Bruised

by Ally Avery

I thought this summer would be all lazy mornings, late-night gaming, and zero drama at my best friend’s house.
Then his ex-con big brother comes home on parole.
I’m told to stay away from him.
I’m told he’s dangerous.
That he’ll only bring me pain.
I like a little danger in my life, though. I like a little pain, too, and from the moment he lays eyes on me, it’s clear he’ll give me both.
Maybe everyone is right about him.
Maybe his heart is as black as his fists are bloody.
But I don’t know if I can stay away. And I don’t know if he’ll let me.

Bruised is a best friend’s brother MM romance about a flustered goth boy who just wants to stay out of trouble and the tempting ex-con who keeps pulling him back in. It’s the first book in Wrecked & Wrong, a series of interconnected standalones set in Portland, Oregon.

Genres: M M Romance, Forced Proximity, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Dark Romance, Forbidden Romance

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

Ally found her love for reading and writing at a young age. MM romance in particular has been part of her life since her first exposure to late-2000s Shounen Ai.

She likes to write about fierce, damaged boys who need a lot of love, and she doesn’t shy away from dark and taboo topics that some readers might find disturbing.

Reviews

[kaye taz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook

rtc

PLEASE OLIVER AND LOGAN NEXT (idc if it makes me unhinged to say)

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord have mercy the filth 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Bruised was an absolutely smutty good time! The instant chemistry and tension between Mason and Lane about took me out, and I was a total goner once they finally crossed the line.

If you’re not a fan of gratuitous sex scenes and good little puppies, you should probably skip this one.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
🖤 Best Friend’s Brother
🔥 Ex-con x Goth Boy
🖤 Forbidden Romance
🔥 Forced Proximity
🖤 Marking, Biting & Collaring
🔥 “Puppy”
🖤 Secret Hookups
🔥 Size Difference
🖤 Degradation & Praise
🔥 Jealousy / Possessiveness
🖤 Fast Spice, Slow Feelings

[Kim Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book so fast, let me tell you 🤭

Lane spends his summer with his best friend, Oliver in his house. When things go slightly different than they hoped, he meets Mason, Oliver's older brother and an ex-con. Well that alone is a lot to deal with, right? But things only get started from here ❤️‍🔥

Lane has some fantasies he never got to explore and Mason is everything he ever wanted in a guy. But they have a lot to deal with and things get very complicated, so it’s not so easy as Lane wishes it to be. Or maybe that's why their encounters are so good? 😏

This summer definitely changes things for both Mason and Lane, and the forbidden aspect makes it even more fun, right?

I'm already so hyped for the second book now! 💖

[Amanda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this whole ?!?!

This is my first book from Ally and I was pleased. VERY pleased.

Lane and Mason’s friendship was a cute beginning to what unfolds as such a yummy read between two very different yet similar characters.

The scenes in this story are intense yet well played out. The dynamic isn’t too overwhelming or dark, but still has the BDSM feel and pet play / master x sub dynamic. The growing obsession and depth of submission was delicious. I enjoyed this A LOT. The details of the scenes were also✨chefs kiss✨.

Seeing Mason slowly soften for Lane was beautiful, and the low angst in this story made it all the better. This was a true low angst / high heat plot and I can’t wait for the next book!!

Overall 4.24 ⭐️, 4 🌶️!

Thank you so much to Ally and team for allowing me to read an advanced copy of BRUISED!

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy freaking HOT!! This book is on fire! Ally has absolutely outdone herself once again! I’ve loved every book I’ve read by her, but with each new release, she just gets better and better, and the heat level keeps getting hotter and hotter! If you're a fan of books that set the pages ablaze, you definitely need to keep Ally on your radar.

