his two older twin brothers. He also doesn't think much of Samuel going into MMA. He also cheats on Samuel's mother repeatedly, Calyx being one of those he cheated with.
Only Samuel doesn't know about Calyx and his father, and while he suspected in the past that his father cheats, Marcus lied and convinced him otherwise and Samuel doesn't know he cheats years later, even though he suspects.
Anyway, Samuel is nothing like that, and he's pretty sweet and kind, and perhaps a bit sensitive, but I get that. I myself can be pretty sensitive, and so I felt for Samuel so much in the moments Calyx unintentionally or not was rude to him and the one time he made him cry.
But I also love how Samuel didn't want to take that shit anymore and stood up for himself and told Calyx what was what.
And for Calyx's part, he worked on changing his attitude, and being nicer to Samuel. And with that, these two started to fall for each other.
Of course, there's attraction, especially on Samuel's side toward Calyx at first. Calyx is almost unnaturally beautiful, and Samuel certainly notices and wants. Calyx is attracted to Samuel, but he resists at first because he's Marcus' son, and it's so messed up and wrong.
But...well, of course, he can't stay away eventually, and of course the longer he goes without telling Samuel about Marcus, the more determined he seems to try to let that secret die - especially the more he falls for Samuel and doesn't want to lose him.
The sex between them? Oh man was it fucking 🔥 and I never ever got tired of them together. If their chemistry and connection wasn't so well done, I might have felt this had too much sex, but I was so in love with them together and couldn't get enough of them that I never felt that. It just felt like such a treat to get them together again.
I also loved how this emphasized that Samuel loved Calyx for Calyx, not just his looks. Of course he was wildly attracted to and complimented Calyx on his looks, but he saw him for more than just that, he did more for Calyx relationship wise than any man had ever done before.
And while Marcus is a non-issue in the way that Calyx is never going there again and he was never actually into Marcus beyond some convenient sex, he is an issue just by the fact that, well...he's Samuel's father and it is really fucked up that they've been with the same guy - and so soon after, too.
Like the last time Marcus and Calyx have sex is about 2 days before he meets Samuel, and he and Samuel kiss maybe...2 weeks after they meet? So yeah, crazy timeline there lol.
But really, once Calyx meets Sam and once they get past the initial stage and smooth things over, it's like full speed ahead and there is no other man for Calyx and Sam. The only reason Calyx even thinks of Marcus is an "oh fuck this is so awkward and I hope he doesn't mention me to Samuel and oh man should I tell Samuel about that or not?" It all ties to Samuel for him.
Of course it is appropriately dramatic as it should be once all is found out, but I was a bit surprised that .
But I was okay with that, because these two were just amazing together and so in love with each other and as fucked up as it all is, Calyx was never with Marcus again after he met Samuel, so it was all in the past before he even met Samuel, and I think that makes it easier for Samuel to eventually get past.
Definitely highly recommend this one.
Oh also before I forget - I remember in the first book I thought Calyx and Deacon would be LI's in this book and well...lol I was very wrong about that haha, and glad I was. Not there's no one else for Calyx but Samuel.
But it seems Deacon and Evan will be the couple together instead. Although at the end the author just says "Deacon's story" will be next so who knows if Evan will actually be his LI. Guess we just have to wait and see, and I can't wait! I want to know so much more about Deacon.
Until then! 😘
My Ratings for the Bay Area Bros Series:
🔆 Finance Bros: 4 stars ( my review)
🔆 Gym Bros: 5 stars
won-t-read-bc-nopes
November 15, 2025After extensive talks w friends (thank you @Emna and @Lady Macbeth!) I'm moving this to the dnr. It's not the nopes necessarily; it's the way things wind up with the secret that I think will leave me reeling, not happy. And Calyx sounds like he'd infuriate me too much.
I'm determined I'm going to find something of this author's to read and love! I like her voice/style.
I'm determined I'm going to find something of this author's to read and love! I like her voice/style.
September 22, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Ok so I actually really loved this. I really hate the title of this book so I’ll be so for real I had no intention to read this BUT it had all my favorite tropes so I dove in impulsively and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely devoured this book. It wasn’t perfect, pacing stalled halfway through and it didn’t need to be as long as it was, which is why it’s not a 5 star read but otherwise it was truly a delight and I loved Sam and Calyx.
Ok so I actually really loved this. I really hate the title of this book so I’ll be so for real I had no intention to read this BUT it had all my favorite tropes so I dove in impulsively and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely devoured this book. It wasn’t perfect, pacing stalled halfway through and it didn’t need to be as long as it was, which is why it’s not a 5 star read but otherwise it was truly a delight and I loved Sam and Calyx.
September 27, 2025
This book was way cuter than I expected. I just read another gym bros book, and that was not fun or cute at all, so I actually wanted to skip this one. But I already had this on my Kindle, and I kind of liked Finance Bros, so I thought I’d read the first few pages anyway to see if this was worth my time.
I guess it was 😄 Especially because it goes so much deeper than I expected for a book with such a stupid title. To first address that: I don’t like the term bro. It really rubs me the wrong way.
That needs an explanation I think: my kid and his friends said this every other word when they were 13 and we don’t speak English at home… That’s really annoying, but it also now sounds so childish in my ears. Maybe they used it wrong, but out of their mouths it was never a compliment, always something that meant “you said something dumb”. So a book about with the title gym bros.. I translate that as idiots with muscles. And previous books where the term gym bro was used definitely acknowledged that definition.
However… both Samual and Calyx are 1) not stupid and 2) not really jocks either. At least not what you’d expect. They’re very muscular and strong apparently, but don’t have the accompanying attitude. Sam is training to be an MMA fighter, but he doesn’t have real friends and the whole team spirit thing you’d expect around a gym bro is definitely not his style. He’s just a lonely kid with a lot of talent that also could have been geared to another sport, if he wouldn’t have had such a huge chip on his shoulder about his possibly cheating dad.
And Calyx definitely isn’t a gym bro. He’s an androgynous looking model who teaches yoga…
I guess it had to fit the series, following Finance bros (who were actual step brothers who worked in finance so there it made a little more sense).
