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Palm Island #1
Perfect Ten
A total virgin and a HARD Ten.
I came to Palm Island two seasons ago, confused about my life and desperate for a change. The island drew me in, but I’m still not sure why.
Maybe it’s time I cut my losses and go back home, back to med school like I always planned.
But when the breathtaking, flirtatious, tattooed bartender I’ve been crushing on for ages offers to let me room with him this off-season, there’s no way I’m leaving now.
I can’t believe I’ve lived here this long without truly appreciating everything the island has to offer: the beauty of its untouched nature, how to catch a wave, the appeal of casual s… well, you know. But Ten seems determined to make sure I experience every last one, and then some.
Will this be the last off-season I spend here or could this thing between Ten and I be perfect?
Welcome to Palm Island: Come for the sweaty nights and beach parties, stay for the endless swoon and heart melting romance.
*** Perfect Ten is a Roommates to lovers, virgin and a super NOT a virgin, small-town-ish, gay resort island during the off-season story full of heat, humor, and all the island magic.
I came to Palm Island two seasons ago, confused about my life and desperate for a change. The island drew me in, but I’m still not sure why.
Maybe it’s time I cut my losses and go back home, back to med school like I always planned.
But when the breathtaking, flirtatious, tattooed bartender I’ve been crushing on for ages offers to let me room with him this off-season, there’s no way I’m leaving now.
I can’t believe I’ve lived here this long without truly appreciating everything the island has to offer: the beauty of its untouched nature, how to catch a wave, the appeal of casual s… well, you know. But Ten seems determined to make sure I experience every last one, and then some.
Will this be the last off-season I spend here or could this thing between Ten and I be perfect?
Welcome to Palm Island: Come for the sweaty nights and beach parties, stay for the endless swoon and heart melting romance.
*** Perfect Ten is a Roommates to lovers, virgin and a super NOT a virgin, small-town-ish, gay resort island during the off-season story full of heat, humor, and all the island magic.
314 pages, ebook
First published December 29, 2021
431 people are currently reading
1080 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Neuhold
101 books3,294 followersK.M.Neuhold has long since been a romance junkie. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time snuggling with her husky or her husband. She fell in love with M/M romance last year and hasn’t been able to turn back. There’s nothing she loves more than love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
February 13, 2022
I was ready to ditch this story at 30% because so many things just didn't make sense:
Why is Bambi a virgin? His reasons didn't add up. Maybe he was busy before he moved to the island, but he's been living in gay sex paradise for two years and hasn't indulged in so much as a kiss?
Bambi and Ten have worked together for years, yet Ten never even looked at Bambi until one random day, and then, BAM, Bambi is IT for him.
How do all the guys afford to not only stay in business but throw lavish parties when all the shops and restaurants are open only four months out of the year?
We're told the ferry basically stops running between the coast of the Southern U.S. and the island after Labor Day, but why though? The Atlantic Ocean doesn't freeze, and while summers are peak travel season, people (especially people without kids) take holidays year round. The island stays fairly warm throughout the year, yet tourism dies down so completely, the locals can run around naked on the beach?
Besides the WTF bits above, there is a buttload of secondary characters (future MCs, of course), which I wouldn't mind necessarily if they felt distinct in any way, but they don't. They all have weird nicknames, act/talk the same, and are constantly present. We have Hen, Storm, Boston, Trick, Lux, Raven, Angel, Devil, and others I'm probably forgetting.
I could forgive all that if the romance between Ten and Bambi were memorable, but nope. It's rather lackluster. Ten particularly is a very bland character. He's all tats and coolness, but, guess what, he's also a doctor!
Ten and Bambi are friends initially, but Ten is all up in Bambi's business. Bambi is the shy, stuttering virgin. The first time Ten tries to kiss Bambi, Bambi gets a nose bleed from the stress, but after that he's all sexed up.
The only conflict is that Bambi wants to re-enroll in medical school but isn't sure he can leave Ten behind, and Ten wants to shrivel up and die at the thought of abandoning his beloved island. I just wasn't feeling their relationship at all.
I really liked this author's Four Bears Construction series, but I'm not certain I'll continue with The Off Season.
Why is Bambi a virgin? His reasons didn't add up. Maybe he was busy before he moved to the island, but he's been living in gay sex paradise for two years and hasn't indulged in so much as a kiss?
Bambi and Ten have worked together for years, yet Ten never even looked at Bambi until one random day, and then, BAM, Bambi is IT for him.
How do all the guys afford to not only stay in business but throw lavish parties when all the shops and restaurants are open only four months out of the year?
We're told the ferry basically stops running between the coast of the Southern U.S. and the island after Labor Day, but why though? The Atlantic Ocean doesn't freeze, and while summers are peak travel season, people (especially people without kids) take holidays year round. The island stays fairly warm throughout the year, yet tourism dies down so completely, the locals can run around naked on the beach?
Besides the WTF bits above, there is a buttload of secondary characters (future MCs, of course), which I wouldn't mind necessarily if they felt distinct in any way, but they don't. They all have weird nicknames, act/talk the same, and are constantly present. We have Hen, Storm, Boston, Trick, Lux, Raven, Angel, Devil, and others I'm probably forgetting.
I could forgive all that if the romance between Ten and Bambi were memorable, but nope. It's rather lackluster. Ten particularly is a very bland character. He's all tats and coolness, but, guess what, he's also a doctor!
Ten and Bambi are friends initially, but Ten is all up in Bambi's business. Bambi is the shy, stuttering virgin. The first time Ten tries to kiss Bambi, Bambi gets a nose bleed from the stress, but after that he's all sexed up.
The only conflict is that Bambi wants to re-enroll in medical school but isn't sure he can leave Ten behind, and Ten wants to shrivel up and die at the thought of abandoning his beloved island. I just wasn't feeling their relationship at all.
I really liked this author's Four Bears Construction series, but I'm not certain I'll continue with The Off Season.
February 7, 2022
DNF ~55%
This was my last-ditch effort with Neuhold, and unfortunately, I think it's time for us to part ways.
I'll be honest, after the terrible prequel short story, I went into this one unenthusiastic, and sadly that was proven warranted. There are SO many characters here--all with cutesy nicknames--that I honestly had a really difficult time keeping everybody straight. Like the prequel, it was really obvious the author was setting up future books and it was so annoying--fucking spend some time on the main pairing, please!
And like, okay, I'm all about writing what you want, who cares if it's realistic, but Bambi and Ten were both just SO unbelievable. Ten is super chill and laid back, the most gorgeous man to ever exist, a total gentleman and sweetheart, AND he was basically a doctor before deciding to give it all up to live on this gay island paradise. Bambi is adorable and sweet and used to be a stripper but somehow is *also* still a virgin despite having lived on "hand job island" for two years? It felt so odd and forced and literally none of the characters felt like actual real human beings to me--it just felt like the author's weird wish fulfillment which hey, you do you, but I didn't connect to anybody.
I was just fucking bored the whole time, there was nothing interesting or real about the story, and I'm done trying to make fetch happen with this author.
This was my last-ditch effort with Neuhold, and unfortunately, I think it's time for us to part ways.
I'll be honest, after the terrible prequel short story, I went into this one unenthusiastic, and sadly that was proven warranted. There are SO many characters here--all with cutesy nicknames--that I honestly had a really difficult time keeping everybody straight. Like the prequel, it was really obvious the author was setting up future books and it was so annoying--fucking spend some time on the main pairing, please!
And like, okay, I'm all about writing what you want, who cares if it's realistic, but Bambi and Ten were both just SO unbelievable. Ten is super chill and laid back, the most gorgeous man to ever exist, a total gentleman and sweetheart, AND he was basically a doctor before deciding to give it all up to live on this gay island paradise. Bambi is adorable and sweet and used to be a stripper but somehow is *also* still a virgin despite having lived on "hand job island" for two years? It felt so odd and forced and literally none of the characters felt like actual real human beings to me--it just felt like the author's weird wish fulfillment which hey, you do you, but I didn't connect to anybody.
I was just fucking bored the whole time, there was nothing interesting or real about the story, and I'm done trying to make fetch happen with this author.
February 10, 2022
Well this was a bust and I usually really like this author's books so it really is a bummer. The premise barely makes sense to me: why is Bamby a 26 year old virgin? I know that not everyone has sex at 14 but he has never kissed anyone or done ANYTHING? That made no sense to me, you would have needed a way better explanation than the one we got IMHO. We are shown early on that he winces when people touch him so I thought there was abuse in his backstory that would explain his virgin status but no. Him being a stripper to pay for med school did not really make sense to me either.
The virgin/experienced guy dynamic did not add to the story as it was not really explored IMHO. Same with the 10 year age gap. The 2 characters were not that developed so the relationship felt shallow to me. That gets us to my second point. This felt like a PWP to me which was strange given that there is not that much sex in it considering. This feeling of PWP comes from the fact that sex is the main thing the MCs and every secondary character seem to be talking/thinking about. Add that everyone has slept with everyone else in the friend group and it left a bad taste in my mouth.
That leads us to my final problem: I love books with a large cast when each secondary character is given enough room to exist. There were many secondary characters in this but I couldn't really tell who was who or who had what job (except for Storm and Goose, yes I didn't mention the nicknames but it's not my favorite either). There are 2 rivalries but we don't know why and it remains fuzzy who was biffing with whom.
I really struggled with this, I did not feel or see the MCs fall in love in this one. They were roommates and had sex but why were they anything more escapes me. The ending was also on the unbelievable side of things. I'm not sure I'll continue with this series and I'll take a short break from M/M I think
The virgin/experienced guy dynamic did not add to the story as it was not really explored IMHO. Same with the 10 year age gap. The 2 characters were not that developed so the relationship felt shallow to me. That gets us to my second point. This felt like a PWP to me which was strange given that there is not that much sex in it considering. This feeling of PWP comes from the fact that sex is the main thing the MCs and every secondary character seem to be talking/thinking about. Add that everyone has slept with everyone else in the friend group and it left a bad taste in my mouth.
That leads us to my final problem: I love books with a large cast when each secondary character is given enough room to exist. There were many secondary characters in this but I couldn't really tell who was who or who had what job (except for Storm and Goose, yes I didn't mention the nicknames but it's not my favorite either). There are 2 rivalries but we don't know why and it remains fuzzy who was biffing with whom.
I really struggled with this, I did not feel or see the MCs fall in love in this one. They were roommates and had sex but why were they anything more escapes me. The ending was also on the unbelievable side of things. I'm not sure I'll continue with this series and I'll take a short break from M/M I think
April 25, 2022
I tried. I really tried.
But there were too many things that made me roll my eyes, so even Iggy Toma narrating couldn't convince me to stick around for much longer than 40%.
I'll try and focus on some of the things that made me dnf.
1. There's an island full of gay men, tourists and locals. At the end of the season, you need to catch THE one last ferry, otherwise you're irrevocably stuck there. With all the other good looking men who basically party and relax for a few months, now that the tourists left. Thank God the weather is still warm, so they can have parties at the beach. But not all are having sex, there is this one guy...
2. ...called Bambi. A 26 year old unkissed virgin, ex med school student, who's been on the island for 2 years. Who doesn't like to be touched, but who worked as a stripper to gain money while he's been at med school (where he had a scholarschip). Who only has one friend (called Nacho), but who's been in love with...
3...Ten. The cool guy with the revolving door, who's had sex with everybody apart from Bambi. Whom he hadn't really noticed until now, but who now intrigues him. Did I mention that he’s been a doctor before he decided to work as a barman ? And he has many many...
4...friends with silly nicknames. Angel and Devil, a married couple who love threesomes. Easy, who's easy when it comes to sex. Storm, Hen, Goose, Trick, Nacho, Raven. And many MANY more who don't seem relevant to the story. And who has...
5....pet rats, Fred and Barney. The only ones without nicknames, who run around in his appartment, but who escaped the boxers-stealing cat. I just hope that they don’t pee and poop everywhere.
Anyway. I'll stop bitching. I guess it just wasn't for me, sorry Iggy 😅
But there were too many things that made me roll my eyes, so even Iggy Toma narrating couldn't convince me to stick around for much longer than 40%.
I'll try and focus on some of the things that made me dnf.
1. There's an island full of gay men, tourists and locals. At the end of the season, you need to catch THE one last ferry, otherwise you're irrevocably stuck there. With all the other good looking men who basically party and relax for a few months, now that the tourists left. Thank God the weather is still warm, so they can have parties at the beach. But not all are having sex, there is this one guy...
2. ...called Bambi. A 26 year old unkissed virgin, ex med school student, who's been on the island for 2 years. Who doesn't like to be touched, but who worked as a stripper to gain money while he's been at med school (where he had a scholarschip). Who only has one friend (called Nacho), but who's been in love with...
3...Ten. The cool guy with the revolving door, who's had sex with everybody apart from Bambi. Whom he hadn't really noticed until now, but who now intrigues him. Did I mention that he’s been a doctor before he decided to work as a barman ? And he has many many...
4...friends with silly nicknames. Angel and Devil, a married couple who love threesomes. Easy, who's easy when it comes to sex. Storm, Hen, Goose, Trick, Nacho, Raven. And many MANY more who don't seem relevant to the story. And who has...
5....pet rats, Fred and Barney. The only ones without nicknames, who run around in his appartment, but who escaped the boxers-stealing cat. I just hope that they don’t pee and poop everywhere.
Anyway. I'll stop bitching. I guess it just wasn't for me, sorry Iggy 😅
February 9, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
The names in the MM world are getting so weird that they're starting to become a distraction.
Bambi, Ten, Raven, Lyric, Storm, Easy, Goose, Hennessey, Boston, Angel, Devil, Nacho, Trick, Lux....
Even if they're nicknames, they're a little much. LOL
Still, good story and a nice setup for the next one. Will definitely read it.
The names in the MM world are getting so weird that they're starting to become a distraction.
Bambi, Ten, Raven, Lyric, Storm, Easy, Goose, Hennessey, Boston, Angel, Devil, Nacho, Trick, Lux....
Even if they're nicknames, they're a little much. LOL
Still, good story and a nice setup for the next one. Will definitely read it.
July 30, 2023
Cute trip to fantasyland
Cyndi’s review says it all very well.
