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Time Served #3
Domesticated Beast
JAVIER DE LA FUENTE is a criminal, an ex-con with a long line of offenses, atoning for his sins by rescuing abused animals and advocating for child victims. But that doesn’t mean he’s a saint. Javier learned years ago that what’s right and what’s legal aren’t always the same thing.
BOWIE BAKER is a ballet dancer, a soloist doing his best to get ahead in his LA dance company. Until an opportunity turns his life into a nightmare that Bowie can’t seem to escape. He’s never been a victim and he’s not about to start now, even if that means storming the police station full of righteous fury and facing down a room of armed detectives.
One look at Bowie and Javier is all in, calling in favors just for an opportunity to see him again. To make him feel safe. Bowie knows Javier isn’t a good guy, but he’s had enough of the good guys and maybe Javier is the kind of bad he needs.
When an attempt to make Bowie feel safe again only thrusts him further into danger, Javier has to decide whether he’s willing to risk his freedom, and maybe even his life, to keep Bowie in his arms for good.
BOWIE BAKER is a ballet dancer, a soloist doing his best to get ahead in his LA dance company. Until an opportunity turns his life into a nightmare that Bowie can’t seem to escape. He’s never been a victim and he’s not about to start now, even if that means storming the police station full of righteous fury and facing down a room of armed detectives.
One look at Bowie and Javier is all in, calling in favors just for an opportunity to see him again. To make him feel safe. Bowie knows Javier isn’t a good guy, but he’s had enough of the good guys and maybe Javier is the kind of bad he needs.
When an attempt to make Bowie feel safe again only thrusts him further into danger, Javier has to decide whether he’s willing to risk his freedom, and maybe even his life, to keep Bowie in his arms for good.
275 pages, ebook
First published April 27, 2021
155 people are currently reading
1041 people want to read
About the author
Onley James
42 books3,805 followersOnley James lives in North Carolina with her daughter, her daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and a menagerie of animals, both good and evil. James splits her time between writing m/m romance and mainlining dangerous levels of caffeine and attempting to maintain her ever-slipping sanity.
When not at her desk you can find her whining about how much writing she has to do while avoiding said writing by binge-watching unhealthy amounts of television and doom scrolling on social media. She loves true crime documentaries, anti-heroes, and writing kinky, snarky books about morally gray men who fall in love with other men.
Stay up to date: www.onleyjames.com/newsletter
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Onley...
Want more: linktr.ee/OnleyJames
When not at her desk you can find her whining about how much writing she has to do while avoiding said writing by binge-watching unhealthy amounts of television and doom scrolling on social media. She loves true crime documentaries, anti-heroes, and writing kinky, snarky books about morally gray men who fall in love with other men.
Stay up to date: www.onleyjames.com/newsletter
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Onley...
Want more: linktr.ee/OnleyJames
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
May 18, 2021
Onley James writes bad boys like no one else, and Javier might just be my favorite bad boy of them all.
That's the thing about an Onley book, you end up cheering on the murderers and gun runners. It's a total mind fuck in the best way possible.
Javier is a career criminal. He made his money by doing time for the rich and powerful. He's calm and collected like a snake is, always ready to strike.
Bowie is a professional ballet dance who is brutally raped at the beginning of the story. This scene is not on page; even so, it made me sick to my stomach (which is why I legit fist pumped when ).
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Javier and Bowie meet when Bowie storms into the police station demanding justice. Javier is mesmerized by Bowie's grace and courage. He shows up outside Bowie's dance company, and that's how it begins.
Javier calls Bowie "angel." He whispers filthy words in Spanish. He doesn't cure Bowie of his PTSD, but he makes Bowie feel safe. And god are these two hot together.
I think Domesticated Beast works as a standalone, but it's fun watching the previous MCs pop up. Javier is actually Angelo and Sylvia's nephew. Those of you who read the Elite Protection Services series will remember Angelo and Sylvia from Jackson and Day's book. It was fun visiting with them in Mexico City. Also, Sylvia is a total a badass.
Was the plot a tad overdramatic? YES. Did I care? Fuck no. There was one loose end I wish had been tied up though.
4+ stars all around.
That's the thing about an Onley book, you end up cheering on the murderers and gun runners. It's a total mind fuck in the best way possible.
Did Javier feel the same? Was murder his love language?
Javier is a career criminal. He made his money by doing time for the rich and powerful. He's calm and collected like a snake is, always ready to strike.
Bowie is a professional ballet dance who is brutally raped at the beginning of the story. This scene is not on page; even so, it made me sick to my stomach (which is why I legit fist pumped when ).
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Javier and Bowie meet when Bowie storms into the police station demanding justice. Javier is mesmerized by Bowie's grace and courage. He shows up outside Bowie's dance company, and that's how it begins.
Javier calls Bowie "angel." He whispers filthy words in Spanish. He doesn't cure Bowie of his PTSD, but he makes Bowie feel safe. And god are these two hot together.
I think Domesticated Beast works as a standalone, but it's fun watching the previous MCs pop up. Javier is actually Angelo and Sylvia's nephew. Those of you who read the Elite Protection Services series will remember Angelo and Sylvia from Jackson and Day's book. It was fun visiting with them in Mexico City. Also, Sylvia is a total a badass.
Was the plot a tad overdramatic? YES. Did I care? Fuck no. There was one loose end I wish had been tied up though.
4+ stars all around.
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did-not-finish
October 22, 2023DNF @70%
I truly gave this a lot of chances.
I was really hoping I would somehow start to care about this story or these characters, but it just didn’t happen.
This whole thing just fell completely flat for me.
Bowie and Javier had little to no chemistry, which was made worse by the dreaded insta-love trope. Their connection was based on such a weak foundation, and I couldn’t quite figure out why either of them were so enamored with the other.
This storyline had the potential to be emotional or thrilling, but I was bored.
It was all dragged out, and the writing was superficial to me.
Everything felt empty and none of it had any depth.
I thought about finishing this book, but I could tell that nothing interesting was going to happen. I just couldn’t be bothered with any of it.
I truly gave this a lot of chances.
I was really hoping I would somehow start to care about this story or these characters, but it just didn’t happen.
This whole thing just fell completely flat for me.
Bowie and Javier had little to no chemistry, which was made worse by the dreaded insta-love trope. Their connection was based on such a weak foundation, and I couldn’t quite figure out why either of them were so enamored with the other.
This storyline had the potential to be emotional or thrilling, but I was bored.
It was all dragged out, and the writing was superficial to me.
Everything felt empty and none of it had any depth.
I thought about finishing this book, but I could tell that nothing interesting was going to happen. I just couldn’t be bothered with any of it.
April 20, 2022
Reread 04.19.2022: 4.5 stars
“Bowie stared at him. He couldn’t help it. Why did Javier have so much fucking faith in him? “Why are you so honest with me? I could blow up your whole world with what I know about you.”
Javier’s returning smile had heat pooling in his belly and his cock twitching beneath his sweatpants. “If anybody’s going to ruin my life, I guess I’d rather it be you.”
Swoon! And this, among many other heart-melting moments, is why I love Javier. He is so damn self-sacrificing yet still so badass. Streetwise but tender. Tough yet sensitive. The contrast between gangbanger Javier and the loving version that Bowie gets is breathtaking. I absolutely love the way Javier loves Bowie. He is so patient with Bowie and not afraid to be emotionally vulnerable.
TW: rape, murder, child abuse
Our MCs
Bowie is a ballet dancer who has been brutally raped by Giordano, the son of an Italian diplomat. Although the physical evidence against Giordano is overwhelming, the police drop the case because of his diplomatic immunity. To add insult to injury, Giordano begins stalking Bowie and presses charges against him for allegedly filing a false police report. Javier is a heavily tattooed, ex-criminal who has served four stints in jail. But he’s left that life behind him and he’s now a child victim advocate.
Insta-love, But It Don’t Matter
While I’m not a fan of insta-love, I’ll make allowances here because of the horrible backdrop circumstances in which Bowie and Javier meet and how wonderful Javier is with Bowie. The book opens with Bowie in the hospital, battered and getting a rape kit done. Soon after that we see Bowie storming into the sex crimes unit at the police station to ream out the cops who’ve dropped his case. Javier happens to be there at the time and is instantly mesmerized by him. He follows Bowie out to give him his card and tracks him down at the dance company the following day.
Although the relationship begins rapidly, it unfolds in such a way that we can see the emotional development between Bowie and Javier. Javier offers to walk Bowie to and from the dance company as protection from Giordano. They talk and get to know each other during these walks. They also send each other cute texts at the end of the day.
The injustice of Bowie’s situation leaves us primed to see a reformed (but not too reformed Javier) swoop in like an avenging angel to right Bowie’s situation. By this time, I’m more than ready to see Javier kill Giordano for Bowie’s sake. It’s OTT but also crazily, and dare I say, disturbingly romantic.
“Fuck he loved Javier. Barely over a month and he was all in. Did Javier feel the same? Was murder his love language? If so, Javier had said it first. Had felt it first. Had shot three people in cold blood just to keep him safe.”
Javier and Bowie really get to know each other once Javier flees to Mexico for a couple of weeks after killing Giordano. They use this time to call each other and video chat every day. This getting-to-know you phase before they have sex provides a lot of context for their relationship and compensates somewhat for the insta-love.
Sex in All Its Messy and Beautiful Dimensions
Because the rape and Bowie’s rapist are always looming in the background of Bowie’s and Javier’s relationship, I always wondered how the sexual aspect of their relationship would be handled. Although their love story starts off with such a violent beginning, it goes on to showcase some of the most giving and hottest iterations of sex.
It is clear that Javier is intensely attracted to Bowie in his entirety and not just sexually. He loves that Bowie had the balls to storm into the police station. He loves that Bowie is a survivor and doesn’t give up. Javier wants to take care of Bowie with every fiber of his being. And he is man enough to let Bowie take full control of their sexual relationship. He is ok with whatever Bowie wants to do sexually. And he is also perfectly content even if Bowie doesn’t want to do anything at all.
“Bowie’s hands flailed in a helpless gesture. “What if I never get better? What if I can never let another man in my body again? Are you okay with what we’ve been doing? Just that forever?”
Javier shook his head. “Already thinking about forever with me, angel?”
Bowie’s face caught fire. “That’s not—”
“Shh. I like it. And yeah. If all we ever did was grind on each other and make out, I’m still one hundred percent all in. But there is another option.”
Bowie frowned. “Like what?”
Javier leaned in, running his knuckles along Bowie’s cheekbone. “You could be inside me…if that’s something you wanted to do.”
Bowie froze. “Wait. You’d let me…”
“Angel, I’d probably let you kick me in the balls if that’s what got you off.” Javier gave him a smile. “But I really hope that’s not a kink. That shit hurts like hell.”
But don’t worry folks, the sex, in all its glorious iterations, is deliciously hot. Sexting, check. Video chat sex, hell yeah! Rubbing against each other, who knew it could be this hot? And the dirty talk, yowza!
“Oh, yeah. I want to touch you everywhere. I want my tongue everywhere. I want to know how every part of you tastes, smells, feels. I want to hear you moan my name while I suck you off. I wanna feel the weight of your cock in my hand while you ride me. I wanna watch you get yourself off on my cock, using me.”
And then things finally come full circle at the end when Bowie inaugurates his new dance school. Bowie reclaims his sexual power and is able to have the kind of sex that he never thought he’d be able to again.
“Bowie stared at him. He couldn’t help it. Why did Javier have so much fucking faith in him? “Why are you so honest with me? I could blow up your whole world with what I know about you.”
Javier’s returning smile had heat pooling in his belly and his cock twitching beneath his sweatpants. “If anybody’s going to ruin my life, I guess I’d rather it be you.”
Swoon! And this, among many other heart-melting moments, is why I love Javier. He is so damn self-sacrificing yet still so badass. Streetwise but tender. Tough yet sensitive. The contrast between gangbanger Javier and the loving version that Bowie gets is breathtaking. I absolutely love the way Javier loves Bowie. He is so patient with Bowie and not afraid to be emotionally vulnerable.
TW: rape, murder, child abuse
Our MCs
Bowie is a ballet dancer who has been brutally raped by Giordano, the son of an Italian diplomat. Although the physical evidence against Giordano is overwhelming, the police drop the case because of his diplomatic immunity. To add insult to injury, Giordano begins stalking Bowie and presses charges against him for allegedly filing a false police report. Javier is a heavily tattooed, ex-criminal who has served four stints in jail. But he’s left that life behind him and he’s now a child victim advocate.
Insta-love, But It Don’t Matter
While I’m not a fan of insta-love, I’ll make allowances here because of the horrible backdrop circumstances in which Bowie and Javier meet and how wonderful Javier is with Bowie. The book opens with Bowie in the hospital, battered and getting a rape kit done. Soon after that we see Bowie storming into the sex crimes unit at the police station to ream out the cops who’ve dropped his case. Javier happens to be there at the time and is instantly mesmerized by him. He follows Bowie out to give him his card and tracks him down at the dance company the following day.
Although the relationship begins rapidly, it unfolds in such a way that we can see the emotional development between Bowie and Javier. Javier offers to walk Bowie to and from the dance company as protection from Giordano. They talk and get to know each other during these walks. They also send each other cute texts at the end of the day.
The injustice of Bowie’s situation leaves us primed to see a reformed (but not too reformed Javier) swoop in like an avenging angel to right Bowie’s situation. By this time, I’m more than ready to see Javier kill Giordano for Bowie’s sake. It’s OTT but also crazily, and dare I say, disturbingly romantic.
“Fuck he loved Javier. Barely over a month and he was all in. Did Javier feel the same? Was murder his love language? If so, Javier had said it first. Had felt it first. Had shot three people in cold blood just to keep him safe.”
Javier and Bowie really get to know each other once Javier flees to Mexico for a couple of weeks after killing Giordano. They use this time to call each other and video chat every day. This getting-to-know you phase before they have sex provides a lot of context for their relationship and compensates somewhat for the insta-love.
Sex in All Its Messy and Beautiful Dimensions
Because the rape and Bowie’s rapist are always looming in the background of Bowie’s and Javier’s relationship, I always wondered how the sexual aspect of their relationship would be handled. Although their love story starts off with such a violent beginning, it goes on to showcase some of the most giving and hottest iterations of sex.
It is clear that Javier is intensely attracted to Bowie in his entirety and not just sexually. He loves that Bowie had the balls to storm into the police station. He loves that Bowie is a survivor and doesn’t give up. Javier wants to take care of Bowie with every fiber of his being. And he is man enough to let Bowie take full control of their sexual relationship. He is ok with whatever Bowie wants to do sexually. And he is also perfectly content even if Bowie doesn’t want to do anything at all.
“Bowie’s hands flailed in a helpless gesture. “What if I never get better? What if I can never let another man in my body again? Are you okay with what we’ve been doing? Just that forever?”
Javier shook his head. “Already thinking about forever with me, angel?”
Bowie’s face caught fire. “That’s not—”
“Shh. I like it. And yeah. If all we ever did was grind on each other and make out, I’m still one hundred percent all in. But there is another option.”
Bowie frowned. “Like what?”
Javier leaned in, running his knuckles along Bowie’s cheekbone. “You could be inside me…if that’s something you wanted to do.”
Bowie froze. “Wait. You’d let me…”
“Angel, I’d probably let you kick me in the balls if that’s what got you off.” Javier gave him a smile. “But I really hope that’s not a kink. That shit hurts like hell.”
But don’t worry folks, the sex, in all its glorious iterations, is deliciously hot. Sexting, check. Video chat sex, hell yeah! Rubbing against each other, who knew it could be this hot? And the dirty talk, yowza!
“Oh, yeah. I want to touch you everywhere. I want my tongue everywhere. I want to know how every part of you tastes, smells, feels. I want to hear you moan my name while I suck you off. I wanna feel the weight of your cock in my hand while you ride me. I wanna watch you get yourself off on my cock, using me.”
And then things finally come full circle at the end when Bowie inaugurates his new dance school. Bowie reclaims his sexual power and is able to have the kind of sex that he never thought he’d be able to again.
May 13, 2021
3 stars rounded up.
I recieved an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
This book started off SO STRONG. The first few chapters were simply amazing...full of feels.
I quite liked Javier.. gotta love a grey character, with the heart of gold. He was so great to Bowie dis everything he could for him to keep him safe and happy.
The cameos and side characters were fun.
I ADORED the epilogue. It was so swoony and hot.
Now Bowie... I didn't like. Neither the way they feĺl into bed together and the way Bowie's trauma wasn't addressed properly. The insta-love was a bit too much for me too.
I recieved an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
This book started off SO STRONG. The first few chapters were simply amazing...full of feels.
I quite liked Javier.. gotta love a grey character, with the heart of gold. He was so great to Bowie dis everything he could for him to keep him safe and happy.
The cameos and side characters were fun.
I ADORED the epilogue. It was so swoony and hot.
Now Bowie... I didn't like. Neither the way they feĺl into bed together and the way Bowie's trauma wasn't addressed properly. The insta-love was a bit too much for me too.
May 4, 2021
The story may be quite formulaic and and expected but I still highly enjoyed it. Javier carried this book from start to finish. The way he was romantic and very consensual towards Bowie killed me. Aaaand everytime he calls him ‘Angel’ adds a year to my lifespan. I think also that this book stood out because for the first time they didn’t rely that heavily to Elite (or am I obviously forgetting something else?). I love how Javier and his Mexican family took the big bad out in the end which was rushed but I’ll take it.
(Onley James, I think, released a novel with a human and goblin king pairing but unfortunately its on patreon! What the hell 😩😩)
(Onley James, I think, released a novel with a human and goblin king pairing but unfortunately its on patreon! What the hell 😩😩)
May 6, 2021
I am satisfied with the ending🤭.
I liked the writing style, especially how it is telling what happened with Bowie. It was accurate, without much explicit description, but just enough to feel it.
Javier may scream "DANGER, RUN" at first sight, but he's not a bad person. He cares and protects people from their demons. He always tries to make Bowie smile, and oh, Bowie, I liked how despite being scared, he tries to stand up on his own. I liked what was related to Mexico, especially Javier speaking Spanish🤤.
"Oh fuck. Te sientes tan caliente, tan rico como me aprietas.-Javier managed, breath panting againts Bowie's erar.- You feel so hot, so good when you squeeze me."
I'm going to quote Vickie here: Bowie's friends were assholes. I was bothered by the lack of support they had with him, just one try to redeem himself, but girl you took a long time😤.
I usually skipped the order of the books, and this one was no exception, so this was me when the characters from the previous books and series appeared:
So, i don't recommend it🤣
Conclusion: I liked it, steamy scenes, suspense, a little action, hurt/comfort romance. I will definitely read the other books❣️.
I liked the writing style, especially how it is telling what happened with Bowie. It was accurate, without much explicit description, but just enough to feel it.
Javier may scream "DANGER, RUN" at first sight, but he's not a bad person. He cares and protects people from their demons. He always tries to make Bowie smile, and oh, Bowie, I liked how despite being scared, he tries to stand up on his own. I liked what was related to Mexico, especially Javier speaking Spanish🤤.
"Oh fuck. Te sientes tan caliente, tan rico como me aprietas.-Javier managed, breath panting againts Bowie's erar.- You feel so hot, so good when you squeeze me."
I'm going to quote Vickie here: Bowie's friends were assholes. I was bothered by the lack of support they had with him, just one try to redeem himself, but girl you took a long time😤.
I usually skipped the order of the books, and this one was no exception, so this was me when the characters from the previous books and series appeared:
So, i don't recommend it🤣
Conclusion: I liked it, steamy scenes, suspense, a little action, hurt/comfort romance. I will definitely read the other books❣️.
May 9, 2021
I can be short with my review because THIS is how I like my rough tough stories.
An ex-con and a ballet dancer.
Javier was head over heels and VERY protective over Bowie.
Bowie was raped and Javier gives him everything he needs.
Patience, protection, redemption, and family
Bowie gives Javier everything he needs, trust and unconditional love.
A strong story, strong plot, powerfully written.
An ex-con and a ballet dancer.
Javier was head over heels and VERY protective over Bowie.
Bowie was raped and Javier gives him everything he needs.
Patience, protection, redemption, and family
Bowie gives Javier everything he needs, trust and unconditional love.
A strong story, strong plot, powerfully written.
May 5, 2021
I love me a Latino MC especially when authors sprinkles in Spanish😍 It's my weakness!!
In Book 2, Javier seems very standoffish like he keeps everyone at arm's length (I didn't read Book 1 or the original series so not sure if he shows up haha) so I loved how he opened up and became so affectionate with Bowie. I loved Javier's nickname and words of endearment for Bowie. I also loved how patient and understanding Javier was with Bowie and his trauma and how he was willing to risk everything just to make sure Bowie felt safe. BASICALLY, I JUST LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT JAVIER. Really enjoyed this book and their relationship !!
In Book 2, Javier seems very standoffish like he keeps everyone at arm's length (I didn't read Book 1 or the original series so not sure if he shows up haha) so I loved how he opened up and became so affectionate with Bowie. I loved Javier's nickname and words of endearment for Bowie. I also loved how patient and understanding Javier was with Bowie and his trauma and how he was willing to risk everything just to make sure Bowie felt safe. BASICALLY, I JUST LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT JAVIER. Really enjoyed this book and their relationship !!
November 13, 2021
Re-read November 2021
Still very nice. Good comfort read.
----------------------
I liked this!
(I haven't read the first two in this series, but I did read the Elite Protection Services series, so I could follow along just fine.)
Javier was the perfect possessive stalker I want in my life. ;)
I also liked how this starts out with Bowie still hurting so much inside from his brutal assault. I love a good healing book. And since sex is definitely an issue for Bowie, I was glad he didn't just jump into bed with Javier. It wasn't suuuuuuper slow either, but I felt the pace fit the story. Javier knew what happened to Bowie and had all the time in for the world. He could wait for Bowie to be ready for more.
I'm not in the mood to rehash the story, but I just wanted to mention that I loved Javier and his family. Questionable profession and all. ;) (I had no idea there was such a thing as a legal gun runner like Javier's uncle.)
Still very nice. Good comfort read.
----------------------
I liked this!
(I haven't read the first two in this series, but I did read the Elite Protection Services series, so I could follow along just fine.)
Javier was the perfect possessive stalker I want in my life. ;)
I also liked how this starts out with Bowie still hurting so much inside from his brutal assault. I love a good healing book. And since sex is definitely an issue for Bowie, I was glad he didn't just jump into bed with Javier. It wasn't suuuuuuper slow either, but I felt the pace fit the story. Javier knew what happened to Bowie and had all the time in for the world. He could wait for Bowie to be ready for more.
I'm not in the mood to rehash the story, but I just wanted to mention that I loved Javier and his family. Questionable profession and all. ;) (I had no idea there was such a thing as a legal gun runner like Javier's uncle.)
Want to read
May 8, 2021I really wanted to like this one. The beginning was really strong but then I lost interest after Bowie’s rapist was killed. There was too much going on and I had feeling that Bowie was probably going to almost die (which usually happens in her books) so I skipped to the epilogue. I liked Bowie and Javier together and the nickname angle was super cute. But unfortunately the background drama didn’t work for me. I did adore Bowie though, he was super cute, funny, and sweet. The prologue was hard to read and the aftermath of the attack. His friends were the worst, Odette was a little too late for my taste. I’m exited for Lawsons story!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2022
I'll write to Santa to gift me a hottie whispering in my ear dirty words in spanish.
May 14, 2021
It's so funny to read white people trying to write mexican characters. The dialogue in spanish was so ridiculous 😂
I promise! We don't speak like that here in México, lmao 😂
I promise! We don't speak like that here in México, lmao 😂
April 27, 2021
Bowie has something truly tragic happen to him and Javier sees the aftermath.
They strike up a tentative friendship.
As Javier shadows Bowie, to look out for him, their affection for each other grows.
Javier then does something that changes both his and Bowie’s life forever. As a result, the trajectory of the story changes. Javier’s protection continues but changes in scope.
Hurt/comfort is one of my favorite themes in books and this is one of my new favorites. We all need a Javier in our lives. Bowie and Javier grow very close. The sparks are there and even though this is a slow burn, it really needs to be. I love how they both were with each other, so much love and trust.
The end was perfect and a bit of a twist BUT rest assured all the baddies really get what’s coming to them which I loved! Bowie and Javier FTW!
They strike up a tentative friendship.
As Javier shadows Bowie, to look out for him, their affection for each other grows.
Javier then does something that changes both his and Bowie’s life forever. As a result, the trajectory of the story changes. Javier’s protection continues but changes in scope.
Hurt/comfort is one of my favorite themes in books and this is one of my new favorites. We all need a Javier in our lives. Bowie and Javier grow very close. The sparks are there and even though this is a slow burn, it really needs to be. I love how they both were with each other, so much love and trust.
The end was perfect and a bit of a twist BUT rest assured all the baddies really get what’s coming to them which I loved! Bowie and Javier FTW!
May 19, 2023
Very entertaining read. I loved it, there’s nothing deep or realistic happening here, it’s all guilty pleasure for me 🥰
I do love me some dangerous situations where one MC has his life risked and it causes the other MC to kinda lose his shit. Yes pls, gimmie more of that, but with stronger emotions 👀
Overall, super spicy, super entertaining and I’m going back to read the previous two books cos apparently I’m awful at reading things in order 😭
Honorable shout out to Odette.
“Everybody nodded solemnly except Odette, who looked surprised when she found a whole group of men staring at her. "What? You think I'm going to tell somebody that my best friend's gangbanger boyfriend shot three people? Hardly. I might be a ballerina, but I ain't no snitch."”
I do love me some dangerous situations where one MC has his life risked and it causes the other MC to kinda lose his shit. Yes pls, gimmie more of that, but with stronger emotions 👀
Overall, super spicy, super entertaining and I’m going back to read the previous two books cos apparently I’m awful at reading things in order 😭
Honorable shout out to Odette.
“Everybody nodded solemnly except Odette, who looked surprised when she found a whole group of men staring at her. "What? You think I'm going to tell somebody that my best friend's gangbanger boyfriend shot three people? Hardly. I might be a ballerina, but I ain't no snitch."”
March 17, 2025
4.7 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶🌶.5/5
format: ebook
this series went out with a bang with this final book, and i absolutely adored bowie and javi with every fiber of my being.
bowie had me hooked on him from the very first page of the prologue. my heart just ached for him and everything he was going through. and the entire book just implanted him further and further into my soul. he’s a top onleyverse character for sure. and i love the way javi was immediately taken to him and spent the entire book keeping him safe and trying to fix all of his problems for him. i also loved that while he was constantly respectful of bowie’s struggles after the assault, he never treated him like he was a victim that needed to be coddled and pitied. he trusted bowie’s judgments 100%.
the side characters were a fundamental part of this book, and i loved the way odette and lawson fit into the story and were great friends to our mmc’s. we also got to see some of out elite protection friends which is always a fun time.
i will say the story did kind of stall out towards the end, and then the third act conflict seemed a little ott and was resolved a bit too easily, which took me out of the story a bit. that’s the only reason i couldn’t give this 5 stars. but the chemistry between the characters was there from the beginning, the spice stayed consistently hot, and the sweet moments came in spades.
this series was so fun and i wish i’d gotten to it sooner. can’t wait to tackle wages of sin and the watch next.
spice: 🌶️🌶🌶.5/5
format: ebook
this series went out with a bang with this final book, and i absolutely adored bowie and javi with every fiber of my being.
bowie had me hooked on him from the very first page of the prologue. my heart just ached for him and everything he was going through. and the entire book just implanted him further and further into my soul. he’s a top onleyverse character for sure. and i love the way javi was immediately taken to him and spent the entire book keeping him safe and trying to fix all of his problems for him. i also loved that while he was constantly respectful of bowie’s struggles after the assault, he never treated him like he was a victim that needed to be coddled and pitied. he trusted bowie’s judgments 100%.
the side characters were a fundamental part of this book, and i loved the way odette and lawson fit into the story and were great friends to our mmc’s. we also got to see some of out elite protection friends which is always a fun time.
i will say the story did kind of stall out towards the end, and then the third act conflict seemed a little ott and was resolved a bit too easily, which took me out of the story a bit. that’s the only reason i couldn’t give this 5 stars. but the chemistry between the characters was there from the beginning, the spice stayed consistently hot, and the sweet moments came in spades.
this series was so fun and i wish i’d gotten to it sooner. can’t wait to tackle wages of sin and the watch next.
January 19, 2022
Bowie lo unico que siempre ha querido es ser bailarin de ballet, y estaba viviendo su sueño hasta que una noche su mundo cambia completamente, cuando un hombre que pense que iba a ser un benefactor lo viola fisica y mentalmente, dejandolo temeroso pero decidido a seguir con su vida. Pero este hombre no quiere dejarlo tranquilo y ahora lo acosa, lo persigue, lo intimida, hasta el punto que su temor crece exponencialmente.
Javier esta semi-retirado de su trabajo como teniente de su "tio" en Mexico, ahora vive en Los Angeles y participa con Cy y Pam en la recuperacion de animales maltratados y la proteccion de niños maltratados. Pero cuando un dia en la estacion de policia ve a un hombre entrar exigiendo respuestas sobre su violador, no puede evitar quedar impresionado por el, y decide ofrecerle su ayuda para protegerlo del hombre por el que se siente amenazado.
Bowie y Javier iniciaran una relacion contra todo pronostico, que les ayudara no solo a sanar las heridas fisicas, sino las psicologias del maltrato, pero que tambien los llevara a enfrentar a su violador y a quien sea que quiera venganza contra ellos.
Muy buena trama, la forma como el autor manejo todo el trauma de la violacion y los problemas psicologicos posteriores, fue realmente fuerte, te lleva a pensar en lo dificil que realmente puede ser para alguien en esa situacion seguir adelante. Ademas, tiene su toque de humor con la familia de Javier en Mexico, y los momentos de recuerdo con algunos de los personajes de libros anteriores.
Me gustaron mucho los dialogos, porque se siente realmente que la relacion entre los dos prota se va formando poco a poco (aunque el tiempo en el libro es de apenas un mes), y aunque se describio poco como fue la vida de los protas cuando estuvieron separados, por lo menos tuvimos una buena descripcion de los ambientes y las personas a su lado.
En fin, muy buena historia, te deja queriendo saber mas de los otros personajes, espero pronto poder leer sobre Lawson, y los otros personajes que puedan entrar en el grupo.
Javier esta semi-retirado de su trabajo como teniente de su "tio" en Mexico, ahora vive en Los Angeles y participa con Cy y Pam en la recuperacion de animales maltratados y la proteccion de niños maltratados. Pero cuando un dia en la estacion de policia ve a un hombre entrar exigiendo respuestas sobre su violador, no puede evitar quedar impresionado por el, y decide ofrecerle su ayuda para protegerlo del hombre por el que se siente amenazado.
Bowie y Javier iniciaran una relacion contra todo pronostico, que les ayudara no solo a sanar las heridas fisicas, sino las psicologias del maltrato, pero que tambien los llevara a enfrentar a su violador y a quien sea que quiera venganza contra ellos.
Muy buena trama, la forma como el autor manejo todo el trauma de la violacion y los problemas psicologicos posteriores, fue realmente fuerte, te lleva a pensar en lo dificil que realmente puede ser para alguien en esa situacion seguir adelante. Ademas, tiene su toque de humor con la familia de Javier en Mexico, y los momentos de recuerdo con algunos de los personajes de libros anteriores.
Me gustaron mucho los dialogos, porque se siente realmente que la relacion entre los dos prota se va formando poco a poco (aunque el tiempo en el libro es de apenas un mes), y aunque se describio poco como fue la vida de los protas cuando estuvieron separados, por lo menos tuvimos una buena descripcion de los ambientes y las personas a su lado.
En fin, muy buena historia, te deja queriendo saber mas de los otros personajes, espero pronto poder leer sobre Lawson, y los otros personajes que puedan entrar en el grupo.
April 29, 2021
My favorite Onley James solo book to date.
Her Elite Protection series is excellent, and I loved them. The previous Time Served books are excellent, and I loved them, but it's like she reached down and grabbed another gear with Domesticated Beast. It's gritty, opposites attract with plenty of hurt-comfort. The characters are bold and complex.
Bowie's been victimized, but he's by no means a victim. Javier's instantly drawn to him, to protect and avenge him. Their love story grabbed me from the beginning and held my attention through the whole book.
Make no mistake - you should heed the trigger warnings. Onley doesn't gloss over anything. But none of it's gratuitous violence for the sake of violence - every bit of it drives the story forward. I cheered for these characters, laughed a little, cried a little, and of course because it's Onley James, I fanned myself more than once since there's plenty of heat. But it's also sweet, tender, and heartwarming.
Characters from the Elite Protection Services series make appearances, as do ones from the first two Time Served books, but I think it easily stands on its own if you don't want to wait to read it. And I highly recommend you read it!
Her Elite Protection series is excellent, and I loved them. The previous Time Served books are excellent, and I loved them, but it's like she reached down and grabbed another gear with Domesticated Beast. It's gritty, opposites attract with plenty of hurt-comfort. The characters are bold and complex.
Bowie's been victimized, but he's by no means a victim. Javier's instantly drawn to him, to protect and avenge him. Their love story grabbed me from the beginning and held my attention through the whole book.
Make no mistake - you should heed the trigger warnings. Onley doesn't gloss over anything. But none of it's gratuitous violence for the sake of violence - every bit of it drives the story forward. I cheered for these characters, laughed a little, cried a little, and of course because it's Onley James, I fanned myself more than once since there's plenty of heat. But it's also sweet, tender, and heartwarming.
Characters from the Elite Protection Services series make appearances, as do ones from the first two Time Served books, but I think it easily stands on its own if you don't want to wait to read it. And I highly recommend you read it!
October 11, 2021
So this book was a 4/5 for me. On a reread it might be higher, but I think a couple of things went wrong for my mindset that made it so reading this wasn’t as enjoyable as possible. One, I am in a bit of a slump because Elite Protection Services is over and I wanted to chase it with hopefully something just as good, and I read this book out of order of the series. The reason I read it first was because of the pairing — ballerina and ex-con? Sounded so good.
Did this have everything I like? Absolutely. Slightly unhinged lover, amazing hurt/comfort, OTT plot and suspense, steamy scenes to die for. It was all exactly what I’d want, but there was something missing for me this read and I’m not sure what it was.
Javier was amazing, after all. The things he did for Bowie as a no brainer because he was protective — it was like meeting Shep again, but in a different form of course. Bowie, I felt so bad for him, but he was strong through it all and the way James handled the aftermath of rape and how it affected him felt realistic and I was glad it wasn’t just swept away with an ‘I love you’.
The epilogue was ended with sex which some people don’t like, but I thought it was fine and made sense for a personal breakthrough. I’m so happy he got just what he wanted and made great friends with everyone in EPS! The author said she was writing a fourth book and I’m not sure if it’s still true, but if it is, that will be great!
Did this have everything I like? Absolutely. Slightly unhinged lover, amazing hurt/comfort, OTT plot and suspense, steamy scenes to die for. It was all exactly what I’d want, but there was something missing for me this read and I’m not sure what it was.
Javier was amazing, after all. The things he did for Bowie as a no brainer because he was protective — it was like meeting Shep again, but in a different form of course. Bowie, I felt so bad for him, but he was strong through it all and the way James handled the aftermath of rape and how it affected him felt realistic and I was glad it wasn’t just swept away with an ‘I love you’.
The epilogue was ended with sex which some people don’t like, but I thought it was fine and made sense for a personal breakthrough. I’m so happy he got just what he wanted and made great friends with everyone in EPS! The author said she was writing a fourth book and I’m not sure if it’s still true, but if it is, that will be great!
April 29, 2021
Everyone deserves a Javier!
This was incredibly hot, which I wasn't expecting considering how it started.
Bowie was sweet, strong and so practical. Like, you're always being warned about the guys who look like Javier without considering all the monsters who smile. Bowie was pragmatic, funny, sad but just so strong.
Favourite side character was Odette - she was fierce as heck!
And Javier!! Let's just say I need the audio book with him speaking all of that Spanish NOW cos it was hot like burning.
Solid addition to the series and a happy binge read from me!
This was incredibly hot, which I wasn't expecting considering how it started.
Bowie was sweet, strong and so practical. Like, you're always being warned about the guys who look like Javier without considering all the monsters who smile. Bowie was pragmatic, funny, sad but just so strong.
Favourite side character was Odette - she was fierce as heck!
And Javier!! Let's just say I need the audio book with him speaking all of that Spanish NOW cos it was hot like burning.
Solid addition to the series and a happy binge read from me!
October 24, 2024
I dunno....
I just couldn't get into this one. I powered through because I'm committed (at the moment) to finishing all of Onley James books....buuuuut.... 🤷🏻♀️ too many more of these and I might have to stop reading her.
I just couldn't get into this one. I powered through because I'm committed (at the moment) to finishing all of Onley James books....buuuuut.... 🤷🏻♀️ too many more of these and I might have to stop reading her.
October 15, 2022
4.8⭐
This book is delicious.
Best so far.
Javier is a minor character in the first book, we don't really get to know him, but honey.
Honey.
This was HOT!🔥🔥🔥
My gawd, to think Javier over here is a total baddie, speaking spanish and falling head over heels for a cute ballerina boy.
❗It has to be said that there's a big TW in this book, it deals with rape, first and foremost, also murder.
💙Javier is basically linked to the mexican cartels, he's a hitman and deals with the family business of selling guns.
He's 31. He was in and out of jail since he was 17.
At present he's retiring from the business and living a peaceful life, helping Nicky, Cy and Preacher with the animal rescue and escorting traumatised children to police and court hearings.
💗That's where he meets Bowie, who's a ballet dance, a successful one at that, when he storms the police station furious, because he's been raped and his attacked has diplomatic immunity and there's nothing he can do.
Javier is immediately drawn to Bowie and since Bowie's alone with noone to take care of him like he needs to, Javier steps up.
He's not pushy, even though he really likes the guy; he's taking it slow, offering Bowie a safe space to get over whatever he's feeling and start trusting.
In a dramatic development of events they go to Mexico to Javier's family, where they confront the actual person behind all the mess Bowie's been through.
They come back to the States, living together and being a couple. Actually they've been a couple all this time, right? Ever since Javier laid eyes on Bowie, I don't think there was even an ounce of doubt to who has his heart. No mess, no other people involved, just Javier and Bowie. It was fantastic.
♥️I LOVED this book♥️
This was such a good story. Emotional, funny, sexyyyyy.
Loved all the characters, especially the MC's.
❄️I didn't appreciate Preacher and Memphis still not getting their rightful spotlight in the books that follow their story. I feel like everyone's mentioned all the time but them. It's a shame, because I really think Memphis was a very memorable character. He's amazing.
This book is delicious.
Best so far.
Javier is a minor character in the first book, we don't really get to know him, but honey.
Honey.
This was HOT!🔥🔥🔥
My gawd, to think Javier over here is a total baddie, speaking spanish and falling head over heels for a cute ballerina boy.
❗It has to be said that there's a big TW in this book, it deals with rape, first and foremost, also murder.
💙Javier is basically linked to the mexican cartels, he's a hitman and deals with the family business of selling guns.
He's 31. He was in and out of jail since he was 17.
At present he's retiring from the business and living a peaceful life, helping Nicky, Cy and Preacher with the animal rescue and escorting traumatised children to police and court hearings.
💗That's where he meets Bowie, who's a ballet dance, a successful one at that, when he storms the police station furious, because he's been raped and his attacked has diplomatic immunity and there's nothing he can do.
Javier is immediately drawn to Bowie and since Bowie's alone with noone to take care of him like he needs to, Javier steps up.
He's not pushy, even though he really likes the guy; he's taking it slow, offering Bowie a safe space to get over whatever he's feeling and start trusting.
In a dramatic development of events they go to Mexico to Javier's family, where they confront the actual person behind all the mess Bowie's been through.
They come back to the States, living together and being a couple. Actually they've been a couple all this time, right? Ever since Javier laid eyes on Bowie, I don't think there was even an ounce of doubt to who has his heart. No mess, no other people involved, just Javier and Bowie. It was fantastic.
♥️I LOVED this book♥️
This was such a good story. Emotional, funny, sexyyyyy.
Loved all the characters, especially the MC's.
❄️I didn't appreciate Preacher and Memphis still not getting their rightful spotlight in the books that follow their story. I feel like everyone's mentioned all the time but them. It's a shame, because I really think Memphis was a very memorable character. He's amazing.
May 9, 2021
I am in the minority here, but the great book I was reading up until around 60% just fizzled out for me. I skimmed pages until the end. ☹️
May 19, 2021
I read Disciplinary action by Onley James last year and hated it so much that I had not read any other books by them. Still, I gave this one a try and I am glad I did that otherwise, I would have never known a guy saying - "But it was worth everything to me. I’d do time for you. I’d do life for you.” can be romantic.😆😆
Javier is a career criminal who is now supposedly reformed(though he didn't think so). He meets Bowie who is a ballet dancer and had been recently assaulted. Bowie needed protection and Javier was ready to protect him at any cost. Their romance was so sweet and I loved how careful Javier was with Bowie.
Note to self - Please don't skip reading TW in future to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Javier is a career criminal who is now supposedly reformed(though he didn't think so). He meets Bowie who is a ballet dancer and had been recently assaulted. Bowie needed protection and Javier was ready to protect him at any cost. Their romance was so sweet and I loved how careful Javier was with Bowie.
Note to self - Please don't skip reading TW in future to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
April 30, 2021
Onley James does overly protective, dangerous men who turn into complete marshmallows for their guys so very well. There is also an element that brings our guys together in a unique forced proximity, protector situation. Like the others in the series, this one is heartbreaking. Bowie has been through an assault and after doing everything he could, the legal system and the police let him down. It’s Javier who takes one look at the beautiful, fiercely brave dancer, and wants nothing but to protect him from any harm ever again. Javier and Bowie fall hard and fast for each other, and I melted any time Javier called Bowie, ‘angel’. Bowie has a lot of trauma and fear that he tries to work through, and with Javier by his side, he gets the comfort and love he needs to have a shot at doing so. A terrific hurt/comfort romance with loveable characters, a little bit of action, a good amount of steam, and a well-deserved HEA.
January 19, 2022
5⭐️ This book is my kryptonite and everything I look for in a romance story. My favorite in the series!
Sweet hurt/comfort with an air of danger and a badass anti-hero who kills to keep his beloved safe and happy.
I love Javier so much, especially how he handled Bowie’s sexual trauma and healing process. Swoon. ❤️🔥
Sweet hurt/comfort with an air of danger and a badass anti-hero who kills to keep his beloved safe and happy.
I love Javier so much, especially how he handled Bowie’s sexual trauma and healing process. Swoon. ❤️🔥
August 21, 2024
There’s so much fucked up about this book but it was literally so cathartic for me. Love these characters so much. I think murder really is my love language HAHA
June 5, 2024
I did not want this series to end! I want more! I know there’s still Jericho’s Boys and The Watch, but I actually prefer the Elite boys over the Mulvaneys.
December 20, 2023
Javier and Bowie for the win. This book ticked all my boxes from start to finish. Was fast paced, steamy, some good action and good dialogue. I love how Bowie enters as this person that has experienced trauma but yet so strong. He doesn't victim at all and Javier is literally smitten by that from get go. Javier is a very strong character who is so clear and unapologetic about who he is. The two of them are so good together and their story unfolds in such a beautiful way. Everyone comes to the party from the other two series which was so good. I didn't put this down once I started.
