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Taking Care #1
Take Care of You
Declan’s quest seems simple enough. Find an older man who defers to him and remain in control of every aspect of his life.
Twenty-five-year-old wealthy businessman, Declan Moore, thrives on taking charge of situations and people. It’s what he’s good at. Too bad he can’t find an older man who’s willing to relinquish total control and let him take charge.
Then he meets Owen, the older submissive.
For the past fifteen years, Owen Long brought up his three children on his own, dedicating his life to raising them right and minimizing the impact of their mother abandoning them. Now his youngest has left the nest, the forty-six-year-old is stuck, not sure of his position in the world. His life’s practically over or so he thinks until a younger man with an unusual kink enters his life and proves otherwise.
Owen has no problem giving up control to Declan. In fact, after the long years of putting his now adult children first, he craves the attention Declan gives, but dare he go further and accept the role Declan wants him to play? Can he completely let go of his hang-ups about Declan’s age and let the younger man take care of him? Both men must learn it's okay to trust and when it’s time to give in.
Take Care of You is an 85k word romance novel. It is the first part of the Taking Care trilogy.
Books Intended for This Series
Take Care of You (Book 1)
Take Care of You (Book 2)
Take Care of Us (Book 3)
Twenty-five-year-old wealthy businessman, Declan Moore, thrives on taking charge of situations and people. It’s what he’s good at. Too bad he can’t find an older man who’s willing to relinquish total control and let him take charge.
Then he meets Owen, the older submissive.
For the past fifteen years, Owen Long brought up his three children on his own, dedicating his life to raising them right and minimizing the impact of their mother abandoning them. Now his youngest has left the nest, the forty-six-year-old is stuck, not sure of his position in the world. His life’s practically over or so he thinks until a younger man with an unusual kink enters his life and proves otherwise.
Owen has no problem giving up control to Declan. In fact, after the long years of putting his now adult children first, he craves the attention Declan gives, but dare he go further and accept the role Declan wants him to play? Can he completely let go of his hang-ups about Declan’s age and let the younger man take care of him? Both men must learn it's okay to trust and when it’s time to give in.
Take Care of You is an 85k word romance novel. It is the first part of the Taking Care trilogy.
Books Intended for This Series
Take Care of You (Book 1)
Take Care of You (Book 2)
Take Care of Us (Book 3)
10 pages, Audiobook
First published April 4, 2019
398 people are currently reading
1750 people want to read
About the author
Gianni Holmes
106 books1,281 followersGianni Holmes is a USA TODAY Bestselling author who's embracing her love for literature by wielding the pen and creating stories of her own. She's the author of the popular series The Grimm Tales of Smoky Vale and The Taking Care series. Gianni is a former teacher of Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature.
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
October 9, 2019
Audio – 5 Thank you John Solo Stars!
Story – 4.25 stars!
Confession time: I really like this author’s stories, but I struggle with the writing. To me, they read like stories that were written in a different language than translated to English. Some of the phrasing, sentence structures, and lack of contraction use makes reading her books a challenge for me. That said, John Solo’s performance made it all better!
Unlike most daddy kink books I’ve read, the daddy in this story is a 25-year-old wealthy, slender man, and the boy is a 46-year-old father of 3 adult children with a larger physique. I like that things were changed up, but I didn’t think I would enjoy the story as much as I did.
Declan (daddy) was persistent when he decided he wanted Owen as his boy. Owen, understandably, resists at first but he is won over. They are sooo sweet together, and they have amazing chemistry.
Of course, now I want to kick myself for not waiting until all three audios were available before I started their story. I’m an idiot!
Story – 4.25 stars!
Confession time: I really like this author’s stories, but I struggle with the writing. To me, they read like stories that were written in a different language than translated to English. Some of the phrasing, sentence structures, and lack of contraction use makes reading her books a challenge for me. That said, John Solo’s performance made it all better!
Unlike most daddy kink books I’ve read, the daddy in this story is a 25-year-old wealthy, slender man, and the boy is a 46-year-old father of 3 adult children with a larger physique. I like that things were changed up, but I didn’t think I would enjoy the story as much as I did.
Declan (daddy) was persistent when he decided he wanted Owen as his boy. Owen, understandably, resists at first but he is won over. They are sooo sweet together, and they have amazing chemistry.
Of course, now I want to kick myself for not waiting until all three audios were available before I started their story. I’m an idiot!
May 1, 2020
What awful sons Owen has. He was written as a decent father, it's stressed that he worked hard and supported his children by himself for 15 years, and put their needs before himself. What a shame all his hard work didn't evoke feelings of loyalty in his sons. Then the author twists the story line and tries to make Owen look bad for his hurt feelings towards his sons' dismissive treatment of him, and all his hard work in raining them on his own. And, all because the mother was trans. Being trans does not allow you to dump your children and ignore them for years, and then have the same children disregard that this ever happened, bring the parent that walked out on them back into their life, and show absolutely zero loyalty or care towards the parent that stayed, while brow beating him into accepting that they chose the parent that walked out on them, and he needs to accept that, while flaunting their close relationship with their mother, in front of their father. It was heartbreaking to read that.
Again, what awful characters. This is some of the laziest writing I have ever read by an author.
Seriously, who writes that it's totally acceptable behaviour to dump your children and ignore them for 15 years, but it's completely unacceptable to feel rejected by the behaviour from the children you raised by yourself for 15 years, after they showed zero loyalty or care towards you. Bizarre, thoughts from this author.
Again, what awful characters. This is some of the laziest writing I have ever read by an author.
Seriously, who writes that it's totally acceptable behaviour to dump your children and ignore them for 15 years, but it's completely unacceptable to feel rejected by the behaviour from the children you raised by yourself for 15 years, after they showed zero loyalty or care towards you. Bizarre, thoughts from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2019
I really liked this book. The idea of a younger Daddy and older Boy appealed greatly, and I think Ms Holmes did a wonderful job with the emotions Owen felt while trying to figure out if he wanted a Daddy, if it felt right for him. Both Owen and Declan had events in their pasts that shaped the kind of men they are today. With the background the author provided I was able to see the why and the how of the things that both men said and did.