I join my friends, who are in the middle of a discussion about whether or not it’s actually possible to give a blowjob underwater or if you’ll drown trying. This is the quality content I stick around for.
Cyndi’s review says it all very well.
I join my friends, who are in the middle of a discussion about whether or not it’s actually possible to give a blowjob underwater or if you’ll drown trying. This is the quality content I stick around for.
February 5, 2022
I didn't even know how badly I needed this book. Beach breezes, sandy flip flops, mid-day rain storms, nightly bonfires and a little dose of magic - yes please! I loved the whole idea of Palm Island and all of its gay (and a non gay!) residents. K.M Neuhold is fantastic at managing a cast of characters and this first installment of The Off Season series holds so much promise for some really fun stories. She didn't only leave crumbs behind, she left entire cookies and I'm so excited to follow them.
Ten and Bambi were too cute for words. Theirs was a typical casual sex connoisseur vs. virgin scenario with some close proximity thrown in for tension. Neither man had been in a relationship before, so navigating their growing feelings for each other was a learning experience for them both. Luckily they had some really great friends and maybe a little something else to help them along. I loved the mystical feel of the island and its lore. It felt like fate had a hand in everything and it added an interesting supernatural element to the story.
This book was simple, angst free, embarrassing at times (another thing this author does incredibly well) and a perfect easy read. One thing I've always appreciated about Neuhold's books is that the characters tend to stay in the moment. They may have residual hang ups or trauma that holds them back at times, but they don't drone on and on about the past. It's nice to know that books like this exist when you just want a sweet love story, a cast of funny and endearing characters and a guaranteed happy ending.
This will probably irritate some people, but the epilogue was basically a teaser for the next book. Judging from the other series I've read by this author, I'm guessing we won't get a true epilogue for all of the couples until the last book.
Ten and Bambi were too cute for words. Theirs was a typical casual sex connoisseur vs. virgin scenario with some close proximity thrown in for tension. Neither man had been in a relationship before, so navigating their growing feelings for each other was a learning experience for them both. Luckily they had some really great friends and maybe a little something else to help them along. I loved the mystical feel of the island and its lore. It felt like fate had a hand in everything and it added an interesting supernatural element to the story.
This book was simple, angst free, embarrassing at times (another thing this author does incredibly well) and a perfect easy read. One thing I've always appreciated about Neuhold's books is that the characters tend to stay in the moment. They may have residual hang ups or trauma that holds them back at times, but they don't drone on and on about the past. It's nice to know that books like this exist when you just want a sweet love story, a cast of funny and endearing characters and a guaranteed happy ending.
This will probably irritate some people, but the epilogue was basically a teaser for the next book. Judging from the other series I've read by this author, I'm guessing we won't get a true epilogue for all of the couples until the last book.
February 5, 2022
DNF @ 30%
And yes I’m leaving a star rating so other readers can see my review.
I tried. I keep hoping something will change with this author… to say I’m disappointed is an understatement.
🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
Major red flags flew with some low key sexual predator vibes. I just… I cannot. The behavior by the inhabitants of STIsland was actually triggering to this survivor. It wasn’t cute or funny or flirty. It was that weird handsy guy at the bar who won’t take no for an answer and now I need a shower and some therapy.
RUN BAMBI. RUN.
I think it’s finally time to hang my hat on this author.
And yes I’m leaving a star rating so other readers can see my review.
I tried. I keep hoping something will change with this author… to say I’m disappointed is an understatement.
🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
Major red flags flew with some low key sexual predator vibes. I just… I cannot. The behavior by the inhabitants of STIsland was actually triggering to this survivor. It wasn’t cute or funny or flirty. It was that weird handsy guy at the bar who won’t take no for an answer and now I need a shower and some therapy.
RUN BAMBI. RUN.
I think it’s finally time to hang my hat on this author.
April 12, 2024
Reread/Relisten: April 2024
A fun, low angst story that'll make you smile the whole way through and want to learn more about the other island boys!
Original Read/Listen: May 2022
Audio: 5 stars
Book: 3.5–4 stars
I think I went in to this with low expectations because of the reviews and I ended up really enjoying it.
I think it had something to do with Iggy Tomas narrations but still the writing was addictive and this group of guys seems like a good time haha
Can’t wait for Storm and Hennessy’s book!
A fun, low angst story that'll make you smile the whole way through and want to learn more about the other island boys!
Original Read/Listen: May 2022
Audio: 5 stars
Book: 3.5–4 stars
I think I went in to this with low expectations because of the reviews and I ended up really enjoying it.
I think it had something to do with Iggy Tomas narrations but still the writing was addictive and this group of guys seems like a good time haha
Can’t wait for Storm and Hennessy’s book!
February 6, 2022
This book was fluffy and sweet and a perfect beginning for this series.
