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Elite 8 Studios #2
Malibu
Falling for his client was never part of the plan.
Mal
Adult entertainer. Escort. Camboy. Surfer-bro. Malibu.
I’ve been called many names, yet no one knows the real me. Filming at Elite 8 Studios gave me the fresh start I was looking for, but now, my past is calling, and even working three jobs isn’t enough to keep me afloat. With my anxiety and panic attacks getting worse and my debts on the rise, something needs to change.
When I’m offered an outrageous sum for a new escorting gig, I can’t pass it up. The catch? I’ll be living in the client’s penthouse for the next six months. And I’ll be his—exclusively.
I’ve been warned Henrik is difficult, but all I see is a man who’s protective, caring, and lonely underneath that hard shell of his. He’s also blind. And yet, somehow, he sees me for exactly who I am.
Turning to this man I barely know for comfort is a bad idea—and falling for a client is even worse—but I can’t seem to stop. With only a few months left on our contract, can I convince Henrik to give us a real shot?
Or will I lose the only man who sees the real me?
Malibu is an age gap romance between older client and younger escort, with hurt/comfort, mental health struggles, plenty of sugar daddy jokes, fiercely loyal friends, and one very HEA. It’s book 2 in the Elite 8 Studios series but can be read as a standalone.
Mal
Adult entertainer. Escort. Camboy. Surfer-bro. Malibu.
I’ve been called many names, yet no one knows the real me. Filming at Elite 8 Studios gave me the fresh start I was looking for, but now, my past is calling, and even working three jobs isn’t enough to keep me afloat. With my anxiety and panic attacks getting worse and my debts on the rise, something needs to change.
When I’m offered an outrageous sum for a new escorting gig, I can’t pass it up. The catch? I’ll be living in the client’s penthouse for the next six months. And I’ll be his—exclusively.
I’ve been warned Henrik is difficult, but all I see is a man who’s protective, caring, and lonely underneath that hard shell of his. He’s also blind. And yet, somehow, he sees me for exactly who I am.
Turning to this man I barely know for comfort is a bad idea—and falling for a client is even worse—but I can’t seem to stop. With only a few months left on our contract, can I convince Henrik to give us a real shot?
Or will I lose the only man who sees the real me?
Malibu is an age gap romance between older client and younger escort, with hurt/comfort, mental health struggles, plenty of sugar daddy jokes, fiercely loyal friends, and one very HEA. It’s book 2 in the Elite 8 Studios series but can be read as a standalone.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2023
213 people are currently reading
1554 people want to read
About the author
Emmy Sanders
25 books1,701 followersEmmy Sanders, author of sweet, steamy, swoony MM romance, would describe herself as a lover of love. She's obsessed with both reading and writing romance and believes everyone deserves their happy ending. Queer herself, Emmy has a soft spot for LGBTQ+ fiction, but MM is where her heart lies. Her debut novel, Fool Hearts, released in 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 536 reviews
April 23, 2024
*3.5* Mel (27) escort/porn star meets Henrik (42) billionaire/business owner. Henrik hires Mel for a six month live-in situation.
Gay romance (bi character)
Hurt/comfort
Panic attack/PTSD
Blind mmc
Found family
15 year age gap
Sex work/paid escort
Wealth gap
Crossword puzzles and cats
OTT romantic and sweet
No sharing
Condoms used throughout
I really loved the beginning of the story, the characters were well developed and the sensitivity of both men was felt from the get-go. Surprisingly, there were only a few intimate scenes, which were pretty tame for the premise.
I watch with wide eyes as he stands there chasing his own pleasure, stance wide and confident, hair disheveled, forest gaze dark. I feel like both a peasant and a king in his presence, ragged and wrung out, sprawled in my makeshift throne. Being watched. Coveted.
Miscommunication at the end of the story, and the fairytale ending felt very unrealistic for these characters.
Also, how does Henrik not trip over the kittens?
Gay romance (bi character)
Hurt/comfort
Panic attack/PTSD
Blind mmc
Found family
15 year age gap
Sex work/paid escort
Wealth gap
Crossword puzzles and cats
OTT romantic and sweet
No sharing
Condoms used throughout
I really loved the beginning of the story, the characters were well developed and the sensitivity of both men was felt from the get-go. Surprisingly, there were only a few intimate scenes, which were pretty tame for the premise.
I watch with wide eyes as he stands there chasing his own pleasure, stance wide and confident, hair disheveled, forest gaze dark. I feel like both a peasant and a king in his presence, ragged and wrung out, sprawled in my makeshift throne. Being watched. Coveted.
Miscommunication at the end of the story, and the fairytale ending felt very unrealistic for these characters.
Also, how does Henrik not trip over the kittens?
July 7, 2024
I am disgusted by how good this was because now I can't stop thinking about it and I can't move on 🥲
August 6, 2023
I am so in love with this book it’s unreal. I have no negative thoughts. I adored everything about it. And I just want to say that Malibu is an angel, and he deserves everything that is good and pure in this world.
Okay so here’s the juice. Mal is a gay pornstar. A pretty popular one. He’s having some issues, though. He’s in financial distress because of paying for his ill mother’s care and on top of that, he’s struggling from a pretty severe panic disorder. He’s not doing well. For some extra money, he’s doing this escort job. That’s where he meets Henrik. Henrik is paying a pretty penny for an escort, but the escort has to live with him and be exclusive to him for the next six months. Mal needs the money desperately, so obviously he’s going to do whatever it takes to finish out this contract with the grumpy Henrik. Did I mention that Henrik is blind?
I loved Mal and Henrik together. They were both so touchy feely and mushy with each other. Henrik is also extremely possessive of Mal, but we love that. There was one part where Mal came home from a club with his friends and he smelled like other men, and Henrik was like yeah we aren’t doing that. It was delicious. Also, the sex was good. But honestly, I think I liked the emotional aspect of the book more than the sex. The sappy stuff just checked all my boxes. I’m serious about being in love with this book. I literally want to re-read it right now. This was my first book by this author, and now I’ll definitely have to check out some more of her books.
PS: I will warn you that you might want to check out the trigger warnings before diving into this book.
Okay so here’s the juice. Mal is a gay pornstar. A pretty popular one. He’s having some issues, though. He’s in financial distress because of paying for his ill mother’s care and on top of that, he’s struggling from a pretty severe panic disorder. He’s not doing well. For some extra money, he’s doing this escort job. That’s where he meets Henrik. Henrik is paying a pretty penny for an escort, but the escort has to live with him and be exclusive to him for the next six months. Mal needs the money desperately, so obviously he’s going to do whatever it takes to finish out this contract with the grumpy Henrik. Did I mention that Henrik is blind?
I loved Mal and Henrik together. They were both so touchy feely and mushy with each other. Henrik is also extremely possessive of Mal, but we love that. There was one part where Mal came home from a club with his friends and he smelled like other men, and Henrik was like yeah we aren’t doing that. It was delicious. Also, the sex was good. But honestly, I think I liked the emotional aspect of the book more than the sex. The sappy stuff just checked all my boxes. I’m serious about being in love with this book. I literally want to re-read it right now. This was my first book by this author, and now I’ll definitely have to check out some more of her books.
PS: I will warn you that you might want to check out the trigger warnings before diving into this book.
May 11, 2023
All the hearts in the eyes for this romantic piece. It has it all, it's funny, sad, cute and a tiny bit dramatic, but not too much of it. And on top it is beautifully written.
I especially liked how Henrik transforms and comes out of his shell when he realizes how vulnerable Mal is and begins to care.
Mal's story left me quite tearful.
And cats, dear ones, cats and kittens ... ❤️❤️❤️
The sex was perhaps a bit lame ... but that's probably due to my reading habits 😂 on the other hand it's also somehow uniquely tailored to the two characters.
But then he sits back and runs one hand up my stomach, my chest, and over my neck, rubbing our cum into my skin, and the word endearing flies right out the window. Ho-ly shit.
