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Higher Education
The Jock Law Student Who Has It All
Judge Daughtler was born into privilege, anything he wants he gets. During a night out at a club, Judge meets a mysterious stranger named Flynn and there is an immediate flash of interest from both men. Judge loses Flynn in the crowd when a fight breaks out and vows to find him again. Unfortunately Flynn is only too easy to track down because, as it turns out, he is a teacher at Judge’s law school. Undeterred, Judge pursues him.
The Teacher Searching for a Second Chance
Flynn Goddard has had a terrible few months—first his partner of twenty-five years left him for a much younger man, which put his life into a tailspin and destroyed his finances. Now Flynn is horrified that the first new man he is interested in is a law student. Worst of all, Judge doesn’t seem to understand why they could both get into trouble if they indulge in a relationship. Flynn must be a sensible adult and put his foot down; however, Judge is charming and determined.
Up In Flames
Flynn loses the battle and begins to date Judge. The relationship looks bad from the outside, but they want to be together. Flynn knows Judge better now—there is a big heart to go along with his cocky attitude. If Flynn and Judge keep their relationship under wraps everything should be fine, but life has a funny way of throwing wrenches into even the best plans. Will they be able to stay together through the challenges that come their way? Or will Judge crumble and run, the same way Flynn’s ex did?
Flynn and Judge have a hard time figuring out their lives, but by the end of this second-chance romance full of flirty fun, they get their happily ever after!
Judge Daughtler was born into privilege, anything he wants he gets. During a night out at a club, Judge meets a mysterious stranger named Flynn and there is an immediate flash of interest from both men. Judge loses Flynn in the crowd when a fight breaks out and vows to find him again. Unfortunately Flynn is only too easy to track down because, as it turns out, he is a teacher at Judge’s law school. Undeterred, Judge pursues him.
The Teacher Searching for a Second Chance
Flynn Goddard has had a terrible few months—first his partner of twenty-five years left him for a much younger man, which put his life into a tailspin and destroyed his finances. Now Flynn is horrified that the first new man he is interested in is a law student. Worst of all, Judge doesn’t seem to understand why they could both get into trouble if they indulge in a relationship. Flynn must be a sensible adult and put his foot down; however, Judge is charming and determined.
Up In Flames
Flynn loses the battle and begins to date Judge. The relationship looks bad from the outside, but they want to be together. Flynn knows Judge better now—there is a big heart to go along with his cocky attitude. If Flynn and Judge keep their relationship under wraps everything should be fine, but life has a funny way of throwing wrenches into even the best plans. Will they be able to stay together through the challenges that come their way? Or will Judge crumble and run, the same way Flynn’s ex did?
Flynn and Judge have a hard time figuring out their lives, but by the end of this second-chance romance full of flirty fun, they get their happily ever after!
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2022
157 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Ki Brightly
91 books717 followersI spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
May 18, 2022
Kinda fast, kinda hot, kinda excellently good.
April 22, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Seeing this is insta lust and has hypersexual MCs, it’s quite a fast read for me. So that’s new. I was considering DNF-ing the book since it had a weak start, but it did pick up after 20% and I couldn’t stop reading.
It was entertaining, but I give the storyline a high mid. Their BDSM dynamics was okay. I have a higher standard for my BDSM couples in books so this was just fine. Even though I did enjoy the pacing, I realized there was no depth or backstory of the MCs, how they were “made” to be together and the aspect of forbidden relationship between teacher/student was not intense at all. I would say the focus is not really on there, which was weird seeing this was marketed as that. BUT they got cuter and cuter until the end and I liked it. Like they somehow fit despite me not liking the beginning. LOL what happened there. I also loved Judge’s parents, they were like those awesome and supportive gay dads who love their sons too much.
This is also porny btw. Again, I’m surprised by how much I like this book. Excessive sex scenes is not my thing lmao.
“Who am I?”
“You’re Judge.” Snorting on a laugh, I nodded.
“And who else am I to you?”
“You’re my. . . .” He turned his face toward my chest and mumbled.
“Excuse me? What’s that? I didn’t hear you.” This was too much fun. CUTE!
Seeing this is insta lust and has hypersexual MCs, it’s quite a fast read for me. So that’s new. I was considering DNF-ing the book since it had a weak start, but it did pick up after 20% and I couldn’t stop reading.
It was entertaining, but I give the storyline a high mid. Their BDSM dynamics was okay. I have a higher standard for my BDSM couples in books so this was just fine. Even though I did enjoy the pacing, I realized there was no depth or backstory of the MCs, how they were “made” to be together and the aspect of forbidden relationship between teacher/student was not intense at all. I would say the focus is not really on there, which was weird seeing this was marketed as that. BUT they got cuter and cuter until the end and I liked it. Like they somehow fit despite me not liking the beginning. LOL what happened there. I also loved Judge’s parents, they were like those awesome and supportive gay dads who love their sons too much.
