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In the Rough
Hunter Wade is done living a lie and ready to be his true self. Unfortunately, his true self is a thirty-six year old man who dresses like he did in high school and has never stepped foot in a nightclub of any sort.
Thank goodness for the fabulous, unflappable Mr. Wren. Handsome, confident and refined, Wren takes Hunter under his wing and vows to make him the ultimate player. Things become complicated and confusing as Hunter's makeover proves a little too successful and harmless flirting goes too far.
Kisses were the bait Wren used to snare his prey, to melt their resistance and make them his. He perfected kissing but it was just another weapon in his arsenal, it never really did much for him. But he was trapped and melting as Hunter’s lips pressed against his and their tongues twisted and searched hungrily. Hunter’s head tilted and the kiss became deeper and Wren felt much drunker than he did minutes earlier as Hunter’s hand curved around his neck. Wren growled softly against his tongue as he eased Hunter onto his back. His hand slid down his stomach and Wren’s cock pulsed insistently against the front of his jeans. His instincts were about to take over when Hunter panted his name. Oh, no, no, no…
“Shit,” Wren whispered as he sat up and leaned back. “Sorry, I got carried away,” he murmured weakly as he reached for his wine and Hunter swore under his breath as he scrubbed his hands over his face.
“Yeah… That was…” His eyes were dazed as he sat up and Wren swallowed a large gulp of wine then cleared his throat.
“I think it’s safe to say you don’t have anything to worry about,” he said and Hunter raised a brow.
“No?” he asked and Wren nodded.
“That was a very decent kiss.” Liar. That was so much more than decent. That was probably the most arousing moment of your life. Wren licked his lips and stifled a moan at the taste of Hunter’s lips and tongue. “In fact, if you were anyone else, I don’t think I would have stopped,” he said and Hunter’s lips pulled tight.
“I don’t know if that’s reassuring but thanks,” he said sarcastically and Wren gave him a pointed look.
“If I didn’t care about you as much as I do, I’d have you bent over the arm of this couch and be riding you like a stolen bike,” he said.
“Ummm…” Hunter’s brow rose as he stared back and Wren rolled his eyes.
“Tomorrow would be hideously awkward and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize our friendship,” he explained and Hunter frowned.
“You don’t think it’s a little late to worry about awkward?” He asked and Wren shook his head.
“Of course not. It was just a kiss,” he said and the memory of Hunter’s tongue sliding around his made his balls ache. “I only did it so you would stop worrying, it didn’t mean anything.”
Thank goodness for the fabulous, unflappable Mr. Wren. Handsome, confident and refined, Wren takes Hunter under his wing and vows to make him the ultimate player. Things become complicated and confusing as Hunter's makeover proves a little too successful and harmless flirting goes too far.
Kisses were the bait Wren used to snare his prey, to melt their resistance and make them his. He perfected kissing but it was just another weapon in his arsenal, it never really did much for him. But he was trapped and melting as Hunter’s lips pressed against his and their tongues twisted and searched hungrily. Hunter’s head tilted and the kiss became deeper and Wren felt much drunker than he did minutes earlier as Hunter’s hand curved around his neck. Wren growled softly against his tongue as he eased Hunter onto his back. His hand slid down his stomach and Wren’s cock pulsed insistently against the front of his jeans. His instincts were about to take over when Hunter panted his name. Oh, no, no, no…
“Shit,” Wren whispered as he sat up and leaned back. “Sorry, I got carried away,” he murmured weakly as he reached for his wine and Hunter swore under his breath as he scrubbed his hands over his face.
“Yeah… That was…” His eyes were dazed as he sat up and Wren swallowed a large gulp of wine then cleared his throat.
“I think it’s safe to say you don’t have anything to worry about,” he said and Hunter raised a brow.
“No?” he asked and Wren nodded.
“That was a very decent kiss.” Liar. That was so much more than decent. That was probably the most arousing moment of your life. Wren licked his lips and stifled a moan at the taste of Hunter’s lips and tongue. “In fact, if you were anyone else, I don’t think I would have stopped,” he said and Hunter’s lips pulled tight.
“I don’t know if that’s reassuring but thanks,” he said sarcastically and Wren gave him a pointed look.
“If I didn’t care about you as much as I do, I’d have you bent over the arm of this couch and be riding you like a stolen bike,” he said.
“Ummm…” Hunter’s brow rose as he stared back and Wren rolled his eyes.
“Tomorrow would be hideously awkward and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize our friendship,” he explained and Hunter frowned.
“You don’t think it’s a little late to worry about awkward?” He asked and Wren shook his head.
“Of course not. It was just a kiss,” he said and the memory of Hunter’s tongue sliding around his made his balls ache. “I only did it so you would stop worrying, it didn’t mean anything.”
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2016
7 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
K. Sterling
103 books487 followersAuthor of the popular Nannies of New York and Boys of Lake Cliff book series, K Sterling has self-published dozens of books. K. is known for fast-paced romantic thrillers and touching gay romcoms. There might be goosebumps and some gore but there’s always true love and lots of laughter.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 10, 2016
I have loved all of this authors books(maybe not the MF one as I haven't read it) but this one was defiantly not amazeballs. I was so disappointed. The author has been pretty good about putting out about a book a month and I was waiting patiently (or not so patiently).
I hated Wren. We never got into much depth the reasons for the way he is. A very unreasonable character. Not sympathetic at all.
I am sorry I didn't like this book but I will continue to wait (im)patiently for the authors next book.
I hated Wren. We never got into much depth the reasons for the way he is. A very unreasonable character. Not sympathetic at all.
I am sorry I didn't like this book but I will continue to wait (im)patiently for the authors next book.
May 15, 2019
3.5 or thereabouts. I didn't like this as much as most, those I've just loved. It just didn't feel credible this time around, sorry ...
June 15, 2017
2.5☆
This was just an ok read for me.
I was happy that Hunter figured out that he's gay before he married Mandy.
What bothered me a little bit was that Mandy already started dating a guy within weeks after the break-up but she totally freaked out and was hurt by Hunter and Wren dating ...
she was such a hypocrite!
When the Mc's get together it was so sweet and cute but the BDSM halfway trough the story threw me kinda off
When Wren finally tells Hunter what he meant with the good kind off pain I expected some light spanking not the whole flogging and whipping until his back and legs are lined with welts and whatnot so I wasn't really feeling that.
This was just an ok read for me.
I was happy that Hunter figured out that he's gay before he married Mandy.
What bothered me a little bit was that Mandy already started dating a guy within weeks after the break-up but she totally freaked out and was hurt by Hunter and Wren dating ...
she was such a hypocrite!
When the Mc's get together it was so sweet and cute but the BDSM halfway trough the story threw me kinda off
When Wren finally tells Hunter what he meant with the good kind off pain I expected some light spanking not the whole flogging and whipping until his back and legs are lined with welts and whatnot so I wasn't really feeling that.
November 15, 2016
Couldn't finish.
Story started out great, but once BDSM was introduced, I couldn't finish the book. Sorry, but it's just not my thing. Wish authors would put this in their synopsis, then I wouldn't go to the trouble of getting invested in a story only to have to stop reading it.
Story started out great, but once BDSM was introduced, I couldn't finish the book. Sorry, but it's just not my thing. Wish authors would put this in their synopsis, then I wouldn't go to the trouble of getting invested in a story only to have to stop reading it.
November 1, 2018
Another amazing book by K. STERLING!
I absolutely loved Wren and Hunter. Hunter is so sweet and sexy, while wren is so dirty and snarky. They are the perfect couple. Definitely recommend this book!
I absolutely loved Wren and Hunter. Hunter is so sweet and sexy, while wren is so dirty and snarky. They are the perfect couple. Definitely recommend this book!
December 24, 2019
It really took me awhile to warm up to Wren. I did finally and I ended up liking him. This was a good friends to lovers book but nothing that will stick out in my mind a few books from now.
February 25, 2020
Had a few issues here and there but overall a fun read!
February 6, 2021
Decent enough story, although pretty predictable wingman-to-lover story.
Title: In the Rough
Author: K. Sterling
Genre: M/M contemporary Romance
Plot Summary:
Hunter is out. As a thirty-something man he has finally decided to stop lying to himself and his fiancee and takes the plunge into the gay dating pool. But a hopeless sense of fashion and lack of sexual experience make it seem hopeless. If only he had some kind of gay fairy godmother.
Wren has been a neighbor to Hunter and his former fiancee for years, mostly so he can watch Hunter’s ass during dinner parties. As a dedicated man-slut, Wren feels it is his duty to step in and help Hunter be his best gay self - “polish” him up a bit. A makeover and some flirting lessons would make Hunter unstoppable with his good looks and manly occupation.
But as the two become closer, they both start feeling awkward that their sole purpose to get Hunter set up with someone else. Hunter is trying desperately to not take Wren’s flirting and caring to heart, and Wren is trying to ignore the stabbing jealousy he feels when Hunter’s new gay social life takes off. When Hunter gets hurt at work, Wren is going to take the opportunity to polish himself up into a man worthy of being in Hunter’s life.
Character Descriptions/Development: 3 stars
I just ended up hating Wren. He was shallow, vain, judgemental, and a snob.
I mean seriously, I couldn’t get behind that. Even when he wakes up and realizes he wants Hunter. I know he is dealing with trying to keep himself from having feelings for Hunter, but Wren was downright assholeish. He doesn’t really redeem himself either, he is a spoiled diva until the end.
Hunter was OK, nothing terribly exciting about him except that he managed to put up with Wren, which is a miracle. I liked that he was just going with the flow of coming out, no real drama.
Storyline/Conflict: 3 stars
Pretty predictable. You pretty much figure that the gay fairy godmother who is allergic to commitment is going to fall for the baby gay he is coaching. There were interesting plot devices that kept things rolling and moving at least .
Writing Style:4 stars
No complaints.
Heat: 4 stars
Definite chemistry. There was multiple scenes with varying levels of intimacy, although one scene . There was light BDSM towards the end, nothing major.
Favorite Quote:
Title: In the Rough
Author: K. Sterling
Genre: M/M contemporary Romance
Plot Summary:
Hunter is out. As a thirty-something man he has finally decided to stop lying to himself and his fiancee and takes the plunge into the gay dating pool. But a hopeless sense of fashion and lack of sexual experience make it seem hopeless. If only he had some kind of gay fairy godmother.
Wren has been a neighbor to Hunter and his former fiancee for years, mostly so he can watch Hunter’s ass during dinner parties. As a dedicated man-slut, Wren feels it is his duty to step in and help Hunter be his best gay self - “polish” him up a bit. A makeover and some flirting lessons would make Hunter unstoppable with his good looks and manly occupation.
But as the two become closer, they both start feeling awkward that their sole purpose to get Hunter set up with someone else. Hunter is trying desperately to not take Wren’s flirting and caring to heart, and Wren is trying to ignore the stabbing jealousy he feels when Hunter’s new gay social life takes off. When Hunter gets hurt at work, Wren is going to take the opportunity to polish himself up into a man worthy of being in Hunter’s life.
Character Descriptions/Development: 3 stars
I just ended up hating Wren. He was shallow, vain, judgemental, and a snob.
“Don’t settle for a personal shopper when there are men of quality and refinement out there waiting to spoil someone like you,” [Wren] said and Hunter shook his head.
I mean seriously, I couldn’t get behind that. Even when he wakes up and realizes he wants Hunter. I know he is dealing with trying to keep himself from having feelings for Hunter, but Wren was downright assholeish. He doesn’t really redeem himself either, he is a spoiled diva until the end.
Hunter was OK, nothing terribly exciting about him except that he managed to put up with Wren, which is a miracle. I liked that he was just going with the flow of coming out, no real drama.
Storyline/Conflict: 3 stars
Pretty predictable. You pretty much figure that the gay fairy godmother who is allergic to commitment is going to fall for the baby gay he is coaching. There were interesting plot devices that kept things rolling and moving at least .
Writing Style:4 stars
No complaints.
Heat: 4 stars
Definite chemistry. There was multiple scenes with varying levels of intimacy, although one scene . There was light BDSM towards the end, nothing major.
Favorite Quote:
“If I came across those boxers on a guy, I’d send him home and tell him to think about what he did wrong.”
September 17, 2016
I love all things K. Sterling. This one? Not so much. In the Rough Is the story of Wren, an extremely affluent and arrogant man who has never loved anyone but himself. He is a total philanderer and rarely does repeat performances. He becomes smitten by Hunter, a newly out Firefighter who prior to this was a platonic friend. Once Hunter comes out, Wren volunteers to ease him into "all things gay" and that's where the fun begins. Strangely enough I liked Wren though he was very odd and not entirely a sympathetic character. His moral compass seemed dented in a slightly amusing if preposterous way. There was something so totally inappropriate though about the sex scenes after Hunter was hurt and high on pain meds. I don't want to be a spoiler but who does that? Ugh! Other than that it was clear Wren was totally in love with Hunter and this would have been as highly rated for me as her other books except that the pacing of the story was also off creating a disjointed feel.
