Sultry

by Anouk M.

Zane

The summer was supposed to be simple. Lifeguarding shifts, saving money for college, and surviving my grandmother’s matchmaking without telling her I liked boys, not girls. Then Chris walked into my life. He was older, rich, married, and straight, so untouchable in every way. I knew I shouldn’t want him, but the more time I spent with him, the more I saw the cracks in the life he’d built for himself. Every moment in his presence dragged me closer to a line I shouldn’t cross, and the more I tried to hide my secret from him, the more I had a feeling he could see it.

Chris

I’d spent my entire life making careful decisions, always certain of my choices and where they led. Successful business. Stable marriage. Everything I'd planned, I achieved. Then I met Zane. He was too young, too honest, and too alive, but being with him felt like stepping into the light after years spent in the dark. He looked at me as if he could see through every layer of restraint I’d exercised for so long, and what began as an unexpected friendship soon turned into something I couldn't understand. Something dangerous. Walking away from him was the only right thing to do. Except for the first time in my life, I realized I no longer wanted to do the right thing.

Sultry is a forbidden M/M romance about longing, guilt, desire, impossible choices, and the devastating realization that sometimes the right person walks into your life at the worst possible moment. This is book one of The Wrong Kind of Love series. Each book can be read as a standalone and features a different couple chasing their HEA.

Tropes: Bi Awakening / Lifeguard x CEO / Age Gap / Grumpy x Sunshine / Rich x Poor / Slow Burn

Content Warning: Cheating (not between MC's). Please continue only if this is a trope you are comfortable reading.

Genres: M M Romance

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 10, 2026

About the author

Anouk M. writes edgy, intense MM romance novels that explore falling in love with the right person at the wrong time. Expect unhealthy doses of obsession, aching hearts, and men who ruin each other before they heal each other. Whether it’s a slow-burn that simmers or if there are sparks flying from the very first page, a hard-won HEA is a guarantee.

Follow Anouk on Instagram or Facebook @author.anoukm for sneak peeks, teasers, incoherent author ramblings, and stories about men who find true love after they stop believing in it.

💙 Sultry ARC Sign Up: https://forms.gle/924HZcT3BvQBCxk1A

📖 Pre-Order Sultry: https://books2read.com/u/m02qxy

Reviews

[Rachael Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a stranger has to almost drown for you to meet the love of your life. Sacrifices must be made.

I had such a good time with this book, I was shocked it was a debut. The pacing was really well done with a good internal monologue/dialogue balance, and all of the characters were so lovely.

Christian and Zane’s dynamic was so fun. I loved the way the development flowed from banter to playful to flirting to tension naturally instead of all at once. Christian definitely came across well as the rich man who spent his life chasing the high of success without knowing what he really wants. I just wanted all of Zane’s dreams to come true with him coming from a small island with big aspirations!

The women especially deserve a shout out with how well they were developed inside of a cheating trope where I usually see them used as plot devices or villainized. That isn’t the case with Arabella! She is witty, sharp, and funny. I’d definitely want to hang out with her.

I did feel like there were some parts that were brushed over quickly which is what keeps this from getting a higher rater. It felt like both losses were brushed right past without much development or emotions. The second half started to feel slightly rushed.

I did really enjoy this one, and this authors craft with such wonderful characters, clean prose, and tight pacing. I’m definitely checking out where this series is going from here!

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐

Zane is a young, lifeguard trying to save enough money for college while keeping his sexuality a secret from his matchmaking grandmother. Chris is an older, wealthy, married businessman who has spent his entire life making careful decisions and believes he knows exactly who he is. He's straight, settled, and completely off-limits. Well… about that straight part. 😂

What starts as an unexpected connection turns into a forbidden romance full of desire, guilt, and some VERY questionable decisions. Zane is sunshine, persistence, and trouble all rolled into one, while Chris is a man whose carefully controlled life falls apart the moment Zane enters it. And it has a expiration date on it :(

And let me tell you, not-so-straight Chris has the dirtiest mouth on the planet. JFC! The man went from 8 to 80 in approximately one second. The things that came out of that supposedly straight man's mouth… HOOOOOOT. 🔥🔥 And the kinky bastard's enthusiasm for playing with cum? SIR. I WAS NOT PREPARED. 🥵😂.

