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Paradox
I know now, for certain, that I've made a deal with The Devil. I'm just not sure yet if I've sold him my soul as well.
Jintae—nineteen, desperate, and done letting his parents script his life. His brilliant escape plan? Drop out of college and vanish into the wilderness, hiding in the off-grid cabin of his brother’s best friend until the storm blows over.
The problem? That best friend is running too.
Eden—thirty-four, newly single, and in no mood for company. Especially not the perfectionist teenager with too many brains, and too little sense, that's always gotten under his skin.
He craves solitude.
Abandonment has hollowed him. Heartbreak has left him bitter and violent. So when Jintae shows up uninvited, he throws him out—until the kid begs. He offers himself up as a live-in servant, and Eden agrees… On brutal terms.
But what started as punishment soon turns into something Eden can't name. Jintae challenges him, haunts him, tempts him. Under the fury is heat. And under the insults is a pull neither of them can outrun.
Snow traps them. Secrets rot between them. And the boy Eden swore to stay away from becomes the one thing he can't stop craving.
Paradox is a slow burn, male/male romance full of angst, hatred, and a whole lot of tension. It stars a stubborn and sassy virgin MC, and a tattooed A-hole hell bent on making his life miserable. This is opposites attract and hate to lovers at it's finest. There are also strong bully elements (with a dash of primal play and voyeurism), so there is a journey to the spice. But I can assure you, it's well worth the wait.
Jintae—nineteen, desperate, and done letting his parents script his life. His brilliant escape plan? Drop out of college and vanish into the wilderness, hiding in the off-grid cabin of his brother’s best friend until the storm blows over.
The problem? That best friend is running too.
Eden—thirty-four, newly single, and in no mood for company. Especially not the perfectionist teenager with too many brains, and too little sense, that's always gotten under his skin.
He craves solitude.
Abandonment has hollowed him. Heartbreak has left him bitter and violent. So when Jintae shows up uninvited, he throws him out—until the kid begs. He offers himself up as a live-in servant, and Eden agrees… On brutal terms.
But what started as punishment soon turns into something Eden can't name. Jintae challenges him, haunts him, tempts him. Under the fury is heat. And under the insults is a pull neither of them can outrun.
Snow traps them. Secrets rot between them. And the boy Eden swore to stay away from becomes the one thing he can't stop craving.
Paradox is a slow burn, male/male romance full of angst, hatred, and a whole lot of tension. It stars a stubborn and sassy virgin MC, and a tattooed A-hole hell bent on making his life miserable. This is opposites attract and hate to lovers at it's finest. There are also strong bully elements (with a dash of primal play and voyeurism), so there is a journey to the spice. But I can assure you, it's well worth the wait.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
320 people want to read
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September 22, 2025
Eden + Jintae (Jin) 🖤
Age gap | Best friends little brother | Hatred | Bully | "Little One"
....
"I'm not scared of losing you... I'm scared of what I might do to make sure it doesn't happen."
....
I enjoyed the story. The way Eden ended up completely wrapped around Jin's finger was adorable. I do feel like parts could have been cut, and the story didn't need to be quite as long as it was.
This is definitely a bully romance with pretty severe abuse and violence between MCs before they get together. We got the "I was only mean to you because I liked and wanted you" bullshit. Which I loathe. But alas, this is fiction, and I knew it was a bully romance going in. So 🤷♀️. Eden does show remorse for how he treated Jin in the beginning.
There was a couple teased at the end for the next book that I'm definitely excited for!
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content, and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Age gap (19 & 34)
Tattoo artist needing to escape
College drop out hiding from disappointed parents
Interracial couple
Brothers best friend
Best friends little brother
Forbidden
Hatred
Forced proximity
Bully romance
Snowed in
Cabin
Taunting
Jin catches Eden jerking but Eden doesn't find out until later
Mutual jerking
Size difference
First times
Bi-awakening
Surprise virgin
"Dont take your eyes off me"
Thigh fucking
Spanking
"Little one"
He secretly builds him a bookshelf 🥺
Pining that came out in the worst of ways
Slapping during sex
Slaps his asshole with spit covered hand
Dub con
Light primal play
"Let me hear you beg"
Angry face fucking
"Little shit"
Fishing + hunting
Eden is jealous of Jin wearing even Jin's own brother's Letterman jacket
Eden tattooed Jin's name in Korean on himself
Touch him and die
Scene where they both use sex toys on themselves together
Strict roles on page with discussion of Jin topping Eden
Slow burn
"Good boy" (light)
Warnings:
Mentions of cheating (not between MCs)
Pretty severe bullying and violence between MCs - Punching, kicking, shoving his head under water, spitting, choking, pushing downstairs, slapping (mostly Eden towards Jin)
Older MC makes younger MC his slave in order for him not to rat him out to his family about his location.
Controlling parents
Hypothermia
Dehydration
Hunger
Non-consensual somno (not detailed on page but in Eden's internal dialogue, he mentions jerking off Jin in his sleep multiple times and letting Jin believe that he just had wet dreams. Jin never consented to this beforehand)
OW drama - Eden's ex cheated on him but won't leave him alone. Keeps texting and sending nudes despite him telling her to stop
Eden sends his ex a video of him sliding his dick through Jin's ass cheeks. He sends it without permission. The video is from Jin's waist down and he's unidentifiable
Jins ass bleeds the first time they do anal. It wasn't intentional. Eden babies him after
Eden and Tek (Jin's brother) try to beat the hell out of each other once Tek finds out they're together
Unsafe tattoo (eden tattoos himself in a rush right after tattooing Jin. No equipment was sterilized - when Jin freaked out, he justified it by saying he just ate his ass earlier, so it's fine, lol.
* Side note to future me. I think/hope🤞🏻, the next couple will be Tek (Jin's brother) and Casey (Eden's brother)
Age gap | Best friends little brother | Hatred | Bully | "Little One"
....
"I'm not scared of losing you... I'm scared of what I might do to make sure it doesn't happen."
....
I enjoyed the story. The way Eden ended up completely wrapped around Jin's finger was adorable. I do feel like parts could have been cut, and the story didn't need to be quite as long as it was.
This is definitely a bully romance with pretty severe abuse and violence between MCs before they get together. We got the "I was only mean to you because I liked and wanted you" bullshit. Which I loathe. But alas, this is fiction, and I knew it was a bully romance going in. So 🤷♀️. Eden does show remorse for how he treated Jin in the beginning.
There was a couple teased at the end for the next book that I'm definitely excited for!
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content, and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Age gap (19 & 34)
Tattoo artist needing to escape
College drop out hiding from disappointed parents
Interracial couple
Brothers best friend
Best friends little brother
Forbidden
Hatred
Forced proximity
Bully romance
Snowed in
Cabin
Taunting
Jin catches Eden jerking but Eden doesn't find out until later
Mutual jerking
Size difference
First times
Bi-awakening
Surprise virgin
"Dont take your eyes off me"
Thigh fucking
Spanking
"Little one"
He secretly builds him a bookshelf 🥺
Pining that came out in the worst of ways
Slapping during sex
Slaps his asshole with spit covered hand
Dub con
Light primal play
"Let me hear you beg"
Angry face fucking
"Little shit"
Fishing + hunting
Eden is jealous of Jin wearing even Jin's own brother's Letterman jacket
Eden tattooed Jin's name in Korean on himself
Touch him and die
Scene where they both use sex toys on themselves together
Strict roles on page with discussion of Jin topping Eden
Slow burn
"Good boy" (light)
Warnings:
Mentions of cheating (not between MCs)
Pretty severe bullying and violence between MCs - Punching, kicking, shoving his head under water, spitting, choking, pushing downstairs, slapping (mostly Eden towards Jin)
Older MC makes younger MC his slave in order for him not to rat him out to his family about his location.
Controlling parents
Hypothermia
Dehydration
Hunger
Non-consensual somno (not detailed on page but in Eden's internal dialogue, he mentions jerking off Jin in his sleep multiple times and letting Jin believe that he just had wet dreams. Jin never consented to this beforehand)
OW drama - Eden's ex cheated on him but won't leave him alone. Keeps texting and sending nudes despite him telling her to stop
Eden sends his ex a video of him sliding his dick through Jin's ass cheeks. He sends it without permission. The video is from Jin's waist down and he's unidentifiable
Jins ass bleeds the first time they do anal. It wasn't intentional. Eden babies him after
Eden and Tek (Jin's brother) try to beat the hell out of each other once Tek finds out they're together
Unsafe tattoo (eden tattoos himself in a rush right after tattooing Jin. No equipment was sterilized - when Jin freaked out, he justified it by saying he just ate his ass earlier, so it's fine, lol.
