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Up for the Challenge
ETHAN:
I’m not used to anyone having the upper hand over me, and in a single night, Sean Wright rescues me twice. That’s why he intrigues me—why for the first time, I want another man. I’m used to getting what I want, and I don’t plan to let anything stop me. Only…he continues to get the best of me, and it only makes me want him more. When I start to see Sean’s not just good looks, hot sex, and constant competition, I realize I’m in over my head…and I might like it. He makes me laugh and he understands the pain I feel over my past, a pain we share. Even more than that, somehow, Sean *gets* me, but I’m not going to lie and pretend that giving my heart doesn’t scare me.
SEAN:
The night I rescued the presumably straight Ethan Harris…twice, I figured that would be the last time I saw him. However, he keeps finding his way back into my life and into my bed. Guess he wasn’t as straight as I thought. Ethan’s full of surprises, though, and being bi is just one of them. As cocky as he can be, he’s also sharp and witty...and even when he’s being his most arrogant self, he’s charming as hell. He likes to win, but so do I. However, as we get to know each other, I realize there’s more to us than the games we play in and out of the bedroom. It’s a game neither of us have played before—one we could both wind up losing. And with our hearts on the line, the real question is, when push comes to shove, are we both UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
I’m not used to anyone having the upper hand over me, and in a single night, Sean Wright rescues me twice. That’s why he intrigues me—why for the first time, I want another man. I’m used to getting what I want, and I don’t plan to let anything stop me. Only…he continues to get the best of me, and it only makes me want him more. When I start to see Sean’s not just good looks, hot sex, and constant competition, I realize I’m in over my head…and I might like it. He makes me laugh and he understands the pain I feel over my past, a pain we share. Even more than that, somehow, Sean *gets* me, but I’m not going to lie and pretend that giving my heart doesn’t scare me.
SEAN:
The night I rescued the presumably straight Ethan Harris…twice, I figured that would be the last time I saw him. However, he keeps finding his way back into my life and into my bed. Guess he wasn’t as straight as I thought. Ethan’s full of surprises, though, and being bi is just one of them. As cocky as he can be, he’s also sharp and witty...and even when he’s being his most arrogant self, he’s charming as hell. He likes to win, but so do I. However, as we get to know each other, I realize there’s more to us than the games we play in and out of the bedroom. It’s a game neither of us have played before—one we could both wind up losing. And with our hearts on the line, the real question is, when push comes to shove, are we both UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
362 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2017
360 people are currently reading
1318 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
114 books7,039 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
September 25, 2017
I liked this book better than most Hart/McCormack collaborations. The MCs still read like bro dudes, calling each other Ninja and Straighty, sometimes in the third person: Is Straighty ready to have his ass pounded?
But, you know, there was some serious ass pounding, including VIRGIN ass pounding, so I can forgive the ridiculous nicknames.
This is actually a lower angst story, despite the themes of loss and grief, with no relationship fuckery.
The guys seemed MUCH younger than 33, and I might have doubted that men in their 30s could be so immature, except one of my colleagues is 32, and he swings a baseball bat around in meetings, calls everyone "Brah," and legitimately leaves condoms on his desk in plain sight. Thankfully wrapped.
Sean and Ethan (especially Ethan) were absurdly arrogant and cocky, but at least they were willing to communicate (eventually).
Sean's heroics and big coincidence reveal at the end weren't necessary. In fact, I'd argue that had he not interfered, the accident wouldn't have happened. He's the one who mentioned the ice cream!
Extra 🌟 for the hawtness, Sean's awesome parents, and the tentative HEA. The epilogue ends kind of abruptly (and there needs to be a page break between it and the acknowledgements), but it was enough.
But, you know, there was some serious ass pounding, including VIRGIN ass pounding, so I can forgive the ridiculous nicknames.
This is actually a lower angst story, despite the themes of loss and grief, with no relationship fuckery.
The guys seemed MUCH younger than 33, and I might have doubted that men in their 30s could be so immature, except one of my colleagues is 32, and he swings a baseball bat around in meetings, calls everyone "Brah," and legitimately leaves condoms on his desk in plain sight. Thankfully wrapped.
Sean and Ethan (especially Ethan) were absurdly arrogant and cocky, but at least they were willing to communicate (eventually).