“Is that better, you caveman?” I ask, a little smirk overtaking my face as I watch his expression turn smug and satisfied.
He doesn’t even look contrite. “Much.”
I especially liked how Henrik transforms and comes out of his shell when he realizes how vulnerable Mal is and begins to care.
Mal's story left me quite tearful.
And cats, dear ones, cats and kittens ... ❤️❤️❤️
The sex was perhaps a bit lame ... but that's probably due to my reading habits 😂 on the other hand it's also somehow uniquely tailored to the two characters.
But then he sits back and runs one hand up my stomach, my chest, and over my neck, rubbing our cum into my skin, and the word endearing flies right out the window. Ho-ly shit.
“Is that better, you caveman?” I ask, a little smirk overtaking my face as I watch his expression turn smug and satisfied.
He doesn’t even look contrite. “Much.”
December 8, 2023
4.5***** stars
THANKS to everyone of you who convinced me to not skip this book in the series on my way to Alex’s story. I owe you. ♡
This was so so beautiful.
But you know what I wondered? Were we supposed to know Benji (Benjamin), Henrik’s PA from somewhere? I somehow felt like it. He’s def an intriguing character and would love to read his own story.
side note: I follow this gay couple on instagram where on of them also lives with Retinitis Pigmentosa and god they are too just so wonderful and adorable together.
************
Elite 8 Studios Series
Book 1 - Dix - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Malibu - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Tink - 3.5 stars
Book 4 - Himbo
Book 5 - Teddy - release 05/24
THANKS to everyone of you who convinced me to not skip this book in the series on my way to Alex’s story. I owe you. ♡
This was so so beautiful.
Escort. Porn star. Camboy. Malibu.
None of that matters. Because, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m finding a piece of myself in Henrik’s arms. The past falls away. The future lies ahead. And I’m desperate to write the story I deserve.
But you know what I wondered? Were we supposed to know Benji (Benjamin), Henrik’s PA from somewhere? I somehow felt like it. He’s def an intriguing character and would love to read his own story.
side note: I follow this gay couple on instagram where on of them also lives with Retinitis Pigmentosa and god they are too just so wonderful and adorable together.
************
Elite 8 Studios Series
Book 1 - Dix - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Malibu - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Tink - 3.5 stars
Book 4 - Himbo
Book 5 - Teddy - release 05/24
December 9, 2023
Remember me saying that a series with porn star MCs probably isn’t my jam? Well, I was wrong.
This. Was. Beautiful.
Yes, I know, it’s probably not a typical “porn star” plot, but it still counts - Mal/Malibu, the guy with the anxiety disorder, and who has a few side hustles working as a camboy and as an escort, has a new client: Hendrik, a wealthy - and blind - man who hires him as a companion for 6 months. Mal can’t resist so much money, and he moves in with Hendrik, only to realise that this quickly turns out to be the first real relationship he’s ever had.
They fall for each other, and their relationship is beautiful and felt very natural. I loved how Hendrik learned to deal with his blindness, and above all, I loved Malibu, that beautiful, kind man who suffered such a severe trauma as a teenager. And fuck you, Mal’s mum, and every person who thinks this kind of “treatment” is ok.
You don’t need to read book 1 for this, but you should, because that’s where we meet Mal for the first time.
Absolutely recommend this one. Not sure if I’ll go for the next book right away, I have to check Kati’s review first and I don’t think she’s read it yet 🤣 (thank you for making me read Malibu’s story, Kati!)
This. Was. Beautiful.
Yes, I know, it’s probably not a typical “porn star” plot, but it still counts - Mal/Malibu, the guy with the anxiety disorder, and who has a few side hustles working as a camboy and as an escort, has a new client: Hendrik, a wealthy - and blind - man who hires him as a companion for 6 months. Mal can’t resist so much money, and he moves in with Hendrik, only to realise that this quickly turns out to be the first real relationship he’s ever had.
They fall for each other, and their relationship is beautiful and felt very natural. I loved how Hendrik learned to deal with his blindness, and above all, I loved Malibu, that beautiful, kind man who suffered such a severe trauma as a teenager. And fuck you, Mal’s mum, and every person who thinks this kind of “treatment” is ok.
You don’t need to read book 1 for this, but you should, because that’s where we meet Mal for the first time.
Absolutely recommend this one. Not sure if I’ll go for the next book right away, I have to check Kati’s review first and I don’t think she’s read it yet 🤣 (thank you for making me read Malibu’s story, Kati!)
February 9, 2023
Awwwwwww, this was such a heartwarming book and I loved Mal so so so so so much!!! 😍He was sweet, kind, caring and such a good person. He never raised his voice, never threw a tantrum and he never said a bad word about anybody (not even about his monster of a mother) I really loved him because kind characters are my kryptonite and I shed a few tears for him 🥹I loved Henrik too and they were so good for each other-the hurt/comfort was strong here. Also the side characters were amazing and kind , the studio boys in particular. I loved them for how they loved and supported Mal and I appreciated that for once we don’t have the usual meddling best friends who warn and pester their friend not to fall for his client because he will get hurt or the cliché scene where they threaten the other MC with bodily harm if he hurt their boo 🙄
Henrik’s parents, his sister , Benji, they were all wonderful and supportive. Actually there is no villain in this book except for that lame excuse of a mother and thank fuck she was off page. I gotta say, I had to skip the pages where Mal told his therapist about his experience in the conversion camp . I simply couldn’t read it..just couldn’t.
I really enjoyed this sweet hurt/comfort,age gap, blind/anxiety and PTSD, escort/client romance very much.
PD. For a book about porn stars this one has the most boring, dull, unimaginative and awkward sex scenes I’ve ever read. I caught myself yawning while reading, honestly. Smut is NOT this author’s strong suit.
PD.2. I adored how Benji described Mal at the beach. It was exactly how I perceived Mal too.
“He’s…beautiful, Henrik. Breathtaking. His hair is a hundred different shades of gold. His eyes are deep blue like the water, and they’re kind and caring. They crinkle at the corners often, even though he doesn’t have lines yet, the lucky bastard. His bone structure could land him in a magazine, and he’s in his physical prime. Fit and nearly flawless. He’s absolutely exquisite. But the way he looks at you? Oh, Henrik,” he sighs. “I’d give up every cent of my savings if it meant you could see that look in his eye. The way he lights up when you’re in his sights. The naked adoration in his gaze. That boy loves you—I can guarantee it.”
Henrik’s parents, his sister , Benji, they were all wonderful and supportive. Actually there is no villain in this book except for that lame excuse of a mother and thank fuck she was off page. I gotta say, I had to skip the pages where Mal told his therapist about his experience in the conversion camp . I simply couldn’t read it..just couldn’t.
I really enjoyed this sweet hurt/comfort,age gap, blind/anxiety and PTSD, escort/client romance very much.
PD. For a book about porn stars this one has the most boring, dull, unimaginative and awkward sex scenes I’ve ever read. I caught myself yawning while reading, honestly. Smut is NOT this author’s strong suit.
PD.2. I adored how Benji described Mal at the beach. It was exactly how I perceived Mal too.
“He’s…beautiful, Henrik. Breathtaking. His hair is a hundred different shades of gold. His eyes are deep blue like the water, and they’re kind and caring. They crinkle at the corners often, even though he doesn’t have lines yet, the lucky bastard. His bone structure could land him in a magazine, and he’s in his physical prime. Fit and nearly flawless. He’s absolutely exquisite. But the way he looks at you? Oh, Henrik,” he sighs. “I’d give up every cent of my savings if it meant you could see that look in his eye. The way he lights up when you’re in his sights. The naked adoration in his gaze. That boy loves you—I can guarantee it.”
September 9, 2024
oh my god.
these books keep making me cry i literally can’t.
