Challenge

Kinky in the City #2

by Quinn Ward

Can his childhood friend give the grumpy chef a happy ever after?

Finding out his best friend likes pretty lingerie changed everything…
Freddie’s sexuality was awakened the day he caught his best friend dancing around the room in women’s underwear.

The single father isn’t ready to admit he was attracted to men. When Peter comes back to town, he may not have a choice.

Peter’s life has been nothing but color since he left home…
He has no choice but to return after his mother passes away. He can’t leave until he knows his sister will be okay, but there’s no way he can stay in his childhood home knowing his father will never accept him.

Freddie offers him a place to stay, but Peter’s not sure his heart can survive being so close to the man he’s loved since they were boys.

Can Freddie make Peter believe he's not turned off by a bit of satin and lace while finally exploring his bisexuality?

Challenge is the second book in the Kinky in the City series, featuring a grumpy chef, a beautiful makeup artist who defies gender norms, and the little girl who has them both wrapped around her perfectly manicured little finger.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, BDSM, Family, Contemporary, LGBT

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2018

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I connected to this one more than the first one

This one worked better for me than the opening book in this series.

As with the first, there's not a lot going on with the kink, these guys are experimenting and experiencing things for the first time in some cases.

I connected with Freddie and Peter more than i did with Frankie and Cal in the first book and I liked how they were able to talk through their issues.

*Note - the rest of my review cut off for some reason so here it is!

I liked that Freddie's daughter Sophia behaved like a five-year-old girl and not some uber intelligent mini adult. She was super sweet and I loved her relationship with Peter. I also loved how it was Peter himself who came to the conclusion that his life's priorities had changed and that proving to be a success in spite of his family was no longer important.

These two were really lovely together, no angst, moderate steam and a very strong ending which definitely gives the HEA I was expecting.

[Maisha Farzana · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 56%

I was bored to death. Bffs to lovers and single parent romance- I really love these 2 tropes. It's may seem kinda unusual 'cause very few people actually like these tropes. But I personally enjoy them.

So, when I saw that this book features both of these tropes. I was so excited that I started reading it immediately. And was I disappointed!! It was boring. There was no chemistry between the main characters. There was build up. They literally went from 0 to 100 within a matter of hours. Flat and uninteresting characterization. Mushy set up and writing that had me yawning. As if those weren't enough, the sex scenes are awkward and cringey. The dialogues were also too cheesy for my liking. Underwhelming....

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a sweet read about two former best friends coming together after 8 years apart. I enjoyed this second book in the series but I didn't love it like so many other reviewers have. It felt very Insta relationship to me and the kink was very tame. It could also do with some heavy editing as there were so many mistakes.

I'll finish the series because if nothing else I know I'm going to get a low angst, sweet read.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy received from author for an honest review

Sigh.. I liked Freddie in Exploration, but I freaking adore him in Challenge.

There sure are challenges in this story. Challenges for a single dad. Family challenges. Challenges to make a relationship work.

And Quinn Ward has her characters tackle these challenges head on an and at full throttle. I loved the way they created a relationship, got over their issues from the past, and even with all their baggage they moved forward like adults, with no ridiculous "misunderstandings and miscommunications".

I am completely enamoured with this family, and as I get my greedy little mitts on each book, I devour them.

I can't wait for the next brother's book.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Childhood-Besties MM Story With My Beloved Characters, Secrets Out, Facing Challenges, Chances, Exploring Sexuality, Falling in Love, Choices & HEA.
I adored Freddie & Peter, DEVOURED this story in 5hrs.
I started This immediately after Exploration & Wow, the Series keeps getting better😍.

I Binge Read this entire series in 3 days (1-3 Jan), Sometimes reading to the wee hours of night to find out what happens next❤. Read on to find my Review of the Series as a Whole & Individual Book Review.