* Side note to future me. I think/hope🤞🏻, the next couple will be Tek (Jin's brother) and Casey (Eden's brother)
October 3, 2025
OK alright here WE GO. Say it with me > there’s BULLY ROMANCE and then there’s DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 🤗
This book literally made me sick.
I love a bully romance, live for a good grovel, I’m here for it. But this? Oh I’m Eden, I’m a big man baby who can handle his attraction towards a man so I’m gonna beat the shit out of him, multiple times, almost kill him, give him hypothermia, leave him to die again, banish him to a cabin with 1 match then LAUGH when Jintae finds out there was an electric blanket in there the whole time. Oh I’ll also tell Jintae to “shut up” whenever he brings up the violence. He he ha ha he he he he. So cute so fun.
Then I’m gonna fall in love with him in 2.5 seconds and still not grovel for the all the shit I put you through and still act like a grade a WANKER.
REALLY!?!?!?!? This is blatantly offensive to DV survivors:
“Being strangled by an abusive partner spikes a survivor's risk of being murdered by them later on.”
Why would someone who’s blatantly abusive in the beginning suddenly just see the light and stop because now they’re in love?
There’s something seriously disturbing about this book and edens character and that is that if this was even close to real life he would end up killing Jintae in the future because that’s the reality of the kind of behaviour he exhibited toward him in the beginning.
Im done. Bye.
This book literally made me sick.
I love a bully romance, live for a good grovel, I’m here for it. But this? Oh I’m Eden, I’m a big man baby who can handle his attraction towards a man so I’m gonna beat the shit out of him, multiple times, almost kill him, give him hypothermia, leave him to die again, banish him to a cabin with 1 match then LAUGH when Jintae finds out there was an electric blanket in there the whole time. Oh I’ll also tell Jintae to “shut up” whenever he brings up the violence. He he ha ha he he he he. So cute so fun.
Then I’m gonna fall in love with him in 2.5 seconds and still not grovel for the all the shit I put you through and still act like a grade a WANKER.
REALLY!?!?!?!? This is blatantly offensive to DV survivors:
“Being strangled by an abusive partner spikes a survivor's risk of being murdered by them later on.”
Why would someone who’s blatantly abusive in the beginning suddenly just see the light and stop because now they’re in love?
There’s something seriously disturbing about this book and edens character and that is that if this was even close to real life he would end up killing Jintae in the future because that’s the reality of the kind of behaviour he exhibited toward him in the beginning.
Im done. Bye.
September 5, 2025
Hot damn—yes, it’s a bit of a slow burn, but THE TENSION IS THICK. 🔥 This book packs in so many of my favorite tropes: age gap, brother’s best friend, enemies to lovers, and even bullying. So honestly, it’s probably no surprise that I ended up loving it.
What really stood out to me was the way the story shifted from raw, relentless hate to something so much deeper. You could feel from the start that there was more beneath all that hostility, even if it didn’t make sense at first. Eden might come across as a total piece of work in the beginning, but trust me—you’ll start falling for him. The way his behavior toward Jin slowly unravels and begins to make sense is just so well done.
And let’s not forget—the Dom/Sub dynamic between these two? Chef’s kiss. This book had layers I didn’t expect, and plenty of surprises along the way.
What really stood out to me was the way the story shifted from raw, relentless hate to something so much deeper. You could feel from the start that there was more beneath all that hostility, even if it didn’t make sense at first. Eden might come across as a total piece of work in the beginning, but trust me—you’ll start falling for him. The way his behavior toward Jin slowly unravels and begins to make sense is just so well done.
And let’s not forget—the Dom/Sub dynamic between these two? Chef’s kiss. This book had layers I didn’t expect, and plenty of surprises along the way.
September 16, 2025
Paradox
J.J. Asher
Eden & Jintae
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Forbidden
Age gap
Bully romance
Size difference
V!rgin MC
Brothers best friend
Stuck in a cabin for 3 months
So I’m in love with this. There are some books over time you read that just stand out. This is one of them. There is a vibe that only some authors can create. Such intense emotion, angst and tension, it leaps off the page and you FEEL it, you feel it as your are reading it, and it’s like you are living it with the characters right at that moment
I could not put this down. I was up till almost 2am when the arc hit and I had to finish this out.
This was so well written.
These men both start off running from something. Eden we assume is running from his current life, needing an escape. His girlfriend just cheated with his friend and business partner. Jintae is running from the expectations of those around him, especially his parents and the pressure they put on him.
I believe this is a story you should go in blind and experience without too much background.
Both men end up in a cabin up on a mountain with the looming brutal winter hot on their heel, which soon will trap them there for months.
Jin ill prepared, with a few bottle of Soju and Shin ramen, and Eden ill prepared to handle another human lol clash naturally…let the good times roll lol
Sheesh this was incredible. From true hate to lovers and full bully romance, over time the author beautifully uncovers who these men truly are, showing what makes Eden rough around the edges and why the chip on his shoulder is there. To why Jin feels the pressure of the world.
Jin and Eden end up revealing things about each other and start building something, although I think before the depth of the characters start building we get that delicious tension that is so thick I was choking on it … in literally the best way.
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” “If it’s that I want you to be the first person to ever have me, then yes.”
Shoot these men were hot like fire. I’m surprised my Kindle did not catch fire at times lol
We really start to see the characters change, Eden especially around the 70% mark. Then I was choking for a whole other reason lol The intensity, the devotion, the chemistry, Wowzers it was incredible The desperate, obsessive neediness that JJ Asher does so well was flying off the page.
“Am I doing good, Hyung?”
“You’re doing perfect, Little One.”
Their first time was so intense, so emotional, so real, and hot and beautiful, I barely breathed through it all. Incredible writing. What a talent to be able to write so descriptively that you feel you are there, your heart is beating out of your chest reading. SO much more than words on paper.
This is an incredible book. One that goes into my top 10 and one I will reread over again.
The last bit is angsty in a different way, angsty knowing their time on the mountain and in the cabin is coming to an end,, Eden must face Jin's family as well as Jin facing the reality of what he has done, by going to the cabin in the first place. Tek, Eden's best friend and Jins brother is someone they also have to face.
“If they take you from me, I’ll kill them to get you back.” I shudder as my eyes flutter closed. Shifting his hand from my chest to the small of my back, he pulls me flush against him. “I waited thirty-four years for you. And when you’re ready, I’m gonna marry you.”“I’m ready now.”
This angst in the later part is just as delicious to me, the motions, the declarations, the vows to each other as they are about to face the results of their actions.
Shoot this book was everything
Im in awe
I loved it
I think you all should read it
Its so well written
I highlighted so so so much in the book lol
So incredibly thankful for this arc
J.J. Asher
Eden & Jintae
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Forbidden
Age gap
Bully romance
Size difference
V!rgin MC
Brothers best friend
Stuck in a cabin for 3 months
So I’m in love with this. There are some books over time you read that just stand out. This is one of them. There is a vibe that only some authors can create. Such intense emotion, angst and tension, it leaps off the page and you FEEL it, you feel it as your are reading it, and it’s like you are living it with the characters right at that moment
I could not put this down. I was up till almost 2am when the arc hit and I had to finish this out.
This was so well written.
These men both start off running from something. Eden we assume is running from his current life, needing an escape. His girlfriend just cheated with his friend and business partner. Jintae is running from the expectations of those around him, especially his parents and the pressure they put on him.
I believe this is a story you should go in blind and experience without too much background.
Both men end up in a cabin up on a mountain with the looming brutal winter hot on their heel, which soon will trap them there for months.
Jin ill prepared, with a few bottle of Soju and Shin ramen, and Eden ill prepared to handle another human lol clash naturally…let the good times roll lol
Sheesh this was incredible. From true hate to lovers and full bully romance, over time the author beautifully uncovers who these men truly are, showing what makes Eden rough around the edges and why the chip on his shoulder is there. To why Jin feels the pressure of the world.
Jin and Eden end up revealing things about each other and start building something, although I think before the depth of the characters start building we get that delicious tension that is so thick I was choking on it … in literally the best way.
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” “If it’s that I want you to be the first person to ever have me, then yes.”
Shoot these men were hot like fire. I’m surprised my Kindle did not catch fire at times lol
We really start to see the characters change, Eden especially around the 70% mark. Then I was choking for a whole other reason lol The intensity, the devotion, the chemistry, Wowzers it was incredible The desperate, obsessive neediness that JJ Asher does so well was flying off the page.
“Am I doing good, Hyung?”
“You’re doing perfect, Little One.”
