It was what it was. That’s what they both said. That’s what they told themselves after their time at the invite-only club. Yet, three months later, they were exchanging heated glances in a room that was way too crowded. Not that they’d ever really cared about a crowd. There just wasn’t enough room in there for the both of them, everything left unsaid, the tension from the imaginary cord pulling them together… and the people who could be hurt if they knew what took place between them to begin with. After her weekend at Nymphos, Esa was told never to expect to see him again. And while Rhys fully intended to stay away, some connections aren’t so easily severed.
Neyrey is a southern author from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She loves writing about love and life from all angles and some unpopular points of view. She started writing at the age of fifteen as an escape from her hectic over populated home in South Baton Rouge. Her writing started as poems that slowly began to transform themselves into short stories that eventually turned into a book. Her debut book is Ryan & Ceylon: A Deceitful Love Story and is published by In Reverie Publications.
Messy Love 4.5 stars Idk what it is, but I love a bossy azz brooding mmc and Rhys fit that bill. Not to mention the bde was rolling off him in waves and he was fine and rich af.
B*tch when I tell you Ivy played her ENTIRE life 😭 🤣 because Rhys took her idea and orchestrated a whole new life without her in it. Although, I predicted everything in this story I still loved it. Esa had felt a deep connection with Rhys and after their weekend together she felt like he played her to the left. Little did Esa know, Rhys was coming back for her with a vengeance. Ready to shake up her entire world.
I really enjoyed their connection. As up and down, and all over the place as it was. At 40% I was worn TF out I was about to dnf the book because the lack of communication was loud and strong, but they took a turn. Did they still get on my nerves, yes. Did they have so many sweet af moments, yes that too. I was glad I stuck it out because these two unfortunately had never experienced a love so deep. It caused them both to be scared and to run hot and cold at times.
Rhys "fell" first so damn hard that he had to find a way to bind himself to her...by any means necessary. At times he seemed so wishy washy, but I truly understood his character. He was a survivor of a rough childhood and because of that he struggled with trust and giving all of himself. Esa had lost her mother young and their relationship was 🥴 and her father was nowhere to be found when she needed him most, the trauma of that left her carrying baggage as well.
These two flawed characters just wanted to love each other. At times their lack of communication and need for self preservation got in the way, but the love was loud, messy, and beautiful. The growth they experienced was just everything. I enjoyed these two and the sub characters added just enough without being over powering.
Their relationship started off extremely unconventional. After reading the prequel Permission, we saw what went down at that invite-only club, and now he’s back, ready to claim what’s his no matter what stands in the way. I was hoping the twist would play out the way it did, and I was so glad to see it happen.
Rhys was definitely playing for keeps. I loved that even though they bickered, they never let things fester for too long, and if they did, they still stayed in the same space. Esa dragged things a bit at times, but I really enjoyed watching a nonchalant man become very much chalant. There’s just something about a damaged man who’s willing to open up for the right person.
I really loved this book. Sometimes you have to go through the bumps before things finally smooth out. I’m excited to read more from this author.
Let me start by saying this book took me through it. Honestly and truly, I wanted to have a stern talk with both of them. I felt all of their emotions. It felt like I was with them wherever they went.
Esa, a young 25 year old, honestly didn’t expect her life to go in the direction it was going. I understood her, and at times I felt like Rhys wouldn’t tap out of his frustration long enough to really see everything she was battling. On the other hand, I also felt like she was really stubborn and liked to raise hell because she was a little spoiled. Let’s be real…Rhys would give her the world, but he would also emotionally detach, which wasn’t fair.
They both had their flaws with each other, which is why I can’t give one a harder time than the other. But this story was so good. I feel like they grew together, and the author didn’t spend too much time on irrelevant characters.
Shout out to Fallon. Everybody needs someone like that on their side…someone who can just be a good friend.
My biggest disappointment was Mr. Keith, but that is the reality for so many girls.
I think this is a book that will stay with me. Who knew that from an erotic novelette, they could build something like this?
“Forged from the fire, but not consumed by the flames.”
This book was phenomenal.
Rhys and Esa found themselves forever connected after their whirlwind weekend in Permission Part 1, and watching their journey unfold was definitely something to witness.
When I tell you that Rhys ran a STRICT program…he ran a STRICT program. 🤣 Esa, in all her stubbornness, pushed back at every turn. I had so much fun watching them battle it out and wondering who would yield first. Both characters were deeply flawed, and there were plenty of moments when you wanted to smack them both upside the head. They were operating from places of fear, trauma, survival, and pure stubbornness. But I appreciated that they stayed the course and eventually worked through the obstacles standing in their way.
The character development was incredible to watch. Seeing them go from constantly clashing to gradually lowering their walls and acknowledging the depth of their love for one another was beautiful. I especially loved the way they loved, supported, affirmed, and ultimately helped heal each other.
The banter in this book was top tier. The relationships throughout the story also highlighted the power of chosen family (even when certain people refused to acknowledge it.) I really appreciated Fallon and hope we see more of her in the future. Everyone needs a friend who will call you on your bullsh!t while still standing beside you through it.
I honestly don’t have any notes. I can’t wait to continue exploring this author’s catalog.
4.5 ⭐️ I loved their short story, and quickly moved to the main one. Rhys and Esa's relationship began unconventionally, but their chemistry was clear from the start. As the story progressed, I enjoyed seeing both characters gradually open up, learn about themselves, and heal each other, ultimately learning to love in unexpected ways. Rhys knew what he wanted from the beginning and was persistent; Esa just needed to catch up.
Esa and Rhys wore me out but I absolutely adored seeing their live progress. Rhys saved Esa from settling with Jonah and his scamming family. And Rhys was so dreamy and protective over Esa and the baby. It was so stinking cute but my boy had some serious trauma from his past. I think as the story progressed both characters started to let their walls down and organically healed one another. While their losses were polar opposite, they both experienced parental issues that played a major role in their relationship. I loved the found-family aspect and the touch her and🩸energy Rhys was serving throughout! I wouldn’t mind a story on Fallon… 👀
What began as a way to pay for tuition quickly turned into an unexpected and complicated love story. Esa really just wanted to be free from expectations but didn’t know how to release her inhibitions all while Rhys just wanted to be secure all while providing security. Ultimately, they both wanted to be loved and seen. This is not your typical boy meets girl and they fall in love story. This is complex, difficult and challenging all in the best way. Both Rhys and Esa have the best people around them while also having some of the worst people around them. They learn how to live in their truth while navigating outside forces. Neyrey wrote an amazing story!
4.5⭐️ I really enjoyed this story. I went in side eyeing a little bit because I didn’t think I would like the characters much after reading the first book. I for sure thought that at some point I would end up skimming the rest to get to the end, but that didn’t happen. I savored this. The storytelling, spice, and character development was satisfying.
Rhys and Esa initially had me frustrated but after about 20% in I was here for all of the drama and mess. I appreciated the switch from the dramatics to a softer read that allowed room to witness the characters evolve, and fall in love with the characters as they fell in love with each other. I hope to get an update on the couple at some point.
Now I have to check out more of this authors work 🤎
This was like a 4.75/5. I only took a little off because it took me ages to finish it (over a week). I had to pause between chapters because it didn't flow in a way that kept me engaged. But when I returned I was able to continue reading. So, I'm not too sure how I feel about that.
At first, Rhys came across perfect and I almost lost interest in his character until Neyrey started displaying his flaws and I appreciated that. It added layers of complexity to his character.
I didn't really care for Esa and how detached she was from motherhood. She did not have a baby fever at all. So it was tough to connect with her character then she'll go between educated and ghetto with her attitude lol. I liked the storyline but not her character as much.
None of the characters really stood out to me. It was just a great romance overall. It wasn't sickeningly sweet but it was grounded in reality.
I wished there was more action, more drama and more tension. Things with both their exes were resolved almost immediately and completely forgotten about. Her past with her dad could've been fleshed out but again their tension was swept under the carpet and then resolved in one conversation and one visit.
But Neyrey is a talented writer. I loved the Spanish cultural references. Those elements made it feel realistic. I loved the elements of culture (via art) and medicine (Esa studying to be a doctor). I liked that Rhys was multi talented and full of surprises.
The bedroom scenes were extremely spicy 🥵🔥 no wonder she got pregnant off the first night lol and he claimed his ex couldn't handle him but Esa could lol
I wished we saw more of Don and Malik and wished there were more interactions between the men. They just showed up as background characters lol
Despite, all the things I wished it included. It was still a pleasant read. A very slow build but worth it at the end. I loved the epilogue and loved how the story was concluded and all loose ends were tied.
I loved every moment of this book. I really appreciated how the author used the novella to introduce the characters, show how they met, and give us the background story before bringing us into this incredible novel. It made the entire reading experience feel richer and more meaningful.
I kept trying to pace myself because I didn’t want to finish it too quickly, but once I got into the story, I couldn’t put it down. This was such a beautiful journey. I loved how messy and flawed these characters were while still being completely lovable.
Rhys is definitely book bae material. I loved how intentional he was with Esa and how clear he was about what he wanted. Now, Esa worked my nerves throughout this book. She was so stubborn, but as a fellow Aquarius, I could see a little of myself in her. Even when she was making questionable decisions, I understood where she was coming from.
One of my favorite things about this story was the pacing. The relationship didn’t feel rushed or forced. Instead, we got to watch their connection develop naturally. Even with the shady choices and complicated circumstances, the chemistry between them was undeniable. There was always that feeling of, “How can I deny myself something that feels this right?”
The author did an amazing job showing every stage of moving on from old relationships and opening yourself up to something new. The uncertainty, the hesitation, the gray areas, and the emotional growth all felt authentic.
I would absolutely read a sequel or a spinoff featuring Fallon because she was hilarious and brought so much personality to the story. I’m not ready to leave this world just yet.
I’m giving Mr. Calderón (Permission #2) by Neyrey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Rhys Calderón had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. First of all this cover let me know that he is as fine as I imagined him to be! That man knew exactly what he wanted and never wavered. Watching him and Esa work through their trauma, stubbornness, and all that miscommunication had me frustrated one minute and swooning the next.
The banter between Rhys and Esa was absolutely hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud so many times. Their chemistry was undeniable, but it was their conversations that really made this book shine for me.
The character growth, the found family, the emotional moments... Neyrey did her thing with this one. Rhys and Esa’s journey felt real, messy, and so worth the ride. My favorite quote was: “Forged from the fire, but not consumed by the flames.”
I would absolutely love an update on Esa's journey to finishing school and becoming an MD. And can we talk about her father for a second? Because refusing contact from your pregnant daughter had me HOT. He eventually came around, but it took me a while to forgive him.
Also, Fallon and Don need to stop running from each other because I need that story ASAP.
Looking up miscommunication in the dictionary and there you will find these two.. I literally found myself screaming at the pages several times! Like can y’all get it together already!
I loved that her secret was out before 30% and Rhys came in with a plan and next steps no questions to be asked. His abandonment issues from his childhood forced him to move in a way that made him feel detached, cold and calculated, but at the end of the day he was scared and for once he wanted someone to stay not for what he could do but simply because of who he was.
Esa played bozo the damn fool for that ex, but tried to treat Rhys like shit when he constantly showed up for her in ways no one else had in her life! I’m not gone lie that pissed me off big time. Giving a real nigga like Rhys such a hard time blew me. Now I get it he needed to communicate better, but babygirl wasn’t good T it either but her asa trying to leave right after that hospital scare made me want to come thru that kindle!
This story had depth, plot, drama, and love! Character development was truly top tier, but you definitely need to pack your patience with this one bc these two couldn’t get on the same page for shit!
Form the preview to now . Who would’ve known this is where we would’ve ended . 😮💨😮💨 This is the definition of a love story you wouldn’t have never expected . Rhys was truly him and Esa was so many of us women without the author even knowing . We literally read these two truly learn to love each other from the unexpected! From the beginning Rhys knew what he wanted Esa had to catch up lol. If you want to read about people really falling in love and what it took for them to get there out of crazy situation READ THIS !! I never like telling the book in my reviews just know for these books Permission being first to be my first from this author she has a new fan in me . Rhys was really him and he didn’t let anyone get in his way of what he wanted even before he truly understood. This was such a beautiful story . I will definitely be going through this authors full catalog!! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world 🫶🏽🫶🏽🥹🥹‼️‼️‼️
My first read by Author Neyrey and I was not disappointed a 4.7. I read their short story and came right back to their main story and they had such a rocky road but their chemistry from jump was illuminating they just had to learn more about themselves that they didn’t know and open up themselves to each other. As well as pushing for their love through everyone coming at them just for being together in what was meant to happen some way somehow. Their outcome was so heartwarming and loving I could have continued reading about them for hours !! Looking forward to more of this Author’s work 🤎
I’m so glad that we got a second part to Esa and Rhys’s story! This was truly a good slow burn book.
Though their story started off very unconventional it has such amazing to see these two knock down their walls and truly see that they were each other’s missing piece.
Rhys and Esa both had amazing character development and you could see the growth on each page. I loved how their relationship grew and blossomed. Although at times they both frustrated me it was truly a joy reading about these two.
I definitely have to dive deeper into this authors catalog after this read.
When I say I love Rhyssss like that’s my man & La Pecasss wow, gotta love her but she also pissed me off. To even go back to Jonah after Rhys not only paid for your school but he showed you the type of man you should be with. Jonah didn’t like anything about her accept that he could use her for his image. But that baby got her together eventuallyyyy. I’m not a fan of third act breakups so when he was pushing her away and she tryna leave like girl where are you going wit that man’s baby where he not gonna go ? So I rated it 5 still i go between 4.5/5 for that. All in All would read again and again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow just wow! Their love stories started under crazy circumstances! Unbeknownst to them, they would be tied together forever! Both of them came into the relationship with trauma. Learning to push through their fears, struggle and baggage was quite a journey! But they fought through it all because they knew deep within themselves that they were meant to be one another safe space! Watching both of their growth was absolutely breathtaking! Please do yourself a favor and read this book!
I love when I read a book and it’s based in my hometown; I eat it up every time. to start off, this book picked right back off where permission left off. I didn’t like how Esa dad handled her once she revealed the truth; same with Jonah. The first 50% was well paced but they last seem to drag and could have been wrapped up quicker
I loved everything about this book. Rhys and Esa were everything. They started off very unconventional, which you see in the novella "Permission," and you're dealing with two people who don't trust easily and have a story to tell. Rhys wasn't playing, and that man was strict, ya hear? I loved the banter, emotions, and that spice was something else.
Man, if I could give this book 10 stars, I would! This is the longest it has taken me to read a book only because I set a limit for myself so it didn’t end quickly. Pacing was excellent. Story was excellent. Chemistry was excellent. Ending was excellent .
4.7 stars. I truly enjoyed this book because Mr Calderon although broken and a bad communicator is a good man. A true tale of making the best outta a weekend of fun. They both at times pissed me off but you could feel the love seep off the page. I truly enjoyed this series and will read more.