What do you think?
Rate this book
Team Spirit #2
Best Belly Buddies
In Need of TLC
Zayden “Z” Shoemaker has secrets. He’s been in love with Dare, his straight best friend, for longer than he can remember, and on top of that tragedy in progress, he has an odd quirk none of his ex-boyfriends could handle. After every nasty breakup, Dare is there to help him through the heartache—and wipe away tears.
The Port in Every Storm
Fern “Dare” Darrow is tired of seeing men break Zayden’s heart. As far as he’s concerned, no one is good enough for his Z. When Zayden’s current man cheats and sends him into a cocoon of blankets and despair, Dare steps up in his role of best friend. Dare doesn’t expect to walk in on Zayden in a vulnerable position, which causes Dare to seriously question his sexuality for the first time. Dare is shocked into examining his true feelings for his best friend.
Scared But Determined
After confessions from both men, Dare and Zayden must make a decision that could transform every piece of their relationship and life, especially since they already live together. They’ll either grow with the change or destroy the one friendship that has kept them sane. Dare isn’t a coward, and Z is stronger than he thinks, but they will need each other more than ever if they want to overcome a lifetime of expectations.
Zayden “Z” Shoemaker has secrets. He’s been in love with Dare, his straight best friend, for longer than he can remember, and on top of that tragedy in progress, he has an odd quirk none of his ex-boyfriends could handle. After every nasty breakup, Dare is there to help him through the heartache—and wipe away tears.
The Port in Every Storm
Fern “Dare” Darrow is tired of seeing men break Zayden’s heart. As far as he’s concerned, no one is good enough for his Z. When Zayden’s current man cheats and sends him into a cocoon of blankets and despair, Dare steps up in his role of best friend. Dare doesn’t expect to walk in on Zayden in a vulnerable position, which causes Dare to seriously question his sexuality for the first time. Dare is shocked into examining his true feelings for his best friend.
Scared But Determined
After confessions from both men, Dare and Zayden must make a decision that could transform every piece of their relationship and life, especially since they already live together. They’ll either grow with the change or destroy the one friendship that has kept them sane. Dare isn’t a coward, and Z is stronger than he thinks, but they will need each other more than ever if they want to overcome a lifetime of expectations.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2021
70 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Ki Brightly
91 books716 followersI spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 18, 2025
⭐️ 4.5/5 — Heartfelt, hilarious, and stupidly sweet; these two best friends made falling in love feel like pure comfort 😍💞
🌶 4/5 — Soft Daddy dominance meets full-blown breeding and pregnancy kink—filthy, possessive, and way too hot for a “sweet” book 😳💦
💭 My Rambling 💭
Best friends to lovers is one of my go-to tropes when I need something sweet, easy, and hella comforting. 💕 Best Belly Buddies turned out to be one of the softest, most adorable books Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory have written—like sunshine and sugar with a side of filth 🤭. I swear, these two really said “aww” and “oh my god” in the same breath. 😏
🧔🤰 The MCs 🤰🧔
Fern "Dare" Darrow 🧔
Quote:
Dare was always the happiest when he’d passed over the food to me, as though presenting me with the greatest gift known to man, and it’d been special to me. I’d always loved everything he gave me, but food felt like more. He’d always provided for me, been the caretaker out of our friendship. My Daddy without even realizing what he was doing.
Zayden "Z" Shoemaker 🤰
Quote:
Zayden didn’t slam, yell, or do anything else rude. He had a fluffy personality, like a baby bunny, and that was half the reason we still lived together. I couldn’t imagine sending him out into the world alone after being best friends with him through school and college. He’d get eaten alive.
💘 When the Damn Walls Finally Crumble 💘
Quote (Zayden):
“I love you.”
It felt strange to say it to his face, even though he was sleeping, but it was also invigorating. I’d finally said it to him.
“I love you. I love you, Fern. I’ve been in love with you since I was old enough to know what love is.”
💭 HELLOOO emotional damage?! 😭💔 Zayden out here whispering confessions like it’s a damn prayer while the man’s asleep—cowardly, adorable, and absolutely gut-wrenching all at once. The yearning?? I was kicking my feet, clutching my chest, and yelling “JUST WAKE HIM UP AND SAY IT PROPERLY, YOU FOOL!” 😩💞 Ugh, soft boys in love ruin me every. single. time. 🥺🥲
🤦🏻♀️ Two Grown Men, One Brain Cell, and a Locked Door 🚪
Quote:
There was a sad sob from inside the room and my gut dropped. I took a deep breath and tried the doorknob again. It didn’t go any better this time than the last.
“Zayden, please let me in.” I tapped the door lightly with my knuckles. When I got no response, fear slithered through me. Did he regret saying he loved me? Not mean it? Or… maybe he meant it the same way we’d said I love you in the past… as friends.
💭 Classic IDIOTS-TO-LOVERS ENERGY, right here. 🤦🏻♀️💔 They’ve been besties since forever—high school, college, same damn law firm, same apartment—and somehow still need a full-blown emotional crisis and a locked door to realize they’re in love. 😭 Like, babes… the “he’s just my friend” ship sank years ago, you’re living together and pining like a married couple. SOMEONE KNOCK THEIR HEADS TOGETHER AND MAKE THEM KISS ALREADY! 😩
💥 The Confession That Finally Broke Me 💞😭
Dare: “I would never hurt you like that, Z. I’m not your exes. I care so much about you. I… I love you.”
Zayden: “You love me? Like, really love me?”
Dare: “For longer than I knew. And I need you to understand I mean it. I love you more than anyone else ever could. I love you so much it hurts to think about how many other men I let break your heart, when it could have been me front and center to love you the entire time.”
💭 OH MY GOD. SOMEBODY SEDATE ME. 😭💘 This is the kind of raw, chest-crushing confession that makes you kick your legs, sob, and grin like an idiot at 3 a.m. 🫠 Years of friendship, years of pining, and finally this emotional mic drop. My heart? Exploded. My soul? Ascended. My standards? Unreachable now. 😩🔥💞
🌶🔥 When Sweet Turns Filthy 🥵💦
Quote:
“Show Daddy your hole. Show me where you want my cock and want me to put my seed, so you’ll stay big and round with all the cum you have in your belly. So you’ll make Daddy a baby, Z. That’s what I want. I want you to belong to me.”
💭 This was THE moment where the soft, cuddly love story took a hard left turn straight into “oh damn, it’s getting hot now.” 😳🔥 The Daddy and breeding kink hit full throttle, and I just sat there clutching my e-reader like “oh, we’re finally doing this.” It’s filthy, it’s possessive, and somehow still tender as hell—like a love letter wrapped in sin 😩🤌🏻💋✨️
📝 TLDR 📝
Give this one a go if you’re into… 👀
💞 Best friends to lovers — the “everyone knows but them” kind that makes you wanna yell JUST KISS ALREADY! 😭
🧸 Soft Daddy kink vibes — gentle dominance, full of care, not bark-and-bite but melt-and-purr 😏
🤰 Breeding kink, and pregnancy kink realness — yeah, they went there… and it’s hotter than it has any right to be 😳🔥
🏠 Roommates-to-lovers chaos — sharing space, sharing life, sharing way more than they planned 👀
💔 Low angst, high sweetness — minimal drama, maximum pining, and a big ol’ HEA that’ll leave you smiling like an idiot 😆💖
-
Quotes: ⚠️ Spoilers ⛔️
I resembled what Zayden had told me once was a “snuggly bear”.
-
The front door wasn’t locked, and when I pushed it open, I almost died. The unmistakable sound of Zayden sobbing, far worse than I’d ever heard him in the past, had me dumping my bag on the sofa and flying up the stairs. The sounds weren’t coming from his room, but mine. He was on my bed still wrapped up in his blankets, and I got the horrible feeling he’d been in that spot for a while, maybe since I’d left.
-
“You don’t hate me?” he asked, voice trembling.
“How could I ever hate you?” I smiled at him and felt like I was back on solid ground. This was what I was here for, letting him know he was the bright star in the center of the universe, and every man who dared to treat him poorly deserved a dismal death—alone.
-
“Hi, my name is Zayden, and I like wearing a fake pregnant belly and getting fucked while in it. I have a breeding kink. I’m also in love with my best friend and he caught me wearing the belly the other night while I was fucking myself with my dildo. I’m screwed.”
-
He trembled in my arms. Our breathing was like thunder in the dark. I held him close, rocking him. “I love you, too, Z. I don’t know if I can do everything you need, but I want to try. Fuck, I want to try.”
-
“The whole saying is, ‘the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.’ More or less it means the people and things we choose to commit ourselves to are more important than anything else.”
