Living outside of the cis-het box makes life more challenging, but also more fabulous.
Ash is a high-powered San Francisco real estate agent by day, Professional Dom by night. They live their life gender-queer and proud, but sex-work has gotten old. Will they ever be able to quit Pro-Domming and do kink for fun again?
Jefferson “Flowers” Flores is bitter from twenty years in the military and trying to find where he fits in the world. He's finally out of the Army and out of the closet; looking for love, hopeful but cynical in a new city where he doesn't feel like he belongs.
When one of Ash's clients has a video of their scene released, his criminal family is out for blood. Flowers steps up to protect Ash and keeps them safe as the feelings for each other grow. Can they really be what the other needs in the middle of running for their lives?
R.A. Frick is a queer author of steamy queer romance, often with angst, always with a HEA! Focusing on non-binary, trans, and gay characters is close to RA's lived experiences, though they have written everything from YA dystopian time travel to dark taboo romance, and added paranormal romance to their repertoire in 2025.
RA's books have been on multiple bestseller lists, and they are usually found writing with their corgi in Northern California.
The start was so good and I was really hyped but when I crossed the 50% I slowly started to loose interest. I‘m not even sure why but it just didn’t really stuck with me… But nevertheless I think it’s a good book! I liked the characters, especially since they are so different, and the kink and smut was nice as well.
So I really liked this one too. I actually read these out of order and read the second one before this one which is the first. I do think you can read them out of order. I really admire what this author does in providing both the diverse queer representation and diverse kink representation. I love that they make it a point to use explicit queer labels and also make a statement about kink not needing to be sexual. That type of representation is both valued and appreciated. They also create really intriguing characters who you want to get to know and explore time with etc, but unfortunately there's not enough development.
I found this as an issue in the second book as well and you love the characters but you don't get enough from them. Things either happen off page or very quickly and you miss out on feeling emotionally connected and invested. The characters themselves are created wonderfully but they're not given the room to grow or develop.
This one is about Ash who is a professional femme Dom and they are genderqueer. Ash is also a high stakes Realtor and is looking to get out of pro Domming. When a video of them with one of their clients is leaked by the clients dangerous family, Ash finds themselves on the run and in fear for their life. I say on the run but it's not really on the run. They just kind of hide out. Honestly the suspense in this one was more anticlimactic than anything and didn't really feel necessary to be honest.
Okay moving on, then we have our second MC, Jefferson. Jefferson is an army veteran who has PTSD and a leg injury. He is newly out as gay and learning all sorts of things about himself. He delves into kink and learns about his submissive side and also a few different queer labels. He on page identifies as pansexual and demiromantic So that was exciting. I'm always looking for more arospec representation.
Basically Jefferson takes on a job of being Ash's bodyguard and they end up falling very quickly for each other. I think my favorite part of this book is the unique kink representation. Ash is dominant but also a switch and enjoys the caretaking element of a daddy relationship. Except Ash isn't the daddy. So you actually end up with a submissive Daddy and a Mixtress. I'm here for more than just cookie cutter kink rep 🙌🏼
I did enjoy this one even though I wanted more out of it. I will be continuing the series but I don't know that these are like all time favorites, but they were enjoyable.
Gay genderqueer AMAB femme Dom (all terms used on page), Mexican-American pansexual demiromantic over 40 sub Daddy with PTSD and disability.
Such a great read! I loved Ash, so confident in who they are and what they want. Flowers is an absolute sweetheart in a bear’s body, and doesn’t know what he wants…until he meets Ash. This has BDSM, crime, self-discovery, lots of steam and a beautiful growing romance. And the side characters are excellent!
For Real is a delightful MM/Mx BDSM romance that had me sighing, smiling and occasionally going WTF?!
Genderqueer Ash (pronouns they/them) is a real estate agent by day and professional Dom by night, comfortable with their sexuality and more or less happy with their life. If only they weren't so lonely, and longing for someone to truly love them as they were. Their wish might get fulfilled after they meet Jefferson, aka Flowers. A 40 year old gay man newly out of the military and adjusting to a civilian life without his family who refused to accept him as he was. A bear of a man as sweet as it gets. The kind you want to wrap up in a blanket and take home. Flower Bear is fricking fabulous and I absolutely loved him!
What starts as a gentle learning curve for the ex military Bear who gets to deep dive into the world of BDSM alongside Ash after being hired to protect him, turns into a love story as sweet as it gets between two lonely souls yearning for each other. A story full of all the feels!
The characters are wonderful, just as the play of emotions and the romance. And I found the description of the different types kinks fascinating, particularly due to their description, done in such a non-judgmental manner that any reader will be prompted to keep an open mind.
The only thing that didn't quite work for me was the plot after the arrival of the Russian mafia. That part fell a bit flat for me because of the characters' behaviour, as well as the way events unfolded. But then, that may not affect other readers the same way, unless they are hardcore James Rollins and Clive Clusser fans like me. :D
And I absolutely loved the way serious themes were incorporated into the tale. Prejudice, bigotry, intolerance and shaming, the author touches on them all here and beautifully wraps them up in acceptance and love. Wonderfully done.
For Real was my first book by this author and it will definitely not be my last. Because it is one of those books that leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Just like a big warm hug.
Well, if you are looking for a hot af book with action sprinkled in look no further. We have Jefferson, a former military man who now at 40 can finally be his true self and Ash a pro Dom who wants something different. From their first interaction, the chemistry is so powerful that it's hard to even describe how palpable it is. Ash has confidence that I could only hope to have an inkling of, and when they hire Jefferson to be their bodyguard to watch over scenes, both will forever change. With one of the most magical first kisses I have ever read to some of the hottest heat truly an art form RA had accomplished. Then to top that all off, you mix in some intrigue to protect the ones they love, a loveable cast of roommates who all better get their own, a must-read for sure.
This was a fun and exciting story. It started out kinky and educational (I learned a thing or two) then got intense when the Russian mafia showed up causing trouble. Ash is a strong, confident Dom but is vulnerable and sweet also. Jefferson had to keep his true self hidden for so long due to his family and job for the military. Meeting Ash opened up a whole new world for him. I loved all the little nicknames Ash called Jefferson. I liked all the side characters and am excited that Jefferson's roommates will being getting their own story.
Okay wow. Mind blown. My love for this story took me by surprise. This is my first read by this author and they have immediately jumped up into autobuy status. This story is actually very informative about what it means for this specific MC to identify as gender queer. (There are also side characters who are non-binary, trans and queer and I am hoping they all get their own HEA.)
I also love that this story and these characters not only break the "gender norm" molds, they don't fall into the D/s rolls you see in romances.
This book was fun, romantic, kinky and oh so good. It's also pretty steamy, which I loved. I look forward to book 2 and seeing what this author has planned. (5 Stars)
Billed as an MM/Mx BDSM romance, this was a fun read, with great characters and a plot which veered from tender to amusing to WTF? Genderqueer Ash’s character was terrific (pronouns they/them.) They were a striking balance to cis het Jeff “Flowers” who was newly out of the military and adjusting to civilian life.
“Flowers” was a great bear of a man, and so adorable. The fact he was so ready to accept Ash as they are and be open to new experiences was heart-warming. He was devoid of the macho posturing you might expect from someone whose previous life has been in the military. He was a toxic masculinity-free zone and really refreshing. The way he was accepted by Ash’s friends is also heartwarming. There were a lot of lovely moments in this book, including a gorgeous cat called St. Andrew!
I enjoyed the story, and the exploration of different kinks in a non-judgmental way. Yes, the plot became a bit silly after a Russian gangster’s bodyguard (called Igor) filmed part of his boss’s scene with Ash, but that was kind of fun too. It meant ‘Flower Bear’ could get his gun out – not something I’m opposed to, if I’m honest.
The dodgiest aspect of the story for me was the Russian mafia characters’ accents. (“Ze men vant more money and you have zem giving up ze territory to ozer dealers. You are veak!”) This is a pet hate of mine, but I realise it’s just a personal opinion. Colloquialism kind of grinds my gears and takes me out of the story. In this case, it was unintentionally hilarious. Felix, the gangster in question, does have a warm and fuzzy moment near the end though, which was sweet.
In fact, warm and fuzzy is how I’d describe this book. There are serious issues about acceptance, tolerance and bigotry, nicely handled, but mostly it is a lovely hug of a book, and I’ll definitely check out the next in the series.
