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Undisclosed #3
Attraction
An M/M Neighbors to lovers Romance.
Could satin, lace, and sass be enough to break through the ice?
Dexter has never hidden his sexuality, and doesn’t blend into the background. From his fiery red hair to the panties he likes to wear, everything about him is vibrant. He’s the complete opposite of his new neighbor, and shouldn’t care if the grouchy man likes him… but he does.
James learned at a young age that he can’t rely on anyone; they always leave. Guarded and jaded by life, he can’t decide what to make of his neighbor, or the lingerie he sees him in. The more he gets to know about Dexter, the more fascinated he becomes… which is ridiculous because he’s straight—right?
As Dexter breaks through the barriers he once thought were impenetrable, James finds himself questioning everything he’s ever known about himself.
Is it possible that Dexter could be just the thing James has been missing all this time? Or will James’s trust issues be too much to overcome?
This 87k word novel is the third book in the Undisclosed series and features neighbors who can barely tolerate each other, mild age-gap, and lingerie. Attraction can be read as a stand alone and, as always, has an HEA.
Could satin, lace, and sass be enough to break through the ice?
Dexter has never hidden his sexuality, and doesn’t blend into the background. From his fiery red hair to the panties he likes to wear, everything about him is vibrant. He’s the complete opposite of his new neighbor, and shouldn’t care if the grouchy man likes him… but he does.
James learned at a young age that he can’t rely on anyone; they always leave. Guarded and jaded by life, he can’t decide what to make of his neighbor, or the lingerie he sees him in. The more he gets to know about Dexter, the more fascinated he becomes… which is ridiculous because he’s straight—right?
As Dexter breaks through the barriers he once thought were impenetrable, James finds himself questioning everything he’s ever known about himself.
Is it possible that Dexter could be just the thing James has been missing all this time? Or will James’s trust issues be too much to overcome?
This 87k word novel is the third book in the Undisclosed series and features neighbors who can barely tolerate each other, mild age-gap, and lingerie. Attraction can be read as a stand alone and, as always, has an HEA.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2020
263 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 24, 2020
I think this was a case of being in the right mood for this book, because I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. Carly Marie has an effortless way of writing that really appeals to me.
We finally get to see Dexter get his HEA in this. I really liked how fluffy this story was.
James was an adorable grump, and Dexter was his happy self. I also liked that we got to see more of Dexter and Caleb together. Best friends since childhood, these guys really shared a special bond.
And I was even fine with the GFY angle. James did have a freakout, but luckily this was before he got involved with Dexter, and that makes all the difference to me.
So this was sweet and enjoyable. Even though lacy underwear on guys doesn't really do anything for me. :)
We finally get to see Dexter get his HEA in this. I really liked how fluffy this story was.
James was an adorable grump, and Dexter was his happy self. I also liked that we got to see more of Dexter and Caleb together. Best friends since childhood, these guys really shared a special bond.
And I was even fine with the GFY angle. James did have a freakout, but luckily this was before he got involved with Dexter, and that makes all the difference to me.
So this was sweet and enjoyable. Even though lacy underwear on guys doesn't really do anything for me. :)
February 2, 2024
Dexter is Caleb’s best friend that lived next door to him. The two are almost inseparable. Dexter's story picks up at the point that Caleb has moved in with Travis and is no longer living next door to Dexter. You just can't keep from loving Dexter. He's starting to love himself and also how his sexy lingerie makes him feel. James is grumpy and not very "user friendly' but he just can’t seem to stay away from Dexter. He's never known anyone quiet like him, but he thinks that maybe he might like to get to know him better. He's also curious about a secret fetish that Dexter has in spades. Dexter agrees about his sexy, standoffish neighbor and begins his mission to break down his walls but isn't too sure about showing James all his kinks. Maybe a little at a time would be alright??? Carly Marie writes great characters that are vibrant and come alive on her pages allowing them to bring out the best of one another. Think of them like one big happy family, as they are all featured in some way throughout the other books. I hate losing a character when I like and get attached. I don’t want to let them go. As always with everything from Carly Marie, this is fantastic writing. It will hook you and make you not want to put it down. I have so many reread books and this will surely be another one.
June 14, 2022
Dexter siempre ha ido por lo que quiere, pero su nueva obsesion con la ropa interior lo tiene nervioso, y mas aun cuando llega un nuevo vecino a la casa que era de Caleb. Dexter esta decidido a hacer amistad con el hermoso hombre, pero parece que va a tomar un poco mas de tiempo de lo esperado, mientras se sigue distrayendo con la sensacion de su nueva ropa interior.
James ha sido un solitario toda su vida, nunca a sabido como interactuar con la gente o como hacer amigos, su unico amigo llego a el como un vendaval, entrando en su vida sin que nada lo detuviera y permaneciendo a ahi desde entonces. Asi que no sabe como manejar a su joven vecino, tan activo e inquieto, que no hace mas que desesperarlo. Hasta que un dia lo ve por la ventana de su sala vestido con lo que seria lingerie pero para hombres, y quedo impactado con esa imagen, ahora tenga que replantearse de nuevo su vida y tratar de entender porque el joven vestido asi lo impacto tanto.
Cuando Dexter y James se dan cuenta que hay atraccion real entre ellos, James le plantea a Dexter intentar algo mas serio entre ellos, pero le advierte que el todavia no se conoce y esta descubriendo una nueva faceta de su vida. Dexter acepta todo esperando que poco a poco James se de cuenta que realmente lo de ellos no es solo quimica, sino que puede ser algo mucho mas grande.
Me rei mucho con Dexter, de verdad es hasta ahora el personaje mas divertido de la serie, pero tambien me frustre mucho con James, ambos protas tenian todas las pistas en su cara y no eran capa de afrontarlas. Admito que la inocencia de James en muchos aspectos de las interacciones sociales me parecio tierno, pero despues salia con acciones tipo "ordenes" que se sentian como fuera de contexto. Al igual que Dexter, tenia momentos de inocencia, donde no pensaba lo que decia y eso lo metia en lios, pero despues se callaba de cosas que yo pensaba: Porque no lo dice?
En fin, fue una historia divertida, con muchas vueltas que asumo que era para mostrar a otros personajes de esta serie o series anteriores del autor, pero que resulto en un libro mucho menos monotono que el anterior. Me siguen gustando mucho los secundarios que todavia no han tenido una historia y los protas de libros anteriores que aqui pareciera que tienen nueva personalidad.
Voy a continuar con la serie, todavia hay por lo menos 3 personajes de los que quiero conocer su historia.
James ha sido un solitario toda su vida, nunca a sabido como interactuar con la gente o como hacer amigos, su unico amigo llego a el como un vendaval, entrando en su vida sin que nada lo detuviera y permaneciendo a ahi desde entonces. Asi que no sabe como manejar a su joven vecino, tan activo e inquieto, que no hace mas que desesperarlo. Hasta que un dia lo ve por la ventana de su sala vestido con lo que seria lingerie pero para hombres, y quedo impactado con esa imagen, ahora tenga que replantearse de nuevo su vida y tratar de entender porque el joven vestido asi lo impacto tanto.
Cuando Dexter y James se dan cuenta que hay atraccion real entre ellos, James le plantea a Dexter intentar algo mas serio entre ellos, pero le advierte que el todavia no se conoce y esta descubriendo una nueva faceta de su vida. Dexter acepta todo esperando que poco a poco James se de cuenta que realmente lo de ellos no es solo quimica, sino que puede ser algo mucho mas grande.
Me rei mucho con Dexter, de verdad es hasta ahora el personaje mas divertido de la serie, pero tambien me frustre mucho con James, ambos protas tenian todas las pistas en su cara y no eran capa de afrontarlas. Admito que la inocencia de James en muchos aspectos de las interacciones sociales me parecio tierno, pero despues salia con acciones tipo "ordenes" que se sentian como fuera de contexto. Al igual que Dexter, tenia momentos de inocencia, donde no pensaba lo que decia y eso lo metia en lios, pero despues se callaba de cosas que yo pensaba: Porque no lo dice?
En fin, fue una historia divertida, con muchas vueltas que asumo que era para mostrar a otros personajes de esta serie o series anteriores del autor, pero que resulto en un libro mucho menos monotono que el anterior. Me siguen gustando mucho los secundarios que todavia no han tenido una historia y los protas de libros anteriores que aqui pareciera que tienen nueva personalidad.
Voy a continuar con la serie, todavia hay por lo menos 3 personajes de los que quiero conocer su historia.
April 6, 2023
re-read 2/2/2021 still loved this. Still lost sleep finishing. I’m going to be miserable when my alarm goes off in less than 2 hours.
Right book? Right time? Lack of sleep? Don’t care. I loved this so much.
reread 1/2/2022 still love James and Dexter
reread 2/26/2022
And again 3/21/2022 I’m never going to make a dent in any of the 1000s of unread books on my iPad if I keep rereading the same 6 or 7 books. 😳😔🤦🏾♀️
Right book? Right time? Lack of sleep? Don’t care. I loved this so much.
reread 1/2/2022 still love James and Dexter
reread 2/26/2022
And again 3/21/2022 I’m never going to make a dent in any of the 1000s of unread books on my iPad if I keep rereading the same 6 or 7 books. 😳😔🤦🏾♀️
August 24, 2021
This was my least favorite of the series mostly because the bi rep felt weird. Like one of the MCs is bi but is constantly talking about how much he doesn't like women? Like just make him gay instead of being sexist. Idk it made me uncomfortable at times. I loved Dexter though and was happy to see him get his HEA.
October 10, 2020
3.5* 1/2 star off because James was so emotionally stunted he was shocked by the idea that Xander loved his family or that friends could love each other. I can imagine not maybe feeling that yourself but to be kind of clueless that platonic love is a thing seemed extreme. I liked Dexter though and his rambly thoughts a refusal to let James' rude behaviour put him off, too a point. I also liked that James accepted Dexter's friends and their unusual relationships.
So on the whole I liked it and the underwear kink was a nice touch and James did turn out to be a decent guy in the end once he kind of got over his history and accepted that maybe he wasn't as straight as he'd thought. I'm hoping Lars gets a story.
So on the whole I liked it and the underwear kink was a nice touch and James did turn out to be a decent guy in the end once he kind of got over his history and accepted that maybe he wasn't as straight as he'd thought. I'm hoping Lars gets a story.
February 26, 2023
This held up well on the re read. I always seem to find something new to learn when you go back and read the earlier books. The best thing about this one was the lack of Derek.
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This one was my favorite
I loved both of them and the writing was so much better from beginning to end. I wish there was a bit more kink, but the gfy trope made up for it.
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This one was my favorite
I loved both of them and the writing was so much better from beginning to end. I wish there was a bit more kink, but the gfy trope made up for it.
December 27, 2021
When a new neighbor moves in next door, Dexter tries to make friends with the grouchy and very straight and very sexy man.
Yes, that is actually the whole blurb for the story, there really does not happen much else.
It is part of a series but I had no problems to get into it as a stand-alone (this was the first book I read from this author).
While there was not much drama or angst, the story kept me turning pages, so I dare say - the author's writing style keeps me hooked. And James' journey from straight to bi was pretty believable and well paced. During the first half I could not really figure out what the guys saw in each other (except sexy), but they grew on me.
A lot of Dexter's friends who had their own stories in the first two books of the series appeared and interacted. They were very well integrated and I did not feel as if I missed anything by not having read the other books.
The author likes kinky stuff. All of Dexter's friends are in a daddy kink or other kind of dom/sub relationship. The couple in this book was very very slight dom/sub and mostly had a fetish for lacy lingerie.
Humor: 3 stars
General writing style: 3 stars
Story line idea: 4 stars
Story line execution: 3 stars
Plot: 4 stars (yes, I like my happy endings!)
Annoy factors: not really any. the daddy kink of Dexter's friends was a bit too much for me. 4 stars
R-rated content: three fairly long descriptive scenes
Narration: 1st person Dexter and James alternating, past tense
Main Location: contemporary Nashville area, Tennessee
Main protagonists: Dexter, 28, physical therapist, openly gay, has a fetish for lacy underwear; James, 37, deputy, straight - or so he thought.
Yes, that is actually the whole blurb for the story, there really does not happen much else.
It is part of a series but I had no problems to get into it as a stand-alone (this was the first book I read from this author).
While there was not much drama or angst, the story kept me turning pages, so I dare say - the author's writing style keeps me hooked. And James' journey from straight to bi was pretty believable and well paced. During the first half I could not really figure out what the guys saw in each other (except sexy), but they grew on me.
A lot of Dexter's friends who had their own stories in the first two books of the series appeared and interacted. They were very well integrated and I did not feel as if I missed anything by not having read the other books.
The author likes kinky stuff. All of Dexter's friends are in a daddy kink or other kind of dom/sub relationship. The couple in this book was very very slight dom/sub and mostly had a fetish for lacy lingerie.
Humor: 3 stars
General writing style: 3 stars
Story line idea: 4 stars
Story line execution: 3 stars
Plot: 4 stars (yes, I like my happy endings!)
Annoy factors: not really any. the daddy kink of Dexter's friends was a bit too much for me. 4 stars
R-rated content: three fairly long descriptive scenes
Narration: 1st person Dexter and James alternating, past tense
Main Location: contemporary Nashville area, Tennessee
Main protagonists: Dexter, 28, physical therapist, openly gay, has a fetish for lacy underwear; James, 37, deputy, straight - or so he thought.
December 16, 2022
Hands down, this was my favorite book so far of the series. I absolutely loved James and Dexter.
James is this grumpy, adorable man who is finding himself in a situation he's not sure how to navigate. He's attracted to Dexter but isn't sure what to make of it. I love the friendship he has with Zander. While James may come across as grumpy or grouchy, he really has a tender heart. I love how he opens up with Dexter.
Dexter is a force to be reckoned with. He's so happy and bubbly all the time. He's really forcing himself on his new neighbor, James, and it's great! He's exactly what James needs in his life.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book, coming off of Trent, Logan, and Aiden's book, because I was not a fan, but I'm so glad I did. This one was so so good!
James is this grumpy, adorable man who is finding himself in a situation he's not sure how to navigate. He's attracted to Dexter but isn't sure what to make of it. I love the friendship he has with Zander. While James may come across as grumpy or grouchy, he really has a tender heart. I love how he opens up with Dexter.
Dexter is a force to be reckoned with. He's so happy and bubbly all the time. He's really forcing himself on his new neighbor, James, and it's great! He's exactly what James needs in his life.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book, coming off of Trent, Logan, and Aiden's book, because I was not a fan, but I'm so glad I did. This one was so so good!
September 29, 2020
Arc provided courtesy of Carly Marie.
All reviews are my honest opinion.
I love these two! Dexter is such a perfect combination of societally feminine interests, and gentle masculinity. (I kept thinking of him as a gender-bent Ariel.)
James avoids the whole gay panic stereotype. (Yes!) He's confident and assertive, but inexperienced enough to need support from the wonderful cast of background characters.
I'd definitely recommend Carly's books to fellow kink readers.
Tropes: Lingerie Kink, Inexperienced Bi Guy, Very Mild D/s.
4.5/5
All reviews are my honest opinion.
I love these two! Dexter is such a perfect combination of societally feminine interests, and gentle masculinity. (I kept thinking of him as a gender-bent Ariel.)
James avoids the whole gay panic stereotype. (Yes!) He's confident and assertive, but inexperienced enough to need support from the wonderful cast of background characters.
I'd definitely recommend Carly's books to fellow kink readers.