March 8, 2024
3 stars
Sweet enough couple but a bit of a nothing plot, with the typical annoying dramatic moment in absence of any true emotional conflict. Don't get me wrong, I usually enjoy it when the conflict is external to the relationship, but this didn't work for me.
Too many characters, is this actually book 1? Felt like I was dropped in the middle of a series.
The epilogue is actually the intro to the next book - who cares? Where’s the actual epilogue? I guess I wasn't too bothered because I wasn't that convinced by the relationship at the end of the day, though I did like the compromise that they found at the end.
Sweet enough couple but a bit of a nothing plot, with the typical annoying dramatic moment in absence of any true emotional conflict. Don't get me wrong, I usually enjoy it when the conflict is external to the relationship, but this didn't work for me.
Too many characters, is this actually book 1? Felt like I was dropped in the middle of a series.
The epilogue is actually the intro to the next book - who cares? Where’s the actual epilogue? I guess I wasn't too bothered because I wasn't that convinced by the relationship at the end of the day, though I did like the compromise that they found at the end.
February 12, 2022
This was my third book by K. M. Neuhold. I liked it, but I didn’t love it.
I loved Ten. He was handsome, romantic, understanding, patient and a totally perfect lover. He did everything he could to help Bambi discover himself. I also enjoyed the idea of an exclusively gay island resort.
However, I had some problems with Bambi. He was 26 and apparently good looking, but he had never even been kissed. That didn’t make sense. I needed some backstory to explain that. I also hated the stupid nicknames. I felt like there were so many vague characters and it was like I was reading a second or third book in a series. I couldn’t remember who hated who. I felt lost.
I’m going to try the next book because she’s a good author and I’m hoping everything will be more clear next time.
I loved Ten. He was handsome, romantic, understanding, patient and a totally perfect lover. He did everything he could to help Bambi discover himself. I also enjoyed the idea of an exclusively gay island resort.
However, I had some problems with Bambi. He was 26 and apparently good looking, but he had never even been kissed. That didn’t make sense. I needed some backstory to explain that. I also hated the stupid nicknames. I felt like there were so many vague characters and it was like I was reading a second or third book in a series. I couldn’t remember who hated who. I felt lost.
I’m going to try the next book because she’s a good author and I’m hoping everything will be more clear next time.
April 9, 2022
i saw many people saying that this wasn’t believable.
they were right.
do i care? absolutely not.
i loved the MCs, they are so good together and this book is so perfect i want to cry.
they were right.
do i care? absolutely not.
i loved the MCs, they are so good together and this book is so perfect i want to cry.
February 12, 2022
This was terrible. I usually love Neuhold but this didn’t work for me at all. I was bored out of my mind. The MC’s had no chemistry. All of the other characters made no sense to me. I don’t think I’ll continue with this series. Nope.
August 14, 2023
Cute easy read from K.M.
This was a nice, low angst, easy read with a couple of characters it wasn't hard to fall in love with.
I very much like the wee mystery element of the island's founders and their epic love possibly leading to ghostly intervention in the course of true love.
There's enough compelling secondary characters on the island for me to want to read more too.
This was a nice, low angst, easy read with a couple of characters it wasn't hard to fall in love with.
I very much like the wee mystery element of the island's founders and their epic love possibly leading to ghostly intervention in the course of true love.
There's enough compelling secondary characters on the island for me to want to read more too.
January 29, 2022
This was everything I was looking for, funny, hot and sweet.
I love the characters so much, especially the shyness of Bambi. They were so made for each other.
I love this end it's made me crave the next one so dam much...
I love the characters so much, especially the shyness of Bambi. They were so made for each other.
I love this end it's made me crave the next one so dam much...
February 16, 2022
This was a dud for me. Some parts were pleasant but overall, boring and nonsensical. Neither character was well developed, especially Ten. We could’ve used a bit more longing from Bambi and a bit more explanation of why it took Ten two years to notice him.
There were a TON of side characters and this book was clearly setting them up for their own books and I found that and their nicknames exhausting. Also, the whole virgin thing was barely used. I feel like when there’s a virgin character, it would make sense to hear their thoughts on the sex they’re having for the first time. Like Bambi gets to do it all but we never hear him discuss it.
I was thinking this was a three star read until near the end, when Bambi bottoms for the first time, for a 7 inch cock no less, Ten leaves him sleeping in bed to go hang out with his friends? After doing something so vulnerable for the first time? Then Bambi goes for a hike and absurd cliches ensue.
There were some cute scenes, like Ten’s gentle possessiveness, etc. but overall not nearly enough to make me like the book. The angst added was about whether or not Bambi would go back to school, but it wasn’t brought up until quite late in the book so it did nothing for me. Also, with Bambi, sometimes it felt like I was reading a 16 year old, other times back to a 26 year old. Ick.
There were a TON of side characters and this book was clearly setting them up for their own books and I found that and their nicknames exhausting. Also, the whole virgin thing was barely used. I feel like when there’s a virgin character, it would make sense to hear their thoughts on the sex they’re having for the first time. Like Bambi gets to do it all but we never hear him discuss it.
I was thinking this was a three star read until near the end, when Bambi bottoms for the first time, for a 7 inch cock no less, Ten leaves him sleeping in bed to go hang out with his friends? After doing something so vulnerable for the first time? Then Bambi goes for a hike and absurd cliches ensue.
There were some cute scenes, like Ten’s gentle possessiveness, etc. but overall not nearly enough to make me like the book. The angst added was about whether or not Bambi would go back to school, but it wasn’t brought up until quite late in the book so it did nothing for me. Also, with Bambi, sometimes it felt like I was reading a 16 year old, other times back to a 26 year old. Ick.
September 23, 2025
this was super sweet and steamy, and exactly what i needed after an emotional couple of days (looking at you The Long Game).
the short story preceding this didn’t do this series any favors, but I’m glad the actual novel was great. super easy to fall into, had me smiling from the very beginning.
and because it’s fun, im updating my pairing guesses below:
Confirmed:
1 - Ten (Bartender) & Bambi (Waiter) - roommates to lovers / experienced x virgin / 10 year age gap. (this book)
2 - Storm (Chef) & Hennessy(Waiter) - grumpy/sunshine, fake boyfriend (next book: Taken by Storm)
My guesses:
- Easy (Donut shop guy - Hennessy’s ex) & Lux (surf shop guy) - best friends to lovers / queer awakening
- Boston (owns The Sand Bar) & Trick (Surfer dude) - one sided enemies to lovers, since Trick is into Boston but has done a bad job of wooing him lol
- Angel (runs the sex shop) x Devil (landlor) x Raven (runs the café) - Angel and Devil are married, and often bring a third to their bed (locals & tourists alike), but i’m thinking their ready to invite Raven to join them permanently.
and there’s still:
- Goose (soap making guy)
- Lyric (Donut shop employee/future barterfer)
i guess we’ll see
the short story preceding this didn’t do this series any favors, but I’m glad the actual novel was great. super easy to fall into, had me smiling from the very beginning.
and because it’s fun, im updating my pairing guesses below:
Confirmed:
1 - Ten (Bartender) & Bambi (Waiter) - roommates to lovers / experienced x virgin / 10 year age gap. (this book)
2 - Storm (Chef) & Hennessy(Waiter) - grumpy/sunshine, fake boyfriend (next book: Taken by Storm)
My guesses:
- Easy (Donut shop guy - Hennessy’s ex) & Lux (surf shop guy) - best friends to lovers / queer awakening
- Boston (owns The Sand Bar) & Trick (Surfer dude) - one sided enemies to lovers, since Trick is into Boston but has done a bad job of wooing him lol
- Angel (runs the sex shop) x Devil (landlor) x Raven (runs the café) - Angel and Devil are married, and often bring a third to their bed (locals & tourists alike), but i’m thinking their ready to invite Raven to join them permanently.
and there’s still:
- Goose (soap making guy)
- Lyric (Donut shop employee/future barterfer)
i guess we’ll see
April 12, 2022
PERFECT TEN starts off a new series from one of my favorite authors. The PALM ISLAND series centers around a gay resort island during the off season when the locals are having parties, surfing, and trying their best to avoid commitments. To start the series off we meet Ten, a carefree, tattooed and pierced bartender and Bambi (yes they all have nicknames), a new resident who is still figuring out if he's staying on the island permanently. When Bambi needs a place to stay Ten offers up his extra room and Ten takes it upon himself to help Bambi get to know the island and its residents better.
I loved Ten and Bambi and they were really cute and sexy together. Ten was easy going, fun, and surprisingly romantic for someone who's been jumping from hook up to hook up for years. In contrast, Bambi is more introverted, a virgin, and unsure about his future; he's been on the island for 2 years but hasn't really made any friends other than his old roommate. I loved watching Bambi come out of his shell and get to know the locals, who were all outrageous and colorful in their personalties. PERFECT TEN was the perfect low angst weekend read for me.
Content Warning: brief reference to struggling with physical contact after being harassed and objectified as a stripper
I loved Ten and Bambi and they were really cute and sexy together. Ten was easy going, fun, and surprisingly romantic for someone who's been jumping from hook up to hook up for years. In contrast, Bambi is more introverted, a virgin, and unsure about his future; he's been on the island for 2 years but hasn't really made any friends other than his old roommate. I loved watching Bambi come out of his shell and get to know the locals, who were all outrageous and colorful in their personalties. PERFECT TEN was the perfect low angst weekend read for me.
Content Warning: brief reference to struggling with physical contact after being harassed and objectified as a stripper
June 27, 2022
I wanted to like this a lot more than I ended up actually liking it. Can't really put my finger on it, it just didn't really click and I feel like I am missing something. Then I found out there's a prequel so I'm going to try that and see if it explains all the nicknames thing and everything else.
Dual POV, contemporary romance, some heat, and an HFN ending.
Dual POV, contemporary romance, some heat, and an HFN ending.
April 11, 2022
I liked this but I didn't love this. To be totally honest with you guys, at times I was bored. However, the author managed to get me invested in the side characters, just as with her four bears series so I guess I'm stuck.
July 15, 2024
This was a cute book. I"m not sure I was a huge fan of it, but that might be because I didn't connect with these two together really. We get Bambi's attraction, but Ten's just felt forced. I really like Ten too which makes me sad. It did get better as the book went on, but then the epilogue ruined it all for me. It was a set up for the next book. Ugh...the epilogue is supposed to conclude for the current couple. I feel slighted.
July 4, 2023
Tags: gay resort island, locals, small town, Virgin / playboy, flatmates to lovers
January 23, 2022
A gay island resort, surfing, an ensemble of guys with nicknames like Angel, Devil, and Trick...and the main characters, Ten (perfect for hanging ten) and Bambi, who's every bit as much a deer in the headlights as his name implies.
This is a sweet book with lots and lots of steamy sex, and one of the most skillful introductions of characters for upcoming books I've seen. Many times authors starting a series with a group of friends dump everyone in at once, but this book introduces them a bit at a time, and you know they've got stories, and you want to know what they are, but they don't distract from the main story, and it's not overwhelming. This book is as fun as six months in an island paradise should be, just sexier.
This is a sweet book with lots and lots of steamy sex, and one of the most skillful introductions of characters for upcoming books I've seen. Many times authors starting a series with a group of friends dump everyone in at once, but this book introduces them a bit at a time, and you know they've got stories, and you want to know what they are, but they don't distract from the main story, and it's not overwhelming. This book is as fun as six months in an island paradise should be, just sexier.
May 6, 2023
-virgin/playboy
- age gap
- roomies & coworkers
If you take the book at face value instead of trying to dig into the specifics (like WHY is Bambi a 26 year old virgin while in gay heaven? Where are mountainous beaches in SC? How has Ten gone his adult life without some kind of monogamy?), then the progression of Ten and Bambi’s relationship is adorable and sweet.
No thoughts y’all, just vibes
- age gap
- roomies & coworkers
If you take the book at face value instead of trying to dig into the specifics (like WHY is Bambi a 26 year old virgin while in gay heaven? Where are mountainous beaches in SC? How has Ten gone his adult life without some kind of monogamy?), then the progression of Ten and Bambi’s relationship is adorable and sweet.
No thoughts y’all, just vibes
July 21, 2024
I have been stuck for a few days. Not really feeling like reading, not interested in what I have, was getting really frustrated. Decided to try the first chapter of a couple books and see if one stood out to me. I enjoyed chapter one of this book, it seems like a fun, easy, beachy read so decided to continue. I’m soooooo glad I did. I devoured this book, couldn’t put it down and finished it almost in one sitting.
I loved Bambi so much. He was so sweet and cute and I just wanted great things for him! Ten was so fun and I loved the way he was with Bambi. Always thinking about cute things to do for him and I loved watching these two fall in love.
There are many side characters that got a bit confusing at times but I really liked them all and I’m really interested in their stories! Excited to read more from the series and really hope we get to find out more about Ten and Bambi’s HEA!
I loved Bambi so much. He was so sweet and cute and I just wanted great things for him! Ten was so fun and I loved the way he was with Bambi. Always thinking about cute things to do for him and I loved watching these two fall in love.
There are many side characters that got a bit confusing at times but I really liked them all and I’m really interested in their stories! Excited to read more from the series and really hope we get to find out more about Ten and Bambi’s HEA!
February 7, 2022
I loved it!
I couldn't wait for this one and I wasn't disappointing! This story was so cute and sexy and the ultimate fantasy!
I couldn't wait for this one and I wasn't disappointing! This story was so cute and sexy and the ultimate fantasy!
Read
January 24, 2023DNF @ 66% - I just couldn’t do it.
I really wanted to love this. Unfortunately I felt like I was reading a weird new age version of The Lost Boys (Peter Pan.) Grown ass men running around with no jobs, no responsibilities for at least 6 months out of the year. They were the most immature group of men I’ve ever read. And there were so many of them. Too many. Also, the nicknames were just odd, almost like trying too hard to be unique or funny. Why on earth is this set in South Carolina? My dumbass thought this was a tropical setting based on the cover. That is totally my error. Regardless, I just don’t care for the setting and didn’t think it made logistical sense.
I don’t vibe this humor. Every other sentences was a punchline, so much so that I couldn’t keep the characters straight – they all blended together.
Ten was kind of a loser. I get that the car accident left him reevaluating his life – but he was doing nothing with his life. He was so close to finishing his residency and decides to bar tend for 6 months and then do nothing but chill the rest of the time – for 7 years!! He’s 36 – that is not a cute look! And of course he’s written as a big slut – so he can be the complete opposite and that is so uninteresting. (Maybe that was the point…) and that’s about all we ever know about him.
Bambi (ugh, is there a cheesier nickname?) was a virgin because he was nerd in high school and then just got too busy. How is that the reason? I understand his feeling of being lost after his father’s death but again, that’s pretty much all we get for him. He also had never been kissed. It’s like just piling on all the innocence on a 26 year old man as possible. And then he was weirded out by dildo – so just another thing. It was too much! Being a virgin is not a personality trait – and yet that was all we got for him.
It was definitely a slow burn but even once they finally started hooking up, I didn’t feel any emotional connection - just attraction.
Overall, this wasn’t for me in any way. I wasn’t invested in this in any way. I didn’t connect with any of the characters.
I really wanted to love this. Unfortunately I felt like I was reading a weird new age version of The Lost Boys (Peter Pan.) Grown ass men running around with no jobs, no responsibilities for at least 6 months out of the year. They were the most immature group of men I’ve ever read. And there were so many of them. Too many. Also, the nicknames were just odd, almost like trying too hard to be unique or funny. Why on earth is this set in South Carolina? My dumbass thought this was a tropical setting based on the cover. That is totally my error. Regardless, I just don’t care for the setting and didn’t think it made logistical sense.
I don’t vibe this humor. Every other sentences was a punchline, so much so that I couldn’t keep the characters straight – they all blended together.
Ten was kind of a loser. I get that the car accident left him reevaluating his life – but he was doing nothing with his life. He was so close to finishing his residency and decides to bar tend for 6 months and then do nothing but chill the rest of the time – for 7 years!! He’s 36 – that is not a cute look! And of course he’s written as a big slut – so he can be the complete opposite and that is so uninteresting. (Maybe that was the point…) and that’s about all we ever know about him.
Bambi (ugh, is there a cheesier nickname?) was a virgin because he was nerd in high school and then just got too busy. How is that the reason? I understand his feeling of being lost after his father’s death but again, that’s pretty much all we get for him. He also had never been kissed. It’s like just piling on all the innocence on a 26 year old man as possible. And then he was weirded out by dildo – so just another thing. It was too much! Being a virgin is not a personality trait – and yet that was all we got for him.
It was definitely a slow burn but even once they finally started hooking up, I didn’t feel any emotional connection - just attraction.
Overall, this wasn’t for me in any way. I wasn’t invested in this in any way. I didn’t connect with any of the characters.
February 4, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Perfect Ten is the first book in K.M. Neuhold’s new Off Season series, featuring what happens at the end of the season when the locals come out to play on a gay resort island. It is a fun set up and the story starts just as the off season gets underway. We meet a fun and engaging group of men, both Ten’s friends, as well as new ones that Bambi begins to make. Life on the island is pretty much a fairy tale — beautiful weather, beaches, mountains, and lots of hot, sexy men enjoying one another. I really liked this group of characters and Neuhold sets things up well to get to know them over the course of the series.
Bambi and Ten are a great mix of sweet and sexy together. Bambi is (as his nickname suggests) mostly sweet and innocent, while Ten is a guy who is comfortable with himself and has an active sex life. Ten is gentle and doting on Bambi, treating him so sweetly, even when they are just friends.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Perfect Ten is the first book in K.M. Neuhold’s new Off Season series, featuring what happens at the end of the season when the locals come out to play on a gay resort island. It is a fun set up and the story starts just as the off season gets underway. We meet a fun and engaging group of men, both Ten’s friends, as well as new ones that Bambi begins to make. Life on the island is pretty much a fairy tale — beautiful weather, beaches, mountains, and lots of hot, sexy men enjoying one another. I really liked this group of characters and Neuhold sets things up well to get to know them over the course of the series.
Bambi and Ten are a great mix of sweet and sexy together. Bambi is (as his nickname suggests) mostly sweet and innocent, while Ten is a guy who is comfortable with himself and has an active sex life. Ten is gentle and doting on Bambi, treating him so sweetly, even when they are just friends.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
March 29, 2022
This is a really fun, wild book and series. Lots of sexy, up for anything guys, living it up during the off-season of a gay resort island.
In this book you have Ten and Bambi, two super sweet (but in totally different ways) guys. Ten is a one-night stand, party it up guy with a romantic center. Bambi, is shy and uncertain and Ten helps him get out of his shell.
If you want fun, you'll enjoy this.
In this book you have Ten and Bambi, two super sweet (but in totally different ways) guys. Ten is a one-night stand, party it up guy with a romantic center. Bambi, is shy and uncertain and Ten helps him get out of his shell.
If you want fun, you'll enjoy this.
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