I enjoyed the book. No doubt about that but it is not the author's finest effort.
I enjoyed the book. No doubt about that but it is not the author's finest effort.
September 15, 2016
What can i say!
She did it again. I'm tired & wired from a reading marathon. Maybe I'll have time for my family now that I've finished the book. Until the next book that is.
She did it again. I'm tired & wired from a reading marathon. Maybe I'll have time for my family now that I've finished the book. Until the next book that is.
December 15, 2016
A thoroughly enjoyable read, but nothing spectacular as some of the other works by this author are.
Hunter is a sweet, mild mannered fire fighter, who has just one out of the closet. Wren is his arrogant man-whore neighbour who decides to fix him by introducing him to the finer things in life and giving him 'how to' advice on navigating how to pull a guy. Well of course it isn't long before they both realize they only want each other - but alas they each think the other wouldn't want them. That's it for the angst and there is very little of that.
I do like how different Wren is with Hunter, but I'm a little disappointed that Hunter doesn't really call him on how he treats others much. Of course there is VERY little interaction with any one in the storey which may be why. Other than Mandy the secondary characters seem flat and an after thought.
Hunter is a sweet, mild mannered fire fighter, who has just one out of the closet. Wren is his arrogant man-whore neighbour who decides to fix him by introducing him to the finer things in life and giving him 'how to' advice on navigating how to pull a guy. Well of course it isn't long before they both realize they only want each other - but alas they each think the other wouldn't want them. That's it for the angst and there is very little of that.
I do like how different Wren is with Hunter, but I'm a little disappointed that Hunter doesn't really call him on how he treats others much. Of course there is VERY little interaction with any one in the storey which may be why. Other than Mandy the secondary characters seem flat and an after thought.
September 7, 2016
It's by K. Sterling, enough said.
Ok, just kidding, sort of...
Just when you think all types of romantic tropes have been written, Ms. Sterling manages to add a twist that turns that assumption on it's arse.
Meet Wren, a rich, somewhat arrogant man with very little in the way of social skills (a bit like Aiden, but not as clueless). Yet, I fell in love with him. He had never cared for anyone other than himself, but once he met and fell for Hunter, he became a little nicer (mostly to Hunter, who am I kidding?, only to Hunter
Ok, just kidding, sort of...
Just when you think all types of romantic tropes have been written, Ms. Sterling manages to add a twist that turns that assumption on it's arse.
Meet Wren, a rich, somewhat arrogant man with very little in the way of social skills (a bit like Aiden, but not as clueless). Yet, I fell in love with him. He had never cared for anyone other than himself, but once he met and fell for Hunter, he became a little nicer (mostly to Hunter, who am I kidding?, only to Hunter
September 20, 2016
Loved it
I freaking loved Hunter and Wren..Hunter just came out after a 11 year relationship with his best friend Mandy and falls for his mega rich hit it and quit it neighbor Wren..Wren is arrogant and rude except when it come to Hunter,Hunter is sweet and kind to everyone but the two fit perfectly together..I love K.Sterling and recommend this brilliant book.
I freaking loved Hunter and Wren..Hunter just came out after a 11 year relationship with his best friend Mandy and falls for his mega rich hit it and quit it neighbor Wren..Wren is arrogant and rude except when it come to Hunter,Hunter is sweet and kind to everyone but the two fit perfectly together..I love K.Sterling and recommend this brilliant book.
November 13, 2016
Perfect.
It was so perfect that it didn't seem realistic.
I love HEA's but this one had so little angst that it was too easy.
Nothing 'life altering' to such a point that you feared for their relationship.
It was so perfect that it didn't seem realistic.
I love HEA's but this one had so little angst that it was too easy.
Nothing 'life altering' to such a point that you feared for their relationship.
September 28, 2016
I loved both characters and couldn't get enough of Wren's humor.
Read
December 2, 2017DNF at 72%, so near the end, but just too much insta-love
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews