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A stubborn brat. A smiling sadist. Love isn't always the shape you expect.

The thing with Channon isn't even a crush, so why does Ewan keep thinking about it? And what does it say about his relationship with Nate that his Dom will let him crush on someone else without turning into a possessive monster? Ewan has never been in love like this before, and he's never had so much to lose.

He belongs to Nate. Anything Nate encourages him do with Channon must mean something else. Right?

For Nate this might just be fun, but for Ewan it could mean ruining the best thing he's ever had.

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2020

37 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Moray

72 books286 followers
Also writes as Robin Moray.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,932 reviews93 followers
August 31, 2022
Ewan tiene una fascinacion con Channon que no puede entender, quiere cuidarlo, protegerlo, pero tambien quiere besarlo y tener sexo con el. Pero ama a Nate, nunca lo traicionaria de esa forma, al menos que le diera permiso y estuviera presente. Asi que cuando Nate le presenta la oportunidad de ambas cosas, no duda en tomarla, y aunque esta nervioso de como puede cambiar su relacion, asume que si Nate dijo que no habria problema no lo habria. La confianza de Ewan con Nate crece cada dia mas, es mas facil hablar entre ellos, para Nate, es mas facil entenderlo y ver cuando debe presionar y cuando no. Y la unica forma de estar seguro es dejarlo explorar su relacion con Channon o lo que pueda ser entre ellos.
Ahora Ewan y Nate se encuentran en un momento donde la confianza y el amor lo es todo, ¿podran salir de ahi mas fortalecidos?

Es "hasta ahora" el libro final de la serie, ahora si veo la evolucion de los protas, veo la comunicacion, y veo hacia donde se dirigen. Se que este es un spin-off de "The boy next door" y tengo entendido que estos personajes aparecen bastante seguido en esa serie, pero creo que no voy a leerla por ahora, quizas mas adelante.
Pero debo decir que me gusto bastante la forma de escribir del autor, te hace querer a los protas extendiendo sus historias en varios "capitulos" o "libros cortos", como si fuera una radio-novela o una tele-novela, y es una lastima que no ocurra lo mismo con los secundarios, muchos de ellos se merecen un poco mas de interaccion con los protas. Esta fue una de las cosas que no me gusto, otra fue que los personajes parecieran que adelantan y retroceden todo el tiempo, y cuando pareciera que estan encaminados, vuelven atras. De resto son unos buenos libros para pasar el rato, entretenidos, eroticos 100% y hots.
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,858 reviews94 followers
December 27, 2020
Oh, I love these stories. And the ending of this time actually made me cry from happiness. I loved Jack and Channon’s story, but it I Ewan and Nate have become my favorites. Please keep writing more.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,437 reviews379 followers
December 26, 2020
I just LOVE Nate and Ewan. For as different as they are from Jack and Channon, I just simply adore their dynamics and how perfect they are together.

I loved getting to see some of the same events from His Boy Next Door from Ewan and Nate's perspective. And I love Ewan's growing friendship with Channon from just not understanding how Channon basically exists LOL, to wanting him and truly caring for him.

You definitely need to have read the prevoous books in the series. I honestly always suggest His Boy Next Door to friends who want some serious hot storytelling with kink, because there's basically ever kink imaginable explored through these two series. These are both some of my favorite couples in mm romance.

Throughout it all, despite Ewan's confusing attraction and desire for Channon, is also his deep love for Nate - and Nate for him - and both of them so worried that they're going to screw things up. I absolutely adored the end of this story. I love how they can go from pain and kink to tender and loving, and I can't wait to see what they get up to next.

Thank you to the author for an arc copy for an honest review.
561 reviews12 followers
December 26, 2020
*I kindly recieved and ARC of this book from the author*

I absolutely adore Nate. He is quite possibly one of my favourite Male characters. Every time he calls Ewan "baby boy" I get goosebumps. I love the dynamic between these too so much. Everything about this book made me happy. The hair pulling, slapping, cuddling, all of it. I always want them to be much longer and it always leaves me craving more of Jack and Channon. Another 5 star installment! X
Profile Image for AussieMum.
1,393 reviews56 followers
December 26, 2020
This series just goes deeper and deeper.

I love Nate and Ewan. Finally being on the same page allows them to explore some of Ewan’s closely held desires judgement free. Ewan’s connection to Channon is complex but easily understood and it was nice to see how sex outside their relationship actually strengthens Nate and Ewan’s bond. Sex and love definitely aren’t the same thing.

I’m intrigued by the whole the Nate/Jack conundrum and have no idea where that will end up. On one hand I’d love all four men to move in together and just “be”. On the other, I like both couples separately just dipping their toes in the friend pool. I guess we’ll see.

I love these installments. I’m going to be so sad if it ever ends.
February 17, 2021
I don't know how I have gone through this whole series and not reviewed any of the books yet. After reading His Boy Next Door up to where it is now, 37 maybe, I was very excited to read about Ewan and Nate. I remember starting HBND and thinking it was going to be pwp and I have never been so glad to have been wrong! I adored Jack and Channon's journey because Robin is such an amazing author that she made these people who had different kinks and lifestyles still just be people who had flaws and insecurities. It wasn't just about navigating how to integrate each other's likes and dislikes sexually but about how to communicate other parts of their lives as well including emotions.

Although both books were age gaps, the difference between the two couples is Ewan and Nate had at least already been part of the scene for a while whereas Channon hadn't. In this case Channon got the better end because he had a conscientious Dom who cared about his well-being as a beginner and Ewan absolutely did NOT & it scarred him bad.

Nate was also under the impression that he wouldn't ever find what he was looking for because his brand of being a Dom was too different and sadistic. That's where Ewan came in and on paper they are made for each other but breaking down Ewan's walls without Nate feeling like he would misstep & lose him was a minefield.
There's also the fact that Ewan works for Nate so that doesn't help matters any. It was definitely all new territory for both of them and they dealt with it well by the end of this book.

Ewan's deep dislike for Jack coming from his own background was hard to watch because I was already inside Jack's head and knew how he felt about Channon but Ewan saw too much of a parallel to Gary and he was super protective of Channon from the beginning. Speaking of, that was also wonderful to finally see what was going on in Ewan's head with his confusion and fascination with Channon and be able to see him come to terms with those pesky feelings and be okay with them.

Now, I am just hoping Nate can get past his hang-ups about his feelings for or about Jack. He seems hurt still that he wasn't the one that Jack could've loved like he does Channon, but I think that now that he's found some stable footing with Ewan (hopefully) he will be able to move past that more.

I want to say, again, how much I love this author's writing and how she's written about BDSM in a very humanizing, balanced & character-driven slant. When I first started reading romance, in general, I knew the bare minimum about the BDSM community and I have learned a lot along the way both positive and negative but Robin's style really made enjoy reading about it.
Profile Image for ML.
1,589 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2020

I love Ewan and Nate’s dynamic. The trust they put in each other is really quite unique.

This is a crossover with Channon and Jack. A long time coming. What if? becomes reality.
If you’ve read the series, you know what I mean.
This brings Ewan and Nate even,dare I say, closer together. They know what the other one needs and it has a very nice ending to this chapter.
As always, I’m left wanting more.
Profile Image for Moraa.
874 reviews9 followers
February 2, 2024
All I can say is thank goodness R J Moray isn't done with these two

I'd been putting this off for weeks because I didn't want to finish the series. I spent the entire time thinking about Nate and Ewan and eventually I couldn't resist.

It was everything I wanted it to be.
Profile Image for Kerry.
1,684 reviews59 followers
April 13, 2021
Ewan finally said the "L" word! And it was so perfectly Ewan the way he said it. I absolutely love it when Ewan and Nate have their heart-to-heart talks. It's so hard for Nate to get Ewan to speak about his wants and needs and feelings, so when he does it's so good.

In this story it was awesome to get Ewan and Nate's POV from the play weekend they had with Channon and Jack. Seeing Ewan and Channon together is hot! And the week leading up to the weekend is tantalizing and sexy.

Ewan and Nate just 'click'. They are perfect for each other. As much fun as they have playing with Channon and Jack, there is never any question that they belong to each other. The last scene in the story left me with a huge smile on my face. Ewan can be so grouchy, surly and bratty, so when Nate breaks down those walls and gets to the vulnerable and needy Ewan, it just makes me happy. I will never get tired of reading about these two.
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,589 reviews325 followers
December 28, 2020
3.5 Stars. Love Nate and Ewan! This is another perspective from an episode also covered in "Group Activities" (#30) of the Boy Next Door series. This time we see how Nate and Ewan approach changing the friendship of Ewan and Channon.

I love where this episode goes with Nate and Ewan and I was surprised that Ewan took the leap that he did at the end but awww. swoon.

What I don't really like is how weirdly insecure Nate is about his and Jack's past and present relationship considering how much and how long they have been business partners and entwined in each others lives. That this seems to inform such a fatalistic view of relationships is a weird flex for Nate that makes me give him a bunch of side-eye sometimes.
Profile Image for Aimee .
1,166 reviews12 followers
December 26, 2020
Nate and Ewan never cease to please me and surprise me!! I am glad that Ewan finally got his feelings for Channon figured out and I love how protective he is of him. They are adorable together. However, I am loving that this chance with Channon helped Ewan solidify his relationship/emotions with Nate. Ewan and Nate have such ragged edges that only the other one can fit with. I loved the line chapter 8 where Ewan is finally realizing what he wants...“Nate, who fit into him like the other crazy puzzle piece when he’d thought he could never fit anyone.” I love these two so hard!!! This story was a great!!
898 reviews22 followers
December 29, 2020
The Episode I've Been Waiting For!

Oh this was just great!!! I have been along for the ride since the beginning with Jack, Channon, Nate and Ewan and I just love every new installment that comes out giving us more of their dynamic and relationships. It was fantastic to get to see a story I was familiar with from His Boy Next Door but from a different perspective. Nate and Ewan's relationship just evolves so much in this book and I enjoyed every bit of it! Cannot wait for more!!!
Profile Image for Kelly.
442 reviews21 followers
December 28, 2020
Review copy provided courtesy of Robin Morey.
All reviews are my honest opinion.

I love these characters, their continued growth and personal struggles.

Ewan is endearing. It's nice to see an open relationship with decent communication.

I'd recommend this series to anyone interested in this genre, and have shared this series with friends.

If you're already a fan of Nate and Ewan, you'll love the conclusion to the sixth installment.
Profile Image for Lingovise.
435 reviews10 followers
December 24, 2020
I loved this installment so hard. I didn't want it to end. Ewan's indignant attraction towards Channon is such a joy to read and discover along with poor Ewan! And the beauty in which Moray is slowly unfurling Nate & Ewan's journey together is actually rather breathtaking. What a thrill... well done!!
Profile Image for Courtney Bassett.
796 reviews195 followers
December 24, 2020
As bratty as ever (that’s a good thing)

I adore a good brat, and Ewan is the brattiest brat to ever brat. He’s just so conflicted and snarky and prickly, and Nate loves him BECAUSE of those things rather than despite them. It’s fun seeing things from their perspective that I’ve already read in the His Boy Next Door series. I can’t wait for more!
2 reviews
September 19, 2023
I love Ewan and Nate, but Jack creeps me out, so I was rather disappointed that the last part in Ewan and Nate’s series deals for a large part with Jack and Channon. I would have preferred further developments between Ewan and Nate.
Profile Image for Jenn (not Lily).
4,766 reviews27 followers
April 13, 2021
Perfection and hot af! So glad to read at the end that there's more Nate and Ewan to come (heh), since I'm not done with these two. I love when people find someone who matches their weird puzzle edges! And did I mention how freaking hot this was?!
Profile Image for She Reads So Much.
1,414 reviews94 followers
January 9, 2022
MORE

I burned through these so fast and now I’m sad. How will I survive until the next one? So perfect! 5/5⭐️ 2/5🌶🔥
Profile Image for Ri.
99 reviews
December 5, 2024
Nate & Ewan are too cute for words. Ewan is a prickly hedgehog brat, and everything Nate has always wanted.
Profile Image for Yep I Read That.
19 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2021
Part 6 Is Utterly Sweet (& Steamy)!
Exception explores how you can have different types and intensities of attraction to others, how that allows you to express different aspects of yourself. Ewan's inner monologue is such a perfect brat reacting defensively to every potential hurt, you just want to cuddle him up and force him into hours of hugs. And Nate probably also needs a round of cuddles for his own insecurities. This book gets into the reality of figuring out what boundaries will work for each person in a relationship when exploring open okay, how messy that can be, and how unique each person is in their make-up of physical and emotional vulnerabilities. This series continues to excel at both being crazy hot and so emotionally cathartic I can end up in tears. (Reviewed ARC)
...
Series review: Whatever it is that takes a really steamy book to that next level of authentic, great storytelling - this series has it. Both characters deal with realistic internal conflicts and self-questioning. Trust and knowing each other takes time to build. The scenes are frequent, they build and explore S&M more than D/s, and explore it both intellectually and panty-burning-ly. I love that Ewan is not close to model pretty and that Nate still has some conflicted feelings over an ex. There are a lot of touches that add realism which makes their sexy times that much hotter and more immediate.
Profile Image for Amur Thera.
560 reviews73 followers
March 28, 2023
The good
+ Ewan and Nate providing aftercare for Channon while Jack is away
+ Nate inviting Ewan over just to cuddle
+ Nate sending Ewan over to Channon with 'flirty' instructions
+ Nate threatening to punish Channon if Ewan isn't good
+ Ewan trusting Nate completely
+ Ewan hating Jack so much during their scene
+ Ewan safewording for Channon
+ The conversation after the group scene, where Ewan opened up
+ Ewan's declaration of love

The bad
- Ewan really hurt Channon by calling him stupid
- Because the scene with Channon and Jack was already described in Group Activities, some parts were skipped over now, which made the pacing seem off
- Nate's dislike or resentment of Channon makes sense in a way, but it also kind of... feels unfair. Channon really likes Nate and he trusts him like he's an extension of Jack, and meanwhile Nate just thinks Channon is a nuisance

Quotes
x "Once upon a time, there was a boy with low self-esteem who only wanted to be loved. He met a handsome narcissist who told him what a good boy he was and offered to let him suck his dick to prove it. And that, pretty much, is how Channon came to exist."
x Fighting with Channon was almost impossible. First of all, he looked miserable every time Ewan so much as glanced at him, his big stupid puppy face too heartbreaking to stand. Second, he was ridiculously fast to accept an apology.


While the group scene was a little disappointing from this point of view, because of the rushing through moments already described in Channon's book, I really liked the connection between Nate and Ewan. And the last chapter was so romantic. These guys have come so far, and they're perfect for each other. I really hope Moray will be writing more about them in the future.


Read in 2021 and 2023.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
42 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2020
Omg favorite book in the Collar series yet! I love Nate and Ewan. I mentioned this in the previous book review but this series goes along the timeline of the Boy Next Door series (highly recommended) but this follows Nate and Ewans relationship and is from their perspectives. These two are amazing, it’s really great finally getting to see their relationship progressing and to see the interactions with Jack/Channon from their povs. I couldn’t be happier with the direction this series seems to be going. This chapter was actually one of my faves in the BND series because of the play date, and after reading it from all characters povs now it’s even better. It has all the feels, and per usual it was HOT! This is definitely steamy reading material, but all the characters and plots have depth. Nate and Ewan are a bit edgier in their BDSM (which I enjoy) and both have their issues but it’s what makes the relationship they have together even more special. I recommend R.J Moray’s series for anyone who is into the MM bdsmerotica/romance genres, because she really is one of the few authors who manages to strike the perfect balance of both in her books!

ARC- Honest review of an advanced copy.
165 reviews
May 25, 2021
Despite having looked forward to this play daye with Channon, I didn't feel as though a lot of new insights were added. I liked it more when the focus was on Nate and Ewan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews
December 27, 2020
I enjoyed this entry a lot, as I enjoy anything with these two idiots. This time it was about working out exactly how the inevitable slight openness in Ewan and Nate's relationship would work. It's a good entry with a lot of discussion about this new development (and more utterly correct ragging on Jack Nash, the most vain creature on the planet). The only reason this isn't a 5-star review is that there just... isn't a ton of conflict driving this entry. Which is often nice in serial fiction to have a "Oh hey, guys, no it's not always drama, sometimes they're reasonable about things" bit. But since we've already seen a large portion of this story from Channon and Jack's perspective, I do wish there was a bit more to excite and hold the interest.

That said, I do think that when we finally get to the grand old fourway scene, the understanding of role that Jack and Ewan manage to reach while playing with each other is quite good.

I do like that we see a bit more of Nate's insecurities in this episode. While Nate, of the four leads in the Santa Rita series, is definitely the most on top of his shit, he's got a lot of baggage from his relationship with Jack.

Ewan and Channon's relationship is very cute and very sweet and I would not be surprised if we don't see a small amount of Channon's dom side coming out around Ewan, just in pieces and in scenes.

Moray's prose continues to impress as is her distinct voice for each character, but that's become an expectation this far into the series. I do wonder where Ewan and Nate will go next, as they seem to have reached something of solid ground both in their dynamic and their wider relationship and I am excited to see where they go next.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and the review covers that copy.
Profile Image for Emily Hernandez.
1,379 reviews17 followers
December 26, 2020
I will never ever get tired of reading about Nate and Ewan. They're my favorite Santa Rita Doms couple by far, and every story of theirs just keeps getting better and better! Their soul-deep connection, intensely passionate scenes, and unwavering affection for each other is addictive to me in the best way. 

Now that Nate and Ewan have moved past the "getting-to-know-you" stage of their relationship, it's all the more exciting to see how their connection is growing deeper and more certain over time. Yes, this story is pretty heavily focused on Channon and Ewan's crushes, but between those adorably awkward moments it's never been more obvious to me that Nate and Ewan are made for each other. In some ways, I think seeing Channon and Ewan play together made me understand even better why Nate is the man Ewan really needs. Yes, Channon and Ewan have some fiery hot chemistry, and the clumsy way they agonized over liking each other was so freaking cute, but nothing compares to the bond between Nate and Ewan. The way Ewan desperately wanted Nate to keep him forever and how Nate's heart ached at the thought of Ewan walking away said more to me about their love than any spoken words could. That doesn't mean I wasn't throwing myself a massive celebration when they said the words out loud to each other, because my god was I so elated to see these two take the leap of faith. Though I would LOVE to see a dozen more episodes about Nate and Ewan, this is the first time I've reached the end and thought "this could be the start of their happily ever after." I'm so excited to see what's next in this universe, because R.J. Moray's writing never disappoints!

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions. 
73 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2020
(Warning - Spoilers ahead)

Finally...

Ewan finally gets what he wants - what has been building up for so long - and "does things" with adorable, "perfect" Channon. They finally have sex... and man, it's as good as they imagined. Even better. And Channon gets to finally do something, too: he finally tops. The EXCEPTION that proves the rule.

With their stern but loving Sirs watching over them, encouraging them, and prodding things along, these two swexy super subs make a connection that has only been dreamt about, and I loved reading it. And of course I fell even more in love with Channon when he accepted Jack's punishment, given to him as a real punishment for the brat Ewan for making the boys late in leaving the bathroom. Such a good boy... I really love these characters, all 4 of them. It's a very interesting, complex group of givers and takers, and I cannot wait to read more.