Apart from great s*ex which was hot btw, I liked how both men interacted with people around them. Owen's children, Declan's friend and then Owen's ex which I so didn't see coming but was very excited to understand. I liked that Declan gave Owen time to work things out, how he supported him without being smothering. I liked Owen's open mindedness, his wonder when he saw things with fresh eyes which gave Declan an opportunity to experience everything anew.
I liked Declan from the start. His self assurance, his reliability are very attractive. Even though he is 25, he knows what he wants and sets out to get it. He took care of Owen so well - all the romantic, tender and sweet gestures made me like him even more. The one point where he actually acted exactly his age and a bit dramatic at that was in the end. I don't want to spoil it but even I with my nonexistent medical knowledge knew what was going on, and Declan took it to the new heights of unnecessary drama. But I understood his dilemma in not letting Owen see him weak and sick. One of the main caveat in his relationship with Owen was his strength and control, so when he was stripped of them both he panicked. And Owen thankfully was able to help him see that even Daddy sometimes needs help. Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable book, and I can't wait to read the next one!
Apart from great s*ex which was hot btw, I liked how both men interacted with people around them. Owen's children, Declan's friend and then Owen's ex which I so didn't see coming but was very excited to understand. I liked that Declan gave Owen time to work things out, how he supported him without being smothering. I liked Owen's open mindedness, his wonder when he saw things with fresh eyes which gave Declan an opportunity to experience everything anew.
I liked Declan from the start. His self assurance, his reliability are very attractive. Even though he is 25, he knows what he wants and sets out to get it. He took care of Owen so well - all the romantic, tender and sweet gestures made me like him even more. The one point where he actually acted exactly his age and a bit dramatic at that was in the end. I don't want to spoil it but even I with my nonexistent medical knowledge knew what was going on, and Declan took it to the new heights of unnecessary drama. But I understood his dilemma in not letting Owen see him weak and sick. One of the main caveat in his relationship with Owen was his strength and control, so when he was stripped of them both he panicked. And Owen thankfully was able to help him see that even Daddy sometimes needs help. Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable book, and I can't wait to read the next one!
September 20, 2023
well i guess a third time is a charm bc i dnfed this twice, but i ended up adoring it this time and will immediately be reading book 2. younger, smaller, dominant daddy x older, bigger, submissive boy, how could i not love it? 😍 ugh just the way Declan melted inside every time Owen called him “Daddy” 😭😭🫠
February 27, 2021
Younger/older, D/s, light Daddy/boy, super sexy story !
A fascinating tale of a Dom/sub relationship that isn’t the norm.
Owen, 46, with salt and pepper hair and blue eyes,
is a Limo driver who raised his three children alone. He’s big, solid and responsible. His boys are 23 yr. old twins, and his daughter, 19, is moving out. He’ll be alone for the first time in 23 years which is when his wife left.
Owen meets Declan at work.
Dom Declan is a rich businessman, 25,
with a commanding presence, is solid and seems older than his age. Declan knows what he wants is hard to find. He sees what he needs in Owen.
The attraction is mutual, but Owen is leery of the lifestyle. It’s new to Owen.
We watch Declan court and woo Owen with roses and dates, with a taste of the D/s, Daddy/boy life, and as Owen learns... he likes the result.
We like each man, we hear their stories, and see their interactions. Their sexy times are super hot and well described, which include spankings. (not BDSM)
They do belong together, because each provides the other with their important needs.
Later, a huge shocker rocks Owen and his kid’s world. We also hear about Declan’s Mom, and then an illness strikes.
I love the couple, the relationship, and their new experiences.
Gianni Holmes gives us a well written, fascinating, interesting story, which continues in book two.
Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
=====
some reviewers complained, but I don't expect my characters to be perfect ! I expect them to overcome their flaws. Right?
======
A fascinating tale of a Dom/sub relationship that isn’t the norm.
Owen, 46, with salt and pepper hair and blue eyes,
is a Limo driver who raised his three children alone. He’s big, solid and responsible. His boys are 23 yr. old twins, and his daughter, 19, is moving out. He’ll be alone for the first time in 23 years which is when his wife left.
Owen meets Declan at work.
Dom Declan is a rich businessman, 25,
with a commanding presence, is solid and seems older than his age. Declan knows what he wants is hard to find. He sees what he needs in Owen.
The attraction is mutual, but Owen is leery of the lifestyle. It’s new to Owen.
We watch Declan court and woo Owen with roses and dates, with a taste of the D/s, Daddy/boy life, and as Owen learns... he likes the result.
We like each man, we hear their stories, and see their interactions. Their sexy times are super hot and well described, which include spankings. (not BDSM)
They do belong together, because each provides the other with their important needs.
Later, a huge shocker rocks Owen and his kid’s world. We also hear about Declan’s Mom, and then an illness strikes.
I love the couple, the relationship, and their new experiences.
Gianni Holmes gives us a well written, fascinating, interesting story, which continues in book two.
Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
=====
some reviewers complained, but I don't expect my characters to be perfect ! I expect them to overcome their flaws. Right?
======
May 12, 2024
3.5
Summary
Single dad of 3, Owen, whose wife abandoned him 15 years ago is sending off his last adult child to college. In a chance meeting while doing his job as a chauffer, he meets much younger billionaire businessman, Declan, who changes everything he thought about the Daddy/Boy dynamic, as well as himself.
Review
I want to say how much I hate how much people who have done terrible things are forgiven in books. Especially if outside forces are the ones saying that you can't be upset with others doing terrible things in order to forgive that person. If that makes me a bitter bitch, then vote me the mayor of Bitchville, I'm running for office. That's the ONLY gripe I have with this book. I can't say much without spoiling it, but yeah, do with that info what you will.
Declan's pursuit of Owen was hot and kinda adorable if you squint. I'm interested to see how their relationship develops in the next 2 books.
5-11-2024 Jesus FUCK, reading this made me remember what I didn't like about this, and I'm getting mad all over again. I'm still going to read the next ones, even with that mess because everything else was go besides THAT.
