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The Hedonist #2
The Pet Stylist and the Playboy
Swish has been in love with Dante since the day the tough biker found him homeless and miserable in a gas station restroom, but Dante's never shown the younger man anything more than brotherly affection. Deciding it's time to move out of the MC's clubhouse and away from Dante, Swish takes a live-in job working in a privately-owned animal shelter where he can continue his pet stylist business. What he doesn't realize is he's not going to be as far away from the object of his affection as he thinks.
Dante's time of being a playboy biker is fast coming to a close. At summer's end he turns 30, and that means fulfilling his promise to his parents and returning to high society in the Hamptons. That dim prospect should be all Dante can think about, only Swish is moving out, and suddenly Dante can't do anything but obsess over the kid he's always thought of as a younger brother. Telling himself he's only making sure Swish is doing okay on his own, Dante takes a summer job landscaping at the animal shelter where Swish has taken a job. There he learns a few things about the young man he's never bothered to find out before, including that Swish's real name is Isaac, and he enjoys wearing a certain something under his jeans--something that Dante's surprised to find he would really like to remove--preferably with his teeth.
When Dante gives in to his need for Isaac, the playboy biker quickly finds that disentangling himself from the man he once thought of as a kid brother proves harder than expected, and that perhaps after years of one-night-stands and partying, his priorities need to change. Only not in the way his wealthy and controlling parents want them to.
Dante's time of being a playboy biker is fast coming to a close. At summer's end he turns 30, and that means fulfilling his promise to his parents and returning to high society in the Hamptons. That dim prospect should be all Dante can think about, only Swish is moving out, and suddenly Dante can't do anything but obsess over the kid he's always thought of as a younger brother. Telling himself he's only making sure Swish is doing okay on his own, Dante takes a summer job landscaping at the animal shelter where Swish has taken a job. There he learns a few things about the young man he's never bothered to find out before, including that Swish's real name is Isaac, and he enjoys wearing a certain something under his jeans--something that Dante's surprised to find he would really like to remove--preferably with his teeth.
When Dante gives in to his need for Isaac, the playboy biker quickly finds that disentangling himself from the man he once thought of as a kid brother proves harder than expected, and that perhaps after years of one-night-stands and partying, his priorities need to change. Only not in the way his wealthy and controlling parents want them to.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2018
134 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca James
45 books289 followersI write M/M romance with passion. Contemporary, omegaverse, paranormal, sci-fantasy, and a sweeter Boys' Love series. My Boys' Love series is only available on my website:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 20, 2018
** 3.5 stars **
After reading first 20% of the book I thought I'd DNF it. I didn't much like either Isaac or Dante. Isaac seemed to whine too much and make assumptions way to quickly, and Dante seemed arrogant and self-centered. But as the book progressed I warmed up to Isaac aka Swish. He showed his kind and caring nature. Dante was pretty much the same all through the book, he used Isaac and even in the end I didn't really like him.
The book itself didn't have much going on but the day-to-day activities of both men. I liked secondary characters very much - Gus, Caleb, Foghorn and Cupcake, Axel and Blaze made it possible for me to finish this story. I just couldn't get into it. The reasons Dante had to do what he did didn't justify his actions and results. I wish Isaac turned to Hugh instead. He would have been a better choice for him. I would love to read Blaze's and Axel's stories. So I will continue with the series but this book is not the favorite.
After reading first 20% of the book I thought I'd DNF it. I didn't much like either Isaac or Dante. Isaac seemed to whine too much and make assumptions way to quickly, and Dante seemed arrogant and self-centered. But as the book progressed I warmed up to Isaac aka Swish. He showed his kind and caring nature. Dante was pretty much the same all through the book, he used Isaac and even in the end I didn't really like him.
The book itself didn't have much going on but the day-to-day activities of both men. I liked secondary characters very much - Gus, Caleb, Foghorn and Cupcake, Axel and Blaze made it possible for me to finish this story. I just couldn't get into it. The reasons Dante had to do what he did didn't justify his actions and results. I wish Isaac turned to Hugh instead. He would have been a better choice for him. I would love to read Blaze's and Axel's stories. So I will continue with the series but this book is not the favorite.
January 11, 2019
I find myself mostly frustrated with this story. I enjoyed Book 1 and really looking forward to the rest of the series. Granted, I will definitely be reading the next one because I like the author's writing style and I love the secondary characters that she built up. My 3 stars for this is mainly because I don't like Dante, the hero of this story.
We know Dante, the manwhore from the previous book and Swish aka Isaac had a crush on him. After 2 years hanging about the clubhouse, Isaac decided to leave and he found a home with an elderly named Gus, who owned an animal shelter. I understand that Isaac leaving trigger something in Dante, he miss his friend, he feel protective towards Isaac and there might be some underlying feelings around there. I know deep down Dante is a good guy.
However, Dante also need to leave the clubhouse and take over his family business. Not only that, his family even find him a match and waiting for him to start breeding. Urg! This is what I can't stand, Dante acting like a sheep blindly going along with the plan. The story tried to make me sympathize with his situation, but to me stringing along not only Isaac, but another innocent woman is pure selfishness. He keep going back to Isaac, even though he know it will end badly. I feel bad for Isaac and the so-called girlfriend, but I don't feel bad for Dante at all. When he finally pulled his head out of his ass after something happened, is too late to win me over.
On the positive note, this is a book I devoured because I'm so angry, I have to finish it asap to see how everything will be resolved. I love all the secondary characters, including both the OM and OW in the story, that's a first for me. I'm definitely looking forward to Blaze/Lake and Ax/Caleb's story.
We know Dante, the manwhore from the previous book and Swish aka Isaac had a crush on him. After 2 years hanging about the clubhouse, Isaac decided to leave and he found a home with an elderly named Gus, who owned an animal shelter. I understand that Isaac leaving trigger something in Dante, he miss his friend, he feel protective towards Isaac and there might be some underlying feelings around there. I know deep down Dante is a good guy.
However, Dante also need to leave the clubhouse and take over his family business. Not only that, his family even find him a match and waiting for him to start breeding. Urg! This is what I can't stand, Dante acting like a sheep blindly going along with the plan. The story tried to make me sympathize with his situation, but to me stringing along not only Isaac, but another innocent woman is pure selfishness. He keep going back to Isaac, even though he know it will end badly. I feel bad for Isaac and the so-called girlfriend, but I don't feel bad for Dante at all. When he finally pulled his head out of his ass after something happened, is too late to win me over.
On the positive note, this is a book I devoured because I'm so angry, I have to finish it asap to see how everything will be resolved. I love all the secondary characters, including both the OM and OW in the story, that's a first for me. I'm definitely looking forward to Blaze/Lake and Ax/Caleb's story.
February 17, 2019
***** Our two men need each other, but will it work?
Our dog groomer/shelter worker, Swish/Isaac, 23,
with long dark hair and dark eyes, guyliner, too, had a horrible childhood in foster care, and then on the streets. Dante, long blonde hair and blue eyes, found him in a restroom and took him home to the Motorcycle Clubhouse. He saved Swish's life, and Swish, forever grateful, will be moving out after two years of friendship and help from the club members.
Dante, 30, is bisexual and bed hops constantly,
plus he's a Hedonist Biker member and wealthy, but has had nothing to do with his family. That will change now, when he's 30, he'll be going into his role in the family business.
Swish moves out into an apartment on the Shelter property and works for Gus, where he can hone his grooming skills.
Dante takes a job as landscaper for the big property. Both men discover the need they have for each other, but Dante's obsession with pleasing his folks sucks. Swish has loved Dante for years, but it is unrequited. Proximity has the guys getting to know each other better, and pasts are revealed in talks and working together. Swish/Isaac takes care of elderly Gus also, by cooking, etc.
The sizzling sexy times are explosive, gritty, raw, dirty, and passion filled, and that opens Dante's eyes to a deeper emotion he has never felt. We find out that Swish wears women's undies, which turns Dante on even more.