3 pages in and we discover that malibu is so much more. we saw a bit of him in dix, but that was basically nothing compared to the wonderful man that we get to know here.
he’s going straight into my “must protect” list. he broke my heart repeatedly. i’m still debating if he mended it or not. i’ll let you know.
henrik?????? my love.
first of all, a fun anecdote because i haven’t overshared yet: you may or may not know that i’m italian so i never have to read books with the names of my exes. but i dated a guy named henrik and for a good quarter of the book i kept picturing fictional henrik as the italian equivalent of a preppy boy. lmao.
back to our henrik, can i say swoon??? like, that man literally comes out of my dreams. protective, caring, perceptive, lovable, funny and i could go on. he also broke my heart a bit. but he made up for it.
they are so perfect for each other, it’s the kind of love everyone wishes to have.
i am so ready for tink. goldie and the two bears???? sign. me. the. fuck. up.
these books keep making me cry i literally can’t.
3 pages in and we discover that malibu is so much more. we saw a bit of him in dix, but that was basically nothing compared to the wonderful man that we get to know here.
he’s going straight into my “must protect” list. he broke my heart repeatedly. i’m still debating if he mended it or not. i’ll let you know.
henrik?????? my love.
first of all, a fun anecdote because i haven’t overshared yet: you may or may not know that i’m italian so i never have to read books with the names of my exes. but i dated a guy named henrik and for a good quarter of the book i kept picturing fictional henrik as the italian equivalent of a preppy boy. lmao.
back to our henrik, can i say swoon??? like, that man literally comes out of my dreams. protective, caring, perceptive, lovable, funny and i could go on. he also broke my heart a bit. but he made up for it.
they are so perfect for each other, it’s the kind of love everyone wishes to have.
i am so ready for tink. goldie and the two bears???? sign. me. the. fuck. up.
May 9, 2025
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Malibu is probably my favorite sex worker (escort/client) book. The premise is simple but it’s full of emotion and depth. It’s so nice to see Henrik letting his walls down and being vulnerable. All he really wants is to not be lonely - someone to connect with. He’s a bit gruff, but kind. Now, Mal. I just want to hug him so bad. He’s been through hell but he’s still 100% sweet. He just wants something real and for someone to hold him post coitus.
It’s a really genuine story with a lovely, believable romance. My second time reading it and I still recommend it.
Info on the sex work if you want it (mild spoiler):
Mal is a porn star who does online camming and works as an escort as well. Once he starts his escorting contract with Henrik, he pauses all other sex work and does not start again, quitting for good after the contract ends.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Sex worker
Escorting, porn and camming
Forced proximity
Disability rep
Blind MC
Mental illness rep - panic disorder
Age gap
Escort/client
Lonely MC
Possessive MC
Groveling
Focus on consent
Dick + fingers
Found family
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
On-page anxiety and panic attacks (PTSD)
Financial issues
Parent in palliative care
Alcohol consumption
Mention of escort client choking and bruising MC (past)
Explicit sexual content
Details of conversion therapy (past)
Homophobic parent (past)
Mention of past abduction and captivity (‘church camp’)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 27 and 42
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 328
Happy ending: Yes
I know I don’t have the right to complain about being tossed out after sex because I did agree to this, but it still stings. I should be used to it by now. Men only wanting me for one thing.
I have never so feverishly wanted to crawl inside another person and set up camp before.
Escort. Porn star. Camboy. Malibu. None of that matters. Because, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m finding a piece of myself in Henrik’s arms. The past falls away. The future lies ahead. And I’m desperate to write the story I deserve.
“I have never in my life felt more seen than I do with you,” he says clearly. My breath stutters. “So don’t be jealous of them. They don’t see me, not the real me. You do.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Malibu is probably my favorite sex worker (escort/client) book. The premise is simple but it’s full of emotion and depth. It’s so nice to see Henrik letting his walls down and being vulnerable. All he really wants is to not be lonely - someone to connect with. He’s a bit gruff, but kind. Now, Mal. I just want to hug him so bad. He’s been through hell but he’s still 100% sweet. He just wants something real and for someone to hold him post coitus.
It’s a really genuine story with a lovely, believable romance. My second time reading it and I still recommend it.
Info on the sex work if you want it (mild spoiler):
Mal is a porn star who does online camming and works as an escort as well. Once he starts his escorting contract with Henrik, he pauses all other sex work and does not start again, quitting for good after the contract ends.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Sex worker
Escorting, porn and camming
Forced proximity
Disability rep
Blind MC
Mental illness rep - panic disorder
Age gap
Escort/client
Lonely MC
Possessive MC
Groveling
Focus on consent
Dick + fingers
Found family
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
On-page anxiety and panic attacks (PTSD)
Financial issues
Parent in palliative care
Alcohol consumption
Mention of escort client choking and bruising MC (past)
Explicit sexual content
Details of conversion therapy (past)
Homophobic parent (past)
Mention of past abduction and captivity (‘church camp’)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 27 and 42
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 328
Happy ending: Yes
I know I don’t have the right to complain about being tossed out after sex because I did agree to this, but it still stings. I should be used to it by now. Men only wanting me for one thing.
I have never so feverishly wanted to crawl inside another person and set up camp before.
Escort. Porn star. Camboy. Malibu. None of that matters. Because, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m finding a piece of myself in Henrik’s arms. The past falls away. The future lies ahead. And I’m desperate to write the story I deserve.
“I have never in my life felt more seen than I do with you,” he says clearly. My breath stutters. “So don’t be jealous of them. They don’t see me, not the real me. You do.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
April 1, 2023
~3.5~
I didn't read the first Elite 8 Studios book and will most likely skip the rest of the series because remaining in porn and continuing to have sex with others (regardless of the transactional/for pay dynamic) while being in a committed relationship is not my idea of romance.
I know it's possible, just not something I want to read about.
I gave this book a go because Mal doesn't do porn while he's with Henrik (and quits at the end). Exclusivity is one of Henrik's stipulations.
Mal and Henrik's relationship is sensual and wholesome (even though Mal is being compensated handsomely to be Henrik's live-in escort).
I mean, the kitten thing? Come on. Adorable!
This book has a Pretty Woman vibe. Both men develop feelings as they spend time together. Henrik is blind but very independent. He's no longer grieving his vision loss but wishes he could see Mal just once.
Mal has PTSD from a conversion camp he was forced to attend as a teen. His panic attacks are debilitating, but Henrik soothes Mal's fears.
This was a 4 plus star contender until the miscommunication and running away happened. Why did Henrik text Mal that he wanted to talk but not that he was sorry?
I wasn't a fan of the grand gesture either. That wasn't Henrik's style.
One final note: Mal's reasons for going into bankruptcy to pay his mother's care bills stretched credulity.
America undoubtedly has the worst healthcare in the developed world, but Medicare is a thing. His mom wouldn't have ended up on the streets. Medicare senior facilities aren't great, but they're adequate, and his mom certainly didn't deserve better.
I had a really hard time believing Mal would have ruined his credit and tanked his future for a woman he loathed who treated him with such cruelty (and with whom he'd presumably gone no contact).
I didn't read the first Elite 8 Studios book and will most likely skip the rest of the series because remaining in porn and continuing to have sex with others (regardless of the transactional/for pay dynamic) while being in a committed relationship is not my idea of romance.
I know it's possible, just not something I want to read about.
I gave this book a go because Mal doesn't do porn while he's with Henrik (and quits at the end). Exclusivity is one of Henrik's stipulations.
Mal and Henrik's relationship is sensual and wholesome (even though Mal is being compensated handsomely to be Henrik's live-in escort).
I mean, the kitten thing? Come on. Adorable!
This book has a Pretty Woman vibe. Both men develop feelings as they spend time together. Henrik is blind but very independent. He's no longer grieving his vision loss but wishes he could see Mal just once.
Mal has PTSD from a conversion camp he was forced to attend as a teen. His panic attacks are debilitating, but Henrik soothes Mal's fears.
This was a 4 plus star contender until the miscommunication and running away happened. Why did Henrik text Mal that he wanted to talk but not that he was sorry?
I wasn't a fan of the grand gesture either. That wasn't Henrik's style.
One final note: Mal's reasons for going into bankruptcy to pay his mother's care bills stretched credulity.
