Spoiled

Spoiled Perfection #1

by Gianni Holmes

An Age Gap Romance

Spoiled. Adj. destroyed, damaged, or no longer able to be used.

Callum

When I move to a small town from the big city, my plans are simple. Get my co-owned coffee shop off the ground and work on my baggage. Alone. My plans are shot to hell when wealthy frat brat Ashton Keyes stumbles into Cafe Crave. Drunk. That’s all the warning sign I need to stay away from the self-destructive boy. But he’s everything the Daddy in me craves and I can’t walk away.

Ashton
Everything hurts. The lies. The perfect image. The fake smile. Only when I’m drunk do I find relief. Until the night I meet Daddy Callum and decide he’s mine. But, he has strict rules for us to be together, and his punishment is unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Is it enough to keep the darkness at bay, or is it too late to be saved?

Spoiled is the first book in the Spoiled Perfection duet and is not meant to be read as a standalone. While book 1 ends with a hopeful HFN note, book 2 must be read for a full resolution and the much anticipated HEA.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Gay, Contemporary Romance, LGBT

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2020

About the author

Gianni 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

Reviews

[♡ Dakota ♡ (Sarcasm is my middle name) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could write a review but I hate writing reviews. And this book isn’t the book to write a review about.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

I honestly kinda just feel annoyed that this story has been dragged out over two books! There was so much repetition and not just saying whatever was going on, but dancing around it multiple times....get to the fucking point mate!!

I really, really didn't like Ashton. He has no personality, he lies to Callum about what's going on with his mum and Louis when there's absolutely no reason to... I can't even see what Callum sees in him in all honesty so I can't understand why they're so dramatic about their relationship after such a short time.

Callum is slightly more likeable, but again, his 'big secret TM' is so basic that I don't understand why it took sixteen hundred attempts throughout the book to find out what was actually going on with the Mario situation.

Phil was the world's worst best friend also. One minute he's trying to force Ash and Callum together and then he's constantly trying to put Callum off being involved with Ash... Pick a fucking lane 😂

I feel like this book mostly wasted my time and I don't know if I want to read an even longer second book to find out what happens with these two when I already don't like them or their relationship...

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

As part of duology this does not end in HEA or even a strong HFN but it gives such a strong promise for a fulfilling lasting relationship between two broken men if they give it a chance. This is a heartfelt love story with Daddy/Boy dynamics. It's very steamy, full of angst and tears, full of difficult matters that author, I think, presented beautifully. There is no "right" way to write about alcoholism and the struggle that characters face. Every author gives it their personal touch apart from well known facts. Ms Holmes didn't sugarcoat nor did she diminish the damage or issues that did and will arise again between Daddy Callum and his Boy Ashton during Ashton's attempts at recovery. I felt for Ashton. He had his demons clawing at him that he tried to forget at the bottom of the bottle, but my heart wept for Callum, his pain and what he endured and continues to go through still. Such a generous and selfless man! Ms Holmes mixed in some serious heat in between the anger, lies and pain, and wow it was hot HOT! I enjoyed reading this story so much! I can't wait to go through the troubles with these men again! I liked the MCs, the intense feelings and the twist in the end I so didn't see coming. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review

[Drusilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it is now established, I somehow made for Gianni Holmes writing style. It's hard to put down anything written by this author.
A little warning, this is a duet and it doesn't make much sense to read just the first book. There is no mega cliffhanger, but the ending of the first part leaves you a bit unsatisfied.
And alcoholism and drug use and the negative effects those entail are a big focus, as are abusive partnerships.
Ashton is this rich spoiled kid, but wounded way too many times, who is looking for someone to take care of him.
Callum is his perfect Daddy, but he himself has so many issues especially with trust and letting go that it makes it hard for this relationship to really flourish.
So, this book frustrated me a bit because they carry around too many secrets and never really talk to each other. And I was permanently afraid that everything would go to hell.

“Ooh, I’m so tired, but I’m totally down for some of your loving, Daddy. I love your big cock inside me. It makes me feel so full. When you’re inside me, the emptiness goes away and reminds me I’m not alone.”