We are introduced to new characters that we want to know more about. I loved the club members and older Gus, plus Caleb, who I want to know a lot more about. The story is well written, hold our attention, and different thing happen that surprise us all.
It's a full-bodied tale of acceptance, rejection, passions, big hearted guys, tender moments which had me in tears, and much more. I'm looking forward to the next book. There are tough events, hurt, and suicide is mentioned.
Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
======
Our dog groomer/shelter worker, Swish/Isaac, 23,
with long dark hair and dark eyes, guyliner, too, had a horrible childhood in foster care, and then on the streets. Dante, long blonde hair and blue eyes, found him in a restroom and took him home to the Motorcycle Clubhouse. He saved Swish's life, and Swish, forever grateful, will be moving out after two years of friendship and help from the club members.
Dante, 30, is bisexual and bed hops constantly,
plus he's a Hedonist Biker member and wealthy, but has had nothing to do with his family. That will change now, when he's 30, he'll be going into his role in the family business.
Swish moves out into an apartment on the Shelter property and works for Gus, where he can hone his grooming skills.
Dante takes a job as landscaper for the big property. Both men discover the need they have for each other, but Dante's obsession with pleasing his folks sucks. Swish has loved Dante for years, but it is unrequited. Proximity has the guys getting to know each other better, and pasts are revealed in talks and working together. Swish/Isaac takes care of elderly Gus also, by cooking, etc.
The sizzling sexy times are explosive, gritty, raw, dirty, and passion filled, and that opens Dante's eyes to a deeper emotion he has never felt. We find out that Swish wears women's undies, which turns Dante on even more.
We are introduced to new characters that we want to know more about. I loved the club members and older Gus, plus Caleb, who I want to know a lot more about. The story is well written, hold our attention, and different thing happen that surprise us all.
It's a full-bodied tale of acceptance, rejection, passions, big hearted guys, tender moments which had me in tears, and much more. I'm looking forward to the next book. There are tough events, hurt, and suicide is mentioned.
Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
======
June 14, 2019
3.5 stars
For the first 35% I liked this better than the first book, but then the push and pull started to happen and my excitement slowly fizzled out.
Dante brought 19 year old Swish home to the clubhouse 2 years ago. Swish was living on the streets at that point, and Dante took him home to look after him.
The two have shared a room for the last 2 years and Swish can’t take it anymore. He has been in love with Dante for forever, but Dante sees him as a kid brother, and has a different person in his bed every night.
When Swish moves out to help old man Gus with his animal shelter, Dante is not happy. He tells himself he just wants to protect Swish like a brother would. But that doesn’t sound right, even to himself.
Dante finds out Swish is actually named Isaac, and Isaac is a real person with real feelings and a real past. Dante was so self involved he never found out anything about Isaac before.
Isaac isn’t quite sure what Dante is doing. He seems to be unable to let Isaac go, but he also doesn’t want to cross the line of friendship.
Dante promised his wealthy parents years ago that he would clean up his act when he turned 30 and start working in the business, marry a nice woman, and have kids.
So that’s what Dante does. He works for his father, he starts dating a woman and is looking at a ‘bright’ future. But he also wants Isaac, and so Dante goes after him. The two start a passionate ‘relationship’, but Dante also knows he has to let Isaac go, because this isn’t fair to him…
As I said in my review of the first book, LOTS of push and pull in this series. The books are still quite entertaining, but also tiring.
I wasn’t too happy with Dante in this. I was happy he didn’t have sex with anyone other than Isaac, but he still took way too long to see he couldn’t live the life his parents wanted him to.
I was never really sure why Dante did what his parents wanted actually. There was only his parents and their money, no legal obligation or anything. So I thought Dante was a bit of a wet blanket when it came to his parents for most of this book. And he pulled Isaac in only to push him away a while later.
I do love the characters and I can’t wait to read more about them. But I could really do without the hot and cold parts.
Oh, and I do have to say that I found it quite refresing that Dante's fiancee wasn't a bitch and that I actually liked her.
For the first 35% I liked this better than the first book, but then the push and pull started to happen and my excitement slowly fizzled out.
Dante brought 19 year old Swish home to the clubhouse 2 years ago. Swish was living on the streets at that point, and Dante took him home to look after him.
The two have shared a room for the last 2 years and Swish can’t take it anymore. He has been in love with Dante for forever, but Dante sees him as a kid brother, and has a different person in his bed every night.
When Swish moves out to help old man Gus with his animal shelter, Dante is not happy. He tells himself he just wants to protect Swish like a brother would. But that doesn’t sound right, even to himself.
Dante finds out Swish is actually named Isaac, and Isaac is a real person with real feelings and a real past. Dante was so self involved he never found out anything about Isaac before.
Isaac isn’t quite sure what Dante is doing. He seems to be unable to let Isaac go, but he also doesn’t want to cross the line of friendship.
Dante promised his wealthy parents years ago that he would clean up his act when he turned 30 and start working in the business, marry a nice woman, and have kids.
So that’s what Dante does. He works for his father, he starts dating a woman and is looking at a ‘bright’ future. But he also wants Isaac, and so Dante goes after him. The two start a passionate ‘relationship’, but Dante also knows he has to let Isaac go, because this isn’t fair to him…
As I said in my review of the first book, LOTS of push and pull in this series. The books are still quite entertaining, but also tiring.
I wasn’t too happy with Dante in this. I was happy he didn’t have sex with anyone other than Isaac, but he still took way too long to see he couldn’t live the life his parents wanted him to.
I was never really sure why Dante did what his parents wanted actually. There was only his parents and their money, no legal obligation or anything. So I thought Dante was a bit of a wet blanket when it came to his parents for most of this book. And he pulled Isaac in only to push him away a while later.
I do love the characters and I can’t wait to read more about them. But I could really do without the hot and cold parts.
Oh, and I do have to say that I found it quite refresing that Dante's fiancee wasn't a bitch and that I actually liked her.
July 10, 2018
~ 5 Stars ~
I really loved reading this book, it was fantastic. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book completely to the end without really setting it down, and this was a book I did not want to put down until I finished it. I was surprised by how fast I got through it and was disappointed when I got to the end because I really wanted more.
I read the first book in this series (The Ballerino and the Biker) and I enjoyed it, so when I saw this book and that it was Swish’s story, I was excited to get my hands on it. I wanted to know his story from the minute we saw glimpses of him in the first book. The plot and storyline for these two men was interesting and held my attention throughout the entire book, it all flowed well together. You just can’t help but feel all the emotions for everything these guys are put through and have to deal with in life, especially Swish. This book was a little angsty, only because of some of the character interactions with each other and others, and made me feel a bit emotional at times. But it was a good read and I was pleased with how this one turned out. I know the author throws a few warnings in at the beginning of the book, but I personally don’t think they are needed. Nothing extreme is mentioned or even happens in this book, and there is no actual cheating happening between the two main characters. Although there are talks of them being with other people; I mean we all know what a man-whore Dante is from book one, so hearing about that is to be expected.
Swish/Isaac is one of those characters you can relate to, with his feelings and his personality. He’s sweet, thoughtful and caring, loves animals and is just an extremely likable character. He’s been in love with Dante from basically the minute they met several years before, but Dante never really sees him. Dante is determined to put Isaac into the “brotherly” column and leave him there.
I just felt so much for Isaac, he is one of my new favorite characters. Almost every interaction we have between Dante and Swish from the start of this book makes you laugh, hurt and want to cry right along with Swish. God, I just felt so bad for him with everything that happens, he just can’t seem to catch a break in life before something else happens.
Dante is a jerk, selfish, and self-absorbed, and just so ignorant to both of their feelings because he only sees his side to everything and how it will affect him. I don’t understand how he doesn’t realize what Swish feels for him, and when he does, he just kind of blows it off, and that just makes me want to punch him. I hated the way Dante’s parents treated him and made him feel like he wasn’t enough, to make him feel like he needs to bow to them and please them in life, because they are rich entitled jerks. I think that their treatment of Dante plays a big part in how he acts and treats Swish in this book. Even though that still doesn’t excuse his actions. But I was really glad when Dante FINALLY pulls his head out of his butt and figures out that what he really needs is Swish. It only took him hurting Swish numerous times to get to that point, but at least he gets there in time for Swish to still forgive him. I’m not sure I would have been as nice about it if I was in the same position.
This book hits all the major points for me. I will definitely be recommending it to others. And I can’t wait to see whose story will be up next in this series, I'm ready for the next book.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I really loved reading this book, it was fantastic. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book completely to the end without really setting it down, and this was a book I did not want to put down until I finished it. I was surprised by how fast I got through it and was disappointed when I got to the end because I really wanted more.
I read the first book in this series (The Ballerino and the Biker) and I enjoyed it, so when I saw this book and that it was Swish’s story, I was excited to get my hands on it. I wanted to know his story from the minute we saw glimpses of him in the first book. The plot and storyline for these two men was interesting and held my attention throughout the entire book, it all flowed well together. You just can’t help but feel all the emotions for everything these guys are put through and have to deal with in life, especially Swish. This book was a little angsty, only because of some of the character interactions with each other and others, and made me feel a bit emotional at times. But it was a good read and I was pleased with how this one turned out. I know the author throws a few warnings in at the beginning of the book, but I personally don’t think they are needed. Nothing extreme is mentioned or even happens in this book, and there is no actual cheating happening between the two main characters. Although there are talks of them being with other people; I mean we all know what a man-whore Dante is from book one, so hearing about that is to be expected.
Swish/Isaac is one of those characters you can relate to, with his feelings and his personality. He’s sweet, thoughtful and caring, loves animals and is just an extremely likable character. He’s been in love with Dante from basically the minute they met several years before, but Dante never really sees him. Dante is determined to put Isaac into the “brotherly” column and leave him there.
I just felt so much for Isaac, he is one of my new favorite characters. Almost every interaction we have between Dante and Swish from the start of this book makes you laugh, hurt and want to cry right along with Swish. God, I just felt so bad for him with everything that happens, he just can’t seem to catch a break in life before something else happens.
Dante is a jerk, selfish, and self-absorbed, and just so ignorant to both of their feelings because he only sees his side to everything and how it will affect him. I don’t understand how he doesn’t realize what Swish feels for him, and when he does, he just kind of blows it off, and that just makes me want to punch him. I hated the way Dante’s parents treated him and made him feel like he wasn’t enough, to make him feel like he needs to bow to them and please them in life, because they are rich entitled jerks. I think that their treatment of Dante plays a big part in how he acts and treats Swish in this book. Even though that still doesn’t excuse his actions. But I was really glad when Dante FINALLY pulls his head out of his butt and figures out that what he really needs is Swish. It only took him hurting Swish numerous times to get to that point, but at least he gets there in time for Swish to still forgive him. I’m not sure I would have been as nice about it if I was in the same position.
This book hits all the major points for me. I will definitely be recommending it to others. And I can’t wait to see whose story will be up next in this series, I'm ready for the next book.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 13, 2019
Swish and Dante
Dante’s bedroom has a revolving door, it almost seems. And Swish can’t handle it anymore, he has feelings for Dante but Dante thinks of him as a brother.
So Swish tells the guys he will leave... that got Dante’s attention.
Dante’s heart does strange things, he can’t handle it that Swish moves out.
When Dante takes a job at the animal shelter, where Swish lives with old Gus, Swish is thrilled.
Even if It only will be temporary. When Dante turns thirty he has to return to his parents house and be a good son. He will work at his fathers company....
Dante and Swish finally have their passionate night. It will be a one night thing...
But Dante can’t let Swish go... Swish doesn’t know Dante’s promises to his parents... they have far-reaching consequences which will break Swish his heart.
Great story, it’s widely put down which is good because there are more books to come.
I loved the hurt, the sexiness and the longing. The environments were marvelous put down.
Swish and Dante were sizzling together. I loved Swish very much, Dante needed some slapping in the face... The whole story around the Hedonist club is well build and good thought out.
All the brothers of the Hedonist club, I love them... and I can’t wait for Blake his story!!
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team
Dante’s bedroom has a revolving door, it almost seems. And Swish can’t handle it anymore, he has feelings for Dante but Dante thinks of him as a brother.
So Swish tells the guys he will leave... that got Dante’s attention.
Dante’s heart does strange things, he can’t handle it that Swish moves out.
When Dante takes a job at the animal shelter, where Swish lives with old Gus, Swish is thrilled.
Even if It only will be temporary. When Dante turns thirty he has to return to his parents house and be a good son. He will work at his fathers company....
Dante and Swish finally have their passionate night. It will be a one night thing...
But Dante can’t let Swish go... Swish doesn’t know Dante’s promises to his parents... they have far-reaching consequences which will break Swish his heart.
Great story, it’s widely put down which is good because there are more books to come.
I loved the hurt, the sexiness and the longing. The environments were marvelous put down.
Swish and Dante were sizzling together. I loved Swish very much, Dante needed some slapping in the face... The whole story around the Hedonist club is well build and good thought out.
All the brothers of the Hedonist club, I love them... and I can’t wait for Blake his story!!
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team
December 24, 2019
I would give this a 3.25 to 3.5 stars. It wasn't bad but the push/pull between the two MCs was irritating. One thing I do really like about the book is that the woman one of them was engaged to didn't turn out to be a bitch and that was refreshing.
July 8, 2018
This was a bit of friends-to-lovers with a touch of opposites attract, and a side of motorcycle club thrown in for good measure (don’t worry—it’s not the seedy type of MC stuff) . Though it’s the second in a series, it can be read as a standalone without impacting your enjoyment of the story.
Swish—a.k.a. Isaac—was a wonderful character. Difficult childhood, rocky start to adulthood…until Dante comes across him at Swish’s lowest point. Swish is a sweet guy who despite his troubled past has a relatively positive outlook now thanks to Dante’s intervention and the support of the motorcycle club. There is the problematic, unrequited crush he has on Dante (though it’s really more than that), but Swish knows the score and puts up a good front until he can try to get past it.
Dante. Okay, so for a very large portion of this story I was deeply disappointed in him. I really wanted to like him since I knew how Swish felt about him; but Dante made that almost impossible. I have very little patience for characters who allow their parents to dictate their lives, and Dante showed absolutely no backbone, continually caving to his parents wishes.
As for the supporting characters, I really enjoyed all of the club guys, and both Blaze and Ax have my interest piqued for their own stories. And while I was prepared to despise Felicity because of who she was to Dante and her entire attitude toward their relationship, in the end she surprised me (in a good way).
Though at times the story did drag a little, overall it was pretty entertaining even if I wanted to constantly strangle Dante. This story gets 3.5 stars from me, and I’d recommend it to M/M romance fans 18+ for adult language and explicit sexual content (oh yes…that’s something Swish and Dante get very, very right).
Swish—a.k.a. Isaac—was a wonderful character. Difficult childhood, rocky start to adulthood…until Dante comes across him at Swish’s lowest point. Swish is a sweet guy who despite his troubled past has a relatively positive outlook now thanks to Dante’s intervention and the support of the motorcycle club. There is the problematic, unrequited crush he has on Dante (though it’s really more than that), but Swish knows the score and puts up a good front until he can try to get past it.
Dante. Okay, so for a very large portion of this story I was deeply disappointed in him. I really wanted to like him since I knew how Swish felt about him; but Dante made that almost impossible. I have very little patience for characters who allow their parents to dictate their lives, and Dante showed absolutely no backbone, continually caving to his parents wishes.
As for the supporting characters, I really enjoyed all of the club guys, and both Blaze and Ax have my interest piqued for their own stories. And while I was prepared to despise Felicity because of who she was to Dante and her entire attitude toward their relationship, in the end she surprised me (in a good way).
Though at times the story did drag a little, overall it was pretty entertaining even if I wanted to constantly strangle Dante. This story gets 3.5 stars from me, and I’d recommend it to M/M romance fans 18+ for adult language and explicit sexual content (oh yes…that’s something Swish and Dante get very, very right).
January 2, 2019
I think the second book in this series was better at showing the process that Swish (hate that nickname) and Dante go through once they separate their living arrangements but I had trouble with the sheer amount of self absorption that Dante has for the first two years and then how much he struggles to overcome this personality flaw once he realizes that he either has to step up and engage his feelings with Swish or move on. Sadly, a big portion of this book is Dante living a separate life and attempting to move on from Swish (while leading Swish on) and it reduces the amount of time that these guys really have to legitimately get to know each other on anything other than the most shallow of levels like they had been doing for the prior 2 years but they do dig deep at times so it's heartening when they really connect.
Additionally, I really didn't get why the author took the book where she did with the Shelter owner. It just seemed unnecessarily cruel to Swish. I think there were so many other ways to bring Dante to a clear answer.
Additionally, I really didn't get why the author took the book where she did with the Shelter owner. It just seemed unnecessarily cruel to Swish. I think there were so many other ways to bring Dante to a clear answer.
September 4, 2018
I almost passed this book up because of the awful name and I am happy that I didn't. The bike club was not played up strongly which pleased me as the characters were the focus. Dante was a bit of a blockhead. Dense as the day is long. Gus and Blaze were my favorite characters though their parts in the story were relatively small. Felicity surprised me by being a decent person. I read this story as a stand alone and do not believe that I missed anything by skipping book one as this story belonged to Isaac and Dante.
November 27, 2020
I spent the entire book waiting for Dante to pull his head out of his ass and it seriously took him until the very last scene before the epilogue. 😶 I would've expected a chapter or two of grovelling at the very least.
We are then told in the epilogue that Dante has turned out to be a decent boyfriend... like... at least show us that part, Ms. Author? Because I sure as hell don't buy it. I have not seen Dante to be anything other than a self-centered jerk with the occasional hero-complex.
I really don't know what Swish sees in him.At least make him grovel properly! cmon brooo
We are then told in the epilogue that Dante has turned out to be a decent boyfriend... like... at least show us that part, Ms. Author? Because I sure as hell don't buy it. I have not seen Dante to be anything other than a self-centered jerk with the occasional hero-complex.
I really don't know what Swish sees in him.
January 18, 2019
I’m a little torn over this book, not because it wasn’t written well but because I did not like Dante much and I started rooting for the veterinarian. Swish/Isaac seemed very sweet and surprisingly naive considering his past and his self-worth was low. I liked that one of his dreams came true but I’d prefer to have seen more of Gus, as that particular scenario seemed unnecessary. Still, my feelings were fully engaged, as I absolutely had to find out when Dante would finally pull his head from his rectum. I wanted a happy Isaac and the wait was excruciating. They did have some spicy encounters in the interim. The book held my interest and attention, even if the author didn’t make the darn characters behave the way I wanted them to. Dante needed a swift kick and Isaac at least treated him as he deserved at one point. More groveling next time, please! I’m liking the series overall, with Ax and Caleb seemingly the next subjects and Blaze seems quite intriguing. Good read!
September 4, 2025
3 good reads = 5 stars
(2019, 2020 & 2024 - review written)
A MM Contemporary Romance
(The motorcycle club has little to do with the story.)
★ Book 2 is my favorite out of the first four, where I stopped.
The story that has some depth, kept me engaged from beginning to end. There are interesting subplots, likable side characters, and cute animals. Along with a caring and supportive 'found' family.
The romance between the MCs develops gradually and feels natural. The relationship drama, where one of the MCs gets his heart broken, kept me hooked. But it ends well with a satisfying ending. Everything ties up neatly with no loose ends left, like in the first book.
I originally thought the sex scenes were hot. However, by 2024, my tastes had changed. I skimmed the five erotic sex scenes, which are on the porny side.
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼｡ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 & 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:
(Some Spoilers!)
Dante (turns 30) is a MC member who falls for
Isaac/Swish (23), a homeless guy he found in a gas station bathroom. He brought him to the clubhouse.
(Isaac likes to wear makeup & silk panties.)
Isaac and Dante have shared a room at the clubhouse for two years. Isaac has a crush on Dante and wants more than friendship, while Dante prefers one-night stands. He knows turning 30 means fulfilling his promise to work in the family business and settle down—ending his carefree MC days.
Isaac grew up in foster homes and, after aging out, found a sugar daddy (how he got the nickname Swish). He soon tired of being seen as a "pretty whore." Things got so dark for him, he planned to , until Dante saved him.
Isaac wants to become a professional pet stylist.
Gus (80s), who owns an animal shelter in a small town, is a big help. Isaac met Gus at a dog park, where Gus let him practice grooming on shelter animals. Now, Isaac has paying clients.
Gus invites Isaac to live at the shelter in an old house, where he can care for the animals and be a pet groomer. Isaac moves out, ready to be on his own and away from Dante.
Dante realizes how much he'll miss Swish. After two years, he knows little about him. He gets a job working for Gus as a handyman. Then he starts to learn about Swish, like his real name is Isaac.
🤗 Gus is so sweet and kind. He becomes a true friend and father to Isaac, even legally adopting him. It was heartbreaking when .
Relationship Drama. After turning 30, Dante starts working for his rich, coldhearted parents. He passively accepts a life he hates. He even starts dating Felicity, an acceptable blue blood. They kiss, but Dante has no interest in sex. They soon get engaged.
Meanwhile, Dante isn't ready to let go of Isaac. He begins having sex with him, knowing it’s meaningless. Despite warnings from other MC members, Dante needs Isaac. Isaac is hurt when Dante cruelly pushes him away and ends things.
The Breaking Point: At Dante and Felicity’s engagement party, they break up—not because Dante called it off, but because Felicity knew he was miserable. 😠 (He's no alpha!) After a phone call from Blaze, Dante goes to Isaac’s house, with Felicity driving because he was drinking. (This is when .
★ Felicity was a good person, a nice change of pace from the evil OW.
That night, Dante is there for Isaac and shows him how much he cares. Isaac, after having his heart broken, is slow to trust.
❤ Dante Realizes He's In Love:
Dante is persistent. He and Isaac get their HEA.
Dante plans to
Isaac is going to get his pet stylist certification.
☛ What color is Dante's hair? His hair is described as light brown, then dark blond, and later streaked with blond from being in the sun.
☛ How was Dante so broke after he quit working for his father? The money he earned had to have gone into his banking account.
188 F's
(2019, 2020 & 2024 - review written)
A MM Contemporary Romance
(The motorcycle club has little to do with the story.)
★ Book 2 is my favorite out of the first four, where I stopped.
The story that has some depth, kept me engaged from beginning to end. There are interesting subplots, likable side characters, and cute animals. Along with a caring and supportive 'found' family.
The romance between the MCs develops gradually and feels natural. The relationship drama, where one of the MCs gets his heart broken, kept me hooked. But it ends well with a satisfying ending. Everything ties up neatly with no loose ends left, like in the first book.
I originally thought the sex scenes were hot. However, by 2024, my tastes had changed. I skimmed the five erotic sex scenes, which are on the porny side.
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼｡ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 & 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:
(Some Spoilers!)
Dante (turns 30) is a MC member who falls for
Isaac/Swish (23), a homeless guy he found in a gas station bathroom. He brought him to the clubhouse.
(Isaac likes to wear makeup & silk panties.)
Isaac and Dante have shared a room at the clubhouse for two years. Isaac has a crush on Dante and wants more than friendship, while Dante prefers one-night stands. He knows turning 30 means fulfilling his promise to work in the family business and settle down—ending his carefree MC days.
Isaac grew up in foster homes and, after aging out, found a sugar daddy (how he got the nickname Swish). He soon tired of being seen as a "pretty whore." Things got so dark for him, he planned to , until Dante saved him.
Isaac wants to become a professional pet stylist.
Gus (80s), who owns an animal shelter in a small town, is a big help. Isaac met Gus at a dog park, where Gus let him practice grooming on shelter animals. Now, Isaac has paying clients.
Gus invites Isaac to live at the shelter in an old house, where he can care for the animals and be a pet groomer. Isaac moves out, ready to be on his own and away from Dante.
Dante realizes how much he'll miss Swish. After two years, he knows little about him. He gets a job working for Gus as a handyman. Then he starts to learn about Swish, like his real name is Isaac.
🤗 Gus is so sweet and kind. He becomes a true friend and father to Isaac, even legally adopting him. It was heartbreaking when .
Relationship Drama. After turning 30, Dante starts working for his rich, coldhearted parents. He passively accepts a life he hates. He even starts dating Felicity, an acceptable blue blood. They kiss, but Dante has no interest in sex. They soon get engaged.
Meanwhile, Dante isn't ready to let go of Isaac. He begins having sex with him, knowing it’s meaningless. Despite warnings from other MC members, Dante needs Isaac. Isaac is hurt when Dante cruelly pushes him away and ends things.
The Breaking Point: At Dante and Felicity’s engagement party, they break up—not because Dante called it off, but because Felicity knew he was miserable. 😠 (He's no alpha!) After a phone call from Blaze, Dante goes to Isaac’s house, with Felicity driving because he was drinking. (This is when .
★ Felicity was a good person, a nice change of pace from the evil OW.
That night, Dante is there for Isaac and shows him how much he cares. Isaac, after having his heart broken, is slow to trust.
❤ Dante Realizes He's In Love:
The worst of all of it was I’d hurt Isaac. I’d had him and let him go, and if I was lucky enough to get him back, I swore I’d make him happy, because if there was anything I’d learned in the past few months, it was what love was. I was in love with Isaac and had been for sometime, only I had been too dumb to recognize it. It was why I wanted more of him; why I didn’t want anyone else; why I was lying awake thinking about him so late at night instead of sleeping.
Dante is persistent. He and Isaac get their HEA.
Dante plans to
Isaac is going to get his pet stylist certification.
☛ What color is Dante's hair? His hair is described as light brown, then dark blond, and later streaked with blond from being in the sun.
☛ How was Dante so broke after he quit working for his father? The money he earned had to have gone into his banking account.
188 F's
July 14, 2018
Told in alternating first person point of view this is the story of Swish, a man who has a traumatic past who has been staying with the Hedonist bike club for the past two years. He shares a room with Dante, the biker who found him in a restroom and saved him. The fact that Swish is in love with Dante is incidental because Dante is a huge player and sleeps with everyone, male or female, usually where Swish knows what is happening. Swish is starting to feel like a freeloader and needs to change. He is developing a pet grooming following and he also works with Gus, an elderly man who runs an animal sanctuary. It isn’t just a shelter because these men love and care for the animals they take in. “His generosity was one of the reasons I wanted to take him up on his offer for me to move into the shelter. He was pretty old and didn’t have any help.” Swish is a gentle, giving person.
Dante is another story. I have to say, he was pretty disappointing all the way through. He found Swish and saved him, yes, but he is really dismissive of Swish’s feelings for a lot of it. I just couldn’t understand the whole family thing either. Dante’s family is very wealthy and he is expected to work for his father’s companies when he turns thirty. This is something he absolutely does not want to do. His parents, especially his mother, don’t even seem to like him and he is a constant disappointment to them yet he is willing to hurt himself and people he cares about to try to win some kind of approval from them.
Swish moving out causes some angst for Dante and he gets a job working for Gus, fixing up the sanctuary, and starts to realize how little he actually knows about Swish and how little effort he’s ever put into getting to know him.
“How come you never told me you real name’s Isaac?”
“Did you think it was Swish? You never asked.”
“I hadn’t and I didn’t know why.”
This is not, however, enough to make Dante actually do right by Swish and it was so frustrating. I wanted Swish to find someone else – Hugh would have been awesome! He doesn’t bother to say goodbye to Swish the day Swish moves out and then is surprised when Swish is hurt by that. “Dante had left without saying goodbye? Tears pricked my eyes and I wrapped my arms around my middle, reminding myself I was used to being thrown away. But somehow it hurt way more coming from Dante.”
Dante starts to find out things about Isaac that he never bothered to before. Like why Isaac was in that restroom. What he wears under his clothes. “Hell, lately it feels like I never knew you at all.” Well, he didn’t really. “Swish frowned. “You’ve never tried to get to know me.”
“I didn’t want to admit to myself I’d been so dismissive of him, or that he might have been reluctant to ask me about myself.” That is how things were, though. It got worse for me when Dante starts to date Felicity, a high society woman that his parents chose for him and yet continues to see Swish and sleep with him. I wanted to cheer when Gus confronts Dante on it because Swish needed someone who’d care enough to want the best for him. Gus, just loved him. Swish has Ax as well, another member of the Hedonists who is a good friend and tries to shake some sense into Dante. Who doesn’t listen of course. Honestly, this book was a four star read for Gus, Axel, Caleb and Isaac, and a one star for Dante so I averaged it. He just didn’t redeem himself for me at all. There was a feel of too little, too late, and I couldn’t help wondering if Dante hadn’t had the revelation about his parents what would have happened.
The supporting characters were great, even Felicity who I was prepared to hate. I am seriously hoping that the next story will be Axel and Caleb. Blaze needs one as well so we know what is up with him. While this isn’t a book I would read again, I would definitely continue the series to see what happens.
Cover art by Reese Dante shows Swish and Dante. While the image of Swish, long brown hair, cross earring and pretty face, is very close to how I thought he would be from the book, Dante is not, other than the long blonde hair. There is a leather jacket but he looks a little young and too soft to be Dante for me.
Dante is another story. I have to say, he was pretty disappointing all the way through. He found Swish and saved him, yes, but he is really dismissive of Swish’s feelings for a lot of it. I just couldn’t understand the whole family thing either. Dante’s family is very wealthy and he is expected to work for his father’s companies when he turns thirty. This is something he absolutely does not want to do. His parents, especially his mother, don’t even seem to like him and he is a constant disappointment to them yet he is willing to hurt himself and people he cares about to try to win some kind of approval from them.
Swish moving out causes some angst for Dante and he gets a job working for Gus, fixing up the sanctuary, and starts to realize how little he actually knows about Swish and how little effort he’s ever put into getting to know him.
“How come you never told me you real name’s Isaac?”
“Did you think it was Swish? You never asked.”
“I hadn’t and I didn’t know why.”
This is not, however, enough to make Dante actually do right by Swish and it was so frustrating. I wanted Swish to find someone else – Hugh would have been awesome! He doesn’t bother to say goodbye to Swish the day Swish moves out and then is surprised when Swish is hurt by that. “Dante had left without saying goodbye? Tears pricked my eyes and I wrapped my arms around my middle, reminding myself I was used to being thrown away. But somehow it hurt way more coming from Dante.”
Dante starts to find out things about Isaac that he never bothered to before. Like why Isaac was in that restroom. What he wears under his clothes. “Hell, lately it feels like I never knew you at all.” Well, he didn’t really. “Swish frowned. “You’ve never tried to get to know me.”
“I didn’t want to admit to myself I’d been so dismissive of him, or that he might have been reluctant to ask me about myself.” That is how things were, though. It got worse for me when Dante starts to date Felicity, a high society woman that his parents chose for him and yet continues to see Swish and sleep with him. I wanted to cheer when Gus confronts Dante on it because Swish needed someone who’d care enough to want the best for him. Gus, just loved him. Swish has Ax as well, another member of the Hedonists who is a good friend and tries to shake some sense into Dante. Who doesn’t listen of course. Honestly, this book was a four star read for Gus, Axel, Caleb and Isaac, and a one star for Dante so I averaged it. He just didn’t redeem himself for me at all. There was a feel of too little, too late, and I couldn’t help wondering if Dante hadn’t had the revelation about his parents what would have happened.
The supporting characters were great, even Felicity who I was prepared to hate. I am seriously hoping that the next story will be Axel and Caleb. Blaze needs one as well so we know what is up with him. While this isn’t a book I would read again, I would definitely continue the series to see what happens.
