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Men of Olympus #2
Tough Love
A little learning is a dangerous thing – Alexander Pope
Damiano’s parents have never had any faith in him, so it’s no surprise when his new boss doesn’t either. He’s determined to prove Graham Brandt wrong though, if only he could stop pushing the man’s buttons and dreaming about tearing them off. It’s frustrating being a hot-blooded young man, particularly when your sexy boss is straighter than the level he uses on job sites.
What do you do when your ex-wife won’t come home and you can’t stop thinking about your obnoxious apprentice? You lose your damn mind, apparently. That’s the only explanation for why Graham agrees to let Dami teach him how to explore his unexplainable desires. When the lessons are over, however, Graham learns he may have misunderstood not only sex education, but Damiano Andropolis. Why does Graham always want things he can't have?
Damiano’s parents have never had any faith in him, so it’s no surprise when his new boss doesn’t either. He’s determined to prove Graham Brandt wrong though, if only he could stop pushing the man’s buttons and dreaming about tearing them off. It’s frustrating being a hot-blooded young man, particularly when your sexy boss is straighter than the level he uses on job sites.
What do you do when your ex-wife won’t come home and you can’t stop thinking about your obnoxious apprentice? You lose your damn mind, apparently. That’s the only explanation for why Graham agrees to let Dami teach him how to explore his unexplainable desires. When the lessons are over, however, Graham learns he may have misunderstood not only sex education, but Damiano Andropolis. Why does Graham always want things he can't have?
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2022
96 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Dianna Roman
16 books717 followersRomcom author, Dianna Roman, believes in laughter, unsung heroes and heroines, chocolate, talking to yourself, hard work, and above all, love.
She enjoys writing stories set in small and rural towns and about characters who don't have this thing called life quite figured out yet.
Dianna lives in the woods where sunsets and gardening are the reason her house may be a bit messy.
She enjoys writing stories set in small and rural towns and about characters who don't have this thing called life quite figured out yet.
Dianna lives in the woods where sunsets and gardening are the reason her house may be a bit messy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
February 25, 2025
Ugghh I love all the grumpy x sunshine, sexual awakening (but the one who’s less experienced and having it is older) goodness! Have I mentioned before that Dianna Roman can do no wrong in my eyes?! Bc this is my 7th book I’ve read by her and it’s still true!
Dami was so sweet, eager and I just wanted to protect him bc Graham was being a lil meany at first ngl. I loved his quiet moments of strength he showed when he got the courage to stand up for himself. I related to him in a lot of ways with not feeling good enough and just wanting to be free to live his own life free of judgement or scrutiny. He finally got what he wanted and more and that’s what this sunshine bby deserved 🥹
Graham also needed protection from his own dumb mind and assumptions! I totally understand where he was coming from though being a middle child that everyone thought was okay so they never really checked in. And also feeling like he waited too long to figure out and go for what he actually wanted. I love how he transformed after he was finally able to let go of that inner struggle he was having and really appreciate how he felt about Dami 😭
Graham and Dami were so sweet and really just two idiots in love. Also the sex scenes?! Omg they were so hot but also so sensual and beautifully written 🥵🥹 I cried, laughed and swooned over this book like I knew I would bc hello? It’s Dianna Roman I’m reading. I’m sad I’m almost at the end of her catalog with only one book left to read but I’ll ofc be eagerly waiting for whatever she writes next 💜
Dami was so sweet, eager and I just wanted to protect him bc Graham was being a lil meany at first ngl. I loved his quiet moments of strength he showed when he got the courage to stand up for himself. I related to him in a lot of ways with not feeling good enough and just wanting to be free to live his own life free of judgement or scrutiny. He finally got what he wanted and more and that’s what this sunshine bby deserved 🥹
Graham also needed protection from his own dumb mind and assumptions! I totally understand where he was coming from though being a middle child that everyone thought was okay so they never really checked in. And also feeling like he waited too long to figure out and go for what he actually wanted. I love how he transformed after he was finally able to let go of that inner struggle he was having and really appreciate how he felt about Dami 😭
Graham and Dami were so sweet and really just two idiots in love. Also the sex scenes?! Omg they were so hot but also so sensual and beautifully written 🥵🥹 I cried, laughed and swooned over this book like I knew I would bc hello? It’s Dianna Roman I’m reading. I’m sad I’m almost at the end of her catalog with only one book left to read but I’ll ofc be eagerly waiting for whatever she writes next 💜
October 25, 2022
Dianna Roman is a master weaver who loves to weave such heartfelt stories among all the other weavers!
This is the third mm book I read from her and I love this grumpy Graham and sunshiny Dami!
The characters felt so real. Graham’s unsung sacrifices for his family and the maddening hurt I felt for Dami had me rubbing a hand over my heart.
This had all the feels and some frustratingly sexy times.
We get to see both MC's families and have an in-depth look at all those familiar characters from ‘You Again’.
Those comedic moments, sweet and steamy times had me flipping those virtual pages so fast.
I loved every second, especially those last few chapters.
Another amazing book from Dianna! 💯% recommend!
I recieved an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This is the third mm book I read from her and I love this grumpy Graham and sunshiny Dami!
The characters felt so real. Graham’s unsung sacrifices for his family and the maddening hurt I felt for Dami had me rubbing a hand over my heart.
This had all the feels and some frustratingly sexy times.
We get to see both MC's families and have an in-depth look at all those familiar characters from ‘You Again’.
Those comedic moments, sweet and steamy times had me flipping those virtual pages so fast.
I loved every second, especially those last few chapters.
Another amazing book from Dianna! 💯% recommend!
I recieved an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
July 9, 2023
Audio - 4 Stars (Liam D. 3 Stars /Tim P 5 Stars!!)
Story - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
August 24, 2023
2nd read through on audio: this book was just as great the second time around on audio. The narrator did a fantastic job and there were multiple times I laughed out loud. Absolutely recommend this book to either read or listen!
This book was fantastic! Dianna Roman hit it out of the park again.
I loved reading Dami and Grahams story. We really got to see a side of these characters that we didn’t see in You Again.
There’s a lot more to Graham then just grumpiness and Dami is the best at bringing that out of him.
My heart broke for Dami multiple times throughout this book with how he felt about himself and how he perceived others felt about him.
I am so happy they were able to work through everything and have their HEA!
If you’ve liked any of Dianna’s other books you will love this one too!
I’m really hoping that we’ll see more books in the future from this world as there’s a few new characters introduced in this book I’d love to learn more about!
This book was fantastic! Dianna Roman hit it out of the park again.
I loved reading Dami and Grahams story. We really got to see a side of these characters that we didn’t see in You Again.
There’s a lot more to Graham then just grumpiness and Dami is the best at bringing that out of him.
My heart broke for Dami multiple times throughout this book with how he felt about himself and how he perceived others felt about him.
I am so happy they were able to work through everything and have their HEA!
If you’ve liked any of Dianna’s other books you will love this one too!
I’m really hoping that we’ll see more books in the future from this world as there’s a few new characters introduced in this book I’d love to learn more about!
September 28, 2022
Yes. Yes. Yes… and Yes! Book two of Dianna Roman's Men of Olympus Series is finally here. Oh, and by the way, that would be Olympus, Wisconsin, not Greece. In the first book of this series (titled, You Again) we read the story of Johnny and Aiden and their ridiculously delightful...even if just a tiny bit wacky...families. This second book is the story of Aiden's brother, Graham, and Johnny's cousin, Damiano...aka Dami. As with every single Dianna Roman book it is most certainly well worth a read.
Regardless of whether or not you enjoy a good romance novel (which to date her books are), the author’s writing is simply top shelf. Her books are full of passion and life and the characters feel so very real. She shares with us what is going on in the mind of the protagonist which allows the reader to experience the character’s hopes and dreams as well as their fears. We see what motivates them to be in denial about something, or cling to something or someone that is not even there. Sigh. Just like real life.
Thinking about it, I realize that is another reason I love the work of this author. She tells stories that speak to us in our hearts. Stories about things we have all experienced in some fashion at one time or another. In reading this book, as in the others by this author, I am able to see how sometimes I can be my own worst enemy. But this clever writer takes these individual and anxiety-provoking events and turns them into some of the funniest, slapstick moments you will ever read in a book. I mean, who knew there was even such a thing as an heirloom sex toy?
Who would not fall for a MANLY man…tall, beefy, tattooed, former soldier… oh, and, he would rather jump into a lake than be near a demon-in-disguise, soul-sucking cat? Or another character who wants to know who does this cranky OSHA person think she is by telling him he has to wear steel-toed boots at work?
This story just keeps on going and you will need to be careful not to wet yourself from laughing so hard. OK, that is just me. I'm old. But inside of this truly ingenious romcom, Graham and Dami are struggling with their very personal self-destructive fears that prevent them from at least trying to take a chance with one another.
Fortunately for all of us the story has a very warm and fuzzy end. Further, I am pretty sure there will be another volume in this series. Yes. Please and thank you.
Regardless of whether or not you enjoy a good romance novel (which to date her books are), the author’s writing is simply top shelf. Her books are full of passion and life and the characters feel so very real. She shares with us what is going on in the mind of the protagonist which allows the reader to experience the character’s hopes and dreams as well as their fears. We see what motivates them to be in denial about something, or cling to something or someone that is not even there. Sigh. Just like real life.
Thinking about it, I realize that is another reason I love the work of this author. She tells stories that speak to us in our hearts. Stories about things we have all experienced in some fashion at one time or another. In reading this book, as in the others by this author, I am able to see how sometimes I can be my own worst enemy. But this clever writer takes these individual and anxiety-provoking events and turns them into some of the funniest, slapstick moments you will ever read in a book. I mean, who knew there was even such a thing as an heirloom sex toy?
Who would not fall for a MANLY man…tall, beefy, tattooed, former soldier… oh, and, he would rather jump into a lake than be near a demon-in-disguise, soul-sucking cat? Or another character who wants to know who does this cranky OSHA person think she is by telling him he has to wear steel-toed boots at work?
This story just keeps on going and you will need to be careful not to wet yourself from laughing so hard. OK, that is just me. I'm old. But inside of this truly ingenious romcom, Graham and Dami are struggling with their very personal self-destructive fears that prevent them from at least trying to take a chance with one another.
Fortunately for all of us the story has a very warm and fuzzy end. Further, I am pretty sure there will be another volume in this series. Yes. Please and thank you.
September 25, 2022
4.5 Stars
Graham is 30, divorced twice from the same woman, grouchy, an excellent brick mason and has weird, tingly feelings about his new apprentice. What does a guy who is probably gay, but doesn’t believe it and therefore wants to reunite with his ex-wife for a third time (even though she’s happily dating someone else), do with those weird, tingly feelings? He takes it out on the tingle-inducing apprentice, obviously. Until he pushes his apprentice too far, using his anger at his failure to be who his ex wants and the romantic feelings he’s experiencing for the first time, and his apprentice quits.
Damiano wanted to be a chef, but an incident with the fryer at school chopped that dream. He wants to show that he’s responsible, but his mom insists on controlling his bank account, making him need to go to her for his money. He wants to succeed at being a brick mason because he can’t keep washing dishes at his parents’ restaurant. However, it seems like he’s not good at this either, if the way Graham is screaming at him is any indication. Maybe it’s time to throw in the towel here, too.
Except Graham shows up, angrier than Dami has ever seen him, yelling at him for quitting, for modelling in his underwear, for making him feel things that he doesn’t want to feel. And then? Graham kisses him, convinces him to come back to work and takes off in abject terror at kissing Dami like that. So Dami comes to a compromise – he can be the teacher and Graham can be the student in the bedroom and Graham can continue to help Dami with his apprenticeship.
Things aren’t smooth sailing because Graham is terrified to come out to his parents. He’s always been straight; it doesn’t matter that his brother is dating a man and his sister is marrying a woman. Damiano is not out to his parents either, but he bites the bullet during a dinner one night and comes out to his family and Graham’s. Seeing Dami come out doesn’t help Graham feel any more comfortable than before and it pushes Dami away. He doesn’t want to be Graham’s secret, a source of shame for him or less important to Graham than Graham is to him.
Can Graham find the courage to come out to his family? Can he convince Damiano to come back to him? Does Dami even want to go back to Graham? What’s an HEA without some angst, heartbreak and groveling?
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Tough Love
Dianna Roman
Graham is 30, divorced twice from the same woman, grouchy, an excellent brick mason and has weird, tingly feelings about his new apprentice. What does a guy who is probably gay, but doesn’t believe it and therefore wants to reunite with his ex-wife for a third time (even though she’s happily dating someone else), do with those weird, tingly feelings? He takes it out on the tingle-inducing apprentice, obviously. Until he pushes his apprentice too far, using his anger at his failure to be who his ex wants and the romantic feelings he’s experiencing for the first time, and his apprentice quits.
Damiano wanted to be a chef, but an incident with the fryer at school chopped that dream. He wants to show that he’s responsible, but his mom insists on controlling his bank account, making him need to go to her for his money. He wants to succeed at being a brick mason because he can’t keep washing dishes at his parents’ restaurant. However, it seems like he’s not good at this either, if the way Graham is screaming at him is any indication. Maybe it’s time to throw in the towel here, too.
Except Graham shows up, angrier than Dami has ever seen him, yelling at him for quitting, for modelling in his underwear, for making him feel things that he doesn’t want to feel. And then? Graham kisses him, convinces him to come back to work and takes off in abject terror at kissing Dami like that. So Dami comes to a compromise – he can be the teacher and Graham can be the student in the bedroom and Graham can continue to help Dami with his apprenticeship.
Things aren’t smooth sailing because Graham is terrified to come out to his parents. He’s always been straight; it doesn’t matter that his brother is dating a man and his sister is marrying a woman. Damiano is not out to his parents either, but he bites the bullet during a dinner one night and comes out to his family and Graham’s. Seeing Dami come out doesn’t help Graham feel any more comfortable than before and it pushes Dami away. He doesn’t want to be Graham’s secret, a source of shame for him or less important to Graham than Graham is to him.
Can Graham find the courage to come out to his family? Can he convince Damiano to come back to him? Does Dami even want to go back to Graham? What’s an HEA without some angst, heartbreak and groveling?
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Tough Love
Dianna Roman
October 31, 2022
Could have been better if the characters interacted more. By that I meant more wholesome interaction.
October 22, 2022
Tough Love written by Dianna Roman was an incredibly interesting and fun read. This was the first time I’ve been introduced to Dianna’s work and it didn’t disappoint.
Tough Love not only was a good read, but it had great comedic timing, a believable relationship between the main male characters, and was simply an excellent read overall.
With lgbt+ relationships many people don’t realise some of the struggles people face and Dianna writes about the struggles in a way that’s very easy to comprehend. I also loved how Dianna has written Graham. I personally haven’t read many books where one of the main characters is an older man, learning and struggling with the fact that he’s realised he’s gay, I really love how Dianna portrays the difficulties but also the emotions between both of the males.
I also ADORED Dami, I loved reading his POV.
His outlook on life is amazing, he’s so optimistic and has a lot of great qualities, I instantly loved him as a character. We also find out it’s not all rainbows and sunshine for him, he struggles with a lot of chilldhood/family issues but a lot of self doubt 🥺🥺
It’s a beautiful love story, quite a few times I did laugh/chuckle at the comedy. I definitely believe Dami and Graham are completely different people but that’s what makes them so great together and this such a great book.
I devoured this book in one sitting and LOVED it 👏👏👏
A+ for the grumpy/sunshine trope, one of the best ones I’ve read. Touch Love is also book #2 in the Men Of Olympus series but can be read as a standalone (does have crossovers). Definitely recommend!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Received arc for an honest review
Tough Love not only was a good read, but it had great comedic timing, a believable relationship between the main male characters, and was simply an excellent read overall.
With lgbt+ relationships many people don’t realise some of the struggles people face and Dianna writes about the struggles in a way that’s very easy to comprehend. I also loved how Dianna has written Graham. I personally haven’t read many books where one of the main characters is an older man, learning and struggling with the fact that he’s realised he’s gay, I really love how Dianna portrays the difficulties but also the emotions between both of the males.
I also ADORED Dami, I loved reading his POV.
His outlook on life is amazing, he’s so optimistic and has a lot of great qualities, I instantly loved him as a character. We also find out it’s not all rainbows and sunshine for him, he struggles with a lot of chilldhood/family issues but a lot of self doubt 🥺🥺
It’s a beautiful love story, quite a few times I did laugh/chuckle at the comedy. I definitely believe Dami and Graham are completely different people but that’s what makes them so great together and this such a great book.
I devoured this book in one sitting and LOVED it 👏👏👏
A+ for the grumpy/sunshine trope, one of the best ones I’ve read. Touch Love is also book #2 in the Men Of Olympus series but can be read as a standalone (does have crossovers). Definitely recommend!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Received arc for an honest review
December 1, 2022
Yet another fantastic book from Dianna Roman.
This book is like a balm, a bandaid you can put on your entire brain when you need to cheer up. The ridiculous, lifelike scenes made me snort-laugh and the adorable grumpy/sunshine trope made me smile and root for the MCs.
This year I found a new instant one-click author. Guess who it is?
This book is like a balm, a bandaid you can put on your entire brain when you need to cheer up. The ridiculous, lifelike scenes made me snort-laugh and the adorable grumpy/sunshine trope made me smile and root for the MCs.
This year I found a new instant one-click author. Guess who it is?
August 30, 2024
Tagging this as age gap because one of the MCs thinks he's really old(even though he's 30🙄)I kid you not, he thinks 30 is the end of the world.
Graham - Grumpy brick mason, twice divorced from the same woman, annoying AF, has a problem for every solution
Dami(Damianos) - almost incessantly upbeat, chronically unemployed, criminally horny, bad at almost everything he tries. Except liking Graham. If Graham conjures up 300 problems, Dami will find 301 solutions.
Usual case of sex tutoring. Except the younger one (Dami) is the teacher. Very sexually experienced but too innocent by far. Still in the closet but ready to come out and live freely as soon as he finds his dream man (he has a 3-step plan for this)
Graham is not that old but he's so stuck in his own head about it that he worries about coming out because of how people might take it, after ALL THIS TIME (30. Can't quite get over how this man thinks 30 is too old to choose happiness) Committed to dying in the closet.
But they're amazing together, they have really good banter (mostly Dami being a little shit and Graham acting annoyed but being secretly thrilled about it)
*Them having sex with glow in the dark condoms, condoms not glowing, Dami REFUSING to proceed and holding Graham's cock up to a light until the condom absorbs enough to glow on its own:
"Yes! Your cock works!"
"It was working just fine before."
"But now it's like Cock 2.0!"
**Them having sex up against a wall because Graham is too chicken shit to use the swing bed:
"This is so hot. It would be hotter if you'd built it."
"You won't be saying that when my back goes out."
"It would be worth it."
The natural conflict occurs(in or out?). We know how this goes. Hated Graham for a bit there but he rallies.
Crimes committed in this book are not that heinous so I don't feel strongly about the MCs but I had fun listening to it. 3.5 rounded up.
Graham - Grumpy brick mason, twice divorced from the same woman, annoying AF, has a problem for every solution
Dami(Damianos) - almost incessantly upbeat, chronically unemployed, criminally horny, bad at almost everything he tries. Except liking Graham. If Graham conjures up 300 problems, Dami will find 301 solutions.
Usual case of sex tutoring. Except the younger one (Dami) is the teacher. Very sexually experienced but too innocent by far. Still in the closet but ready to come out and live freely as soon as he finds his dream man (he has a 3-step plan for this)
Graham is not that old but he's so stuck in his own head about it that he worries about coming out because of how people might take it, after ALL THIS TIME (30. Can't quite get over how this man thinks 30 is too old to choose happiness) Committed to dying in the closet.
But they're amazing together, they have really good banter (mostly Dami being a little shit and Graham acting annoyed but being secretly thrilled about it)
*Them having sex with glow in the dark condoms, condoms not glowing, Dami REFUSING to proceed and holding Graham's cock up to a light until the condom absorbs enough to glow on its own:
"Yes! Your cock works!"
"It was working just fine before."
"But now it's like Cock 2.0!"
**Them having sex up against a wall because Graham is too chicken shit to use the swing bed:
"This is so hot. It would be hotter if you'd built it."
"You won't be saying that when my back goes out."
"It would be worth it."
The natural conflict occurs(in or out?). We know how this goes. Hated Graham for a bit there but he rallies.
Crimes committed in this book are not that heinous so I don't feel strongly about the MCs but I had fun listening to it. 3.5 rounded up.
September 22, 2024
This is the continuation of Dianna Roman's Men of Olympus series.To protect his older sibling and his twin sister, Graham Brandt has spent his entire life conforming to an idealized mental blueprint of what he believes his family and friends expect of him. And now he is bitter, angry, confused, and all by himself as a result.
Damiano Andropolis has recently completed his undergraduate studies and has no plans for his future. Aside from the fact that he was able to prove his autonomy from his parents and establish his own identity, nothing else about this situation was particularly significant. And with only a shaky confidence that he can achieve his goal.
An unlikely friendship forms between these two males. Dami does his best to comfort Graham, but Graham can't help but be attracted to Dami's sunny disposition and candor. Graham's long-standing denial of his sexuality has been called into question by his physical attraction to Dami.
I enjoy a humorous romantic comedy but also require stories with a significant amount of emotional depth and intensity, and Dianna Roman strikes the perfect balance between the two genres. Absolutely wonderful story. I received an ARC from the author , and this is my honest review.
Damiano Andropolis has recently completed his undergraduate studies and has no plans for his future. Aside from the fact that he was able to prove his autonomy from his parents and establish his own identity, nothing else about this situation was particularly significant. And with only a shaky confidence that he can achieve his goal.
An unlikely friendship forms between these two males. Dami does his best to comfort Graham, but Graham can't help but be attracted to Dami's sunny disposition and candor. Graham's long-standing denial of his sexuality has been called into question by his physical attraction to Dami.
I enjoy a humorous romantic comedy but also require stories with a significant amount of emotional depth and intensity, and Dianna Roman strikes the perfect balance between the two genres. Absolutely wonderful story. I received an ARC from the author , and this is my honest review.
October 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and pretty much read it in one sitting. This book is charming and funny, while also seriously dealing with the struggles of a young man and an early 30s man trying to come out to their families.
Graham is older and has been married twice, to the same woman, but is now divorced again. He finds himself attracted to men, and believes himself to be straight but is questioning these attractions and feelings, especially to his new apprentice. Graham is pretty much a loner except for his siblings, and is very conflicted about what is going on inside himself.
Dami is younger and has known he is gay for several years, but he still hasn’t come out to his parents. He has been attracted to Graham for almost a year, and is excited to get a chance to work with the man he wants. He is usually positive and upbeat, which bugs Graham no end much of the time, and Dami has a great sense of humor. I found myself laughing out loud several times at things Dami said or thought, and at descriptions of some of their interactions. When Graham shares some of his concerns and lack of knowledge about whether he is gay, or that he doesn’t know what to do as a gay man if he is, Dami offers to give him lessons.
The lessons help Graham, but the attraction spirals out of control as Graham tries to come to terms with being gay, and both Demi and Graham try to find a way to be together without having to hide their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Graham is older and has been married twice, to the same woman, but is now divorced again. He finds himself attracted to men, and believes himself to be straight but is questioning these attractions and feelings, especially to his new apprentice. Graham is pretty much a loner except for his siblings, and is very conflicted about what is going on inside himself.
Dami is younger and has known he is gay for several years, but he still hasn’t come out to his parents. He has been attracted to Graham for almost a year, and is excited to get a chance to work with the man he wants. He is usually positive and upbeat, which bugs Graham no end much of the time, and Dami has a great sense of humor. I found myself laughing out loud several times at things Dami said or thought, and at descriptions of some of their interactions. When Graham shares some of his concerns and lack of knowledge about whether he is gay, or that he doesn’t know what to do as a gay man if he is, Dami offers to give him lessons.
