Kairo

by Crea Reitan

Coming soon!

Genres: M M Romance

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 25, 2026

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Roxanna Mascarenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Van Doren book, don’t have to tell me twice. I love this series. And we are back at it with insight into Kairo, finally

Who better to bring this man into the light than Malcolm, brought back from the ranch by Voss, friend to Azlan, presumably dead by his family, can he find out why Kairo keeps his family at arms length and reach him.

Kairo, snarky with his family, finally letting a select few, Noaz, see him, lets in his found family, and his chosen family L and her mom, wants more than anything to let go of that childhood pain of nothing.

Making me love the worst. Only Crea does that

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kairo’s turn! I’ve been looking forward to his story for a while. Kairo has come off as prickly and a jerk through a lot of eyes. Though in recent books, it looked like everyone was starting to realize something. That he isn’t what he appears. And he may be hiding who he is behind a very tall wall. But no one has been successful getting past his defenses. Until Malcolm. Malcolm is a survivor of a very messed up game. He owes the Van Dorens for getting him out of there and they’ve helped him give him a new purpose. So when Jalon asks Malcolm to go to Chicago and see if he can help Kairo a bit, he goes. But mostly because he is very curious about Kairo himself. He may have heard different things about Kairo, but he won’t judge until he gets there. And to his surprise and delight, Kairo feels like his. Now to prove it to him. To earn his trust and show him that Malcolm sees everything he is hiding about himself. And that Malcolm can take care of him, be there for him… if he lets him. I loved this story! It was so great to finally know more about Kairo and see the big heart he desperately hides. And Malcolm is absolutely perfect for him. This was just a great story all around!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Noa Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He deserves to smile and to accept that someone is here for him.” - Malcolm

“I’m screaming insanely because if he leaves, I may fall apart entirely.”- Kairo

Kairo has always seemed grumpy and does not want to be around his family, a mystery. But it turns out that he just needed someone outside his family (that he shared so much history with) to be a constant presence and that was Malcolm. Malcolm has been through a lot in the last year and he is welcomed into the family after he spent a lot of time with Brek and Voss. He is the perfect person to really get to know the real Kairo. Kairo does a lot for other people and he's actually a very sweet guy with a big soft heart. Especially to Maria and Lucy. Malcolm saw a part of him that his family doesn't know about. I love how gentle and patient Malcolm is with him while also keeping him accountable to his actions and the feelings of others. He deserves that, They are so good together. The conversation between Jalon and Kairo is so beautifully written and was so necessary for their relationship. What a personal growth! This whole book totally surprised me and is absolutely a 5 star book for me. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer.

I received an ARC copy of this book.

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading

I didn't think I would learn to like Kairo, let alone love him, but Reitan did the impossible and completely turned my way of thinking around. With the glimpses we've had previously of Kairo, I didn't think he was the type to be able to be redeemed, or to be understood - I definitely didn't think that he would be one able to find love. But then Malcolm came along, and it 100% was for the better.

To say I was shocked at what a good guy Kairo is under it all, too, would be putting it mildly. I won't give spoilers, but the face he puts forward to the rest of the Van Doren's is just that - a face to hide behind. He really is a good guy deep down, and the more I read, the more my own dislike slowly chipped away. He genuinely has a heart of gold; he just can't help but last out at his family.

So glad to see Malcolm back in the series! I had hoped that we hadn't seen the last of him, and knowing the Creaverse, I knew the liklihood of him returning was high - but having him fall for Kairo? Perfection, honestly. I don't think anyone else would have been able to tame that particular Van Doren.

I really enjoyed Malcolm's persistence with Kairo, and that this story does take place over such a long period of time. I love that Malcolm was slowly able to break down Kairo's walls, even making it so that he asked for what he wanted or needed when the time was right.

Another great entry in the Van Doren line, and I can't wait for more of the Creaverse (esp. Daddy Jalon's story!)