From the very first page, this book grabbed me and didn’t let go. Maybe it was the bad boy, Mason, who is the ultimate embodiment of all things dangerously irresistible (seriously, he's hot AF), or maybe it was the whole forbidden dynamic with Oliver’s quiet, brooding best friend, Lane, the goth kid. But honestly, what really kept me turning the pages, beyond the sizzling chemistry was the jaw dropping, steamy, hot AF scenes. Let’s just say, this book delivers in the heat department with plenty of intense, steamy moments. It was a wild ride, and I couldn’t get enough!

If you love your romance with a side of scorch, this book will not disappoint. It’s everything you could possibly want, steamy, thrilling, and packed with tension. Ally has definitely raised the bar with this one! I can not give this book enough ⭐️ or 🌶

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruised - Ally Avery
5/5

* SPOILERS *

I love me a good brother’s best friend and you’re not supposed to talk to him or touch him. I knew the moment when Oliver told Mason to stay away from Lane that this was going to be a good one that was going to keep me wanting more as I read more and more.

I immediately love when Mason met Lane that he instantly called him “puppy”. I knew the spicy scenes were going to be so good. I just wasn’t expecting them to be so spicy. The way that Mason took care of Lane in those scenes was everything they Lane needed. The marking scenes were my absolute favorite.

I love how Lane was able to break down Mason’s walls from finding out why he went to jail or to even making him feel more than just the intimacy parts. These two just had a connection that was so beautiful.

I laughed at the part where Lane finally talked to Oliver when he was waiting for him to tell him. That whole scene was priceless.

I do love the chapter where Mason and Oliver finally talked because it was really special. It was something that needed to be done.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, listen. I opened this book thinking it would be “mildly spicy roommates with issues.”

No. No, no, no. This book said:
“Oh, you wanted plot? Too bad. Here’s a dangerous ex-con calling a bratty little goth boy "puppy" while staring him down like he’s breakfast.”

Lane is a whole mess and I love him for it. He’s horny, exhausted, dramatic, and allergic to making good choices. Relatable as hell.

Mason? That man is a walking red flag with big muscles and an even bigger d...well, you get the point.
He’s the kind of man your best friend warns you about while you’re already halfway into his bed.

The tension???
Illegal. Should require a permit.
Every single scene had me yelling “KISS OR FIGHT OR SOMETHING.”

And when they finally do something?
Yeah. My brain short-circuited. The marking. The biting. The possessiveness. The collar.
I was almost as needy as Lane for more of it.

This book is filthy, unhinged, addictive, and absolutely my brand of wrong.

10/10 would let Mason call me puppy.
Again. And again. And again.

[Héloïse ☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unengaging, unconvincing characters, with Mason who is supposedly a red flag but isn't really one, and Lane who is just dull.

I thought I would enjoy the dynamic more, but it's difficult when there isn't really a plot.

I'm quite curious to find out which couple will be featured next in the series, but depending on that, I may not continue reading.

[Alli 📖🥀 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ 4.5🌶️

So here’s the thing, it had all the potential but gave me next to nothing.

Lane is a shy nerd who is staying at his best friend Oliver’s house for the summer. Oliver’s ex-con older brother, Mason, is released earlier than expected and comes home saying he will also be staying there for the summer. Lance sees Mason and immediately feels that he could give him everything he ex-boyfriend couldn’t…roughness. Instant attraction and the spice follows very shortly after, even though Oliver has warned both parties to stay away from each other. Oliver has anger towards his brother that we don’t find out why until the end.

The whole book, Lane & Mason are sneaking around together, mostly at night with Lane going to Mason’s room, after Oliver’s asleep. Mason won’t tell Lane why he went to prison because he fears it’ll scare Lane off. Feelings develop on both sides, when the plan was to keep it a casual summer fling. Lots of unnecessary miscommunication. Mason calls him “puppy”…with some added pet-play that I personally wasn’t into. Mason also loves marking him & leaving “bruises”.

The book was 90% smut and then at the very end all of the sudden they were in love but they still don’t know anything about each other…made no sense to me. I ate up the first half of the book & there were some moments in the second half I still enjoyed, but I didn’t appreciate everything plot-related being pushed off to the very end and the MCs complaining the entire time when it was their own fault for complicating the relationship dynamic.

[Gabi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so bad. Mason is a dick. Lane is dumb. They don’t even talk about nothing, just fuck every night and at the end they’re in love? Come on

[Bryoni Jayde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5⭐️
Spice 4🌶️
Emotion 1🥹

Where do I even start?..

I enjoyed Bruised. It had so many of my favorite tropes.. forbidden romance, best friend’s brother, marking, forced proximity… all the good stuff.

But there was a lot of smut. Like, almost-every-chapter-for-a-while level smut. And don’t get me wrong, I love spice. I honestly can’t remember the last time I read a book without it (please don’t check my Kindle history). But in this case, the smut started to overshadow the actual story.

After a certain point, it felt repetitive… another chapter where Lane sneaks into Mason’s room at night… just like the last seven chapters.

Also, “puppy” was said 207 times. Yes, I checked. I love cute pet names, but they lose something when they’re used that often.

Overall, I liked the book, and it’s worth a read if you like your stories on the spicier side.

[QueerBookshelf || Ines ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy god of secret hookups! This book was finger- or better popsicle-licking good and hot and spicy and yep … kinda perfect. 💯💜🙌

Lane and Mason may look completely different on the outside, but on the inside—on an emotional level—and also between the sheets, they just click.
From secret hookups with no skin-to-skin contact … forbidden longing, tension … to crossing lines and slowly falling for each other. 🥰

Their neediness, ”puppy“, the marking and claiming, ”Take what you need“, the tasting, the treat, Lane’s collar, the real thing, ”He’s making me feel“, … every single moment between Lane and Mason was just chef’s kiss! 😘🙌

Oh, and Oliver and Logan?? Yes, please. Their own book?? It’s a need! 😍🤭

[♡ cal ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this. Read this if u want:
- time limited summer romance
- falling for your bestfriend’s older brother who is an ex-con
- closed proximity
- a lot of sneaky sex every night

[areadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was my first ally avery and definitely won’t be my last. i really really loved the pace and flow of the story and how these two characters navigated through their chemistry and connection.

Lane was an absolute sweetheart, i couldn’t help but fall for him and his gentle and daring ways. he’s everything that’s so pure and innocent yet wanting to know more, wanting to learn and experience connection, thrill and excitement and who’s better to teach him than best friends big brother Mason.

these boys were filthy yet so fun to read. towards the end my heart were on the verge of stress worrying for these boys and how it was all gonna end.

as mentioned, this was a first and absolutely won’t be the last — a very fun spicy read!

[Noa Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

"He’s not risking anything by being with me, but I’m risking my heart." - Lane

"I’ve already been discarded by society for what I did; I can’t handle Lane discarding me too." - Mason

Lane stays at his best friend Oliver's house for the summer. They are planning to game all summer, but their peace gets disturbed by Mason coming home, Oliver's older brother, the one that is off-limits for Lane. But there's one little problem: they are each other's type, and it's forbidden. Mason & Lane start to explore nightly in secret; that is how they got to know each other. Mason is a very interesting character; he likes to explore after being locked up for a while and is aware of the feelings that he has for Lane. Lane is very stuck on thinking about Oliver and that he doesn't want to lose his best friend, and I honestly don't really see how the friendship is more than gaming. They've obviously been friends for a while, but there are touchy subjects that they don't talk about. But isn't that the point of a best friend? I would have loved to read more about their friendship and moments together, but maybe that's just how they are. And why does Oliver think that Mason is so bad when he hasn't even taken the time to talk about what he did and why? Oliver definitely has some growing to do in the connections that he has, but maybe he isn't ready to see that yet; he's just a bit closed off and hurting.