Of course, things get complicated. Chris is married, and when his wife reveals she's pregnant, he decides ending things with Zane is the right decision. They spend more than six months apart, with Chris convinced he made the right choice given the circumstances.

During that time, Zane has several hookups, including a random guy he gives a BJ to in a bar, trying to forget Chris. And honestly? I'm okay with that. Zane was pushed aside, life goes on, and he deserves to keep living instead of putting everything on hold for a man who chose someone else.

BUT CHRIS? OH, CHRIS. Even before his divorce, he's seeking escorts who look like Zane. And I HATED THIS. 😭 I know he's struggling, I know he's trying to fill a void, but somehow this was just… icky to me. I wanted for him to suffer alone, thank you very much! I did not need this information. 😂💀

I had mixed feelings about some of their choices, particularly Zane's persistence when Chris tried to push him away, and Chris's habit of making decisions for both of them. Some parts of their relationship were difficult for me to fully get behind, and I wish the ending had given certain things more time to develop instead of wrapping them up so quickly.

Still, despite all the questionable decisions, the frustration, and the moments when I wanted to shake these men, I got invested in their story. I didn't love every aspect of it, but I kept wanting to know what would happen to them.

I’d also like to add that Arabella was a bit of a bitch at times, but after everything, can we really blame a wounded animal for fighting back? 😂 In the end, I loved how she came through, especially that late-night bar conversation with “Zeke”. LOL 🤣❤️

All the love to Zane's grandmother!********

In the end, Sultry was messy, imperfect, and occasionally made me question my own life choices… but somehow, I really liked it.

I ATE THIS UP, FLAWS AND ALL. ❤️

I think I’ve spotted the next “wrong kind of love” couple, and I’M HERE FOR IT! 👀😂❤️

Tropes: Bi Awakening • Lifeguard x CEO • Age Gap • Grumpy x Sunshine • Rich x Poor • Slow Burn

Content Warnings: Cheating (not between the MCs), death in the family, homophobia, substance abuse, physical violence, and miscarriage.

Thank you Anouk M. for the ARC, this is my honest opinion.

[Sandy Kay]

Sounds like tertific conflict and tension, but much of that is through OP action, a lot of it, after MCs have been together and then separate. Just not for me. 😞

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

I wonder if these men know they've only known each other a few weeks at most. I think between the relentless fucking (and I do mean RELENTLESS) and the months of heartbreak, they kinda forgot. Talk about taking a wrecking ball to their lives.

Surprisingly, the thing I liked most about this was how Chris behaved like a realistic, albeit dickish billionaire. No saving puppies for him, thank you very much.

He's probably going to give Sophia, his PA, hypertension from all the out of job description tasks that he wants executed today(today, Sophia) and don't let me get started on Roger, his lawyer, who must be getting one HELL of a retainer, because that's the bare minimum he should be getting when he's being given instructions like, 'I know he said he's going to file a restraining order against me but I need you to fix it because I'm NOT going to stay away from him'.

Also, he's doing unpaid therapy for that man. Who doesn't LISTEN.

Christian doesn't listen where Zane's concerned. Or he complies with the letter of the law but not the spirit of it.

I love when cheaters wreck their lives. What kind of hole is Zane packing? Mere mortals may never know the answer to this but what I can attest to is it's resilience. That hole will take back to back all night poundings. Probably forever purple.

It's no wonder he has that billionaire reduced to surveillance work. Christian HAD to be sure no one was getting anywhere near his boy.

In his forties and panting after a twenty two year old like a man possessed. I was actually glad his wife was difficult about the divorce. I was tired of the cheated on wives taking the high road.

Still. There must be something about Christian, too. Had the wife and the lover sitted commiserating about everything he'd put them through, culminating in the lover saying, nah, sis, I get you. I wouldn't divorce him either. 💀

Everyone in this was willing to burn everything to the ground to keep their man lmao. Took it to the mat. I respect it.

Unlike Roger. Whom I could tell was watching events unfold with a disbelieving air of superiority, thinking, 'could never be me'.

Funny how I can absolutely tell that it's about to be him like mad. His wife's nephew? Yeah, I know what's coming for him. Mr. Big Shot 'my experience is broad, but my sexuality isn't one of the variables.'. We'll see.

Enjoyed the drama. Had a little more sex than I'd like and relied on some cliché storylines but overall a solid debut.