This is also porny btw. Again, I’m surprised by how much I like this book. Excessive sex scenes is not my thing lmao.
“Who am I?”
“You’re Judge.” Snorting on a laugh, I nodded.
“And who else am I to you?”
“You’re my. . . .” He turned his face toward my chest and mumbled.
“Excuse me? What’s that? I didn’t hear you.” This was too much fun. CUTE!
May 15, 2022
The cover is already explicit and so beautiful it made me read this book. If you have doubts about this book, think about this cover.
I am not usually a fan of dom/sub relationship but it was so hot I had to open all my home windows. Be ready to fan yourself.
It was the first book in which the older man (a teacher nevertheless) is the sub in the relationship. Judge is really possessive but so caring at the same time.
I am not usually a fan of dom/sub relationship but it was so hot I had to open all my home windows. Be ready to fan yourself.
It was the first book in which the older man (a teacher nevertheless) is the sub in the relationship. Judge is really possessive but so caring at the same time.
May 17, 2022
I'm actually between 3 and 4 stars with this one. I'm not sure, so I just rounded down.
BUT!! I enjoyed Flynn a lot! He was aware of his reality and of how his relationship with Jury would be, he had no illusions, no stupid ideas, he just wanted a good time after being betrayed in the way that he was. I enjoyed watching his submission and learning about himself finally.
Cause it's never too late!!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
My problem was with Jury, he was entitled, full of white privilege and too pushy for my taste. I appreciated when he tuned it down once he got Flynn's attention and how he started thinking of him first and then himself.
Was he a Dom? His interaction with Vic told it all, he is not in my eyes, but it worked for them and maybe when he gets older he will be. But he read as petulant child a lot, and if they hadn’t met the way they did, this wouldn't have worked for me.
I do enjoy this world a lot and I'm glad to revisit some old characters, but this obviously needed more or to be done into a shorter story.
You pick.🤷🏻♀️
BUT!! I enjoyed Flynn a lot! He was aware of his reality and of how his relationship with Jury would be, he had no illusions, no stupid ideas, he just wanted a good time after being betrayed in the way that he was. I enjoyed watching his submission and learning about himself finally.
Cause it's never too late!!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
My problem was with Jury, he was entitled, full of white privilege and too pushy for my taste. I appreciated when he tuned it down once he got Flynn's attention and how he started thinking of him first and then himself.
Was he a Dom? His interaction with Vic told it all, he is not in my eyes, but it worked for them and maybe when he gets older he will be. But he read as petulant child a lot, and if they hadn’t met the way they did, this wouldn't have worked for me.
I do enjoy this world a lot and I'm glad to revisit some old characters, but this obviously needed more or to be done into a shorter story.
You pick.🤷🏻♀️
May 11, 2022
The good
+ Judge chasing Flynn until Flynn lets go of (some of) his insecurities
+ Judge knowing exactly what he wants, despite his age
+ Judge and Flynn standing up for their relationship against doubting/interfering friends and family
+ The owner of the BDSM club offering Judge lessons to become a better Dom
+ The way Flynn came out of his shell. The Flynn at the start of the book could never have laughed at , but Flynn after some time with Judge definitely could
+ How much fun they had together. They laughed a lot, and it made me really happy
+
+ So many moments where Judge or Flynn chose their relationship over whatever another character was holding over their heads. I love the moment in a book when an annoying side character is left gaping and confused, and it happened in spades in this book
The neutral
o The twins' names are Judge and Jury. Yeah...
o There was a lot of sex, but it was pretty repetitive. So many possibilities with their kinks, yet almost every encounter was Judge taking Flynn from behind and that was it
o Jury was neglected by Judge a little. He was a great brother, and helped every time when asked, but the two times he asked Judge for anything he was denied
o There was no conclusion to the storyline with Flynn's ex
The bad
- Judge referred to semen as ball juice. Twice!
- The timeline for their relationship was a bit off sometimes. For example, they engaged in before discussing safewords, and talked about moving in together before their first I love yous
-
I liked this book a lot, and the muscle kink was done very well. I hope the next book will be Jury's, because I really want to read that one. Anyway, Judge and Flynn were great together and they knew it. Would definitely recommend.
+ Judge chasing Flynn until Flynn lets go of (some of) his insecurities
+ Judge knowing exactly what he wants, despite his age
+ Judge and Flynn standing up for their relationship against doubting/interfering friends and family
+ The owner of the BDSM club offering Judge lessons to become a better Dom
+ The way Flynn came out of his shell. The Flynn at the start of the book could never have laughed at , but Flynn after some time with Judge definitely could
+ How much fun they had together. They laughed a lot, and it made me really happy
+
+ So many moments where Judge or Flynn chose their relationship over whatever another character was holding over their heads. I love the moment in a book when an annoying side character is left gaping and confused, and it happened in spades in this book
The neutral
o The twins' names are Judge and Jury. Yeah...
o There was a lot of sex, but it was pretty repetitive. So many possibilities with their kinks, yet almost every encounter was Judge taking Flynn from behind and that was it
o Jury was neglected by Judge a little. He was a great brother, and helped every time when asked, but the two times he asked Judge for anything he was denied
o There was no conclusion to the storyline with Flynn's ex
The bad
- Judge referred to semen as ball juice. Twice!