-
“Will you help me? My ass is empty. I want you in it. I want your seed to fill me up and make me happy.” He cupped his flat stomach. “I want you to breed me so I’m full. You’ll want to keep me if I have your baby inside me, right?”
“So much. I’ll put so much cum in you that you’ll be dripping for a week. I’ll put so many babies in you that you’ll be pregnant forever.”
-
“There’s a lot I don’t want to fuck up here. I love you. I want to be your Daddy. I want you to be my boy. I love the idea of you thinking about me. Waiting in my bed for me to come find you and fuck you and fill you up.”
-
“You’re such a good boy, Zayden,” I whispered, and he flushed.
I spread his thighs and used my fingers to scrape my cum from where I’d smeared his legs. He watched intently, his bottom lip between his teeth. I gathered as much as I could on two fingers and used my other hand to spread his asscheeks. He finally got the picture, moaning as he angled his hips for me. I slid my fingers into his hole, easing them in deep. I repeated the process until I had every last drop of my cum in his body.
“Thank you, Daddy,” he whispered, and I laughed.
“You’re welcome, baby.
-
“If I go over, I’m going to find those skimpy little shorts I like and make you wear them. The ones that show off your thighs and make me want to put my face between your legs.”
“I have shorts that make you want to do that?” he asked, breath strangled.
“Oh yeah.”
-
I plopped at his side and pulled him into my arms until I had him dragged onto my lap with my hands resting on his middle. He was so slim. I loved holding him this way. He let out a happy little hum.
-
“Daddy’s going to fill you with his seed, baby. I’m going to put so much cum down your throat it’ll knock you up. Are you ready to swallow it?”
-
“This is mine. You’re mine. No one else is touching you anymore, Z. Do you get that? No more boyfriends. This is it. I can’t stand the thought of another man with his hands on you. I….” Rubbing my fingers over his belly, a wild possessiveness rocked me to my core, and maybe I finally understood what Z loved about this. Every piece of his kink meant he would be tied to me in some real, tangible, indisputable way. And I wanted that. I wanted everyone to know he was mine, and I fucked him, and I… I owned him.
-
“Daddy’s going to fill you up so you can touch your belly when we’re not together and know how much I love you. You’re going to feel my love deep inside your body and know it’s growing every day. You’re mine, Zayden.”
-
Fumbling for the box, I pulled out one last thing. I almost dropped it three times before I found his left hand and slid a simple white-gold band onto it. He wiped off his forehead on my suit jacket, which I’d never bothered to take off, as he brought his hand up to stare at the ring.
Anxiousness I hadn’t expected had my gut plummeting. Is he going to say no? Was it too soon? “You don’t have to…. I mean, I know we haven’t been officially—”
“Yes, Fern.” He threw his arms around me, and my stomach snapped back where it belonged. I let out a relieved groan and felt amazing. I was surrounded by his body, and more importantly, his love.
“I don’t want you to be anywhere and wonder about my commitment or me wanting to be with you. You can’t take the belly to work, but this ring… it can mean anything you want.”
“It means I have a Daddy, and I’m keeping him,” he said firmly.
Tears prickled my eyes.
He leaned back to stare in my face and laughed, using his thumb to brush along my cheeks.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cry like this,” he whispered.
“You’ve never seen me happy like this.” I leaned down and kissed him with everything I had in me. Whatever happened in the next few months, hell, the next few decades, we’d be doing it together. I was the luckiest man—the luckiest Daddy—in the world.
-
⚠️ Detailed spoilers below ⛔️
RC and MCs:
🧔🤰 MM, strict roles
🧔🤰 Fern "Dare" Darrow and Zayden "Z" Shoemaker (age not specified)
🧔🤰 Dare: Paralegal at Mansfield, Rowell, and Harford law firm
🧔🤰 Z: Paralegal at Mansfield, Rowell, and Harford law firm
🧔🤰 Dare: Top, Daddy, straight to GFY, chestnut brown hair, brown eyes, beard, soft belly
🧔🤰 Z: Bottom, boy, gay, curly brown hair, hazel eyes, freckles across his nose
Genre and tropes:
🧔🤰 MM contemporary romance
🧔🤰 Best friends to lovers
🧔🤰 Housemates
🧔🤰 Workplace setting
🧔🤰 Found family
🧔🤰 Supportive family/acceptance
🧔🤰 Bi-awakening/GFY
🧔🤰 First times
🧔🤰 Size difference (Dare is taller and bigger than Zayden)
🧔🤰 Pining (Zayden has been in love with Dare for years)
🧔🤰 Daddy kink
🧔🤰 Daddy/boy dynamics
🧔🤰 Kink explorations
🧔🤰 J/P MC (Dare)
🧔🤰 Mine
🧔🤰 Pet names: Stumpy, baby, boy
Safety info:
🧔🤰 Angst: Low
🧔🤰 OPD: Zayden
🧔🤰 Cheating/sharing: No
🧔🤰 Third act breakup: No
🧔🤰 Ending: HEA
🧔🤰 Epilogue: Yes (2 months later)
🧔🤰 POV: Dual, 1st person
🧔🤰 Series structure: Interconnected standalone
Spice and kinks:
Belly kink/pregnancy kink (role play), breeding kink, Daddy kink, Daddy/boy dynamics, power exchange, sex toys (silicone pregnancy belly, dildos, shirt stays), nipple play, dry humping to completion, blowjob, dirty talk, shower sex, jerking each other off, mild marking (bite mark, love bites/hickeys), rimming, intercrural sex, cum play, pushes cum into (hole), semi-public sex (in the office's toilet and in the photo studio (no audience)), coming untouched, bareback
CW/TW:
Niche fetish and kinks, explicit sexual content, power exchange, internalized shame, insecurity, identity conflict, cheating (by one of the MC's ex)
🌶 4/5 — Soft Daddy dominance meets full-blown breeding and pregnancy kink—filthy, possessive, and way too hot for a “sweet” book 😳💦
💭 My Rambling 💭
Best friends to lovers is one of my go-to tropes when I need something sweet, easy, and hella comforting. 💕 Best Belly Buddies turned out to be one of the softest, most adorable books Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory have written—like sunshine and sugar with a side of filth 🤭. I swear, these two really said “aww” and “oh my god” in the same breath. 😏
🧔🤰 The MCs 🤰🧔
Fern "Dare" Darrow 🧔
Quote:
Dare was always the happiest when he’d passed over the food to me, as though presenting me with the greatest gift known to man, and it’d been special to me. I’d always loved everything he gave me, but food felt like more. He’d always provided for me, been the caretaker out of our friendship. My Daddy without even realizing what he was doing.
Zayden "Z" Shoemaker 🤰
Quote:
Zayden didn’t slam, yell, or do anything else rude. He had a fluffy personality, like a baby bunny, and that was half the reason we still lived together. I couldn’t imagine sending him out into the world alone after being best friends with him through school and college. He’d get eaten alive.
💘 When the Damn Walls Finally Crumble 💘
Quote (Zayden):
“I love you.”
It felt strange to say it to his face, even though he was sleeping, but it was also invigorating. I’d finally said it to him.
“I love you. I love you, Fern. I’ve been in love with you since I was old enough to know what love is.”
💭 HELLOOO emotional damage?! 😭💔 Zayden out here whispering confessions like it’s a damn prayer while the man’s asleep—cowardly, adorable, and absolutely gut-wrenching all at once. The yearning?? I was kicking my feet, clutching my chest, and yelling “JUST WAKE HIM UP AND SAY IT PROPERLY, YOU FOOL!” 😩💞 Ugh, soft boys in love ruin me every. single. time. 🥺🥲
🤦🏻♀️ Two Grown Men, One Brain Cell, and a Locked Door 🚪
Quote:
There was a sad sob from inside the room and my gut dropped. I took a deep breath and tried the doorknob again. It didn’t go any better this time than the last.
“Zayden, please let me in.” I tapped the door lightly with my knuckles. When I got no response, fear slithered through me. Did he regret saying he loved me? Not mean it? Or… maybe he meant it the same way we’d said I love you in the past… as friends.
💭 Classic IDIOTS-TO-LOVERS ENERGY, right here. 🤦🏻♀️💔 They’ve been besties since forever—high school, college, same damn law firm, same apartment—and somehow still need a full-blown emotional crisis and a locked door to realize they’re in love. 😭 Like, babes… the “he’s just my friend” ship sank years ago, you’re living together and pining like a married couple. SOMEONE KNOCK THEIR HEADS TOGETHER AND MAKE THEM KISS ALREADY! 😩
💥 The Confession That Finally Broke Me 💞😭
Dare: “I would never hurt you like that, Z. I’m not your exes. I care so much about you. I… I love you.”
Zayden: “You love me? Like, really love me?”