May 7, 2021
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Time Served series, and I stress the point I made in my review for book 2, Dangerous Breed. It’s not necessary to have read the previous books before this one, but I would RECOMMEND you do. It gives you a better feel for this group of men, where they have come from and what they are doing now. I have read them both, out of order. I really enjoyed book 2, but book one not so much.
But THIS book?? Freaking LOVED this book! Best of the three, I reckon!
It’s dark, though, and there will be many triggers for some readers. Me? I ain’t got none but I still found it a difficult read.
Bowie’s trauma is described in some detail, when he’s relating the assault to police, in his head, to Javier. And God damn, I CRIED for that man, I really did! It’s hardly surprising that when he finds out what is not gonna happen, he loses his sh8t and takes on a whole police station of armed officers! Javier is there, and he loses his sh8t for an entirely different reason. Something calls to him to help Bowie, something deep within that he didn’t know he could.
Javier’s past is dark, gangs, prison, gun running. But he is making up for what he did then, now. He acts as a child’s advocate, helping abused victims feel safe when making their statements or in court. He never did that for an adult before, but Bowie? Oh, that man falls hard and he falls fast for Bowie! When Javier does what he does to keep Bowie safe backfires and makes things worse, the only place he knows Bowie will be truly safe is home, in Mexico. THERE, Javier can keep on top of things, and the trouble can come to him.
What I loved most about this book, was Javier’s infinite patience with Bowie. Bowie is recovering from the assault, but Bowie knows that it will take time. He wants Javier though, with all his soul, to TOUCH him, to kiss him, and he doesn’t know how to make that happen. Javier does, and I think, Javier loved Bowie, right from that first walk from the ballet studio. He knew, he really did, that Bowie was someone very special and Javier would wait for him, forever is needed, to make the first move. Javier is very attuned to Bowie, and it shows at times when Javier realises something is wrong, but Bowie hasn’t yet clicked.
I inhaled this book. It’s not an easy read, nor is it a short read, but I read it in sitting. I cried a lot here, mostly for Bowie, but for Javier too. He needs to love someone, so bad and Bowie really gets him to realise that maybe, just maybe, he was worth having someone love him too.
Like I said, a darker read but these guys, this group of men are no angels, and they make no bones about what they have done, who they are and I love them for that, I really do.
The best of the three so far.
Are there more? Lord I hope so. Onley James was a new to me author before I read book 2, and I need more, I really do!
5 dark and oh-so-deadly-brilliant stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 3 in the Time Served series, and I stress the point I made in my review for book 2, Dangerous Breed. It’s not necessary to have read the previous books before this one, but I would RECOMMEND you do. It gives you a better feel for this group of men, where they have come from and what they are doing now. I have read them both, out of order. I really enjoyed book 2, but book one not so much.
But THIS book?? Freaking LOVED this book! Best of the three, I reckon!
It’s dark, though, and there will be many triggers for some readers. Me? I ain’t got none but I still found it a difficult read.
Bowie’s trauma is described in some detail, when he’s relating the assault to police, in his head, to Javier. And God damn, I CRIED for that man, I really did! It’s hardly surprising that when he finds out what is not gonna happen, he loses his sh8t and takes on a whole police station of armed officers! Javier is there, and he loses his sh8t for an entirely different reason. Something calls to him to help Bowie, something deep within that he didn’t know he could.
Javier’s past is dark, gangs, prison, gun running. But he is making up for what he did then, now. He acts as a child’s advocate, helping abused victims feel safe when making their statements or in court. He never did that for an adult before, but Bowie? Oh, that man falls hard and he falls fast for Bowie! When Javier does what he does to keep Bowie safe backfires and makes things worse, the only place he knows Bowie will be truly safe is home, in Mexico. THERE, Javier can keep on top of things, and the trouble can come to him.
What I loved most about this book, was Javier’s infinite patience with Bowie. Bowie is recovering from the assault, but Bowie knows that it will take time. He wants Javier though, with all his soul, to TOUCH him, to kiss him, and he doesn’t know how to make that happen. Javier does, and I think, Javier loved Bowie, right from that first walk from the ballet studio. He knew, he really did, that Bowie was someone very special and Javier would wait for him, forever is needed, to make the first move. Javier is very attuned to Bowie, and it shows at times when Javier realises something is wrong, but Bowie hasn’t yet clicked.
I inhaled this book. It’s not an easy read, nor is it a short read, but I read it in sitting. I cried a lot here, mostly for Bowie, but for Javier too. He needs to love someone, so bad and Bowie really gets him to realise that maybe, just maybe, he was worth having someone love him too.
Like I said, a darker read but these guys, this group of men are no angels, and they make no bones about what they have done, who they are and I love them for that, I really do.
The best of the three so far.
Are there more? Lord I hope so. Onley James was a new to me author before I read book 2, and I need more, I really do!
5 dark and oh-so-deadly-brilliant stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
July 25, 2025
“Nah, angel. You don’t have to be afraid of me.” He leaned in a little, his tone conspiratorial. “Now, anybody who knocks that smile off your face. Well, they’re a whole other story.”
This is definitely my favorite book in the series. The plot was really entertaining, I loved both main characters, and the best part is that we have a Latino MMC!!!
Bowie made a face. “Yes, Daddy,” he muttered, clearly sulking.
Javier pinched Bowie’s chin between his thumb and forefinger, tipping his head up to meet his gaze. “That’s Papi to you, mi amor.”
“Javi?”
Javier gave an exasperated laugh, looking back at him. “Yes, angel?”
“Tonight, will you talk to me in Spanish?”
Javier grinned, turning to back Bowie up against the wall. “You like that, huh?”
Bowie bit his lower lip, nodding. “A lot.”
Javier kissed him deep, no longer interested in seeing his tío or letting Bowie go shopping. But he forced himself to step away. “Yeah, anything you want, mi ángel.”
My God, how I love Javier. I knew he was going to be my favorite, and he was exactly how I imagined him—only even better. I adore his personality; his confidence is incredibly attractive. I’m obsessed with how soft he was with Bowie, yet also so badass. That whole gangbanger, dangerous, Mexican mafia persona mixed with his protective, sweet, caring, and gentle side? That’s one of my ultimate weaknesses. And he's Latino!? Yep, I absolutely adore him. He’s one of the reasons this book stood out so much for me.
“I can do a lot of things, but I can’t be mean to you, angel. It’s just not possible. You got me wrapped around your finger. Have from day one. Deal with it.”
“Oh, angel. Money I’ve got. If you want a dance studio, I’ll buy you one. Hell, I’ll build you one if that’s what you want.”
“You’re crazy. You can’t spend your whole life trying to fix my problems.”
Javier looked at him like he was the crazy one. “Sure I can, angel. Making you happy is the only job I care about.”
My heart broke for Bowie. The prologue was hard to read—the raw, painful emotions he experienced and the way everything happened was just so heartbreaking. Bowie is such a strong character, and I loved seeing his journey toward healing. We saw him struggle, feel fear, sadness, joy, and love. He was vulnerable and brave, and that made him feel incredibly human and real to me.
“Fuck, he loved Javier. Barely over a month and he was all in. Did Javier feel the same? Was murder his love language? If so, Javier had said it first. Had felt it first. Had shot three people in cold blood just to keep him safe.”
“No seas tan dulce. Cógeme duro, nene,” Bowie prompted in Spanish.
“Jesus, angel,” Javier muttered, his hips grinding against Bowie seemingly against his will. “Did you learn Spanish just so you could ask me to fuck you hard?”
“Yes. Yes, I did,” Bowie panted
Bowie and Javier are not only my favorite characters but also my favorite couple in the series. I absolutely adore them. I loved their dynamic and connection, how natural everything felt between them. I loved how safe Bowie felt with Javier, even when they barely knew each other. And don’t even get me started on how aware and respectful Javier was with Bowie. He never treated him like a victim—he saw Bowie, not just what happened to him. They both made this book so much better for me.
Bowie stared at him. He couldn’t help it. Why did Javier have so much fucking faith in him? “Why are you so honest with me? I could blow up your whole world with what I know about you.”
Javier’s returning smile had heat pooling low in his belly and his cock twitching beneath his sweatpants. “If anybody’s going to ruin my life, I guess I’d rather it be you.”
Javier shook his head. “No. I gave me felony murder charges. You gave me you. That’s everything. You’re my everything.”
“You're lucky nobody believes me when I tell them what a giant cheeseball romantic you are,” Bowie teased.
Javier grinned. “Stop trying to ruin my street cred, angel. I got a reputation to protect.”
“Oh, please. You rescue puppies and babies for a living. Your boyfriend is a ballet dancer. I think that ship has sailed.”
I do think the plot was good. Was it groundbreaking? Definitely not, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Like with the first two books, I felt like something was missing for me to be crazy about the plot itself. That said, I did enjoy the action scenes more than in the previous books.
One thing I really appreciated was the separation from the Elite series. I loved seeing the other couples again, but I liked that most of the conflict was handled separately from them. The new side characters were amazing! Odette was such a great friend to Bowie, and her sort-of relationship with Javier was hilarious. I honestly wish there was a book for Lawson. I liked him a lot.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My 4.6-star rating is mainly because of how much I loved the characters. Even though I didn’t love every aspect of the plot, it kept me hooked and entertained the whole time. The Latino representation made me so happy, and I just really love Onley James’ books. Even though this isn’t my favorite series of hers, she still never fails me.
he smiled when Javier said, “Hey there, angel.”
“Hi.”
Quotes worth mentioning:
“You know I love you, right?”
This time, it was Bowie who smiled. “I would hate to think you’d rack up a body count like this for somebody if you didn’t.”
“Only you.”
“That’s weirdly romantic.”
“I think there’s no one way to handle what happened to you. I think wanting to feel like your body is yours and what happens to it is your choice is valid. I think wanting to use it to make yourself feel good is a normal thing. Nobody gets to create a timeline for what you should and shouldn’t want but you. You don’t have to explain yourself or your reactions to anybody.”
This is definitely my favorite book in the series. The plot was really entertaining, I loved both main characters, and the best part is that we have a Latino MMC!!!
Bowie made a face. “Yes, Daddy,” he muttered, clearly sulking.
Javier pinched Bowie’s chin between his thumb and forefinger, tipping his head up to meet his gaze. “That’s Papi to you, mi amor.”
“Javi?”
Javier gave an exasperated laugh, looking back at him. “Yes, angel?”
“Tonight, will you talk to me in Spanish?”
Javier grinned, turning to back Bowie up against the wall. “You like that, huh?”
Bowie bit his lower lip, nodding. “A lot.”
Javier kissed him deep, no longer interested in seeing his tío or letting Bowie go shopping. But he forced himself to step away. “Yeah, anything you want, mi ángel.”
My God, how I love Javier. I knew he was going to be my favorite, and he was exactly how I imagined him—only even better. I adore his personality; his confidence is incredibly attractive. I’m obsessed with how soft he was with Bowie, yet also so badass. That whole gangbanger, dangerous, Mexican mafia persona mixed with his protective, sweet, caring, and gentle side? That’s one of my ultimate weaknesses. And he's Latino!? Yep, I absolutely adore him. He’s one of the reasons this book stood out so much for me.
“I can do a lot of things, but I can’t be mean to you, angel. It’s just not possible. You got me wrapped around your finger. Have from day one. Deal with it.”
“Oh, angel. Money I’ve got. If you want a dance studio, I’ll buy you one. Hell, I’ll build you one if that’s what you want.”
“You’re crazy. You can’t spend your whole life trying to fix my problems.”
Javier looked at him like he was the crazy one. “Sure I can, angel. Making you happy is the only job I care about.”
My heart broke for Bowie. The prologue was hard to read—the raw, painful emotions he experienced and the way everything happened was just so heartbreaking. Bowie is such a strong character, and I loved seeing his journey toward healing. We saw him struggle, feel fear, sadness, joy, and love. He was vulnerable and brave, and that made him feel incredibly human and real to me.
“Fuck, he loved Javier. Barely over a month and he was all in. Did Javier feel the same? Was murder his love language? If so, Javier had said it first. Had felt it first. Had shot three people in cold blood just to keep him safe.”
“No seas tan dulce. Cógeme duro, nene,” Bowie prompted in Spanish.
“Jesus, angel,” Javier muttered, his hips grinding against Bowie seemingly against his will. “Did you learn Spanish just so you could ask me to fuck you hard?”
“Yes. Yes, I did,” Bowie panted
Bowie and Javier are not only my favorite characters but also my favorite couple in the series. I absolutely adore them. I loved their dynamic and connection, how natural everything felt between them. I loved how safe Bowie felt with Javier, even when they barely knew each other. And don’t even get me started on how aware and respectful Javier was with Bowie. He never treated him like a victim—he saw Bowie, not just what happened to him. They both made this book so much better for me.
Bowie stared at him. He couldn’t help it. Why did Javier have so much fucking faith in him? “Why are you so honest with me? I could blow up your whole world with what I know about you.”
Javier’s returning smile had heat pooling low in his belly and his cock twitching beneath his sweatpants. “If anybody’s going to ruin my life, I guess I’d rather it be you.”
Javier shook his head. “No. I gave me felony murder charges. You gave me you. That’s everything. You’re my everything.”
“You're lucky nobody believes me when I tell them what a giant cheeseball romantic you are,” Bowie teased.
Javier grinned. “Stop trying to ruin my street cred, angel. I got a reputation to protect.”
“Oh, please. You rescue puppies and babies for a living. Your boyfriend is a ballet dancer. I think that ship has sailed.”
I do think the plot was good. Was it groundbreaking? Definitely not, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Like with the first two books, I felt like something was missing for me to be crazy about the plot itself. That said, I did enjoy the action scenes more than in the previous books.
One thing I really appreciated was the separation from the Elite series. I loved seeing the other couples again, but I liked that most of the conflict was handled separately from them. The new side characters were amazing! Odette was such a great friend to Bowie, and her sort-of relationship with Javier was hilarious. I honestly wish there was a book for Lawson. I liked him a lot.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My 4.6-star rating is mainly because of how much I loved the characters. Even though I didn’t love every aspect of the plot, it kept me hooked and entertained the whole time. The Latino representation made me so happy, and I just really love Onley James’ books. Even though this isn’t my favorite series of hers, she still never fails me.
he smiled when Javier said, “Hey there, angel.”
“Hi.”
Quotes worth mentioning:
“You know I love you, right?”
This time, it was Bowie who smiled. “I would hate to think you’d rack up a body count like this for somebody if you didn’t.”
“Only you.”
“That’s weirdly romantic.”
“I think there’s no one way to handle what happened to you. I think wanting to feel like your body is yours and what happens to it is your choice is valid. I think wanting to use it to make yourself feel good is a normal thing. Nobody gets to create a timeline for what you should and shouldn’t want but you. You don’t have to explain yourself or your reactions to anybody.”
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