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Not Ready for Love #1
Not Allowed
Wyatt and Grant are not allowed to want each other.
Wyatt is barely eighteen and Grant is his dad's best friend.
With only two months until his first semester of college takes him across the country, Wyatt has little more on his mind than exploring his newfound interest in men. He has a list of things he wants to experience, but he doesn't know where to start. At least not until he finds himself alone with the one man he shouldn't want.
Grant knows better than to get involved with his best friends son, but Wyatt knows how to be persuasive and he looks like everything Grant has ever wanted when he's on his knees. Grant hoped he'd kept his thoughts to himself, but Wyatt approaches him with a list and a proposition he doesn't want to turn down.
Nothing between them is certain, but one thing is promised. It's going to be a summer neither man will ever forget.
Not Allowed is part one of Grant and Wyatt's story and book one in the Not Ready for Love trilogy. This 50,000 word story is a cliffhanger, but the completion of this series will bring them their HEA.
Wyatt is barely eighteen and Grant is his dad's best friend.
With only two months until his first semester of college takes him across the country, Wyatt has little more on his mind than exploring his newfound interest in men. He has a list of things he wants to experience, but he doesn't know where to start. At least not until he finds himself alone with the one man he shouldn't want.
Grant knows better than to get involved with his best friends son, but Wyatt knows how to be persuasive and he looks like everything Grant has ever wanted when he's on his knees. Grant hoped he'd kept his thoughts to himself, but Wyatt approaches him with a list and a proposition he doesn't want to turn down.
Nothing between them is certain, but one thing is promised. It's going to be a summer neither man will ever forget.
Not Allowed is part one of Grant and Wyatt's story and book one in the Not Ready for Love trilogy. This 50,000 word story is a cliffhanger, but the completion of this series will bring them their HEA.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2022
113 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
93 books940 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 16, 2022
Sexy, sweet and a little angsty. Dad’s best friend, with the younger MC being just 18 and the other being twice his age (be warned if that’s not your thing).
It’s supposed to be casual. No strings. Secret affair. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
I loved the taboo and sexual discovery. I am intrigued about the possibility of kink in their future. The writing is a little flat, and I skimmed here and there.
Ends in a cliffhanger, next book out in July. 😭💔
It’s supposed to be casual. No strings. Secret affair. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
I loved the taboo and sexual discovery. I am intrigued about the possibility of kink in their future. The writing is a little flat, and I skimmed here and there.
Ends in a cliffhanger, next book out in July. 😭💔
May 3, 2022
That was a complicated story. Amazingly written, it felt very intimate and intense.
Wyatt will attend college in about six weeks, he will spend that time at his father’s place, then, he’ll leave.
He hasn’t seen his father in years it’s a bit uncomfortable. Meeting his father’s best friend and neighbor Grant confirmed what Wyatt already thought, he’s attracted to men. He wants to know things, feel things, and experience things before attending college, Grant is the one to do it with.
Grant is tired of relationships, he just ended a bad one. What Wyatt is offering can’t happen.
He’s way too young, the son of his best friend Adam, and dominating him isn’t what Wyatt needs.
But Wyatt is persistent and Grant accepts but insists to do it his way.
Yes, they both underestimate the whole idea.
An exceptional approach to complicated content. Both guys weren’t flawless, that was quite charming, their connection felt real, intense, and consuming, there are some intentional awkward moments.
The story has a comfortable flow and pace, the whole content felt quite convincing.
It ends with a cliff, do I hate cliffs, yes, but it's worth the wait, coming June and July the following two stories will be released.
Overall an intriguing story.
Wyatt will attend college in about six weeks, he will spend that time at his father’s place, then, he’ll leave.
He hasn’t seen his father in years it’s a bit uncomfortable. Meeting his father’s best friend and neighbor Grant confirmed what Wyatt already thought, he’s attracted to men. He wants to know things, feel things, and experience things before attending college, Grant is the one to do it with.
Grant is tired of relationships, he just ended a bad one. What Wyatt is offering can’t happen.
He’s way too young, the son of his best friend Adam, and dominating him isn’t what Wyatt needs.
But Wyatt is persistent and Grant accepts but insists to do it his way.
Yes, they both underestimate the whole idea.
An exceptional approach to complicated content. Both guys weren’t flawless, that was quite charming, their connection felt real, intense, and consuming, there are some intentional awkward moments.