Cover art by Reese Dante shows Swish and Dante. While the image of Swish, long brown hair, cross earring and pretty face, is very close to how I thought he would be from the book, Dante is not, other than the long blonde hair. There is a leather jacket but he looks a little young and too soft to be Dante for me.
December 10, 2023
Sometimes unrequited love should remain just that.
Rebecca James is a competent author. She has a knack for creating unlikely romantic partnerships. In Book 1 it was a wealthy, young, orphaned, male ballet dancer and a hard-working, biker mechanic. In this book it is an abandoned-at-birth, young pet groomer and a secretly wealthy, philandering biker. The story behind Book 1 worked, but this story In Book 2 seemed too contrived. Swish/Isaac is a sweet, streetwise younger man trying to make a life for himself after an awful early upbringing. His amour is a secretly wealthy, "love 'em and leave 'em" self-centered biker who has promised his cold, distant parents he would return to the fold when he reached his 30th birthday (which was fast approaching). That plot line alone demonstrates some essence of incredulity to this story. Dante is a grown man making it on his own since graduating from college. Why kowtow to his socialite parents now? Another laughable plotline involves the family's immense wealth and social status. The family owns THREE luxury-auto dealerships and they are living like billionaires! In order to amass that kind of wealth you would need to own hundreds of dealerships. Another disturbing factor is Isaac and Dante's relationship. It is on thin ice throughout the book, as Dante is a bisexual man-wh*re and has never considered being partnered with anyone. Issac, on the other hand, has been in love with Dante for a couple years. He allows himself to be used as Dante's sexual plaything while not being the benefactor of his romantic affections. That makes this story even less believable. There are several other SMH moments, but those stuck out for me. Suffice it to say, as all MM romances go, everything works out in the end with a HEA, but with Dante's track record, I highly doubt it.
Rebecca James is a competent author. She has a knack for creating unlikely romantic partnerships. In Book 1 it was a wealthy, young, orphaned, male ballet dancer and a hard-working, biker mechanic. In this book it is an abandoned-at-birth, young pet groomer and a secretly wealthy, philandering biker. The story behind Book 1 worked, but this story In Book 2 seemed too contrived. Swish/Isaac is a sweet, streetwise younger man trying to make a life for himself after an awful early upbringing. His amour is a secretly wealthy, "love 'em and leave 'em" self-centered biker who has promised his cold, distant parents he would return to the fold when he reached his 30th birthday (which was fast approaching). That plot line alone demonstrates some essence of incredulity to this story. Dante is a grown man making it on his own since graduating from college. Why kowtow to his socialite parents now? Another laughable plotline involves the family's immense wealth and social status. The family owns THREE luxury-auto dealerships and they are living like billionaires! In order to amass that kind of wealth you would need to own hundreds of dealerships. Another disturbing factor is Isaac and Dante's relationship. It is on thin ice throughout the book, as Dante is a bisexual man-wh*re and has never considered being partnered with anyone. Issac, on the other hand, has been in love with Dante for a couple years. He allows himself to be used as Dante's sexual plaything while not being the benefactor of his romantic affections. That makes this story even less believable. There are several other SMH moments, but those stuck out for me. Suffice it to say, as all MM romances go, everything works out in the end with a HEA, but with Dante's track record, I highly doubt it.
January 19, 2019
Pet stylist Swish leaves his home of 2 years at the motorcycle club house to live and work at an animal shelter.
Dante has been Swish's roommate and friend at the club. He follows Swish to the shelter to work briefly before having to fulfil his obligation to his family.
Dante is torn between his obligation to his family and his feelings for Swish..
I loved Gus as a secondary character. He really enriched the story.
Will Dante cave to his family's pressure?
Can these two very different men figure it out to get their HEA??
Dante has been Swish's roommate and friend at the club. He follows Swish to the shelter to work briefly before having to fulfil his obligation to his family.
Dante is torn between his obligation to his family and his feelings for Swish..
I loved Gus as a secondary character. He really enriched the story.
Will Dante cave to his family's pressure?
Can these two very different men figure it out to get their HEA??
January 22, 2019
I think Swish and Dante's story is great. I love the slow burn if the story and even thought a lot of times that I just wanted to hit Dante across the head. I just absolutely love Swish. This is definitely a great addition to this series.
January 12, 2019
This is the second book in the Hedonist series, but I think it could easily stand alone and I don't say that often. A fairly classic friends to lovers, Swish (Isaac) is in love with Dante, but Dante is oblivious to his feelings for Isaac.
I was really looking forward to this book because Swish captured my attention in the first book. He didn't disappoint, from a trouble childhood and feelings of abandonment, to grabbing what he wanted when he could and also being strong enough to say no when he knows he can't do it anymore. He made this book what it is, and I'm kinda mad at the author for hurting him with the Gus resolution. I kinda guessed it was coming, but it felt unnecessarily cruel. Which I guess is life, but I'll cry if I want to.
Honestly, I almost stopped reading a few times because of Dante. He's a self-absorbed, self-indulgent jerk. The author tried to make me feel sorry for him with this thin veneer of self sacrificing in the name of fulfilling familial obligations and making his parents proud…. But it fell flat for me. I've read and enjoyed this trope before, but I'm not sure if this particular situation or the way it was written didn't work for me. His reasoning felt weak, maybe because he had lived without them and the money for so long that I struggled to believe, after feeling true family with the Hedonists, that he would still feel obligated. I could go on about other ways he irritated me, but he did mostly redeem himself in the end, even if he had to be smacked in the face with reality in order for it to happen.
The chemistry was off the charts, so hot and explosive. I do want to warn, that while it didn't bother me, if you have strict definitions of cheating, there are parts that might bother you. Overall it was decent, Isaac, the chemistry, and the side characters are really what made this book good. Between my review of the first and this one, it seems like I'm very middle of the road, but I'm actually really enjoying this world and looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
I was really looking forward to this book because Swish captured my attention in the first book. He didn't disappoint, from a trouble childhood and feelings of abandonment, to grabbing what he wanted when he could and also being strong enough to say no when he knows he can't do it anymore. He made this book what it is, and I'm kinda mad at the author for hurting him with the Gus resolution. I kinda guessed it was coming, but it felt unnecessarily cruel. Which I guess is life, but I'll cry if I want to.
Honestly, I almost stopped reading a few times because of Dante. He's a self-absorbed, self-indulgent jerk. The author tried to make me feel sorry for him with this thin veneer of self sacrificing in the name of fulfilling familial obligations and making his parents proud…. But it fell flat for me. I've read and enjoyed this trope before, but I'm not sure if this particular situation or the way it was written didn't work for me. His reasoning felt weak, maybe because he had lived without them and the money for so long that I struggled to believe, after feeling true family with the Hedonists, that he would still feel obligated. I could go on about other ways he irritated me, but he did mostly redeem himself in the end, even if he had to be smacked in the face with reality in order for it to happen.
The chemistry was off the charts, so hot and explosive. I do want to warn, that while it didn't bother me, if you have strict definitions of cheating, there are parts that might bother you. Overall it was decent, Isaac, the chemistry, and the side characters are really what made this book good. Between my review of the first and this one, it seems like I'm very middle of the road, but I'm actually really enjoying this world and looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
July 7, 2018
Swish (Isaac) has lived with the Hedonist Motorcycle Club for two years. Dante found him in a gas station bathroom and gave him a place to stay. Swish is in love with Dante. Since they share a room, Swish knows about Dante’s numerous partners, men and women, he's not picky. Every time Dante brings somebody home it hurts him a little more.
Swish decided he has to move on from Dante. Moving to a private animal shelter where he can grow his pet grooming business. When Dante starts to work there too he is surprised to learn that Swish isn't really his friends name. When he becomes Isaac to Dante, he's know he's in trouble. He's never thought of Isaac as any thing but a friend, maybe even a brother. Spending so much time together is making Isaac fall deeper in love. Dante knows he feels something but also knows his freedom is coming to an end on his birthday. Their time together developed into a very hot relationship.
He left Isaac to go work for his father but keeps coming back. Slowly breaking Isaac’s heart. His decisions leaving Isaac no choice but to cut him out of his life.
I didn't care for Dante for most of the book because I felt he was a selfish butthead. Using Isaac and justifying his behavior by citing family obligations. There was more information on the Hedonist’s, rounding out their stories a little more, which was nice. Overall I enjoyed it.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Swish decided he has to move on from Dante. Moving to a private animal shelter where he can grow his pet grooming business. When Dante starts to work there too he is surprised to learn that Swish isn't really his friends name. When he becomes Isaac to Dante, he's know he's in trouble. He's never thought of Isaac as any thing but a friend, maybe even a brother. Spending so much time together is making Isaac fall deeper in love. Dante knows he feels something but also knows his freedom is coming to an end on his birthday. Their time together developed into a very hot relationship.
He left Isaac to go work for his father but keeps coming back. Slowly breaking Isaac’s heart. His decisions leaving Isaac no choice but to cut him out of his life.
I didn't care for Dante for most of the book because I felt he was a selfish butthead. Using Isaac and justifying his behavior by citing family obligations. There was more information on the Hedonist’s, rounding out their stories a little more, which was nice. Overall I enjoyed it.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
March 1, 2020
I managed to make it to the end of this one but, it was touch and go for a while, at 67% all I was thinking to myself was, wow I'm over half way through, and Dante is still a daft, narcissistic asshole who dosen't deserve Isaac. Well, now that I started to talk about Dante I'll continue, I just didn't like him, he had the emotional range of a hamster and very little personality. First he blames going back to his rich lifestyle on having to earn money to give to Isaac, but that pretence falls through pretty quickly because he doesn't talk to Isaac just assumes everything. Dante just keeps justifying his screwed up excuses. Needless to say the only time I felt Dante show any emotional connection was when someone else was intrest in Isaac. I just couldn't reconcile my feeling of dislike for Dante so even when they got their HEA I felt like Dante didn't deserve Isaac.
January 1, 2020
i had a love/hate with this book.. dante pissed me off through most this book but at the same time i felt so horrible for him. he was trying. he was trying so hard to be who he thought he needed to be and who he thought was meant to be.. and he was trying so hard to love as well.. he was failing left and right.. and swish was the one who felt it all.. he is amazing and brave.. he is wonderful and broken.. and he had his own issues that included dante.. overall this story is amazing.. sooo amazing. i loved it and cannot wait to see who falls next
Read
May 17, 2019DNF@ 36%. Was so looking forward to this couple but this isn't working for me. It started off well enough, but I just don't have the patience for the clichés, Dante's faux self flagellation, and hemming and hawing. I feel like I've been reading it forever (4 days which is an eternity) and I'm still only at 36%. After abandoning this, and reading reviews, it seems Dante only gets worse. Will.pass.on.that! Will try the next couple in the series.
April 29, 2020
Dante is fucking asshole, selfish bastard. Glad I make it out alive, after such a long ride of rollercoaster of emotions. How in the world Dante can do that, fucking Isaac and still want to get married to woman, fucking asshole. I don't understand the logic behind Dante's insistent to get married just because he thought his parents' marriage was good and monogamous, how about his real feeling and Isaac's and I thought his relationship with his parents weren't that good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2019
Takes too much effort
It's really hard going and none of the characters are particularly intriguing or special. It's as bland as bland can be. Didn't get further than 30% of the book. The author I'm sure put a lot of effort into it, it just didn't work this time.
It's really hard going and none of the characters are particularly intriguing or special. It's as bland as bland can be. Didn't get further than 30% of the book. The author I'm sure put a lot of effort into it, it just didn't work this time.
June 1, 2019
game of thrones finale disappointed me. this book almost a dnf. what a week.
November 4, 2025
2.5 stars.
I went right from Book 1 to Book 2, thinking this would be as fun, if not even better, than Morgan and Zeke's story. It was not, and I completely blame Dante. Spoilers ahead:
This shouldn't be shocking. I feel like most people dislike Dante in the reviews that I've seen, and that's because... what the heck happened? Who thought Dante's storyline was a good idea?? I'm genuinely angry, frustrated, and just downright baffled. Because you know what I sure love reading about in a romance? When one of them openly dates another person that is NOT their love interest, and TRIES to fall for that person for the majority of the book. And until the 80% mark, I hated her! I thought she was pushy and creepy for most of the book, so what was even the attempt at a redemption, what were we doing??
This was torture. This book was absolutely miserable to sit through. The amount of times I came so close to DNFing is ridiculous, and the only reason I didn't was because I loved Swish, I loved Blaze and Ax and Caleb, and I was already halfway through. I loved getting to see even glimpses of Morgan and Zeke, I loved Swish with Gus, and I liked seeing Dante get jealous because serves him right!! (๑•̀ᗝ•́)૭
Why - WHY - in any realm of any universe would I want to read about a guy forcing himself to date someone other than the love interest, try to get it on with her, and talk himself into why their arranged marriage might not actually be so bad?? What was going on?? Was the fact that his arranged marriage would be okay, but not "as earth shattering" as his thing with Swish supposed to enchant me?? Was I supposed to think it charming that he kept giving this woman chances?? Was it supposed to be some heroic moment that after SHE finally called off the wedding, he finally showed up for Swish??
The story gives no reason for him to do what his parents tell him. None at all. So until about 80% of the freaking book, we get Dante being a spineless jerk for NO REASON other than to say it was what his parents wanted him to do, and that's supposed to make his choices bearable or easier to stomach how??
What an unpleasant read <(ꐦㅍ _ㅍ)> What a thoroughly horrible time. If not for the small cameos we got to see of Blaze and Lake, and also Ax and Caleb, if not for the jealousy we got from Dante and the sweet moments between Swish and Gus, I would've called the entire experience a complete waste of time. Swish deserved better, and I hope Dante suffers in self-loathing for the rest of his life for the way he acted. I'm done.
I went right from Book 1 to Book 2, thinking this would be as fun, if not even better, than Morgan and Zeke's story. It was not, and I completely blame Dante. Spoilers ahead:
This shouldn't be shocking. I feel like most people dislike Dante in the reviews that I've seen, and that's because... what the heck happened? Who thought Dante's storyline was a good idea?? I'm genuinely angry, frustrated, and just downright baffled. Because you know what I sure love reading about in a romance? When one of them openly dates another person that is NOT their love interest, and TRIES to fall for that person for the majority of the book. And until the 80% mark, I hated her! I thought she was pushy and creepy for most of the book, so what was even the attempt at a redemption, what were we doing??
This was torture. This book was absolutely miserable to sit through. The amount of times I came so close to DNFing is ridiculous, and the only reason I didn't was because I loved Swish, I loved Blaze and Ax and Caleb, and I was already halfway through. I loved getting to see even glimpses of Morgan and Zeke, I loved Swish with Gus, and I liked seeing Dante get jealous because serves him right!! (๑•̀ᗝ•́)૭
Why - WHY - in any realm of any universe would I want to read about a guy forcing himself to date someone other than the love interest, try to get it on with her, and talk himself into why their arranged marriage might not actually be so bad?? What was going on?? Was the fact that his arranged marriage would be okay, but not "as earth shattering" as his thing with Swish supposed to enchant me?? Was I supposed to think it charming that he kept giving this woman chances?? Was it supposed to be some heroic moment that after SHE finally called off the wedding, he finally showed up for Swish??
The story gives no reason for him to do what his parents tell him. None at all. So until about 80% of the freaking book, we get Dante being a spineless jerk for NO REASON other than to say it was what his parents wanted him to do, and that's supposed to make his choices bearable or easier to stomach how??
What an unpleasant read <(ꐦㅍ _ㅍ)> What a thoroughly horrible time. If not for the small cameos we got to see of Blaze and Lake, and also Ax and Caleb, if not for the jealousy we got from Dante and the sweet moments between Swish and Gus, I would've called the entire experience a complete waste of time. Swish deserved better, and I hope Dante suffers in self-loathing for the rest of his life for the way he acted. I'm done.
