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Red Door Daddies #1
One More Song
The only person I can count on is me.
I’m no stranger to living rough and I’ve learned how to survive out here on the streets. It’s tough living in the gutters, but I’ve mastered the art of it and can see a sucker coming from a mile away. The best mark for a thief like me? Daddies. They’re just so easy to manipulate. All I have to do is pretend to be their boy for one night, and I can take what I want from them. Money. Food. Clothes. Anything I need to get by.
Except I made a mistake.
I got greedy and tried to steal from a Daddy I shouldn’t have messed with. A Daddy who believes he sees something in me that is more than the street rat I think I am. He wants me to be better. Happier. Well fed, clothed, safe and whole. He wants to give me back the music that once gave my life purpose. All he asks for in return is a chance to show me what he thinks I really need. There’s just one problem.
I don’t need a real Daddy. Do I?
One More Song is a full length MM Daddy romance about a stubborn boy who doesn’t think he needs a Daddy and the Daddy he really does need. Content warnings: physical violence, homophobia, sex work and discussions of sexual violence.
I’m no stranger to living rough and I’ve learned how to survive out here on the streets. It’s tough living in the gutters, but I’ve mastered the art of it and can see a sucker coming from a mile away. The best mark for a thief like me? Daddies. They’re just so easy to manipulate. All I have to do is pretend to be their boy for one night, and I can take what I want from them. Money. Food. Clothes. Anything I need to get by.
Except I made a mistake.
I got greedy and tried to steal from a Daddy I shouldn’t have messed with. A Daddy who believes he sees something in me that is more than the street rat I think I am. He wants me to be better. Happier. Well fed, clothed, safe and whole. He wants to give me back the music that once gave my life purpose. All he asks for in return is a chance to show me what he thinks I really need. There’s just one problem.
I don’t need a real Daddy. Do I?
One More Song is a full length MM Daddy romance about a stubborn boy who doesn’t think he needs a Daddy and the Daddy he really does need. Content warnings: physical violence, homophobia, sex work and discussions of sexual violence.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2022
31 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 12, 2022
If you go into this knowing that this is not how a true BDSM relationship should be and ignore all the red flags, then it was a decently written book.
But boy howdy, if you are reading this thinking its how it should be, no. Just no.
The power imbalance took me so out of the story and I really did not like the Daddy. I did like the not-a-real boy though. And unfortunately, once you dislike a main mc, then it's hard to root for the HEA.
But boy howdy, if you are reading this thinking its how it should be, no. Just no.
The power imbalance took me so out of the story and I really did not like the Daddy. I did like the not-a-real boy though. And unfortunately, once you dislike a main mc, then it's hard to root for the HEA.
August 20, 2022
The good
+ Hobie's self-preservation skills
+ Hobie's friendship with Gerald
+ The list of rules Ambrose makes for their relationship
+ Ambrose refusing to start anything resembling a scene before they talked and negotiated safewords
+ Hobie safewording and Ambrose immediately responding
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o Ambrose said he'd played with people in the past where agreements were verbal instead of physical contracts. For someone who owns a BDSM club and should cover his own ass in case things go sideways (because BDSM is very misunderstood and could result in complicated issues with law enforcement) that was pretty stupid
The bad
- Ambrose insisted they'd be equals in terms of power with their dynamics, because Hobie had his safewords. However, there was a severe power imbalance between them, and Ambrose not once addressed this. Ambrose was the one with the money, the home, the food, the bed and everything. Hobie had nothing, and making one wrong move could cost him everything yet again. This was not an equal relationship at all, and Ambrose not realizing this is very worrying
- Hobie didn't agree to their relationship because he wanted Ambrose or because he wanted a Daddy, but because he wanted a roof over his head and food in his belly. It's a bad start for a lasting relationship, but he also never corrected himself. He never once expressed how he felt about Ambrose specifically, or thought affectionate things other than things related to scenes or sex
- Not once did Ambrose tell Hobie he would still help him even if he didn't want to be in a relationship. It made Hobie's survival dependent on their relationship, and that's a terrible thing. Also, Ambrose never once even thought about helping Hobie regardless of their relationship status, which is a big red flag
- There was only one rule in their relationship: “Rule number one. Daddy will never hit, slap, kick, punch or do anything else that would cause harm to Hobie’s body.” The very first time Hobie was punished, Ambrose broke his own rule by spanking Hobie painfully. Breaking a rule like this is the worst thing a Dom can do
- When Hobie refused to go to Jude's, because he knew it as an unsafe space with lots of drugs, Ambrose got irritated. Why? Hobie was literally looking out for himself and keeping safe, shouldn't Ambrose be happy? Instead he was annoyed that Hobie didn't possess the information that Ambrose did, even though Hobie could never have known. Especially considering Ambrose's past with a boy addicted to drugs, he should have been happy and praising Hobie for steering clear of Jude's
- When Hobie felt terrible about what Ambrose bought for him (rightfully so), he was really angry and Ambrose couldn't even fathom why. And instead of talking about it, something else happened to distract and then a time jump happened. It wasn't even addressed anymore
- The second time Hobie got really angry about being bought stuff, Ambrose didn't try to understand him either. He just decided to punish him for refusing to take his gifts. Can't Ambrose imagine a single reason why Hobie would be uncomfortable or feeling indebted?