Sean's heroics and big coincidence reveal at the end weren't necessary. In fact, I'd argue that had he not interfered, the accident wouldn't have happened. He's the one who mentioned the ice cream!
Extra 🌟 for the hawtness, Sean's awesome parents, and the tentative HEA. The epilogue ends kind of abruptly (and there needs to be a page break between it and the acknowledgements), but it was enough.
November 4, 2017
The story of Ethan Harris or ‘Straighty’ and Sean Wright or ‘Ninja’.
Ethan loves to be challenged – even if there is nothing really he should be challenged about. But when he meets Sean, this is his way to release his fears and his doubts in order to embrace his hidden sexuality and give a chance to Sean. Sean saves him from two bad situations and although Ethan should have been grateful about it, he does not like it.
Obviously Ethan is very much attracted to Sean. The detail that Ethan is a very sexually active man and that he has never had sex with a man before but with a vast number of women, it does not seem to bother him. Ethan actually looks liberated and relieved when they get together. He is more concerned about the fact that it is hard to develop a steady relationship than about the fact that his lover is another man.
I have to admit that Ethan is a much more interesting character than Sean. Ethan keeps initiating things, while Sean just waits to see what Ethan wants from him. Sean is a very confused guy, while Ethan (who should have been more scared and worried for the unknown territory) is the one that actually moves the things forward all the time.
Sean’s parents are stealing the show and the story is funny and cute.
“Look, Straighty. I get it. You’re a little thrown off your game because you were saved by the gay boy.”
My forehead wrinkled. “No, no. This has nothing to do with you being gay. I assure you, I don’t like anyone to save my ass—gay, straight, or bi. In fact, it’s never happened until last night.”
“Actually, I’m bi. And twice. I saved your ass twice.”
“I hate you,” I said again and he chuckled.
Ethan loves to be challenged – even if there is nothing really he should be challenged about. But when he meets Sean, this is his way to release his fears and his doubts in order to embrace his hidden sexuality and give a chance to Sean. Sean saves him from two bad situations and although Ethan should have been grateful about it, he does not like it.
Obviously Ethan is very much attracted to Sean. The detail that Ethan is a very sexually active man and that he has never had sex with a man before but with a vast number of women, it does not seem to bother him. Ethan actually looks liberated and relieved when they get together. He is more concerned about the fact that it is hard to develop a steady relationship than about the fact that his lover is another man.
I have to admit that Ethan is a much more interesting character than Sean. Ethan keeps initiating things, while Sean just waits to see what Ethan wants from him. Sean is a very confused guy, while Ethan (who should have been more scared and worried for the unknown territory) is the one that actually moves the things forward all the time.
Sean’s parents are stealing the show and the story is funny and cute.
September 20, 2019
4 Stars
This story took me a bit by surprise, and I mean that in the most unexpectedly lovely way possible.
The main characters, Ethan Harris and Sean Wright, share this explosive chemistry from the moment they meet. Both men are cocky as all get-out, both are bisexual (which is a sudden realisation for ladies man Ethan), and both are desperate to hold the upper hand — a competitive streak which leads to some immense fun as they banter and battle for control, both in and out of the bedroom.
Sexually speaking, these too are hella compatible — the steam level here is high, of that you can be certain. Being new to the world of gay sex doesn’t even slightly slow Ethan down, because to him, sex is sex, and it should be enjoyed, no matter the gender of the person you’re with. I had to love him for his open-minded mindset and for the enthusiasm he showed in his sexual explorations with Sean.
Obviously, the sexual side of things was more natural for these two, mostly due to the easy and instant camaraderie they also shared together. Cockiness and playfulness aside, Ethan and Sean initially bond over tragic familial losses from their youths, and it’s through these more sombre shared experiences that they realise the depth of their personal connection — a connection that’s been vastly absent from both of their lives until now. On the flip side of this, they also have fun together, which only works to solidify their bond and helps them both to embrace a romantic relationship that neither expected, but which both realise they desperately want once the possibility is on the table.
Initially, I feared the sheer level of arrogance these two displayed would do me in, with both being overly confident and self-satisfied with themselves at every turn of the page. But as the story unfolded, and their truer personalities revealed themselves, I began to love them, finding their cocky attitudes more endearing than annoyingly egocentric.
