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Suntastic Fun #2
Hotter Than Hot
Baxley has been teasing Callahan for years about wanting to be with him. When Callahan finds out his best friend is actually serious about being with him, his curiosity gets the better of him. Why should being straight stop him from having fun with his sexy best friend?
Callahan
Baxley is a lot of things: an awesome friend, a relentlessly shameless flirt, a little too attractive, and way too tempting when I’m straight. All of his heated teasing is starting to get to me, making me wonder if maybe indulging my curiosity might be worth blurring the boundaries of our friendship for a night. But what if it’s so good that I want a repeat experience? Am I really ready for that?
He promises me an experience that’s hotter than hot, but can he actually prove he’s not all talk? And am I really ready to discover that I like what he’s offering me?
Baxley
When everything about Callahan lights my insides up like a fireworks finale on the Fourth of July, I knew from the moment I first saw him that he was the one for me. The only thing stopping me from making him mine is that he’s straight. But that excuse goes out the window when he kisses me, like he’s been dying for a taste of me for years. Did I die and go to Heaven or did all of my dreams just come true?
If he’s ready to take a chance on me, I’m not just going to show him a good time. I’m going to do everything I can to make him fall in love with me. Could I really be so lucky to win my best friend’s heart and make him my boyfriend?
Hotter Than Hot is the second and final book in the Suntastic Fun duet. This novella features a friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, no angst romance. If you love cute sweetness, sexy fun, and scorching-hot banter that will make you laugh and swoon, you’ll adore this satisfying HEA without cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed in order.
Hotter Than Hot was originally published as Turn Up the Heat for the Boys of Summer M/M giveaway. A new epilogue has been added for publication.
Callahan
Baxley is a lot of things: an awesome friend, a relentlessly shameless flirt, a little too attractive, and way too tempting when I’m straight. All of his heated teasing is starting to get to me, making me wonder if maybe indulging my curiosity might be worth blurring the boundaries of our friendship for a night. But what if it’s so good that I want a repeat experience? Am I really ready for that?
He promises me an experience that’s hotter than hot, but can he actually prove he’s not all talk? And am I really ready to discover that I like what he’s offering me?
Baxley
When everything about Callahan lights my insides up like a fireworks finale on the Fourth of July, I knew from the moment I first saw him that he was the one for me. The only thing stopping me from making him mine is that he’s straight. But that excuse goes out the window when he kisses me, like he’s been dying for a taste of me for years. Did I die and go to Heaven or did all of my dreams just come true?
If he’s ready to take a chance on me, I’m not just going to show him a good time. I’m going to do everything I can to make him fall in love with me. Could I really be so lucky to win my best friend’s heart and make him my boyfriend?
Hotter Than Hot is the second and final book in the Suntastic Fun duet. This novella features a friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, no angst romance. If you love cute sweetness, sexy fun, and scorching-hot banter that will make you laugh and swoon, you’ll adore this satisfying HEA without cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed in order.
Hotter Than Hot was originally published as Turn Up the Heat for the Boys of Summer M/M giveaway. A new epilogue has been added for publication.
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2021
43 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
September 18, 2021
Meh. Super unrealistic and not that hot.
January 14, 2024
•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 2,5 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |
Four friends, two gays, two heterosexuals.
What a cliché, right?
The two gay friends are in love with the two hetero ones.
But the hetero may not be so hetero after all...
This is the story of Baxley and Callahan.
After Lachlan and Alessandro decided to enter on a serious relationship (after a hot sexual encounter) 😒, it's Baxley and Callahan turn.
January 5, 2023
Pwp that could've been more
The characters were Two dimensional I just needed more I guess that always happened to me with a novella
The characters were Two dimensional I just needed more I guess that always happened to me with a novella
December 7, 2021
oh yeah, the second book is ✨better✨ peeps.
🌟 3.5 stars
I was hesitant reading this book because Baxley overenthusiasm (and low-key pushiness) had me like: Dude, CHILL.
But then that thought lasted a moment because the rest of this book trampled with that thought.
