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Lush in Lace
My brother, Jamie, finally got to marry his lifelong best friend, BJ, this weekend. I was Jamie’s best man, and Scott was BJ’s best man. Not an ideal situation for either of us, since Scott and I have been enemies since high school. Somehow we managed to get through the weeks before the wedding without killing each other (barely), but then the bachelor party incident occurred and added fuel to the fire.
Now we argue even more, and the sexual tension between us is unbearable, at least for me. Unfortunately, I have things I like― kinky things― that Scott would never be able to handle, probably because he’s not even gay. Or at least that’s what I always thought, but now I’m not so sure and apparently neither is he…
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
My brother finally got to marry his lifelong best friend, Barry, this weekend. I was Jamie’s best man and Scott was Barry’s best man. I had met Scott previously when he and I attended the same high school, though we ran with different crowds. He was a jock and I was a nerd, yet I always had a secret crush on him. During the week leading up to the wedding we spent a lot of time together— from running errands for the grooms to attending the stag party last night. He’s personable, though seems more subdued than he did in high school, but he’s still built like a jock and well-hung. Yes, I noticed that bulge in his jeans, but I’m sure he’ll never be the man for me. I want someone softer, more feminine. I even harbor a secret wish that my yet-to-be-met life mate will enjoy wearing women’s lingerie. And that, of course, would never fit with Scott’s persona.
Photo Description:
A view of the midsection of a man in a black formal tuxedo. His pants hang halfway open, showing white lace panties and thigh-high, beige, lace-topped stockings. He wears a white satin glove on his right hand. The gloved hand is wrapped around the base of his large, exposed, erect cock. The mushroomed head of his cock is well defined and a stark contrast to the white lace panties and white glove he’s wearing.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
Now we argue even more, and the sexual tension between us is unbearable, at least for me. Unfortunately, I have things I like― kinky things― that Scott would never be able to handle, probably because he’s not even gay. Or at least that’s what I always thought, but now I’m not so sure and apparently neither is he…
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
My brother finally got to marry his lifelong best friend, Barry, this weekend. I was Jamie’s best man and Scott was Barry’s best man. I had met Scott previously when he and I attended the same high school, though we ran with different crowds. He was a jock and I was a nerd, yet I always had a secret crush on him. During the week leading up to the wedding we spent a lot of time together— from running errands for the grooms to attending the stag party last night. He’s personable, though seems more subdued than he did in high school, but he’s still built like a jock and well-hung. Yes, I noticed that bulge in his jeans, but I’m sure he’ll never be the man for me. I want someone softer, more feminine. I even harbor a secret wish that my yet-to-be-met life mate will enjoy wearing women’s lingerie. And that, of course, would never fit with Scott’s persona.
Photo Description:
A view of the midsection of a man in a black formal tuxedo. His pants hang halfway open, showing white lace panties and thigh-high, beige, lace-topped stockings. He wears a white satin glove on his right hand. The gloved hand is wrapped around the base of his large, exposed, erect cock. The mushroomed head of his cock is well defined and a stark contrast to the white lace panties and white glove he’s wearing.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
123 pages, ebook
First published July 22, 2015
199 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Ridges
5 books120 followersI write mostly MM porngasmic fluff— sometimes funny, sometimes outrageous (just like me).
I believe you should always read what you love. Personally, I can't read anything that will tug at my heartstrings, leave me hanging on for the next installment, or gloss over the sexy bits (they're the best part). I love me some tasteful dirty talk, and a book that can make me laugh will get 5*!
Though it's only been a year since I fell in love with the MM romance genre, it's become my next new addiction. Paranormal and taboo reads are my favorites.
In a past life, I was most likely a tall fitness guru with an immaculate home and a thriving garden, which totally explains my "been there, done that" attitude.
I'm currently either reading or writing the next random book that strikes my fancy (or both).
What are you up to?
Still reading my bio?
Why? I'm not that interesting. Go find a smutty MM romance to read. You won't be disappointed...
Lots 'o luv,
AJ
I believe you should always read what you love. Personally, I can't read anything that will tug at my heartstrings, leave me hanging on for the next installment, or gloss over the sexy bits (they're the best part). I love me some tasteful dirty talk, and a book that can make me laugh will get 5*!