I love Tess and Mason's friendship. What would he do without her? Honestly, she helped him a lot, and he helped her too. Lane likes Mason, but he's also struggling with that; he has finally found someone that makes his fantasies come true. Mason is definitely the one that searches for that excitement when Oliver is looking the other way. If you like a lot of spice with characters who are a little bit allergic to talking, this is definitely for you.

I missed a connection between the two that was beyond the spice. I know that this is spicier than Ally's other books (I haven't read any of Ally's other books), but I did expect other moments; they are really doing it daily, and it's in almost every chapter. And even after page 200, they are still not talking about more than "you're mine" and having spicy time. It feels repetitive to me. And the few times that there was a glimpse of them going on a trip, they still didn't talk and had spicy time somewhere else. I'm planning on continuing with this series because I think that the characters are interesting, and I want to know more about Oliver, and I want to read more about Ally's writing style. I did enjoy this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book.

[Vampy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally want to give this book a 3.5 rating but on here you either go up or down. So I went up and gave it a 4 on here. I got this as an ARC but definitely didn’t met the deadline, which surprised me but not really. I had to keep stepping away from this book, I had an idea of what it would be like when I signed up. Though it definitely kind of went a different way. This was my first book from this Author and may be my last for a while.

First off I love a good smutty book and boy did this book not disappoint and honestly this book is bout 90% just spice. Kind of felt the book was going to be more smut than plot. Which I’m sure for others it was. I started stepping away from the book more than once as though I appreciate a good smut feast, it got boring and repetitive. The Whole “sneaking around” but not being so quiet…yeah okay bud. I wanted to know more about the characters and yes we learn somewhat about Mason in the rush ending, but still not even enough about Lane. Mason doesn’t know much about Lane at all other than what his body craves. Maybe behind the scenes he might actually learn about him and get to actually know him. But us as the readers do not, and towards the ending the summer is finally rushed to a close with them having their HEA. In the epilogue do we find out Lane helps Mason find work. But never see the interactions about just being told of who it happens. It just left to be desired, and I’m sure it could have been even better if more thought out. I usually don’t struggle with books I either read them or DNF but i was still curious about it and hoped for something, just not sure what.

I did expect a different reaction from Oliver but he folded and caved quickly, not even feeling “betrayed”. Guess a lot of people feel differently about things but this book felt like it left a lot to be desired, but if you want a book with mostly spice than story and not really knowing the MCs this is definitely the book.

[Nicole Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book my Ally Avery and I really enjoyed it.

Tropes:
🤍 Best friends brother
🖤 Forced proximity
🤍 Forbidden romance
🖤 Size difference
🤍 Marking/Claiming
🖤 Puppy play

The last summer before everything changes or so Lane thought. Lame and Oliver were supposed to have one last hooray together before Oliver went off to college, but much to their dismay their time is cut short when Mason returns home from prison. Mason is Oliver’s older brother. He is instantly drawn to Lane and refers to him as puppy.

Lane feels the pull towers Mason, but tries his best not act on it because he doesn’t want to ruin his friendship with Oliver. Mason and Lane begin sneaking around every night one Oliver goes to bed. At first they both think it’s just physical, but as their time together increase so does their feelings towards one another.

Lane finds comfort in Mason because he gives him something his other partners didn’t, his complete submission. Mason always makes the decisions and Lane loves it. These two really grew their relationship quickly and with a lot of feelings for one another.

This was my first time reading a puppy play romance. I really enjoyed their relationship, but had somewhat of a hard time with some of the puppy play. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and will definitely read more Ally Avery in the future.

Thank you All Avery for the advanced copy!

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruised

Ally Avery
Wrecked and Wrong book 1

Lane & Mason
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Best Friends Older Brother
Marking & Biting
“Puppy”
Secret Hookups
Collaring
Forced Proximity

Wow, so I loved this.

Lane is staying for the summer at his best friend Oliver's house. They plan to game and relax all summer before Oliver goes away to school.

Oliver's older brother Mason shows up out of the blue, fresh out of lockup and sets his eyes on Lane immediately.

These two have an instant connection. Oliver does not want Mason anywhere near his best friend Lane.

Things heat up quickly between Lane and Mason, secret hookups and kink exploration, these two are so hot.

Mason is surprisingly tender with Lane, way sweeter than Oliver made him out to be.

Mason was sweet and tender, and I think absolutely misunderstood. No one really knew the real reason he was locked up.

I love the kink between these two, they were so sweet and hot.

“Where’s your collar?”
“It’s not a collar,” I argue. “Mm- hmm.”
“But you want it to be.”

I flew through this.

I enjoyed the epilog too, I’m really glad they found eachother

I enjoyed the heck out of this.

Low angst, sweet swoony, spicy, kinky. Fantastic book

[Naz.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars 4/5 spice

This book was steaaamyy! The whole sneaking around, marking, and dom X sub dynamic was hot. I never thought being called puppy would be a sexy but these two proved me wrong. I could see how Lane would lose all rational thought once Mason turned on his charm. He gave Lane everything he wanted and was missing out on. Once they started kissing it was clear both of them felt more for each other. It sucked how Lane was the braver one to voice his feelings, whereas Mason was the coward who hid and ran away from his feelings.

I’m glad Tess was able to talk some sense into Mason and make him recognise his feelings. She was a good friend to him and Oliver was a great friend to Lane, always looking out and taking care of him. Mason and Oliver had a strained relationship but towards the end they kind of met in the middle.

I’m looking forward to the next book, if it’s about Oliver and his mentioned crush I’m all for it!

- Best friend’s brother
- Forbidden
- Goth MMC
- Possessive ex con MMC
- Dom X sub dynamic
- Secret fling to lovers
- Choker/collar

[Reading Rommance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun, hard to put down read. Lane was fun. He’s shy, but he knows what he wants and likes. I totally feel for him with his only friend leaving him, but I also thought he was kind of a bad friend. But it made for a fun story! Mason was a good character, too. He wasn’t overly nice, but he took care of Lane. He was complicated, obviously, as he was this bad boy just out of prison who only wants a hook up, but he also genuinely cared about lane pretty much instantly.

I loved their dynamic and relationship. I thought the ups and downs made sense given their secretive nature and both men’s insecurities. The sneaking around did feel a little obvious, but the ending cleared that up a bit for me. Overall I had a really good time.

Notes: 2/5 spice levels, bff’s brother (brothers bff), roommates, mc just out of jail, emo boy/bad boy, summer, secret relationship, light puppy play, sneaking around

[Yeslia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just read porn...about 260 pages of just porn...no plot...no storyline...this is absolutely ridiculous can't believe I let booktok convince me to read a book. I actually couldn't wait to read this and oh my word, disappointed doesn't even begin to describe how I feel right now.

And the whole condom issue made me so angry. Can you believe this silly guy? So he had multiple sexual relations with guys in prison right? He comes out sleeps with his little brother’s best friend, who’s eighteen by the way, without protection!

And he only thinks about it after the damage is done? He risked Lane’s life and Idc if Lane had asked him for it. He’s the adult, it was his job. Lane said he was clean but he said nothing and his excuse was he can’t think straight around Lane. Bitch please

This book made me livid….I was fuming. It is ridiculous that this book was allowed to be published. Ask me what it’s about and I couldn’t even tell you. The “plot” holes made me want to scream. Must be one really lazy author to put something as silly and unserious as this together.

Almost every single chapter had smut. This book is about a whole bunch of nothing. And I can’t stress enough how much I despise Mason. He talks about what got him into prison….65% in and we still don’t know anything about that.

Their step dad leaving, Mason’s bff being the reason he went to prison, his rocky relationship with his brother and his sexual relationship with his brother’s best friend, Lane. Imma be honest, this book is all about Mason and Lane having sex…like I said…IT IS PORN! Every other thing took a backseat to the story.

If you can even call it a story. 🤣
Do not waste your time to read this nonsense.
I don’t have the words to express how much I hated this book. Waste of paper and ink. Those trees be dying for absolutely nothing.

[Mandella Carona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very grateful to have had the opportunity to ARC read Bruised! 💜

When I first read the blurb, I knew this was going to be another must read for me, and I wasn't wrong. Mason and Lane are HOT. 🥵

This novel covers a summer of forced proximity, sneaking around, and the evolution of a 'forbidden' brother's best friend dynamic... all tropes I enjoy. Both MC's struggles and inner turmoil felt very realistic, especially the struggle Mason has trying to find his way after prison. It touched on some very real topics, and handled them well... all while delivering next level 🌶️.

I hope Oliver's story is next! 🫠 I just wanted to hug him by the end of the book! Side characters Tess and Oliver were very likable and they were the best besties for their friends. 💗

Anywho, loved it. Will recommend it 💯! Ally Avery is an author I am really enjoying, and, once again, I am appreciative I got another opportunity to ARC read for! 🫶🏻

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

To była dziwna książka - z jednej strony kompletnie zabrakło mi tu fabuły, a ciągłe podkreślanie, że ta relacja jest zakazana było lekką przesadą. Z drugiej - spiscy sceny były naprawdę dobrze napisane. I mimo że stanowiły chyba z 90% książki to nie nudziły.

Niestety, pod koniec autorka z lekka się pogubiła i chyba po prostu chciała wszystko zakończyć. Bo trochę nieścisłości się znalazło. I "cudowne" podsumowanie wszystkiego. Naprawdę uwielbiam ten zabieg, w którym osoby autorskie zamiast napisać i pokazać, co się stało i jak do tego doszło, w epilogu robią wręcz listę: no był ten problem, a my zrobiliśmy to, to i to, i nara.

[Regina Marie Hatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

He calls him “Puppy”!!!! Like if that doesn’t make you instantly curious I don’t know what will. I’m a sloot for nicknames and that’s definitely a fan favorite because it’s not your everyday nickname.

Best friends OLDER brother, is always going to be HOTT, Mason and Lane were no exception. Definitely instant lust, slow on the emotional burn but when it hits ooooh does it hit. And each and everytime these two were near one another you FELT the anticipation and I was always guessing how far they would go. I don’t know what it is about marking, but it’s definitely top tier for me and the way it’s written Ally did not disappoint! Opposites attract done so perfectly🖤

Definitely check the trigger/ content warnings, I love a dark forbidden romance but some content may be sensitive.

[asa · Rating 4 out of 5]

woof woof

[TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ✨

Was the writing *fantastic*? No. But it was fast paced and the spice was great and it was engaging and cute so I can’t really complain!

[Shaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review – Bruised by Ally Avery
“Raw, addictive, and impossible to put down.”

Bruised hooked me from the first chapter. Ally Avery delivers a dark, emotionally heavy story that balances pain, longing, and the slow burn of healing. The characters feel bruised in every way—physically, emotionally, and mentally—and watching them collide, break, and slowly rebuild was gripping. The chemistry is intense, the angst hits hard, and the writing flows in that effortless way that makes you forget you’re reading. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!

A beautifully broken love story with bite. I devoured it in one sitting.

[Deb R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok read

This book is pretty well written and the plot has unique turns. Spice 🌶🌶🌶Story⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Character development & world building a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Worthy for an afternoon.

[Kaez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[❥ Tracy · Rating 1 out of 5]

All sex no plot and the sex isn’t even interesting. You can’t just have a character call someone puppy 100 times and call it “puppy play”. I felt like I’d been reading basically the same chapter over and over and I was 80% into the book. Nothing happens! 99% of the book takes place in the house! These people aren’t in love they don’t even know each other!