This story was deliciously sexy but also emotionally poignant, featuring the perfect blend of sex, romance, and personal growth, with practically nothing in the way of relationship angst, for which I was immensely grateful. I relished reading about Ethan and Sean’s individual backstories and about the people and experiences that made them who they were. In particular, I absolutely adored Sean’s kooky, loving parents — they provided the story with a lot of levity and even more heart. Sometimes it’s great to get away from all the negative stuff and to read M/M books with truly supportive family members like the Wrights.
When all was said and done, Ethan and Sean fit together quite perfectly. Theirs was an easy and enjoyable story, and I’m glad to have read it.
******************************************
Audio Edition:
This was another perfectly perfect Michael Pauley narration. At this point, I know exactly what I’m going to get if I see Pauley’s name attached to an M/M audiobook. As it turns out, what he delivers is exactly what I want to hear.
This story took me a bit by surprise, and I mean that in the most unexpectedly lovely way possible.
The main characters, Ethan Harris and Sean Wright, share this explosive chemistry from the moment they meet. Both men are cocky as all get-out, both are bisexual (which is a sudden realisation for ladies man Ethan), and both are desperate to hold the upper hand — a competitive streak which leads to some immense fun as they banter and battle for control, both in and out of the bedroom.
Sexually speaking, these too are hella compatible — the steam level here is high, of that you can be certain. Being new to the world of gay sex doesn’t even slightly slow Ethan down, because to him, sex is sex, and it should be enjoyed, no matter the gender of the person you’re with. I had to love him for his open-minded mindset and for the enthusiasm he showed in his sexual explorations with Sean.
Obviously, the sexual side of things was more natural for these two, mostly due to the easy and instant camaraderie they also shared together. Cockiness and playfulness aside, Ethan and Sean initially bond over tragic familial losses from their youths, and it’s through these more sombre shared experiences that they realise the depth of their personal connection — a connection that’s been vastly absent from both of their lives until now. On the flip side of this, they also have fun together, which only works to solidify their bond and helps them both to embrace a romantic relationship that neither expected, but which both realise they desperately want once the possibility is on the table.
Initially, I feared the sheer level of arrogance these two displayed would do me in, with both being overly confident and self-satisfied with themselves at every turn of the page. But as the story unfolded, and their truer personalities revealed themselves, I began to love them, finding their cocky attitudes more endearing than annoyingly egocentric.
This story was deliciously sexy but also emotionally poignant, featuring the perfect blend of sex, romance, and personal growth, with practically nothing in the way of relationship angst, for which I was immensely grateful. I relished reading about Ethan and Sean’s individual backstories and about the people and experiences that made them who they were. In particular, I absolutely adored Sean’s kooky, loving parents — they provided the story with a lot of levity and even more heart. Sometimes it’s great to get away from all the negative stuff and to read M/M books with truly supportive family members like the Wrights.
When all was said and done, Ethan and Sean fit together quite perfectly. Theirs was an easy and enjoyable story, and I’m glad to have read it.
******************************************
Audio Edition:
This was another perfectly perfect Michael Pauley narration. At this point, I know exactly what I’m going to get if I see Pauley’s name attached to an M/M audiobook. As it turns out, what he delivers is exactly what I want to hear.
December 18, 2021
i honestly hated this book😭 i really loved the cover and that drew me in but i wish i skipped this one! the two guys sounded the. exact. same!!!! no matter what! it was so funny because i would start reading a chapter in sean or ethan’s POV and a few pages in i would just forget who’s pov i was in and i couldn’t get a discernible read on either of their personalities because they just seemed like one entity… i can’t even tell you what either looked like in my mind, that’s how similar they seemed. going along with the theme of everything being the same …their banter!!! so it would go something like this… sean: omg u r so cocky 🤪🤪🤪🤪 ethan: omg u love it tho 😘😘😘 RINSE AND REPEAT!!!!!! when anything of substance was said there ~always~ had to be something to undermine that about ethan being cocky paired with his nickname of “straighty” or just something dumb and i was just annoyed the whole book. why did i finish it? well honestly i kept saying ohhh i have so little left though!!! OVER AND OVER AND OVER!!!! even the conflict felt so cyclical and easy to guess what was going to happen each step of the way. i’m surprised i hated this so much because i loved riley’s atlanta lightning series (up for the challenge is my third book by her). maybe that series was a fluke for me lmao. surprised my eyes didn’t roll out of my head with this one! corny, repetitive and annoying book with forgettable main characters who had the same personality parroting each other the entire time. yeahhh this was a wash for me. 🤪🤪🤪
December 1, 2017
This story was kind of ridiculous.