For now, I'm going back to read this same series of events from Channon's POV in HIS BOY NEXT DOOR #30: GROUP ACTIVITIES. Ewan is a brat and a pain and a menace and an intriguing challenge, but I first lost my heart to Channon in his and Jack's series HIS BOY NEXT DOOR. I can't get enough of Channon...
1,031 reviews20 followers
December 24, 2020
Amazing read! A compelling combination of scorching heat, intense emotion, and beautifully complex characters. Nate is an incredible character, insightful, mature and balanced, loving and almost nurturing when it comes to Ewan, in stark contrast to his dominant, sadistic side. An enticing combination. I absolutely loved where he and Ewan wound up at the end of this installment and the original way they got there. Ewan is quite the complex and contrary MC, but he hides a soft heart behind his challenging veneer. I love him for how complicated he is, his strength, and his neediness. He struggles with his friendship with Channon, afraid of what giving in to his crush on his friend might mean for his relationship with Nate. The way he agonizes about that moved me so much, and I loved him even more for how protective he is of Channon. Things also take an extra angsty turn because of Ewan and Jack’s very mutual antagonism, which had me worried. There’s so much feeling in this story! I loved all the deeper emotions mixed in with the smut and sizzling hot chemistry.
35 reviews
December 28, 2020
Another amazing installment of A Collar For His Brat! I can’t get enough of this series😍

This particular episode is something that readers who also keep up with His Boy Next door (like myself) have been expecting and I must say I wasn’t disappointed at all. Rather delighted✨ It was beautifully written, and the delicious sex scenes that are characteristic to Moray were just on point. The ending was just *cheffs kiss*.

I love how different each character is, how nuanced and how different things look from each of their POVs. Seeing Ewan and Nate grow in their relationship and seeing how their kinks change and evolve is very satisfying and not something that can be found easily. This has quickly become one of my favourite series and I hope it goes on FOREVER because seriously, well written erotica is so hard to find and now that I’ve found JUST my taste I just want to hold on to it.*hugs books to chest*

I can't wait to read the next one💜

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The sentiments expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 1 book19 followers
December 26, 2020
I love Nate and Ewan and this story was no exception. It had a lot of overlapping action from Channing and Jack's story but this time we get Ewan's and Nate's side. I enjoyed getting a new perspective but did wish it was all new material instead of my reading about the party again, Ewan getting Channon's gifted apartment again, etc.

But although it felt like going over things again, it was excellently written and completely drew me in. I loved, as always, the heat between Ewan and Nate. Their spark and the tension of their relationship. I am so happy to see them progressing and can't wait to get more of them. Their love is explosive and dynamic in a way Channon and Jack's isn't. And while I prefer how sweetly obedient Chandon is, I always fall in love with how different yet authentically them Nate and Ewan interact with one another.

So happy I received this story as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I love getting more of these familiar faces.
Profile Image for Astrid.
27 reviews29 followers
December 29, 2020
*ARC received for an honest review.

I truly do enjoy the interconnected series of His Boy Next Door and A Collar for His Brat - and especially all the spin-offs with the other characters.

In this instalment we’re getting closer to where His Boy Next Door is currently at. Were seeing more interaction between Ewan and Channon, and how they have to work with the simmering attraction between each other - as well how to deal with Nate and Jack.

We also get a look at sweet, little Tig (one of my absolute faves), and hopefully this means we are getting closer to his HEA, too.

As one other reviewer stated, the book is great, but I am also missing something new. Especially with this book, which feels like a retelling of His Boy Next Door with a different POV. And some angst. We’ve had a bit, but that has mostly been Ewan’s lack of self.

But, if you have enjoyed the other books in the Santa Rita Doms, then you will definitely enjoy this book, too.
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