The lessons help Graham, but the attraction spirals out of control as Graham tries to come to terms with being gay, and both Demi and Graham try to find a way to be together without having to hide their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2022
Read this if you:
*Enjoy Funny, Steamy, MM Romance
*Like grump vs. smiley, opposites attract
*Adore a novel full of challenges to be overcome
Meet the Author: Dianna Roman enjoys writing stories set in small and rural towns, about characters who don’t have this thing called life quite figured out yet. Her favorite writing challenge is tackling the miscommunication trope by making it entertaining.
Synopsis: Damiano, a 23 year old bricklayer, is ready to prove everyone in his life wrong. Feeling as if he has always been a let down, he has moved into his own apartment and has taken on a new job. Graham, twice married to the same women is trying to come to terms with the fact that his ex-wife is not coming back and she has always wondered if he is gay. When Graham takes Dami on as his apprentice, as much as he dislikes Dami’s spunky self his heart slowly begins to beat faster when he is around. Has Graham’s wife been right all along?
Reader’s Thoughts: Tough Love is the second installment of the Men of Olympus series. It can be read as a standalone but does have some crossovers with the first novel. Dami was my ultimate favorite character. The way Dianna described him: his smile, his determination, his optimism, I just adored him in every way. As for Graham, I didn’t dislike him, I just wish I knew more about his story. His discovery of his sexuality seemed sudden to me and I wish I knew more about his discovery. Overall, I loved this novel. The characters were lovable, relatable, and down to earth. Being gay comes with many struggles in todays society and I love how Dianna brings those struggles to life in her characters.
Thank you, @diannaromanbooks for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
Available now in paperback and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐-You won’t regret this one!
*Enjoy Funny, Steamy, MM Romance
*Like grump vs. smiley, opposites attract
*Adore a novel full of challenges to be overcome
Meet the Author: Dianna Roman enjoys writing stories set in small and rural towns, about characters who don’t have this thing called life quite figured out yet. Her favorite writing challenge is tackling the miscommunication trope by making it entertaining.
Synopsis: Damiano, a 23 year old bricklayer, is ready to prove everyone in his life wrong. Feeling as if he has always been a let down, he has moved into his own apartment and has taken on a new job. Graham, twice married to the same women is trying to come to terms with the fact that his ex-wife is not coming back and she has always wondered if he is gay. When Graham takes Dami on as his apprentice, as much as he dislikes Dami’s spunky self his heart slowly begins to beat faster when he is around. Has Graham’s wife been right all along?
Reader’s Thoughts: Tough Love is the second installment of the Men of Olympus series. It can be read as a standalone but does have some crossovers with the first novel. Dami was my ultimate favorite character. The way Dianna described him: his smile, his determination, his optimism, I just adored him in every way. As for Graham, I didn’t dislike him, I just wish I knew more about his story. His discovery of his sexuality seemed sudden to me and I wish I knew more about his discovery. Overall, I loved this novel. The characters were lovable, relatable, and down to earth. Being gay comes with many struggles in todays society and I love how Dianna brings those struggles to life in her characters.
Thank you, @diannaromanbooks for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
Available now in paperback and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐-You won’t regret this one!
September 25, 2022
Damiano School of Love
“How can someone who looks so prickly taste like sweet promises”
“There is no way the first man I’m accepting that I’m attracted to is a perky-butted, cat loving dishwasher.”
I absolutely believe that Dianna Roman’s Tough Love, and also You Again, (book 1 in the Men of Olympus series) should be made into movies! They are beautifully and creatively written, with an emphasis on the humorous aspects of a budding relationship.
When I reviewed You again, I recognized that it had the most highlights I had ever documented in a book. Well, this one has 34! 34 times I had to put storylines in a place so I could look over Roman’s words and smile, or tear up, or laugh out loud! 34 times that Tough Love made a lasting impression on me! 34 times that I wanted to climb in and become part of the inner circle the men of Olympus!
Dami is such a delight to read. His effervescent qualities and outlook on life make him lovable from the start. We know some of the reasons that Graham is so grumpy but find him blossoming under Dami’s irresistible sunshine.
This books seems like it might be easy to write because it is so easy on the heart to read. Please do not make the mistake of thinking that Dianna Roman had an easy time getting these words down. Just like any comedic presentation, timing is everything. And Roman’s comedic timing chops are sharp as a knife. She is also able to deliver the tough love that is needed for a healthy romance to grow.
Smiles McPerky Butt and Graham-a-lamma-ding-dong have to be one of my favorite couples EVER!
“How can someone who looks so prickly taste like sweet promises”
“There is no way the first man I’m accepting that I’m attracted to is a perky-butted, cat loving dishwasher.”
I absolutely believe that Dianna Roman’s Tough Love, and also You Again, (book 1 in the Men of Olympus series) should be made into movies! They are beautifully and creatively written, with an emphasis on the humorous aspects of a budding relationship.
When I reviewed You again, I recognized that it had the most highlights I had ever documented in a book. Well, this one has 34! 34 times I had to put storylines in a place so I could look over Roman’s words and smile, or tear up, or laugh out loud! 34 times that Tough Love made a lasting impression on me! 34 times that I wanted to climb in and become part of the inner circle the men of Olympus!
Dami is such a delight to read. His effervescent qualities and outlook on life make him lovable from the start. We know some of the reasons that Graham is so grumpy but find him blossoming under Dami’s irresistible sunshine.
This books seems like it might be easy to write because it is so easy on the heart to read. Please do not make the mistake of thinking that Dianna Roman had an easy time getting these words down. Just like any comedic presentation, timing is everything. And Roman’s comedic timing chops are sharp as a knife. She is also able to deliver the tough love that is needed for a healthy romance to grow.
Smiles McPerky Butt and Graham-a-lamma-ding-dong have to be one of my favorite couples EVER!
September 22, 2022
After reading You Again and getting a glimpse of what was coming for Grumpy Graham and Dami I was excited and knew their story would be good.
But I was wrong, so wrong. It wasn't good...
It was amazing.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute I was laughing about glow sticks and the next my heart was breaking for a man who didn't feel worthy of love.
I love a good Rom Com but I also need that all consuming love and Angst, and Dianna Roman walks that fine line between laugh out loud funny and pull at your heartstrings angst so effortlessly and so well.
Graham and Dami have dug themselves a place in my heart and won't be coming out any time soon.
But I was wrong, so wrong. It wasn't good...
It was amazing.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute I was laughing about glow sticks and the next my heart was breaking for a man who didn't feel worthy of love.
I love a good Rom Com but I also need that all consuming love and Angst, and Dianna Roman walks that fine line between laugh out loud funny and pull at your heartstrings angst so effortlessly and so well.
Graham and Dami have dug themselves a place in my heart and won't be coming out any time soon.
October 22, 2022
This is the second book in the Men of Olympus series and I adored the first story and I absolutely loved this one too. It's a grumpy/sunshine story. Graham have got a lot issues so he keeps himself a lot to himself. He is coming to terms with his divorce and the attraction he feels to his younger apprentice Dami. He thought he had hidden his attraction to men and takes some frustration out on Dami. Younger Dami is ready to live his life and have had his eyes on Graham for a while. There is a lot of push and pull between them and they have a strong chemistry too. And as they get to know each other they have a lot of ups and downs but it's full of sweetness and humour too. I loved reading this 💜
October 25, 2022
Tough Love - Men of Olympus book 2, is a hilariously touching love story following grumpy Graham and effervescent Dami on their journey to love. Striking a fine balance between classic romcom gaffs to tender, touchingly vulnerable moments, Dianna Roman yet again creates characters in a world that you feel believably immersed in and are fully invested in them finding their happily ever afters.
Graham is 30 years old and has been married and divorced twice, to the same woman. The only woman he’s ever been with; the one everyone assumes he will be “on again” with soon. But it hasn’t felt right in a long time, and he’s not even sure why he’s pursuing it still. Jen, his ex, has a new boyfriend… and seems to be happier. Is 30 too early to declare full-time hermit status?
Dami is a 23 year old, recent college graduate trying to enjoy life and figure out his next moves. He’s got a 3-step plan to get a job, be independent of his parents, and find his Forever Guy. Foolproof, right? The only things standing in his way are his overprotective and controlling parents, his inability to hold a steady job, and oh that pesky problem of not being “out” to anyone in your family except your cousin, Johnny, and his boyfriend Aiden (see Book 1 for their HEA!).
Graham and Dami are thrown together in delicious close/forced proximity to work alone, together, in remaking the brickwork for a home rebuild project. Dami’s eagerness to learn battles head-on through Graham’s stubbornness to be dissatisfied with everything. It might help that Dami is crushing “hard” for Graham - the man is the epitome of all his favorite known and newly-discovered kinks! Graham, however, spends much of his energy fighting his attraction to Dami. How can he like someone so much younger than him, who’s comfortable in his sexuality, and has such passion for life?! Graham thinks that he has no idea how to be gay, how to even begin to change the perspective that others have always drawn him in. Dami, ever the problem solver, comes up with a genius tit-for-tat agreement: masonry skills (taught by Graham) in exchange for sexy-time lessons (taught by Dami). It’s a perfect plan!
Graham’s inner turmoil of deciding and declaring to break the mold in which he’s been cast - to finally be true to himself and his family - is heartbreaking.
I truly loved these two men and their love for each other, and I really enjoyed how they rolled through all of the internal and external interruptions to their relationship. I can honestly say I’ve never laughed so much but yet felt so bad for a couple who seriously could not catch a lucky break when it comes to sexy times: missed signals, uninvited visitors, literally breaking the bed?! It was comical without breaking up the moment - signature move by the author 😉.
I can’t recommend enough this book, this series, or heck even this author - they’re all that good!
Graham is 30 years old and has been married and divorced twice, to the same woman. The only woman he’s ever been with; the one everyone assumes he will be “on again” with soon. But it hasn’t felt right in a long time, and he’s not even sure why he’s pursuing it still. Jen, his ex, has a new boyfriend… and seems to be happier. Is 30 too early to declare full-time hermit status?
Dami is a 23 year old, recent college graduate trying to enjoy life and figure out his next moves. He’s got a 3-step plan to get a job, be independent of his parents, and find his Forever Guy. Foolproof, right? The only things standing in his way are his overprotective and controlling parents, his inability to hold a steady job, and oh that pesky problem of not being “out” to anyone in your family except your cousin, Johnny, and his boyfriend Aiden (see Book 1 for their HEA!).
Graham and Dami are thrown together in delicious close/forced proximity to work alone, together, in remaking the brickwork for a home rebuild project. Dami’s eagerness to learn battles head-on through Graham’s stubbornness to be dissatisfied with everything. It might help that Dami is crushing “hard” for Graham - the man is the epitome of all his favorite known and newly-discovered kinks! Graham, however, spends much of his energy fighting his attraction to Dami. How can he like someone so much younger than him, who’s comfortable in his sexuality, and has such passion for life?! Graham thinks that he has no idea how to be gay, how to even begin to change the perspective that others have always drawn him in. Dami, ever the problem solver, comes up with a genius tit-for-tat agreement: masonry skills (taught by Graham) in exchange for sexy-time lessons (taught by Dami). It’s a perfect plan!
Graham’s inner turmoil of deciding and declaring to break the mold in which he’s been cast - to finally be true to himself and his family - is heartbreaking.
I truly loved these two men and their love for each other, and I really enjoyed how they rolled through all of the internal and external interruptions to their relationship. I can honestly say I’ve never laughed so much but yet felt so bad for a couple who seriously could not catch a lucky break when it comes to sexy times: missed signals, uninvited visitors, literally breaking the bed?! It was comical without breaking up the moment - signature move by the author 😉.
I can’t recommend enough this book, this series, or heck even this author - they’re all that good!
November 3, 2022
An entertaining second book in this series Men of Olympus. The story was enjoyable. The characters are likeable and have great chemistry. I am looking forward to read the next book.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2022
I actually think I liked this book BETTER than the first in the series. The story was deep and both characters went through incredible growth as they made their way to each other. I loved that there was a sexual awakening/discovery storyline, but I wish it delved a little deeper into Graham discovering his preferences as it seemed a bit sudden. I hope this isn’t the last of the series as I’ve enjoyed these fun and spicy books from Dianna Roman, and I really want more Graham and Dami!
I was given an ARC of this story. All opinions are my own.
I was given an ARC of this story. All opinions are my own.
November 1, 2022
I was honestly never that into M/M before I read Dianna’s other book You Again and got hooked. The way she tells the stories of firsts, fear and ultimately love is incredible.
.
Graham is the cranky brother to Aiden from You Again who has agreed to work with Johnny’s cousin Damino showing him how to be a brick mason. Dami is so bubbly and young Graham is immediately put off by him..Or is he? Hate and Love are two sides of the same coin they say and this is no different.
Graham has never truly been able to be his true self. He isn’t even sure who that is. With Dami around making Graham feel things he thinks he shouldn’t be feeling the tension grows and Graham starts to learn more about himself. It’s never too late to find your perfect person after all. Things start to get complicated when Graham can’t seem to allow his feelings be known to anyone other than Dami. In other words he’s not ready to come out of the closest and live his authentic life. Dami may be young but he knows what he wants and he doesn’t want to be with someone who is ashamed of who they love. Will Graham be able to take the leap of faith needed to live his most authentic life? Or will he stay hidden?
.
I really enjoyed this story the banter and tension between Dami and Graham was so funny but fiery. Seeing how Graham began to realize who he really was and who he really wants is a story that I’m sure many can identify with and I’m so glad that stories like this are being told.
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5🌶🌶🌶
.
Graham is the cranky brother to Aiden from You Again who has agreed to work with Johnny’s cousin Damino showing him how to be a brick mason. Dami is so bubbly and young Graham is immediately put off by him..Or is he? Hate and Love are two sides of the same coin they say and this is no different.
Graham has never truly been able to be his true self. He isn’t even sure who that is. With Dami around making Graham feel things he thinks he shouldn’t be feeling the tension grows and Graham starts to learn more about himself. It’s never too late to find your perfect person after all. Things start to get complicated when Graham can’t seem to allow his feelings be known to anyone other than Dami. In other words he’s not ready to come out of the closest and live his authentic life. Dami may be young but he knows what he wants and he doesn’t want to be with someone who is ashamed of who they love. Will Graham be able to take the leap of faith needed to live his most authentic life? Or will he stay hidden?
.
I really enjoyed this story the banter and tension between Dami and Graham was so funny but fiery. Seeing how Graham began to realize who he really was and who he really wants is a story that I’m sure many can identify with and I’m so glad that stories like this are being told.
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5🌶🌶🌶
October 23, 2022
Tough Love by Dianna Roman is utter perfection. This is a glorious grumpy/sunshine romance taken to the next level. Truly, I can’t remember loving a book this hard in a while.
Graham Brandt married — and divorced —the same woman. Twice. He’s an expert brickmason who works with his older brothers and twin sister. And he’s grumpy as hell. Being forced to work with the completely inexperienced new hire isn’t making his attitude any better. It doesn’t help that he’s struggling with his sexuality and an inconvenient attraction to said new hire, Dami Andropolis. Dami is sweetness and sunshine, and delightfully oblivious sometimes. He’s just out of college and struggling to figure out what he wants to do, but he jumps at the opportunity to get away from his overprotective mother and washing dishes in the family restaurant.
But if there’s one thing Dami learned in college, it’s how to hook up with and have fun with other guys. Something Graham is just figuring out he wants, too. Enter the greatest, most hilarious, occasionally frustrating, and always sexy as hell love lessons. It quickly becomes apparent that these lessons mean more to both of these two. But can they admit their feelings not only to each other, but the world, as well?
Reading along as these two fall for each was a delight. The way Graham supports and encourages Dami is so powerful, and the way Dami just loves past Graham’s grumpiness is heavenly. Ugh. I cannot properly express how much I loved this book. All of the feels, plus humor, and some amazing chemistry, with the perfect blend of tension and steam.
This is book two in the Men of Olympus series, but it can be read as a standalone, though you’ll understand and appreciate some of the characters more if you read the first book (which is also fantastic).
After I finished my ARC ebook, I immediately went to the author’s website and bought a copy of the special edition paperback — that’s how much I loved this book. Grab this book as soon as you can. You won’t regret it. All the stars, fangirling, and gushing. I have so much more I could say, but I can’t go on forever.
So, so highly recommend.
Graham Brandt married — and divorced —the same woman. Twice. He’s an expert brickmason who works with his older brothers and twin sister. And he’s grumpy as hell. Being forced to work with the completely inexperienced new hire isn’t making his attitude any better. It doesn’t help that he’s struggling with his sexuality and an inconvenient attraction to said new hire, Dami Andropolis. Dami is sweetness and sunshine, and delightfully oblivious sometimes. He’s just out of college and struggling to figure out what he wants to do, but he jumps at the opportunity to get away from his overprotective mother and washing dishes in the family restaurant.
But if there’s one thing Dami learned in college, it’s how to hook up with and have fun with other guys. Something Graham is just figuring out he wants, too. Enter the greatest, most hilarious, occasionally frustrating, and always sexy as hell love lessons. It quickly becomes apparent that these lessons mean more to both of these two. But can they admit their feelings not only to each other, but the world, as well?
Reading along as these two fall for each was a delight. The way Graham supports and encourages Dami is so powerful, and the way Dami just loves past Graham’s grumpiness is heavenly. Ugh. I cannot properly express how much I loved this book. All of the feels, plus humor, and some amazing chemistry, with the perfect blend of tension and steam.
This is book two in the Men of Olympus series, but it can be read as a standalone, though you’ll understand and appreciate some of the characters more if you read the first book (which is also fantastic).
After I finished my ARC ebook, I immediately went to the author’s website and bought a copy of the special edition paperback — that’s how much I loved this book. Grab this book as soon as you can. You won’t regret it. All the stars, fangirling, and gushing. I have so much more I could say, but I can’t go on forever.
So, so highly recommend.
October 26, 2022
Graham Brandt, outward grump but silent hero
Graham was a mystery to me in You Again, one that I knew had a story behind him that I couldn't wait to read. A man twice divorced from his childhood sweetheart and still waiting for third time around a year later? Obviously a lot to discover as to what had happened between them.
Graham had secrets even he didn't know, and it took a sweet ray of sunshine called Dami to bring him into the light. Allowing himself to admit his new feelings didn't come easy to him and made the grump even grumpier, not allowing himself to step out of the boxes others have put in him, let alone the ones he had marooned himself in as well. He didn't allow anyone, not even himself, to see the real thoughtful, protective, kind Graham.
Dami was being treated as a child by his parents, never seen as a young man capable of organising his own life. To be fair, he was a little scatter-brained, but he was never given a chance to cut the apron strings. He was living his life under the radar, never truly being seen by anyone.
Put the two opposites together and sparks fly. At first, it was angry sparks but they soon morphed into so much more. There were tears and laughter, passion and uncertainty, hiding and hurt, and true love. I loved Aiden and Johnny but I actually adored Graham and Dami completely. There was so much more depth to their story for me, so much hurt and heartache, not just between them but with their families too, problems that seemed insurmountable at times but they overcame so much personally and together and thoroughly deserved their HEA.
The only thing I didn't like was Maxie who deserved a bloody good slap many times. Completely self-centred and utterly nasty to Graham, so sure of what she believed without bothering to seek out the truth from her brother, I was really disappointed with her.
I don't know what Dianna has planned now but I'd be very happy to read Brennan and Will's story, as well as Thor and Vin's, so fingers crossed.
I laughed a lot reading both The Shutout and You Again, and Tough Love was no different. There were many moments when I lost it, trying not to wake the other half with my snorts of laughter, and there's no better recommendation than a love story that has plenty of heart and heat and gives you the giggles.
Graham was a mystery to me in You Again, one that I knew had a story behind him that I couldn't wait to read. A man twice divorced from his childhood sweetheart and still waiting for third time around a year later? Obviously a lot to discover as to what had happened between them.
Graham had secrets even he didn't know, and it took a sweet ray of sunshine called Dami to bring him into the light. Allowing himself to admit his new feelings didn't come easy to him and made the grump even grumpier, not allowing himself to step out of the boxes others have put in him, let alone the ones he had marooned himself in as well. He didn't allow anyone, not even himself, to see the real thoughtful, protective, kind Graham.
Dami was being treated as a child by his parents, never seen as a young man capable of organising his own life. To be fair, he was a little scatter-brained, but he was never given a chance to cut the apron strings. He was living his life under the radar, never truly being seen by anyone.
Put the two opposites together and sparks fly. At first, it was angry sparks but they soon morphed into so much more. There were tears and laughter, passion and uncertainty, hiding and hurt, and true love. I loved Aiden and Johnny but I actually adored Graham and Dami completely. There was so much more depth to their story for me, so much hurt and heartache, not just between them but with their families too, problems that seemed insurmountable at times but they overcame so much personally and together and thoroughly deserved their HEA.
The only thing I didn't like was Maxie who deserved a bloody good slap many times. Completely self-centred and utterly nasty to Graham, so sure of what she believed without bothering to seek out the truth from her brother, I was really disappointed with her.
I don't know what Dianna has planned now but I'd be very happy to read Brennan and Will's story, as well as Thor and Vin's, so fingers crossed.
I laughed a lot reading both The Shutout and You Again, and Tough Love was no different. There were many moments when I lost it, trying not to wake the other half with my snorts of laughter, and there's no better recommendation than a love story that has plenty of heart and heat and gives you the giggles.
September 24, 2022
This is the second book in the Men of Olympus series by Dianna Roman and features characters introduced in the first book.
Graham Brandt has spent his life looking out for his older brother and twin sister and trying to live up to the mental plan of what he thought his life should be and what he thought his family would want for him. And it has left him bitter, angry, lost, and alone.
Damiano Andropolis has recently graduated college with little idea of what he wants to do with his life. Other than finally asserting his independence from his family and getting to live his life for himself. And with only a fragile optimism that he'll actually be able to succeed in doing so.
These two men strike up a slightly unlikely friendship. Dami tries his best to alleviate Graham's sadness and loneliness while Graham is drawn to Dami's optimism and openness almost against his will. His physical attraction to Dami also challenges Graham's steadfast, longtime denial regarding his sexuality.
The often bumbling and humorous way Dianna Roman wrote Graham and Dami's early sexual activities with each other was fantastic. So often in books, authors tend to portray sexual awakening and exploration as this easy, nearly perfect thing, as those their characters are instant experts at doing something so completely new and intimate. I loved how this was not the experience for Graham and Dami. They were both so unsure about how to go about their friends with benefits arrangement, how to communicate their needs and desires with each other, and how much to involve actual feelings in a seemingly purely physical relationship.
At times, the level of Graham and Dami's inability to communicate with each other was sort of frustrating. It made me think, "Just sit down and TALK to each other already!" However, the way that Dianna tied in how their pasts have shaped who they are and how they react to the people in their lives and how this influenced their current relationship issues, offset that annoyance beautifully. I also appreciated that this back-and-forth being upset with each other and relationship turbulence didn't last very long, because the two men were mature enough to realize that they needed to address their issues, and quickly, before it destroyed what they were creating with each other.
This was a wonderful book full of emotion, humor, and wonderful characters. Additionally, if reading the first book made you interested in swing beds and sexy times with them, this book will make you want to relook at swing beds and glow-in-the-dark condoms and the fun and hilarious use thereof.
Disclaimer- I did receive an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Graham Brandt has spent his life looking out for his older brother and twin sister and trying to live up to the mental plan of what he thought his life should be and what he thought his family would want for him. And it has left him bitter, angry, lost, and alone.
Damiano Andropolis has recently graduated college with little idea of what he wants to do with his life. Other than finally asserting his independence from his family and getting to live his life for himself. And with only a fragile optimism that he'll actually be able to succeed in doing so.
These two men strike up a slightly unlikely friendship. Dami tries his best to alleviate Graham's sadness and loneliness while Graham is drawn to Dami's optimism and openness almost against his will. His physical attraction to Dami also challenges Graham's steadfast, longtime denial regarding his sexuality.
The often bumbling and humorous way Dianna Roman wrote Graham and Dami's early sexual activities with each other was fantastic. So often in books, authors tend to portray sexual awakening and exploration as this easy, nearly perfect thing, as those their characters are instant experts at doing something so completely new and intimate. I loved how this was not the experience for Graham and Dami. They were both so unsure about how to go about their friends with benefits arrangement, how to communicate their needs and desires with each other, and how much to involve actual feelings in a seemingly purely physical relationship.
At times, the level of Graham and Dami's inability to communicate with each other was sort of frustrating. It made me think, "Just sit down and TALK to each other already!" However, the way that Dianna tied in how their pasts have shaped who they are and how they react to the people in their lives and how this influenced their current relationship issues, offset that annoyance beautifully. I also appreciated that this back-and-forth being upset with each other and relationship turbulence didn't last very long, because the two men were mature enough to realize that they needed to address their issues, and quickly, before it destroyed what they were creating with each other.
This was a wonderful book full of emotion, humor, and wonderful characters. Additionally, if reading the first book made you interested in swing beds and sexy times with them, this book will make you want to relook at swing beds and glow-in-the-dark condoms and the fun and hilarious use thereof.
Disclaimer- I did receive an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
October 13, 2022
Tough Love is the second book in the Men of Olympus series by Dianna Roman. It’s equal parts funny and steamy. This is a Grumpy/Sunshine story in the truest sense. We loved how opposite these two men are and that they were both learning from each other. Dami taught Graham to loosen up and get the stick out of his ass while Graham gave Dami the courage to pursue his dreams. Their love story was so sweet and hot but also full of challenges for them both.
Graham is a grump who’s twice divorced from the same woman, and he thinks he’s still in love with her. Thinking if he could just get her back then he wouldn’t have to worry about trying to come to terms with his sexuality. While he’s been in a serious funk for awhile, he’s not at all excited when his family tells him that they’ve hired a new bricklayer. Damiano. As soon as he met him he disliked him. Him and his sunny demeanor and “stupid cheeky smile”. Of course he was given the task of training “Dami” on the job. He was just a kid fresh out of college trying to find his way in life. Quickly, Dami gets under Graham’s skin. Sure he’s attractive but he refused to go there.
At 23, Dami was ready to be out on his own. After renting his cousin's apartment, and about to start a new job, things were finally looking up. He wouldn’t have to put up with his overprotective parents constantly telling him what they thought was best for him. When he finds out that he’s going to be training with Graham, he’s beyond excited and is determined to make a good impression. He’s had a crush on the man for a while now.
When Graham has a heart-to-heart with his ex-wife, she confesses that she always wondered if he was gay. After this revelation, all Graham feels is relief. There’s only one problem, he’s never been with a man and he didn’t know where to start.
When Dami finds out, he offers to be Graham’s sex education teacher. He prides himself on being great at sex so it makes perfect sense. The tricky part will be keeping his feelings out of it.
Graham is a grump who’s twice divorced from the same woman, and he thinks he’s still in love with her. Thinking if he could just get her back then he wouldn’t have to worry about trying to come to terms with his sexuality. While he’s been in a serious funk for awhile, he’s not at all excited when his family tells him that they’ve hired a new bricklayer. Damiano. As soon as he met him he disliked him. Him and his sunny demeanor and “stupid cheeky smile”. Of course he was given the task of training “Dami” on the job. He was just a kid fresh out of college trying to find his way in life. Quickly, Dami gets under Graham’s skin. Sure he’s attractive but he refused to go there.
At 23, Dami was ready to be out on his own. After renting his cousin's apartment, and about to start a new job, things were finally looking up. He wouldn’t have to put up with his overprotective parents constantly telling him what they thought was best for him. When he finds out that he’s going to be training with Graham, he’s beyond excited and is determined to make a good impression. He’s had a crush on the man for a while now.
When Graham has a heart-to-heart with his ex-wife, she confesses that she always wondered if he was gay. After this revelation, all Graham feels is relief. There’s only one problem, he’s never been with a man and he didn’t know where to start.
When Dami finds out, he offers to be Graham’s sex education teacher. He prides himself on being great at sex so it makes perfect sense. The tricky part will be keeping his feelings out of it.
October 12, 2022
These Men of Olympus are killing me!! This was so much more than just a rom com! I love a good gay awakening and this did not disappoint! I also can’t resist the grumpy/sunshine trope with small town vibes with forced proximity! So up my alley!!
Graham was so infuriating!! He refusal to act anything other than grumpy and bitchy to everyone was comical. He simply refused to accommodate anyone’s feelings. However, he lived for his family!! He would literally do anything for them! He was such an ass but also wildly thoughtful. Bit of a juxtaposition. He also just didn’t know who he truly was. He’s spent half of his life thinking he was in love with his 2x ex-wife…but he was harboring such deep seated denial. It also gives some insight into he overall shitty demeanor.
Oh sweet Dami boy! So kind and so unfocused and such a daydreamer. These were the things that made him so frustrating for Graham. Dami wanted to be out. To be free and independent. But no one around him gave him the opportunity to spread his wings or even believed in him. He was so sunny and silly, which made it difficult for others to take him seriously.
The dynamic between Graham and Dami was so tense and uncomfortable at first. But once Graham let his guard down and allowed himself to get to know Dami, he was able to see what a genuine and talented man he was. And for Dami’s part, Graham gave him what no one else had - the confidence to be himself and achieve his goals even he was scared. Their intimacy was so much more profound than I imagined. They were so comfortable and it even seemed effortless at times. That’s not say they didn’t run into huge hurdles around others but they found such peace and contentment together.
Graham was so infuriating!! He refusal to act anything other than grumpy and bitchy to everyone was comical. He simply refused to accommodate anyone’s feelings. However, he lived for his family!! He would literally do anything for them! He was such an ass but also wildly thoughtful. Bit of a juxtaposition. He also just didn’t know who he truly was. He’s spent half of his life thinking he was in love with his 2x ex-wife…but he was harboring such deep seated denial. It also gives some insight into he overall shitty demeanor.
Oh sweet Dami boy! So kind and so unfocused and such a daydreamer. These were the things that made him so frustrating for Graham. Dami wanted to be out. To be free and independent. But no one around him gave him the opportunity to spread his wings or even believed in him. He was so sunny and silly, which made it difficult for others to take him seriously.
The dynamic between Graham and Dami was so tense and uncomfortable at first. But once Graham let his guard down and allowed himself to get to know Dami, he was able to see what a genuine and talented man he was. And for Dami’s part, Graham gave him what no one else had - the confidence to be himself and achieve his goals even he was scared. Their intimacy was so much more profound than I imagined. They were so comfortable and it even seemed effortless at times. That’s not say they didn’t run into huge hurdles around others but they found such peace and contentment together.
October 11, 2022
I loved this story. I would give it more stars if I could. Graham is a guy who always did the right thing and usually caught grief for it. He went to the Navy so his parents didn't have to worry about his college tuition. He came home when his dad had a heart attack. He has a gift when it comes to bricklaying. So why did his brother hire this little playboy Dami to "help" him? Graham spends all day trying to teach Dami to lay bricks level and plumb, while Dami complains about all the rules this woman Osha has about the worksite. And Graham is no prude but does Dami have to be quite so gay and so happy about it?
Dami wants to proud of some accomplishment. Culinary school ended in a grease fire, college ended in a degree in general studies, and he won't even show anyone his artwork. His parents won't let him handle his own bank account, learn how to cook in their restaurant, or do anything at all except wash dishes.
And besides Dami has this plan to find his forever guy and he is getting behind on the schedule. Maybe the plan should include telling his parents that he is gay?
The book is so much fun. Big strong Graham is terrified of cats (and his twin sister). Dami, the fashion horse, wears a t-shirt he wore in high school because it sets off his abs in just exactly the right way (but don't tell his mother).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dami wants to proud of some accomplishment. Culinary school ended in a grease fire, college ended in a degree in general studies, and he won't even show anyone his artwork. His parents won't let him handle his own bank account, learn how to cook in their restaurant, or do anything at all except wash dishes.
And besides Dami has this plan to find his forever guy and he is getting behind on the schedule. Maybe the plan should include telling his parents that he is gay?
The book is so much fun. Big strong Graham is terrified of cats (and his twin sister). Dami, the fashion horse, wears a t-shirt he wore in high school because it sets off his abs in just exactly the right way (but don't tell his mother).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2022
This book gets all the stars and more from me! I can’t say enough good things about it and I absolutely loved it. I could not wait to read Graham and Dani’s story after getting a tease of their characters in You Again. And their story was fantastic and didn’t disappoint! Although characters appear from the first story, I think this can definitely be read as a stand alone.
I read this book and then re-read it before writing this review because it was that good. Graham is deliciously grumpy to Dami’s sweet sunshine personality. After coming to terms with his 2x failed marriage to his high school sweetheart, Graham believes that it’s too late for him to truly explore his true feelings. He seems stuck in a place of always doing the right thing or what he thinks has been expected of him even though sometimes no one actually realizes it. His interaction with Dami has him feeling things he didn’t expect to feel and emotions he closed off a long time ago. Dami faces his own issues with his family. Hiding who he is and and working in the family restaurant cause he just can’t seem to find the right place for him. His personality is a mix of sweet, a touch naive and optimistic. Both characters are very well written.
There is such a great chemistry between them and their banter back and forth is hilarious. So many laugh out loud moments for me. They made a great contrast to the tough and frustrating moments (mostly from Graham). I thought the ending was wonderful and perfect for these two. Another great read from this author and I can’t wait to read more!
I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
I read this book and then re-read it before writing this review because it was that good. Graham is deliciously grumpy to Dami’s sweet sunshine personality. After coming to terms with his 2x failed marriage to his high school sweetheart, Graham believes that it’s too late for him to truly explore his true feelings. He seems stuck in a place of always doing the right thing or what he thinks has been expected of him even though sometimes no one actually realizes it. His interaction with Dami has him feeling things he didn’t expect to feel and emotions he closed off a long time ago. Dami faces his own issues with his family. Hiding who he is and and working in the family restaurant cause he just can’t seem to find the right place for him. His personality is a mix of sweet, a touch naive and optimistic. Both characters are very well written.
There is such a great chemistry between them and their banter back and forth is hilarious. So many laugh out loud moments for me. They made a great contrast to the tough and frustrating moments (mostly from Graham). I thought the ending was wonderful and perfect for these two. Another great read from this author and I can’t wait to read more!
I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
October 26, 2022
This is the 2nd book in Dianna Roman's Men of Olympus Series and it’s brilliant! It stars Aiden's brother Graham, and Johnny's cousin Damiano aka Dami. And it’s very very good. Graham is 30, twice divorced from the same woman, grumpy and grouchy. He’s an excellent brick mason and is developing a thing for his new male apprentice. But he doesn’t believe his gay and he wants to reunite with his ex-wife again. So he takes his frustrations out on his apprentice, so much so, his apprentice quits. Damiano is struggling with adulting, he wanted to be a chef, but failed, he’s struggling with controlling parents, he wants to succeed as a brick mason, but gives up on that after Graham screaming at him. But than Graham shows up angry, yelling at him for quitting, for modelling, for making him feel things that he doesn’t want to feel and then he kisses him. They form a compromise, continue with the apprenticeship and the relationship. But things aren’t smooth sailing because Graham is in the closet and Damiano isn’t out to his parents either. Eventually Dami bites the bullet and comes out to his family, but that just puts more pressure on Graham. If you enjoy humorous romantic comedies but also require stories with a significant amount of emotional depth and intensity, this is a book for you. It’s an absolutely wonderful story.
October 25, 2022
This is a fantastic book to follow You Again! These two made me laugh so much with little quips and remarks.
Graham is a super grump and only "straight" Brandt, isn't he? At least he thought he was especially after being married to his ex-wife not once but twice and she is the only person he has ever been with. All of that thought gets slightly twisted into thinking he may really be bi-sexual after meeting young Damiano Andropolis the summer before. Now his sister is getting married and put him in charge of the food which brings him face to face with Dami again. Oh, not to mention Aiden has now hired Dami to work with only Graham on a project, great!
Damiano or Dami, has a crush on Graham even though he is a grump and refuses to believe he really is attracted to the younger man. Dami sets out to get closer to the "hottest" Brandt brother and if being an employee helps him get there, all the better!
While these two get to know each other better while working and other things, there are many LOL moments along with each working out their own thoughts and desires. There is also the expected heat you get from a Diana Roman book.
Grab this book and I promise you will enjoy it.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Graham is a super grump and only "straight" Brandt, isn't he? At least he thought he was especially after being married to his ex-wife not once but twice and she is the only person he has ever been with. All of that thought gets slightly twisted into thinking he may really be bi-sexual after meeting young Damiano Andropolis the summer before. Now his sister is getting married and put him in charge of the food which brings him face to face with Dami again. Oh, not to mention Aiden has now hired Dami to work with only Graham on a project, great!
Damiano or Dami, has a crush on Graham even though he is a grump and refuses to believe he really is attracted to the younger man. Dami sets out to get closer to the "hottest" Brandt brother and if being an employee helps him get there, all the better!
While these two get to know each other better while working and other things, there are many LOL moments along with each working out their own thoughts and desires. There is also the expected heat you get from a Diana Roman book.
Grab this book and I promise you will enjoy it.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 1, 2022
A little learning is a dangerous thing – Alexander Pope
BLURB: Damiano’s parents have never had any faith in him, so it’s no surprise when his new boss doesn’t either. He’s determined to prove Graham Brandt wrong though, if only he could stop pushing the man’s buttons and dreaming about tearing them off. It’s frustrating being a hot-blooded young man, particularly when your sexy boss is straighter than the level he uses on job sites. What do you do when your ex-wife won’t come home and you can’t stop thinking about your obnoxious apprentice? You lose your damn mind, apparently. That’s the only explanation for why Graham agrees to let Dami teach him how to explore his unexplainable desires. When the lessons are over, however, Graham learns he may have misunderstood not only sex education, but Damiano Andropolis. Why does Graham always want things he can't have?
My thoughts: Aw Dianna you did it again! I didn't laugh near as much as I did with the first book, but the characters are still loveable and I love how you always create these characters that are very relatable and sometimes broken, and how they all handle their vulnerabilities and internal struggles in a different way. This book was very realistic and enjoyable to read! Graham kind of drove me crazy! I'm 30 too Graham! We are not at the grumpy old lady phase yet! Johnny is still my favorite though! Sorry not sorry! So glad he made a couple appearances! (I can't imagine anyone but David from schitts creek so I'm obsessed) @katieandbreypa and @diannaromanbooks thank you again for having me on your ARC team! I LOVE YOUR WRITING STYLE SO MUCH!!
I give Tough Love by Dianna Roman ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BLURB: Damiano’s parents have never had any faith in him, so it’s no surprise when his new boss doesn’t either. He’s determined to prove Graham Brandt wrong though, if only he could stop pushing the man’s buttons and dreaming about tearing them off. It’s frustrating being a hot-blooded young man, particularly when your sexy boss is straighter than the level he uses on job sites. What do you do when your ex-wife won’t come home and you can’t stop thinking about your obnoxious apprentice? You lose your damn mind, apparently. That’s the only explanation for why Graham agrees to let Dami teach him how to explore his unexplainable desires. When the lessons are over, however, Graham learns he may have misunderstood not only sex education, but Damiano Andropolis. Why does Graham always want things he can't have?
My thoughts: Aw Dianna you did it again! I didn't laugh near as much as I did with the first book, but the characters are still loveable and I love how you always create these characters that are very relatable and sometimes broken, and how they all handle their vulnerabilities and internal struggles in a different way. This book was very realistic and enjoyable to read! Graham kind of drove me crazy! I'm 30 too Graham! We are not at the grumpy old lady phase yet! Johnny is still my favorite though! Sorry not sorry! So glad he made a couple appearances! (I can't imagine anyone but David from schitts creek so I'm obsessed) @katieandbreypa and @diannaromanbooks thank you again for having me on your ARC team! I LOVE YOUR WRITING STYLE SO MUCH!!
I give Tough Love by Dianna Roman ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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