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Bent, Not Broken #1
Bent, Not Broken
Defense attorney Madden Polunin is good at his job. He works alongside the Kings of Men MC and is known, and hated, by the New Gothenburg PD for getting his clients cleared of charges that should have sent them to jail.
Straitlaced Officer Evan Slater loathes everything about Madden, from his charismatic personality that helps free criminals, to how hard it is to pronounce his ridiculous last name. Polunin makes Evan’s job more difficult than it needs to be, and Polunin’s smug smile fuels Evan’s anger.
In a night of celebration, Madden ends up drugged and runs into Evan, which begins a turmoiled relationship between a self-declared “straight” police officer and a lawyer only interested in one-night stands. Between criminal arrests, a serial killer father locked behind bars, and a negligent work partner, Madden’s and Evan’s lives collide in ways they never expected.
Straitlaced Officer Evan Slater loathes everything about Madden, from his charismatic personality that helps free criminals, to how hard it is to pronounce his ridiculous last name. Polunin makes Evan’s job more difficult than it needs to be, and Polunin’s smug smile fuels Evan’s anger.
In a night of celebration, Madden ends up drugged and runs into Evan, which begins a turmoiled relationship between a self-declared “straight” police officer and a lawyer only interested in one-night stands. Between criminal arrests, a serial killer father locked behind bars, and a negligent work partner, Madden’s and Evan’s lives collide in ways they never expected.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2020
131 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Ki Brightly
91 books717 followersI spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 18, 2023
3.5*** stars
This was kinda bad but also kinda good. And when you can go past the first totally strange 20% of the book you’re in for a wild ride from enemies-to-lovers between a cop and a lawyer who’s defending the notorious Kings of Men MC said cop’s after, and winning time and time again in court.
If you’re into it like me you get a lot (and I mean a lot) of angry hate sex from Evan’s side and Madden basking in the deliciously rough fucking he gets from their weird arrangement. Especially juicy is the fact that our cop Evan is not only straight (or so he thought) but also despises lawyers like Madden with all he has —for reasons!
But while Evan was totally into the sex they had and attracted like hell to Madden (only), I didn’t like his “I’m not gay”-attitude and his reluctance to look further into his own desires.
Admittedly, the plot was not particularly deep and a lot weird and sometimes OTT but for the most part it was oddly satisfying to read it. *and just fyi: the title might sound like an intense, maybe even angsty read, but it really isn't.
*************
related books I’m interested in:
“Curved” - Sequel to this one
“King’s Undercover Fed” - The Kings of Men MC’s president
“Yes, Sir” - Evan’s partner on the job and Madden’s boss
This was kinda bad but also kinda good. And when you can go past the first totally strange 20% of the book you’re in for a wild ride from enemies-to-lovers between a cop and a lawyer who’s defending the notorious Kings of Men MC said cop’s after, and winning time and time again in court.
“Get me off.” […] “I’ve had a hard day at work.”
“Oh yeah? What did you do?”
“I had to deal with this pest of a lawyer.”
“Sounds terrible,” […] “What did you do with him?”
“I showed him who’s in charge.”
“I doubt that, Officer.”
If you’re into it like me you get a lot (and I mean a lot) of angry hate sex from Evan’s side and Madden basking in the deliciously rough fucking he gets from their weird arrangement. Especially juicy is the fact that our cop Evan is not only straight (or so he thought) but also despises lawyers like Madden with all he has —for reasons!
But while Evan was totally into the sex they had and attracted like hell to Madden (only), I didn’t like his “I’m not gay”-attitude and his reluctance to look further into his own desires.
Admittedly, the plot was not particularly deep and a lot weird and sometimes OTT but for the most part it was oddly satisfying to read it. *and just fyi: the title might sound like an intense, maybe even angsty read, but it really isn't.
*************
related books I’m interested in:
“Curved” - Sequel to this one
“King’s Undercover Fed” - The Kings of Men MC’s president
“Yes, Sir” - Evan’s partner on the job and Madden’s boss
July 20, 2020
I lead my Buddy Read Laurel astray!
I'm getting in the box of shame and I'm staying in for the foreseeable future. Might as well forget about me.
Reading this I realized I made up my own scenario in my head. I was in a land entirely created in my imagination. I created scenes for these characters that never happened in order to give these two MCs some likability.
The story I imagined never happened at all. Madden didn't completely humiliate Evan in a front of his co-workers and a jury of his peers. The Kings and Harlots did not cause rampage through the city causing a constant clash between the two that resulted in endless delicious sexual tension.
There was no delicious and sexy banter of Madden handing Evan his ass to him during the day so that Evan could return the favor at night in form of lusty vile disgustingly delicious smut... that never actually happened...
Instead okay we get a unreasonably mean cop with a giant moral lapse (yet he hates lawyers who fights for the bad guys? How sway)
The highlight of his cop-ness (yes that's a word! maybe...) is like traffic infractions.
So this straight cop jumps into gay sex that he basically initiate as a weird form of revenge that was nowhere near convincing.
Gay sex with his super high/drunk enemy and questions whether he should use a condom and decides not to.
Now Madden sweet naive childish Madden
I understand you grew up a sheltered rich spoil kid.. but huh?
I never understand how authors write about men who don't do relationships and go for that insta-love type deal. I mean they met up less times than I have fingers on one hand (did that make sense?)
So once I woke up out of my stupor I realized none of the things I imagined actually happened... in fact nothing actually happens so it is with great shame that I dump this into my DNF box at 70%
I'm getting in the box of shame and I'm staying in for the foreseeable future. Might as well forget about me.
Reading this I realized I made up my own scenario in my head. I was in a land entirely created in my imagination. I created scenes for these characters that never happened in order to give these two MCs some likability.
The story I imagined never happened at all. Madden didn't completely humiliate Evan in a front of his co-workers and a jury of his peers. The Kings and Harlots did not cause rampage through the city causing a constant clash between the two that resulted in endless delicious sexual tension.
There was no delicious and sexy banter of Madden handing Evan his ass to him during the day so that Evan could return the favor at night in form of lusty vile disgustingly delicious smut... that never actually happened...
Instead okay we get a unreasonably mean cop with a giant moral lapse (yet he hates lawyers who fights for the bad guys? How sway)
The highlight of his cop-ness (yes that's a word! maybe...) is like traffic infractions.
So this straight cop jumps into gay sex that he basically initiate as a weird form of revenge that was nowhere near convincing.
Gay sex with his super high/drunk enemy and questions whether he should use a condom and decides not to.
Now Madden sweet naive childish Madden
I understand you grew up a sheltered rich spoil kid.. but huh?
I never understand how authors write about men who don't do relationships and go for that insta-love type deal. I mean they met up less times than I have fingers on one hand (did that make sense?)
So once I woke up out of my stupor I realized none of the things I imagined actually happened... in fact nothing actually happens so it is with great shame that I dump this into my DNF box at 70%
Read
June 5, 2020I'd like to give a big thank you to everyone who has been reading all of the New Gothenburg books! It means the world to me to be able to write these stories.
If you're interested, fun fact, I wrote Madden Polunin and MD wrote Officer Evan Slater.
For more interesting tidbits and banter, feel free to join us at Gregory and Brightly's Company of Kings. https://www.facebook.com/groups/compa...
If you're interested, fun fact, I wrote Madden Polunin and MD wrote Officer Evan Slater.
For more interesting tidbits and banter, feel free to join us at Gregory and Brightly's Company of Kings. https://www.facebook.com/groups/compa...
June 13, 2020
If you can make it past the first 20% where these two absolutely hate each other to the point of a sober Evan then you will likely enjoy this total enemies to lovers story.
I hated Evan for a good part of this story, he was abhorrent- it was almost a DNF at 20% due to his shitty attitude and actions. But these authors made him that way for a reason. These two really do grow together. Their relationship is totally messed up until it turns into more and Evan embraces how he feels for Madden. All the while their jobs are a constant source of conflict. It made for a really interesting storyline.
I would like to see more of these two as they are now after having gotten their HEA. Their jobs and relationship dynamic are interesting and still hold lots of possibilities.
I hated Evan for a good part of this story, he was abhorrent- it was almost a DNF at 20% due to his shitty attitude and actions. But these authors made him that way for a reason. These two really do grow together. Their relationship is totally messed up until it turns into more and Evan embraces how he feels for Madden. All the while their jobs are a constant source of conflict. It made for a really interesting storyline.
I would like to see more of these two as they are now after having gotten their HEA. Their jobs and relationship dynamic are interesting and still hold lots of possibilities.
January 5, 2024
3.5/5 stars
June 8, 2020
So the writing is great but the beginning was so problematic (having rough bdsm sex while the other dude was drugged up and u know it then throwing him out a second after coming when he’s barely dressed? That’s...not even just shitty, that’s not morally acceptable)
Nevertheless I realized early on morally acceptable isn’t how the book would swing soooooo i did something im not totally proud of but also I don’t regret.
Since I knew I hated Evan and would eventually come to resent Madden I...kinda read the first 20% then scrolled down to the last 30% and read those, skipping approximately 50% of the book.
Glass half full that means I read the other 50%? Kinda?
Anyway preferred that way tbh. I Didn’t want to go through Evan’s douchebagery and gay panic but I also still got all the good bits so no regrets.
Nevertheless I realized early on morally acceptable isn’t how the book would swing soooooo i did something im not totally proud of but also I don’t regret.
Since I knew I hated Evan and would eventually come to resent Madden I...kinda read the first 20% then scrolled down to the last 30% and read those, skipping approximately 50% of the book.
Glass half full that means I read the other 50%? Kinda?
Anyway preferred that way tbh. I Didn’t want to go through Evan’s douchebagery and gay panic but I also still got all the good bits so no regrets.
June 29, 2020
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I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1.5 🌟
Uffff I had many issues with this book and was debating between giving it one or two stars...
The beginning was horrible. I'm not a huge fan of Dom and sub romances myself bit I do enjoy them sometimes when they are well developed. Which was not the case if you want my opinion. No, what happens between Madden and Evan during that first night when things become sexual between them was not a dominating kind of encounter.... It was plain abusive. And if the authors think that this is how dom and sub relationships are supposed to go... Then they are wrong.
I won't get too much into details, just going to leave it at that. I know some people enjoy atypical and messy romances sometimes. I myself have enjoyed some disturbing romances that were so well written that they just unexpectedly worked for me. These authors couldn't do that. I felt uncomfortable reading it and if not because I recurve a copy to review the book, I would have dropped it and start running.
I usually love enemies to lovers, but with the bad start I felt off and couldn't feel the feeling between them. Evan kept being an ass and pretty cruel with Madden until some point in which he completely changes, and that when the story gets a little bit better. But at the same time I was confirmed that the beginning is just a mess: when they kind of start dating for real they drop all the dom and sub dynamics, which lefts me thinking that as I thought Evan was just being abusive because he hated Madden. And that's not good. And should not be romanticized.
I usually like the good vs bad issue in these stories: should lawyers defend the bad guys? But again I didn't like how these went. I would normally emphasize with Evan's POV here... But he just felt like an ass.
This was my first book by these authors and as I saw, they have like 15 books with this one about the New Gothenburg universe. I don't think I will check them out even though there are some secondary characters that seemed interesting enough to feel intrigued by their stories. But I'd they go as messyly as this one it will end being another dissapointment.
I feel like the plot should come along some warnings so the reader knows where they are getting into. And this is coming from the kind of reader that usually finds warnings unnecessary LOL
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1.5 🌟
Uffff I had many issues with this book and was debating between giving it one or two stars...
The beginning was horrible. I'm not a huge fan of Dom and sub romances myself bit I do enjoy them sometimes when they are well developed. Which was not the case if you want my opinion. No, what happens between Madden and Evan during that first night when things become sexual between them was not a dominating kind of encounter.... It was plain abusive. And if the authors think that this is how dom and sub relationships are supposed to go... Then they are wrong.