Summing up this book will be like:
cocky comment after cocky comment
stupid joke after stupid joke sex
the word prostate being repeated like 100 times
sex
cocky comment again
serious talk about feeling
rinse and repeat.
Seriously, I was exhausted after I finished it.
There's nothing memorable about this story and I hate that Sean's accident would have been easily avoidable. I understand that some drama is necessary to make the story flow, but I was seriously expecting something else. Though, I can't deny that seeing them falling in love was sweet but I was expecting this to be deeper. They were always competing against each other. Who will say the cockiest comment, who will tell the funniest joke, who will get more ass... And so on.
And that story that Sean's mom told him that they were almost meant to be... Uhmm, I just couldn't buy it. I may have if the circumstances would have been different but that last 10% was so cheesy that my eyes hurt from rolling them so hard.
AND DON'T GET ME STARTED WITH THE SILLY NICKNAMES. That pulled me out of the story so many time that I just wanted to leave my kindle there and walk away from it.
Ninja and Straighty... Really?
Though, thumbs up for the sex. For the virgin sex and for the wall sex. Riley and Devon are the masters of hot encounters.
Uhg, I hate finishing books where I feel like I could have been perfectly fine by skipping it in the first place.
Summing up this book will be like:
cocky comment after cocky comment
stupid joke after stupid joke sex
the word prostate being repeated like 100 times
sex
cocky comment again
serious talk about feeling
rinse and repeat.
Seriously, I was exhausted after I finished it.
There's nothing memorable about this story and I hate that Sean's accident would have been easily avoidable. I understand that some drama is necessary to make the story flow, but I was seriously expecting something else. Though, I can't deny that seeing them falling in love was sweet but I was expecting this to be deeper. They were always competing against each other. Who will say the cockiest comment, who will tell the funniest joke, who will get more ass... And so on.
And that story that Sean's mom told him that they were almost meant to be... Uhmm, I just couldn't buy it. I may have if the circumstances would have been different but that last 10% was so cheesy that my eyes hurt from rolling them so hard.
AND DON'T GET ME STARTED WITH THE SILLY NICKNAMES. That pulled me out of the story so many time that I just wanted to leave my kindle there and walk away from it.
Ninja and Straighty... Really?
Though, thumbs up for the sex. For the virgin sex and for the wall sex. Riley and Devon are the masters of hot encounters.
Uhg, I hate finishing books where I feel like I could have been perfectly fine by skipping it in the first place.
October 16, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Wanted something more to happen*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Well, this was cute. I liked it - I didn't love it - but I liked it. The book centers around architect Ethan ‘Straighty’ Harris (33) and Sean ‘Ninja’ Wright (33) who both feel this deep connection between them that's too strong to ignore. Lost has made them live life to the fullest, are they ready to let someone into their heart though? Overall, it was a nice read, but I kept waiting for something to happen, something big and with some action, but nothing. Not until the end. So, though it was adorable, it was boring at times.
“You wanna be my hero?” he asked with a playfulness to his voice that I loved. There was my guy.
“Yes, I do. Though I’m pretty sure I already am.”
He chuckled and then sat on the edge of the bed. “Yeah, you are.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Sean ‘Ninja’ Wright.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 3 stars.
November 29, 2017
Fluffy Hot.
Banter, sex, more banter, lots more sex, fluff, some serious stuff, fluff, fluff, HEA.
That’s pretty much the content of the book. Missing: a plot, depth, credulity.
Oh, and it’s 1st person dual POVs. Not a fan of “I, I,I.”
So, straight man gets saved in a gay bar from a guy trying to pick him up. He later gets saved by the same rescuer when he’s being held up at gun point.
So, Straighty (the straight one) and Ninja (the savior) get it on eventually. Ninja reveals the secret of the prostate to Straighty. Straighty is not so straight after his new found love of the magical button. Ninja is happily bi and now Straighty is, too.
Both men have suffered loses in the past. This bonds them. They have sex. They are both very competitive. This bonds them, and they have more sex. One likes to to cook, the other to eat. This bonds them and leads to even more sex.