America undoubtedly has the worst healthcare in the developed world, but Medicare is a thing. His mom wouldn't have ended up on the streets. Medicare senior facilities aren't great, but they're adequate, and his mom certainly didn't deserve better.
I had a really hard time believing Mal would have ruined his credit and tanked his future for a woman he loathed who treated him with such cruelty (and with whom he'd presumably gone no contact).
August 8, 2023
✰4.5 stars✰
This book was such a good read. Malibu was already pulling on my heartstrings in the previous book, Dix, and I was so so so excited to see where Emmy Sanders went with this one. I had to know if he was going to be okay!
I ended up falling in love with both Mal and Henrik from the start. I'm a sucker for characters who aren't the average Joe-Schmo and the fact that Henrik was blind was something I was all for. I love when authors write characters who represent humans who need more positive visibility in media and literature, so right off the bat that really clicked for me.
Throughout this whole story I really felt for the characters and they had such good chemistry and development. Emmy Sanders is always excellent with chemistry and how characters grow and change with one another, so I'm not the least bit surprised.
Mal and Henrick are certainly made for each other, and their hurt and comfort have a wonderful arc. Their moment of conflict also works really well for the characters because it's not out of character in the slightest and it really makes sense for the story.
I highly recommend this!
Check trigger warnings, as some content may be sensitive to some readers
I’m not sure if my continued elevated heart rate is because I’m nervous or because of him.
This book was such a good read. Malibu was already pulling on my heartstrings in the previous book, Dix, and I was so so so excited to see where Emmy Sanders went with this one. I had to know if he was going to be okay!
I ended up falling in love with both Mal and Henrik from the start. I'm a sucker for characters who aren't the average Joe-Schmo and the fact that Henrik was blind was something I was all for. I love when authors write characters who represent humans who need more positive visibility in media and literature, so right off the bat that really clicked for me.
Throughout this whole story I really felt for the characters and they had such good chemistry and development. Emmy Sanders is always excellent with chemistry and how characters grow and change with one another, so I'm not the least bit surprised.
“I have never in my life felt more seen than I do with you,” he says clearly. My breath stutters. “So don’t be jealous of them. They don’t see me, not the real me. You do.”
Mal and Henrick are certainly made for each other, and their hurt and comfort have a wonderful arc. Their moment of conflict also works really well for the characters because it's not out of character in the slightest and it really makes sense for the story.
I highly recommend this!
Check trigger warnings, as some content may be sensitive to some readers
January 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
From the first touch as Henrik mapped Mal’s face, his body I was sucked in.
Two wrongs don’t make a right but two men with tragic stories came together and filled each other with affection neither believed they deserved.
Mal has been plagued with anxiety and panic attacks and they came to a head in Dix’s book. Overwhelmed with debt he works 3 jobs, all in the sex industry. When offered an escort job that pays a minimum of three hundred grand he snatches it up. He expected financial relief but what he got was a man that ticked all his boxes.
Henrik after almost two decades of battling a degenerative disease has gone blind. He doesn’t want a permanent relationship but he hates being alone. He’s gone through a string of escorts and he isn’t expecting the next one to be the exception to the rule. He couldn’t have been more wrong.
Speaking of ticking boxes, Emmy has done a grand job of giving me almost everything that I love.
☑️ Age Gap
☑️ Hurt/Comfort
☑️ Possessive Alpha
☑️ Sizzling Steam
But that’s just the bare bones of it. She’s seamlessly woven together the loveliest story, about the most beautiful men. I cried, swooned, I hoped and dreamed and once or twice I screamed in anger.
This is the kind of book that overwhelms and doesn’t let go for months to pass.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
From the first touch as Henrik mapped Mal’s face, his body I was sucked in.
Two wrongs don’t make a right but two men with tragic stories came together and filled each other with affection neither believed they deserved.
Mal has been plagued with anxiety and panic attacks and they came to a head in Dix’s book. Overwhelmed with debt he works 3 jobs, all in the sex industry. When offered an escort job that pays a minimum of three hundred grand he snatches it up. He expected financial relief but what he got was a man that ticked all his boxes.
Henrik after almost two decades of battling a degenerative disease has gone blind. He doesn’t want a permanent relationship but he hates being alone. He’s gone through a string of escorts and he isn’t expecting the next one to be the exception to the rule. He couldn’t have been more wrong.
Speaking of ticking boxes, Emmy has done a grand job of giving me almost everything that I love.
☑️ Age Gap
☑️ Hurt/Comfort
☑️ Possessive Alpha
☑️ Sizzling Steam
But that’s just the bare bones of it. She’s seamlessly woven together the loveliest story, about the most beautiful men. I cried, swooned, I hoped and dreamed and once or twice I screamed in anger.
This is the kind of book that overwhelms and doesn’t let go for months to pass.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
February 5, 2023
Well this was a surprise! Having read Emmy Sanders' Plum Valley Cowboys and then Dix with varying degrees of satisfaction (3 - 4 ⭐), I was super excited for Malibu's book.
Malibu works at Elite 8 filming porn but also moonlights as an escort for reasons that become clear as the book progresses. In Dix we see him deteriorate and not accept help from his friends so we know something really bad is going on for him (though to note you don't have to read Dix before this one - it would standalone fine). He accepts a 6 month escort contract with Henrik, a client who runs through escorts like they are entirely disposable. However, as Malibu and Henrik get to know each other, Malibu discovers there is so much more to Henrik that anyone realises. Likewise, Henrik discovers inconvenient feelings for the beautiful man living in his house.
What was gorgeous here was that both characters had issues but they were not issues that defined them. Henrik is blind, Mal has PTSD and the comfort they provide each other, the support and how these challenges affected them getting to know each other was beautiful to read. Henrik is so tactile. He is often connected to Mal with their feet wrapped together or just touching. For Mal, this is a profound comfort and he is such a sweet, sweet souls. These two were really special together.
I took off half a ⭐because there were a few inconsistencies with the writing as far as Henrik's perspective went (e.g. occasional slips where a description of the type of clothes is given though Henrik would have no way of knowing that amongst others). However this is a gorgeous age gap, comfort, possessive alpha-type read and I cannot wait for Tink's story too.
ARC provided for my honest review.
Malibu works at Elite 8 filming porn but also moonlights as an escort for reasons that become clear as the book progresses. In Dix we see him deteriorate and not accept help from his friends so we know something really bad is going on for him (though to note you don't have to read Dix before this one - it would standalone fine). He accepts a 6 month escort contract with Henrik, a client who runs through escorts like they are entirely disposable. However, as Malibu and Henrik get to know each other, Malibu discovers there is so much more to Henrik that anyone realises. Likewise, Henrik discovers inconvenient feelings for the beautiful man living in his house.
What was gorgeous here was that both characters had issues but they were not issues that defined them. Henrik is blind, Mal has PTSD and the comfort they provide each other, the support and how these challenges affected them getting to know each other was beautiful to read. Henrik is so tactile. He is often connected to Mal with their feet wrapped together or just touching. For Mal, this is a profound comfort and he is such a sweet, sweet souls. These two were really special together.
I took off half a ⭐because there were a few inconsistencies with the writing as far as Henrik's perspective went (e.g. occasional slips where a description of the type of clothes is given though Henrik would have no way of knowing that amongst others). However this is a gorgeous age gap, comfort, possessive alpha-type read and I cannot wait for Tink's story too.
ARC provided for my honest review.
April 21, 2024
Omg, this book. Sugar daddy (*snorts*) Henrik and sweet Mal.
Mal is having a rough time. Like a very very rough time due to his financial struggles. On top of being a performer at Elite 8 Studios, he's a camboy and an escort, but due to his life experiences, he feels unable to ask for help. Henrik is a super rich dude who hires escorts because he... because he hasn't met sweet Mal yet, ofc. Well, he is also blind and very particular about his companions. And he's a total sugar daddy, ask Alex, he'll tell you. Mal gets offered the gig of his life, if he stays with Henrik exclusively as his companion for 6 months, all his financial problems will be solved.
