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Guys Next Door #1
Stripped Love
Phoenix—I never intended to become a stripper.
Two years ago I was in Nashville chasing the songwriter dream. Sleepless nights between day jobs were spent writing rock ballads and trying to make a name for myself.
That all changed with one phone call that forced me to return to Atlanta.
Needing consistent income to pay the mountain of debt I'd come home to, I traded stripping my soul for stripping my clothes.
Then Archer West comes crashing into my VIP room, tempting me to break all of my rules.
I want him—bad.
What I don't count on is finding him living right next door for the summer. Inexperienced and with a creative drive that rivals my own, he stirs the lyrics in me once again.
Now I crave more than his body. Archer West has quickly become my unexpected muse.
A tattooed stripper and introverted college student collide in the first book of the steamy standalone romance series Guys Next Door. Each book is loosely tied so that each can be read individually.
Two years ago I was in Nashville chasing the songwriter dream. Sleepless nights between day jobs were spent writing rock ballads and trying to make a name for myself.
That all changed with one phone call that forced me to return to Atlanta.
Needing consistent income to pay the mountain of debt I'd come home to, I traded stripping my soul for stripping my clothes.
Then Archer West comes crashing into my VIP room, tempting me to break all of my rules.
I want him—bad.
What I don't count on is finding him living right next door for the summer. Inexperienced and with a creative drive that rivals my own, he stirs the lyrics in me once again.
Now I crave more than his body. Archer West has quickly become my unexpected muse.
A tattooed stripper and introverted college student collide in the first book of the steamy standalone romance series Guys Next Door. Each book is loosely tied so that each can be read individually.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2020
305 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
About the author
Baylin Crow
21 books577 followersBaylin writes gay romance stories full of sweetness and steam. She's best known for her Sugar Land Saints series that follows a college football team set in Texas, which she also calls home. Whether writing books or reading them, Baylin spends the majority of her time tucked into the pages of stories about men who love other men. She has two amazing children, a spoiled cat, a hyperactive dog, and a heavy addiction to caffeine.
To be alerted by email when I release a book, please follow me on BookBub or sign up for my newsletter through my website.
Happy Reading! ❤📚
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Happy Reading! ❤📚
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
November 18, 2022
I was reading this book thinking the dialogue felt so weird and unnatural. I don't think any people actually talk like this. So as I was reading, I couldn't help but think the unnatural way these people spoke and acted felt familiar- and sure enough the last time I read a book by this author I gave it 2 stars and wrote in my review that no people actually behave like they did in that book.
Officially adding this author to my DNR list.
I skimmed the end really quickly, some day I will learn to stop trying and DNF books I don't like but I guess today is not that day.
Officially adding this author to my DNR list.
I skimmed the end really quickly, some day I will learn to stop trying and DNF books I don't like but I guess today is not that day.
March 12, 2021
Audio 5 Stars
Story 4 Stars
This story was low angst, sweet and dirty and more relationship than plot driven. Very enjoyable when you're in the right mood for that kind of story.
Story 4 Stars
This story was low angst, sweet and dirty and more relationship than plot driven. Very enjoyable when you're in the right mood for that kind of story.
September 22, 2020
DNF @ 9%.
I didn't realize that our MCs were in their early 20s. I do not really enjoy new adult books and the blurb didn't show any indication that Archer is like 19/20.
And how it is that it characters who are hard up for cash are so often fully tatted up? Like, tattoos aren't cheap. And having tattoos from you neck down to your calves would be in the thousands.
I don't like the set up. Phoenix instantly being all over Archer and all like, "I never touch the clients, you make me break all my rules" within minutes of meeting and like 30 seconds of a private dance lands him in Archer's lap, dry humping him for dear life.
The set up and the writing just felt too awkward for me.
I didn't realize that our MCs were in their early 20s. I do not really enjoy new adult books and the blurb didn't show any indication that Archer is like 19/20.
And how it is that it characters who are hard up for cash are so often fully tatted up? Like, tattoos aren't cheap. And having tattoos from you neck down to your calves would be in the thousands.
I don't like the set up. Phoenix instantly being all over Archer and all like, "I never touch the clients, you make me break all my rules" within minutes of meeting and like 30 seconds of a private dance lands him in Archer's lap, dry humping him for dear life.
The set up and the writing just felt too awkward for me.
October 28, 2021
Overall, a very good book. This is only my second outing with this author, and I enjoyed the first book I read too.
This is about Archer, a 20 year old college student who is a virgin, but more because he seems gray-asexual than anything else. He knows he's gay, but he's actually rarely attracted to anyone.
When his friends, twins Caleb and CJ, bring him to a gay strip club for his birthday, Archer isn't even really turned on by all the scantily clad men, and even finds the guy on stage gyrating on stage looking a little funny than sexy.
But then one stripper catches his eye, Phoenix, his twin friends notice and ask for him to give Archer a private dance in the VIP rooms.
There is an instant connection between the two. There's something about Archer's sweet, shy, rambly demeanor that gets to Phoenix, and he breaks his rules by grinding on Archer full stop, when he usually doesn't allow touching. But Phoenix is the one to initiate the touching, and Archer is fully into it.
But they get interrupted, and it ends before it can be finished. But the connection between the two is there.
And with the end of Archer's sophomore year in college done in 2 weeks, he moves in with his uncle for the summer to help out at his tattoo shop.
And who should be living next door but Phoenix himself?
We don't get his age, but I assume he's somewhere in his early twenties.
Phoenix, two years prior to the start of the events in this book, had to start stripping when his mom, his only living relative, got sick and there were mountains and mountains of bills to pay. He had to give up his pursuit of his dream to write lyrics for songs to become a stripper to help pay the bills.
Flash forward two years, and he's still working as a stripper.
I very much enjoyed Archer and Phoenix together. They had a great chemistry and worked so well together. They were so sweet together too.
My only real complain and the reason for a star off is the slightly contrived drama near the end. It wasn't too bad, but I think the drama could have come about in a better way.
Because the big drama is that this other stripper, Aiden, was someone Phoenix had a fling with months and months ago, and he ended it, but Aiden still wants him, even though Phoenix very much doesn't, and he's insanely jealous of Archer.
So he does this whole elaborate thing to try to break Archer and Phoenix up - and it's so stupid too - and even when Archer finds this out, he's still unsure about Phoenix.
Because when he gets to the VIP area, he sees Aiden all grinding up on Phoenix, and Phoenix isn't pulling away right away, sure, but when Aiden trying to get all handsy with him, Phoenix pulls his arm away and stops him.
So...the only thing Archer has to be upset about is...Aiden - not Phoenix - grinding all up on him. But to Archer, it means something because Phoenix didn't pull away.
Even though...it's his job? Phoenix has said several times that he doesn't want Aiden and isn't interested in him, and it's obvious that it was all a set up on Aiden's part, and so Phoenix allows Aiden to dance all up on him for...what, a few moments? and because he "didn't stop him" that means Archer isn't sure he can trust him? EHhhhh, not buying it.
It wasn't as *gasp* inducing as I think the author was trying to go for. And Phoenix having to fake it and put on an act for the customers watching is literally his job. Even if inside he's disgusted by it, he has to pretend he isn't - as long as no one is touching him, of course. He's allowed to be angry at touching, but his job is to pretend to be 'on' and sexy and seductive for paying customers.
I guess Aiden being a coworker and not a customer is more of a grey area, idk. But Phoenix literally tells Archer that he was doing it to just get through it and be done with it, because he didn't want to be there doing that.
I just didn't really like Archer's attitude to that. That he needed to think about it. That he was all "But he didn't pull away" man...if it wasn't his work, and wasn't something he had to do for his job, I'd get that much more, I'd understand, because that would be of Phoenix's free will. THIS wasn't. And I'm sure there are strippers who love their job and don't mind it, of course, but Phoenix isn't one of them. He was only doing the job to get by and didn't like people touching him. He had his own rules of no touching, even, and Archer knew that.
And Archer even said himself that Phoenix hadn't given him any reason not to trust him. But then he's all the sudden scared he's being naive and maybe he shouldn't trust Phoenix so blindly? But Phoenix didn't actually do anything to shake Archer's trust and faith in him. It was his job and he was enduring to get through it. And he'd said multiple times he didn't want to work with Aiden, so...I'm just...
It felt fairly contrived for dramas sake, to have a reason to put these two on shaky ground for a spell before they work things out.
I didn't like it. Obviously lol.