FULL SERIES REVIEW
I Fucking Loved it. I got so much more than just Erotic Gay Sex!
The Character & Relationships Development were Awesome, All now own a Special place in my heart. The Marino Italian Family is so sweet & Fun, They have a Family Restaurant where Each 5 of the brothers work. Every book Focuses on Different Brother(s, for the last one😉). Their Dad is no more. I love their Mama!
What makes it different & what I especially liked was that each Couple in their Story talked it out before Misunderstandings could become big troubles. That had been missing in so many books I've read!
This doesn't mean there weren't problems for'em, but Honesty & Trust made Finding the solutions easier.
The BDSM was on the milder Side, But The Gay Sex & Kinks are Damn HOT!
Though I don't Reread much, I'll definitely Reread this series sometime!

INDIVIDUAL BOOK REVIEW
🔥Freddie, 2nd Eldest Marino Brother & Head Chef who runs the kitchen, seemed Growly & Strict in previous book; Seeing as Things With his wife weren't going well. Now he's Divorced, good Single dad to his lovely 6 year old Daughter Sofia, His *Bitchy* Ex-wife left. Fred Maybe Bisexual but he had kept that Men-liking part of him under lock for years..
🔥Peter is Fred's Childhood Bestie. He's Gay, loves Lingerie & has a Makeup artist Career in New York. He fled his old-fashioned Suffocating Home years ago, not taking the responsibility which will kill his Dreams.

Marino & P's family has always been friends. Now Peter's back at His mom's Funeral. F+P's meet again isn't Sweet as anyone thought!
Though Peter & Sofia go along greatly. When Peter Becomes Fred's Roomie *Yay!*, they finally get to Talk & All Secrets are out! The Truth of Fred's Reaction to Finding Peter in lace years ago, Fred's bisexuality, Their Mutual Attraction..

The Two Explore Fred's bisexuality *HOT* (Not much BDSM), Soon Peter becomes a part of Fred & Sofia's Daily life!
But Peter's Life is in NY, he will have to go back sometime, huh?
BUT with each passing day, the reasons for P leaving Town Lessened. For Freddie, Sofia & Maria (P's Youngest sis who also Babysits Sofia) he wants to stay.
F+P thought they'll keep it causual, But Soon They can't deny the Love b/w them!

They weren't exactly keeping it a secret anymore, it was so fun when Fred's Family found about their Relationship *Chuckle*. So Sweet & Accepting!
AND F+P's trip to New York puts so much into Perspective! Peter's heart isn't with NY anymore, it's With Freddie.
(The Clubbing was Fun, Meeting Fred's Ex at Peter's work? Not.)
Fred & Peter Together, Can Face Everything.

I loved that this book had an epilogue unlike the previous one! It Showed Freddie, Peter & Sofia moving into their new home. I like that Peter's Dad & other Sisters are now more accepting of him❤.
Loved seeing the whole family And Freddie's Proposal to Peter..*Swoon* and the Sex Afterwards..🔥🔥
P.s. Up Next is Matteo & Levi!

[Maygirl7 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I moved on to reading this story quickly after finishing the first because I mostly enjoyed it and there were parts that I really connected to. I was hoping that author had improved on aspects of their writing that were lacking in the first book. Unfortunately I can say that’s the case. I quickly got turned off/bored by this story. So I put it down and moved on to the third in the series. It’s taken me over a month to come back and get through this one. After three books I’ve figured out what disappoints me about their writing. There is no character development in the stories. The character of the characters is sketched out along with a few plot points and then the author barrels through the story without stopping to build any growth in the characters or their relationship to each other. One minute the MCs are attracted to each other the next they are playing daddy and step-daddy. The best part of the writing was the smex; I kept wishing that there would be less story and more smex. That’s generally not my attitude. Also, there was way too much time spent on the nosy and interfering family. That was a waste of words that could have been used to help develop the MCs and their relationship.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freddie and Peter are childhood friends who's families are also close. They have been estranged for 8 years after Freddie packed up his car and drove away from his family and everyone else. He has returned to town for his mothers funeral.
"The lost boy comes home."
The family dynamics are complicated. Freddie is unwelcome by most of his own family for leaving, not sticking around to continue the family business.
"The hardest part of coming out was admitting to myself that I'd never be who they want me to be."

"Moving away and chasing my dreams turned out to be the best thing I ever did. It showed me there are people out there who will love every ounce of me in all my sparkly glory."

This made my heart hurt for Peter...
"When I'm forced to conform to what others expect of me on the outside, I wear something that makes me feel sexy underneath as a reminder of everything I've fought for in my life."

"There was nothing Peter could do to make his father see he was a good man, other than denying who he was at the core."

Freddie and Peter first re connect as friends. They slowly rebuild their bond, helping each other physically and emotionally.
"I loved how easily Peter talked about future plans, but when he did, it was easier for me to forget there really wasn't a future for us."

Both men are unsure of what kind of future they have together. Will Peter stay? Or go back to his life in New York? Can they overcome the differences in their lives to find their HEA together??

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This was a wonderful way to continue this series and give us a chance to see more of the Marino family. Freddie and Peter were best friends growing up but a misunderstanding as teens pushed them apart. When Peter comes home they get the chance to clear the air.

Freddie’s life is focused on work and his daughter after all the drama his ex-wife caused. Seeing Peter after all these years brings back his old feelings but this time he is ready to face them head on. Peter came home to support his youngest sister after his mother’s death but finds support and acceptance with Freddie.

I liked both of these characters, and the story was told through both of their eyes. Peter found acceptance when he went to New York and it was wonderful to see him find it in his hometown when he didn’t expect it. Freddie isn’t afraid to bring Peter back into his life but he fears that Peter would leave them. I loved Sophia’s openness and how much happiness she brought to Freddie and Peter’s life. I am loving this series and can’t wait to see Matteo find his happiness.

The cover art by Cover Me, Darling is great and I like how it’s the same pattern of the series but gives a distinct visual of Freddie.

[Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenge is the second book in the Kinky in the City series by the fabulous Quinn Ward. I really liked Exploration, but I LOVED Challenge. I felt for Freddie and his situation and I thought he was great. I was so wrong. He's everything! He's sexy, hardworking, a great father, supportive and just all around great! He's tough, but he has to be. He has a restaurant to run and a daughter to raise. When he comes face to face with Peter, his childhood best friend and the boy he had feelings for years ago, Freddie is ready to admit his true desires. He's bisexual and he wanted Peter when they were younger and he wants him even more now that Peter is a beautiful man. Peter is back home, but only temporarily, or so he thought. After reconnecting with Freddie and finding out his feelings aren't just one sided, he decides to stay and see if there's something real with his best friend. Peter is done pretending to be someone he isn't. He wears makeup, tight clothes and sexy lingerie. It's who he is. Freddie is so turned on by grown up Peter. He can't keep his eyes or his hands off him. But what happens when Peter goes back to his life in NY? Will Freddie admit he's not willing to let Peter go again without a fight? Will Peter decide it's time to stay home this time? I loved this story! It was sweet, funny, sexy and full of family. I love the Marino brothers and I can't wait to keep getting to know this family. Overall, I laughed, cried, got hot and bothered, swooned and loved every second of it.

"Babe, if you keep looking at me that way we're n ever going to get out of the apartment."

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving story of love and a second chance to be authentic with the one person you have craved. This one has all the feels for me! Love, honesty, steamy connections and the willingness to create a forever family.

I loved the gentle exploration of their friendship and realizing that there had always been love. Freddie and Peter treasure the gift of a second chance to be together and with time they find a way to create a future. Both MC's are lovable and have complications in their lives. The writing flowed and pulled me into the story from the first page.

This is the second book in the series, however it can be read as a stand-alone. This will be a re-read for me because i enjoyed it so much! i somehow missed book one and i am on my way to buy and read.