What could have been utterly uncomfortable and awkward, becomes a tender relationship between the two of them that builds up to LUUURVE. And them, being who they are, keep on tiptoeing around it, as if it could break. And ofc, because Emmy cannot leave us unscathed, she breaks our hearts a few times for different reasons.
I love how they truly SEE each other 🥹🥹🥹
Loved it.
The epilogue made me UGLY CRY.
TW, because this one is important for my queer fam: discussion of conversion therapy and religious trauma. It was painful but treated with care.
Mal is having a rough time. Like a very very rough time due to his financial struggles. On top of being a performer at Elite 8 Studios, he's a camboy and an escort, but due to his life experiences, he feels unable to ask for help. Henrik is a super rich dude who hires escorts because he... because he hasn't met sweet Mal yet, ofc. Well, he is also blind and very particular about his companions. And he's a total sugar daddy, ask Alex, he'll tell you. Mal gets offered the gig of his life, if he stays with Henrik exclusively as his companion for 6 months, all his financial problems will be solved.
What could have been utterly uncomfortable and awkward, becomes a tender relationship between the two of them that builds up to LUUURVE. And them, being who they are, keep on tiptoeing around it, as if it could break. And ofc, because Emmy cannot leave us unscathed, she breaks our hearts a few times for different reasons.
I love how they truly SEE each other 🥹🥹🥹
Loved it.
The epilogue made me UGLY CRY.
TW, because this one is important for my queer fam: discussion of conversion therapy and religious trauma. It was painful but treated with care.
February 19, 2023
I bombed an exam 'cause I was busy enjoying Malibu and wonderful "chemistry" instead of studying for my "chemistry" test....That book is boring anyways whereas "Malibu" was such a pleasant read. I loved this book. I enjoyed every single second of reading it.
P.s. This book made me cry (which should be a given)
P.s. This book made me cry (which should be a given)
February 5, 2025
Re-read February 5, 2025
Beautiful story. I loved it!!
Beautiful story. I loved it!!
July 6, 2024
Reread July 2024: still the best Elite 8 book. So absolutely delightfully sweet and hot at the same time.
------
Malibu is one of the sweetest, most wholesome books I've read which feels kind of weird to say about a book in a series about sex workers. On top of that, it's super hot, funny, and incredibly well written. And the two main characters Mal and Henrik? Yeah, I'm fully in love with them!
This book blew me away, it was even better than I had hoped and also very different to what I expected. It's so fun when you think you have a beloved genre or trope figured out and then you read a book that doesn't follow the formula as closely. Malibu felt refreshing and unexpected in many ways, including how it dealt with power imbalances (sex worker/client, age gap, socioeconomic differences) and I absolutely loved it.
The way Mal and Henrik navigate their relationship is everything! They both start off having misconceptions about each other but they develop a very natural friendship and relationship. These characters have walls up that've been built from years of pain, and to see them both slowly start to lower them and let the other in, is so satisfying and wonderful.
I wouldn't call it a slow burn but I also wouldn't not call it that? It's such a beautiful and slow relationship progression that had me grinning and making dumb faces at my kindle because I was so gone for them 🥰
There are a lot of very intimate and sensual scenes that are ridiculously hot though there aren't that many actual bedroom scenes. Their chemistry and connection really is everything though of course these two idiots (affectionate) both question whether this whole thing is real or just a business arrangement.
There's great mental health and disability rep in this book, and also the cutest kittens, and the most annoyingly supportive friends.
I really loved this book, and my heart feels so full just thinking about it ❤️
------
Malibu is one of the sweetest, most wholesome books I've read which feels kind of weird to say about a book in a series about sex workers. On top of that, it's super hot, funny, and incredibly well written. And the two main characters Mal and Henrik? Yeah, I'm fully in love with them!
This book blew me away, it was even better than I had hoped and also very different to what I expected. It's so fun when you think you have a beloved genre or trope figured out and then you read a book that doesn't follow the formula as closely. Malibu felt refreshing and unexpected in many ways, including how it dealt with power imbalances (sex worker/client, age gap, socioeconomic differences) and I absolutely loved it.
The way Mal and Henrik navigate their relationship is everything! They both start off having misconceptions about each other but they develop a very natural friendship and relationship. These characters have walls up that've been built from years of pain, and to see them both slowly start to lower them and let the other in, is so satisfying and wonderful.
I wouldn't call it a slow burn but I also wouldn't not call it that? It's such a beautiful and slow relationship progression that had me grinning and making dumb faces at my kindle because I was so gone for them 🥰
There are a lot of very intimate and sensual scenes that are ridiculously hot though there aren't that many actual bedroom scenes. Their chemistry and connection really is everything though of course these two idiots (affectionate) both question whether this whole thing is real or just a business arrangement.
There's great mental health and disability rep in this book, and also the cutest kittens, and the most annoyingly supportive friends.
I really loved this book, and my heart feels so full just thinking about it ❤️
November 10, 2025
I don't even have words for this story but my heart is so full 😭🥺🥺 Henrik and Mal are a perfect match 🥺
Thanks to Ditte for telling me to give this a chance even though I DNFed the first in the series 😅❤️
Thanks to Ditte for telling me to give this a chance even though I DNFed the first in the series 😅❤️
July 3, 2024
This was very sweet. This was far more tender than even I anticipated.
What I loved:
- the blind rep (Henrik was complex and I really loved getting to experience his POV)
- the anxiety rep (and Henrik's caretaking of Mal during his panic attacks 🥹)
- kittens!!
- for a hired escort these two were actually quite slow burn which I appreciate because it gave them time to catch all the feelings
- two people who are used to never opening themselves up to another and being vulnerable finding their person 🥹
This is a low-angst sweet romance with some pretty great characters if you are looking for something feel good ❤️
What I loved:
- the blind rep (Henrik was complex and I really loved getting to experience his POV)
- the anxiety rep (and Henrik's caretaking of Mal during his panic attacks 🥹)
- kittens!!
- for a hired escort these two were actually quite slow burn which I appreciate because it gave them time to catch all the feelings
- two people who are used to never opening themselves up to another and being vulnerable finding their person 🥹
This is a low-angst sweet romance with some pretty great characters if you are looking for something feel good ❤️
August 29, 2023
Tropes: hurt/comfort, escort/client, found family, age gap
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 4.5/5
Kinks: no
Angst: medium/high
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: conversion therapy, panic attacks, PTSD, financial struggles, abusive mother, homophobia, blind MC
4.5 stars
Mal is 27. He works three jobs, a pornstar, an escort, and camming. He suffers from PTSD and panic attacks. He grew up with an abusive mother who is homophobic and couldn't accept him being gay. At 16, she sent him to a conversion camp where he was abused and tortured. He has close friends that he works with but he doesn't open up to them. Mal is a good guy. His mom has dementia and is in palliative care. He pays for her very expensive care even though it puts him in debt. Now volunteers at an animal shelter because he loves animals and the cats' affection soothes him.
Henrik is 42. He's very wealthy and successful. He's bisexual. He suffered from a degenerative eye disease since he was 19 and he slowly lost his sight. He fully lost the last dregs of his sight 2 years ago. Henrik doesn't want to live alone, he wants to have someone around. He hires live in escorts but they never last a long time, they can't follow his rules.
Henrik is set up with Mal through the escorting business. Henrik puts rules on their relationship, as is his norm. But both Henrik and Mal start feeling more for each other. They fill needs for each other. They find a supportive partner in the other. Henrik is pretty possessive though and he didn't realize Mal was a pornstar. He freaks out when he finds out. He really isn't freaking out about the sex, but he has a hang up about his lack of vision and how everyone can see Mal at his most vulnerable but he can't. Can they get past things?
I enjoyed this book. Henrik and Mal were good men and fit so well together. They were sweet together and they made each other happy. They both deserved something good.