Though it's only been a year since I fell in love with the MM romance genre, it's become my next new addiction. Paranormal and taboo reads are my favorites.
In a past life, I was most likely a tall fitness guru with an immaculate home and a thriving garden, which totally explains my "been there, done that" attitude.
I'm currently either reading or writing the next random book that strikes my fancy (or both).
What are you up to?
Still reading my bio?
Why? I'm not that interesting. Go find a smutty MM romance to read. You won't be disappointed...
Lots 'o luv,
AJ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
July 26, 2015
This is the sexiest prompt pic of the event.
And this story was sexy, but also a little annoying.
What worked for me:
- MANTIES (big, burly jock stroking himself through lace; stockings being ripped off in the heat of the moment)—YES, PLEASE.
- ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS. I like rough, angry sex; what can I say? Some of the snark between Scott and Rylan was funny, and I liked the mega-slow buildup.
- EPILOGUE: fun, smexy, and sweet. Sign me up.
What didn't work as well:
- Can there be too much snark? Um, yes, I think so.
Rylan and Scott read very young and immature.
Rylan, especially, was prone to crazy bouts of insecurity. He NEVER listened, assumed the worst, and threw hissy fits like a toddler scorned. This was seriously irritating behavior that got old fast.
- Too much telling. I didn't need entire sections summarized. The section from BJ and Jamie's POV was particularly random.
- Too much "straight bashing" on Rylan's part. If Scott were truly straight (vs. gay for Rylan), handcuffing him to a chair and having a stripper wave his cock and ass in Scott's face would have been ... not cool, at the very least, possibly emotionally abusive.
Never mind Rylan forcing Scott to show him his (barely concealed) cock, then touching his ass crack without permission.
Would a gay man like to be coerced this way?
Rylan's mean streak was a mile long, and I had a hard time relating to him as an MC.
Overall, though, this is a bit of fluffy, snarky fun, good for a pool-side read.
And this story was sexy, but also a little annoying.
What worked for me:
- MANTIES (big, burly jock stroking himself through lace; stockings being ripped off in the heat of the moment)—YES, PLEASE.
- ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS. I like rough, angry sex; what can I say? Some of the snark between Scott and Rylan was funny, and I liked the mega-slow buildup.
- EPILOGUE: fun, smexy, and sweet. Sign me up.
What didn't work as well:
- Can there be too much snark? Um, yes, I think so.
Rylan and Scott read very young and immature.
Rylan, especially, was prone to crazy bouts of insecurity. He NEVER listened, assumed the worst, and threw hissy fits like a toddler scorned. This was seriously irritating behavior that got old fast.
- Too much telling. I didn't need entire sections summarized. The section from BJ and Jamie's POV was particularly random.
- Too much "straight bashing" on Rylan's part. If Scott were truly straight (vs. gay for Rylan), handcuffing him to a chair and having a stripper wave his cock and ass in Scott's face would have been ... not cool, at the very least, possibly emotionally abusive.
Never mind Rylan forcing Scott to show him his (barely concealed) cock, then touching his ass crack without permission.
Would a gay man like to be coerced this way?
Rylan's mean streak was a mile long, and I had a hard time relating to him as an MC.
Overall, though, this is a bit of fluffy, snarky fun, good for a pool-side read.
January 7, 2017
Firstly, let me just say finding SFGR MANTIES pics is challenging, but very rewarding...
And what's a review about a MANTIES story without MANTIES pics?
It's entirely possible I'm biased (see avatar & screen name), but there was a lot to like about this story, namely the MANTIES.
I think I might have had an out of body experience reading that line. I looked like a guppy out of water reading it.
Lush in Lace is an enemies to lovers/GFY story. Scott Lush (I teehee'd) and Rylan Madden went to high school together. They ran in different crowds. Scott being a football jock and Rylan a band nerd. They've verbally dueled each other forever, so the notion of them having to band together to bring off their brothers' wedding has got everyone on pins and needles waiting for the fireworks.
There were fireworks alright.
A bet is made. MANTIES get worn to the wedding. Feelings are hurt and confused on both of their parts. There are a number of miscommunications/misunderstandings.
The bottom line is they're both hot for each other, but neither thinks the other is interested.
They're both idiots. There are neon signs less obvious, but I guess the old saying of not being able to see the forest for the trees is to blame.