Luckily it wasn't dragged out for an overly long time, but still...it was a flimsy thing used for drama.
But, aside from that part of the book, I enjoyed the rest of this immensely. I enjoyed everything leading up to it, and then once they got past it, everything after that.
So overall, a very good book that I'd definitely recommend. It just could have done better on creating drama that actually made sense for the characters.
But still, a definite two thumbs up from me. I'm happy and excited to delve into the next one!
This is about Archer, a 20 year old college student who is a virgin, but more because he seems gray-asexual than anything else. He knows he's gay, but he's actually rarely attracted to anyone.
When his friends, twins Caleb and CJ, bring him to a gay strip club for his birthday, Archer isn't even really turned on by all the scantily clad men, and even finds the guy on stage gyrating on stage looking a little funny than sexy.
But then one stripper catches his eye, Phoenix, his twin friends notice and ask for him to give Archer a private dance in the VIP rooms.
There is an instant connection between the two. There's something about Archer's sweet, shy, rambly demeanor that gets to Phoenix, and he breaks his rules by grinding on Archer full stop, when he usually doesn't allow touching. But Phoenix is the one to initiate the touching, and Archer is fully into it.
But they get interrupted, and it ends before it can be finished. But the connection between the two is there.
And with the end of Archer's sophomore year in college done in 2 weeks, he moves in with his uncle for the summer to help out at his tattoo shop.
And who should be living next door but Phoenix himself?
We don't get his age, but I assume he's somewhere in his early twenties.
Phoenix, two years prior to the start of the events in this book, had to start stripping when his mom, his only living relative, got sick and there were mountains and mountains of bills to pay. He had to give up his pursuit of his dream to write lyrics for songs to become a stripper to help pay the bills.
Flash forward two years, and he's still working as a stripper.
I very much enjoyed Archer and Phoenix together. They had a great chemistry and worked so well together. They were so sweet together too.
My only real complain and the reason for a star off is the slightly contrived drama near the end. It wasn't too bad, but I think the drama could have come about in a better way.
Because the big drama is that this other stripper, Aiden, was someone Phoenix had a fling with months and months ago, and he ended it, but Aiden still wants him, even though Phoenix very much doesn't, and he's insanely jealous of Archer.
So he does this whole elaborate thing to try to break Archer and Phoenix up - and it's so stupid too - and even when Archer finds this out, he's still unsure about Phoenix.
Because when he gets to the VIP area, he sees Aiden all grinding up on Phoenix, and Phoenix isn't pulling away right away, sure, but when Aiden trying to get all handsy with him, Phoenix pulls his arm away and stops him.
So...the only thing Archer has to be upset about is...Aiden - not Phoenix - grinding all up on him. But to Archer, it means something because Phoenix didn't pull away.
Even though...it's his job? Phoenix has said several times that he doesn't want Aiden and isn't interested in him, and it's obvious that it was all a set up on Aiden's part, and so Phoenix allows Aiden to dance all up on him for...what, a few moments? and because he "didn't stop him" that means Archer isn't sure he can trust him? EHhhhh, not buying it.
It wasn't as *gasp* inducing as I think the author was trying to go for. And Phoenix having to fake it and put on an act for the customers watching is literally his job. Even if inside he's disgusted by it, he has to pretend he isn't - as long as no one is touching him, of course. He's allowed to be angry at touching, but his job is to pretend to be 'on' and sexy and seductive for paying customers.
I guess Aiden being a coworker and not a customer is more of a grey area, idk. But Phoenix literally tells Archer that he was doing it to just get through it and be done with it, because he didn't want to be there doing that.
I just didn't really like Archer's attitude to that. That he needed to think about it. That he was all "But he didn't pull away" man...if it wasn't his work, and wasn't something he had to do for his job, I'd get that much more, I'd understand, because that would be of Phoenix's free will. THIS wasn't. And I'm sure there are strippers who love their job and don't mind it, of course, but Phoenix isn't one of them. He was only doing the job to get by and didn't like people touching him. He had his own rules of no touching, even, and Archer knew that.
And Archer even said himself that Phoenix hadn't given him any reason not to trust him. But then he's all the sudden scared he's being naive and maybe he shouldn't trust Phoenix so blindly? But Phoenix didn't actually do anything to shake Archer's trust and faith in him. It was his job and he was enduring to get through it. And he'd said multiple times he didn't want to work with Aiden, so...I'm just...
It felt fairly contrived for dramas sake, to have a reason to put these two on shaky ground for a spell before they work things out.
I didn't like it. Obviously lol.
Luckily it wasn't dragged out for an overly long time, but still...it was a flimsy thing used for drama.
But, aside from that part of the book, I enjoyed the rest of this immensely. I enjoyed everything leading up to it, and then once they got past it, everything after that.
So overall, a very good book that I'd definitely recommend. It just could have done better on creating drama that actually made sense for the characters.
But still, a definite two thumbs up from me. I'm happy and excited to delve into the next one!
November 7, 2020
This was sugary, tattooed, geeky college boy yumminess and just what I needed!
Seems like the month of tattooed MC’s for me, and I ain’t mad about it.
I loved all the characters. Like, a lot. Archer’s friends, the twins, were hilarious and they made me chuckle. I loved their friendship dynamics and how they all looked out for each other.
I loved Archer’s Uncle Isaac. We all need an Uncle Issac. His one liners were such a breath of fresh air and I loved his love for his nephew.
Most of all, I loved Archer and Phoenix. So sweet, so pure, just so good together. Full of love and acceptance, no unnecessary angst, so syrupy sweet my teeth are aching.
It was also hot as fuck. The dirty talk was on point, though I could’ve used more...that’s just me and my perverted mind though. (;
THAT LAP DANCE SCENE WAS 🔥
The book starts with the sexiest, most sensual lap dance I have ever read. Jesus Christ, that sizzling chemistry...I think it was my favourite scene!
Also, that 69 scene was soooo hot. You don’t see too many of those done well, but this was just mwah *chefs kiss.*
Overall, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would! Not much angst, but still enough give to chew off a decent sized bite of real-life issues without completely overpowering it.
The hints of Phoenix’s lyrics we get are beautiful little morsels. And I enjoyed learning about Archer’s graphic novel. I’m not usually a fan of stories within stories, but this kind of went with it. And I was digging it!
Great characters and nice romance. I wouldn’t say it’s off-the-charts wonderful, but it’s damn good and made me grin.
It’s just a really sweet read. 4 stars!
Seems like the month of tattooed MC’s for me, and I ain’t mad about it.
I loved all the characters. Like, a lot. Archer’s friends, the twins, were hilarious and they made me chuckle. I loved their friendship dynamics and how they all looked out for each other.
I loved Archer’s Uncle Isaac. We all need an Uncle Issac. His one liners were such a breath of fresh air and I loved his love for his nephew.
Most of all, I loved Archer and Phoenix. So sweet, so pure, just so good together. Full of love and acceptance, no unnecessary angst, so syrupy sweet my teeth are aching.
It was also hot as fuck. The dirty talk was on point, though I could’ve used more...that’s just me and my perverted mind though. (;
THAT LAP DANCE SCENE WAS 🔥
The book starts with the sexiest, most sensual lap dance I have ever read. Jesus Christ, that sizzling chemistry...I think it was my favourite scene!
Also, that 69 scene was soooo hot. You don’t see too many of those done well, but this was just mwah *chefs kiss.*
Overall, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would! Not much angst, but still enough give to chew off a decent sized bite of real-life issues without completely overpowering it.
The hints of Phoenix’s lyrics we get are beautiful little morsels. And I enjoyed learning about Archer’s graphic novel. I’m not usually a fan of stories within stories, but this kind of went with it. And I was digging it!
Great characters and nice romance. I wouldn’t say it’s off-the-charts wonderful, but it’s damn good and made me grin.
It’s just a really sweet read. 4 stars!
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December 24, 2023MM Romance
Stripper/Songwriter
No rating
DNF @ Chapter 9 of 22
🎵Included with my Audible subscription (thank fuck)
🎵Narrated by: Iggy Toma 💗
I love Iggy Toma but not even his smooth voice could salvage this one. There’s something about the dialogue in this book that feels unnatural and I find myself unable to connect to either character because of it. Usually I can overlook issues like this while listening to audiobooks but it’s even present in the inner monologues. I’m also not vibing with the 21 year old “thought I was broken until I met you” virgin subplot especially when the stripper is saying “I don’t want to rush you let’s take it slow” while virgin boy is trying to make something happen. There’s no way the stripper would turn virgin boy down after his “I don’t bend my rules for anyone but I need you to cum in your pants” private strip dance. 🙄 So, it’s just the author stalling to draw it out and I’m over it already. Next.