One thing I would have liked to see a little bit more of was Henrik breaking his own rules for Mal. I would have liked to see him breaking the rule about them sleeping in separate rooms. Yeah they spent some time cuddling but they still separated. I'd have liked that to be harder for them to do.
Some notable moments:
"“Before I begin, may I ask how many people are about to witness my groveling?” My breath catches, and my heart kicks up a heavy beat inside my chest, unseating that hopeful flutter from its cage. It takes flight. “You’re here to grovel?” “Yes,” he says plainly, verdant eyes set in determination. “There are about thirty of us,” Dixon pipes up, his arms crossed in front of his chest. It’s clear he hasn’t quite thawed to Henrik after this past weekend. “And we’re all on Mal’s side,” Niko adds, even though he sends me a wink and a thumbs up. “Well, fuck,” Henrik mutters."
"“I have never in my life felt more seen than I do with you,” he says clearly. My breath stutters. “So don’t be jealous of them. They don’t see me, not the real me. You do.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 4.5/5
Kinks: no
Angst: medium/high
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: conversion therapy, panic attacks, PTSD, financial struggles, abusive mother, homophobia, blind MC
4.5 stars
Mal is 27. He works three jobs, a pornstar, an escort, and camming. He suffers from PTSD and panic attacks. He grew up with an abusive mother who is homophobic and couldn't accept him being gay. At 16, she sent him to a conversion camp where he was abused and tortured. He has close friends that he works with but he doesn't open up to them. Mal is a good guy. His mom has dementia and is in palliative care. He pays for her very expensive care even though it puts him in debt. Now volunteers at an animal shelter because he loves animals and the cats' affection soothes him.
Henrik is 42. He's very wealthy and successful. He's bisexual. He suffered from a degenerative eye disease since he was 19 and he slowly lost his sight. He fully lost the last dregs of his sight 2 years ago. Henrik doesn't want to live alone, he wants to have someone around. He hires live in escorts but they never last a long time, they can't follow his rules.
Henrik is set up with Mal through the escorting business. Henrik puts rules on their relationship, as is his norm. But both Henrik and Mal start feeling more for each other. They fill needs for each other. They find a supportive partner in the other. Henrik is pretty possessive though and he didn't realize Mal was a pornstar. He freaks out when he finds out. He really isn't freaking out about the sex, but he has a hang up about his lack of vision and how everyone can see Mal at his most vulnerable but he can't. Can they get past things?
I enjoyed this book. Henrik and Mal were good men and fit so well together. They were sweet together and they made each other happy. They both deserved something good.
One thing I would have liked to see a little bit more of was Henrik breaking his own rules for Mal. I would have liked to see him breaking the rule about them sleeping in separate rooms. Yeah they spent some time cuddling but they still separated. I'd have liked that to be harder for them to do.
Some notable moments:
"“Before I begin, may I ask how many people are about to witness my groveling?” My breath catches, and my heart kicks up a heavy beat inside my chest, unseating that hopeful flutter from its cage. It takes flight. “You’re here to grovel?” “Yes,” he says plainly, verdant eyes set in determination. “There are about thirty of us,” Dixon pipes up, his arms crossed in front of his chest. It’s clear he hasn’t quite thawed to Henrik after this past weekend. “And we’re all on Mal’s side,” Niko adds, even though he sends me a wink and a thumbs up. “Well, fuck,” Henrik mutters."
"“I have never in my life felt more seen than I do with you,” he says clearly. My breath stutters. “So don’t be jealous of them. They don’t see me, not the real me. You do.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2025
This is one of the few audio books that I've come across with TW's - it baffles me why they're not included more often in this format. I won't go into the whole debate about whether all TW's are actually needed and if they're just sanitising this gritty world we live in... in this case I won't say they were absolutely necessary, but appreciated.
This is my first read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of both MC's. Mal, a vulnerable and honest to a fault sex worker and porn star with a heart of gold, is hired by Henrik an older, jaded business tycoon who is remarkably adept at reading silences, perhaps brought about by his vision impairment.
This could have been a fairly bland romance (boy meets boy, boys fall in love, the end) but Henrik being blind added a dimension to the plot that added nuanced commentary on the adult industry and its inherent visual nature.
And we all know a well written side character is vital! Enter Benji, the blunt and hilarious PA! I adored how he put Henrik in his place when he was so far up his own ass he couldn't see sense! 😅
There was a fascinating delve into conversion therapy - after doing my own deep dive via Google, I was dumbfounded that this still exists! My heart ached for Mal as he told his story. 💔 I only wish we had seen Henrik's reaction to this, rather than the therapist's. Mal's anxiety and PTSD was described with depth and palpable reality.
Kudos to Sanders for the portrayal of a parental relationship that doesn't need saving or a redemption arc. Too often there's an apparent need to gloss over past sins and heal broken relationships. Not so here. The mother was evil incarnate and I was happy to see her left in that mould.
The only thing that left me a little meh was the spice. Interestingly I thought the touching alone was hotter than the actual sex. It certainly gave us another perspective into how someone might get to know the world, and a new lover, without their sight. But maybe that's just me and my perpetual need for build up. 😏
Overall a strong 4 🌟
This is my first read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of both MC's. Mal, a vulnerable and honest to a fault sex worker and porn star with a heart of gold, is hired by Henrik an older, jaded business tycoon who is remarkably adept at reading silences, perhaps brought about by his vision impairment.
This could have been a fairly bland romance (boy meets boy, boys fall in love, the end) but Henrik being blind added a dimension to the plot that added nuanced commentary on the adult industry and its inherent visual nature.
And we all know a well written side character is vital! Enter Benji, the blunt and hilarious PA! I adored how he put Henrik in his place when he was so far up his own ass he couldn't see sense! 😅
There was a fascinating delve into conversion therapy - after doing my own deep dive via Google, I was dumbfounded that this still exists! My heart ached for Mal as he told his story. 💔 I only wish we had seen Henrik's reaction to this, rather than the therapist's. Mal's anxiety and PTSD was described with depth and palpable reality.
Kudos to Sanders for the portrayal of a parental relationship that doesn't need saving or a redemption arc. Too often there's an apparent need to gloss over past sins and heal broken relationships. Not so here. The mother was evil incarnate and I was happy to see her left in that mould.
The only thing that left me a little meh was the spice. Interestingly I thought the touching alone was hotter than the actual sex. It certainly gave us another perspective into how someone might get to know the world, and a new lover, without their sight. But maybe that's just me and my perpetual need for build up. 😏
Overall a strong 4 🌟
October 24, 2025
Ohmygoddd this was so lovely. Thank you, Veence for politely telling me to read it right tf now. You’re a genius.
THE PREMISE: “Pretty Woman but make it gay.” A grumpy, successful blind businessman hires a hurt honey of a blonde bombshell as a live-in escort to keep him company.
TROPES & VIBES:
- Forced proximity roommates
- Hurt x comfort
- Disability (blind) and mental health rep (panic disorder and PTSD)
- KITTENS!
- Your eye colour is my favourite colour
- Found family
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
THE PREMISE: “Pretty Woman but make it gay.” A grumpy, successful blind businessman hires a hurt honey of a blonde bombshell as a live-in escort to keep him company.
TROPES & VIBES:
- Forced proximity roommates
- Hurt x comfort
- Disability (blind) and mental health rep (panic disorder and PTSD)
- KITTENS!
- Your eye colour is my favourite colour
- Found family
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
July 3, 2025
I actually liked this one! It was a cute story with genuinely likable characters. Malibu’s vulnerability really worked for me, and I loved that Henrik was always there to catch him when he stumbled—emotionally or otherwise.
That said... there was way more sex than necessary. The emotional beats were solid, but the smut sometimes felt forced, especially the early scenes. Honestly, the story had enough strength to stand on its own without so much heat. Less would’ve been more here.
Still, out of the first five books I’ve read in the series, this one’s my favorite so far.
3.5 stars!
That said... there was way more sex than necessary. The emotional beats were solid, but the smut sometimes felt forced, especially the early scenes. Honestly, the story had enough strength to stand on its own without so much heat. Less would’ve been more here.