Their first time was so intense, so emotional, so real, and hot and beautiful, I barely breathed through it all. Incredible writing. What a talent to be able to write so descriptively that you feel you are there, your heart is beating out of your chest reading. SO much more than words on paper.
This is an incredible book. One that goes into my top 10 and one I will reread over again.
The last bit is angsty in a different way, angsty knowing their time on the mountain and in the cabin is coming to an end,, Eden must face Jin's family as well as Jin facing the reality of what he has done, by going to the cabin in the first place. Tek, Eden's best friend and Jins brother is someone they also have to face.
“If they take you from me, I’ll kill them to get you back.” I shudder as my eyes flutter closed. Shifting his hand from my chest to the small of my back, he pulls me flush against him. “I waited thirty-four years for you. And when you’re ready, I’m gonna marry you.”“I’m ready now.”
This angst in the later part is just as delicious to me, the motions, the declarations, the vows to each other as they are about to face the results of their actions.
Shoot this book was everything
Im in awe
I loved it
I think you all should read it
Its so well written
I highlighted so so so much in the book lol
So incredibly thankful for this arc
Read
October 8, 2025Paradox is book one in the Paradigm series. This MM bully romance story is about Eden and Jintae (Jin).
Eden is a thirty-four year old tattoo artist. He owns a tattoo shop with his best friend Tek. Jin is a nineteen year old virgin, college dropout, and Tek’s younger brother. When Eden finds out his girlfriend cheated on him, he escapes to his cabin. Jin is running from the expectations of his parents, so he heads to Eden’s cabin to escape. They both were not expecting for each other to be there. And although Eden tries to make Jin leave, he lets him stay and doesn’t tell Tek that Jin is at the cabin.
Eden is older and larger while Jin is younger and smaller. I have to say Eden was so incredibly cruel to Jin. There was not only bullying and gaslighting, but Eden physically abused Jin too. Seeing Eden hurt Jin in so many ways was hard to stomach.
When Eden’s mom abandoned him, it was Jin’s older brother Tek and parents that were there for Eden. They took him in and treated him like he was family, so I had a hard time understanding why Eden treated Jin so horribly. Jin might have been sassy but he was so sweet and innocent. We eventually find out the reason why Eden hates Jin and it absolutely made no sense to me. I don’t understand how a man in his thirties would bully and abuse his best friend’s nineteen year old brother. Eden’s behavior and actions were inexcusable.
Jin forgave Eden way too easily in my opinion and I don’t feel like Eden redeemed himself. I had a hard time connecting with these characters and I was not a fan of their dynamic. I do think Jin absolutely deserved so much better. Unfortunately there were just too many things that didn’t work for me in Eden and Jin’s story. This age gap, older brother’s best friend, MM bully romance was not for me.
Eden is a thirty-four year old tattoo artist. He owns a tattoo shop with his best friend Tek. Jin is a nineteen year old virgin, college dropout, and Tek’s younger brother. When Eden finds out his girlfriend cheated on him, he escapes to his cabin. Jin is running from the expectations of his parents, so he heads to Eden’s cabin to escape. They both were not expecting for each other to be there. And although Eden tries to make Jin leave, he lets him stay and doesn’t tell Tek that Jin is at the cabin.
Eden is older and larger while Jin is younger and smaller. I have to say Eden was so incredibly cruel to Jin. There was not only bullying and gaslighting, but Eden physically abused Jin too. Seeing Eden hurt Jin in so many ways was hard to stomach.
When Eden’s mom abandoned him, it was Jin’s older brother Tek and parents that were there for Eden. They took him in and treated him like he was family, so I had a hard time understanding why Eden treated Jin so horribly. Jin might have been sassy but he was so sweet and innocent. We eventually find out the reason why Eden hates Jin and it absolutely made no sense to me. I don’t understand how a man in his thirties would bully and abuse his best friend’s nineteen year old brother. Eden’s behavior and actions were inexcusable.
Jin forgave Eden way too easily in my opinion and I don’t feel like Eden redeemed himself. I had a hard time connecting with these characters and I was not a fan of their dynamic. I do think Jin absolutely deserved so much better. Unfortunately there were just too many things that didn’t work for me in Eden and Jin’s story. This age gap, older brother’s best friend, MM bully romance was not for me.
September 15, 2025
I just love broken boys learning to heal themselves and Eden and Jin's story was a hard fought happily ever after.
Eden discovers his girlfriend cheating on him with their coworker from the tattoo shop he is co-owner of, so he decides to spend the winter at his cabin. He's surprised to find his best friend's little brother Jin there. Jin is running from his life, he dropped out of school and can't be around family right now.
These two hate each other, read the triggers, especially for how Eden treats Jin in the beginning. Once they get over their differences, mainly Eden being an ass, they grow closer. The chemistry between them was always there and once it comes to the surface, it's explosive.
They both know so much is at stake when they return home but both know their relationship is worth it.
Eden discovers his girlfriend cheating on him with their coworker from the tattoo shop he is co-owner of, so he decides to spend the winter at his cabin. He's surprised to find his best friend's little brother Jin there. Jin is running from his life, he dropped out of school and can't be around family right now.
These two hate each other, read the triggers, especially for how Eden treats Jin in the beginning. Once they get over their differences, mainly Eden being an ass, they grow closer. The chemistry between them was always there and once it comes to the surface, it's explosive.
They both know so much is at stake when they return home but both know their relationship is worth it.
October 28, 2025
KU Read
420 Pages
Dark MM Romance
Forced Proximity (snowed in for the winter)
Hate to Love
Extreme Bullying (see triggers)
Forbidden (best friends younger brother)
Age Gap (14 Years)
Bi-Awakening
Virgin MMC
This is an unexpected 5 star read for me. It is different from what I've read before and the author did not shy away from the raw gritty bits at all. Some parts made me physically flinch and feel some kinda way about Eden and his temper but I like the realness of it too.
Jin has fled to the cabin after dropping out of college, before winter kicks in, in a bid to hide from his parents and their unrealistic expectations of him. He doesn't expect Eden to be there also, full of rage and not keen to be shacked up with his best friends little brother for the winter. Anger, Angst, Pain and eventually understanding.,their dynamic shifts and ... well if you wanna know, read it! You won't be disappointed!
420 Pages
Dark MM Romance
Forced Proximity (snowed in for the winter)
Hate to Love
Extreme Bullying (see triggers)
Forbidden (best friends younger brother)
Age Gap (14 Years)
Bi-Awakening
Virgin MMC
This is an unexpected 5 star read for me. It is different from what I've read before and the author did not shy away from the raw gritty bits at all. Some parts made me physically flinch and feel some kinda way about Eden and his temper but I like the realness of it too.
Jin has fled to the cabin after dropping out of college, before winter kicks in, in a bid to hide from his parents and their unrealistic expectations of him. He doesn't expect Eden to be there also, full of rage and not keen to be shacked up with his best friends little brother for the winter. Anger, Angst, Pain and eventually understanding.,their dynamic shifts and ... well if you wanna know, read it! You won't be disappointed!
September 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Age Gap 19/34
Cheating (not between mmcs)
Bully
Physical violence between Mmcs
Jintae and Eden are both running from something in their lives and they both end up at a cabin Eden owns. To say Eden wasn’t very happy would be an understatement. It was really hard for me to read at the beginning since he was so hard on Jintae. But my favorite parts of bully romance is when the flip switched for them and they for from hate to lone. It took me a while to actually like him. But honestly in the end, I think they’re perfect for each other. They push each other‘s buttons and Jintae really did make Eden a better version of himself. Jintae had a rough beginning at the cabin. He was running because he just wanted his life to be his own to be who he wanted to be instead of what his parents wanted him to be. And after Eden, finally stopped taking his frustration and anger out on him and owned up to his own feelings. The growth that Jintae was finally able to have in figuring out what he wanted to be and actually being able to 100% be his true authentic self was beautiful. Watching them come together was just realistic in a way that you don’t normally read. JJ Asher didn’t shy away from the heart and soul of their relationship. And the support Eden showed at the end was just the icing on the cake. I would 100% reread. And I will probably end up with a trophy book for my shelf😂❤️ I can’t wait to read more from this author.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Age Gap 19/34
Cheating (not between mmcs)
Bully
Physical violence between Mmcs
Jintae and Eden are both running from something in their lives and they both end up at a cabin Eden owns. To say Eden wasn’t very happy would be an understatement. It was really hard for me to read at the beginning since he was so hard on Jintae. But my favorite parts of bully romance is when the flip switched for them and they for from hate to lone. It took me a while to actually like him. But honestly in the end, I think they’re perfect for each other. They push each other‘s buttons and Jintae really did make Eden a better version of himself. Jintae had a rough beginning at the cabin. He was running because he just wanted his life to be his own to be who he wanted to be instead of what his parents wanted him to be. And after Eden, finally stopped taking his frustration and anger out on him and owned up to his own feelings. The growth that Jintae was finally able to have in figuring out what he wanted to be and actually being able to 100% be his true authentic self was beautiful. Watching them come together was just realistic in a way that you don’t normally read. JJ Asher didn’t shy away from the heart and soul of their relationship. And the support Eden showed at the end was just the icing on the cake. I would 100% reread. And I will probably end up with a trophy book for my shelf😂❤️ I can’t wait to read more from this author.