Stripper/Songwriter
No rating
DNF @ Chapter 9 of 22
🎵Included with my Audible subscription (thank fuck)
🎵Narrated by: Iggy Toma 💗
I love Iggy Toma but not even his smooth voice could salvage this one. There’s something about the dialogue in this book that feels unnatural and I find myself unable to connect to either character because of it. Usually I can overlook issues like this while listening to audiobooks but it’s even present in the inner monologues. I’m also not vibing with the 21 year old “thought I was broken until I met you” virgin subplot especially when the stripper is saying “I don’t want to rush you let’s take it slow” while virgin boy is trying to make something happen. There’s no way the stripper would turn virgin boy down after his “I don’t bend my rules for anyone but I need you to cum in your pants” private strip dance. 🙄 So, it’s just the author stalling to draw it out and I’m over it already. Next.
June 3, 2021
B o r i n g a s h e l l
October 22, 2021
Do you remember how the cars used in drivers ed had a brake pedal on the passenger side so the teacher could stop you from going too fast or running into something? I desperately needed one of those while reading this book. This was insta-attraction followed closely by insta-lust which morphed into insta-love at neck breaking speed. It was so overwhelmingly fast and OTT that I couldn't help but laugh about it. I got whiplash for real.
The story was so simple. Phoenix gave up his dream of becoming a songwriter because he needed money to pay off his mom's debts. He became a stripper because he was good at it and it paid well. Archer was a college student who wrote graphic novels and was living with his uncle for the summer. Add in an interesting "meet cute", some fun friends, awesome Uncle Isaac and a dash of drama and you have this book. Simple.
My biggest complaint is that I'm not sure I ever understood what Archer or Phoenix liked about each other. There wasn't a lot of time spent relationship-building or getting to know each other. Their on page interactions tended to be sexual. Phoenix only knew Archer's backstory because someone else told him. At one point I strongly considered the idea that maybe my family is right and I do just read porn disguised as love stories. That's fine by me and it's not like I'm going to quit, but I might need to stop getting defensive when they joke about it.
So while there was not much depth to the story, it was still fun to read. And that's the crux of my 3 stars. I liked the characters, I laughed a few times and I had fun reading this book. And yes, I will be reading the next book too. It's enemies-to-lovers. I can't pass that up.
The story was so simple. Phoenix gave up his dream of becoming a songwriter because he needed money to pay off his mom's debts. He became a stripper because he was good at it and it paid well. Archer was a college student who wrote graphic novels and was living with his uncle for the summer. Add in an interesting "meet cute", some fun friends, awesome Uncle Isaac and a dash of drama and you have this book. Simple.
My biggest complaint is that I'm not sure I ever understood what Archer or Phoenix liked about each other. There wasn't a lot of time spent relationship-building or getting to know each other. Their on page interactions tended to be sexual. Phoenix only knew Archer's backstory because someone else told him. At one point I strongly considered the idea that maybe my family is right and I do just read porn disguised as love stories. That's fine by me and it's not like I'm going to quit, but I might need to stop getting defensive when they joke about it.
So while there was not much depth to the story, it was still fun to read. And that's the crux of my 3 stars. I liked the characters, I laughed a few times and I had fun reading this book. And yes, I will be reading the next book too. It's enemies-to-lovers. I can't pass that up.
October 31, 2021
This was sweet. Phoenix, who stopped writing songs after the death of his mother, works in a strip club. Ending up giving a private show in a vip booth, he meets Archer, the rather endearingly shy college student.
And yes, there’s that insta-lust trope I usually hate. But somehow it didn’t bother me here at all - the writing was so good, the imaginary so vivid, that it drew me in completely. Maybe it was the opposites-attract-theme (Phoenix is a bit jaded, pierced and tattooed, and Archer is a bit shy and inexperienced). And I loved how they both inspired each other on an artistic level - Phoenix starts writing lyrics again, and Archer finds “his” plot in the graphic novel he’s working on.
An maybe I’ve just been in the mood for it - in any case, it left me with a huge smile on my face and very eager to read more from this author.
As to the audiobook book - is narrated by Iggy Toma, who’s among my favourite narrators ❤️
And yes, there’s that insta-lust trope I usually hate. But somehow it didn’t bother me here at all - the writing was so good, the imaginary so vivid, that it drew me in completely. Maybe it was the opposites-attract-theme (Phoenix is a bit jaded, pierced and tattooed, and Archer is a bit shy and inexperienced). And I loved how they both inspired each other on an artistic level - Phoenix starts writing lyrics again, and Archer finds “his” plot in the graphic novel he’s working on.
An maybe I’ve just been in the mood for it - in any case, it left me with a huge smile on my face and very eager to read more from this author.
As to the audiobook book - is narrated by Iggy Toma, who’s among my favourite narrators ❤️
June 19, 2021
4 stars
Okay okay I see you. This book was sugary sweet with a sexy tattooed stripper falling for a shy guy and I enjoyed every minute.
This was low angst which I loved, they didn’t drag out the main issue which was much appreciated! I do wish we got more page time with the twins they were funny or the guys at the tattoo shop, but either way i enjoyed it all the same!
Iggy Toma did a great job narrating I think that is another reason I liked this more than I thought i would. Sometimes it just takes a good narrator to give a book a higher rating!
Can’t wait to see who’s next in this series!
Okay okay I see you. This book was sugary sweet with a sexy tattooed stripper falling for a shy guy and I enjoyed every minute.
This was low angst which I loved, they didn’t drag out the main issue which was much appreciated! I do wish we got more page time with the twins they were funny or the guys at the tattoo shop, but either way i enjoyed it all the same!
Iggy Toma did a great job narrating I think that is another reason I liked this more than I thought i would. Sometimes it just takes a good narrator to give a book a higher rating!
Can’t wait to see who’s next in this series!
September 13, 2020
No pretense
I loved this book so hard. It was just what I needed to begin my day. I adore Archer and his personality and Phoenix, well, he makes me swoon. They’re stormy, passionate, and oh how they sizzle. They’re also funny, intense, sweet, and will grab hold of your heart and not let go. “You’ve been my muse, the heartbeat that thumps in time with mine, and become the one thing in this world that I can’t imagine a life without.” Unexpectedly beautiful, this book will write a song on your heart.
I loved this book so hard. It was just what I needed to begin my day. I adore Archer and his personality and Phoenix, well, he makes me swoon. They’re stormy, passionate, and oh how they sizzle. They’re also funny, intense, sweet, and will grab hold of your heart and not let go. “You’ve been my muse, the heartbeat that thumps in time with mine, and become the one thing in this world that I can’t imagine a life without.” Unexpectedly beautiful, this book will write a song on your heart.
May 31, 2022
I loved this book. It was so sweet. Full review to come.
December 23, 2022
So-So
3 Stars—barely.
Although the two MC’s are male, I felt as if I were reading about women. The conflict was forced and low in stakes, although everyone acted as if it were a HUGE deal.
I was bored.
3 Stars—barely.
Although the two MC’s are male, I felt as if I were reading about women. The conflict was forced and low in stakes, although everyone acted as if it were a HUGE deal.
I was bored.
January 29, 2022
DNF at 38%
This was just pretty boring. There's instalust - why would Phoenix suddenly break all of his own rules for an awkward kid? Telling him his real name? Come on, there's no reason he needs to know your real name. And touching him? I'd buy that more but still it's weird after a couple years of stripping, he would abruptly break that rule as well.
Even though I'm almost 40% of the way through, not much has happened. They don't have too much of a relationship, and yet Archer is already pulling away because he's been warned about falling in love with a stripper (lol that song). But there's not much build up there for them being in love in the first place. There's some tension, but I don't know why.
Also, Archer ruined a whole ice cream cake, so he obviously sucks.
This was just pretty boring. There's instalust - why would Phoenix suddenly break all of his own rules for an awkward kid? Telling him his real name? Come on, there's no reason he needs to know your real name. And touching him? I'd buy that more but still it's weird after a couple years of stripping, he would abruptly break that rule as well.
Even though I'm almost 40% of the way through, not much has happened. They don't have too much of a relationship, and yet Archer is already pulling away because he's been warned about falling in love with a stripper (lol that song). But there's not much build up there for them being in love in the first place. There's some tension, but I don't know why.