- Hobie was just a kept boy. He had nothing to do and wasn't offered tasks by Ambrose. Hell, Ambrose could have offered him a job at his club even. I can't imagine Hobie was actually happy, and being forced to start a study when he actually wanted to work to earn his keep didn't help either
- Basically, Ambrose steamrolled over Hobie's life without any thoughts on how Hobie would feel about any of it, and that's not a sign of a healthy relationship
The book was pretty well-written, and I liked the idea of the book. However, it was executed horribly. Their relationship was imbalanced, Ambrose was a blind Daddy, and Hobie wasn't happy. This didn't feel like a love story to me, but the story of a Daddy who wants a certain boy so badly he makes certain that boy can never escape again, because he'd have literally nothing without his Daddy. Awful. Also, breaking your own contract rules is incredibly shameful and should never be rewarded. I wouldn't recommend this book at all.
+ Hobie's self-preservation skills
+ Hobie's friendship with Gerald
+ The list of rules Ambrose makes for their relationship
+ Ambrose refusing to start anything resembling a scene before they talked and negotiated safewords
+ Hobie safewording and Ambrose immediately responding
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o Ambrose said he'd played with people in the past where agreements were verbal instead of physical contracts. For someone who owns a BDSM club and should cover his own ass in case things go sideways (because BDSM is very misunderstood and could result in complicated issues with law enforcement) that was pretty stupid
The bad
- Ambrose insisted they'd be equals in terms of power with their dynamics, because Hobie had his safewords. However, there was a severe power imbalance between them, and Ambrose not once addressed this. Ambrose was the one with the money, the home, the food, the bed and everything. Hobie had nothing, and making one wrong move could cost him everything yet again. This was not an equal relationship at all, and Ambrose not realizing this is very worrying
- Hobie didn't agree to their relationship because he wanted Ambrose or because he wanted a Daddy, but because he wanted a roof over his head and food in his belly. It's a bad start for a lasting relationship, but he also never corrected himself. He never once expressed how he felt about Ambrose specifically, or thought affectionate things other than things related to scenes or sex
- Not once did Ambrose tell Hobie he would still help him even if he didn't want to be in a relationship. It made Hobie's survival dependent on their relationship, and that's a terrible thing. Also, Ambrose never once even thought about helping Hobie regardless of their relationship status, which is a big red flag
- There was only one rule in their relationship: “Rule number one. Daddy will never hit, slap, kick, punch or do anything else that would cause harm to Hobie’s body.” The very first time Hobie was punished, Ambrose broke his own rule by spanking Hobie painfully. Breaking a rule like this is the worst thing a Dom can do
- When Hobie refused to go to Jude's, because he knew it as an unsafe space with lots of drugs, Ambrose got irritated. Why? Hobie was literally looking out for himself and keeping safe, shouldn't Ambrose be happy? Instead he was annoyed that Hobie didn't possess the information that Ambrose did, even though Hobie could never have known. Especially considering Ambrose's past with a boy addicted to drugs, he should have been happy and praising Hobie for steering clear of Jude's
- When Hobie felt terrible about what Ambrose bought for him (rightfully so), he was really angry and Ambrose couldn't even fathom why. And instead of talking about it, something else happened to distract and then a time jump happened. It wasn't even addressed anymore
- The second time Hobie got really angry about being bought stuff, Ambrose didn't try to understand him either. He just decided to punish him for refusing to take his gifts. Can't Ambrose imagine a single reason why Hobie would be uncomfortable or feeling indebted?
- Hobie was just a kept boy. He had nothing to do and wasn't offered tasks by Ambrose. Hell, Ambrose could have offered him a job at his club even. I can't imagine Hobie was actually happy, and being forced to start a study when he actually wanted to work to earn his keep didn't help either
- Basically, Ambrose steamrolled over Hobie's life without any thoughts on how Hobie would feel about any of it, and that's not a sign of a healthy relationship
The book was pretty well-written, and I liked the idea of the book. However, it was executed horribly. Their relationship was imbalanced, Ambrose was a blind Daddy, and Hobie wasn't happy. This didn't feel like a love story to me, but the story of a Daddy who wants a certain boy so badly he makes certain that boy can never escape again, because he'd have literally nothing without his Daddy. Awful. Also, breaking your own contract rules is incredibly shameful and should never be rewarded. I wouldn't recommend this book at all.
June 24, 2022
Jedna z lepszych książek z daddy kink jakie czytałam. Polecam, nawet tym, którzy omijają ten kink.
June 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this! Just the right amount of angst plus I will literally never tired of Daddy books. NEVER. I'm also a sucker for the whole major class difference vibe, but this never felt like it crossed into one hero intentionally using his wealth to have power over the other. More like using his wealth to benefit the other hero. Good vibes.
Plus the author does a great job of making you want the stories of other characters as you're reading. I got half way through this one and went... wait, is book 2 out? Downloaded that and read that. Then read the side story because HE was mentioned in book 2. And then I tried to read book 3 and it wasn't out (wah) so I went back to one and finished enjoying that.
Don't read like I do. It's deranged.
Plus the author does a great job of making you want the stories of other characters as you're reading. I got half way through this one and went... wait, is book 2 out? Downloaded that and read that. Then read the side story because HE was mentioned in book 2. And then I tried to read book 3 and it wasn't out (wah) so I went back to one and finished enjoying that.
Don't read like I do. It's deranged.
July 12, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
One More Song is the first in the new Red Door Daddies series by B. Ripley. This is a new-to-me author and I was intrigued enough by the blurb to give it a try and I am so glad I did. This one is sweet and sexy, with two interesting characters and an enjoyable style. I love the way this one starts with Hobie all set to scam a Daddy into taking him home. He figures Daddies are softies who will be easily manipulated (it worked once before, after all). He skips his chance at a hot breakfast so he can clean up enough to maybe score at the club, but as the night wears on and no one comes by, Hobie worries he traded his chance at food for nothing and is getting more and more despondent. Ambrose immediately sees that Hobie is in need of some care and reaches out to help. Of course, they have some hurdles, as Hobie tries to steal from him and then flees, but Ambrose is patient and willing to be there for Hobie despite that.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
One More Song is the first in the new Red Door Daddies series by B. Ripley. This is a new-to-me author and I was intrigued enough by the blurb to give it a try and I am so glad I did. This one is sweet and sexy, with two interesting characters and an enjoyable style. I love the way this one starts with Hobie all set to scam a Daddy into taking him home. He figures Daddies are softies who will be easily manipulated (it worked once before, after all). He skips his chance at a hot breakfast so he can clean up enough to maybe score at the club, but as the night wears on and no one comes by, Hobie worries he traded his chance at food for nothing and is getting more and more despondent. Ambrose immediately sees that Hobie is in need of some care and reaches out to help. Of course, they have some hurdles, as Hobie tries to steal from him and then flees, but Ambrose is patient and willing to be there for Hobie despite that.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 27, 2022
Hobie is in his early-20's and has been living rough - having been homeless since he was kicked out of his house as a teen. When things get really desperate, he's not above going to the local kink club to find a Daddy to take him in for the night. He doesn't need or want a Daddy- he just wants an easy mark. However, on his last visit to The Red Door, he gets more than he bargains for when Ambrose, the club owner, decides to swoop in.
Ambrose is kind - but he's been burned by a boy before. He knows he can't help Hobie until he wants help. He also knows that a slow, steady demeanor is the key to breaking down Hobie's defenses in the hopes that they can build something real.
This was a sweet, well-written book! It was a simple plot line that may not have been the most realistic, but it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book. The secondary characters were great and I'll happily read the next book in the series!
Ambrose is kind - but he's been burned by a boy before. He knows he can't help Hobie until he wants help. He also knows that a slow, steady demeanor is the key to breaking down Hobie's defenses in the hopes that they can build something real.
This was a sweet, well-written book! It was a simple plot line that may not have been the most realistic, but it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book. The secondary characters were great and I'll happily read the next book in the series!
July 1, 2022
I liked the idea of this story a lot— in order to survive, Hobie’s looking for a mark, but finds the chance to have a real relationship with Ambrose, who seems determined to be a good Daddy to Hobie. In practice, I liked Hobie a lot, and Ambrose most of the time, although there are a few moments when he seems not to listen to Hobie and to come very very close to crossing agreed upon lines. His intentions definitely read as good, but his actions didn’t always resonate for me. Overall, however, it’s an enjoyable read. Hobie is a dynamic character and the writing is clear and easy to follow— it’s an easy story to be drawn into.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 24, 2022
Loved this Daddy book!
And I definitely loved the Daddy, Ambrose is wonderful, so patient and sweet and caring! I loved “the boy who is not a boy” (or at least who doesn’t think he is one), too: Hobie is stubborn, prickly and used to rely on himself and trust no one, but he’s in desperate need of someone to love him. And Ambrose he’s just the Daddy for the job!
Full of emotions and very well-written, I devoured this book like the treat it is! And I can’t wait to read more Red Door Daddies stories!
And I definitely loved the Daddy, Ambrose is wonderful, so patient and sweet and caring! I loved “the boy who is not a boy” (or at least who doesn’t think he is one), too: Hobie is stubborn, prickly and used to rely on himself and trust no one, but he’s in desperate need of someone to love him. And Ambrose he’s just the Daddy for the job!
Full of emotions and very well-written, I devoured this book like the treat it is! And I can’t wait to read more Red Door Daddies stories!
July 9, 2022
This was such an amazing book! I absolutely adored this story so much! Hoboe was so stubborn and reckless. He thought he didn’t need anyone but himself to count on. He was kicked out of his house as a teen and has been on his own ever since. When he gets really desperate he decides to make a go at the local kink club and con daddies. They take care of him for the night and he’s able to take whatever he needs. Then he meets one Daddy that changes everything for him. Ambrose is a kind daddy just looking for his perfect boy. He’s been burned by boys before and when he meets Hobie he wants to care for him but he knows he can’t help him until Hobie decides he wants help. This is such a sweet story about two broken men who are able to pick up the pieces of their hearts with the help of each other’s love.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 1 in the Red Door Daddies series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 1 in the Red Door Daddies series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
July 5, 2022
One thing I’ve learned from this author is that they write a fantastic story. They have a way of hooking me into the story. Hobie is broken and homeless. He doesn’t think much of himself. Ambrose is warm and caring. He doesn’t give up very easily and he sees something in Hobie. Their story is sweet with heat, steamy! I loved the dual pov, hurt/comfort, age gap and wonderful slow burn that the story is! Overall, a fantastic read! The story was really well written, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend.
September 24, 2022
B. Ripley's first book nearly broke me. One More Song is just as good, but not nearly as gut-wrenching. It does have some dark themes - homelessness, homophobia, etc., but the relationship that develops between Hobie, the young homeless man who doesn't know he's looking for a Daddy, and Ambrose, the kink club owner who isn't really looking for a boy, charmed me so much. I loved the progression of their relationship. There was one minor thing that was introduced, but not followed through on that I wished had been, but it didn't affect my overall enjoyment of the story. This fresh new author has a bright future - I can't wait to read more from them!
July 1, 2022
Warm but imbalanced relationship
I read Halfway Down, the first book of The Boys of Horseshoe Lake series, with tears in my eyes most of the time. It was raw and gritty and so, so sad but I couldn't look away. I was expecting more of the same with One More Song, given that it deals with homelessness and other horrible subjects, but I found this far more warm and cuddly, almost, which is strange because I shouldn't have felt that way. I think I've read far more serious and sombre books recently so this felt much lighter in tone because of that.
I loved the two main characters, Hobie and Ambrose, separately, but together there was a complete imbalance in their relationship and I found it disturbing.
Hobie is homeless and has suffered after his mother died and his stepfather literally kicked him to the kerb. The description of his life was so sad but he was doing his best to survive and he still had standards and principles that he abided by as much as he was able.
Ambrose owns a BDSM club and he is a good man and a good boss,. He's lonely because the sort of boy he is looking for doesn't seem to exist, until he meets Hobie who isn't a 'boy' at all.
The problem I had is that Ambrose wants Hobie to live with him so he can look after his boy. Hobie just needs a roof over his head and warmth and food. That's basically how their relationship starts, and ends up with them in love, but Ambrose held all the power even if neither of them ever acknowledged it at any point. At no time did Ambrose offer help that wasn't designed to get Hobie to trust him enough to consider living with him as his boy, despite the fact that his help came without conditions.
From my understanding of Doms/Daddies/Boys, there should be far more rules to protect the Boy, and Ambrose should certainly have been more particular and careful after previous experiences, as well as realising how much Hobie didn't know about the lifestyle. Hobie's whole existence was suddenly dependent on their relationship because Ambrose's support could have been taken away at any moment, then Hobie would be so much worse off than he was before.
Despite that, I want to read Tiernan's story and hope he gets his HEA eventually with his Daddy, and I'm also intrigued by Duke and hope that Mason is too.
I read Halfway Down, the first book of The Boys of Horseshoe Lake series, with tears in my eyes most of the time. It was raw and gritty and so, so sad but I couldn't look away. I was expecting more of the same with One More Song, given that it deals with homelessness and other horrible subjects, but I found this far more warm and cuddly, almost, which is strange because I shouldn't have felt that way. I think I've read far more serious and sombre books recently so this felt much lighter in tone because of that.
I loved the two main characters, Hobie and Ambrose, separately, but together there was a complete imbalance in their relationship and I found it disturbing.
Hobie is homeless and has suffered after his mother died and his stepfather literally kicked him to the kerb. The description of his life was so sad but he was doing his best to survive and he still had standards and principles that he abided by as much as he was able.
Ambrose owns a BDSM club and he is a good man and a good boss,. He's lonely because the sort of boy he is looking for doesn't seem to exist, until he meets Hobie who isn't a 'boy' at all.
The problem I had is that Ambrose wants Hobie to live with him so he can look after his boy. Hobie just needs a roof over his head and warmth and food. That's basically how their relationship starts, and ends up with them in love, but Ambrose held all the power even if neither of them ever acknowledged it at any point. At no time did Ambrose offer help that wasn't designed to get Hobie to trust him enough to consider living with him as his boy, despite the fact that his help came without conditions.
From my understanding of Doms/Daddies/Boys, there should be far more rules to protect the Boy, and Ambrose should certainly have been more particular and careful after previous experiences, as well as realising how much Hobie didn't know about the lifestyle. Hobie's whole existence was suddenly dependent on their relationship because Ambrose's support could have been taken away at any moment, then Hobie would be so much worse off than he was before.
Despite that, I want to read Tiernan's story and hope he gets his HEA eventually with his Daddy, and I'm also intrigued by Duke and hope that Mason is too.
March 5, 2023
This is the first book I have ever read by B. Ripley, and let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed!! I fell absolutely in love with Hobie and his story, and Ambrose was a very welcome addition to this story!! The side characters?! Amazing as well!!
Let me start out by saying that this is a very heavily plot based book. It follows Hobie’s fight and survival, and if you’re looking for tons a spice, that is not the sole focus of this story. Quite a bit of the spice happens in the second half of the book, and it’s not a lot—but the spice we get MEANS something to these characters. The spice is a way to show the growth that Hobie experiences and how Ambrose meets his needs that even Hobie doesn’t know he needs. It is truly a beautiful story!!
Hobie is a street rat who attempts to get taken home by a daddy so that he can possibly steal some food so that he can make it another day on the street. The author handles the topic of homelessness and survival on the streets with such beautiful grace, and she built up Hobie, and his growth is spread all across the pages of this book!!
The relationship between Hobie and Ambrose has a major power imbalance, but at the same time, Ambrose pushes Hobie to do what he wants with his life whether that is getting a job, going to school, or doing something with his music. Ambrose wants to take care of Hobie and give him everything he deserves, so even though there is an imbalance of power, it never felt like Ambrose was taking advantage of Hobie or that he would just send Hobie back to the streets if things between them ended. Ambrose was definitely not your typical daddy; and the kink was much different than how I’ve read kink in the past, but it worked for their relationship. It made sense.
I could not get enough of this story and I cannot WAIT to see what stories we get from some of the side characters we met in this book!!
Let me start out by saying that this is a very heavily plot based book. It follows Hobie’s fight and survival, and if you’re looking for tons a spice, that is not the sole focus of this story. Quite a bit of the spice happens in the second half of the book, and it’s not a lot—but the spice we get MEANS something to these characters. The spice is a way to show the growth that Hobie experiences and how Ambrose meets his needs that even Hobie doesn’t know he needs. It is truly a beautiful story!!
Hobie is a street rat who attempts to get taken home by a daddy so that he can possibly steal some food so that he can make it another day on the street. The author handles the topic of homelessness and survival on the streets with such beautiful grace, and she built up Hobie, and his growth is spread all across the pages of this book!!
The relationship between Hobie and Ambrose has a major power imbalance, but at the same time, Ambrose pushes Hobie to do what he wants with his life whether that is getting a job, going to school, or doing something with his music. Ambrose wants to take care of Hobie and give him everything he deserves, so even though there is an imbalance of power, it never felt like Ambrose was taking advantage of Hobie or that he would just send Hobie back to the streets if things between them ended. Ambrose was definitely not your typical daddy; and the kink was much different than how I’ve read kink in the past, but it worked for their relationship. It made sense.
I could not get enough of this story and I cannot WAIT to see what stories we get from some of the side characters we met in this book!!
July 6, 2022
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Hobie is homeless and Ambrose catches him stealing food. Something calls to Ambrose about Hobie, but Hobie is just looking out for himself. Can the boy see he needs a Daddy, needs Ambrose?
I liked this, I liked it a great deal.
It's not an easy read, with Hobie on the streets and what that means for his survival, but it is very well written and you really do feel for Hobie, when he tells about how he ends up on the streets and what he is doing. Ambrose listens and does not judge, offering Hobie a lifeline. Hobie just has to decide to take it, because that boy is independent as all get out! He fights Ambrose, oh how he fights but once Hobie lets Ambrose in, really IN, it's a beautiful thing to behold.
It's steamy, but kinda cute and sweet, you know? I really did like it.
I'm also left hoping that at least two characters here will get a book! Tiernan, Hobie's friend, clearly has history with Joel who works at Ambrose's club. I want the full story of that and just why they aren't together after their shared loss. And Bryce, who was talked about, but we didn't meet. He is Hobie's other friend on the streets but he's in trouble at the end here, and I want to see him safe and well.
This appears to be only the second book by this author name, I'm not sure I can read their first, given the trigger warnings, but I'd certainly read more of this series!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Hobie is homeless and Ambrose catches him stealing food. Something calls to Ambrose about Hobie, but Hobie is just looking out for himself. Can the boy see he needs a Daddy, needs Ambrose?
I liked this, I liked it a great deal.
It's not an easy read, with Hobie on the streets and what that means for his survival, but it is very well written and you really do feel for Hobie, when he tells about how he ends up on the streets and what he is doing. Ambrose listens and does not judge, offering Hobie a lifeline. Hobie just has to decide to take it, because that boy is independent as all get out! He fights Ambrose, oh how he fights but once Hobie lets Ambrose in, really IN, it's a beautiful thing to behold.
It's steamy, but kinda cute and sweet, you know? I really did like it.
I'm also left hoping that at least two characters here will get a book! Tiernan, Hobie's friend, clearly has history with Joel who works at Ambrose's club. I want the full story of that and just why they aren't together after their shared loss. And Bryce, who was talked about, but we didn't meet. He is Hobie's other friend on the streets but he's in trouble at the end here, and I want to see him safe and well.
This appears to be only the second book by this author name, I'm not sure I can read their first, given the trigger warnings, but I'd certainly read more of this series!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
December 17, 2022
The only person homeless Hobie can count on is himself. He has learnt to survive on the street and has found Daddies the best mark as if he pretends to be their boy for just the one night he can take money, food and clothes from them. Then he made a mistake and tried to steal from a Daddy who believes he sees something in him that is more than the street rat that he is. He wants to give back the music, to have him fed, clothed and safe plus happier Does he really need a real Daddy?
Trigger warnings: physical violence, homophobia, sex work and description/discussion of sexual violence.
There were bits of this story that I loved and bits that I didn't. I thought it minimised the danger that Hobie was in doing sex work to get money on the street and that the rules and agreement between Ambrose and Hobie were too brief for any kind of BSDM-type relationship. On the plus side, I loved the way that Hobie was with Gerald and how he calmed him down (especially on the street) and the way that Ambrose used touch to help Hobie to relax and understand that BSDM was not all about pain and punishment. Easy to read and understand. This contains mature content around a BSDM-like DDLB relationship.
Trigger warnings: physical violence, homophobia, sex work and description/discussion of sexual violence.
There were bits of this story that I loved and bits that I didn't. I thought it minimised the danger that Hobie was in doing sex work to get money on the street and that the rules and agreement between Ambrose and Hobie were too brief for any kind of BSDM-type relationship. On the plus side, I loved the way that Hobie was with Gerald and how he calmed him down (especially on the street) and the way that Ambrose used touch to help Hobie to relax and understand that BSDM was not all about pain and punishment. Easy to read and understand. This contains mature content around a BSDM-like DDLB relationship.
July 6, 2022
This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. It is the first book in the series and I absolutely loved it. It deals with some tough topics, but they are handled with care. Hobie is a homeless young man, just trying to make it. Ambrose is a Daddy who is looking for the right boy to love and care for. They meet quite by accident. Hobie is just looking for his next target, when Ambrose spots him in his club. Ambrose is sure Hobie needs a Daddy to take care of him, Hobie is not so sure. They spend some time together, but things end on a bad note and Hobie runs away. Ambrose wants him back, because Hobie calls to him in a way that hasn't happened in a long time and he is sure he can help Hobie and give him what he needs. Ambrose finds Hobie again quite by accident and though it takes tons of convincing, they embark on a Daddy/by relationship that fills a need for the both of them. Their relationship is not all smooth sailing and they face a few obstacles along the way, but in the end they work it out. I loved this book. It made me feel and all I wanted was the best for everybody. Hobie and his friends made me want to just hug them tight and keep them close. This was a great start to the series and I can't wait for the next one.
January 16, 2026
One More Song is the first book in the Red Door Daddies series, and I absolutely loved every second of it.
Hobie has survived for years on the streets, relying on himself and no one else. He’s tough, resourceful, and used to getting by however he can, usually by charming a Daddy for a night and lifting whatever he needs to stay alive. But when he unknowingly targets Ambrose, the owner of the local kink club, he sets off a chain of events he never could have prepared for.
Ambrose sees straight through Hobie’s hustle, and sees more. He sees the boy Hobie could be if someone actually cared for him: safe, fed, warm, supported, and finally able to reclaim the music that once meant everything to him. Hobie tries to fight it, convinced he doesn’t need a real Daddy, doesn’t deserve one, and certainly shouldn’t want one. But the more time he spends with Ambrose, the harder it becomes to deny how good it feels to finally be treated with patience, respect, and kindness.
Hobie absolutely broke my heart in the best way. Watching him slowly recognize his own worth and let someone truly care for him was so emotional and beautifully written. And Ambrose? The gentleness, the steadiness, the way he never pushes too hard. He was everything Hobie needed and more.
Set against the backdrop of a kink club, the story naturally brings heat, but what stood out most was the tenderness in their dynamic. Their Daddy/boy relationship is equal parts healing, emotional, and undeniably hot. The perfect blend for this kind of romance.
I adored this book, and Hobie will absolutely stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!
Vibes:
-Daddy kink
-Age gap
-Slow burn
-Hurt/comfort
-Homeless/wealthy
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶
Hobie has survived for years on the streets, relying on himself and no one else. He’s tough, resourceful, and used to getting by however he can, usually by charming a Daddy for a night and lifting whatever he needs to stay alive. But when he unknowingly targets Ambrose, the owner of the local kink club, he sets off a chain of events he never could have prepared for.
Ambrose sees straight through Hobie’s hustle, and sees more. He sees the boy Hobie could be if someone actually cared for him: safe, fed, warm, supported, and finally able to reclaim the music that once meant everything to him. Hobie tries to fight it, convinced he doesn’t need a real Daddy, doesn’t deserve one, and certainly shouldn’t want one. But the more time he spends with Ambrose, the harder it becomes to deny how good it feels to finally be treated with patience, respect, and kindness.
Hobie absolutely broke my heart in the best way. Watching him slowly recognize his own worth and let someone truly care for him was so emotional and beautifully written. And Ambrose? The gentleness, the steadiness, the way he never pushes too hard. He was everything Hobie needed and more.
Set against the backdrop of a kink club, the story naturally brings heat, but what stood out most was the tenderness in their dynamic. Their Daddy/boy relationship is equal parts healing, emotional, and undeniably hot. The perfect blend for this kind of romance.
I adored this book, and Hobie will absolutely stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!
Vibes:
-Daddy kink
-Age gap
-Slow burn
-Hurt/comfort
-Homeless/wealthy
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶
June 27, 2022
Ambrose, a loving Daddy, who owns a kink club is attracted to Hobie, a homeless man. Hobie is trying to entice a Daddy for money and a one night stand but is not looking for a permanent Daddy. Ambrose is kindness wrapped up in caring. Hobie is mistrustful but Ambrose cracks the hard shell he wears. There is mild domination but no age play or very little submissiveness is involved. This book has steaminess and a running story in the background of someone else's relationship that is in the next book I hope. I enjoyed Ambrose and Hobie together. I wished the book was longer and their relationship more developed. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.
July 6, 2022
I’m super excited about this new series. Hobie and Ambrose meet and it isn’t you normal meet cute, no Hobie ends up trying to steal from Ambrose. But Ambrose isn’t deterred no he is intrigued by the boy. And he wants to see more of him. But Hobie has walls higher then the tallest building in the world and he doesn’t make it easy. It’s a good thing that Ambrose is a determined an patient daddy cause Hobie isn’t the easiest boy, he isn’t even a boy at all. While he isn’t until he sees that Ambrose just wants to take care of him and he is in need of some serious taking care of. This was a great book and I’m excited to see what’s next in this series. Tieran’s book is gonna be epic I can just feel it.
September 1, 2022
If you ignore the very imbalanced relationship between Ambrose and Hobie.
How Ambrose have everything and have no understanding for Hobie's issues and fears concerning that. It's a very sweet story about finding the Daddy you didn't know you needed.
For Ambrose it's a second chance of love after having a bad end to his last relationship, though he should have gotten some therapy before finding a new one.
Things went a bit too quick in how their relationship progressed, it wasn't comfortable with how imbalanced it all was.
While I liked reading about their relationship, that didn't truly feel like it was done being told, I ended up being more curious about the side characters, and because of that I'm looking forward to the next book.
How Ambrose have everything and have no understanding for Hobie's issues and fears concerning that. It's a very sweet story about finding the Daddy you didn't know you needed.
For Ambrose it's a second chance of love after having a bad end to his last relationship, though he should have gotten some therapy before finding a new one.
Things went a bit too quick in how their relationship progressed, it wasn't comfortable with how imbalanced it all was.
While I liked reading about their relationship, that didn't truly feel like it was done being told, I ended up being more curious about the side characters, and because of that I'm looking forward to the next book.
June 27, 2022
I’m a huge fan of Daddy kink books and this one hit all the right moments and made me both laugh and cry.
Hobie is such a beautifully layered character who you just want to pick up and hug. Ambrose is the perfect Daddy for him - sweet and encouraging. I absolutely LOVED Hobie’s snark and the interactions between him and Ambrose. It felt like a really authentic relationship that you fully bought into.
And the steam…wow. Yep, this book is spicy and boy, does Ambrose know how to play.
I’m already desperate for the next one in the series!! Even though this is the first book, I’m already fully invested in so many other characters.
Hobie is such a beautifully layered character who you just want to pick up and hug. Ambrose is the perfect Daddy for him - sweet and encouraging. I absolutely LOVED Hobie’s snark and the interactions between him and Ambrose. It felt like a really authentic relationship that you fully bought into.
And the steam…wow. Yep, this book is spicy and boy, does Ambrose know how to play.
I’m already desperate for the next one in the series!! Even though this is the first book, I’m already fully invested in so many other characters.
July 22, 2023
"One More Song" received TWO AND A HALF stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
June 28, 2022
There’s just something about the way this author writes, that hooks me in every time! Reading this Daddy romance, with lots of feels and amazing characters, was no exception from that!
Hobie, a broken homeless man who really doesn’t see himself as a boy, has been through a lot. I just love him to pieces! Ambrose, a warm and caring Daddy, who doesn’t give up on getting his boy. Love the connection between them.
And this book has SPANKING!!! My favourite kink!! So hot.
Highly recommend this book, and the bonus scene as well 🔥
Hobie, a broken homeless man who really doesn’t see himself as a boy, has been through a lot. I just love him to pieces! Ambrose, a warm and caring Daddy, who doesn’t give up on getting his boy. Love the connection between them.
And this book has SPANKING!!! My favourite kink!! So hot.
Highly recommend this book, and the bonus scene as well 🔥
June 29, 2022
This is a good Daddy/boy book. The words ‘Daddy’ and ‘good boy’ are used and it is sweet, even though Hobie is not a little. The book is well written, I caught only one glaring edit error. Ambrose was a lovely and caring Daddy to Hobie, whose back story of life on the streets was harrowing. While reading, I kept thinking about real life young boys and girls living rough. I hope they get someone like Ambrose to help them. This is a new to me author and I would read another book by them of this genre.
July 4, 2022
Overall, this was a good story about finding your place in life and getting that little bit of extra help to get you out of a bad situation. Where it goes a little wrong for me is that Ambrose, even though Hobie can safeword and end a scene, holds more of the power because of his money and the precarious state of Hobie’s housing situation. Yes, he’s not really using it as a bargaining tool, but the perceived power imbalance because of that just took away from what otherwise was a sweet Daddy/boy story.
July 9, 2022
This was a good book. It was my first by this author. I really liked Hobie, and his determination to survive. This book is Daddy-dom/boy with a homeless boy looking for his place in life. This is one of my favorite tropes so I was excited to find a new author whose writing this trope. Hobie was enjoyable and tragic at the same time. I will say that there were some parts of the dynamic that I wasn't quite sure about, a power imbalance. Hobie was dependent on Ambrose for everything shelter and his heart. Wish there was a balance. I was glad that he found something/someone to call home.
July 31, 2022
I'm so glad I came across this book! After I read it I needed to find more work by B. Ripley, then I realized there isn't any because this is her first novel. Bravo girl! This book was so delightful, I couldn't put it down. I loved both Hobie and Ambrose, they have such great chemistry. The more Hobie opened up and gave into Ambrose's care the more he grew and blossomed. I loved that with Hobie's history Ambrose took it slow with him, Daddy's only rule! 😍🥰😊 By the way, we need to find Perry a daddy of his own asap!!
**received an ARC for leaving my honest review**
**received an ARC for leaving my honest review**
March 25, 2023
Ambrose and Hobie
This is the first daddy dom boy book that wasn’t campy. This had some serious tones to it and was far more enduring than I thought it would be. The story sticks pretty heavily on the relationship between the two main characters and on,y touches on outside factors including the Red Door. I actually really enjoyed this change up from the usual books of this troupe because it seemed far more realistic and not just jumping into sex but working in building trust definitely a hurt/comfort novel.
This is the first daddy dom boy book that wasn’t campy. This had some serious tones to it and was far more enduring than I thought it would be. The story sticks pretty heavily on the relationship between the two main characters and on,y touches on outside factors including the Red Door. I actually really enjoyed this change up from the usual books of this troupe because it seemed far more realistic and not just jumping into sex but working in building trust definitely a hurt/comfort novel.
July 16, 2024
I'm rather fussy with Daddy/Boy stories, don't like Littles, so I kind of prepared for possible dissatisfaction and, at the start I thought I wouldn't enjoy it, it seemed slow. But things did improve, mainly because of Ambrose, what an interesting character. Hobie was the opposite for me at first, his life on the streets had made him sullen and suspicious, took me a little while to warm up to him. I found it a bit drawn out and slow at times but it has a really sweet vibe to it and gives us a nicely written, heart warming tale. With a some nice sexy bits of course.
June 23, 2022
A very interesting book. I do so love the characters. Their meeting was full of possibilities. Watching as they struggle to become a partnership was difficult. Hobie, his life, his past and his lack of self confidence was heartbreaking. Ambrose, quite the opposite and very in control proved to be the perfect fit for him. Their journey was wonderful. The growth they both experienced with one another was perfect. I enjoyed this book very much. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
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