I won't get too much into details, just going to leave it at that. I know some people enjoy atypical and messy romances sometimes. I myself have enjoyed some disturbing romances that were so well written that they just unexpectedly worked for me. These authors couldn't do that. I felt uncomfortable reading it and if not because I recurve a copy to review the book, I would have dropped it and start running.
I usually love enemies to lovers, but with the bad start I felt off and couldn't feel the feeling between them. Evan kept being an ass and pretty cruel with Madden until some point in which he completely changes, and that when the story gets a little bit better. But at the same time I was confirmed that the beginning is just a mess: when they kind of start dating for real they drop all the dom and sub dynamics, which lefts me thinking that as I thought Evan was just being abusive because he hated Madden. And that's not good. And should not be romanticized.
I usually like the good vs bad issue in these stories: should lawyers defend the bad guys? But again I didn't like how these went. I would normally emphasize with Evan's POV here... But he just felt like an ass.
This was my first book by these authors and as I saw, they have like 15 books with this one about the New Gothenburg universe. I don't think I will check them out even though there are some secondary characters that seemed interesting enough to feel intrigued by their stories. But I'd they go as messyly as this one it will end being another dissapointment.
I feel like the plot should come along some warnings so the reader knows where they are getting into. And this is coming from the kind of reader that usually finds warnings unnecessary LOL
January 30, 2022
DNF at 57%
This book was a pretty big mess.
Evan had some pretty gross inner monologue - his opinions and the way he thought about women made my skin creep, and then he was so nasty to Madden. I get the hatefuck energy, and I love hate-to-want-you as a trope, but...he was sober when he aggressively fucked Madden, who was drunk and on drugs. He smacked him around even - you really need to talk about that kind of stuff before doing it. And then Evan literally threw him out of the house. Ew.
Evan's constant and repetitive gay panic/denials got really tiring after a while. Okay dude, I get it, but you protest too much that you don't like dick when you're making out with a dude and fucking him. Get over yourself.
Madden read extremely young - the dynamic at his law firm had me going ???? so much. I couldn't buy him being a hotshot defense lawyer. Or really even a functional adult. He was pretty needy (in a poorly developed character way), and he put up with a lot of abuse from Evan for no real reason. He was introduced as a one-night-stand man, and yet...instantly, they jump into being fuckbuddies. For no reason.
Their romance was...not a romance. I guess I'd hope that by almost 60% I'd have seen some development on that front, but we were still in gay panic mode and crude dismissive behavior. No character growth had started by the time I quit.
This book suffered from Too Many Details syndrome...there were just so many extra paragraphs and lines about things that didn't matter. The writing overall was mediocre at best. This book is listed as the first in a series, but I felt like I'd missed earlier books somehow.
It felt like everyone was trying too hard to be crude and cool about things, especially sex, and it was pretty cringey to read. On top of that, all the different ways dicks are described was....ew. Meaty is not a pleasant descriptor. Being told that their dicks are "fattening" really just...I don't know, I hate it.
This book was a pretty big mess.
Evan had some pretty gross inner monologue - his opinions and the way he thought about women made my skin creep, and then he was so nasty to Madden. I get the hatefuck energy, and I love hate-to-want-you as a trope, but...he was sober when he aggressively fucked Madden, who was drunk and on drugs. He smacked him around even - you really need to talk about that kind of stuff before doing it. And then Evan literally threw him out of the house. Ew.
Evan's constant and repetitive gay panic/denials got really tiring after a while. Okay dude, I get it, but you protest too much that you don't like dick when you're making out with a dude and fucking him. Get over yourself.
Madden read extremely young - the dynamic at his law firm had me going ???? so much. I couldn't buy him being a hotshot defense lawyer. Or really even a functional adult. He was pretty needy (in a poorly developed character way), and he put up with a lot of abuse from Evan for no real reason. He was introduced as a one-night-stand man, and yet...instantly, they jump into being fuckbuddies. For no reason.
Their romance was...not a romance. I guess I'd hope that by almost 60% I'd have seen some development on that front, but we were still in gay panic mode and crude dismissive behavior. No character growth had started by the time I quit.
This book suffered from Too Many Details syndrome...there were just so many extra paragraphs and lines about things that didn't matter. The writing overall was mediocre at best. This book is listed as the first in a series, but I felt like I'd missed earlier books somehow.
It felt like everyone was trying too hard to be crude and cool about things, especially sex, and it was pretty cringey to read. On top of that, all the different ways dicks are described was....ew. Meaty is not a pleasant descriptor. Being told that their dicks are "fattening" really just...I don't know, I hate it.
June 6, 2020
Evan Slater is straight, a good cop who absolutely dislikes lawyers that help criminals and he really loves hate-fucking Madden!
Madden Polunin is a lawyer working for the Kings and the Harlots, he likes to win in court. Everything the cop hates!
They hook up after a weird night at a club.
After a few rough hate-sex, they are both addicted to each other.
Madden tries to stop everything, sleeping with a cop is not good for the business but the officer doesn't let him, apparently you can't break up when you are not in a relationship.
They are both from different world, how can they make it work?!
The story is set in the same universe as the Kings of Men, it was great seeing some of them and the Harlots. I hope we will see Paxton and Hayden's reunion soon! Can't wait for River's story too!!
Madden Polunin is a lawyer working for the Kings and the Harlots, he likes to win in court. Everything the cop hates!
They hook up after a weird night at a club.
After a few rough hate-sex, they are both addicted to each other.
Madden tries to stop everything, sleeping with a cop is not good for the business but the officer doesn't let him, apparently you can't break up when you are not in a relationship.
They are both from different world, how can they make it work?!
The story is set in the same universe as the Kings of Men, it was great seeing some of them and the Harlots. I hope we will see Paxton and Hayden's reunion soon! Can't wait for River's story too!!
July 10, 2020
Straight-laced cop Evan Slater abhores Madden Poluin. He finds the defense attorney to be less than scum for signing on to represent criminals at trial. After Madden's firm wins one of the cases Slater's partner messed up Slater is furious. He decides the best way to vent his frusteration is to find someone else to carry his load for a little while - so to speak. He ends up running into Madden out at the bar. One thing leads to another and they two get all hot and heavy in Evan's car and later his home. But Evan isn't gay, right? Yet Evan cannot deny the instant attraction he has for Madden and how much he wants the man. However Evan isn't ready to admit he's with a man, let alone this defense attorney. Maybe it just wasn't met to be.
This book felt very anticlimatic to me. The only true conflict was between Madden and Evan - there was no other overarching story behind the tension between these two men. I was waiting for something to happen with the Kings and then Madden and Evan would have to face on opposite sides of the law; or something with Evan's father getting out of prision and for whatever reason coming after Madden. Nope. The only conflict in this story was the relationship of these characters and frankly that wasn't enough to make this book interesting. I just kept on waiting for it to start; so when I'm 90% of the way done and nothing else happens it's very annoying.
This book felt very anticlimatic to me. The only true conflict was between Madden and Evan - there was no other overarching story behind the tension between these two men. I was waiting for something to happen with the Kings and then Madden and Evan would have to face on opposite sides of the law; or something with Evan's father getting out of prision and for whatever reason coming after Madden. Nope. The only conflict in this story was the relationship of these characters and frankly that wasn't enough to make this book interesting. I just kept on waiting for it to start; so when I'm 90% of the way done and nothing else happens it's very annoying.
July 21, 2025
Evan Slater is a straight-laced cop who hates criminal defense lawyers—especially Madden Polunin. But after a wild night at a club, they hook up, and their explosive hate-sex quickly becomes an addiction.
Madden, a lawyer for the Kings and the Harlots, knows sleeping with a cop is bad for business, but Evan refuses to let go. Turns out, you can’t break up if you're not officially together.
They’re from opposite worlds—can they find a way to make it work?
Madden, a lawyer for the Kings and the Harlots, knows sleeping with a cop is bad for business, but Evan refuses to let go. Turns out, you can’t break up if you're not officially together.
They’re from opposite worlds—can they find a way to make it work?
June 6, 2020
Untraditional love story
Yet another great story added to the New Gothenburg universe. This might just be my new favorite Brightly/Gregory book. Cant wait for whats coming next. I was a little sceptical at the beginning with how much Evan seemed to hate Madden. The way he treated him made me wonder if there was even a love story possible but there was nothing to worry about. It turned out great.
Yet another great story added to the New Gothenburg universe. This might just be my new favorite Brightly/Gregory book. Cant wait for whats coming next. I was a little sceptical at the beginning with how much Evan seemed to hate Madden. The way he treated him made me wonder if there was even a love story possible but there was nothing to worry about. It turned out great.
July 21, 2020
DNF'ing this because life really is too short and judging by some trustworthy reviews it is not going to get any better. The motivations are just stupid, the characters are flat and the writing is really not great.
June 8, 2020
Love it.
June 26, 2020
Not bent
This was different. The strong raw emotions that Slater felt towards Madden was a bit strong at times. But for whatever they seem to work. Both were fairly entertaining in their own ways!
This was different. The strong raw emotions that Slater felt towards Madden was a bit strong at times. But for whatever they seem to work. Both were fairly entertaining in their own ways!
February 20, 2024
Love this story
Interesting, quirky characters. Hot! Gave me surprises in the story line. I love the entire NG universe. Enjoy the way all the different groups/series are connected.
Interesting, quirky characters. Hot! Gave me surprises in the story line. I love the entire NG universe. Enjoy the way all the different groups/series are connected.
July 22, 2020
TOD: 22%
I am not feeling the writing style nor the main characters.
Also that first sex scene? One sober and the other under the influence of alcohol and drugs? One is a cop (the sober one) and yet he thought it would be a great idea to have sex with a drugged-out-of-his-mind person? Oh. Okay.
I am not feeling the writing style nor the main characters.
Also that first sex scene? One sober and the other under the influence of alcohol and drugs? One is a cop (the sober one) and yet he thought it would be a great idea to have sex with a drugged-out-of-his-mind person? Oh. Okay.
June 28, 2020
This was enemies to lovers at its most base. The MCs did NOT like each other, in fact Evan hated Madden with a passion when they first got together. It made for some interesting steam.
It took longer than most, but like always with a regular hook up things start to change. This was dirty and gritty and sexy. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Apparently this is kinda a spin off from the authors previous books about the Kings MC. I never read those and enjoyed this just fine. In fact I am hoping a certain lawyer named River will be getting his story next.
I can't call this one an HEA. It's more like they are happy, been together for awhile, and neither wants to give up the no labels and spew out declarations of love. With these two it works. You wouldn't expect gushing romance.
It took longer than most, but like always with a regular hook up things start to change. This was dirty and gritty and sexy. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Apparently this is kinda a spin off from the authors previous books about the Kings MC. I never read those and enjoyed this just fine. In fact I am hoping a certain lawyer named River will be getting his story next.
I can't call this one an HEA. It's more like they are happy, been together for awhile, and neither wants to give up the no labels and spew out declarations of love. With these two it works. You wouldn't expect gushing romance.
July 6, 2020
Brilliant
I did not realise this book was part of Kings series I read this before reading the series but read it again and it allnow makes sense. Worth reading again
I did not realise this book was part of Kings series I read this before reading the series but read it again and it allnow makes sense. Worth reading again
March 17, 2022
This was unexpectedly dirty and just...wow, I was not expecting that.
Madden and Evan were super explosive and the hatred between the two of them led to very intense scenes. I eventually ended up liking the pair and thought they were a good match, but it took me some time to get there.
For one, any half decent cop would be able to tell if someone was on drugs. I didn’t like how Madden was under the influence for their first time together.
Later, Evan admits he knew Madden was messed up that night. Um...what? So he knew Madden was drugged but still had sex with him?
And not gently, either. Evan slaps Madden, doesn’t prep him, is extremely rough, fucks him without a condom, doesn’t care if Madden enjoys it, and then literally throws Madden out the second they are done...like straight up tosses him out the front door naked where he lands on his knees and face on Evan’s front porch).
Any half decent human being, let alone a (good) cop, would not take advantage of someone like that. I really hated that part a lot and thought it put a huge stain on Evan’s character.
He preached about the law and being “good”, but his actions were anything but.