I could feel the angry sex in my bones, but my bones failed me. No angry sex. There was a grumpy cat moment.
The sex was medium hot and requires some reality suspension. Scott is a buttsex virgin. He has been playing around with a butt plug recently, but still I was disappointed their first time was so fast. I wanted loads of foreplay, begging, incoherence, begging, whimpering, teasing, more oral, begging, maybe some speaking in a foreign language (I always like that), did I say begging?
DRIVE HIM WILD!
WRECK HIM!
IT'S HIS FIRST TIME!
MAKE IT COUNT!
Gah!
You only get one chance to wreck a buttsex virgin. Savor it. Leave an impression.
Instead they went straight to Pound Town and Scott had some surprising skills... Skills I'm pretty sure you don't just learn from Googling "gay". Sucking cock like a porn star the first time you suck a cock seems a bit unrealistic. I kept chanting, 'suspend reality, suspend reality, suspend reality' with moderate success.
What did TOTALLY work for me was Scott being the big guy and gagging to bottom coupled with Rylan being a bossy, mouthy and smaller top. I sopped that up with a biscuit.
The dialogue and story arch are both engaging. I enjoyed the social awareness with Rylan's Socially Smarter program. I'm left wondering if that's an actual program because it's an excellent idea, one I would support. There is a cheekiness that runs throughout which I found entertaining, sometimes crude, but entertaining nonetheless. I think my favorite was their friend whose nickname is Rimmer. Guess what his specialty is? It ain't crochet I'll give you that hint.
There was a lot of conflicting info with regard to the MANTIES which I found in equal parts disappointing and confusing. One minute Scott is saying he's discovered a new side to himself, the next he's saying he doesn't like wearing the MANTIES and is only doing it because it turns Rylan's crank. While I support going the extra mile for one's partner I would've enjoyed it more if Scott discovered a love for MANTIES himself. I also couldn't shake the implication that enjoying to wearing MANTIES somehow automatically translated to being gay and/or lesser somehow. As the self proclaimed MANTIES Champion this I cannot abide.
NO MANTIES SHAMING!!!!
Lush in Lace is fluffy and feel good. I'm not sure I bought into the whole unrequited love since high school plot device, but I'm not hatin' on it. I'm somewhere in the 3-3.5 Star range.
Enjoyable + MANTIES = happy Cupcake.
Thanks to the author and her team for contributing to the LOR event.
And what's a review about a MANTIES story without MANTIES pics?
It's entirely possible I'm biased (see avatar & screen name), but there was a lot to like about this story, namely the MANTIES.
How shocked would the neighbors be if they had a full view of my newly purchased teeny, pink lace bottoms and matching pink hose with garters?
I think I might have had an out of body experience reading that line. I looked like a guppy out of water reading it.
Lush in Lace is an enemies to lovers/GFY story. Scott Lush (I teehee'd) and Rylan Madden went to high school together. They ran in different crowds. Scott being a football jock and Rylan a band nerd. They've verbally dueled each other forever, so the notion of them having to band together to bring off their brothers' wedding has got everyone on pins and needles waiting for the fireworks.
There were fireworks alright.
A bet is made. MANTIES get worn to the wedding. Feelings are hurt and confused on both of their parts. There are a number of miscommunications/misunderstandings.
The bottom line is they're both hot for each other, but neither thinks the other is interested.
They're both idiots. There are neon signs less obvious, but I guess the old saying of not being able to see the forest for the trees is to blame.
I could feel the angry sex in my bones, but my bones failed me. No angry sex. There was a grumpy cat moment.
The sex was medium hot and requires some reality suspension. Scott is a buttsex virgin. He has been playing around with a butt plug recently, but still I was disappointed their first time was so fast. I wanted loads of foreplay, begging, incoherence, begging, whimpering, teasing, more oral, begging, maybe some speaking in a foreign language (I always like that), did I say begging?
DRIVE HIM WILD!
WRECK HIM!
IT'S HIS FIRST TIME!
MAKE IT COUNT!
Gah!
You only get one chance to wreck a buttsex virgin. Savor it. Leave an impression.
Instead they went straight to Pound Town and Scott had some surprising skills... Skills I'm pretty sure you don't just learn from Googling "gay". Sucking cock like a porn star the first time you suck a cock seems a bit unrealistic. I kept chanting, 'suspend reality, suspend reality, suspend reality' with moderate success.
What did TOTALLY work for me was Scott being the big guy and gagging to bottom coupled with Rylan being a bossy, mouthy and smaller top. I sopped that up with a biscuit.
The dialogue and story arch are both engaging. I enjoyed the social awareness with Rylan's Socially Smarter program. I'm left wondering if that's an actual program because it's an excellent idea, one I would support. There is a cheekiness that runs throughout which I found entertaining, sometimes crude, but entertaining nonetheless. I think my favorite was their friend whose nickname is Rimmer. Guess what his specialty is? It ain't crochet I'll give you that hint.
There was a lot of conflicting info with regard to the MANTIES which I found in equal parts disappointing and confusing. One minute Scott is saying he's discovered a new side to himself, the next he's saying he doesn't like wearing the MANTIES and is only doing it because it turns Rylan's crank. While I support going the extra mile for one's partner I would've enjoyed it more if Scott discovered a love for MANTIES himself. I also couldn't shake the implication that enjoying to wearing MANTIES somehow automatically translated to being gay and/or lesser somehow. As the self proclaimed MANTIES Champion this I cannot abide.
NO MANTIES SHAMING!!!!
Lush in Lace is fluffy and feel good. I'm not sure I bought into the whole unrequited love since high school plot device, but I'm not hatin' on it. I'm somewhere in the 3-3.5 Star range.
Enjoyable + MANTIES = happy Cupcake.
Thanks to the author and her team for contributing to the LOR event.
July 23, 2015
*4.5 stars*
I'm so relieved I liked this story! I didn't want another prompt with manties to go to waste.
What I liked:
*Manties play a huge part in the story. It's how it all starts but the author took full advantage of the kink and displayed it many times through the story.
*Enemies to lovers trope, very well done.
*Big guy desperately wanting to bottom.
*STEAM! SO MUCH STEAM!
*The brothers. Great couple.
*A guy named Rimmer (I shit you not) and a clumsy stripper in high heels. So funny.
*Rylan's Socially Smarter program. (Is there a story with Rodney and Kev? I'd read it if there was)
My main niggle:
*It was obvious that the two of them had feelings for each other. You 'd have to be stupid or blind to miss this and I wonder how they did not see it.
* Little misunderstandings here and there, like Rylan storming off before Scott gets to explain or assuming things that are not true...from this perspective the story could have been shorter.
Anyway, I enjoyed this immensely and I would read from this author again. Great job!
August 28, 2015
3.5 stars
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
Having read 3-4 f/m reads in a row my inner mm fangirl was demanding that she had it enough and was in need of some mm love, so I decided that it was high time to give her her special treat in a form of this mm enemies-to-lovers novella.
Rylan & Scott, the gay nerd and the popular jock and ladiesman, have been arch enemies all their life despite their brothers being in a relationship and their families close friends. There was just something about Rylan and the other way around that provoke the other to mess with him on a regular basis. Their snarky "fights", emotional moments and steamy scenes were the best parts of the story.
I must admit that I was a bit skeptic at first after I had read that one of the guy is into lingeries(manties/stockings), but now, after I had read it, all I can say that the manties only added to the hotness department and I wouldn't mind reading more mm romances with heroes with this type of fetish.
Recommended to mm fans with preferance for fast-paced, sweet, fun and a little kinky mm enemies-lovers contemporary romances!
Make mm fangirl happy: Misson Completed!
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
Having read 3-4 f/m reads in a row my inner mm fangirl was demanding that she had it enough and was in need of some mm love, so I decided that it was high time to give her her special treat in a form of this mm enemies-to-lovers novella.
Rylan & Scott, the gay nerd and the popular jock and ladiesman, have been arch enemies all their life despite their brothers being in a relationship and their families close friends. There was just something about Rylan and the other way around that provoke the other to mess with him on a regular basis. Their snarky "fights", emotional moments and steamy scenes were the best parts of the story.
I must admit that I was a bit skeptic at first after I had read that one of the guy is into lingeries(manties/stockings), but now, after I had read it, all I can say that the manties only added to the hotness department and I wouldn't mind reading more mm romances with heroes with this type of fetish.
Recommended to mm fans with preferance for fast-paced, sweet, fun and a little kinky mm enemies-lovers contemporary romances!
Make mm fangirl happy: Misson Completed!
September 12, 2015
3.5ish rounded down for lack of umph
I wasn't hooked or even invested in the characters. I liked it; even without the connection I enjoyed the story. Low angst, decent amount of steamy sex, but just a bit boring.
I wasn't hooked or even invested in the characters. I liked it; even without the connection I enjoyed the story. Low angst, decent amount of steamy sex, but just a bit boring.
July 26, 2015
The bad: the "straight " guy who's always been attracted to the gay jerk is a misogynist. Women are not smart enough to interest him anymore. Why the author thinks that's acceptable in a genre that is mostly read by women is beyond me. Maybe that was the author's attempt to make Scott's attraction to only Rylan more believable. Not buying it. Rylan in particular is an unlikeable character but I didn't want to spend any time with Scott either.
Beyond that this is not the kind of writing that works for me though there is definitely an audience for it.
I'm sure that other readers will like this a lot more and be able to overlook what I couldn't.
Beyond that this is not the kind of writing that works for me though there is definitely an audience for it.
I'm sure that other readers will like this a lot more and be able to overlook what I couldn't.
March 2, 2017
Es muy complejo disfrutar de una novela cuando a uno de los protagonistas le obligan a permanecer atado mientras un streaper de polla desproporcionada se restriega contra su cara, todo ello propiciado por el otro MC... Rylan me ha parecido insoportable, no sólo es mala gente, es desconfiado y simplemente aborrecible, es un gilipollas con todas las letras y en neón, ya que se pasa media novela escupiendo estereotipos le voy a seguir. Lo siento, ni todos los tíos buenos enfundados en seda y el ocasional polvo medio bien contado merecen pasar por este despropósito. ¿No había más excusas para juntarles que la súbita urgencia de dildos y buttplugs en la luna de miel? Se iban a Europa no al Polo Sur, estoy segura que los Holandeses se las apañan bien... Culpo al KU (inserta puño a lo Scarlet O'Hara)
May 29, 2016
Cosas que me dio por leer... No acabo de pillar el rollo manties ;D, pero bueno, es muy cortito y está entretenido.
July 23, 2015
Rylan and Scott have been each others arch nemesis since high school. It's impossible for them to not take a dig at the other, insult, bait or otherwise snark their way through every interaction they have. So naturally, when their brothers (Jamie and BJ) get married to each other, it's in everyone's best interest that they call a truce for the wedding.
Scott's issue with Rylan is that he provokes feelings in him that he just can't understand. Rylan's main issue with Scott is that he really can't handle the gay world as the straight brother to BJ. At least, that's Rylan's opinion. And he takes every opportunity to rub it into Scott's face. Again, and again, and again.
Hence a Manties bet is made.
Result: One very happy reader.
Manties aside, this story was dominated by the enemies to lover aspect.
Is it possible for there to be too much snark?
Possibly. Sometimes Rylan is downright mean. And here's the meat of the problem for me. I didn't like Rylan all that much. Yeah, I felt for the guy; he's been in love with Scott forever and there's just something about the man that pushes all his buttons. But my God, he must be exhausted from the amount of jumping to conclusions he does. I'll give you an example:
Rylans behavior aside, there were some incredibly sweet moments between these two, and watching Scott come to terms with his feelings created some very endearing moments.
There was some pretty outrageous dirty talk given to a man during his first gay encounters, that I would think would have him running for the hills. And I don't believe for a second that Scott became a 100% comfortable, professional gay after googling "gay sex". But Rylans take charge attitude? Mmmm. That totally worked. So did Rylan and Scott's dynamic when they finally got their acts together.
Overall, an enjoyable enemies to lover, smutty, Manties read.
My thanks to the author for their participation in the Love is an Open Road event.
Scott's issue with Rylan is that he provokes feelings in him that he just can't understand. Rylan's main issue with Scott is that he really can't handle the gay world as the straight brother to BJ. At least, that's Rylan's opinion. And he takes every opportunity to rub it into Scott's face. Again, and again, and again.
Hence a Manties bet is made.
Result: One very happy reader.
Manties aside, this story was dominated by the enemies to lover aspect.
Is it possible for there to be too much snark?
Possibly. Sometimes Rylan is downright mean. And here's the meat of the problem for me. I didn't like Rylan all that much. Yeah, I felt for the guy; he's been in love with Scott forever and there's just something about the man that pushes all his buttons. But my God, he must be exhausted from the amount of jumping to conclusions he does. I'll give you an example:
Rylans behavior aside, there were some incredibly sweet moments between these two, and watching Scott come to terms with his feelings created some very endearing moments.
There was some pretty outrageous dirty talk given to a man during his first gay encounters, that I would think would have him running for the hills. And I don't believe for a second that Scott became a 100% comfortable, professional gay after googling "gay sex". But Rylans take charge attitude? Mmmm. That totally worked. So did Rylan and Scott's dynamic when they finally got their acts together.
Overall, an enjoyable enemies to lover, smutty, Manties read.
My thanks to the author for their participation in the Love is an Open Road event.
August 31, 2015
4.5 stars
This was so funny. I laughed a lot with these guys. And of course, the sex scenes was HOT. This was typical kind of story. I'm sure I've read it somewhere else before. But there's something in the writing that makes me want to keep reading it. I feel the chemistry between them. And I got HEA. That's enough for me.
Thank you to the author and the team behind this story for participating in this event and sharing this with us. <3
P.S. : Yup, I did not wait. And I do not regret it.
*********************************************************************
There's three of my favorite tags in here. I'm so giddy. Can't wait to read this. XD
Wait for the download, wait for the download, wait for the download..*muttering*
This was so funny. I laughed a lot with these guys. And of course, the sex scenes was HOT. This was typical kind of story. I'm sure I've read it somewhere else before. But there's something in the writing that makes me want to keep reading it. I feel the chemistry between them. And I got HEA. That's enough for me.
Thank you to the author and the team behind this story for participating in this event and sharing this with us. <3
P.S. : Yup, I did not wait. And I do not regret it.
*********************************************************************
There's three of my favorite tags in here. I'm so giddy. Can't wait to read this. XD
Wait for the download, wait for the download, wait for the download..*muttering*
September 12, 2015
Finally, someone did a manties prompt justice!
I loved that this was a detailed, well plotted story, rather than just a quickie for the spank bank. I loved the whole enemies to lovers vibe, and think the author totally nailed this prompt (hah, nailed).
I did think that it got maybe too sappy at the very end, but what's a little sap in an otherwise totally fun, hot story?
I loved that this was a detailed, well plotted story, rather than just a quickie for the spank bank. I loved the whole enemies to lovers vibe, and think the author totally nailed this prompt (hah, nailed).
I did think that it got maybe too sappy at the very end, but what's a little sap in an otherwise totally fun, hot story?
November 10, 2020
#Enemy-to-lovers. #MANTIES. #LACE! #Out-for-you, #gay-for-you #longtimegaycrush
Felt like I was reading this book in a shower. Before I realize, the whole mirror was fogged and I was basked in STEAM!
Felt like I was reading this book in a shower. Before I realize, the whole mirror was fogged and I was basked in STEAM!
Read
March 12, 2016I'm not going to rate this. It was free, I'm sure there are people who like it, so go forth and enjoy yourself.
I finished it but I was not happy. The MCs were too juvenile and sometimes cruel in a strictly not enjoyable way. Maybe it is in a warped way an achievement to have a gay bully but the first scene made Rylan appear just that, and nope. It's not an achievement.
In all fairness, I'm not a huge fan of the "Enemies to lovers" trope but I've been known to enjoy it. With this - not so much. I think that it all boils down to the fact that the MCs just seemed too juvenile - not young in the tentative, exploring way but just juvenile. Silly.
Just not my cuppa.
I finished it but I was not happy. The MCs were too juvenile and sometimes cruel in a strictly not enjoyable way. Maybe it is in a warped way an achievement to have a gay bully but the first scene made Rylan appear just that, and nope. It's not an achievement.
In all fairness, I'm not a huge fan of the "Enemies to lovers" trope but I've been known to enjoy it. With this - not so much. I think that it all boils down to the fact that the MCs just seemed too juvenile - not young in the tentative, exploring way but just juvenile. Silly.
Just not my cuppa.
February 5, 2020
I liked this. At times I was disgusted at the antics- or lack of antics- between Lush & Rylan but it was NOT enough for me to dnf. The sex scenes were great and very detailed which I LOVED!!! Recommended.
July 23, 2015
Everything Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion said.
August 1, 2015
Men in lace.. delicious!!!!
August 26, 2015
Readable. Once. Only for the sake of manties.
Read
November 30, 20173.5 Stars rounded down because issues
Huh, this was unexpected and hot. And yet...
I'm usually not a fan of lingerie and manties. Just not exactly up my alley, at least not in books. But it was hot here, I'll admit. That might have had to do more with Scott than the underwear, though. Because I liked him right from the get-go. He was sweet, caring and sometimes a little idiotic. But cute as hell.
Rylan was... different? I liked him and his sassy mouth in a way. And I understood his aversion to getting together with a guy who want able to define himself in any way. After one time too many with "experimenting straights" the heart trends to get wary and defensive. He did open up more in the end, so i could live with that. The snarky banter was amusing, if a little too much at times. But it is an enemies to lovers story, so that wasn't really unexpected.
What did throw me now and again was the underlying nastiness at times. Granted, most of the fights were direct results of miscommunication or no communication at all, but still. The times these two actually threw insults at each other and some of the interactions, especially on Rylans part, left me a little unsettled. That wasn't teasing anymore, it was downright mean, bordering on... I don't know. Not sure what you call one enemy touching the other enemies' most private orifice in public without permission? No matter what the name, it didn't completely sit right with me, and I had a harder time believing the rest of the story after that.
It was a nice answer to a really hot prompt, though. And I enjoyed it nonetheless. Just not as much as I'd hoped.
Huh, this was unexpected and hot. And yet...
I'm usually not a fan of lingerie and manties. Just not exactly up my alley, at least not in books. But it was hot here, I'll admit. That might have had to do more with Scott than the underwear, though. Because I liked him right from the get-go. He was sweet, caring and sometimes a little idiotic. But cute as hell.
Rylan was... different? I liked him and his sassy mouth in a way. And I understood his aversion to getting together with a guy who want able to define himself in any way. After one time too many with "experimenting straights" the heart trends to get wary and defensive. He did open up more in the end, so i could live with that. The snarky banter was amusing, if a little too much at times. But it is an enemies to lovers story, so that wasn't really unexpected.
What did throw me now and again was the underlying nastiness at times. Granted, most of the fights were direct results of miscommunication or no communication at all, but still. The times these two actually threw insults at each other and some of the interactions, especially on Rylans part, left me a little unsettled. That wasn't teasing anymore, it was downright mean, bordering on... I don't know. Not sure what you call one enemy touching the other enemies' most private orifice in public without permission? No matter what the name, it didn't completely sit right with me, and I had a harder time believing the rest of the story after that.
It was a nice answer to a really hot prompt, though. And I enjoyed it nonetheless. Just not as much as I'd hoped.
August 14, 2015
It's free and not entirely rage-inducing, but Rylan was a melodramatic, presumptive bitch, and Scott was indecisive and sometimes thoughtlessly cruel. The two of them got on my nerves more than anything, which sucked because if their personalities had been just a bit less abrasive, this would have weaseled at least four stars outta me.
November 7, 2016
3.25
A little too much snark. I know, I know. Is there such a thing? I usually LOVE snark but they weren't just snarky...they were mean. And the miscommunication and assumptions made were annoying. Not sure I ever really warmed up that much to Rylan but Scott was sweet and of course the lacy manties made up for a lot. That prompt *fans self*
A little too much snark. I know, I know. Is there such a thing? I usually LOVE snark but they weren't just snarky...they were mean. And the miscommunication and assumptions made were annoying. Not sure I ever really warmed up that much to Rylan but Scott was sweet and of course the lacy manties made up for a lot. That prompt *fans self*
July 22, 2015
Oh this was awesome!!! Lush in manties!!! I liked that scott struggled with his feelings, it made it more realistic .
So cute and loved the ending
So cute and loved the ending
April 7, 2016
3.5 stars
Cute story and manties !!!
Cute story and manties !!!
September 9, 2015
Wow!! So much fun and SOOOO sexy!!
September 8, 2015
3.5 stars
July 3, 2017
Very cute. Had some good laughs and was very well written. Was waffling between 3 and 4 stars but it just got too sappy at the end. Still a very good read and the manties stuff was very cute.
August 26, 2017
Love the manties!!
Want to read
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July 25, 2015
Manties!!! Need I saw more. You should read this story just because manties are involved. ha-ha
Rylan and Scott are soon to be brother in laws. There brothers, BJ and Jamie are finally getting hitched. They’ve been a couple for twelve years, since they were sixteen. Scott may be BJ’s stepbrother, but they love one another as if they were blood related.
Scoot and Rylan are like oil and water… or at least they bicker like they are. They both assume the other hates them, but in all honestly they love one another. While Rylan is a successful, wealthy man, he has always crushed on Scott. To bad he is straight and hates his guts.
Scott is a whirlwind. He isn’t gay… but he wants Rylan. In fact, truth be told he has always wanted him, but he is confused because Rylan is a guy… and he isn’t into dudes…
They bicker… all the time.
Then Rylan bets Scott to do something on the day of their brother’s wedding. Wear some manties and stockings. Neither of them expected the outcome. Scott is super sexy in them. And Scott… he likes the them. But most importantly he likes how Rylan likes them.
They have some communication obstacles they need to get around if they are going to have their happy ending.
Rylan and Scott are soon to be brother in laws. There brothers, BJ and Jamie are finally getting hitched. They’ve been a couple for twelve years, since they were sixteen. Scott may be BJ’s stepbrother, but they love one another as if they were blood related.
Scoot and Rylan are like oil and water… or at least they bicker like they are. They both assume the other hates them, but in all honestly they love one another. While Rylan is a successful, wealthy man, he has always crushed on Scott. To bad he is straight and hates his guts.
Scott is a whirlwind. He isn’t gay… but he wants Rylan. In fact, truth be told he has always wanted him, but he is confused because Rylan is a guy… and he isn’t into dudes…
They bicker… all the time.
Then Rylan bets Scott to do something on the day of their brother’s wedding. Wear some manties and stockings. Neither of them expected the outcome. Scott is super sexy in them. And Scott… he likes the them. But most importantly he likes how Rylan likes them.
They have some communication obstacles they need to get around if they are going to have their happy ending.
August 13, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! Such a quick read filled with everything you are looking for in a contemporary M/M romance. Although I would have appreciated more dialogue at the beginning, the banter was second to none as was the storyline. With their two brothers getting married, Scott and Rylan (the MCs), as the two best men, need to forget their past bitterness and put on a happy face for the sake of both families. You see, they couldn't be any different from one another...or so we initially think. Scott (straight) makes a bet with Rylan (gay), which he soon regrets after what he discovers he will have to wear under his wedding attire. This part of the book definitely had me close to tears from laughter. All of that aside, it is easy to spot the overwhelming sexual tension brewing underneath the surface between these two. The author takes us on a wild ride through many different emotions from bitterness and angst to protectiveness to lust and then finally to love. I shed a few more tears with the conversation between Rylan and his brother, Jaime, and then also between the H and H when they finally admitted what they wanted. Overall, this was a great story with amazing characters, hot sex scenes and a worthy HEA. Well done, A.J. This won't be the last book I read from you!
November 18, 2015
The following thoughts were first published HERE.
It's one of these books that you read and enjoy, but in the end have actually no idea what to say about those 137 pages so that your experience would be adequately described. But I will say this much: man panties or manties, especially lacy manties, are a thing I never thought of before.
But what I can say that I really enjoyed, was the fact that Ridges managed to write all 137 pages of it without once saying how the men could feel their nether regions tingling and enlargening by tenfold in a second or less. I like that she kept this part realistic and that she didn't overwhem me with the amount of sex scenes going on. And I especially liked that the first one didn't happen before the halfway mark.
It's one of these books that you read and enjoy, but in the end have actually no idea what to say about those 137 pages so that your experience would be adequately described. But I will say this much: man panties or manties, especially lacy manties, are a thing I never thought of before.
But what I can say that I really enjoyed, was the fact that Ridges managed to write all 137 pages of it without once saying how the men could feel their nether regions tingling and enlargening by tenfold in a second or less. I like that she kept this part realistic and that she didn't overwhem me with the amount of sex scenes going on. And I especially liked that the first one didn't happen before the halfway mark.
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