Take the TWs seriously, there's an on-page hate crime against one of the MCs in this.

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not get enough of this forbidden romance between billionaire Chris and lifeguard Zane. Their connection is immediate where both are effortlessly drawn to one another. I love how once they were locked in, they could not let go, so the dance between obsession and immediate connection instantly grew from there. I also enjoyed how you were able to learn the insecurities, fears and overall doubts both Zane and Chris have about their growing feelings. They are both in different places in their lives, but once they start talking to one another on a deeper level, all of those concerns quickly disappear as they both share hidden passions, dreams, and desires that no one else understands at all.

What I also really enjoyed about this story is the tone, the setting and the entire vibe of the island. It is the perfect place for a forbidden affair to begin, but it also allows for hidden feelings and desires to take shape without the blaring judgment of mainland society. Chris is a man with many burdens, so on this island, he is able to free himself of those pressures and embark upon a journey of self-discovery while finding secret joys and loves he never realized. Zane is also able to share his world, hopes, and dreams with someone who recognizes his talents without judgment and accepts him without fail.

Overall, this was a fantastic story that I could not put down. I love how both characters grow and mature tremendously throughout this story while having to endure some huge emotional moments that made their HEA so perfect and worth the heartache.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[Kassu]

I don't believe I would enjoy this due to the OP elements:

One of the MCs not only goes back to his wife, but keeps using male escorts (that apparently remind him of the other MC).

It all seems deliciously messy, but I don't think I'd like that character. Other reviews also mention him making decisions for the other MC, which is another huge turn-off for me. (Aand he's a billionaire. I hate him already. 😫)

[Nikki Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a debut novel, Sultry certainly knows how to bring the heat, the angst, and ALL the feels!

Meet Zane, a gorgeous, sassy college student working as a lifeguard for the summer. He's anything but the shy boy he first appears to be, and I absolutely adored him! From the moment he meets Chris, the hot, older, supposedly straight CEO, he's completely smitten. And his grandma? 😂 The cranky, judgmental Greek grandmother who is every bit as iconic as you'd expect. I LOVED her!

Chris thinks he has his life figured out until Zane comes along and turns his world upside down. Suddenly, everything he thought he knew about himself is being questioned, and the attraction between these two men is impossible to ignore.

I'll be honest, cheating isn't usually my favourite trope, but Anouk handled it so well! The guilt, denial, lust, love, and emotional turmoil felt incredibly real. And the SPICE? 🔥🔥🔥 These boys together were absolutely scorching!

The pining and angst had me completely immersed in their story. Their journey is messy, complicated, and heartbreaking at times, but the chemistry and undeniable connection between them kept me turning the pages. My heart broke for these men, and I was rooting for them every step of the way!

And that HEA? ❤️ After all the passion, heartbreak, and emotional ups and downs, it was so satisfying!

Sultry is a spicy, angsty MM romance featuring an older man, gay awakening, forbidden attraction, delicious pining, and a hard-earned HEA.

[BethanyReadsMM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of the ARC from the author!

Tropes:
-CEO x Lifeguard
-Billionaire
-Age Gap


I was honestly hooked from the start with this book! The friendship they built before anything happened made me happy because usually it’s just jumping into everything immediately. With that being said, it was only a few weeks of time from meeting each other but I didn’t feel it was pushed? (If that even makes sense 😅) it was a friendship but slow build to for when Chris finally gave in.

I loved the setting of the island and the over all vibes of everything. When they went to secret little hideaways and the different places for “just the locals,” I loved that. I didn’t like the villa though (for obvious reasons) as the wrong person was accompanying Chris there 🤭

One thing I didn’t like was the nickname “little rascal”. I pictured Chris giving a little hair tussle to a kid. After a while it changed to “baby” but at first I wasn’t a fan of that. Another part that slightly bothered me was how they went months away from each other and then quickly they both came together. Months and months they avoided each other then randomly together for the HEA. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy with how it ended, I just felt it was rushed.

Just an FYI to all readers, this book does have cheating as one MMC is married. There was no cheating between the MMCs but I know that’s triggering for some.

I highly recommend the book and definitely plan to read more of the author’s books!

[iky reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! A CEO x lifeguard forbidden, billionaire, age gap MM romance with a fresh plot and the perfect amount of spice. I was hooked and finished it in one sitting!

I loved the slow build between Zane and Chris. Their chemistry was so good, I loved how naturally everything unfolded. I was laughing out loud one minute and feeling the passion and heartache the next. This is a HEA but not before going through a lot of hurt to get there.

A first from Anouk M and I will be keeping an eye out for more from this author. Definitely adding this one to my top reads of this year.

Trigger warning: One of the MCs is married, so cheating is part of the story, but not between the two MCs.

[Yvonne · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Anouk that I’ve read, and I am so glad I did. The slow build-up of the story, the chemistry and dynamics, and the conflicting emotions that wash over you—all of this makes for a book that keeps you captivated from the very first page to the final word. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to hold the characters close whenever they’re going through a hard time, and wish for them a future filled with all the love they deserve.

💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖

[QueerPageTurner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sultry has the crackling energy of a budding affair - the glances, the questions, the surprisingly intense reactions to small looks and touches, the growing inevitability paired with the guilt and the doubt, a heat that builds towards something explosive while simultaneously racing towards heartbreak and tragic ends.

Of course, young and vibrant Zane would be irresistible to Chris whose life had become rote with duty and responsibility, flat and colorless despite enormous privilege. The two are drawn to each other from afar, and then a chance emergency brings them together dramatically. Their relationship begins as a local-meets-tourist friendship and with Chris's wife, Arabella, in the mix.

Zane's attraction feels young and hopeful. He knows Chris is married and that Chris is only visiting. Reckless in his ignorance, Zane thinks he knows what the inevitable end will feel like and that the cost is worth the risk, but as with all of us when we are blinded by youth, the imagined reality is nothing compared with the actuality of heartbreak. It hurts so bad when Zane is finally confronted with the consequences of their choices.

When Chris and Zane finally succumb to their attraction, they... test the limits of their bodies with countless spicy rounds together. I had vicarious soreness reading about their sexy times, but whew... High stakes, limited time together, and unbearable chemistry add up to something very, very hot.

The suffering that Chris and Zane go through is quite painful. High angst. It hurts. For a long time. Because their story is complicated: infidelity, wealth, distance, and heartbreak are messy and ugly and need time and space, even when it's agony.

Their HEA is VERY hard-earned.

The story contains a few small inconsistencies that will hopefully be corrected come publishing time (since I got an early copy). I also struggled with "evil Zane"—the concept wasn't executed well enough for it to work so those parts didn't land for me. A note I made at one point, too, said: "There's no way Zane's riding a bike after THAT." So... do with that what you will.

Those small things aside, Sultry is high angst, high heat, and very enjoyable to read. Definitely recommend for folks who don't mind the cheating trope!

[Dora Hasko · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book directly from the author.

Meaning of “sultry”: hot and humid, alluring, passionate.
Zane is a gay guy in his early twenties who, in the blazing summer sun, fell for a rich, handsome, sexy older man who also happens to be married and straight...
Chris is a reclusive billionaire in his forties, with a model wife and a dull but secure life.
While Zane's attraction is immediate and overt, Chris's interest is quiet, starting out more as a friendship, which later becomes passionate and dangerous.
I really liked Zane's shy, blushing side, which is exactly why I had a hard time accepting the other side of his nature—his outspoken self. It bothered me a little at first, but as the story progressed, I increasingly accepted the duality of Zane's personality.
I felt, however, that we didn't get to see as much of Chris; somehow he was less present in the first half of the story.
I like it when a romance novel isn't too long, but in this case, I would have gladly read about 100 more pages.
A couple of things happened too easily between the two characters, and the conflicts often came to an abrupt end.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book, and tears were streaming down my face at the end of the first part, but I really enjoyed the second part.
I really liked the erotic scenes; that's when a more dominant, tougher side of Chris came out, and I would have loved to see more of that in their everyday interactions as well.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book!

Finally, thank you for letting me read this—I can't wait for the next part! 😍

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this book was an absolute mess in the most entertaining way possible! 😂🔥 I went in expecting a forbidden romance, but Zane and Chris gave me an entire emotional rollercoaster.