Summary
Single dad of 3, Owen, whose wife abandoned him 15 years ago is sending off his last adult child to college. In a chance meeting while doing his job as a chauffer, he meets much younger billionaire businessman, Declan, who changes everything he thought about the Daddy/Boy dynamic, as well as himself.
Review
I want to say how much I hate how much people who have done terrible things are forgiven in books. Especially if outside forces are the ones saying that you can't be upset with others doing terrible things in order to forgive that person. If that makes me a bitter bitch, then vote me the mayor of Bitchville, I'm running for office. That's the ONLY gripe I have with this book. I can't say much without spoiling it, but yeah, do with that info what you will.
Declan's pursuit of Owen was hot and kinda adorable if you squint. I'm interested to see how their relationship develops in the next 2 books.
5-11-2024 Jesus FUCK, reading this made me remember what I didn't like about this, and I'm getting mad all over again. I'm still going to read the next ones, even with that mess because everything else was go besides THAT.
November 25, 2022
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.
-Mark TwainDeclan Moore and I were as different as night and day.For years I had done life alone
I have so many levels of liking this, getting annoyed, liking this and getting fucking annoyed to loving this and wanting to slap the characters. To conclude, I like this. I THINK.
There's so much left to unpack in this series and I just love my luck at how I decided to read this at the dead center of all my deadlines
(This must be an older book of Gianni's. There's a lot of errors in this book)
March 30, 2019
This was something else! It did go beyond I expected and I loved it to bits!
Declan has more than one thing to take care of, his father’s wedding, their business, a lot of stress. Financially sky is the limit, a company, a private jet, he has more than he needs and knows how to spend it.
One thing he can’t buy and that’s a boy, he is twenty-five, a strong Daddy and he needs to find an older man who wants to be his boy, because that’s what his heart yearns for.
Owen is forty-six, a single dad with three grown up kids who are all out house. When a younger guy hits on him with a strong determination, he struggles hard. His more and more reddened ass cheeks speaks an other language, he can’t deny Declan any longer.
We can see them grow into their relationship with an absolute innovative Daddy/boy dynamic.
Declan want to spoil Owen and Owen feels in awe.
We can see Owen as father of three. We get to know Declan his past.
We are witness of dark and painful secrets, the hurt, still at surface after all these years.
A revealing with an strong impact for the future made my heart hurt... please no!
Being exactly on the right course the whole package is an amazingly written story.
The delicious bubble they’re in is beautifully pictured, I loved it hard.
The alternating views from both men was clarifying, to know how they feel relative to each other was very satisfying. Both men are put down convincingly with their own flawed characters.
Their feelings so enthralling exhibited, I couldn’t stop reading. It felt so honest and right.
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”.
Mark Twain
Can’t wait for the next installment!!
Declan has more than one thing to take care of, his father’s wedding, their business, a lot of stress. Financially sky is the limit, a company, a private jet, he has more than he needs and knows how to spend it.
One thing he can’t buy and that’s a boy, he is twenty-five, a strong Daddy and he needs to find an older man who wants to be his boy, because that’s what his heart yearns for.
Owen is forty-six, a single dad with three grown up kids who are all out house. When a younger guy hits on him with a strong determination, he struggles hard. His more and more reddened ass cheeks speaks an other language, he can’t deny Declan any longer.
We can see them grow into their relationship with an absolute innovative Daddy/boy dynamic.
Declan want to spoil Owen and Owen feels in awe.
We can see Owen as father of three. We get to know Declan his past.
We are witness of dark and painful secrets, the hurt, still at surface after all these years.
A revealing with an strong impact for the future made my heart hurt... please no!
Being exactly on the right course the whole package is an amazingly written story.
The delicious bubble they’re in is beautifully pictured, I loved it hard.
The alternating views from both men was clarifying, to know how they feel relative to each other was very satisfying. Both men are put down convincingly with their own flawed characters.
Their feelings so enthralling exhibited, I couldn’t stop reading. It felt so honest and right.
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”.
Mark Twain
Can’t wait for the next installment!!
March 23, 2021
My ultimate pairing in Daddy/boy relationships is what this author delivered: younger/smaller Daddy and an older/bigger boy.
I really liked their dynamic too; didn't read two dimensional.
Wealthy 25 y.o. Declan was so put together. He really just knew the moment he saw Owen, that Owen was the boy he needed. If 46 y.o., single parent Owen did not automatically fold the moment he sees Declan, which made me root for him. Owen is a great character. His wife left him 15 years ago, despite all that he tried to make their marriage work. He puts everyone else' needs above his own.
Declan wants to take care of Owen, make him his boy.
Owen never even admitted his submissiveness to himself, let alone anyone else. And he learns about being Declan's boy as he and Declan get closer. I really liked that Owen pushed back and made sure he wasn't kept. He remained independent throughout the story.
The ending was abrupt (and a bit OTT ) but I'm hooked. Definitely reading the rest of the series.
I hope Declan learns to open up more and Owen remains independent. :D
I really liked their dynamic too; didn't read two dimensional.
Wealthy 25 y.o. Declan was so put together. He really just knew the moment he saw Owen, that Owen was the boy he needed. If 46 y.o., single parent Owen did not automatically fold the moment he sees Declan, which made me root for him. Owen is a great character. His wife left him 15 years ago, despite all that he tried to make their marriage work. He puts everyone else' needs above his own.
Declan wants to take care of Owen, make him his boy.
Owen never even admitted his submissiveness to himself, let alone anyone else. And he learns about being Declan's boy as he and Declan get closer. I really liked that Owen pushed back and made sure he wasn't kept. He remained independent throughout the story.
The ending was abrupt (and a bit OTT ) but I'm hooked. Definitely reading the rest of the series.
I hope Declan learns to open up more and Owen remains independent. :D
September 15, 2020
5 stars audio
4 stars story. I am not a fan of daddy/boy kink but for some reason this one worked for me.
4 stars story. I am not a fan of daddy/boy kink but for some reason this one worked for me.
August 6, 2019
4.5 stars.
I've tried reading a lot of Daddy/boy books and none have really hit the spot for me as much as this one has. It has to be my favorite so far out of all the ones I've read! I liked how the author wrote the book, letting the characters see how they felt in a Daddy/boy relationship and letting them figure it out.
I don't really have anything bad to say about it but it also wasn't something that 'wowed' me hence the 4 star rating and not 5.
On to the next one.
Find me on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.
- Mark Twain
I've tried reading a lot of Daddy/boy books and none have really hit the spot for me as much as this one has. It has to be my favorite so far out of all the ones I've read! I liked how the author wrote the book, letting the characters see how they felt in a Daddy/boy relationship and letting them figure it out.
I don't really have anything bad to say about it but it also wasn't something that 'wowed' me hence the 4 star rating and not 5.
On to the next one.
Find me on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Blog
April 5, 2019
This was a very enjoyable read!
Content warnings include: parent abandoning children and partner without warning, sex on-page, BDSM (mild D/s, spanking and non-physical punishment, daddy kink), mentions of: child abuse, parental death due to cancer, internalized homophobia.
What originally drew me to this book was the reverse Daddy kink. I don't usually seek out that particular kink, but I'm all for breaking stereotypes and common dynamics, so an age gap romance where the younger guy is the Daddy? I'm here for it!
And damn, did it work out well! Owen and Declan had an incredible dynamic, I absolutely adored them together from the very start. Declan's natural dominance and the way it affected Owen were great and worked both in and out of the bedroom.
There were a few ups-and-downs in the beginning - I found Declan came across as belittling or condescending to Owen in a few scenes, while in others he very carefully gives Owen room to think or the option to refuse him. As soon as they grow closer this becomes a non-issue however.
While Declan's Daddy kink is definitely a big topic in the book, both in and out of his developing relationship with Owen, it's not too dominating (no pun intended.)
I liked the overall lack of drama-for-the-sake-of-drama. There's tension and some conflict, but it all felt real and and appropriate without being overpowering or silly. There's Owen being unsure about the whole Daddy thing and about the relationship, stuff going on in the protagonists' respective families but on very different levels, overcoming personal demons - and none of it is based on miscommunication. I also liked the relative lack of awkwardness around the oh-so-dreaded L-word.
What I loved was the sweet moments of the book - and not just the ones between Owen and Declan. I especially adored Owen's relationship with his kids: He's such a great father! I loved reading about a big queer family. It was one of the many big and small details that made this book a great reading experience.
There were some smaller things that irked me that boiled down to technicalities and little phrases, and one bigger thing: the treatment of a trans side character. After coming out, he is repeatedly misgendered and deadnamed. This is called out and corrected on page in some instances, but not in others. I read an unedited ARC copy of the book and was assured by the author that there were edits to take place between the copy I read and the final book, with several instances being corrected and some scenes changed. From what I saw in a later edit, the uncorrected misgendering and deadnaming outside of memories seem to be gone.
While originally planned as standalone, the book very clearly is the first in a series. It has a story arc on its own, but Owen and Declan's story has only just started. I'm very much looking forward to the next installment to find out how they overcome the upcoming challenges teased at during Take Care of You and to get to know their families better!
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly & voluntarily!
Content warnings include: parent abandoning children and partner without warning, sex on-page, BDSM (mild D/s, spanking and non-physical punishment, daddy kink), mentions of: child abuse, parental death due to cancer, internalized homophobia.
What originally drew me to this book was the reverse Daddy kink. I don't usually seek out that particular kink, but I'm all for breaking stereotypes and common dynamics, so an age gap romance where the younger guy is the Daddy? I'm here for it!
And damn, did it work out well! Owen and Declan had an incredible dynamic, I absolutely adored them together from the very start. Declan's natural dominance and the way it affected Owen were great and worked both in and out of the bedroom.
There were a few ups-and-downs in the beginning - I found Declan came across as belittling or condescending to Owen in a few scenes, while in others he very carefully gives Owen room to think or the option to refuse him. As soon as they grow closer this becomes a non-issue however.
While Declan's Daddy kink is definitely a big topic in the book, both in and out of his developing relationship with Owen, it's not too dominating (no pun intended.)
I liked the overall lack of drama-for-the-sake-of-drama. There's tension and some conflict, but it all felt real and and appropriate without being overpowering or silly. There's Owen being unsure about the whole Daddy thing and about the relationship, stuff going on in the protagonists' respective families but on very different levels, overcoming personal demons - and none of it is based on miscommunication. I also liked the relative lack of awkwardness around the oh-so-dreaded L-word.
What I loved was the sweet moments of the book - and not just the ones between Owen and Declan. I especially adored Owen's relationship with his kids: He's such a great father! I loved reading about a big queer family. It was one of the many big and small details that made this book a great reading experience.
There were some smaller things that irked me that boiled down to technicalities and little phrases, and one bigger thing: the treatment of a trans side character. After coming out, he is repeatedly misgendered and deadnamed. This is called out and corrected on page in some instances, but not in others. I read an unedited ARC copy of the book and was assured by the author that there were edits to take place between the copy I read and the final book, with several instances being corrected and some scenes changed. From what I saw in a later edit, the uncorrected misgendering and deadnaming outside of memories seem to be gone.
While originally planned as standalone, the book very clearly is the first in a series. It has a story arc on its own, but Owen and Declan's story has only just started. I'm very much looking forward to the next installment to find out how they overcome the upcoming challenges teased at during Take Care of You and to get to know their families better!
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly & voluntarily!
February 10, 2020
Overall book rating: 4
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I’ll start with this. JOHN SOLO – You rocked Owen’s voice!!! I loved it! You made me wish that you were the narrator of a whole bunch of audio’s I’m not listening to because.. well because you are not the one reading them.
Now on to the story. I don’t do “older” subs with younger boys. It just doesn't work for me.
But this one... this worked. I can’t really put my finger on it but I decided that I don’t care what it was.
I really liked Owen. He just wormed himself into my heart. I’m still pissed with the twins for doing what they did! I felt so upset for Owen’s sake! Hell I’m still upset. Who am I kidding?
I think I bonded with Owen because I could feel his pain and his confusion? That part was done really well.
I enjoyed Declan as well, up until a certain point. Read it and I’m sure you’ll just magically know what I’m talking about. For a strong “in-control” guy, the wheels kinda fell of the bus there for a chapter or two. I didn’t get that, it didn’t gel with his character in my humble opinion. Even with all the history and drama he went through, I still didn’t fall for it.
Maybe because I felt it went to far. I could understand it up unto a point but logical though should have kicked in at some point?
Even if he did it alone and without anyone knowing?
Yeah, I’m over it.
I was upset there for a moment about how the book ends BUT, then I saw it’s not the end! There are more books! And immediately my review changed in the amount of stars allocated.
I can definitely do another book about these two. I’m looking forward to it as a matter of fact.
Gianni Holmes is a new author to me, and may I add that this will not be the last book I’ll be reading by this author.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I’ll start with this. JOHN SOLO – You rocked Owen’s voice!!! I loved it! You made me wish that you were the narrator of a whole bunch of audio’s I’m not listening to because.. well because you are not the one reading them.
Now on to the story. I don’t do “older” subs with younger boys. It just doesn't work for me.
But this one... this worked. I can’t really put my finger on it but I decided that I don’t care what it was.
I really liked Owen. He just wormed himself into my heart. I’m still pissed with the twins for doing what they did! I felt so upset for Owen’s sake! Hell I’m still upset. Who am I kidding?
I think I bonded with Owen because I could feel his pain and his confusion? That part was done really well.
I enjoyed Declan as well, up until a certain point. Read it and I’m sure you’ll just magically know what I’m talking about. For a strong “in-control” guy, the wheels kinda fell of the bus there for a chapter or two. I didn’t get that, it didn’t gel with his character in my humble opinion. Even with all the history and drama he went through, I still didn’t fall for it.
Maybe because I felt it went to far. I could understand it up unto a point but logical though should have kicked in at some point?
Even if he did it alone and without anyone knowing?
Yeah, I’m over it.
I was upset there for a moment about how the book ends BUT, then I saw it’s not the end! There are more books! And immediately my review changed in the amount of stars allocated.
I can definitely do another book about these two. I’m looking forward to it as a matter of fact.
Gianni Holmes is a new author to me, and may I add that this will not be the last book I’ll be reading by this author.
September 15, 2020
That was cute, but I would have been pissed if I had read this before the other books were out. I will admit that the dialogue was a bit stilted at times but not so bad to make me stop reading. I will definitely start book two shortly.
April 7, 2019
What drew my interest to this book was the twist on daddy kink - in this one, it's Declan, aged 25, who is the daddy for Owen, the 46 year old whose youngest kid recently moved out. I enjoyed that Declan knew what he wanted and was determined to get it, it was just a matter of finding the perfect person for him. And Owen, once he realized the pleasure he got from Owen taking over things, knew that it was something he wanted too.
I loved how Owen was such a great dad to his three kids, Owen really is such a great guy. I really hope in the next book we'll get to see Declan meet his kids and start forming some attachments all together. Declan was harder to feel for in the beginning, and I hope in the next book he will continue to let down his guard and let Owen in. I feel like there is a difference between being a Daddy in control and accepting support from your partner when needed - Declan didn't need to treat Owen the way he did when his health was in question. I feel like you gotta drop the daddy dynamic (um, safe word out to stop things??) and deal with real life as equal adults at that point.
I know that the author made some last minute adjustments to how a certain character was treated and referred to as, so if people read the first round of arcs, I would recommend going back and asking for the corrected one. The one I read didn't have any of these issues, and while there seemed to be suddenly a LOT of conflicts - I look forward to how everything will be resolved in the next books.
Heads up - while Declan and Owen are in a pretty good spot when this story ends, their story is not over - it will continue in the direct sequel, hopefully coming out, soon! So while it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, if you aren't a fan of not-fully-resolved HEAs, then you might want to wait until the next book os out?
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how Owen was such a great dad to his three kids, Owen really is such a great guy. I really hope in the next book we'll get to see Declan meet his kids and start forming some attachments all together. Declan was harder to feel for in the beginning, and I hope in the next book he will continue to let down his guard and let Owen in. I feel like there is a difference between being a Daddy in control and accepting support from your partner when needed - Declan didn't need to treat Owen the way he did when his health was in question. I feel like you gotta drop the daddy dynamic (um, safe word out to stop things??) and deal with real life as equal adults at that point.
I know that the author made some last minute adjustments to how a certain character was treated and referred to as, so if people read the first round of arcs, I would recommend going back and asking for the corrected one. The one I read didn't have any of these issues, and while there seemed to be suddenly a LOT of conflicts - I look forward to how everything will be resolved in the next books.
Heads up - while Declan and Owen are in a pretty good spot when this story ends, their story is not over - it will continue in the direct sequel, hopefully coming out, soon! So while it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, if you aren't a fan of not-fully-resolved HEAs, then you might want to wait until the next book os out?
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2019
When I started this yesterday I found out I already tried it once and got to 26%. But I’m glad I stuck with it this time, because I ended up quite liking it.
I wasn’t too sure I would like Declan at first (hence my previous DNF), but he grew on me. The dynamics didn’t feel too authentic at first, but as the book progressed I noticed these guys got more into it and so did I.
Declan is 25 years old going on 40. He has taken over the business of his father and he’s doing quite well. He has known for a lot of years that he would love to be someone’s Daddy. But he also knows that young twinks don’t do it for him. But can he expect an older man to call him Daddy?
When he hires a couple of limousines for an event he meets driver Owen. Declan immediately feels attracted to the older man, so he makes it his mission to get to know him.
Owen is a 46 year old single father of 3. But now that all his kids are grown he isn’t sure what to do with his life. When he meets 25 year old Declan he knows he cannot act on his attraction. And when the young man explains he wants Owen, Owen thinks he is insane. Especially when Declan explains he wants Owen to call him Daddy….
At first I wasn’t too fond of Declan’s forwardness. I don’t think there is a good way to bring up Daddy kink when you meet someone new, but to just blurt it out on the first meeting…. Not such a good idea.. But on the other hand, now Owen knew what to expect from Declan. And once Declan made his intentions clear Owen slowly warmed up to the idea.
The way Declan acted at the end wasn’t that great (), but I was glad to see that Owen wouldn’t just accept it.
Overall this was a nice book with a sweet romance, and a daddy kink that is quite different.
Diving into book 2 now!
I wasn’t too sure I would like Declan at first (hence my previous DNF), but he grew on me. The dynamics didn’t feel too authentic at first, but as the book progressed I noticed these guys got more into it and so did I.
Declan is 25 years old going on 40. He has taken over the business of his father and he’s doing quite well. He has known for a lot of years that he would love to be someone’s Daddy. But he also knows that young twinks don’t do it for him. But can he expect an older man to call him Daddy?
When he hires a couple of limousines for an event he meets driver Owen. Declan immediately feels attracted to the older man, so he makes it his mission to get to know him.
Owen is a 46 year old single father of 3. But now that all his kids are grown he isn’t sure what to do with his life. When he meets 25 year old Declan he knows he cannot act on his attraction. And when the young man explains he wants Owen, Owen thinks he is insane. Especially when Declan explains he wants Owen to call him Daddy….
At first I wasn’t too fond of Declan’s forwardness. I don’t think there is a good way to bring up Daddy kink when you meet someone new, but to just blurt it out on the first meeting…. Not such a good idea.. But on the other hand, now Owen knew what to expect from Declan. And once Declan made his intentions clear Owen slowly warmed up to the idea.
The way Declan acted at the end wasn’t that great (), but I was glad to see that Owen wouldn’t just accept it.
Overall this was a nice book with a sweet romance, and a daddy kink that is quite different.
Diving into book 2 now!
December 12, 2020
I just...didn’t really care for these characters all that much? I loved the concept and appreciate that there’s finally a Daddy Kink book out there that features a younger Daddy and an older Boy but the actual story just wasn’t my cup of tea. I don’t even know what it was exactly, but it felt like the characters didn’t actually have anything in common or to bond over. Their relationship only ever began because of a mutual attraction and Declan being determined to make Owen his Boy. They both come from two very different life styles and don’t really seem to share any mutual interests other than (as Owen eventually realizes) an interest in the same kind of kink. I don’t know, I guess it makes sense for the two of them to have the dynamic they do but for them to call it a relationship seems odd and rushed.
The whole your ex wife is actually a trans man plot twist was super obvious from the moment Owen’s kids revealed that they had been speaking to their other parent. I just...didn’t care for this plot line and it actually kind of bothered me? To try and say that James left his husband and kids behind in order to figure himself out and transition just seems...wrong and kinda paints a bad image on trans people? The idea that we would be selfish enough to leave behind our family without even trying to explain to them that we’re leaving to transition and seeing if they would accept us? Really?? Owen and James were best friends and clearly both open minded (his husband was even bisexual like...could you ask for a better chance of acceptance??) but you’re telling me he would just leave like that, without even trying to see if he could be himself and keep his family? I could go on about my issues with this plot line forever probably and while most people who aren’t Trans or who haven’t been the partner of a Trans person might not understand and probably wouldn’t even blink an eye at this....it just really bothered me. It didn’t come across as a positive representation of Trans people and honestly we don’t need to be painting Trans people as selfish beings who would put their transition before their own family. I’m glad the kids and Owen were cool about pronouns once he came out to them...but seriously...the whole concept of that being why James walked out on his family (WITHOUT EVEN TRYING TO SEE IF THEY WOULD ACCEPT HIM) just irks me.
Will I be continuing this series?
Ugh. I don’t know. I don’t feel a huge push to do so but I hate giving up on series. If it weren’t for the whole James situation...I might be more willing to. I don’t know. I might give it another shot down the line but there’s so many other Daddy Kink series that might be more my cup of tea that I wouldn’t want to waste my time on one that’s not.
The whole your ex wife is actually a trans man plot twist was super obvious from the moment Owen’s kids revealed that they had been speaking to their other parent. I just...didn’t care for this plot line and it actually kind of bothered me? To try and say that James left his husband and kids behind in order to figure himself out and transition just seems...wrong and kinda paints a bad image on trans people? The idea that we would be selfish enough to leave behind our family without even trying to explain to them that we’re leaving to transition and seeing if they would accept us? Really?? Owen and James were best friends and clearly both open minded (his husband was even bisexual like...could you ask for a better chance of acceptance??) but you’re telling me he would just leave like that, without even trying to see if he could be himself and keep his family? I could go on about my issues with this plot line forever probably and while most people who aren’t Trans or who haven’t been the partner of a Trans person might not understand and probably wouldn’t even blink an eye at this....it just really bothered me. It didn’t come across as a positive representation of Trans people and honestly we don’t need to be painting Trans people as selfish beings who would put their transition before their own family. I’m glad the kids and Owen were cool about pronouns once he came out to them...but seriously...the whole concept of that being why James walked out on his family (WITHOUT EVEN TRYING TO SEE IF THEY WOULD ACCEPT HIM) just irks me.
Will I be continuing this series?
Ugh. I don’t know. I don’t feel a huge push to do so but I hate giving up on series. If it weren’t for the whole James situation...I might be more willing to. I don’t know. I might give it another shot down the line but there’s so many other Daddy Kink series that might be more my cup of tea that I wouldn’t want to waste my time on one that’s not.
May 29, 2020
1.5 Stars. This really wasn't for me too much. I found both characters unrealistic and annoying. Declan was supposed to be an unusually responsible young adult, but he presented as money spoiled and immature, especially at the end. I couldn't understand Owen at all, especially once he could tell there was something physically wrong with Declan*. Then add in the family drama with the mother and I just felt like this was a lot of emotional chaos that swirled in circles and never solidly landed. The sex scenes were awkward. Besides the reverse age dynamic, this was a very cliched Daddy/boy relationship that didn't work for me.
