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I'll Tell You What You Are
M/M Standalone BDSM Top/Top Friends to Lovers Takedown Primal Play
Buckle in for a wild trip down to South Florida, where Reid has lost all patience with his best friend. The overthinking has to stop. He’s ready to tell Max exactly who he is.
Well, that was a big fat failure. Never mind the drama that’d made me want to shut down our kink community the past few years—the community Reid and I had started together over a decade ago. It was okay. Hell, it was liberating to walk away. Except for the one hope I’d held out of actually figuring out my own identity in the lifestyle. That hadn’t happened. I was as clueless as ever, and now I was done.
I was gonna grow old and die alone and vanilla.
I mean, sure, I had some deep-rooted desires, but what was I supposed to do? Ask my best friend of twenty-five years if he could do me a solid and hunt me down in the woods? That would go over well. No, that fantasy belonged in the darkest corners of my mind.
Reid and I had a vacation coming up in a few days, where we’d catch up with kinkster friends and have some fun, and then I was closing this chapter.
Maybe I’d take up…bird watching or something.
Buckle in for a wild trip down to South Florida, where Reid has lost all patience with his best friend. The overthinking has to stop. He’s ready to tell Max exactly who he is.
Well, that was a big fat failure. Never mind the drama that’d made me want to shut down our kink community the past few years—the community Reid and I had started together over a decade ago. It was okay. Hell, it was liberating to walk away. Except for the one hope I’d held out of actually figuring out my own identity in the lifestyle. That hadn’t happened. I was as clueless as ever, and now I was done.
I was gonna grow old and die alone and vanilla.
I mean, sure, I had some deep-rooted desires, but what was I supposed to do? Ask my best friend of twenty-five years if he could do me a solid and hunt me down in the woods? That would go over well. No, that fantasy belonged in the darkest corners of my mind.
Reid and I had a vacation coming up in a few days, where we’d catch up with kinkster friends and have some fun, and then I was closing this chapter.
Maybe I’d take up…bird watching or something.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
85 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
97 books4,104 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 31, 2026
4**** stars
Lazy bitch review: Hot and intriguing, featuring primal play and two Top best friends finally getting it on. I approve.
We’d never been an option before because I was too chickenshit to go after the one person who could wreck me.
Lazy bitch review: Hot and intriguing, featuring primal play and two Top best friends finally getting it on. I approve.
Please stop before I beg you to never stop.
November 21, 2025
Cara Dee doing what she does best!
I read this when it was part of an anthology but it's been expanded and fleshed out and it's a great novella that gives the reader all the necessary knowledge they need to understand the relationship between Max & Reid without it feeling like an info dump.
She's one of the best out there at writing kink, especially the exploration to find where to fit in a complicated world and here that's Max who's somewhat lost.
At heart it's a best friends to lovers romance with a side order of crushing on your friend's brother, and it's wonderfully played out while on a trip to Florida for a kink weekend.
Reid knows where Max fits - in his life as his partner - now he just needs to convince his best friend to stop over-thinking, angsting about his role and let him show him the primal play way he can get everything he needs!
#ARC kindly receive from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
I read this when it was part of an anthology but it's been expanded and fleshed out and it's a great novella that gives the reader all the necessary knowledge they need to understand the relationship between Max & Reid without it feeling like an info dump.
She's one of the best out there at writing kink, especially the exploration to find where to fit in a complicated world and here that's Max who's somewhat lost.
At heart it's a best friends to lovers romance with a side order of crushing on your friend's brother, and it's wonderfully played out while on a trip to Florida for a kink weekend.
Reid knows where Max fits - in his life as his partner - now he just needs to convince his best friend to stop over-thinking, angsting about his role and let him show him the primal play way he can get everything he needs!
#ARC kindly receive from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
December 7, 2025
Max + Reid
Best friends | Top vs top | Pining | First times | Older MCs
This wasnt bad exactly. But Cara likes to write novellas and then talk so much about side characters and the kink community that we hardly see any of the couple that we're actually reading the book for.
Either get to the point or write longer stories.
I just wanted more of Max and Reid.
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
MCs in their 40s
Single dads with teenage sons
Best friends
Both tops
Primal play
First time bottoming
Reid obviously knows that Max is a top but doesn't realize that he's never bottomed even once before until he's inside him
Pining for years
"Darling"
Aftercare
Face fucking
CNC
Marking
Mine
Always been you vibes (friends for 25 years)
Strict roles on page with talk of switching
No breakup
Warnings:
*None that stood out to me
Best friends | Top vs top | Pining | First times | Older MCs
This wasnt bad exactly. But Cara likes to write novellas and then talk so much about side characters and the kink community that we hardly see any of the couple that we're actually reading the book for.
Either get to the point or write longer stories.
I just wanted more of Max and Reid.
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
MCs in their 40s
Single dads with teenage sons
Best friends
Both tops
Primal play
First time bottoming
Reid obviously knows that Max is a top but doesn't realize that he's never bottomed even once before until he's inside him
Pining for years
"Darling"
Aftercare
Face fucking
CNC
Marking
Mine
Always been you vibes (friends for 25 years)
Strict roles on page with talk of switching
No breakup
Warnings:
*None that stood out to me
December 1, 2025
Ah Cara Dee brings it always. Ugh so much fantastic story packed into this fairly short book. Must read if you like toppy tops with sadomasochist flair negotiating a life together, specially when one has been finding his identity for a while and the other has lost his patience with waiting for them to meander their way to each other. This is some pining, love for a long time that felt unrequited, finding yourself goodness Cara Dee gives us with characters we absolutely love. Max and Reid you found your own way and I am giddy with happiness. We also saw a bunch of our faves cause Old Town shut down and McLean rules.
Oh and did I mention epic primal play, yummy. I loved the softer dynamic these two had as well and I loved the found family Cara Dee always gives us.
Oh and did I mention epic primal play, yummy. I loved the softer dynamic these two had as well and I loved the found family Cara Dee always gives us.
January 3, 2026
Fast paced novella, great quick read. For years Max and Reid have danced around their feelings for each other, one more oblivious than the other. Fear of rejection, fear of messing up their friendship and the belief they are incompatible. Now Reid is tired of waiting on Max fumbling around, trying to find his place, compatible on paper or not, they’ll make it work, there is no other option.
🧷Top/Top
🧷First time bottom
🧷Primal play
🧷Kink group get away?
🧷Oral/face fucking
🧷Marking
🧷cnc
🧷Kink community
🧷(They have shared partners in the past)
🧷Sadomasochism
🧷Sand in unfortunate places
Remember to check your tw’s!
Them both having teenage sons and no drama with the kids mothers was a pleasant surprise. I really liked Reid, how sure and steady he was and how he made sure to ease Max’s overthinking. And Max the sweetheart, who was just trying to find his place, not understanding it was right there the whole time.
Since I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have something to point out, here it comes: When I first saw top/top, I was excited because it’s different from all other mm books I have read(and there are quite a few at this point). I’m not complaining because their dynamics worked for them but I would have loved to see a couple figuring it out while staying the way they were.
4 stars
🧷Top/Top
🧷First time bottom
🧷Primal play
🧷Kink group get away?
🧷Oral/face fucking
🧷Marking
🧷cnc
🧷Kink community
🧷(They have shared partners in the past)
🧷Sadomasochism
🧷Sand in unfortunate places
Remember to check your tw’s!
Them both having teenage sons and no drama with the kids mothers was a pleasant surprise. I really liked Reid, how sure and steady he was and how he made sure to ease Max’s overthinking. And Max the sweetheart, who was just trying to find his place, not understanding it was right there the whole time.
Since I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have something to point out, here it comes: When I first saw top/top, I was excited because it’s different from all other mm books I have read(and there are quite a few at this point). I’m not complaining because their dynamics worked for them but I would have loved to see a couple figuring it out while staying the way they were.
4 stars
December 8, 2025
I love when Cara does these novellas that are just pure hotness. Friends that become more.
Max and Reid have been friends for over 20 years and have been low key in love for a long time. They finally admit to their feelings and 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 happens.
Primal play 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
HEA is super sweet too!
Max and Reid have been friends for over 20 years and have been low key in love for a long time. They finally admit to their feelings and 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 happens.
Primal play 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
HEA is super sweet too!
December 6, 2025
As always, I’m in love with these two men that Cara Dee has gifted us with. Max and Reid are the two Tops behind Old Town, a kink community in Washington DC, for those of us that have read the game series, this is the other kink community. Except they are shutting Old Town down. Max and Reid are over the drama, the effort they put in for little reward and ready for something else. Reid knows who he is in and out of kink and he knows who he wants. Max is an over thinker and doesn’t know who he is in kink and is lost and pining over his best friend out of kink because they don’t make sense, they don’t fit together. They go away for a primal event with friends from kink communities across the country that they’ve made, an annual event for these two. But this time? Reid is done not taking down the one person he wants. So he is going to hunt Max and take him, whether Max likes it or not. These two are fire together and they are so cute and sweet and perfect together. I absolutely love primal play and no one writes it like Cara Dee. I love seeing so many of my fave characters from other books and getting to know more of her characters and immerse myself in this world that I love so much. Another wonderfully written, kinky romance.
December 10, 2025
Absolutely loved this! There was so much story packed into this novella, which I really appreciated. I loved the fact that we got to know their history as well. I loved the pining between them. Ultimately, I loved Reid taking over and going for what he knew in his heart to be what they wanted. I love a best friends to lovers story and Max and Reid's story had everything that I love! I loved their history and their strong bond so much. It was great to see them get what they both wanted.
December 17, 2025
This was great. you gotta give it to Cara Dee.
they were great together.
their blended family and blended kinks lol worked well for them.
super hott
super sweet
great little novella
they were great together.
their blended family and blended kinks lol worked well for them.
super hott
super sweet
great little novella
December 7, 2025
Again with this one loved max and Reid but i wanted to read about them not telling me about all the side characters possible and like Corey said i want kink
December 2, 2025
5 stars
I don't often read books from Cara Dee because I'm not interested in BDSM very much, but I like her style, so when a friend eagerly recommended this book, I had to read it.
This story is about self discovery and realising that all you ever wanted has been right by your side your whole life.
Max and Reid have been best friends for years, they've explored the BDSM community together, but while Reid found out what kinks worked better for him quite fast, Max struggled a lot and after all those years, he's still unsure of his place inside the community. They're also closing their club, Old Town, so Max feels even more dejected.
A trip to Florida to attend a kinky weekend with their friends, will give them both a chance to finally explore a new side of their friendship. Reid, in particular, is adamant in showing Max that they can be very good together.
Although this is not the romance I usually go for, this story is still full of heartwarming feelings and tender moments, like their first kiss and all Reid's new ways of touching Max that made me appreciate this book a lot.
About the CNC scene: this is something I really struggle with but this time was very well executed and I could easily enjoy their first time without worries. Reid's words from the night they arrived in Florida let the reader be aware of what will be happening during the primal play and Max's consent is clear, even if he doesn't say the words out loud, because he remarks multiple times that Reid knows him and his limits very well.
There are characters from The Game series who make an appearance here, I haven't read all the books, but I know a bit about their characters and I enjoy their banter. I'm a little sad that my favourite, Green, wasn't mentioned.
The epilogue is beautiful, I hope to see Max and Reid again in Cara Dee's next books.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I don't often read books from Cara Dee because I'm not interested in BDSM very much, but I like her style, so when a friend eagerly recommended this book, I had to read it.
This story is about self discovery and realising that all you ever wanted has been right by your side your whole life.
Max and Reid have been best friends for years, they've explored the BDSM community together, but while Reid found out what kinks worked better for him quite fast, Max struggled a lot and after all those years, he's still unsure of his place inside the community. They're also closing their club, Old Town, so Max feels even more dejected.
A trip to Florida to attend a kinky weekend with their friends, will give them both a chance to finally explore a new side of their friendship. Reid, in particular, is adamant in showing Max that they can be very good together.
Although this is not the romance I usually go for, this story is still full of heartwarming feelings and tender moments, like their first kiss and all Reid's new ways of touching Max that made me appreciate this book a lot.
About the CNC scene: this is something I really struggle with but this time was very well executed and I could easily enjoy their first time without worries. Reid's words from the night they arrived in Florida let the reader be aware of what will be happening during the primal play and Max's consent is clear, even if he doesn't say the words out loud, because he remarks multiple times that Reid knows him and his limits very well.
There are characters from The Game series who make an appearance here, I haven't read all the books, but I know a bit about their characters and I enjoy their banter. I'm a little sad that my favourite, Green, wasn't mentioned.
The epilogue is beautiful, I hope to see Max and Reid again in Cara Dee's next books.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
November 30, 2025
For those who have read The Game Series by Cara Dee, you might have heard of Max and Reid. If you haven't read the series, don't worry. This story is a complete stand alone, though it ties in really great with the Game Series because of some characters who are mentioned in this book. But again, no prior reading necessary.
Max is doubting himself, but Reid is ready to tell him exactly who he is. And when the two meet up with a couple of friends for a hot getaway, it's now or never. It's a short, sweet, k*nky story and a joy to read.
While this is a novella, so shorter of length, I really feel like we get to know both Max and Reid very well. Having been friends for many years, both characters are clearly used to each other. Even though I wish the story would have been longer (when don't I want a book of Cara to be longer?), as this only offers a glimpse into their lives, but I hope we will see these characters return.
Max is doubting himself, but Reid is ready to tell him exactly who he is. And when the two meet up with a couple of friends for a hot getaway, it's now or never. It's a short, sweet, k*nky story and a joy to read.
While this is a novella, so shorter of length, I really feel like we get to know both Max and Reid very well. Having been friends for many years, both characters are clearly used to each other. Even though I wish the story would have been longer (when don't I want a book of Cara to be longer?), as this only offers a glimpse into their lives, but I hope we will see these characters return.
December 8, 2025
What a wonderful story!!
Max and Reid are in their forties, they have been best friends for a long long time. They are also co-owners of a BDSM club.
It’s time for changes, they are closing the club.
Together they go on vacation and meet some other kinkster friends.
Max doesn’t know exactly what he wants or what he is.
Reid knows exactly who Max is and what he needs. And he’s gonna tell and show him!
My heart, it’s so great to see these guys!
���Stop overthinking us, darlin’.”
Cara Dee is one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints, really never!
She’s just consistently good!
This story was short but so satisfying!
Max and Reid are in their forties, they have been best friends for a long long time. They are also co-owners of a BDSM club.
It’s time for changes, they are closing the club.
Together they go on vacation and meet some other kinkster friends.
Max doesn’t know exactly what he wants or what he is.
Reid knows exactly who Max is and what he needs. And he’s gonna tell and show him!
My heart, it’s so great to see these guys!
���Stop overthinking us, darlin’.”
Cara Dee is one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints, really never!
She’s just consistently good!
This story was short but so satisfying!
December 5, 2025
I’ll Tell You What You Are is a MM romance set in The Game series world
This is your vibe if you like:
BDSM
Primal/pray
Friends to lovers
Enjoy The Game series
I loved this read. Cara captivated me with these characters as always. Although I don't usually read friends-to-lovers stories, this one really resonated with me.
Reid and Max have been friends for decades, and their relationship developed at a good pace, making it easy to follow.
Additionally, fans will enjoy appearances from our favourite McLean characters, which is always a bonus!
This is your vibe if you like:
BDSM
Primal/pray
Friends to lovers
Enjoy The Game series
I loved this read. Cara captivated me with these characters as always. Although I don't usually read friends-to-lovers stories, this one really resonated with me.
Reid and Max have been friends for decades, and their relationship developed at a good pace, making it easy to follow.
Additionally, fans will enjoy appearances from our favourite McLean characters, which is always a bonus!
January 22, 2026
I think I love Cara Dee books
January 29, 2026
I love the Game series world Cara Dee creates. It’s a happy place for me. Reid and Max are an excellent addition. I’m so glad they get their hea after so many years low key wanting it ♥️
December 16, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I’m a fan of Cara Dee based on the few books I read, but generally I stick to pretty vanilla relationships. This one wasn’t two crazy but I absolutely loved the dynamic between the two mcs. They complemented each other in every way possible. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer! I would have loved to see their new dynamic explored even more (but that really goes to show just how strong the writing and characters were).
I would highly recommend!
I really enjoyed this book. I’m a fan of Cara Dee based on the few books I read, but generally I stick to pretty vanilla relationships. This one wasn’t two crazy but I absolutely loved the dynamic between the two mcs. They complemented each other in every way possible. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer! I would have loved to see their new dynamic explored even more (but that really goes to show just how strong the writing and characters were).
I would highly recommend!
December 30, 2025
This is a best friends to more romance, featuring Max Jensen and Reid McKinley, and is a standalone novella.
Reid is fed up and ready to finally tell Max the truth about who he is and what he wants. Max, convinced he’ll die alone and vanilla, has no idea his best friend might be the answer to the desires he’s tried to bury.
This was part of an anthology but had been expanded. I loved the expanded story and these two besties were so good together.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
Novella
MM romance
Best friends to more
MCs in their forties
Single dad with adult kids
BDSM / Kink Community
Identity Discovery
Vacation Sparks
Years of longing (Both Sides)
Spicy times
Primal play fantasy
Rough play
Sado/masochism
Admit feelings
Found family
HEA
Reid is fed up and ready to finally tell Max the truth about who he is and what he wants. Max, convinced he’ll die alone and vanilla, has no idea his best friend might be the answer to the desires he’s tried to bury.
This was part of an anthology but had been expanded. I loved the expanded story and these two besties were so good together.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
Novella
MM romance
Best friends to more
MCs in their forties
Single dad with adult kids
BDSM / Kink Community
Identity Discovery
Vacation Sparks
Years of longing (Both Sides)
Spicy times
Primal play fantasy
Rough play
Sado/masochism
Admit feelings
Found family
HEA
December 10, 2025
This novella feels like stepping into a story that’s been simmering for years in all the best ways. Cara Dee packs so much emotion, heat, and history into a short book that it almost doesn’t seem fair. At its core, this is a story about two men who have been side-by-side for most of their lives, quietly wanting more but not quite brave enough to look directly at it.
Max and Reid’s friendship is the heart of the book. You really feel how long they’ve known each other how much trust there is, how much frustration, how much unsaid longing. Max’s uncertainty about his place in kink and Reid’s certainty about pretty much everything, including Max, create a dynamic that feels both real and incredibly tender. Their conversations, their small gestures, their moments of hesitation… it all lands.
Even though the book definitely leans into kink, especially primal play, it never loses the emotional thread. Everything is grounded in consent, connection, and a deep understanding of each other. If you’re not someone who usually reads BDSM, the way Cara Dee handles it here makes it feel approachable rather than overwhelming.
There’s also a great sense of community woven through the story. Fans of Cara Dee’s interconnected worlds will enjoy the cameos, but you don’t need to know any of the previous books to enjoy what’s happening here. The atmosphere, friends gathering, longstanding bonds, inside jokes, it adds warmth around the edges of a very intense central relationship.
Despite being a novella, it doesn’t feel rushed. You get just enough backstory to understand why this moment in their lives matters, and their eventual shift from friends to something more feels earned and honestly very sweet.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, hot, surprisingly gentle little story about finally seeing what’s been right in front of you all along. If you enjoy best-friends-to-lovers, kink with emotional depth, or just stories about people finding themselves a bit later in life, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review :)
Max and Reid’s friendship is the heart of the book. You really feel how long they’ve known each other how much trust there is, how much frustration, how much unsaid longing. Max’s uncertainty about his place in kink and Reid’s certainty about pretty much everything, including Max, create a dynamic that feels both real and incredibly tender. Their conversations, their small gestures, their moments of hesitation… it all lands.
Even though the book definitely leans into kink, especially primal play, it never loses the emotional thread. Everything is grounded in consent, connection, and a deep understanding of each other. If you’re not someone who usually reads BDSM, the way Cara Dee handles it here makes it feel approachable rather than overwhelming.
There’s also a great sense of community woven through the story. Fans of Cara Dee’s interconnected worlds will enjoy the cameos, but you don’t need to know any of the previous books to enjoy what’s happening here. The atmosphere, friends gathering, longstanding bonds, inside jokes, it adds warmth around the edges of a very intense central relationship.
Despite being a novella, it doesn’t feel rushed. You get just enough backstory to understand why this moment in their lives matters, and their eventual shift from friends to something more feels earned and honestly very sweet.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, hot, surprisingly gentle little story about finally seeing what’s been right in front of you all along. If you enjoy best-friends-to-lovers, kink with emotional depth, or just stories about people finding themselves a bit later in life, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review :)
December 21, 2025
Max and Reid are characters that show up in several of Cara’s books, and are interconnected in the kink community. They have run a kink community in DC for eleven years, but are shutting it down for several reasons. Once that is done, they are joining several other friends from various communities in a Florida getaway for a yearly event involving a takedown event and this time, they will be living out a fantasy for Max and Reid.
Max and Reid have been close friends for 25 years, and in the kink community for most of them. Both have kinks that Max didn’t believe fit together so he was never able to pursue a sexual connection with Reid and the fantasy to be together. Reid has wanted that connection also, but neither has ever expressed that to the other before, both keeping it buried, until Reid finally cracks and informs Max that he will be hunting and taking him during the takedown event. Whether Max will agree and the two will finally find the connection both crave and a future together will depend on the events on the island, and the aftermath to come.
It had been quite awhile since I had read The Game series specifically, and her other series too, so I wasn’t as clear with all the characters and their back stories to begin with, but the longer I read, the more I remembered and my connections to the characters came back. It was interesting to catch up with “old friends” and revisit the dynamic between them amid the growing sexual tension between Max and Reid, and to revisit the takedown event on the island from a previous book.
I wouldn’t recommend this as an introduction to Cara’s books, but it definitely fits in once you have a few “under your belt”. Her characters are realistic and relatable, and her writing about the kink community and BDSM is engaging and informative if you are new to the genre. Characters cross over into the books and even across series, creating a complicated and interesting web of intense characters, sure to draw you in and immerse you in her stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Max and Reid have been close friends for 25 years, and in the kink community for most of them. Both have kinks that Max didn’t believe fit together so he was never able to pursue a sexual connection with Reid and the fantasy to be together. Reid has wanted that connection also, but neither has ever expressed that to the other before, both keeping it buried, until Reid finally cracks and informs Max that he will be hunting and taking him during the takedown event. Whether Max will agree and the two will finally find the connection both crave and a future together will depend on the events on the island, and the aftermath to come.
It had been quite awhile since I had read The Game series specifically, and her other series too, so I wasn’t as clear with all the characters and their back stories to begin with, but the longer I read, the more I remembered and my connections to the characters came back. It was interesting to catch up with “old friends” and revisit the dynamic between them amid the growing sexual tension between Max and Reid, and to revisit the takedown event on the island from a previous book.
I wouldn’t recommend this as an introduction to Cara’s books, but it definitely fits in once you have a few “under your belt”. Her characters are realistic and relatable, and her writing about the kink community and BDSM is engaging and informative if you are new to the genre. Characters cross over into the books and even across series, creating a complicated and interesting web of intense characters, sure to draw you in and immerse you in her stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I’ll Tell You What You Are by Cara Dee may be a short story, but it
is exactly the kind of tender, wholesome friends-to-lovers story that fills your chest with warmth. It’s a beautiful relationship built on years of history, quiet affection, and that steady, unspoken bond that only long-term friends can share. It’s wholesome, sweet, and full of that soft, inevitable friends-to-lovers energy that makes your heart flip.
What really stood out to me is how their shared past feels absolutely real, even though we only get small glimpses of it. Cara Dee manages to show years of closeness, inside jokes, trust, and quiet affection without needing pages of backstory. You feel the history between them: the comfort, the ease, the unspoken understanding, and it makes their shift toward realizing they’re soulmates incredibly satisfying.
The romance is soft, supportive, and full of those intimate, everyday moments that make you root for them long before anything officially shifts. And then, in true Cara Dee style, there’s just the right touch of kink sprinkled in, not overwhelming, not the focus, but integrated in a way that adds an extra layer of trust and vulnerability. It never overshadows the sweetness; instead, it deepens the intimacy and adds dimension to their connection.
And if you’re a fan of The Game series, this is such a delightful bonus read to the world Cara Dee Builds with a familiar in tone, full of mutual respect and emotional safety, and a lovely little gem that fits right into the spirit of the series.
It carries that same emotional sincerity, that celebration of safe exploration, and the found-family warmth the series is known for.
A charming, heartfelt, and spicy short story that proves you don’t need a full-length novel to deliver a complete, beautiful romance.
A truly lovely, feel-good read that blends sweetness, depth, and spice in a way only Cara Dee can deliver
🌶️🌶️
I’ll Tell You What You Are by Cara Dee may be a short story, but it
is exactly the kind of tender, wholesome friends-to-lovers story that fills your chest with warmth. It’s a beautiful relationship built on years of history, quiet affection, and that steady, unspoken bond that only long-term friends can share. It’s wholesome, sweet, and full of that soft, inevitable friends-to-lovers energy that makes your heart flip.
What really stood out to me is how their shared past feels absolutely real, even though we only get small glimpses of it. Cara Dee manages to show years of closeness, inside jokes, trust, and quiet affection without needing pages of backstory. You feel the history between them: the comfort, the ease, the unspoken understanding, and it makes their shift toward realizing they’re soulmates incredibly satisfying.
The romance is soft, supportive, and full of those intimate, everyday moments that make you root for them long before anything officially shifts. And then, in true Cara Dee style, there’s just the right touch of kink sprinkled in, not overwhelming, not the focus, but integrated in a way that adds an extra layer of trust and vulnerability. It never overshadows the sweetness; instead, it deepens the intimacy and adds dimension to their connection.
And if you’re a fan of The Game series, this is such a delightful bonus read to the world Cara Dee Builds with a familiar in tone, full of mutual respect and emotional safety, and a lovely little gem that fits right into the spirit of the series.
It carries that same emotional sincerity, that celebration of safe exploration, and the found-family warmth the series is known for.
A charming, heartfelt, and spicy short story that proves you don’t need a full-length novel to deliver a complete, beautiful romance.
A truly lovely, feel-good read that blends sweetness, depth, and spice in a way only Cara Dee can deliver
December 5, 2025
**I am part of Cara Dee's ARC team and received an eARC through BookSprout.**
Actual rating: 3.5
Originally published in an anthology, I'll Tell You What You Are has been expanded to small novella length. Readers follow the dual perspectives of best friends Max and Reid as they shut the doors on Old Town, a kink community they have run together for the past eleven years. Max has been seeking identity for the whole time that they have been in operation, but the one thing he has never explored is the possibility of more with Reid. Their annual vacation offers the perfect opportunity for Reid to make sure Max knows that they have belonged together all along.
The story ties in to the pre-existing Cara Dee series called The Game, but can be read as a standalone. There may be a few out of context "spoilers" for that series, but mostly centered on romantic dynamics that could be read in the synopses. I would not personally suggest this novella as a starting point for getting into Cara Dee's work as it works better, in my opinion, as a spin-off story from The Game. The starting novella for The Game (Top Priority) is a better place to dip your toes in if you want to sample this author's writing as it takes more time to establish the setting and character dynamics.
This novella is only slightly over 100 pages, so it is difficult to fully discuss. Cara Dee excels at balancing heavy spice content with emotional depth and support between her characters. She builds families both blood and chosen with careful consideration of the unique needs of each character.
I'll Tell You What You Are fits right in among Cara Dee's oeuvre and is a quick read with equal parts sweet and spice. Happily recommend as a story not to miss for Cara fans.
Actual rating: 3.5
Originally published in an anthology, I'll Tell You What You Are has been expanded to small novella length. Readers follow the dual perspectives of best friends Max and Reid as they shut the doors on Old Town, a kink community they have run together for the past eleven years. Max has been seeking identity for the whole time that they have been in operation, but the one thing he has never explored is the possibility of more with Reid. Their annual vacation offers the perfect opportunity for Reid to make sure Max knows that they have belonged together all along.
The story ties in to the pre-existing Cara Dee series called The Game, but can be read as a standalone. There may be a few out of context "spoilers" for that series, but mostly centered on romantic dynamics that could be read in the synopses. I would not personally suggest this novella as a starting point for getting into Cara Dee's work as it works better, in my opinion, as a spin-off story from The Game. The starting novella for The Game (Top Priority) is a better place to dip your toes in if you want to sample this author's writing as it takes more time to establish the setting and character dynamics.
This novella is only slightly over 100 pages, so it is difficult to fully discuss. Cara Dee excels at balancing heavy spice content with emotional depth and support between her characters. She builds families both blood and chosen with careful consideration of the unique needs of each character.
I'll Tell You What You Are fits right in among Cara Dee's oeuvre and is a quick read with equal parts sweet and spice. Happily recommend as a story not to miss for Cara fans.
December 13, 2025
"they only saw two puzzle pieces, and they fit perfectly. The rest is secondary shit that you work out together."
I wish this had been longer.
So enjoyed the relationship between Max and Reid. The slow hints. The solid friendship.
Both men had been secretly pining for the other for years.
One too afraid to take that chance.
The other hyperaware of how slow he needed to move.
"You know, when I never feel the need to hunt down my place in life? When I'm with you. Whether it's you and me or we have the boys with us."
Max had always been looking for his “label”. That special relationship that made him feel whole.
While searching, he had missed what was there the whole time. Right within reach.
"Anger, jealousy, possessiveness, and this...this sense of just being so fucking done. I couldn't pretend anymore."
Reid knew what he wanted. Always had. He also knew that if he moved on his feelings, Max would run.
A man, however, can only wait for so long, and he was done.
"Nothing wasn't on the table. It wasn't an option."
What began as a regular phone call between the two became a catalyst for their HEA
Reid was done playing nice and easy. He knew that wasn't what Max needed.
Max needed to get out of his head and under Reid.
And he knew just how to accomplish that.
"My top, my bottom, my better half."
Max kept questioning whether what he was hearing and feeling was the real thing.
Reid was a sadist after all.
But when wishful thinking became reality
Max was all in
A great standalone read with a cast that will steal your heart.
Wonderful supporting characters - I will be searching for their stories.
It was a novella, so we were given just enough to get our palates wet when it came to world-building and friendships/relationships.
This had all the feels blended with primal high heat romance
I wish this had been longer.
So enjoyed the relationship between Max and Reid. The slow hints. The solid friendship.
Both men had been secretly pining for the other for years.
One too afraid to take that chance.
The other hyperaware of how slow he needed to move.
"You know, when I never feel the need to hunt down my place in life? When I'm with you. Whether it's you and me or we have the boys with us."
Max had always been looking for his “label”. That special relationship that made him feel whole.
While searching, he had missed what was there the whole time. Right within reach.
"Anger, jealousy, possessiveness, and this...this sense of just being so fucking done. I couldn't pretend anymore."
Reid knew what he wanted. Always had. He also knew that if he moved on his feelings, Max would run.
A man, however, can only wait for so long, and he was done.
"Nothing wasn't on the table. It wasn't an option."
What began as a regular phone call between the two became a catalyst for their HEA
Reid was done playing nice and easy. He knew that wasn't what Max needed.
Max needed to get out of his head and under Reid.
And he knew just how to accomplish that.
"My top, my bottom, my better half."
Max kept questioning whether what he was hearing and feeling was the real thing.
Reid was a sadist after all.
But when wishful thinking became reality
Max was all in
A great standalone read with a cast that will steal your heart.
Wonderful supporting characters - I will be searching for their stories.
It was a novella, so we were given just enough to get our palates wet when it came to world-building and friendships/relationships.
This had all the feels blended with primal high heat romance
December 12, 2025
4.5 Stars!
If you read Cara Dee's contribution to the Naughty November Charity Anthology, you might recognize this story. The author has expanded and re-released it separately. I read the anthology back in 2024 and loved this story, but this version was better since readers get to see the aftermath as Max and Reid make some necessary life changes. I would encourage fans of the author to read this expanded version; the extra finishing touches will be welcome, along with seeing some more of their favorite characters. Nevertheless, new readers should have no issues reading this one as a standalone.
The author has an amazing ability to bring you into a story and make you feel like you never want to leave, all while feeling like you're not missing anything when it ends. Max and Reid have been occasionally mentioned in The Game series, and it was great to see where they are with all the aforementioned drama. I was glad they made the decision they made, even if it left Max somewhat lost. These two were close in so many ways that it wasn't too surprising they finally got together. It still took some work and angst, but they finally broke the barriers they both put in place to keep their friendship intact. I felt for Max's struggle to understand his needs versus his wants and how it fit into his relationships, but I was glad Reid finally had an answer that worked for them both.
I hope and suspect we will see these two again at the McLean House events at some point, and I can't wait to see them there. They will fit in beautifully with the rest of the crew there. This book will be one that I reread and enjoy each time.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
If you read Cara Dee's contribution to the Naughty November Charity Anthology, you might recognize this story. The author has expanded and re-released it separately. I read the anthology back in 2024 and loved this story, but this version was better since readers get to see the aftermath as Max and Reid make some necessary life changes. I would encourage fans of the author to read this expanded version; the extra finishing touches will be welcome, along with seeing some more of their favorite characters. Nevertheless, new readers should have no issues reading this one as a standalone.
The author has an amazing ability to bring you into a story and make you feel like you never want to leave, all while feeling like you're not missing anything when it ends. Max and Reid have been occasionally mentioned in The Game series, and it was great to see where they are with all the aforementioned drama. I was glad they made the decision they made, even if it left Max somewhat lost. These two were close in so many ways that it wasn't too surprising they finally got together. It still took some work and angst, but they finally broke the barriers they both put in place to keep their friendship intact. I felt for Max's struggle to understand his needs versus his wants and how it fit into his relationships, but I was glad Reid finally had an answer that worked for them both.
I hope and suspect we will see these two again at the McLean House events at some point, and I can't wait to see them there. They will fit in beautifully with the rest of the crew there. This book will be one that I reread and enjoy each time.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
December 17, 2025
Reid and Max have been best friends for twenty‑five years, co‑founders of a kink community in South Florida. But after years of drama and disappointment, Reid is ready to walk away from it all. He’s frustrated with Max’s endless overthinking and desperate to finally reveal his true desires — only his attempt to confess ends in failure. Max, meanwhile, feels lost. Shutting down the community was liberating, but it left him adrift, still clueless about his identity in the lifestyle. He resigns himself to loneliness, convinced his deepest fantasies — primal play, submission, and being hunted — will never leave the shadows of his mind. With a vacation looming, the two men prepare to reconnect with old friends one last time. What begins as an ending may instead become a turning point, as Reid and Max confront their desires, their friendship, and the possibility that love and primal play could transform everything they thought they knew about themselves.
I loved this story about two men daring to confront desire, identity, and friendship — discovering that love can thrive even in the most primal of places. I loved the way that the author wrote the risk of transforming friendship into romance that highlighted the fear of losing what’s safe versus the hope of gaining something deeper. I also loved how the story explored how self-discovery is often messy, nonlinear, and requires courage to confront hidden desires. This was a great story about two men daring to confront desire and identity, proving that love can grow from friendship when both are brave enough to embrace vulnerability and primal truth. Lots of emotions and feelings that were easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and BDSM-like elements.
I loved this story about two men daring to confront desire, identity, and friendship — discovering that love can thrive even in the most primal of places. I loved the way that the author wrote the risk of transforming friendship into romance that highlighted the fear of losing what’s safe versus the hope of gaining something deeper. I also loved how the story explored how self-discovery is often messy, nonlinear, and requires courage to confront hidden desires. This was a great story about two men daring to confront desire and identity, proving that love can grow from friendship when both are brave enough to embrace vulnerability and primal truth. Lots of emotions and feelings that were easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and BDSM-like elements.
December 12, 2025
Cara Dee has done it again. Even as a standalone, this story carries all the intensity, tenderness, and beautifully messy emotional honesty that keeps me coming back to her work. Max and Reid’s dynamic, following two long-time best friends circling their wants for decades is gripping from the start. Reid’s patience finally snapping and Max’s panicked determination to shove his desires back into the shadows makes for a deliciously tense push-and-pull.
The Florida setting, the upcoming trip, and the return to the wider kink community add so much texture without overwhelming the heart of the story: two toppy men finally admitting what they’ve both wanted but never dared to claim. Cara handles their identity exploration with such care, weaving in humour, vulnerability, and that trademark found-family warmth she’s so brilliant at.
And the primal play? Absolutely electric—raw, consensual, and incredibly well written. But what truly stood out to me was the softness beneath all the bite: the sense of trust, history, and inevitable love that’s been decades in the making.
A shorter read, packed with emotional depth, heat, and Cara Dee’s undeniable talent for crafting characters who feel real enough to root for relentlessly. Max and Reid finally getting their chance made me ridiculously happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Florida setting, the upcoming trip, and the return to the wider kink community add so much texture without overwhelming the heart of the story: two toppy men finally admitting what they’ve both wanted but never dared to claim. Cara handles their identity exploration with such care, weaving in humour, vulnerability, and that trademark found-family warmth she’s so brilliant at.
And the primal play? Absolutely electric—raw, consensual, and incredibly well written. But what truly stood out to me was the softness beneath all the bite: the sense of trust, history, and inevitable love that’s been decades in the making.
A shorter read, packed with emotional depth, heat, and Cara Dee’s undeniable talent for crafting characters who feel real enough to root for relentlessly. Max and Reid finally getting their chance made me ridiculously happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2026
⭐⭐⭐/5 Short and sweet but it kind of missed the mark for me in emotional intensity and BDSM.
🔥🔥/5 Hot and detailed but infrequent, which was surprising in a novella.
🏳️🌈 Representation: Gay MCs, BDSM, Primal Play (though quite tame in my opinion)
Overall Take
I didn’t connect with this one as much as I hoped. While the length might seem like the obvious culprit, I don’t actually think that was the issue.
What Worked
- Max and Reid are both in their 40s, I really love mature MCs.
- There was no intentional hurt between them, their love and care for each other always stayed front and center.
What Didn’t Quite Work
- Too much time was spent talking with, to, and about side characters. In a novella this short I want the focus to stay tightly on the main MCs.
- As a longtime Cora fan who’s read 20+ of her books, I still didn’t recognize all the side characters, which left me feeling like I was missing important backstory. I don’t enjoy feeling like I should know a character without actually knowing them.
- This book lacked the high heat and emotional intensity I’ve come to expect from Cora. Even the BDSM felt fairly tame compared to her other works.
TL;DR
This is a quick, easy Cora novella with mature MCs and a gentle, caring relationship. Unfortunately, the heavy focus on side characters and the lack of heat and emotional intensity kept it from fully landing for me.
🔥🔥/5 Hot and detailed but infrequent, which was surprising in a novella.
🏳️🌈 Representation: Gay MCs, BDSM, Primal Play (though quite tame in my opinion)
Overall Take
I didn’t connect with this one as much as I hoped. While the length might seem like the obvious culprit, I don’t actually think that was the issue.
What Worked
- Max and Reid are both in their 40s, I really love mature MCs.
- There was no intentional hurt between them, their love and care for each other always stayed front and center.
What Didn’t Quite Work
- Too much time was spent talking with, to, and about side characters. In a novella this short I want the focus to stay tightly on the main MCs.
- As a longtime Cora fan who’s read 20+ of her books, I still didn’t recognize all the side characters, which left me feeling like I was missing important backstory. I don’t enjoy feeling like I should know a character without actually knowing them.
- This book lacked the high heat and emotional intensity I’ve come to expect from Cora. Even the BDSM felt fairly tame compared to her other works.
TL;DR
This is a quick, easy Cora novella with mature MCs and a gentle, caring relationship. Unfortunately, the heavy focus on side characters and the lack of heat and emotional intensity kept it from fully landing for me.
January 5, 2026
Another book I had to put aside for a while and then come back to it. Nothing wrong but it didn't hold my attention through a family crisis and I wanted to savor this since it was Cara Dee. And I've come to love all her stories, especially the heavier BDSM stories like this that involve primal play. This one features two old friends who have been through the wringer together. Both are tops and they owned a kink club together that folded after members began to drift to other clubs and other interests.
One can't find his place in the world. He knows who he is but not what he is, i.e., not what he is in the BDSM world. He's a top but no longer desires playing with littles or subs. He's not a masochist but not all sadist either. The other knows exactly who and what he is and finds a way to show him. He's his love, his lover, his sado-masochist, his life. And this story is all about the two men finding their way to be who and what they are. Really beautiful and definitely BDSM with a surprise appearance by a few guys from McClean House (or is it House McClean, LOL). In any event, though a standalone, it fits right in with Cara's other books and was a pleasure to read.
One can't find his place in the world. He knows who he is but not what he is, i.e., not what he is in the BDSM world. He's a top but no longer desires playing with littles or subs. He's not a masochist but not all sadist either. The other knows exactly who and what he is and finds a way to show him. He's his love, his lover, his sado-masochist, his life. And this story is all about the two men finding their way to be who and what they are. Really beautiful and definitely BDSM with a surprise appearance by a few guys from McClean House (or is it House McClean, LOL). In any event, though a standalone, it fits right in with Cara's other books and was a pleasure to read.
December 8, 2025
Ugh god I love these books so much. This book made me miss all of the characters from her previous books especially The Game, Hillcroft, and Renegades. I absolutely am obsessed with her characters, they feel like real people.
While this book is considered a standalone, I HIGHLY recommend reading it in proper order with all of her other books. I am working on a reading order and I think I know where this one fits, but you get so many tidbits and puzzle pieces regarding other books, please read them in order.
Okay, now for this book. I am obsessed with Max and Reid, I have been since HEARING about them in other books. Reading them as flushed out characters was so good. They were so entertaining. I wish we would’ve gotten to spend more time with them. It was a fairly short book and I was actually sad about that. Also there were introductions to issues that I never saw come to a conclusion which is what bumped me down from 5 stars to 4. It felt too short. But I still loved it and I loved seeing all of our babies from the game books ❤️❤️
This is a first person, dual POV, MM romance
While this book is considered a standalone, I HIGHLY recommend reading it in proper order with all of her other books. I am working on a reading order and I think I know where this one fits, but you get so many tidbits and puzzle pieces regarding other books, please read them in order.
Okay, now for this book. I am obsessed with Max and Reid, I have been since HEARING about them in other books. Reading them as flushed out characters was so good. They were so entertaining. I wish we would’ve gotten to spend more time with them. It was a fairly short book and I was actually sad about that. Also there were introductions to issues that I never saw come to a conclusion which is what bumped me down from 5 stars to 4. It felt too short. But I still loved it and I loved seeing all of our babies from the game books ❤️❤️
This is a first person, dual POV, MM romance
December 10, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I’ll Tell You What You Are is a sexy, best-friends-to-lovers story from Cara Dee. This one is only about 100 pages, but Dee does a nice job quickly establishing the bond between Reid and Max, making it easy to move forward with them from friends to something more. We get a few key scenes before their trip to establish their friendship, the almost familial connection they have with each other and both their sons, and the hint that both are feeling something more. By the time the guys get to Florida, they both know that they are interested in pursuing something together while on the trip, and Reid knows he wants even more, but Max isn’t quite sure whether they can make it work long term.
This is a primal play story and the main event here is the group of friends going to a deserted island and engaging in a “hunt” with the Doms and subs.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I’ll Tell You What You Are is a sexy, best-friends-to-lovers story from Cara Dee. This one is only about 100 pages, but Dee does a nice job quickly establishing the bond between Reid and Max, making it easy to move forward with them from friends to something more. We get a few key scenes before their trip to establish their friendship, the almost familial connection they have with each other and both their sons, and the hint that both are feeling something more. By the time the guys get to Florida, they both know that they are interested in pursuing something together while on the trip, and Reid knows he wants even more, but Max isn’t quite sure whether they can make it work long term.
This is a primal play story and the main event here is the group of friends going to a deserted island and engaging in a “hunt” with the Doms and subs.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
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