Zane was such a little ray of sunshine, stubborn, charming, and completely incapable of staying away from trouble. And Chris? That man needed to get his life together. A wealthy, married businessman discovering his sexuality was certainly not on my bingo card, but watching his carefully constructed world crumble was something else. Also, CAN WE TALK ABOUT HIS MOUTH? Because excuse me, SIR! 🥵 I was absolutely not prepared for that level of filth.

Their relationship had plenty of passion, but it wasn't always easy to root for them. Chris's tendency to make decisions for everyone drove me insane, and some of Zane's choices had me raising my eyebrows. I particularly struggled with Chris trying to replace Zane rather than simply dealing with his feelings. Not my favourite moment, thank you!

Arabella was another interesting character. A little difficult at times, perhaps, but her actions became easier to understand as the story unfolded. And Zane's grandmother deserves all the appreciation! ❤️

I do wish the ending had been less rushed, but despite my complaints, I genuinely enjoyed this ride.

Messy romance, questionable behaviour, incredible chemistry, and characters living rent-free in my head.

Did these men frustrate me? Absolutely. Did I enjoy every second? ALSO ABSOLUTELY. I ATE THIS UP! 💋

[Han. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sultry is my first book from Anouk M. An author that describes themselves as someone who writes about "men who ruin each other before they heal each other". And personally, this trope intrigued me! This book had me locked in from front to back, I could not put this one down.

Please be aware of the trigger warnings before going into this book, plus a significant cheating trope (not between the MCs).

The books characters were written perfectly, two incredibly complicated, deep characters who have suffered similar traumas while also being worlds apart. There are class, sexuality and marriage, and age differences, from an outsiders POV, they'd never work but holy moly, they had the most intense romance! Both Christian and Zane have to go through so much to find their way back to each other to find their hard-earned happily ever after.

The overall plot in my opinion was everything I could ask for. I don't want to write any spoilers, but there is so much to unpack, where "starcrossed lovers" who meet after an incident and rescue while at the beach. A friendship is quickly formed which slowly becomes move over time. Inevitably, everything crashes and burns. And I'm not going to lie, this book had me pretty emotional.

I loved this book! Everything about it. It kept me hooked ALL the way through (which doesn't happen often), and honestly, it'll probably be a book I go back when I need a little cry, so, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read your book early!

[amanda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS

Sultry by Anouk M.

A NEW AUTHOR TO ME, AND OMG!!! 😍🔥

I enjoyed this book SO MUCH! Zane and Christian are a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. The kind of love that makes you question everything and has you rooting for them even when things get messy!

Christian thought he knew himself, but then Zane came along and turned his whole world upside down. Watching Christian struggle with making the right decisions was something else. He knew he messed up, and you could feel that struggle!

Zane tried so hard to keep his feelings out of the equation, but let’s be real… THE HEART WANTS WHAT THE HEART WANTS! ❤️‍🔥 Sometimes you can fight your feelings all you want, but that doesn’t mean they’re going anywhere.

And what Zane goes through? My heart! 💔 That’s the kind of thing that would be hard on anyone, and you can’t help but feel for him.

BUT HOLD ON… WHAT HAPPENED TO DARIO?! 👀 Because I NEED TO KNOW! And that man definitely needs to be taught a VERY valuable lesson. I’m just saying! 😤

Anouk M. has officially made it onto my author-to-watch list! If you’re looking for a romance that pulls you in and keeps you invested in the characters, GO PICK UP THIS BOOK ASAP! You won’t be disappointed! ❤️‍🔥📚

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a lovely, intense, emotional book. I loved the setting where most of the book took place—a Greek island with beautiful beaches, olive groves, and secluded coves where people could go to be alone. It made the beginning of Chris and Zane’s relationship seem almost magical, like a highly romantic summer love story.

Chris and Zane’s relationship is almost as forbidden as it gets—Chris is a man in his 40s with a wife, and Zane is a 20-something college student working as a lifeguard during his summer break. Once they meet, the attraction is instantaneous. Zane is super cute and awkward around Chris, although it’s very fun when he forgets to be nervous and lets himself flirt with Chris. Chris really lights up when he’s around Zane, but it takes him a while to figure out what the strange feelings he’s having mean. Chris and Zane have a lot of fun together, and the intimate moments are passionate and really hot. All this means that when obstacles crop up, the emotions and pain are intense. Chris and Zane are really good at yearning for each other!

This is overall a strong debut novel from a new author. It definitely kept me hooked and turning the pages. I’m excited to see what the author writes next.

[Holly Deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A summer lifeguarding job, an unexpected friendship and one very forbidden attraction… Zane really didn't stand a chance, did he? 😂

Zane and Chris had me hooked. Zane is young, vibrant and trying to navigate his own sexuality while dealing with his grandmother's matchmaking and then along comes Chris, the one man he absolutely should not want. Chris is older, married and seemingly has everything figured out, but underneath that carefully maintained exterior is a man who has spent far too long denying himself what he actually wants.

I loved watching their connection develop. The tension, the stolen moments, the uncertainty and the emotional push and pull between them made this such an engaging read. Their circumstances aren't exactly straightforward and watching Chris wrestle with feelings he never expected to have made their journey all the more compelling.

Anouk M. really knows how to bring the chemistry and emotion, and I was completely invested in these two.
Absolutely loved Zane and Chris!

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense connection between two men turns into more, even though one of the men is married.

Zane is a 21-year-old student/lifeguard when he meets 41-year-old Christian and his young wife, Arabella. Both men seemed drawn to each other. Zane is a gay man and knows his attraction is unhealthy and not right. Christian doesn’t know what he wants. He doesn’t even know if he knows what happy is.

I was instantly hooked by this premise. It was so interesting watching their friendship turn into more. The author definitely knows how to write the yearning and pining well. I felt both men’s angst.

While I felt bad for Arabella, her and Christian’s relationship didn’t seem like real love. It felt more like an obligation by Christian to her father. I loved when she and Zane commiserated together.

Read this if you like:

MM romance
Age gap
Cheating
Bi- awakening
Forbidden
Pining/Yearning
Slow Burn

A wonderful debut MM romance!


Thank you to the author for an advanced reader’s copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amanda Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a debut novel, I was impressed with this. It was well written, full of emotion, angst, love and spice.

It does contain cheating so be aware of that before reading. I found myself really invested in Zane and Christian. Christian was definitely in the belief he was straight before meeting Zane but my god when he was in, he was head over heels. Throughout the book, I really rooted for them but my heart did go through a battering with the angst...the anger I had for Arabella was probably a little unhinged, I genuinely detested her until towards the end.

These two men really fell for one another, a deep love that neither can let go of. Christian was determined to get Zane into his life and that ending...oh it warmed my heart.

I will be keeping an eye on this author as I'm looking forward to seeing what's next.

[Anyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’ai été très chanceuse d’avoir eu une advanced copy! Ceci est mon feedback très honnête!!
Livre bien écrit! À la première personne. On a le point de vue des deux MMC! Émotionnel comme livre, il y a des bouts plus difficiles que d’autre! Dans les warnings il me semble qu’il y a cheating, mais pas entre les MMC et j’ai été surprise ça m’a perturbé quand même!!
Mais l’histoire est bonne! Fini HEA !!! Important pour moi!! Zane est attachant! Yaiyai aussi!!!! Chris évolue pas mal aussi!!

[Jennay Williams · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

This book was so cute and fun. I laughed a few times and had an overall good time.
There was a lot of timing issues I found in it and some parts where it fell flat for me but overall I had a good time with it. The characters were fun and the plot was there.

[Reader · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This was very much a slow burn but this allowed the author to build the tension and set the scene and overall I thought it was such a good debut novel. It’s a forbidden romance between Chris an older billionaire and Zane, a younger lifeguard with little money. From the opening chapters you know something big is going to happen that will wreck the course of their lives. The book really gets going about 50% of the way through. The SPICE and dirty talk was something else! It has plenty of trigger warnings, including cheating, but both characters have such strong feelings for each other and the chemistry is amazing. Overall their journey is messy and hugely complicated and they both hurt each other along the way meaning their HEA is hard earned. I received an ARC of this book and loved every minute of this high angst, high heat book.

[Liza Broadaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are someone who can overlook some faults and just love a good vibe book you will enjoy this book. A beach vacation turned a romantic affair and hard choices leaving you working for a happy ever after.

For me this was ok. I struggled with some of the timing and how things unfolded. I genuinely had high hopes because I loved the beginning and really was looking forward to see how their shared pain could become a big piece of their story. I liked the characters and so I did skim through the book to see what the outcome was but for me it I just wasn’t fully invested.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review will come a bit later.