*spoiler
*spoiler
July 26, 2025
▪️What his sons did to him and the disloyalty towards him made me so mad for his sake. He raised them waaay longer than the wife did and they did that and expect him to forgive and forget???
▪️His sons should have also remembered what she/he did and be mad. The treated the whole incident like it was nothing. Like they expect their father to apologise and forgive???? His daughter at least had some decency for now. How it was written made the whole incident like it was his fault and he should just not feel betrayed when he was the real parent to the children. The mother should beg and make up waaaaay more than what she did.😡
▪️Declan it seemed also took the mothers side.😤
I almost DNF’d this after those scenes. It made me really dislike this whole book because of how little regard his sons had toward their own father. Plus I didn’t really like Declan.
Found him to be too domineering and had little regard toward Owen.
I what also made me angry is that the sons called the mother dad. In this situation it made me pissed, because that title is Owen because he was there for them their whole life, the egg donor, NOT!! She/him did not deserve to be called anything after what he did towards Owen and the children.
I dont forgive and would not have forgiven if my partner left without a word and abandoned my children for me to raise for years on end and the suddenly appear out of nowhere and make the children keep that secret for a year. What the mother did was so wrong on so many levels. And the sons just forgives her and expects Owen to also forgive.
▪️His sons should have also remembered what she/he did and be mad. The treated the whole incident like it was nothing. Like they expect their father to apologise and forgive???? His daughter at least had some decency for now. How it was written made the whole incident like it was his fault and he should just not feel betrayed when he was the real parent to the children. The mother should beg and make up waaaaay more than what she did.😡
▪️Declan it seemed also took the mothers side.😤
I almost DNF’d this after those scenes. It made me really dislike this whole book because of how little regard his sons had toward their own father. Plus I didn’t really like Declan.
Found him to be too domineering and had little regard toward Owen.
I what also made me angry is that the sons called the mother dad. In this situation it made me pissed, because that title is Owen because he was there for them their whole life, the egg donor, NOT!! She/him did not deserve to be called anything after what he did towards Owen and the children.
I dont forgive and would not have forgiven if my partner left without a word and abandoned my children for me to raise for years on end and the suddenly appear out of nowhere and make the children keep that secret for a year. What the mother did was so wrong on so many levels. And the sons just forgives her and expects Owen to also forgive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2019
I picked this up because of the younger Daddy (25), older Boy(46) dynamic and I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. This is a quiet relationship. I enjoyed watching it spark, develop, and grow into more. And just when you least expect it it kicks you right in the feels. At the heart were two men that I liked and respected and wanted to know more about them.
In saying that, I knew this was going to be a series but I thought the next book would centre on different characters. That’s not the case. The next book continues Owen and Declan’s story and I’m kind of in two minds about that.
On one hand I’m excited to see them really get to be together and have it known to their families. On the other hand I’m sensing that because of all the potential-for-drama plot bunnies that are roaming around this couple that this could become a soap opera. And not a good one.
I really hope the author doesn’t take it there. I enjoyed these two men. Declan’s unapologetic love of being a Daddy, and Owen’s uncertainty about his submission and not taking it seriously until the moment he really feels it, made for a slightly angsty but ultimately sweet read.
Fingers crossed for the next book.
In saying that, I knew this was going to be a series but I thought the next book would centre on different characters. That’s not the case. The next book continues Owen and Declan’s story and I’m kind of in two minds about that.
On one hand I’m excited to see them really get to be together and have it known to their families. On the other hand I’m sensing that because of all the potential-for-drama plot bunnies that are roaming around this couple that this could become a soap opera. And not a good one.
I really hope the author doesn’t take it there. I enjoyed these two men. Declan’s unapologetic love of being a Daddy, and Owen’s uncertainty about his submission and not taking it seriously until the moment he really feels it, made for a slightly angsty but ultimately sweet read.
Fingers crossed for the next book.
April 7, 2019
I didn't hate everything about this but the things I didn't like were kinda of awful.
Bisexual rep here made me grit my teeth. The easy way out is said around settling with an opposite sex partner. And there is a spoiler plot which I really wished hadn't been a surprise and instead would have been resolved before the book began so that this topic could be explored with great kindness and not for DRAMA
I think the main conflict of having a younger daddy and an older boy was really enough to carry this book and really didn't need the more SOAP OPERA elements that really pulled away from two really engaging heroes.
dnf
April 20, 2019DNF @18%
Sorry, this is really a case of it’s-me-not-you. I guess certain writing styles and character voices just turn me off and in this case, I’m not too convinced of the characters are who they say they are. I mean, when you have to tell someone you’re in charge, you’re not in charge, if you know what I mean.
I had high hopes for this but alas, it’s just not for me ☹️
Sorry, this is really a case of it’s-me-not-you. I guess certain writing styles and character voices just turn me off and in this case, I’m not too convinced of the characters are who they say they are. I mean, when you have to tell someone you’re in charge, you’re not in charge, if you know what I mean.
I had high hopes for this but alas, it’s just not for me ☹️
July 3, 2019
This was a pleasant surprise... while I found the Daddy / boy age gap a bit strange at first, I came to really enjoy these two. This was well written and certainly didn’t have that cheesy style that sometimes comes with this genre. I’m invested in this series !
February 13, 2023
Re-read January 13, 2023
December 13, 2023
Much more cozy as a couple with the moderate spice of a contemporary romance but still in the Daddy/boy k*nk space with and inverse age gap. I appreciated the much more queer feel than typically female (I suspect based on the author name, though it could be a pen name) gay romance authors. The dynamic and chemistry of the couple was electric.
I recommend to M/M romance readers who need something fresh.
I recommend to M/M romance readers who need something fresh.
February 19, 2023
2.5 should-have-known-better stars
This was...not great...but also amusing?
I really liked the premise of an older Boy and a younger Daddy. It's pretty instalovey, at least on Declan's behalf and moves quickly but I read it because it was available on Audible Plus, and I was looking for something nice and fluffy, it mostly fulfilled that.
There were a few things about their dynamic that were just not right. Unless it all happened tidily off page, there was no discussion or negotiation about rules or limits. Declan also used his position as Dom to shut down conversations he didn't want to have - that's not on.
But what really diminished my enjoyment of this was the last 20%. The book was chugging along nicely, had some good storylines, and then just went totally off the rails. I mean, to be fair, nothing completely new was introduced in terms of conflict. It was exactly what I was expecting. But this was drama central. I hate drama.
I think the plot development was actually consistent with the characters, but it just made me want to shake Declan and be like "wtf buddy".
And then all of a sudden it's just over? I just cracked up laughing at the end of the book, like, really, you're just going to leave it there?!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by John Solo, who did a reasonable job though not my favourite.
This was...not great...but also amusing?
I really liked the premise of an older Boy and a younger Daddy. It's pretty instalovey, at least on Declan's behalf and moves quickly but I read it because it was available on Audible Plus, and I was looking for something nice and fluffy, it mostly fulfilled that.
There were a few things about their dynamic that were just not right. Unless it all happened tidily off page, there was no discussion or negotiation about rules or limits. Declan also used his position as Dom to shut down conversations he didn't want to have - that's not on.
But what really diminished my enjoyment of this was the last 20%. The book was chugging along nicely, had some good storylines, and then just went totally off the rails. I mean, to be fair, nothing completely new was introduced in terms of conflict. It was exactly what I was expecting. But this was drama central. I hate drama.
I think the plot development was actually consistent with the characters, but it just made me want to shake Declan and be like "wtf buddy".
And then all of a sudden it's just over? I just cracked up laughing at the end of the book, like, really, you're just going to leave it there?!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by John Solo, who did a reasonable job though not my favourite.
March 31, 2019
♥.•🌟¨)☆♡¸.•🌟´¨)☆♡¸.•♥🌟´¨)☆♡♥
♡🌟(¸.•♥´🌟Taking care of his boy
Gianni Holmes's foray into Daddy kink could have been hit or miss.
This Miss hit it out of the park, and that is saying something, cus daddy kink is NOT a trope I will run to willingly. But when one of you faves says: "Hey, I want to do something different and I am not sure people will like it," you challenge her to do it and reap the results. Gianni Holmes, you have readers out there who will support you and enjoy the words you put on paper.
As for this trilogy, I don't think I can survive having Declan's and Owen's story spread over several weeks. I want them now, now, now. Talk about reverse in the role. Declan was the younger man, an obvious dominant, having stepped into the role when his father decided he wanted to play the field and leave Dec to take over the family's company. Owen, the older man, was a father of three, abandoned by his wife years prior and raised his kids alone. Now with the youngest out of the house, empty nest was in full effect, he met Declan and his life changed. Read about how Dec and Owen define their relationship and navigate through the changes and discover things about each other that will alter them both forever.
There were twists and turns and so much more to be had, that I implore readers to take a chance and one click, read and enjoy.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
♡🌟(¸.•♥´🌟Taking care of his boy
Gianni Holmes's foray into Daddy kink could have been hit or miss.
This Miss hit it out of the park, and that is saying something, cus daddy kink is NOT a trope I will run to willingly. But when one of you faves says: "Hey, I want to do something different and I am not sure people will like it," you challenge her to do it and reap the results. Gianni Holmes, you have readers out there who will support you and enjoy the words you put on paper.
As for this trilogy, I don't think I can survive having Declan's and Owen's story spread over several weeks. I want them now, now, now. Talk about reverse in the role. Declan was the younger man, an obvious dominant, having stepped into the role when his father decided he wanted to play the field and leave Dec to take over the family's company. Owen, the older man, was a father of three, abandoned by his wife years prior and raised his kids alone. Now with the youngest out of the house, empty nest was in full effect, he met Declan and his life changed. Read about how Dec and Owen define their relationship and navigate through the changes and discover things about each other that will alter them both forever.
There were twists and turns and so much more to be had, that I implore readers to take a chance and one click, read and enjoy.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
April 15, 2019
Spolier Alert
I didn't like this book at all. It was decently written, but I never really fell in love with either of the MCs. My major issues we're that Owen forgave James for abandoning their kids with absolutely no contact for like 15 years, all because he discovered he was trans. There were so many better ways to handle that situation than abandoning your family, especially your kids. That, to me, is unforgivable. So I was upset that Owen forgave James, who came into his son's lives and asked them to keep secrets from Owen. That's not what a parent does. Then there's Declan, who I never really vibed with. I thought his reaction to his illness was very unrealistic and he really showed his immaturity at the end and how he made decisions without consulting Owen. I'm not a fan, was very disappointed at the end, and will not continue this series.
I didn't like this book at all. It was decently written, but I never really fell in love with either of the MCs. My major issues we're that Owen forgave James for abandoning their kids with absolutely no contact for like 15 years, all because he discovered he was trans. There were so many better ways to handle that situation than abandoning your family, especially your kids. That, to me, is unforgivable. So I was upset that Owen forgave James, who came into his son's lives and asked them to keep secrets from Owen. That's not what a parent does. Then there's Declan, who I never really vibed with. I thought his reaction to his illness was very unrealistic and he really showed his immaturity at the end and how he made decisions without consulting Owen. I'm not a fan, was very disappointed at the end, and will not continue this series.
June 4, 2019
4.25 stars
This is my first read from this author and I really enjoyed it.
I love the dynamic of the Daddy/boy kink and also love the reverse age gap. Ready for book 2.
This is my first read from this author and I really enjoyed it.
I love the dynamic of the Daddy/boy kink and also love the reverse age gap. Ready for book 2.
October 18, 2019
Despite the errors in this book, I sort of devoured it. There were quite a few places where the wrong name was used, but I still really enjoyed it. The whole "reverse daddy" thing was definitely different and a little bit to get used to but it was fine after a while.
I am definitely going to read the next book in the series and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes daddy kink and wants a different take on it.
I am definitely going to read the next book in the series and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes daddy kink and wants a different take on it.
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