Still, out of the first five books I’ve read in the series, this one’s my favorite so far.
3.5 stars!
October 13, 2023
awwwwww😍😍
“I’d been worrying a braille label between my fingertips—the message Mal left me the morning before he left. ‘Butterfly and French. Six letters.’ Kisses. He was sending me kisses. So simple. So goddamn sweet.”
Yup, that pretty much sums it up🥰🥰
also i literally had tears in my eyes when henrik was telling mal that he was jealous of everyone else out there and the fact that they can SEE mal and he can’t…..and mal responds with “I have never in my life felt more seen than I do with you. So don’t be jealous of them. They don’t see me, not the real me. You do.” like i’ve literally PASSED OUT plsssss😩😩😩😩🥺🥺🥺🥺
i pretty much devoured this in one sitting, but towards the end idk i felt like it wouldn’t end so i think it’s safe to say i did get a little bored/exhausted and i’m not really sure if i would reread so…..3.75 stars⭐️
“I’d been worrying a braille label between my fingertips—the message Mal left me the morning before he left. ‘Butterfly and French. Six letters.’ Kisses. He was sending me kisses. So simple. So goddamn sweet.”
Yup, that pretty much sums it up🥰🥰
also i literally had tears in my eyes when henrik was telling mal that he was jealous of everyone else out there and the fact that they can SEE mal and he can’t…..and mal responds with “I have never in my life felt more seen than I do with you. So don’t be jealous of them. They don’t see me, not the real me. You do.” like i’ve literally PASSED OUT plsssss😩😩😩😩🥺🥺🥺🥺
i pretty much devoured this in one sitting, but towards the end idk i felt like it wouldn’t end so i think it’s safe to say i did get a little bored/exhausted and i’m not really sure if i would reread so…..3.75 stars⭐️
March 11, 2023
Uch... do około 80% szło na mocną piąteczkę.
Dużo poważniejsza niż część pierwsza - świetni bohaterowie, fajna chemia i interakcje między nimi, powolne uczenie się nawzajem i poznawanie.
Mal to taki bohater, którego ma się ochotę mocno przytulić - doświadczony w zły sposób przez życie, ostrożny w swoich relacjach ze wszystkimi, skryty, starający się robić wszystko sam, bez niczyjej pomocy, ale jednocześnie naprawdę dobry, dobry człowiek. Opiekuje się matką - płaci za jej pobyt w ośrodku, choć każda interakcja z personelem opieki wywołuje u niego ataki paniki. Tiaaa... mamma nie była dobrą mamą, to klasyczny niestety katol, który duuuużo złego wyrządził swojemu synowi. I niestety, w związku z demencją, nie pamięta tego - w przeciwieństwie do Mala... Henrik to samotny człowiek sukcesu - samotny na własne życzenie. Dwadzieścia lat przygotowywał się na całkowitą utratę wzorku, niezależność była dla niego najważniejsza - udowodnienie wszystkim, że jako niewidomy i tak da sobie radę. Nie przyjmuje pomocy od nikogo, oprócz swojego asystenta, którego zna od lat i który tak naprawdę jest jego jedynym przyjacielem. Nie zwierza się nikomu, rodziców trzyma na dystans. Eskorta, którą wynajmuje, ma tak naprawdę zapewnić mu przede wszystkim towarzystwo - seks jest rzeczą wtórną. I Mal, który zostaje wynajęty do tej właśnie pracy, zmienia wszystko - bo jest inny...
Uwielbiałam, jak zaczynali się poznawać, jak ostrożnie stawiali kroki wokół siebie, jak opiekowali się sobą - Henrik Malem choćby podczas ataków paniki, zaś Mal Henrikiem podczas ataków migreny.
I było super - do mniej więcej 80%...
Przy takim ustawieniu historii, spodziewałam się od samego początku, że nastąpi "obowiązkowe" rozstanie. I to było okej, bo właściwie sama konstrukcje fabuły sprawiła, że było to właściwie nieuniknione. Autorka przez cały czas, niemalże od początku, rzucała niezbyt subtelne wskazówki, co by to mogło być. I miałam jednak nadzieję, że mnie zaskoczy, że te sugestie się nie sprawdzą... Niestety, poszła na łatwiznę i po linii najmniejszego oporu. Nie było zaskoczenia, można było przewidzieć ze 120% pewnością, dlaczego tak się stanie... A potem szybciutko usiłowała to załatać i naprawić. I zrobiło się dość mocno ckliwie... I rozwaliło mi obiór książki, która leciała na piąteczkę 😕
Zatem cztery mocne gwiazdki - na "mocne" przysłużyły się kociaki 😁
Dużo poważniejsza niż część pierwsza - świetni bohaterowie, fajna chemia i interakcje między nimi, powolne uczenie się nawzajem i poznawanie.
Mal to taki bohater, którego ma się ochotę mocno przytulić - doświadczony w zły sposób przez życie, ostrożny w swoich relacjach ze wszystkimi, skryty, starający się robić wszystko sam, bez niczyjej pomocy, ale jednocześnie naprawdę dobry, dobry człowiek. Opiekuje się matką - płaci za jej pobyt w ośrodku, choć każda interakcja z personelem opieki wywołuje u niego ataki paniki. Tiaaa... mamma nie była dobrą mamą, to klasyczny niestety katol, który duuuużo złego wyrządził swojemu synowi. I niestety, w związku z demencją, nie pamięta tego - w przeciwieństwie do Mala... Henrik to samotny człowiek sukcesu - samotny na własne życzenie. Dwadzieścia lat przygotowywał się na całkowitą utratę wzorku, niezależność była dla niego najważniejsza - udowodnienie wszystkim, że jako niewidomy i tak da sobie radę. Nie przyjmuje pomocy od nikogo, oprócz swojego asystenta, którego zna od lat i który tak naprawdę jest jego jedynym przyjacielem. Nie zwierza się nikomu, rodziców trzyma na dystans. Eskorta, którą wynajmuje, ma tak naprawdę zapewnić mu przede wszystkim towarzystwo - seks jest rzeczą wtórną. I Mal, który zostaje wynajęty do tej właśnie pracy, zmienia wszystko - bo jest inny...
Uwielbiałam, jak zaczynali się poznawać, jak ostrożnie stawiali kroki wokół siebie, jak opiekowali się sobą - Henrik Malem choćby podczas ataków paniki, zaś Mal Henrikiem podczas ataków migreny.
I było super - do mniej więcej 80%...
Przy takim ustawieniu historii, spodziewałam się od samego początku, że nastąpi "obowiązkowe" rozstanie. I to było okej, bo właściwie sama konstrukcje fabuły sprawiła, że było to właściwie nieuniknione. Autorka przez cały czas, niemalże od początku, rzucała niezbyt subtelne wskazówki, co by to mogło być. I miałam jednak nadzieję, że mnie zaskoczy, że te sugestie się nie sprawdzą... Niestety, poszła na łatwiznę i po linii najmniejszego oporu. Nie było zaskoczenia, można było przewidzieć ze 120% pewnością, dlaczego tak się stanie... A potem szybciutko usiłowała to załatać i naprawić. I zrobiło się dość mocno ckliwie... I rozwaliło mi obiór książki, która leciała na piąteczkę 😕
Zatem cztery mocne gwiazdki - na "mocne" przysłużyły się kociaki 😁
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May 14, 2025Damn, I just can't do porn stars. Not rating, bc I should have known better.
This has all the makings of safe-for-me anyway, but...the sex just feels so unspecial. It's a super sex-positive read, which is great, but, Mal is just so "whatever" about sex, like it doesn't matter; he's done tons and will do anything he's asked, he's attracted enough to whoever he's with, and I couldn't get into it. I want my intimacy to feel...intimate. Romantic. Not ordinary and transactional. The entire porn star group of best friends are all super casual about it all, doing scenes with each other, including each other's boyfriends, and it's not a big deal. It is presented respectfully and positively, but, alas, it's just not my thing.