[Sakuko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got pretty bored with this book. I starts out rather interesting, but Freddie and Peter get together super fast and then nothing evolves from there. There were plenty conflict points that were way unter utilized. The book makes several time jumps of a few weeks, but every time the relationship did not change at all, so by the end of the book it still feels they have been together maybe a few weeks.
All the drama that does happen is external and just kinda pushed aside, while the internal conflict of trust and different life expectations and experiences is just barely explored. Also Sophie is a total prop and does not act like a remotely believable kid at all.

[Amber Fueston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other than a few minor editing issues (missing "and" "the" etc.) and a few repeated words, this was a sweet and fun story. I loved that Sophia was present in much of the story and that the connection with Peter was so strong. I do wish that there was more of a resolution with Sophia's mother, but in the real world you don't always get those resolutions. There were plenty of funny and lighthearted moments to break up some of the more serious ones. It was just on the verge of being mushy without tipping over.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenge is the perfect title for this book. There are many challenges each of the characters face in this book from personal, professional, within family, and themselves. The journey the author takes us on is fast paced, heartfelt, at times heart breaking, but full of hope and love. The author easily pulls the reader into the story so it feels as though you are a part of the story. The characters are complex, interesting, fun, and believable. It’s a great story worth reading.

[Jenny Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, hello hot cover…. And hello single hot dad. Is there anything better? I think not.

In this one, we have Freddie, which surprised me…. Pleasantly. After his soon to be ex-wife took off and left him and his adorable five-year-old daughter, Sophia, I wasn’t sure he would trust anyone easily, especially a guy! Even more than that, a guy that had up and ran away years ago when a misunderstanding and a unaccepting family was all he had in the small town he’d grown up in.

Peter is back home after the death of his mother. My heart broke for him, because his father was awful, his sister treated him terrible and nobody seemed to accept him for the makeup wearing, sexy panty loving amazing man that he is. Nobody but his baby sister, though I’m sure she didn’t know the panty part lol the misunderstanding that had jaded a big part of his teenage years had him and Freddie not seeing eye to eye at first…. Both men had had feelings for each other, but in a small conservative town with Catholic parents….. it wouldn’t be easy for them to navigate those feelings in a healthy way…. Now, Freddie had Sophia and the restaurant and Peter had a sister he was trying to be there and no career options and essentially no place to stay…

Fortunately for Peter, Freddie wanted a chance to explain and Peter became fast friends with little Sophia. I loved their relationship…not only was Freddie an excellent dad, but Peter gave her the stability and care that she’d never had from a secondary parent. Her mom was terrible too and I wished a little bit that we’d seen her get her karmic smackdown that she deserved. Everyone was better off without her selfishness and I’m glad that she didn’t cause trouble with the small family that worked so hard to find a new normal that was comfortable for everyone.

I loved Freddie and Peter together and I loved watching them figure out how it was going to work. Peter fell so effortlessly into their lives and they needed him more than they all realized. And Peter needed them just as much, because he’d finally found someone to love him for all the ways he was amazing. I was so happy with the ending, and so happy with the way it all came together.

I cannot wait for Matteo’s story, I have a feeling it’s going to another heartbreaker.
And though I loved Cal and Frankie, I think it’ll be hard to top these two….

5 stars from me!

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I read Exploration I thought “Quinn Ward can’t top this”, but I was wrong. Freddie and Peter’s story is even more emotional, sexy, and high energy. Plus, there is Sophia to keep up with so you know these guys rest when they can. Seeing as they both realized what they wanted and watching them both grow was truly beautiful. I sure do love those Marino boys and Peter is a great addition. Now I just need to know what’s going on with Mateo and Levi. I just can’t get enough of these boys and this series. I have to say it again, there isn’t enough thanks nor praise for Quinn Ward taking on this. Yes I’m gushing but seriously, read it and you will see why.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't love this one quite as much as much as Frankie and Cal's story, but it was still excellent. So good to see a relationship restored! On to Matteo and Levi now!

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Kat

The next offering in the Kinky in the City series!

Freddie is the brother of Frankie. He is head chef and runs the kitchen at Marino’s, a family owned Italian restaurant in the DC area. When he was younger he accidentally witnessed his best friend, in a secret moment, dancing in his bedroom in ladies lingerie. He was taken back and didn’t know how to process this since he had been having secret thoughts about him. When Peter has to return for his mother’s funeral Freddie knows that he has to clear the air about why their friendship was ruined. Can these two men accept each other and work through their desires after so much time and pain has passed?

I am really enjoying this new author and was really looking forward to this book. I hadn’t realized that the series would be about all the Marino brothers. I had felt like we were left a bit on the edge of the cliff with the abrupt ending to the last book with Frankie and Calvin’s relationship and had thought that the next book would pick up where we left off. Boy was I surprised that, not only was it not about them, but about his brother Freddie, who had appeared to be a heterosexual single father. Discovering that Freddie was bisexual and had been hiding it for years really caught me off guard. I really fell for both Freddie and Peter. I know that Frankie helped paved the way to make it easier for Freddie to explore his desires. And that both men had yearned for each other for all that time was sweet but sad that they had missed out. However, without Freddie with his ex-wife Angela (who is a nasty piece of work) they would have never had his sweet little daughter Sophia. I am thankful that the author portrayed her exactly like a five year old is. She gives you a run for your money that truly reminds me of my granddaughters. And Sophia completes these two men and makes them a family focused on what needs to be focused on.

I had also assumed that the “kink” in this series was the mild D/s like we had with Calvin and Frankie. Wrong again! It turns out that there is a different type of “kink” with each brother. This focused on wearing ladies lingerie and make up. I have had another recent series touch on this. I really enjoyed this book but this particular kink really isn’t my “cup of tea”. I enjoyed how the men’s relationship evolved and how they resolved their situation in a mature and thought out manner. I have read that the next book is their youngest brother Matteo and that it a look into something called demisexual age play. I have no idea what that means but I am about to find out.

This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freddie has never allowed himself to explore his bisexual side. Instead, he got married and had a daughter.

When he meets up again with his ex best friend, Freddie is in the middle of a divorce and raising his daughter alone. Peter meanwhile, is displaying his femme side. He loves makeup, dyed hair, and heels. He knows that his dad disapproves, but he's hoping to find some approval while he's home for his mom's funeral.

Together, Peter and Freddie decide to help Freddie explore his repressed gay feelings and it is super hot! Freddie is super excited by Peter's lingerie and it makes for some great scenes. I love that throughout the book, Freddie makes a point of letting Peter know that although he is turned on by the lingerie, he is also turned on by Peter, no matter how he is dressed.

Peter and his father do not get along. At all. Peter is a complete disappointment to his dad and left town. One of the reasons that wearing lingerie makes him feel good, is that it's like a F*&* you to his dad, even if his dad doesn't know about it. He also likes wearing lingerie as a way of showing himself that he can be his true self.

A fantastic theme in this book is sometimes people need a reason to stay. Peter couldn't stay because his father was ruthless with him. But things change, dreams change, and maybe Peter will find a reason to stay now.

Did I mention that the sex scenes are super hot?

There are some wonderful secondary characters. Freddie's daughter, Sophia, is adorable. She's enamoured by Peter, who helps her put on makeup and takes her out to dinner. And Freddie's mom is just perfect!

There are few great meaningful themes in the story. First, the difference between sexual demands fueled by desire versus coming from a need to control. Being able to distinguish between these is key to a successful relationship. Another is finding that one person you can fully trust and reveal your true self to. When your partner realizes how precious that is, that is a gift to cherish.

I find their trip back to the city, to Peter's world to be eye-opening. Their worlds are vastly different. Peter has been living in the city, in a small apartment, with roommates, and working as a makeup artist. Freddie lives in their small hometown, in a townhouse, with his kid, and works in a family restaurant. Can their lives possibly mesh? Can they actually build a life together? Freddie knows he can't fit into city life. He is overwhelmed and feels completely out of place. But Freddie certainly doesn't want Peter to have to choose between the two.

I really like Challenge, Kinky in the City #2. It is a really great story that is well written, well developed and has a great plot. I am excited to have found this series and will be going back to read Book 1 right away! Quinn Ward did an excellent job with this story and I highly recommend it.

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fredie es el chef principal del restaurant de su familia Mario's, pero ese es el menor de sus problemas, ahora es padre soltero, con una niña de apenas 5 años llena de energia, y un horario de trabajo muy fuerte, ademas enfrenta el encuentra con su ex-mejor amigo y el hombre que lo hizo darse cuenta a temprana edad que se sentia atraidos por ambos sexos, pero huyo del pueblo para hacer la vida que siempre quiso. Con su regreso debe volver a enfrentar esos sentimientos y esperar que no lo abandone de nuevo.
Peter se fue a New York para poder conseguir su sueño y no quedar atrapado en el pueblo con un negocio que no le gustaba y por una familia que no lo queria por lo que era sino solo porque era "el hombre de la casa", regresa para el funeral de su madre y debe enfrentar de nuevo el rencor de su padre y hermanas, ademas del rechazo del que fue su mejor amigo y el hombre del que siempre ha estado enamorado. Su regreso lo hara repensar lo que ha sido su vida y que es lo que quiere en su futuro.

El libro es muy plano, soso y aburrido, la trama de amistad perdida y ahora reencontrada, el del amor de toda la vida, no esta bien llevada lo que hace que el libro no atrape en casi ningun momento. Lo unico que me gusto del libro fue la inocencia de la hija de Freddie, Sophia, le da un toque de humor y calidez al libro que sino no hubiera terminado.
Se que se supone que es un libro de "kinky" pero que usar ropa interior femenina no causara ni siquiera una leve "extrañeza" o "pregunta" es algo que no me gusto, ademas de que el personaje de Peter que se supone era capaz de enfrentarse a todos por seguir su pasion, lo abandonara todo por "amor", sin nisiquiera hacer el intento de un negocio en el pueblo, no me parecio realista.
En fin, no fui capaz de conectar con los personajes ni con el resto de la familia, por lo que voy a abandonar esta serie aqui.

[Lauralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still like the writing, but this felt rather unpolished to me.
There were a lot of editing issues like missing words throughout the text and some of the main plot elements felt unfinished to me.
I loved both MCs and their dynamic and I absolutely adored little Sophie and every scene she was in. But the points of conflict that should have made the path to their happy end interesting couldn't really hold my attention.

Possibly mild spoilers ahead when I elaborate.
One major problem apparently is Peter's family, especially his father with his oldfashioned believes and narrow minded attitute. But it was all told in summary and hindsight and never really shown on page until the very end. I didn't feel it. Also there is Peter's little sister Maria who obviously seems to struggle under her father's thumb as well, but I never even got what their point of conflict even was. Like what character trait or life choice or future plan did she have that he didn't approve of? I didn't get it. There was at least one more sister who holds a grudge, but I don't think she ever even appeared on page.

The other major complication is that Peter has a career in New York he fought tooth and nail for and Freddie neither can ask him to give that up, nor can he move to New York himself. And that just...fizzled out in the end?
There is is "one year later"-epilogue in the end - that I absolutely hated everything about - and even then there is no word on how they actually handled the job question. Instead there are new names and characters thrown around as if you should know about them when they were never mentioned before and there is a really clumsy attempt to teaser the next book about Matteo: he suddenly seems to have found a Daddy when there was never before a hint he was even gay, much less a little.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freddie's Time for Love.

This is a really sweet best friends to ex-friends to friends to lovers book and is about the second Marino brother Freddie Anne his long lost friend Peter.

BTW although this is a stand-alone if you want a bit of back story about Freddie, read "Exploration" which tells the story of how eldest brother Frankie Marino finds love with Calvin. It's a great book and worth reading first.

Peter Agnelli was Peter Marino's best friend as they grew up together. However, this all fell apart when Freddie walked in on Peter wearing women's underwear and not knowing how to deal with this fled, effectively ending their friendship.

Years later Peter returns to the small town he fled when his mother died and he and Freddie begin to make amends.

This is more than a simple love story. It deals with grief after a mother died in one household but also grief after another abandons her family. Peter also has to deal with most of his own family wanting nothing to do with him, for one part because of his sexuality and on another for abandoning his family's plans for him so he could chase his own dreams.

Will Peter and Freddie overcome the obstacles and find true love?
Will Peter's family come to accept who he is and what he did?
Will young Sophia overcome her abandonment issues?

All these questions and more are tackled in "Challenge" and beautifully scripted book that shows how a strong family. - be it blood, or one made through love, friendship and acceptance - can overcome most issues thrown their way.

I really enjoyed this book, fully recommend it and am now looking forward to reading "Discovery" the third Marino brother's book about the baby of the family Matteo 😊

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story about Peter and Freddie. It is fun, sexy, and sweet. Best friends to lovers, second chances, and some kink, I couldn’t ask for more.
The protagonists are Freddie, chef in his family restaurant, and Peter, makeup artist and escapee to New York City. Peter comes back to his family to attend his mother’s funeral. Not the best of circumstances, but the former best friends reconnect immediately. And when I say reconnect, I mean reconnect. In every way possible. Holy, smoking hotness. It is as no time has passed. For the most part, they are the same, but in other ways, they have changed so much. That is the challenge they face. Remembering the old and embracing the new. This author did a great job doing just that. I felt the easy familiarity they have between them coupled with the new, sexual tension. Therefore, it might have been quick that they hooked up, but because of their history, it felt absolutely right.
I loved how they accept everything about the other. There is no pressure being different than they are. Freddie’s five-year-old daughter, Sophia or Tinkerbell as she wants to be called, is a precious little girl who acts her age. Her presence speeds up the relationship because Peter and she are nuts about each other.
This is the second book in the Kink in the City series and can be read as a stand-alone. As there are recurring characters, I recommend reading the books in order, though.

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freddie and Peter were friends when they were kids, until one day something happened that caused Freddie to back away and then Peter fled from town. Years later, after his mother passes away, Peter comes back home and finds himself in front of the guy who drove him away. Of course, lack of communication back in the day is what made them separate, and now they have a chance to talk again and clear the air.

When Peter comes home, his father and (most) sisters still treat him horribly because he is gay. Freddie offers to let Peter stay with him while he is in town. This allows them to talk through the past and find that they both love each other, just like when they were younger. The kink in this book is that Peter prefers to dress a bit more feminine and wears lingerie. Those scenes were really hot.

Freddie was married to a horrible woman, but got a fabulous daughter out of it. Sophia was totally adorable, and I really liked her as a character. We got to see Freddie's brothers again (including Frankie from the last book), and they continue to be awesome. Peter's sister, Maria, was also a sweet character. I loved seeing her reconnect with Peter.

Just like the last book, this one was well written. I would read more from this author.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received from the author

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supersweet (and hot) second chance story! Very enjoyable read.
The connection between both MC's was truly amazing!

There's a bit of mystery at first surrounding Peter and Freddie's falling out all those years ago, and both men bear the scars of the loss of their friendship.
When Peter returns home for his mother's funeral, Freddie is quick to grasp his chance to clear the air between them. I especially loved the scene where Freddie finally came out as bi to Peter. So moving!

For a long time, there's a bit of a feeling of doom hanging over their budding relationship, because both MC's are afraid to truly believe in a happy outcome. Due to pesky little details like jobs and living arrangements... I was so relieved when things started looking up!

I loved all the scenes with Sophia, Freddie's little girl. She's just adorable and I loved seeing Peter fall in love with her as well as her daddy. The three of them make the cutest family.

As with the first book in this series, there's a great sense of family at the core of the story.
The matriarch of the Marino family is fantastic and the interactions between the brothers is a lot of fun to read.

Looking forward to the next book in this amazing series!

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenge is the second installment in the Kinky in the City series. The series follows the Marino brothers. Challenge is Freddie's story.

Freddie and Peter were friends when they were children but after one awkward circumstance they drifted apart. When Peter's mother dies, Freddie and Peter come face to face for the first time in years.
Peter isn't the same person he was when they were younger. He was forced to move away from his family to live the life he wanted and not the one his father envisioned for him.

Freddie is working hard to keep his life together after his wife up and left for New York leaving him and his daughter. Freddie has secrets in his closet that he never thought would come out until Peter comes home and he's faced with his every fantasy.

Can Peter and Freddie get over what happened in their past to give their future a chance? Or is it too late for them to make it work?

I loved Freddie and Peter. They were sexy and sweet. Freddie above all else was about being a father. Their story is super sweet and heart warming. I can't wait to see where Matteo's book goes!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenge had the potential to be high angst and as a mature reader it's appreciated when that's not the route an author takes. You expect characters to have conflict but unnecessary angst just pulls advanced characters down. It's relatable if they have self doubts but the angst that makes it into so many stories dulls the story a bit for me. That's why I say this book feels real and the stories this author tells are honest. Yeah we have 30 somethings who are high drama but for the most part we are self aware enough to communicate instead of ignore. And yeah we still struggle with understanding ourselves but we are adept in saying that we are struggling instead of expecting people to be mind readers. So if that is what you are looking for in a book and what you enjoy reading you need this book. With splashes of kinky fun and whole lot of heart. I loved this addition to the series and look forward to all the stories remaining for this series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an arc for book one in this series and when the opportunity came along to read the second I jumped at the chance.

We are back in the restaurant this time with Head Chef Freddie . He is a single dad who is looking after his adorable little girl Sophia. She is obsessed with Peter Pan.

When Peter comes back into town for his mother’s funeral things are tense with his family so Freddie offers him a room for the duration of the stay.

There is an instant spark and years after a silly misunderstanding can these two find their happy ever after. Freddie is worried that Peter will have to go back to his real life and Peter is afraid to come back home since his family blame him for ruining the family business . With family support and a loveable little girl maybe they can get their own fairytale ending.

I received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Shaztwirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goof

Never mind Challenge, can we just talk about the next book already? Teo's book sounds amazing just from reading a tiny excerpt (which I don't usually do...I like going into a book with no preconceptions). Wow!

But, I guess we have to mention Challenge, too. I'm going to start backwards. I loved the relationship between Freddie and Peter. The development of their relationship and the ending of the story was great. What I didn't get any feeling from was their early years. Apart from the one "incident" we see and hear very little of them when they were younger and so I didn't "feel" the bond they had. There was nothing to convince me that either had been pining for the other for years.

That said, the book was enjoyable, I just want the next book like, yesterday.

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story! A spectacular friends to lovers story with so much feeling and emotion that it pulled me right in and would not let go! Peter and Freddie were best friends and because of a misunderstanding and miscommunication, they haven't seen or spoken to one another since Peter left for the big city. Now Peter's back and he and Freddie can't deny their feelings anymore for one another. But can they overcome all of the obstacles to make a relationship work? I really love how Freddie's daughter, Sophia, is a big part of the story and not ignored, and also how Freddie and Peter work together to battle all of the obstacles in their way!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freddie and Peter were best friends as children, but confusion and a misunderstanding ended their relationship. Their lives are more complicated when they see each other again, after the death of Peter's mother and the end of Freddie's marriage. I really like these guys, and I enjoy spending time with Freddie's family, especially his mother. She has become a great source of support (and yes, sometimes frustration) to her sons and the men in their lives. Freddie's daughter Sophia is adorable, and the growth of her relationship with Peter is lovely. The way Peter eases Freddie's grouchiness makes me smile. And Freddie finds Peter to be sexy, daring, brave, and loving. There is a lot of heat in this book, and there is also a lot of heart. I'm really liking the series!