Yes, so a super steamy story, but emotionally a roller coaster experience. And the end of the first part made me cry like a little girl. 😭😭😭

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when it was still a short teaser, and while this definitely had more depth now I don't think I can rate it more than 3 stars. Because this book was exhausting.

I'm normally all for the younger guy making a mess of his life and his older daddy saving him. But I wasn't too happy with Ashton in this.

I was all for him having all kinds of emotional issues. But I wasn't a fan of him lying to Callum and the resulting relationship angst.

Alcoholism is a tough subject and while it's very well done here, I also thought the book was a bit too depressing for my taste.

Ashton was such a mess that I have a hard time believing things will be fine again. More because the relationship feels rocky to me. Ashton wants to get better so he can keep Callum, and Callum loves Ashton, but is afraid of letting him go because then Ashton will hurt himself.

I'm curious enough to read book two, but I'm not ready if this is going to be as depressing as book one....

[Miriam still reading! HIATUS from GR · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars story

[Chappy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy as much as I hoped.
Low daddy kink, more focused on how messed up Ashton is.
Ends on a cliffy so I'll read the second book just to finish the story.

[Calila · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*

I'm not sure what to say about this, because it truly is like reviewing half of a book. The author is upfront and makes sure the readers know this is part of a duo and thus not a complete story so it's not a bad thing, just...how do I review half? It's a promising start. But man both characters are pretty messed up and I don't know how they'll get it together enough to end up happy and healthy together. Ashton just had no chance at being well adjusted with his family being the way it was/is. And he's in such a self destructive spiral that Callum's issues end up being brushed aside because Ashton's are so big and immediate. But make no mistake...Callum has his own issues. Also, I don't like any of the supporting characters. None of them. Okay, the part time worker is nice. Everyone else crossed so many lines and boundaries it's unreal. But all that said, I can't wait for the second half of the story. I'll make sure to read it and see how it all works out.

[ruta]

I can understand why some of the readers don't like this book. It is not a revolutionary M/M book. It is not a perfect book. It doesn't make you want to turn the pages quicker and quicker. It is a pretty dull book actually. A relationship you can see in other books quite easily. But that is not the point of this book. It is not a fluffy book. It is a book about addiction. And I can easily say that the writer understands how destructive an addiction can be. And how it can turn someone's life upside down easily. And not only the addict, but people who are around them.

It was a really hard-to-read book for me. I hope I can see the day when 21-years-old parties become more informative about addiction and it effects on people, and being sober before getting addicted to smt is not smt bizarre.

[Sam Vautier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this story, both men have some really heavy pasts but are trying to be what the other needs and wants. However the lay definitely doesn’t work the way they want it to.

Ashton, seemingly just rich and entitled from the outside has some severe trauma which has lead him to drink. Callum, who has dealt with an alcoholic boyfriend in the past is struggling to deal with Ashton’s antics.

“I could love him. I could love him so hard. And I wanted him to love me just the same.”

They have an explosive chemistry together and want to make things work. Once they both start to be more open with each other and their pasts - but there is so much to unpack (in book 2) and all you want is for it to work for them!

Has some fabulous steamy scenes and I am looking forward to reading the last installment and getting to see them figure everything out together.

““Not god, boy,” he whispered “Daddy is the one making you feel so good.”

🍸MM Romance
🍸Daddy
🍸Alcoholïsm
🍸HFN (Duet)

[Jenny]

**DNF @ 56%

This isn’t working for me and I only made it this far because I started skimming. I’m just having a hard time with connecting to these characters. Ash and Callum enter a Daddy/boy relationship without knowing each other and Ash is lying left and right and Callum is letting him. I just don’t see how they can move forward and find a HEA (even with another book) when their relationship has been built on lies, no real communication, and not fully understanding each other.

[Cee Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥¸.•´♥¸.•*´♥¨) ♥¸.•*¨♥
(¸.•´♥ (¸.•`♥Will these two men be able to reconcile all the hurt and pain to find peace?

When I got Spoiled Perfection as a freebie, it was with excitement and wonder. So much so, that I wrote in my review: "I loved the idea of Ashton and want to know his story, what made him into the person we first met. I need to get inside Callum's head and extract the pain and heartache." I was yet again going into one of my least favorite trope, Daddy/Boy; but I was doing it willingly.

I loved that prequel so much, that I wanted more of rich boy Ashton and his Daddy Callum. The differences in them were so wide, yet they seemed to gel perfectly. Ashton with his spoiled attitude; used to getting what he wanted, but using alcohol to numb the pain of past events. And Callum, a daddy who didn't want to venture into that world again when he'd lost so much before.

Two men suffering, but drawn together. They could make it work, despite all the issues placed before them. But when Ashton's home life interfered with their blossoming affair, will Daddy Callum's hard limit be trampled on. Was Ashton on his way to losing his Daddy?

There was so much pull and push in this first half of this "perfect" duet and I am glad that the author decided to expand this story, giving us a full look at the men's attempt to overcome so much and try to be there for each other. I look forward to part two coming soon, entitled: Perfection.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

The short story initially released was hot so I was looking forward to more of Ashton & Callum. Unfortunately the story lost its sexiness about half way through and the drama was too juvenile.
Also the author goes into AA in regard to Ashton’s alcoholism however it’s clear she didn’t bother to research the program. Bc of that I’m not moving on to the second book that finishes the story.

[Ζωή Παππά · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you first meet Ashton you get the impression that he’s just a rich boy that enjoys partying and drinking and doesn’t care about anything else. One night, after another party he meets a cafe owner, Callum, and he wants him. He pursues him and they eventually start a relationship. Callum has rules and hard limits because of a previous relationship that almost ruined him. As the story progresses we find out more about both characters and what makes them act at the way they do. The amount of pain Ashton has to live with every day just broke my heart. I honestly didn’t know if they would make it as a couple. Ashton made one destructive decision after the other. The book ends with a HFN and the sequel will come out soon. I can’t wait for it. I know it’s going to be hard reading it but hopefully they’ll get their happy ending because they really deserve it.
I loved it very very much even if it made me cry.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

[Agnodike]

DNF @ 66% because failure to have a conversation is a terrible plot device. Also the writing wasn’t great.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashton is a rich playboy that has an alcohol problem, but it has a deeper meaning. Callum co-owns a cafe shop that Ashton comes into one night when he’s drunk. He comes in everyday attempting to get Callum to respond to him. They eventually start at relationship, but Callum has rules that Ashton must abide by. They both have had a painful past. This story had a lot of emotional feels to it, lots of angst.
I definitely can’t wait for the next installment. This does end with a somewhat HFN.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received from Gay Romance Reviews. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Teresa Banschbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story ends in a cliffhanger with an HFN (happy for now) ending. Book two is promised very, very shortly.
In this May/December romance, we have coffee shop owner, Callum, and we have Ashton, a college student. Ashton comes from a rich family, but both his father and older brother were killed in a car accident. Ashton appears to have some unresolved family issues and spends much of his time drunk and partying. He stops at a coffee shop near the college campus while drunk and meets the hot, tattooed shop owner. Seeing Callum's 'daddy' tattoo wakes something in Ash and he haunts the coffee shop almost daily trying to convince super hot Callum to be his daddy. Callum is attracted to the young man too, but his history makes him reluctant to give in to Ashton's pleas, even though he sees that Ashton desperately needs a 'daddy' in his life. Callum gives, in but there are rules and hard limits that Ashton must abide by. Will Ash be able to follow Callum's rules? Will Callum's history repeat itself or will these two men find their happily ever after after all. Book One is a great beginning to a very intriguing story. Cannot wait until Book Two is out!

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy Callum meets spoiled rich kid Ashton.
Callum finally gives in and becomes Ashton's daddy.
Ashton is bratty. He's also desperate for the love, discipline and boundaries his daddy gives.
Ashton also has some serious issues.
Callum tries to help but will it be enough?
Will Callum stick around as Ashton self destructs?
Will Ashton sort himself out? Save his relationship with his daddy?
I'm undecided about this book.. The relationship between Callum and Ashton comes close to being toxic and unhealthy.
That said, I am interested to see where it goes from here..