Who needs a plot when you can just have sex? And bond? Which leads to more sex.
Oddly enough, I was OK with this. I was in the mood for just this kind of baseless fluff. The sex was hot. And of course Straighty LOVES to bottom from the get go. I mean, what straight man doesn’t? I’m sure I would, were I a kinda straight man with a magic button (prostate envy, I admit it freely).
Snark aside, I thought this could have used more depth, not in the sex, but in the story. I liked the depth in the sex aplenty. So did these guys.
So if you’re looking for a light, funny, sexy read this is your book!
Banter, sex, more banter, lots more sex, fluff, some serious stuff, fluff, fluff, HEA.
That’s pretty much the content of the book. Missing: a plot, depth, credulity.
Oh, and it’s 1st person dual POVs. Not a fan of “I, I,I.”
So, straight man gets saved in a gay bar from a guy trying to pick him up. He later gets saved by the same rescuer when he’s being held up at gun point.
So, Straighty (the straight one) and Ninja (the savior) get it on eventually. Ninja reveals the secret of the prostate to Straighty. Straighty is not so straight after his new found love of the magical button. Ninja is happily bi and now Straighty is, too.
Both men have suffered loses in the past. This bonds them. They have sex. They are both very competitive. This bonds them, and they have more sex. One likes to to cook, the other to eat. This bonds them and leads to even more sex.
Who needs a plot when you can just have sex? And bond? Which leads to more sex.
Oddly enough, I was OK with this. I was in the mood for just this kind of baseless fluff. The sex was hot. And of course Straighty LOVES to bottom from the get go. I mean, what straight man doesn’t? I’m sure I would, were I a kinda straight man with a magic button (prostate envy, I admit it freely).
Snark aside, I thought this could have used more depth, not in the sex, but in the story. I liked the depth in the sex aplenty. So did these guys.
So if you’re looking for a light, funny, sexy read this is your book!
August 25, 2019
This will be a short review. It was OK. The cover is fab. I'm a cover slut. There's a scene in the book that matches exactly to this cover. Yummm....
What makes this book go from 3 stars to 3.5 rounded to 4 is the parents of Sean. I love his parents! Barbara and Johnnie. See, I even recall their names. They are awesome!
The one-up-man-ship of the premise of the novel was... meh. Got old after a while.
Practically no angst. Didn't really make me feel any heart pangs but did make me smile in some places.
What makes this book go from 3 stars to 3.5 rounded to 4 is the parents of Sean. I love his parents! Barbara and Johnnie. See, I even recall their names. They are awesome!
The one-up-man-ship of the premise of the novel was... meh. Got old after a while.
Practically no angst. Didn't really make me feel any heart pangs but did make me smile in some places.
May 2, 2019
This book was cute but forgettable. This is a male/male romance that follows Ethan and Sean. Sean is openly gay and Ethan is straight. Ethan goes out to a gay bar with a co-worker one night and meets Sean there. Later that night when he's leaving the bar, he gets jumped and held at gun point by a mugger and Sean comes to the rescue when he spots him. From there they become friends, and then they later discover romantic feelings for each other.
This book is written well. This is my second time reading from Riley Hart, and the romance is always really great and the characters always have great chemistry. I guess my main problem with her books though is that there is nothing more to her stories than the romance. I guess I just wanted something more from this story. The story was cute but as I said it's forgettable, it doesn't bring anything new to romance that I've read a million times before. It could be a lot shorter even though it's already pretty short. It took me nearly a month to read this because I was only reading a few chapters at a time and I just wasn't obsessed with this story. This story was just meh.
This book is written well. This is my second time reading from Riley Hart, and the romance is always really great and the characters always have great chemistry. I guess my main problem with her books though is that there is nothing more to her stories than the romance. I guess I just wanted something more from this story. The story was cute but as I said it's forgettable, it doesn't bring anything new to romance that I've read a million times before. It could be a lot shorter even though it's already pretty short. It took me nearly a month to read this because I was only reading a few chapters at a time and I just wasn't obsessed with this story. This story was just meh.
December 7, 2023
Re-read Nov 2023
Glorious M/M romance to savor !
A magnificent M/M story ! Our focus is two “suit and tie” professionals who are making their mark in their businesses, both are 33, smart and savvy.
Ethan is an architect, cocky, snarky and
seemingly arrogant, but really - it’s confidence.
Sean is a marketing executive, just as sassy and bold, but we learn to like them.
Sean saves straight Ethan from a gay flirtation, and again from a robbery at gun point, where black belt Sean saves the day.
They become fast friends who discover they have so much in common. They gradually learn about the layers of their lives; why they are the people they are. They have the reader laughing, crying and having deep thoughts.
Both men are fearless, and decide to give sex a try. Ethan wants to learn, and he’s gung-ho to learn about gay sex, with sparks, sizzle and no limits, and we get a lot of steamy scenes.
His fascination in finding out about prostate stimulation is priceless.
Ethan and Sean are getting closer, in and out of the bedroom. Our men challenge each other perfectly. We have the sad behavior of Ethan’s grandmother after his parents died, and the grief of Sean from losing his brother years ago. Sean’s Family is delightful.
The dynamic characters keep surprising us, making us care deeply for these passionate guys. I smiled, got tears, and had “light bulb” moments. I loved this book ! The injury is shocking and the epilogue is fabulous !
I recommend this highly ! Many thanks to our authors for this fantastic tale.
Enjoy !
=====
Glorious M/M romance to savor !
A magnificent M/M story ! Our focus is two “suit and tie” professionals who are making their mark in their businesses, both are 33, smart and savvy.
Ethan is an architect, cocky, snarky and
seemingly arrogant, but really - it’s confidence.
Sean is a marketing executive, just as sassy and bold, but we learn to like them.
Sean saves straight Ethan from a gay flirtation, and again from a robbery at gun point, where black belt Sean saves the day.
They become fast friends who discover they have so much in common. They gradually learn about the layers of their lives; why they are the people they are. They have the reader laughing, crying and having deep thoughts.
Both men are fearless, and decide to give sex a try. Ethan wants to learn, and he’s gung-ho to learn about gay sex, with sparks, sizzle and no limits, and we get a lot of steamy scenes.
His fascination in finding out about prostate stimulation is priceless.
Ethan and Sean are getting closer, in and out of the bedroom. Our men challenge each other perfectly. We have the sad behavior of Ethan’s grandmother after his parents died, and the grief of Sean from losing his brother years ago. Sean’s Family is delightful.
The dynamic characters keep surprising us, making us care deeply for these passionate guys. I smiled, got tears, and had “light bulb” moments. I loved this book ! The injury is shocking and the epilogue is fabulous !
I recommend this highly ! Many thanks to our authors for this fantastic tale.
Enjoy !
=====
dnf
September 26, 2017I have to DNF this one.
I really liked the first collaboration of these two authors but I couldn't get into their other books and this is in fact my second DNF.
I know that if I keep reading this book I'm gonna give a bad rating and review, becaude the book was just ridiculous. So I'm just going to walk away and say goodbye.
I really liked the first collaboration of these two authors but I couldn't get into their other books and this is in fact my second DNF.
I know that if I keep reading this book I'm gonna give a bad rating and review, becaude the book was just ridiculous. So I'm just going to walk away and say goodbye.
January 27, 2021
This book was steamy as hell and hilarious. I laughed so much that I cried to some of the banter these two guys had going on.
However, story wise, there wasn't much there. Perfect when you just want something steamy and funny to take your mind of things though.
However, story wise, there wasn't much there. Perfect when you just want something steamy and funny to take your mind of things though.
November 8, 2017
God, how do either one of these idiots have enough energy left to screw after being so damn witty all the time?
I mean, I'm witty. I joke. I kid. A lot. Maybe I do these things as a defense mechanism when shit gets Too Real. I do these things at completely inappropriate times. But no one takes it this far. Reading this book was exhausting. They never turn it off. Joke after challenge after insult after witticism over and over and over again. It was like reading about two stand up comedians trying to fuck but both are completely unwilling to get off the stage and stop telling jokes. It's like they think they have a laugh track.
Have you ever spent time with toddlers and had the thought where do they get the fucking energy???? That was this book. After I finished reading it, I needed a nap. And maybe a vacation.
There were good parts. The sex was good. The 12 seconds where they stopped joking long enough to have a conversation were decent. But I spent a large portion of this book being like, jesus, rein it in, dum dums. Rein. It. In.
I mean, I'm witty. I joke. I kid. A lot. Maybe I do these things as a defense mechanism when shit gets Too Real. I do these things at completely inappropriate times. But no one takes it this far. Reading this book was exhausting. They never turn it off. Joke after challenge after insult after witticism over and over and over again. It was like reading about two stand up comedians trying to fuck but both are completely unwilling to get off the stage and stop telling jokes. It's like they think they have a laugh track.
Have you ever spent time with toddlers and had the thought where do they get the fucking energy???? That was this book. After I finished reading it, I needed a nap. And maybe a vacation.
There were good parts. The sex was good. The 12 seconds where they stopped joking long enough to have a conversation were decent. But I spent a large portion of this book being like, jesus, rein it in, dum dums. Rein. It. In.
November 29, 2018
4.5 stars.
I cannot explain it but I really liked this story. It was another one of those straight to bi/gay stories that I typically enjoy.. but this one had so much heart and humor. Read this 2 months ago and wanted to recommend to anyone who likes emotion and angst, sprinkled with lots of humorous banter between the 2 MCs.
I cannot explain it but I really liked this story. It was another one of those straight to bi/gay stories that I typically enjoy.. but this one had so much heart and humor. Read this 2 months ago and wanted to recommend to anyone who likes emotion and angst, sprinkled with lots of humorous banter between the 2 MCs.
September 30, 2019
So good. I was immediately hooked on this book. And the cover? Yes please. I loved how their relationship evolved from sheer curiosity.
September 24, 2017
Tha banter in the book alone makes it worth reading. I loved the easy flow it had. No crazy over top drama or other people getting in the mix. Just solid characters and fantastic dialogue.
July 11, 2021
This book was fantastic. Both characters were written coherent and their storys were plausible and believable as was the chemistry between them.
September 25, 2017
4.5
I loved this!
No instalove here. The entire book centers around interactions with the two main characters. Sure, there is a lot of sex, but the relationship progression is very clear. The snarky banter and competition between the characters is fun. Ethan and Sean were not prepared for what they would become to each other, and I had a constant smile on my face as I watched it happen. And no ANGST! I loved that both characters are bisexual, and the book was not focused on Ethan's realization that he's attracted to women AND men. (Sean knew he was bisexual as a teen.) No biphobia here.
I highly recommend this one!
I loved this!
No instalove here. The entire book centers around interactions with the two main characters. Sure, there is a lot of sex, but the relationship progression is very clear. The snarky banter and competition between the characters is fun. Ethan and Sean were not prepared for what they would become to each other, and I had a constant smile on my face as I watched it happen. And no ANGST! I loved that both characters are bisexual, and the book was not focused on Ethan's realization that he's attracted to women AND men. (Sean knew he was bisexual as a teen.) No biphobia here.
I highly recommend this one!
September 24, 2017
I always enjoy books where "straightish" characters embrace their bisexuality and don't run from the new feelings. This did not disappoint
October 8, 2017
3.5 Stars
November 10, 2019
5⭐
Seré breve:
Increíbles personajes principales y secundarios, con trasfondo y personalidades bien desarrolladas. Sobre todo eran reales, así como la relación entre todos ellos. Nada forzoso.
Trama simple, pero bien estructurada y super adictiva.
Una pareja principal jodidamente sexy, extremadamente tierna y lo más destacable de todo: MALDITAMENTE ES UNA DE LAS PAREJAS MAS SANAS QUE HE LEÍDO HASTA AHORA.
Los que leen mis reseñas ya saben que puntúo en base a lo que la novela me hace sentir, y esta novela hizo que casi me muriera de la risa (ES JODIDAMENTE GRACIOSA), soltara un "owññ" en todos los momentos tiernos, hizo que asintiese con la cabeza cada vez que los personajes realizaban acciones super correctas que totalmente aprobaba y también me hizo derramar algunas lágrimas (de qué no les digo, si quieren saberlo tendrán que leer el libro).
No quiero extenderme, por lo que solo te diré que si estás dudando si leer o no esta novela m/m, NO LO DUDES, LÉELO.
Además, aparte de todo lo que ya mencioné, contiene muchas escenas ON FIRE. Por si te interesa *guiño, guiño*
Soy escritora, por lo que si tuviera que robar un talento de este libro y de los autores, robaría la capacidad de hacer estos personajes. POR TODO LO QUE ES PROFANO. Son tan jodidamente entrañables y graciosos. Y la manera en que se relacionan es TANNN REAL.
Bien, eso es todo. LO RECOMIENDO TOTALMENTE, por si no quedó claro.
¡Buena lectura para todos!
Seré breve:
Increíbles personajes principales y secundarios, con trasfondo y personalidades bien desarrolladas. Sobre todo eran reales, así como la relación entre todos ellos. Nada forzoso.
Trama simple, pero bien estructurada y super adictiva.
Una pareja principal jodidamente sexy, extremadamente tierna y lo más destacable de todo: MALDITAMENTE ES UNA DE LAS PAREJAS MAS SANAS QUE HE LEÍDO HASTA AHORA.
Los que leen mis reseñas ya saben que puntúo en base a lo que la novela me hace sentir, y esta novela hizo que casi me muriera de la risa (ES JODIDAMENTE GRACIOSA), soltara un "owññ" en todos los momentos tiernos, hizo que asintiese con la cabeza cada vez que los personajes realizaban acciones super correctas que totalmente aprobaba y también me hizo derramar algunas lágrimas (de qué no les digo, si quieren saberlo tendrán que leer el libro).
No quiero extenderme, por lo que solo te diré que si estás dudando si leer o no esta novela m/m, NO LO DUDES, LÉELO.
Además, aparte de todo lo que ya mencioné, contiene muchas escenas ON FIRE. Por si te interesa *guiño, guiño*
Soy escritora, por lo que si tuviera que robar un talento de este libro y de los autores, robaría la capacidad de hacer estos personajes. POR TODO LO QUE ES PROFANO. Son tan jodidamente entrañables y graciosos. Y la manera en que se relacionan es TANNN REAL.
Bien, eso es todo. LO RECOMIENDO TOTALMENTE, por si no quedó claro.
¡Buena lectura para todos!
September 27, 2017
3.5 stars.
I probably liked this story the most with the duo.
Full review to come.
I probably liked this story the most with the duo.
Full review to come.
November 14, 2020
Loved it, loved the relationship dynamic, loved that there was a connection and conversation as well as the obvious attraction and 🔥🔥🔥
September 21, 2017
Up for the Challenge was a great read!! Riley and Devon have done it again. The banter was super fun and really well written..the lovin' was seriously hot...and I loved the development of the relationship between Straighty and Ninja..these are men, not boys, and they acted like it...secondary characters were awesome too!! Job well done!! ❤️
October 4, 2017
I pretty much hated this one. The tone grated
October 10, 2017
loved it. both characters were well done and the development of the relationship was beautifully
great read
great read
March 21, 2018
Great audiobook!
Sex and banter.... :)
I laughed and cried with Ethan and Sean!
Sex and banter.... :)
I laughed and cried with Ethan and Sean!
May 1, 2018
~2.75~
There were times I thought about rounding up to 3 Stars, but the same little things kept holding me back.
It was an enjoyable read, though. Review to come.
There were times I thought about rounding up to 3 Stars, but the same little things kept holding me back.
It was an enjoyable read, though. Review to come.
May 3, 2023
2 stars for the 1st half or so and 4 for the last half.
I almost DNF’d this book about a third of the way in, but I’m so glad I finished it. The writing style seemed to grow and change just as one of the MCs did as well. I don’t know if that was a conscious choice or if it just happened because the character grew. Either way, it worked really well.
One MC was kind of bland, the nicknames and some word choices were odd, but damn it did I cry so hard when the 80% drama hit. It just about wrecked me. That was really well done and a testament to the wonderful character growth and development of the relationship. I’m sad I didn’t get to see a proposal or wedding, but I fully believe it happened.
Solid read if you can make it past the blah bits.
I almost DNF’d this book about a third of the way in, but I’m so glad I finished it. The writing style seemed to grow and change just as one of the MCs did as well. I don’t know if that was a conscious choice or if it just happened because the character grew. Either way, it worked really well.
One MC was kind of bland, the nicknames and some word choices were odd, but damn it did I cry so hard when the 80% drama hit. It just about wrecked me. That was really well done and a testament to the wonderful character growth and development of the relationship. I’m sad I didn’t get to see a proposal or wedding, but I fully believe it happened.
Solid read if you can make it past the blah bits.
September 26, 2017
A wonderful low angst story about letting go of the past, dropping your walls and finding your perfect other half.
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