July 7, 2018
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
This is the second of the Hedonist series, and I probably should have read the first book, as the characters had already been introduced, certain situations were talked about, and the way it was written it's assumed that you already knew all this info and not as a standalone. Oops... So Dante found Swish in a bathroom, and helped him out. From that point on they shared a room (with two beds) and Dante helped Swish get on his feet, helped him by giving him a good foundation to stand on. For Swish, he has been in love with Dante for awhile, and feels that he hides it pretty good, but he knows that its time for him to go out on his own. When Swish takes a chance and moves out and has a job that goes with that, Dante isn't sure about this at first, but of course its not his call. When Dante offers to help with the landscaping, its to help out but also that he can still see Swish. But Dante is on borrowed time, he only has a few months until he has to go and live the life that his parents have set up for him. Dante realizes a little too late that he looks at Swish not like a brother, but as a lover. When the two end up rolling in the sheets, for Swish its a miracle the love of his life is with him... is it the same for Dante or is this just a way to get Swish out of his system before he goes back to the rich life? Will Dante go with this plan of his parents or will he stand on his own and live the life that will make him happy?
This was a good story. I felt there was a lot of filler and at times felt a bit long winded but for the most part was entertained. This wasn't really an MC read, that was more just a side note so no MC drama. High on the personal drama, some good sexy times, and a huge cast of characters with some lead up to the next story. I give this 4 stars.
(4 stars)
This is the second of the Hedonist series, and I probably should have read the first book, as the characters had already been introduced, certain situations were talked about, and the way it was written it's assumed that you already knew all this info and not as a standalone. Oops... So Dante found Swish in a bathroom, and helped him out. From that point on they shared a room (with two beds) and Dante helped Swish get on his feet, helped him by giving him a good foundation to stand on. For Swish, he has been in love with Dante for awhile, and feels that he hides it pretty good, but he knows that its time for him to go out on his own. When Swish takes a chance and moves out and has a job that goes with that, Dante isn't sure about this at first, but of course its not his call. When Dante offers to help with the landscaping, its to help out but also that he can still see Swish. But Dante is on borrowed time, he only has a few months until he has to go and live the life that his parents have set up for him. Dante realizes a little too late that he looks at Swish not like a brother, but as a lover. When the two end up rolling in the sheets, for Swish its a miracle the love of his life is with him... is it the same for Dante or is this just a way to get Swish out of his system before he goes back to the rich life? Will Dante go with this plan of his parents or will he stand on his own and live the life that will make him happy?
This was a good story. I felt there was a lot of filler and at times felt a bit long winded but for the most part was entertained. This wasn't really an MC read, that was more just a side note so no MC drama. High on the personal drama, some good sexy times, and a huge cast of characters with some lead up to the next story. I give this 4 stars.
January 7, 2019
The Pet Stylist and the Playboy is the second book in Rebecca James' Hedonist series, which is fantastic. I previously reviewed Book One, The Ballerino and the Biker, which I loved.
The Pet Stylist and the Playboy packs some interesting things into it's pages. We get controlling parents, lace, and a special, complex relationship. It includes themes such as wanting more from life than to just be fine; wanting to find love and happiness.
Isaac was literally saved by Dante, as well as given a home and a friend. He's a complex character who likes to wear lace, and wants to be a pet groomer. And, man, the lace scenes are hot!
Dante's a guy who's had his fun and now he's being forced to live by his parent's expectations. He doesn't find any part of his future appealing and he's being weighted down by all the lies and secrets.
These two men have to work on themselves before them can be together. But, it's well worth the effort. Isaac has never found anyone who's wanted him before, and this path to trusting Dante is breathtaking.
And Gus, sweet and precious Gus, is sure to make you smile and will have your heart growing bigger.
The Pet Stylist and the Playboy is a story of finding love and acceptance, and forming a family from those who support you. It's a hot and steamy, friends to lovers story that focuses on living life on your own terms. I enjoy the writing style and the pace and am excited to read more of this series.
The Pet Stylist and the Playboy packs some interesting things into it's pages. We get controlling parents, lace, and a special, complex relationship. It includes themes such as wanting more from life than to just be fine; wanting to find love and happiness.
Isaac was literally saved by Dante, as well as given a home and a friend. He's a complex character who likes to wear lace, and wants to be a pet groomer. And, man, the lace scenes are hot!
Dante's a guy who's had his fun and now he's being forced to live by his parent's expectations. He doesn't find any part of his future appealing and he's being weighted down by all the lies and secrets.
These two men have to work on themselves before them can be together. But, it's well worth the effort. Isaac has never found anyone who's wanted him before, and this path to trusting Dante is breathtaking.
And Gus, sweet and precious Gus, is sure to make you smile and will have your heart growing bigger.
The Pet Stylist and the Playboy is a story of finding love and acceptance, and forming a family from those who support you. It's a hot and steamy, friends to lovers story that focuses on living life on your own terms. I enjoy the writing style and the pace and am excited to read more of this series.
January 11, 2019
The Pet Stylist and the Playboy by Rebecca James is the second book in The Hedonist series. Swish and Dante's story is a friends to lovers, opposites attract tale. Dante is a rich boy who is supposed to marry the right girl and have a family and run his family business...make his snobbish parents proud. Swish knows struggles and works for his money. He is an ex sugar baby who deserves more than what Dante can offer him. That is why Dante denies the attraction between them... until one night they no longer can and the heat between them ignites in a hot and sexy encounter. But Dante will need to discover that what he has with Isaac/Swish is much more important than life in the Hamptons with his mommy and daddy.
Sometimes I wanted to smack Dante and make him realize that placating his parents was not what was best when he could have the wonderful and sexy Swish. When they get together it's fantastic and hot. There are parts in the story where Dante's action causes Swish pain and it hit me in the gut. Dante had some groveling to do, I tell you.
There were scenes that made me laugh, some that made me sad, some that set my kindle ablaze and some that made me smile. A sign of a great book.
The supporting characters are also interesting and make you want to know more of their stories. Definitely a satisfying read and can't wait for more.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Sometimes I wanted to smack Dante and make him realize that placating his parents was not what was best when he could have the wonderful and sexy Swish. When they get together it's fantastic and hot. There are parts in the story where Dante's action causes Swish pain and it hit me in the gut. Dante had some groveling to do, I tell you.
There were scenes that made me laugh, some that made me sad, some that set my kindle ablaze and some that made me smile. A sign of a great book.
The supporting characters are also interesting and make you want to know more of their stories. Definitely a satisfying read and can't wait for more.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
January 20, 2019
Really enjoying this series so far!
Swish is an adorable character and I love the snark that he's got, let his personality shine through and the way he is with the rescue animals is adorable. Dante is a strong, alpha character that has to go back into his parents world of the upper class. He spends a lot of the story tense and doing things he doesn't want to except for when it comes to hanging around with Swish. A connection shines through for both but Dante has big expectations on his shoulders from his parents and wants to do right by everyone. Though I did get frustrated with Dante with his treatment of Swish throughout the story, always back and forth on what he wants to do leaving Swish adrift on his own to deal with his emotions. Things eventually get on track but Dante is definitely one of those characters you love to hate.
We get a lot of interaction with members of the Hedonists MC and more of their personalities shine through making them feel more like family. There are several of the men who you can see having their own story in the future which I am very much looking forward to!
Recommend this book and the series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Swish is an adorable character and I love the snark that he's got, let his personality shine through and the way he is with the rescue animals is adorable. Dante is a strong, alpha character that has to go back into his parents world of the upper class. He spends a lot of the story tense and doing things he doesn't want to except for when it comes to hanging around with Swish. A connection shines through for both but Dante has big expectations on his shoulders from his parents and wants to do right by everyone. Though I did get frustrated with Dante with his treatment of Swish throughout the story, always back and forth on what he wants to do leaving Swish adrift on his own to deal with his emotions. Things eventually get on track but Dante is definitely one of those characters you love to hate.
We get a lot of interaction with members of the Hedonists MC and more of their personalities shine through making them feel more like family. There are several of the men who you can see having their own story in the future which I am very much looking forward to!
Recommend this book and the series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
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