Lost Boy

Secret Desires #2

by Jayda Marx

Shawn - Life is good. In just a couple short weeks, I’ll be starting a new job; I’ll be business partners with Holden in our own consulting firm. I’ll be working alongside my best friend instead of the incompetent blowhards I have to put up with now. That means I’ll escape the weekly meetings about my “attitude problem", which is only caused by the aforementioned blowhards. It also means I’ll get to see more of Holden and his fiance/little Ollie. I can’t get enough of my self-appointed nephew. I love hanging out with both of them; to have adult conversations with Holden and watch Ollie play. But as happy as I am that my friends have found love, I can’t help but be jealous. I’m not looking for a little of my own, though; I’m interested in a different type of boy. I’m a Dom at heart and looking for a young man whom I can guide, spoil, and love...and tie down, spank, and fuck. I’m forty-six and growing impatient. I’m ready to settle down; I want a relationship, and I want forever. I know I can make my boy happy. I’ll fight for him, shield him, and bring him pleasure beyond his wildest dreams. I just have to find him first.

Franklin - Life is hard. I’m being evicted by my only family member because he thinks I’m unreliable after I lost yet another job. I try my best, but I struggle with pressure and responsibilities; things usually dissolve into one disaster after another around me. I need guidance and direction, but my Master just cast me aside after he’d used me up and grown tired of me. No one ever keeps me. I crave to belong to one man and spend my life pleasing him; to learn everything he needs and be the one to give it to him. I want to be someone’s everything. I want to be his forever. But luck is never on my side. I’ll hold on to my dream, but I won’t hold my breath.
This M/M insta-love book is packed full of BDSM elements, yet sweet and tingly. It has smoking hot scenes, no cheating or cliffhangers, and a very happy HEA. It also revisits Holden and Ollie from book one in the “Secret Desires” series, “Beautiful Dreamer”.

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

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2020

About the author

I live in rural Ohio with my husband and two sons who drive me nuts, but I love them with all my heart. I enjoy reading and writing romance of all types, but gay romance is my forte and favorite! Twice the sexy men? Yes, please! My books tend to be low angst because it hurts my heart, but they do contain lots of heartfelt moments, steamy scenes and a healthy dose of humor. Thank you to everyone for checking out my page and I hope you enjoy my books. Happy reading!

Reviews

[Saswati · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars ⭐️

“I want to be your Dom in charge of your body, and your boyfriend in charge of your heart.”

I swear, never did I even dream that BDSM could be handled in such a sweet way!

If you're in the mood for a fluffy, dom/sub, M/M romance, definitely pick this up.

Reading this insta-love goodie was almost like being curled up with a comfort blanket 💜

[Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

|| 3.0 stars ||

This was, once again, really sweet. The relationship between Frankie and Shawn had BDSM elements with a Dom/Sub dynamic, but the story never lost its softness.

I liked how gentle and adoring Shawn was towards Frankie and that he never wanted his boy to ‘serve’ him or anything like that. However, Frankie did want to please Shawn all the time, so these two kind of went around trying to spoil each other with acts of kindness.

This was an insta-love story and it unfortunately lacked much depth or development within the relationship. The whole thing was pretty straightforward with only the well-known ‘misunderstanding’ in the third act.

Nonetheless, these two really were very cute together and the book had a very warm overall feeling.

I also couldn’t stop smiling at Frankie’s interactions with Ollie because they were just so adorable.


'Secret Desires' series:
1. Beautiful Dreamer - 3.0 stars
2. Lost Boy - 3.0 stars
3. Good Boy - 1.5 stars

[Iman (hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, THE BEST INSTA LOVE IVE EVER READ!! 😭😭😭 why is it sooo adorableee aaaaaahhh

This is overall so heartwarming, sweet and fluffy! Ahhh I love them both together. The BDSM wasn’t intense/heavy, but the elements were there. I love how they grow to understand each other despite having rough pasts, it was adorable. This was an easy read I didn’t even realised I’m almost finished🤭

The scenes with appearance of MCs from other books in the series is so comforting. In every Jayda’s books tbh. They always makes me so happy <3 Ollie and Holden (even though I haven’t read their book) were so adorable I can’t wait for their story. And Ollie/Fanklin play time is just aaaaahhhh! This book made me cry two times! but the short angst was worth it 🥹

[Drusilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sugary sweet, very light BDSM, super insta-ish and an unnecessary mini-drama.
This is in typical Jayda Marx style, the "I love you's" are there on day two. I think I've gotten used to it by now with this author, so for once it wasn't shocking.
The story itself is cute and short, nothing special. I think I should stay away from this kind of story. Somehow it's always the same rehash and I'm extremely bored of it, this isn't a criticism of this book though, just my inner grump.
I especially liked meeting Ollie and Holden again. I kind of liked the interaction between Franklin and Ollie more than anything else.
Still, Shawn and Franklin are nice to read about and a little spicy too, though the BDSM elements are actually of the light kind.

Oh, I've just realized that I've only highlighted two passages, and they're not good quotes for the review either. Hmm, I must really not have been all the way into the book. Sorry. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Hugo #freepalestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the writing flow
I'll never get bored when I read a jayda marx book.
It was pretty insta like really insta just like usual but that's what I'm craving at the moment so that was just fair warning for yall who do not like insta.
I also liked their d/s energy between them I think it was hot, it was a typical jayda marx character tho but in a different font.
Everything that happened in this book happened so quickly.

[Mariam, · Rating 4 out of 5]

Submission has never been more better than this book

(Although the third act conflict sucks ass and not the yummy kind)

(Also, my gr updates and reviews are the only way my friends know that I'm still alive so.... Howdy 🤠)

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

Following along the same lines as Beautiful Dreamer, Lost Boy is a short and extremely fluffy insta-love with BDSM elements romance.

Franklin and Shawn are tooth-achingly sweet, but enjoyable all the same. Really loved the hurt/comfort as well, it added a nice little depth to the story and characters.

CW and tropes(spoilers):
- Insta-love
- D/s dynamic
- Strict top/bottom roles
- Age gap
- Wax and impact play

POV: 1st person, dual

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read October 2021
Cute, but rushed.

-----------------------------

3.5 stars

I liked this more than the first book! I guess it’s also because I was just in the mood for this story that I liked it better.

I’m not really a fan of D/s books these days, but since it’s Jayda Marx I was curious to see how she could make this story super fluffy. And of course it was. It was so sugary sweet that my teeth hurt. But when I’m in the right mood I can really enjoy her books.

Franklin is 21 years old and has had several masters. But no master seems to want to keep him, so he gets discarded once again. And when he loses his job his half-brother/landlord tells him he will no longer rent to him, so he’s out on the streets again.

But when Franklin gets assaulted outside a restaurant by an over-eager Dom, he gets rescued by a hot older guy and his streak of bad luck finally seems to end.

Shawn is very happy for his best friend Holden and his little, Ollie, but he’s also a bit jealous. He really wants a boy of his own, but he hasn’t had any luck on that front. So when he meets the sweet young man outside a restaurant after a dom got rough with him, he knows he has to somehow convince the young man to stay with him….

As all Jayda Marx’s books this was insta-love on crack. The I love yous were flying around after 24 hours, and it surprised me Shawn didn’t propose after 2 days. But I knew this going in, so I was ready for it. And I enjoyed it. I thought Frankie was cute, and Shawn was a very sweet master.

There was some BDSM stuff, but I skimmed those parts since I don’t really like that in my books anymore.

It was cute, it was sweet, and I had a nice time reading this.

[Peppa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well compared to the first volume of this series I’m a bit disappointed if I am honest. It’s just the insta love here wasn’t really to my taste it was absolutely too fast and too much. I also hated to unnecessary drama at the end, we really didn’t need that. It annoyed the hell out of me.
Otherwise the dynamic between Franklin and Shawn was nice but I haven’t felt anything here. Honestly I didn’t care about them at all. Best thing in this book were Ollie and Holden from the last book lmao💀.

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I enjoyed this book. I shouldn’t have because it had so many things I find annoying. Shawn and Franklin literally fell in love the first day they were together. There was the stupid misunderstanding that caused a sudden break up close to the end.

I don’t know, none of that mattered. I loved them together. This is what I would consider a perfect Dom/Sub relationship. Shawn cared for Franklin and still controlled him. Franklin loved serving his Master. I loved it and couldn’t stop reading until I finished.

I’m not interested in the other books in this series because I am really turned off by Daddy/little and doggy play. If you’re not then I think they will be just as good.

[Arena♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ the comfort in these books ✨

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick D/s story full of instalove 🥰

I was excited to read Shawn's book after seeing glimpses of him in Holden's book (Little Dreamer). He's a sweet Dom who just wants a boy of his own to keep and love. Franklin is a sub who can't seem to catch a break. He has never had a Dom treat him right and has no clue what a real D/s relationship should be until he meets Shawn. After everything he's been through Frankie deserved to find love and respect😊

[Sue bowdley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this one...This is Shawn's book who we met in Beautiful Dreamer....I love Shawn and he finally finds his boy in Franklin who doesn't have the best of luck....They really are beautiful together....Very little angst and a really feel good read...Something we all need these days x

[Kat_MM_Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Super cute relationship. Not a fan of the Insta-love because I just moves too quickly for me. Falling in love within 50 pages just isn’t my thing. I loved Ollie and Holden making an appearance in this. Though it could have been spicier.

[Alexis Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fluffy

Definitely a fluffy BDSM D/s story. Really, it couldn't hold any more sweetness. I know it said insta, but maybe a little too over the top. My sweet tooth actually hurts.

The lack of condoms and any conversation pertaining to safe sex is worrisome.

KU, contemporary, book in series, Dom/s, opposites attract, BDSM

[Assh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shawn et Franklin

📖
Shawn – La vie est belle. Dans quelques semaines seulement, je commencerai un nouvel emploi ; Je serai partenaire commercial de Holden dans notre propre cabinet de conseil. Je travaillerai aux côtés de mon meilleur ami au lieu des fanfarons incompétents que je dois supporter maintenant. Cela signifie que j'échapperai aux réunions hebdomadaires sur mon « problème d'attitude », qui n'est causé que par les fanfarons susmentionnés. Cela signifie également que je pourrai voir davantage Holden et son fiancé/petit Ollie. Je n'en ai jamais assez de mon neveu autoproclamé. J'adore passer du temps avec eux deux ; avoir des conversations d'adultes avec Holden et regarder Ollie jouer. Mais aussi heureuse que je sois que mes amis aient trouvé l’amour, je ne peux m’empêcher d’être jalouse. Cependant, je ne cherche pas un peu de moi-même ; Je m'intéresse à un autre type de garçon. Je suis Dom dans l'âme et je recherche un jeune homme que je pourrai guider, gâter, et aimer… et attacher, donner une fessée et baiser. J'ai quarante-six ans et je m'impatiente. Je suis prêt à m'installer; Je veux une relation et je veux pour toujours. Je sais que je peux rendre mon garçon heureux. Je me battrai pour lui, le protégerai et lui apporterai un plaisir au-delà de ses rêves les plus fous. Je dois juste le trouver d'abord.

Franklin – La vie est dure. Je suis expulsé par le seul membre de ma famille parce qu'il pense que je ne suis pas fiable après avoir perdu un autre emploi. Je fais de mon mieux, mais je lutte contre la pression et les responsabilités ; les choses se dissolvent généralement en un désastre après l’autre autour de moi. J'ai besoin de conseils et de direction, mais mon Maître m'a simplement mis de côté après m'avoir épuisé et fatigué de moi. Personne ne me garde jamais. J'ai envie d'appartenir à un homme et de passer ma vie à lui plaire ; pour apprendre tout ce dont il a besoin et être celui qui le lui donne. Je veux être tout pour quelqu'un. Je veux être à lui pour toujours. Mais la chance n’est jamais de mon côté. Je m'accrocherai à mon rêve, mais je ne retiendrai pas mon souffle.

📕


🖋️
Une fois ma recherche d'emploi terminée, j'ai cliqué sur mon salon de discussion préféré, où les abonnés et les Doms se mêlaient et établissaient des liens. Comme je n'avais pas l'argent nécessaire pour rejoindre un club BDSM, le salon de discussion était l'endroit où j'avais trouvé tous les maîtres que j'avais jamais servis. Certes, aucun d’entre eux n’a fonctionné, mais cela ne voulait pas dire que ce n’était pas possible , n’est-ce pas ?

Je l'espérais, car un Dom nommé Darren s'est intéressé à moi en ligne et m'a dit de le rencontrer pour le dîner ce soir. Malheureusement, il ne voulait pas venir me chercher ; il a dit qu'il n'était pas mon chauffeur, mais ça allait. J'avais un taxi en route pour m'emmener au centre-ville jusqu'à « Embers », un restaurant de fondue chic où je rencontrais Darren.

Je n'avais jamais mangé chez Embers ni ailleurs. J'espérais pouvoir entrer avec mes vêtements décontractés, y compris mes baskets déglinguées. J'ai dû jeter ma plus belle paire à cause du dilemme de la pâte, et celles-ci avaient un trou dans la pointe du pied gauche et la semelle était lâche sur le pied droit. Mais c’était tout ce que j’avais. J'espérais juste que cela ne dérangeait pas Darren.

J’étais tellement excitée d’avoir un rendez-vous. Habituellement, les hommes m'emmenaient simplement chez eux et non en public. Peut-être que cela signifiait que Darren cherchait quelque chose de différent ; qu'il voulait une relation avec moi. Peut-être que c'était censé se produire, que nous vivrions dans le bonheur et que je n'aurais pas à me soucier de l'argent ou d'une maison. Peut-être qu'il pourrait être ma maison.

Mon cœur battait à tout rompre tandis que je montais sur la banquette arrière du taxi et me dirigeais vers le centre-ville. J'ai failli crier lorsque le chauffeur s'est arrêté sur le trottoir et j'ai vu Darren attendre à l'extérieur du restaurant. Je l'ai reconnu grâce à sa photo en ligne. J'ai payé rapidement, j'ai sauté du taxi et je me suis précipité vers lui sur le trottoir.

Il était mignon ; il avait les cheveux noirs et hirsutes et les yeux sombres. Il était un peu plus petit que mes cinq pieds dix, plus épais que ma silhouette ultra mince et probablement quatre ans de plus que moi. Je préférais généralement que mon Maître soit plus âgé que lui, mais cela n'avait pas d'importance. Ce n'était pas parce qu'il était jeune que Darren était inexpérimenté. J'étais juste excité de le rencontrer. Jusqu'à ce qu'il me fasse un signe de tête.

« Tu as sérieusement porté ça pour me rencontrer ? De toute évidence, vous ne vous souciez pas de la première impression.

"Je suis désolé, Monsieur," proposai-je. "C'était tout ce que j'avais." Il n'était pas très habillé non plus, avec un jean et une chemise boutonnée, mais je me sentais horrible de l'avoir déçu. Laissez-moi tout gâcher si vite.

"Je ne t'emmène pas à l'intérieur avec toi ressemblant à ça."

"Je suis désolé," répétai-je en baissant les yeux vers le sol.

"Peu importe; cela signifie simplement que je n'aurai pas à gaspiller autant d'argent pour toi. Où que nous allions, vous devez mériter votre repas. Il m'a attrapé par le bras et m'a traîné brutalement jusqu'à un terrain à l'arrière du bâtiment qui était vide et calme, et il m'a poussé contre un mur de briques. Je n'étais pas étranger au jeu brutal, mais ce n'était pas bien. Je le connaissais depuis dix secondes et je ne lui avais jamais donné le feu vert pour me malmener.

« À genoux », aboya-t-il en désignant le sol.

"Monsieur, je ne suis pas prêt pour-"

"Tu es de retour pour me parler?" Il m'a giflé au visage, me faisant piquer la joue. Ce n’est certainement pas correct. Ce n'était pas un jeu. Il me faisait peur.

"Je suis désolé monsieur; Je n'essaie pas, mais nous n'avons parlé de rien. Je ne t'ai pas donné mes mots de sécurité ou… »

« Vous ne recevez pas de mot de sécurité. Je suis le responsable et j'ai dit de se mettre à genoux maintenant .

"S'il te plaît, non," suppliai-je alors qu'il appuyait sur mes épaules. « S'il vous plaît, ne faites pas ça. Rouge!" J'ai crié, au cas où ce serait une sorte de jeu. « Rouge » était un mot sûr facilement reconnaissable, mais Darren ne s'est pas arrêté.

"Tais-toi", répondit-il en me bousculant dans sa prise.

Une voix grave et retentissante a crié : « Assez ! » et le mot a résonné dans toutes les directions.

Darren a laissé tomber ses mains de surprise et j'ai regardé le son. Un homme marchait vers nous, le visage tendu par la colère et le feu dans les yeux. Mon Dieu, il était magnifique ; grand et en forme, avec des cheveux bruns soyeux coiffés en pompadour, bien que des cheveux gris soient éparpillés sur les côtés de sa tête et dans sa barbe. Il avait de beaux yeux bleu saphir, mais la chose la plus alléchante chez lui était le pouvoir et le contrôle qu'il dégageait.

Sa présence était si écrasante et imposante que je me suis mis à genoux devant lui. Je me concentrai sur le sol tandis que mon corps tremblait de crainte devant lui.

🖋️

[Angi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This was a little disappointing. I think I expected more and it was going in a different way then I assumed.

Everything between these two happened really fast but that’s something I kind of expected, since it’s a Jayda Marx book.

So we have this guy who is a submissive but never really had a healthy relationship with any of his masters. Then there is the Dom that rescues him out of terrible situation and directly decides to take him to diner if he wants to.

I really like how they met and I was so happy for Franklin to finally find someone who he can rely on. The poor young man struggled so bad before and his half brother absolutely deserves the worst.

Overall while them being together wasn’t the greatest thing I ever read, I still liked it. However I didn’t like the conflict we get throughout the end. It was so stupid on the one hand. On the other I do get where Franklin comes from and I just wish there would have been much more talk about it. Because in the end Franklin never actually learned what a healthy sub/Dom relationship looks like. Yes he gets treated better now but I still would have liked more learning moments for Franklin and therefore a little more depth in the story.

Overall this wasn’t bad but just not really good either.

[vrstal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread 2022

I feel a lot different about this book now. I understand Marx’s instalove formula and it works great here. The sex scenes were hot as hell (although none of them are detailed anal scenes for those who wonder about that), and the way Shawn helps Frankie is sweet. Plus, he has a totally bad complication of a day which was pretty amusing-but-sad to read about. The friendship between Ollie and Frankie was sweet as well.

——————

OG Review 2021

For some reason, this relationship felt even more unbelievable than most of Marx’s works. Also it felt a tad weird for the fact Franklin didn’t have anywhere to go and was it Shawn somewhat taking advantage of that? In a more realistic novel, I think it would be considered dark that he didn’t instead try and offer some alternative that wasn’t just ‘live with me, a stranger’.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning: if you don't like insta-love, this is not the book for you! Shawn and Franklin say "I love you" less than three days after they meet. I don't really consider that a spoiler for either this author or this trope, so I'm sorry if you disagree and I've disillusioned you. Yes, BDSM relationships tend to happen a little faster than most, but this one was on the speed-train from the second they locked eyes. The situation that Shawn rescued Franklin from worked in both their favor, but it really was more than just a bit...quick. Not that I'm going to stop reading this author's books, but I think I'll probably fill in with a few deeper stories before I come back for Blake and Zach's HEA.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