It also made me sad how cold Evan was with Madden after sex. Their sex was not gentle, and Evan did not hold back his insults at all, and while Madden liked it, I would have appreciated some aftercare or something. It was intense.
And later into the book, when their relationship is somewhat more defined, we suddenly don’t get sex scenes anymore. Which is fine, but I think given the nature of the detached and rough sex in the beginning of the book, it would have been nice to see Evan being a bit gentler afterwards when he decided he didn’t actually hate Madden’s guts. I think, as a reader, I needed to see that.
Especially when you consider how misplaced Evan’s anger is. Madden doesn’t even taunt him much or anything like that. He literally just does his job, and Evan hates him for it due to childhood trauma.
So I couldn’t quite empathize with him, and as a result he just came across as kinda mean and cruel in the beginning.
Also, the “I’m not gay” personality trait Evan possessed was obnoxious and got old very quickly.
Overall, I did like this book. I just wish Evan’s asshole behavior was discussed a little more between the pair. I wanted to see their sexual relationship evolve more as they became closer, and as Madden came to mean something to Evan.
Madden and Evan were super explosive and the hatred between the two of them led to very intense scenes. I eventually ended up liking the pair and thought they were a good match, but it took me some time to get there.
For one, any half decent cop would be able to tell if someone was on drugs. I didn’t like how Madden was under the influence for their first time together.
Later, Evan admits he knew Madden was messed up that night. Um...what? So he knew Madden was drugged but still had sex with him?
And not gently, either. Evan slaps Madden, doesn’t prep him, is extremely rough, fucks him without a condom, doesn’t care if Madden enjoys it, and then literally throws Madden out the second they are done...like straight up tosses him out the front door naked where he lands on his knees and face on Evan’s front porch).
Any half decent human being, let alone a (good) cop, would not take advantage of someone like that. I really hated that part a lot and thought it put a huge stain on Evan’s character.
He preached about the law and being “good”, but his actions were anything but.
It also made me sad how cold Evan was with Madden after sex. Their sex was not gentle, and Evan did not hold back his insults at all, and while Madden liked it, I would have appreciated some aftercare or something. It was intense.
And later into the book, when their relationship is somewhat more defined, we suddenly don’t get sex scenes anymore. Which is fine, but I think given the nature of the detached and rough sex in the beginning of the book, it would have been nice to see Evan being a bit gentler afterwards when he decided he didn’t actually hate Madden’s guts. I think, as a reader, I needed to see that.
Especially when you consider how misplaced Evan’s anger is. Madden doesn’t even taunt him much or anything like that. He literally just does his job, and Evan hates him for it due to childhood trauma.
So I couldn’t quite empathize with him, and as a result he just came across as kinda mean and cruel in the beginning.
Also, the “I’m not gay” personality trait Evan possessed was obnoxious and got old very quickly.
Overall, I did like this book. I just wish Evan’s asshole behavior was discussed a little more between the pair. I wanted to see their sexual relationship evolve more as they became closer, and as Madden came to mean something to Evan.
June 27, 2020
Officer Evan Slater sat in court watching as yet another guilty man get off because of his partner’s silly mistake. Mason Riggs had asked for a lawyer several times, and Conrad ignored him. This was just another example of watching criminals walk free on stupid technicalities, and Evan was sick of it. All he could think of was that the drugs Riggs sold would kill teenagers while he knew the lawyers only cared about their legal fees and not the results of what they did in getting criminals released. Why would someone, who swore to uphold the law, defend scum like this? And after the gloating smirks of the lawyers, and the self-satisfied look on Riggs’ face, Slater and Conrad now had to face the Captain to explain why another Kings MC member was released back onto the streets.
Savoring his victory, Madden Polunin went to his favorite bar for a celebratory drink, but the bar had been shut down. So he went a bit further to the popular Black Out and downed several strong drinks before a guy he had been with before offered him a pill. Madden ends up drugged and runs into Evan, which begins an unexpected relationship between the “straight” police officer and the lawyer who normally wants only a one-night stand. Is this the start of something between them? Can they go from hated enemies to something else? Or will it all depend on Madden’s memory of their first time and the vitriol poured into that encounter by a still-angry Evan?
The authors’ writing was really good, well-edited, and carried the reader into the story. I am one of those who didn’t like what happened in that first encounter scene after the bar, mainly because Evan knew Madden was severely impaired at the time. It wasn’t an honest punishment he was inflicting; more like taking advantage just to be cruel and vindictive. But the awesome writing was enough to keep me reading beyond that to see where it would lead. Grab your copy and experience a story that comes alive as the authors paint the scene for the reader with their words. Uncomfortable or not, it was done well.
Savoring his victory, Madden Polunin went to his favorite bar for a celebratory drink, but the bar had been shut down. So he went a bit further to the popular Black Out and downed several strong drinks before a guy he had been with before offered him a pill. Madden ends up drugged and runs into Evan, which begins an unexpected relationship between the “straight” police officer and the lawyer who normally wants only a one-night stand. Is this the start of something between them? Can they go from hated enemies to something else? Or will it all depend on Madden’s memory of their first time and the vitriol poured into that encounter by a still-angry Evan?
The authors’ writing was really good, well-edited, and carried the reader into the story. I am one of those who didn’t like what happened in that first encounter scene after the bar, mainly because Evan knew Madden was severely impaired at the time. It wasn’t an honest punishment he was inflicting; more like taking advantage just to be cruel and vindictive. But the awesome writing was enough to keep me reading beyond that to see where it would lead. Grab your copy and experience a story that comes alive as the authors paint the scene for the reader with their words. Uncomfortable or not, it was done well.
June 28, 2020
Im not Gay !!!! you might hear those words a few times lol
WOW What a read. I was so hooked to Evan and Madden's story. Their start together is quite painful to read. One mans struggle to understand what his body wants but even if he wants it, that doesn't make him Gay!!!
Officer Evan Slater had been sat in court to watch yet another guilty man get off because of a silly mistake. And because the biker had a good defence he just walked out the front door of the court house. Slater hated Polunin he was so smug about his win and he knew going back to the police station would result in some difficult questions from his captain about his partner. If honest it was because of his partners error that they had lost the case.