September 8, 2025
Paradox was my first read by JJ Asher, and it definitely won’t be my last. This book is a hard-fought happy ending wrapped in angst, slow burn tension, and some of my favorite tropes—enemies to lovers, age gap, and a redemption arc that hits just right.
Eden is a force of anger and control, the kind of character you want to shake and hug all at once. Jin, on the other hand, is a scared brat that’s impossible not to love. On paper, these two shouldn’t work, but JJ makes their dynamic not only believable, but addictive. Watching Eden battle his demons and finally admit his truth, while Jin figures out who he is and what he wants, was such a satisfying journey.
The beginning is intense but the way the relationship evolves is beautifully done. There’s so much more I could gush about, but I won’t spoil the ride. Just trust me—this is a story you need to experience for yourself.
Eden is a force of anger and control, the kind of character you want to shake and hug all at once. Jin, on the other hand, is a scared brat that’s impossible not to love. On paper, these two shouldn’t work, but JJ makes their dynamic not only believable, but addictive. Watching Eden battle his demons and finally admit his truth, while Jin figures out who he is and what he wants, was such a satisfying journey.
The beginning is intense but the way the relationship evolves is beautifully done. There’s so much more I could gush about, but I won’t spoil the ride. Just trust me—this is a story you need to experience for yourself.
September 26, 2025
Paradox by J.J. Asher is book 1 in the A New Paradigm series. Eden finds out his girlfriend is cheating on him and in a moment of anger vanishes for the next three months to his secluded cabin. Jin, his best friend’s younger brother, shows up to hide out after dropping out of college. I was very conflicted about this book and struggled with how to rate it. However, the beginning 30-40% contained such abuse and cruelty that it was hard for me to like Eden after how he treated Jin. I didn’t understand the reason at all. I did like the ending and the epilogue, but the beginning left such a bitter taste in my mouth that I wasn’t sure it ever recovered. If book 2 is about Tek and Casey, I will definitely be reading that one.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
September 14, 2025
A book that will leave you taking a deep satisfied breath at the end.
JJ Asher managed again to draw us into the lives of two people and pull us so deep into their inner workings while allowing us to see them acting out their fears on each other every which way. Sometimes in the worst way.
Eden, an outwardly very angry, big man in his mid-thirties, just dumped his cheating girlfriend and goes to hide in his cabin deep in the woods for the winter. He is in active denial about having contributed to the breakdown of his relations by withdrawing from it for some time.
Jintae (Jin) the small build 19 year old little brother of Eden's best friend Tek, is of Korean descent and has been pushed to study law by his parents. He hates it and decides to leave college and hide out in his older brother's best friend's cabin in the woods because he can't face his parents. Arriving badly prepared for what the long stay, an approaching snow storm and the coming deep winter, cutting the cabin off from civilization, will bring.
When Eden and Jin realize they are both at the cabin and can't go back, Eden's anger boils over and Jin can't help but stoke the fire at every turn. Their volatile relationship takes many turns, some for the worse, before they finally come to realize and admit to each other that they have been secretly in love with each other for a long time. Sparks fly and their energetic, yet unpredictable behavior makes for some interesting bedroom scenes. But their idyllic life in the cabin can't continue past spring. Eden needs to face the fact that he may lose his best friend and business partner because of his relationship with Tek's little brother. And Jin needs to face his upset brother and his controlling parents who still think they are in charge of his life and tell him he must go back to studying.
The emotional journey any reader of this book will go through is nothing but amazing. At times I wanted to give both Eden and Jin a "good talking to", other times the poetry of their love and sweet intend of what they did for each other saw me highlighting entire pages on my kindle.
JJ Asher produced a masterpiece that drew me in slowly at first, because of Eden's initial brutish behavior toward Jin, and even had me shrink back a couple of times. But I got hooked pretty soon, and returned eagerly to read how their relationship developed over time. A relationship which is at least partly based on an equal riling up of each other followed by explosive expressions of their deep love and passion for each other.
5 out of 5 stars. An author well worth reading.
JJ Asher managed again to draw us into the lives of two people and pull us so deep into their inner workings while allowing us to see them acting out their fears on each other every which way. Sometimes in the worst way.
Eden, an outwardly very angry, big man in his mid-thirties, just dumped his cheating girlfriend and goes to hide in his cabin deep in the woods for the winter. He is in active denial about having contributed to the breakdown of his relations by withdrawing from it for some time.
Jintae (Jin) the small build 19 year old little brother of Eden's best friend Tek, is of Korean descent and has been pushed to study law by his parents. He hates it and decides to leave college and hide out in his older brother's best friend's cabin in the woods because he can't face his parents. Arriving badly prepared for what the long stay, an approaching snow storm and the coming deep winter, cutting the cabin off from civilization, will bring.
When Eden and Jin realize they are both at the cabin and can't go back, Eden's anger boils over and Jin can't help but stoke the fire at every turn. Their volatile relationship takes many turns, some for the worse, before they finally come to realize and admit to each other that they have been secretly in love with each other for a long time. Sparks fly and their energetic, yet unpredictable behavior makes for some interesting bedroom scenes. But their idyllic life in the cabin can't continue past spring. Eden needs to face the fact that he may lose his best friend and business partner because of his relationship with Tek's little brother. And Jin needs to face his upset brother and his controlling parents who still think they are in charge of his life and tell him he must go back to studying.
The emotional journey any reader of this book will go through is nothing but amazing. At times I wanted to give both Eden and Jin a "good talking to", other times the poetry of their love and sweet intend of what they did for each other saw me highlighting entire pages on my kindle.
JJ Asher produced a masterpiece that drew me in slowly at first, because of Eden's initial brutish behavior toward Jin, and even had me shrink back a couple of times. But I got hooked pretty soon, and returned eagerly to read how their relationship developed over time. A relationship which is at least partly based on an equal riling up of each other followed by explosive expressions of their deep love and passion for each other.
5 out of 5 stars. An author well worth reading.
September 10, 2025
Sooo… Where to start…
After a few chapters I thought… nah… this book ain’t gonna be something for me - it’s too dark and intense.. well it’s not a dark romance in case you wonder and if you slightly feel the same way… trust me… keep going! Cause after Jin & Eden sort everything out, their love for each other is oh so sweetly 💖
But let me start at the beginning - I had so many different feelings while reading…
A lot of them where toward Eden - interesting how one can slowly build compassion for a character and go from full on hate, disgust and „I really wanna hurt him“ to admiration like „Oh isn’t he the best“ after a few dozen pages… 😬 well to be fair it took me half the book to fall in love with Eden 💖 you need to understand him and his past to overlook his actions in the beginning.
At first Eden is grumpy and full of rage and hate and doesn’t treat Jin very well when he seeks shelter at his cabin in the woods very far away from civilization, where Eden also escaped to for the winter. Eden doesn’t like it at all that Jin is with him there, soon to be snowed in together. He is very rude and rough with Jin. There’s major bullying and it also gets very physical until Eden just stops one day and acknowledges Jin‘s presence and his feelings for him.
Luckily they compliment one another and
Jin is thriving on some of Eden‘s actions and aggravates him and always tries to tempt him - he is a big little brat!
They both like it a bit rougher when they come together for some sexy time.
Jin likes Eden to be bossy - well very bossy indeed (you all know what I mean 😉 but I can’t full on spell it out here obviously) They explore all the first’s together and it’s going to be very hot and very filthy… many, many times cause what else is there to do in a cabin in the middle of nowhere!
They fall for each other during there weeks there and they develop a deep -you’re my one and only- love for each other… those two are sweet, naughty and filthy as fudge.
I adore those two - their banter, their constant back and forth and their arguing. Eden is so much bigger and stronger than Jin but Jin never wavers - standing strong and always talks back like the brat he is.
And yeah I said it before - totally fell in love with Eden in the end cause he cares so much and all the little things he does to make Jin feel good and loved - he is one of the good ones after all.
„I already used up all the words I know yesterday explaining to him how much he means to me—and I’ve been putting those together for weeks. So I’m showing him; because that’s what I know how to do. He needs food, so I bring it home for him. He likes his coffee sweet, so I drink mine straight so we don’t run out of sugar.“ *Swoon*
5 stars from me 💖
I received an ARC - thank you so much
After a few chapters I thought… nah… this book ain’t gonna be something for me - it’s too dark and intense.. well it’s not a dark romance in case you wonder and if you slightly feel the same way… trust me… keep going! Cause after Jin & Eden sort everything out, their love for each other is oh so sweetly 💖
But let me start at the beginning - I had so many different feelings while reading…
A lot of them where toward Eden - interesting how one can slowly build compassion for a character and go from full on hate, disgust and „I really wanna hurt him“ to admiration like „Oh isn’t he the best“ after a few dozen pages… 😬 well to be fair it took me half the book to fall in love with Eden 💖 you need to understand him and his past to overlook his actions in the beginning.
At first Eden is grumpy and full of rage and hate and doesn’t treat Jin very well when he seeks shelter at his cabin in the woods very far away from civilization, where Eden also escaped to for the winter. Eden doesn’t like it at all that Jin is with him there, soon to be snowed in together. He is very rude and rough with Jin. There’s major bullying and it also gets very physical until Eden just stops one day and acknowledges Jin‘s presence and his feelings for him.
Luckily they compliment one another and
Jin is thriving on some of Eden‘s actions and aggravates him and always tries to tempt him - he is a big little brat!
They both like it a bit rougher when they come together for some sexy time.
Jin likes Eden to be bossy - well very bossy indeed (you all know what I mean 😉 but I can’t full on spell it out here obviously) They explore all the first’s together and it’s going to be very hot and very filthy… many, many times cause what else is there to do in a cabin in the middle of nowhere!
They fall for each other during there weeks there and they develop a deep -you’re my one and only- love for each other… those two are sweet, naughty and filthy as fudge.
I adore those two - their banter, their constant back and forth and their arguing. Eden is so much bigger and stronger than Jin but Jin never wavers - standing strong and always talks back like the brat he is.
And yeah I said it before - totally fell in love with Eden in the end cause he cares so much and all the little things he does to make Jin feel good and loved - he is one of the good ones after all.
„I already used up all the words I know yesterday explaining to him how much he means to me—and I’ve been putting those together for weeks. So I’m showing him; because that’s what I know how to do. He needs food, so I bring it home for him. He likes his coffee sweet, so I drink mine straight so we don’t run out of sugar.“ *Swoon*
5 stars from me 💖
I received an ARC - thank you so much
September 16, 2025
Paradox
By J.J. Asher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always remember to check your trigger warnings!!
Tropes:
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Forbidden - brother's best friend
🖤Age Gap (19/34)
🖤Bi Awakening
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Size Difference
🖤Inexperienced virgin MC
🖤Bully Romance
🖤Angst
Paradox is the latest MM romance installment from the amazingly talented J.J Asher. And she’s done it yet again!
The storyline is superb and beautifully crafted around a complex and compelling narrative… Characters who are deeply flawed but are equally redeemable!
Jintae and Eden find themselves in a forced proximity situation and it all unravels from there! A beautifully balanced, slow burn, bully romance that will have you feeling all the feels. On the edge of your seat scenes with high tension and lots of angst.
Some scenes are hard to get through but you ultimately will. You will eventually find yourself loving both characters equally as I have.
The push and pull, the electric energy and undeniable attraction between these two main characters is palpable! The character development is delicately crafted as is their unique dynamic!
I love these two so much!!
Absolute perfection!!
A must read for all MM romance lovers!
*
Quotes:
"You're a natural, Little One." He digs into the back of my sweats, forcing them further down my legs. I jerk him forward to kiss me. "I want you inside me."
"You're a thirsty little whore tonight, aren't you?"
“ I can’t decide if you’re being a good boy, or a bad boy, right now.”
“ keep squirming, little man, and I’ll lock your ass in the back of my truck.”
“ I want you to coate my dick in your cum, Jin.
And I wanna watch your pretty face while you do it.”
By J.J. Asher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always remember to check your trigger warnings!!
Tropes:
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Forbidden - brother's best friend
🖤Age Gap (19/34)
🖤Bi Awakening
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Size Difference
🖤Inexperienced virgin MC
🖤Bully Romance
🖤Angst
Paradox is the latest MM romance installment from the amazingly talented J.J Asher. And she’s done it yet again!
The storyline is superb and beautifully crafted around a complex and compelling narrative… Characters who are deeply flawed but are equally redeemable!
Jintae and Eden find themselves in a forced proximity situation and it all unravels from there! A beautifully balanced, slow burn, bully romance that will have you feeling all the feels. On the edge of your seat scenes with high tension and lots of angst.
Some scenes are hard to get through but you ultimately will. You will eventually find yourself loving both characters equally as I have.
The push and pull, the electric energy and undeniable attraction between these two main characters is palpable! The character development is delicately crafted as is their unique dynamic!
I love these two so much!!
Absolute perfection!!
A must read for all MM romance lovers!
*
Quotes:
"You're a natural, Little One." He digs into the back of my sweats, forcing them further down my legs. I jerk him forward to kiss me. "I want you inside me."
"You're a thirsty little whore tonight, aren't you?"
“ I can’t decide if you’re being a good boy, or a bad boy, right now.”
“ keep squirming, little man, and I’ll lock your ass in the back of my truck.”
“ I want you to coate my dick in your cum, Jin.
And I wanna watch your pretty face while you do it.”
September 14, 2025
It’s crazy when you start a book and instantly dislike one of the MMCs and then just absolutely love them 😂 Eden, my guy is an absolute twat face who I just wanted to throttle, but then he won me over. The bickering between these two was hilarious, Jin brought out the best in Eden & Eden wanted to be a better person for him.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series 👀 I have my suspicions who the next couple are 😉
I can’t wait for the next book in this series 👀 I have my suspicions who the next couple are 😉
September 24, 2025
DNF at chapter 7.
Bully romance is usually very angsty and with high tension scenes … until it boils over and the MMCs can’t help but explode for each other. Unfortunately, I didn’t find it here. The bullying needs to make sense, it doesn’t here.
7 chapters in and I still don’t know why Eden hated Jintae so much, least of all he is Eden’s best friend’s little brother …the only reason mentioned so far was that Jintae is a baby compared to them and therefore uncool. I assume that’s not a reason for the hatred…unless it is and that would be so dumb for an over 30 year old man to behave like this. Eden is early 30s and Jintae is a troubled 19 year old boy. Eden treated Jintae like shit (and for no reason, to me) - with violence btw. Eden character does not seem psychotic or an asshole just for the sake of it; so his cruelty toward Jintae seems very random. I don’t get it guys…This is why i can’t connect to the characters and therefore the story.
Bully romance is usually very angsty and with high tension scenes … until it boils over and the MMCs can’t help but explode for each other. Unfortunately, I didn’t find it here. The bullying needs to make sense, it doesn’t here.
7 chapters in and I still don’t know why Eden hated Jintae so much, least of all he is Eden’s best friend’s little brother …the only reason mentioned so far was that Jintae is a baby compared to them and therefore uncool. I assume that’s not a reason for the hatred…unless it is and that would be so dumb for an over 30 year old man to behave like this. Eden is early 30s and Jintae is a troubled 19 year old boy. Eden treated Jintae like shit (and for no reason, to me) - with violence btw. Eden character does not seem psychotic or an asshole just for the sake of it; so his cruelty toward Jintae seems very random. I don’t get it guys…This is why i can’t connect to the characters and therefore the story.
September 21, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Paradox pulled me in right from the start with the fiery tension between Eden and Jintae. Eden’s hatred for Jintae practically crackles off the page, and it kept me hooked as I tried to understand where that intensity came from. Jintae, on the other hand, is so stubborn and endlessly confused by Eden’s behaviour it made their dynamic both frustrating and addictive in the best way.
Watching their relationship shift from enemies to something so much deeper was an emotional rollercoaster, and I didn’t want to put the book down. J.J. delivered a romance that is sharp, passionate, and unforgettable.
This is by far my favourite book of J.J.’s so far, and I already know I’ll be coming back to it again and again.
Watching their relationship shift from enemies to something so much deeper was an emotional rollercoaster, and I didn’t want to put the book down. J.J. delivered a romance that is sharp, passionate, and unforgettable.
This is by far my favourite book of J.J.’s so far, and I already know I’ll be coming back to it again and again.
October 27, 2025
I’m trying to figure out if this book was just not for me, or just plain bad, and the more I think about it, the more confused I get. Clearly I’m in the minority with this one and it makes me think I’m missing something??
The plot is all over the place and I disliked all of the characters. Eden’s character goes beyond being a “bully”, he’s an abusive asshole. There was no redeeming, no groveling. The first 20% he’s so genuinely awful towards Jin, beating him up every time Jin so much as breathes in his direction, almost KILLING him multiple times. Why does Eden hate Jin so much? Your guess is as good as mine. There’s not a single reason stated where this animosity comes from, which is very weird considering this hatred is the entirety of their relationship at first. For such a big thing, surely you would think the author would expand on this?? And Jin being Eden’s best friend’s younger brother makes it even more confusing because why in the ever loving hell would you treat your best friend’s family like that??
And because physical abuse isn’t enough, Eden is also very verbally abusive and shows no remorse for it whatsoever.
And yeah, it’s all in the TWs but…. that doesn’t make it better?? Might as well put ‘domestic abuse’ on there too because let’s call it by its name. There’s a line between ‘bully elements’ and ‘domestic violence’ and Eden sure as fuck crossed it. Look, TWO of my favorite books are mm enemies to lovers romances where they (used to) beat each other up, so I’m not against this ‘trope’ at all, but context matters, and in Paradox, it’s leaning heavily towards the domestic violence/not redeemable side.
And then from one page to the next, suddenly they’re jerking off together because they’re horny. There was no buildup, and not a spark of chemistry. It felt really random and strange. Then, in the blink of an eye Jin went from ‘I resent you for beating me up’ to ‘What do you want for dinner, honey’ … like huh??
For a romance, it’s pretty crucial to be able to root for the couple, but Eden made it impossible. He doesn’t have a single redeeming quality and I think Jin should run for his life.
In regard to the writing, like I already said it felt lazy with the plot hole of “why do they hate each other”, and besides that there was so much exzessive dialogue I got dizzy. Imagine:
“…”
“…”
“…”
“…”
“…”
… for a whole page or two and nothing else. This not only looks weird, it feels weird while reading too. At some point you forget who’s even talking.
So yeah… I’m gonna go with ‘not my cup of tea’.
The plot is all over the place and I disliked all of the characters. Eden’s character goes beyond being a “bully”, he’s an abusive asshole. There was no redeeming, no groveling. The first 20% he’s so genuinely awful towards Jin, beating him up every time Jin so much as breathes in his direction, almost KILLING him multiple times. Why does Eden hate Jin so much? Your guess is as good as mine. There’s not a single reason stated where this animosity comes from, which is very weird considering this hatred is the entirety of their relationship at first. For such a big thing, surely you would think the author would expand on this?? And Jin being Eden’s best friend’s younger brother makes it even more confusing because why in the ever loving hell would you treat your best friend’s family like that??
And because physical abuse isn’t enough, Eden is also very verbally abusive and shows no remorse for it whatsoever.
And yeah, it’s all in the TWs but…. that doesn’t make it better?? Might as well put ‘domestic abuse’ on there too because let’s call it by its name. There’s a line between ‘bully elements’ and ‘domestic violence’ and Eden sure as fuck crossed it. Look, TWO of my favorite books are mm enemies to lovers romances where they (used to) beat each other up, so I’m not against this ‘trope’ at all, but context matters, and in Paradox, it’s leaning heavily towards the domestic violence/not redeemable side.
And then from one page to the next, suddenly they’re jerking off together because they’re horny. There was no buildup, and not a spark of chemistry. It felt really random and strange. Then, in the blink of an eye Jin went from ‘I resent you for beating me up’ to ‘What do you want for dinner, honey’ … like huh??
For a romance, it’s pretty crucial to be able to root for the couple, but Eden made it impossible. He doesn’t have a single redeeming quality and I think Jin should run for his life.
In regard to the writing, like I already said it felt lazy with the plot hole of “why do they hate each other”, and besides that there was so much exzessive dialogue I got dizzy. Imagine:
“…”
“…”
“…”
“…”
“…”
… for a whole page or two and nothing else. This not only looks weird, it feels weird while reading too. At some point you forget who’s even talking.
So yeah… I’m gonna go with ‘not my cup of tea’.
September 15, 2025
Eden & Jin have a vice grip on my heart 🥹, I absolutely adored this book and their relationship.
Don't be fooled though, their relationship is hard fought and hard won, and flawed in the most perfect of ways that suit them both 💜. There were parts of this that were hard to read, particularly Eden being so awful to Jin in the beginning but it just made those moments where the two started to become irrevocably intertwined so much more sweet and beautiful 🥰. Plus it made those spicy scenes so deliciously dirty and explosive that my mind was left obliterated in the rubble that was Eden & Jin 🥵🔥💥.
Seriously, if you love your love dark, dirty and just messed up but ultimately so perfect then this is the read for you! Eden & Jin are two halves of a whole, they complete each other in ways neither expected. And they fought their connection HARD and often times physically, but that gave those moments of surrender so much better 😈🫠.
JJ Asher blends the dysfunctional with the beautiful so seamlessly that you'll be stuck with a book hangover for days to come, stuck back in that cabin with Eden & Jin 💯. Plus those pet names for each other? Sent me. I'm ded, bury me in the ground next to their cabin so I can watch over them for eternity 🤣🙏😏😈.
I cannot express how much I loved this book and how I'm looking forward to more in this series because even the brief glimpses of side characters makes you starving for more 🫣. Definitely check this out when it hits Kindle on the 16th 💕.
Don't be fooled though, their relationship is hard fought and hard won, and flawed in the most perfect of ways that suit them both 💜. There were parts of this that were hard to read, particularly Eden being so awful to Jin in the beginning but it just made those moments where the two started to become irrevocably intertwined so much more sweet and beautiful 🥰. Plus it made those spicy scenes so deliciously dirty and explosive that my mind was left obliterated in the rubble that was Eden & Jin 🥵🔥💥.
Seriously, if you love your love dark, dirty and just messed up but ultimately so perfect then this is the read for you! Eden & Jin are two halves of a whole, they complete each other in ways neither expected. And they fought their connection HARD and often times physically, but that gave those moments of surrender so much better 😈🫠.
JJ Asher blends the dysfunctional with the beautiful so seamlessly that you'll be stuck with a book hangover for days to come, stuck back in that cabin with Eden & Jin 💯. Plus those pet names for each other? Sent me. I'm ded, bury me in the ground next to their cabin so I can watch over them for eternity 🤣🙏😏😈.
I cannot express how much I loved this book and how I'm looking forward to more in this series because even the brief glimpses of side characters makes you starving for more 🫣. Definitely check this out when it hits Kindle on the 16th 💕.
September 9, 2025
✨️📚 Arc - Review 📚✨️
Jintae & Eden
Rating: 5 ⭐️
- Tattoo Artist x College Drop Out
- Age Gap
- Hate to Love
- Size Difference
- Hurt/ Comfort
- Angsty Slow Burn
- Forbidden
- Forced Proximity
- Bi- Awakening
What. The. Fuck.
This was wild.
I started reading and immediately couldn't stop.
It starts in complete chaos & just doesn't stop.
The first few chapters, I just thought, "What the hell is this???"
And, oh - I got angry.
Immediately.
I wanted to throw some punches at Eden.
What a complete asshole.
And then?
Just complete 180 turn in their power-balance.
Reading the book description, I was afraid that this is just another boring in-the-woods, forced proximity type of story...
I was not.
I have A LOT to say about this, but I really, really don't want to spoiler anything...
Read. This!
I loved it, got pulled into their world & was more than satisfied with the ending.
This is definitely gonna get a second read, especially before I read the second in the series (this better be a series! I want Teks story ASAP!) 😸
This has the potential to become one of my favorite mm-romance books ❤️
Content Warnings:
- age gap (14 years)
- cheating (off page; not between MC's) and ex-girlfriend drama
- bullying elements, including gaslighting
- physical violence (punching and choking)
- MMC left to "fend for themselves" with little food and questionable shelter
- mentions of teen pregnancy
- mentions of emotional and physical parental abandonment
- sharing of intimate pictures without consent
- mentions of non-consensual sexual touching while the other party is asleep
- hunting and on page shooting of wild bird
- nonconsequential condom breakage
- frequent coarse language and graphic, on page sexual scenes
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Duo/ Frist Person
Breakup: Yes
Cheat: No
Jintae & Eden
Rating: 5 ⭐️
- Tattoo Artist x College Drop Out
- Age Gap
- Hate to Love
- Size Difference
- Hurt/ Comfort
- Angsty Slow Burn
- Forbidden
- Forced Proximity
- Bi- Awakening
What. The. Fuck.
This was wild.
I started reading and immediately couldn't stop.
It starts in complete chaos & just doesn't stop.
The first few chapters, I just thought, "What the hell is this???"
And, oh - I got angry.
Immediately.
I wanted to throw some punches at Eden.
What a complete asshole.
And then?
Just complete 180 turn in their power-balance.
Reading the book description, I was afraid that this is just another boring in-the-woods, forced proximity type of story...
I was not.
I have A LOT to say about this, but I really, really don't want to spoiler anything...
Read. This!
I loved it, got pulled into their world & was more than satisfied with the ending.
This is definitely gonna get a second read, especially before I read the second in the series (this better be a series! I want Teks story ASAP!) 😸
This has the potential to become one of my favorite mm-romance books ❤️
Content Warnings:
- age gap (14 years)
- cheating (off page; not between MC's) and ex-girlfriend drama
- bullying elements, including gaslighting
- physical violence (punching and choking)
- MMC left to "fend for themselves" with little food and questionable shelter
- mentions of teen pregnancy
- mentions of emotional and physical parental abandonment
- sharing of intimate pictures without consent
- mentions of non-consensual sexual touching while the other party is asleep
- hunting and on page shooting of wild bird
- nonconsequential condom breakage
- frequent coarse language and graphic, on page sexual scenes
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Duo/ Frist Person
Breakup: Yes
Cheat: No
September 14, 2025
This is not your typical romance novel. The way Eden treated Jintae in the beginning of this novel was downright cruel and seemingly for no reason. Jin was trying to escape the pressures of his family and the life they’ve dictated for him and he ends up hiding in the forest with his brother’s best friend who is, quite possibly, the meanest man alive. After a tense couple of weeks they seem to fall into a routine and the cruelty and aggressive behavior kind of becomes their form of 4play. Once they finally cross the line into physical intimacy their relationship changes a lot. Jin is a v¡rg¡n and Eden wants to be sure he isn’t taking advantage of him and they end up building a really beautiful and strong bond with each other and it becomes clear to them that they’re meant for each other. I loved how even though their relationship changed so much during their time in the cabin the fundamentals of it remained the same. Eden craved Jin’s sassy/bratty behavior just as much as Jin craved Eden’s dom¡nance. The spice in this was scorching hot omg and there’s so much of it. This was a true enemies to lovers novel and I think the way that Jin and Eden became so important to one another was really beautiful. I do suggest reading the TWs because I didn’t and I was a little shocked at first but all in all this was a really incredible book.
September 9, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
This was my first book from JJ Asher and I can say that I will definitely be reading more from her!
"I'm never going to get over this.
There is no way I can move on without him.
It's us, or it's nothing.
Eden van der Hart is my brave new world."
After discovering his girlfriend cheating on him, Eden van der Hart decides to get away from everything for the winter. Not too long after arriving at his off the grid cabin, who arrives but none other than his best friends little brother, Jintae. Who happens to not only be 13 years younger than him, but the one person he can't stand to be around. Jintae is running from his own problems and finds himself putting his faith in the one person who hates him. These 2 become officially snowed in together and must find a way to overcome their differences. From fighting like cats and dogs, to finally discovering what true love really is, these 2 conquer it all.
I first wanted to fight with Eden myself for how he treated poor Jin, but we quickly figured out why that was. I still wasn't happy about it, but I understood him a little better. The love that develops between these 2 is absolutely incredible to witness and I hope we see more from them in the future. The spice was a little more of a slow burn, but it wasn't too bad. The teasing and banter between them kept me interested to see more. I absolutely recommend reading this if you love a good age-gap, forbidden/bully romance, in forced proximity, with a bit of a slow burn.
This was my first book from JJ Asher and I can say that I will definitely be reading more from her!
"I'm never going to get over this.
There is no way I can move on without him.
It's us, or it's nothing.
Eden van der Hart is my brave new world."
After discovering his girlfriend cheating on him, Eden van der Hart decides to get away from everything for the winter. Not too long after arriving at his off the grid cabin, who arrives but none other than his best friends little brother, Jintae. Who happens to not only be 13 years younger than him, but the one person he can't stand to be around. Jintae is running from his own problems and finds himself putting his faith in the one person who hates him. These 2 become officially snowed in together and must find a way to overcome their differences. From fighting like cats and dogs, to finally discovering what true love really is, these 2 conquer it all.
I first wanted to fight with Eden myself for how he treated poor Jin, but we quickly figured out why that was. I still wasn't happy about it, but I understood him a little better. The love that develops between these 2 is absolutely incredible to witness and I hope we see more from them in the future. The spice was a little more of a slow burn, but it wasn't too bad. The teasing and banter between them kept me interested to see more. I absolutely recommend reading this if you love a good age-gap, forbidden/bully romance, in forced proximity, with a bit of a slow burn.
September 22, 2025
I am giving it 3* but there's a (very) high chance that I will come back later and downgrade it. I don't want to spoil it too much but please read the trigger warnings. I enjoyed some of this book BUT there are just too many things that stopped me from loving it.
Their dynamics were beyond weird and I had trouble understanding what they were fighting about half the time. In the middle of the book I thought it was just some sort of foreplay but then I realised it wasn't when one of the MC explained his behaviour and it did not make sense.
This was a proper bully book but I have issues with it following the usual trope of I hurt you because I like/want you too much. And there is proper hurting, not just words and pushing around. Not that that would make it better but it would definitely be more palatable.
I do understand that bullies are nasty and do horrible things and I think that's what the author was aiming for. Sadly, it was too graphic for me, especially at the beginning and their HEA does not bring me the feels it should have.
I am sad that this did not work better for me because the snowed in, forced proximity is one of my favourite tropes. Very rarely done well and I am still looking for that perfect book that I know will be written one day.
Their dynamics were beyond weird and I had trouble understanding what they were fighting about half the time. In the middle of the book I thought it was just some sort of foreplay but then I realised it wasn't when one of the MC explained his behaviour and it did not make sense.
This was a proper bully book but I have issues with it following the usual trope of I hurt you because I like/want you too much. And there is proper hurting, not just words and pushing around. Not that that would make it better but it would definitely be more palatable.
I do understand that bullies are nasty and do horrible things and I think that's what the author was aiming for. Sadly, it was too graphic for me, especially at the beginning and their HEA does not bring me the feels it should have.
I am sad that this did not work better for me because the snowed in, forced proximity is one of my favourite tropes. Very rarely done well and I am still looking for that perfect book that I know will be written one day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
This just might be my favorite JJ Asher book, it was gritty and raw and had such an amazing redemption arc.
Eden just might be one of the most toxic character I’ve read this year all the red flags….. but in the end he really made me fall for him just like Jin, Jin truly brought out the best in Eden when it seemed like he didn’t have any redeeming qualities. Once Eden pulled his head out of his butt he truly changed for Jin because he wanted to be better for him and he tried so hard! They understood each other in ways no one has ever done. They fought for each other till the very freaking end and they deserved the best HEA and that’s what they got!
All there cute little moments had me kicking my feet and sighing the good sighs!
I love when MCs know what they want and have no issues asking for it in every way! The spicy scenes were so good, they knew how to communicate with each other and it made these scenes so much better!!!
I’m curious as to how this series will go! I’m excited to get to experience all the couples in the series!
Eden just might be one of the most toxic character I’ve read this year all the red flags….. but in the end he really made me fall for him just like Jin, Jin truly brought out the best in Eden when it seemed like he didn’t have any redeeming qualities. Once Eden pulled his head out of his butt he truly changed for Jin because he wanted to be better for him and he tried so hard! They understood each other in ways no one has ever done. They fought for each other till the very freaking end and they deserved the best HEA and that’s what they got!
All there cute little moments had me kicking my feet and sighing the good sighs!
I love when MCs know what they want and have no issues asking for it in every way! The spicy scenes were so good, they knew how to communicate with each other and it made these scenes so much better!!!
I’m curious as to how this series will go! I’m excited to get to experience all the couples in the series!
September 17, 2025
3✨??
YES: Were Jintae and Eden a hot mess and toxic af?
NO: Did I find Eden 100% redeemable?
MAYBE: Do I think Jintae and Eden should be together?
- To be honest, the conflict and reason(s) for all the hate and cruelty didn't make much sense to me. Mostly because of how I thought it didn't fit with how big the age gap was. (19&34) It was strange.
- I also found the writing kinda awkward a lot of the time, especially the dialogue between the MMCs.
- But did I root for them to end up together throughout the book all the same? Yes. Yes, I did. Because all that aside, it was still hella entertaining, and I could not for the life of me put this book down.
YES: Were Jintae and Eden a hot mess and toxic af?
NO: Did I find Eden 100% redeemable?
MAYBE: Do I think Jintae and Eden should be together?
- To be honest, the conflict and reason(s) for all the hate and cruelty didn't make much sense to me. Mostly because of how I thought it didn't fit with how big the age gap was. (19&34) It was strange.
- I also found the writing kinda awkward a lot of the time, especially the dialogue between the MMCs.
- But did I root for them to end up together throughout the book all the same? Yes. Yes, I did. Because all that aside, it was still hella entertaining, and I could not for the life of me put this book down.
September 7, 2025
Eden and Jin's story starts out abrasive and fueled by hatred and misunderstanding and denial. The reasons behind why they each behave the way they do ultimately becomes clear, but it was still rough to read those parts, which had my heard pounding and hurting in equal measure. We have some pretty significant character development, as is a recurring theme in the stories JJ shares with us. As is the concept of perfectly imperfect human nature and how even the characters can despise themselves just as much as we do because they're unable to control their emotions and reactions in the moment and carry guilt and regret, too. All of that, however, didn't stop me from screaming at JJ while I was reading because I was so hurt by and angry with Eden I didn't want to find him endearing or relatable or redeemable after how he treated Jin. But somehow she made me. I didn't have a choice! I was dragged kicking and screaming and swooning(?!) into the Eden fan club. How did she do that?! On the other side now, I can confidently say that Eden and Jin are PERFECT for each other despite how their relationship started. Everything about each of their personalities compliments the other and provides each of them with exactly what they need. The tension and chemistry throughout Paradox was THICK and just as delicious as I've come to expect from JJ. Paradox is an MM, brother's best friend, bully romance (heavy on the bully) with forced proximity and an emotional rollercoaster so intense you're not going to know what to do with yourself!
September 9, 2025
When Eden’s life gets flipped upside down, the only thing on his mind is escape—and that’s exactly what he does. But what he doesn’t expect to find at his secluded cabin is the one person he can’t stand: his best friend’s little brother, Jin. Turns out Jin is running from his own mess too, and Eden’s cabin is the only place he can think to hide. Snowed in for the winter with someone who can’t stand you? Not exactly what Jin pictured when he planned his getaway, but it beats facing everything waiting for him back home. This book had me wanting to throw my Kindle across the room one minute and in next minute had me in a chokehold. I’m such a sucker for bully romance, and J.J. Asher nailed it. The tension between Eden and Jin was everything. This is definitely a slow burn but when the spicy scenes came so did they (pun fully intended) What I loved most was watching them slowly let their walls down and how they slowly got comfortable around each other in ways they never thought they would. Being stuck together forced them to open up in ways they never had before, and it made their connection so heartwarming. The forced proximity, the history, the angst—it all came together beautifully. If you love brother’s best friend, bully romance, and forced proximity, definitely add this to your list. I devoured it, and so will you.
September 16, 2025
It’s no secret I love JJ Asher’s writing and her story telling but this book was not just amazing it almost took my favorite book by her out of the top spot. And while it didn’t beat out my favorite it is definitely a close second and a book that I will be reading again.
Eden and Jintae both decided to go to Eden’s cabin in the wilderness well not together anyway. Something happens and Eden decides he’s going to go to his cabin to just get away from everything and everyone for the winter. Jintae also has the same idea for very different reasons but he did not know that Eden would also be there. After Eden gets out of his head and starts being nicer to Jintae that’s when things start to heat up between the two. But I will warn you Eden is very unlikable for quite a while but if you can get past his bully ways then I think you will love him just as much as I do. Jintae can do no wrong. I loved him from the very beginning!!
If you like romance with heavy bullying to the extent of hating one of the main characters then this book is for you! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book in this series!!!
Eden and Jintae both decided to go to Eden’s cabin in the wilderness well not together anyway. Something happens and Eden decides he’s going to go to his cabin to just get away from everything and everyone for the winter. Jintae also has the same idea for very different reasons but he did not know that Eden would also be there. After Eden gets out of his head and starts being nicer to Jintae that’s when things start to heat up between the two. But I will warn you Eden is very unlikable for quite a while but if you can get past his bully ways then I think you will love him just as much as I do. Jintae can do no wrong. I loved him from the very beginning!!
If you like romance with heavy bullying to the extent of hating one of the main characters then this book is for you! I absolutely can’t wait for the next book in this series!!!
September 8, 2025
Nothing like being by stuck in a cabin all winter to make you admit you’re obsessively in love with your best friends much younger brother.
Paradox by JJ Asher is book one in the Paradigm series, it’s an age-gap, brother’s best friend, hate to lovers, forbidden, mm romance.
Jin is running away from his life and the pressures his parents have placed on him.
Eden is running away from a relationship break up after his gf cheated on him.
The only place Jin could think to hide was Eden’s cabin.
Oh how I loved this book, the angst, the tension, Jin and Eden were so obsessed with each other it was ridiculous. I do love a good age gap romance and this definitely hit the spot, Jin is 19 and Eden 34. You had to work for that HEA, it was an emotional rollercoaster to get there though, there were parts I was concerned I might have to hate Eden! Fortunately it didn’t last too long. The way he looks after Jin melted me, honourable mention to:
Eden: “I’m just trying to preserve you.”
Jin: “I’m not a pickle.”
I’m hoping I know where book two goes…
I cannot wait to read it.
5/5⭐️
4/5🌶️
Paradox by JJ Asher is book one in the Paradigm series, it’s an age-gap, brother’s best friend, hate to lovers, forbidden, mm romance.
Jin is running away from his life and the pressures his parents have placed on him.
Eden is running away from a relationship break up after his gf cheated on him.
The only place Jin could think to hide was Eden’s cabin.
Oh how I loved this book, the angst, the tension, Jin and Eden were so obsessed with each other it was ridiculous. I do love a good age gap romance and this definitely hit the spot, Jin is 19 and Eden 34. You had to work for that HEA, it was an emotional rollercoaster to get there though, there were parts I was concerned I might have to hate Eden! Fortunately it didn’t last too long. The way he looks after Jin melted me, honourable mention to:
Eden: “I’m just trying to preserve you.”
Jin: “I’m not a pickle.”
I’m hoping I know where book two goes…
I cannot wait to read it.
5/5⭐️
4/5🌶️
September 7, 2025
I'll be honest, it took me a hot minute to vibe with Eden and Jintae's story and I wasn't sure Paradox was going to be for me. I wasn't really feeling the bully romance at the start, but the tension and animosity between Eden and Jintae hooked me and I couldn't put this down.
I felt for Eden in the beginning, I really did, but then he turned into Satan incarnate, and I don't think I've ever hated a character so instantly in my life 🤣🤣🤣 Like I seriously wished harmed upon him for a good chunk of the book for how he treated Jin. Who, btw, is over there being the sweetest little angel baby in the whole wide world and deserved better.
Eden eventually won me over, despite being a giant jackhole, and I ended up really loving him and Jin together but lord it was a struggle.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- tattooed asshole bully + sassy virgin
- forced proximity/snowed in together
- utter loathing to love
- brother's best friend
- age gap
- forbidden romance
- size difference
- angsty slow burn
I felt for Eden in the beginning, I really did, but then he turned into Satan incarnate, and I don't think I've ever hated a character so instantly in my life 🤣🤣🤣 Like I seriously wished harmed upon him for a good chunk of the book for how he treated Jin. Who, btw, is over there being the sweetest little angel baby in the whole wide world and deserved better.
Eden eventually won me over, despite being a giant jackhole, and I ended up really loving him and Jin together but lord it was a struggle.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- tattooed asshole bully + sassy virgin
- forced proximity/snowed in together
- utter loathing to love
- brother's best friend
- age gap
- forbidden romance
- size difference
- angsty slow burn
October 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌲MM Bully Romance
🌲Forbidden - older brother's best friend
🌲Enemies/Hate-to-lovers
🌲Forced proximity - snowed in for months
🌲Angsty slow burn
Please check TW this is a bully romance!!
I’m obsessed with this book! It’s has everything you could want in a bully romance! Jintae and Eden are both running from there reality when they both end up at the cabin let’s just say Eden is not jintae biggest fan! I’m obsessed with the tension between these two!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌲MM Bully Romance
🌲Forbidden - older brother's best friend
🌲Enemies/Hate-to-lovers
🌲Forced proximity - snowed in for months
🌲Angsty slow burn
Please check TW this is a bully romance!!
I’m obsessed with this book! It’s has everything you could want in a bully romance! Jintae and Eden are both running from there reality when they both end up at the cabin let’s just say Eden is not jintae biggest fan! I’m obsessed with the tension between these two!
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