๐๐๐๐๐๐ Iโm broke, homeless, and running from a violent ex. So, when I land a bartending job at Mr. Pink's, I think I've found a lifeline. Instead, I find a reality TV camera crew. Cast as the fresh meat, productionโs first order of business is getting me to make friends with the Pink Stallionsโa raunchy and cliquish group of dancing bartenders masquerading as cowboys.
The next thing I know, Iโm moving in with the showโs resident golden boy, Braxton.
Braxton is cocky, loud, and supposedly straight. Heโs everything I tend to avoid, but behind closed doors, heโs the only person who makes me feel safe. Now, the hardest part of the job isn't actingโitโs resisting the boy who looks at me like he wants to devour me.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ What do I think about Pookie? Heโs a handsome dude, but Iโm not into him.
Because, look, Iโm not gay. I just dance shirtless at the hottest gay bar in NYC for cold, hard cash. But when my cheating girlfriend leaves me with an apartment I canโt afford, production hands me a take in the mysterious new guy for a fake bromance storyline.
It was supposed to be easy money. But there is nothing fake about the protective rage that hits me when I notice the faded bruises on his skin. The closer I get to Pookie, the more I realize the biggest lie I've ever told is the one I tell myself.
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ท๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฌ๐ช๐ฆ is book one in Pink Stallions, a series of interconnected standalones. When the cameras roll, the boys come out to play, and when reality becomes a little too real, the fourth wall shatters.
๐๐๐๐๐๐ Found Family Bi Awakening Secret Relationship Forced Proximity Roommates to Lovers Hurt/Comfort Reality TV
This is a coworkers / roommates to more romance, featuring Pookie and Braxton, and is book one in the Pink Stallions series.
Pookie is running from his ex when he gets a job bartending at a gay bar thatโs being filmed for reality TV. He moves in with Braxton, and their fake friendship quickly turns into something much more.
I absolutely loved this book. It was an absolute whirlwind of reality tv chaos, an unhinged found family, a bi awakening everyone saw coming but Braxton, and Braxton and Pookie finding love in the pinkest bar in town.
So much happens in this book, that I had to go straight in for a reread to absorb more. And second time around, I loved it even more.
Buddy reading this was the best too, we recapped so much that it just reconfirmed how funny and enjoyable we both found this book. Anyone wanting to read this, reach out and chat with me while you read it.
I am really hoping there is going to be an audible of this book, I need to hear the chaos.
I cannot wait for book two.
Things to expect in this book are: Book 1 in series MM romance Slow burn Reality tv Strippers / bartenders Co-workers to more Oblivious himbo Roommates Forced proximity Hurt / Comfort Abusive ex ADHD & anxiety rep So many jock straps Crop tops Cowboy hats & boots Drinking games Recreational drug use Int homophobia Bi awakening / gay for you Spicy times First times Outdoor s*x & public s*x Cum play, felching & marking Boot kink & cuddles Calls him baby Secret relationship Being outed Found family HEA
This was a perfectly enjoyable read. The two MCs were both likeable characters and it was fun to watch their relationship develop. It did feel like a reality show, with only surface level emotions. We are left on a cliffhanger with one of the MCs from the next book in the series. I look forward to finding out what the story is there.
I truly feel bad rating this so low, but I feel as if it was so choppy and Braxtonโs character was too over the top. And the inner monologues. There is one point where a kiss is starting on one page and doesnโt make actual contact for three pages. That did me in.
3โญ๏ธ Pookie is a DV survivor who is homeless and on the run. He finds himself a place to work at a gay bar where a reality TV show is being filmed. Luckily, Braxton, the โstraight himboโ of the group, also offers Pookie a place to live while they work & film.
This book has content like: -reality TV -sexy bartenders -queer awakening (and long time denial) -first times and other drama -TW for recreational hard drug use, DV survivor with his abuser following him, MCs do things with other characters
I feel like this is one of those books that had a lot of potential, but the execution just kind of left me reeling. Thatโs also likely how Pookie felt during the entire book, so maybe that checks out? ๐ฅฒ
There were definitely some fun instances in this story, and Braxtonโs himbo tendencies definitely made me chuckle a couple times. There is a lot of absolute ridiculousness going on. That being said, the plot and flow of this book felt like it was all over the place. Things that seemed important one second werenโt the next second. I was kind of confused about what I was even supposed to be caring about sometimes.
The characters are also a mixed bag for me. Pookie is a follower and very mousy, without much of a personality. Iโm not saying all characters need huge personalities, but I wanted him to give me SOMETHING, especially with how big Braxtonโs personality is. I found Braxton to be funny for the most part, but there were some key instances that โgave me the ickโ. In the beginning, he uses some sexist language to refer to his ex girlfriend. I get that she sucks, but I didnโt love the language. I also didnโt love how he treated his relationship with Pooks after they got together.
Overall, I donโt really know how to feel about this book. Itโs clear that some people really like this story, and I love that! I enjoyed the overall vibe and the concept a lot! But for me, the execution left something to be desired.
The perfect book to read after vacation. Seriously, I'm in love with pookie. There is not a single thing. I would want to be different about him. Braxton is a character in a half with adhd thoughts going a mile a minute had me relating as half the time my head is like a squirrel running in circles chasing his tail so I get it. The reality tv show concept I was really excited about because im almost positive I've never read a book with that, so I really like being able to read something that has a new theme.
There are so many characters in the book that I can not wait to read their story. Esp hoping Mr. Pink gets a book because I have a feeling. I'm not sure why, but I feel like his might make me cry and want to reach through the pages to hug him
I know Gunner is coming out next, and after the way pookie ended, im โ ๏ธ to find out why he was out on that patio ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ
4.5โจ โIโm pretty fucking gay for you, and everyone seems to have figured that out before I didโ Braxton Fields and Paul (Pookie) Carpenter were a very cute couple. I ate this book because it had some of my fav tropes. Give me a โstraightโ guy falling for his best friend and I will be sat๐ฌ
This was a very fun book. I love a good himbo story and Braxton was enjoyable. Guess I better see what happened with next book to end this one the way it did hehe
Have never read this author before. I wasn't thrilled with there being no warning for triggers at the beginning. The content includes a MMC being a DV victim, lots of mentions & on page drug use & s3x while drugged & drinking. I know that people use drugs recreationally, I'm not ignorant but this book just gave me the feeling of how that's all ok coz that's just what you do when you're young & want to party. The "romance" between our DV victim Pookie & "straight boy" Braxton was more like a s3x fest for Braxton to "work out" (i.e. continually deny for months) his sexuality while being very intimate with Pookie & apparently this gave Pookie his safe place (which was Braxton constantly denying his feelings for him). I made myself finish this book hoping it got better, but sadly I was left disappointed. Oh & author needs to stop all his characters tongueing the inside of their cheek. This was used a lot. I seem to be the only person who feels this way though (as there are several 4 & 5 star reviews), so if you don't mind all the above, go for it, but this just wasn't for me.
3.5 stars ARC Review: Saving Pookie Pink Stallions Book 1 by Logan Rivers I've loved most of Logan Rivers' backlist, but this one hit different. It has a whole new vibe and energy, and it just didn't click for me. I don't think it's a bad book at all, I just don't think this series is for me. I know it will be a hit for others though. I'll be back for his darker titles, which are still my favorite from him.
I almosnt dnf'ed halfway through. I was frustrated by some of Braxton's behavior and a few other things, but ultimately it all wrapped up rather nicely. There were even some genuine laugh out loud moments at the end.
โAnd then, uncertainty in his eyes and a silent echo in my heart. This was the part where everything changed.โ <3.
โฆ.
Hear me out. Logan writes it, I read it - blindly, no questions asked. I latch to authors I feel are authentic and write honestly. I always say we are living in Loganโs life, I feel we sometimes live the experience.
Even with the very heavy theme in this book - which had me in a chokehold while reading Paulโs life experience, I felt this one let all my worries go and I just had a fantastic time reading it with all the emotional pallet. Itโs in the way a story is written - how it flows and you just glide through it like being on a fun ride.
A story inside a NYC gay club, a reality show filmed and drama bound to happen. A run for your life, a new job, new opportunities, new friends, a family found, a big fat denial, new roommates, a โwho did this to youโฆโ, from friends to enormous crushesโฆ to so much more, two discoveries of self, a build yourself up, to coming out stronger on the other side, too a unconventional I love youโฆ Mr. Pink and his boys and a naked boy on a balconyโฆ I know this doesnโt tell you anything specific but trust me youโll love this one in spades if you like hurt-comfort, all the found family vibes, forced proximity, secret crushes, โI canโt deny you anythingโ and all the best shenanigans on top of strip dancing bartending cowboys and a reality tv showโฆ (iha!!!)
The first book of a new series can always be tricky - will the audience get hooked or ditch. I for one canโt wait for each and every book from this world. I am intrigued about each character and who Mr. Pink really is. But my heart is waiting for Maverick, I donโt know - this boyโฆ (stealing Matteoโs heartโฆ or with it be Maverickโsโฆ)
โฆ.
โTwo weeks free from the chains that tied me to him, but his hands are still all I see.โ // "Don't be boring, Pookie." - โIt's Paul.โ - I'll see you tomorrow, Pookie." // "Hi." // "Don't be boringโฆ And don't tell a fucking soul if Maverick is a better kisser than me." // โI have to kiss him now. I wouldn't survive the rejection in those dark, puppy eyes.โ // "Who did this to you?" // โAnd the boy who never smiles smiles right back.โ // โI glance up at his eyes. They're dark and seedy until the neon lights splice through the door, lighting up the familiar blues that remind me of the ocean. A paradox. Braxton himself is a chaos demon, but his eyes... always so calm, so steady. More a quiet sea than a raging ocean. And yet, when he looks at me, it's like a wave crashing over and ripping me into the currents.โ // โHis touch sends shockwaves through my body, bolts of pheromones that awaken long-lost memories of what it's like to want and to be wanted.โ // "You're welcome for the best damn night of your life." // โThis stupid boy has become my safe place, my safe person.โ // โThe answer now is that I'm still not quite sure, but now that lightning has struck, I'm going to take advantage of it to build a life I'm proud of. A life where I'll never be the victim in someone else's story again.โ โฆ
โฆ.
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
So this was my first book by this author and wow did it start off with a bang! Who wants to watch a reality tv show about half naked dancing cowboys!? Uh sign me up! Also I love that itโs going to be a continuing series!! So this first story is about Pookie aka Paul whoโs running away from an abusive relationship and Braxton the party boy of the group! When pookie goes for the job he truly has NO idea what heโs getting in to heโs been sleeping in random places so he needs this job and when he meets with Mr. Pink he thinks heโs a little creepy but goes for the job and he lets him know they are filing a reality show! When Pookie starts heโs overwhelmed Braxton on the other end just ended his relationship with his girlfriend because she cheated on him so when one of the producers wants him to befriend pookie for an extra 10K he agrees! Braxton isnโt gay but he loves money he will shake what the good lord gave him for extra bills and heโs very very good at it! He tries to show Pookie the ropes but Pookie is shy at the beginning his relationship with Cameron has left scars mentally and physically so the first day he comes to Braxtonโs house because heโs his new roomie and he looks beat uo Braxton steps in and forces production back so he can get some makeup on They do become besties and they have some hot and heavy nights out! Their first kiss encounter af a brunch was a spin the bottle situation and it stirred up something in Braxton When they go to the tracks and do drugs and come home with a couple and they are alllll on the couch as ๐ฅ and they kiss again as the couple services them one person for each but it was just them! One thing that med me mad was Cameron so when one of the guys brought him to a brunch Braxton exploded because pookie had the courage to tell Braxton everything he didnโt want everyone to know but he trusted Braxton! But when gunner listened to the bs that Cameron was spilling pookie ran from work and when Braxton found out it was his birthday he took off work and him and pookie spent his birthday together! This was the turning point for their relationship because the kisses before were different but when Braxton got him a cupcake to make a wish it exploded! Braxton wasnโt gay but he was absolutely into pookie! They explored their relationship it got very very hot and we got to see pookie let down his walls and see Braxton fully explore his sexuality! When they are forced to go to a brunch with gunner and Cameron the truth sort of comes out Cameron is saying pookie stole from him and stayed in his penthouse when in reality he was homeless! I loved that gunner told Cameron to hit the bricks when he realized what was happening he told them about his Mom and it was a calming moment and gunner also promised not to tell anyone about them! Ooooooh baby! I think my fav moment was new years! They didnโt want the traditional kiss and couldnโt in front of everyone anyway so when they sneak off and celebrate together Braxton gives himself to pookie something thatโs very vulnerable for the both of them! Pookie has never had control in his relationship with Cameron so this was something very different! The reunion like alllll reality tv reunions was a shit show LOL the producers sat a lot of them up with probing questions but let me tell you my boy pookie! When they kept asking gunner why Cameron was gone and Pookie told everyone what happened I was so proud! But when Mr. pink found out one of the producers sat this up knowing what Cameron was and he reamed him out I was yelling hell yeah! The cowboys are a family and heโs like a dad so he took care of his boys!! When they showed all the little stolen moments between Pookie and Braxton it felt like such a betrayal Braxton wasnโt ashamed of his feelings for pookie but it should have been on his own terms so Mr. pink LOST it and threw everyone out! But now their secret was out everyone knew even Braxtonโs mom but everyone took it so good! And the I love yous are you kidding me!? I loved this so much it didnโt have a lot of angst which thank god Paxton had a bad relationship he deserved happiness and Braxton gave it too him first as his bestie and then as his boyfriend! The epilogues thoooooo first with Pookie and then Braxtonโs we find out first that the show is getting a second season! Shocking I know but Mr. Pink negotiated new terms and the producer was out! Second epilogue yeah our boys are getting married!! Itโs a storyline but also real! I mean the vows made me cry like full on cry! I loved these boys so much and I absolutely cannot wait for the rest of the series especially with how gunner crashed their post wedding romp! LOL
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโจ (3.5 Stars) Think Coyote Uglyโbut make it gayโand youโll have a pretty good idea of the setting for this book. ๐ It was all-around unhinged fun, and I was here for it. Boys in pink speedos, cowboy hats, and boots dancing around a gay bar? Yes, please!
