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Obsessed with Him #1
Claiming the Cleanfreak
Opposites don’t attract, but Isaac is still going to get what’s his.
Isaac is a class A shitheel with only three things on his mind: his next vape break, his next paycheck, and a just-for-fun feud with fun-police coworker, Atticus.
Atticus is a surface level stick-in-the-mud. Cleancut and built, he's never found without hand sanitizer or a scowl. He hates three things: a disorganized workspace, germs of any kind, and Isaac.
The two exist on the verge of Atticus’s fist down Isaac’s throat at all times, until one day, Isaac discovers a secret: Atticus’s pierced nipples. Something clicks in his head, and Isaac goes from zero to a hundred. Obsessed. He has to have Atticus — whether or not the big guy is on board with this budding romance.
Things move fast, but Isaac isn't happy just to get him in bed. He needs to own Atticus body and soul — and doing so requires confronting Atticus’s germophobia, by making him more scared of the person who loves him than he is of a dirty floor.
At 34k, Claiming the Cleanfreak starts as a bully romance which becomes much darker. It contains very rough and explicit scenes. Further warnings inside.
Isaac is a class A shitheel with only three things on his mind: his next vape break, his next paycheck, and a just-for-fun feud with fun-police coworker, Atticus.
Atticus is a surface level stick-in-the-mud. Cleancut and built, he's never found without hand sanitizer or a scowl. He hates three things: a disorganized workspace, germs of any kind, and Isaac.
The two exist on the verge of Atticus’s fist down Isaac’s throat at all times, until one day, Isaac discovers a secret: Atticus’s pierced nipples. Something clicks in his head, and Isaac goes from zero to a hundred. Obsessed. He has to have Atticus — whether or not the big guy is on board with this budding romance.
Things move fast, but Isaac isn't happy just to get him in bed. He needs to own Atticus body and soul — and doing so requires confronting Atticus’s germophobia, by making him more scared of the person who loves him than he is of a dirty floor.
At 34k, Claiming the Cleanfreak starts as a bully romance which becomes much darker. It contains very rough and explicit scenes. Further warnings inside.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2021
145 people are currently reading
889 people want to read
About the author
Daniel May
52 books646 followersDaniel May writes MM romance and erotica with a focus on dark contemporary, kink, and BDSM. Originally a lover of sci-fi and fantasy, he turned his sights on the erotic as a joke that went over surprisingly well.
Completed series: The Taste of Ink (rereleased as A Fresh Taste of Ink trilogy)
Ongoing series: Hanged Men
Facebook group, the Daniel May Maelstrom:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/23035...
Sign up for the newsletter at danielmayauthor.com to receive free bonus content, news, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at upcoming works.-
Completed series: The Taste of Ink (rereleased as A Fresh Taste of Ink trilogy)
Ongoing series: Hanged Men
Facebook group, the Daniel May Maelstrom:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/23035...
Sign up for the newsletter at danielmayauthor.com to receive free bonus content, news, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at upcoming works.-
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
June 23, 2024
This shit's so good, should be illegal / Need round two, I need a sequel (Can I – Kehlani).
Well, I’m back up on my bullshit. This was supposed to be a Pride Month read, so why do I feel such shame? Okay, let me try to explain; there’s this song called “California” by Childish Gambino and when I first listened to it, I seriously thought it was the worst thing I've ever heard. But this was back when I used to listen to albums in their entirety to “immerse myself in the whole story the artist was trying to tell,” or whatever, so I never skipped it when it came on. And after a while, the strangest thing happened, a million listens later I actually started jamming to it. Like, it’s kind of a bop? I mean, I still don't like it all that much, but I listen to it, don't I? That's got to count for something! Besides, sometimes I crave shitty music. You probably know where this is going, this book is pure trash, and maybe I mean that in a good way? I’m not sure yet. I read it in a couple hours, didn't I? That's got to... you get it. All I know is that I don’t think it’s a good thing to only associate queer fiction with “wholesomeness,” and only expecting our stories to be on the level, all the time, is not cool. Disney-esque, sanitized fiction is definitely not what I want when it comes to representation. It’s not fair that we don’t get problematic stories every now and then too! Well, it’s not that deep, but when Crazy, Rich, Asians came out, I specifically remember people saying it was problematic because it didn’t “represent the real Asian experience” (whatever than means), like it was a problem that it didn't serve as a beacon for the common folk? Let’s be real for a second, nobody’s checking that movie out because they want a fulfilling cultural experience, they watch it because they want to see crazy rich Asians do what they do best... some crazy rich Asian shit! Also because Henry Golding is hot. Also, also, the guy on this cover is hot. Anyway, my point being, if I have one, is that I think we all need our fair share of mid media, it’s what makes the world go around. Maybe I’m just rationalizing, but I’m not lying when I say that sometimes I don’t want to read a book that makes me “feel all the feels,” sometimes I just… want to listen to bad music. If you catch my drift. Is this book any good? Nah, probably not, I thought it was actually pretty bad… so it was perfect. It was weirdly refreshing to read something that was about nothing more than a four-letter-feel-right. I’m clearly very embarrassed here, and when I’m embarrassed, I default to talking some serious nonsense. Um, how’d I do? Oh wait, let me cover my bases: #problematic. Okay, there.
Well, I’m back up on my bullshit. This was supposed to be a Pride Month read, so why do I feel such shame? Okay, let me try to explain; there’s this song called “California” by Childish Gambino and when I first listened to it, I seriously thought it was the worst thing I've ever heard. But this was back when I used to listen to albums in their entirety to “immerse myself in the whole story the artist was trying to tell,” or whatever, so I never skipped it when it came on. And after a while, the strangest thing happened, a million listens later I actually started jamming to it. Like, it’s kind of a bop? I mean, I still don't like it all that much, but I listen to it, don't I? That's got to count for something! Besides, sometimes I crave shitty music. You probably know where this is going, this book is pure trash, and maybe I mean that in a good way? I’m not sure yet. I read it in a couple hours, didn't I? That's got to... you get it. All I know is that I don’t think it’s a good thing to only associate queer fiction with “wholesomeness,” and only expecting our stories to be on the level, all the time, is not cool. Disney-esque, sanitized fiction is definitely not what I want when it comes to representation. It’s not fair that we don’t get problematic stories every now and then too! Well, it’s not that deep, but when Crazy, Rich, Asians came out, I specifically remember people saying it was problematic because it didn’t “represent the real Asian experience” (whatever than means), like it was a problem that it didn't serve as a beacon for the common folk? Let’s be real for a second, nobody’s checking that movie out because they want a fulfilling cultural experience, they watch it because they want to see crazy rich Asians do what they do best... some crazy rich Asian shit! Also because Henry Golding is hot. Also, also, the guy on this cover is hot. Anyway, my point being, if I have one, is that I think we all need our fair share of mid media, it’s what makes the world go around. Maybe I’m just rationalizing, but I’m not lying when I say that sometimes I don’t want to read a book that makes me “feel all the feels,” sometimes I just… want to listen to bad music. If you catch my drift. Is this book any good? Nah, probably not, I thought it was actually pretty bad… so it was perfect. It was weirdly refreshing to read something that was about nothing more than a four-letter-feel-right. I’m clearly very embarrassed here, and when I’m embarrassed, I default to talking some serious nonsense. Um, how’d I do? Oh wait, let me cover my bases: #problematic. Okay, there.
June 26, 2021
⭐ 3.4 "Can I get some [porn] with a side of [porn], please?" stars ⭐
What I expected from this book? Smut. What I got? Also smut… but featuring one of the most hilariously psychopathic protagonists I've read in a while.
So clearly…
Because what more could I ask for in my erotica truly.
*****************************
First and foremost, I'll open this up by letting my cavewoman instincts kick in and say...
This was HAWT. Blood-boiling, underwear-tossing, sweat-inducing kind of hot. So if you're looking for something to melt your kindle, phone, or whatever other device you read on, then look no further.
The real star of the show besides the steamy content, however, and who I will be focusing on for the sake of this review, was our dearly unbalanced MC Isaac Kaz.
You know Joe from the show/book series "You"? Well, now make him the kind of loser who takes "vape breaks" at work and wears shoes indoors, then rearrange his looks until he resembles a twink (because let's face it, Joe is a twunk at most), and that's the protagonist Isaac right there.
He was cray cray, an unrepentant asshole, and had the empathy of a loaded pistol. Which, of course, meant I instantly liked him.
But don’t take my word for it. Instead, allow me to drop some gems from his treasure trove of delusions:
(Context: Isaac is pestering his friend for tips on how to sway Atticus, aka the "cleanfreak" from the title)
😍 Is there anything more romantic 😍
‘Twas really the mood from the start.
And then, once he manages to isolate Atticus, who is a germaphobe mind you, and the guy tries to escape:
🥰 Gawd, don't you love it when he [weaponizes your crippling phobia in order to coax you into hearing his unwanted confession]🥰
My reaction whenever Isaac even breathed.
What he then proceeds to tell Atticus, after making sure the guy cannot physically leave:
Again, have you ever read a more charmingand insane hero?
Isaac right here. Luckily for us readers, he never really did quelch the compulsion.
Mind you, this is as good a time as any to reveal… all of the above happened before I even hit the 16% mark. So you already know things will get even wilder. The story might as well take place in a jungle with how civilized our delightful MC was.
More examples of his lunacy:
(Context: Isaac discovers Atticus won't attack him even after all of his outrageousharassment behavior)
Atticus: *chooses to be civilized and doesn’t publically beat up Isaac at work*
Isaac:
It's the jumps in logics and common sense for me.
And then, when it comes time to plan that wonderful date heextorted out of convinced Atticus to agree on?
Why, do I ask myself, don't they make Valentine Day cards out of this stuff.
😌"Let me clap dem cheeks, but why not cuddle afterward too?"😌
The kind of romanticism it gave me flashbacks to. True 21st century icons.
Yet do not fret too much, because the cleanfreak/germaphobe Atticus? Well, he was not exactly well-adjusted either. For all his fight and plight, he sure ended up finding in his new unhinged stalker the perfect excuse to finallyfuck let go. And fuck let go he did.
By the way, for anybody who knows what "himbofication" means? That's Atticus' entire character arc in this. If you don’t happen to have the knowledge though, please…
Just don’t.
If you still chose to do so, I hereby relinquish any legal and ethical responsibilities for the possible trauma you might acquire. Will not be paying therapy feeds or compensations.
Over and out.
*****************************
As for the brief closing thoughts for a review that was definitely longer than it should've been...
This was wrong, hilarious, lacked sense and logic, was unrepentantly morally bankrupt, toxic, and insanely hot. It also might've needed a few (a lot) more proofreads, a hell of a ton more editing, and about a dozen or so corrections of typos.
But do I truly mind any of the issues I just listed?
Or well, I mostly don’t. I was too busy being simultaneously entertained and amazed by the story itself.
*****************************
Now, since this is a sort of tradition for any book that I rate 3 stars and up…
Keywords to help you decide whether this might be the tale for you:
Sky-high amounts of smut. Degradation/Humiliation Kink. An underlying (not entirely logical) meaning… somewhere below all of the erotica. Delicious power imbalance. A very morally bankrupt protagonist. Stalking tendencies. Depiction of germophobia. Awful people (the MC) weaponizing said phobia. Blackmailing. Extensive discussions of creampies. And a sadistic twink who can't stop thinking about topping his hunk of a coworker. Size differences while we're at it (re-read previous statement). Delusion —you will be swimming in it. Himbofication —which I again recommend not googling. And, at last, a messed-up and OTT version of a HEA… for the psychotic MC at least.
What I expected from this book? Smut. What I got? Also smut… but featuring one of the most hilariously psychopathic protagonists I've read in a while.
So clearly…
Because what more could I ask for in my erotica truly.
*****************************
First and foremost, I'll open this up by letting my cavewoman instincts kick in and say...
This was HAWT. Blood-boiling, underwear-tossing, sweat-inducing kind of hot. So if you're looking for something to melt your kindle, phone, or whatever other device you read on, then look no further.
The real star of the show besides the steamy content, however, and who I will be focusing on for the sake of this review, was our dearly unbalanced MC Isaac Kaz.
You know Joe from the show/book series "You"? Well, now make him the kind of loser who takes "vape breaks" at work and wears shoes indoors, then rearrange his looks until he resembles a twink (because let's face it, Joe is a twunk at most), and that's the protagonist Isaac right there.
He was cray cray, an unrepentant asshole, and had the empathy of a loaded pistol. Which, of course, meant I instantly liked him.
But don’t take my word for it. Instead, allow me to drop some gems from his treasure trove of delusions:
(Context: Isaac is pestering his friend for tips on how to sway Atticus, aka the "cleanfreak" from the title)
“This civil shit doesn’t work. He hates me too much.”
“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” said Zack. “You think you’re going to undo all the ill will in eight hours?”
“Then I don’t give a shit about ill will. He doesn’t have to like me,” Isaac asserted, insisting. “He can think I’m a fucking shit person, just as long as he lets me kiss and fuck him.”
😍 Is there anything more romantic 😍
‘Twas really the mood from the start.
And then, once he manages to isolate Atticus, who is a germaphobe mind you, and the guy tries to escape:
“He plunged his hand into the garbage, grabbed a dirty napkin, and swiped it over the door handle. Atticus jerked back as if the handle were suddenly coated in acid. Before Atticus could act, Isaac seized his trusty bottle of hand sanitizer and chucked it in the garbage.”
🥰 Gawd, don't you love it when he [weaponizes your crippling phobia in order to coax you into hearing his unwanted confession]🥰
My reaction whenever Isaac even breathed.
What he then proceeds to tell Atticus, after making sure the guy cannot physically leave:
“Give me one date.”
“Fuck you,” whispered Atticus.
“Just one,” said Isaac, gritting his teeth with the force of will it took not to get his dirty hands all over Atticus, get him flinching and reacting under Isaac’s grimy touch. “I’m not asking for that fucking much. One movie. Popcorn. Sodas. It’s not that fucking hard, Atty. And I’m not putting a gun to your head here.”
“I’m sure you would if you had one,” said Atticus, completely cold.
Maybe.
Again, have you ever read a more charming
Isaac right here. Luckily for us readers, he never really did quelch the compulsion.
Mind you, this is as good a time as any to reveal… all of the above happened before I even hit the 16% mark. So you already know things will get even wilder. The story might as well take place in a jungle with how civilized our delightful MC was.
More examples of his lunacy:
(Context: Isaac discovers Atticus won't attack him even after all of his outrageous
“Atticus could have clocked Isaac, probably should have. He was tall, he obviously worked out. He could have put Isaac on the floor. Put Isaac’s fucking lights out.
But he hadn’t.
He let Isaac look.
He would let Isaac fuck.
Isaac knew it.”
Atticus: *chooses to be civilized and doesn’t publically beat up Isaac at work*
Isaac:
It's the jumps in logics and common sense for me.
And then, when it comes time to plan that wonderful date he
“He needed a gift.
Something romantic.
Something to make Atticus feel more welcome in his apartment. Less held at gunpoint. Something to show Atticus that yeah, Isaac wanted to clap his cheeks doggystyle until he’d obliterated them, but he also wanted to spoon him under a ton of comforters, make out in the grass at a park, grope him in the back seats of a movie theater... all that cheesy shit.”
Why, do I ask myself, don't they make Valentine Day cards out of this stuff.
😌"Let me clap dem cheeks, but why not cuddle afterward too?"😌
The kind of romanticism it gave me flashbacks to. True 21st century icons.
Yet do not fret too much, because the cleanfreak/germaphobe Atticus? Well, he was not exactly well-adjusted either. For all his fight and plight, he sure ended up finding in his new unhinged stalker the perfect excuse to finally
By the way, for anybody who knows what "himbofication" means? That's Atticus' entire character arc in this. If you don’t happen to have the knowledge though, please…
Just don’t.
If you still chose to do so, I hereby relinquish any legal and ethical responsibilities for the possible trauma you might acquire. Will not be paying therapy feeds or compensations.
Over and out.
*****************************
As for the brief closing thoughts for a review that was definitely longer than it should've been...
This was wrong, hilarious, lacked sense and logic, was unrepentantly morally bankrupt, toxic, and insanely hot. It also might've needed a few (a lot) more proofreads, a hell of a ton more editing, and about a dozen or so corrections of typos.
But do I truly mind any of the issues I just listed?
Or well, I mostly don’t. I was too busy being simultaneously entertained and amazed by the story itself.
*****************************
Now, since this is a sort of tradition for any book that I rate 3 stars and up…
Keywords to help you decide whether this might be the tale for you:
Sky-high amounts of smut. Degradation/Humiliation Kink. An underlying (not entirely logical) meaning… somewhere below all of the erotica. Delicious power imbalance. A very morally bankrupt protagonist. Stalking tendencies. Depiction of germophobia. Awful people (the MC) weaponizing said phobia. Blackmailing. Extensive discussions of creampies. And a sadistic twink who can't stop thinking about topping his hunk of a coworker. Size differences while we're at it (re-read previous statement). Delusion —you will be swimming in it. Himbofication —which I again recommend not googling. And, at last, a messed-up and OTT version of a HEA… for the psychotic MC at least.
![Profile Image for Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1700013408i%2F101358081._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 6, 2025
|| 3.0 stars ||
Oh okay, then... This was pretty damn weird, I'm not going to lie.
It was also slightly ridiculous, but not necessarily in a bad way, just.. in an odd and over-the-top kind of way.
It's also extremely smutty, and very kinky with some pretty intense content.
This started out with an extremely obnoxious and rude main character, who lives to make his uptight and germophobic co-worker's life absolutely miserable.
Then, suddenly, it's like Isaac sees Atticus for the very first time, and he's instantly obsessed.
Of course, before Atticus will allow Isaac to date him, Isaac still has to deal with the fact that Atticus absolutely hates his guts after all the shit Isaac has put him through during all the months they've worked together.
Slowly but surely Isaac wears Atticus down. He basically completely destroys Atticus's defences, until he no longer puts up a fight. They start having sex, and my god, it was intense. There's dubious consent, spitting, humiliation, sadism/masochism, domination, etc.
Some of the shit they did together was downright nasty. I'm still not entirely sure if these two were just incredibly kinky together or if Isaac somehow absolutely destroyed Atticus's psyche and had him in some sort of twistedly abusive 'relationship' with him. Either way, it was... something.
Isaac was definitely extremely manipulative and the guy honestly kind of scares me. Is this how people get talked into a toxic relationship?
Anyway, this was hot, but also interesting psychologically speaking. Isaac is definitely bat-shit crazy, and I'm still not sure whether I should be happy for Atticus that he got to 'let go' because he's actually just naturally submissive, or if he is a victim to Isaac's mental, physical and sexual abuse.
Most likely, I'm reading a little bit too deeply into an erotica novel. So, even aside from all that, just know: this is super kinky and if you're into this sort of stuff you're going to be very happy with this book and will probably end up extremely hot and bothered.
Daniel May books:
‘A Taste of Ink’ series - var. ratings
Claiming the Cleanfreak - 3.0 stars
Oh okay, then... This was pretty damn weird, I'm not going to lie.
It was also slightly ridiculous, but not necessarily in a bad way, just.. in an odd and over-the-top kind of way.
It's also extremely smutty, and very kinky with some pretty intense content.
This started out with an extremely obnoxious and rude main character, who lives to make his uptight and germophobic co-worker's life absolutely miserable.
Then, suddenly, it's like Isaac sees Atticus for the very first time, and he's instantly obsessed.
Was it possible to fall in love with someone just by finding out they had their nipples pierced?
Of course, before Atticus will allow Isaac to date him, Isaac still has to deal with the fact that Atticus absolutely hates his guts after all the shit Isaac has put him through during all the months they've worked together.
“Why do you want to go out with someone who doesn’t like you?”
“You’ll learn to like me. I know I’ve been a dick, but that was on purpose. I can just as easily be a total sweetheart.”
“That’s just a front. I still know what you’re like. I still dislike you.”
Slowly but surely Isaac wears Atticus down. He basically completely destroys Atticus's defences, until he no longer puts up a fight. They start having sex, and my god, it was intense. There's dubious consent, spitting, humiliation, sadism/masochism, domination, etc.
“Never tell me what I can and can’t do okay?” Isaac suggested softly. He stroked Atticus’s throat, gave it a gentle squeeze that made Atticus arch his hips up and shudder. “Answer me when I talk to you.”
Atticus breathed a “Yes.”
“You never get to say no,” said Isaac. “Not to a kiss, not to a tongue in your ass, not to my cock. You know if you had it your way you’d never be getting dicked down at all, right? All that gorgeous muscle gone to waste. You need someone to tell you what to do with it. Right?”
“Right,” whispered Atticus.
“Open your mouth,” said Isaac.
Atticus opened it, and Isaac leaned over and spat in his mouth.
“Close,” said Isaac. “And swallow.”
Atticus swallowed.
Some of the shit they did together was downright nasty. I'm still not entirely sure if these two were just incredibly kinky together or if Isaac somehow absolutely destroyed Atticus's psyche and had him in some sort of twistedly abusive 'relationship' with him. Either way, it was... something.
Isaac gathered spit from the corner of his mouth, balled it up on the flat of his tongue, and stuck his tongue out.
Atticus silently licked it clean, and swallowed.
Isaac left his tongue out, letting Atticus continue to lick for a minute, quiet and soft and compliant, doing what he had been told to do.
Then Isaac closed his lips and let it turn into a kiss.
“If you give me anything less than a ‘yes, okay’ one more time,” he said softy. “I’m going to stick your head in the garbage can and fuck you like that.”
Isaac was definitely extremely manipulative and the guy honestly kind of scares me. Is this how people get talked into a toxic relationship?
“I love you. I’m in love with you. Everything about you. I’m obsessed with you. I know I’ve been rough. I don’t want to be. I promise… be good for me, do what I say, and I’ll treat you so well. I’ll be a better boyfriend than you can imagine. All you have to do is give it all to me. It’s so easy.”
Anyway, this was hot, but also interesting psychologically speaking. Isaac is definitely bat-shit crazy, and I'm still not sure whether I should be happy for Atticus that he got to 'let go' because he's actually just naturally submissive, or if he is a victim to Isaac's mental, physical and sexual abuse.
Most likely, I'm reading a little bit too deeply into an erotica novel. So, even aside from all that, just know: this is super kinky and if you're into this sort of stuff you're going to be very happy with this book and will probably end up extremely hot and bothered.
Daniel May books:
‘A Taste of Ink’ series - var. ratings
Claiming the Cleanfreak - 3.0 stars
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 4, 2023
“I know I’ve been rough,” said Isaac. “I don’t want to be. I promise… be good for me, do what I say, and I’ll treat you so well. I’ll be a better boyfriend than you could imagine. All you have to do is give it all to me. It’s so easy.”
Issac is a lazy shithead who antagonizes his co-worker Attaticus. He’s obnoxious and rude - nothing about him is redeemable, and sprinkle ASPD, he’s a bit of a nightmare. Atticus is a germaphobe and an easy target to bully. However, one day, Issac glimpses his pierced nipples and becomes obsessed. He needs to have Atticus, but after his antics and behaviour, getting Atticus to agree to sleep with him becomes quite a task and he won’t take no for an answer.
Issac is messed up. Once he sets his eyes on Atticus, he does not care about how he treated him in the past; he breaks down Atticus and works to ensure that he understands who he belongs to. He literally uses Atticus’s issues against him.
Goodness, this story was so wild. It’s definitely on the darker erotica side. Issac is not a good person, so seeing him trying to be friendly and normal in order to attract Atticus made me laugh. The way he quickly gives up the pretence when it doesn’t work is amusing because why would the man you borderline harassed be jumping to be with you suddenly? Atticus isn’t stupid, but unfortunately, things are not in his favour.
I loved how unhinged Issac was about his possessiveness of Atticus. It’s OTT, and the insta love or insta obsession from Issac was amusing to see manifest in the most insane ways.
I enjoyed the heavy dose of domination, dubcon and kinks. Atticus’s body is what gives in first before his mind slowly comes to accept his new reality. He’s taller, well-built and stronger than Issac (he can punch him anytime) but realizes deep deep down (after some roughing) that he’s meant to submit. He’s a virgin and with his personality + fear of germs, he's very closed off, but Issac does not care.
Overall while I enjoyed Claiming the Clean Freak I just with we had Atticus's POV. This book had a lot of elements I love so it was the perfect darker erotic read for me. Some scenes may be tough to read for some readers, so please do check TW/CWs because Issac is a fucked up individual.
Issac is a lazy shithead who antagonizes his co-worker Attaticus. He’s obnoxious and rude - nothing about him is redeemable, and sprinkle ASPD, he’s a bit of a nightmare. Atticus is a germaphobe and an easy target to bully. However, one day, Issac glimpses his pierced nipples and becomes obsessed. He needs to have Atticus, but after his antics and behaviour, getting Atticus to agree to sleep with him becomes quite a task and he won’t take no for an answer.
He hated the pine-scented prick, his cold attitude and refusal to make friends, hated him for failing to rise to Isaac’s jabs and the way he never made himself a drink even though they were free to make as many as they wanted for themselves.
Issac is messed up. Once he sets his eyes on Atticus, he does not care about how he treated him in the past; he breaks down Atticus and works to ensure that he understands who he belongs to. He literally uses Atticus’s issues against him.
Goodness, this story was so wild. It’s definitely on the darker erotica side. Issac is not a good person, so seeing him trying to be friendly and normal in order to attract Atticus made me laugh. The way he quickly gives up the pretence when it doesn’t work is amusing because why would the man you borderline harassed be jumping to be with you suddenly? Atticus isn’t stupid, but unfortunately, things are not in his favour.
"Still, he gnawed his finger, trying to think of a gesture. Something romantic. Something to make Atticus feel more welcome in his apartment. Less held at gunpoint. Something to show Atticus that yeah, Isaac wanted to clap his cheeks doggystyle until he’d obliterated them, but he also wanted to spoon him under a ton of comforters, make out in the grass at a park, grope him in the back seats of a movie theater... all that cheesy shit."
I loved how unhinged Issac was about his possessiveness of Atticus. It’s OTT, and the insta love or insta obsession from Issac was amusing to see manifest in the most insane ways.
At his core, what he really wanted was Atticus snoozing in his bed, Atticus sharing breakfast with him, Atticus leaning in to willingly kiss him, he just wanted Atticus. He wanted him so bad. He’d never wanted anyone, anything so bad. Never liked anyone so much. ...but he had also never taken so much delight in sheer sadism.
All of Atticus’s body felt like it belonged to him. The pierced cock, pierced nipples. They were Isaac’s, now. His. Firm ass, squeezable pecs. His. Atticus’s pissy attitude, his disgust and his fear — all of that belonged to Isaac, too.
I enjoyed the heavy dose of domination, dubcon and kinks. Atticus’s body is what gives in first before his mind slowly comes to accept his new reality. He’s taller, well-built and stronger than Issac (he can punch him anytime) but realizes deep deep down (after some roughing) that he’s meant to submit. He’s a virgin and with his personality + fear of germs, he's very closed off, but Issac does not care.
Never tell me what I can and can’t do, okay?” Isaac suggested softly. “You’re way too big and shredded to have an opinion.” He stroked Atticus’s throat, gave it a gentle squeeze that made Atticus arch his hips up and shudder. “Answer me when I talk to you.” Atticus breathed a “Yes.”
“You never get to say no,” said Isaac. “Not to a kiss, not to a tongue in your ass, not to my cock. You know if you had it your way you’d never be getting dicked down at all, right? All that gorgeous muscle gone to waste. You need someone to tell you what to do with it. Right?”
Overall while I enjoyed Claiming the Clean Freak I just with we had Atticus's POV. This book had a lot of elements I love so it was the perfect darker erotic read for me. Some scenes may be tough to read for some readers, so please do check TW/CWs because Issac is a fucked up individual.
June 23, 2021
This isn’t a dark hea...this is abuse
This is coercion and abuse at its finest. I love a good, dark read, but hitting someone until they fear you and only do what you say to avoid being hit is in no way exciting or erotic. It’s abuse, plain and simple. A masochist would get off on the pain, not flinch in fear of it. This was terrible. My first and last time reading anything by this author.
This is coercion and abuse at its finest. I love a good, dark read, but hitting someone until they fear you and only do what you say to avoid being hit is in no way exciting or erotic. It’s abuse, plain and simple. A masochist would get off on the pain, not flinch in fear of it. This was terrible. My first and last time reading anything by this author.
dnf
April 5, 2022This bit of kinky-weird erotica isn't my usual fare, but as part of an effort to haul myself out of a book slump I thought I'd try something different. Don't be fooled by the fact that I DNF'd — the writing here is excellent, far superior to the typical m/m fare. Everything flows in a way that feels so natural and so effortless — this author is the real deal.
I was enjoying — make that "enjoying" — being inside Isaac's slightly twisted, definitely pervy head, but then, during a sex scene, he did something that GROSSED ME OUT, and with an involuntary yelp I snapped my Kindle shut and that was the end of that. It's a me thing, as far as I can tell; I know from other books that other readers seem to take it in stride but damn. I cannot. *full body shudder*
Okay, moving right along — like I said, this Daniel May guy can write. I'm going to follow him and haunt his backlist in hopes of finding something else to try.
I was enjoying — make that "enjoying" — being inside Isaac's slightly twisted, definitely pervy head, but then, during a sex scene, he did something that GROSSED ME OUT, and with an involuntary yelp I snapped my Kindle shut and that was the end of that. It's a me thing, as far as I can tell; I know from other books that other readers seem to take it in stride but damn. I cannot. *full body shudder*
Okay, moving right along — like I said, this Daniel May guy can write. I'm going to follow him and haunt his backlist in hopes of finding something else to try.
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December 6, 2022MM Dark Erotica
Obsessive Psychopath
No Rating
A To Z Book Title Challenge: C This is on my TBR, I own it from a free sale and it’s been wasting away forever in my kindle.
This is one of those books I can’t rate because I have no idea if I liked it or not. Daniel May has this special talent for making me super uncomfortable and yet I keep picking up his books. I definitely prefer his dark erotica over his attempts at actual romance books but his characters are just so incredibly irredeemable and batshit crazy that I spend most of my time disgusted yet strangely turned on because damn can he bring the kink. He also has a knack for making his books more and more disturbing as time goes on unlike other dark romance authors who keep the vibe the same throughout the entire book. I both appreciate and loathe this about his books because I know it’s going to push the boundaries of what I find acceptable. I always read trigger warnings if they are there because I’m curious by nature and like to know what I’m getting myself into but I’m rarely triggered by anything so I find it fascinating that Daniel May can both delight and disgust me in equal measure.
Isaac and Atticus are both terrible characters for different reasons. Isaac is obsessive, possessive and a bit sadistic while Atticus came across as a mute doormat unless he was whimpering about germs. The dubcon is fantastic in this book but the sex scenes where Atticus is actually saying “Don’t” while sobbing into the sheets in pain made me a bit uncomfortable. It just didn’t read like consent and because we never see Atticus’ POV, it almost felt like sexual assault at times. Consent doesn’t have to be the actual word yes for me to be okay with it in books but unless it’s CNC, the words “Don’t” and “Stop” are hard for me to read when a character has spoken almost no words until then. I didn’t give two fucks about Atticus’s well-being but it toed the date rape assault line in a way that challenged my own feelings on the subject but strangely, I still couldn’t put it down.
So yah no rating because Daniel May somehow broke my brain and I’m unable to figure out if this book is amazing or absolute garbage.
Obsessive Psychopath
No Rating
A To Z Book Title Challenge: C This is on my TBR, I own it from a free sale and it’s been wasting away forever in my kindle.
This is one of those books I can’t rate because I have no idea if I liked it or not. Daniel May has this special talent for making me super uncomfortable and yet I keep picking up his books. I definitely prefer his dark erotica over his attempts at actual romance books but his characters are just so incredibly irredeemable and batshit crazy that I spend most of my time disgusted yet strangely turned on because damn can he bring the kink. He also has a knack for making his books more and more disturbing as time goes on unlike other dark romance authors who keep the vibe the same throughout the entire book. I both appreciate and loathe this about his books because I know it’s going to push the boundaries of what I find acceptable. I always read trigger warnings if they are there because I’m curious by nature and like to know what I’m getting myself into but I’m rarely triggered by anything so I find it fascinating that Daniel May can both delight and disgust me in equal measure.
Isaac and Atticus are both terrible characters for different reasons. Isaac is obsessive, possessive and a bit sadistic while Atticus came across as a mute doormat unless he was whimpering about germs. The dubcon is fantastic in this book but the sex scenes where Atticus is actually saying “Don’t” while sobbing into the sheets in pain made me a bit uncomfortable. It just didn’t read like consent and because we never see Atticus’ POV, it almost felt like sexual assault at times. Consent doesn’t have to be the actual word yes for me to be okay with it in books but unless it’s CNC, the words “Don’t” and “Stop” are hard for me to read when a character has spoken almost no words until then. I didn’t give two fucks about Atticus’s well-being but it toed the date rape assault line in a way that challenged my own feelings on the subject but strangely, I still couldn’t put it down.
So yah no rating because Daniel May somehow broke my brain and I’m unable to figure out if this book is amazing or absolute garbage.
March 3, 2024
Reread: just as good the second time around. RTC
February 19, 2022
I’m detecting a theme in Daniel May books where the MC sort of instincts their way into being exactly what the other MC needs, even if that thing is complete twisted fuckery. I normally hate the “magic healing peen” trope but apparently “twisted fuckery magic peen” is a particular kink of mine.
Totally enjoyed this.
Totally enjoyed this.
July 18, 2022
Damn, that was equal parts fucked up and HOT AS HELL. Once I got past the first few chapters I could not stop reading. 🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥
January 13, 2022
This was a great dark erotica read, with a ...subjective HEA. I loved how obsessive Isaac was. His complete focus onto Atticus was done so well.
I really liked Zack, even as we didn't see much of him. Intriguing character.
The sex, so dirtyhot. The caretaking scene was cute. The manipulation and mindbreaking was mesmerizing to read. I'm glad it was only Isaac's POV.
Overall, an excellent read.
I really liked Zack, even as we didn't see much of him. Intriguing character.
The sex, so dirtyhot. The caretaking scene was cute. The manipulation and mindbreaking was mesmerizing to read. I'm glad it was only Isaac's POV.
Overall, an excellent read.
January 9, 2025
i'm a big fan of weird little freaks and their weird little freakish relationships. 5 stars. the characters are so unique that it's easy to relax and assume certain morals don't apply because this world clearly operates on a different reality
June 19, 2021
Phew! This book blew my mind. Not really a new thing because all books by Daniel May is the same - mind blowing, hot as hell and you just can't put it down.
I loved every page of this book, it was filthy and naugthy, it was a bit romantic and oh god, so good!
Enemies to lovers spiced with bully romance, the thing I didn't know I needed! It was so well written, so filthy while enjoyable. Isaac had a filthly mouth on him and I loved how he used it agains Atticus. Oh and poor Atticus, he didn't know what he signed up for with Isaac. Every damn scene was HOT as all hell. There are some things I don't enjoy in kink scenes, but clearly, the author could write anything and everything and I'll enjoy it.
Isaac and Atticus' relationship was so good, I could read it forever.
Atticus first orgasm, and how he was after that. Oh god, it was amazingly written, I clearly saw everything that happened in this book, it was like I was there with them in the room (like the voyeur I am), and phew. Have I mentioned how hot it was?!
The humiliation scenes and when Isaac told Atty where he is in this relationship, it was everything. See someone who has OCD doing all those things, that was the hottest part of this book.
Masterpiece! Need more like this.
I loved every page of this book, it was filthy and naugthy, it was a bit romantic and oh god, so good!
Enemies to lovers spiced with bully romance, the thing I didn't know I needed! It was so well written, so filthy while enjoyable. Isaac had a filthly mouth on him and I loved how he used it agains Atticus. Oh and poor Atticus, he didn't know what he signed up for with Isaac. Every damn scene was HOT as all hell. There are some things I don't enjoy in kink scenes, but clearly, the author could write anything and everything and I'll enjoy it.
Isaac and Atticus' relationship was so good, I could read it forever.
Atticus first orgasm, and how he was after that. Oh god, it was amazingly written, I clearly saw everything that happened in this book, it was like I was there with them in the room (like the voyeur I am), and phew. Have I mentioned how hot it was?!
The humiliation scenes and when Isaac told Atty where he is in this relationship, it was everything. See someone who has OCD doing all those things, that was the hottest part of this book.
Masterpiece! Need more like this.
October 15, 2025
I can certainly see why opinions are polarized. I'll concede right away that if the events in this book happened in real life then Isaac would face criminal liability. I'll go further: if Isaac existed in real life he'd be a monster. Fortunately, he is a fictional character and consequently we are free to enjoy his delightful/terrible shenanigans and their effect on Atticus.
Have the good sense not to take Claiming the Clean Freak as a guide to romance, seduction, courtship, consent, or the ethics of kink. It's a nice long one-handed dubcon BDSM read, is what it is, and on those terms it sure does succeed. Pearl-clutchers, please hush.
Have the good sense not to take Claiming the Clean Freak as a guide to romance, seduction, courtship, consent, or the ethics of kink. It's a nice long one-handed dubcon BDSM read, is what it is, and on those terms it sure does succeed. Pearl-clutchers, please hush.
November 26, 2022
There was nothing enjoyable about this for me. I couldn’t even finish the last little bit. I was okay with the trigger warnings but just didn’t like the execution.
I just want some good erotica!
I just want some good erotica!
July 18, 2022
(3.5 stars)
sometimes you just wanna read something unapologetically fucked up, ya feel? no ifs, ands or buts (well, maybe some butts). just unapologetically dark shit. you want a silver lining? even just the tiniest glimmer of one? it's not there, bitch.
sometimes you just wanna read something unapologetically fucked up, ya feel? no ifs, ands or buts (well, maybe some butts). just unapologetically dark shit. you want a silver lining? even just the tiniest glimmer of one? it's not there, bitch.
July 7, 2021
Was it possible to fall in love with someone just by finding out they had their nipples pierced?
What the actual fuck.
My thoughts on this book are confusing. And it's not because of my twisted mind for the first damn time!! (I can't believe I am so happy about that....but moving on lol)
It's mentioned as a dark romance..... it's not. There was not even a minute, ant-sized hint of romance. It was a dark erotica at max and a slightly gray erotica at minimum.
And it's only because the author hasn't provided the reader's with Atticus' POV. It's brilliant ....
......but it's also annoying and confusing.
But it's also brilliant, yeah?
.......I guess, but it's convoluted.
But that's exactly where the brilliance lies.
.......Maybe?
Gosh, make up your bloody mind!!
......I can't? Yeah, I can't. 😳
After having that amazing, fun conversation with myself, I came to this conclusion.
From Isaac's POV, Atticus was abused and broken by him into being a sex toy. That's the POV that we, as readers, get to witness. So I was like....Isaac, you are a dirty, demented ass ....but I admire you *heart eyes*.
But on the other hand, I felt that Atticus, at some level, wanted to be treated that way(well, not as badly as Isaac, the vile disgusting lovable human, treats him😏.....but he needed someone to push him and stretch his limits).
Because if not, then why didn't he just knock Isaac out? I can't make myself believe that he was so easily and early broken that even his survival mode was skewed.
The author hasn't provided us with Atty's POV, which makes it impossible to know if Atty wanted it or not. Doing this, the author very effectively straddled the line between actual abuse and a 'hardcore sex, sort of bdsm-y 24/7 submission relationship' in this book.
So yeah, these are my confusing thoughts on this being a dark romance or not.
Sex and hotness level - Crazy high🔥🔥
Isaac managed to make the sex very filthy and hot....and maybe non-consensual even💀👀💀🖤💀....but most definitely off the charts, panties and boxers melting, cold shower needing hot.
Fucking until Atticus was well opened up, until he could take it like the only twink on a football team, and not stopping until his ass looked gangbanged.
He fucked his ass with a toy in the shower, hard and fast without much prep, thinking of Atticus being in that kind of body-resisting pain while his dick swelled up hot and red. Came gripping the shower curtain until it nearly tore, legs shaking.
If you want some amazing MM smut, I'd definitely recommend it.
What the actual fuck.
My thoughts on this book are confusing. And it's not because of my twisted mind for the first damn time!! (I can't believe I am so happy about that....but moving on lol)
It's mentioned as a dark romance..... it's not. There was not even a minute, ant-sized hint of romance. It was a dark erotica at max and a slightly gray erotica at minimum.
And it's only because the author hasn't provided the reader's with Atticus' POV. It's brilliant ....
......but it's also annoying and confusing.
But it's also brilliant, yeah?
.......I guess, but it's convoluted.
But that's exactly where the brilliance lies.
.......Maybe?
Gosh, make up your bloody mind!!
......I can't? Yeah, I can't. 😳
After having that amazing, fun conversation with myself, I came to this conclusion.
From Isaac's POV, Atticus was abused and broken by him into being a sex toy. That's the POV that we, as readers, get to witness. So I was like....Isaac, you are a dirty, demented ass ....but I admire you *heart eyes*.
But on the other hand, I felt that Atticus, at some level, wanted to be treated that way(well, not as badly as Isaac, the vile disgusting lovable human, treats him😏.....but he needed someone to push him and stretch his limits).
Because if not, then why didn't he just knock Isaac out? I can't make myself believe that he was so easily and early broken that even his survival mode was skewed.
The author hasn't provided us with Atty's POV, which makes it impossible to know if Atty wanted it or not. Doing this, the author very effectively straddled the line between actual abuse and a 'hardcore sex, sort of bdsm-y 24/7 submission relationship' in this book.
So yeah, these are my confusing thoughts on this being a dark romance or not.
Sex and hotness level - Crazy high🔥🔥
Isaac managed to make the sex very filthy and hot....and maybe non-consensual even💀👀💀🖤💀....but most definitely off the charts, panties and boxers melting, cold shower needing hot.
Fucking until Atticus was well opened up, until he could take it like the only twink on a football team, and not stopping until his ass looked gangbanged.
He fucked his ass with a toy in the shower, hard and fast without much prep, thinking of Atticus being in that kind of body-resisting pain while his dick swelled up hot and red. Came gripping the shower curtain until it nearly tore, legs shaking.
If you want some amazing MM smut, I'd definitely recommend it.
August 22, 2023
The cover got me but the story really wasn’t for me.
March 10, 2025
3.5 stars. This is all a ramble I'm sorry as I try to put my thoughts together about this book - Well! That was bat shit crazy and depraved, but also hot and kinky in a fucked up kinda way.
A very clear line got crossed in rapidly spiralling descent from DubCon/CNC into a unsettling space of non-consent, sadism and masochism (which still implies more choice than I think there was??)and deprivation of liberty 😳 Hard to read but I couldn't look away.
Part of me thinks I shouldn't take this book too seriously and that the author likes to write stuff that disturbing and nuts and makes you squirm, so the dark humour element was not lost on me.
None of the MCs were likeable. Isaac was a red flag that even red flags would run away from! I wanted to have empathy for Atticus, as I struggled reading the callous ways Isaac forced him to overcome his OCD, but he ended up just being a hollowed out shell easily filled by Isaac's toxic obsession.
I'm not sure what this was all about and if everyone was actually there by choice in the end but that's probably the point and it takes all types I guess.
Do I regret reading it, nope. Do I feel like I need to brush my teeth and use mouthwash after reading about so much spit? Hell yes!
A very clear line got crossed in rapidly spiralling descent from DubCon/CNC into a unsettling space of non-consent, sadism and masochism (which still implies more choice than I think there was??)and deprivation of liberty 😳 Hard to read but I couldn't look away.
Part of me thinks I shouldn't take this book too seriously and that the author likes to write stuff that disturbing and nuts and makes you squirm, so the dark humour element was not lost on me.
None of the MCs were likeable. Isaac was a red flag that even red flags would run away from! I wanted to have empathy for Atticus, as I struggled reading the callous ways Isaac forced him to overcome his OCD, but he ended up just being a hollowed out shell easily filled by Isaac's toxic obsession.
I'm not sure what this was all about and if everyone was actually there by choice in the end but that's probably the point and it takes all types I guess.
Do I regret reading it, nope. Do I feel like I need to brush my teeth and use mouthwash after reading about so much spit? Hell yes!
September 14, 2022
I don't even know how to review this book because it's bonkers nasty dirty kink smut, but I was hooked and then devoured it? I would read all the CWs before going in, but it's about co-workers who hate each other, and then Isaac falls for Atticus when he discovers he has nipple piercings. Oh and Atticus has OCD but is forced to confront dirty, nasty things. May really has a naughty and very creative mind. 5/5 steamy.
CW: dubcon, phobias, manipulative behavior
CW: dubcon, phobias, manipulative behavior
July 15, 2021
DNF @ 62%
I tried so hard but couldn’t finish it, guys 😭 I just didn’t connect with it. I liked Isaac’s friend more than him LOL
I tried so hard but couldn’t finish it, guys 😭 I just didn’t connect with it. I liked Isaac’s friend more than him LOL
October 20, 2021
Wrong, dirty and delicious😋
August 6, 2021
This is really less a 'dark romance' and moreso a 'dark erotica', featuring himbofication, dubcon, and manipulation of phobias. The only PoV we get is of the villain of this story, the twink who wants to land his germphobic coworker. I think advertising this as a romance is a failure - while 'I love yous' are said, it isn't really genuine. This is about lust and control. The scenes were hot, May is a great writer and I felt appropriately disgusted but still watching like a train wreck.
September 20, 2023
This book is WILD. American Psycho wishes! The protagonist is a full-on psychopath, but he’s also so delusional that I laughed out loud multiple times at the stuff he was thinking and saying.
ETA - upgrading this to five stars because I still think about it and literally laugh out loud on a regular basis. Frankly a horrifying hilarious masterpiece.
ETA - upgrading this to five stars because I still think about it and literally laugh out loud on a regular basis. Frankly a horrifying hilarious masterpiece.
August 17, 2025
i love being uncomfortable i love squirming around and wanting to cry
July 7, 2024
"I'll show you how to like me"
Isaac.
Yep.
I almost put this down during a sex scene when Isaac . It is so disgusting and comes around later as well. However, I decided to continue despite this and didn't regret it, even though those scenes threw me out of the story. It was all a bit messed up anyway.
This was a quick and easy read with some hot scenes. Isaac is definitely a bit messed up in the head. The ending can be construed both good and bad possibly.
Ya know, I just don't know how to review this, lol. Check out Candy M.'s review. Sums up my feelings perfectly.
Atticus's expression had stuck somewhere between 'you're fucking with me' and 'you're disgusting,' and was ultimately paralyzed by 'you're not fucking with me?' as he realized the sincerity in Isaac's voice.
October 12, 2023
Tropes: enemies to lovers, grumpy/suns
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 4.5/5
Kinks: dubcon, dirty talk, piercing play, SM, felching, lots of other kinky stuff
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: stealthing, dubcon, OCD, pushing the limits of a person with OCD in a deliberately insensitive way
Atticus and Isaac are colleagues that work together at a small coffee shop. Isaac is a bit of a brat. He loves to torment Atticus, riling him up is entertaining for him. They have a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, Isaac is wild and carefree and generally happy while Atticus is a stodgy stick in the mud because of his OCD and barely says any words to isaac.
One day Isaac throws a cold coffee on Atticus just to be a little s*** disturber and Atticus has to take his shirt off. When Isaac sees that Atticus has his nipples pierced, a fuse in his mind just blows. Isaac is instantly enraptured, fascinated. He can't stop thinking of Atticus in a sexual light. Isaac puts together what this says about Atticus' personality and his mental math tells him that Atticus is perfect for him. He instantly falls in love and starts picturing them having a future together. Isaac starts conspiring to seduce / win over Atticus. It's not going to be easy because of Atticus' OCD. Sex is messy especially the type Isaac wants to have with him.
So my reaction to this book was kind of complex. On one side, I loved Isaac's bratty and wild behavior and his focus on Atticus. This is a wild and often funny and steamy story. It reminds me of Cora Rose books in a way, which I love! On the other side though, this was a dark romance/erotica story in that Isaac is a bit of a psychopath or sadist, he's not a good person. He is very violent in pushing through Atticus' boundaries. He knows Atticus has bad OCD and he starts off being careful around it because he doesn't want to scare Atticus away, but once he feels he has Atticus hooked sexually, he deliberately triggers his OCD so that he can fully OWN and get everything he wants out of their sexual encounters. That's traumatic and dark. Also, there is some dubcon and secretly taking off a condom and having unprotected sex. I can't really encourage this.
If Isaac had been challenging Atticus' OCD limits because he wanted Atticus to be healthier and overcome some of his OCD restrictions and live a fuller life, then that would be more palatable. But he's not really doing this for selfless reasons, he's doing it for dark reasons.
So suffice to say, if Isaac's motivation had been love and he'd been a better person, this could have been a five-star read for me. This was a riot of a read. The wild obsessiveness, the boundary pushing, the humor in this, would have been right up my alley if Isaac's love for Atticus and care for his mental health had trumped his selfishness. But Isaac just isn't a good person, this isn't that type of book where the character is a hero. So, the selfishness and bad behaviors ding it down to a four-star read for me. I think Isaac does love Atticus though it is a very twisted love.
Some notable moments:
"The fantasy got worse. It got worse because it didn’t fade, and it didn’t end with him getting up and leaving, or kicking Atticus out. Isaac thought about Atticus’s warm body in the dark next to him, big and heavy-sleeping from being so hard and well-fucked. A morning of nastily sucking Atticus’s ear to wake him up. Morning sex with more kissing than thrusting, getting his dick warm inside of Atticus, frenching him deep under the sheets where it was still toasty. Sitting in bed afterwards, absolutely filthy with satisfaction, watching Atticus pull on his pants and baby blue sweater."
"“He doesn’t have to like me,” Isaac asserted, insisting. “He can think I’m a fucking shit person, just as long as he lets me kiss and fuck him.”"
"“You got him to ‘agree’ to come over?” The quotation marks were clear in Zach’s voice. “What did you do?” “What do you think I did? Grabbed him by the balls and gave him a handjob til he cried uncle. You should have seen his face, Ziggy. What he looks like when he comes. So hot.”"
"Isaac groped happily, greedily, even aggressively. All of Atticus’s body felt like it belonged to him. The pierced cock, pierced nipples. They were Isaac’s, now. His. Firm ass, squeezable pecs. His. Atticus’s pissy attitude, his disgust and his fear — all of that belonged to Isaac, too."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 4.5/5
Kinks: dubcon, dirty talk, piercing play, SM, felching, lots of other kinky stuff
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: stealthing, dubcon, OCD, pushing the limits of a person with OCD in a deliberately insensitive way
Atticus and Isaac are colleagues that work together at a small coffee shop. Isaac is a bit of a brat. He loves to torment Atticus, riling him up is entertaining for him. They have a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, Isaac is wild and carefree and generally happy while Atticus is a stodgy stick in the mud because of his OCD and barely says any words to isaac.
One day Isaac throws a cold coffee on Atticus just to be a little s*** disturber and Atticus has to take his shirt off. When Isaac sees that Atticus has his nipples pierced, a fuse in his mind just blows. Isaac is instantly enraptured, fascinated. He can't stop thinking of Atticus in a sexual light. Isaac puts together what this says about Atticus' personality and his mental math tells him that Atticus is perfect for him. He instantly falls in love and starts picturing them having a future together. Isaac starts conspiring to seduce / win over Atticus. It's not going to be easy because of Atticus' OCD. Sex is messy especially the type Isaac wants to have with him.
So my reaction to this book was kind of complex. On one side, I loved Isaac's bratty and wild behavior and his focus on Atticus. This is a wild and often funny and steamy story. It reminds me of Cora Rose books in a way, which I love! On the other side though, this was a dark romance/erotica story in that Isaac is a bit of a psychopath or sadist, he's not a good person. He is very violent in pushing through Atticus' boundaries. He knows Atticus has bad OCD and he starts off being careful around it because he doesn't want to scare Atticus away, but once he feels he has Atticus hooked sexually, he deliberately triggers his OCD so that he can fully OWN and get everything he wants out of their sexual encounters. That's traumatic and dark. Also, there is some dubcon and secretly taking off a condom and having unprotected sex. I can't really encourage this.
If Isaac had been challenging Atticus' OCD limits because he wanted Atticus to be healthier and overcome some of his OCD restrictions and live a fuller life, then that would be more palatable. But he's not really doing this for selfless reasons, he's doing it for dark reasons.
So suffice to say, if Isaac's motivation had been love and he'd been a better person, this could have been a five-star read for me. This was a riot of a read. The wild obsessiveness, the boundary pushing, the humor in this, would have been right up my alley if Isaac's love for Atticus and care for his mental health had trumped his selfishness. But Isaac just isn't a good person, this isn't that type of book where the character is a hero. So, the selfishness and bad behaviors ding it down to a four-star read for me. I think Isaac does love Atticus though it is a very twisted love.
Some notable moments:
"The fantasy got worse. It got worse because it didn’t fade, and it didn’t end with him getting up and leaving, or kicking Atticus out. Isaac thought about Atticus’s warm body in the dark next to him, big and heavy-sleeping from being so hard and well-fucked. A morning of nastily sucking Atticus’s ear to wake him up. Morning sex with more kissing than thrusting, getting his dick warm inside of Atticus, frenching him deep under the sheets where it was still toasty. Sitting in bed afterwards, absolutely filthy with satisfaction, watching Atticus pull on his pants and baby blue sweater."
"“He doesn’t have to like me,” Isaac asserted, insisting. “He can think I’m a fucking shit person, just as long as he lets me kiss and fuck him.”"
"“You got him to ‘agree’ to come over?” The quotation marks were clear in Zach’s voice. “What did you do?” “What do you think I did? Grabbed him by the balls and gave him a handjob til he cried uncle. You should have seen his face, Ziggy. What he looks like when he comes. So hot.”"
"Isaac groped happily, greedily, even aggressively. All of Atticus’s body felt like it belonged to him. The pierced cock, pierced nipples. They were Isaac’s, now. His. Firm ass, squeezable pecs. His. Atticus’s pissy attitude, his disgust and his fear — all of that belonged to Isaac, too."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2021
Dark and dirty
As with most of Daniel May's books, I had to sit with this one for a minute after reading it. The best way I can describe it is it's a slow burn dark romance. And I'm not talking about the romance itself (as unhealthy as it may be), but the darkness that is this book builds up till it reaches the point of no return for poor Atticus. Or lucky Atticus. Depends on how you look at the situation and how you feel about certain things.
This is a dark romance where the darkness comes from who the characters are, not what they are. Case in point, Isaac. He's pretty awful but his character is also really interesting. And that's important for a book like this because otherwise what's the point. Nothing about him is cartoonishly evil. His character is entirely probable and that's kind of what makes this book so jarring. People like this could (and probably do) exist.
It's wild. The whole book is really. Again, I had to sit with it. This is a classic case of I feel weird saying I like it but I really did. And if you enjoy dark romances as well, you'll love this. Part of me wishes it was longer but at the same time I acknowledge that books like this can overstay their welcome really quickly, so I'm not mad. Five stars because ohmigod that ending?!
As with most of Daniel May's books, I had to sit with this one for a minute after reading it. The best way I can describe it is it's a slow burn dark romance. And I'm not talking about the romance itself (as unhealthy as it may be), but the darkness that is this book builds up till it reaches the point of no return for poor Atticus. Or lucky Atticus. Depends on how you look at the situation and how you feel about certain things.
This is a dark romance where the darkness comes from who the characters are, not what they are. Case in point, Isaac. He's pretty awful but his character is also really interesting. And that's important for a book like this because otherwise what's the point. Nothing about him is cartoonishly evil. His character is entirely probable and that's kind of what makes this book so jarring. People like this could (and probably do) exist.
It's wild. The whole book is really. Again, I had to sit with it. This is a classic case of I feel weird saying I like it but I really did. And if you enjoy dark romances as well, you'll love this. Part of me wishes it was longer but at the same time I acknowledge that books like this can overstay their welcome really quickly, so I'm not mad. Five stars because ohmigod that ending?!
July 2, 2021
DNF @42%
I am not giving it a rating because the fact that I couldn’t finish this book was 120% my fault and not on the authors.
Its not a bad book. It’s written well, no grammatical errors, as far as I could see, etc. i just couldn’t get past Isaac’s personality and the way he treated Atticus. It made me feel… weird. I didn’t see it as romance; not even dark romance. It was… gross.
The book has its warnings, which I appreciate, so I knew what I was getting into.
Oh well.
EDIT: Never mind, I am rating this fucker right here because the author promised me “dark romance” and only gave me dark. Just dark. Just dark erotica. Just say you’re going to write a dark book, an dark erotica book and move on. Be happy with yourself. Be proud because this as a full on dark or dark erotica book? 5 stars right here. I wouldn’t have been able to read it still because I can’t stand Isaac but still… 5 stars.
I am not giving it a rating because the fact that I couldn’t finish this book was 120% my fault and not on the authors.
Its not a bad book. It’s written well, no grammatical errors, as far as I could see, etc. i just couldn’t get past Isaac’s personality and the way he treated Atticus. It made me feel… weird. I didn’t see it as romance; not even dark romance. It was… gross.
The book has its warnings, which I appreciate, so I knew what I was getting into.
Oh well.
EDIT: Never mind, I am rating this fucker right here because the author promised me “dark romance” and only gave me dark. Just dark. Just dark erotica. Just say you’re going to write a dark book, an dark erotica book and move on. Be happy with yourself. Be proud because this as a full on dark or dark erotica book? 5 stars right here. I wouldn’t have been able to read it still because I can’t stand Isaac but still… 5 stars.
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