I'm soft for these characters and now I can't wait to delve more of Ariella's work 😇
Caitlin's recommendations are the best! (if you're a mm reader, Check out: Catbandbooks on YouTube because I NEED more MM enthusiasts outside of gr in my life PLEASE 🙏 and she actually makes MM content and so many trope recommendations and reading vlogs 🥺🤧 this bitch's dream does come true every now and then huh?! My point being, she recommended this author who I've never heard of before and now I can't wait to binge her backlist ❤️)
🌟 3.5 stars
I was hesitant reading this book because Baxley overenthusiasm (and low-key pushiness) had me like: Dude, CHILL.
But then that thought lasted a moment because the rest of this book trampled with that thought.
I'm soft for these characters and now I can't wait to delve more of Ariella's work 😇
Caitlin's recommendations are the best! (if you're a mm reader, Check out: Catbandbooks on YouTube because I NEED more MM enthusiasts outside of gr in my life PLEASE 🙏 and she actually makes MM content and so many trope recommendations and reading vlogs 🥺🤧 this bitch's dream does come true every now and then huh?! My point being, she recommended this author who I've never heard of before and now I can't wait to binge her backlist ❤️)
August 21, 2024
2.5 stars. I decided to read this book right after book 1 as I enjoyed that story and thought I’d enjoy this one just as much. Unfortunately there was something off about this one that made me not enjoy it as much. I’m not sure if it’s because I read it immediately after book 1 and I just wasn’t feeling another book with only spice and no plot or if it was the characters or what. I liked Baxley but I had a really hard time liking Callahan. He had way too many assumptions on Baxley’s sex life and it just rubbed me the wrong way. It also seemed even less believable as book 1. But again if you’re looking for an easy read with spice then I would still recommend giving it a try.
October 1, 2021
I received this book from Gay Romance Reviews in exchange of an honest review~
The second book in the series and I am so hyped that I could read it early! I really enjoyed the first book (see review here) and I was curious to meet Baxley and Callahan the other duo of friends and see them get together!
Whereas the first book was full of sex, this one was also full of sex but also with talking and discussing things. Because Callahan has been only in straight relationships so his feelings and all that is happening in this book are pretty new to him and he is very much unsure about what to do. Not to mention that there are some things that Callahan thought of Baxley that may not be true and that is worth discussing as well. Both of them have enough to talk about and I was really happy to see them talk so much. I mean, I love the sex of course and the romance, but I also loved that they both discussed thing and were open about everything.
While I was happy with them opening up to each other (haha, in more than one way), it just felt rushed at times. I mean the book takes place over 12, maybe 24 hours, and in that time Callahan goes from saying a lot of no to all the yesses and I felt it was just a bit too soon. I mean he was all adamant about no sex (anal at least) but as soon as he wakes up next to Baxley the next day and feels the penis he wants it all in. I think I would have rather had them experiment a bit with dicks and some fingering and then leave the real sex for much later. It would have felt a lot more natural to me.
And while I did love both of these guys and was rooting for them a lot.. their voices felt a lot the same to me, which meant at times I just had to go back to the start of the chapter and see who was chatting. I guess it also didn’t help that both of them were eager and it was so rushed in the sex department.
I had such a big laugh at the epilogue and all that happened there. That was just the cutest and I am really happy for these two. Especially Baxley who has been celibate for 3 years and was constantly flirting/pining after Callahan to the point that most people would have just stopped. XD
I also so so love the cover!
All in all, a bit rushed but I still had tons of fun reading this and I am so happy for this couple. Congrats!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The second book in the series and I am so hyped that I could read it early! I really enjoyed the first book (see review here) and I was curious to meet Baxley and Callahan the other duo of friends and see them get together!
Whereas the first book was full of sex, this one was also full of sex but also with talking and discussing things. Because Callahan has been only in straight relationships so his feelings and all that is happening in this book are pretty new to him and he is very much unsure about what to do. Not to mention that there are some things that Callahan thought of Baxley that may not be true and that is worth discussing as well. Both of them have enough to talk about and I was really happy to see them talk so much. I mean, I love the sex of course and the romance, but I also loved that they both discussed thing and were open about everything.
While I was happy with them opening up to each other (haha, in more than one way), it just felt rushed at times. I mean the book takes place over 12, maybe 24 hours, and in that time Callahan goes from saying a lot of no to all the yesses and I felt it was just a bit too soon. I mean he was all adamant about no sex (anal at least) but as soon as he wakes up next to Baxley the next day and feels the penis he wants it all in. I think I would have rather had them experiment a bit with dicks and some fingering and then leave the real sex for much later. It would have felt a lot more natural to me.
And while I did love both of these guys and was rooting for them a lot.. their voices felt a lot the same to me, which meant at times I just had to go back to the start of the chapter and see who was chatting. I guess it also didn’t help that both of them were eager and it was so rushed in the sex department.
I had such a big laugh at the epilogue and all that happened there. That was just the cutest and I am really happy for these two. Especially Baxley who has been celibate for 3 years and was constantly flirting/pining after Callahan to the point that most people would have just stopped. XD
I also so so love the cover!
All in all, a bit rushed but I still had tons of fun reading this and I am so happy for this couple. Congrats!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 30, 2023
This one, not so good, compared to the first, and not even their super incredible names Baxley and Callahan saved it.
The dialogues were so cringe and not hot or sexy at all.... They were like discusing the wether while fcking? Callahan was very anoying, and moved from i'm not sure about this to fuck my a$$ in 2 seconds... It's a short story but please...
The dialogues were so cringe and not hot or sexy at all.... They were like discusing the wether while fcking? Callahan was very anoying, and moved from i'm not sure about this to fuck my a$$ in 2 seconds... It's a short story but please...
May 27, 2023
3.5 stars
Enjoyed this short and smutty read.
Enjoyed this short and smutty read.
January 13, 2025
4☆
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Callahan, Baxley
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual.
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Friends to Lovers, Bi-awakening,
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Callahan, Baxley
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual.
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Friends to Lovers, Bi-awakening,
September 26, 2021
After everything that was said in the blurb, I really thought this story would be right up my alley: a friends-to-lovers trope (yes!) and "scorching-hot banter that will make you laugh and swoon" (heck yes!)
I think most of my problem with this story was that I didn't know the characters and 90 pages of content didn't lent itself for much in that regard. Especially when all Baxley and Callahan did was bang each other. I was sold on their connection as friends but wasn't really convinced that they had a enough of a romantic one. Baxley and Callahan spent the better part of the story engaged in some form of sexual act and while I usually don't mind this, their "scorching-hot banter" did not, in fact, make me "laugh and swoon". I actually irritated me and IMHO, took away a lot from those scenes.
Then there was Callahan. I actually felt bad that Baxley had fallen for Callahan. I did not like him at all. I found him to be rude, condescending and opportunistic. IDK, I wasn't impressed by him and my opinion of him didn't improve as the story progressed.
Maybe I needed to read the first book in the series, but I really don't think it would have made a difference in my opinion of the story because most of my problems were due to the fact that there was no further development of their connection and those dreadful conversations/quips/banter while they were getting their groove on.
All in all, a short, quick read but not the story for me.
I think most of my problem with this story was that I didn't know the characters and 90 pages of content didn't lent itself for much in that regard. Especially when all Baxley and Callahan did was bang each other. I was sold on their connection as friends but wasn't really convinced that they had a enough of a romantic one. Baxley and Callahan spent the better part of the story engaged in some form of sexual act and while I usually don't mind this, their "scorching-hot banter" did not, in fact, make me "laugh and swoon". I actually irritated me and IMHO, took away a lot from those scenes.
Then there was Callahan. I actually felt bad that Baxley had fallen for Callahan. I did not like him at all. I found him to be rude, condescending and opportunistic. IDK, I wasn't impressed by him and my opinion of him didn't improve as the story progressed.
Maybe I needed to read the first book in the series, but I really don't think it would have made a difference in my opinion of the story because most of my problems were due to the fact that there was no further development of their connection and those dreadful conversations/quips/banter while they were getting their groove on.
All in all, a short, quick read but not the story for me.
September 19, 2021
No angst, clever bi-curious friends-to-lovers M/M romance
I enjoyed this short story about Baxley, flamboyant flirt, purported playboy and his BFF, Callahan, straight but curious. We met these two in the first book, IT MIGHT BE HOT which was about Lachlan and Alessandro who reappear as a happy couple in HOTTER THAN HOT. This is a straight-to-gay or gay-for-him book.
I liked both of these guys, Baxley who is honest about his feelings while making it look like he’s joking and Callahan who professes his indifference to Baxley. Whoa, their experiment phase was mind blowing and so realistic. I’m guessing here obviously but it seemed plausible.
Since it was such a short book, there really wasn’t time to insert angst and have it resolved but I think it might have made it more interesting to me. Otherwise, I enjoyed it. After reading dark or angst-riddled books, this is a nice reprieve, like at a wine tasting when you rinse out your mouth with water between wines. Anyway, if you like sweet and sexy new-beginnings M/M romance with a gay-for-him theme, read this book. You’ll enjoy it. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
I enjoyed this short story about Baxley, flamboyant flirt, purported playboy and his BFF, Callahan, straight but curious. We met these two in the first book, IT MIGHT BE HOT which was about Lachlan and Alessandro who reappear as a happy couple in HOTTER THAN HOT. This is a straight-to-gay or gay-for-him book.
I liked both of these guys, Baxley who is honest about his feelings while making it look like he’s joking and Callahan who professes his indifference to Baxley. Whoa, their experiment phase was mind blowing and so realistic. I’m guessing here obviously but it seemed plausible.
Since it was such a short book, there really wasn’t time to insert angst and have it resolved but I think it might have made it more interesting to me. Otherwise, I enjoyed it. After reading dark or angst-riddled books, this is a nice reprieve, like at a wine tasting when you rinse out your mouth with water between wines. Anyway, if you like sweet and sexy new-beginnings M/M romance with a gay-for-him theme, read this book. You’ll enjoy it. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
September 17, 2021
Good follow up story.
Hotter Than Hot is a longish short story. I enjoyed reading it but it didn’t quite grab me as hard as book one, It Might Be Hot. We met Callahan and Baxley in the first book but you don’t really need to have read it before you read this one.
Callahan is straight but his relationships never seem to last long. Baxley has been in love with Callahan almost since they met but he figured he never had a chance with Callahan.
Like the first book, this was a quick read. Baxley is constantly coming on to Callahan but Callahan thinks it’s all in good fun, which it is, sort of. Callahan isn’t looking for a quick fling, he wants something more. But because Baxley has let Callahan believe that he’s a player, he’s never let himself indulge his secret fantasy.
Once these two get on the same page there’s hot and sexy time aplenty. So, while this might not have grabbed me as much as It Might Be Hot, I’m glad I read Callahan and Baxley’s story.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Hotter Than Hot is a longish short story. I enjoyed reading it but it didn’t quite grab me as hard as book one, It Might Be Hot. We met Callahan and Baxley in the first book but you don’t really need to have read it before you read this one.
Callahan is straight but his relationships never seem to last long. Baxley has been in love with Callahan almost since they met but he figured he never had a chance with Callahan.
Like the first book, this was a quick read. Baxley is constantly coming on to Callahan but Callahan thinks it’s all in good fun, which it is, sort of. Callahan isn’t looking for a quick fling, he wants something more. But because Baxley has let Callahan believe that he’s a player, he’s never let himself indulge his secret fantasy.
Once these two get on the same page there’s hot and sexy time aplenty. So, while this might not have grabbed me as much as It Might Be Hot, I’m glad I read Callahan and Baxley’s story.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
September 18, 2021
This is a quick and quirky little summer romance! Baxley and Callahan have been friends for three years.. and it just so happens that Baxley has not been with anyone since the day they met. I loved that he was so loyal in his heart even as a friend for Callahan! Callahan was straight, but that did not matter, Baxley's heart belonged to him! This little story is about Callahan discovering his lust and love for his friend Baxley.. I received an ARC of this book and I definitely recommend reading the first book to get a feel for their friendship first! This is a bi awakening, friends to lovers easy, fluffy end of summer read!!
September 18, 2021
Bax and Callahan
These two are so cute! Callahan doesn't want to fight his desire for his best friend Baxley anymore. Baxley keeps waiting for his flirting to get Callahan in his bed. Callahan finally decides if his other friends can go for it so can he. Baxley can't help making Callahan blush through their lovemaking. Callahan can't help but to blush and realise how much this feels right. As they explore all their true feelings come out. They wind up the next day on the flamingo float opposite their friends that are on their unicorn float. Gotta love the pool floats!
These two are so cute! Callahan doesn't want to fight his desire for his best friend Baxley anymore. Baxley keeps waiting for his flirting to get Callahan in his bed. Callahan finally decides if his other friends can go for it so can he. Baxley can't help making Callahan blush through their lovemaking. Callahan can't help but to blush and realise how much this feels right. As they explore all their true feelings come out. They wind up the next day on the flamingo float opposite their friends that are on their unicorn float. Gotta love the pool floats!
August 19, 2022
WOW!!! WOW!! I’ve never rated novellas more than 3 stars but this!!! I’m lost for words.
The theme/plot/tropes are similar to the first book. However, the protagonists got me off guard *chuckles* I thought there was a label for each one of them but nah. It’s a VERSE. I enjoyed the tension- Callaham was so freaking cute. Also, I adored how Bax was so careful and sweet in every situation. The cute nicknames tho!!! God have mercy- I almost died from their overbearing sweetness.
Anyhow, the tropes are as follows:
MM Romance *chef’s kiss* ✓
Friends to lovers ✓
It has always been you trope ✓
Damn- it is a really good book. It got me out of my reading slump.
The theme/plot/tropes are similar to the first book. However, the protagonists got me off guard *chuckles* I thought there was a label for each one of them but nah. It’s a VERSE. I enjoyed the tension- Callaham was so freaking cute. Also, I adored how Bax was so careful and sweet in every situation. The cute nicknames tho!!! God have mercy- I almost died from their overbearing sweetness.
Anyhow, the tropes are as follows:
MM Romance *chef’s kiss* ✓
Friends to lovers ✓
It has always been you trope ✓
Damn- it is a really good book. It got me out of my reading slump.
February 27, 2023
This was cute! Short novellas are definitely ideal for me right new.
I loved the dynamic between both characters. The banter was adorable
I loved the dynamic between both characters. The banter was adorable
September 10, 2021
a cute short read.
Callahan and Baxley were adorable together. their chemistry was good, but maybe i didn't read book1, but i don't feel the depth of their friendship.
there was uhm, lots of sex, but gdi, as much as Callahan was so dumbly adorable, can he please, please stop comparing everything to his ex girlfriends?? it's such a turn off.
also, Baxley is really sweet.
Callahan and Baxley were adorable together. their chemistry was good, but maybe i didn't read book1, but i don't feel the depth of their friendship.
there was uhm, lots of sex, but gdi, as much as Callahan was so dumbly adorable, can he please, please stop comparing everything to his ex girlfriends?? it's such a turn off.
also, Baxley is really sweet.
September 8, 2021
While it can be read as a standalone if recommended reading It Might Be Hot first.
This one isn't as steam filled as the first but it's better that way as it suits Callaghan who isn't as outgoing as Lachlan and has a quieter bi-awakening.
There's a lot more feeling in this and it was really sweet. I loved both novellas for different reasons.
This one isn't as steam filled as the first but it's better that way as it suits Callaghan who isn't as outgoing as Lachlan and has a quieter bi-awakening.
There's a lot more feeling in this and it was really sweet. I loved both novellas for different reasons.
September 10, 2021
Sigh I wanted to love this but I just didn’t. I loved the first one so I was really excited to see that I could read about Baxley and Callahan too. Unfortunately I found it frustratingly surface level with no depth and I really didn’t like Callahan. I get that their whole thing is messing with each other but I found Callahan to be bordering on cruel with his dismissal and disbelief in Baxley’s feelings for him and pretty much anything that came out of Baxley’s mouth. It was basically the same dialogue over and over with Baxley being genuine and confessing his feelings and Callahan being like no you don’t feel that way. Also Callahan spent a lot of time being bored/annoyed/grossed out in the bedroom and frankly it really kills any steamy factor I might have enjoyed otherwise. Baxley deserves better and his continued amusement every time Callahan would dismiss him was weird and unrealistic to me. I’ve really enjoyed this author in the past but this one was a disappointment.
September 17, 2021
Honestly, if I hadn't been reading this book for review, I probably would have DNF'd it. That being said, it redeemed itself at around 75% of the way through to be a sweet and funny romance with some bi-awakening and actual dialogue.
The book started out so differently than the first one - it was so much explaining and discussion of the previous couple from another book. Then there was the unpacking of a 3 year friendship and a much slower build up.. I'm not sure that even by the end, I would call this book Hotter than Hot.
This book did eventually have some good exploration of first time bisexuality and also a much sweeter relationship storyline than the first book. I know this book was already previously published, but it could honestly use some revision in sequencing to make it a stronger read. It felt like it was trying too hard to fit rather than telling it's own story.
It's a novella and ends better than it starts, so if you're willing to wade through a bit of extra stuff, it ends on a sweet high.
I received an ARC to facilitate my review
The book started out so differently than the first one - it was so much explaining and discussion of the previous couple from another book. Then there was the unpacking of a 3 year friendship and a much slower build up.. I'm not sure that even by the end, I would call this book Hotter than Hot.
This book did eventually have some good exploration of first time bisexuality and also a much sweeter relationship storyline than the first book. I know this book was already previously published, but it could honestly use some revision in sequencing to make it a stronger read. It felt like it was trying too hard to fit rather than telling it's own story.
It's a novella and ends better than it starts, so if you're willing to wade through a bit of extra stuff, it ends on a sweet high.
I received an ARC to facilitate my review
August 25, 2024
Another super sweet friend's to lovers, bisexual awakening novella. This is book 2 in the Suntastic Fun series. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading It Might Be Hot first. This is a perfect easy read for when you're in the mood for a low angst novella.
June 8, 2024
old post reposted
Working my way through the rest of Ariella Zoelle's works (these ones aren't in her Sunnyside universe). Next up is her Suntastic Fun series. The second (and final) novella is "Hotter Than Hot."
["Baxley has been teasing Callahan for years about wanting to be with him. When Callahan finds out his best friend is actually serious about being with him, his curiosity gets the better of him. Why should being straight stop him from having fun with his sexy best friend?
Callahan
Baxley is a lot of things: an awesome friend, a relentlessly shameless flirt, a little too attractive, and way too tempting when I’m straight. All of his heated teasing is starting to get to me, making me wonder if maybe indulging my curiosity might be worth blurring the boundaries of our friendship for a night. But what if it’s so good that I want a repeat experience? Am I really ready for that?
He promises me an experience that’s hotter than hot, but can he actually prove he’s not all talk? And am I really ready to discover that I like what he’s offering me?
Baxley
When everything about Callahan lights my insides up like a fireworks finale on the Fourth of July, I knew from the moment I first saw him that he was the one for me. The only thing stopping me from making him mine is that he’s straight. But that excuse goes out the window when he kisses me, like he’s been dying for a taste of me for years. Did I die and go to Heaven or did all of my dreams just come true?
If he’s ready to take a chance on me, I’m not just going to show him a good time. I’m going to do everything I can to make him fall in love with me. Could I really be so lucky to win my best friend’s heart and make him my boyfriend?"]
These two showed up in "It Might Be Hot," and anyone with eyes (excluding Callahan) knew how much Baxley wanted his best friend (in all of the ways). I was surprised as Lachlan and Alessandro that they didn't hook up the same night that they did. Then again, they figured it out in their own time, and that's all that matters.
Except the love and the fluff and the perfection and the steam and the D: also matter a lot. Like a lot. And there was a tooooooon of it in here, too (so don't worry you're pretty little head). So much love and trust and honestly, not nearly as much confusion as you'd think. ;) Enjoy, y'all.
#itmightbehot #hotterthanhot #suntasticfun #suntasticfunseries #ariellazoelle #sunnyside #sunnysideuniverse #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Working my way through the rest of Ariella Zoelle's works (these ones aren't in her Sunnyside universe). Next up is her Suntastic Fun series. The second (and final) novella is "Hotter Than Hot."
["Baxley has been teasing Callahan for years about wanting to be with him. When Callahan finds out his best friend is actually serious about being with him, his curiosity gets the better of him. Why should being straight stop him from having fun with his sexy best friend?
Callahan
Baxley is a lot of things: an awesome friend, a relentlessly shameless flirt, a little too attractive, and way too tempting when I’m straight. All of his heated teasing is starting to get to me, making me wonder if maybe indulging my curiosity might be worth blurring the boundaries of our friendship for a night. But what if it’s so good that I want a repeat experience? Am I really ready for that?
He promises me an experience that’s hotter than hot, but can he actually prove he’s not all talk? And am I really ready to discover that I like what he’s offering me?
Baxley
When everything about Callahan lights my insides up like a fireworks finale on the Fourth of July, I knew from the moment I first saw him that he was the one for me. The only thing stopping me from making him mine is that he’s straight. But that excuse goes out the window when he kisses me, like he’s been dying for a taste of me for years. Did I die and go to Heaven or did all of my dreams just come true?
If he’s ready to take a chance on me, I’m not just going to show him a good time. I’m going to do everything I can to make him fall in love with me. Could I really be so lucky to win my best friend’s heart and make him my boyfriend?"]
These two showed up in "It Might Be Hot," and anyone with eyes (excluding Callahan) knew how much Baxley wanted his best friend (in all of the ways). I was surprised as Lachlan and Alessandro that they didn't hook up the same night that they did. Then again, they figured it out in their own time, and that's all that matters.
Except the love and the fluff and the perfection and the steam and the D: also matter a lot. Like a lot. And there was a tooooooon of it in here, too (so don't worry you're pretty little head). So much love and trust and honestly, not nearly as much confusion as you'd think. ;) Enjoy, y'all.
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September 15, 2021
Well this book was incredibly hot. Ariella Zoelle did not lie in the title. This is also the first of her books that I've read where I really loved both of the characters and felt like the Happily Ever After felt a bit more deserved.
We met Baxley and Callahan in book one of Suntastic Fun, and I thought that this would take place the same night as the first book. Instead, it took place over the next few days. It is a friends to lovers bisexual awakening, but the feelings between the two men don't seem to come out of nowhere the way they did in the first Suntastic Fun book. The relationship just felt a bit more believable.
The chemistry between Baxley and Callahan was intense and palpable. The two characters were really cute with one another and well written. I feel like we got to know them pretty well in the series, as well as bits of their history and how they became friends.
This was a good quick read, low angst, and an INCREDIBLY high level of heat.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR FOR HONEST REVIEW **
We met Baxley and Callahan in book one of Suntastic Fun, and I thought that this would take place the same night as the first book. Instead, it took place over the next few days. It is a friends to lovers bisexual awakening, but the feelings between the two men don't seem to come out of nowhere the way they did in the first Suntastic Fun book. The relationship just felt a bit more believable.
The chemistry between Baxley and Callahan was intense and palpable. The two characters were really cute with one another and well written. I feel like we got to know them pretty well in the series, as well as bits of their history and how they became friends.
This was a good quick read, low angst, and an INCREDIBLY high level of heat.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR FOR HONEST REVIEW **
October 12, 2021
Hotter than Hot is a fun read. I loved the banter between Baxley and Callahan. Best friends, Baxley has secretly loved Callahan for three years. He was constantly teasing Callahan by suggesting they get together sexually, flirting every time they were together, either with each other or with their other friends. Callahan thought he was strictly straight, but all of the verbal suggestions from his best friend has kept him wondering, what if? Even his old girlfriends feel threatened by the amount of time he spends with Bax and makes him choose between them and Bax. His first hint should be that he always chooses Bax and not the girl.
It takes for Callahan to see their other friends, Allasandro and Lachlan, to become a couple for him to give into the temptation that Bax presents. Boy are there fireworks and the temperature is hot! This quick read was just as enjoyable as the first Suntastic Fun book, It Might Be Hot, but then again, anything that Ariella Zoelle writes I enjoy.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It takes for Callahan to see their other friends, Allasandro and Lachlan, to become a couple for him to give into the temptation that Bax presents. Boy are there fireworks and the temperature is hot! This quick read was just as enjoyable as the first Suntastic Fun book, It Might Be Hot, but then again, anything that Ariella Zoelle writes I enjoy.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2021
Hotter Than Hot is my kind of catnip and I think it will be yours too, if you’re looking for a story about two guys that have been friends (one gay and one straight) for a while with the best kind of banter and lots of sexy times.
Baxley is a relentless flirt, but keeping some secrets of his own. Callahan has been dating women, but not having much luck with love. And part of his problem with that is he wants to spend his free time with Baxley rather than his girlfriends.
There is so much swoon in here that made my heart melt and the sexy times kept me turning the pages. I have been a fan of Zoelle's from the beginning, but this one hit it out of the park for me. I especially liked how we could see that even though Callahan was attracted to Bax, he was struggling with what to do with the feelings.
I recommend this highly and didn’t want it to end! Even though this is book two of a duo, it can be read on its own without any trouble since it is a different couple than book one. The connection is that they are all friends and basically takes place at the same time.
Baxley is a relentless flirt, but keeping some secrets of his own. Callahan has been dating women, but not having much luck with love. And part of his problem with that is he wants to spend his free time with Baxley rather than his girlfriends.
There is so much swoon in here that made my heart melt and the sexy times kept me turning the pages. I have been a fan of Zoelle's from the beginning, but this one hit it out of the park for me. I especially liked how we could see that even though Callahan was attracted to Bax, he was struggling with what to do with the feelings.
I recommend this highly and didn’t want it to end! Even though this is book two of a duo, it can be read on its own without any trouble since it is a different couple than book one. The connection is that they are all friends and basically takes place at the same time.
September 25, 2021
Keep pushing, water can wear down stone! Baxley, has been crushing on lusting after Callahan for years. He knows Callahan, is his 'one'. Baxley, is out and proud. Callahan has always identified as straight. He has bad luck with the women he's been with and reflecting on the failures. A problem may be that he prefer's Basley's company than the women. Will he dig deeply for what that means? Baxley values the known friendship more than the unknown, physically intimate relationship. He is concerned about risking his friendship with Callahan. Callahan, is starting to get curious and makes a surprise move. Will Baxley relax and explore with him? Does Callahan find his calling? Fun story. Great ping pong romance. This is a totally fun story and watching their quickstep is fun. You empathize with both characters and hope they can find their pace in sync. They make an adorable couple1 Great story. I received an ARC an dam volutnarily leving a review.
October 6, 2021
If you're looking for a short and spicy friends-to-lovers romance, this is perfect. Baxley (a self proclaimed retired playboy) has been in love with his best friend for years and finally gets a chance to act on his feelings. Baxley is absolutely perfect, he is never pushy with Callahan and he listens to all of Callahan's concerns without judgment.
For a novella there is a fair amount of steamy scenes. I really liked how the heroes communicated there wants and needs instead of just jumping into things.
The only thing that bugged me a little was how Callahan is. He (rightly) expects Baxley to listen to him without judging him and his desires but he doesn't do the same at all. He "light heartedly" mocks Baxley for his pet names and just assumes a lot of things because of his prejudice. Baxley takes it all in stride, but I thought it was unnecessary for Callahan to be so narrow minded.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
For a novella there is a fair amount of steamy scenes. I really liked how the heroes communicated there wants and needs instead of just jumping into things.
The only thing that bugged me a little was how Callahan is. He (rightly) expects Baxley to listen to him without judging him and his desires but he doesn't do the same at all. He "light heartedly" mocks Baxley for his pet names and just assumes a lot of things because of his prejudice. Baxley takes it all in stride, but I thought it was unnecessary for Callahan to be so narrow minded.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2021
Hotter Than Hot was a bi awakening, friends to lovers romance between Bax and Callahan.
They were friends with Alessandro and Lachlan from the first book and round out their friend group. After seeing their friends fall in love, Callahan finally takes a chance on Bax and starts to see him in a new light.
This book felt a little repetitive. The story was pretty similar to the first one but lacked the same intrigue. It didn't keep me as hooked and I felt more ambivalent to it even though I was excited to read it.
It also felt a little over the top at times. Bax's flirting just felt like too much and I would have liked to see more of a connection between the two.
But it's still a short and steamy, friends to lovers book and if that's what you're looking for, then this will do the trick!
*I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.*
They were friends with Alessandro and Lachlan from the first book and round out their friend group. After seeing their friends fall in love, Callahan finally takes a chance on Bax and starts to see him in a new light.
This book felt a little repetitive. The story was pretty similar to the first one but lacked the same intrigue. It didn't keep me as hooked and I felt more ambivalent to it even though I was excited to read it.
It also felt a little over the top at times. Bax's flirting just felt like too much and I would have liked to see more of a connection between the two.
But it's still a short and steamy, friends to lovers book and if that's what you're looking for, then this will do the trick!
*I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.*
September 16, 2021
I enjoyed getting to know Baxley and Callahan during the first book, but learning how exactly how both men feel about each other and how their friendship develops into more makes this book another great read. Baxley, like Alessandro, has developed feelings for his best friend, who he's always believed was straight. After Lachlan surprises both him and Callahan by admitting he'd been wrong all these years and Alessandro was his boyfriend, Callahan starts to rethink all the flirting throughout the years. Baxley is truthful; once he realizes Callahan is at a point where he can take the entire confession of Baxley's feelings. And Callahan reflects on his past relationships and realizing his friends with Baxley was more satisfying. This is a sweet and sexy story about two best friends who become everything!
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