Dirty Trick

Palm Island #3

by K.M. Neuhold

Can you be friends with benefits with a guy who hates you? What about enemies with benefits instead?

My plan to lick every cupcake Boston wants until he realizes I’m his only option might actually work out…

Was pretending to sleep with tons of men to keep my crush from hooking up with them a Dirty Trick? Sure. Do I regret it? Not one bit.

Telling Boston I have a thing for him would’ve been the logical thing to do. Unfortunately, logic hasn’t always been my strong suit. I decided to go the—“get under his skin until hostility turns into affection”-- route instead, and I think it’s finally working.

But once he’s worked off all his annoyance with me, will there be real feelings underneath? I guess only time will tell…

***Dirty Trick is an enemies with benefits story set on the gay resort of Palm Island and can be read as a stand alone, but you won’t want to miss all of these wild island shenanigans

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Audiobook, LGBT, Contemporary Romance

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2022

About the author

K.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.

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have so many issues with this series and this book:

- Why doesn't anyone visit the island during the off-season? There are many islands off the coast of North/South Carolina, and they're accessible to visitors year around.

- Are all the men of Palm Island millionaires? Because the island does not have a sustainable economy. How do the locals survive working just half the year? In the real world, most of the houses would be Aibnbs by now.

- WHERE ARE THE WOMEN? Are they banned from Palm Island? Do any sisters/mothers/female friends ever visit or do they get eaten during the voyage?

- Since everyone is up in everybody else's business, how did Boston not know that Trick was buying the house next door?

- How does a grownass man hold a grudge for four years? Trick needed a mental health evaluation STAT because his obsession with Boston was pathological.

I could go on, but whatever.

I've read close to 3,000 m/m romance novels and keep my fiction shades firmly on year round, but this series strains all credulity.

The ridiculous names; everyone getting high all the time; the dudes being there for each other until Trick breaks his arm and has to fly solo for medical care ... it's all so OTT and absurd

Even the ending doesn't satisfy. The epilogue is from the perspective of a secondary character because the author couldn't be bothered to write a proper HEA.

I'm leaving the island.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've overall enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one was a huge miss for me.

The main premise of the story is that Trick & Boston met and spent a night together, then two years later when they meet again Boston doesn't recognize Trick so Trick launches a revenge campaign against Boston that lasts over four years. I hated this premise. First of all, not that uncommon to not recognize someone after two years, especially when you only knew them for one night. Second of all, the fact that the revenge lasts over four years is just so petty and immature.

Trick wouldn't even apologize later in the book. He just seemed to immature too function. Boston really deserved better. I didn't buy their HEA.

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute and enjoyable. the bad thing about this series is that is FULL of characters but we don’t actually get to know them, which is confusing because we’re at book three and i have no idea who goose is but i guess it’s also fun because i actually get to know them in their book.
(my sleep deprived brain doesn’t make a lot of sense, i’m sorry.)

i didn’t have any expectations for trick and boston but this was fun. it felt like they were moving very slow but it was super catchy at the same time.

i think the next book will be about goose and pete and i honestly couldn’t care less because i need raven, angel and devil (because i know they will be a thing) and yuri. whoever he ends up with.

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

- enemies with benefits
- neighbors
- second chance

Trick & Boston shared one night together while Trick was visiting the island. Fast forward two years and when Trick returns to the island permanently and sees the man he can't stop thinking about, Boston doesn't recognize/remember him. Trick then makes it his mission to cock block Boston at every turn, because if he can't have him then no one can.

Ehhh, I was hoping for more from this one given how strong the animosity between Boston and Trick was in the previous two books, but it was still good.

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers kinda with a twist

I'm not sure there's anything even remotely resembling a real life situation that could have lasted for as long as this did but I didn't really care.

I've been intrigued by Boston and Trick's story for a while and now we get the full tale of a long shot encounter, a forgotten hook-up and a four-and-a-half year tale of misguided actions to stop Boston meeting anyone else.

Like I said, highly unlikely but suspend belief snd just go with the flow as the sparks fly and Boston realises just why Trick irritates him so much.

[Nicole Dykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I'd love it and I so did! This book was so good! Trick and Boston were hot and so sweet. I loved the snarkiness and the way it all ended up! I loved every second of their love story!

[Vanessa GLP · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh no... Este personaje está más del lado psicópata y no lo pude disfrutar

[♥ Rebecca ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed this! It helped me get out of my reading slump. I really enjoy this series.

[Amos24601 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when a lie gets out of hand and you don’t know how to control it? Well, if you’re Trick, you lie some more. I feel like Trick’s plight is one we can all relate to on some level.

I felt for Trick. I didn’t love that he kept the truth from Boston for so long, but I understood the quicksand nature of lies. It just got so big he didn’t know what to do about it. Boston was a fantastic match for Trick. He was so serious and growly most of the time and completely perplexed by Trick half the time. He was also the best bossy bottom I’ve read in a long time. Also, that window scene was super hot.

Trick and Boston were such a great couple to read. Watching them feel their way along while growing feelings and learning to love one another was wonderful. Next to Hen and Storm, these two are some of my favorites. A lovely addition to the Palm Island series.

[Ro · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked perfect ten, so thought this book would be good. I was wrong. It's rare I give anything one stat but the very idea that for 4-1/2 years everyone on this island who were supposed to be friend knew what was going on, what a dick trick was being and how bothered about it Boston was made me want to scream. Add in the stupidity of the reasoning-let's piss off someone until they love ius even though we aren't in junior high - and the screams got louder. What kind of friends are these people? We won't even get into how everyone is super involved in everyone else's lives yet no one can be bothered to help Trick unpack after he breaks his arm. Although by the end of this I was rooting for him to trip on a box and knock himself out or for Boston to get some self respect and beat the shit out of Trick.

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised. Considering the set up, I figured I’d probably hate quit this the same way I did Stud. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. I’m now looking forward to the next book.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I disliked Trick for most of the book (maybe I still dislike him? Not sure) but poor Boston He has spent 4.5 years being messed by Trick. And the reason he has been torturing this poor man? He visited Palm Island on vacation and really liked Boston. When he went home he started going to the gym and now looks different after 2 years have gone by. Then he walks into the bar Boston isn’t waiting for some dude from 2 years ago? Trick maybe use your words?

I wish the fight about secrets had happened earlier in the book. I don't feel like we get enough time to work through that before the end. I kind of want Boston to find a better person. Harold, what are you doing? You couldn't have helped them out at least two years earlier?

The book is still three stars so clearly even with all my problems it's a good book and didn't ruin the series. If I do reread it I will probably skip this one. I'm already on to the next book because I love Palm Island! I need more!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was ok for me. I really wanted Trick to pull his head out of his butt a little sooner in the book. I mean, we knew what he's been doing the entire series, so for him to drag this out with Boston for 60% of this book was a little exhausting.

I'm glad they both got their crap together and worked things out. They do make a good couple.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. This world is so wonderful and all of the characters are so interesting. I just want to learn everything about them. This is Trick’s and Boston’s story and wow was it crazy. Frenemies to friends with benefits to more. The emotion in this story kept me completely entertained and I didn’t want to stop reading. This series just keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait to see who comes next.

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited about being back on Palm Island! Boston and Trick’s story had been building for a while so I was expecting some firework level explosions…

Overall it was a cute and lighthearted story - enemies to lovers with some explosive hate sex thrown in. There was the usual banter, snark and witty dialogue, which I enjoyed, and that I’ve come to expect from this author. I also prefer grumpy men so I really liked Boston! I was curious how everything between him and Trick would work out so I was totally invested in their story.

I just found it hard to believe that Trick kept cockblocking Boston for years, basically lying to Boston and having the locals do the same? I found his reason to be a bit childish, and it didn’t sit right with me how easily everything was forgotten once they got past their enemy-phase. Boston deserved better.

I also missed the locals, this book never fully reached the same feeling of a community that Taken By Storm did. I know we’re getting more stories (and I’m super excited about them!), but I wished that the other guys were a bit more present in each others stories. So happy we’re getting Goose’s story next though!

[notachance · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun concept that I’m not sure I’ve read before, but 4 years was a ridiculous length of time to keep up the schtick. I feel like maybe 6-12 months would have been more believable. Also I’m not sure there was much relationship development / bonding.

[fishreads (back? from hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story begins six and a half years ago with (Pa)Trick arriving on Palm Island for a vacation. He heads to the Sand Bar, where he feels immediately attracted to one of the bartenders, Boston, who also happens to be the bar owner. The two flirt and Boston takes Trick to a private beach party where they hook up. Two years later, (Pa)Trick returns to the island as the new surf instructor at the resort. Going back to the bar, he's irrationally annoyed when Boston doesn't remember him. Despite his awareness of his changed appearance—different hair color, stubble, and a more muscular physique—he decides to c*ck-block Boston by leaving with a guy Boston had been flirting with.

Over the next four and a half years, Trick consistently c*ck-blocks Boston's attempts at hooking up, ultimately preventing Boston (and himself in the process) from getting any sexual release beside his own hand.

Trick is at least self aware enough to realize that he is an absolute idiot and that his plan didn't get him any closer to getting Boston to want to sleep with him instead of all the other men he c*ck-blocked him from. Instead of getting over his crush or admitting the truth, Trick buys a house right next to Boston's and then breaks his arm in an idiotic stunt. Feeling slightly guilty at possibly having part in encouraging Trick's idiocy, Boston puts his animosity aside and checks on Trick and when Trick proposes an enemies with benefits scenario to relive some of the sexual frustration he doesn't immediately shut Trick down.

There is no doubt that Trick was a bit of an idiot, but despite the fact he was self aware enough that it was impossible to dislike him. It was also kind of endearing how insecure he was, underneath all his bluster, when it came to Boston. The animosity between the two of them was entertaining and the repressed attraction between the two of them was hot. Once they started hooking up it didn't take long for their relationship to evolve into something deeper emotionally and I was glad that once Trick finally told Boston the truth the fallout didn't take to long to be resolved.

Trick and Boston's dynamic made them one of the more entertaining pairings in the series. It was really great witnessing them finally get together after all the years of being "enemies."

Themes: dual POV, enemies to lovers, enemies with benefits, tropical island (gay utopia)

[Greg · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Started reading this one today - enjoyed books 1 and 2 for the fluff they are. This one just hit wrong. Trick was annoying from the get-go and I could not see myself taking time to read this. Got through the prologue thinking "maybe this will get better" and then chapter 1 began - I stopped reading a few pages in and returned it to Amazon. Trick may develop redeeming qualities later in the book, but he was so irritating that I could not see myself wasting time to continue reading about a character I couldn't stand.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patrick came to Palm Island on vacation and fell in love with the place and had what he thought was a hook-up with a meaningful connection. He enjoyed it so much that two years later, he took a job as a surf instructor and moved to the island ready for fun and romance. Color him shocked when the guy he couldn’t stop thinking about didn't even remember him.

Boston is the broody, private, burly bartender on Palm Island and it helped him get some action, but since Trick has moved to the island he’s been c___ blocking him for years. Every time he tries to hook up with someone Trick gets to him first. He doesn’t really know why Trick hates him so much, but he gets under his skin like no one else.

It’s the worst-kept secret on the island that Trick really likes Boston and just wants attention, but he’s too afraid to tell him and admit that he’s just been playing a game this whole time. Their communication is terrible and they continually rile each other up.

Their dynamic involves tricks, bets, dares, games, fussing, fuming, fighting, and now ready to add another F word to that after Trick makes a proposition. Enemies with benefits. Some mutual satisfaction. Maybe even a truce. But it is one of those situations that you just cringe every time the character passes on a chance to come clean and you want to just shake sense into them.

But if Boston brings his walls down, will finding out Trick's secret cause him to build them back up and start their vicious cycle again?

This is a snarky, hot, fun, one-night stand, second chance, enemies-to-lovers, island romance full of shenanigans and one big secret. It brings back all the quirky crew and there always seems to be some interesting dynamics going on in the background so I assume we will see some more of these guys in future books. They are all quite intriguing.

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[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I’ve really been enjoying this series so decided since I didn’t know what I felt like reading I’d start the next book. Unfortunately I didn’t love it as much as the first two but it was still an enjoyable enough read. I found I didn’t feel their chemistry as much as I should have. And the lies were a bit much for me since it took a long time for them to come out in the open.

Trick was an interesting character. He definitely meant well and had no malice with his actions but I can see why Boston was upset. Surprised with how much easily it was resolved actually. I liked Boston more at the end than the beginning.

I think if you’re wanting to read the whole series and like to know everyone’s story then I still recommend this one but I would definitely choose either of the first two if you only wanted to read one. But I am still excited to continue on with the series and can’t wait for the next book!

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

How is it possible that the person I’ve spent years hating is now the person who makes every day a hundred times better than it ever was before?

Mini-Blurb: Trick has a crush on the local bar owner, Boston. But his prefered flirting technique is to steal all of Boston hookups from under his nose because he doesn’t want anyone else to touch Boston and Boston hates him for it. Things happen to change however.

I was just so obsessed with the couple dynamic in this book. You had Trick that was so obsessed with Boston and just wanted to spend every second with him but Boston thought that Trick was a little shit but he still couldn’t help but be attracted to him even if he wanted to hate him for all of his antics. I just loved seeing the differences in the interactions with Trick being so obsessed and Boston trying so hard to hate Trick but being into him at the same time.