Slater decided after the shit show at the station he just needed a drink and to get laid. SO off he went and who would he come across none other than a very happy drunk Defence lawyer Polunin. they get talking and even share a dance. Their banter is off the charts and so is the chemistry. Without even understanding Evan agrees to take Polunin home and use him at Polunin suggestion after all he wanted to get laid too so two birds one stone. But this opens a whole can of worms. Although Evan didnt understand why he kept using Madden and then it wasn't because he wanted to use him but get to know him. Evan has more on his plate when he gets a phone call to except the charges.....
These two are both amazing men who each have things to over come. Evan his sexuality and Madden to except he was more than his parents money.
Their story just had me addicted. I couldnt put it down and I found myself laughing out loud. there is so much going on in this book. Evan doesn't like criminals and seeing as Madden was a criminal defence lawyer this was always going to be difficult. Honestly it is sooooo good. (I really liked King and his attitude toward this couple too)
A brilliant read!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
WOW What a read. I was so hooked to Evan and Madden's story. Their start together is quite painful to read. One mans struggle to understand what his body wants but even if he wants it, that doesn't make him Gay!!!
Officer Evan Slater had been sat in court to watch yet another guilty man get off because of a silly mistake. And because the biker had a good defence he just walked out the front door of the court house. Slater hated Polunin he was so smug about his win and he knew going back to the police station would result in some difficult questions from his captain about his partner. If honest it was because of his partners error that they had lost the case.
Slater decided after the shit show at the station he just needed a drink and to get laid. SO off he went and who would he come across none other than a very happy drunk Defence lawyer Polunin. they get talking and even share a dance. Their banter is off the charts and so is the chemistry. Without even understanding Evan agrees to take Polunin home and use him at Polunin suggestion after all he wanted to get laid too so two birds one stone. But this opens a whole can of worms. Although Evan didnt understand why he kept using Madden and then it wasn't because he wanted to use him but get to know him. Evan has more on his plate when he gets a phone call to except the charges.....
These two are both amazing men who each have things to over come. Evan his sexuality and Madden to except he was more than his parents money.
Their story just had me addicted. I couldnt put it down and I found myself laughing out loud. there is so much going on in this book. Evan doesn't like criminals and seeing as Madden was a criminal defence lawyer this was always going to be difficult. Honestly it is sooooo good. (I really liked King and his attitude toward this couple too)
A brilliant read!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2025
Rough start, neither MCs were likeable so I wasn’t as put off as others by how bad their interactions were. They were also both a bundle of contradictions: saying one thing, thinking another then doing something else. Hot and cold, sweet and bitter, soft and hard, shy and dirty.
Generally the vibe was sort of all over the place and none of characters were interesting in any way. They just behaved bizarre to me despite some odd situations and their reactions were weird, I had no idea where the story was going on.
The spice was hot though, even their first coupling which was very hate and drug fuelled. I read comments that this scene was very appalling for most readers but it wasn’t as bad as I thought so. The MC wasn’t as humiliated, he actually shrugged it off quite impressively, I liked that. Sadly as the story progressed, smut was becoming less and less descriptive and more off page…
One thing that bothered me a bit was the frequent mention of their height difference and I get that some people enjoy size difference but for me I had hard time to visualise their eee positions with constant mentions of how awkward angle it was here and there.
Another thing that bugged me was the whole discourse on the lawyer defending criminals. I get the point that’s it’s a job and if evidence was poorly sourced/presented by police then fair enough, the innocent verdict stays. But at the same time it was hard for me to believe that when there clearly mentions of deliberate stalling and bribing witnesses tactics by so called law firm so how come the lawyer can act so high and mighty if they themselves did some shady work and accuse police of being sore loser. That part felt hypocritical to me unless I missed something while reading.
Despite all, MCs started awfully to each other but ended rather sweet towards each other. I’m off to read the sequel novella.
Generally the vibe was sort of all over the place and none of characters were interesting in any way. They just behaved bizarre to me despite some odd situations and their reactions were weird, I had no idea where the story was going on.
The spice was hot though, even their first coupling which was very hate and drug fuelled. I read comments that this scene was very appalling for most readers but it wasn’t as bad as I thought so. The MC wasn’t as humiliated, he actually shrugged it off quite impressively, I liked that. Sadly as the story progressed, smut was becoming less and less descriptive and more off page…
One thing that bothered me a bit was the frequent mention of their height difference and I get that some people enjoy size difference but for me I had hard time to visualise their eee positions with constant mentions of how awkward angle it was here and there.
Another thing that bugged me was the whole discourse on the lawyer defending criminals. I get the point that’s it’s a job and if evidence was poorly sourced/presented by police then fair enough, the innocent verdict stays. But at the same time it was hard for me to believe that when there clearly mentions of deliberate stalling and bribing witnesses tactics by so called law firm so how come the lawyer can act so high and mighty if they themselves did some shady work and accuse police of being sore loser. That part felt hypocritical to me unless I missed something while reading.
Despite all, MCs started awfully to each other but ended rather sweet towards each other. I’m off to read the sequel novella.
June 27, 2020
Not for the faint of heart!
I am stunned at how these two ended up together, given the level of hatred radiating off the pages!
Yet, this was a complete turn on for both of them. Insane levels of roughness to mask their true feelings.
Evan Slater, a straight(ish) cop who really despised the DA who keep getting a bunch of MC criminals off. His partner did not follow the pules and Evan played along instead of doing the right thing. He's had nothing but contempt for Madden since then.
Madden Polunin is an arrogant but brilliant attorney who lives for irritating law enforcement, or namely one in particular. After his win, he decides to go our and celebrate at a club, looking for a hook-up. He ends up drugged and runs into Evan, the cop of his nightmares/dreams.
One thing leads to another and these two end up hooking up in the truck and at Evan's house. Truthfully, Evan treats him horribly afterwards. (Even his thoughts were unnecessarily cruel, mostly aggressive denial about who he really was). Slater tried his bets to humiliate Madden, but it only turned him on. His anger got the best of him and throws him out. Travis sees Madden on the sidewalk, offers to help, but Slater intervenes and things make an interesting twist from there.
After an onslaught of hate hook-ups, things take a turn between them. Madden is openly gay. Madden has been living life as a straight man. Can he make the change in his life? Be true to himself?
High angst, rough, sarcastic flirtation, kinky, and yes a HEA.
If you want fluff, do not read this book! Evan and Madden are not a fluffy couple. Full blown testosterone.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
I am stunned at how these two ended up together, given the level of hatred radiating off the pages!
Yet, this was a complete turn on for both of them. Insane levels of roughness to mask their true feelings.
Evan Slater, a straight(ish) cop who really despised the DA who keep getting a bunch of MC criminals off. His partner did not follow the pules and Evan played along instead of doing the right thing. He's had nothing but contempt for Madden since then.
Madden Polunin is an arrogant but brilliant attorney who lives for irritating law enforcement, or namely one in particular. After his win, he decides to go our and celebrate at a club, looking for a hook-up. He ends up drugged and runs into Evan, the cop of his nightmares/dreams.
One thing leads to another and these two end up hooking up in the truck and at Evan's house. Truthfully, Evan treats him horribly afterwards. (Even his thoughts were unnecessarily cruel, mostly aggressive denial about who he really was). Slater tried his bets to humiliate Madden, but it only turned him on. His anger got the best of him and throws him out. Travis sees Madden on the sidewalk, offers to help, but Slater intervenes and things make an interesting twist from there.
After an onslaught of hate hook-ups, things take a turn between them. Madden is openly gay. Madden has been living life as a straight man. Can he make the change in his life? Be true to himself?
High angst, rough, sarcastic flirtation, kinky, and yes a HEA.
If you want fluff, do not read this book! Evan and Madden are not a fluffy couple. Full blown testosterone.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
June 14, 2020
Simple Attraction...
by and1515
Evan was so sick and tired of watching criminals walk free especially on stupid technicalities.
Madden never doubted his latest client would be walking out the front door of the courthouse.
Okay for some reason I found myself making a few questionable choices that landed me in the path of one of the sexiest grumpiest men ever he also has cop's name who doesn't like me however by the time everything was all said and most definitely done I can't complain he left me a happy mess.
But like I said about my choices so here I am with my phone and very little else having to call some one to come rescue me from my own stupidity.
Truthfully I could deal with the fact I lost my mind over a guy but why did it have to be him? And darn it all he still had his things and now he'd have to return them.
Evan had been sure who switched his neat little life to some weird channel on the idiot box but here he was listening to some type of negotiations with a filthy lawyer.
Madden seriously didn't want to stop so that's why he was back at his house again and I'm totally glutton for what ever punishment the dirty pig can dish out.
Evan couldn't seem to stay away from him no matter how many times he tried reminding himself Madden was still a sleazy lawyer.
Who knew these's two crazy chicks would actually start fighting over some stupid schmuck and now Evan was getting a ride to the emergency room.
Okay so he was darn good at lying to himself but now all he really needed was the courage to accept the truth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
Evan was so sick and tired of watching criminals walk free especially on stupid technicalities.
Madden never doubted his latest client would be walking out the front door of the courthouse.
Okay for some reason I found myself making a few questionable choices that landed me in the path of one of the sexiest grumpiest men ever he also has cop's name who doesn't like me however by the time everything was all said and most definitely done I can't complain he left me a happy mess.
But like I said about my choices so here I am with my phone and very little else having to call some one to come rescue me from my own stupidity.
Truthfully I could deal with the fact I lost my mind over a guy but why did it have to be him? And darn it all he still had his things and now he'd have to return them.
Evan had been sure who switched his neat little life to some weird channel on the idiot box but here he was listening to some type of negotiations with a filthy lawyer.
Madden seriously didn't want to stop so that's why he was back at his house again and I'm totally glutton for what ever punishment the dirty pig can dish out.
Evan couldn't seem to stay away from him no matter how many times he tried reminding himself Madden was still a sleazy lawyer.
Who knew these's two crazy chicks would actually start fighting over some stupid schmuck and now Evan was getting a ride to the emergency room.
Okay so he was darn good at lying to himself but now all he really needed was the courage to accept the truth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2020
This is one of the best books that I have read recently and I read at least a book a day! This book is about one man 'finding himself' in more ways than one.
So well written, I didn't want to put the Kindle down. The two main characters meet first in a hostile environment, which leads to their initial view of each other, but once their guards are down angry non-understood flirting starts and changes things forever. Angry flirting leads to angry hot sex and denial for one of them but he can't deny his feelings to himself.
I'm at a loss as to how to describe how good this book is to be honest. The Author's blurb tells you about the story; I can only tell you that the quality of the writing is excellent. I laughed, I empathised, I was shocked, I was appalled, I wanted to shout, I wanted to be their friend, I wanted to eat breakfast at the pool, I wanted coffee served by Emmy.
The two main characters are great; light against the shade with plenty of details and background. They have a secondary cast of characters to support the story who play their parts well.
There are lots of open story lines left and I hope this means there will be a follow up book so that we can see more of the boys in the future.
I loved this book and totally recommend that you read and enjoy it but be very careful if you read it on the train that no one is reading over your shoulder!! xx
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So well written, I didn't want to put the Kindle down. The two main characters meet first in a hostile environment, which leads to their initial view of each other, but once their guards are down angry non-understood flirting starts and changes things forever. Angry flirting leads to angry hot sex and denial for one of them but he can't deny his feelings to himself.
I'm at a loss as to how to describe how good this book is to be honest. The Author's blurb tells you about the story; I can only tell you that the quality of the writing is excellent. I laughed, I empathised, I was shocked, I was appalled, I wanted to shout, I wanted to be their friend, I wanted to eat breakfast at the pool, I wanted coffee served by Emmy.
The two main characters are great; light against the shade with plenty of details and background. They have a secondary cast of characters to support the story who play their parts well.
There are lots of open story lines left and I hope this means there will be a follow up book so that we can see more of the boys in the future.