Dare: “For longer than I knew. And I need you to understand I mean it. I love you more than anyone else ever could. I love you so much it hurts to think about how many other men I let break your heart, when it could have been me front and center to love you the entire time.”
💭 OH MY GOD. SOMEBODY SEDATE ME. 😭💘 This is the kind of raw, chest-crushing confession that makes you kick your legs, sob, and grin like an idiot at 3 a.m. 🫠 Years of friendship, years of pining, and finally this emotional mic drop. My heart? Exploded. My soul? Ascended. My standards? Unreachable now. 😩🔥💞
🌶🔥 When Sweet Turns Filthy 🥵💦
Quote:
“Show Daddy your hole. Show me where you want my cock and want me to put my seed, so you’ll stay big and round with all the cum you have in your belly. So you’ll make Daddy a baby, Z. That’s what I want. I want you to belong to me.”
💭 This was THE moment where the soft, cuddly love story took a hard left turn straight into “oh damn, it’s getting hot now.” 😳🔥 The Daddy and breeding kink hit full throttle, and I just sat there clutching my e-reader like “oh, we’re finally doing this.” It’s filthy, it’s possessive, and somehow still tender as hell—like a love letter wrapped in sin 😩🤌🏻💋✨️
📝 TLDR 📝
Give this one a go if you’re into… 👀
💞 Best friends to lovers — the “everyone knows but them” kind that makes you wanna yell JUST KISS ALREADY! 😭
🧸 Soft Daddy kink vibes — gentle dominance, full of care, not bark-and-bite but melt-and-purr 😏
🤰 Breeding kink, and pregnancy kink realness — yeah, they went there… and it’s hotter than it has any right to be 😳🔥
🏠 Roommates-to-lovers chaos — sharing space, sharing life, sharing way more than they planned 👀
💔 Low angst, high sweetness — minimal drama, maximum pining, and a big ol’ HEA that’ll leave you smiling like an idiot 😆💖
-
Quotes: ⚠️ Spoilers ⛔️
I resembled what Zayden had told me once was a “snuggly bear”.
-
The front door wasn’t locked, and when I pushed it open, I almost died. The unmistakable sound of Zayden sobbing, far worse than I’d ever heard him in the past, had me dumping my bag on the sofa and flying up the stairs. The sounds weren’t coming from his room, but mine. He was on my bed still wrapped up in his blankets, and I got the horrible feeling he’d been in that spot for a while, maybe since I’d left.
-
“You don’t hate me?” he asked, voice trembling.
“How could I ever hate you?” I smiled at him and felt like I was back on solid ground. This was what I was here for, letting him know he was the bright star in the center of the universe, and every man who dared to treat him poorly deserved a dismal death—alone.
-
“Hi, my name is Zayden, and I like wearing a fake pregnant belly and getting fucked while in it. I have a breeding kink. I’m also in love with my best friend and he caught me wearing the belly the other night while I was fucking myself with my dildo. I’m screwed.”
-
He trembled in my arms. Our breathing was like thunder in the dark. I held him close, rocking him. “I love you, too, Z. I don’t know if I can do everything you need, but I want to try. Fuck, I want to try.”
-
“The whole saying is, ‘the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.’ More or less it means the people and things we choose to commit ourselves to are more important than anything else.”
-
“Will you help me? My ass is empty. I want you in it. I want your seed to fill me up and make me happy.” He cupped his flat stomach. “I want you to breed me so I’m full. You’ll want to keep me if I have your baby inside me, right?”
“So much. I’ll put so much cum in you that you’ll be dripping for a week. I’ll put so many babies in you that you’ll be pregnant forever.”
-
“There’s a lot I don’t want to fuck up here. I love you. I want to be your Daddy. I want you to be my boy. I love the idea of you thinking about me. Waiting in my bed for me to come find you and fuck you and fill you up.”
-
“You’re such a good boy, Zayden,” I whispered, and he flushed.
I spread his thighs and used my fingers to scrape my cum from where I’d smeared his legs. He watched intently, his bottom lip between his teeth. I gathered as much as I could on two fingers and used my other hand to spread his asscheeks. He finally got the picture, moaning as he angled his hips for me. I slid my fingers into his hole, easing them in deep. I repeated the process until I had every last drop of my cum in his body.
“Thank you, Daddy,” he whispered, and I laughed.
“You’re welcome, baby.
-
“If I go over, I’m going to find those skimpy little shorts I like and make you wear them. The ones that show off your thighs and make me want to put my face between your legs.”
“I have shorts that make you want to do that?” he asked, breath strangled.
“Oh yeah.”
-
I plopped at his side and pulled him into my arms until I had him dragged onto my lap with my hands resting on his middle. He was so slim. I loved holding him this way. He let out a happy little hum.
-
“Daddy’s going to fill you with his seed, baby. I’m going to put so much cum down your throat it’ll knock you up. Are you ready to swallow it?”
-
“This is mine. You’re mine. No one else is touching you anymore, Z. Do you get that? No more boyfriends. This is it. I can’t stand the thought of another man with his hands on you. I….” Rubbing my fingers over his belly, a wild possessiveness rocked me to my core, and maybe I finally understood what Z loved about this. Every piece of his kink meant he would be tied to me in some real, tangible, indisputable way. And I wanted that. I wanted everyone to know he was mine, and I fucked him, and I… I owned him.
-
“Daddy’s going to fill you up so you can touch your belly when we’re not together and know how much I love you. You’re going to feel my love deep inside your body and know it’s growing every day. You’re mine, Zayden.”
-
Fumbling for the box, I pulled out one last thing. I almost dropped it three times before I found his left hand and slid a simple white-gold band onto it. He wiped off his forehead on my suit jacket, which I’d never bothered to take off, as he brought his hand up to stare at the ring.
Anxiousness I hadn’t expected had my gut plummeting. Is he going to say no? Was it too soon? “You don’t have to…. I mean, I know we haven’t been officially—”
“Yes, Fern.” He threw his arms around me, and my stomach snapped back where it belonged. I let out a relieved groan and felt amazing. I was surrounded by his body, and more importantly, his love.
“I don’t want you to be anywhere and wonder about my commitment or me wanting to be with you. You can’t take the belly to work, but this ring… it can mean anything you want.”
“It means I have a Daddy, and I’m keeping him,” he said firmly.
Tears prickled my eyes.
He leaned back to stare in my face and laughed, using his thumb to brush along my cheeks.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cry like this,” he whispered.
“You’ve never seen me happy like this.” I leaned down and kissed him with everything I had in me. Whatever happened in the next few months, hell, the next few decades, we’d be doing it together. I was the luckiest man—the luckiest Daddy—in the world.
-
⚠️ Detailed spoilers below ⛔️
RC and MCs:
🧔🤰 MM, strict roles
🧔🤰 Fern "Dare" Darrow and Zayden "Z" Shoemaker (age not specified)
🧔🤰 Dare: Paralegal at Mansfield, Rowell, and Harford law firm
🧔🤰 Z: Paralegal at Mansfield, Rowell, and Harford law firm
🧔🤰 Dare: Top, Daddy, straight to GFY, chestnut brown hair, brown eyes, beard, soft belly
🧔🤰 Z: Bottom, boy, gay, curly brown hair, hazel eyes, freckles across his nose
Genre and tropes:
🧔🤰 MM contemporary romance
🧔🤰 Best friends to lovers
🧔🤰 Housemates
🧔🤰 Workplace setting
🧔🤰 Found family
🧔🤰 Supportive family/acceptance
🧔🤰 Bi-awakening/GFY
🧔🤰 First times
🧔🤰 Size difference (Dare is taller and bigger than Zayden)
🧔🤰 Pining (Zayden has been in love with Dare for years)
🧔🤰 Daddy kink
🧔🤰 Daddy/boy dynamics
🧔🤰 Kink explorations
🧔🤰 J/P MC (Dare)
🧔🤰 Mine
🧔🤰 Pet names: Stumpy, baby, boy
Safety info:
🧔🤰 Angst: Low
🧔🤰 OPD: Zayden
🧔🤰 Cheating/sharing: No
🧔🤰 Third act breakup: No
🧔🤰 Ending: HEA
🧔🤰 Epilogue: Yes (2 months later)
🧔🤰 POV: Dual, 1st person
🧔🤰 Series structure: Interconnected standalone
Spice and kinks:
Belly kink/pregnancy kink (role play), breeding kink, Daddy kink, Daddy/boy dynamics, power exchange, sex toys (silicone pregnancy belly, dildos, shirt stays), nipple play, dry humping to completion, blowjob, dirty talk, shower sex, jerking each other off, mild marking (bite mark, love bites/hickeys), rimming, intercrural sex, cum play, pushes cum into (hole), semi-public sex (in the office's toilet and in the photo studio (no audience)), coming untouched, bareback
CW/TW:
Niche fetish and kinks, explicit sexual content, power exchange, internalized shame, insecurity, identity conflict, cheating (by one of the MC's ex)
Read
October 7, 2021Hello, New Gothenburg!
Best Belly Buddies was one of those books that was super easy to write. Meg and I loved our characters, Zayden and Dare, from the very beginning. It’s such a joy to write books like this one where we have fun the whole way through. Sometimes a storyline will fight with us, but not this time!
Best Belly Buddies is a standalone book, but for those of you who have read other books in New Gothenburg, there will be some familiar faces in the background.
And I have to say, I loved Zayden so much it was such a relief to help him finally get everything he’d ever dreamed of having with his best friend Dare.
So, as usual, our book has a kink! I think people who liked Staking His Claim and Sold for the Night will enjoy Best Belly Buddies, but unlike those two books, Dare and Zayden are much sweeter. Prepare for your heart to melt. I’ll put the kink below the spoiler bar in this review for everyone who wants to be spoiled!
Thank you so much for reading books from New Gothenburg. Meg and I truly appreciate our readers and we have a fantastic time writing. It’s because of all of you that we’ve been able to write the books we’ve released this year. Our community is the best ever, and I’m always grateful.
If you would like to join our readers’ group it’s here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/compa...
If you would like to join our newsletter it can be found here: https://gmail.us3.list-manage.com/sub...
Thanks again, and happy reading!
~Ki
P.S. I know sometimes people have fun trying to guess who wrote which character, so I’ll let you know that Meg wrote Zayden, and I wrote Dare. <3
Best Belly Buddies was one of those books that was super easy to write. Meg and I loved our characters, Zayden and Dare, from the very beginning. It’s such a joy to write books like this one where we have fun the whole way through. Sometimes a storyline will fight with us, but not this time!
Best Belly Buddies is a standalone book, but for those of you who have read other books in New Gothenburg, there will be some familiar faces in the background.
And I have to say, I loved Zayden so much it was such a relief to help him finally get everything he’d ever dreamed of having with his best friend Dare.
So, as usual, our book has a kink! I think people who liked Staking His Claim and Sold for the Night will enjoy Best Belly Buddies, but unlike those two books, Dare and Zayden are much sweeter. Prepare for your heart to melt. I’ll put the kink below the spoiler bar in this review for everyone who wants to be spoiled!
Thank you so much for reading books from New Gothenburg. Meg and I truly appreciate our readers and we have a fantastic time writing. It’s because of all of you that we’ve been able to write the books we’ve released this year. Our community is the best ever, and I’m always grateful.
If you would like to join our readers’ group it’s here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/compa...
If you would like to join our newsletter it can be found here: https://gmail.us3.list-manage.com/sub...
Thanks again, and happy reading!
~Ki
P.S. I know sometimes people have fun trying to guess who wrote which character, so I’ll let you know that Meg wrote Zayden, and I wrote Dare. <3
October 12, 2021
4/5
Tropes:
- Bisexual awakening
- Best friends to lovers
- Childhood friends
- Supportive family
- Workplace romance
- Kink (Daddy, breeding)
- Low-angst
Best Belly Buddies by Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory is a cute, sweet, low-angst story that features best friends who always fell into the ‘something more’ category finally confessing to each other and falling in love.
For one, I loved Dare and Zayden. Both characters compliment each other so well — Dare was the rock for his best friend and had always been taking care of him, whether it be asshole boyfriends or trouble at work, while Zayden was emotionally open and vulnerable, brightened up Dare’s life, and they could talk about almost anything with each other. These childhood friends really had always just been together, loving each other, and Dare had always been the perfect Daddy for Zayden.
If you’ve read Staking His Claim, you’re not new to this kink and the way it’s described and toys involved. I really enjoyed reading about it with them, with some more daddy kink thrown in. The scenes were steamy and plentiful, and I especially enjoyed the photo shoot. What an enjoyable and important moment for them both, and I liked seeing side characters that I assume are from other books. Many good and funny ones that I’d like to trace down where there books are from to learn about them more.
As usual, this author pair knocks it out of the park with the writing itself and the editing is very well done. The character’s point of views were distinctive as they switched each chapter, and I felt like I could connect to the story.
However, because this is an established world, there were a lot of names and side characters that I felt a little overwhelmed. I know everyone is connected to everyone, and that’s the joy of seeing old characters, and I’m pretty sure I have an inkling of the pairing for an upcoming book that I will be very excited to read about. Still, maybe less of that could help with not some confusion of trying to keep track of who is with who, who likes what, etcetera. Nicky was a delight, too.
Sometimes with the books this author pair writes, I wonder if it’s written to frame story around a kink, or if it’s a story that asks for the kink. For this book? I’m not sure, but I enjoyed it either way. I do wish there was more touch on Daddy-ing? Maybe it was because Dare was new to the kink that it didn’t reach its full potential, but that’s just a personal preference. I also wonder if there was maybe a tad *too* many steamy scenes.
All in all, I really enjoyed this read and highly recommend it. It’s a great break from a bit darker or angstier reads from this pair, a palette cleanser of sorts while still being in the world!
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
Tropes:
- Bisexual awakening
- Best friends to lovers
- Childhood friends
- Supportive family
- Workplace romance
- Kink (Daddy, breeding)
- Low-angst
Best Belly Buddies by Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory is a cute, sweet, low-angst story that features best friends who always fell into the ‘something more’ category finally confessing to each other and falling in love.
For one, I loved Dare and Zayden. Both characters compliment each other so well — Dare was the rock for his best friend and had always been taking care of him, whether it be asshole boyfriends or trouble at work, while Zayden was emotionally open and vulnerable, brightened up Dare’s life, and they could talk about almost anything with each other. These childhood friends really had always just been together, loving each other, and Dare had always been the perfect Daddy for Zayden.
If you’ve read Staking His Claim, you’re not new to this kink and the way it’s described and toys involved. I really enjoyed reading about it with them, with some more daddy kink thrown in. The scenes were steamy and plentiful, and I especially enjoyed the photo shoot. What an enjoyable and important moment for them both, and I liked seeing side characters that I assume are from other books. Many good and funny ones that I’d like to trace down where there books are from to learn about them more.
As usual, this author pair knocks it out of the park with the writing itself and the editing is very well done. The character’s point of views were distinctive as they switched each chapter, and I felt like I could connect to the story.
However, because this is an established world, there were a lot of names and side characters that I felt a little overwhelmed. I know everyone is connected to everyone, and that’s the joy of seeing old characters, and I’m pretty sure I have an inkling of the pairing for an upcoming book that I will be very excited to read about. Still, maybe less of that could help with not some confusion of trying to keep track of who is with who, who likes what, etcetera. Nicky was a delight, too.
Sometimes with the books this author pair writes, I wonder if it’s written to frame story around a kink, or if it’s a story that asks for the kink. For this book? I’m not sure, but I enjoyed it either way. I do wish there was more touch on Daddy-ing? Maybe it was because Dare was new to the kink that it didn’t reach its full potential, but that’s just a personal preference. I also wonder if there was maybe a tad *too* many steamy scenes.
All in all, I really enjoyed this read and highly recommend it. It’s a great break from a bit darker or angstier reads from this pair, a palette cleanser of sorts while still being in the world!
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
November 6, 2021
I was curious about this book and the kink is rather interesting, I liked the exploration into and the characters feelings behind were lovely to see. Not read anything with this before, but was perfect to these two and enjoyed reading about.
Must admit the first half was better then the second for me, as the lead up with Z and Dare was wonderful. Their friendship is beautiful so the romance is just the perfect extra to what they already have.
Dare is a protector from start to finish and his adoration for Z is lovely, when they finally get together it just goes into overdrive and can see how they fit perfectly together. I liked how he wasn't quick to rush into things, as was all new to him and he wanted to learn first to be the best he can for Z.
Z was adorable, but came across very whiny in places and not very understanding at times despite saying he is. He was constantly rather impatient and in thoughts, while its true he has loved and admired Dare for years as the perfect aprtner for him. Which is true, but he could have been better about Dares feelings as new to him.
Their dates, working together and figuring their way through kink - the two aspects but flow together very well. Also the photography scenes! Those were beautiful, truly showed how they suited each other and their relationship.
There is plenty of steamy scenes that have lots of build up as they find what works for them and the kink is stunning. Lots of great discussion throughout which thought was wonderful to see and not just jumping into, as Dare wants to learn and doesn't want to risk hurting Z.
Of course I adored seeing more of Brad and Harley too, along with Nicky and Kwan who I fell in love with from the previous book. The kickball teams and sport is a fun way for all to being together. I do hope to see more books with the other characters romances as I am in love with Kwan especially, Nicky is wonderful too so be interesting to see their stories.
Overall an entertaining, unique and steamy read. Dare stole the show for me, possibly a new favourite character. I just enjoyed his growth so much! The ending is lovely, as moving forward together with changes in their work and reached a balance between the two 💕
Must admit the first half was better then the second for me, as the lead up with Z and Dare was wonderful. Their friendship is beautiful so the romance is just the perfect extra to what they already have.
Dare is a protector from start to finish and his adoration for Z is lovely, when they finally get together it just goes into overdrive and can see how they fit perfectly together. I liked how he wasn't quick to rush into things, as was all new to him and he wanted to learn first to be the best he can for Z.
Z was adorable, but came across very whiny in places and not very understanding at times despite saying he is. He was constantly rather impatient and in thoughts, while its true he has loved and admired Dare for years as the perfect aprtner for him. Which is true, but he could have been better about Dares feelings as new to him.
Their dates, working together and figuring their way through kink - the two aspects but flow together very well. Also the photography scenes! Those were beautiful, truly showed how they suited each other and their relationship.
There is plenty of steamy scenes that have lots of build up as they find what works for them and the kink is stunning. Lots of great discussion throughout which thought was wonderful to see and not just jumping into, as Dare wants to learn and doesn't want to risk hurting Z.
Of course I adored seeing more of Brad and Harley too, along with Nicky and Kwan who I fell in love with from the previous book. The kickball teams and sport is a fun way for all to being together. I do hope to see more books with the other characters romances as I am in love with Kwan especially, Nicky is wonderful too so be interesting to see their stories.
Overall an entertaining, unique and steamy read. Dare stole the show for me, possibly a new favourite character. I just enjoyed his growth so much! The ending is lovely, as moving forward together with changes in their work and reached a balance between the two 💕
Read
December 24, 2021Oof😬 should have guessed what the "weird kink" was from the title before going in. This one is as fluffy as it gets and I'm not sure I'm a fan.
October 19, 2021
DNF’d at 53%. Sorry, not my cup of tea.
October 28, 2021
I was so excited about this, a pregnancy kink again!
It was sweet, friends to lovers with a spice of daddy kink and pregnancy kink.
I missed more erotica (funny, because amazon put this book in the erotica category?!?!?!). I missed more depth for the kinks and somehow I imagine this kind of kink differently. I know, every kink and relationship are different, but when it comes to a baby belly, I imagine MORE c*m and more action.
I enjoyed the first half but then I was just waiting for them to have sex.
It was sweet, friends to lovers with a spice of daddy kink and pregnancy kink.
I missed more erotica (funny, because amazon put this book in the erotica category?!?!?!). I missed more depth for the kinks and somehow I imagine this kind of kink differently. I know, every kink and relationship are different, but when it comes to a baby belly, I imagine MORE c*m and more action.
I enjoyed the first half but then I was just waiting for them to have sex.
October 12, 2021
Wow! Ok so I will tell you upfront I never would have guessed I would have loved this book as much as I did! I almost did not get the ARC, it sounded out of my normal tropes when I read the blurb... but I was like super CURIOUS so I grabbed it! Once I started reading.. I seriously could not stop! Dare and Z are amazing! True best friends for the longest time, and with Dare and Z both just assuming Dare was totally straight they never explored anything further. You can feel their love and devotion to one another. It jumps off the pages! I needed them to happen! I do not want to give too much away as I really enjoyed just diving in blind on this one myself! Dare is a big protective guy and Z is small and pretty with a kink he is scared to share as he has been shunned for it before. I highly recommend this read! It is sweet, steamy, kinky, and addicting! and OH .. Harley Kitty appearance alert! Enjoy!
dnf
February 8, 2022DNF at 15%
Nothing wrong with this, seems well written, just not a kink I was into after all.
Nothing wrong with this, seems well written, just not a kink I was into after all.
November 1, 2021
...I mean I'm not mad about it
This book was...okay. That's it. It was just okay. Very middle of the road, not great but far from terrible, okay.
Now, I did like this book for the most part. I was very into the kink, I enjoyed seeing characters from other books that take place in this universe, and I quite liked Z and Dare. Their journey from friends to lovers was believable and made sense. However! ...did we really need to spend 30% of this book doing the whole "I'm straight, I can't like a guy" bit? I think not.
This book reminds me why I don't like straight to gay stories. I don't like spending so much time on something that doesn't deserve this much press. If they were both gay or if this had been a bi awakening, we could have bypassed all this nonsense and heartache for the characters. 30% may not sound like much to you but for me, it's too much. I was still able to power through this but I did want to DNF more than once, which leads into my next point, the pacing.
Mama this book was slow. I mean for a book that's not even 300 pages, it sure felt like I was reading this for a long time. Time was spent on "problems" that already had resolutions. Smut felt drawn out for the sake of being drawn out it's because it's smut. At one point I found myself actually saying "get on with it already!" Depending on who you are and what you enjoy from books, you may not have an issue here. You may find the filler enjoyable and romantic and vital to character development. But I'm the freak who likes slow books and I'm saying I was board.
Did I finish the book? Yes. Did I like it? Sure. Would I recommend it? Only if you have KU. Three stars because it completed the assignment. It didn't do any of the extra credit but she'll pass the class.
This book was...okay. That's it. It was just okay. Very middle of the road, not great but far from terrible, okay.
Now, I did like this book for the most part. I was very into the kink, I enjoyed seeing characters from other books that take place in this universe, and I quite liked Z and Dare. Their journey from friends to lovers was believable and made sense. However! ...did we really need to spend 30% of this book doing the whole "I'm straight, I can't like a guy" bit? I think not.
This book reminds me why I don't like straight to gay stories. I don't like spending so much time on something that doesn't deserve this much press. If they were both gay or if this had been a bi awakening, we could have bypassed all this nonsense and heartache for the characters. 30% may not sound like much to you but for me, it's too much. I was still able to power through this but I did want to DNF more than once, which leads into my next point, the pacing.
Mama this book was slow. I mean for a book that's not even 300 pages, it sure felt like I was reading this for a long time. Time was spent on "problems" that already had resolutions. Smut felt drawn out for the sake of being drawn out it's because it's smut. At one point I found myself actually saying "get on with it already!" Depending on who you are and what you enjoy from books, you may not have an issue here. You may find the filler enjoyable and romantic and vital to character development. But I'm the freak who likes slow books and I'm saying I was board.
Did I finish the book? Yes. Did I like it? Sure. Would I recommend it? Only if you have KU. Three stars because it completed the assignment. It didn't do any of the extra credit but she'll pass the class.
October 21, 2021
**ARC Review**
Super best friends becoming lovers. This was real sweet...kind of fluffy but real spicy. There is Zayden's kink which might be a lot for some people to handle but it was interesting and not as intense but cuter than how I was introduce to it in "Staking His Claim"...I'm going to blame that on Zayden...he is so dang gone cute...LOL He just wanted a daddy to share his kink with...his own ready made daddy Dare. Good thing they got out of the friend zone....so we go an entire story/romance of these two friends getting to know each other sexually and trying to navigate their "new"relationship. We also see other characters from previous books show up which is always a treat(really loved that). Not too much angst...nice enjoyable read with a really sweet ending.
Super best friends becoming lovers. This was real sweet...kind of fluffy but real spicy. There is Zayden's kink which might be a lot for some people to handle but it was interesting and not as intense but cuter than how I was introduce to it in "Staking His Claim"...I'm going to blame that on Zayden...he is so dang gone cute...LOL He just wanted a daddy to share his kink with...his own ready made daddy Dare. Good thing they got out of the friend zone....so we go an entire story/romance of these two friends getting to know each other sexually and trying to navigate their "new"relationship. We also see other characters from previous books show up which is always a treat(really loved that). Not too much angst...nice enjoyable read with a really sweet ending.
October 14, 2021
I enjoyed this way more than I expected to. Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory are always introducing me to new kinks I never expected to like. The few times I had read the breeding kink in the past it was never done very well, but the authors made it really something special in this one. I feel in love with Dare and Zayden, especially Z, he was just precious. I enjoyed every second of this low angst best friends to lovers romance with the Daddy and Breeding kink.
p.s. _ If you have read You've Got to Be Kitten Me by Ki Brightly those characters make lots of cameos in this because Z is friends with them and it made me so excited for Kwan's own book, I can't wait for him to get his own HEA
p.s. _ If you have read You've Got to Be Kitten Me by Ki Brightly those characters make lots of cameos in this because Z is friends with them and it made me so excited for Kwan's own book, I can't wait for him to get his own HEA
November 4, 2021
sweet & hot!
I loved Zayden and Dare. I absolutely love best friends to lovers and I really loved that there was very little conflict between the two MCs. They had been friends almost forever so when Dare starts seeing Z differently, there wasn’t a lot of unnecessary stress about it.
I loved his acceptance, support, and unwavering love for Z. They were just lovely together. Very steamy read, too. Highly recommend!
I loved Zayden and Dare. I absolutely love best friends to lovers and I really loved that there was very little conflict between the two MCs. They had been friends almost forever so when Dare starts seeing Z differently, there wasn’t a lot of unnecessary stress about it.
I loved his acceptance, support, and unwavering love for Z. They were just lovely together. Very steamy read, too. Highly recommend!
October 24, 2021
Zayden and Dare have a sweet, low angst, childhood best friends to lovers romance. Zayden is such a sweetheart; I could completely understand Dare’s heartbreak watching him get hurt over and over again. And so when Dare finally realises his feelings for his best friend, I cheered hard for Zayden getting all the happiness and love he deserved. At times, it even started to feel as though they didn’t need as many steamy scenes as they got. For me, these two characters fit into the category of ‘always been together just not officially’. It was more of the connection between them that I loved. Zayden is so tender-hearted and vulnerable, and Dare is extremely supportive, understanding, and fiercely protective of Zayden’s heart. They just fit. And the kink element shows this perfectly when Dare not only accepts what Zayden enjoys and needs, but embraces how beautifully it works for them. A really sweet and cute read.
May 21, 2022
This was cute.
I really adored the first half of the book, because the sexual tension, the will-they-won't-they and the pining were really top-notch. The second half of the book... not so much: I got a bit bored after a bit unfortunately.
I've wanted to try a book with this particular kink for ages now, so I'm glad I gave this book a chance: I'll definitely be on the lookout for more. The sex scenes were hot, hot, hot, and the chemistry between the two MCs was really good aswell. All in all, I would have loved a biiiit more plot and less random characters popping in (although some of them truly intrigued me and I'm pretty sure I'll be giving this shared book-universe another go at some point in the near future!), but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.
I really adored the first half of the book, because the sexual tension, the will-they-won't-they and the pining were really top-notch. The second half of the book... not so much: I got a bit bored after a bit unfortunately.
I've wanted to try a book with this particular kink for ages now, so I'm glad I gave this book a chance: I'll definitely be on the lookout for more. The sex scenes were hot, hot, hot, and the chemistry between the two MCs was really good aswell. All in all, I would have loved a biiiit more plot and less random characters popping in (although some of them truly intrigued me and I'm pretty sure I'll be giving this shared book-universe another go at some point in the near future!), but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.
October 7, 2021
This book is seriously sweet. I think I should probably schedule a dentist appointment immediately, it is so sweet. There is pretty much no angst, just some internal insecurities for the guys to work through which gives them depth and makes them human. It was a very nice break from all the darker things and normally and and I would definately recommend it.
(Yes, I had an ARC copy of the book. No, that doesn't change my review.)
(Yes, I had an ARC copy of the book. No, that doesn't change my review.)
February 24, 2025
There is another book of the same author where I was introduced to the belly kink and I kinda loved it, but here I thought it was meh, and sometimes even a bit weird 😅 while in the other book I thought it was a bit weird but also cute and romantic. It tells you how a kink can be seen from different perspectives according to the book...
I do like "Daddys" that care for their boy and treat them like treasure. In this case it was a bit awkward because the leads have been friends since children and Dare has always been kinda of a daddy to Zayne, minus the sexual part. But Zayne has always been in love with Dare, who is "straight" and since Zayne thinks he has no chance, has been dating guys that look the opposite of Dare. While Dare has dated a few girls, but has also always thought Zayne is beautiful and has amazing legs (??).
Other minus points:
- everyone is gay and handsome/cute: I swear every guy is either tall and handsome, or small and cute. And there are thousand of them, all of them are friends or acquaintances and have their eyes on some other gay that hangs around. I got bored with the football game and also with the bar scene... dozens of gays I should care about bc each of them has their own book? Nah.
- they all overshare: we are aware of the kink of everyone in that big group: that one is a Daddy, that one is a cat, that one is a puppy, etc, etc.
- which then comes one of Zayne's friends, Nicky. I am not a fan of loud, flamboyant guys that think everyone is a bit gay (no my friend, straight people exist, whether you like it or not).
- while the photo-shoot was nice, the fact that Dare decides just then and there to have anal sex in a random bed (not on their own bed) was weird.
- I loved that Dare had a nipple fetish.. too bad Zayne was like "yeah, it feels fine **shrugs**. Almost like the pregnancy kink.. it was like Zayne was more into it than Dare.
Plus point:
- Dare's mother and how she reacts when she sees them "on the act". She is very chill and supportive.
I do like "Daddys" that care for their boy and treat them like treasure. In this case it was a bit awkward because the leads have been friends since children and Dare has always been kinda of a daddy to Zayne, minus the sexual part. But Zayne has always been in love with Dare, who is "straight" and since Zayne thinks he has no chance, has been dating guys that look the opposite of Dare. While Dare has dated a few girls, but has also always thought Zayne is beautiful and has amazing legs (??).
Other minus points:
- everyone is gay and handsome/cute: I swear every guy is either tall and handsome, or small and cute. And there are thousand of them, all of them are friends or acquaintances and have their eyes on some other gay that hangs around. I got bored with the football game and also with the bar scene... dozens of gays I should care about bc each of them has their own book? Nah.
- they all overshare: we are aware of the kink of everyone in that big group: that one is a Daddy, that one is a cat, that one is a puppy, etc, etc.
- which then comes one of Zayne's friends, Nicky. I am not a fan of loud, flamboyant guys that think everyone is a bit gay (no my friend, straight people exist, whether you like it or not).
- while the photo-shoot was nice, the fact that Dare decides just then and there to have anal sex in a random bed (not on their own bed) was weird.
- I loved that Dare had a nipple fetish.. too bad Zayne was like "yeah, it feels fine **shrugs**. Almost like the pregnancy kink.. it was like Zayne was more into it than Dare.
Plus point:
- Dare's mother and how she reacts when she sees them "on the act". She is very chill and supportive.
February 17, 2022
I’ve never heard of this kink outside of perhaps werewolf romance, so that was a new one on me. I was very interested in how it worked and how the writers were going to incorporate it without too much feminisation and I do think they did that very well.
The story was very sweet – friends who to the outside look like they’ve been dating for years, with one pining after the other – sounded right up my street. But this didn’t gel for me – at all. There seemed to be a lot of extraneous characters – some, I believe, who have books of their own – that got too much attention. Their work life also seemed to play a huge role in the story but didn’t actually add anything to it.
I liked how Dare didn’t just dive straight into things as soon as he admitted his feelings – his concerns about what Zayden was looking for based on the porn he had watched seemed valid and I liked the fact that they communicated. I liked Zayden’s character development in as much as he learned to stand up for himself more and accept that what he was looking for from a relationship wasn’t as out there as he might have initially believed.
But it just felt too long – very drawn out and almost laborious. I loved the idea of the Boudoir shoot, but I was completely thrown out of the story by what happened there. It just seemed completely out of character considering how concerned/hesitant Dare had been up until that point. It felt wrong and it bugged me.
Perhaps I just wasn’t in the right mood for this? I think it was overall very well written and it passed the time, but I can’t see me looking into the various other stories written in the verse.
3.5/5 from me.
The story was very sweet – friends who to the outside look like they’ve been dating for years, with one pining after the other – sounded right up my street. But this didn’t gel for me – at all. There seemed to be a lot of extraneous characters – some, I believe, who have books of their own – that got too much attention. Their work life also seemed to play a huge role in the story but didn’t actually add anything to it.
I liked how Dare didn’t just dive straight into things as soon as he admitted his feelings – his concerns about what Zayden was looking for based on the porn he had watched seemed valid and I liked the fact that they communicated. I liked Zayden’s character development in as much as he learned to stand up for himself more and accept that what he was looking for from a relationship wasn’t as out there as he might have initially believed.
But it just felt too long – very drawn out and almost laborious. I loved the idea of the Boudoir shoot, but I was completely thrown out of the story by what happened there. It just seemed completely out of character considering how concerned/hesitant Dare had been up until that point. It felt wrong and it bugged me.
Perhaps I just wasn’t in the right mood for this? I think it was overall very well written and it passed the time, but I can’t see me looking into the various other stories written in the verse.
3.5/5 from me.
October 10, 2021
Aww... what a sweet, sweet story. I am amazed at how Ki Brightly (and M.D. Gregory) have created this New Gothenburg world where so many characters intertwine in each other's lives. They have both definitely become some of my favorite authors. I know when I pick up a book by either one, or both, I will be entertained and drawn into the story.