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man. This is a HFN, and it's a very, very hard won HFN. I honestly wasn't sure if Callum and Ashton were going to make it to that point.

I think that so many people in Ashton's life failed him. I mean, he tried to do what he needed to, but then things would happen, and he'd fall right back into bad things. His mom was a right witch who just didn't do good things for him, even if she thought she did. I felt like the only person who liked him for a lot of the time was his driver, who definitely took care of Ashton a lot.

Callum isn't bad, but I think that he has his blind spots, and Ashton kinda falls into one of those sometimes.

I can't wait for the next book.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

this about broke me.. omg.. it was angsty.. it was amazing.. it was beautifully written.. it left me with a sorta cliff and wondering what will happen with these two next.. it broke my heart in so many spots.. i loved it so much.. i cant wait for the next one.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ashton and Callum’s story. Callum wasn’t looking for a boy, but Ashton needed a Daddy. Callum had rules, could Ashton obey them?

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

Spoiled, the first book in Gianni Holmes' Spoiled Perfection series, is a fantastic Daddy/boy romance.

This is the story of Ashton, a college student and a 38 year old coffee shop owner, Callum. Both men have baggage that holds them back. One has family issues and guilt, the other is scared from his past with an ex. And for both, the character growth in this one is wonderful.

Callum doesn't want to take the younger man under his wing, but he can't resist for too long. One of my favorite parts of this story is the way Callum helps Ashton with his school work. He doesn't help do his work, but he teaches Ashton the way to structure his work. I love this.

Ashton's background is well developed and explored throughout. His parent's behavior has definitely been the driving factor for his reckless behavior, as well as his need for a daddy.

I love Ashton and Callum together. It took me a while to love them as a couple, but once I did, I am thrilled with everything they can offer one another. They definitely work as a Daddy and his boy.

Their story is one of sex and discipline, as Ashton clearly needs a daddy in his life. This is a story with addiction, so avoid this one if that's a trigger for you. It's also a story of lies, secrets, bribery, and hurt.

As for the list of ten things, it brought tears to my eyes.

Told in alternating first person pov, the reader is easily able to understand each man's feelings and emotions throughout. The author excels in illustrating the importance of becoming sober for oneself and not for others. To truly every recover, one needs to want to be sober.

Spoiled is a riveting read. This Gianni Holmes ends in a cliffhanger, but the next book is already available. Don't miss this age gap romance the next time you're in the mood for a hot Daddy romance with a great storyline.

[Coline Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I meet him when he comes into my coffee shop, he's with his chauffer who is trying to sober him up before he takes Ashton home and got some reason he decides he wants me. Although he's a spoiled brat with lots of issues there is just that something that draws me in but first we will have to work though everything going on if things are ever going to go forward into something permanent between Ash and I but only time will tell.

[Mikki James - Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ashton is in desperate need to pull his life together. His typical night involves him with another nameless body and too drunk to remember the encounter. But one night his driver brings him to a cafe to sober up and he meets Callum. Hot Daddy! Ashton is instantly struck with the man and yearns to have him for himself. But Callum still experiences guilt over his secret past and is unwilling to start anything with Ashton even though he cannot deny the soft spot he has started to develop for the boy. One thing leads to another and they decide to give their relationship a try, but Callum has a lot of rules - rules that require his boy to obey at all times - otherwise he walks out the door. Like Callum, Ashton has secrets of his own and has experienced more hurt and pain then someone should ever have to face at a young age. Can he satisfy his Daddy's needs and obey the rules or will this boy fail with the one person he thinks he might be able to love?