This book follows Pookie and Braxton, who both work as bartenders and dancers at Mr. Pinkโs gay nightclub while a reality show is simultaneously being filmed at the club. Pookie has just escaped an abusive relationship and is homeless and desperate, while Braxton is an cocky himboโthe outspoken, wild, self-proclaimed straight guy who works at the club.
My heart really went out to Pookie. He was so shy and reserved, and he only took the job because he was desperate for money. This was completely outside of his comfort zone, but he felt like he didnโt have any other options. It was heartbreaking watching him try to adjust to his new job while also dealing with the aftermath of his trauma, especially when some of the other guys at the club were pretty awful to him and constantly antagonized him or called him boring. However, everything starts to change when a producer pays Braxton to befriend Pookie.
These two were complete opposites, but they ended up making such a sweet friendship. I really enjoyed watching them balance each other out, with Pookie being pushed outside of his shell and learning to relax and have some fun, while Braxton was encouraged to slow down and be a little more thoughtful.
Braxton did frustrate me at times, though. He had absolutely no idea how to deal with his feelings, so he spent a good portion of the book loudly proclaiming, โIโm not gay!โ while basically being in a secret relationship with Pookie. ๐ It took him a while to come to terms with what he was feeling, but I was so happy when he finally did. I especially loved how protective he became of Pookie and how he stood up for him when it came to Cameron.
I also had a lot of fun with the reality-show aspect of the story. All of the cast dynamics and drama made for some wonderfully messy entertainment, and there was definitely no shortage of chaos. This book really set the stage for the rest of the series and gave us a great introduction to the other characters who work at Mr. Pinkโs. Iโm definitely looking forward to seeing where their stories go. I also really enjoyed seeing Mr. Pink come through for Pookie in the end. He initially came across as a little rude and intimidating, so I loved getting to see another side of him and realizing that he was actually a pretty stand-up guy when it mattered.
Overall, this was a fun, chaotic, and entertaining read. I loved the wild characters, banter, drama, and the unlikely friendship between Pookie and Braxton. It wasnโt perfect for me, but it definitely kept me entertained, and Iโm excited to continue the series!
If you like wild and unhinged characters, good banter, found family, bi awakenings, reality-show drama, and plenty of spice, this might be one to check out!
Tropes/Elements: Opposites attract Bi awakening Himbo character Found family Friends to lovers Workplace romance Reality-show setting Hurt/comfort Healing from an abusive relationship Protective MC Banter Forced proximity Spice HEA
Tropes: ๐งโ๐คโ๐งMM romance ๐NYC ๐ธGay bar ๐ฅReality TV show ๐Bi-awakening ๐Neurodivergent rep
Pookie (real name Paul) is escaping an abusive relationship. For the past month he has been on a spiral of one night stands with different men to be able to rest his body in a bed and not become homeless. One day he goes to a job interview in a gay bar. He is applying to be a bartender although he had never been behind a bar. The owner, Mr. Pinks, sees something in him other than his physical and hires him. But the job has a curious turn: the bar is the background of a reality TV show, and he has to agree to that. For a person who is on the run, that shouldn't be happening, yet there he is. Braxton, one of the Pink Stallions, a diverse group of men who dances to the patrons, is straight and just dances there for the attention, and the fame, and the money. Always the money. What he didn't expect, though, was to meet Pookie and...
This book is very, very different from previous Logan' books. His Cult series, which I am a huge fan of, is very dark, raw and unhinged. And then Logan announces this pink series and this first book is exactly that color: pink everywhere. Pink underwear, pink hats, pink cowboy boots, pink, pink, pink. But, behind all that pink, are two very different young men who fall in love for each other in a city that never stops amazing (me). This book is more than what it seems: the abusive past, the loneliness, the quest to find who you are... the hot ๐ฅต intimate scenes just like Logan knows how to write them.
As a final note, personally, I would have left the reality TV out of the story. I understand it but I think it adds way less than it should to the plot.
Check your triggers: many references to abuse and drugs.
Releasing today, August 19
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
some of my favorite quotes: ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง I can appreciate a perfect a-s-s when I see one. It's framed like a painting in the Louvre ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Braxton, the straight one with an a-s-s and a penchant to show his ass for a gay p0rnstar. ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Money doesn't whisper. It fuck!ng roars. The mention of it elicits the feeling of butterflies in my stomach and a thickening of my c0ck. ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง I have a bad habit of noticing the littlest things and missing the big things that so often sit right in front of my face. ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Braxton, though? I can't quite get a grasp on him. He's the most flirtatious man I've ever met, and I'm not entirely sure he knows how he comes off. ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง And the boy who never smiles smiles right back. ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Braxton himself is a chaos demon, but his eyes...always so calm, so steady. More a quiet sea than a raging ocean. ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง His brain is riddled with ADHD, and my brain is a crisscrossed maze of frayed wires and nerves. ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง I don't want to say the hunger lurching in my gut is Pookie's fault, but it's his fault. ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง He slams the door closed, and then he's at my throat, chewing, biting. Hungry for something he's apparently stuffed down for so long that, like a genie, it's impossible to put back in the bottle. ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง "I'm not gay." "You keep saying that, but I'm not sure you know what any of those three words mean." ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง
Welcome to Mr. Pink's - the hottest gay bar in Heโผ's Kitchen.ย
Boys in Thongs, Boots and Pink Cowboy hats. Think Coyote Ugly but with men who are also in a Reality TV show. The Pink Stallions are ready to have a good time.