However, this does seem like a wonderful warmhearted romance on the emotional side, and I skipped forward and saw that it likely has a strong conflicted bleak moment and a great real grovel and a really lovely connection between these two. If you don't have my icky squirmy nope-y hangup, give it a shot. I really liked Mal as a person/character, and Henrik is fascinatingly grumpy and possessive (part of why I gave it a chance, I love that!). I bet it's a good read on many fronts. But it's too real for me with Mal being just fine having sex with whoever, even though he winds up exclusive with Henrik in the end (I'm certain). And Mal's friends are all people he's f'd multiple times on camera, and Henrik is going to have to learn to hang out with all of these guys who know Mal's O face when Henrik will never see it (he's blind, and super possessive, and...🥺) and be okay with hanging out with all of them, and...yeah. No. Not for me.
I believe Mal lives with anxiety and that comes into play. He's also responsible for his failing mother's care, which has put him in a massive financial hole and kept him doing porn, escorting, and camming (all of which he stops once he contracts with Henrik/goes exclusive for him.)
HEA, porn-star and client, blind hero (the client). No others once these two meet, but it does open with Mal doing a porn scene with one of his friends/colleagues. The scene itself isn't on page, just the setup and cleanup. Overall it has a sweet vibe.
This has all the makings of safe-for-me anyway, but...the sex just feels so unspecial. It's a super sex-positive read, which is great, but, Mal is just so "whatever" about sex, like it doesn't matter; he's done tons and will do anything he's asked, he's attracted enough to whoever he's with, and I couldn't get into it. I want my intimacy to feel...intimate. Romantic. Not ordinary and transactional. The entire porn star group of best friends are all super casual about it all, doing scenes with each other, including each other's boyfriends, and it's not a big deal. It is presented respectfully and positively, but, alas, it's just not my thing.
However, this does seem like a wonderful warmhearted romance on the emotional side, and I skipped forward and saw that it likely has a strong conflicted bleak moment and a great real grovel and a really lovely connection between these two. If you don't have my icky squirmy nope-y hangup, give it a shot. I really liked Mal as a person/character, and Henrik is fascinatingly grumpy and possessive (part of why I gave it a chance, I love that!). I bet it's a good read on many fronts. But it's too real for me with Mal being just fine having sex with whoever, even though he winds up exclusive with Henrik in the end (I'm certain). And Mal's friends are all people he's f'd multiple times on camera, and Henrik is going to have to learn to hang out with all of these guys who know Mal's O face when Henrik will never see it (he's blind, and super possessive, and...🥺) and be okay with hanging out with all of them, and...yeah. No. Not for me.
I believe Mal lives with anxiety and that comes into play. He's also responsible for his failing mother's care, which has put him in a massive financial hole and kept him doing porn, escorting, and camming (all of which he stops once he contracts with Henrik/goes exclusive for him.)
HEA, porn-star and client, blind hero (the client). No others once these two meet, but it does open with Mal doing a porn scene with one of his friends/colleagues. The scene itself isn't on page, just the setup and cleanup. Overall it has a sweet vibe.
February 9, 2023
This is Emmy's best book since Fool Hearts. I adored everything about Hen and Mal. A one sit read that I'm sure will be revisited often.
October 20, 2023
Honestly its been awhile since I’ve had a 5 star read. Lots of ARCs latterly and generally not great series but this one was such a pleasant surprise and it’s definitely made my day…
Not gonna spoil the book at all, it has one of my all time fave troupes ( Rent-boy) and a HEA, they both deserve.
Can’t say I felt really connected to the characters as people in a sense that we didn’t get to know them outside of their relationship, which is why this would be 4,5 stars, but the writing style was great, just the way I like and without necessarily miscommunication, the conflict was fixed fairly easy, the dialogs are sweet and a little poetic at times, generally it’s a feel good read.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: 4,5 ⭐️
Not gonna spoil the book at all, it has one of my all time fave troupes ( Rent-boy) and a HEA, they both deserve.
Can’t say I felt really connected to the characters as people in a sense that we didn’t get to know them outside of their relationship, which is why this would be 4,5 stars, but the writing style was great, just the way I like and without necessarily miscommunication, the conflict was fixed fairly easy, the dialogs are sweet and a little poetic at times, generally it’s a feel good read.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: 4,5 ⭐️
June 13, 2024
This book hit me right in the middle of my chest, gosh I could not be more in love with a series if I tried. This one hit a little differently because I felt some of it in my bones.
Malibu by Emmy Sanders is surreal, heartwarming and heartaching. Mal and Henrik’s story was so wholesome, I laughed, I cried and I had heart eyes so many times it was ridiculous. Lol
I love the animal shelter and all the love for fur babies. This is always a win in my book. Mal gets extra points for that and Henrik gets even more for falling for the kittens as well.
These two had so much chemistry and pull between them. You could tell they were destined for each other.
Malibu by Emmy Sanders is surreal, heartwarming and heartaching. Mal and Henrik’s story was so wholesome, I laughed, I cried and I had heart eyes so many times it was ridiculous. Lol
I love the animal shelter and all the love for fur babies. This is always a win in my book. Mal gets extra points for that and Henrik gets even more for falling for the kittens as well.
These two had so much chemistry and pull between them. You could tell they were destined for each other.
February 6, 2023
"Somehow, against all reason and despite the unfathomable odds, I've fallen for a man who was never destined to be mine."
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual. First Person
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
"I can't stop, even though I know I should, and that crack inside me tears a little wider."
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
I knew, having met Malibu in Dix, that this was going to be an emotional book with tough subjects, and it did hurt but was so worth it. Henrik and Mal were the most gentle couple I have come across in a long time, seeing past each others hurdles (Malibu's anxiety disorder and Henrik's blindness) to see the real person beneath. Mal, poor poor Mal, my heart hurt for him and his backstory, he was the kindest caring marshmallow of a person, I couldn't help loving him instantly. And Henrik? For a stoic, almost uptight man, I felt he deserved all the love in the world. These two were destined from the very beginning, understanding each other and connecting in a rare, soulful way, that leaves you thinking about them for a long time afterwards. Both having walls up preventing themselves from feeling capable of love, they work together to break down these walls and actively show they care. Both sharing quiet comfortable moments that make them perfect for one another, was so beautiful to read. Baring witness to them overcoming their pain together was heartwarming and sweet, and could not have gone any better, such a beautiful duo! Emmy has produced another masterpiece and I simply cannot wait for what the future holds for the rest of the Elite 8 Studios family!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Age Gap
❣️ Client/Escort
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ Disability Rep
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Conversion therapy, abuse by parent, PTSD, panic attacks, blindness
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual. First Person
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
"I can't stop, even though I know I should, and that crack inside me tears a little wider."
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
I knew, having met Malibu in Dix, that this was going to be an emotional book with tough subjects, and it did hurt but was so worth it. Henrik and Mal were the most gentle couple I have come across in a long time, seeing past each others hurdles (Malibu's anxiety disorder and Henrik's blindness) to see the real person beneath. Mal, poor poor Mal, my heart hurt for him and his backstory, he was the kindest caring marshmallow of a person, I couldn't help loving him instantly. And Henrik? For a stoic, almost uptight man, I felt he deserved all the love in the world. These two were destined from the very beginning, understanding each other and connecting in a rare, soulful way, that leaves you thinking about them for a long time afterwards. Both having walls up preventing themselves from feeling capable of love, they work together to break down these walls and actively show they care. Both sharing quiet comfortable moments that make them perfect for one another, was so beautiful to read. Baring witness to them overcoming their pain together was heartwarming and sweet, and could not have gone any better, such a beautiful duo! Emmy has produced another masterpiece and I simply cannot wait for what the future holds for the rest of the Elite 8 Studios family!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Age Gap
❣️ Client/Escort
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ Disability Rep
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Conversion therapy, abuse by parent, PTSD, panic attacks, blindness
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