- The timeline for their relationship was a bit off sometimes. For example, they engaged in before discussing safewords, and talked about moving in together before their first I love yous
-
I liked this book a lot, and the muscle kink was done very well. I hope the next book will be Jury's, because I really want to read that one. Anyway, Judge and Flynn were great together and they knew it. Would definitely recommend.
May 17, 2022
This book is definitely not for people who are averse to age gaps, BDSM of any form and the teacher-student romance as all three are contained in this story.
I love Flynn and Judge and they are just glorious together. The first time they met, the power imbalance of Flynn's position as a teacher isn't there yet since their first time was a random hookup in a bar with some really hot, sexy bathroom times. I was wondering on how that aspect of their relationship would be handled and the writers didn't disappoint.
It was so interesting to see Judge chase after Flynn and how he slowly but surely earned the older man's trust and eventually his love. I loved that despite being a spoiled brat, he was willing to sacrifice and learn how to be independent and stand on his own feet for the man he loves.
It was a joy seeing Flynn blossom throughout the story. Being heartbroken after he was left by his ex-boyfriend for a younger man and had all his money stolen as well, he definitely did deserve to get his happy ever after. Him slowly coming out of his shell and learning to live his life the way he wanted to with Judge beside him was definitely worth joining them in their journey.
The moments where they chose to fight for their relationship and did what was best for them as individuals and as a couple were definitely some of the highlights for me. Their relationship had some bumps along the way but they definitely did work those out and came out stronger and better for it.
Despite the subject matters tackled, this story is rather sweet and romantic. The mushy moments definitely balanced out some of the hot and spicy ones.
This would be 4 stars out of 5 stars for me and I do recommend giving this book a try.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
I love Flynn and Judge and they are just glorious together. The first time they met, the power imbalance of Flynn's position as a teacher isn't there yet since their first time was a random hookup in a bar with some really hot, sexy bathroom times. I was wondering on how that aspect of their relationship would be handled and the writers didn't disappoint.
It was so interesting to see Judge chase after Flynn and how he slowly but surely earned the older man's trust and eventually his love. I loved that despite being a spoiled brat, he was willing to sacrifice and learn how to be independent and stand on his own feet for the man he loves.
It was a joy seeing Flynn blossom throughout the story. Being heartbroken after he was left by his ex-boyfriend for a younger man and had all his money stolen as well, he definitely did deserve to get his happy ever after. Him slowly coming out of his shell and learning to live his life the way he wanted to with Judge beside him was definitely worth joining them in their journey.
The moments where they chose to fight for their relationship and did what was best for them as individuals and as a couple were definitely some of the highlights for me. Their relationship had some bumps along the way but they definitely did work those out and came out stronger and better for it.
Despite the subject matters tackled, this story is rather sweet and romantic. The mushy moments definitely balanced out some of the hot and spicy ones.
This would be 4 stars out of 5 stars for me and I do recommend giving this book a try.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
Read
May 18, 2022DNF at 50%. This one is definitely not my cup of tea🤐.
May 12, 2022
Oh my heart...
Ok, one knows going into a book written by this duo that it is not usually sweet and mushy, but this one was.
I loved it even though they named the twins Judge and Jury. It would have been awesome for them to have a little sister named Executioner.
Judge was really a spoiled young man, so rich that he never had to do anything for himself and Flynn was an older fella who was hurt badly by his cheating ex.
Sidenote, please have the company do something to that ex.
There was just the right amount of "oh he is too young for me" on Flynn's side and Judge really did mature quite a bit once he realized he had to work to get his man.
Also, I hope Jury gets his HEA, I mean he is going to learn how to take care of himself after all.
PS - This was the first time I have seen a muscle sub actually be used and it was awesome. The arm scene in the park was hot, but I'm going to need a diagram on how that worked on the bench.
Ok, one knows going into a book written by this duo that it is not usually sweet and mushy, but this one was.
I loved it even though they named the twins Judge and Jury. It would have been awesome for them to have a little sister named Executioner.
Judge was really a spoiled young man, so rich that he never had to do anything for himself and Flynn was an older fella who was hurt badly by his cheating ex.
Sidenote, please have the company do something to that ex.
There was just the right amount of "oh he is too young for me" on Flynn's side and Judge really did mature quite a bit once he realized he had to work to get his man.
Also, I hope Jury gets his HEA, I mean he is going to learn how to take care of himself after all.
PS - This was the first time I have seen a muscle sub actually be used and it was awesome. The arm scene in the park was hot, but I'm going to need a diagram on how that worked on the bench.
Read
May 11, 2022I would love to thank all of you wonderful readers for once again coming to New Gothenburg with us!
Higher Education is a stand alone novel , however, since it is in New Gothenburg, you will see a few familiar faces, such as everyone's favorite snarky lawyer, River Demchenko.
I will put a little more info about the book under a spoiler bar for those who like to be spoiled!
Happy reading! And thanks again for visiting New Gothenburg.
~Ki Brightly
Higher Education is a stand alone novel , however, since it is in New Gothenburg, you will see a few familiar faces, such as everyone's favorite snarky lawyer, River Demchenko.
I will put a little more info about the book under a spoiler bar for those who like to be spoiled!
Happy reading! And thanks again for visiting New Gothenburg.
~Ki Brightly
June 24, 2023
What the hell was going on here?
Wow, I'm so completely confused after reading 300 pages of an age gap couple making weird decisions that I don't even know what to say right now.
What were these two even doing??
🟣 Age gap - 20 years
🟡 Younger MC is top/ older MC is bottom
🟠 D/s dynamic, D is younger
🔴 BDSM (questionable)
🟢 Riches to rags, because they're stupid
🔵 Twins that don't act like twins
🌶️ Spice was good, but repetitive
This confusing story is about an age gap romance between a law professor Flynn, who's over 40 and his long-term partner just dumped him and his student Judge, who's from a really wealthy lawyer family.
They hook up in a bar, where they establish Flynn is a submissive bottom and Judge becomes hooked, so he stalks him a little bit, gets infatuated and pursues Flynn, really determined to make him his boyfriend - and his sub .
The book has a weak start, but it was kind of promising, so even though I wasn't that interested, I decided to read it all, explicitly for the younger top/older bottom dynamic.
But their story just absolutely didn't deliver. It didn't.
Judge and Flynn were trying to establish some sort of Dom/sub dynamic and they were failing, miserably.
I think none of them knew what the fuck they were doing.
Judge seemed completely inexperienced and just threw in a sentence here and there stating he's in control while Flynn was calling Judge "Sir" very early on, too early, if you ask me.
It wasn't believable, it was weird and left a bad aftertaste.
So many things bothered me, they were just ridiculous and I couldn't stop scowling.
➡️ When Judge and Flynn decided to find their own place, Judge turned down his father's generous offer to fund his education - ANY kind of education and for Judge to come work for him.
Why would he do that? Why would someone who comes from money and is that young, has no education and can't get a job other than in the grocery store, turn down that kind of offer? Noone in their right mind would do that.
➡️ Flynn was a lawyer and a professor, yet he was broke all the time. He was so broke he didn't even have rent money, so he was staying at his young boyfriend's parents' house for months.
Man, I'd be completely ashamed of myself, that was terrible! They lived in Judge's room, for crying out loud, with all that money and they couldn't quickly get their own place??
➡️ The Dom/sub part in the BDSM club scene.
Turns out, Judge doesn't have a clue what he's doing! He's out there playing a Dom with no real training or understanding of what he's doing.
He's blushing and stammering when the owner of the BDSM club calls him out on a few things, when he's out there with Flynn, which was completely embarrassing.
🌶️ The spice worked for me the first couple of times, but it was so repetitive that I could really do without half of it.
These two had a really boring sex life for a kinky couple, they only had one sex position and by the end I just skipped a lot.
Me. I skipped spice. That never happens.
This story would've been so much better if the whole BDSM part was left out. Really, it was pointless.
If this were just a simple, sexy age gap romance with Judge being a bit more dominant or just an exclusive top, that would be great. But the whole "Sir" thing just cringed throughout the whole story, it was completely out of place and ridiculous.
No, I didn't like the book, but I did like the characters, I liked Jury more than Judge and their relationship as identical twins could've been better, to be honest. 😐
🔥 BUT I WILL SAY THE COVER IS HOT AF!!! 🔥 😄
October 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this high steam mm romance. I loved the role reversal of this buff older man being the sensitive submissive to a younger Dom.
What I love about BDSM is that it's different for every single couple, and the lighter Dom/Sub relationship between Judge and Flynn was just right for them. Flynn is a baby Dom in a lot of ways, but I'm glad he establishes safe words and seems to know what to do naturally. I loved tall the little ways he took care of Flynn, could read his moods, and the way he showered him with compliments. While their is some impact play and power dynamics to their relationship, is more focused on the emotional aspect of a Dom/sub relationship. Nonetheless this book is high level steam from start to finish 🔥🔥
I appreciated that any and all drama in the book wasn't drawn out and over the top. From their age gap to ex's to the fact they were student/teacher, nothing was over done and used as major plot points to break up the couple.
-Age Gap - Teacher/Student- Dom/Sub
Favorite Quotes:
"You're making me prove to you that I'm worth catching you."
"Don't I need to prove to you that I'm worth...catching?"
"No, I already no you are."