Paul "Pookie" comes into this story homeless and running from his ex. When a bartending job becomes available he jumps on it not really knowing anything about bartending or the fact he is now going to be a cast member in a reality tv series. This was seriously the most awkwardly hysterical job interview ever and really sets the tone for the book.
Braxton is ridiculous from the very moment we meet him as he is auditioning for the show. This guy is the life of the party and you never know just what might come out of his mouth. Coming into the show he has just broken it off with his cheating ex and needs to find someone to help pay the rent. Enter Pookie.
These two were so much fun to read about. They connected really quickly even though Braxton is straight. I absolutely love a straight guy falling for his best friend. This is even better as he continues telling everyone including Pookie he is not gay. Yeah even after they start messing around.ย
These two men could not be more different. Pookie is so quiet and guarded after all the abuse. He certainly never expected to be on a reality show and definitely not falling for his straight(ish) roommate.ย Braxton on the other hand is loud and super outgoing. He is one of the most himbo characters I have ever met. The friendship between these two is surprisingly very organic in a world where everyone is always watching or listening.
The spice in this book was so good. Once Braxton decides on something he is all in even while he continues to protest. He jumps into each situation with both feet, ready to do whatever will have them both seeing stars. From quiet moments to interesting public ones you will be kept wondering what will happen next.
I can't wait to get to know more of the Pink Stallions. These guys may have come together for a show but they really become a family. They have each other's backs when it comes down to it. They fight like siblings without the taboo. They have no qualms about a game of spin the bottle or whatever crazy things they think up.
ARC REVIEW๐ may be slightly spoiler-ish but there is really no other way for me to write this review...
Having only ever read Logan's Cult Boys books prior to Saving Pookie, I honestly had zero idea what to expect when I received this ARC.
This book is 1000% more than a book about a found family of stripping cowboy bartenders.
Pookie's history is woven into all of the other characters without being overbearing or gratuitous. We know why he is in the situation he's in without graphic depictions of the violence he went through and I really appreciated that - I don't feel like I need a front row seat to graphic trauma in order to understand a character.
I truly felt that Pookie did a lot of the saving on his own before ever even walking through the doors of the club. He did so much more for himself than a lot of other people are able to. Him leaving on his own even though he knew he'd be walking into a life with nothing for a little bit made him the hero in his own story.
But then we meet Braxton. Definitely not gay, 100% absolutely not into men Braxton. I enjoyed his role in Pookie's life from the first moment they met. He was sweet to Pookie before the show's producer paid him to be. His life honestly felt more chaotic than Pookie's at times. He clearly struggles with his identity, is a people pleaser, and while he's written with this over the top personality & charming confidence, it becomes clear in the quiet moments, when he doesn't have to be "on", that he needs saving too.
All of the characters were well written and their storylines were interesting & relevant without overpowering Pookie & Braxton's stories.
This was a really good read. I was expecting something a little lighter but really loved the relationship depth & personal growth that was written into Pookie & Braxton's stories. It definitely had me feeling a whole range of emotions.
I devoured this book in 2 sittings. 10/10 recommend! And probably just go ahead and read any other books by @loganriversauthor - I haven't read one yet that I didn't love!
Saving Pookie is one of my favorite reads this year. Logan took a different direction from his usual line of writing with this series and it worked. Being an alpha reader on this book was once again amazing. Seeing these boys come to life from the beginning is one of my greatest joys in this bookish space. Braxton and Pookie are the first characters to lead the Pink Stallion Series and let me tell you they are fantastic.