He was everything I didn't know I needed; my Master, my boyfriend, and my perfect match. - Frankie

Warnings: Attempted SA of MC

Opinion/Review

1st Person, Dual POV
3rd Act Break Up: Slight miscommunication but < 12 hours
Slow-burn: No
HEA: Yes
MC sex without other MC(s): No
Spice: 3/5
Angst/Stress: 1.5/5
Fluff: 4.5/5
Structure/Format/Flow: 5/5
Overall: 4/5

Intimate Scenes Include: Hanjobs, Orgasm control, Facial, Wax play, Throat fucking, Blowjobs, Light BDSM, Restraints, Floggers, Anal sex, Bareback

Basic Main Character Information:
Shawn: 46, Senior Business Consultant, Dom/Master, Brown hair & Blue eyes, Funny/Playful
Franklin: Frankie, 21, sub/boy, Black hair & Hazel eyes, Sweet/Naive

My Notes:
- Super cute, almost vomit inducingly sweet and fluffy. Jayda is known for her insta love but this one is over the moon insta love, but just what I needed to get a good reset.
- Obviously this all happens very fast, if that’s not your thing, turn right around. And of course you wouldn’t want to do this in real life, in today’s world it would be dangerous and very red flaggy but this is fluffy romance and I like it.
- Love the inclusion of Blake at the end, Blake and Zack? Gonna be fire.
- I felt so bad for Frankie at 70% with Ollie. Shawn knew how to help though <3.

Milestone Moments:

Oh Dough!: 4%
Darren the Dom Demon: 9%
Frankie’s Knight in Shining Armor: 14%
F & S’s 1st Kiss: %
Why Take a Chance on Chance?: 42%
Frankie Helps His Friend: 70%
Miscommunication: 83%
Prezzie Time!: 95%
Intimate Scenes: 30%, 54%, 79%


Quotes That Live Rent Free In My Head:

“Darren can go stick his dick in a pencil sharpener,” I snapped back. - Shawn

I want to be your Dom in charge of your body, and your boyfriend in charge of your heart. - Shawn

He was so goddamn adorable, I wanted to eat him up. Or out. Or both. Damn, now I’m chubby again. - Shawn

John studied me as he stroked one of his chins. - Shawn


Side Characters:

Holden: Shawn’s best friend, Daddy to Ollie, Beautiful Dreamer (Secret Desires, #1)
Ollie: Shawn’s “nephew”, Holden’s little, Beautiful Dreamer (Secret Desires, #1)
Zack: Waiter, Dom?, Worked on train in book 1, Good Boy (Secret Desires, #3)
Blake: Pet Store Worker, Sweet and happy, Good Boy (Secret Desires, #3)

[Danielle Hendrikse · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Lost Boy" delves into the intricate dynamics of desire, guidance, and the quest for a lasting connection in the realm of BDSM romance. The review encapsulates the essence of the story, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of Shawn and Franklin.

Shawn, portrayed as a seasoned Dom with a yearning for something more profound, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The review effectively communicates Shawn's desire for a meaningful relationship, emphasizing his readiness to settle down and provide unwavering support to a special boy. The juxtaposition of Shawn's age and impatience underscores his urgency, making his quest for a lasting connection all the more compelling.

Franklin's character is presented with depth, highlighting the challenges he faces in life and his yearning for belonging. The review skillfully captures Franklin's vulnerabilities, creating empathy for a character who longs for guidance and stability. The mention of past disappointments adds a layer of poignancy to Franklin's journey, creating anticipation for the resolution of his search for a lasting connection.

The incorporation of BDSM elements is acknowledged in the review, providing transparency for readers who appreciate the fusion of sweet romance and tingling intensity. The promise of smoking hot scenes is intriguing, and the assurance of no cheating or cliffhangers aligns with the expectations of those seeking a satisfying and complete narrative.

The reference to revisiting Holden and Ollie from the first book in the "Secret Desires" series, "Beautiful Dreamer," adds continuity for readers familiar with the series, creating a sense of interconnectedness within the fictional universe.

In conclusion, "Lost Boy" promises a captivating M/M insta-love experience with a blend of BDSM elements, sweet moments, and a happily-ever-after. The review effectively captures the essence of the characters and their desires, making it an enticing read for those intrigued by the complexities of BDSM romance.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shawn's life is good as in a couple of weeks he'll be starting a new job as a business partner to his best friend Holden in their own consulting firm. That means he can escape the current weekly meetings about his attitude problem which is purely caused by the idiots he has to work with. On the plus side, he then gets to see more of Holden and his fiance/Little Ollie who is also his self-appointed nephew. But Shawn is jealous because they found love and he is still looking for it although he actually needs a different type of boy. Shawn is a Dom and is looking for a young man he can guide, spoil, love, spank and fuck - not just for a night but forever as he is ready to settle down. He just needs to find him. Franklin's life is hard - he is being evicted by a family member after losing yet another job as he struggles with pressure and responsibility and so he needs guidance and direction. No one ever keeps him and he wants to belong to just one man and spend his life pleasing him and learn everything he needs and be the one to give it to him.

I really enjoyed this book with the chance meeting of Shawn and Franklin and the way that he took him under his care and trusted him immediately. I loved the way that he integrated Franklin into his life by introducing him to Holden and Ollie and that made sure that he had a friend. I'm really glad that Shawn broke Ollie out of the "servant" mode that some of his previous Doms had turned him into - yes he was a submissive and wanted to serve and help, but he should not be a slave. I loved that they developed a deep love that was definitely set to last (even though they had a hiccup along the way). Easy to read and understand. This contains MM mature content of a BDSM nature.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5* I'll round up because I knew what I was getting into and I still read it anyway. This is insta-love in the truest form. They move in together within 6 hours and declare love within 36 (maybe less).

Franklin can't seem to find a permanent Daddy, always getting one month contracts. He ends up living in a small apartment owned by his half-brother and goes on a date with a potential dom but when the guy starts to abuse him, he's rescued by Shawn and boom. They are it. They meet Shawn's friends from book 1 (Ollie kind of freaks me out because he's NEVER not little) but Franklin accepts him and everything is great until the BM where Franklin thinks Shawn is cheating. Franklin is not a little in this case, just a boy.

So I knew what I was getting and it was okay if that's what you wanted and maybe I was in the mood for that (obviously because I read the whole thing). LOL It wasn't bad, the editing was good, I liked Franklin well enough, and again, I knew what it was so... not the author's fault she delivered on what she promised.

[Amos24601 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I can’t ever say anything bad about a Jayda Marx book. They are always exactly what I’m looking for: super sweet and fluffy, light and angst free.

Shawn and Franklin were so adorable together. I’ve been waiting for Shawn to find his perfect boy and he absolutely got that in Franklin. Poor Franklin just wanted someone to love and keep him. He had been discarded too many times by previous Masters. Shawn was the perfect Sir for him. Sexy and sweet. Shawn knew when to push and when to pull back. These two were delightful together.

I’d also like to add here that I absolutely loved that Holden, from the previous book Beautiful Dreamer, really had Franklin’s back when he needed him. I loved that Holden was written to look out for the more vulnerable character. This was a lovely addition.

I’m looking forward to the last book in this series, though I’ll be sad to see it end.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this story knowing it was insta-love but I didn't realize how insta. This was faster than a shifter story -- the men fell in love in one night and within two days were living together and proclaiming forever. What bugged me most was the Dom who was mature (not sure of his age but I think fortyish) and let's face it--if he's in the lifestyle, one would think there'd be more than a quick consideration of a forever commitment with a "lost boy," one who can't support himself and who has been left behind by a number of other Doms.

The killer was near the end when Frankie suspected Shawn of cheating and thought to himself: How long has this been going on? Really? They were only together about 10 days at that point anyway. Why expect something different? Maybe I'm getting jaded. I just want things to make sense and be consistent. I guess that's too much to ask.

[els✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

- an MM romance! BDSM relationship, D/s, age gap, instalove!
- his brother made him homeless for his own good..? what an ass
- kinda bummed this one is only 144 pages!
- god it was just one bad thing after another for Frankie poor baby 🥺
- they knew each other for maybe an hour before he moved him this is hilarious
- very good sex scenes tho!!
- LOVE CONFESSIONS AFTER KNOWING EACH OTHER FOR 24 HOURS
- Ollie and Frankie becoming best friends was the cutest thing EVER
- it was all just so domesticated and cute hehe
- good third act conflict!
- hard core loved that Frankie went to Ollie when he was upset 🥺
- loved that Holden had a go at Shawn!! (even tho it was a misunderstanding) like that’s a true best friend, someone who calls you out on your shit!
- Shawn got Frankie a hedgehog 🥹
- this was super super cute with some great sex scenes!! i just can’t give it more than three stars cos they were a fully fledged couple living together after an hour 😂

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry In Motion

Gotta love Shawn's poetry skills. Lol. This is book two of the Secret Desires series with Holden's bff Shawn getting his own boy in Franklin. Thank goodness Shawn was walking by the alley and overheard Franklin say Red and stepped up to save him before anything else could happen. Their story was just as fast paced as Holden and Ollie's but enough details are provided so you don't feel like your missing anything but you need to read book one In order to get full experience. A touch of angst in this book that's resolved quickly and one minor misunderstanding that gets fixed with roses. Overall a cute, sweet romance with laugh out loud moments and a HEA. I highly recommend this series and can't wait for book 3.

[Isabelle Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book. I love the first book out of the series, so I’m not surprised I didn’t enjoy Frankie and Shawn story. But if I did have to change something, I would rather have the little dramatic turn in their story in the middle of the book. Instead of the end of the book because I felt like I saw it coming, but I’m an easy cry so I obviously did cry out the thing I feel like people are going to say oh my God why did Frankie to jump to conclusions in the reality, I’m an Overthinker myself so I feel like I would’ve jumped the conclusion the way Frankie did especially how Shawn used his words and Frankie overheard and then just left but other than that, I love their story and it was so different between the first book so I didn’t mind





(Digital version)

[Shana_Bobana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly the type of book I was looking to read. It is instalove so if that’s not your thing then you might not enjoy this book. Frankie & Shawn are just so perfect together. They meet when Shawn steps in to help Frankie and they instantly click. All Shawn wants is someone he can love, take care of, and who wants a Dom like him. Frankie just wants to meet a man he can love and who is looking for a Sub like him. Their relationship works so well and there is very little angst. The angst that is there did break my heart but it was resolved quickly. I’m definitely going to be putting this book in my read again list.

[Don · Rating 2 out of 5]

just like its predecessor: quite formulaic, quite rapid-fire romance, quite boring overall. i am neither pleased nor mad that i read this book. though i might be disappointed.
i may be realising that i prefer ageplay romance to straight (lol) bdsm. and while i like the 24/7 dynamics, it felt a bit strange with this books' context? idk if i'm making any sense, but franklin has virtually no life outside being a sub? hopping across doms' houses like a butterfly whilst he had nothing to fall back on felt very dangerous. especially since he seems like he has no self-preservation or care for his own safety. him being 19-20 years old and so absorbed in bdsm, but at the same time, had no proper training?
i might understand that this very well could be some people's experiences with d/s lifestyle, but god it's so unsafe lol.
franklin has no personality outside bdsm, and has no aspirations and dreams aside from serving his dom, and while that's well and good, i do not think shawn should've been so quick to entertain this kind of relationship.
if this wasn't so obviously a happy romance, it could've very well been a caution tale lol
points down for the useless third act conflict and rapid development of their relationship.