This book features the Daddy/boy trope and a 17-year age gap. It has a satisfying HFN ending but there is a sequel. I have been on a Daddy/boy kick lately so was eager to give this one a try. I liked the approach the author made with developing the relationship between Callum and Ashton. Instead of rushing into anything Ashton really took his time to try to get Callum to go out with him. I think it says a lot about Callum that even though he wanted Ash - he also needed to put himself first in this first month to really decide if he could have this boy as his own. This was a slow and steady pace that allows these men to get acquantied with each other - rather then just jumping into the sack.
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SPOILERS BELOW
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The one thing I wasn't fond of though was all the secrets Ash kept from Callum. Furthermore how much Callum didn't check in with Ashton. I feel like he should have eventually realized how many lies Ash was telling. I understand the ending of this novel was a HFN but Callum still doesn't know everything Ash has been hiding. For starters; the man still believes Ash is attending his classes. Frankly I was a bit disappointed when Ash stopped going. I understand he was so distraught by his mother's actions but I would have liked to see him do the opposite. He seemed to become a stronger and more confident version of himself and he let this all fall when he found his mom basically doesn't think he could be this person for good. I wanted him to go and prove her wrong and do his best but he just took her criticism and then let it eat away at him. I think this is a major red flag in his relationship with Callum because he has no idea. It also was annoying to be told over and over again Ash was broken up by his brother and father's death but then not know what happened. I understand keeping the reader in the dark for suspence but it just was a bit much to give bits and pieces here and there and then never complete the story. This really angered me when we learn that Ash was ordered by his dad to get help and how he regrets leaving them there. I just felt this wasn't satisfying and we needed more answers to see why this really destroyed Ash so much. I think it would have helped to understand the reasoning behind his relationship with his mother. Does she blame him for their deaths? I would have liked have more insight on their relationship.

I'm not one for sequels to genres dealing with this kink but I'm curious enough to know how their story ends so probably will give it a try.

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Kat

This was the first book I read by Gianni Holmes and it made me a huge fan of hers.

Callum has change his whole life after a major life-altering event occurred. No longer the rich, successful New York Stock Broker and financier, he has given up that life and bought a coffee shop with his best friend in a town far away from NYC and the devastation that rocked his life there. Callum has also given up a huge part of who he was. D•A•D•D•Y spelled out across his knuckled was the former Callum. But when the beautiful but spoiled and pushy Ashton wanders in drunk to his café he has to stop himself. But even Callum eventually can’t resist the beautiful boy who wants him too.

This book about broke my heart. Ashton is the poor little rich kid who can’t get it right. He’s gorgeous and he knows it but beauty is only skin deep and Ashton lives with all the mistakes of his past haunting his troubled soul. Add on top of that the grief and sorrow over losing his dad and his brother in a fiery crash and then being left with his mother who is only disappointed in him. Plus his feeling of being unloved has turned him into the party boy who everyone wants for what he can give them not who he is. That is until Callum comes into his life. Callum is a good man and a natural nurturer. He sees the good and loving boy but doesn’t know the ghosts Ash holds inside. And even though he’s lived through this with his former boy Mario and it went so badly he just can’t pull the cord with Ashton.

It is Ashton’s mother that really drove me crazy. Yes, I know she’s a rich and successful businesswoman but she has never taken the time to be his mom. Ava and Rue have been more constant parents to him than her. But the icing on the cake was her paying off his instructors to pass him so he couldn’t even show his face at school when Callum had just helped bring up his confidence in himself.

This is DEFINITELY NOT a standalone. The cliffhanger ending made me not want to stop reading but dive immediately into the next book.

[read•me•romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤💘Spoiled Perfection Duet ( Parts 1 &2) // Gianni Holmes 💘🖤

✨Daddy Callum is drawn to broken boys. He sees the beauty and the pain in Ashton and can’t resist either one. He is a Daddy through and through, but his past has him feeling like a failure. Ashton just wants someone to love him for who he is, too bad he has no idea who that is. When I say broken boy, I mean absolutely destructive, with a history of pain, but a sweet heart within. ✨

❤️‍🩹 These two broke my whole heart and put it back together again! They love and need each other as much as they hurt each other. The addiction in this book, present and past, is palpable and absolutely devastating. ❤️‍🩹

🖤The way that these two absolutely, whole heartedly love each other is so well written, it’s heartbreaking. Even through the pain of addiction, and the codependency, you glimpse the real soul mate level love between them. 🖤

🔥 Now chemistry is the one thing that these two NEVER get wrong. 😈 Ashton may just be the neeeeeediest boy I’ve read and you know I love my needy boys. Callum’s commanding and dominant nature gives way to an absolute pleasure Dom when he wants to satisfy his needy needy boy. 🔥

💝 I ABSOLUTELY adored every page of this. Gianni Holmes had me in tears and I thanked her for it. 😈 hurts so good, y’all. HIGHLY RECOMMEND 💝


🖤 Damaged Daddy/ Broken boy
⛈️ Emotional, Tear Jerker
🍾 Alcoholism / Recovery
💔 Boy in Need
☕️ Daddy with a Past
😭 All the Hurt
❤️‍🩹 All the Comfort
⏰ Age Gap
👀 Opposites Attract
💕 Hard Pursuit

🔥K!nky tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: yes
Daddy Shmink
Domestic Discipline
Spanking as Rewards
Pretty femme things
Neediest boy! Needy greedy bottom
Dirty talk- Degradation and Praise
C-m Play
Pleasure Pain & B*ndage
Toys
Breath Play
Size difference

✅ book has listed trigger warnings, please consult.

💋 @read.me.romance

[Tammi De Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashton is filthy rich and the son of a political and influential family. His father and brother have recently died in a car accident and he is still in mourning. He is estranged from his mother. Ashton has a large group of friends but is very lonely. His driver and the maid are his closest relationships. Anyway Ashton has been drinking and partying his sorrows away. He sees a guy in a coffee shop with DADDY tattooed on his hand and instantly wants him. He goes into the coffee shop constantly to flirt with Callum. Callum remains distant because he had a bad end to his last daddy/boy relationship. However they do end up tentatively starting a relationship with a whole list of rules that Ashton must live by like doing well in college and no more drinking. Ashton tries, he really does. But of course things don't stay on course and by the end of the book their relationship is pretty rocky. It's a really good story. Very realistic with the drinking and the damage it can cause. You can really feel Ashton's pain and grief and shame. He is so lovable I just want to squeeze him and tell him he's worthy. Callum is harder character to like, for me at least. But he does grow on me eventually. Can't wait for the sequel in a couple of weeks.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-3.75 stars 🌟

I don’t really know if I want to read the second book? The ending was a bit darker than I was expecting. Look I’m just a 20-something girl who really hasn’t experienced much of life yet but I really don’t think their relationship is healthy? I understand not wanting to give up on someone if you really love them but this should be an exception. Callum and Ashton’s Daddy/boy relationship is so intrinsically linked with Ashton’s alcoholism that there should be clear boundaries put into place. Especially considering the fact that Callum has already dealt with this before. It’s emotionally exhausting just thinking about what he went through and what he’s still paying for. I say he should let Ashton work on himself first before even trying to pursue this relationship. Not to mention the way Ashton literally clings onto him. I think it’s a classic case of codependency. But what do I know really, I’m not a professional.

Anyway this book was still really good. I’ve been in such a reading slump lately and Gianni Holmes never fails to keep my attention.

[Onyx Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very heartfelt love story about two broken men, in a Daddy/Boy dynamic. It's as steamy as it is angsty and emotional. And full of difficult matters, such as alcoholism and drug addiction, that the Gianni presented amazingly.
She did an amazing job talking about Ashton and his Daddy Callum's demons, as well as the challenges they will and do face on Ashton's rode to recovery from alcoholism. And how Callum expressed just how much Ashton's alcoholism affected not only him, but Ashton as well, with Ashton trying to bury his demons in the bottom of a bottle.
With this story being a part of a duet, it doesn't end in a HEA, or even a strong HFN. But the ending leaves you with the promise of the two MC's working together to keep their relationship alive, as well as help each other through their struggles.

[Stephanie Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too toxic for me, even just for a first half

I often enjoy a story with a contentious or even a little codependent Daddy/boy dynamic, but both MCs in this book have some serious issues to resolve before any kind of healthy relationship can happen.

**Spoilers**
I’m sure Ashton will redeem himself in the sequel, but I found it difficult to understand why Callum stuck around through this book. The emotional connection seemed underdeveloped, and with his history I wouldn’t think that sex and a pretty exterior would be enough to counter all of the many red flags for Callum. I know we were warned that the full story spans both books, but I haven’t yet decided if there was enough in the first one to justify moving on to the second. I wish Ash had decided on his own to go away for treatment, or that Cal had insisted and sought out his own counseling too.