Best Belly Buddies is a sweeter story than we usually see from Ki, but it was perfect. Dare and Zayden have been best friends forever and it was so nice to see them admit how they felt and explore the kinks that Zayden was interested in together. I LOVED seeing all our old favorites: Kai, Grant, Logan (from Dirty Secret), Brad, Harley, Kwan, Nicky, Madden, Evan, Cam, Mark, and Olivia (I squealed when I finally realized who she was) and so many others. Again, it is amazing to me how they can make these characters fit so well into the other stories. It is so seamless. They clearly have a vision and talent for keeping everything cohesive and cogent.
I am very intrigued by some of the characters introduced, in particular Daddy Wayne. I want to read his story so much! I am also interested in the brief little intro to Alton Bouchard and Noah Divine. This always happens when I read a book by Ki. 🤣 I get greedy for more stories about side characters.
I highly recommend this for a sweet friends to lovers story with an edge of kink.
**I received an ARC for my honest review**
Best Belly Buddies is a sweeter story than we usually see from Ki, but it was perfect. Dare and Zayden have been best friends forever and it was so nice to see them admit how they felt and explore the kinks that Zayden was interested in together. I LOVED seeing all our old favorites: Kai, Grant, Logan (from Dirty Secret), Brad, Harley, Kwan, Nicky, Madden, Evan, Cam, Mark, and Olivia (I squealed when I finally realized who she was) and so many others. Again, it is amazing to me how they can make these characters fit so well into the other stories. It is so seamless. They clearly have a vision and talent for keeping everything cohesive and cogent.
I am very intrigued by some of the characters introduced, in particular Daddy Wayne. I want to read his story so much! I am also interested in the brief little intro to Alton Bouchard and Noah Divine. This always happens when I read a book by Ki. 🤣 I get greedy for more stories about side characters.
I highly recommend this for a sweet friends to lovers story with an edge of kink.
**I received an ARC for my honest review**
October 9, 2021
One of the cutest reads this year
I cannot begin to tell you how adorable Zayden and Dare are together. They are squishy and cuddly. I really enjoyed these two.
Given that they had been best friends for years, there was a shared history that lent an air of authenticity to their relationship. It’s was easy to see how Dare could develop feelings for the most important person in his life. Zayden always knew he loved Dare, he just didn’t think anything would ever come of it. Once Dare learns what Zayden is actually into in the bedroom, he jumps in and becomes the Daddy Z needs. I loved how Dare wanted to take the time to really learn what Z needed in a daddy. They steamed up the sheets and it was a pleasure to read. ;)
My one beef with Zayden was how he seemed to pressure Dare to give more in the bedroom than he was ready for. One would think that Z could appreciate that Dare wanted to take things slower since he had never done it before. I wish Z had been a little more understanding there.
Overall, this was a book that left me with all the warm fuzzies and a happy smile on my face. I am looking forward to Kwan’s story and can’t wait to see what happens with him.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I cannot begin to tell you how adorable Zayden and Dare are together. They are squishy and cuddly. I really enjoyed these two.
Given that they had been best friends for years, there was a shared history that lent an air of authenticity to their relationship. It’s was easy to see how Dare could develop feelings for the most important person in his life. Zayden always knew he loved Dare, he just didn’t think anything would ever come of it. Once Dare learns what Zayden is actually into in the bedroom, he jumps in and becomes the Daddy Z needs. I loved how Dare wanted to take the time to really learn what Z needed in a daddy. They steamed up the sheets and it was a pleasure to read. ;)
My one beef with Zayden was how he seemed to pressure Dare to give more in the bedroom than he was ready for. One would think that Z could appreciate that Dare wanted to take things slower since he had never done it before. I wish Z had been a little more understanding there.
Overall, this was a book that left me with all the warm fuzzies and a happy smile on my face. I am looking forward to Kwan’s story and can’t wait to see what happens with him.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 12, 2022
Straight boy Fern ‘Dare’ Darrow has always felt protective of his BFF / roommate Zayden ‘Z’ Shoemaker, especially since Z seems to attract then repel a revolving door of douchy boyfriends. When Dare walks in on Z in a compromising position, he uncovers Z’s secret kink which he finds strangely enticing. This bisexual-awakening / friends-to-lovers romance was low on angst and high on fluff. I wasn’t familiar with the breeding kink but I didn’t find it offensive or erotic, it just evoked a mild curiosity. The workplace subplot was a good addition, although it didn’t seem believable that childhood friends, Z and Dare, would both study to become paralegals and work in the same office. I appreciated that Dare’s transition from straight to bi and the sex scenes weren’t rushed but I felt like the daddy kink on top of accepting everything else was unlikely. I think audio narrator Payton Jin Huang has potential, but his delivery was uneven: sometimes smooth and perfect, other times stilted with weird character voicings. He captured Dare’s voice best; Z and friends were a little too high-pitched or comical.
——
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
——
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2022
“You ever hear the saying blood is thicker than water? The whole saying is, ‘the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.’ More or less it means the people and things we choose to commit ourselves to are more important than anything else. That’s where our fire is. Our passion.”For someone who has been going through a few months long reading slump, I'm burning through some KU titles. And somehow I always find my way down some random kink rabbit hole (no pun actually intended) despite not searching them out. I'm not upset about it. It's just become a *thing* for me. I have actively avoided mpreg fics and books because it's just not something I'm really interested in, personally. Though, this particular book is more about roleplaying and the physiology behind this certain kink. I did enjoy it. At the heart of this terribly titled book, it's about friendship and love and trust and found family. It is book two in a series but I can confirm it can be read alone as I haven't read book one.
“That’s very philosophical.”
February 14, 2022
This is a rather sweet and low-angst book, with super steamy parts!
It’s really all about Zayden and Dare exploring together their new relationship as they go from best friends to being a couple.
The fact that Dare has never been with a man before doesn’t seem to pose much of an obstacle, as he has just loved Z all his life and, apparently, getting physical with him is not really a struggle.
Nor, it seems, is he bothered in the least by Zaydan’s kinks, be it the Daddy king, or the breeding/pregnancy one. He’s just worried about not knowing enough and somehow hurting Z.
Now, I have to admit, this was my first encounter with breeding kink, and, though I can’t say it has become my favourite to read, it lost the “weird” factor it had when I started listening to this book. It probably isn’t for everyone, but, you know, to each their own…
This was my first time listening to a book narrated by Payton Jin Huang; I think he did a pretty good job with the voices, especially Z’s, as he has the kind of sweet voice that went really well with the characters.
It’s really all about Zayden and Dare exploring together their new relationship as they go from best friends to being a couple.
The fact that Dare has never been with a man before doesn’t seem to pose much of an obstacle, as he has just loved Z all his life and, apparently, getting physical with him is not really a struggle.
Nor, it seems, is he bothered in the least by Zaydan’s kinks, be it the Daddy king, or the breeding/pregnancy one. He’s just worried about not knowing enough and somehow hurting Z.
Now, I have to admit, this was my first encounter with breeding kink, and, though I can’t say it has become my favourite to read, it lost the “weird” factor it had when I started listening to this book. It probably isn’t for everyone, but, you know, to each their own…
This was my first time listening to a book narrated by Payton Jin Huang; I think he did a pretty good job with the voices, especially Z’s, as he has the kind of sweet voice that went really well with the characters.
October 10, 2021
ARC for Honest Review.
Best Belly Buddies is not the first book I have read from these 2 talented authors and it won't be the last. It was however very different to what I usually expect from them.
I was reading along thoroughly enjoying myself when to my own surprise I was reading the epilogue!
I usually don't go for the slower paced romance, I generally like a bit of action, intrigue or subterfuge in a book. But I forgot how gifted Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory are as authors.
I was once again drawn to the characters they wrote, drawn to their insecurities and how exposed they were with each other. How sweet they were and let's not forget how hot those sex scenes can get!
Another aspect I really enjoyed was how the different kinks were portrayed, honestly and tastefully. Not for sheer titillation but as a slice of life.
I really did enjoy Dare & Z's story. (I hope that the others get their stories too.) Good job ladies, well done and keep up the good work and I'll keep reading!
Best Belly Buddies is not the first book I have read from these 2 talented authors and it won't be the last. It was however very different to what I usually expect from them.
I was reading along thoroughly enjoying myself when to my own surprise I was reading the epilogue!
I usually don't go for the slower paced romance, I generally like a bit of action, intrigue or subterfuge in a book. But I forgot how gifted Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory are as authors.
I was once again drawn to the characters they wrote, drawn to their insecurities and how exposed they were with each other. How sweet they were and let's not forget how hot those sex scenes can get!
Another aspect I really enjoyed was how the different kinks were portrayed, honestly and tastefully. Not for sheer titillation but as a slice of life.
I really did enjoy Dare & Z's story. (I hope that the others get their stories too.) Good job ladies, well done and keep up the good work and I'll keep reading!
October 10, 2021
Dare and Zayden have been best friends since forever. As Dare watches Zayden go through another painful breakup, he cannot help but be there for Zayden as he always is but this time things are going to change. One innocent moment changes everything for Dare and he realizes just what Zayden really is to him. Will the two be able to figure it all out or will they lose everything?
I loved Zayden and Dare. Their story is a wonderful and sweet read. Their bond is so much more than just friendship and I enjoyed watching how it evolved and deepened even more. The two are great together and it was nice to see that no matter what the two men can rely on each other. Nothing and no one will ever change that. I loved seeing how these characters fit into the New Gothenburg world and it was fun seeing characters from previous books set in this world. I enjoy how the stories that are set in New Gothenburg intertwine. This is a beautiful story that will have you rooting for love and acceptance.
I loved Zayden and Dare. Their story is a wonderful and sweet read. Their bond is so much more than just friendship and I enjoyed watching how it evolved and deepened even more. The two are great together and it was nice to see that no matter what the two men can rely on each other. Nothing and no one will ever change that. I loved seeing how these characters fit into the New Gothenburg world and it was fun seeing characters from previous books set in this world. I enjoy how the stories that are set in New Gothenburg intertwine. This is a beautiful story that will have you rooting for love and acceptance.
October 11, 2021
Absolutely adorable
Z and Dare have been friends since they were very young. they went to school together, they went to college together, they now live together And work together for the same company. Z has always known that he was gay where Dare dated women. But Dare struggled to Watch Z get dumped and used by men, He always made sure he was there when Z needed him afterwards. But Z was holding a few secrets back 1: he had a kink. 2: he wanted a Daddy But the biggest secret was that he was in love with his best friend.
In some ways this book was a slow burn for me but there was so many times that my emotions just took over. I liked both of these guys and my heart went out for them both at different times. I really enjoyed the story. It was sweet, they were so adorable, the chemistry between them once they both admitted their feelings for each other were off the chart and the passion how my kindle didn’t burn up I have no idea. Really enjoyed this book.
Z and Dare have been friends since they were very young. they went to school together, they went to college together, they now live together And work together for the same company. Z has always known that he was gay where Dare dated women. But Dare struggled to Watch Z get dumped and used by men, He always made sure he was there when Z needed him afterwards. But Z was holding a few secrets back 1: he had a kink. 2: he wanted a Daddy But the biggest secret was that he was in love with his best friend.
In some ways this book was a slow burn for me but there was so many times that my emotions just took over. I liked both of these guys and my heart went out for them both at different times. I really enjoyed the story. It was sweet, they were so adorable, the chemistry between them once they both admitted their feelings for each other were off the chart and the passion how my kindle didn’t burn up I have no idea. Really enjoyed this book.
October 11, 2021
3.5 stars
Sweet, kinky best-friends-to-lovers romance. The premise was very promising, but it was a little too light on angst and plot for me. If you’re looking for a feel-good, cute love story with lots of steamy times, this is just the thing, though. And of course, it’s fun to have another story in this particular series and setting, and the secondary characters are intriguing and well-written. I wasn’t completely sold on either MC. Zayden is needy and the more overtly vulnerable of the two, which is infe, but I had a little trouble seeing him in his professional environment. He seemed very young still, a college student rather than someone working in a stressful, challenging job. The same goes a bit for Dare, who is more take-charge, but very oblivious when it comes to his feelings for his best friend and a bit hot-and-cold at times. His obvious adoration and care for his Z are heartwarming, but I didn't completely get it.
Sweet, kinky best-friends-to-lovers romance. The premise was very promising, but it was a little too light on angst and plot for me. If you’re looking for a feel-good, cute love story with lots of steamy times, this is just the thing, though. And of course, it’s fun to have another story in this particular series and setting, and the secondary characters are intriguing and well-written. I wasn’t completely sold on either MC. Zayden is needy and the more overtly vulnerable of the two, which is infe, but I had a little trouble seeing him in his professional environment. He seemed very young still, a college student rather than someone working in a stressful, challenging job. The same goes a bit for Dare, who is more take-charge, but very oblivious when it comes to his feelings for his best friend and a bit hot-and-cold at times. His obvious adoration and care for his Z are heartwarming, but I didn't completely get it.
October 11, 2021
Totally did not expect this book – it was a sweet, almost no angst, almost insta-love, story exploring a rare kink between a boy who has had zero luck with dating and his straight BFF who learns he’s actually the perfect Daddy and man for his best friend/roommate. It was fun, and an easy read that I read in one sitting.
The book really focused on the two guys evolving their long term BFF relationship into something deeper. There was a lot of internal dialog, especially from Dare, as he worked through his sexuality, but the extensive shared history between the guys let us get past that pretty quickly and focus on Dare and Z building their new relationship and figuring out how to share the change with everyone else.
Lots of great new characters introduced, and lots of familiar NG characters made appearances. But this wasn’t like most of the other NG books. It did not deal with complex topics or crime or angst; it was a feel-good book and was a nice read.
The book really focused on the two guys evolving their long term BFF relationship into something deeper. There was a lot of internal dialog, especially from Dare, as he worked through his sexuality, but the extensive shared history between the guys let us get past that pretty quickly and focus on Dare and Z building their new relationship and figuring out how to share the change with everyone else.
Lots of great new characters introduced, and lots of familiar NG characters made appearances. But this wasn’t like most of the other NG books. It did not deal with complex topics or crime or angst; it was a feel-good book and was a nice read.
February 16, 2022
Kinky but fun read/listen.
A great friends to lovers, straight to gay for you, with a bit of male pregnancy kink. This is a light-hearted, fun romantic comedy that will make you smile from start to finish.
Well written, great characters and very easy to listen to when you need something to warm these winters nights. Very enjoyable.
Excellent narration by Payton Jin Huang, new to me narrator, but he did a good job, clear. I sped up the audio to 1.60 on audible, but this is normal for me.
Best Belly Buddies
The Team Spirit Series, Book 2
By: Ki Brightly, M.D. Gregory
Narrated by: Payton Jin Huang
Series: The Team Spirit Series, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.60 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from the author at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - nor did the author influence my opinion.
A great friends to lovers, straight to gay for you, with a bit of male pregnancy kink. This is a light-hearted, fun romantic comedy that will make you smile from start to finish.
Well written, great characters and very easy to listen to when you need something to warm these winters nights. Very enjoyable.
Excellent narration by Payton Jin Huang, new to me narrator, but he did a good job, clear. I sped up the audio to 1.60 on audible, but this is normal for me.
Best Belly Buddies
The Team Spirit Series, Book 2
By: Ki Brightly, M.D. Gregory
Narrated by: Payton Jin Huang
Series: The Team Spirit Series, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.60 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from the author at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - nor did the author influence my opinion.
January 23, 2023
Kinky and Sweet
I am a sucker for best friends to lovers especially if it involves one-sided pining and a gay realization so this book was golden for me! Add in the authors’ always amazing writing and the lovely kinkiness and I was blown away as usual. There is very little angst or conflict and it is mostly a fluffy, sweet romance between two true loves. It was definitely a nice change of pace in the middle of all of the MC books and features cameos from the previous Team Spirit book as well as a few other of the New Gothenburg books so while it is not necessary to read those first it is a bit more fun seeing the familiar characters in this full world. Definitely recommend!
Overall Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 (5)
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥 (4.5)
Fluff Rating: 🧸🧸🧸🧸🐻 (4.5)
⚠️Possible spoilers below———⚠️
Content/Trigger Warnings: breeding kink (including fake belly), Daddy/boy kink, slight exhibitionism
I am a sucker for best friends to lovers especially if it involves one-sided pining and a gay realization so this book was golden for me! Add in the authors’ always amazing writing and the lovely kinkiness and I was blown away as usual. There is very little angst or conflict and it is mostly a fluffy, sweet romance between two true loves. It was definitely a nice change of pace in the middle of all of the MC books and features cameos from the previous Team Spirit book as well as a few other of the New Gothenburg books so while it is not necessary to read those first it is a bit more fun seeing the familiar characters in this full world. Definitely recommend!
Overall Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 (5)
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥 (4.5)
Fluff Rating: 🧸🧸🧸🧸🐻 (4.5)
⚠️Possible spoilers below———⚠️
Content/Trigger Warnings: breeding kink (including fake belly), Daddy/boy kink, slight exhibitionism
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews