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Bruised
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.
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.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
About the author
Ally Avery
9 books206 followersAlly 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
December 8, 2025
4.4 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
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PLEASE OLIVER AND LOGAN NEXT (idc if it makes me unhinged to say)
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
rtc
PLEASE OLIVER AND LOGAN NEXT (idc if it makes me unhinged to say)
December 1, 2025
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
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
January 10, 2026
2.5
There is no plot, they are just constantly fucking. Also puppy play didn’t work for me much
There is no plot, they are just constantly fucking. Also puppy play didn’t work for me much
December 14, 2025
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
December 1, 2025
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.
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.
July 11, 2026
3 1/2 ⭐️'s rounded up.
Bruised by Ally Avery is a tough one to rate because it's nothing I haven't read before, but it still holds that low angst romantic charm that I crave every once in a while.
Best friends, Lane and Oliver, decide to enjoy one last summer together before Ollie takes off to college. Oliver's mom and her boyfriend are out of the country, so that leaves him and his bestie with the house to themselves for the whole summer. As fun as this all seems, Lane is still preoccupied with the depressing realization that when Ollie leaves, he'll be alone. Lane is not well off enough to go to college and doesn't have any idea what he wants to do with his life. But the worst part is that Ollie is his only true friend. The idea of losing him is almost too much to bear, so he makes it his mission to enjoy the summer with Ollie to the fullest. Unfortunately, things don't go to plan as Oliver's brother, Mason, shows up unexpectedly, fresh out of prison with nowhere else to go.
What starts off as a summer with his best friend becomes more complicated with Mason's arrival. Knowing that there is a growing attraction between Lane and Mason, Oliver makes it clear to both of them to stay away from one another. But like everyone else on the planet who is told what not to do, that only makes the men want to be together more.
"Stay away from him..."
Literally, everyone:
Behind Oliver's back, Mason and Lane begin secretly seeing each other at night for some sexual satisfaction. That's all it's supposed to be, just getting each other off, but like all good romance novels, it's never that easy.
Honestly, even though the sex starts right away, it didn't bore me. Yes, there is a lot of it. It's a huge component of the story. But the relationship itself takes a long time to get off the ground. Lane literally rides the D before he even kisses Mason, which keeps you invested in whatever this relationship ends up becoming because it is definitely on uneven ground. When both characters start catching feelings and realize it's not just about sex and dominance, things get more complicated.
Lane consistently worries about how Oliver would feel if he knew he was seeing his brother behind his back, and it eats at him throughout the story. It's not quite the same for Mason, but in order to keep Lane coming to his bed at night, he agrees to sneak around.
Mason is both incredibly selfish and unassuming when it comes to his strong feelings for the people he cares about. He's caring, but standoffish. He's gentle, but rough. He's guilt ridden while still making impulsive decisions. Even so, as the relationship between him and Lane grows, he starts to focus more on how to be the person he wants to be rather than the person society deems him to be.
Lane, on the other hand, is very submissive and in need of a strong hand. When he finds it in Mason, it's everything he has been looking for, so it's difficult for him to try and keep the relationship casual, especially when feeling so lonely. What I appreciated is that Lane knows he's being treated as an object. Mason cares about him, but doesn't show it, leaving Lane in a position where he must take charge of the situation and end things for the sake of his heart. Lane is surprisingly the stronger of the two, and I was impressed that he made Mason work for him a bit.
It was also interesting learning about Oliver and Mason's shaky past with their stepfather. It's a sore spot for Oliver that Mason consistently pokes at until he finally relents and understands why Oliver feels the way he does. It appears the next book will touch on that more in a very taboo way, and I can't say I'm not excited to read it. I'm hoping it will be slightly more angsty and emotionally complicated than this novel.
Again, I liked this book. It kept me invested, and I liked the characters and the wait for more than just the sex to finally settle between Mason and Lane, but there were some hiccups. One being that it was somewhat hard to believe how hard Mason fell for Lane when they barely spoke until the second half of the story. I understand there is mystery and intrigue when it comes to new relationships, but it felt somewhat unbelievable when taking Mason's past flings into consideration. Also, it is a bit repetitive throughout, with Lane and Oliver gaming all day, then Lane sneaking into Mason's room for sex almost every night. I still enjoyed it though, as I felt there was enough substance to keep me invested. And as I said, I really liked the characters and their slow growth throughout the novel.
This book was fun and very, very spicy! 🥵👌 If you are in the mood for a low angst plot with a considerable amount of spice and a bit of yearning, this book will definitely scratch that itch.
July 4, 2026
Bruised is book one in the Wrecked & Wrong series. This best friend’s brother MM romance story is about Lane and Mason.
Lane is staying at his best friend Oliver’s house for the summer. Oliver’s mom is gone for the summer, so the boys have the house to themselves, or so they think until Oliver’s ex-con older brother Mason comes home on parole. Oliver doesn’t have a great relationship with Mason, and we see him warn both Lane and Mason to stay away from each other.
Lane is the goth boy and Mason is the red flag, ex-con who calls Lane “puppy.” These two are attracted to each other and although Lane makes an attempt to ignore Mason, apparently he is just too horny to keep away. After Oliver falls asleep, Lane sneaks into Mason’s bedroom to hookup. They keep it a secret and love the thrill of the forbidden.
This thing between Lane and Mason was supposed to be a summer fling and just about sex. We do see how they are sexually compatible, but we don’t see them getting to know each other. Lane doesn’t even find out the reason why Mason was locked up until the end of the book. I have to admit I felt like there were too many sex scenes, and it all became too repetitive. There was a whole unprotected sex situation that did not sit right with me.
In the end, I struggled to believe Lane and Mason had feelings for each other, let alone loved each other. I needed more from them than just sex. I wasn’t sure how things would go when Oliver found out about Lane and Mason, but that fell flat too. I do feel like this story had so much potential, but unfortunately it didn’t hit like I had hoped it would.
Lane is staying at his best friend Oliver’s house for the summer. Oliver’s mom is gone for the summer, so the boys have the house to themselves, or so they think until Oliver’s ex-con older brother Mason comes home on parole. Oliver doesn’t have a great relationship with Mason, and we see him warn both Lane and Mason to stay away from each other.
Lane is the goth boy and Mason is the red flag, ex-con who calls Lane “puppy.” These two are attracted to each other and although Lane makes an attempt to ignore Mason, apparently he is just too horny to keep away. After Oliver falls asleep, Lane sneaks into Mason’s bedroom to hookup. They keep it a secret and love the thrill of the forbidden.
This thing between Lane and Mason was supposed to be a summer fling and just about sex. We do see how they are sexually compatible, but we don’t see them getting to know each other. Lane doesn’t even find out the reason why Mason was locked up until the end of the book. I have to admit I felt like there were too many sex scenes, and it all became too repetitive. There was a whole unprotected sex situation that did not sit right with me.
In the end, I struggled to believe Lane and Mason had feelings for each other, let alone loved each other. I needed more from them than just sex. I wasn’t sure how things would go when Oliver found out about Lane and Mason, but that fell flat too. I do feel like this story had so much potential, but unfortunately it didn’t hit like I had hoped it would.
December 9, 2025
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.
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.
January 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✨MM
✨Bestfriend’s brother
✨Ex-con x Goth boy
✨Forced proximity
✨Sneaking around
✨He buys him a collar
✨Forbidden romance
✨Super possessive / jealous dom
✨D/S dynamic
✨He feeds him like a puppy
🔞
✨Mild puppy play
✨Good boy / Good puppy
✨Dry humping / Frotting
✨Rimming
✨Felching
✨Collar
✨Marking / Hickeys
✨Blowjobs as treats
✨Nipple play
✨Risky / public places
✨Free use
✨Strict top / bottom
✨Toys
My review:
There isn’t much to say. There’s no plot. I don’t even know how many chapters there are, but we got one spicy scene per chapter… so there’s that.
If you like very dominant and very submissive dynamic, with mild puppy play and a lot of heat I don’t see why you wouldn’t like this book as long as that’s the only thing you want from this story. If you’re looking for depth, plot or even angst walk away.
If you wanna read something with one hand down your pants… Happy reading.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✨MM
✨Bestfriend’s brother
✨Ex-con x Goth boy
✨Forced proximity
✨Sneaking around
✨He buys him a collar
✨Forbidden romance
✨Super possessive / jealous dom
✨D/S dynamic
✨He feeds him like a puppy
🔞
✨Mild puppy play
✨Good boy / Good puppy
✨Dry humping / Frotting
✨Rimming
✨Felching
✨Collar
✨Marking / Hickeys
✨Blowjobs as treats
✨Nipple play
✨Risky / public places
✨Free use
✨Strict top / bottom
✨Toys
My review:
There isn’t much to say. There’s no plot. I don’t even know how many chapters there are, but we got one spicy scene per chapter… so there’s that.
If you like very dominant and very submissive dynamic, with mild puppy play and a lot of heat I don’t see why you wouldn’t like this book as long as that’s the only thing you want from this story. If you’re looking for depth, plot or even angst walk away.
If you wanna read something with one hand down your pants… Happy reading.
November 23, 2025
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! 💖
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! 💖
November 27, 2025
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!
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!
December 9, 2025
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
- 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
December 6, 2025
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
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
December 6, 2025
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!
July 8, 2026
Two words: Puppy Play 😮💨😮💨😮💨
I had a slutty good time with this read!!! I ate it up 😩
Lane is staying at his best friends house for the summer. These gamer twinks are excited to eat junk food, game online, and spend time together before his bestie Oliver moves away for college.
What they don't anticipate is Oliver's big brother to suddenly show up just released from prison. He is temptation wrapped up in a taunting tattooed beef cake 😮💨.
From the moment Mason calls Lane "puppy" they're both gone past the point of return and so was I 🥵 Oliver can't know, and Mason barrels through ever boundary Lane sets but let's be honest Lane is exactly where he wants to be.
The forced proximity, secret/forbidden aspect of it coupled with the power exchange, D/s vibes, mild puppy and pain play, and the most marking I've seen in a book 😮💨🥵🫠😜 I NEED MORE!!
Can't wait for Oliver's book Ruined in August!!
I had a slutty good time with this read!!! I ate it up 😩
Lane is staying at his best friends house for the summer. These gamer twinks are excited to eat junk food, game online, and spend time together before his bestie Oliver moves away for college.
What they don't anticipate is Oliver's big brother to suddenly show up just released from prison. He is temptation wrapped up in a taunting tattooed beef cake 😮💨.
From the moment Mason calls Lane "puppy" they're both gone past the point of return and so was I 🥵 Oliver can't know, and Mason barrels through ever boundary Lane sets but let's be honest Lane is exactly where he wants to be.
The forced proximity, secret/forbidden aspect of it coupled with the power exchange, D/s vibes, mild puppy and pain play, and the most marking I've seen in a book 😮💨🥵🫠😜 I NEED MORE!!
Can't wait for Oliver's book Ruined in August!!
June 21, 2026
Rating: 4⭐️
Format: 🎧
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Yep, that’ll do it!! Something about Puppy is going to do it everytime 😮💨
Format: 🎧
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Yep, that’ll do it!! Something about Puppy is going to do it everytime 😮💨
December 8, 2025
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.
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.
December 3, 2025
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 🌶
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 🌶
January 20, 2026
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.
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.
December 5, 2025
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!
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!
December 7, 2025
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! 😍🤭
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! 😍🤭
May 22, 2026
✨ ARC Review✨
🐶 You had me at "puppy"
Wow! Another 5 Star Ally Avery read for me! I was so excited for "puppy" and Lane & Mason did not disappoint! Such a great build up and chemistry between them and ohh the spice even had me blushing a little. Collaring, marking and puppy, oh my!
Thankful for the opportunity for the ARC on this one. Loved every minute of it!
🖤 Apparently I have a "type" and Ally's books are right on the money!
🐶 You had me at "puppy"
Wow! Another 5 Star Ally Avery read for me! I was so excited for "puppy" and Lane & Mason did not disappoint! Such a great build up and chemistry between them and ohh the spice even had me blushing a little. Collaring, marking and puppy, oh my!
Thankful for the opportunity for the ARC on this one. Loved every minute of it!
🖤 Apparently I have a "type" and Ally's books are right on the money!
January 6, 2026
All the spice, all the fun, and topped it all off with some romance.
I loved this book more than I expected!
This was very spicy with light puppy play elements but mostly just the pet name. The bonus epilogue is where some actual puppy play takes place. 4.75/5 🌶️!
I loved this book more than I expected!
This was very spicy with light puppy play elements but mostly just the pet name. The bonus epilogue is where some actual puppy play takes place. 4.75/5 🌶️!
June 9, 2026
*1,5* meh
November 27, 2025
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2025
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!
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!
December 5, 2025
I wasn't familiar with this author’s work, but I have a couple of her books on my "Want to read" list, and I was immediately interested in this book based on the blurb and tropes. Unfortunately however, this was a bit of a disappointment.
First I have to say I expected the book to be a bit darker due the whole ”dangerous” ex-con thing and mention of wanting pain etc. but it turned out to be quite mild.
The whole thing was perhaps a little flat, and 90% of the book was just smut. Not much else really happened in the book other than Mason and Lane's intimate scenes—Oliver and Lane did nothing else all summer but play games and well, Lane had sex. The whole thing wasn't very realistic and lacked substance. And tbh, I also didn't care much for Lane's character.
The book got a little better towards the end when we got some depth to the characters and Lane and Mason's relationship. And finally, some proper interaction between Oliver and Lane. I also liked the ending and the epilogue. However, the last 10% of the book wasn't enough to improve the overall reading experience. Otherwise I did think the author's writing style is good/clear, and the spicy scenes are well written. Unfortunately the book just was clearly the wrong choice for me.
First I have to say I expected the book to be a bit darker due the whole ”dangerous” ex-con thing and mention of wanting pain etc. but it turned out to be quite mild.
The whole thing was perhaps a little flat, and 90% of the book was just smut. Not much else really happened in the book other than Mason and Lane's intimate scenes—Oliver and Lane did nothing else all summer but play games and well, Lane had sex. The whole thing wasn't very realistic and lacked substance. And tbh, I also didn't care much for Lane's character.
The book got a little better towards the end when we got some depth to the characters and Lane and Mason's relationship. And finally, some proper interaction between Oliver and Lane. I also liked the ending and the epilogue. However, the last 10% of the book wasn't enough to improve the overall reading experience. Otherwise I did think the author's writing style is good/clear, and the spicy scenes are well written. Unfortunately the book just was clearly the wrong choice for me.
December 16, 2025
5 ⭐️ 4🌶️
I absolutely loved this book. From start to finish, it kept me invested and emotionally engaged. One of my favorite aspects was the friendship between Lane and Oliver — their dynamic was so natural, supportive, and well written. Their bond added a lot of depth and warmth to the story.
I also really enjoyed the relationship between Lane and Mason. The tension between them was intense and perfectly paced, making their moments together even more impactful. Their chemistry was undeniable and kept me turning the pages.
This book left me hoping we’ll eventually get a story about Oliver and Logan — I would love to read it! 😜
I absolutely loved this book. From start to finish, it kept me invested and emotionally engaged. One of my favorite aspects was the friendship between Lane and Oliver — their dynamic was so natural, supportive, and well written. Their bond added a lot of depth and warmth to the story.
I also really enjoyed the relationship between Lane and Mason. The tension between them was intense and perfectly paced, making their moments together even more impactful. Their chemistry was undeniable and kept me turning the pages.
This book left me hoping we’ll eventually get a story about Oliver and Logan — I would love to read it! 😜
December 12, 2025
SO HOT! Good lord this book was a quick and easy read! I thought puppy as a nickname for Lane was sort of cringe, but the rest of it was appealing so I overlooked it.
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