The story has a comfortable flow and pace, the whole content felt quite convincing.
It ends with a cliff, do I hate cliffs, yes, but it's worth the wait, coming June and July the following two stories will be released.
Overall an intriguing story.
May 6, 2022
Wyatt is very innocent but his curiosity is anything but when it comes to his Dad’s friend Grant.
Sparks ⚡️
Innocence meets experience is one of the many reasons why I love age gap romances. It’s SO sexy. The sex list of Wyatt’s was supposed to be checked off. No feelings. Wyatt and Grant were not meant to have such a deep connection and this book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger.
I want to have the conclusion now!
The waiting really IS the hardest part 😬.
Sparks ⚡️
Innocence meets experience is one of the many reasons why I love age gap romances. It’s SO sexy. The sex list of Wyatt’s was supposed to be checked off. No feelings. Wyatt and Grant were not meant to have such a deep connection and this book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger.
I want to have the conclusion now!
The waiting really IS the hardest part 😬.
May 15, 2022
2,5 stars.
I don't exactly know what I was missing here, but fact is that I never warmed up to Grant nor Wyatt.
I wasn't feeling their connection, but I also wasn't feeling their characters. I honestly can't say I liked either one of them, nor one of the other characters. And I'm really sorry about that because I do enjoy Kate Hawthorne's writing.
But this story was lacking something significant, though I can't exactly point out what it is.
Wyatt seemed a bit immature for his age to me, childish at times even, and the attraction he felt to Grant was a bit too insta for me and he pushed a bit too hard for Grant to act up on it.
Another thing that bothered me was that there was too much page for other people like Robin, and I didn't like how Grant and Robin acted towards each other. Also, Wyatt's father wasn't really there for his son - he was busy with other men and with being together with them instead of spending time with his son and get to know him better, build a new bond.
So, yes, I was disappointed and I'm really bummed by that.
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntarily, unbiased review
I don't exactly know what I was missing here, but fact is that I never warmed up to Grant nor Wyatt.
I wasn't feeling their connection, but I also wasn't feeling their characters. I honestly can't say I liked either one of them, nor one of the other characters. And I'm really sorry about that because I do enjoy Kate Hawthorne's writing.
But this story was lacking something significant, though I can't exactly point out what it is.
Wyatt seemed a bit immature for his age to me, childish at times even, and the attraction he felt to Grant was a bit too insta for me and he pushed a bit too hard for Grant to act up on it.
Another thing that bothered me was that there was too much page for other people like Robin, and I didn't like how Grant and Robin acted towards each other. Also, Wyatt's father wasn't really there for his son - he was busy with other men and with being together with them instead of spending time with his son and get to know him better, build a new bond.
So, yes, I was disappointed and I'm really bummed by that.
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntarily, unbiased review
June 16, 2022
The cover is awesome and the romance was not bad, even if I did not like it completely
May 7, 2022
I was searching for their chemistry but didn't find it strong enough for me to love them more.
This was a decent story though. I love this trope but Not Allowed was lacking of something I can't described.
The cliffhanger didn't bother me at all this time.
It's just.......
........
........
........
This was a decent story though. I love this trope but Not Allowed was lacking of something I can't described.
The cliffhanger didn't bother me at all this time.
It's just.......
........
........
........
May 14, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Not Allowed is the first book in Kate Hawthorne’s new Not Ready for Love series and this book is essentially the first part of Wyatt and Grant’s story. After book two switches to Adam and Cooper’s story, book three will give us the conclusion of Wyatt and Grant’s journey. So don’t expect everything to tie up here and we get a cliffhanger of sorts, and definitely not an HEA/HFN at this point. I think it is an interesting choice to split the book in two with another set of characters in the middle and I’m kind of intrigued by it, to be honest. I know that a lot of folks will want to wait and read this once book 3 is out, but I am really interested to see how it plays out with that second story in between. Adam and Cooper are prominent side characters here and their story will have to connect on some level given their relationships to Wyatt and Grant, so I am really curious to see how the series comes together when reading it with the breaks between books as Hawthorne intended. I also was happy that this story doesn’t end in the way I expected, so it was nice to see how things played out and how the ending sets up the future books.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Not Allowed is the first book in Kate Hawthorne’s new Not Ready for Love series and this book is essentially the first part of Wyatt and Grant’s story. After book two switches to Adam and Cooper’s story, book three will give us the conclusion of Wyatt and Grant’s journey. So don’t expect everything to tie up here and we get a cliffhanger of sorts, and definitely not an HEA/HFN at this point. I think it is an interesting choice to split the book in two with another set of characters in the middle and I’m kind of intrigued by it, to be honest. I know that a lot of folks will want to wait and read this once book 3 is out, but I am really interested to see how it plays out with that second story in between. Adam and Cooper are prominent side characters here and their story will have to connect on some level given their relationships to Wyatt and Grant, so I am really curious to see how the series comes together when reading it with the breaks between books as Hawthorne intended. I also was happy that this story doesn’t end in the way I expected, so it was nice to see how things played out and how the ending sets up the future books.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 10, 2022
I love Kate Hawthorne’s writing style. It’s wonderful, never dull, and pulls you in. She’s amazing at writing imperfect and emotional characters. Characters you love, hate, or want to yell at.
This is an age-gap, Dad’s BFF trilogy of second chances. So we only get part of their story in Book One. Wyatt moves in with his Dad for the summer. He’s 18, petulant, bratty, and pushy. And he is looking to explore his bisexual awakening. Grant is twice his age, likes control, and is old enough to know better. But desire can be hard to deny and consuming.
This is a sexually charged tale of two men who collide when neither can give more than a no emotions fling. Sometimes now isn’t the right time for more, to admit to feelings, for happily ever after.
A really great start to this series, can’t wait to see where it goes from here. Wyatt in particular drove me crazy, so bratty and childish, I look forward to seeing him again. I have no doubt the end will be incredible, Kate is incredible at writing second chances and redemptions.
This is an age-gap, Dad’s BFF trilogy of second chances. So we only get part of their story in Book One. Wyatt moves in with his Dad for the summer. He’s 18, petulant, bratty, and pushy. And he is looking to explore his bisexual awakening. Grant is twice his age, likes control, and is old enough to know better. But desire can be hard to deny and consuming.
This is a sexually charged tale of two men who collide when neither can give more than a no emotions fling. Sometimes now isn’t the right time for more, to admit to feelings, for happily ever after.
A really great start to this series, can’t wait to see where it goes from here. Wyatt in particular drove me crazy, so bratty and childish, I look forward to seeing him again. I have no doubt the end will be incredible, Kate is incredible at writing second chances and redemptions.
May 9, 2022
Wow. Just wow. This book is so hot, I'm surprised it didn't set my phone on fire. Or I didn't spontaneously combust while reading it.
It won't be for everyone because it is an age gap, father's best friend book where the younger MC is just over 18, and the older one is twice his age. Add to that the coming-of-age, bi-awakening of the younger MC and just a hint of BDSM/power exchange, and this short novel packs a powerful punch.
It's a sweet love story, too, the first of a trilogy in which the middle book features the younger MC's dad. We have to wait until the third book to continue this story.
If cliffhangers make you cranky, you'll want to wait until July when the second book is out to read this, but if not, and you want something sexy and fun, I highly recommend Not Allowed.
It won't be for everyone because it is an age gap, father's best friend book where the younger MC is just over 18, and the older one is twice his age. Add to that the coming-of-age, bi-awakening of the younger MC and just a hint of BDSM/power exchange, and this short novel packs a powerful punch.
It's a sweet love story, too, the first of a trilogy in which the middle book features the younger MC's dad. We have to wait until the third book to continue this story.
If cliffhangers make you cranky, you'll want to wait until July when the second book is out to read this, but if not, and you want something sexy and fun, I highly recommend Not Allowed.
July 13, 2022
Please refer to my review of the third book in this trilogy. It has spoilers. Overall I would not recommend this series.
Read
May 6, 2022It felt like this short book was one giant tease.
Wyatt and Grant are in lust with each other almost as soon as they meet. There is a lot of wanting and individual jerking off because they are 'not allowed' to want each other. Honestly, if I wanted someone, I would fight every obstacle standing in my way. But that's not what happens in this story.
What happens is that very slowly, Wyatt and Grant start to share sexual encounters. For all the wanting and sexual intensity, I was a bit disappointed by the amount of real steam, especially considering Wyatt and Grant spend many weeks living next door. But in this story time flies; it seemed that every chapter was one week later.
There are slight D/s undertones that I'd have liked to see more developed or at least that Grant explained them to Wyatt. But they don't communicate much and Grant is hesitant to dive deeper into this thing with Wyatt.
Surprisingly little happens.
Because most of all, this story is about Wyatt's and Grant's thoughts and feelings, and the fear of getting caught. All that made it a more angsty read than I usually read but I took a chance because I've liked or loved some of the author's other works. In the end, I was glad I did. The author knows how to create fleshed-out characters and bring their inner worlds onto the pages.
This story is real. This story is something I can relate to.
Sometimes, even though you lust after someone you shouldn't be with and/or falling in love, it isn't the right time to be together. Sometimes you have to go out in the world, have more experiences, live, grow.
Sometimes you are not ready to love.
That's what this story is: a prequel to being with the right man.
A glimpse of what can be.
A shimmer of the future they want.
If you like suspense and a long way to a happily ever after, go give this story a try.
Skip this book if you want the main characters to only have eyes for each other. This is not one of those books. There is no on-screen sex with other men but there are mentions of them, and there are a few short affectionate/lustful descriptions of Grant with a side character.
Wyatt and Grant are in lust with each other almost as soon as they meet. There is a lot of wanting and individual jerking off because they are 'not allowed' to want each other. Honestly, if I wanted someone, I would fight every obstacle standing in my way. But that's not what happens in this story.
What happens is that very slowly, Wyatt and Grant start to share sexual encounters. For all the wanting and sexual intensity, I was a bit disappointed by the amount of real steam, especially considering Wyatt and Grant spend many weeks living next door. But in this story time flies; it seemed that every chapter was one week later.
There are slight D/s undertones that I'd have liked to see more developed or at least that Grant explained them to Wyatt. But they don't communicate much and Grant is hesitant to dive deeper into this thing with Wyatt.
Surprisingly little happens.
Because most of all, this story is about Wyatt's and Grant's thoughts and feelings, and the fear of getting caught. All that made it a more angsty read than I usually read but I took a chance because I've liked or loved some of the author's other works. In the end, I was glad I did. The author knows how to create fleshed-out characters and bring their inner worlds onto the pages.
This story is real. This story is something I can relate to.
Sometimes, even though you lust after someone you shouldn't be with and/or falling in love, it isn't the right time to be together. Sometimes you have to go out in the world, have more experiences, live, grow.
Sometimes you are not ready to love.
That's what this story is: a prequel to being with the right man.
A glimpse of what can be.
A shimmer of the future they want.
If you like suspense and a long way to a happily ever after, go give this story a try.
Skip this book if you want the main characters to only have eyes for each other. This is not one of those books. There is no on-screen sex with other men but there are mentions of them, and there are a few short affectionate/lustful descriptions of Grant with a side character.
May 17, 2022
My 2nd read by Kate Hawthorne. I’m a huge fan of age gap stories and this one did not disappoint. Add in some Father’s best friend and I’m all in! Really enjoyed the way Wyatt & Grant’s story developed. I wasn’t read for it to be over & will be waiting not so patiently for Until Now to be released!
April 20, 2022
I can't help but feel that Miss Kate is taunting us with delayed gratification through this new trilogy; teasing us readers with this cover, this story, these characters then hanging us all out over a very high cliff to dangle whilst we wait for book three to get our promised 'completion'!! Of course there's book two but whilst still in the after glow of book one I'm not even thinking about that, I need that final satisfaction and I want it now Miss Kate, please!!!!
This book is everything that KH promised it would be; if you read her books before you won't be disappointed. If you're a newbie you still won't be disappointed!!
I totally recommend this book, of course I do, I loved it start to cliff hanger finish and you should add it to your kindle today xx
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and provide my honest review voluntarily
This book is everything that KH promised it would be; if you read her books before you won't be disappointed. If you're a newbie you still won't be disappointed!!
I totally recommend this book, of course I do, I loved it start to cliff hanger finish and you should add it to your kindle today xx
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and provide my honest review voluntarily
May 5, 2022
Let me start by saying I love Kate Hawthorne books but this book just missed the mark for me. I felt so bad for Wyatt because I could see why he felt so lost. I get that he was staying with his father and they didn't have much of a relationship however it was written like his dad Adam did want a relationship but he did not show that at all when Wyatt was staying with him. He just never seemed like a priority, work and friends and Cooper always took precedence.
There was definitely heat between Wyatt and Grant but I didn't feel it develop and I could not take him having developing feelings when he acted the way he did with Devon and Robin. Maybe the final book will change my opinion on the overall characters.
There was definitely heat between Wyatt and Grant but I didn't feel it develop and I could not take him having developing feelings when he acted the way he did with Devon and Robin. Maybe the final book will change my opinion on the overall characters.
May 12, 2022
This is the first of a three book series, centred around four men in North Edgewood.
Wyatt is 18 and living with his Dad, Adam, for the Summer, after not seeing him much in the past few years. He's recently discovered he's bi. Grant is 35, and Adam's best friend and neighbour. He is also bi. And dominant.
Obviously there will be some drama. And a lot of heat.
It's beautifully written as always, and the chemistry between Wyatt and Grant is smoking from the first moment they meet. Dual POV third person, for those who need to know.
Kate's been pretty open about the fact this ends on a cliffhanger and that Grant and Wyatt won't get their HEA until Book 3.
However, it's not an angsty cliffy and it definitely feels more like the ending of one story arc, setting us up for the next phase of their story.
I also know she's planning to release the books fairly close together, so even though Book 2 will be Adam and Cooper's book, don't be scared off by thinking you'll have a long wait to get to Wyatt and Grant's HEA.
I received a copy of this book from the author and have chosen to leave an honest review.
Wyatt is 18 and living with his Dad, Adam, for the Summer, after not seeing him much in the past few years. He's recently discovered he's bi. Grant is 35, and Adam's best friend and neighbour. He is also bi. And dominant.
Obviously there will be some drama. And a lot of heat.
It's beautifully written as always, and the chemistry between Wyatt and Grant is smoking from the first moment they meet. Dual POV third person, for those who need to know.
Kate's been pretty open about the fact this ends on a cliffhanger and that Grant and Wyatt won't get their HEA until Book 3.
However, it's not an angsty cliffy and it definitely feels more like the ending of one story arc, setting us up for the next phase of their story.
I also know she's planning to release the books fairly close together, so even though Book 2 will be Adam and Cooper's book, don't be scared off by thinking you'll have a long wait to get to Wyatt and Grant's HEA.
I received a copy of this book from the author and have chosen to leave an honest review.
May 13, 2022
It's been awhile since I've read a Kate book and after reading Not Allowed I totally need to go back and have a huge Kate binge. I'd forgotten how much I loved her writing style.
Not Allowed was such a great read and had me hooked from the start. Wyatt is about to head to uni but is spending the summer with his dad before he goes. Wyatt has a difficult relationship with his dad (and I really hope we see more of that in the later books in the series) and it's made worse because Wyatt is keeping a secret - he's lusting after his dad's best friend Grant.
Wyatt is only just beginning to experiment with his sexuality but he goes all in. He wants his dad's best friend, a much older man and a man who has a serious kinky side. What could go wrong?
Grant and Wyatt know the odds are against them but lust keeps drawing them together.
I was so gripped watching their relationship develop and move from lusty encounters to having real feelings for each other. It broke my heart seeing them have to part as Wyatt leaves for college and I'm desperate for the conclusion to their story.
Highly recommend but if you're not a fan of cliffhangers you might wanna wait for the whole series.
Not Allowed was such a great read and had me hooked from the start. Wyatt is about to head to uni but is spending the summer with his dad before he goes. Wyatt has a difficult relationship with his dad (and I really hope we see more of that in the later books in the series) and it's made worse because Wyatt is keeping a secret - he's lusting after his dad's best friend Grant.
Wyatt is only just beginning to experiment with his sexuality but he goes all in. He wants his dad's best friend, a much older man and a man who has a serious kinky side. What could go wrong?
Grant and Wyatt know the odds are against them but lust keeps drawing them together.
I was so gripped watching their relationship develop and move from lusty encounters to having real feelings for each other. It broke my heart seeing them have to part as Wyatt leaves for college and I'm desperate for the conclusion to their story.
Highly recommend but if you're not a fan of cliffhangers you might wanna wait for the whole series.
May 30, 2022
RTC but wow. It’s no secrets that I like emotional books with kink and this book hit all of my buttons. I really enjoy the concept of this book and this series in general. I’m so excited to read more about these characters because they have my entire heart. This story just gripped me and never let me go. I just so invested in this book and I appreciated every seconds of it. So much.
This book just feels like it was made for me and I enjoyed it so much. I just had the best of time reading this one. And I cried a lot, which I always appreciate.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion
This book just feels like it was made for me and I enjoyed it so much. I just had the best of time reading this one. And I cried a lot, which I always appreciate.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion
July 4, 2022
This book is an entertaining and easy start to the Not Ready for Love trilogy. Wyatt is 18, just realizing his bisexuality, and wanting to get some experience with a man prior to going to college. While spending a summer at his divorced father's house, he meets his father's best friend and next door neighbor Grant. The two men feel an attraction, but if anything happens, it has to be a secret from Wyatt's father, as he won't understand. Can these two men agree to some secret experimentation and sexual education, yet let it go at the end of the summer? This book ends on a cliffhanger, at least in regard to their relationship. It will be concluded in Book 3.
May 3, 2022
Wyatt and Grant's story refused to fit into any of the boxes I tried containing it in. A bit of sexual discovery, a dash of sneaking around, the impulsiveness of new love blurring the lines between "should" and "shouldn't", and the sad reality of meeting the right person at the wrong time combined into a journey that felt more intensely real than I was expecting. In a lot of ways, Wyatt and Grant's fling was so clumsy and full of mixed signals, but I couldn't look away from the connection they were building. I felt, deeply, every moment that Grant tried to fight off his feelings to do what he thought was right for Wyatt. I was equally enamoured with Wyatt's youthful resolve to turn their attraction into something bigger. Neither Wyatt nor Grant approached their hookups with the desire to fall in love, and yet that's exactly where they ended up before all was said and done. I'm torn, because I wish the two of them had been braver when it came to their romantic feelings, but I also think they needed time to put their relationship into perspective and reflect on what they truly wanted from a partner. This story struck a really nice balance of happy/sad, and while the ending left their future unresolved, I'm thrilled to know that their journey isn't over.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 13, 2022
Whoa!!
Loved this read ..I can do cliffhangers if I know the next book isn't too far away
Grant and Wyatt, forbidden love? Age gap romance with heat 🔥 perfect!!
Loved this read ..I can do cliffhangers if I know the next book isn't too far away
Grant and Wyatt, forbidden love? Age gap romance with heat 🔥 perfect!!
May 15, 2022
He has the hots for his dad friend so he knows it is not something that will go anywhere. He knows he is gay and he knows he will need help to truly understand. Will they help him? Where will it all go? Can it even last? See just where they will end up at
May 12, 2022
4,5 stars
Not Allowed is the first book in the Not Ready for Love trilogy by Kate Hawthorne. It's the first part of Grant and Wyatt's story so beware of the cliffhanger, they get their HEA at the end of the series.
Wyatt is 18 and is spending the summer before college at his dad's, he hasn't been to his dad's house in years. Grant is his fathers neighbor and best friend, twice Wyatt's age. They shouldn't but......
I love age gap books and this one wasn't an exception. I loved Grant and Wyatt's story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written. I can't wait for the next part in their story, book 3 in this trilogy. (Also can't wait to read book 2).
Not Allowed is the first book in the Not Ready for Love trilogy by Kate Hawthorne. It's the first part of Grant and Wyatt's story so beware of the cliffhanger, they get their HEA at the end of the series.
Wyatt is 18 and is spending the summer before college at his dad's, he hasn't been to his dad's house in years. Grant is his fathers neighbor and best friend, twice Wyatt's age. They shouldn't but......
I love age gap books and this one wasn't an exception. I loved Grant and Wyatt's story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written. I can't wait for the next part in their story, book 3 in this trilogy. (Also can't wait to read book 2).
May 22, 2022
DNF’d at 63%. Not feeling it.
May 10, 2022
It feels so good to be pulled out of a book slump by this book. Even with the cliffhanger, this book is worth every page and every page was necessary. There’s a taboo feeling about how the relationship starts and I found myself holding my breath waiting on the other shoe to fall. I loved the way it played out and am ready to see what their HEA will be.
May 16, 2022
Wow. Not Allowed was a kind of amazing I wasn’t expecting. The kind where I read it twice cause I enjoyed it that much before I reviewed it.
Wyatt’s newly eighteen and spending the summer before university with his estranged father, Adam. Grant is the best friend and neighbour of Adam, and he’s just had a big break up. And Wyatt really wants to discover what it means to be with a man before school. And he wants Grant to teach him.
Grant trying not to touch Wyatt is hilarious, because it’s so obvious he doesn’t want to, no matter that Adam is his best friend, and sleeping with Adam’s son is a terrible idea. Wyatt on the other hand, isn’t too fussed about the fact that his dad and Grant are friends, because his relationship with his father is almost non-existent.
I love a good romance where the pull to be together is stronger than what’s pushing them away from each other. And even though they both know it’s a bad idea, especially considering Wyatt will only be in town for two months, they don’t let that stop them. Wyatt is definelty impulsive and doesn’t quite act his age. Grant on the other hand is all too well aware of the differences between them. In particular what he wants in the bedroom, something that Grant is loathe to explain to Wyatt, even if it is on his list of things to do over the summer.
And oh my god, I do love it when book covers match the contents, and this one does. It’s brilliant.
I loved this book, the ending was completely unexpected and I’m excited for the next book to come out, which is about Wyatt’s father. I especially love the way the titles of the three books come together, it’s a wonderful bit of forward planning, and makes me want them even more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
Wyatt’s newly eighteen and spending the summer before university with his estranged father, Adam. Grant is the best friend and neighbour of Adam, and he’s just had a big break up. And Wyatt really wants to discover what it means to be with a man before school. And he wants Grant to teach him.
Grant trying not to touch Wyatt is hilarious, because it’s so obvious he doesn’t want to, no matter that Adam is his best friend, and sleeping with Adam’s son is a terrible idea. Wyatt on the other hand, isn’t too fussed about the fact that his dad and Grant are friends, because his relationship with his father is almost non-existent.
I love a good romance where the pull to be together is stronger than what’s pushing them away from each other. And even though they both know it’s a bad idea, especially considering Wyatt will only be in town for two months, they don’t let that stop them. Wyatt is definelty impulsive and doesn’t quite act his age. Grant on the other hand is all too well aware of the differences between them. In particular what he wants in the bedroom, something that Grant is loathe to explain to Wyatt, even if it is on his list of things to do over the summer.
And oh my god, I do love it when book covers match the contents, and this one does. It’s brilliant.
I loved this book, the ending was completely unexpected and I’m excited for the next book to come out, which is about Wyatt’s father. I especially love the way the titles of the three books come together, it’s a wonderful bit of forward planning, and makes me want them even more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
May 20, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. I have enjoyed books by Kate Hawthorne in the past. I liked Wyatt and I liked Grant, but Adam just ruined the whole thing for me. Maybe I'm too sensitive as a gay father of an almost 18 year old, but if I hadn't been involved in my son's life for the last 5 years and he was coming to stay with me for 2 months before heading off to college, my priority would be fixing or attempting to build some sort of relationship with him. Not leaving him alone to run off with my best friend his first weekend in town to hook up with someone else at a kink house. Not to leave him alone for an entire weekend to go on a trip with said hookup. Not to wait 2 weeks into his visit to set a lunch date that he bails on. Worst. Parental. Character. Ever. And Wyatt just goes along with it? He needs a backbone, too.
And now I read that the second book is going to be all about Adam, the deadbeat dad? No thanks. He tells Wyatt that Cooper, Wyatt's summer job boss and dad's hookup, never knew Wyatt existed because he was embarrassed about the fact he and Wyatt hadnt had a good relationship for the last 5 years. The teaser for the next book says Adam and Cooper have been in each other's lives for 10 years. That would have been 5 years Wyatt would have been around. Ugh. Frustrating. (Sorry for the rant)
And now I read that the second book is going to be all about Adam, the deadbeat dad? No thanks. He tells Wyatt that Cooper, Wyatt's summer job boss and dad's hookup, never knew Wyatt existed because he was embarrassed about the fact he and Wyatt hadnt had a good relationship for the last 5 years. The teaser for the next book says Adam and Cooper have been in each other's lives for 10 years. That would have been 5 years Wyatt would have been around. Ugh. Frustrating. (Sorry for the rant)
June 1, 2022
A great start as Wyatt couldn't wait for collage to begin while his mom and stepfather traveled.
Wyatt was 18 and of to college as soon as the dorms opened up but that meant he'd stay with his father. Wyatt is angered by his father from not making an attempt to be in his life for the last 5 years but now he gets 2 months staying with him. He'd had a plan to have fun and explore his new desires for men.
Grant 35 years is Adam's next door neighbor who'd split from his cheating boyfriend.
An insta-connection from both characters that's forbidden and secrets tended to be found out. They both try and hide their reactions that they have but the invertible is bound to happen. Wyatt soon finds work but he has no idea with who Cooper is.
An age gap between them and hint of alpha domination between them but their can be only one.
A good book to start the series off and the characters are great. I didn't love this only because I'd read so many of this theme. The characters are great together and I loved the power play they had going at the start. Wyatt is new to the experiences of men and was really curious about Grant and tries to push things along. Sexy scenes included and a cliffhanger which continues into the next book.
Wyatt was 18 and of to college as soon as the dorms opened up but that meant he'd stay with his father. Wyatt is angered by his father from not making an attempt to be in his life for the last 5 years but now he gets 2 months staying with him. He'd had a plan to have fun and explore his new desires for men.
Grant 35 years is Adam's next door neighbor who'd split from his cheating boyfriend.
An insta-connection from both characters that's forbidden and secrets tended to be found out. They both try and hide their reactions that they have but the invertible is bound to happen. Wyatt soon finds work but he has no idea with who Cooper is.
An age gap between them and hint of alpha domination between them but their can be only one.
A good book to start the series off and the characters are great. I didn't love this only because I'd read so many of this theme. The characters are great together and I loved the power play they had going at the start. Wyatt is new to the experiences of men and was really curious about Grant and tries to push things along. Sexy scenes included and a cliffhanger which continues into the next book.
January 16, 2026
Just lacking that spark
I expected fireworks but this was just a damp squib. I couldn't really put my finger on why it wasn't working but finally realised, once I'd waded through it, that it was all so muted and surprisingly, really shallow. The scene was set for combustible but there was so little sex in it, and what there was seemed glossed over somehow, it felt as though Kate had misread her own brief.
Then there was how much I disliked Robin, not because of the character but the way he was used to distract and cause a bit of friction. There was no need for it because we had Adam for that.
The story was a bit inconsistent when it came to Adam's relationship with his son. He was apparently devasted when Wyatt told his mum he didn't want to go to his dad's any more but when Adam got a second chance, all he did was piss off to enjoy whatever sex activity was tabled for that day. There was no real time spent together on page at all, even cancelling lunch just because, and Cooper seemed to be far more important to him than Wyatt was. They were just disinterested ships that passed in the hallway.
I'm going to try the other two in the trilogy to see if I can get through them, because I would like to see Grant and Wyatt get their HEA.
I expected fireworks but this was just a damp squib. I couldn't really put my finger on why it wasn't working but finally realised, once I'd waded through it, that it was all so muted and surprisingly, really shallow. The scene was set for combustible but there was so little sex in it, and what there was seemed glossed over somehow, it felt as though Kate had misread her own brief.
Then there was how much I disliked Robin, not because of the character but the way he was used to distract and cause a bit of friction. There was no need for it because we had Adam for that.
The story was a bit inconsistent when it came to Adam's relationship with his son. He was apparently devasted when Wyatt told his mum he didn't want to go to his dad's any more but when Adam got a second chance, all he did was piss off to enjoy whatever sex activity was tabled for that day. There was no real time spent together on page at all, even cancelling lunch just because, and Cooper seemed to be far more important to him than Wyatt was. They were just disinterested ships that passed in the hallway.
I'm going to try the other two in the trilogy to see if I can get through them, because I would like to see Grant and Wyatt get their HEA.
May 15, 2022
This book! Even going into this book knowing Grant and Wyatt's story would not be finished just yet, I was desperate for just a few more pages when I got to the end! While it hurts now, I loved how this book ended and cannot wait for the second half of Wyatt and Grant's HEA. Wyatt was such an interesting character because it was clear when the story started, he still had so much personal growing to do. We got to see some of it unfold during his summer with Grant but there was a big change in circumstances at the end of the book and it is clear that Wyatt has figured out who he is and his place in the world, which I just loved. Grant was torn between his loyalty to Wyatt and Adam, Wyatt's father and his best friend. I hated seeing Grant struggle to remain loyal to his friend while exploring his attraction to Wyatt. I loved seeing these two work toward something amazing together but I hated to see then have to take a step away from each other at the end of the summer. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out and I am so excited to see what will happen between Grant and Wyatt in book three!
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