The will they won’t they in this book was so addicting to read and I loved every seconds of it. I loved how Boston was trying so hard to stay away but kept having angry horny fantasies, that was just so good to read about. The chemistry and interactions just made this book so dynamic and a page turner. I could not get enough of it.

Also, this book made me deeply emotional, I truly felt for the characters and was just rooting for them to be happy so much that I kept crying every time a little thing happened to them, happy or sad.

[Lacey Devane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mmmmmm Trick and Boston!!!! So very hot!! I always wondered why they aggravated each other so much in the other books, I figured it was a crush but it was way more than that!!!! I love these two. The way they banter is freaking hilarious. The spicy scenes are so incredibly hot! The love they realize they have is so sweet. I laughed out loud way too many times reading this. Especially at the first poker scene and the banter between all the guys was too good!! It was nice having all the guys show up again. I’m looking forward to having more books in this series. I really hope all the guys get one!! The one I look forward most if it happens is Lux and Easy…there’s something there and that’s gonna be an interesting time if it gets written!!!!

[Raven || The Reader Identity · Rating 5 out of 5]

STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥

~ 𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚝 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚊 𝚑𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎? ~

The only thing I don’t like about this series is how quickly I devour each of the books. The first word just hooks me deep and won’t let go. I was so anxious for Trick and Boston’s story and I wasn’t disappointed! Filled with humor, sexy times, and heart. The magic of Palm Island is undeniable and I’m so jealous of all the guys.

For over four years, Trick sabotages Boston’s hookups for one reason only: he wants him for himself. Boston is FED UP with Trick’s antics, but when Trick gets injured, Boston can’t resist helping him out. This leads to a sexy af enemies with benefits arrangement that was incredibly passionate.

Let’s just say, Boston was a surprising power bottom and Trick was crazy about him. There’s a bit of angst but it’s short-lived and handled so well. It was one of those moments that made sense and wasn’t overdone or drawn out.

Honestly, I almost felt like this story was too short but that’s only because I read it in one sitting. I am OBSESSED with this fun, sexy world and based on that ending, I’m dying to read the next installment!!

[Lisa KK · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reached my limit of “suspend your disbelief”. Why did it have to be 4.5 years? Why couldn’t it have been like 4.5 months? Would have worked much better imo.
I understand it’s supposed to be ott but as a result Trick reached a level of “get this man a therapist and a restraining order asap”.

[Kamisa Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just too good. Boston and Trick had their work cut out for them, but honestly, all the swoon and the gushing for how they finally made it.

And… CAN WE TALK ABOUT WHAT’S NEXT? Jesus, I love this series.

[Caipi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice to listen to, but quite unbelievable....
Great narration by Iggy Toma.

3.5 stars

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don’t understand how two people can go almost 5 years without sex just because one c*ck blocks the other out of jealousy, this was a cute story. I’m also not sure I would have been as nice to Trick as Boston was, I think at some point I would have decked him and laid him out flat for all the frustration he caused…lol!!

[Jemina Linnama · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love K.M. Neuhold. The Four Bears Construction series is one of my all time favorite comfort reads. I liked the first two books in this series, but I'm actually contemplating on whether two stars is too much to give to Dirty Trick.

I wish I could articulate my thoughts better, but there's only one word I can think of to describe the plot and the conflict of this story: (fucking) stupid.

The biggest problem for me was that Boston was there just to be Trick's love interest even though it's a dual POV book. Boston's character was weirdly underdeveloped: he used to be a lawyer, now he owns a bar on a tropical island - and that's it.

I skimmed through the sex scenes, so maybe that's where the real magic happens?

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty Trick is the third book in the Palm Island series by KM Neuhold. This book is about Boston and Trick. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels, fun and very well written.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I love KM Neuhold and this series. It’s fun, a little ridiculous, and they always have the loveliest of HEAs. Her writing is always on point and always has you falling in love.

I love a grumpy guy, and Boston is that, but in this case, it’s because Trick is intentionally making him mad and interfering in his life. For four years Trick has been blocking Boston from sleeping with any guy on the island. Goading him at every turn.

I need to say, I am irrationally upset with Trick. He has been lying and purposefully making Boston angry at every turn, all because he has a crush. He’s also got every one of his friends lying too. I not only want to deck him, but I also want to vote him off the island. I’m not entirely sure he deserves Boston! I know, I know, I’m being ridiculous.

Boston of course is much lovelier than I am and much more forgiving. And Trick is, as expected, a good guy aside from all the misguidedness, and in the end, they are cute and clearly have a happy and fun future together.

All this to say, I did really enjoy the book, and I have no doubt others will absolutely love these two and their enemies-to-lovers tale of sexual frustration. You can’t go wrong on Palm Island!