Ash is a gender-queer professional dom and real estate agent. They like their life, but they are starting to realize that things are starting to get a little stale. Jefferson is a 40 year old veteran who only recently started living his truth in San Francisco after a medical discharge from the service and a break with his family. When the two meet, the attraction is instantaneous but life gets super complicated super fast when one of Ash's high-profile subs is outed and Ash's life is in danger.
This is a fast paced book featuring two very likable characters and a host of secondary characters I hope we learn more about in subsequent books! I could have done without the Russian mafia sub-plot, but it did serve the purpose of getting Ash and Jefferson together quickly. And I loved their dynamic - I wish we had seen more of it outside of crisis time.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Ash is a real estate agent by day and a pro-Dom by night. They are also gender-queer. Jefferson is a veteran and was just released from the army. They meet and have an instant connection, but Jefferson has no idea about living a queer life, as he was most of his life closeted. He is hired by Ash to be their assistant but that turned to being a bodyguard when the Russian mob is chasing them.
The book is a Dual POV and well written. I liked both characters. I liked the story. But somehow I had some trouble getting into the story. Everything just happens so fast that there is no time to connect with the characters. For my taste, the book could have been 50 pages long and a little bit more slow-paced at the beginning. I loved the transgender theme and I am looking forward to the next installments of this series.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
I really liked this. I���ve got to admit that I was a little dubious when I first read the synopsis because of the mob element because sometimes when characters are forced together in high stakes situations it just isn’t believable that they’ll stay together. I am so, so glad that I can say that is absolutely not the case here. Ash and Jefferson belong together in the sweetest, imperfectly perfect way. I loved both their characters. Ash was so wonderfully themselves, confident and comfortable with who they were. Yet at the same time there was a genuineness to the fact they were also starting to feel like things were stagnating in some ways. Jefferson was the sweetest teddy bear. Unlike Ash he was just starting to live his truth, which can be immensely overwhelming, yet he was still sweet and open. I loved seeing them find how they fitted together. Highly recommend!
Ash, a gender-queer real estate agent and professional Dom, and Jefferson, a veteran who’s just left military life, find in each other the chance for a connection that will allow them both to flourish. To say they have a few obstacles along the way is to understate it a bit– while their chemistry is instant and for the most part they communicate well, Jefferson has little experience and a lot to learn, plus there’s the not insignificant complicating factor that is the Russian mob. It’s an easy narrative to get caught up in, and while I would have liked a bit more room for the relationship to grow and develop on the page, the writing flows well and overall, it’s an enjoyable read.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wasn't certain from the first chapter whether this would be a book for me. However I have it a chance and kept on reading. I'm glad I did since Ash and Jefferson proved to be everything. Ash as a mixtress and professional Dom was amazing but still looking for something else. They met baby gay Jefferson who was just learning to come into his own. Their start as professional Dom and security guard was great and it was fun to see it blossom into more. The chemistry was off the charts and the Russian mob story agreed dynamic and really made this off the charts. I'm excited to see where the author goes next and read Shepherd's story. To me this book is a must read if you enjoy kinky. It's fun, got, informative and action packed. Definitely worth the time to check out.
This one was so fun and entertaining, it was my first read from this author and I was really impressed. Judging by the book blurb alone, I was not expecting this book to be so in-depth.....this was so much more than a kinky sexy story, this was a book about vulnerability, self discovery and love ❤️ I adored Ash and Flowers together, they fit like a perfect puzzle!!! The action and fast paced excitement added another layer to this well written, perfectly imperfect love story. The side characters in this book were also lovable, the author has created a universe that leaves you wanting more...I am looking forward to what's next. I would for sure recommend 😊
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
The first half of this book was just so well done. The relationship moved at a fastish, but realistic speed. They got to know each other and had good conversations that didn't bore me. There was all kinds of different kinks experienced. The characters were great and distinct and nuanced. Then the whole running from the mob happened and things got.. a little silly. I still really enjoyed the book and especially the non tradition roles in their relationship. This was my first time with this author and I'm going to look up more of their books. As a side note. No one in their right mind walks for a mile in Jimmy Choo heels on city sidewalks. It would chew the shoe up. That was really hard for me to read. lol
I really enjoyed this book, among other things the message that a relationship, a kink connection and what pronouns you use for yourself are whatever works for you/your partner(s). Ash and Flowers (I love that name for him) are wonderful MC’s, they are so well described and likeable and their dynamic is amazing. There’s outside drama, but Ash and Flowers work so well together and they actually communicate. This is a fast paced story with great steam and kink, I would just have liked more of their relationship outside the mafia plot. I recommend this story highly and I look forward to the next book in the series. 4 big stars.
This was my first M/Mx book and I really enjoyed it. It’s about Ash, a professional Dom, knowing what they want and Jefferson, an Exmilitary, fresh outed and looking for his place in the world. It’s lovely to follow the both when the have a crush on each other, but both are having doubts if it van work in the real world.
The book is written from both views which I like totally.
I‘m really looking forward to the next books in the series as the mix of the transgender theme, BDSM and the community is great to read.
WOW! What a wild beginning this book is to this mm kinky series. There is a marvelous mix of gender expressions and kinky interests and roles that show up in this book. R.A. Frick has done a great job of writing about how it’s okay to be different from the way society says that you should be and also that you don’t have to feel locked in to acting a certain way all the time. This is a terrific book that I really enjoyed. Some angst, high heat, deep kinkiness every variety of rainbow love around. Enjoy!
This series starter features a 'Baby Bear' Jefferson Flores, ex military POC from Texas who is newly out and working part time jobs to supplement his military pension. His first job at a coffee shop sees him completely flustered by Mixtress Ash who teases him. He then sees Ash twice more and despite their femme appearance he is hooked. When you then add the Russian Mafia and other stuff including a cool kink club, a cat and a great bunch of friends and it's terrific fun. Sexy on high heat, sweet and funny.
This is the series I've been looking for. A diverse mix of queer characters. For Real's main characters of Ash and Flowers, set up a medium angst plot. There is hot sex scenes and sweet intimate moments. There are no cliff hangers in this series. Ash's gender diversity introduces the casual m/m reader to the trans umbrella without pushing, and as the series grows there's more for those looking or just willing to explore.
This was a disappointing reading experience. The premise sounded intriguing, younger Femme professional Dom and ex-military 40 year old newbie, trying to make it in a very expensive city, could have been a good story. It wasn't for me. The whole Russian mafia thing was so very wrong that I was unable to suspend disbelief no matter how much I tried. There were huge inconsistencies in character development as well as plot holes and worst of all hot and steamy scenes were plain boring.
For Real follows the story of Ash and Jefferson. The book is filled with BDSM and kink and is really well written. The book has a good story and lots of heat. Overall a good read and looking forward to reading more books in the series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He has a duel life, one is professional during the day and the other is as a dom at a club but this seems to be getting boring for him. They have left the army and has come out as gay. They will be hired to keep him safe after a video is released and now their family is after blood. Can they keep him safe? Will they fall for the other? See where you are taken
This was one man coming out late in life and really came into myself by learning about different genders and about the BDSM lifestyle. Being a Pro Dom but dressed femme and starting a realtor business can be hard. There was drama, life being threatened, and a a man wanting to protect.
It was funny, sweet and super open-minded. I liked it and will definitely read the rest of the series. I would prefer to see more of how Ash’s and Jefferson’s relationships were building up, and was a little bit sad when focus shifted from their relationships to the outside conflict. But it didn’t make this novel any worse; that’s just the matter of personal preferences.
Ash and Flowers, I mean come on, how perfect is that? This story was an amazing mix of a character story where these two learn things about what they really want and need and how to get it mixed with a bodyguard/protectee story with a perfect amount of suspense and tension.
I liked how Jefferson is happy to find his people, and how they all look after each other. The chemistry and relationship between Jefferson and Ash is hot and touching. I would like to read the next book in the series!
This book took me a few chapters before I got into it. Bdsm and mafia dealings with love thrown in rounds out this book. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could. R.A. Frick is a new author to me but I intend to read the next book.
the mystery portion of this didn't' do this for me but the rest was well written and enjoyable. since it seems it will continue to focus more on the mystery than the relationships i probably won't continue due to not enjoying the mystery portion but give it a shot yourself
Not for me. It needs another edit. I can overlook a few spelling errors and such, but it kept going from first person to third person, and that just didn't work for me.