Bully Boys: Fling

by C.J. Pines

It was never supposed to go this far.

If Dylan had a type, Ashton would be the furthest from it.

For one, Dylan doesn't mess around with straight guys anymore — too much drama. And two, a blue collar punk hooking up with the preppy prince? Such a cliché.

So what if Dylan can't stop thinking about how quickly Ashton gave up control. Or how much he liked making that frat bro beg?

Their kiss at the party was a one time thing, just a single moment of weakness.

As was what happened on the rooftop after, and the sexting ever since, and…

____________________________

Bully Fling (A Men of Minotaur House #2 Prequel Novella) is a Preppy/Punk reverse-bully romcom.

Expect heavy elements of steamy open door MM enemies-to-lovers romance, swearing, humor, trust, communication, m/m bisexual awakening, queer joy, first times, forced proximity, size difference, culture exchange, college life, outdoor spice, and an entire forest of pining…

(Alternate discreet cover variant available; book content is the same.)

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2026

Reviews

[Julia Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quick and made me want more. I want to see how the story continues and would love to get Asher's POV.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the author’s Bully Boys: Men of Minotaur House series and it most definitely wasn’t a standalone. The upcoming book three, Bully Boys: Flirt, is supposed to act as sort of a part two to this book with it being in Ashton’s (the preppy MMC) point of view but I don’t expect to read it.

I was kinda disappointed with this one. It was the only book in the series that appealed to me but then it just ENDED at 80% with no resolution whatsoever so, evidently they must be read in order. Without that little blip, I enjoyed Fling for the most part. Personally, I thought Dylan, the other MMC, was kind of a jerk but, based on the name of the book, I guess he was evidently intended to be that way—mission accomplished.

On its own, this book was pretty good except that it can’t be read as a standalone. If you keep that in mind and read the other books in order, you may love it but this one is all I can attest to. Check it out for yourself; for me, 4 stars

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for (Men of Minotaur House, book 0.5) Bully Boys: Fling by C.J. Pines


Steamy
culture exchange
College life
Forced proximity
Trama
injury
disability
Visa/Immigration trouble
kink
sex in semi-public spaces


Another great book in this series that is just starting, I hope. The way these two MCs get their groove on with each other is well written. Dylan has a type, and Ashton wouldn't be it normally. Dylan thinks that Ashton is straight, so why even want anything with him if it isn't possible? Dylan is shocked that Ashton gave up control to him, and he can't stop thinking about it. Who wouldn't love to put a frat bro in his place, right? This story kept me engaged and lost in some of the story that drew me in, where outside life just wasn't in my thoughts at all, lol. I couldn't put it down once I started; for me, that tells me this is a great story. I want more, hint, hint, lol. 

Nicole Harvey

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is told from Dylan's POV, while Ashton's POV will feature in the third book in this series.
That means this book is slightly shorter and doesn't provide the entire picture or reveal many of the things hinted at in this book.
This book felt a bit like a introduction to a potentially emotionally deep story, where we are just getting to know one MMC a bit better.
Dylan is bold, cocky, and proud - but deep inside he still gets hurt by rejection, is worried about his future, is marked by his past and is flirting with temptation that has the potential to bruise his heart.
I think there is more to Ashton than meets the eye. He is first introduced in the first book in this series and there were definitely some vibes that I picked up. It will be interesting to see if his characters changes in a positive way.

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin with the series. I have read every single one of these books from the prequel to now. This is the prequel in the A Men of Minotaur House series. CJ Pines is one amazing author. I am hooked on these books like you would not believe. In this book it was about Dylan and Ashton to very amazing people. I loved the whole punk Rock theme in the book I thought that was just chefs kiss. I do like the fact that this is classified as a preppy/punk reverse bully romcom. I've never really read one of those but this is what really pulled me to this book. If you haven't read any of the others I recommend you do so because you will be blown away the odds are done a fabulous job with the character development as well as the world and everything that they built up in the book. Overall, a wonderful book a wonderful series everything was fantastic.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fast, hot, easy to read, and entertaining AF.

The story is told by MMC Dylan's 3rd person POV. Even though he's meant to be the bully in this dynam, I found him to more on the defensive potecting his feelings and had an overall caring current underneath all his bark. I liked all his hilarious spanish slang and nicknames for Ashton. I felt he was always checking in with Ashton, never taking things farther than Ashton was ready or willing to go.

Poor sweet confused Ashton, I can't wait to see how he deals with all these conflicting feelings he has in the next book.

This prequel is Book 2 in the series and will continue with the next book.


Tropes:
Bully punk
Frat boy
Opposites
Gay awakening
3rd person POV

Check TW

Thank you, GRR and CJ Pines, for the opportunity to read this book.

[Karen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was a fun, fast read that left me wanting more. Told solely from Dylan’s POV, it offers a close look at his bold exterior and the hints of vulnerability beneath. I especially enjoyed the tension between Dylan and Ashton—their push-and-pull is full of heat. The preppy-meets-punk contrast works really well and adds an extra layer to their connection. While it feels more like the beginning of a larger story than a complete arc, it still delivers plenty of intrigue and chemistry. The ending arrives abruptly and leaves a lot unresolved, but it definitely has me curious to see where their story goes next.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an opposites attract college romance, featuring Dylan and Ashton, and is book two in the Bully Boys: Men Of Minotaur House series.

Dylan never meant to fall for Ashton, especially since he avoids straight guys and they seem completely opposite. But after one kiss turns into secret hook-ups and nonstop texting, staying away from each other becomes impossible.

This a prequel to the next book coming out in July. This was an absolute tease and sets up the next book well and I loved it.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
Prequel to next book
MM college romance
Opposites attract
Frat boy x punk
Secret camboy
7 minutes in heaven dare
Spicy times & dirty talk
Public s*x
Curious
Texting / sexting
Calls him his strawberry /papi
Story continues

[jaz! · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)

Not gonna lie i was a bit skeptical going into this book because after reading book one, Ashton was definitely not my favorite character and i didn't like him very much, so i didn't know how i was going to like this one being that he was a central character. I will say that the Ashton that we got in this book feels completely different than the one that we got in fresh so i enjoyed him way more in this one. I also really like Dylan not only is he funny and entertaining to read but in such a short book he immediately made me care for him and his struggles. I'm interested to see where this story goes and if Ashton ends up back on my dislike list.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this is a quick prequel that leads into book three of this series I will hold some reservations until I read more since obviously there's more to come. (Yay) I liked the set up of Dylan and Ashton's book especially the preppy boy/punk boy dynamic. Both men couldn't be more different but different doesn't necessarily mean bad and it can also be thrilling which their dynamic is. Throw in one of them being straight yet one unforgettable kiss turns into so much more and also more yet to come and I'm in for the ride.

[Jvles · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This story seems to be part of a duet so please expect a cliffhanger. I was a little taken aback with the abrupt ending but I guess I'll just have to wait for the next book.
This book is very fast-paced and still holds back a lot of background information but the tension between these two characters was absolutely delicious and I liked the dynamic between them. I can't wait to see how it continues.

[Brit_ta_ny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ (rounding up because I really liked the writing style)

I went into this book knowing it was a shorty but it was still sad when it ended, I could’ve read more about these two for ages!

For such a short book it was really well written and the MCs have backstories I’m excited to read more about. It was also pretty fucking hot for such a short book. I’m excited to read more from this author and more of this series!

Shout out to GRR for the ARC 😘

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick easy short read that ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared. This book is about two enemies and opposites, Dylan and Ashton, but a kiss leads to lots of questioning and unexpected feelings. It is a great book about accepting and loving oneself. You can easily read in one sitting and will be left wanting more (I think we will get it in book three which will be from Ashton perspective). I love the push/pull between these two men.

[Megan Warren-Keel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It just ended. In the middle of the story. I get that it’s a prequel to the next book, but it still should have an ending. And the fact that it seems like we we’ll have to reread everything that did happen in the other characters pov with the next book is not something I’m interested in.

Not for me. 3/5 stars.

[Bárbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun short read. It was enjoyable, but it left me wanting more, like I couldn't properly finish savoring the characters or their story.
Ash and Dylan have amazing chemistry and they work well together from the start (even with the initial "resistance").
For something so short, the characters are well developed, though, and that's always a win in my books!

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Bully Boys series by author C.J. Pines. Having read the first and struggling with the ending, I find myself having a repeat issue. It feels like the author values kind of cliffy energy over getting to HEAs in their books. Which left me feeling disjointed. I'm not sure I will continue the series.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The clash of cultures was very well done here. Dylan is convinced he and Ashton would never fit but after one encounter that stuns both of them with its intensity they get to know each other and fellings begin to change and deepen. Can't wait to read the next book from Aston's point of view. I really enjoy it when authors break up books this way.

[Mandee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this pairing and storyline better than the first, but I needed more! It seemed like it ended in the middle. I know we’re getting Ash’s side next, but will it be rehashing the same things that have already happened? Or will it be a continuation?

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bully Boys: Fling is the second book in the Bully Boys: Men of Minotaur Hall series. I think this one was written better than the first book even though it was so short, I just can't wait for the next one in the series so we can get the other perspective.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were never meant to go this far between them but it has. One kiss led to so so much more than either had expected. Life is going to get complicated fast if they do not decide where they are going to go. See if they carry on

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is definitely going to be a series for a re read once complete. A great fun, fast read told from Dylan’s POV, plenty of tension between Dylan and Ashton that kept me completely captivated. Lookingforwardtothe next one!
I received a free arc and this is my honest review

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun prequel to introduce us to these two. I really like how these two play off each other and look forward to a full length novel about them. As it is, I want more of these guys.

[Adoraboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun fast read for me.

[read•me•romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy and intriguing opposites attract !

[Dee Your TBR Wrecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute little read.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series very much and I enjoyed this one too! It's a prequel for the next book and I can't wait to read more about these boys and their fun!

[lakshmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I screamed when I got an ARC😭😭😭

IT WAS SO GOOD. SO SHORT AND SO HOT. IM SO EXCITED FOR MORE. LEFT ME SALIVATING HELP🤐