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Geek Ink #4
Gruff Touch
Sometimes, love shines where you least expect it.
There are a million reasons I shouldn’t crush on growly, grumpy Caesar Marin.
For starters, the man is probably twice my age.
He’s a famous tattoo artist, a biker with a pit bull, and he’s made it clear he doesn’t want anything to do with my geeky butt.
He’s also apparently my father’s old friend.
Not that I ever met my father. I only learned his name this year, and as soon as I tracked him down, I discovered that he had already passed.
And with Mom gone now, too, that leaves Caesar as my only hope for learning more about the man.
Caesar with the sexy growl, silver hair, and thick neck.
Caesar who pushes me away even as his eyes beg me to stay.
He’s the last man I should fall for, yet something deep inside insists that Caesar should be mine.
If I can only shine bright enough to warm his grumpy heart…
Gruff Touch is an age gap, grumpy/sunshine, geek and bad boy romance with a guaranteed HEA. It features a growly tattoo artist, a geeky sweetheart who loves repairing pinball machines, and two opposites who spark when they attract. Book 4 in Geek Tattoo, it can be enjoyed alone or as part of the steamy M/M series.
There are a million reasons I shouldn’t crush on growly, grumpy Caesar Marin.
For starters, the man is probably twice my age.
He’s a famous tattoo artist, a biker with a pit bull, and he’s made it clear he doesn’t want anything to do with my geeky butt.
He’s also apparently my father’s old friend.
Not that I ever met my father. I only learned his name this year, and as soon as I tracked him down, I discovered that he had already passed.
And with Mom gone now, too, that leaves Caesar as my only hope for learning more about the man.
Caesar with the sexy growl, silver hair, and thick neck.
Caesar who pushes me away even as his eyes beg me to stay.
He’s the last man I should fall for, yet something deep inside insists that Caesar should be mine.
If I can only shine bright enough to warm his grumpy heart…
Gruff Touch is an age gap, grumpy/sunshine, geek and bad boy romance with a guaranteed HEA. It features a growly tattoo artist, a geeky sweetheart who loves repairing pinball machines, and two opposites who spark when they attract. Book 4 in Geek Tattoo, it can be enjoyed alone or as part of the steamy M/M series.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2021
32 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
R. Cayden
38 books311 followersR. Cayden writes steamy M/M romance and sweet, easy reads.
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You can also send along an email. I love hearing from readers, and knowing what you think of the stories!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 29, 2021
3.5 “Because I fucking love you!” stars
I’d been happily minding my own business, stuck in the familiar rut of my life. I was content to be my grumpy-ass self. Then this kid shows up, and now I’m confused. I want things I’m not supposed to want. I need things I can’t need. But I do need them, and he’s flirting with me, and the flames keep licking higher.
So … i’m currently reading this one book but it’s breaking my heart and I needed a break from all the tears, so I decided to take a break from the book and read somethig sweet and fluffy to make myself feel better.
And since I have been getting tattoos to make myself feel better for the past few months (as in the number of tattoos on my body doubled since March haha), I figured, what better way to make myself feel better than to read a book about a tattoo artist?
Turns out that was probably the best choice I could have made because god did I enjoy this book. It was fluffy and light, with really good and well developed characters and really hot sex. Which was exactly what I needed at the moment.
Brief Summary
Caesar is a 51 years old renowed tattoo artist, he’s really grumpy, he thinks he’s better alone and hasn’t been with anyone in ages. Drew is 27 years old and his mom just died and he learnt who is dad is after her death (she never told him before). Drew looked up his dad and realized that he died a few years ago, so he seeks out a man that seemed to have been his dad’s best friend, to learn about his dad, that man happens to be Caesar. Instead of talking about Drew’s dad, they fall in love.
First, Jesus christ did I love Caesar. If you asked me to describe my perfect man in a book, I would answer an older silver fox, who’s hairy and had a beard, who’s prickly and really grumpy but has a sweet spot for his man and would do everything for him and who’s heavily tattooed. Also he has a motorcycle! All of this means that I fell in love with Caesar as soon as the book introduced me to him. In fact, I knew I was in love with Caesar as soon as Drew said this about him: “Why doesn’t he talk much?” “Because he’s too busy grunting?”. Caesar was so damn grumpy and I just adored him for it. I also really liked Drew, he was so so sweet and really fierce. I enjoyed his character a lot too.
“What kind of older guys are you into?” […] “I don’t know. Big guys. Muscular and hairy and rough. Like silver hair, burly thighs…” I cut myself off when I realize that I’m about to start describing Caesar. “Just, like, older guys,” I conclude, as though that answers everything.
Second, I really liked these two together. They compliment each other so well. I love how Drew is all sweet and sunshine and Caesar is all grumpy but has a soft spot for Drew, and only for Drew, they were such a good pair. I really enjoyed how Drew slowly broke through all of Caesar’s defenses and craved himself a spot in Caesar’s heart. I loved how Caesar just wanted to take care of Drew and do thing for him. I really enjoyed how Drew could understand Ceasar grumps and barely there sentences and how Drew never got mad or annoyed at Ceasar for being so grumpy. Also, I always love a good age gap couple, so I really appreciated that part.
I loved how Drew called Caesar softie, since Caesar is this big and grumpy dude, it was just lovely.
Third, I really enjoyed how these two easily settled together and how they went from acquaintences to lovers. I enjoyed how they easily settled together and all but I would have like some more push and pull, their relationship seemed to develop way too easily, expecially since Caesar was very grumpy and didn’t trust anyone.
Fourth, I really enjoyed all the parts about them finding parts for and restoring old arcade games, that was so fun.
Fifth, The sex scenes in this book were good. Drew hasn’t had sex in 6 years and Caesar hasn’t had sex in ages, which made them both so eager to have sex together, which was lovely to see. The sex scenes were nice and fit the story perfectly, although I could have done with more sex scenes, but I always want more of those haha But I did think that them going bareback was very rushed and not talked about enough, they just kind of did it without talking about it.
Also, just a random question but why the fuck would you want to get your bicep tattooed as your first tattoo, someone should have warned Drew how much that hurts haha
Seventh, I did really enjoyed Drew’s character but sometimes I felt like he pushed a little too much and I thought he was a bit too pushy.
Eight, this one is my biggest problem with the book. I am not the biggest fan of a guy who fucked someone’s dad and was in love with him and and then year’s later, gets with the kid. It just always feel wrong to me and like the kid is not the person they actually want. It just feels like their looking for the kid’s dad in the kid instead of wanting the kid for who he is. I had a really bad vibe of this for a while in this book. I’m not sure it I really enjoyed how Caesar kept thinking he can’t feel for Drew because he was in love with his dad, or if it really bothered me. A mix of the two I would say. I really didn’t appreciate how Caesar kept comparing Drew to his dad and how he felt about Drew to how Drew’s dad made him feel.
Ninth, these guys really need to learn how to communicate. If they talked for 5 seconds, the entire drama in the book could have been ignored. I also wasn’t the biggest of how everything was settled in the end, I wanted more talks and more everything, it just felt way too rushed for me.
I had a lot of fun reading this book, I read most of it in one sitting and it was exactly what I needed at the moment, I just wasn’t a big fan of the set up of the book.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I’d been happily minding my own business, stuck in the familiar rut of my life. I was content to be my grumpy-ass self. Then this kid shows up, and now I’m confused. I want things I’m not supposed to want. I need things I can’t need. But I do need them, and he’s flirting with me, and the flames keep licking higher.
So … i’m currently reading this one book but it’s breaking my heart and I needed a break from all the tears, so I decided to take a break from the book and read somethig sweet and fluffy to make myself feel better.
And since I have been getting tattoos to make myself feel better for the past few months (as in the number of tattoos on my body doubled since March haha), I figured, what better way to make myself feel better than to read a book about a tattoo artist?
Turns out that was probably the best choice I could have made because god did I enjoy this book. It was fluffy and light, with really good and well developed characters and really hot sex. Which was exactly what I needed at the moment.
Brief Summary
Caesar is a 51 years old renowed tattoo artist, he’s really grumpy, he thinks he’s better alone and hasn’t been with anyone in ages. Drew is 27 years old and his mom just died and he learnt who is dad is after her death (she never told him before). Drew looked up his dad and realized that he died a few years ago, so he seeks out a man that seemed to have been his dad’s best friend, to learn about his dad, that man happens to be Caesar. Instead of talking about Drew’s dad, they fall in love.
First, Jesus christ did I love Caesar. If you asked me to describe my perfect man in a book, I would answer an older silver fox, who’s hairy and had a beard, who’s prickly and really grumpy but has a sweet spot for his man and would do everything for him and who’s heavily tattooed. Also he has a motorcycle! All of this means that I fell in love with Caesar as soon as the book introduced me to him. In fact, I knew I was in love with Caesar as soon as Drew said this about him: “Why doesn’t he talk much?” “Because he’s too busy grunting?”. Caesar was so damn grumpy and I just adored him for it. I also really liked Drew, he was so so sweet and really fierce. I enjoyed his character a lot too.
“What kind of older guys are you into?” […] “I don’t know. Big guys. Muscular and hairy and rough. Like silver hair, burly thighs…” I cut myself off when I realize that I’m about to start describing Caesar. “Just, like, older guys,” I conclude, as though that answers everything.
Second, I really liked these two together. They compliment each other so well. I love how Drew is all sweet and sunshine and Caesar is all grumpy but has a soft spot for Drew, and only for Drew, they were such a good pair. I really enjoyed how Drew slowly broke through all of Caesar’s defenses and craved himself a spot in Caesar’s heart. I loved how Caesar just wanted to take care of Drew and do thing for him. I really enjoyed how Drew could understand Ceasar grumps and barely there sentences and how Drew never got mad or annoyed at Ceasar for being so grumpy. Also, I always love a good age gap couple, so I really appreciated that part.
I loved how Drew called Caesar softie, since Caesar is this big and grumpy dude, it was just lovely.
Third, I really enjoyed how these two easily settled together and how they went from acquaintences to lovers. I enjoyed how they easily settled together and all but I would have like some more push and pull, their relationship seemed to develop way too easily, expecially since Caesar was very grumpy and didn’t trust anyone.
Fourth, I really enjoyed all the parts about them finding parts for and restoring old arcade games, that was so fun.
Fifth, The sex scenes in this book were good. Drew hasn’t had sex in 6 years and Caesar hasn’t had sex in ages, which made them both so eager to have sex together, which was lovely to see. The sex scenes were nice and fit the story perfectly, although I could have done with more sex scenes, but I always want more of those haha But I did think that them going bareback was very rushed and not talked about enough, they just kind of did it without talking about it.
Also, just a random question but why the fuck would you want to get your bicep tattooed as your first tattoo, someone should have warned Drew how much that hurts haha
Seventh, I did really enjoyed Drew’s character but sometimes I felt like he pushed a little too much and I thought he was a bit too pushy.
Eight, this one is my biggest problem with the book. I am not the biggest fan of a guy who fucked someone’s dad and was in love with him and and then year’s later, gets with the kid. It just always feel wrong to me and like the kid is not the person they actually want. It just feels like their looking for the kid’s dad in the kid instead of wanting the kid for who he is. I had a really bad vibe of this for a while in this book. I’m not sure it I really enjoyed how Caesar kept thinking he can’t feel for Drew because he was in love with his dad, or if it really bothered me. A mix of the two I would say. I really didn’t appreciate how Caesar kept comparing Drew to his dad and how he felt about Drew to how Drew’s dad made him feel.
Ninth, these guys really need to learn how to communicate. If they talked for 5 seconds, the entire drama in the book could have been ignored. I also wasn’t the biggest of how everything was settled in the end, I wanted more talks and more everything, it just felt way too rushed for me.
I had a lot of fun reading this book, I read most of it in one sitting and it was exactly what I needed at the moment, I just wasn’t a big fan of the set up of the book.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
June 18, 2021
Old gruff and young geek make it work.
Tattoos and beers, arcade games and shots, rivalry and revelry, old friends and new all swirl around as changes make life and love better for everyone.
Grunts and groans are a means of communication that does not need words. Sharing and caring makes for smiles and stories of adventures real and wantabe. Comraderie and hugs. Moonlight walks and motorcycle rides. Life gets better together with friends.
Tattoos and beers, arcade games and shots, rivalry and revelry, old friends and new all swirl around as changes make life and love better for everyone.
Grunts and groans are a means of communication that does not need words. Sharing and caring makes for smiles and stories of adventures real and wantabe. Comraderie and hugs. Moonlight walks and motorcycle rides. Life gets better together with friends.
August 7, 2022
Ah it's the end of the Geek Ink series and I am kind of sad. This one was the best out of all 4 of them, but it really had nothing to do with the first 3 books as they were not friends with that group.
In this one we have Caesar, who you might remember as the one who owns the tattoo shop that has starred in all 4 stories. He is older, set in his ways, grumpy, and not in search of a partner. He is aloof to the people who work for him but has a tight knit group of older friends/artists that he is close to.
Drew was in search of the father he did not know about until after his mother's death. See he dropped out of college when his mother got ill and took care of her and everything else for years. He did not do much living, but he loved putting back together pinball machines. When he found out that his father had died years earlier, he tracked down Caesar to find out more about his father. What he didn't know was that Caesar and his father were lovers and his father dumped Caesar like he had dumped his mother.
Things happen and these two fall for each other. It was not easy for Caesar, but thankfully Drew was able to see the real man underneath all that.
The scent for Caesar in this one was smoky. So much better than dirt.
In this one we have Caesar, who you might remember as the one who owns the tattoo shop that has starred in all 4 stories. He is older, set in his ways, grumpy, and not in search of a partner. He is aloof to the people who work for him but has a tight knit group of older friends/artists that he is close to.
Drew was in search of the father he did not know about until after his mother's death. See he dropped out of college when his mother got ill and took care of her and everything else for years. He did not do much living, but he loved putting back together pinball machines. When he found out that his father had died years earlier, he tracked down Caesar to find out more about his father. What he didn't know was that Caesar and his father were lovers and his father dumped Caesar like he had dumped his mother.
Things happen and these two fall for each other. It was not easy for Caesar, but thankfully Drew was able to see the real man underneath all that.
The scent for Caesar in this one was smoky. So much better than dirt.
May 27, 2021
Drew spent a lot of years taking care of his mother, and after she died, he found out the name of his father, so he decided to go hunt him down, and instead of finding his father, he found Ceaser, who had known his father.
I thought that Drew had a lot of courage to go out and find out about his father. It couldn't have been that easy for him. I also thought that he was a really caring person. It's not everyone who will give up a chunk of their lives so that they can take care of a dying parent. I just wanted to give him such a big hug.
I understood where Ceaser was coming from. He had been so hurt by so many people, and it's easier to hide when you hurt, and then eventually it's hard to get out of that hiding place. But, he did take that step.
I like this series.
I thought that Drew had a lot of courage to go out and find out about his father. It couldn't have been that easy for him. I also thought that he was a really caring person. It's not everyone who will give up a chunk of their lives so that they can take care of a dying parent. I just wanted to give him such a big hug.
I understood where Ceaser was coming from. He had been so hurt by so many people, and it's easier to hide when you hurt, and then eventually it's hard to get out of that hiding place. But, he did take that step.
I like this series.
May 25, 2021
I received an ARC of Gruff Touch by R. Cayden from Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth in the Geek Ink series and I was ready for Ceasar to get his HEA. I was surprised by how it played out. Drew comes into town after the death of his mother looking for details about his birth father, who used to work with Ceasar (and more). Ceasar blows him off at first but eventually tells him about his dad. They have immediate chemistry, but Ceasar is squicked out by the age gap and by the fact that he was a little more than friends with Drew’s dad. But he gets over it, and they get together. Drew is a beaming ray of sunshine and Ceasar is a major grump. Drew repairs old arcade games and Ceasar is a celebrated tattoo artist. But somehow, they made sense. I believed them. And I was rooting for them. I loved the way the story tied up in the end, which I won’t spoil.
I give this story 4 stars. It was a fun, quick read and it gave me feelings.
This is the fourth in the Geek Ink series and I was ready for Ceasar to get his HEA. I was surprised by how it played out. Drew comes into town after the death of his mother looking for details about his birth father, who used to work with Ceasar (and more). Ceasar blows him off at first but eventually tells him about his dad. They have immediate chemistry, but Ceasar is squicked out by the age gap and by the fact that he was a little more than friends with Drew’s dad. But he gets over it, and they get together. Drew is a beaming ray of sunshine and Ceasar is a major grump. Drew repairs old arcade games and Ceasar is a celebrated tattoo artist. But somehow, they made sense. I believed them. And I was rooting for them. I loved the way the story tied up in the end, which I won’t spoil.
I give this story 4 stars. It was a fun, quick read and it gave me feelings.
May 11, 2025
Again, a fine read, pretty much what I was expecting. I was a little squicked by the "falling for a dude my dad used to bone" thing, and wish the author had gone a different direction there. The attraction felt a little insta for me, but I enjoyed the characters, and the pinball restoration thing was fun.
May 29, 2021
This is the second of Cayden's Geek Ink series that I've read, and just like with the first - I did not find myself disappointed. Instead, I found myself smiling and obsessively reading this story, falling in love with the characters, and rooting for the main couple to find their HEA. Which honestly surprised me a little, because there was a part early in the book that I thought would squick me out later. It did not. Like the two main characters, I was able to move past it easily, because the relationship between Caesar and Drew was that good.
Which is due in part because Cayden writes amazing characters.
First, we have Caesar. This isn't the first time we've met him, as he owns the tattoo shop that this series centers around. But this was his time to shine. We get to see more than just the grumpy, slightly monosyllabic boss man. He's still a grump, but we learn the reasons behind it. We learn about his less than ideal family life and we watch as he realizes that he's lonely. We learn the things that he likes and how he's actually just as big of a geek as the other tattoo artists. We also learn how much the other artists in the store mean to him, and how he shows it in a way that they might not even fully realize.
On the other side we have Drew. Drew is mourning the loss of his mother and trying to figure out his life after spending the last six years dedicated to her. He is a sunshine character to Caesar's grump (which honestly, one of my favorite dynamics) but unlike some of the sunshine characters I've read, he's not a pushover by any capacity. He has the ability to immediately call Caesar out on his shit. Despite being a generally timid person, he can be incredibly bold when he needs to be. He goes for what he wants and doesn't give up easily. He's a bit self-deprecating - especially about his love of rebuilding old arcade games which he's always been told was rather useless.
The two men come together because Drew is looking for information about his father, a trail that leads him to Caesar. Because Caesar and Mack (Drew's father) used to work together. They also used to do other things together, see above the squick factor that I thought would be an impediment in my enjoyment of the book. They begin to bond as they learn they have common interests and from there, the relationship just blooms.
This book has so much hurt/comfort in it, and I'm such a sucker for that. I like when the love interests can talk about the things that hurt them and find solace in one another. I do wish that they would've been a bit more communicative about some other things too, as it would've solved some of their problems - but if that happened I guess the book would be a bit less interesting.
We get to see some great side characters again in this book - and anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for some good side characters. I like to know that the characters have lives outside of their romantic interests, because it makes them feel more real to me.
All in all, this was a very solid showing by Cayden and a book I will be revisiting. (I will also be buying the first two Geek Ink books, because I just - I need more of this world and these characters. I just love them so much.)
** ARC PROVIDED BY GAY ROMANCE REVIEWS AND THIS IS MY HONEST FEEDBACK **
Which is due in part because Cayden writes amazing characters.
First, we have Caesar. This isn't the first time we've met him, as he owns the tattoo shop that this series centers around. But this was his time to shine. We get to see more than just the grumpy, slightly monosyllabic boss man. He's still a grump, but we learn the reasons behind it. We learn about his less than ideal family life and we watch as he realizes that he's lonely. We learn the things that he likes and how he's actually just as big of a geek as the other tattoo artists. We also learn how much the other artists in the store mean to him, and how he shows it in a way that they might not even fully realize.
On the other side we have Drew. Drew is mourning the loss of his mother and trying to figure out his life after spending the last six years dedicated to her. He is a sunshine character to Caesar's grump (which honestly, one of my favorite dynamics) but unlike some of the sunshine characters I've read, he's not a pushover by any capacity. He has the ability to immediately call Caesar out on his shit. Despite being a generally timid person, he can be incredibly bold when he needs to be. He goes for what he wants and doesn't give up easily. He's a bit self-deprecating - especially about his love of rebuilding old arcade games which he's always been told was rather useless.
The two men come together because Drew is looking for information about his father, a trail that leads him to Caesar. Because Caesar and Mack (Drew's father) used to work together. They also used to do other things together, see above the squick factor that I thought would be an impediment in my enjoyment of the book. They begin to bond as they learn they have common interests and from there, the relationship just blooms.
This book has so much hurt/comfort in it, and I'm such a sucker for that. I like when the love interests can talk about the things that hurt them and find solace in one another. I do wish that they would've been a bit more communicative about some other things too, as it would've solved some of their problems - but if that happened I guess the book would be a bit less interesting.
We get to see some great side characters again in this book - and anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for some good side characters. I like to know that the characters have lives outside of their romantic interests, because it makes them feel more real to me.
All in all, this was a very solid showing by Cayden and a book I will be revisiting. (I will also be buying the first two Geek Ink books, because I just - I need more of this world and these characters. I just love them so much.)
** ARC PROVIDED BY GAY ROMANCE REVIEWS AND THIS IS MY HONEST FEEDBACK **
May 17, 2021
Title - Gruff Touch (Geek Ink #4)
Author - R Cayden
Genre - MM Romance
Published - May 2021
Pages - 210 Pages
Summary - Drew gave up his life to look after his sick mother, when she died he didn't know what to do with himself, his mother never told him who his father was always claiming she never knew so when he came across a piece of paper with his name on it he goes in search of information, taking him to Chicago. His search leads him to Caesar Marin a famous tattoo artist and biker. Drew knows he shouldn't be attracted to Caesar he's twice Drew's age, he's grumpy and he's made it clear he doesn't want anything to do with Drew.
What I thought about this book - OMG I loved this book, hell I loved this whole series, I was so happy when I found out that Caesar was getting his own book. Drew and Caesar are so good together Drew brings out the softer side in Caesar and Caesar brings out Drew's confidence and gives him the love and comfort he needs in life. This book is so well written, the plot is great, easy to follow, keeps you hooked. The character development is brilliant and fantastically done. Overall another amazing book by an amazing author who has fastly become one of my favourite authors.
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes
Rating - 5*
Reviewed by LucyLui
Author - R Cayden
Genre - MM Romance
Published - May 2021
Pages - 210 Pages
Summary - Drew gave up his life to look after his sick mother, when she died he didn't know what to do with himself, his mother never told him who his father was always claiming she never knew so when he came across a piece of paper with his name on it he goes in search of information, taking him to Chicago. His search leads him to Caesar Marin a famous tattoo artist and biker. Drew knows he shouldn't be attracted to Caesar he's twice Drew's age, he's grumpy and he's made it clear he doesn't want anything to do with Drew.
What I thought about this book - OMG I loved this book, hell I loved this whole series, I was so happy when I found out that Caesar was getting his own book. Drew and Caesar are so good together Drew brings out the softer side in Caesar and Caesar brings out Drew's confidence and gives him the love and comfort he needs in life. This book is so well written, the plot is great, easy to follow, keeps you hooked. The character development is brilliant and fantastically done. Overall another amazing book by an amazing author who has fastly become one of my favourite authors.
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes
Rating - 5*
Reviewed by LucyLui
May 24, 2021
A truly wonderful story. I love a good age gap and then to pair it with grumpy and sunshine made it even better. Caesar is hot and sweet while Drew is completely adorkable in the very best ways.
September 7, 2022
This whole series was just adorable.
June 28, 2023
After reading this I totally understand what one reviewer means
This has been a nice and like series. But this last one there is just no chemistry between the two MC’s. I am actually are starting to really love age gap novels, just not this one.
Like one reviewer said it was like Caesar was using Drew to be with Mack, which really brought the book down. Then near the end what was with Drew when he got back home that was all weird.
This has been a nice and like series. But this last one there is just no chemistry between the two MC’s. I am actually are starting to really love age gap novels, just not this one.
Like one reviewer said it was like Caesar was using Drew to be with Mack, which really brought the book down. Then near the end what was with Drew when he got back home that was all weird.
February 24, 2024
"He laughs roughly, and I can see in his silver eyes that he’s accepted it. He’s accepted that I really see him and want him, just like I know he’s chosen me."
November 10, 2021
*happy sigh* love the characters, love the romance, love the friendships, love the setting/jobs, love the dog, love the queerness, love everything. it had me smiling and laughing and getting misty eyed.
content/trigger warnings; ableism, explicit sexual content, homophobia, harassment recounted, homophobic harassment recounted, death of mother recounted, death of father discussed, estranged family, grief,
rep; caesar (mc) is queer (label not used, implied gay?). drew (mc) is gay. everyone is queer.
idk what it is about caesar, but he gives me such deadpool vibes in some of the things he says and the way he says them. and speaking of that, be prepared for a lot of grunting, growling, grumbling, and grumping from caesar. this author really took the “grumpy” part of the “grumpy/sunshine trope seriously.
when it comes to negatives. i personally didn’t care for what happened when drew and caesar went back to drew’s hometown. the way it was handled rubbed me the wrong way. drew had no obligation to be out to those people, but he also had no right to treat caesar like he was something that should be hidden away, when drew went out of his way to talk caesar into accepting the invitation to stay there. grief anf guilt about his mother aside, drew should have been honest with caesar. but thankfully, it wasn’t a drawn out thing. it was resolved nicely very quickly.
and the only other thing is that there’s a bit of a “straight and gay, or maybe bi” sort of narrative with sexuality, despite literally every character being queer. the main characters’ sexualities aren’t really discussed, but there is an assumption of gayness among both main characters (even if they were both written to be gay, having them assume that about one another shouldn’t be how their canon gayness is made known to readers), and when talking about mack drew asked “was he gay, or maybe bi” and that’s the only time bisexuality is mentioned. quite frankly, i just expect more from queer stories; you don’t have to represent every sexuality, but you sure as fuck have to acknowledge the existence of them when appropriate (such as sexuality/label related conversations or musing about what someone else’s sexuality might be, etc.). do better.
content/trigger warnings; ableism, explicit sexual content, homophobia, harassment recounted, homophobic harassment recounted, death of mother recounted, death of father discussed, estranged family, grief,
rep; caesar (mc) is queer (label not used, implied gay?). drew (mc) is gay. everyone is queer.
idk what it is about caesar, but he gives me such deadpool vibes in some of the things he says and the way he says them. and speaking of that, be prepared for a lot of grunting, growling, grumbling, and grumping from caesar. this author really took the “grumpy” part of the “grumpy/sunshine trope seriously.
when it comes to negatives. i personally didn’t care for what happened when drew and caesar went back to drew’s hometown. the way it was handled rubbed me the wrong way. drew had no obligation to be out to those people, but he also had no right to treat caesar like he was something that should be hidden away, when drew went out of his way to talk caesar into accepting the invitation to stay there. grief anf guilt about his mother aside, drew should have been honest with caesar. but thankfully, it wasn’t a drawn out thing. it was resolved nicely very quickly.
and the only other thing is that there’s a bit of a “straight and gay, or maybe bi” sort of narrative with sexuality, despite literally every character being queer. the main characters’ sexualities aren’t really discussed, but there is an assumption of gayness among both main characters (even if they were both written to be gay, having them assume that about one another shouldn’t be how their canon gayness is made known to readers), and when talking about mack drew asked “was he gay, or maybe bi” and that’s the only time bisexuality is mentioned. quite frankly, i just expect more from queer stories; you don’t have to represent every sexuality, but you sure as fuck have to acknowledge the existence of them when appropriate (such as sexuality/label related conversations or musing about what someone else’s sexuality might be, etc.). do better.
May 25, 2021
This may possibly be my favourite of the series. Sweet ray of sunshine, kinda geeky young guy vs older, grumpy, quiet biker tattooist = a match made in heaven.
Drew is in Chicago looking for information on his father and Caesar is just the man. Caesar knew the father years previous but doesn't have anything nice to say about him, well at all really as he generally just grunts or used the minimum amount of words possible. The two are like night and day and get once Drew knocks events from Caesar's walls, there's no getting away from him. Drew brings light into Caesar's life and understands him in a way that few do while Caesar allows Drew to be his true self,showing excitement in restoring pinball games and being comfortable in his own skin, not something he has been able to do back home for the last few years since he cared for his sick mother. Once they finally get on the same page and give in to their attraction, it ignites and they share as much as they can before Drew has to go back and sort his mother's things. Unresolved feelings on both sides leave things hanging in the balance but that connection can't be broken.
I love these two together, their contrasts are what make them work so well together as a couple. It's great reading as Drew draws Caesar a little out of his shell, basking in any smile or complete sentence that he gets and Caesar is just happy whenever Drew is which is totally adorable. Drew has a bit to work through with the recent passing of his mum and the discovery of who his dad actually was but Caesar is on board to help any way he can, at least once he stops telling for the strange young man to leave him alone. The crew from Blade are all here in some way and it's good to catch up with them but the MC's are definitely the focal point.
A other great story from the author with strong characters and enjoyable relationship development. It makes for entertaining and hot reading with a couple of emotional moments dotted throughout.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Drew is in Chicago looking for information on his father and Caesar is just the man. Caesar knew the father years previous but doesn't have anything nice to say about him, well at all really as he generally just grunts or used the minimum amount of words possible. The two are like night and day and get once Drew knocks events from Caesar's walls, there's no getting away from him. Drew brings light into Caesar's life and understands him in a way that few do while Caesar allows Drew to be his true self,showing excitement in restoring pinball games and being comfortable in his own skin, not something he has been able to do back home for the last few years since he cared for his sick mother. Once they finally get on the same page and give in to their attraction, it ignites and they share as much as they can before Drew has to go back and sort his mother's things. Unresolved feelings on both sides leave things hanging in the balance but that connection can't be broken.
I love these two together, their contrasts are what make them work so well together as a couple. It's great reading as Drew draws Caesar a little out of his shell, basking in any smile or complete sentence that he gets and Caesar is just happy whenever Drew is which is totally adorable. Drew has a bit to work through with the recent passing of his mum and the discovery of who his dad actually was but Caesar is on board to help any way he can, at least once he stops telling for the strange young man to leave him alone. The crew from Blade are all here in some way and it's good to catch up with them but the MC's are definitely the focal point.
A other great story from the author with strong characters and enjoyable relationship development. It makes for entertaining and hot reading with a couple of emotional moments dotted throughout.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 1, 2024
old post reposted
Like I said before....here we are, checking out (aka binge-reading) the Geek Ink series (by R. Cayden). The fourth book is titled "Gruff Touch."
["Sometimes, love shines where you least expect it.
There are a million reasons I shouldn’t crush on growly, grumpy Caesar Marin.
For starters, the man is probably twice my age.
He’s a famous tattoo artist, a biker with a pit bull, and he’s made it clear he doesn’t want anything to do with my geeky butt.
He’s also apparently my father’s old friend.
Not that I ever met my father. I only learned his name this year, and as soon as I tracked him down, I discovered that he had already passed.
And with Mom gone now, too, that leaves Caesar as my only hope for learning more about the man.
Caesar with the sexy growl, silver hair, and thick neck.
Caesar who pushes me away even as his eyes beg me to stay.
He’s the last man I should fall for, yet something deep inside insists that Caesar should be mine.
If I can only shine bright enough to warm his grumpy heart…"]
I was a little skeptical on this one (because, to be honest, age-gap tropes creep me out a bit--no offense to anyone, they're just generally not my cup of tea--especially the "my father's old friend" reminded me of when Monica dated Richard and gah (in the not good way)). But then the rest of the blurb says grumpy/sunshine and well, I do love that trope (and I do hate leaving things unfinished)...
And honestly, it was sooooo fuuuucking cuuuuute! They fit together like two puzzle pieces and it was so damn adorable and they just got each other and Drew could interpret Caesar's grunts and FUCK. I can't. It was too much. I damn near sobbed during the part where they were like will-they-won't-they, but its okay. ((spoiler alert, if you want to know if they do it on Caesar's bike at all, the answer is yes))
#geektattoo #craveme #justakiss #grufftouch #geekink #geekinkseries #rcayden #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Like I said before....here we are, checking out (aka binge-reading) the Geek Ink series (by R. Cayden). The fourth book is titled "Gruff Touch."
["Sometimes, love shines where you least expect it.
There are a million reasons I shouldn’t crush on growly, grumpy Caesar Marin.
For starters, the man is probably twice my age.
He’s a famous tattoo artist, a biker with a pit bull, and he’s made it clear he doesn’t want anything to do with my geeky butt.
He’s also apparently my father’s old friend.
Not that I ever met my father. I only learned his name this year, and as soon as I tracked him down, I discovered that he had already passed.
And with Mom gone now, too, that leaves Caesar as my only hope for learning more about the man.
Caesar with the sexy growl, silver hair, and thick neck.
Caesar who pushes me away even as his eyes beg me to stay.
He’s the last man I should fall for, yet something deep inside insists that Caesar should be mine.
If I can only shine bright enough to warm his grumpy heart…"]
I was a little skeptical on this one (because, to be honest, age-gap tropes creep me out a bit--no offense to anyone, they're just generally not my cup of tea--especially the "my father's old friend" reminded me of when Monica dated Richard and gah (in the not good way)). But then the rest of the blurb says grumpy/sunshine and well, I do love that trope (and I do hate leaving things unfinished)...
And honestly, it was sooooo fuuuucking cuuuuute! They fit together like two puzzle pieces and it was so damn adorable and they just got each other and Drew could interpret Caesar's grunts and FUCK. I can't. It was too much. I damn near sobbed during the part where they were like will-they-won't-they, but its okay. ((spoiler alert, if you want to know if they do it on Caesar's bike at all, the answer is yes))
#geektattoo #craveme #justakiss #grufftouch #geekink #geekinkseries #rcayden #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
August 17, 2022
Best of the series, Caesar and Drew made me smile
I've just finished the boxset and now I'm reviewing the individual books too. I love the first two but was disappointed with the third. Luckily, R. Cayden saved the best till last.
I don't mind age gaps, and grumpy/sunshine is always fun so Drew and Caesar were already ahead with me. Caesar has made shadowy guest appearances in the previous three books and I am so glad he got his own story.
Caesar ran his tattoo shop, happy with his life and his employees but he was a taciturn soul who never showed anyone his true feelings or gave out praise. He just grunted his way through life, alone and lonely. Quite how lonely he was became clear when a ray of sunshine erupted into his world, making him want things he shouldn't and givning him a new lease on life. Drew was his sunshine.
Drew came looking for anwers and found love unexpectedly. He was young and attractive, all smiles, and wouldn't quit when it came to the gruff and grumpy and mesmerising Caesar.
Seeing both men come back to life in each other's company was a pleasure to read. They stole the show and I'm glad they were last because it was a perfect way to end the series.
I've just finished the boxset and now I'm reviewing the individual books too. I love the first two but was disappointed with the third. Luckily, R. Cayden saved the best till last.
I don't mind age gaps, and grumpy/sunshine is always fun so Drew and Caesar were already ahead with me. Caesar has made shadowy guest appearances in the previous three books and I am so glad he got his own story.
Caesar ran his tattoo shop, happy with his life and his employees but he was a taciturn soul who never showed anyone his true feelings or gave out praise. He just grunted his way through life, alone and lonely. Quite how lonely he was became clear when a ray of sunshine erupted into his world, making him want things he shouldn't and givning him a new lease on life. Drew was his sunshine.
Drew came looking for anwers and found love unexpectedly. He was young and attractive, all smiles, and wouldn't quit when it came to the gruff and grumpy and mesmerising Caesar.
Seeing both men come back to life in each other's company was a pleasure to read. They stole the show and I'm glad they were last because it was a perfect way to end the series.
May 24, 2021
Grumpy/sunshine is such a fun trope, and it’s at its best in this novel. Drew is kindness and friendliness personified, and watching him slowly drift past Ceasar’s defenses on the power of adorableness and persistence is so much fun. Caesar was honestly my favorite part of the novel: he’s gruff and abrupt for sure, but a complete and total softie underneath, and I love how generous and gentle he is, in total defiance of his own perception of himself. I love how careful he and Drew are with each other, and how well they take on the very real obstacles in their lives: the age difference, the history between Caesar and Drew’s father, the issues Drew still carries from putting his life on hold to look after his dying mother-- all topics addressed with compassion and care. While there’s some angst, it’s not allowed to go on for long, and both of them communicate clearly, if not always easily, when it matters. This is such a sweet, beautiful love story, and there’s a fair amount of heat as well. Highly recommend.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2021
Love is not the fountain of youth, but you feel good embracign it! Drew, comes into town seeking information about his deceased father, Marc from his old friend, tatoo artist Caesar. He realizes Caesar, is his dream man. Caesar thinks Drew is familiar and too late realises he looks like Mark. Mark had abruptly left Caesar when they newly opened the tatoo shop. Drew is a good son. He took care of his Mom when she got sick. When he discovered the identity of his Dad, he tracks his life to try to learn who his Dad is. Daddy issues? Caesar is attracted to Drew. Drew is lusted over for Caesar. Since there is an age gap, will Caesar let him in? Will he break down and have a romantic personal life? Can he get over the age gap? Can he get over Drew being Mack's Kid? Does Drew wake Caesar up from his life coma? Good journey. Nice watching Caesar reclaiming his joi de vivre again. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2021
I have been waiting for Caesar’s story since I read the first book in the series and it did not disappoint! Caesar is a gruff man often described as grumpy but he really is secretly a caring man. He doesn’t express himself often but he has strong feelings he keeps inside. Drew is his total opposite! A happy guy who is always full of sunshine. I loved the opposites attract element of this story. I love the slow build of their relationship and how they both try to deny how they feel but in the end they just can’t. This book has really happy and sweet moments but it also has sad and angsty moments. It all works together to create an amazing story. I will definitely be reading this story again.
I did receive a free ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews but that did not influence my review.
I did receive a free ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews but that did not influence my review.
May 24, 2021
Gruff Touch is Book 4 in the Geek Ink series by R. Cayden. I have really enjoyed all the books in this series, and I was excited to finally get to read and learn more about the grumpy and enigmatic, Caesar Marin, famous tattoo artist and owner of the tattoo shop Blade. The story does not disappoint. Caesar, although somewhat lonely, is content with his life and is resigned to a life alone with just him and his Pitbull, Grace. That is until he meets Drew and discovers how much better life can be when he has someone to share it with who understands him. For Drew, Caesar helps him close some doors to the past and move onto a future that offers him more than he ever thought he could have. I highly recommend this book, although I recommend reading the other books in the series in order first to have a better understanding and appreciation for Caesar and the other artists of Blade.
May 27, 2021
**ARC Review**
This is part of a series but I didn't feel like missed anything significant which was great. This really was a standalone and it was good. Grumpy/sunshine and also older/younger. Two genres I'm becoming to love in romances. I love that while at first Drew had his own agenda by coming to Chicago, he ended up getting close and totally falling for Cesear. Getting close to Cesear, he sees beyond the grumpiness...he sees a big softie. I tells ya, this romance gave me all kinds of feels. I had some teary moments but mostly it was all smiles and giggles. Their connection was sweet but also extremely HOT. This is my first time with this author and I love the introduction. From start to finish, I was all in and was so satisfied with the ending/epilogue. This was a delight and I think I might just read the first three books due to this one being so good. Nice!
This is part of a series but I didn't feel like missed anything significant which was great. This really was a standalone and it was good. Grumpy/sunshine and also older/younger. Two genres I'm becoming to love in romances. I love that while at first Drew had his own agenda by coming to Chicago, he ended up getting close and totally falling for Cesear. Getting close to Cesear, he sees beyond the grumpiness...he sees a big softie. I tells ya, this romance gave me all kinds of feels. I had some teary moments but mostly it was all smiles and giggles. Their connection was sweet but also extremely HOT. This is my first time with this author and I love the introduction. From start to finish, I was all in and was so satisfied with the ending/epilogue. This was a delight and I think I might just read the first three books due to this one being so good. Nice!
June 10, 2021
R Hayden has become one of my favorite authors! Drew and Caesar are wonderful characters and have such a special connection, despite their age difference. Both have been hurt in the past, Drew is still finding his way after his Mother dies and he's spent years taking care of her, putting his life on hold. Caesar is 51 and gas gotten more like his father than he'd realized... Gruff and standoffish towards his employees and people in general, not realizing he was lonely. Drew comes to town to find out some answers about the father he never knew... Caesar has those answers. Both feel an attraction but Caesar is stubborn and thinks he's too old for Drew.
All in all, this is a sweet read that has lots of good feels. I really enjoyed it! I think you will too. Enjoy!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
All in all, this is a sweet read that has lots of good feels. I really enjoyed it! I think you will too. Enjoy!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
November 15, 2021
I liked this. Good mix of awkward character moments, drama and heat to keep me turning pages. I liked the characters and writing throughout. This handles the age gap well and does very well addressing a concern I always have when reality intrudes on my thoughts toward age gap pairings - how much time will they really have for their HEA? The only things preventing a full 5 star rating are Caesar's attitude early on, the flimsyness of Drew's motives for seeking Caesar out to begin with (it really did read more him being a stalker fanboy of Caesar than someone searching for a connection to a father that they never met) AND the extent of Caesar's relationship with Mack. It just feels like too much unresolved there and it's easy to imagine Caesar taking this as a chance to get back some of how it was or could have been with Mack, given how much Drew looks like his father.
May 24, 2021
Gruff Touch is really sweet! Drew is visiting Chicago after the death of his mother to learn more about the father he never knew. He goes to Blade, a tattoo shop, in order to meet Caesar, an older tattoo artist who worked with his father. Caesar is grumpy and a bit of a loner and doesn’t want to have anything to do with Drew. However, Drew is persistent, and Caesar stops fighting his attraction. They’re opposites in a lot of ways, but the relationship grows. Cayden does a good job of developing the two main characters. Drew teaches Caesar to open himself up to love, and Caesar helps Drew live his life for himself after spending years putting his needs last while taking care of his mother. The drama at the end feels a little forced, but overall, the pacing works well. I’m also a huge pinball fan, so I appreciate Drew’s love of the machines. This is my favorite book in the series.
May 25, 2021
A another amazing love story from the Geek Ink series. Each and every one of these books have been amazing so I knew this one wouldn’t disappoint.
Ceasar has been the grumpy growly boss of Blade through all the previous books and I’m so happy he got his happy ending. No one would have guessed it was the son of an ex lover that turns his once loner life upside down. Drew is looking to get to know a dad he never knew. A man already past but he thinks he can get some answers from Ceasar. What starts off as a tattoo turns into a path that neither knew was coming. This book has to be me favourite in all of the Geek Ink series. It’s amazingly sweet story and an even better happy ending. Loved it!
Ceasar has been the grumpy growly boss of Blade through all the previous books and I’m so happy he got his happy ending. No one would have guessed it was the son of an ex lover that turns his once loner life upside down. Drew is looking to get to know a dad he never knew. A man already past but he thinks he can get some answers from Ceasar. What starts off as a tattoo turns into a path that neither knew was coming. This book has to be me favourite in all of the Geek Ink series. It’s amazingly sweet story and an even better happy ending. Loved it!
May 30, 2021
4.5 "My Softie" stars 🌟🌟🌟
I am a huge fan of this series and was so excited to read Caesar's book, and it sure didn't disappoint!!! I absolutely loved to see Drew slowly but surely break down Caesar's prickly exterior to exposed his soft, sexy, loving soul ❤️ And Drew, my heart went out to him, so broken and so lost...after losing his only family, Caesar was so perfect for him..... where he was weak Caesar was strong, where he was soft, Caesar was gruff...... perfection!!! The steamy scenes in this book are off the charts hot 🔥... all I'm going to say is motorcycle 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 you'll understand once you read. I was also glad not much time was spent on the Mack issue, I didn't think is was relevant to dwell on and it would of taken away from our MCS story. Once again R Cayden gave us one sexy, yet sweet m/m romance...I highly recommend this one especially for fans of this book series!!
* I received and ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review*
I am a huge fan of this series and was so excited to read Caesar's book, and it sure didn't disappoint!!! I absolutely loved to see Drew slowly but surely break down Caesar's prickly exterior to exposed his soft, sexy, loving soul ❤️ And Drew, my heart went out to him, so broken and so lost...after losing his only family, Caesar was so perfect for him..... where he was weak Caesar was strong, where he was soft, Caesar was gruff...... perfection!!! The steamy scenes in this book are off the charts hot 🔥... all I'm going to say is motorcycle 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 you'll understand once you read. I was also glad not much time was spent on the Mack issue, I didn't think is was relevant to dwell on and it would of taken away from our MCS story. Once again R Cayden gave us one sexy, yet sweet m/m romance...I highly recommend this one especially for fans of this book series!!
* I received and ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review*
May 28, 2021
This is a sweet and lovely story with amazing characters and an intriguing storyline. I love Drew so much and his quest to learn more about the father he never knew leads him to Chicago where he meets Caesar. In spite of the grumpy man's unwillingness to hear him out when he tracks him down Drew perseveres and what starts out as an uneasy friendship leads to so much more. Caesar is a sweetheart under his gruff and crusty exterior and I love how Drew is able to slowly bring him out of his shell. They are exactly what the other needs and I love how their relationship evolves. There are some interesting secondary characters as well, the ending is great and I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
May 29, 2021
On of the earliest m/m romances and the first biker romance I read used the age gap and tough/gentle dichotomy for the characters and it hooked me on these types of stories for life. That book, focused more on a motorcycle club, while this story is focused more on the characters of Drew and Caesar and it is excellent. Drew's search for information about his father makes finding Caesar and the age difference completely plausible and explains why Drew hangs around despite Caesar's initial rebuffs. The chemistry between them is palpable, Caesar's backstory provides some angst and obstacles to their relationship, but these are nicely overcome. A great relationship story with two great characters.
May 29, 2021
Ceaser ❤'s Drew
R. Cayden is it amazing author! I haven't read all his work I'm kind of a little behind but everything that I have read so far I have completely enjoyed. And it was no different with this book.
I love reading these kind of books because it just goes to remind you that love has no limits.
When Drews mom passes away he finds out about his bio dad and on the hunt for information about his dad he finds way more than he expected. Drew and Caesar are definitely opposites but they are oh so perfect for each other. I love the dynamic of this story and how close everybody is together, they're one big happy family And I can't wait to see what's next!❤😃
*I received a copy of this book from GRR, and this is my honest review*
R. Cayden is it amazing author! I haven't read all his work I'm kind of a little behind but everything that I have read so far I have completely enjoyed. And it was no different with this book.
I love reading these kind of books because it just goes to remind you that love has no limits.
When Drews mom passes away he finds out about his bio dad and on the hunt for information about his dad he finds way more than he expected. Drew and Caesar are definitely opposites but they are oh so perfect for each other. I love the dynamic of this story and how close everybody is together, they're one big happy family And I can't wait to see what's next!❤😃
*I received a copy of this book from GRR, and this is my honest review*
August 12, 2022
A young man trying to track down people that might have known his birth father (his mom never told him who he was) ends up at a tattoo shop in Chicago where he meets the gruff, silver haired owner who did know his father (as did many of the tattoo artists in the shop). The young man is almost immediately taken with the much older man (20 years) and he has a big mountain to climb to get him interested. The story is him climbing that mountain.
I enjoyed this book alot. It is a little more explicitly sexy than most of the M/M stories I read and I don't mean more pages of steam but more details and descriptive dirty times, but the relationship between a young man with stars in his eyes and the old gruffy tattoo artist was very good.
I enjoyed this book alot. It is a little more explicitly sexy than most of the M/M stories I read and I don't mean more pages of steam but more details and descriptive dirty times, but the relationship between a young man with stars in his eyes and the old gruffy tattoo artist was very good.
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