I didn’t really remember Calyx from Finance bros but he did feel like a known character because in these books and also in all movies people ever made about androgynous characters he was the complete stereotype. Very sensitive, absolutely beautiful and very snarky. More feminine characters that were assigned males at birth are never portrayed to be friendly somehow. And when you get to know them, they of course always are very sweet. Why is that? Why is there no variation possible for them? It annoys the hell out of me that all writers portray more feminine or androgynous characters as kind of mean. Like they need to be to survive their childhood and now just are like that?
Calyx didn’t even go to high school. I don’t think he had to be like that. It didn’t make sense, except that the author might have felt the reader expected that and therefore wrote him like that.
Anyway, it was a five star read 🤣🤣🤣 Sorry about the whole rant of all the things annoying me about the world, bros and the way people always need to be stereotyped in books.
I loved reading about the sweet development of their relationship, and was really curious how the whole “I used to bone your dad” (or more “your dad used to bone me”?) would surface. It was handled really well in the end. I liked all of it, also the whole getting to be an MMA fighter thing. It’s so out of my world I thought I wouldn’t be interested. Guess who’s googling MMA fights after posting this 🤣🤣🤣
I would have liked to see that one fight on page (when you read it, you’ll know what I’m talking about). This was good too though. Maybe just a bit less intense and cheesy than it could have been (and that’s not really a bad thing).
So go read this book! The author is a great writer, even if she sometimes uses some cliches in her characters (and uses the word bro) 🙄🤣 Her people are real people and the drama is realistic. There’s a lot on page and the smut is very smutty 🤩
I’ll definitely reread, and might even pick up the previous one again.
I guess it was 😄 Especially because it goes so much deeper than I expected for a book with such a stupid title. To first address that: I don’t like the term bro. It really rubs me the wrong way.
That needs an explanation I think: my kid and his friends said this every other word when they were 13 and we don’t speak English at home… That’s really annoying, but it also now sounds so childish in my ears. Maybe they used it wrong, but out of their mouths it was never a compliment, always something that meant “you said something dumb”. So a book about with the title gym bros.. I translate that as idiots with muscles. And previous books where the term gym bro was used definitely acknowledged that definition.
However… both Samual and Calyx are 1) not stupid and 2) not really jocks either. At least not what you’d expect. They’re very muscular and strong apparently, but don’t have the accompanying attitude. Sam is training to be an MMA fighter, but he doesn’t have real friends and the whole team spirit thing you’d expect around a gym bro is definitely not his style. He’s just a lonely kid with a lot of talent that also could have been geared to another sport, if he wouldn’t have had such a huge chip on his shoulder about his possibly cheating dad.
And Calyx definitely isn’t a gym bro. He’s an androgynous looking model who teaches yoga…
I guess it had to fit the series, following Finance bros (who were actual step brothers who worked in finance so there it made a little more sense).
I didn’t really remember Calyx from Finance bros but he did feel like a known character because in these books and also in all movies people ever made about androgynous characters he was the complete stereotype. Very sensitive, absolutely beautiful and very snarky. More feminine characters that were assigned males at birth are never portrayed to be friendly somehow. And when you get to know them, they of course always are very sweet. Why is that? Why is there no variation possible for them? It annoys the hell out of me that all writers portray more feminine or androgynous characters as kind of mean. Like they need to be to survive their childhood and now just are like that?
Calyx didn’t even go to high school. I don’t think he had to be like that. It didn’t make sense, except that the author might have felt the reader expected that and therefore wrote him like that.
Anyway, it was a five star read 🤣🤣🤣 Sorry about the whole rant of all the things annoying me about the world, bros and the way people always need to be stereotyped in books.
I loved reading about the sweet development of their relationship, and was really curious how the whole “I used to bone your dad” (or more “your dad used to bone me”?) would surface. It was handled really well in the end. I liked all of it, also the whole getting to be an MMA fighter thing. It’s so out of my world I thought I wouldn’t be interested. Guess who’s googling MMA fights after posting this 🤣🤣🤣
I would have liked to see that one fight on page (when you read it, you’ll know what I’m talking about). This was good too though. Maybe just a bit less intense and cheesy than it could have been (and that’s not really a bad thing).
So go read this book! The author is a great writer, even if she sometimes uses some cliches in her characters (and uses the word bro) 🙄🤣 Her people are real people and the drama is realistic. There’s a lot on page and the smut is very smutty 🤩
I’ll definitely reread, and might even pick up the previous one again.
September 22, 2025
I am a bit take it or leave it with the author's books, but this was a hit, and a favorite of their books. Not perfect but rounding it up because it was interesting and the characters likeable.
Technically speaking it's a forbidden romance plot with an element not on the blurb but which is figured out on chapter 2, here comes the spoiler . I thought that was handled well, it is compelling conflict enough for the book, and it's not overly melodramatic.
Another warning, while this is not a cheating on each other book, both characters have bits of sex scenes with other people on page, though they are exclusive from their first time together. But it was not my favorite, the sex scene on the first chapter with somebody else. Also incidentally, lots and lots of sex scenes, it will be a treat to some I am sure, and while most of them had a point or were meaningful in some point a few were just a bit extra (but it was a lot more tightly plotted , less gratuitous heres-a-sex scene than on a few of the author's other books!)
Other than that loved a lot of this relationship, it was interesting, they were both good for each other, it felt knowledgeable about the training and yoga, feelings and heat, and I liked it a lot better than the previous book in the series.
The epilogue is set 4/5 years after the main event because of course there must be epilogues and it did not totally work for me and I will be judgmental about a spoiler (if the whole book is going to be judgmental angst about something I am going to be go in the groove and think hard also about the details and choices the characters make . The other has something in common with the previous book of the series (and maybe others) which has our MCs all successful in life through being social media influencers, which does not seem actually all that stable for the rest of their life when they are still so young. And while MMA is not my thing, it was clear it was important to one of the MCs and being retired from it at 25 to be on social media monetizing his life just seems a bit sad and unlike his previous characterization. But different HEAs for different people.
Technically speaking it's a forbidden romance plot with an element not on the blurb but which is figured out on chapter 2, here comes the spoiler . I thought that was handled well, it is compelling conflict enough for the book, and it's not overly melodramatic.
Another warning, while this is not a cheating on each other book, both characters have bits of sex scenes with other people on page, though they are exclusive from their first time together. But it was not my favorite, the sex scene on the first chapter with somebody else. Also incidentally, lots and lots of sex scenes, it will be a treat to some I am sure, and while most of them had a point or were meaningful in some point a few were just a bit extra (but it was a lot more tightly plotted , less gratuitous heres-a-sex scene than on a few of the author's other books!)
Other than that loved a lot of this relationship, it was interesting, they were both good for each other, it felt knowledgeable about the training and yoga, feelings and heat, and I liked it a lot better than the previous book in the series.
The epilogue is set 4/5 years after the main event because of course there must be epilogues and it did not totally work for me and I will be judgmental about a spoiler (if the whole book is going to be judgmental angst about something I am going to be go in the groove and think hard also about the details and choices the characters make . The other has something in common with the previous book of the series (and maybe others) which has our MCs all successful in life through being social media influencers, which does not seem actually all that stable for the rest of their life when they are still so young. And while MMA is not my thing, it was clear it was important to one of the MCs and being retired from it at 25 to be on social media monetizing his life just seems a bit sad and unlike his previous characterization. But different HEAs for different people.
September 18, 2025
Calyx • Sam (Samuel) ♾️.
….
“You suck, and I hate you.” - “You’re beautiful, and I can’t get enough of you.” - “You’re my favorite person I’ve ever met.” - “I think you might be mine, too.”
….
This book is my brand of everything. I was immersed. It’s no secret that August is one of my favorite authors and if I could pack a few books to a stranded island it’s hers I would choose. Every single new book could be picked up by me blindly and I just know I am going to melt into it and still be so much surprised. Welcome to my Roman Empire where an Author humanizes her characters leaving them true, learning lessons but keeping it always so real.
Gym Bros, you look at the title and be like, hm. Don’t be fooled. Inside you’ll find one of the most heartwarming stories butter up’ed with the most sensual intimacy. Two characters that couldn’t be more different but melt into one like no other.
Calyx’s cute denial then a free fall all at once. He stood no chance because Sam. To be loved by Sam. And to love Calyx ♾️.
If you like it a bit messy, a bit forbidden, a bit of sass, a lot surprised, loads of chemistry, a bit of angst and a lot of love, mc’s with strong characters and bigger hearts, come to the Gym to get some free lessons in yoga about what matters in the end.
Thank you August for these two. I’m keeping them close.
….
The Kid LAROI - ALL I WANT IS YOU
….
“The reflection of the two of us entering in the wall of mirrors is a study in opposites.” // “…I see it. I like it. I want it. I got it.” // “His entire body turns to face me, and I can’t keep my gaze from dragging down the lithe line of him.” // “I’m always a little mad at you.” // “It’s actually the best I’ve ever been kissed—and I don’t even think there’s a close second. It’s all-consuming.” // “His grin is so wildly sexy, and I’m just gaping at him, unable to process what I’m feeling.” // “I grab his hoodie pocket and make myself look up at him.” // “He’s not polished. He’s definitely not sophisticated or worldly, but goddamn, he knows exactly what to do—how to exist…” // “Bring that smart mouth over here and say that again.” // “I’m told I’m pretty cute.” // “I wrap my arms around his neck and make sure he understands his life is in my hands.” // “Like I didn’t know how jacked I was until this one, soft, quiet moment.” // “…taking slow seconds to rub his nose against mine.” // “That I can’t even consider my life without him anymore.” // “Three squeezes.” // “He was my secret weapon, but now he’s a knife turning and twisting in my chest.” // “I’m not sure there was much of a me before you.” // “It’s gonna be so. Much. Fun.” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
….
“You suck, and I hate you.” - “You’re beautiful, and I can’t get enough of you.” - “You’re my favorite person I’ve ever met.” - “I think you might be mine, too.”
….
This book is my brand of everything. I was immersed. It’s no secret that August is one of my favorite authors and if I could pack a few books to a stranded island it’s hers I would choose. Every single new book could be picked up by me blindly and I just know I am going to melt into it and still be so much surprised. Welcome to my Roman Empire where an Author humanizes her characters leaving them true, learning lessons but keeping it always so real.
Gym Bros, you look at the title and be like, hm. Don’t be fooled. Inside you’ll find one of the most heartwarming stories butter up’ed with the most sensual intimacy. Two characters that couldn’t be more different but melt into one like no other.
Calyx’s cute denial then a free fall all at once. He stood no chance because Sam. To be loved by Sam. And to love Calyx ♾️.
If you like it a bit messy, a bit forbidden, a bit of sass, a lot surprised, loads of chemistry, a bit of angst and a lot of love, mc’s with strong characters and bigger hearts, come to the Gym to get some free lessons in yoga about what matters in the end.
Thank you August for these two. I’m keeping them close.
….
The Kid LAROI - ALL I WANT IS YOU
….
“The reflection of the two of us entering in the wall of mirrors is a study in opposites.” // “…I see it. I like it. I want it. I got it.” // “His entire body turns to face me, and I can’t keep my gaze from dragging down the lithe line of him.” // “I’m always a little mad at you.” // “It’s actually the best I’ve ever been kissed—and I don’t even think there’s a close second. It’s all-consuming.” // “His grin is so wildly sexy, and I’m just gaping at him, unable to process what I’m feeling.” // “I grab his hoodie pocket and make myself look up at him.” // “He’s not polished. He’s definitely not sophisticated or worldly, but goddamn, he knows exactly what to do—how to exist…” // “Bring that smart mouth over here and say that again.” // “I’m told I’m pretty cute.” // “I wrap my arms around his neck and make sure he understands his life is in my hands.” // “Like I didn’t know how jacked I was until this one, soft, quiet moment.” // “…taking slow seconds to rub his nose against mine.” // “That I can’t even consider my life without him anymore.” // “Three squeezes.” // “He was my secret weapon, but now he’s a knife turning and twisting in my chest.” // “I’m not sure there was much of a me before you.” // “It’s gonna be so. Much. Fun.” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
October 4, 2025
"The way Calyx stands out is the goddamn sun. There's no containing him."
Gym Bros by August Jones
As readers, we all have those authors who feel like home, the ones whose characters and stories live in our minds rent free, whose HEAs wrap us up in comfort every single time. For me, August Jones will forever sit in my top five.
What makes August’s books so special is the trust she builds with her readers. Book after book, series after series, she proves that you can rely on her to deliver a story overflowing with richness, characters you fall for, even when their choices make you want to side eye them. She gives you their history, their heartache, their moments of peace and love, and by the end, you don’t just understand them, you want to hug them. And in a way, August lets you. Every page feels like a touch of comfort, even when the journey breaks you apart.
That’s what I respect most about her writing, the balance of pain and hope, the promise that even through the darkest chapters, a beautiful HEA is waiting.
This book in particular hooked me from the very beginning. The opening set the tone, and then August did something bold, she let me in on a secret. A secret I knew would hurt. It made the story tense, frustrating, even heartbreaking at times. I found myself wanting to scream at the pages, wishing Calyx could hear me (if only magic existed, right?). But I trusted August. And with every page, that trust deepened.
I came to understand Calyx, his pain, his choices, his desperate need to be seen as more than an admired figure or a trophy. Sam gave him that, unknowingly gifting Calyx the one thing he craved most, to be seen as human. To be seen beyond his beauty and what he attracts. To be seen without taking from him.
For August to hand us such a heavy secret in the very beginning and then weave it so flawlessly through the book, that was her gift to us. She trusted us as readers to carry it, to feel every emotion she pulled from us, and to come out the other side understanding.
And what a journey it was. Intense, emotional, breathtaking. I loved every single second of it. Just like August other series, it just keeps getting better and better. I am so excited to see this world expand with whats to come next.
Gym Bros by August Jones
As readers, we all have those authors who feel like home, the ones whose characters and stories live in our minds rent free, whose HEAs wrap us up in comfort every single time. For me, August Jones will forever sit in my top five.
What makes August’s books so special is the trust she builds with her readers. Book after book, series after series, she proves that you can rely on her to deliver a story overflowing with richness, characters you fall for, even when their choices make you want to side eye them. She gives you their history, their heartache, their moments of peace and love, and by the end, you don’t just understand them, you want to hug them. And in a way, August lets you. Every page feels like a touch of comfort, even when the journey breaks you apart.
That’s what I respect most about her writing, the balance of pain and hope, the promise that even through the darkest chapters, a beautiful HEA is waiting.
This book in particular hooked me from the very beginning. The opening set the tone, and then August did something bold, she let me in on a secret. A secret I knew would hurt. It made the story tense, frustrating, even heartbreaking at times. I found myself wanting to scream at the pages, wishing Calyx could hear me (if only magic existed, right?). But I trusted August. And with every page, that trust deepened.
I came to understand Calyx, his pain, his choices, his desperate need to be seen as more than an admired figure or a trophy. Sam gave him that, unknowingly gifting Calyx the one thing he craved most, to be seen as human. To be seen beyond his beauty and what he attracts. To be seen without taking from him.
For August to hand us such a heavy secret in the very beginning and then weave it so flawlessly through the book, that was her gift to us. She trusted us as readers to carry it, to feel every emotion she pulled from us, and to come out the other side understanding.
And what a journey it was. Intense, emotional, breathtaking. I loved every single second of it. Just like August other series, it just keeps getting better and better. I am so excited to see this world expand with whats to come next.
October 11, 2025
This was going really well until like, the last 20-25%
I didn’t like Rachel and the way she put the guilt-trip on Sam.
Also kinda felt as though Calyx wouldn’t stop wanting the dad – still wants to work with him and still wants Sam to call him ‘angel’ the way the dad did – for me that was just gross but I’m assuming the author probably wants to give the dad a redemption arc sometime in the future....🤷🏻♀️
I didn’t like Rachel and the way she put the guilt-trip on Sam.
Also kinda felt as though Calyx wouldn’t stop wanting the dad – still wants to work with him and still wants Sam to call him ‘angel’ the way the dad did – for me that was just gross but I’m assuming the author probably wants to give the dad a redemption arc sometime in the future....🤷🏻♀️
October 10, 2025
I hated Calyx at first, then grew to like him, then went back to hating him because what do you mean you feel a sense of loyalty to your boyfriends dad that you fucked knowing he was married and that you can’t see yourself abandoning him!???? And Rachel can fuck right off out of here with that dumbass lecture she gave Samuel. Samuel did NOTHING wrong, so why was he being antagonized and goaded about breaking up with calyx????
September 17, 2025
Gym Bros delivers sparks between an injured MMA fighter and a yoga instructor/model—instant attraction, plenty of push-and-pull tension, and a love that grows with every page.
Add in a dangerous secret, some drama, and a whole lot of heart, and you’ve got a story that truly shines.
Calyx and Samuel have perfect chemistry together .
October 20, 2025
Unrelated to my review but this name does not fit the plot of this book in any way. These two go to a gym to do yoga, but are certainly not gym bros. As far as the ending and how little Calyx had to do to get forgiveness he didn’t deserve, my blood pressure is now high. So thanks for that.
October 5, 2025
Seriously, we're just mainstreaming cheating? And this guy who was so outraged in the name of his mom will be gaslighting her forever so he can keep his beautiful boyfriend?
Nope, I don't give a damn about how fun, entertaining or whatever this book was, it's a no from me 🤮 Just... ugh, I need to be more intutitive about DNFing man 🙄...
Nope, I don't give a damn about how fun, entertaining or whatever this book was, it's a no from me 🤮 Just... ugh, I need to be more intutitive about DNFing man 🙄...
September 24, 2025
calyx + samuel
another banger😏😮💨🥹
another banger😏😮💨🥹
September 10, 2025
August Jones never disappoints babyyyyyyyy!!!!
Thank you so much @augustjonesbooks for the advance copy to review!
August has been teasing this book for *ages* and honestly the last few teasers reallllllly got me so of course I had to hope and pray that I got an ARC and y’all. This book, this book, THIS BOOK???????
It’s so hot and sexy and tender and lovely and sad and heart wrenching and did I mention HOT?? Because 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨.
Calyx and Samuel had the most interesting dynamic, especially with Calyx already being intimately involved with Samuel’s dad. It was kind of wonderful watching Calyx fall so hard and fast for this man, when he was a shell of a person before Samuel came around. Likewise, watching Samuel woo Calyx was just *so special* I mean that first date??? It was so cute I had to hide my face. But it was also sexy. IYKYK.
These two were on *fire* with desire for each other and every single spice scene was better than the last. I was melting internally and sweating a little. But the thing I loved most was the tender moments just after, when they were so freaking vulnerable with each other.
That third act crushed me but I really loved the ending and the epilogue was so stunning. UGH THESE TWO I just can’t even.
Thank you so much @augustjonesbooks for the advance copy to review!
August has been teasing this book for *ages* and honestly the last few teasers reallllllly got me so of course I had to hope and pray that I got an ARC and y’all. This book, this book, THIS BOOK???????
It’s so hot and sexy and tender and lovely and sad and heart wrenching and did I mention HOT?? Because 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨.
Calyx and Samuel had the most interesting dynamic, especially with Calyx already being intimately involved with Samuel’s dad. It was kind of wonderful watching Calyx fall so hard and fast for this man, when he was a shell of a person before Samuel came around. Likewise, watching Samuel woo Calyx was just *so special* I mean that first date??? It was so cute I had to hide my face. But it was also sexy. IYKYK.
These two were on *fire* with desire for each other and every single spice scene was better than the last. I was melting internally and sweating a little. But the thing I loved most was the tender moments just after, when they were so freaking vulnerable with each other.
That third act crushed me but I really loved the ending and the epilogue was so stunning. UGH THESE TWO I just can’t even.
September 10, 2025
Gym Bros - August Jones
5/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
This has to be my favorite book by August and I was here for it. I was so here for Calyx and Samuel since the moment I started to read this amazing book. I knew Calyx’s story was going to phenomenal when we met him in Finance Bros and this definitely did not disappoint.
I love me a good forbidden but holy moses, I didn’t think this type was going to be for me, but we all know this author knows how to suck us in!
Calyx and Sam were absolutely perfect. I knew the moment Marcus asked Calyx to help his son, it was going to hurt so good when things were laid out in the open.
The spice was so good and I was here for it. I love how these just didn’t hold back intimately.
Also, I cannot stand the stand. When Sam confronted him years about cheating and he lied - ugh, it was so heartbreaking when Sam find out and what a way to find out.
Sam and Calyx were so perfect from Sam being lonely to Calyx’s vibrant personality. When Sam didn’t show up to two of his classes and when he did return and was pretty much mute, it gave Calyx something to fight for. I love it when one MC tries to resist and then something just snaps inside of them.
Also, I absolutely love the whole adoption process Sam does when he adopts Beauty. I love that he has a dog and that Calyx has a cat. The baby goats scene had me dying with laughter!
This story was everything for me so much! I love how these two got their happily ever after and it was so worth it.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
5/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
This has to be my favorite book by August and I was here for it. I was so here for Calyx and Samuel since the moment I started to read this amazing book. I knew Calyx’s story was going to phenomenal when we met him in Finance Bros and this definitely did not disappoint.
I love me a good forbidden but holy moses, I didn’t think this type was going to be for me, but we all know this author knows how to suck us in!
Calyx and Sam were absolutely perfect. I knew the moment Marcus asked Calyx to help his son, it was going to hurt so good when things were laid out in the open.
The spice was so good and I was here for it. I love how these just didn’t hold back intimately.
Also, I cannot stand the stand. When Sam confronted him years about cheating and he lied - ugh, it was so heartbreaking when Sam find out and what a way to find out.
Sam and Calyx were so perfect from Sam being lonely to Calyx’s vibrant personality. When Sam didn’t show up to two of his classes and when he did return and was pretty much mute, it gave Calyx something to fight for. I love it when one MC tries to resist and then something just snaps inside of them.
Also, I absolutely love the whole adoption process Sam does when he adopts Beauty. I love that he has a dog and that Calyx has a cat. The baby goats scene had me dying with laughter!
This story was everything for me so much! I love how these two got their happily ever after and it was so worth it.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
November 20, 2025
This is an opposites attract romance, featuring Calyx and Samuel, and is book two in the Bay Area Bros series.
Calyx reluctantly agrees to help his manager’s MMA–fighter son, Samuel, recover from an injury, despite finding him absolutely not his type.
I loved this one so much. Calyx and Samuel’s chemistry absolutely sizzles, and sparks fly between them from start to finish, and Samuel had such perfect dirty talk that made their scenes even hotter. I was on edge most of the book, anxious about when Samuel would find out about his dad and Calyx and when it happened I was still shocked. The sweet epilogue was the perfect ending.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM romance
Opposites attract
Size difference
Athlete x model/instructor
Grumpy x sunshine
Prickly x determined
Forced proximity
Dog dad x cat dad
Hurt / Comfort
Mental health themes
MC in lingerie
Bi awakening
Spicy times & dirty talk
First times
Feminization
Mirror s*x
Marking
Calls him Angel & Kitten
Wears his clothes
Dates
Secrets revealed
3rd act breakup
Sweet HEA
Calyx reluctantly agrees to help his manager’s MMA–fighter son, Samuel, recover from an injury, despite finding him absolutely not his type.
I loved this one so much. Calyx and Samuel’s chemistry absolutely sizzles, and sparks fly between them from start to finish, and Samuel had such perfect dirty talk that made their scenes even hotter. I was on edge most of the book, anxious about when Samuel would find out about his dad and Calyx and when it happened I was still shocked. The sweet epilogue was the perfect ending.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM romance
Opposites attract
Size difference
Athlete x model/instructor
Grumpy x sunshine
Prickly x determined
Forced proximity
Dog dad x cat dad
Hurt / Comfort
Mental health themes
MC in lingerie
Bi awakening
Spicy times & dirty talk
First times
Feminization
Mirror s*x
Marking
Calls him Angel & Kitten
Wears his clothes
Dates
Secrets revealed
3rd act breakup
Sweet HEA
September 6, 2025
Calyx & Samuel
Oh god I loved this. The author released the first two chapters as a teaser and it just about killed me off having to wait before I got the ARC through.
This was exactly what I was hoping it would be. Calyx was always so interesting to me in Finance Bros, we knew he was beautiful and sassy but we were getting little crumbs that there was more going on under the surface. One thing I love about August Jones writing is that she doesn’t write flawless characters, the edges and unlikeable qualities that make them feel so real.
Samuel was an interesting one for me, at the beginning I was honestly unsure about him and getting absolute man-child vibes but he very VERY quickly won me over. I love a stubborn MC but he was also much more than this, open-minded, driven and spicy as all hell!
There’s a forbidden romance element to this that made me feel nauseous knowing what was coming. This is a me issue, I don’t do well with suspense, knowing at one point the penny is gonna drop. However, when we got there it was handled so well, not too angsty where I wanted to tear my hair out but we addressed what could clearly be a dealbreaker.
Getting to see Ryan, Malcolm was so so good and as soon as Deacon and Evan came into the picture I was instantly hooked, ready and waiting for Tech Bros. Love this series, love this author!
Oh god I loved this. The author released the first two chapters as a teaser and it just about killed me off having to wait before I got the ARC through.
This was exactly what I was hoping it would be. Calyx was always so interesting to me in Finance Bros, we knew he was beautiful and sassy but we were getting little crumbs that there was more going on under the surface. One thing I love about August Jones writing is that she doesn’t write flawless characters, the edges and unlikeable qualities that make them feel so real.
Samuel was an interesting one for me, at the beginning I was honestly unsure about him and getting absolute man-child vibes but he very VERY quickly won me over. I love a stubborn MC but he was also much more than this, open-minded, driven and spicy as all hell!
There’s a forbidden romance element to this that made me feel nauseous knowing what was coming. This is a me issue, I don’t do well with suspense, knowing at one point the penny is gonna drop. However, when we got there it was handled so well, not too angsty where I wanted to tear my hair out but we addressed what could clearly be a dealbreaker.
Getting to see Ryan, Malcolm was so so good and as soon as Deacon and Evan came into the picture I was instantly hooked, ready and waiting for Tech Bros. Love this series, love this author!
September 3, 2025
This book had me gripped right from the beginning. A BIG plot twist pretty much right out of the gate had me on tenterhooks throughout just waiting for it to come to light. And boy did it deliver. Wrenched my heart out of my chest even though I knew it would happen.
Calyx and Samuel are just perfection together. The banter, the spice, the drama. I loved every bit of this book. Seeing Ryan and Mal again from Finance Bros was great and I loved meeting the new side characters in Calyx's girlfriends.
It certainly made me miss hot yoga and gave me inspiration for other things to do in heat too. 😜 August is one of my instant read authors and she delivered again.
Calyx and Samuel are just perfection together. The banter, the spice, the drama. I loved every bit of this book. Seeing Ryan and Mal again from Finance Bros was great and I loved meeting the new side characters in Calyx's girlfriends.
It certainly made me miss hot yoga and gave me inspiration for other things to do in heat too. 😜 August is one of my instant read authors and she delivered again.
September 7, 2025
I am COMPLETELY obsessed with this book! I think it is August Jones’ best yet. The voice is so relatable and witty, the characters are loveable and 3 dimensional, and the suspense and build-up was beyond fantastic. I cannot say enough good things about this book except to go read it now!!!
October 13, 2025
Loved this book, opposites attract! I didn’t read any of the other books and felt like I could read it as a stand alone. This author was new to me and I will be reading more of their books and finishing out this series. SO good 🙌🏼
October 3, 2025
Okay, I’ll volunteer as tribute and be the first DNF.
I think it’s official, August Jones doesn’t work for me. First of all, the writing is mid:
“What can I say? I’m not for everyone. Men have to be in the mood for me. I’m a mood fuck. Every boy’s dream.”
Which one, August? A mood fuck or every boy’s dream? Those aren’t close to the same thing.
Samuel’s gay friend follows Calyx’s TikTok. Calyx, who has so far been described as effeminate in ten different ways including “I managed to walk without swaying my hips” but gay guy says “I don’t know if he’s gay or straight.” Really..?
This sort of incongruent sentence pairing is standard issue and it drives me bananas
Also, I find her books really slow on the uptake. I don’t know what it is but they don’t grab me in the beginning and by around 20% I give up. People loved The Heir’s Disgrace but for me it was taking too long to get interested. I tried twice and quit both times. I wouldn’t be surprised if they pick up and the steam is good, but I will never know.
Also, I could kind of deal with a sex scene with the dad since it’s a major plot point, but writing Samuel’s first gay experience as his friend casually blowing him..? Ew and why???
I think it’s official, August Jones doesn’t work for me. First of all, the writing is mid:
“What can I say? I’m not for everyone. Men have to be in the mood for me. I’m a mood fuck. Every boy’s dream.”
Which one, August? A mood fuck or every boy’s dream? Those aren’t close to the same thing.
Samuel’s gay friend follows Calyx’s TikTok. Calyx, who has so far been described as effeminate in ten different ways including “I managed to walk without swaying my hips” but gay guy says “I don’t know if he’s gay or straight.” Really..?
This sort of incongruent sentence pairing is standard issue and it drives me bananas
Also, I find her books really slow on the uptake. I don’t know what it is but they don’t grab me in the beginning and by around 20% I give up. People loved The Heir’s Disgrace but for me it was taking too long to get interested. I tried twice and quit both times. I wouldn’t be surprised if they pick up and the steam is good, but I will never know.
Also, I could kind of deal with a sex scene with the dad since it’s a major plot point, but writing Samuel’s first gay experience as his friend casually blowing him..? Ew and why???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
I was so happy to see Calyx get his own story after meeting him in Finance bros and seeing him find his own love.
And god, Sam is a match made in heaven for Calyx. I loved that the dynamic eventually switched when they got to know each other better. Watching Calyx slowly open up with Sam's gentle encouragement was really heartwarming. The little things, like movie nights and cute dates, made their connection feel tender and those parts were my favorite to read.
There were times when I wished the conversations between them had flowed more naturally. I think the third act breakup would've been stronger if it hadn't been so predictable from the start. Calyx has a feminine side to himself, which are characters I usually love to see portrayed. But the way this was done leaned to the stereotypical side and I wish there were more layers to him, which would've made him feel much more like a real person.
Even with those moments, I had a good time following Calyx and Sam. Their sweetness together really shines through and I loved seeing them both finally getting the love the deserved.
Tropes:
Strangers to lovers
Size difference
MMA fighter x yoga teacher
Cat dad x dog dad
Spice:
3.5
Marking
Panties
Info:
Characters: Calyx and Samuel
Nicknames: angel/kitten/baby & babe
Age: 25 & 20 - 21
Pov: dual, first person
Break up: yes
And god, Sam is a match made in heaven for Calyx. I loved that the dynamic eventually switched when they got to know each other better. Watching Calyx slowly open up with Sam's gentle encouragement was really heartwarming. The little things, like movie nights and cute dates, made their connection feel tender and those parts were my favorite to read.
There were times when I wished the conversations between them had flowed more naturally. I think the third act breakup would've been stronger if it hadn't been so predictable from the start. Calyx has a feminine side to himself, which are characters I usually love to see portrayed. But the way this was done leaned to the stereotypical side and I wish there were more layers to him, which would've made him feel much more like a real person.
Even with those moments, I had a good time following Calyx and Sam. Their sweetness together really shines through and I loved seeing them both finally getting the love the deserved.
Tropes:
Strangers to lovers
Size difference
MMA fighter x yoga teacher
Cat dad x dog dad
Spice:
3.5
Marking
Panties
Info:
Characters: Calyx and Samuel
Nicknames: angel/kitten/baby & babe
Age: 25 & 20 - 21
Pov: dual, first person
Break up: yes
December 11, 2025
“He’s my sun, my moon, my heartbeat and breath. He’s had me in a chokehold since the first kiss. Every kiss since has only tightened his grip.”
I really don’t have anything bad to say about this book, I loved every second of it! From start to finish I was hooked — it was so hard to put down, and when I had to, I was constantly thinking about getting back to it. It was so freakiiinggg gooodd! There isn’t anything too deep about it; it was just a cute as hell, extra spicy, and incredibly addictive book.
The relationship between Calyx and Sam felt so natural. I loved that Sam brought Calyx back to life — he gave him the chance to be his age, to just have fun, and it was so beautiful to see. I love them both so much! They won my heart and my protective side, and it truly felt like I was reading a true story about two men falling in love, with one big complication that I’m so glad they were able to get past.
But other than that little blip in their story, they were actually so perfect, and I am indeed obsessed with them. I loved their banter, they were so funny, and I loved how Sam was so open with his feelings, which allowed Calyx to be too — even if it was harder for him. The dates, the Marvel marathon, the yoga… ughhh I can’t, I love them so muchhhh!
“I could barely stand myself before I met you. I definitely couldn’t stand myself without you. And it’s not just that I can’t keep my hands off you, it’s like there’s a you-size hole in my chest, and no one else in the world is big enough or bright enough to fill it.”
“I don’t think I deserve you,” Calyx whispers.
“You break it, you buy it,” I tell him.
“No…tell me I didn’t break you.”
“Oh, you did,” I assure him. “You destroyed me. Ruined me for anyone else. Now you have to rescue me.”
“Can I tell you how much I like you now?” I might throw up. I nod again. “You’re my favorite person I’ve ever met.”
Oh God. When my voice starts to work, it’s only in a whisper. “I think you might be mine, too.”
“I feel really lucky I got to meet you.”
I nod. “Me too.”
His hand tightens around mine. “And know you.”
“I’m not sure… I’m not sure there was much of a me before you.”
I don’t know what this author put in the spice in this book because WOW. I have to say that both of them, but especially Calyx, seemed like they were having the sex of their freaking life. Their chemistry was off the charts, and their connection was so good that it made sense for the sex to just keep getting better and better each time.
This book just made me so happy. I basically spent the whole time with a big smile on my face — well, except for a little moment there at the end. The first book in this series wasn’t that good in my opinion, but this one has me so excited for more from this author and this series.
“Did I ever tell you you’re the best workout buddy ever?”
“No.”
“Well, you are. My sexy little gym bro.”
Quotes worth mentioning:
I tighten my arms around him and squeeze. Three times. “That’s what it means, doesn’t it?” he asks, running a cool, wet hand up my back. Three squeezes. I. Love. You. “Beat you to it,” I whisper.
I really don’t have anything bad to say about this book, I loved every second of it! From start to finish I was hooked — it was so hard to put down, and when I had to, I was constantly thinking about getting back to it. It was so freakiiinggg gooodd! There isn’t anything too deep about it; it was just a cute as hell, extra spicy, and incredibly addictive book.
The relationship between Calyx and Sam felt so natural. I loved that Sam brought Calyx back to life — he gave him the chance to be his age, to just have fun, and it was so beautiful to see. I love them both so much! They won my heart and my protective side, and it truly felt like I was reading a true story about two men falling in love, with one big complication that I’m so glad they were able to get past.
But other than that little blip in their story, they were actually so perfect, and I am indeed obsessed with them. I loved their banter, they were so funny, and I loved how Sam was so open with his feelings, which allowed Calyx to be too — even if it was harder for him. The dates, the Marvel marathon, the yoga… ughhh I can’t, I love them so muchhhh!
“I could barely stand myself before I met you. I definitely couldn’t stand myself without you. And it’s not just that I can’t keep my hands off you, it’s like there’s a you-size hole in my chest, and no one else in the world is big enough or bright enough to fill it.”
“I don’t think I deserve you,” Calyx whispers.
“You break it, you buy it,” I tell him.
“No…tell me I didn’t break you.”
“Oh, you did,” I assure him. “You destroyed me. Ruined me for anyone else. Now you have to rescue me.”
“Can I tell you how much I like you now?” I might throw up. I nod again. “You’re my favorite person I’ve ever met.”
Oh God. When my voice starts to work, it’s only in a whisper. “I think you might be mine, too.”
“I feel really lucky I got to meet you.”
I nod. “Me too.”
His hand tightens around mine. “And know you.”
“I’m not sure… I’m not sure there was much of a me before you.”
I don’t know what this author put in the spice in this book because WOW. I have to say that both of them, but especially Calyx, seemed like they were having the sex of their freaking life. Their chemistry was off the charts, and their connection was so good that it made sense for the sex to just keep getting better and better each time.
This book just made me so happy. I basically spent the whole time with a big smile on my face — well, except for a little moment there at the end. The first book in this series wasn’t that good in my opinion, but this one has me so excited for more from this author and this series.
“Did I ever tell you you’re the best workout buddy ever?”
“No.”
“Well, you are. My sexy little gym bro.”
Quotes worth mentioning:
I tighten my arms around him and squeeze. Three times. “That’s what it means, doesn’t it?” he asks, running a cool, wet hand up my back. Three squeezes. I. Love. You. “Beat you to it,” I whisper.
September 19, 2025
A model since childhood, Calyx is in serious burnout. His androgynous beauty may have been his meal ticket, but the life has left him jaded, cynical, and alone but for a series of entanglements with much older, emotionally unavailable men. Men like his married manager, Marcus. When Marcus’ son, Samuel, is injured in an MMA sparring match, his dad connects him with Calyx for yoga training, never expecting the two young men would form a connection. Now Calyx is falling fast, but will his insecurities - and the looming specter of his affair with Samuel’s father - allow him to find happiness?
Is this my favorite August Jones couple? Can they all be my favorite? I don’t know, but I do know they tug on my heartstrings like no other. Calyx is such a precious bean, and seeing Samuel create space for him to be the young person he’s never had the chance to be is sheer perfection. Samuel is an endearing character, straightforward and simple without being shallow, I adore him for the bull-headed and devoted man he is.
Opposites in almost every way, their chemistry is nevertheless irresistible! Every time I thought the spice couldn’t get hotter, they turned it up a notch. I say every time that August writes unique stories, but I was blown away again by the beautiful road these two took me down. Highly recommend for everyone, but lovers of opposites attract are in for a treat! This is the second in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
*I received an advanced reader copy from The Author Agency and am voluntarily leaving my review*
Is this my favorite August Jones couple? Can they all be my favorite? I don’t know, but I do know they tug on my heartstrings like no other. Calyx is such a precious bean, and seeing Samuel create space for him to be the young person he’s never had the chance to be is sheer perfection. Samuel is an endearing character, straightforward and simple without being shallow, I adore him for the bull-headed and devoted man he is.
Opposites in almost every way, their chemistry is nevertheless irresistible! Every time I thought the spice couldn’t get hotter, they turned it up a notch. I say every time that August writes unique stories, but I was blown away again by the beautiful road these two took me down. Highly recommend for everyone, but lovers of opposites attract are in for a treat! This is the second in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
*I received an advanced reader copy from The Author Agency and am voluntarily leaving my review*
September 13, 2025
have loved every book August Jones puts out and I adore the way she writes, strong distinct characters , high heat, sweeping emotion and swoon! This series while lighter than her previous series is no less spectacular, I loved the Mal and Ryan’s story and Calyx and Sam were a perfect series addition
Calyx is 25 going on 50, burnt out, numb and disengaged, grappling with mental health issues… going through the motions, in a situationship with Marcus that isn’t really working for him but isn’t not working.. just completely apathetic. Sam’s recovering from a fluke injury, he’s been underestimated his whole life but he’s 20 going on 21 and he has a core of resilience and a sweet innocent charm, but he’s also so mature and together I was totally taken with him.
Their relationship starts off rough, gosh just so much hard work to just exist in the same place but they sort of navigate it, I love the way Calyx falls hard it shocks him out of his ennui I think and Sam is all sorts of swagger and swoon and sweetness - and being August Jones loads and loads of scorching sheet burning filthy delicious heat.
However, seeing as Sam is Marcus’s son, the whole forbidden nature of it had to come to a head though I think it resolved quickly and in the smoothest way it could. Not high angst at all. I loved the found family vibes with Mal and Ryan and Pri and Rachel and Evan.
Calyx is 25 going on 50, burnt out, numb and disengaged, grappling with mental health issues… going through the motions, in a situationship with Marcus that isn’t really working for him but isn’t not working.. just completely apathetic. Sam’s recovering from a fluke injury, he’s been underestimated his whole life but he’s 20 going on 21 and he has a core of resilience and a sweet innocent charm, but he’s also so mature and together I was totally taken with him.
Their relationship starts off rough, gosh just so much hard work to just exist in the same place but they sort of navigate it, I love the way Calyx falls hard it shocks him out of his ennui I think and Sam is all sorts of swagger and swoon and sweetness - and being August Jones loads and loads of scorching sheet burning filthy delicious heat.
However, seeing as Sam is Marcus’s son, the whole forbidden nature of it had to come to a head though I think it resolved quickly and in the smoothest way it could. Not high angst at all. I loved the found family vibes with Mal and Ryan and Pri and Rachel and Evan.
September 21, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series of August Jones’s lower angst romances! They still have all the emotional depth I love in her writing but just a bit lighter.
Calyx (who we meet in book 1) is a model on a break and a yoga instructor. Samuel is a young MMA fighter recovering from an injury. Brought together by Samuel’s dad - who is Calyx’s agent - their relationship is full of stops and starts as they both try to navigate friendship and growing feelings despite their very different personalities and backgrounds.
The growth these two go through together is beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story.
Expect: flexible fun times, goat yoga and cute dates, feminisation, sex as part of a training plan 🥵, a bit of drama, and more!
Calyx (who we meet in book 1) is a model on a break and a yoga instructor. Samuel is a young MMA fighter recovering from an injury. Brought together by Samuel’s dad - who is Calyx’s agent - their relationship is full of stops and starts as they both try to navigate friendship and growing feelings despite their very different personalities and backgrounds.
The growth these two go through together is beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story.
Expect: flexible fun times, goat yoga and cute dates, feminisation, sex as part of a training plan 🥵, a bit of drama, and more!
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