I loved this book and totally recommend that you read and enjoy it but be very careful if you read it on the train that no one is reading over your shoulder!! xx
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2020
Meh
I didn't like this story much. I enjoyed Madden. He was playful, funny, and everything good in the story. Evan was just an a**h*le. Although he mellowed, I wish we'd gotten to read about him touching Madden's package and performing oral. He was very outspoken about NOT doing either while he was going through his "I'm not gay" phase, so naturally would have enjoyed seeing that happen as their relationship grew. I also got very tired of how often he said, thought, yelled that he wasn't gay. It became repetitive and ridiculous. I was glad when that finally stopped as he stopped being too "manly" for emotions and relationships.
I picked up the book because it stated Evan was dominant and Madden was submissive. So I thought I was getting D/s. It wasn't that however. There was no negotiation or consent or care. It was just Evan literally slapping Madden with no warning and him just happening to enjoy it. Or Evan degrading Madden and him just happening to like it. But it was clear Evan wasn't doing it because he was dominant. It was more that Evan was angry and taking out his anger abusively on Madden...who just happened to like it. What luck (heavy sarcasm dripping from each letter).
I didn't like this story much. I enjoyed Madden. He was playful, funny, and everything good in the story. Evan was just an a**h*le. Although he mellowed, I wish we'd gotten to read about him touching Madden's package and performing oral. He was very outspoken about NOT doing either while he was going through his "I'm not gay" phase, so naturally would have enjoyed seeing that happen as their relationship grew. I also got very tired of how often he said, thought, yelled that he wasn't gay. It became repetitive and ridiculous. I was glad when that finally stopped as he stopped being too "manly" for emotions and relationships.
I picked up the book because it stated Evan was dominant and Madden was submissive. So I thought I was getting D/s. It wasn't that however. There was no negotiation or consent or care. It was just Evan literally slapping Madden with no warning and him just happening to enjoy it. Or Evan degrading Madden and him just happening to like it. But it was clear Evan wasn't doing it because he was dominant. It was more that Evan was angry and taking out his anger abusively on Madden...who just happened to like it. What luck (heavy sarcasm dripping from each letter).
June 27, 2020
I want a person too!
OMG...I loved this book. Well I love this series. Straight to gay stories are always interesting to read. I could have kept on reading it was so good. You would not have ever thought that Evan and Madden would be a likely couple on how that first chapter started. But Evan fell prey to Madden's charm and cuteness. It was funny/sad how Evan kept going on about him not being gay but he couldn't keep away from Madden. I just loved Madden...he is sassy, quirky and adorable but he is 100% loyal. You see that in his work and personal with Evan. Evan really has no friends and I see why he is drawn to Madden. I loved that he found his "person" with Madden. The Kings and the Harlots had a little part in the story that kept me entertained. All in All this was a book I couldn't put down. The author's really know how to tell a fun and sexy story and I can't wait until the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG...I loved this book. Well I love this series. Straight to gay stories are always interesting to read. I could have kept on reading it was so good. You would not have ever thought that Evan and Madden would be a likely couple on how that first chapter started. But Evan fell prey to Madden's charm and cuteness. It was funny/sad how Evan kept going on about him not being gay but he couldn't keep away from Madden. I just loved Madden...he is sassy, quirky and adorable but he is 100% loyal. You see that in his work and personal with Evan. Evan really has no friends and I see why he is drawn to Madden. I loved that he found his "person" with Madden. The Kings and the Harlots had a little part in the story that kept me entertained. All in All this was a book I couldn't put down. The author's really know how to tell a fun and sexy story and I can't wait until the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2025
I don't agree with some of the complaints people have with the first 🌶️ scene.
1. Slater didn't think he committed sexu@l assault. He says "are all gay guys this eager or just Polunin". That means he doesn't think Polunin is in anything but his right mind.
2. With that in mind, the light BDSM is not "morally unacceptable" because he thinks Madden will tell him if he doesn't agree to it.
3. He doesn't automatically get a condom because he, as a straight man, isn't educated on how gay s3x works. He asks if he needs to, and Madden says no. Going back to the first point, in his mind that means he has consent.
Sure he's a jerk for kicking him out, but this is fiction. It's a book. It's a fake story. Sometime character are terrible. And yet the world still turns.
Now with all that, I didn't like the way this book was written and the characters sucked so I skipped a lot of it because I simply didn't care about what happened.
1. Slater didn't think he committed sexu@l assault. He says "are all gay guys this eager or just Polunin". That means he doesn't think Polunin is in anything but his right mind.
2. With that in mind, the light BDSM is not "morally unacceptable" because he thinks Madden will tell him if he doesn't agree to it.
3. He doesn't automatically get a condom because he, as a straight man, isn't educated on how gay s3x works. He asks if he needs to, and Madden says no. Going back to the first point, in his mind that means he has consent.
Sure he's a jerk for kicking him out, but this is fiction. It's a book. It's a fake story. Sometime character are terrible. And yet the world still turns.
Now with all that, I didn't like the way this book was written and the characters sucked so I skipped a lot of it because I simply didn't care about what happened.
June 19, 2020
I wanted to seriously smack Evan in the beginning. His behaviour towards Madden was so wrong on so many levels. I had some very colourful words for Evan and suffice to say, I didn’t like him. However, I don’t know when or even how, but my opinion of him changed along the way. I sound as messed up as Evan -sad but true.
Evan has some serious issues and I couldn’t blame either. Young Evan saw too much and the trauma stayed with him. His anger ran deep and I never quite knew when that anger would surface.
Madden was sweet and I really liked him. I have absolutely no idea what he saw in Evan; who was moody, grumpy and never had a nice word to say.
A great enemies to lovers story that’s if you can get past the initial 20% and can overlook Evan’s behaviour.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Evan has some serious issues and I couldn’t blame either. Young Evan saw too much and the trauma stayed with him. His anger ran deep and I never quite knew when that anger would surface.
Madden was sweet and I really liked him. I have absolutely no idea what he saw in Evan; who was moody, grumpy and never had a nice word to say.
A great enemies to lovers story that’s if you can get past the initial 20% and can overlook Evan’s behaviour.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
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