Developing Desires

Illicit Illusions #2

by A.F. Zoelle

Hunter never meant to fall for Ryder—especially when he can’t stop desiring Cesare. How can he choose between who he wants and who he needs?

Hunter lives in a treacherous world. The walls are closing in on him as he plays a deadly game for his freedom. However, the greatest danger he faces isn’t from the man controlling him—it’s falling for Ryder. Following his heart may mean losing everything, but Hunter knows that some things are worth fighting for.

Despite his growing feelings for Ryder, Cesare is a seductive temptation Hunter can’t resist. His efforts to ignore his intense attraction to the man are tested by Cesare’s determination to stop at nothing until Hunter is his. He’s torn between the man who can give him what he wants and the man who can give him what he needs. If only he didn’t have to choose between them…

Developing Desires is the second book in the Illicit Illusions series. It is a direct continuation of Alluring Attraction, finally concluding with a HEA in Embracing Euphoria. This series is a hurt/comfort dark romance and must be read in order to understand the full story. The first two books are M/M, building to an M/M/M relationship in the final book.

Genres: M M Romance

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2019

About the author

A.F. Zoelle loves spicing up her angst with some fiery heat. Her books are a dramatic wild ride, but there’s always a guaranteed happily ever after. She embraces the philosophy of “the more the merrier” when it comes to her passionate characters finding their perfect partners. But sometimes she’s in the mood for something more light-hearted. If you are too, check out her Ariella Zoelle books.

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book suffers precisely for the glut of sexy scenes that I complimented in the first book. It limits the tone and character development, so we switch from a scene where Hunter seems completely content and happy with Ryder to one where he barely seems to remember Ryder exists while he gets off on the idea of Cesare. Cesare didn’t end up fulfilling the role I thought he would, and while the idea of a love triangle in and out of a brothel is compelling, the execution is jarring and off-putting. If Raheem is a vile person for how he pursues Ryder despite the constant and explicit rebuffs, then how is Cesare any better for doing the EXACT SAME THING with Hunter? That Cesare “knows” Hunter wants him despite him clearly saying he would rather stay faithful to the man he’s dating makes every interaction of theirs tense and upsetting.

[August June 💘 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cesare and Hunter all the way! Their scenes are <3... Sadly scenes with Ryder pales in comparison to their chemistry. 5* just for their scenes and push-pull tension between them.

[Kathy Seabrease · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me all riled up. I was so aggravated with Christophe and so worried for Hunter. After Killian and Christophe had their way with him, I was ready to cry. The risks that Hunter took to be with Ryder was scary but so romantic. When Hunter announced he was going to Macau with Christophe and Killian, I was petrified for him... my heart broke for Ryder while hours turned to minutes, days, weeks and months. The news that those two villians were dead, I was happy but still scared. My heart was elated when they finally were together again, with Hunter wanting a relationship and a life with Ryder... But then we have to deal with Cesare and Raheem... His appearance through me for a curve. Ryder's old boyfriend is definitely someone to worry about and I double that he is gone for good. Cesare's demands to be with Hunter did get to the point of annoyance. He is relentless in his pursuit of Hunter. I feel bad for Hunter being so torn when he can finally be happy and free. Ryder needs to step up his game.