Tropes: Lingerie Kink, Inexperienced Bi Guy, Very Mild D/s.
4.5/5
September 8, 2020
Match made in this bi-awakening FTG love story..
In the best of ways,Dexter was a bit of wrecking ball to James’s life when he moves next door.
Their slowish burn was intense and HOT. Loved these characters so much. Grouchy bear and Menace were a match. The lingerie kink was super steamy too!
It was cool to catch up with past characters from earlier in the series.
I truly loved Dexter and James’s story. ♥️♥️
In the best of ways,Dexter was a bit of wrecking ball to James’s life when he moves next door.
Their slowish burn was intense and HOT. Loved these characters so much. Grouchy bear and Menace were a match. The lingerie kink was super steamy too!
It was cool to catch up with past characters from earlier in the series.
I truly loved Dexter and James’s story. ♥️♥️
September 8, 2020
When l finished reading this book my feelings were all over the place.
I knew the quality that Carly Marie brings to her stories, but this time the sense of rightness l felt for these two opposite characters was huge. My heart is pretty happy...
So, we have James, a deputy sheriff , he is all muscles and tattoos ( sigh), but he is devoid of friends and family and unaware of the joys of life and love. He is lonely and very grouchy, and unaware that his life is about to be caught up in the hurricane that is Dexter.
We already know Dexter from the previous Undisclosed book, he is a very exuberant, funny and loyal friend and colleague to Caleb. When Caleb moves away from his house next door Dexter feels left behind. So when a hunky man moves into the house he hops, skips and jumps over to meet him.
Oh the fireworks between James and Dexter, James is rude, standoffish and horrible, he tells Dexter to get lost time and time again. Dexter is a lover, so he persists, forcing his way in with food and humour and his gorgeous Irish complexion. However, Mr leave me alone, is about to come crashing down with such force.
This is where the story gets so sensual, Dexter and his love of sexy lingerie, lace and ruffles and bay dolls and so much more. Dexter looks and feels amazing in them, one night as he was doing a fashion show for Caleb he had no idea he was being watched.
As James watched Dexter spin around in pretty underwear he felt his heart pound and his mind blow. What was happening to him ? He enjoyed girls in lingerie before, but not to this effect, he wanted to touch, but why ?
How was everything he knew about himself about to disintegrate?
I loved this story so much, how opposites attract and their whole lives change. The author gave the characters time to grow into their new feelings and sexual attraction. The whole story was sweet and sensual with enough angst to keep me invested. Dexter and James have a place in my heart forever.
I knew the quality that Carly Marie brings to her stories, but this time the sense of rightness l felt for these two opposite characters was huge. My heart is pretty happy...
So, we have James, a deputy sheriff , he is all muscles and tattoos ( sigh), but he is devoid of friends and family and unaware of the joys of life and love. He is lonely and very grouchy, and unaware that his life is about to be caught up in the hurricane that is Dexter.
We already know Dexter from the previous Undisclosed book, he is a very exuberant, funny and loyal friend and colleague to Caleb. When Caleb moves away from his house next door Dexter feels left behind. So when a hunky man moves into the house he hops, skips and jumps over to meet him.
Oh the fireworks between James and Dexter, James is rude, standoffish and horrible, he tells Dexter to get lost time and time again. Dexter is a lover, so he persists, forcing his way in with food and humour and his gorgeous Irish complexion. However, Mr leave me alone, is about to come crashing down with such force.
This is where the story gets so sensual, Dexter and his love of sexy lingerie, lace and ruffles and bay dolls and so much more. Dexter looks and feels amazing in them, one night as he was doing a fashion show for Caleb he had no idea he was being watched.
As James watched Dexter spin around in pretty underwear he felt his heart pound and his mind blow. What was happening to him ? He enjoyed girls in lingerie before, but not to this effect, he wanted to touch, but why ?
How was everything he knew about himself about to disintegrate?
I loved this story so much, how opposites attract and their whole lives change. The author gave the characters time to grow into their new feelings and sexual attraction. The whole story was sweet and sensual with enough angst to keep me invested. Dexter and James have a place in my heart forever.
September 7, 2020
Finally Dexter's story!
I loved reading this book, Dexter and James were both great characters and their story was so cute. And loved seeing other characters from the other books, and when they realised that mostly everyoe knows everyone was amazing.
Dexter and his lingerie kink was so so good! I love a good lingerie kink book, and Carly Marie did it more then amazing this time. So many lace and satin, panties and all the hot things you can imagine.
But the best was Dexter's friendship with Cal, I loved that Cal was there for him so many time just as Dexter was there for him when he needed it. Those scenes were super sweet, and I loved that we got to see more little Cal♥
James was an interesting character, he was a bit distant but it was good to see him open up for Dexter and for his collagues and later on, friends too. I loved that Dexter was determined and won't give up.
Loved the story, especially the lingerie scenes. There were some really, really hot ones! The BJ scene was the HOTTEST I've ever read!It was so real.
And James's brother was an added bonus, I really loved that side of the story too, it was heartbreaking and heartwarming too.
I really love this series, and this book was really good too! Highly recommend it!
I loved reading this book, Dexter and James were both great characters and their story was so cute. And loved seeing other characters from the other books, and when they realised that mostly everyoe knows everyone was amazing.
Dexter and his lingerie kink was so so good! I love a good lingerie kink book, and Carly Marie did it more then amazing this time. So many lace and satin, panties and all the hot things you can imagine.
But the best was Dexter's friendship with Cal, I loved that Cal was there for him so many time just as Dexter was there for him when he needed it. Those scenes were super sweet, and I loved that we got to see more little Cal♥
James was an interesting character, he was a bit distant but it was good to see him open up for Dexter and for his collagues and later on, friends too. I loved that Dexter was determined and won't give up.
Loved the story, especially the lingerie scenes. There were some really, really hot ones! The BJ scene was the HOTTEST I've ever read!It was so real.
And James's brother was an added bonus, I really loved that side of the story too, it was heartbreaking and heartwarming too.
I really love this series, and this book was really good too! Highly recommend it!
March 12, 2024
Wow. Okay. This was amazing? Like, I absolutely adored everything about it. A lot of "bi awakening" stories are super awkward (for me to read--I can't speak for the experience as, much like Dexter, my closet never had a door), but this one never made me cringe. Dexter and James were perfect for each other and the way their friend group/found family rallied around them made my heart happy. This will likely be my favorite of the series.
June 13, 2022
All Hail the grouchy beat!
Dexter tries to make friends with his new neighbor, James. But James just snarles and frowns. Dexter nicknames him Grouchy Bear. But love can change the grouchest of bears.
Dexter tries to make friends with his new neighbor, James. But James just snarles and frowns. Dexter nicknames him Grouchy Bear. But love can change the grouchest of bears.
October 2, 2020
4.5 stars
I was waiting to read Dexter's story because I loved his personality from the first book. And this book did not disappoint. The love-hate relationship between James and Dexter was super fun to watch.
But it was even better when they were together. I love a "Gay for You" story so I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I really liked learning about James' standoffish nature because it helped me understand him as a person and explained so much of his gruff behavior.
Def a good read with light D/s.
I was waiting to read Dexter's story because I loved his personality from the first book. And this book did not disappoint. The love-hate relationship between James and Dexter was super fun to watch.
But it was even better when they were together. I love a "Gay for You" story so I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I really liked learning about James' standoffish nature because it helped me understand him as a person and explained so much of his gruff behavior.
Def a good read with light D/s.
October 28, 2020
Not what I consider a stand alone.
The blurb for this story drew me in and I very deliberately chose to read this as my first Carly Marie story. The others in the series were not of interest to me, BUT if the author had better handled those themes in this installment they may have gotten me interested in reading the other books. This is technically a stand alone in that there are no crucial, unresolved plot points from a previous book that are resolved here and you have to read it all to get the point.
To me, though, it does not stand alone because characters from other stories are so present that they, at times, dominate the focus. The preaching about kinks and relationships like Travis and Caleb's only makes me less interested in that kind of dynamic. I don't kink shame, I applaud anything safe, sane and consensual between functioning adults, but there are themes that I just don't like and I should have managed to avoid any ABDL with this title, but there it was.
I liked Dexter, love lingerie and could have really liked this if it were just about Dexter and James. Instead, we've got a whole roster of characters and pairing talks from other books that just make this a longer read. Add in some inconsistencies and repetitive thoughts/statements from James and it just made this a struggle to finish.
Rather than recruiting me into this series and the author's work, this read has put me off the idea of checking out any of their other work. Disappointing, because this one sounded so good going in.
The blurb for this story drew me in and I very deliberately chose to read this as my first Carly Marie story. The others in the series were not of interest to me, BUT if the author had better handled those themes in this installment they may have gotten me interested in reading the other books. This is technically a stand alone in that there are no crucial, unresolved plot points from a previous book that are resolved here and you have to read it all to get the point.
To me, though, it does not stand alone because characters from other stories are so present that they, at times, dominate the focus. The preaching about kinks and relationships like Travis and Caleb's only makes me less interested in that kind of dynamic. I don't kink shame, I applaud anything safe, sane and consensual between functioning adults, but there are themes that I just don't like and I should have managed to avoid any ABDL with this title, but there it was.
I liked Dexter, love lingerie and could have really liked this if it were just about Dexter and James. Instead, we've got a whole roster of characters and pairing talks from other books that just make this a longer read. Add in some inconsistencies and repetitive thoughts/statements from James and it just made this a struggle to finish.
Rather than recruiting me into this series and the author's work, this read has put me off the idea of checking out any of their other work. Disappointing, because this one sounded so good going in.
August 7, 2025
9/12/24 -- changing my rating since I really don't think I meant to rate this 1 star...
Original review:
This has been a very fun series so far, and I'm looking forward to whoever gets their book next...
And BTW, I adore Dexter!
Original review:
This has been a very fun series so far, and I'm looking forward to whoever gets their book next...
And BTW, I adore Dexter!
July 30, 2023
Without a doubt, my favorite of the series so far and I don't believe it will change. The story was better developed, had a more organized chronology of events, in addition to having more elements in the story and depth in the relationship of one of the characters with the family.
I loved Dexter from the first book and was intrigued by James. The only point I didn't like was the stalling at the beginning, as in most books, between going and not going, which could have introduced Dexter's parents and how his relationship with them was and even, like James, he related to them, since he didn't have a good relationship with his parents. But I confess that not even that slip made me diminish how much I liked this story.
Dexter and James, they're like two parts that wouldn't fit together, but some force makes it work and they just transform, making those parts adapt and fit together. It's not perfect, but you feel like it's meant to be. Reading the story of these two, you hope it works out, not because you want the couple to be together soon, but because you created a bond with the characters and rooted for them in a more emotional way.
I was moved by James, his life story was sad, he spent his life without love and without knowing how to love. He was taken away from the only person who truly loved him. I suffered for him and his brother and shed a few tears at their reunion. I wish they had developed their lives more after the reunion, but it was acceptable.
I already miss them both.
I loved Dexter from the first book and was intrigued by James. The only point I didn't like was the stalling at the beginning, as in most books, between going and not going, which could have introduced Dexter's parents and how his relationship with them was and even, like James, he related to them, since he didn't have a good relationship with his parents. But I confess that not even that slip made me diminish how much I liked this story.
Dexter and James, they're like two parts that wouldn't fit together, but some force makes it work and they just transform, making those parts adapt and fit together. It's not perfect, but you feel like it's meant to be. Reading the story of these two, you hope it works out, not because you want the couple to be together soon, but because you created a bond with the characters and rooted for them in a more emotional way.
I was moved by James, his life story was sad, he spent his life without love and without knowing how to love. He was taken away from the only person who truly loved him. I suffered for him and his brother and shed a few tears at their reunion. I wish they had developed their lives more after the reunion, but it was acceptable.
I already miss them both.
September 24, 2020
Sometimes a story will live up to your hopes and expectations and leave your heart happy, and that was this book for me. I've been eager to read Dexter's story since he was introduced as Caleb's best friend and fiercest protector in "Undisclosed Desires" (Undisclosed series, Book 1) and his bubbly personality and high energy is perfectly matched to gruff but patient "grouchy bear" James. Their evolving relationship from standoffish neighbors to friends to lovers is a sweet, slow burn romance and heartfelt journey filled with self-discovery and acceptance on both sides. Add to that the storyline involving James's brother Spencer and, well, there's a reason I rated this 5 shining stars.
Strong friendships are a cornerstone of the Undisclosed series, and it continues to be a crucial element here. The seamless crossover with characters from author Carly Marie's Finding Home series is also a fun aspect peppered across this series. I'd definitely encourage reading "Undisclosed Desires" ahead of this one to fully appreciate the many character connections, particularly Dexter and Caleb's special dynamic, and to a lesser extent "Undisclosed Curiosity" (Book 2)...plus, the whole series is fantastic so read them regardless. I've got my fingers crossed we'll get Larson's story soon because that man deserves some happiness and romance.
Strong friendships are a cornerstone of the Undisclosed series, and it continues to be a crucial element here. The seamless crossover with characters from author Carly Marie's Finding Home series is also a fun aspect peppered across this series. I'd definitely encourage reading "Undisclosed Desires" ahead of this one to fully appreciate the many character connections, particularly Dexter and Caleb's special dynamic, and to a lesser extent "Undisclosed Curiosity" (Book 2)...plus, the whole series is fantastic so read them regardless. I've got my fingers crossed we'll get Larson's story soon because that man deserves some happiness and romance.
October 13, 2021
Okay so I love Dex. He's a sweetheart. I grew to love James after learning why he's so grouchy and closed off. But. The first half or so of this book is quite slow to build, the second half goes by so fast the things I wanted to delve deeper into were over in the blink of an eye. But those were the things that kept me reading.
The Spencer storyline was over way way way too fast. I wanted to see he and James navigating their new relationship, and I wanted to get to know him and his family better.
Dex and James' relationship was pretty slow burn, and given they don't get together for quite some time, once they do everything just happens quickly. I didn't hate that to be honest, but it would have been nice to explore them a bit more. Even the epilogue was rushed, and there were a couple things in there I definitely wanted to see expanded.
Given how important to Dex it is, I was kind of hoping to see more of the dodi tree - maybe James leaving little trinkets there, or Caleb popping a dodi inside. The tree is barely mentioned, let alone shown on page, and given Dex's heritage and its importance to him, it just felt like something special was missing.
I adore everything about Caleb and Dex's friendship.
I like this book, but I didn't quite love it.
The Spencer storyline was over way way way too fast. I wanted to see he and James navigating their new relationship, and I wanted to get to know him and his family better.
Dex and James' relationship was pretty slow burn, and given they don't get together for quite some time, once they do everything just happens quickly. I didn't hate that to be honest, but it would have been nice to explore them a bit more. Even the epilogue was rushed, and there were a couple things in there I definitely wanted to see expanded.
Given how important to Dex it is, I was kind of hoping to see more of the dodi tree - maybe James leaving little trinkets there, or Caleb popping a dodi inside. The tree is barely mentioned, let alone shown on page, and given Dex's heritage and its importance to him, it just felt like something special was missing.
I adore everything about Caleb and Dex's friendship.
I like this book, but I didn't quite love it.
March 25, 2023
- an MM romance! grumpy/sunshine, neighbours to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, found family trope!
- i already loved Dexter so much in Cal and Travis’ book so i am EXCITED
- ahhhhh so James thinks he’s straight, interesting
- Dexter is better than me because i could not handle that much rejection
- Dexter’s inner monologue while he was opening the package was so heart warming and i just wanted to give him a big hug
- it was really nice to see Dex vulnerable during that moment
- Caleb calling him because he sensed something had me crying😂
- JAMES ASKED HIM TO LUNCH, such a 180 holy hell
- well that did not go well
- not James thinking Dex and Cal are together 😭😭
- no but i LOVED Dex standing up for himself in the car!!
- their first date 🥺🥺
- i like this whole other side story with Spencer
- he calls Dexter Menace 😭😭 SO CUTE
- Cal buying all the lingerie to thank Dex had me melting
- their date at the sushi restaurant 😮💨
- i loved how much communication happened during their first sex scene, it felt so lovely
- their sex scenes are SO GOOD!!
- JAMES AND SPENCER’S REUNION I AM SOBBING
- oh this book makes me so happy
- the absolute PERFECT epilogue!! loved every second of this book
- has some of the BEST character development i’ve read from Carly
- i already loved Dexter so much in Cal and Travis’ book so i am EXCITED
- ahhhhh so James thinks he’s straight, interesting
- Dexter is better than me because i could not handle that much rejection
- Dexter’s inner monologue while he was opening the package was so heart warming and i just wanted to give him a big hug
- it was really nice to see Dex vulnerable during that moment
- Caleb calling him because he sensed something had me crying😂
- JAMES ASKED HIM TO LUNCH, such a 180 holy hell
- well that did not go well
- not James thinking Dex and Cal are together 😭😭
- no but i LOVED Dex standing up for himself in the car!!
- their first date 🥺🥺
- i like this whole other side story with Spencer
- he calls Dexter Menace 😭😭 SO CUTE
- Cal buying all the lingerie to thank Dex had me melting
- their date at the sushi restaurant 😮💨
- i loved how much communication happened during their first sex scene, it felt so lovely
- their sex scenes are SO GOOD!!
- JAMES AND SPENCER’S REUNION I AM SOBBING
- oh this book makes me so happy
- the absolute PERFECT epilogue!! loved every second of this book
- has some of the BEST character development i’ve read from Carly
September 26, 2023
Dexter had never hidden his sexuality and his fiery red hair and satin panties don't blend into the background. He is the complete opposite of his new next-door neighbour who is just grouchy. James learned at a young age that you can't rely on anyone as they always leave. He can't work out what to make of his neighbour or the lingerie he sees him in. The more he gets to know about Dexter the more fascinated he becomes which is not right for a straight man. As Dexter breaks through the barriers he once thought were impenetrable, James finds himself questioning everything he’s ever known about himself. Is it possible that Dexter could be just the thing James has been missing all this time? Or will James’s trust issues be too much to overcome?
I enjoyed this story with the two men who would appear as opposites but over time it became clear that they were actually the missing piece for each other. I loved how determined Dexter was and that really James stood no chance against Hurricane Dexter. This was easy to read and understand and had a lot about feelings as James thought about the attraction he felt to Dexter and what his sexuality actually was. This is an MM story with mature content.
I enjoyed this story with the two men who would appear as opposites but over time it became clear that they were actually the missing piece for each other. I loved how determined Dexter was and that really James stood no chance against Hurricane Dexter. This was easy to read and understand and had a lot about feelings as James thought about the attraction he felt to Dexter and what his sexuality actually was. This is an MM story with mature content.
September 20, 2020
HEA fully deserved
I really loved this book it was so exciting to see Dexter find his man, and it was even more gratifying to find out it was James all along. I have always loved the interactions with Rex in them he is a force of nature and I absolutely adore him. I absolutely enjoyed seeing him getting more in touch with himself and being able to concentrate more fully on who he was inside was so beautiful. He has a huge heart and I loved seeing how he was able to break open James shell. James was always on the outside looking in. He enjoyed the quiet and keeping to himself was his way. I loved seeing him open up and become this whole other person than who we’ve seen before. They are absolutely perfect for one another and their chemistry is off the charts. But the best part is the laughs and the fun that they have together, especially with all of their friends together. So excited for more of them and the others I can’t wait.
I really loved this book it was so exciting to see Dexter find his man, and it was even more gratifying to find out it was James all along. I have always loved the interactions with Rex in them he is a force of nature and I absolutely adore him. I absolutely enjoyed seeing him getting more in touch with himself and being able to concentrate more fully on who he was inside was so beautiful. He has a huge heart and I loved seeing how he was able to break open James shell. James was always on the outside looking in. He enjoyed the quiet and keeping to himself was his way. I loved seeing him open up and become this whole other person than who we’ve seen before. They are absolutely perfect for one another and their chemistry is off the charts. But the best part is the laughs and the fun that they have together, especially with all of their friends together. So excited for more of them and the others I can’t wait.
September 7, 2020
I grow more in love with series with every book. Ms Marie creates these wonderful characters that dig into your heart and find a home there. I want to be their BBF and hang out with them on Thursdays. I've waited for Dexter's story since I met him in Undisclosed Desire and it was better than I expected (and I expected a great story). He just cracked me up and of course we can't forget the Dodi tree. Dexter's big loveable personality is exactly what Mr Grumpy Bear James needed in his life. And James growth and struggle with his attraction to Dexter was done in such a way that you understood his struggles and never got annoyed by it (no annoying wishy washy). Their sexiness was kindle melting good. And I'm so glad James opened up his heart to let his family in. Now I want Larson to find his HEA, he breaks my heart everytime I read about him...hmm...maybe with Zanders 🤔
November 6, 2021
Overall I found this an enjoyable read. MC1 is a reserved police office who moves into a new place and meets our cute MC2 who kind of a open book, talkative and over the top friendly. So it has two cool troupes that I like which is bi-awakening of MC1 and MC2 is a bit Fem and coming into his own with starting to wear some sexy under clothing. Has extended friend group that I think are from the first two books which I didn't read nor plan on it because it seems like they might have a bit of puppy play and littles dynamic which is not really my thing to read about. Don't have to read the first two books to enjoy this one though. Book is about their relationship but also the opening up of MC1 and as he finds himself he learns more about his past family. It flowed well, writing was okay and steam level was moderate.
January 3, 2022
This book was sexy, funny and I enjoyed every minute of it. In this story you meet Dexter and James who become next door neighbors.
Dexter has a group of friends who help him through his worries about the fact that he likes to wear lace, satin and silk undergarments under his clothes. In this story you also meet James who moves in next to Dexter. James is a grouch to Dexter when they first meet. James always thought that he was straight until Dexter barreled into his life knocking down every single wall James kept up.
James notices Dexter one day displaying his undergarments in the window of his house and James becomes interested in Dexter. They begin to get to know each other and fall for each other along the way. This book had humor, steam and I enjoyed reading Dexter and James’ love story.
Dexter has a group of friends who help him through his worries about the fact that he likes to wear lace, satin and silk undergarments under his clothes. In this story you also meet James who moves in next to Dexter. James is a grouch to Dexter when they first meet. James always thought that he was straight until Dexter barreled into his life knocking down every single wall James kept up.
James notices Dexter one day displaying his undergarments in the window of his house and James becomes interested in Dexter. They begin to get to know each other and fall for each other along the way. This book had humor, steam and I enjoyed reading Dexter and James’ love story.
May 15, 2025
So good!
The reading order on the author's website is wrong so I had to come back and read this. It was so so good. I love their dynamic that doesn't need to be negotiated out, it's just natural. One thing that threw me for a loop is that this was published in 2020, and I was 25, born in '95. If James is 37 and he's 9 years older than Dexter, Dexter is 28 in 2020, meaning he was born in '92 and Caleb is around the same age. And yet neither have ever heard music from a cassette tape??? I had cassette tapes as a kid. I had a radio with double cassette slots. I had a Disney themed portable cassette player, even. Yea we moved to CDs pretty quickly but I remember them. This threw me off since Dexter and Caleb are old enough to have owned and listened to cassettes. I got really stuck on that part of the story.
The reading order on the author's website is wrong so I had to come back and read this. It was so so good. I love their dynamic that doesn't need to be negotiated out, it's just natural. One thing that threw me for a loop is that this was published in 2020, and I was 25, born in '95. If James is 37 and he's 9 years older than Dexter, Dexter is 28 in 2020, meaning he was born in '92 and Caleb is around the same age. And yet neither have ever heard music from a cassette tape??? I had cassette tapes as a kid. I had a radio with double cassette slots. I had a Disney themed portable cassette player, even. Yea we moved to CDs pretty quickly but I remember them. This threw me off since Dexter and Caleb are old enough to have owned and listened to cassettes. I got really stuck on that part of the story.
September 7, 2020
I can't tell you how much I loved this book, Dexter is a force of nature and such a wonderful engaging character, the exact opposite of his guarded and grumpy new neighbour. James is determined to keep his walls high with everyone but somehow Dexter manages to chip away at them and James is stunned to find himself attracted to a man, not just any man but his annoying new neighbour.
There are only a few authors that I have come across that have the kind of effortless humour that runs through Carly Marie's books and often has me literally laughing out loud. She manages to give her characters real depth and touches on some very emotional topics despite this. Finally, although this can absolutely be read as a standalone I loved catching up with the characters from previous books.
There are only a few authors that I have come across that have the kind of effortless humour that runs through Carly Marie's books and often has me literally laughing out loud. She manages to give her characters real depth and touches on some very emotional topics despite this. Finally, although this can absolutely be read as a standalone I loved catching up with the characters from previous books.
January 22, 2021
I liked both MCs, the premise and first half of the book but then it just became boring.
Same things were constantly repeated especially everything related to emphasize acceptance of other couples from previous books. It was constantly pointed daddy/little is ok and how you should treat them. The concept is valid but execution was annoying, I want to read a romance not a textbook on how to be accepting and respectful towards friends and your partner. Considering I chose to read this book acceptance and respect is given and I didn't like the feeling of being educated. Even first sexual encounter between MCs felt like a lesson. Plus, was Magnum XL really necessary? I need more regular size MCs in mm books.
Same things were constantly repeated especially everything related to emphasize acceptance of other couples from previous books. It was constantly pointed daddy/little is ok and how you should treat them. The concept is valid but execution was annoying, I want to read a romance not a textbook on how to be accepting and respectful towards friends and your partner. Considering I chose to read this book acceptance and respect is given and I didn't like the feeling of being educated. Even first sexual encounter between MCs felt like a lesson. Plus, was Magnum XL really necessary? I need more regular size MCs in mm books.
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