Also, Archer ruined a whole ice cream cake, so he obviously sucks.
September 13, 2020
3.5 - 4.0
no-probably-no
January 5, 2021DNF - I’ve tried this author 3x, snd she’s just not for me. She can write pretty hot sex scenes, but everything aside from those moments needs work & finesse.
February 23, 2024
This is the second time I’ve read this book now and I honestly forgot how much I loved it the first time around! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a fantastic job, especially with the slight accent! This is the only series I’ve read by this author and it reminds me I should try more of their books.
Archer was such a fun character. I really liked his story line and his relationship with his uncle. Was so happy for him to have found someone perfect for him in Phoenix. I don’t read too many books with strippers but I find I really like them so I really should read more! I thought it was a great storyline for Phoenix with his job and I loved their HEA!
I also loved seeing the side characters from book 2 and 3 in this one now that I know who they are. I absolutely would love to listen to their audios again as well!
Archer was such a fun character. I really liked his story line and his relationship with his uncle. Was so happy for him to have found someone perfect for him in Phoenix. I don’t read too many books with strippers but I find I really like them so I really should read more! I thought it was a great storyline for Phoenix with his job and I loved their HEA!
I also loved seeing the side characters from book 2 and 3 in this one now that I know who they are. I absolutely would love to listen to their audios again as well!
August 14, 2022
I loved both of these MCs. Loved their back stories, loved their personalities, and loved them as a couple. I only docked one star because it sometimes felt a little cheesy in the bedroom, and I don’t mean in an overly romantic way. The story really was wonderful though.
October 23, 2021
I absolutely loved it!
This is my first book by this author but I'm moving onto the next now! It was so good. Drowning me in feelings. Phoenix and Archer are absolutely perfect!
This is my first book by this author but I'm moving onto the next now! It was so good. Drowning me in feelings. Phoenix and Archer are absolutely perfect!
October 2, 2020
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
What makes a book a good one? Yes, the writing skill, the story telling... all those things a good
book can't do without, but...also how it makes you feel in the moment you read it.
This one made me feel good. I liked the feel of it, I liked sitting back and reading a story
about two guys finding their way together.
No over the top drama just a story with two enjoyable characters.
So to me, this was a good one. I enjoyed it and I will be looking out for the next in line.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
What makes a book a good one? Yes, the writing skill, the story telling... all those things a good
book can't do without, but...also how it makes you feel in the moment you read it.
This one made me feel good. I liked the feel of it, I liked sitting back and reading a story
about two guys finding their way together.
No over the top drama just a story with two enjoyable characters.
So to me, this was a good one. I enjoyed it and I will be looking out for the next in line.
November 30, 2020
3.5 stars
April 28, 2025
Omg, I loved this.
Phoenix and Archer were perfect. So beautiful together. AND extremely hot 🔥
I absolutely fell in love with Phoenix.
I listened to the audiobook, and holy hell, the strong southern accent Iggy Toma used made me want to lick my phone! 🔥🔥🔥
Phoenix and Archer were perfect. So beautiful together. AND extremely hot 🔥
I absolutely fell in love with Phoenix.
I listened to the audiobook, and holy hell, the strong southern accent Iggy Toma used made me want to lick my phone! 🔥🔥🔥
November 18, 2023
Yeah, basically it's the job and the ex.
March 6, 2021
Oh but this was lovely! This was just perfection for me. I had no faults with the book; I loved basically everything about it. Loved that Pheonix's job as a stripper wasn't made to be something he’s ashamed about, but instead Arch and Pheonix had an actual conversation about what makes them uncomfortable in a relationship. I so appreciated that. Main characters that actually communicate? Wow. What a change! The fact that Archer was able to be up front about his insecurities but made it a point to consider Pheonix's wants and vice versa. Mad respect to author for doing that! While I wouldn't be comfortable with my significant other being a stripper, purely because I acknowledge my own insecurities, I would understand how wrong it would be for me to create an ultimatum of me or the job much like Archer ultimately decided.
They both took the time and had enough mutual respect to address their concerns. So refreshing. The whole issue with Aiden the stalker frustrated me on behalf of Pheonix for safety reasons and lack of professionalism from his boss, and it made me upset on behalf of Archer. Yet, these two men truly love each other enough to know what they have is worth fighting for and worth fighting to keep.
I am thrilled that this will be a series because I can tell there's so many stories here to tell.
*ARC provided and I have given my honest review.*
They both took the time and had enough mutual respect to address their concerns. So refreshing. The whole issue with Aiden the stalker frustrated me on behalf of Pheonix for safety reasons and lack of professionalism from his boss, and it made me upset on behalf of Archer. Yet, these two men truly love each other enough to know what they have is worth fighting for and worth fighting to keep.
I am thrilled that this will be a series because I can tell there's so many stories here to tell.
*ARC provided and I have given my honest review.*
did-not-finish
November 14, 2020DNF at 62%
I read the first two chapters and I was thinking about how I would love this book. And then I noticed I have already read another book from this author. I'm going to be honest, that changed my expectations for this book. I went from 'this is going to be good' to 'this is going to be meh'.
The sex scenes are incredible, really. The characters do have chemistry. But the relationship part? Oh, god, no. This is the definition of insta-love and way people don't like it. Come on, really? It had so much potencial but the author just jumped to this weird situation where the Arch and Phoenix are absolutely attached to each other without the sense they had a relationship.
And there is NO conflict. They want to be together so they are. The drama the author created felt so exaggerated and forced. Kind of there is no problem here, this could be 20 pages long and it would have been fine. But when it tries to pose like a complete novel it makes no sense. I skimmed through to the end and the "conflict" there was more adequate to a fanfic with a plot created by a 14 year old.
Honestly, it didn't work for me and it wasn't a me problem. I think most people would be annoyed by all of this.
I read the first two chapters and I was thinking about how I would love this book. And then I noticed I have already read another book from this author. I'm going to be honest, that changed my expectations for this book. I went from 'this is going to be good' to 'this is going to be meh'.
The sex scenes are incredible, really. The characters do have chemistry. But the relationship part? Oh, god, no. This is the definition of insta-love and way people don't like it. Come on, really? It had so much potencial but the author just jumped to this weird situation where the Arch and Phoenix are absolutely attached to each other without the sense they had a relationship.
And there is NO conflict. They want to be together so they are. The drama the author created felt so exaggerated and forced. Kind of there is no problem here, this could be 20 pages long and it would have been fine. But when it tries to pose like a complete novel it makes no sense. I skimmed through to the end and the "conflict" there was more adequate to a fanfic with a plot created by a 14 year old.
Honestly, it didn't work for me and it wasn't a me problem. I think most people would be annoyed by all of this.
September 10, 2020
. From the first page I was captivated by Phoenix and Archer. Phoenix was trying to make it in the music business when his mom becomes ill and dashes his dream by needing him home. As bills pile up he finds work as a stripper. Archer is taken to celebrate his birthday by his friends to a club. Thinking this was a crazy idea he's ready to go until he spots the gorgeous tattooed dancer. He is smitten and sparks fly. Fate is smiling because to top it off, Archer realizes his uncles' neighbor is none other than the gorgeous tattooed dancer. As they get to know each other they realize they have more in common than they rhought. Both basically alone but so different, an infatuation grows into a deep love. It's true, opposites do attract. I fell in love from the first page and highly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 7, 2020DNF at 18%. No rating
I rarely abandoning books that quickly.
It felt like it’s all was so convenient. Phoenix works as a stripper but he has rules, but one look on Archer and every rule goes away, like they had a mind blowing connection from the first moment but I didn’t feel it (I don’t even think it was there).
And then they miraculously find themselves living next door to each other.
Sorry 🤷🏼♀️ not for me.
I rarely abandoning books that quickly.
It felt like it’s all was so convenient. Phoenix works as a stripper but he has rules, but one look on Archer and every rule goes away, like they had a mind blowing connection from the first moment but I didn’t feel it (I don’t even think it was there).
And then they miraculously find themselves living next door to each other.
Sorry 🤷🏼♀️ not for me.
September 10, 2020
love it. Just the couple was amazing. SPARKS FLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
November 25, 2021
This book has made it into my comfort reread list. I’m not sure why it makes me so happy. I think it’s because of Phoenix. He’s the perfect combo of hot and sweet and damaged and secure. The audio makes me happy too. Very.
January 30, 2022
We found love in a hopeless place. So sweet
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