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Picture Perfect

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One look and I know - he’s going to be mine!

He walks into my boudoir studio and everything else fades away. For a long moment, it’s just the two of us frozen in time. But when I come back to the present, I realize he’s not alone. He’s here for a couple’s session.

After he returns solo and asks for a bondage shoot, I make one very important realization - that man is mine. I’ll stop at nothing to have him.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

13 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Crea Reitan

113 books1,124 followers
Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for The Naughty Booknook.
176 reviews71 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 3, 2026
My first Arc of the Year. And what a great way to start as we find ourselves back at the Isle of Kala.
Larson and Dylan meet on the island after a sexy photo shoot and its basically love at first sight, a feeling they both just know on a deeper level that they are each others other half and they waste no time, seriously like two days and that's the kind of instalove we well love.
This is a fast paced fun read, and as we have come to expect from Crea Reitan's books is the pop-up of past characters that we fell in love with first.

Release date January 9th
🔗https://a.co/d/aIkY58O

❤️❤️❤️❤️
🔥🔥
Profile Image for Seraphina Reads.
455 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 4, 2026
Picture Perfect
Isle of Kala
Crea Reitan

Larson & Dylan

New Years
Mutual Pining
Instalove
Size Difference
Novella

This was a quick read but as always from Crea a great story.

Larson and Dylan meet at a bourbon shoot at Dylan's business.

They instantly are attracted to one another. It feels like more though.

They quickly realize they are meant to be together.

These two have incredible chemistry. And are compatible in every way.

“You were made exactly for me, and I’ve been waiting for you to find me.”

So hot together but also sweet too.

When you know you know

Great quick book

So thankful for this arc
Profile Image for Roxanna Mascarenas.
245 reviews7 followers
January 1, 2026
I will never not recommend a book by Crea and Picture Perfect novella was the perfect was for me to wrap up my year
This was the story of Dylan and Lawson from the Isle of Kala and WOW the 🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵. This is an inst-love or at least an inst attraction that feels as if you found your other half of your soulmate. And I wanna see those pictures.
I also through all the books that Crea has taken us, wanna go to Kala.
Profile Image for BooksBooksandmoreBooks69.
1,994 reviews39 followers
January 8, 2026
Picture Perfect is a steamy MM romance novella by Crea Reitan, set in the paradise of the Isle of Kala, a luxurious LGBTQIA+ resort island that’s become a favorite backdrop in the author’s interconnected worlds (previously glimpsed in her popular For Puck’s Sake hockey series).

This short standalone follows a boudoir photographer who experiences instant, overwhelming attraction when a handsome client walks into his studio.

What starts as a couple’s session quickly evolves into something far more personal when the man returns alone, requesting a bondage themed shoot. 😜
From there, it’s full speed ahead into possessive, intense romance.

“One look and I know he’s going to be mine!” I did squeal reading the blurb 😂

The story centers on Larson (the determined photographer) and Dylan, delivering exactly what you’d expect from one of my favourite authors, high heat, obsessive chemistry, and unapologetic passion.

One thing that almost had me not picking up the book, is the fact that one of the characters is in a relationship (I don’t like cheaters!) But give it a chance, as all us not as it seems 😜

I know not everyone is a fan of instalust or instalove, but I am. The intense chemistry between Larson and Dylan is the standout here. It’s electric from that very first frozen moment in the studio, building into something all consuming.

The Isle of Kala itself feels like a character, sunny, accepting, and the perfect escape for swoony island romance.
I love revisiting the island, we’ve met characters from previous books, but also islanders themselves.

It’s a novella, so don’t expect deep world building or complex subplots, this is pure focused romance with plenty of spice.

🦋
Profile Image for Kat Stammers.
10 reviews
January 10, 2026
I received this book as a free ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I want to thank the author for the opportunity to share my thoughts.

“You feel it?”
“This feeling of absolute certainty that we’re supposed to be together?”

This novella was honestly the perfectly spicy way to start to the year.
Fireworks are going off with a bang! Both literally and on the roof!

📸🌴📸🌴📸

A spicy photoshoot meet-cute provides the backdrop for this steamy insta-love story between possessive boudoir photogapher Dylan & hockey player Larson that takes place on the Island of Kala, a private and luxurious LGBTQIA+ resort island that’s a favorite vacation destination for characters across the author’s interconnected world.


Dylan and Larson's chemistry is off the charts! They instantly connect and can't stop thinking about each other. Dylan wants to make Larson his, but there's a roadblock, Larson came to Kala with someone else.

I won't spoil how they get together, you'll have to read the novella to find out but I promise, it's cute and spicy 😉

While the story is super spicy and the sex scenes are explosive there are also some very sweet and cute moments between them. The face washing moment will make your heart melt 🫠

As with all of Crea's stories we get a sprinkling of characters from her other books because she loves to give us these big immersive worlds with lots of characters that interconnect. Despite that, the novella is standalone and can be read without reading the other books.

If you're looking for a short, fun and spicy insta-love moment then this is the book for you!

⭐️ 4.25 / 5
🌶 4 / 5

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
💙 New Year's Romance
💙 Mutual Pining
💙 Insta-Love
💙 Size Difference
💙 Photographer x Hockey Player
💙 Small town meets island vibes
Profile Image for ❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ).
877 reviews98 followers
dnf
January 12, 2026
I don't read cheating stories so I only went into this because some reviews mentioned it wasnt what it seemed. Unfortunately, it didn't make it any less icky.

Larson and Tomy had a crush on each other when they were young and seated + flirted whenever they were single, since they happened to be single at the same time they decided to book this trip together and see where it went and if they're chemistry was as good in-person as it was over the phone. As soon as they get to the island they fuck and Larson thinks it was "....good" but doesn't know if he feels like there's no more chemistry with Tomy because he was instantly hypnotized by Dylan as soon as he set eyes on him. Larson doesn't want to break things off with Tomy because they booked the trip together and he doesn't want to be an ass so he continues on with Tomy. Even having his arm around him on the boat and being couple-y.

Even though the author says there's no cheating because Larson and Tomy aren't a couple, it doesn't make it less icky when Dlyan THINKS they are a couple and GOES TO THE BOAT that Tomy and Larson are on and stares at Larson the whole time, with the intention of going to get his man.

Then Larson goes and kisses Dylan and Dylan says he won't be the other man and that's when Larson says he was never in a relationship with Tomy even though they booked the trip together and Tomy had officially broken up with him officially an hour prior because of how he's not been very attentive since meeting Dylan.

So good for them I guess but how far did Larson take leading Tomy on because he didn't wanna be an ass? Were they still having sex even tho Larson wanted Dylan? And gross that Dylan would even want to go after Larson when he was coupled up with someone else.

DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,861 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2026
Dylan is a boudoir photographer with a studio. One day a man stepped into his studio and turned Dylan’s life upside down. There’s an undeniable connection. Dylan has to stay professional. The man is not alone, it’s a couple session.
Dylan is confused. That man belongs to him, period! How on earth is he with someone else?

Larson is a hockey player visiting the island of Kala with Tomy. They are on holiday, have known each other for years, and get along well.
Larson is shocked by his attraction to Dylan, this tiny vibrant photographer.
He returns to Dylan’s studio, alone, for another photo shoot. Oh guys, it was a dang hot one!

Dylan knows he has to make a move or he’ll regret it for the rest of his life. Larson is his.

Oh gosh, I adored this little story, it was hot, romantic, and without stress. (so you know)
I’m already in love with this isle and its citizens. The author did such a great job writing about it.

Overall, it was a sizzling experience, with the most lovable characters! You’ll adore them just like I did!

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Profile Image for Emmi (bookish_redpanda).
835 reviews43 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 1, 2026
Format 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)

One of Reitan's sweeter reads, but don't let that fool you, she still packs it full of spice, emotions and characters that question if what they feel (and what they are doing) is okay.

Dylan is so much fun - I love that he knows exactly what he wants and is very precise about his life. There are definitely people like Dylan out there in the world, and Reitan captured his mannerisms perfectly. I really love the internal turmoil he goes through when he realises he wants Larson, and that Reitan shows that fight on page so well.

Larson is such a sweetheart, and I love that he also feels the pull that Dylan feels; that both of them know being together is just the right thing for the world.

A sweet, spicy New Years themed novella with heart, and a few good laugh out loud moments thrown in. I love that we've returned to Kala, and I can't wait for more stories as we go (and it goes without saying that I loved the cameo from one of our Kala favourites on the boat!)

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
1,457 reviews119 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 2, 2026
Dylan loves his job as a photographer. He has his own business on the Isle of Kala and runs it exactly how he wants and in a place where he can be himself without fear. What he never expects is for one of his clients to walk in the door and be his soulmate. Dylan knows deep down that Larson is the man for him. But he came here with someone else. So how can they truly be anything if he is in a relationship? Larson came to Kala with a longtime friend to discover if there is something more between them. But the moment they hook up, Larson realizes that maybe their chemistry as friends doesn’t translate to more. That only becomes more obvious when he meets Dylan. Larson is immediately drawn in and now he just wants a chance to get to know Dylan and figure out if he feels it too. This was a sweet short story of some characters we have definitely seen around Kala before. It was nice to see how their story started. It’s always fun to have a story set in Kala. It’s just a magical place and really great when it comes to characters finding who they are meant to be with!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for CharlotteAtena.
446 reviews13 followers
January 15, 2026
If Crea writes it, I will read it... especially if the story takes place on Kala.

You do not understand how much I love these books that are set on this paradise alternate universe. I am obsessed. I love every single moment of every single book that features this place. I wish this was real and I could move there. Heaven.

This was the story of Dylan and Larson, two souls that found their perfect match in the most unexpected way and place. Their connection was instant and I felt bad for Tommy tbh, but... you can't come between soulmates, sorry pal, those are the rules. I hope we will get his story tho'. I need for him to get his happy ending.

I loved the interactions between Dylan and Laraon. I loved seeing them connect and just accept what the universe handed them without drama. There was no unnecessary drama, and that says a lot since our Drama Queen Dylan was MMC. Ah, I love him.

Can we get more of them, Crea? Pretty please? 🥰

This is a short one, just like our short king D, but dang it was good. This story really is a feel good, smile the whole time type of story. Loved it.

5 stars.
Profile Image for Mikaela (risqué.romance).
411 reviews10 followers
January 3, 2026
Picture Perfect - Crea Reitan
4.25/5✨🌟

* SPOILERS *

I knew from the first few pages of this book that I was going to love it. I just didn’t expect to love this novella so much. Even with the spicy times, I didn’t realize how adorable these two were going to be.

I love how they met and it was immediately love at first sight. Dylan is a photographer and when Larson walks in with someone else to a photo shoot, he just didn’t think anything can happen. Their attraction is so strong and I just love every moment we get of the two of them of how they get together.

I really loved how these two just couldn’t stay away and I love how Larson wanted to see what these two could be. I really loved the cute moments of the face washing, which was hilarious when Dylan heard he washed his face in the shower.

This story was just super cute and I really need more from these two. If you’re looking for an insta-love with spicy and just the cutest moments, this book is for you.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for VicReads.
1,543 reviews45 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 4, 2026
𝙿𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.25/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️

↓↓
What a fun quick read.

Dylan is one sassy man that knows what he wants. He's seen as being "too much" but I see him as being strong willed and confident. Larson is just a giant teddy bear who is down to earth and goes with the flow of things.

These two were super adorable and couldn't stay away from each other. These two just knew right from the moment their eyes met they were meant to be together. This was definitely very insta love/attraction and I loved every bit of it.

Their connection was crazy for just meeting and their time together was super cute. Also the chemistry between these two. The solo photoshoot with the rope and the the roof fireworks scene 🥵 I couldn't get enough

I love Isle of Kala and wish it was a real place. I loved the mention of some of the other characters and i can not wait for the next in the series.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
💙 New Year's Romance
💙 Mutual Planning
💙 Insta-Love
💙 Size Difference
💙 Hockey player x Photographer
💙 Small town meets island vibes
Profile Image for Noa Ashley .
451 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 7, 2026
"I’ve never been accused of being a quiet person, so it makes sense for whatever I do to be loud." - Dylan

"Dylan’s true colors are peeking out at me, and they shine brightly. I can’t wait to see all of him." - Larson

Dylan is a photographer who meets Larson for the first time in his studio. They are constantly making eye contact, and then they "accidentally" keep running into each other at different places on the island, Kala. I really love reading about Kala and how open and loving it feels. Dylan is someone who knows what he wants and makes sure that he gets it in the way that he wants, and Larson is just happy to be there by his side. Larson is a hockey player and is very willing to see what makes Dylan so special. And this all happens around New Year's, and they literally start the year with a bang.

I received an ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for Avery.
481 reviews21 followers
January 4, 2026
Reading about the Isle of Kala always makes me feel like going on a summer holiday. The amazing piece of paradise Crea has build in this world sounds perfect.

Dylan is a photographer on this idyllic island, and as soon as he sets eyes on Larson he knows this man is meant to be his. The first shoot is amazing but the second one… now I wish that one came with the book because those are something else!

Even though Larson came to the island with someone else. The pull he feels towards Dylan is too great. The Insta love with them is magnificent and I love it!

And the fireworks?! Just read it and tell me you don’t want that picture?!

Crea wrote another amazing on that builds this universe to the most wonderful world you just want to move to.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
206 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2026
Picture Perfect is set on the Isle of Kala, which you may know if you've read other books by Crea Reitan before. A lot of her series are interconnected in the same universe. In fact, one of the MCs, Larson, is a character from her hockey books and they (Larson and Dylan) have even made an appearance in Volley (which happens in the future from this one so they're already together). I love all the cameos and Easter eggs. Anyway. This book happens on Kala and is the story of how professional hockey player Larson met boudoir photographer Dylan. Except that Larson is not there alone. To say these two are obsessed with each other would be accurate and when I tell you these photo shoots are fire, I mean it. And now you've gotta read it to find out how they find their way to each other!
Profile Image for Richelle Zirkle.
2,162 reviews12 followers
January 10, 2026
I adore the Isle of Kala, which feels like it has taken on a life of its own with the cast of characters that live there. Visiting again still feels like a breath of fresh air with these instalove sweethearts. Dylan is a boudoir photographer, who loves making people feel confident and sexy. When a couple comes in for their shoot, he’s knocked for six because one of the men, Larson, feels like his. When the shoot ends, their casual and not accidental ‘run-ins’ don’t. Even for a short novella, Crea delivers with fleshing out who these two are—a vivacious diva personality who is generous and ready to share his heart and a determined, dedicated, and wonderfully kind and loyal man. There is no shortage of heat to go with all that heart, and I can’t wait to return to Kala again soon.
Profile Image for lmreadsromance .
322 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

This was perfect for my first novella of the year!
I absolutely love these books concept of the Isle of Kala and love every time it is mentioned or characters visit it across many different books in the universe.
This is the story of Larson, hockey player, and Dylan, photographer, and it is very insta-love, with lots of mutal pinning, smoking hot chemistry, size difference and a little light stalking.
Larson, who visiting Kala, attends a boudoir photo shoot at Dylan’s studio and the tension between these two is palpable. Their is a little confusion around Larson’s relationship status and I really love how it was handled. I love how these two came together, they were both just smitten with each other and that fireworks scene, perfection! I cannot wait for more from the Isle of Kala!
1,568 reviews11 followers
January 9, 2026
This is a quick read a beautiful love story you won't be able to put down. Dylan and Larson truly have that instant love even though it took some time to get there. They both could not stop thinking about each other. When they meet at a steamy photo shoot the attraction is instant and the more time they spend together the deeper the connection they have. There are some struggles and issues they both have to work through but their love story was sweet and heartwarming in the fast paced story. I devoured it and loved these characters you just can't help but smile as you read . I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for bookingcrazzyy.
72 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2026
You ever look at a person and just know they are meant to be your forever. Well that's exactly how Dylan and Larson feel.

When Larson stumbles into Dylans studio for a photoshoot, neither man knows the their whole lives are about to change. These two feel pulled to each other and the attraction is instant. However, it appears to Dylan that Larson has a boyfriend and is there with him. The provides a little bit of a struggle within the book, but it’s resolved very quickly.

This was a quick, easy read that had it all. The spice, the romance, and even some side charters you're interested in.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Ami (Amireadsitall).
113 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 7, 2026
This novella is honestly a little pocket of pure sunshine, and I loved every single page of it. I’ve always been so curious about Larson and Dylan’s story, and it absolutely did not disappoint. From the moment they met, it felt like they were two adorable atoms, completely drawn to one another, destined to orbit in the same space no matter what. It was instalove in the most genuine, heart-warming way, and it just worked. Soft, sweet, and full of warmth. I finished this and just sat there for a minute, smiling like an idiot.
Profile Image for Autumn L.
342 reviews
January 9, 2026

I enjoyed reading the spicy Kala island novella. Because it was Insta love. And I just like the fact that one look they knew this was it for them. The size difference was just wonderful. Because Dylan is the shorter one and dominant one. Then Larson is this tall, thick man that’s the submissive one. They have good chemistry right off the bat. That Larson loves Dylan diva ways. Also, they have an amazing friend group. I cannot wait to see what else happens at the island. Also if the side characters get their own book.
Profile Image for Ashley Anders.
203 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2026
When Dylan and Larson meet, it’s love at first sight. The only problem is that Larson came to Kala with someone else. Larson and Tomy have been friends forever and are never single at the same time. Finally single together, they decided to see if they had chemistry and came to Kala as a pair. During their boudoir appointments, they meet Dylan. Although Larson and Tomy came to the island as just friends, Larson still felt guilty being at Kala with Tomy while wanting to be with Dylan. Eventually, Larson and Tomy realized they were better off as friends, allowing Larson to be with Dylan.
Profile Image for Jordan Fiest.
2,101 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
Picture Perfect is related to the Isle of Kala Series.

I loved the intense chemistry between Larson and Dylan. There is a bit of an interesting dynamic they have to overcome in order to potentially have a future together. I loved how respectful Dylan was of that and didn't want to become the other person. However, Larson explains the situation well. This was a more spicy and cute look at the Isle of Kala and all it has to offer.
Profile Image for L KQ.
5,581 reviews21 followers
January 8, 2026
Boudoir Photoshoot

What a way to start of the New Year! This Crea Reitan romance took my breath away with the chemistry and writing of this story. Larson and Dylan were absolutely perfect for each other despite what seems to be an obstacle to their relationship. It was steamy, emotional and exhilarating as these two come together. I could not put it down.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Jeanette Buck.
385 reviews16 followers
January 9, 2026
This was a fun insta love story between photographer Dylan and hockey player Larson. And it was great to go back to the Isle of Kala again. Larson comes in for a photo shoot with his casual lover but there's an instant chemistry between Dylan and Larson. When Larson turns up a single photo shoot it turns very steamy and the relationship quickly moves forward. It was a sweet and quick read. I enjoyed reading it.
Profile Image for SJ.
2,392 reviews15 followers
January 14, 2026
I love the residents of the isle of kala, Dylan is one such resident. He has a boudoir photo studio and loves taking pictures for his clients, he is very good at his art and is happy to enjoy his job. when Larson arrives for a shoot with his boyfriend Dylan is instantly smitten, but he reigns himself in as Larson is not single, but things are not always as they seem. Well written romantic storyline, great characters and plenty of steam I really enjoyed this story
Profile Image for Ashley.
586 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 3, 2026
This was insta love and super dirty. I loved it. I really enjoyed this particular take on the insta love trope since it was almost a soulmate instant connection that both men recognized with a single look. I thought it was a fun twist on a trope. I especially loved the fireworks. This was the perfect New Year novella to start a year off right!
1,196 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2026
Sweet and spicy! Dylan and Larson are drawn to each other at first sight. There’s a bit of miscommunication regarding Larson’s relationship status, but Dylan just can’t forget about Larson. Short and sweet. Hot and steamy. They are perfect for each other. Loved this Isle of Kala (oh, how I wish it were a real place) novella.
1,869 reviews8 followers
January 8, 2026
If you love a love at first site and two people that are just sweet you will love this. Dylan is a photographer that loves his job and when he sees Larson he just knows thats who he wants and Larson is just looking for someone he can connect with on that deeper level. When he meets Dylan he wants to get to know him. Loved it.
164 reviews
January 8, 2026
This was super fun and cute! I absolutely loved Dylan's whole personality. I loved how extra he was specially with his tea. Larson wasn't what I expected for being a big hockey player but I still loved him so much. I loved the connection between Dylan and Larson and how they were drawn to each other. I felt bad for Tomy however, "when you know, you know."
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