While we hadn’t played hard in BDSM, I enjoyed our gentle kink. I loved the way he dominated me without getting too rough.
Hearing Sir from him shouldn’t be enough to get me this out of my mind and ready to f*ck. I peeled my hands off his amazing body and planted them on either side of his head. His eyes were closed and he was breathing like he’d run across the whole country—twice.
-Buddy Read with my girl Ryan!-
What I love about BDSM is that it's different for every single couple, and the lighter Dom/Sub relationship between Judge and Flynn was just right for them. Flynn is a baby Dom in a lot of ways, but I'm glad he establishes safe words and seems to know what to do naturally. I loved tall the little ways he took care of Flynn, could read his moods, and the way he showered him with compliments. While their is some impact play and power dynamics to their relationship, is more focused on the emotional aspect of a Dom/sub relationship. Nonetheless this book is high level steam from start to finish 🔥🔥
I appreciated that any and all drama in the book wasn't drawn out and over the top. From their age gap to ex's to the fact they were student/teacher, nothing was over done and used as major plot points to break up the couple.
-Age Gap - Teacher/Student- Dom/Sub
Favorite Quotes:
"You're making me prove to you that I'm worth catching you."
"Don't I need to prove to you that I'm worth...catching?"
"No, I already no you are."
While we hadn’t played hard in BDSM, I enjoyed our gentle kink. I loved the way he dominated me without getting too rough.
Hearing Sir from him shouldn’t be enough to get me this out of my mind and ready to f*ck. I peeled my hands off his amazing body and planted them on either side of his head. His eyes were closed and he was breathing like he’d run across the whole country—twice.
-Buddy Read with my girl Ryan!-
May 18, 2022
Finallly a student teacher book where there are actually consequences!! I really like this book. One of my biggest gripes with student/teacher trope books is that everyone usually gets off Scott free. That did not happen in this one. I loved how mature the MC‘s were. I hope we get Jury’s book!!
dnf
June 7, 2024DNF @ 16%
Look, the premise rocks. It does. I had high hopes and I RARELY DNF. I’ve done it maybe 3-4 times ever.
So trust me when I say, no. Just no.
A 22ish “dom” and a 45 year old “sub”. Love the idea. Don’t love the “dom” just calling the other MC his ‘bitch’ all the time. Maybe that’s just me.
Also “ball juice” is used.
No thank you.
I just can’t see a world in which a college kid that lives with his parents and uncomfortably stalks some one is to be taken seriously as any sort of Dom.
At one point, the older MC looks away from this guy that is STARING at him after cornering him in his classroom, and the “dom” sees it as a sign of submission? Dude. You’re staring into his soul. Anyone would look away. It’s uncomfy.
I just couldn’t. I’m sure it’s someone’s jam but it’s not mine 😭
Look, the premise rocks. It does. I had high hopes and I RARELY DNF. I’ve done it maybe 3-4 times ever.
So trust me when I say, no. Just no.
A 22ish “dom” and a 45 year old “sub”. Love the idea. Don’t love the “dom” just calling the other MC his ‘bitch’ all the time. Maybe that’s just me.
Also “ball juice” is used.
No thank you.
I just can’t see a world in which a college kid that lives with his parents and uncomfortably stalks some one is to be taken seriously as any sort of Dom.
At one point, the older MC looks away from this guy that is STARING at him after cornering him in his classroom, and the “dom” sees it as a sign of submission? Dude. You’re staring into his soul. Anyone would look away. It’s uncomfy.
I just couldn’t. I’m sure it’s someone’s jam but it’s not mine 😭
Read
August 14, 2022No rating. I was just checking in to see if I still don’t like age gaps and BDSM stories. And I still don’t.
That being said I think there was lots to like here and I’d definitely read other things from these authors. I enjoyed Flynn and Judge A LOT as characters, flaws and all.
That being said I think there was lots to like here and I’d definitely read other things from these authors. I enjoyed Flynn and Judge A LOT as characters, flaws and all.
May 11, 2022
This is an education I could use.
Yet another wonderful book from Brightly and Gregory. I cannot get enough of the worlds they created for us.
Flynn and Judge were just glorious together. They meet when Flynn doesn’t know that Judge is a student and then some pretty hot bathroom shenanigans ensue. After Judge finds out Flynn is a teacher, he doesn’t let that stop him from pursuing Flynn. Judge was definitely persistent. Flynn’s trying to navigate his ex coming back around and stirring up all kinds of trouble while starting something new with Judge. I liked how both Flynn and Judge had real life problems to deal while managing a new relationship. Nothing except their chemistry really came easy for them. I liked that they had to work for it.
Speaking of their chemistry, it was off the charts. Each had exactly what the other needed. Judge’s worship of Flynn’s muscles was super sexy. Judge knew how to be the Dom Flynn needed, even when he didn’t know he needed it. They steamed up the pages liberally and I had no problem with that. I also really appreciated that there were non-sexy times sprinkled throughout that showed a mutual respect and appreciation building between the two. They go to this really upscale restaurant and bond over how terrible it is. I liked that little nuanced detail to show them creating this history together.
My one peeve was Judge’s vernacular, I suppose you’d call it? He most definitely speaks like a 20-something college type. And while I can appreciated that the character was written authentically, it got to be a bit much at times. This is a me issues, and not an author issue, I’m sure. We also get these wonderful easter eggs from throughout the New Gothenburg world tossed in here and there. It was nice to see all the little ties that bind all the NG books together. Judge’s twin brother, Jury, is set to have a book at some point and I am highly anticipating that. All in all, this was a great read that I enjoyed very much. I was so happy to see Judge and Flynn get their hard earned HEA.
*I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
Yet another wonderful book from Brightly and Gregory. I cannot get enough of the worlds they created for us.
Flynn and Judge were just glorious together. They meet when Flynn doesn’t know that Judge is a student and then some pretty hot bathroom shenanigans ensue. After Judge finds out Flynn is a teacher, he doesn’t let that stop him from pursuing Flynn. Judge was definitely persistent. Flynn’s trying to navigate his ex coming back around and stirring up all kinds of trouble while starting something new with Judge. I liked how both Flynn and Judge had real life problems to deal while managing a new relationship. Nothing except their chemistry really came easy for them. I liked that they had to work for it.
Speaking of their chemistry, it was off the charts. Each had exactly what the other needed. Judge’s worship of Flynn’s muscles was super sexy. Judge knew how to be the Dom Flynn needed, even when he didn’t know he needed it. They steamed up the pages liberally and I had no problem with that. I also really appreciated that there were non-sexy times sprinkled throughout that showed a mutual respect and appreciation building between the two. They go to this really upscale restaurant and bond over how terrible it is. I liked that little nuanced detail to show them creating this history together.
My one peeve was Judge’s vernacular, I suppose you’d call it? He most definitely speaks like a 20-something college type. And while I can appreciated that the character was written authentically, it got to be a bit much at times. This is a me issues, and not an author issue, I’m sure. We also get these wonderful easter eggs from throughout the New Gothenburg world tossed in here and there. It was nice to see all the little ties that bind all the NG books together. Judge’s twin brother, Jury, is set to have a book at some point and I am highly anticipating that. All in all, this was a great read that I enjoyed very much. I was so happy to see Judge and Flynn get their hard earned HEA.
*I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
July 27, 2022
When I tell y'all I was fully on board for this book. It has an amazing cover, Older Dom/younger sub, and student/teacher. I can't remember the last time I've been so excited to read a book by a new to me author.
It just didn't fully work for me for a few reasons.
First off using the terms "ball juice" and "sack sweat" gave me the ick. I had a visceral reaction to both of those terms each time they were used.
I was really loving the storyline with Chris. It didn't fully flesh out. We never got the end result. I guess saying it could be dragged out months or years was the result. Which wasn't satisfying for me at all.
Judge was one of my issues. He is spoiled and is used to getting his way. He was pushy. He damn near stalked Flynn until he got the answer he wanted. He says he's a Dom but I didn't get that from him. There's a difference between being bossy and being a Dom.
My biggest issue however was a 24 year old not knowing basic life skills. Once Judge and Flynn got their own place Flynn was keeping bills from Judge. Because Judge didn't know bills were a monthly thing. And he didn't know how to use the washing machine. Then when Flynn mentioned that to Judge's parents, one of them jokingly said he failed as a parent. That's not a joke, you definitely failed if your grown child doesn't know how to run a load of laundry or pay bills.
It just didn't fully work for me for a few reasons.
First off using the terms "ball juice" and "sack sweat" gave me the ick. I had a visceral reaction to both of those terms each time they were used.
I was really loving the storyline with Chris. It didn't fully flesh out. We never got the end result. I guess saying it could be dragged out months or years was the result. Which wasn't satisfying for me at all.
Judge was one of my issues. He is spoiled and is used to getting his way. He was pushy. He damn near stalked Flynn until he got the answer he wanted. He says he's a Dom but I didn't get that from him. There's a difference between being bossy and being a Dom.
My biggest issue however was a 24 year old not knowing basic life skills. Once Judge and Flynn got their own place Flynn was keeping bills from Judge. Because Judge didn't know bills were a monthly thing. And he didn't know how to use the washing machine. Then when Flynn mentioned that to Judge's parents, one of them jokingly said he failed as a parent. That's not a joke, you definitely failed if your grown child doesn't know how to run a load of laundry or pay bills.
January 20, 2023
Isn't the cover beautiful and makes you want to read the book? Sorry guys the book is really disappointing, a 24 year old man who doesn't know how to do the housework or pay the bills and a 45 year old who may not be over his ex yet but is being courted enough to finally give in.
May 12, 2022
I didn't enjoy this at all. Judge is one of the most cringe worthy, gross characters I've ever met. And Flynn bored me to tears. Do not recommend.
June 27, 2022
Calling it.
DNF.
The characters in this were so juvenile I’d be checking their ids to see if they were even of age.
Not for me. Definitely don’t read a book because it has a hot cover. That’s about all this book had going for it 😵💫😵💫😵💫
DNF.
The characters in this were so juvenile I’d be checking their ids to see if they were even of age.
Not for me. Definitely don’t read a book because it has a hot cover. That’s about all this book had going for it 😵💫😵💫😵💫
June 1, 2022
It had its moments, but ultimately the BDSM portion of their relationship (which was their entire relationship) was not well developed.
I didn’t love how their first “scene” together was one without safewords and without boundaries in place.
Flynn was clearly new to being a sub, and yet Judge thought it was be a good idea to start off with whipping his ass with a belt. At least he stopped when Flynn asked, but it made me very uncomfortable. It clearly hurt Flynn, and Judge didn’t think to slow down and maybe ask if this act was a hard limit for Flynn or not.
They do eventually mention a safeword, thank god, but I wish that was established beforehand. They never talk boundaries, not even before they go to a BDSM club.
Judge acted like an inexperienced Dom, and while I’m not sure if that was the intention, it definitely came across that way. Perhaps the authors aren’t too well-versed with how a Dom should act, but Judge had a lot of learning to do that I just did not see.
He was entitled, cocky, and arrogant. He wasn’t very charming if you ask me and I wasn’t rooting for him at all. He just threw money at problems and didn’t see anything wrong with it.
He would threaten punishments for things he never explicitly said Flynn couldn’t do. For instance, he tells Flynn that for every minute he’s late meeting him at the gym, Judge will spank him. Ok, whatever.
But when Flynn arrives early to the gym and starts working out, and Judge shows up, he decides he’ll punish Flynn anyway since he “didn’t wait for him to start.”
So fucking stupid, guys. That’s not how that works, and even Flynn was like wtf??????
He literally did what was asked of him and started warming up for their joint workout session but still got punished?
That’s a sign that we have an inexperienced, power hungry Dom, folks.
Not to mention that Judge demands he takes over Flynn’s workout regiment and tells him how exactly to exercise, which is a bit too close to red flag territory for me.
I really liked Flynn a lot though. He was dealt a rough hand and just wanted to be loved. But I felt like he deserved more than Judge.
This relationship is a 24/7 Dom/Sub dynamic, which I admit I am never a fan of anyway. Especially when it’s just not very good.
A miss for me!
I didn’t love how their first “scene” together was one without safewords and without boundaries in place.
Flynn was clearly new to being a sub, and yet Judge thought it was be a good idea to start off with whipping his ass with a belt. At least he stopped when Flynn asked, but it made me very uncomfortable. It clearly hurt Flynn, and Judge didn’t think to slow down and maybe ask if this act was a hard limit for Flynn or not.
They do eventually mention a safeword, thank god, but I wish that was established beforehand. They never talk boundaries, not even before they go to a BDSM club.
Judge acted like an inexperienced Dom, and while I’m not sure if that was the intention, it definitely came across that way. Perhaps the authors aren’t too well-versed with how a Dom should act, but Judge had a lot of learning to do that I just did not see.
He was entitled, cocky, and arrogant. He wasn’t very charming if you ask me and I wasn’t rooting for him at all. He just threw money at problems and didn’t see anything wrong with it.
He would threaten punishments for things he never explicitly said Flynn couldn’t do. For instance, he tells Flynn that for every minute he’s late meeting him at the gym, Judge will spank him. Ok, whatever.
But when Flynn arrives early to the gym and starts working out, and Judge shows up, he decides he’ll punish Flynn anyway since he “didn’t wait for him to start.”
So fucking stupid, guys. That’s not how that works, and even Flynn was like wtf??????
He literally did what was asked of him and started warming up for their joint workout session but still got punished?
That’s a sign that we have an inexperienced, power hungry Dom, folks.
Not to mention that Judge demands he takes over Flynn’s workout regiment and tells him how exactly to exercise, which is a bit too close to red flag territory for me.
I really liked Flynn a lot though. He was dealt a rough hand and just wanted to be loved. But I felt like he deserved more than Judge.
This relationship is a 24/7 Dom/Sub dynamic, which I admit I am never a fan of anyway. Especially when it’s just not very good.
A miss for me!
May 20, 2022
It doesn't matter what the subject or genre is, when Ki Brightly and MD Gregory get together whatever they produce is going to be golden. This book was a little less angsty and dark than some of their other books written in the New Gothenburg world, but it was still an absolutely amazing read. Flynn is utterly adorable as the older law teacher who, despite being muscled and built, is still very much a submissive. Judge, as the cocky younger Dom who sets his sights on Flynn, is the perfect blend of confidence and surprising maturity and the way he goes about proving himself himself was very heartwarming. The secondary characters which include Judge's identical twin, Jury, their two fathers, and friends all add a great depth to the story, and the glimpses of characters from other books was a fun treat. I loved that the typical Dom/sub roles were reversed in relation to Flynn and Judge's ages and it really showed that as the saying goes "age is just a number"! This book was addictive from start to finish and I hope we'll see more of these two in future books. I received an ARC copy of this through Booksprout and this is my honest opinion! I highly recommend this one!
May 17, 2022
A great start for a forbidden themed book written by the authors.
Flynn (45 yrs) was out for a drink with his friend who was trying to get him a pick up . Annd Judge finds him🔥🔥🔥
Judge was a rich student and a definite top who "wanted Flynn" even if it's against the rules of student/Teacher relationship.
A pursuit by Judge as he tries his hardest to win Flynn. He doesn't believe in being told No when it's No meant. I liked Flynn's character as he tried to get over his Ex but re-emerges back into the story. Flynn teaches law and some scenes didn't make sense with me regarding his past and present with Chris.
The age gap comes into play between them to make it a little harder for Flynn at the start.
A great book I liked for these guys and its not easy but they get there. The complicated Ex baggage finally get sorted out with Chris and gets what he deserves.
Beautifully written with dual Pov's and a HEA ending. Sexy scenes included with dominance and submission.
*also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
Flynn (45 yrs) was out for a drink with his friend who was trying to get him a pick up . Annd Judge finds him🔥🔥🔥
Judge was a rich student and a definite top who "wanted Flynn" even if it's against the rules of student/Teacher relationship.
A pursuit by Judge as he tries his hardest to win Flynn. He doesn't believe in being told No when it's No meant. I liked Flynn's character as he tried to get over his Ex but re-emerges back into the story. Flynn teaches law and some scenes didn't make sense with me regarding his past and present with Chris.
The age gap comes into play between them to make it a little harder for Flynn at the start.
A great book I liked for these guys and its not easy but they get there. The complicated Ex baggage finally get sorted out with Chris and gets what he deserves.
Beautifully written with dual Pov's and a HEA ending. Sexy scenes included with dominance and submission.
*also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
May 20, 2022
This is a fast-paced, steamy, forbidden age gap romance. Judge and Flynn are explosively delicious together, and I enjoyed every minute of their relationship. The Dom/sub dynamics just worked for me and, although a few of the intimate scenes felt a little repetitive, they still set the pages on fire. I mostly loved the mutual support evident between the two men. So many times both Flynn and Judge put their relationship first and held firm on wanting to be together despite outside influences - it was lovely to see! One of my weaknesses is definitely a bratty, entitled character falling to pieces to chase after someone, and in doing so, finding their independence and self-worth. The lengths Judge went to for Flynn made me swoon!
August 9, 2022
4/5 - Age Gap - Teacher/Student - Fluffy D/s - Younger guy is the Dom - Insta Love (it works).
I really enjoyed this book. It’s spicy spicy spicy. Both Flynn and Judge were great characters. Judge’s family was great too. The only thing that bugged me was Flynn’s emotional neediness from Judge. He’s in his 40’s, Flynn is 24, but he was a bit immature when it came to the relationship.
The kink is light and gentle. If a reader needs heavy impact, D/s dynamic, this isn’t their book.
There is a lot of sex in this book. A lot.
There isn’t a lot of external conflict it’s more internally with Flynn and I liked that, it’s different and not used in Romance that much. Low angst besides Flynn’s insecurity.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s spicy spicy spicy. Both Flynn and Judge were great characters. Judge’s family was great too. The only thing that bugged me was Flynn’s emotional neediness from Judge. He’s in his 40’s, Flynn is 24, but he was a bit immature when it came to the relationship.
The kink is light and gentle. If a reader needs heavy impact, D/s dynamic, this isn’t their book.
There is a lot of sex in this book. A lot.
There isn’t a lot of external conflict it’s more internally with Flynn and I liked that, it’s different and not used in Romance that much. Low angst besides Flynn’s insecurity.
May 16, 2022
Well this was a very… fun read lol. Infinite 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 this book is SPICY and it was quite nice, only wishing for more angst *sigh*
May 29, 2022
Dnf, je n'ai pas aimé Judge ni la dynamique des personnages. Son insistance n'est pas sexy du tout...
dnf
September 15, 2022DNF at 11%
Just not into the writing. The dirty talk doesn’t feel sexy. I did like Flynn though and it does seem like it would be hot…but too many books and too little time.
Just not into the writing. The dirty talk doesn’t feel sexy. I did like Flynn though and it does seem like it would be hot…but too many books and too little time.
January 13, 2024
dont ever tell your bookish friend that you suddenly had an epiphany to become a lawyer or they will force you to read books like this (this is real)
October 30, 2023
This is one of those books where I had to know how it ended. It was just on this side of not being believable. Law school professor whose life is falling apart and wealthy student who does whatever he wants because he think he’s a Dom. Meh, I’ve read better.
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