Illicit Illustration: Masked Men of Sage Springs, Book 2

Masked Men of Sage Springs #2

by E.L. Koslo, Madison Mitts (Narrator), Theodore Zephyr (Narrator)

Hatching Hazel

Being wildly attracted to my best friend’s little sister was kind of a nightmare. Especially when she knew every vivid detail of my very active sex life. When her best friend offered the opportunity to get to know her through a blind dating experiment where she won’t know who she’s talking to for two weeks, I didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity to show her who I was beyond all the miscommunication.

Resisting Reid

Having a secret crush on your older brother’s best friend may be fun in middle school, but in real life, it kind of sucked. Especially when he used the bar I work at as a hunting ground for his next conquest. But when I needed his help for a special illustration project, he might be the only man I could trust. It was too bad I was already falling for someone else’s words, or was I?

Illicit Illustration is a sweet yet spicy interconnected stand-alone novel with a charming, seductive, dirty mouthed golden retriever and his best friend’s little sister who isn’t as shy as she seems.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Spicy, Small Town Romance

Audible Audio

Published January 7, 2026

About the author

Find the funny in your life.

That’s what EL Koslo strives to do in her life every day. She spent her youth with her nose in a book, often conjuring up storylines in a composition notebook she hid under her mattress. Her love of writing continued on through high school as she served on the school paper and wrote poetry for the literary magazine.

At University, she studied Art and Art History where she met her own prince charming after kissing a few frogs, of course.

Her love of reading and writing have been a constant in her life with her nose always buried in a book, tablet, or computer—both writing and reading.

She resides in the Midwest United States with her husband and four rambunctious children. Her days are filled with driving kids to school, activities, and sports; frequently squeezing writing time in while waiting in the carpool line.

Koslo’s characters are often developed while running on the treadmill at the gym, and she has a DVR full of Hallmark movies.

Her debut novel, Foreplay on Words, combines her love of steamy romance, awkward but loveable leading males, and headstrong heroines with a dash of humor and a little bit of kink.

Follow her at: https://linktr.ee/elkoslo

Instagram: @elkoslo_writes

Tiktok: @elkoslowrites

Facebook Page: EL Koslo Romance Writer

Facebook Reader Group: Dirty Words Brigade

ELKoslo.com

**** Please do not add any freely published works to my account that you have not asked for permission to add. They will be deleted and you will be reported. Draft work on serial reading apps is not fair game for you to add to an author’s goodreads account. ****

Reviews

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this via audiobook and it wasn’t a disappointment to say the least. 🥵 🔥 🌶️ This book was narrated by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr and I loved them as the narrators! I really enjoyed how they each read their characters part instead of how some don’t do this and the woman attempts to sound like a man and vice versa. In this book we meet Hazel and Reid and the chemistry between them was 🔥 from the start!! Hazel needs help with illustrations for romance books and she asks Reid if he can help her, while also talking to a guy who she met during a blind date experiment set up by her best friend. Reid has been a playboy but wants Hazel to see him differently so he agrees to the blind date experiment so he can show Hazel who he is behind all the gossip. Don't miss the chance to see what happens between these two.

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 🌟 rounded up for GR!

Overall, this was a very entertaining Valentine’s Day–themed story. After finishing Accidental Abduction, I was really excited to read Hazel and Reid’s story since their chemistry was obvious from a mile away.

What didn’t quite work for me, though, was how the MMC was constantly slut-shamed by pretty much everyone at one point or another. Meanwhile, Hazel was infantilized by everyone, even though she’s in her mid-20s — and up until about the 80% mark, she still leaned into that persona and kept herself closed off. For me, it lacked a bit of emotional growth and genuine connection between the two main characters.

[iky reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Year's First Favourite Book—and What a Way to Begin!

I crowned my first favourite book on the Fourth of January, and to be honest? The bar was set dangerously high.

I was enthralled with the dual narration when I listened to this audiobook. Every moment was brought to life in the most delectable way by the chemistry between the two narrators, who were a perfect match.

The MMC? Yes, he has that alluring bad-boy vibe at first, confident, flirtatious, and a little dangerous, but he quickly transforms into the perfect golden retriever who makes you fall in love as well as lust. Playful, protective, and utterly adorable

The level of spice is modest throughout but significant. With just enough heat to make your cheeks warm and your heart skip a beat, it's playful, blush-inducing, and funny. Imagine moments that make you smile like you're the one being flirted with, as well as gentle gasps and lingering touches.

Through him, the FMC, who is kind and naive, is learning about an entirely new world. The romance feels delicate, genuine, and incredibly fulfilling as you watch her balance longing, hesitation, and desire in a lovely push-and-pull.
This story strikes the ideal balance between giving in gracefully, resisting just enough, and falling hard.

This is definitely for you if you believe in flirting, cuddling, emotional connection, happily-ever-afters, and yes, a little naughty magic thrown in.

And that first time that will never be forgotten, this takes you to a whole new level of spiciness that will linger for days.

A must listen!

[CONNIEBENNETT26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio Book!
Illicit Illustration by E L.Koslo was quite the listen.!
Hazel and Reid Story was fun, dangerous, and definitely one that is a must listen.
Romance Readers beware of moments that will bring laughter, tears, and wanting more.

[Kristen Stier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was soooooo good!!!! Will update in a bit!


I absolutely LOVED this audiobook!! I was beyond excited to start this audio! I laughed so many different times throughout this storyline & Hazel’s rambling just kept me laughing. The build up was everything & created so much tension between the FMC & MMC.

Some tropes:
- brothers lil sis
- virgin FMC
- secret identity

Now let’s talk narrators, GREAT! 10/10 I loved the way they both portrayed their characters! The way Reid would be a deeper voice during the “speed dating” 🥵

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Hazel, a spicy illustrator for romance authors. She’s always been a good girl and has harbored a long-time crush on her brother’s best friend, Reid. Two years ago, she witnessed something that caused a rift between them, yet Reid’s irresistible charm and flirty banter still make her blush whenever he’s around. Now, as her best friend sets her up on blind dates and Hazel struggles with illustrations due to her inexperience, Reid offers to help. What could possibly go wrong?
​
I really enjoyed this book. I was smiling, laughing, and loved every interaction between Hazel and Reid. I also have to mention the audiobook it was brilliant. The narrators were new to me, but they were the perfect fit for these characters. They captured the emotions so well and truly elevated the experience. Please pick it up in this format.

Starting with Hazel I absolutely adored her. She has so much character and goes through a wide range of emotions throughout the story, which made her feel incredibly relatable. I loved how Reid constantly flustered her with his charm and relentless flirting, always leaving her blushing. I have it bad for Reid I’m obsessed. He knew what he wanted, even if it was new territory for him while juggling a secret. The role-playing scenes and the way he helped Hazel explore were delicious. I was kicking my feet and screaming.

I devoured this book. As this is my first E.L. Koslo read, I’m very much looking forward to diving into more of her work in the future.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 8hrs 16mins
Narrators: Theodore Zephyr and Madison Mitts - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Part Of The Masked Men Of Sage Springs
Tropes or Themes: Brothers Best Friend, Secret Identity, Reformed Playboy, Good Girl/Bad Boy, Slow Burn, Biker MMC, FMC Spicy Artist, ADHD Rep, Banter, Tension, Chemistry, Jealousy, Made Me Laugh, Sexual Content, Virgin, Dirty Talk, Role Play, Spicy Phone Texting, Toys and Oral Play.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[Bethie_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for Valentine's Day

🌟 4.75/5

‼️ While this book can be read as a standalone, this is book 2 of the Masked Men of Sage Springs series

ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Just in time for the next upcoming holiday, E.L. has brought to life a Valentine's Day novel with the fabulous trope of brother's best friend. We meet Reid and Hazel in book 1, and we got the tease of a lifetime at the end of the book, with a link for the first 2 chapters of this book.🤭

Hazel would be my soul sister in real life. Everything about her is 100% relatable. Her neurotic thoughts made me laugh because, SAME GIRL! I felt her on a different level. 🤣🤌

Reid was everything and more! This man is ready to put his playboy ways to rest and settle down. Hazel, his best friend's little sister, being the one to catch his attention. He'll do anything to catch his girl, even entering a speed dating event Hazel's in.👀

When Hazel becomes stumped with the more illicit side of her illustration business, she reaches out to Reid for help. The two experiment together in the best of ways!🥵

E.L. your books continue to bring me joy. I'm so blessed to be a part of your community, and I'll forever be your hype women! Thank you for trusting me with an early ARC. ILY!❤️

[Mk (Mikayla) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The bar has been set high for all future audiobooks I come across! When I heard this book was narrated by Theo and Madi I knew I immediately had to hear it, and boy did it not disappoint! This audiobook will have you kicking your feet and grinning the whole time. Hazels best friend convinces her to participate in a blind date event. What she doesn’t expect is to start falling for mystery man #7.

In the midst of everything, Hazel needs some inspiration for the commissions she’s drawing and with the help of Reid her drawings come to life. As she starts to connect more with Reid she can’t help but feel torn between 2 men. One of which she still doesn’t know his name, or does she? The angst in this book will leave you wanting more.

Some of my favorite tropes from this book include

Nicknames, secret crush, brothers best friend, secret identity

Huge thank you to E.L Koslo and Smuthood PR for an ALC of this book!

[Erica Gabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was no where near as good as the first one. It started off good. It was fun, good characters, hot. But then like at 60ish% it just tanked. Hazel got so annoying. Reid was pathetic. The romance between Reid and seven dropped dramatically. And I was just over the whole thing. Forced myself to finish.

[k · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ 1.5 🌶️

I received an advanced listening copy. Overall, the story felt a bit lacking to me. I understood the plot but it felt more like sexual tension between the main characters versus something real. Additionally, I didn’t love the way the FMC was voiced. The FMC is supposed to be introverted and a nervous yapper but her voice constantly came across as breathy and sensual that it kind of threw me off and I almost didn’t finish the audio because the breathy tone was starting to annoy me. Aside from that the audio sounded good. The quality was good. A few words were hard to understand maybe because of accents or the words may have not been annunciated enough, just my opinion 🤷🏻‍♀️. I did find myself fast forwarding a bit because it felt too lengthy for the storyline.

[Rian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the main girl in this story. From the first chapter she got a place in my heart. Some of her personality traits were very relatable to me, like the ADHD struggles and her artistic side, so I liked reading about her and how she dealt with stuff.

The plot itself was also very fun and enjoyable. There were plenty of moments that kept me hooked and looking forward to what would happen in the next chapter.
Just like the other books I’ve read (or am currently reading) by E.L. Koslo, the writing style was great. I appreciated that the pacing never feels too drawn out, or too rushed.

I had the chance to read this book as an ARC, but my thoughts are completely honest and voluntary. This book is definitely one I would recommend, whether you're new to E.L. Koslo's work (although you might want to read book 1 first) or already a fan. I had such a wonderful time reading it and am confident it’s a story I’ll revisit in the future. I’ll absolutely be purchasing a copy for my (digital) shelves, like I did with the first book, and I can't wait to see what's to come in the future because I would definitely love to see more books added to this series!


If you like to read about more books I liked, check out my Goodreads profile. I also sometimes post reviews on Instagram and talk about bookish stuff on Threads.

[Niomi King · Rating 5 out of 5]

After receiving the ALC for the first book of this series (Accidental abduction) I knew I would be fully committed to seeing this whole series through! Now there are 4 books already available in the masked men of sage springs series but my patience has reached an all time high because the authors choice of voice actors couldn't have been any more perfect. Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr are the perfect duo for her too hot to handle characters ❤️‍🔥

Illicit illustration is book 2, which follows Hazel, an up and coming illustrator who has been receiving higher demand for her character art for steamy book scenes and Reed, a tattoo artist and business owner, who discovered his way in life when he struggled through high-school and was made to feel he would never make anything of himself.

Hazel is an ADHD goddess, E.L.Koslo does an amazing job of highlighting the daily struggles of a woman making her way in life while navigating the ups and downs of ADHD.
Reed is the brothers best friend that takes those ups and downs in his stride, making Hazel realise that there is always a way to work through something with understanding and presence and patience. 🤔 oh and did i mention he also helps with poses for her illustrations for her commissions? Yup, these two should have their own character art next to the word 'angsty' in the dictionary because the tethered heat is next level! While she draws characters in the heat of lust and passion for a living, she herself is a virgin, and Reed is all to ready to start committing to monogamy for a chance at being her first and last.

Highly recommend this series!!

The biggest shout out to E.L.Koslo for the ALC of this book. Thank you so so much, you made my day yet again when you reached out and offered me an earlier copy. I'm so grateful, I absolutely loved this book.

*The above review is my honest opinion and has not been influenced in any way.

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this audiobook if you want a funny and spicy romance, and an entertaining and immersive experience.
This was a dual pov romance between Hazel and Reid. He's a playboy tattoo artist, she's a shy illustrator, and she also happens to be his crush and his best friend's little sister.
When Reid gets the opportunity to hide his identity through a 2 week blind date experience with Hazel, he uses it to show his true personality, and it turns out his crush might not be one sided.
The narrators capture the fun tension, the awkward moments, and all the spicy chemistry and dirty talk so well.
You can definitely feel the mutual pining and see their connection grow as they experiment together, and Reid is very helpful with any of Hazel's needs - including posing and role playing for her spicy illustration commissions. Reid also uses what he learns from his secret text dating to further his connection with her.
I loved Charley and her best friend energy and matchmaking skills.
Reid's deep and charming voice is captured perfectly, and Hazel's combination of awkward shyness and naughty flirting comes across so well.


"Call me possessive. Call me obssessed. All I really wanted to be called was hers"

"Don't say my name like that, kitten. It makes me want to do bad things to you"

"I'm serious kitten. Going out between those thighs would not be a bad thing"


Audiobook 🎧 - 8hr 16mins

[Ashley Fralen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audiobook was a good time! This book follows Hazel and Reid in a spicy duet narration. I have not listed to Theodore Zephyr as a MMC before but if you like a good gravelly voice- he’s got you covered. Reid is Hazel’s brother’s best friend and they’ve both secretly had a thing for each other for years but neither acted on it. With a little push from her Bestie, Hazel partakes in a blind date experiment that Reid is talked into- also by her bestie but the bestie lets him know which one is Hazel. Meanwhile, Hazel is a spicy book illustrator who has no personal experience, so Reid volunteers to help her‘innocently’ recreate the scenes so she can create her art. The book has great banter, FMC can get a little annoying with insecurity, but it’s great to see how it all plays out. Thank you to the Smuthood for an ALC of this book!

[Sara J [saras kindle era] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, well, well! Do I now have a new (to me) author to dive into their backlist, AND two new (to me) narrators to obsess over? Yes, yes I do!

This audio was so great! Madison Mitts & Theodore Zephyr are the narrators (I've learned they do most together, yay!), & they were absolutely perfect for Reid & Hazel! The chemistry, the banter, & the tension was portrayed so well! Listening to this one was a great experience, and good grief could they melt my airpods! PHEW!

The story was a good time! I loved E.L. Koslo's style! It was a great mix of fun, sweet, tension, spice, & emotions! Hazel is such a fun character, I absolutely loved her & her *smidge* of quirkiness lol! And Reid? SIR! I loved how down bad he was for Hazel, & how eager he was to "help" her haha!

PS: the text exchanges in this were top tier! Loved them!

I'lll def be diving into more from this author & these narrators soon!

**Thank you to The Smuthood for the ALC for this one!**

[Anna Kratowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a very entertaining audio! Very cute brother's best friend romcom type spicy romance read. The narrators were outstanding, both the male and the female narrators did wonderful jobs portraying the characters, emotion, spice...

The book is spice heavy since it's centered around the FMCs career as a illustrator for spice scenes from romance novels and the MMCs is a playboy.

The spice is really fun, especially the scene in her apartment (their 3rd scene together).

Meanwhile, the MMC is also "dating" the FMC in a blind dating experiment where she is the only one blind. I appreciated the narrator modifying his voice when he was "the blind date version of Reed" vs the "IRL version of Reed" it helped keep track of the situations.

I think the story itself could use a touch of refining, some unnecessary redundancies. I would have loved to see the brother a little more involved since this was supposed to be a brothers best friend romance. But overall, it was cute, spicy and fun to listen!

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2, very entertaining

This was a good follow-up to book one, (Hudson and Charley's story) and I was really excited to dig into Hazel and Reid's storyline. The long-running crush that Hazel harbored for her brother’s best friend was aggravated by his playboy ways, and I appreciated how the two of them found their way to a HEA.

This was easy to read and connect with, and the spicy, sizzling chemistry between them is very entertaining. I recommend reading this book in the correct reading order for the best experience, and I can’t wait to get into the next book in this series.

[AW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illicit Illustration is playful, a little cheeky, and definitely steamy. Reid’s a tattoo artist who can’t help but notice Hazel who is his best friend’s sister. She’s a graphic artist, surprising him with her boldness. You can’t help but root for them; their chemistry feels real, and the story jumps between sweet and seriously hot moments without missing a beat. The duet narration by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr works really well and makes the whole story even more enjoyable. Huge thanks to Naughty Nook PR and EL Koslo for the ALC copy!

[Melanie Gardhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel and Reid the chemistry was just fire from the start with them. The help that Reid gave Hazel on her commissions was exactly what they needed to push them to each other; but honestly the Blind Date texting was what really seemed to break Hazel open out of her shell. They got the ending they both deserved—which always makes me so happy.

This audiobook releases January 13th! Make sure you all snag your copy!

Thank you so much E.L. Koslo for the opportunity to listen to this book!

[Danielle Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy 🔥 damn!! This book had me stomping my feet and swooning for more all while wanting it to last forever!! I accidentally read this one 1st eventhough it is the 2nd of the series so I will be rushing back to read book 1 now. I was able to listen to this one in audio and it was perfectly narrated. I loved that both characters read their own parts instead of the male character trying to do a woman's voice in their chapters it made it so much more swoonworthy and I ate up every bit ❤️❤️

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Brother’s best friend? Say less!
I’ve been waiting for the audiobook to be released since I listened to the first one back in October and it definitely did not disappoint!
The narrators in this were amazing and I 100% recommend doing the audio for this book!
I LOVED the reenacting of scenes from the romance books she listens to for work!
I love how both characters were portrayed in this book. Hazel is so relatable, and Reid!? The way he loves her!? 😍
‘Call me possessive. Call me obsessed. All I really wanted to be called was hers’

[thebookishpumpkinpatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

the tension!!!

I love a brothers best friend book, add in some hidden relationship and soooo much tension and you’ll have me sat.

This book delivered on all fronts! Hazel and Reid where so good together and the chemistry they had was fire!

Overall I really enjoyed this book a lot! I listened to the audio and I struggled a bit with the narration but the story was really good.

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! Illicit Illustration is a brother best friend with Blind date and artistic inspiration. This is Hazel and Reid’s story filled with unexpected surprises and secret crushes and meddling best friends. Hazel is a shy artist that does commission work for Romance books and has a big crush on Reid. Reid is a tattoo artist who had a close friendship with Hazel, until he messed it up, now he is trying to rekindle the friendship and maybe more. The whole Blind date party was so cute and mysterious, which gave Reid a chance to know Hazel on a different level. I love their chemistry and how Reid is a complete golden retriever for Hazel and want to help her in any way. Their story is sweet, sexy, hilarious, and swoon worthy. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read more!!

I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance listeners copy.

[Christi Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many giggles with this one!

I loved the originality of this plot. Learning about how book illustrators get their inspirations will make me think twice and probably blush, when seeing book covers and book art.

Loved the blind speed dating aspect. And who doesn't swoon over the shy inexperienced girl bringing the playboy to his knees!

[Courtney White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of listening to this as advance listening audiobook.


I must say it was 🥵! The voice actors did a really good job using emotions when reading. I recently started getting into brother’s best friend and I wasn’t disappointed. This book had the right amount of plot and spice. It had a really good flow and is quick to read/listen to. I would recommend it.

[Chaotic Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read, E.L Koslo has done a great job with this next addition of Masked Men of Sage Springs.

I absolutely adore Maddison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr’s narration and with Illicit Illustration they did not disappoint.
The narrator’s did a perfect job with bringing Hazel and Reid’s story to life.
This story was sweet, fun and spicy and I definitely recommend.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED the duet audio of this one. It flowed so well and there was so much chemistry between the MCs. They were clearly spoken and it was easy to keep up on. The story was good, I loved her hidden job and I always love a hidden identity love story. I did want to shake the characters a few times to communicate better and be more vulnerable haha!

Thank you to EL Koslo and the Smuthood for an ALC!

[Torey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. So much chemistry and fantastic banter between these two with some great heat. After reading Accidental Abduction, I was so excited to read Hazel and Reid's story and I am so happy with how it turned out. Also loved that her ADHD is embraced and not glossed over.

[Taylor Pameticky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what I wanted this book to be and more. Love the characters banter and growth through the book. I already knew I wanted a Hazel and Reid book when Accidental Abduction came out but this was better than I thought. Can’t wait for the next book

[Marisa BG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!