Pookie fleeing from a DV situation which leaves him broke and homeless, responds to a bartending job at Mr. Pink's - what he gets instead is thrusted into a reality TV show that follows the Pink Stallions who are a group of loud cowboy bartenders that he is supposed to have a bond with. Leading the cast of his potential "new friends" is none other than the handsome and over the top Braxton. Braxton is the life of the party and exactly what the Pink Stallion reality TV series needs. After his girlfriend leaves him in a situation that could cost him his apartment he agrees to allow Pookie to move in while filming the reality show. What he doesn't see coming is how fast he connects to Pookie both as a friend and more than a friend. OH the slow burning romance that builds between Braxton and Pookie, is both swoon worthy and spicy. Braxton with his himbo/golden retriever demeanor, his knack for automatically saying whatever comes into his head out loud and the way he stands up for his people, is absolutely perfect and I fell in love with him immediately. And Pookie with his very reserved black cat energy and yet so lovable even with his fight or flight persona. The way he opened up to Braxton about his past, is so heart breaking. All he wants is to find a place in this world where he is loved and accepted for who he is, I feel Braxton did that for him. He was genuinely lost until Braxton walked into his life. On paper they are complete opposites, but their attraction to each other and the bond they form as best friends to lovers makes them work. Seeing them fall in love is so beautifully written - loved every second it!! Finally, the whole behind the scenes of the reality TV show story line is so creative and fun. The found family of Pink Stallion cast members: Maverick, Dixon, Gunnar, Mr. Pink, Talon and Jules, just to name a few - is fantastic. The underlying build up of what's to come as this series continues with each cast member is exciting. I cannot wait to see where we go with Gunnar as he is the star of book 2.
Saving Pookie starts off Logan River's new Pink Stallion series with a pink glittery bang. Although, this series is different than his other works, there is still the underlining grittiness, unhinged behavior and chaos that his readers love.
Pookie (aka Paul) is fleeing an abusive relationship and homeless jumping from bed to bed when the story opens. Desperate for a job he soon finds himself agreeing to work at the Pink Stallion, a cowboy strip club, as a bartender/host, which also is the location of a new behind the scenes reality show. To say poor Pookie is out of his depths is an understatement. There he meets a whole list of characters, the main one being Braxton, a drug fueled chaos of gremlin of slutty proportions.
Pookie and Braxton are polar opposites: Pookie is quiet, Braxon is boisterous. Pookie introverted retreating away from the spotlight and social interactions, while Braxton is an attention seeking Himbo, who will do just about anything for recognition. Pookie is gay, and Braxton is straight...or is he? As the men form an unlikely friendship something else, more heated grows between them, forcing Braxton to face his secret desires. Meanwhile, precious Pookie is just trying to survive his past trauma while navigating this bizarre new world he landed himself in, and awareness of Braxton's subtle changing in behavior.
This slow burn novel, like Pookie and Braxton, is both unhinged and sweet; filled with chaos, witty banter, wild nights, shenanigans and hot open-door scenes. It examines the gay strip club scene and reality tv industry while showcasing a tender and humorous love story. And don't forget to buckle up babes, because it's only just the beginning.
Iโm not one for reality shows, so I walked into Saving Pookie with a little bit of apprehension. But man, once I started, I couldnโt stop! I devoured this entire book in just over a day.
Fast-paced, addictive, and had me literally giggling at my Kindle.
Pookie is running from a toxic past and desperately needs a fresh start. Landing a bartending gig at Mr. Pink's seems like the ultimate lifeline... until he realizes the bar comes attached to a stripping cowboy themed reality TV show.
Cue a film crew and a forced roomie situation with the showโs cocky golden boy, Braxton.
Braxton is supposedly straight, but sharing a roof for the cameras quickly sparks crazy chemistry that completely catches them off guard.
Even with all the wild ridiculousness and steamy spice, at its heart, itโs really about healing, finding your family, and learning to feel safe again.
Watching Pookie discover what true safety feels like was pure and heartwarming.
Braxton going through his hilarious "I'm not gay" and "wait, am I actually straight?" crisis was handled very well.
As chaotic as their world gets, the slow-burn sweetness and "he makes me feel safe" energy behind closed doors completely steals the show. Easily 5 stars!
Absolutely looking forward to Taming Gunnar, book two in the Pink Stallions Series.
Saving Pookie is the first book in the Pink Stallions series and centers around Pookie and Braxton as a part of a group of male performance working at Mr. Pink's establishment and becoming the stars of a reality television show. Pookie is the newcomer in this group. The real story begins when Braxton and Pookie become roommates. What starts out as a practical arrangement quickly becomes something more meaningful. Their friendship however leads to unexpected situations. It was an absolute delight to read this book. The difference between Braxton and Pookie is like day and night. Where one is quiet and guarded, the other is loud and outgoing. I loved the contrast. Both these boys bring their own charm to the book and I adore them for it. I especially appreciated the growth Braxton and Pookie underwent during the span of this story. The way their friendship develops is rather organic. Braxton drags Pookie out of his comfort zone and slowly chips away pieces of the wall he build around himself. The other characters in the book feel like great side characters that have the potential to become the main characters in upcoming books. Pookie's back story with his ex and all the troubles he went true is is handles with brutal honesty, but not in a insensitive way. The whole setting of the reality show adds a great backdrop. The stakes are higher because they are constantly being filmed. It kept you on your toes. Five huge stars for Pookie, Braxton, the Pink Stallions chaos, the found family, the humor, the spice and a love story that somehow made all the madness feel incredibly heartfelt.
I've only read one other book by Logan Rivers before and that was a darker/more angst filled book, so I was curious how this book would be seeing as how its lower angst compared to the last one I read. And I am happy to report that it was good! Different, but good!
I'll be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of Braxton's character for a large portion of the book, he was your quintessential party play boy, and I just wasn't a fan of how he treated others. As the story progressed though, I got to see another side of him, and while he was still..himself, I got to see a different side which I liked.
Now, as for Pookie, he's just precious! You know that saying, "bless your heart", I feel like that accurately describes Pookie's character. He's trying so hard to turn his life around after getting out of an abusive relationship, even when he knows the bar and filming might not be the best thing, he still tries it anyway to make a better life for himself. That takes a lot of courage and strength. Especially when he's new to the whole scene, and when he's the 'new guy.'
I liked reading this book, the aspect of the reality show being filmed was really interesting and I liked how that provided twists and turns to the plot. I wish there would've been a bit more focus on the two MC's building a deeper personal/emotional connection, as there relationship felt very surface level to me, but that's just my personal preference.
All in all, a creative romance story full of shenanigans and a man in denial.
"There's something about him that makes me feel... safe, seen." - Pookie
"I wasn't drowning, but life is a whole lot more swell when I'm swimming with you." - Braxton
Pookie just escaped a bad situation and is trying to survive when he starts working for Mr. Pink.ย I don't really know how to feel about Mr.ย Pink to be honest, but I think that the found family feelings will be stronger in the next season of them filming their reality series.ย Which, of course, is not THAT real and mostly for entertainment for others, and that does get ugly for the group who are being filmed.ย I really love the concept of this series, and I especially love that there weren't really cameras installed, meaning they have some private moments.ย Braxton has (self di@gnosed) ADHD, he thinks about everything a lot but also misses things sometimes, like, for example, the whole โmaybe I like him" thing.ย That was a long journey for him, but I love that Pookie and Braxton took their time.
It's totally understandable that Pookie had a secret; he doesn't own anyone an explanation, and especially not the camera, but I'm glad that he felt safe around Braxton and that they had something just for them.ย There are a few characters I don't really like or have doubts about, but it seems like they are all growing closer, and I'm sure it will be chaos in the next seasons/books as well.ย I just hope they keep having moments without cameras with each other.ย I really love reading about a reality show in a book with behind the scenes!
Well, this book was something else! While the author still covers some dark topics in this book, it is still quite different than his previous books, equal parts funny and salacious. Using a gay bar that has pole dancing bartenders and the outrageousness of reality tv, Saving Pookie introduces us to a number of characters. Paul, aka Pookie, and Braxton, our main characters, along with a bunch of well developed secondary characters. Pookie, homeless and on the run from an abusive ex is barely surviving until he lucks into an interview as a bartender at Mr. Pinkโs. Braxton, the only โstraightโ employee at Mr. Pinkโs, is the barโs resident Himbo, who is so oblivious he gives the word new meaning. The reality show producers, in order to liven things up, decide that Pookie and Braxton should be friends and roommates. What could possibly go wrong? The ensuing hijinks are ridiculous, the words that come out of Braxtonโs mouth donโt even make sense half of the time and Pookie, whoโs been designated as fresh meat to keep things from getting boring spends half his time wondering what is going to be thrown his way next or if he should just run again. Between Braxtonโs antics and Pookies past, I was either laughing or crying and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Saving Pookie is the first book in the Pinks Stallions series and ends on a wonderfully hard earned HEA, while also giving us a cliffhanger teaser for the next book.
This was so good! I loved the whole reality tv vibes going on even though Iโm not a fan of reality tv myself. Though I wonโt lie, if they ever did an MM reality tv show, Iโd consider it๐
Absolutely loved Pookie and Braxton. Braxton was such an adorable himbo. His confidence was unmatched and he was sexy af. But the best thing about him, was the fact that he was actually sweet and kind.
He really stood up for Pookie. My poor Pookie๐ญ What he went through was absolutely horrific and unfortunately way too common. The fact that he hid his abuse because he didnโt want to be judged was so heartbreaking. And then for his ex to say those things about him, it made me livid๐คฌ
I loved that Braxton didnโt hesitate one bit to protect Pookie. Even if at first he wasnโt truthful, he did care about him being safe and eventually, he too fell for our adorable twunk.
This story was chaotic, funny, and most of all relatable. NYC is a beast of a place and it can eat you whole if youโre naive. But it can also give you the best found family you could ever wish for.
Braxton was a godsend to Pookie. He made him feel safe and loved for the first time in his life. And Pookie was the reason Braxton could finally live his life as his true self. They found the right person at just thr right time.
I didn't have reading a book about reality TV and stripping, bar tending cowboys on my 2026 bingo list but here we are....and I ate it up.
This book was such a good read, it does deal with heavy themes such as DV and drug taking but it is done in a sensitive way and is merged perfectly with the right amount of humour.
One trope I love is a bi awakening and this had it in spades with Braxton. He was so sure that he wasn't gay and well you can guess what happens there. The spice that takes place during this...omg I needed a fan, Logan Rivers writes phenomenal sexy scenes and I need more of it.
Both MMcs are great, I love Pookie who is running from his ex. He's just the right combination of sweet and sassy and Braxton, this man has become one of my all time favourite characters, the way this man shows up for people is amazing and he doesn't take shit either. Having their relationship develop during a reality show was different but it was enjoyable, even with the crazy setting, it felt believable.
Another notable thing about this book is the side characters, each and every one of them is memorable and endearing in their own way, I look forward to seeing them again in the future.
For the first book in this series, it was brilliant and I honestly can't wait to see what comes next!
Braxton broke up with his cheating sewer rat of a girlfriend (his words), leaving him with rent that he canโt afford on his own. When he finds out that the new guy at work needs a place to stay, it solves both of their problems.
Pookie ran from an abusive, controlling relationship. Heโs homeless but has hope when he lands a bartending gig at Mr Pinks. Only itโs not just a bartending job. The men are wearing jeans with pink cowboy hats and boots. And thereโs a camera crew, apparently filming a reality show following the staff of Mr Pinks.
Braxton is straight. Heโs also an outgoing, outspoken, people person. He likes to party and is anything but boring. Pookie is reserved. He doesnโt talk about the shame of the relationship he fled.
When the crew at Mr Pinks decide to make Pookie less boring, the producer encourages Braxton to befriend him. What happens after that is chaos. Hilarious. Sweet. Protective. Spicy. Awakening. And so much more! And did I mention Braxton is straight?
I adored this book so much and Iโm anxiously waiting for the next one! ๐ฉท
๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐ฉทFound Family ๐ค Bi Awakening ๐ฉทSecret Relationship ๐ค Forced Proximity ๐ฉทRoommates to Lovers ๐ค Hurt/Comfort ๐ฉทReality TV
I absolutely loved this one! Give me a โstraightโ guy having a bi awakening and falling for his best friend and Iโm going to be invested. Braxton and Pookie were such an unexpectedly adorable pair, and I loved watching their friendship slowly turn into something much more.
Pookie is running from an abusive relationship and ends up working at the Pink Stallion, a cowboy strip club thatโs also the setting for a reality show. To say heโs thrown into the deep end is an understatement. Then thereโs Braxtonโa loud, attention-seeking, drug-fuelled chaos gremlin who is basically Pookieโs complete opposite.
The bi awakening with Braxton was SO good, and the chemistry between these two was fantastic. I loved the balance of heavy themes with humour, chaos, banter and plenty of spice. Pookie is sweet but has some sass, while Braxton quickly became one of my favourite characters. The way he shows up for the people he cares about was honestly adorable.
I also loved the cast of side characters. Every single one was memorable, and Iโm already looking forward to seeing more of them.
A wild, funny, surprisingly sweet start to the Pink Stallion series. I had so much fun with this one and canโt wait to see what comes next!
An unexpected masterpiece that completely stole my heart ๐คโจ
I went into this book with completely different expectations. Having read the authorโs previous works, which are wildly different in tone and style, I thought I knew what I was walking into. OMG, was I wrong, and I am so glad I was. This story took everything I thought I knew and turned it upside down, delivering an emotional depth and a raw, vulnerable journey that completely wrecked me in the best possible way. The plot keeps you on edge, but what truly elevated this book for me was the character work. And oh god... Braxton. I fell way too hard for Braxton. Underneath all that rough exterior and the chaotic reality TV madness, there is a man so fiercely loyal, deeply terrified of vulnerability, and desperately deserving of love. His emotional arc, his flaws, and the way he loves Pookie had me completely wrapped around his finger from page one. If youโre hesitating because you're used to the authorโs other books, throw your expectations out the window and dive straight in. This is messy, beautiful, devastating, and entirely unforgettable.
Logan letโs just say I think you may have done it again and I canโt wait to see where this book series goes.
Saving Pookie really isnโt just about saving one person itโs about saving two and the found family that comes along with it.
Both the MMC are very different from each other but thatโs the best thing as opposites attract donโt they? In this book they definitely do and I feel that makes this story line so much better.
Watching the growth of Pookie though out this book has become something I treasure not only did he escape a DV relationship he also grew emotionally to share his story and then seeing Braxton struggle with his identity was definitely something that happens in today society as well so watching him navigate his own struggles but also wanting to protect Pookie just makes it more swoon worthy.
Even though this book has DV and miss communication and is very drama filled the read was easy and very enjoyable and definitely worth every minute of my reading time.