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often you have characters that feel so close to who you are yourself. Did I ever expect Kairo to be that character?Throughout the entire van Doren series, which I love deeply, I never expected the -insert bad word here- to be that character. But he was and this broken man healed a little part in me. I love characters that make you feel seen. And when they find someone who sees them and takes the time to heal them, now that just melts me completely. Kairo was always distant throughout his appearances in the Van Doren books. Standoffish and a bit of an unpleasant person all together. The way Malcolm sees through him so fast and gives him exactly what he needs, that man is amazing. The little quips he has for Kairo, how he breaks down Kairo’s walls, I could have read many more chapters of that! I love the Van Doren men and their ever growing family. Throw in the plots that Crea comes up with to accompany their love story and it’s a solid win every time!

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kairo
Van Doren
Crea Reitan

Malcolm & Kairo

Baby Girl, Good Boy & Daddy
Hurt / Comfort
Caretaking
Healing
Dark Romance

Obsessed. Absolutely obsessed with this.

I have been waiting for Kairos story. I always wondered what made Kairo so angry and combative.

Ughh these two were everything. Ughh Malcolm was everything. Slowly showing Kairo he can be trusted. He just kept showing up. I loved all the little things Malcolm did for Kairo.

Kairo just wanted someone to simply choose him, just him, ughh my heart I freaking loved this.

I just wanted to hug Kairo.

Kairo and Lucy… eek my heart. This was everything I wanted and more for Kairo.

This was filled with healing and I loved every second of it. I am so happy that kairo is happy now.

And daddy Jalon, ughh I cannot wait for his book!

I love this world Crea Reitan has created. The Van Doren world is everything.

So thankful for this arc

[Autumn L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now Kairo so misunderstood. That Malcolm sees right through it on the very first day. I like how Kairo open up to Malcolm only. But he’s very possessive just like every other Van Doren. But more in my opinion because he wants to be the center of Malcolm‘s entire world in attention. And that he’s also really trying to redeem himself. Also started opening up his family. From Malcolm’s you see him trying to live after everything he’s been through. He also is loving and caring partner because he knows what his partner needs right away. Both together have an amazing power dynamic. And it shows just how much trust Malcolm and Kairo have with each other. And you’re also getting to know more of the families backstory and more about Jalon. I can’t wait to read more of this family.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been ready for this one since he was introduced. I knew he had some issues, and he wasn't just awful to be awful. I felt so bad for him. I honestly did not want this to end. I love how Noaz is with Kairo as well. They may not be close, but Noaz has tried. I loved Malcolm getting a happy ending as well. I loved him in Voss's book, so I am glad he gets joy as well after all the trauma. My only complaint is that I wish this was longer. I want more of them both.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGGGGGGGGGGG 😭😭😭 I knew Kairo was going to be my favorite. I absolutely love the Van Dorens so much 🥰 I DEVOURED THIS BOOK!!!

Im so happy we got to see Malcolms story too. He deserves all the happiness after what he went through in Voss' book.
Omgggg give me ALL THE BOOKS!!!!

IDK how Crea does it but she hooks me every single time 😭 and my bookshelf is proof of how much I love all the books.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It very much enjoy how you put real world stories into your books. I much prefer how you handle the state of the world over the way that it 's being handled.
My love languages are physical touch and words of affirmation Kairo might be my spirit person. Oh and I need a Malcom!

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've known since Kairo was first introduced I was going to love him, but I didn't expect I'd love him even more than I thought! Our sweet, broken guy!! Malcolm was perfect for him. I loved getting to see him moving on after all hed been through. One of the most perfect couples ever. 

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives us Kairo and Malcoms story. I love the Van Doren stories and this one is no exception. Kairo comes off as a jerk but there is more than meets the eye and Malcolm is just the man to see it. This world will suck you in and you will connect with each character. Loved it.

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit Kairo surprised me quite a bit. I think he may be my favorite Van Doren. He was so vulnerable, and he didn’t know how to handle it. Malcolm was his perfect match in every way. Figuring out what exactly Kairo needed. Dark but sweet and spicy and emotional. Loved it!!!

[Brandy Donato · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC