What do you think?
Shelter #1
Shelter in Place
I'm stuck in a straight guy's apartment. How am I supposed to deal with this?
I hadn't planned on living with Ross very long. I just needed a place to stay to get on my feet after a bad break up, and happened to be friends with his sister. But when the shelter in place order comes down, not only do I lose any chance of finding my own space; my bartending job dries up, too.
And Ross is taking this order very seriously. He grew up in a family of Montana doomsday preppers, and his rules are very clear: we've got three months of food, and neither of us is leaving—for any reason.
I don't have a ton of money, and there are bills to pay. But there are a few different ways to make some cash online—especially when the rest of the world is shut inside, too, and need something to entertain them. Who would have imagined I would end up on a cam site entertaining guys from all over the world just by being myself and having fun? So long as I wait until Ross goes to sleep before I log on, anyway—I definitely do not want him to know what I'm up to on his couch.
But Ross is full of surprises, it turns out. And I guess I am too. Because what I end up sharing with him is something I've never shared with anyone before. I just worry that things are about to get very complicated. Because every gay boy knows the cardinal rule:
Never, ever fall for the straight guy.
Shelter in Place is the first book of the Shelter series, a light hearted, low angst story about a kinky little family as it grows over three books. This book involve a low-protocol exploration of Dom/sub dynamics, humiliation play, exhibitionism, a brief experiment with urination, and non stop scorching hot dialogue throughout. It ends with a HFN ending with no cliffhanger.
If you can't tell this is a steamy M/M story from the description, then Simon Strange can't help you.
I hadn't planned on living with Ross very long. I just needed a place to stay to get on my feet after a bad break up, and happened to be friends with his sister. But when the shelter in place order comes down, not only do I lose any chance of finding my own space; my bartending job dries up, too.
And Ross is taking this order very seriously. He grew up in a family of Montana doomsday preppers, and his rules are very clear: we've got three months of food, and neither of us is leaving—for any reason.
I don't have a ton of money, and there are bills to pay. But there are a few different ways to make some cash online—especially when the rest of the world is shut inside, too, and need something to entertain them. Who would have imagined I would end up on a cam site entertaining guys from all over the world just by being myself and having fun? So long as I wait until Ross goes to sleep before I log on, anyway—I definitely do not want him to know what I'm up to on his couch.
But Ross is full of surprises, it turns out. And I guess I am too. Because what I end up sharing with him is something I've never shared with anyone before. I just worry that things are about to get very complicated. Because every gay boy knows the cardinal rule:
Never, ever fall for the straight guy.
Shelter in Place is the first book of the Shelter series, a light hearted, low angst story about a kinky little family as it grows over three books. This book involve a low-protocol exploration of Dom/sub dynamics, humiliation play, exhibitionism, a brief experiment with urination, and non stop scorching hot dialogue throughout. It ends with a HFN ending with no cliffhanger.
If you can't tell this is a steamy M/M story from the description, then Simon Strange can't help you.
8 pages, Audible Audio
Published June 16, 2020
About the author
Simon Strange
31 books196 followersSimon Strange loves coffee, red wine, craft beer, and men. Especially men. Especially the men you should never, ever screw...
What is it about the forbidden that gets our blood hot? Is it just the rebellious instinct to do what we're told is wrong? Those men we grew up with, the ones that were either always looking over us or always by our side—or chasing us around—the ones that say they don't want us, and would never ever... well, just this once, if you don't tell...
So that's what you get from Simon Strange. Stories of the forbidden, of the filthy, and the naughty, and the never-ever-tell, and of course, the strange. With nearly 150 reviews for his collection of erotica and romance, and an average of four and a half stars across the board, you'll almost certainly find something you like in the pages of his work.
Just be sure to bring a change of undies. ;)
What is it about the forbidden that gets our blood hot? Is it just the rebellious instinct to do what we're told is wrong? Those men we grew up with, the ones that were either always looking over us or always by our side—or chasing us around—the ones that say they don't want us, and would never ever... well, just this once, if you don't tell...
So that's what you get from Simon Strange. Stories of the forbidden, of the filthy, and the naughty, and the never-ever-tell, and of course, the strange. With nearly 150 reviews for his collection of erotica and romance, and an average of four and a half stars across the board, you'll almost certainly find something you like in the pages of his work.
Just be sure to bring a change of undies. ;)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
April 18, 2022
Wow, just wow. This was surprisingly good.
Simon Strange is now definitely one of my very favorite erotica authors, right up there with James Lear.
The pandemic has just hit America and people are asked to stay inside for the foreseeable future.
27 year old straight hunk Ross finds himself sharing his apartment with a younger gay guy, Cal, who crashed on his couch after his sister asked him to take him in for a few nights, because the poor guy had just gone through a bad break-up and had nowhere to go.
Unable to turn the man away during this crisis, he allows him to stay and together they prepare for what seems to be the end of the world. They check their storage to make sure they have enough food and sanitize the whole place until it's cleaner than a hospital floor.
And then.... they just wait.
Unlike some people who baked bread or started knitting to pass away the time, Cal discovers the world of cam sex and sets up a profile for himself. Realizing that strangers are willing to pay just to see him jerk off, he starts doing it regularly, as he doesn't have a job anyway, all while his roommate Ross is asleep in his bedroom.
Of course, at some point, Ross discovers what's going on and since he's also been laid off from work, he decides to let Cal talk him into joining his cam sessions where he wears a mask and lets Cal play with him. You know, the old 'seducing the straight dude' game.
And from then on, whether it's on camera or just between both guys, they have sex, sex and even more sex. They are covering nearly EVERY single kink that there is out there, some of which I even found disgusting or totally unpleasant to observe.
But still, as far as erotic literature goes, this was REALLY on the spot. It's a wonderfully written erotic story that has two incredibly likable characters.
I grew very fond of Ross. He was really a good guy. I'm so happy that Cal found him. Both men also took a very wide and satisfying arc from fuck buddies to lovers and made the 'gay for you' theme believable to me again.
I definitely want to read the next book too, but seeing what they already had in store (sexually) in this book, I wonder what will come in the next one. I'm almost scared to find out.
Definitely a great recommendation for your erotica shelves.
5 stars!
Simon Strange is now definitely one of my very favorite erotica authors, right up there with James Lear.
The pandemic has just hit America and people are asked to stay inside for the foreseeable future.
27 year old straight hunk Ross finds himself sharing his apartment with a younger gay guy, Cal, who crashed on his couch after his sister asked him to take him in for a few nights, because the poor guy had just gone through a bad break-up and had nowhere to go.
Unable to turn the man away during this crisis, he allows him to stay and together they prepare for what seems to be the end of the world. They check their storage to make sure they have enough food and sanitize the whole place until it's cleaner than a hospital floor.
And then.... they just wait.
Unlike some people who baked bread or started knitting to pass away the time, Cal discovers the world of cam sex and sets up a profile for himself. Realizing that strangers are willing to pay just to see him jerk off, he starts doing it regularly, as he doesn't have a job anyway, all while his roommate Ross is asleep in his bedroom.
Of course, at some point, Ross discovers what's going on and since he's also been laid off from work, he decides to let Cal talk him into joining his cam sessions where he wears a mask and lets Cal play with him. You know, the old 'seducing the straight dude' game.
And from then on, whether it's on camera or just between both guys, they have sex, sex and even more sex. They are covering nearly EVERY single kink that there is out there, some of which I even found disgusting or totally unpleasant to observe.
But still, as far as erotic literature goes, this was REALLY on the spot. It's a wonderfully written erotic story that has two incredibly likable characters.
I grew very fond of Ross. He was really a good guy. I'm so happy that Cal found him. Both men also took a very wide and satisfying arc from fuck buddies to lovers and made the 'gay for you' theme believable to me again.
I definitely want to read the next book too, but seeing what they already had in store (sexually) in this book, I wonder what will come in the next one. I'm almost scared to find out.
Definitely a great recommendation for your erotica shelves.
5 stars!
Want to Read
July 15, 2020okay, this is a seriously hot novel - but ohmygod, the audio is spectacular! Narrator Zachary Zabba adds so much to the story, his voices! Alternating between Cal and Ross, he builds up such intense sexual tension and lets it all go *gah* just spectacular. Folks, we have a new star in erotic voice acting, and I can't wait to delv into Zachary Zabba's backlist ASAP!
April 21, 2020
The first 80% of this book was easily 4 stars. Then it just went to sh—! I mean all this boring inner monologue and then one of the worst endings. I’m so disappointed.
April 15, 2020
If I read "Little Guy" one more time I will lose it. C.R.I.N.G.E!
I knew going in that this would probably have errors, and it did. ALOT
Many instances of "you're" instead of your among other things.
However that's not even my issue with this story.
Shelter in Place (Quarantine MM story) had the making of the perfect GFY story... and it had it's good moments if you can get pass the first 40% of the story
Eh...
I picked this book up and more than 24 hours later I still can't get through it. It's just so freaking unbelievable.
On the one hand we have Cal our gay MC. He works at a bar and loses his job due to the shelter in place order.
We have Ross who works from home, and his family are apocalypse believers so he was raised up on always being prepared (this is mentioned at the beginning then hardly taken into account much after. It basically felt like useless information).
In retrospect I wish the author had used that premise to start their relationship. I can imagine Ross being bossy over rationing their meals, being clean, washing their hands, being a bit finicky, and Cal responding to that.
--------------
The book starts a bit into the future with Cal having an online session Then the story goes back to the present where Cal is working his last night at the bar.
He goes home. Ross is taking everything seriously. They need to stock up on groceries. Shower, and quarantine for 14 days to make sure they're not contagious.
Then the novel takes a major left turn
Both these boys talked about having savings yet they lose their jobs for 1 day and jumps into doing porn.
THIS IS JUST A FEW DAYS into quarantine.
The story moves entirely TOO fast and I just can't even...
I'm not falling for it. Maybe if Ross was written as bi/questioning or in the closet... but straight? Ppfffft
So after about the 49% mark things pick up for the better, we start to see a bond forming, feelings catching, and a little kink exploration. I started to perk up... maybe the hours I spent on this book would be worth it-- I spoke too soon
Despite that hiccup, I kept reading... they are still exploring you can tell they are falling for each other the reality of it even if not as romantic made me laugh. The author did a good job with that.
Then again the story just went back downhill fast at around 85% for me personally. It's probably me but I got completely turned off... also if I hear Ross call Cal "little guy" one more time...
Pardon my rambling... but CNF/DNF at 85%
"Little guy" count 24
"Little dude" count 3
The amount of time Ross compared his "massive" dick size with Cal's an infinite amount -.-
I knew going in that this would probably have errors, and it did. ALOT
Many instances of "you're" instead of your among other things.
However that's not even my issue with this story.
Shelter in Place (Quarantine MM story) had the making of the perfect GFY story... and it had it's good moments if you can get pass the first 40% of the story
Eh...
I picked this book up and more than 24 hours later I still can't get through it. It's just so freaking unbelievable.
On the one hand we have Cal our gay MC. He works at a bar and loses his job due to the shelter in place order.
We have Ross who works from home, and his family are apocalypse believers so he was raised up on always being prepared (this is mentioned at the beginning then hardly taken into account much after. It basically felt like useless information).
In retrospect I wish the author had used that premise to start their relationship. I can imagine Ross being bossy over rationing their meals, being clean, washing their hands, being a bit finicky, and Cal responding to that.
--------------
The book starts a bit into the future with Cal having an online session Then the story goes back to the present where Cal is working his last night at the bar.
He goes home. Ross is taking everything seriously. They need to stock up on groceries. Shower, and quarantine for 14 days to make sure they're not contagious.
Then the novel takes a major left turn
Both these boys talked about having savings yet they lose their jobs for 1 day and jumps into doing porn.
THIS IS JUST A FEW DAYS into quarantine.
The story moves entirely TOO fast and I just can't even...
I'm not falling for it. Maybe if Ross was written as bi/questioning or in the closet... but straight? Ppfffft
So after about the 49% mark things pick up for the better, we start to see a bond forming, feelings catching, and a little kink exploration. I started to perk up... maybe the hours I spent on this book would be worth it-- I spoke too soon
Despite that hiccup, I kept reading... they are still exploring you can tell they are falling for each other the reality of it even if not as romantic made me laugh. The author did a good job with that.
Then again the story just went back downhill fast at around 85% for me personally. It's probably me but I got completely turned off... also if I hear Ross call Cal "little guy" one more time...
Pardon my rambling... but CNF/DNF at 85%
"Little guy" count 24
"Little dude" count 3
The amount of time Ross compared his "massive" dick size with Cal's an infinite amount -.-
Read
November 2, 2023Wow. That really escalated. I’ve got no idea how to rate this. It started off as a chilled out, pandemic/forced proximity scenario with a bit of cam work and GFY. I was intrigued by a book actually set in the pandemic. I was expecting something light and easy. The first roughly 60% of this fit that bill and I enjoyed it. More emotional than I expected for a book set entirely in a tiny one bedroom apartment over a 3 month lockdown and I was hooked finding out what happened in the end between them.
60% onwards this went wild, kinkier than I expected and although it was eye opening, I lost some interest in the relationship as it delved into more erotica territory (which I would have known if I’d read the blurb properly). I liked how they experimented and things didn’t always go to plan, this made it feel realistic. I don’t normally read erotica because I get bored after the first 3 sex scenes but this definitely has imagination going for it, I was certainly never bored. These two aren’t experienced and researched in Dom/Sub stuff, they felt like pretty average joes just making the most of being in lockdown, in a rather extreme way.
I read that this was released just a few weeks into the Covid Pandemic so for a kinky, smutty story, I think it achieves exactly what it is meant to.
60% onwards this went wild, kinkier than I expected and although it was eye opening, I lost some interest in the relationship as it delved into more erotica territory (which I would have known if I’d read the blurb properly). I liked how they experimented and things didn’t always go to plan, this made it feel realistic. I don’t normally read erotica because I get bored after the first 3 sex scenes but this definitely has imagination going for it, I was certainly never bored. These two aren’t experienced and researched in Dom/Sub stuff, they felt like pretty average joes just making the most of being in lockdown, in a rather extreme way.
I read that this was released just a few weeks into the Covid Pandemic so for a kinky, smutty story, I think it achieves exactly what it is meant to.
September 11, 2023
4.5 stars
Stellar romantic erotica. It could be the dictionary definition of PWP, but it's goddamned good.
Cal has been crashing on Ross' couch after having left an abusive relationship so the two of them are stuck together as Covid lockdowns begin - I'm willing to read a book about lockdowns, but only because it's a great forced proximity porn scenario.
Cal's been laid off and really isn't qualified to do much else so when he stumbles onto a camming site and finds it's easier than he thought, he quickly takes to the idea, jerking himself off while telling his audience his fantasies about his roommate "Russ".
Ross is straight as an arrow but when he overhears Cal camming and talking about him, he has to go online to find out what he's been saying. When he loses his job too, there's really only one option left... (I mean, sure, there were many other options but this is porn, people!)
As hot as the sex was - and it was very, very hot - the author got me totally emotionally involved in this story.
I thought Ross' questioning about his sexuality was really interesting, and I particularly enjoyed the revelation that Cal had about what a tremendous paradigm shift that must be for him. I appreciated his struggle to label himself and his eventual decision that he wasn't ready yet.
Cal was a really touching character as well. He can't seem to prevent his heart from getting away from him, but he's still holding parts of himself back due to his past and I think the pace at which he opened himself up to Ross was perfect. He's so afraid of being hurt, but at the same time Ross is fostering a safe space for them to be themselves and it's a stark contrast to his previous experiences.
I really enjoyed them exploring their kinks together. They do everything with consent and talk about their desires without judgment. They get into some fun things including humiliation/degradation, watersports, CBT. I especially liked the bits where things don't go to plan, it made the story seem a bit more real. All of their exploration is low protocol but the scenes are pretty intense; if you don't like BDSM, this probably won't be for you.
The only thing that got on my nerves is the depth of Ross' sexual naïveté. I know, I know, the author makes a point of showing that he doesn't even have a smart TV or any video games, etc., etc., but wouldn't you do research on gay sex if you were...I don't know, planning to have some? It's also not until late in the book that anyone informs Ross what a Dom or a scene is. Good thing he's considerate enough to provide some aftercare in spite of his complete lack of knowledge because that sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.
If you can put that aside (and I can see how that might be a deal-breaker), I highly recommend this as a smoking hot BDSM porno with a generous side of emotional attachment. This ends on a HFN and could be closure enough but I think I'll read on and see their couple become a throuple.
CW: SA/assault (talked about in detail on page), consensual homophobic slurs, very inexperienced kink and D/s dynamics
Stellar romantic erotica. It could be the dictionary definition of PWP, but it's goddamned good.
Cal has been crashing on Ross' couch after having left an abusive relationship so the two of them are stuck together as Covid lockdowns begin - I'm willing to read a book about lockdowns, but only because it's a great forced proximity porn scenario.
Cal's been laid off and really isn't qualified to do much else so when he stumbles onto a camming site and finds it's easier than he thought, he quickly takes to the idea, jerking himself off while telling his audience his fantasies about his roommate "Russ".
Ross is straight as an arrow but when he overhears Cal camming and talking about him, he has to go online to find out what he's been saying. When he loses his job too, there's really only one option left... (I mean, sure, there were many other options but this is porn, people!)
As hot as the sex was - and it was very, very hot - the author got me totally emotionally involved in this story.
I thought Ross' questioning about his sexuality was really interesting, and I particularly enjoyed the revelation that Cal had about what a tremendous paradigm shift that must be for him. I appreciated his struggle to label himself and his eventual decision that he wasn't ready yet.
Cal was a really touching character as well. He can't seem to prevent his heart from getting away from him, but he's still holding parts of himself back due to his past and I think the pace at which he opened himself up to Ross was perfect. He's so afraid of being hurt, but at the same time Ross is fostering a safe space for them to be themselves and it's a stark contrast to his previous experiences.
I really enjoyed them exploring their kinks together. They do everything with consent and talk about their desires without judgment. They get into some fun things including humiliation/degradation, watersports, CBT. I especially liked the bits where things don't go to plan, it made the story seem a bit more real. All of their exploration is low protocol but the scenes are pretty intense; if you don't like BDSM, this probably won't be for you.
The only thing that got on my nerves is the depth of Ross' sexual naïveté. I know, I know, the author makes a point of showing that he doesn't even have a smart TV or any video games, etc., etc., but wouldn't you do research on gay sex if you were...I don't know, planning to have some? It's also not until late in the book that anyone informs Ross what a Dom or a scene is. Good thing he's considerate enough to provide some aftercare in spite of his complete lack of knowledge because that sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.
If you can put that aside (and I can see how that might be a deal-breaker), I highly recommend this as a smoking hot BDSM porno with a generous side of emotional attachment. This ends on a HFN and could be closure enough but I think I'll read on and see their couple become a throuple.
CW: SA/assault (talked about in detail on page), consensual homophobic slurs, very inexperienced kink and D/s dynamics
September 5, 2022
Well this was… a surprise. I expected it to be a problematic awakening but it was honestly done… honestly. The main reason for for 3 stars was the sex was hot. I love exhibitionism. I love online voyerism.
I feel a little jarred honestly because I expected to not like this but I did for the most part. I think the humiliation kink thrown in at 80% was rough to read. If an author includes that with consensual things like using the f word, I won’t judge the author. I won’t kink shame as long as it’s done well. It was just really difficult to read so the scenes that word was used I had to skim.
And other than the weird “little guy” nickname which was just… weird… this was just a hot read. I want to read the next since their story is not complete. I love dirty talk and there was a lot in this.
But the straight guy still saying he’s straight after fucking his roommate off camera was… yea. He’s not straight.
But I just can’t lie that this book just has kink and hotness in a way I didn’t expect.
FYI to those that need to know, there is one piss play scene (that neither are that excited about) and pretty serious humiliation play at 80% that is hard to read. But. Even with that, it was an entertaining read.
I guess I wanted something that surprised me and this did. 🤷🏻
I feel a little jarred honestly because I expected to not like this but I did for the most part. I think the humiliation kink thrown in at 80% was rough to read. If an author includes that with consensual things like using the f word, I won’t judge the author. I won’t kink shame as long as it’s done well. It was just really difficult to read so the scenes that word was used I had to skim.
And other than the weird “little guy” nickname which was just… weird… this was just a hot read. I want to read the next since their story is not complete. I love dirty talk and there was a lot in this.
But the straight guy still saying he’s straight after fucking his roommate off camera was… yea. He’s not straight.
But I just can’t lie that this book just has kink and hotness in a way I didn’t expect.
FYI to those that need to know, there is one piss play scene (that neither are that excited about) and pretty serious humiliation play at 80% that is hard to read. But. Even with that, it was an entertaining read.
I guess I wanted something that surprised me and this did. 🤷🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2022
Awesome erotic romance, set during the first few months of lockdown in 2020. Im not sure I was entirely ready to read pandemic romance, but in a way it was cathartic to experience while also going outside and not wearing a mask and not being stuck inside.
There are a *lot* of kinks in the book, which was fun.
Overall would recommend. CW for pandemic related fear, and SA / assault of one MC prior to the book.
There are a *lot* of kinks in the book, which was fun.
Overall would recommend. CW for pandemic related fear, and SA / assault of one MC prior to the book.
June 12, 2020
3.5 stars. Wasn't in the mood for anything too deep and thought I'd try this for some kinky fun. Enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. Just wish it was proof read before release.
Read
November 6, 2022This was a fun read! I’ve enjoyed books like Helping Hand by Northcote or No Homo in the past… the premise of some kind of ‘visual aid’ being instrumental in the budding of a sexual and romantic relationship is just a fun ridiculous premise that was well executed here.
extremely high smut level like I could not read this in the subway but twas hot and a tad unexpected at times.
I don’t think I’ll continue bc I didn’t fall in love with the characters that much but if the blurb sounds good to you, you enjoy the tropes and are in the mood for some grade a realistic in unrealism smut: go for it!
NSFW infos:
- One out gay guy (smaller, bottom, submissive)
- One ‘straight’ guy who learns he has a dominant streak and enjoys topping (big chad)
- No lube bc apparently Amazon doesn’t deliver(?) in this fictional world but cum and spit instead of dry.
extremely high smut level like I could not read this in the subway but twas hot and a tad unexpected at times.
I don’t think I’ll continue bc I didn’t fall in love with the characters that much but if the blurb sounds good to you, you enjoy the tropes and are in the mood for some grade a realistic in unrealism smut: go for it!
NSFW infos:
- One out gay guy (smaller, bottom, submissive)
- One ‘straight’ guy who learns he has a dominant streak and enjoys topping (big chad)
- No lube bc apparently Amazon doesn’t deliver(?) in this fictional world but cum and spit instead of dry.
January 17, 2022
The plot on this one starts completely ridiculous, not once in the history of ever, a straight guy would act like Ross, but whatever because PANTIES ON FIRE ALERT.
This book is crazy hot and I just now realized there’s an audiobook. Dammit. I should have listened to it.
This book is crazy hot and I just now realized there’s an audiobook. Dammit. I should have listened to it.
April 16, 2020
When I started this book I never in a million years thought this would be this awesome!
The story takes place in this hell we call life now - I mean with the COVID-19. And this was my first surprise because I was curious which author/story will be the first about this.
Ross and Cal were so cool, loved both of them. This kind of slow-burn is the best. Cal wanted everything from his straight roommate, while Ross didn't know he wanted and needed the same. They were perfect together.
The whole stuff how Cal managed to make money was hilarious and so awesome. Loved this video/live porn thing and I couldn't wait for Ross to find out - and OMG how good it was, like holy helllll sooooo good and HOT.
The best about this book is the romance - you got all the filthy scenes with hot conversations, and you think it's all about the sex. I mean yeah, there were many sex, cum and nakedness like in every page, but it was so cute at the same time, because they were finding their true self and fall in love with each other.
And yes, the erotica was amazing and loved it, but the romance was the best. This is the perfect book where there is enough amount of erotica and romance.
The D/S thing, the humiliaton and all those stuff - just yummy. And Matty, ahhh cute Matty. (I read the freebie with Matty too, and oh goooood so good! Little Matty is the cutest! And loved Cal and Ross together, Daddy Ross and big brother Cal, awwwww♥)
So yeah, I loved it soo much! Perfect. Couldn't put it down, and I just can't wait for the next book. I'm so curious what will happen next.
Highly recommend it!
The story takes place in this hell we call life now - I mean with the COVID-19. And this was my first surprise because I was curious which author/story will be the first about this.
Ross and Cal were so cool, loved both of them. This kind of slow-burn is the best. Cal wanted everything from his straight roommate, while Ross didn't know he wanted and needed the same. They were perfect together.
The whole stuff how Cal managed to make money was hilarious and so awesome. Loved this video/live porn thing and I couldn't wait for Ross to find out - and OMG how good it was, like holy helllll sooooo good and HOT.
The best about this book is the romance - you got all the filthy scenes with hot conversations, and you think it's all about the sex. I mean yeah, there were many sex, cum and nakedness like in every page, but it was so cute at the same time, because they were finding their true self and fall in love with each other.
And yes, the erotica was amazing and loved it, but the romance was the best. This is the perfect book where there is enough amount of erotica and romance.
The D/S thing, the humiliaton and all those stuff - just yummy. And Matty, ahhh cute Matty. (I read the freebie with Matty too, and oh goooood so good! Little Matty is the cutest! And loved Cal and Ross together, Daddy Ross and big brother Cal, awwwww♥)
So yeah, I loved it soo much! Perfect. Couldn't put it down, and I just can't wait for the next book. I'm so curious what will happen next.
Highly recommend it!
Did Not Finish
January 15, 2026DNF at 65%.
I never write reviews of books I DNF, cause for me to dnf a book that book has to made a awfully upset. Hell i didn't even have a shelf for my dnf books as i would like to forget about them. i only made this dnf shelf for this book so that i can write this.
So before i begin i would like to say there is nothing actually wrong with this book. I am more angry then upset about this book.
At the beginning i was a little skeptical because i was not feeling it well but it quickly caught my attention. Story was going good. I was feeling the emotional full too. Ross figuring out his sexuality was also very nicely written. Around 62% i was again feeling the bit off. I was feeling like Cal was pushing Ross about exploring his "virgin ass". Like gurl he isnt ready and some people just dont like it hell. I will never understand this idea of ass/anal play as if not doing that won't make you gay enough or you are missing out on something so big.
Okay i am getting heated up again. So moving forward now we have another character unlocked. Matty. Man i an so dead. Cause tell me why i am just figuring out this book has another part where it's a MMM with Matty being the addition. Like why wasn't it mention anywhere? Am i the problem here? Maybe I am but regardless i am upset.
So read this book knowing this will happen. It's not a bad book not even close but not for me. I also feel betrayed so i am gonna go and cry it out. happy reading guys.
I never write reviews of books I DNF, cause for me to dnf a book that book has to made a awfully upset. Hell i didn't even have a shelf for my dnf books as i would like to forget about them. i only made this dnf shelf for this book so that i can write this.
So before i begin i would like to say there is nothing actually wrong with this book. I am more angry then upset about this book.
At the beginning i was a little skeptical because i was not feeling it well but it quickly caught my attention. Story was going good. I was feeling the emotional full too. Ross figuring out his sexuality was also very nicely written. Around 62% i was again feeling the bit off. I was feeling like Cal was pushing Ross about exploring his "virgin ass". Like gurl he isnt ready and some people just dont like it hell. I will never understand this idea of ass/anal play as if not doing that won't make you gay enough or you are missing out on something so big.
Okay i am getting heated up again. So moving forward now we have another character unlocked. Matty. Man i an so dead. Cause tell me why i am just figuring out this book has another part where it's a MMM with Matty being the addition. Like why wasn't it mention anywhere? Am i the problem here? Maybe I am but regardless i am upset.
So read this book knowing this will happen. It's not a bad book not even close but not for me. I also feel betrayed so i am gonna go and cry it out. happy reading guys.
November 15, 2020
well, well, well... weren't you a little kinky surprise!
If you enjoy forced proximity, voyeurism, and exhibitionism, a former straight guy being curious, and two young men exploring kink and boundaries together, you'll enjoy this.
Easily read, quite a few editing errors, but engaging enough storyline, that I didn't get pulled out of the story due to the errors. Very enjoyable and recommendable. I signed up for the author's newsletter straight away upon completion, so I could get the freebie short.
If you enjoy forced proximity, voyeurism, and exhibitionism, a former straight guy being curious, and two young men exploring kink and boundaries together, you'll enjoy this.
Easily read, quite a few editing errors, but engaging enough storyline, that I didn't get pulled out of the story due to the errors. Very enjoyable and recommendable. I signed up for the author's newsletter straight away upon completion, so I could get the freebie short.
September 4, 2020
The eBook is awesome. The audiobook is just…hot as fuck!
December 18, 2025
Full 5 stars. This book follows a similar premise to For The Fans (reluctant 'straight' guy needs cash (except this is during COVID). This book doesn't have an angsty third act, but it feels very realistic and true to the time period.
What I really love and why I continue to think about this book:
1) it explores some kinks I've NEVER seen in any other books. My fav is touching your partner who's already climaxed until they safe word (aka overstimulation kink) 🫠
2) It's very real, and even mentions the unfortunate side affects of butt sex. Been there, done that, and this is the first romance book I've read that EVER mentions the downsides in a realistic way. Sometimes you need to move to the shower or do some laundry, and that's okay! When you feel comfortable with a partner, it's not a big deal, and that's how it's treated in the book.
Although the ending reads as an 'HEA for now', you can read/listen to this book as a complete standalone and feel happy with the ending. A fun, well done read with no questions left unanswered.
Consider this the less angsty cousin of For The Fans that stands on its own. The premise might be inspired by FTF but the book doesn't play out like it at all, they read as totally different books.
What I really love and why I continue to think about this book:
1) it explores some kinks I've NEVER seen in any other books. My fav is touching your partner who's already climaxed until they safe word (aka overstimulation kink) 🫠
2) It's very real, and even mentions the unfortunate side affects of butt sex. Been there, done that, and this is the first romance book I've read that EVER mentions the downsides in a realistic way. Sometimes you need to move to the shower or do some laundry, and that's okay! When you feel comfortable with a partner, it's not a big deal, and that's how it's treated in the book.
Although the ending reads as an 'HEA for now', you can read/listen to this book as a complete standalone and feel happy with the ending. A fun, well done read with no questions left unanswered.
Consider this the less angsty cousin of For The Fans that stands on its own. The premise might be inspired by FTF but the book doesn't play out like it at all, they read as totally different books.
April 14, 2020
The kink in this book...Just, fuck. Yes. Love Ross and Cal ✌️
June 29, 2020
ALL the motherfucking YES. ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ !
July 1, 2021
I liked some parts of this very much and others not at all, but I really appreciated the willingness to try new things and then move on if they didn't like it. Overall, a pretty good pwp read
July 30, 2026
4.5 stars. This book is has been kind of slept on, but with that awful cover, I can see why. Don't let it dissuade you though, this is an awesome forced-proximity, gfy, kinky little book. It's the pandemic smut I had been hoping for but didn't find nearly as much of as I expected.
The story is about Cal and Ross. Cal is crashing on Ross's couch when lockdown happens. They're not good friends, it seems like Ross was doing his sister a favour by letting her friend stay with him. So these two don't know each other well, but with lockdown in effect, Cal, who's queer, starts camming when he can't go to work. Ross, who is straight, finds out about it and comes to learn that Cal has been sharing fantasies about him to an audience. Eventually these two start fooling around on camera together and it's delicious. The story is is pretty claustrophobic as it takes place entirely in Ross's apartment, but the lockdown atmosphere was captured well.
This book is breath of fresh air, it approaches the experimenting straight guy trope in a way that was incredibly hot but also felt kind of realistic? There's a granularity here that I appreciated. It's also fairly kinky, with Ross discovering an untapped talent for domming that didn't feel forced at all.
There are lots of copy-editing errors, but those are easily overlooked for me here. This was well-written and easy to read book that is basically a period piece now. Definitely looking forward to the sequel, but also annoyed that it never became the trilogy it was meant to be.
The story is about Cal and Ross. Cal is crashing on Ross's couch when lockdown happens. They're not good friends, it seems like Ross was doing his sister a favour by letting her friend stay with him. So these two don't know each other well, but with lockdown in effect, Cal, who's queer, starts camming when he can't go to work. Ross, who is straight, finds out about it and comes to learn that Cal has been sharing fantasies about him to an audience. Eventually these two start fooling around on camera together and it's delicious. The story is is pretty claustrophobic as it takes place entirely in Ross's apartment, but the lockdown atmosphere was captured well.
This book is breath of fresh air, it approaches the experimenting straight guy trope in a way that was incredibly hot but also felt kind of realistic? There's a granularity here that I appreciated. It's also fairly kinky, with Ross discovering an untapped talent for domming that didn't feel forced at all.
There are lots of copy-editing errors, but those are easily overlooked for me here. This was well-written and easy to read book that is basically a period piece now. Definitely looking forward to the sequel, but also annoyed that it never became the trilogy it was meant to be.
August 14, 2026
Not for me. I mostly felt irritated or uncomfortable for most of this book. I liked the premise, but nothing about the execution worked for me. Uncomfortable and irritating. That’s the best way I can describe this, honestly. And I can’t stress enough how much i would have appreciated some content warnings in this bitch. Because if ever there was a book that needed content warnings, this is it! Got WAY more than I bargained for with no idea what I was getting into. Uncomfortable might not be a strong enough word.
April 27, 2020
3.5 stars... Needs a good proofread as full of grammatical errors (though this doesn't distract from the story too much).
April 29, 2020
At the time of my reading I was on my third week of isolation due to the coronavirus and thus I was instantly intrigued by the blurb for Shelter in Place by Simon Strange.
The story starts with a peek into the future which certainly whets the appetite like a burst of flavour! Cal is crashing on Ross’s couch while he figures out his next steps. The men don’t know each other well and find themselves in close quarters when the “shelter in place” order comes through.
While looking for employment options to work remotely during the shutdown, Cal is curious about the option to set up a cam room on a porn site. He investigates and ends up earning money easier than he thought!
But when Cal talks about his fantasy of seducing his straight roommate, the story begins to heat up.
The sizzle factor in this book is mouth-watering and the variety of kinks displayed pushed several of this kinky girl’s buttons! There are also a great many feels in this story with a delightful buildup of trust needed for a developing BDSM relationship.
After thoroughly enjoying Shelter in Place, the first thing I did was sign up for Simon Strange’s newsletter so I don’t miss out on any updates. He’s found a new follower here after my kinky heart skipped in delight from his writing and I’m very much looking forward to seeing where this new Shelter series leads!
The story starts with a peek into the future which certainly whets the appetite like a burst of flavour! Cal is crashing on Ross’s couch while he figures out his next steps. The men don’t know each other well and find themselves in close quarters when the “shelter in place” order comes through.
While looking for employment options to work remotely during the shutdown, Cal is curious about the option to set up a cam room on a porn site. He investigates and ends up earning money easier than he thought!
But when Cal talks about his fantasy of seducing his straight roommate, the story begins to heat up.
The sizzle factor in this book is mouth-watering and the variety of kinks displayed pushed several of this kinky girl’s buttons! There are also a great many feels in this story with a delightful buildup of trust needed for a developing BDSM relationship.
After thoroughly enjoying Shelter in Place, the first thing I did was sign up for Simon Strange’s newsletter so I don’t miss out on any updates. He’s found a new follower here after my kinky heart skipped in delight from his writing and I’m very much looking forward to seeing where this new Shelter series leads!
May 10, 2022
I hated everyone in this book ,
Weird dialogues
Annoying characters
Weird dialogues
Annoying characters
August 6, 2025
“I feel this like… almost moral obligation to take care of you. To honor that trust. I’m telling you, man, it’s something… it’s not just sexual. It’s spiritual. I’m not religious, really. I don’t worry about that stuff, but when I told the guys back when we first got on that it felt like something cosmic, I wasn’t just bullshitting. Don’t you think there’s, like… something sacred about this? About what we’ve been doing, about this power exchange, and this trust and just—all of it? Shit, I’m freaking you out, aren’t I?”
May 6, 2020
I'm amazed how good it is considering that it must have been written in a couple weeks. It's set during the global pandemic and released a few weeks after the pandemic started. It's a fun mostly erotic story. It's two guys stuck together in a small apartment during quarantine. First comes sex and then feelings ensue. Both MCs have distinctive and natural voices. More porn than plot but still a kind of sweet character development. It exceeded expectations.
April 25, 2024
3.75 stars
This was so hot and I was so on board until I kind of wasn’t? I’m also not sure how I feel about Mattie. We shall see.
This was so hot and I was so on board until I kind of wasn’t? I’m also not sure how I feel about Mattie. We shall see.
May 6, 2020
I mean it's smut lmao (but it was nice)
January 10, 2025
Well if you want a kinky, smutty and a little unhinged read, then this is your jam.
Check your TWs though because the kinks be kinkin’
Check your TWs though because the kinks be kinkin’
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews